<b>Basics</b>
<b>Email</b>: AlanN@patch.com
<b>Phone</b>: 908-875-7774
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<b>Birthday</b>: March 7
<b>Bio</b>: Alan was born and raised in Scotch Plains, and returns to the township after having graduated the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism in May 2010. There, he covered the Highbridge section of the Bronx; led the launch, design, and upkeep of TheUptownChronicle.com; and reported short- and long-form stories that ranged in topic from crime to education, health, sports, feature, and investigations. In May 2009, Alan graduated Vassar College, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history, with a focus on U.S. foreign policy. When not combing through declassified foreign relations documents, he competed as a member and captain of the men's swim and dive team. He graduated Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in 2005, and currently volunteers with the Fanwood Rescue Squad.
<b>Beliefs</b>
<i>At Patch, we promise always to report the facts as objectively as possible and otherwise adhere to the principles of good journalism. However, we also acknowledge that true impartiality is impossible and human beings have beliefs. So in the spirit of simple honesty, our policy is to encourage our editors to reveal certain key beliefs to the extent they feel comfortable.</i>
<i>This disclosure is not a license for our editors to inject these beliefs into stories or to dictate coverage according to them. In fact, the intent is the opposite: we hope that the knowledge that our beliefs are on the record will force us to be ever mindful to write, report, and edit in a fair, balanced way. And if you, the user, ever think you see evidence that we failed in this mission, we wholeheartedly invite you to let us know.</i>
Local Hot Button Issues
<i>* What do you think are the two or three most important issues facing the community?</i>
The budget crisis, shared services, and development
The Scotch Plains Planning Board approves an application to convert the vacant Mezzogiorno restaurant into a three-story building.
With assistance from New Jersey State Police and NYPD helicopters, police retrieve at least four people who became lost in the wooded reservation by Martine Avenue.
The Congressman hosts a news conference outside the market Wednesday.
Notes from the council's meeting Sept. 7.
A toy manufacturer must pay $67,000 to the state after a product injures a 5-year-old.
Congressman discuss economy during Wednesday event.
Codifying what was already township practice, a new ordinance requires that the lighting for Scotch Plains and county-owned recreational fields be shut-off by 10 p.m.
Scotch Plains-Fanwood parents submit their best photos from Tuesday.
U.S. Rep. Leonard Lance (R-Hunterdon County) will hold a news conference Wednesday. His challenger, Ed Potosnak, visited St. Bart's Italian Feast Monday.
The Scotch Plains-Fanwood Patch will publish your images from Tuesday.
Old-fashioned fall festival begins Tuesday; local musician Marc Muller will lead sing-along.
Fresh faces dominate Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School's girls tennis team for the 2010-2011 season.
Registration for the event, which includes sing-alongs with New Jersey guitarist Marc Muller, opens Sept. 7.
Commuters at the Fanwood Train Station offer their thoughts on President Obama's televised address to the nation Tuesday night.
The annual Labor Day weekend festival starts Friday.
The text of Barack Obama's televised speech, as distributed by the White House Media Office. Patch will visit the Fanwood Train Station on Wednesday morning to hear your reactions.
At its first meeting of the 2010-2011 school year last Thursday, the SPF Board of Education undertakes routine business matters and welcomes new hires.
Trailside's popular Tuesday night yoga series returns Sept. 14.
Members and non-members with children 4 and under can attend the Fanwood synagogue's monthly 'Shabbat Pray 'N Play,' service. The next one takes place Sept. 11.
Those eligible for food assistance and at least 60-years-old can pick up the vouchers at Union County's MusicFest Sept. 9.
