Medical Marijuana Bill Passes, New Town Manager Top News This Week

Medical Marijuana For Toddler Inches Closer as Bill Passes

Monday brought a huge victory for local residents Brian and Meghan Wilson: The medical marijuana bill inspired by their 2-year-old daughter Vivian was approved by the State Assembly, the final step before it reaches Gov. Chris Christie's desk. The Wilsons have made headlines for their fight to get their daughter a strain of marijuana that has shown success for children with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy that causes Vivian to suffer frequent and violent seizures. 

Scotch Plains Hires Jerry Giaimis as Town Manager

Scotch Plains has hired Jerry Giaimis as the new township manager, filling a vacancy that was left by the resignation of Henry Underhill in March. The council voted 4 to 1 to hire Giaimis at a salary of $120,000 on Wednesday night, with Mayor Kevin Glover the lone dissenting vote. Glover did not provide his reasons for voting no. Giaimis, 35, comes to Scotch Plains from Vernon where he was the town manager/administrator. 

Fanwood's Mara's Cafe Celebrates Grand Opening

"Surreal" is the word Mara's Cafe co-owner Marci Semel uses to describe what it's been like to open her own business. Semel and her husband Mark just celebrated the official grand opening of their Fanwood Crossing cafe and bakery, though they've been in operation since April. Located across the street from the Fanwood train station at 250 South Avenue, Mara's offers family friendly, casual dining open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. 

Scotch Plains Summer Concert Series Schedule Announced

The Township of Scotch Plains’ Cultural Arts Committee is pleased to announce its 2013 Summer Concert Series. The series will take place over six Thursday nights beginning on July 11 with two performances. View the entire schedule in our article.

Fanwood's Party in the Park Kicks Off Free Movie Series

The Fanwood Recreation Commission's sixth annual Party in the Park at LaGrande Park launched the borough's Tuesday night free movie series. 
Food, beverages, music, rides, contests and crafts inspired by the free movie of the evening, "ParaNorman," began at dusk. This year's Free Summer Movie Series features family-friendly flicks on a state-of-the-art, 16 foot-wide outdoor movie screen every Tuesday night starting through August 13 at dusk.