Newsletters  >   goHunterdon receives $25,000 grant from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Category: 2025 Spring Newsletter

goHunterdon receives $25,000 grant from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Apr 29, 2025

goHunterdon has received a grant in the amount of $25,000 from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. The donation made through The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, will be used to fund the Hunterdon Healthcare Access Transportation Program.

“This grant from Horizon will enable goHunterdon to continue our ongoing work to address transportation needs within Hunterdon County,” said Tara Shepherd, Executive Director. The Hunterdon Healthcare Access Transportation Program, launched in 2020, benefits seniors, who are patients of Hunterdon Health primary care practices, to get to needed non-emergency medical appointments. Working collaboratively with Hunterdon Health Home Medical Care Coordinators, goHunterdon facilitates rides to appointments using Uber and Lyft. “We are grateful to the Horizon Foundation for New Jersey for supporting goHunterdon to address this identified transportation gap within our community,” said Shepherd.

“Horizon is pleased to support the important work being done by goHunterdon to increase access to healthcare” said Jonathan R. Pearson, Executive Director of The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey. “The Healthcare Access Transportation Program aligns with Horizon’s commitment to helping our members access the resources they need to manage their health. We are improving the health of the communities we serve by helping people [goal of the grant]. The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey works across New Jersey with grantees who share our commitment to improving the health and communities we serve.”

The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey’s philanthropic arm, is focused on making New Jersey healthier by supporting non-profit organizations that expand access to health care, remove barriers to good health and increase opportunities for everyone to achieve their best health, no matter who they are or where they live. Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey and The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey are independent licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

RFIS Students Explore Air Quality with Support from goHunterdon

Apr 29, 2025

Reading-Flemington Intermediate School (RFIS) students are taking a closer look at outdoor air quality thanks to an ongoing partnership with goHunterdon and sixth-grade teacher Lisa Coster.

Jodi Bettermann, Sustainable Hunterdon Specialist at goHunterdon, recently met with RFIS Student Council members to talk about air quality, its effects on human health, and how everyday transportation choices play a role in air pollution.

During her visit, students participated in a hands-on activity to observe particulate matter in the air. They placed petroleum jelly-coated index cards around the school grounds, left them out for a week, and then examined the collected particles to understand what’s in the air they breathe.

This simple but effective experiment served as a visual introduction to air pollution and laid the groundwork for a larger initiative. In December, an outdoor PurpleAir air quality sensor was installed at the school, providing real-time data through the PurpleAir network and the U.S. EPA’s PM2.5 air quality map.

Students will analyze the sensor data and collaborate with goHunterdon to develop strategies to improve local air quality. These may include awareness campaigns about clean air, anti-idling efforts, and documentation of their findings and actions.

The project builds on environmental work started by Mrs. Coster’s students last year as part of the GLOBE Program, a nationwide initiative that equips educators with tools to teach Earth science and scientific observation. Their project, “Does car idling in rural New Jersey affect air quality?”, earned a “Spirit Award” at the GLOBE Northeast Student Research Symposium.

Committed to advocating for cleaner air, RFIS students plan to use the collected data to participate in the EPA’s Air Quality Flag Program and to support the school’s application for Sustainable Jersey certification.

For more information about goHunterdon’s Air Quality Programs, https://gohunterdon.org/sustainable-hunterdon/air-quality/

Local Businesses Encouraged to Join “Cyclists Welcome” Campaign

Apr 28, 2025

Bicycle tourism plays a significant role in boosting local economies by generating revenue for businesses, as cyclists often spend money on lodging, meals, and retail goods during their travels. A 2017 study by the Outdoor Recreation Association revealed that bicyclists spend a staggering $83 billion on trip-related expenses and contribute an additional $97 billion in retail spending.

“Bicyclists typically seek out places like coffee shops, breweries, restaurants, and stores where they can easily park their bikes, grab a bite, and recharge,” says Tara Shepherd, Executive Director of goHunterdon.

In an effort to help businesses tap into this growing market, goHunterdon coordinates a  “Cyclists Welcome” program as part of the Bike Hunterdon initiative. The program aims to highlight businesses that cater to cyclists and make them feel more welcome.

Hunterdon County businesses are invited to join the free program, which will list them on the Bike Hunterdon website. Participants will also receive a complimentary “Cyclists Welcome” window decal to display at their storefronts, signaling to bike tourists that their establishment is cyclist-friendly.

For more information, visit: https://www.bikehunterdon.org/cyclist-welcome-decal

goHunterdon Supporting Countywide Bicycle Planning Initiative

Apr 28, 2025

goHunterdon is proud to be part of a collaborative effort to expand and improve bicycling opportunities across Hunterdon County. Spearheaded by Hunterdon County and funded by the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA), the initiative aims to create a comprehensive Bicycle Plan that will connect parks, open spaces, and key destinations through an integrated trail system.

Rather than focusing on building new roads, the plan prioritizes enhancing existing trails and greenways to create a seamless, county-wide biking network. This approach aligns with the goals of the Hunterdon County Strategic Park and Open Space Plan, which calls for a connected trail system that improves public access to open spaces and parks, especially near population centers.

Hunterdon County already boasts hundreds of miles of biking trails, maintained by the County Parks Department. These trails are actively promoted through local Economic Development and Tourism initiatives, including popular themed experiences like the Main Street Trail, Beer Trail, and 579 Trail. goHunterdon also supports these initiatives through its dedicated cycling website, www.bikehunterdon.org, which provides valuable information about trails and resources for both local cyclists and visitors.

The 2025 Bicycle Plan presents a unique opportunity for residents and cyclists to help shape the future of biking in the county.

To learn more or get involved in the planning process, visit: https://www.co.hunterdon.nj.us/2870/Hunterdon-Bicycle-Plan

Spring Kicks Off Bicycling Season for Hunterdon County Safe Routes to School Program

Apr 28, 2025

As springtime rolls in, the Hunterdon County Safe Routes to School Program—led by goHunterdon—shifts its focus to bicycling. The program follows a straightforward mission: “Where it is safe, get more kids bicycling or walking; where it is not safe, make it safe.”

Bike Trains Are Rolling Out

This spring, goHunterdon will organize bike trains at both Hampton Public School and Frenchtown Elementary School. A bike train is a fun and safe way for students to bike to school as a group, accompanied by adult leaders at the front and back. These rolling convoys can range from a few neighborhood friends riding together to larger groups with multiple “stations” along the route where more riders hop on. The goal? Encourage a love for biking while teaching essential safety skills that last a lifetime.

Hampton Public School is gearing up for its 3rd annual bike train, while Frenchtown Elementary will launch its first-ever group ride. The Frenchtown bike train route will take students along the D&R Canal State Park Towpath, which conveniently parallels the school’s walking route.

Bicycle Rodeos Build Skills and Confidence

In addition to the bike trains, goHunterdon will host bicycle rodeos this spring at High Bridge Elementary, Hampton Public, and Frenchtown Elementary schools. These hands-on events give students the chance to practice bike handling, boost their riding confidence, and sharpen their safety knowledge.

Each rodeo includes:

  • On-site bike maintenance checks and basic repairs by goHunterdon staff
  • Helmet fittings to ensure proper safety gear
  • On-bike skills development including braking, balance, turning, and signaling
  • A review of key bicycle safety rules and laws

For more information about the Safe Routes to School Program in Hunterdon County, visit: https://gohunterdon.org/safety/safe-routes/

Who to Contact?
If you have questions about goHunterdon receives $25,000 grant from Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, please contact:
Tara Shepherd
tshepherd@gohunterdon.org
(908) 788-5553 Close