Editor's Notebook: Week in Review

Several big events happened locally this week.

It all started on Monday with the visit of U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and New Jersey Governor Jon Corzine to the Fanwood Memorial Library. The two were there to promote a new national summer service initiative and to kick off the library's summer reading program.

On Tuesday, 375 Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School seniors graduated during a special ceremony on the school's football field that was marked by a rainbow. Students shouted "Oh what?!" "09!" throughout the event to show their excitement for their accomplishment.

Here's the rest of what happened this week:

Sunday, June 21:

• In honor of Father's Day, local writers shared their stories about their fathers, or those who have served as father figures to them.

Monday, June 22:

• Township layoffs went into effect in Scotch Plains.
• We brought you a profile of Scotch Plains' new town manager, Christopher Marion, who starts his new job on June 29.
• U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and New Jersey Gov. Jon Corzine visited the Fanwood Memorial Library.
• During his visit to Fanwood, Corzine defended his education plan for the state.

Tuesday, June 23:

• Theft and vandalism made up the bulk of last week's police report from the Scotch Plains Police Department.
• We brought you a profile of Kathleen Collins' new book Watching What We Eat, about America's history with TV food shows. Collins spoke at the Fanwood Memorial Library Wednesday.
• A piece of property was damaged at the Terry Lou Property last week.
• Fourth graders at Evergreen Elementary were celebrated as they left the school for the last time.

Wednesday, June 24:

• We brought you extensive coverage of Tuesday night's Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School graduation.
• The Scotch Plains Rescue Squad is in desperate need of adult volunteers.

Thurdsay, June 25:

• We told you about the Italian American Club's benefit on Sunday for L'quila earthquake victims.
• Local teens, who sprayed graffiti at several Fanwood parks over the past week, were arrested earlier this week.
• Fanwood Girl Scout Perry Sandrock explains the butterfly garden she built at the Fanwood Nature Center.

Friday, June 26:

• The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education adopted the district's 5-year plan.
• PTA presidents were honored for their service at the Board of Education meeting.
• Gardening columnist Tracy A. Smith explained how to keep your flowers colorful all summer long.
• Local youth performed Wizard of Oz at Alan M. Augustine Park.
• We brought you a preview to the Scotch Plains' Farmer's Market, which officially opens on Saturday.
• The loss of Michael Jackson has been felt by fans in Scotch Plains and Fanwood.