"The Talk of the Town" - Pequannock Health Dept Newsletter 2026 Spring Edition

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This document is the Spring 2026 edition of "The Talk of the Town," a newsletter from the Pequannock Health Department. It features articles on health and wellness topics including weight loss, skin cancer prevention, and adolescent mental health. The newsletter provides information on local resources such as food pantries, rabies clinics, and skin screenings available to residents of Boonton, Florham Park, Kinnelon, Pequannock, and Riverdale.

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--- Document: "The Talk of the Town" - Pequannock Health Dept Newsletter 2026 Spring Edition Document ---
The Talk of the Town
WARM UP WITH WELLNESS
WEIGHT LOSS
Weight loss seems to be on everyone’s minds these days
and how to achieve it can vary. Everyone has a
different reason for wanting to lose weight but grasping
your own personal motive is part of the process. We are
more likely to accomplish something when it connects
with our personal beliefs. For instance, if someone tells
you to lose weight to look good in a bathing suit this
summer, but you don’t care about that, you’re likely not
going to take the steps to lose the weight. Whereas, if
someone tells you losing weight can allow you to keep
up with the children in your life, you may take it more
seriously. Once that connection has been made then
take a look into where your life is at currently. Lifestyle
factors, schedules, routines, current activities that
impact health, all of it. With these in mind, set short-term
goals that are specific. An example could be to eat
vegetables at two meals a day for one week. This goal
increases a healthy habit, can easily be tracked, and is
something attainable. When making these types of
goals, get buy in from someone who can hold you
accountable. Having a support system to get you back
on track on days that may have set backs can mean a
world of a difference. Those set back are bound to
happen so being prepared for them could also mean
getting to your healthy weight. Trying to properly plan
to lose weight may be the change needed in order to
finally get there. If weight loss is something that has
been a battle for as long as you can remember, consult
with your healthcare provider about your options. 
SKIN CANCER
Time to come out of hibernation and get outside! But,
not before you put a sun barrier on. Sunscreen is just
one barrier method that can be used in order to
prevent skin cancer and SPF 30 or above should be
worn year round. Along with sunscreen, protective
clothing such as sunglasses, wide brim sun hats, long
sleeves, and pants all can get the job done. If your
sense of fashion won’t allow protective clothing, try
staying out of the sun in the middle of the day and
avoid tanning beds all together. The reason to do all of
these things is to try to prevent skin cancer. There are
a few different types of skin cancer, but in general,
skin cancer is when skin cells start to overgrow
rapidly. This overgrowth can then attack healthy cells
and even spread to other parts of the body. The most
common types of skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma and
squamous cell carcinoma, are very often able to be
cured. Unfortunately, melanoma is the deadliest form
of skin cancer since it spreads faster than the others
which makes it more difficult to cure. An easy way to
spot skin cancer is by remembering your ABCDEs! 
Asymmetry: One side does not look like the other.
If a mole or freckle is not one consistent size and
shape, keep on eye out. 
Border: When the border of the mole or freckle is
nonuniform or appears to not have an established
border at all.
Color: Brown, black, blue, red, tan, white, no
matter the color, if the freckle or mole appears to
be more than one, see a dermatologist.
Diameter: Any moles or freckles larger than six
millimeter, or about the size of a pencil eraser,
could be skin cancer. 
Evolving: When the freckle or mole changes in any
of the before mentioned aspects. 
Keep an eye out for skin cancer as the weather gets
warmer!
1,2
3
Brought to you by the Pequannock Township Health Department
Serving the Town of Boonton  Florham Park  Kinnelon  Pequannock  and Riverdale
,
,
,
,


CELEBRATING 250 YEARS
CRAFTERNOON
Friday, May 15th 
3:30pm-4:30pm
HIGHLIGHTS OF HAPPENINGS
HEALTHY RECIPES FOR RECIPIENTS 
5 russet potatoes
(around 3 pounds)
1 tsp salt, for potato
water
½ cup white-wine
vinegar
4 large eggs 
1 ¼ cups low-fat mayo
4 stalks celery, finely
chopped 
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
1.Peel then chop the potatoes into ½ inch cubes. Place the chopped
potatoes in a pot of cold, salted water and place on the stove. Boil
until potatoes are fork tender. Carefully drain the potoes and cool.
2.Place eggs in another pot with water and bring to a simmer over
medium-high heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and
cook for 10 minutes. Carefully drain the water and cover eggs with
ice-cold water. Once cooled, peel and finely chop your eggs. 
3.Combine cooled potatoes, eggs, mayo, celery, onion, vinegar,
pickle relish, and salt and pepper to a large bowl. Mix until well
combines. Enjoy! 
LOCALS HELPING LOCALS
LIBRARY FEST
Pequannock Township Public Library
477 
Newark 
Pompton 
Turnpike,
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
MAMA’S POTATO SALAD
RABIES CLINICS
Rabies clinics are available in Morris
County 
throughout 
2026 
and 
are
available at no cost to NJ residents.
SKIN SCREENING
FREE skin screening for those who
live in our five towns!
CHC CLINICS
This program offers well child care and
free federally funded vaccines to children
for the communities which we serve. For
more information and dates of the Child
Health Conference, please contact the
Pequannock Public Health Nurses at 973-
835-5700 X 109 or 135.
Visit the link below for more information:
https://www.morriscountynj.gov/Residen
ts/Public-Safety/Rabies-Clinics
THE TOWN OF BOONTON FOOD PANTRY
Located in the Former Bank Building next to Town Hall (100 Washington Street)
Contact Lucille Rockis or Grace Ryerson at (973) 402-9410 ext. 634
https://www.boonton.org/630/Food-Pantries-Financial-Assistance
KINNELON FOOD PANTRY
Located at Church of the Nazarene in Kinnelon
Contact the church at (973) 838-1027
https://www.kinnelonboro.org/cn/webpage.cfm?tpid=8915
PEQUANNOCK TOWNSHIP FOOD PANTRY
Located in Friendship Hall at the First Reformed Church in Pequannock
Contact the church at (973) 835-1145
https://firstreformedchurch.com/connect/food-pantry-/
RIVERDALE FOOD PANTRY
Located at the Riverdale Community Center in Riverdale
Contact Darinda Norris at (973) 714-7141 or Michael Carelli at media@riverdalenj.gov
https://www.riverdalenj.gov/pages/riverdale-food-pantry
FLORHAM PARK FOOD PANTRY
Located at Holy Family Parish in Florham Park
Contact Anne Platoff at 973-822-0430 or Sharon Carr at 973-568-5932
https://holyfamilyfp.org/food-pantry
Monday, May 11th 6:00pm-7:30pm
Pequannock Senior House
530 Newark Pompton Turnpike, 
Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
LOAVES & FISHES COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY
Located at the First Presbyterian Church in Boonton
Contact Marjorie B. Roller at marjorie.roller@lfcfp.org or (862) 222-3006
https://www.lfcfp.org/
Registration opens Friday, April 24th.
Click here at that time.
Visit the Boonton Holmes Public Library
every third Friday of the month for
crafts, ages 6 and up.
New 
Jersey: 
Crossroads 
of 
the
American Revolution is a free event to
join to celebrate America’s birthday!
Riverdale Public Library 
93 Newark Pompton Turnpike,
Riverdale, NJ 07457
Tuesday, May 12th, 10:00am-2:00pm
Walk around the library to visit local
vendors and community partners like
your health department free of cost!
Saturday, April 18th 11:00am-3:00pm
1 Vidalia onion or
other sweet onion,
finely chopped
¼ cup sweet or dill
pickle relish
Fresh ground
pepper, to taste
Salt, to taste
Click here to make an appointment!


CROSSWORD
ACROSS
DOWN
2. What is something that analysts have confirmed
can lead to more success?
6. What are some childhood vaccines no longer
categorized as?
7. What is something that could increase an
adolescent's risk of a mental health disorder?
9. Where is the skin cancer screening being held on
May 12th?
10. According to Nemours TeensHealth, what
percent of happiness is based on a person's
situation?
11. What food is included in the smallest section of
the food pyramid now?
1. Where can you go for free on April 18th?
3. What road is the Riverdale Public Library on?
4. What kind of potatoes are used in Mama's Potato
Salad?
5. What is one of the common mental health disorders
adolescents suffer from?
8. What was one of the sun barriers mentioned?
Submit your answers here for a
chance to win this quarter’s
prize! 
https://www.surveymonkey.com
/r/2026Q2


POINTERS FOR PARENTS
LOOKING ON THE BRIGHT SIDE OF
ADOLESCENT MENTAL HEALTH
4,5,6
Adolescence is a time where the brain
is in transition. The hormones
associated with puberty go to work
transforming the brain to allow for
better social abilities, comprehending
more intricate values, and paving the
way for self-identity. This time can
also be the most trying for parents
and caregivers.
According to Nemours TeensHealth,
“around 10% of happiness is based on
a person’s situation.” Choosing
happiness or to do things that make
you happy, as an adolescent or an
adult, may be the real secret here.
Supporting the adolescent in your life
can help them to cultivate their own
happiness early on.
Happiness goes far beyond the
surface level smile. Analysts have
confirmed that the happier the person,
the more likely they are to succeed at
whatever it is they’d like to. Living a
happier life can lead to living a longer,
more wholesome, life. Working on
happiness now can prompt positive
mental health later.
Although connecting with your
adolescent may seem impossible,
start small. Conversing with them
beyond how was your day and
connecting with them and their
communities is a great first step. No
matter how busy your lives may be,
plan out time to interact when you
can, like in the car, at the table, etc.
THE BRAIN
A CHOICE
WHY WE CARE
WHAT YOU CAN DO


POINTERS FOR PARENTS
MORE ON ADOLESCENT MENTAL
HEALTH
7,8
According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), “one in seven 10-
19-year-olds experiences a mental
disorder”. There are many components
that play into an adolescent’s mental
health and some adolescents may
have a higher risk of having a disorder
than others. This risk could be from
their environment, genetics, whom
they’re surrounded by, and more. 
Signs that an adolescent could be
suffering from a mental health
condition can be confusing. Everyone
was once a teenager; we know it’s not
an easy time. Some things to be on the
look out for are changes in any of
their normal activities; the amount
they sleep, isolating themselves from
friends, and loss of interest in their
favorite things amongst other signs.
Mental health conditions such as
attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
(ADHD), depression, and anxiety are
the most common in adolescents. Some
less common conditions are eating
disorders and self-harm. When
adolescents with these conditions start
to explore in risky teenaged behaviors,
like dabbling with drugs and alcohol, it
can worsen the condition(s) all together. 
If you think the adolescent in your life
may be experiencing some form of
mental health issue(s) it’s important to
talk to them first. This conversation may
be uncomfortable for both of you, so it
will be important that you hear what
they’re saying without judgement. There
is still a stigma surrounding mental health
and they need to know you are a safe
person that can get them help.
THE STATS
SIGNS
CONDITIONS
WHAT YOU CAN DO


UPDATES &
RESOURCES
FOOD PYRAMID
MENTAL HEALTH
COVID-19
The food pyramid recently experienced a flip where the
largest section (what should be eaten most) is on top and
the smallest (what should be eaten least) is on the
bottom. Protein, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables
consume the largest section whereas the smallest section
is home to whole grains. The promotion of eating “real
food” is not something new, but The Dietary Guidelines
for Americans  pushes for it to be the standard for 2025-
2030. Some other changes include no longer allowing
SNAP benefits to purchase candy and soda, slowly
taking away petroleum-based dyes from foods, and
revamping infant formula standards. Learn more at
https://realfood.gov/.
NJDOH
Dashboard
SOURCES
1. Mayo Clinic. (2025, 24 December). Skin caner.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/skin-cancer/symptoms-
causes/syc-20377605
2.American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.) What to Look For:
ABCDES of Melanoma. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-
cancer/find/at-risk/abcdes
3.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, January 17). Steps for Losing
Weight. https://www.cdc.gov/healthy-weight-growth/losing-weight/index.html 
4.Neymours TeensHealth. (2023, January). How to Live a Happy Life.
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/happy-life.html
5.Sege, R. (2024, March 31). Creating Positive Experiences for Teens. American
Academy of Pediatrics. https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-
living/emotional-wellness/Building-Resilience/Pages/Creating-Positive-
Experiences-for-Teens.aspx
6.UCLA Center for Developing Adolescent. (2025, March 27). Early Adolescence as
an Important Window of Opportunity for Positive Development.
https://developingadolescent.semel.ucla.edu/blog/item/early-adolescence-as-
an-important-window-of-opportunity-for-positive-development
7.World Health Organization. (2025, September 1). Mental health of adolescents.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/adolescent-mental-health
8.Chung, R. (2025, May 20). Teen Mental Health: How to Know When Your Child
Needs Help. American Academy of Pediatrics.
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Mental-
Health-and-Teens-Watch-for-Danger-Signs.aspx
9.USDA. (n.d.) Real Food Wins. https://realfood.gov/
10.Howard, B. (2026, March 3). What you need to know about the updated
childhood vaccination schedule. Association of American Medical Colleges.
https://www.aamc.org/news/what-you-need-know-about-updated-childhood-
vaccination-schedule
Statewide and Regional
COVID Activity Report and
Risk Level by County
Morris County-Based 
Atlantic Health Testing Sites
Atlantic Health Vaccination 
Morris County Human Services
Substance Abuse and Mental Health
Service Administration 24 Hour Hotline: 
       1-800-985-5990
New Jersey Human Services: 1-800-985-
5990
Suicide and Crisis Line: 988 
Available for texts or calls
 9
VACCINES
Along with the food pyramid, childhood vaccinations
also underwent a makeover recently. These vaccinations
fall under one of two categories, “recommended” or  
“shared clinical decision making (SCDM)”. In January,
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
(HHS) 
went 
from 
recommending 
17 
childhood
vaccinations to 11. Vaccinations such as COVID-19,
hepatitis A & B, influenza, and rotavirus are now no
longer recommended but have moved to be under
SCDM. The impact this may have is still yet to be
revealed, but public health officials will be on the look
out to see if these specific illnesses spike in the upcoming
years. 
10
Find a treatment facility near you at
findtreatment.gov.