Califon – A Healthy Place to Live

By Councilman Tony Forrester, Ph.D., R.N.

In so many ways Califon exemplifies a healthy community. Within a 2-mile radius of the iron bridge, opportunities abound for health-seeking citizens of our little borough. Quiet but not sleepy, Califon is a very active community. On any given day Borough residents and visitors can be seen getting healthy exercise in IslandPark or along the Columbia Trail. The Trail is 7-miles long, easily accessible and healthy at any speed – strolling, walking, hiking, jogging, running, biking. Some of our neighbors, although perhaps not known to many personally by name, are quite well known locally for their routine friendly greetings and long walks through our safe neighborhoods.

Healthy nutrition is easily available in Califon, as well, and is better ensured by shopping for fresh fruits and vegetables at the local farm stands. Growing and sharing organically grown produce in our community garden or in our own backyards are also healthy choices. Our local stores, delis, cafes, restaurants and bistros offer many delicious, healthy and nutritious meal choices to please our pallets and keep us strong.

Spiritual and mental health are encouraged in Califon. There are many opportunities for healthy socialization – civic activities such as the fireman’s breakfasts, street fairs, church and school activities. Religious worship and fellowship are available for those who seek them in our welcoming churches. Rejuvenating meditation can be had anytime we take a moment to enjoy the view of quiet beauty on the South Branch. Watching the ducks, geese and majestic blue heron gliding on and above the river can be a very energizing and reassuring experience. Perhaps a solitary morning actually in the river, wearing waders enjoying some catch-and release time or fly-fishing is in order.

Healthy preventative behaviors abound in Califon. Families, large and small, young and old, model health prevention and self-care by staying current with routine immunizations, getting their annual flu shot and monitoring their health-status by seeing their primary care provider on a regular basis. Being good citizens by simply observing traffic rules and local speed limits makes us healthier by keeping our community safer.

Better health is also ensured by the environmental awareness we demonstrate when we responsibly participate in the recycling program and neighborhood, park and river clean-up days. Keeping our septic systems up-to-date and in good working order ensures a cleaner environment and healthier water supply. Even sharing useful household items by shopping in the thrift shop or the town-wide tag sale promotes a healthy environment by keeping goods in use and out of landfills. Recycling useful goods also encourages economic recovery.

Our local economy grows healthier every time we make a purchase in town from one of our local merchants. Just about anything can be purchased in Califon – wine and cheese for our tables, furniture for our homes, objet de art, hardware and lumber for decorating and improving our homes, even tackle for fishing. A healthy choice is made by smart consumers when they choose to shop in Califon.

Finally, there can be no greater example of healthy citizenship than seeing neighbors helping neighbors during times of crisis and need. Working together to recover from the crisis of Sandy is proof-positive of a healthy community. Jersey strong, yes, but with all the hometown charm of thoughtful citizens working together in a peaceful borough here in the valley.

Last modified: December 22, 2021