Message from Deputy Mayor Ellen Zimmerman | January 18, 2024

The winter holidays – and all that wonderful, cheerful indulgence – are behind us, as we all settle into the colder months. I think we can all agree – it is a tough time of the year for feeling energetic, engaged and connected with one another.

These shortened days and brisk weather can test all of our resolve for getting out and remaining active.

In fact, we just “celebrated” what has been deemed the most depressing day on the calendar. “Blue Monday,” concocted by a British travel company in 2005, occurs the third Monday of January.

There’s even a formula to it, factoring in frigid weather, lingering debt from all that holiday gift-giving, time elapsed since the holidays, time elapsed since New Year’s resolutions have already been broken and general low motivational levels when the sun dips by 5 p.m.

While Blue Monday sounds really negative, and lacks any mathematical sense as a “formula,” I think it should be used as a moment on the calendar to inspire us all to take advantage of everything that is around us.

I am pleased that Scotch Plains has its own informal response to Blue Monday, offering a number of engaging programs open to the entire community.  These programs, I believe, are the perfect antidote to any hint of the winter blues. They also offer great opportunities to try something new, meet new people and broaden our horizons.

Here is just a sample of what is going on in Scotch Plains this winter:

For seniors, the Township offers yoga classes at the Green Forest Park Towne House, 554 Westfield Road. The program begins on January 22 and runs through March 11, with classes Mondays and Wednesdays from 1:30-2:30 p.m. (No class on Feb. 19.)

We also have senior line dancing at the same location. That begins January 24 on Wednesday mornings, from 10:45-11:45 a.m., and runs through March 13.

For our 18 and over “adult” community, we also have a variety of programs. There is “adult yoga” at Green Forest Park Towne House on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The program, from 1-2 p.m., runs Jan. 23-March 7. And “adult line dancing” takes place 7-8 p.m. from Jan. 25 – March 14 at the same location.

This winter, Scotch Plains is also offering a CPR certification class at Shady Rest Country Club, 820 Jerusalem Road, on Feb. 21, from 6:30-9 p.m.

Our youth sports programs and leagues are as vibrant as always, this winter. A full list of our leagues can be found on our website by clicking here. But why not check out youth Hip Hop classes at Green Forest Park Towne House on Monday nights, from 6:45 -7:45 p.m., from Jan. 29 to March 11.

To register for these programs, click here for Community Pass. You can also call the recreation department at 908-322-6700 ext. 223 to get the latest information, as well as learn about everything that is being planned for the warmer months.

So, enjoy all the winter programming, as well as any and all opportunities to enjoy time with friends and family. And let’s all remember that spring arrives just a quick two months from today.

Oh, and bet you are wondering: The so-called happiest day in the calendar – determined by an ice cream company – is June 21. Counting down the days…