Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | Dec. 1, 2023
There are always many reasons throughout the year to visit downtown Scotch Plains and support our small business owners.
But I would have to say the holiday season is when our downtown really shines.
Scotch Plains is planning terrific seasonal events on the Alan Augustine Village Green, 430 Park Ave., in the heart of our downtown. I want to express my deep appreciation to the municipal recreation department, our emergency responders and the Scotch Plains Business and Professional Association for making all the magic happen.
On Sunday, Dec. 3, we officially welcome the holiday season with our annual tree lighting. Join us between 1-5 p.m. for live entertainment, plenty of family-friendly activities and – I bet – a special visit from a very busy Santa, who likes to wave from the fire truck ladder as the tree is lit.
The celebration also includes a gingerbread house display – the culmination of a contest coordinated through the recreation department. The free contest is open to all residents of Scotch Plains and Fanwood, with one entry per participant or group. All houses must be placed in a disposable base and all decorations on the house must be edible (and preferably delicious).
For those who registered by yesterday’s deadline, please drop off your gingerbread house at town hall no later than 1 p.m. on Sunday. We are excited to see all the creativity! Any last-minute questions are being handled by the recreation department at 908-322-6700, ext. 223.
The celebrating keeps going on Sunday. Everyone is invited to the Osborn Cannonball House for the annual open house and Christmas party, from 2-4 p.m. at 1840 Front St., just behind the Village Green. Join us for hot mulled cider along with goodies to eat. Featured is the Victorian Christmas tree and an 1800s-era winter clothing display.
There will also be caroling around a restored 1885 Mason and Hamlin reed pump organ, while costumed guides will conduct tours of a house that predates the Revolutionary War and has housed generations of prominent Scotch Plains residents. The museum will be closed for January and February; it will reopen Sunday, March 3, 2023. So, don’t miss your chance for a tour and a piping hot cider this Sunday!
Make sure to come back to the Village Green on Thursday, Dec. 7 for our annual menorah lighting at 6 p.m., which always gets a strong turnout from our community. As always, there will be plenty of Hanukah music and tasty treats, as we kick off the Festival of Lights in Scotch Plains. (I always look forward to the jelly donuts!)
As part of the season’s celebrations, I hope you will also participate in the annual holiday toy drive, coordinated by the Scotch Plains Police Department and PBA Local 87. They are asking all of us to bring a new unwrapped toy for children of all ages to the lobby of the police department, 430 Park Ave. Toys can be dropped off through Wednesday, December 20.
I hope to see you soon in downtown Scotch Plains and wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season. On behalf of Mayor Josh Losardo, Councilmember Elizabeth Stamler, Councilmember Roshan “Roc” White and Councilmember Matt Adams, thank you for the opportunity to serve our wonderful community. It is truly an honor.
