Editor's Notebook: Week in Review

Local educators picketed outside Assemblywoman Linda Stender's office, the Scotch Plains Town Council reviewed plans for major roadwork this summer, and Fanwood police opened three criminal investigations during an active week for the township and the borough. 

Residents of both towns came together Monday to honor local veterans and emergency service workers for Memorial Day. The holiday opened with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Fanwood Memorial Library, followed by a parade along Park Avenue. 

The Scotch Plains Township Council reviewed plans to undertake roadwork this summer. The proposed projects are part of the township's annual Capital Improvement Plan, which township manager Christopher Marion estimated will cost between $1.5 and $2 million. 

The council also issued an honorary resolution in recognition of 68-year resident Don Wussler, who earned the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club's "Volunteer of the Year" Award.

Across the border in Fanwood, homeowners who wish to add handicap ramps to their houses will no longer need to pay a fee to the borough, thanks to a revised ordinance that the Fanwood Council approved Tuesday. The council also approved the installation of a "no U-turn" sign on Roosevelt Street, which borders the front of William J. McGinn Elementary School, and announced plans to reopen the train caboose restoration project to bids.

Scotch Plains Police reported four arrests, in what appeared to be relatively quiet week for the township. Fanwood Police, meanwhile, reported eight arrests and three investigations.

On Thursday, Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School's seniors celebrated their upcoming graduation, dancing and exchanging yearbook signatures at Snuffy's restaurant in Scotch Plains. 

SPFHS senior Frank Mellana, meanwhile, placed fourth in the javelin on Thursday at  the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association's Meet of Champions. And Raiders baseball wrapped-up its season, finishing with a 25-6 record and the Union County Conference-Watchung Division championship.

Rear Admiral Harold L. Robinson visited the JCC of Central New Jersey on Thursday, part of a fundraising drive to provide lightweight, portable Torahs to rabbis serving in the military. About 70 local residents, religious leaders, veterans, and veterans' family members attended the event. 

Teachers, aides, and special educators staff picketed outside Assemblywoman Stender's office on East Second Street on Thursday. The educators were protesting against Gov. Chris Christie's proposed budget cuts, 2.5 percent tax cap, and his abrupt withdrawal from an agreement with the state's teacher's union regarding an application for federal education funds.

In regional news, Union County officials approved a rate hike for Watchung Stables in Mountainside on Friday. Frequented by many Scotch Plains and Fanwood residents, the horseback riding and recreation park has struggled to turn a profit, costing the county about $750,000 per year, according to county spokesman Sebastian D'Elia. The rate hike will take effect in July, with prices rising by about 22 percent. County officials are also considering plans to privatize the park.

And finally, Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch editor Lindsay Wilkes-Edrington said goodbye Tuesday, one year after arriving in town and launching the site. She accepted a promotion and transfer to Rhode Island, where she will launch a new Patch site for Newport. 

And of course, thank you, dear readers, for a great first week here in Scotch Plains and Fanwood.