Editor's Notebook: The Week in Review

It was another exciting week in Basking Ridge and Patch had a lot to be happy about: we launched our 100th site! And as I mentioned on Tuesday, we couldn't have done it without the awesome responses of our Patch communities, including the terrific residents of Basking Ridge.

This week showcased a little bit of everything, but mid-week produced a volunteerism theme. Yours truly spent the morning at Somerset Hills YMCA on Tuesday, and then we spoke with County Surrogate Frank Bruno, who shared his awesome story of the work he contributed at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Bruno will be presenting a steel cross, made from World Trade Center debris, to the Church of St. James in Liberty Corner.

We hopped back on the sports wagon this week, too, and presented some great-looking photo galleries of Ridge High School teams gearing up for the 2010 season. So far we've checked in with the football team, girls soccer, girls volleyball, and the field hockey team. Be sure to check in next week for more galleries and in-depth previews.

Thursday morning provided a thrill, when we learned a black bear, estimated at more than 200 lbs., was reported roaming through Basking Ridge neighborhoods before quietly heading into the Great Swamp. And thanks to Bernards Twp. Police Capt. Edward Byrnes, we were able to post some great photos.

And midday Friday we received a tip that there was a truck fire on Rt. 78 in Bernards Twp. Kudos to photographer Terry Boudreau who rushed to the scene and grabbed some great photos for us. The driver escaped with a minor hand injury, but traffic was caught up for more than an hour.

And last but not least, this was my final week as Basking Ridge's guest editor, and I must say, the experience was beyond fulfilling. You may see my name pop up occasionally during the next week or so, but as of Monday we'll be handing over the keys to the new Basking Ridge Editor Linda Sadlouskos, who will do a great job.

Thanks for all your help and feedback Basking Ridge, it was a pleasure working for you!