Scotch Plains-Fanwood|News|
The Band 'Train' to Headline Union County MusicFest
The pop group behind 'Hey, Soul Sister' will play Saturday, Sept. 11. The band Spoon will headline Sunday.

<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 pop group behind 'Hey, Soul Sister' will play Saturday, Sept. 11. The band Spoon will headline Sunday.

Anthony Parenti explains municipal, county and state taxes, and calls for Gov. Chris Christie's proposed property tax "toolkit."
The borough's police department welcomes Nick Mauro, 23, of Hillside, Acting Chief Richard Trigo's first hire.
Residents ages 17 to 58 took part in the Jersey Girl Triathlon last weekend.
Kevin Boris explains delays in redeveloping Fanwood's downtown business district, and commends the efforts of the Mayor and the Downtown Redevelopment Agency.
The President visited Edison to promote a small business lending bill. Scotch Plains and Fanwood's business owners remained unimpressed.
As workers wait for the next phase of the project to commence, they excavate land depressions that will control storm water runoff.
News items from July 25 through Aug. 1
Police activity from July 26 through Aug. 2.
Low-hanging cables snagged an 18-wheeler driving on Park Avenue during the Tuesday evening rush hour.
The township and borough's police departments host outdoor festivals Tuesday night.
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains Piranhas placed 11th overall at the tournament.
'National Night Out' festivities start at 6 p.m. in Fanwood and 7 p.m. in Scotch Plains.
Police activity in the borough from July 17 through Aug. 3.
One driver is taken to the hospital; second declines medical attention.
As workers wait for the next phase of the project to commence, they excavate land depressions that will control storm water runoff.
The Fanwood-Scotch Plains YMCA finished in the top 20 of 350 teams at last year's summer championship.
Fanwood's Downtown Redevelopment Agency reviews preliminary designs for the borough's business district
Air Force One lands at Newark Airport.
Air Force One landed at Newark Airport.