Scotch Plains-Fanwood Year in Review: The Most Inspirational Stories

A local business owner, who chose to remain anonymous to protect his family in Egypt, provides insight into the dangers his family - who are among the 10 percent of Egyptians who are Christian - face during the historic uprisings in his native land.



One year after their home in Haiti was devastated by an earth quake, local residents help the Blanc family find solace and refuge in Scotch Plains.



SPFHS Student Chloe Thomas learned in February that her comic, which stars a character of her creation named “Mosh,” who longs to become a hero while daydreaming in class had been entered into a national contest after placing in the top ten percent in her region. Thomas’ work inspires others with the notion that “you can be anything.”



This vivid account of hundreds flocking to the Jersey City 9/11 memorial on the tenth anniversary of the tragedy includes reflections from Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Scotch Plains Township Manager Christopher Marion and Scotch Plains Councilman Bo Vastine. All were in attendance on September 11 and bore witness to 746 New Jersey flags posted at the memorial marking those who left us on that unforgettable day.



After a whirlwind of unexpected events including a hurricane and an earth quake, Andrew Laffey and Melissa Picchietti were married in Fanwood Borough Hall shortly before Laffey, who serves for the Navy was deployed on a confidential mission. An inspiring story that proves that even in the corridors of the Fanwood Borough Hall, love conquers all.



Accompanied by breathtaking photos, this remarkable story chronicles Eyad Khalifeh’s miraculous journey from lying in a coma after crashing his car into a tree, to walking, talking, seeing and even returning to complete his senior year after looking death in the eye just nine months before.



Patch sat down with Park Middle School 7th grader and rising star Sasha Zitofsky and his mom Susan to talk about his starring role in an Anti-Bullying theatrical production that travels to schools throughout the tri-state area. Sasha and Susan also conveyed that challenges of balancing being a normal kid while finding success on the stage and beyond.  

Hunger Leaves Union County Residents with Empty Feeling

This story begins at the Scotch Plains-Fanwood food pantry which may be fully stocked during the holiday season, but is still barely bigger than a hall closet. Authorities from the Community Foodbank of New Jersey, Feeding America and Legislative Officers chime in on the growing epidemic of middle class hunger that can be found right in our own backyard.