Week in Review

This past week was a busy one in Scotch Plains and Fanwood. Lots of important talks happened on the government level, including a forum on the new shared services study and a continuing discussion on the Scotch Plains' municipal budget. There was also that bad tractor-trailer accident on South Avenue, and the exciting announcement that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will be visiting the Fanwood Memorial Library next Monday.

In case you missed something, here's a look back:

Sunday

Local Boy Scouts in Troop 30 were awarded the top honor of Eagle Scout. 

A Fanwood auto shop has an unusual way of thanking its customers: lottery cards. 

Monday

The Scotch Plains Recreation Department has seen sign-ups for its summer camps lag this year.

The Scotch Plains-Fanwood school district is monitoring absences closely after seeing a spike in students out of school last week for flu-like symptoms.

Reports of burglary and outstanding warrants made up the bulk of the Scotch Plains police report from last week.

Tuesday

Fanwood residents may have the option of getting three flu shots this year because of the swine flu and lingering strains of last year's flu.

A tractor-trailer lost its cargo while trying to turn onto the Hetfield Avenue bridge, and created a mess on South Avenue that had traffic blocked for hours.

Fanwood Memorial Library announced that U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will stop by there on Monday to read books to children and support a new national service initiative.

Wednesday

The Scotch Plains Town Council approved the Scotch Plains Management Corp.'s budget for next year, which includes appropriations for a part-time manager, office space and several local events.

Several arrests of out-of-towners made up the Fanwood police reports from last week.

After a successful season, the Raiders' baseball team takes a look back and predicts what's to come.

Thursday

The Scotch Plains Cultural Arts Committee announced the schedule for its summer concert series.

Fanwood Councilwoman Joan Wheeler expressed concern during a meeting on the town's redevelopment about what she felt were much-needed repairs at the borough hall building.

One local business and several local autism educators began filming a video to help businesses interact with children with autism.

Friday

Representatives from both Fanwood and Scotch Plains came together to talk to residents about the new shared services study.

The Board of Education continued talks on its 5-year strategic plan.

Gardening columnist Tracy A. Smith wrote about not letting the wet weather keep her from enjoying her garden.

Pokemon is back and a big hit at Scotch Plains' Little Shop of Comics.

Saturday

Arts columnist Craig Newman takes a look at Union Catholic Performing Arts Company's new play "Love (Awkwardly)."