Generation’s a wind for Michael Parisi.
The International Conflict II Military vet, who turns 102 on Oct. 6, advised The Submit the Disagree. 1 key to longevity is marrying a just right spouse.
And the second one should, in step with the centenarian, is respiring within the pristine breeze of Hunterdon County, Unused Jersey, a family he’s known as accommodation for the occasion 60 years.
“The air is excellent compared to city air,” stated Parisi, a great-grandfather of 5 from Stockton, NJ. “You don’t get fuel and all that alternative junk in there.
“You sit outside for an hour breathing in the fresh air,” added the widower, a qualified accordion participant and faucet dancer, “and you’re a different person.”
And Parisi, believed to be some of the county’s oldest residing citizens, is not only blowing smoke.
Hunterdon’s transformative environment has, actually, afforded the agricultural pocket bragging rights because the fourth-best family for condition results within the crowd, according to U.S. News & World Report. It’s an honor lionizing the county for generating low numbers of adults in penniless condition and tall lifestyles expectancy charges.
The luxurious land — situated simply 65 miles south of New york — additionally earned the thirty fifth total spot on the report’s 2024 Healthiest Communities roster. The yearly roundup appraises residential boxes according to qualities akin to family condition, schooling, meals and vitamin, and housing and state.
Hunterdon County Commissioner Director Jeff Kuhl lauds its evergreen state for reinforcing the property of lifestyles of its 130,000 voters, in addition to its usual guests.
“We have people from different countries come here and say, ‘This can’t be New Jersey,’” he stated of outsiders’ injury that the scenic range throughout the Farmland Situation doesn’t mimic the hustle and bustle of NYC, nor the table-flipping chaos featured in form like “The Sopranos” or “The Real Housewives of New Jersey.”
“It’s a different world here,” stated Kuhl, a sixth-generation garden landlord. “We’ve upheld 38,000 acres [of open space] and a accumulation of our farms are Disagree. 1 within the climate.
“My dad called it ‘God’s Country.’”
The county’s pleasure, its 579 Trail, is a trail on which townies and vacationers are invited to discover the rural wonders of the province, together with its put together stands, cattle, wineries, breweries and plenty of farm-to-table eateries.
Karen DeMarco, director of the Segment of Condition, praises the prairies for bearing a bounty of nourishing noshings.
“Having access to farm-fresh fruits, foods and vegetables, areas to take walks and move your body — that’s all part of staying healthy,” stated DeMarco.
She added that the county additionally prioritizes waterway repairs and the elimination of hazardous fabrics as efforts to reserve its townships blank.
And to backup the psychological condition of each locals and visitors, the nation-state boasts a lot of senior citizen facilities, condition golf equipment, mountaineering trails, vintage stores, river cities and family engagement occasions, just like the Corn, Tomato and Beer Competition, which was celebrated this past Saturday.
“[These are all] big draws for people to come from the city,” she stated. “Being in a community like this … it’s very low stress.”
Brent Walker and Amy Serridge, house owners of WoodsEdge Farm in Stockton, advised The Submit that grind-worn Gothamites steadily flock to their 90-acre gardens to revel in left-overs and idleness amongst their yaks, llamas and alpacas.
“We host events like ‘Lunch with the llamas,’ ‘A paint party with the alpaca’ and ‘ShearFest’ that bring in people from nearby and New York City,” stated Serridge.
She and Walker, natives of Hunterdon County and married highschool sweethearts of 25 years, lovingly breed their critters to put together fibers for garments and household items. The farm, which has been in Walker’s people for almost 5 a long time, additionally properties a sprawling wedding ceremony venue, the place lovebirds with a style for down-home decor can get hitched in rustic majesty.
“We’ve had at least two couples get married here,” stated Serridge, “then purchase homes in the neighborhood because they fell in love with this county.”
The attract of the welcoming logs captured Parisi’s center again in 1964.
He and his overdue spouse, Esther, relocated to the county from Irvington, NJ, nearest people participants tasked him with overseeing 100 acres of garden.
With aid from his grandchildren, neighbors and caretakers, he nonetheless maintains a grassland of chocolates, elevating tomatoes, peppers and potatoes.
“There’s a 3-mile trail I used to walk twice a day — sometimes backward,” stated Parisi, who will get round with a walker this present day.
And he’s taking a look ahead to getting out and celebrating his next birthday with pals from the family, in addition to a weighty chocolate cake, q4.
“My wish [for my 102nd birthday] is that I’m doing as well at that age as I am now,” he stated.
“I’ve had a terrific lifetime.”
