Message from Councilwoman Elizabeth Stamler | June 21, 2024

On June 12, Scotch Plains was proud to host our annual Patrick’s Downtown Race to Summer, with hundreds of participants once again filling our downtown streets for our unofficial kickoff to summer.

The 5K run was highlighted as part of our Mayors Wellness program. And that prompted a very good question from some residents: What, exactly, is the Mayors Wellness Program?

In Scotch Plains, we host a series of programs throughout the year designed to create positive change within our community. Led by Mayor Josh Losardo, the Township Council and other local leaders, these programs offer a range of benefits that extend far beyond individual well-being.

The Mayors Wellness program not only incorporates physical health, but mental health too. The Township held its first Mental Health Fair on May 4 on the on the Alan M. Augustine Village Green.This year, the Mayors Wellness Program has also featured the St. Bartholomew Academy 5K and Kid Fun Run and the New Jersey Sharing Network’s 5K runs on May 18 and June 9.

This summer, we have our very popular sunrise yoga program. We held our Pride in the Park event on May 31, in which we raised the Pride flag at town hall. We are now planning a free summer concert series for the entire town to enjoy on the village green.

The list goes on: We offer a senior lunch at the Shady Rest Clubhouse, as nutrition is a key component of the Mayors Wellness program. Looking to the fall, we will be holding the annual Rose Checchio Walk to Wipe Out Breast Cancer on Oct. 5 and a special event for our dogs, and their humans, in October, too.

Because of our robust Mayors Wellness Program, we have been designated by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute as a Healthy Town in New Jersey for a number of consecutive years.

In deciding which programs should be included in the Mayors Wellness Program, there are typically five components:

1. Improving public health. Chronic health conditions like obesity, heart disease, and diabetes are on the rise. Our initiatives are designed to promote healthy lifestyles through educational workshops, fitness events, and access to healthy food options.
2. Creating a stronger community bond. Our Mayors Wellness Programs are all about creating exciting community events and activities. It all fosters a stronger sense of connection and belonging among residents, strengthening the social fabric of our township. There’s no question: shared experiences around physical activity or healthy eating can create a more positive and supportive environment for us all.
3. Fostering more healthy role models. Mayors, and other local leaders, play a significant role in shaping public perception. Our collective participation in Mayors Wellness Programs sends a strong message about the importance of health and well-being. This can inspire township residents, we hope, to adopt healthier lifestyles for themselves and their families.
4. Extending beyond physical health. Mental health awareness and stress management
   workshops are becoming increasingly common components of our programming, especially following the pandemic. This holistic approach ensures that residents have the tools and resources they need to thrive in all aspects of life.
5. Community support success, as we all know, hinges on collaboration. Mayor Losardo and our Township Council work with local businesses, healthcare providers, and community organizations. These partnerships create a network of support that can sustain our programs over time and expand reach. And such partnerships attract new residents and businesses that further prioritize health and well-being.

By promoting preventative healthcare, fostering social connections, and creating a culture of well-being, I am proud of the impact of the Mayors Wellness Program in Scotch Plains. Click here to learn more. And please get involved!