News from MyChathamNJ

Contributed by Kara Sibilia, MyChathamNJ

It’s no secret that the Chathams are rooted in community – engaging residents and business owners through all types of activities. Whether it’s fostering hometown pride with the annual Spring Clean, instituting a rideshare program for the Senior Center or supporting the towns’ volunteer firemen and emergency responders with various fundraisers, both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township are dedicated to the health and happiness of its residents, employees and business owners. So much so in fact, that Chatham’s governing bodies and volunteer groups are winning awards for their efforts.

This past year, Chatham Borough and Chatham Township were jointly recognized by the New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute’s Mayor’s Wellness Campaign (MWC) as a “Top Healthy Town” in New Jersey. The Chathams were one of eight municipalities in the state to earn this honor; the others included Bergenfield, Morristown, Montclair, Plainfield, Princeton, Stone Harbor and Westwood. The distinction is given to towns where “mayors have made healthy lifestyles a top priority and are actively engaging all the members of their community,” according to the MWC. The six categories considered when selecting healthy towns are:

• Defining Health Broadly – addressing the social and economic factors that impact health outcomes.

• Measurement and Data Sharing – identifying measurable health indicators and establishing shared goals with partners.

• Health Equity – reducing, and ultimately eliminating, health disparities by focusing programming on those most affected by poor health outcomes.

• Procurement of Resources – harnessing the collective power of MWC committee members and local business partners to efficiently align resources that maximize community health.

• Collaboration – building partnerships across sectors.

• Commitment to Sustainability – developing programs that are designed to last.

In 2018, both Chatham Borough and Chatham Township led MWC committee efforts to improve the health of residents. Identifying mental health stigmas as a top concern for the community, Chatham implemented the following programs:

• STAY– An adult education program on suicide prevention offered through the library that provides parents and caregivers with information on how to help loved ones cope with crisis situations.

• Project Community Pride of the Madison Area YMCA – An initiative started by law enforcement officers almost 40 years ago, Project Community Pride originally provided resources and counseling services for at-risk youths. Today, this shared youth-development program has evolved into free mental health counseling services for school-aged children and their families. The towns of Chatham Borough, Florham Park and Madison, in partnership with their school districts, are all participants in this worthwhile, time-tested program.

“Achieving the Healthy Town designation is a tremendous achievement for Chatham Borough,” states Chatham Borough Mayor Bruce Harris. “It reflects our commitment to being a sustainable community and our recognition that healthy lifestyles, on the part of the residents, are a key component of a community.”

Chatham Township Mayor, Tayfun Selen comments, “Chatham Township and (Chatham Borough) share so many services for the residents of our communities, including the Mayors’ Wellness Advisory Committee of the Chathams, to raise awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles. Our collaborative annual Substantiality Fair offers health, wellness and sustainability resources as well as eco-friendly products and organizations with affordable environmental solutions to support our communities.”

“Congratulations to our Mayors' Wellness team, led by Chairman Brian George MS, MBA, FACHE, and Council Member Victoria Fife supported by Janice Piccolo Director of Community Services, which has done so much to promote healthy living,” notes Mayor Harris.

Come for the food, stay for the fun! See live entertainment at the New Grand Lawn Stage on Lower Lum Field; visit the Coffeehouse in the morning and the Outdoor Pub later on (it’s open until 6pm). Fun activities for all ages, including the return of the PBA Car Show and a new Game Truck!

Celebrating its (lucky) 13th season, the Chatham Borough Farmers’ Market offers local and organic produce, specialty foods and artisanal products. Stop by Railroad Plaza every Saturday starting June 15 through November 23 from 8am – 1pm, rain or shine.