Message from Councilman Matt Adams | 6/4/2021
In my brief time on the Township Council, I have had an enormous opportunity to explore the many wonderful ways that Scotch Plains cares for its own. It seems that every week there is another distinct moment to show support for our very diverse and strong community.
From fighting hate against the Asian community, to remembering our brave and valiant soldiers to highlighting many of the great businesses in town, I have been blessed with a bird’s eye look at the many great people who continually find ways to make Scotch Plains an even better place to live.
This is a town where we happily support one another, where we celebrate our differences and where we eagerly seek new ways in which to give back and work together.
On May 15, there was “Jamming for Jacob Day,” as the community came together to raise money for a boy with cancer, Jacob Benedicto, a third baseman and catcher for the Scotch Plains-Fanwood 12U Blue baseball team.
Another great example occurred May 24, when Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) visited Brookside Park to welcome home a resident who did not have a travel visa to leave India, after travelling there to take care of his ailing father, who passed away. Through the senator’s efforts, Ashu Mahajan was granted his visa after weeks of waiting and we all joined in the park to celebrate the reunion with his wife and two daughters.
Then, on May 26, we celebrated the 100th birthday of World War II veteran John Plebani with a drive-by parade. In attendance were members of the Scotch Plains police, fire department and DPW, with John's family coming from Delaware, Virginia Beach and Pennsylvania to be part of this special celebration. We also were able to stick around and talk with John, a real treasure of our community.
It was the ideal beginning for Memorial Day weekend, which culminated on May 31 with a giant American flag hanging from the center of Park Avenue. We were able to honor the brave heroes who sacrificed their lives defending our country’s freedom. We welcomed several World War II veterans, all of whom were recognized during the ceremony.
We now set our sights on the rescheduled Pride Day on Tuesday June 8, as we join our friends and neighbors to mark Pride Month, held every June, recognizing the impact of LGBT people have had in the world. We will be raising the Pride flag for the very first time at town hall.
And then there is the Juneteenth celebration on Saturday June 19, honoring the end to slavery in the United States. We then all join together on July 3 to celebrate the nation’s birthday with fireworks at the Scotch Hills golf course.
There is so much happening, and I hope you will join me in being part of it. I could not be happier to have chosen Scotch Plains as the hometown for my family, and appreciate every opportunity to serve on this community as a member of the Township Council.
Thank you, and see you soon!
