Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | July 6, 2023
It was yet another amazing Fourth of July celebration in Scotch Plains, as our community joined together at Shady Rest Country Club on July 1 to enjoy the fireworks show and plenty of family-friendly activities.
The first half of 2023 proved to be a busy time, as we enjoyed plenty of spring community events, sports leagues for all ages and a high school graduation that I can tell you firsthand is still being celebrated.
As the temperature rises and summer is in full swing, one would think that things would quiet down in Scotch Plains as many head off on well-earned vacations. But, no! Our top-notch Recreation Department has a number of programs and events this summer for our entire community.
So, don’t disappear on us just yet!
Here is just a sample of events this summer:
For those ages 13 and over, there will be Sunrise Yoga, for those ages 55 and over, enjoy Senior Bridge and for students grades K-12, we offer the S.T.A.R.S. Theatre program. There is also our regular Book Chat for our seniors this summer.
Scotch Plains also has a very popular Day Camp for children in grades K-6, with a “Small Fry” Camp for the little ones, ages 3-5. I must note that these camps often “sell out” year after year, a testament to our hard-working Recreation Department, as well as the young camp counselors who often work for Scotch Plains as their very first job in the “real world.” Kudos to all of them for making it a magical summer for our younger community members.
Youth sports is always a huge thing in Scotch Plains. Scotch Plains has a full calendar of summer basketball. We have a Youth Basketball Clinic for children in grades K-2 this summer, as well as a Youth Basketball League for older kids in grades 3-9. I have to note that these basketball leagues in our municipal parks are also well-attended, and it is a great place for future players on the SP-F basketball teams to hone their skills in what can be some really tough competition.
Mark your calendars for our Thursday night Summer Concert Series on the Alan M. Augustine Village Green, funded through the support of generous sponsors. We have some great performances coming up, all at 7:30 p.m. The upcoming schedule: July 13 for the Garden State Jazz Orchestra, July 20 for North Ave and July 27 for Chris Turner & Clearstream. Grab a comfy chair, bring a cold drink and enjoy some free tunes right in our downtown.
There’s also our annual DOGust Celebration, set this year on August 12, a festival specially designed for our four-legged friends. I don’t know of any other town who offer such a special event. So, if you have a dog, or are just a dog lover, please join us for tail-wagging fun.
Details for all of our summer events are posted and updated on the municipal website throughout the summer, at www.scotchplainsnj.gov
July marks Parks and Recreation month nationwide. The National Parks and Recreation Association has proclaimed this year’s “theme” for Parks and Recreation month to be “where community grows- it is an opportunity to celebrate the vital role park and recreation professionals play in bringing people together, providing essential services and fostering the growth of communities.” I would like to take this time to say thank you and give a shout-out to our Recreation Director, Julie Buonaguro, and her hard-working staff, for developing exciting events and programs over the summer as well as throughout the year that help to bring our community together!
This summer, I hope you get to enjoy it all in Scotch Plains, as well as wherever else life takes you.
