Laura DePrado, right, accepts a 2016 Horticultural Therapy Week proclamation from then-Freeholder Director Pat Walsh.

The Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders congratulates horticultural therapist Laura DePrado of Branchburg on her recent article in the American Horticultural Therapy Association’s Journal of Therapeutic Horticulture.

“Raising Awareness of Horticultural Therapy with the Seed of ‘National Horticultural Therapy Week’ and Roots of New Jersey Agriculture” appears in the journal’s fall issue.

The article recounts her successful efforts, with the help of state Sen. Kip Bateman and former Assemblywoman Donna Simon, to make New Jersey the first state in the nation to celebrate Horticultural Therapy Week during the third week in March, starting in 2016. Gov. Chris Christie signed the joint legislative resolution into law in May 2015.

The New Jersey Senate and Assembly resolutions, along with proclamations from Rep. Leonard Lance and from the Board of Freeholders, were presented at a freeholders’ meeting in February 2017. (more…)

Blooming through the Seasons in purposeful and meaningful activities that guide connection and engagement, and bring about success for all. ~ Courtesy of Laura DePrado

The Monarch Butterfly migrates to seek new life. Leaves are turning brilliant golds, reds and bronze at their own seasonal pace across the canvas of the landscape. Leaves are dropping. Trees, shrubs, and summer’s flowers bloom are no more. 

October is falling into a cornucopia of mums, pumpkins, gourds, corn stalks, celosia, pansies, cabbages and kales, while Horticultural Therapy and community connections are blooming and creating another landscape in the making. (more…)

The Warren Township Library branch hosted a Special Needs Social Hour program. These programs are designed for adults with special needs to meet new people and explore fun and interesting activities including music, art, yoga, gardening, crafts, and more. This program explored container gardening with Laura DePrado of Final Touch Plantscaping, LLC. (courtesy photo)

Somerset County libraries’ Warren Township Library branch began offering programs for adults with developmental disabilities in September 2016. The Library has offered over half a dozen programs thus far, and plans to expand the initiative in the future. The participants have enjoyed bingo, yoga, jewelry making, music, dancing, gardening, and more.

“I am delighted that SCLSNJ offers various recreational and developmental programs for adults in our community with developmental disabilities. These programs offer a chance for adults with developmental disabilities to socialize and to learn the necessary skills that will help them lead full, fulfilling lives.

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