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At INSPIRED our mission is to provide a source of positive and inspirational content to those in Sussex and Warren County, NJ that are interested in healthy, thoughtful and deliberate living. As part of our commitment to thoughtful living, we give back a portion of our proceeds to fund local projects, organizations, individuals, and families that have INSPIRED us throughout the year.

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Page 1: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3
Page 2: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

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Page 3: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

INSPIRED•3July/August 2014

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INSPIRED is published bimonthly.All rights reserved. All ad designsand logo work created by IN-SPIRED may not be used elsewherewithout consent. No part of thispublication may be reproducedwithout prior written consent fromthe publisher and/or author. Wereserve the right to deny advertis-ing to those we feel do not fitwithin our magazine. While allreasonable care has been taken inthe preparation of the material inthis magazine and to ensure theaccuracy of its content, no war-ranty is given as to its correctnessand accordingly, we will not beheld responsible or liable, directlyor indirectly, for any loss or dam-age that is caused or alleged tohave been caused in connectionwith the use of, or reliance on, anycontent in this magazine. Theviews of the authors are presentedfor information and entertainmentpurposes only and may not reflectthe views of INSPIRED. Additional-ly, we assume no responsibility forinformation, products, services orstatements made by advertisers oreditorial contributors. We welcomereader comments and content sub-missions. Submitted content maybe edited for size. We are notresponsible for typographical er-rors.

CONTACT USWrite:

INSPIRED NJ MagazinePO Box 8

Andover, NJ 07821Email:

[email protected] Website:

www.INSPIREDNJ.com

ON THE COVER: A Day atthe Beach. Photos by: 13-year-old A.Olsen of Andover, NJ.

bonus

On a recent outing I was searching fora barstool to add to our game room. Iwas open to the shape and style. My onlyrequirement was that it had a sturdyframe. I didn’t have any luck, but myhusband did! He came home with achipped, stained and otherwise uglybrown suede barstool.

T rash to treasure, repurposing, or upcycling (whatever term youprefer to use) is the art of taking what was once old and makingit new again. With summer yard sales and flea markets in full

swing there is a treasure trove of goodies just waiting to be discovered.

I always try to start with an idea in mind.This prevents me from collecting toomany items for projects that I may notfinish. That’s not to say there aren’ttimes when I find an item that I just haveto have. I will admit to having a smallcollection of wood, shutters, and otherodds and ends in my basement.

to One woman’s trash is

another woman’s treasure.

Before

After

July/August 20144•INSPIRED

As soon as I saw the stool, I knewexactly what it needed: a little sanding, alittle paint, and a reupholstered seat. Anafternoon of work transformed thispiece from trash to treasure.

Although this was an easier project, it’salso fun to challenge yourself. Pinterestis a great place to start for creative inspi-ration. On Pinterest old dressers becomestorage benches, wooden crutches be-come bookcases, suitcases becomechairs....the creativity is endless.

Thanks to an idea sparked by a pin on Pinterest, the blue shutters inmy basement will become a repurposed hanging picture frame. I can’twait to see how this project will turn out!

Page 5: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

from the

It’s Time for Some Fun in the Sun!

t’s finally here! Summer, that is. It’s time for swimming at thelake, building sand castles down the shore, county fairs, catchingfireflies, barbeques, picnics, road trips, the list goes on and on. I

don’t know what it is about summer that makes me feel like I needto cram two years worth of activities into eight short weeks, but Ihave a feeling I’m not the only person who feels this way, right?

I

As any good prepper knows, it’s vital to go through your survival supplies often to ensure all of youritems are up-to-date. This year I replaced expired sunscreen, replenished our supply of bandages andtriple antibiotic cream in the first aid kit, and double checked the UV rating on our sunglasses to makesure we had adequate eye protection (pg. 11). With all of my prepping done, I’m ready to go with theflow and venture out into the summer sun.

My theory has always been “Be prepared!” The Boy Scouts weredefinitely onto something when they created that motto. Just to besure I’m ready for anything summer may throw my way, my SUV ispacked with every conceivable beach toy, chair, floatation device,

snacks, drinks, first aid kit, beach towel, sunscreen, and insect repellant ever made. I consider theseitems part of my Summer Preparedness Kit.

July/August 2014 INSPIRED•5

Jenny DeuelOwner/Publisher

One of the many adventures we have planned for this summer with our children includes a trip toInsectropolis: The bugseum of New Jersey (pg. 22). This place might just change my view on bugs, or not.We’ll wait to see how that works out. My husband has also planned a day trip for just the two of us toLongwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania (pg. 22). As an avid gardener, this is the trip I’mmost looking forward to taking. No matter what your travel plans are this summer be sure to check outour guide to healthy traveling. The tips and tricks provided can help keep you on track while you’re awayfrom home (pg. 7).

Now that I’ve prepared to survive the summer it’s time to start having some fun. I just hope my familyis prepared to keep up!

Page 6: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

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Page 7: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

THE HEALTHY VACATION GUIDE

acation season is here! You deserve a break,after spending the last few months becom-ing a fitter, healthier you, right? While vaca-

tion is a time to relax and take a break from work,stress, and the usual routine, it shouldn’t be a breakfrom your healthy habits.

Eat and exercise the right way, away from homeThis article has been reviewed by BECKY HAND, Licensed and Registered Dietician

f you’re traveling by car, you’ve already spent alot of time planning your course. We all want tomake good time, but it’s also important to

schedule several breaks into your itinerary, espe-cially if you have kids:

Pack a cooler full of healthy snacks, and evencomplete meals. Chopped veggies, fresh fruits,bottled water and juice, low-fat yogurt, peanutbutter sandwiches, popcorn and pretzels makeeasy travel fare.

Don’t skip meals, and try not to go more than 4or 5 hours without eating. Being famished atmealtime may hinder your ability to make healthychoices and trigger overeating. Plus, constantenergy levels will keep you alert at the wheel.

V

Avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks. While theydo give you a short energy burst, the drop whencaffeine wears off can make you even more tired.For stable energy levels, drink plenty of water andeat healthy, whole foods that keep blood sugarlevels from spiking and dropping.

Be wary of fast food and roadside restaurants. Ifyou have no other options, choose the healthiestpossible items and keep portion sizes small. Oneway to avoid excess calories and fat is to hold themayo, special sauces, cheese and dressings. Alsoopt for non-breaded items and kid-sized portions.Read up on more "menu watch words" here.

Plan exercise and stretching breaks as well. Justthree 10-minute pit stops add up to 30 minutesof activity. Go for a quick jog or walk, stretch andrun around with the kids. Back in the car, you’llbe more alert and energetic.

Avoid eating full meals in the car. Take time tostop, relax and enjoy your meal. This way, you canpay closer attention to your hunger and satietysignals.

With a little planning, you can enjoy your vacationand still maintain your current weight and fitnesslevel. Whatever your plans – a family road trip, atropical cruise, a sightseeing tour, or relaxing on thebeach – you can avoid packing on those dreadedvacation pounds by packing some healthy foods andworkout gear instead.

INSPIRED•7July/August 2014

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Page 8: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

Try to eat a healthy meal before you arrive. You’llbe less likely to munch on high-calorie snacks justbecause they’re around or you’re bored.

If eating in an airport, it’s worth it to spend thetime searching out healthy foods. Look for salads,fresh fruit, vegetable-based soups and bakedchicken.

While trekking through the airport, take everyopportunity for extra movement. Use the stairs,pass on the people movers and carry your ownluggage.

Instead of sitting around before boarding theplane, use the time to walk. You’ll arrive earlyenough to fit in 15-20 minutes of walking, sotake advantage of it. After all, you’re about to sitfor an entire flight.

Call the airline 48 hours in advance to see if ameal is offered. Typical in-flight dinners can haveas many calories (over 1,000) as a fast food meal,and even more fat! Special order a diabetic,low-fat, vegetarian, child, or religious meal.

espite appearances – a plethora of fast foods,snacks and lots of sitting around – flights andairports offer plenty of nutritious food and

opportunity for activity, if you know where to look:

Flying can easily dehydrate you, so drink plenty ofwater. Drinking one glass per hour in flight willward off dehydration and jetlag.

It’s okay to get up and walk through the aisles afew times when you are feeling antsy during along flight.

Or, pack your own lunch to ensure you get exactlywhat you want.

ruises offer so many opportunities for fun andexploring. But they are also known for theirrich, gourmet food that is available round the

clock. You don’t have to totally deprive yourself tostay in shape. Moderation, along with participationin the many opportunities that cruises offer forfitness, will keep you sailing smoothly:

At buffets, fill your plate only once. Load 50% ofyour plate with vegetables and choose smallportions of other foods you want to try.

If you splurge and eat a rich meal, try to balanceit out with a healthy, vegetable meal. Eat lighterthe rest of the day.

If ordering dessert, don’t make it a daily habit.And when you do, split it with someone else.

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C

THE HEALTHY VACATION GUIDE

July/August 20148•INSPIRED

Page 9: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

s the demand for healthy eating and exercis-ing rises, hotels are responding to theirguests. There’s no reason not to work out or

eat right just because you’re away from home.Calling ahead and working with the concierge willhelp you find all the things you need to make yourvacation a healthy one:

Most cruises offer a healthier "spa menu." Orderfrom this when you can. And, when ordering atany meal, be very specific about what you do anddo not want. You can omit ingredients and specifyhow you want something to be cooked (steamedinstead of fried).

Plan for fitness every day. Cruises usually offercomplete gyms, aerobics classes, trainers, runningtracks and pools. Go dancing in the disco in theevening and play plenty of beach games whendocked. Take a morning walk around the trackwhile enjoying the sights and fresh air.

If ordering room service, be specific about whatyou want, whether or not it is on the menu. Mostplaces will accommodate your healthy requestsand substitutions.

Before leaving home, find out what fitness oppor-tunities the hotel offers. While most will have apool, others may offer tennis, walking paths, bikerentals and full gyms. Then, pack the appropriateclothes, shoes and gear.

If your hotel does not have a gym, ask if they areaffiliated with a nearby local gym. Many will offerday passes at a discount for hotel guests.

Ask the concierge about healthy restaurants,markets, parks, trails and maps.

Design your own hotel room workout. All youneed to pack is some lightweight, cheap equip-ment: resistance bands, a jump rope and a stickymat. Most bands will come with illustrated exer-cises. You can also do push-ups, crunches, lung-es, squats and triceps dips on a chair.

A

When checking in, refuse the mini-bar key. Notonly are the prices outrageous, but the choicesare not the healthiest. Instead, find a nearbyhealth food store or grocery and stock up ongood-for-you snacks. If your room/floor has afridge or microwave, you can also get enoughfoods to prepare healthy meals. If a coffee makeris all you get, buy instant soups or oatmeal andprepare them with the hot water.

emember to pack walking shoes, a swimsuit,exercise equipment and loose, comfortableclothing. And with all that time in the sun,

don’t forget shades, a hat and plenty of sunscreen.

It’s worth the time it takes to plan ahead for ahealthy trip, but be realistic. You probably won’t loseweight on vacation, but maintenance is possible.Remember, vacation (like exercise) should be fun!Try new things, sightsee on foot, go rock climbing orsurfing, and definitely enjoy the good food withouttotal deprivation. Being healthy is a lifestyle, not aquick fix. So, follow these tips to return home withplenty of memories and souvenirs, not extra pounds.

R

Article reprinted from SparkPeople.com

THE HEALTHY VACATION GUIDE

INSPIRED•9July/August 2014

Page 10: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

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Whether you host inyour home or off-site, enjoy some girltime while partyingwith friends!

Can’t host a partyevent? Ask meabout hosting an on-line or catalog party.

Page 11: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

THE EYES HAVE IT!Sunglasses aren’t just a fashion statement. Having the right protection is essen-

tial for healthy eyes.

Select sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of bothUVA and UVB rays. (UV absorption up to 400nm isequvalent to 100% UV absorption). If sunglassesaren’t label or neglect to offer details about their UVprotection, opt for another pair.

Certain contact lenses are available with UV protection, butshould be worn in combination with sunglasses to maximizeprotection. If your contacts do not provide UV protection,you’ll need to sunglasses to protect your eyes.

Prolonged exposure to UV radiation from thesun can damage your cornea, lens, and retina aswell as the skin surrounding your eyes. Exposurealso contributes to the development of certaintypes of cataracts and possibly macular degener-ation. Wearing the proper eyewear will helpmaintain healthy eyes.

Sunglasses that wrap around and cover theside of your eyes offer the best protectionfrom damaging rays that can shine around theframes and into your eyes. Wearing a largebrimmed hat is not only stylish, but willprovide extra protection.

Over Exposed!

Show Some Style

Decisions, Decisions

Making Contact

July/August 2014 INSPIRED•11

Page 12: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

NJ Magazine

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•Photo Gallery

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Sussex/Warren County Edition

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Going BALD for

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Page 13: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

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Page 14: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

14•INSPIRED July/August 2014

FROM THE KITCHEN

Time to Take a Dip!Photos by JENNY DEUEL

Summer gardens are in full bloom with tomatoes,onions, and herbs ready to be harvested. If you’relooking for the perfect dishes to highlight the fresh

flavors of your harvest this summer these easy dips arethe perfect solution.

Prep Time: 10 min Difficulty Level: Easy

Cut tomatoes in half and remove seeds. Dice tomatoes andplace in bowl. Next, dice onion. Add to bowl with dicedtomatoes. Rinse cilantro and chop. Try to avoid adding toomany stems. Add to tomatoes and onions in bowl. Squeeze½ lime over mixture in bowl and mix. Sprinkle salt andpepper over top. Mix again. Add additional lime juice, saltand pepper to taste. To give your salsa a bit of a kick, adda diced jalapeno pepper to your salsa and Enjoy!

GARDEN FRESH PICO DE GALLO

INGREDIENTS 2 Large Tomatoes

1 Large Onion (white or red)

Cup Fresh Cilantro

1 Lime

1 tsp Salt

Freshly Cracked Pepper

1 *Jalapeno Pepper

Page 15: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

vocados not only taste great, but they are good foryou, too! Avocados are a good source of vitamin C,vitamin K, B 6, potassium, fiber and are full of healthy

fats. The fruit also contains anti-inflammatory properties. It’sno wonder avocados are considered a “super food”.

3 Ripe Organic Avocados

1 Large Tomato1 Onion (Red or White)

1 Lime

Pinch of Sea Salt

Fresh Cracked Pepper (Add To Taste)

Total Prep Time: 10 min

INSPIRED•15July/August 2014

AINGREDIENTS

FROM THE KITCHEN

Difficulty Level: Easy

GUACAMOLE

First, peel avocados. Cut into bit size pieces. Add to bowl. Next, remove seeds from tomato. Dice the tomatoesand onions. Add to bowl. Finally, chop cilantro making sure to remove as much as the stem as possible. Add tobowl. Cut lime in half. Squeeze juice from 1 half into bowl. Toss ingredients until thoroughly mixed. Add salt,pepper and additional lime juice to taste. Simple, easy, and DELICIOUS!

Page 16: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

July/August 201416•INSPIRED

Learn how you can choose the right meditation technique for yourself today.

By Sonia Gallaghe

here are a number of definitions thatdescribe meditation. Perhaps the bestone is simply to say that meditation

means ‘awareness’. Meditation techniquesallow a person to achieve an awareness ofself. More to the point, Meditation tech-niques focus the mind to pass the clutter ofthoughts and jumbled thinking patterns. Theidea is to be able to think clearer and becomemore relaxed. All Meditation techniquesallow us to accomplish this.

The stresses of life can havea dramatic effect on us.As we attempt to dealwith all the variousproblems that comeour way, we arementally worndown. Much in thesame way our bod-ies need proper ex-ercise to remainhealthy, so do ourminds need properstimulation to stay effi-cient. By becoming bet-ter attuned with ourconsciousness, we achievethis. In fact, practicing medita-tion techniques is really the onlyway to permanently accomplishthis endeavor. Meditation, if done properly, will freeour minds of burdensome and chaotic thoughtpatterns. Who doesn’t want to be less stressed andmore focused?

One of the betterknown meditationtechniques is ZenMeditation. Thismeditation tech-nique was devel-oped by Zen monks.

Zen meditation isabout achieving a

state of absolute still-ness and emptiness.

While Zen meditationtechniques are regarded as

some of the easiest and mosteffective to perform, they take

time and effort to master. This meditation techniqueis centered on sitting in the lotus position to achievea stillness of thought.

WHAT TYPE OF MEDITATION TECHNIQUE IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Ok, so basically meditation techniques will helpyou become more relaxed, think clearer,

concentrate better and more. But thesethings in and of themselves are not medi-tation. Concentrating on something is notmeditation. Finding one self in a relaxingposition is not meditation. Performingcertain poses by themselves is not medita-

tion. Rather, depending on different medi-tation techniques, these are some of

the means that facilitate medita-tion. There are a number of

meditation techniquesthat will help a person

achieve the fruits ofmeditation.

Page 17: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

The differences in the meditation techniquesactually just point to the various ways that the goalof awareness can be achieved. Really, it’s all just amatter of a point of focus and concentration.Nevertheless, whether the meditation techniqueused focuses on sitting, breathing or chants it allleads to a better state of mind. Find the meditationtechnique that fits you and get started!

Sonia Gallagher is an overworked, recovering lawyer now dedicated full time to online publishing in plain English of the benefits of meditation andhow it can be practiced in daily life at a site called My Meditation Garden. The site was written for other busy professionals, business owners, par-

ents, and college students.

INSPIRED•17July/August 2014

LEARN HOW YOU CAN CHOOSE THERIGHT MEDITATION TECHNIQUE FOR

YOURSELF TODAY

Source: Free Articles from ArticlesFactory.com

A third well known meditation technique isVipassana. Vipassana is a Buddhist technique thatfocuses on breathing. If we consider the fact thatbreathing is an every moment occurrence and anecessity for living, then we can begin to see howconcentrating on this aspect of life can have asignificance. Vipassana is a meditation techniquethat essentially teaches one to be aware of theirbreathing, from which (when done properly) there isa state of awareness that is attained.

Another well known meditation technique isMantra Meditation. Mantra is a form of meditationthat many people tend to associate with when theyfirst envision what meditation is in their minds.Mantra meditation techniques involve chanting or‘mantra repetition.’ This is a meditation techniquethat achieves a state of awareness through the useof sound. In fact, one of the most popular medita-tion techniques in the United States – transcenden-tal meditation – is basically a mantra form ofmeditation.

here are many other techniques that areavailable. These three just happen to be themost well known and practiced in the west.

What you will notice is that all three have the samegoal in mind – which is to attain a higher state ofawareness. Remember, one of the most commonpurposes of meditation is to become better aware ofthe self, which in turn, produces a healthier mind.It’s interesting that regardless of the differencesbetween meditation techniques, the goal remainsthe same.

How to Create a Meditation Space

Photo : Space by Peter Morgan / CC BY

Creating a space in your home to meditate willhelp build your concentration and focus. Thespace should be in a quiet room or area of thehome where you can sit uninterrupted for theduration of your meditation practice.

Once you have selected the perfect space tomeditate you should take the time to create theperfect atmosphere by adding soothing colors,textures, scents and sights through the addition ofspecial accents such as scented candles, carpets,pillows, photographs and other meaningful ob-jects that will help inspire you.

If your new space is part of another room, youmay want to consider hanging curtains or addinga screen to create the feeling of a separate space.This will help set a relaxing and peaceful mood.

Finally, bring in soothing sounds. Listening toambient, instrumental, nature sounds or classicalmusic are all great choices if you wish to addmusic to your space. Just remember to keep itsoft and soothing so you can concentrate, calmdown and focus.

Page 18: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

Kids Rock!

Photos by JENNY DEUEL

Kids Rock! features children who are committed to giving back to their community through volunteerism, fundraising, andsocial service projects.

n May 18, 2014 ten-year-olds Ashley John-ston and Liz Aldrich learned their friend hadlost her father in a devastating car accident.

Their hearts broke. They wantedto do something to help theirfriend in her time of need, tocomfort her, and to support her.But what could they do?

The girls contemplated makingbows that could be sold to raisefunds; however, Liz’s motherLorraine, discovered satin elas-tic while rummaging throughher craft supplies and suggestedthey could make braided brace-lets instead.

Carving out time between school and sports,Ashley and Liz work diligently to meet the one weekturnaround time promised for custom orders, al-though they typically fulfill their orders in just a dayor two. It’s this type of devotion to the project

O

“My first thought was what awonderful idea for the girls tofeel like they are helping theirfriend. When tragedies like thishappen we all wonder how wecan make this better for thefamily. I thought it could em-power both of them by beinggood to people when they are inneed and that it could also helptheir worry for their friend.” stated Anne, Ashley’smother.

The girls were hopeful their ef-forts would be a great success.“We opened our Facebook pageon May 21 and sold our firstBraidcelet that day! The goal isto raise $1000.” Their dedica-tion and determination paid off.Within days of the launch theyreceived a flood of support fromthe local community with salesnearing $400.

With a talent for combining words in silly ways, Lizmorphed braided and a bracelet into Braidcelets and

orking together Ash-ley and Liz started bycreating red, white

and blue Braidcelets in honor ofMemorial Day, but quickly ex-panded to custom orders to ac-commodate customers wishingto have Braidcelets made in spe-cific colors representing theirschools, sports teams, and favor-ite causes such as Multiple Scle-rosis and Autism Awareness.

July/August 201418•INSPIRED

the fundraiser was born. Lorraine helped the girlsdevelop a Facebook page and PayPal account fordonations.

Braidcelets creatorsAshley Johnston (top) and Liz Aldrich

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Page 19: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

July/August 2014 INSPIRED•19

BRAIDCELETS

“We are very, very proud of Elizabeth. She reallyhas taken this project on with a lot of heart andeffort and to see her care so much about her friendis something really special. ” added Lorraine.

that is truly remarkable. “It was easy or us to do ourfundraiser because it was something close to ourhearts.” the girls noted.

hat Ashley and Liz have accomplished istruly amazing. Serving as a source ofinspiration for other children who may be

thinking about starting a fundraiser, the girls suggeststarting within your own community. Connectingpersonally to a fundraiser or charity that has person-ally touched their own lives, especially for youngerchildren, can help bring about a greater sense ofmeaning and understanding to their efforts.

Caring for their friend is ultimately what Braidceletsis all about. “Because the cause is very close to theirhearts they are very determined to stay with it.”added Lorraine.

Once their goal of $1000 is reached the moneywill be presented to the benefactors. After that, thehope is that Ashley and Liz will continue their efforts,this time selecting another family to honor with theirgenerous gift. But for now, the girls will continue towork towards reaching their goal and helping theirfriend in her time of need.

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3 1. Braidcelet in Sparta school spiritcolors 2. Ashley Johnston 3. Liz Aldrich4. The many colors of Braidcelets

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Page 20: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

Community Spotlight

20•INSPIRED

Implementing restoration projects in watersheds within Sussex County, fosteringunique partnerships,and engaging the community are all in a day’s work.

orman Maclean famously said “Eventually, allthings merge into one, and a river runsthrough it.” We enjoy rivers and streams for

swimming, fishing, boating and their absolute beau-ty.

Collective Action

July/August 2014

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“I constantly strive to directly involve people of allages in our work. I especially like to help communitymembers get their hands and feet wet and dirty outin the very same watershed they live, work, go toschool, or recreate in.” stated Nathaniel.

A team of two intrepid young men from SussexCounty are doing more than their part to make surethat future generations will continue to enjoyhealthy rivers and have clean drinking water innorthern NJ. Nathaniel Sajdak and Eric VanBenS-choten of the Wallkill River Watershed ManagementGroup (WRWMG) are tasked with being the unoffi-cial “watershed liaisons” of Sussex County. Nathan-iel and Eric work to protect and improve our riverswhile elevating the community’s stewardship ethicand sense of place--forever connecting peoplethrough meaningful action.

Improving watershed health and water quality arethe primary missions of the WRWMG. To accomplishthese tasks they bring together partners such asprivate, state and commercial landowners, and orga-nizations such as the NJDEP, The Nature Conservan-cy, and the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

From left to right: Nathaniel Sajdak, Eric VanBenSchotenand Liz Jackson from the NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife

n a beautiful morning in May, they passedthis ethic to a next generation of watershedstewards. Gathering students from the Mar-

ian E. McKeown Elementary School in HamptonTownship, New Jersey, class by class, Nathaniel andEric spoke to the children about the importance ofwatersheds in their community. After a brief presen-tation they asked the children for help potting 500bare root trees that will become part of the restora-tion efforts taking place in their own backyard. Themainstem of the Paulins Kill, a river that flows intothe Delaware River, runs adjacent to the schoolproperty.

“With these small trees I saw a perfect opportunityto involve these young children in a legacy projectfor their community, for their watershed. Not onlywere we going to have a chance to educate them andmake them aware about the Paulins Kill Watershed,but we were going to have a chance to engage themin hands on work to protect and enhance it. ThatO

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sense of attachment and understanding of individualcivic responsibility we hopefully left each studentwith will have an even greater impact than the singlesmall tree they helped plant. That being said, just asit takes hundreds of individual trees to make aforest, every individual has a role in making ourcommunity great!” said Nathaniel.

INSPIRED•21

THE WALKILL RIVER WATERSHEDMANAGEMENT GROUP

July/August 2014

To learn more about the Wallkill River WatershedManagement Group please visit their website at:

http://www.wallkillriver.org/

For information regarding educational and out-reach programs or volunteer opportunities please

contact:

Nathaniel Sajdak at [email protected] orby calling (973) 579-6998 x109

Once potted, the trees were taken to a make-shiftnursery located at the Sussex County MunicipalUtilities Authority (SCUMA) Solid Waste Facility inLafayette where they will continue to grow untilspring 2015.

n 2015, this same group of children will gatheronce again and transplant the now two-year-oldtrees within the Paulins Kill restoration corridor.

The WRWMG has been restoring this section of theriver for more two years which covers approximately3 miles from Lafayette to Frankford Township. Thisproject aims to restore the floodplains along thePaulins Kill and once complete will improve wildlifehabitat and water quality.

What is equally amazing is the dedication Nathan-iel and Eric clearly have for the work they perform.Human impact on local water resources can besignificant. Urbanization and development changeshow water flows into watersheds and increases theamount of nonpoint source pollutants (litter, motoroil, pet waste, fertilizers) contaminating the water.When streams become compromised, the rivers theyflow into bear a high risk of becoming compromisedtoo. But these small steps make a big difference inmany ways.

IImpacting Generations

“It's amazing and rewarding to watch these stake-holders recognize the important role they play asindividuals within the community, but even moreexciting is to be able to foster a partnership betweenthem that often has more far reaching benefits to

the community than just the intended positive envi-ronmental impact.” Nathaniel added.

Page 22: INSPIRED NJ Magazine Volume 1 Issue 3

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22•INSPIRED July/August 2014

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