Message from Councilmember Ellen Zimmerman | 4/27/21
Over the past few weeks, Scotch Plains has had a number of opportunities to demonstrate its compassion and empathy for residents of the entire community. When my husband, Josh, and I decided to move to town and then proudly raise our three children here, we’ve been consistently drawn to being part of such a welcoming, diverse place.
As a social worker employed at a food bank, I am well attuned to the needs of all parts of the community, including those who often have little voice. There is plenty of struggle all over, and in every perspective you can imagine. But towns like Scotch Plains strongly embrace our neighbors; this is just one of those special communities where you are never, ever alone.
Most recently, I was inspired by our next generation by attending a rally organized by high school students to voice opposition to Asian hate. There are many, many people in this community who are justifiably appalled by the treatment that Asians receive, amplified and aggravated over the 14 months of this lingering pandemic.
I was proud to stand with Mayor Josh Losardo and other township officials to denounce hate in any form. I also pledged, as did other attendees at the rally, to do my part to identify Asian hate when I see it and voice my support for my fellow neighbor – be that person Asian or any other ethnicity who continue to face widespread discrimination in America.
April also happens to be the time to show support for people with autism and their families. It is called “Autism Awareness Month,” but I join the chorus of individuals who believe the name should be changed to “Autism Acceptance Month.” That is because there are so many people with autism who make tremendous contributions to society, yet they are consistently labeled as “disabled.”
The numbers of Americans with autism keeps rising, and it is incumbent upon all of us to share and celebrate in the differences of these residents. They continue to offer new perspectives on life and contribute gifts to society through the magic of their uniqueness.
As we continue to celebrate spring, and slowly recover from the pandemic, I urge us all to find ways in which we are different and to celebrate those differences. There is a lot of that magic in all of us. As we further open up and discover more about one another, Scotch Plains can become an even more inclusive and accepting community.
