Message from Councilmember Ellen Zimmerman | August 5, 2021
In the spring, as we prepared for the warmer months, Scotch Plains sent out a community survey about healthy living. We wanted to gauge interest in wellness, ensuring the plans we develop best fit with the needs of township residents.
The survey results showed an overwhelming support for more municipal-run programs. In fact, we learned that more than 43% of our fellow residents would “definitely” enroll in additional programming, while 40% indicated they would be “more likely” to give it a try.
We saw these survey results as a call to increase the quality and breadth of programs offered, compared to what has been coordinated in years’ past. We launched a Mayor’s Wellness Campaign this summer that is unprecedented, offering an eclectic number of free programs for residents of all skill levels and interests, both in-person and online.
In the survey results, we also learned that “nutrition, physical activity and mental health” are considered top priorities among those who responded. We are helping to fill the gap through our Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning at town hall with nutritious food. We have a number of community partners who provide mental health services. And there are a number of exercise classes we offer, as well, through the Mayor’s Wellness Series.
As we move into August and see the Summer of ’21 beginning to slip away, the Mayor’s Wellness Campaign remains strong, and we invite everyone to join in. In fact, residents have until Sept. 27 to return their completed “Bingo” cards of all the events they have participated in this summer.
The Bingo cards are designed for all to participate, with such tasks as having a healthy family meal, taking an elderly neighbor’s dog for a walk, visiting the “story stroll” at Jerseyland Park or trying a “Meatless Monday.”
Completed cards can be emailed to
If you feel you may have missed a lot of the action this summer, like our “30 Minutes on the Green Fitness Series,” no worries. There is still “Sunrise Yoga” on Saturday mornings through August 21 at Brookside Park, beginning at 8 a.m. There are also the Virtual Balance Awareness classes at 10 a.m. on Friday mornings, courtesy of the Scotch Plains Library, and held on Zoom.
The Library continues to be a great resource for community wellness. Visit
https://www.scotlib.org/health-resources/health-wellness-programs/ for the latest. And, as we move to fall, you will want to certainly register for the Rose Checchio Walk, to be held on October 2nd, the Play for PINK fundraiser to combat breast cancer.
In addition, this fall’s recreation programs will be announced at the end of the month. So, you can finish the summer strong, and plan a fall schedule of fitness and wellness programs. We look forward to joining you and celebrating all of our successes.
