Clinton Township Newsletter

1 2 f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 4 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M Happy Valentine's Day! a d d e d S U g a r = n o a d d e d B e n e F i t By: Jen Magro - Certified ACE Personal Trainer, Medical Exercise Specialist, Group Fitness Instructor, Health Coach, Weight Loss Specialist / Yoga Instructor Certified in YogaFit / Spinning Instructor Certified - Level 2 The average American takes in 57 pounds of added sugars each year. The effects of added sugar on the human body include, but are not limited to: weight gain, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Added sugar adds up to extra calories plus zero nutritional value. The American Heart Association recommends that women consume no more than six teaspoons (24 grams) and men no more than nine teaspoons (36 grams) daily. Naturally occurring sugars are found in fruits, vegetables and milk products and therefore are not considered "added sugars". Refined and processed foods are where most "added sugars" are found. There are many different ways sugar can be listed on a packaged food, making it difficult for consumers to detect, but in recent years laws require companies to list "total sugar" and "added sugar" separately on labels. The easiest way to follow these recommendations is to decrease the amount of processed foods and read the labels of any packaged food. Replacing processed foods with more vegetables, fruits, protein and complex grains will ensure a healthier diet overall. One example of a simple change – swap a flavored yogurt for plain and add some berries and cinnamon! Visit our website to learn more about all of the great services we offer here at the Hunterdon Health & Wellness Centers! Enjoy a one day guest pass on us! https://wellness.hunterdonhealthcare.org/forums H U n t e r d o n H e a l t H a n d W e l l n e S S c e n t e r l o c a t i o n S : Whitehouse Station: 537 Route 22 East, Whitehouse Station, NJ 08889 Clinton: 1738 Route 31 North, Clinton, NJ 08809 H U n t e r d o n c o U n t y p a r K S i S 5 0 y e a r S o l d ! Div. of Parks Marks Anniversary with Renovation to Arboretum At the recent board meeting Commissioner Director Zach Rich recognized the 50th Anniversary of the Hunterdon County Park System and announced the approval of the debt-free capital funding for repairs and renovation to the Arboretum and Parks Headquarters. The first county park was established when the Arboretum was sold to the county in 1974, and the building became the Parks Headquarters in 1977 following an initial renovation. Today, more than 9,000 acres of land, 140 miles of trails, two campsites, and three playgrounds – including the new inclusive playground at Deer Path Park, make up the over forty Hunterdon County Park system properties. Commissioner Director Rich stated, "As our Park System celebrates its 50th Anniversary, now is the appropriate time to make a needed investment in improving our facilities to better meet the needs of our public and staff. Over 300,000 citizens annually enjoy our parkland and associated programming offered by the Division of Parks and Recreation. Thanks to careful planning, we will be able to modernize the Arboretum with no debt issued." Upgrades to the Arboretum will include a 4,077 square foot addition to the existing 10,838 square foot structure, upgrades to the main entrance, greater access to public restrooms with ADA compliant upgrades, configuration of office and conference spaces to meet current code requirements, replacement of outdated mechanical and electrical systems, and the addition of quality storage space. A full-scale rendering of the project will be available in the near future. In addition to upgrading the Arboretum, the Board also approved funding for the needed repairs to the dam and pond at Deer Path Park, to include a new outfall and road crossing at the site, along with the dredging of the pond to provide a successful and healthy habitat for future generations to enjoy. Proposed construction will begin following the acceptance of the lowest responsible bidder, with a planned completion date of July 2024. These new upgrades come on top of the ADA all-inclusive playground at Deer Path Park, that was completed in June of this year. Upgrades to the playground included ADA compatible equipment and new playground structures that are designed to be enjoyed by children of all abilities. For more information, visit: www. co.hunterdon.nj.us. "Where there is great love, there are always miracles." ~ Willa Cather

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