Harding Township Civic Association

Harding Township Civic Association

THUMBNAIL ACCOUNTS OF CIVIC AFFAIRS

“Keeping Harding Informed Since at Least 1971”

www.HardingCivic.org

January 2015

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Kirby Hall Re-Dedication Ceremony: Sunday, November 30, 2014

One Sunday November 30, Kirby Hall, Harding's municipal building was re-dedicated. A much needed renovation of the building is nearing completion. The land and funds for the building were a gift from Marian and Allan Kirby to the people of Harding many years ago. Following in that tradition, the Kirby Foundation donated the money for the current renovation.

Mayor Nicolas Platt and Jefferson Walker Kirby, of the Kirby Foundation and a current Harding resident, made short speeches, both of which touched on interesting early Harding history. The texts are included below. After their comments, a couple dozen members of the Kirby family, led by Jefferson Walker Kirby, pulled a rope which unveiled the new sign which will grace the Blue Mill Road entrance to the municipal grounds.

Much gratitude is due the Kirby Foundation and family for these generous gifts.

Remark by Mayor Nicolas Platt

Good afternoon. On behalf of my colleagues on the Township Committee, welcome.

It is wonderful to have such a nice turnout. As I look out I see many elected officials, families and friends and of course, our residents.

I always like to start out any event by making a few remarks about Harding Township’s unique history.

Over 92 years ago, the residents of this town, mostly farmers, watched what was going on in neighboring communities and collectively decided everything was moving too fast. Instead, they decided to embrace their agricultural heritage and go it alone. So, in 1922, they seceded from Passaic Township. Named their new town after the then sitting President (Warren G. Harding) and never looked back. If there are any doubts about the wisdom of this courageous move, just look around you. But the story could have ended quite differently if the new Township’s business plan relied primarily on only tax revenue to make it work. It didn’t. Instead, they anchored their independence on pay as you go and the concept of volunteerism and the generosity of its residents, which is why we are all here this afternoon.

During a critical stage in our development, it became apparent that the Town was in need of a place to conduct its business. Planning began in 1974 and in 1980, this magnificent building was dedicated. The Kirby family volunteered their time and the financial resources of the F.M. Kirby Foundation to make this happen.

We love this building. In fact, we love it almost too much. After 34 years, the interior spaces had become worn and tired and once again, the Foundation awarded the Township of Harding a grant to assist us in covering some of the cost of those renovations.

There are way too many people to thank. Whether it is Gail McKane, our Administrator who oversaw the project on top of an already healthy work load, or the sign maker outside of Buffalo, New York who worked over a weekend to make sure the sign arrived here on time. This project became a matter of personal pride for everyone. The spirit of volunteerism and giving is the core of what makes this town work and that was embodied in this entire project.

In a few minutes, the Township Committee will be inviting members of the Kirby family to grab hold of the rope that is on the floor leading out to the Atrium. It will unveil a new sign that will grace the front entrance for what we expect will be for at least the next 34 years. Before the family are asked to pull on the rope, I would like to invite Jeff, a grandson of Marian and Allan Kirby, a director of the F.M. Kirby Foundation and a Harding resident to say a few words and introduce all the members of the family that are here this afternoon.

Remarks by Jefferson Walker Kirby

My father, Fred Kirby, could never understand a wedding being scheduled for a Saturday during college football season. I am sure many here feel the same way about building rededications on NFL Sundays, so this will be brief.

Members of our family have lived in Harding Township nonstop for about 75 years. That makes us relative newcomers compared to some here, but it's a pretty good stretch nonetheless. Today, we have with us former, current or soon to be residents Allan Kirby (a son of Marian and Allan Kirby), his daughter Jessie Lee and her daughter Marian, and his son Coray with his son Brush; my mother, Walker Kirby; my cousin Wade Kirby, his wife Linda and their three boys Croft, Reed and Taylor; my brother Dillard, who is President of the F.M. Kirby Foundation, and his wife Adrienne and their daughter Lizzie; and my wife Karen and two of our children Jane and Sam.

Thank you, Nic, for allowing us an opportunity to celebrate today. This building is a tribute to a community and its civic heart, soul and mind. We are all indebted to the good women and men who work in these offices; who serve in the various departments and upon the many committees that administer and guide our common good; who within and outside these walls strive to protect us; who staff our polling stations on election day; who monitor, manage and steward our magnificent open space; and who serve the community in myriad other ways. This building is a beehive of activity among such officials and volunteers, not to mention the many, many citizens with whom they interface year round.

A few weeks ago, I was in the basement of Kemmerer Library donating blood. When done, I wandered through the stacks of books on the first floor and came upon a record of Town Council meetings for most of the 20th century. I was curious to see what may have been going on when my family first came to Harding. There was a single accounting for the period 1934-39, and it included the following information:

The Town Council consisted of Chairman Fred Mullen, John Quinn and Leland Baird. Harold Emery was appointed Patrolman half-time and road maintenance worker the other half. In an emergency he laid down his shovel and picked up his gun. The Police Station was the Emery kitchen where his wife, Edith, answered calls and, if needed, she turned on the porch light for Harold to see as he passed on his rounds using his own car, for which he received an allowance of $6 per month. Patrolman Emery was named Chief in 1936 and requested the Town Council to pressure the State for a "flashing beacon signal" at the dangerous intersections: Lee's Hill, Blue Mill, Glen Alpin and Village Roads. Four years later, the State complied. The municipal budget during those years was about $37,000 annually.

This is a vignette into the Harding Township to which Marian and Allan Kirby relocated from Wilkes-Barre, PA. And we are so glad they did. While a lot has changed in the intervening years, Harding has retained much of the charm that was attractive to them back then.

Our family and the F. M. Kirby Foundation are proud to have been associated with the original construction of this Municipal Building. Today, like the facility around us that pride is refreshed and sparkles anew.

HARDING TOWNSHIP CIVIC ASSOCIATION

Dog Show Returns to Harding!

The Civic Association is considering hosting a Dog Show next September at Hartley Farms, which was the original site of the famous Morris and Essex Dog Show from 1927-1957. The proposed show would be open to dogs that reside in Harding. Since January is the time for registering our dogs with the Health Department and registration will be the criteria for participation, this advanced information about the show is being “leaked” to the community to encourage everyone to register your dog now. Watch for more details in the Thumbnail in the coming months.

HARDING TOWNSHIP POLICE DEPARTMENT

New Program Gives Caregivers Peace of Mind

A new program, Project Lifesaver, has been implemented by the Morris County Sheriff’s Office to provide enhanced support and assistance to Morris County residents who are primary caregivers for an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia disorder as well as families of children afflicted with Down syndrome, autism, traumatic brain injuries or cognitive impairments.

These individuals might be prone to wander away from home and become confused or lost. Project Lifesaver allows for a proactive response by law enforcement if this happens. This not only saves time and manpower but also, gives caregivers and families peace of mind and reassurance that all possible resources will be utilized in the effort to locate and return their loved one home safely.

Participants in the Project Lifesaver program wear a special wrist or ankle bracelet equipped with a small transmitter which emits a signal that law enforcement can track when someone goes missing. Search times have been reduced from days and hours, to minutes. Average recovery times are well under 30 minutes.

The Morris County Sheriff’s Office serves as the lead agency for Project Lifesaver and in this role, it coordinates the overall operations and management of the program to ensure effective services. Other area agencies provide collaborative support, funding and programmatic assistance in the areas of participant referrals and application review.

For more information including enrollment criteria and application process, contact Patrolman Christel at Harding Police Department or visit:

http://cts.vresp.com/c/?HardingTownshipCivic/ec6f0f1830/54a74e15d6/af955653d5

GREEN VILLAGE VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting

HARDING TOWNSHIP | GREEN VILLAGE BRIDLE PATH ASSOCIATION

Community Donation Drive

The HT/GV Bridle Path Association has started its annual Community Donation Drive. As always, the continued support of the residents is greatly appreciated and essential in keeping the trails and adjoining properties, including the show grounds, well maintained and safe for all. If you have not already received your donation request in the mail, and would like one, please contact Brita Tansy at .

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURH OF NEW VERNON

Harding Township residents are cordially invited to attend a Community Celebration of Christmas at the First Presbyterian Church of New Vernon (Fellowship Hall) on Wednesday, December 24. There will be a Family Service at 5PM and a Candlelight Service at 11PM. On Sunday, December 14, there will also be a Service of Comfort and Joy which will be held in Fellowship Hall at 5pm. Please contact Patti Wood (973)425-0878.

GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED ASSOCIATION

Breakfast Briefing Series: Are There Drugs In Our Water Supplies?

Cost: Free. Please consider making a donation to the Great Swamp Watershed Association in support of this event. Space is limited, so advanced registration is strongly recommended. Register at GreatSwamp.org or call (973) 538-3500 x22.

KEMMERER LIBRARY: January Calendar

Winter Hours:

Monday-Friday: 10-5

Saturday: 10-1

Sunday: 12-3.

For registration and a full description of our programs, please visit our website at www.hardinglibrary.org or call us at 973-267-2665.

HARDING TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Harding Township Historical Society Annual Meeting

HARDING TOWNSHIP HEALTH DEPARTMENT

Free Vaccine Program

There is a State funded program available to Harding residents who do not have insurance or whose insurance does not cover specific vaccines. The vaccines available are Zostavax (for shingles), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis known as whooping cough), Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B. This program is free to Harding Township residents 18 years of age and older and is available at the Hanover Township Health Department at 1000 Route 10, Whippany. To schedule an appointment call 973-515- 6667.

Drug Take-Back Program

Drug disposal boxes have been set up in the lobby of several local police departments and are available 24 hours a day, every day. All prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, medication samples, veterinary medications and narcotics are accepted. Not acceptable are needles, IV bags, personal care products, hydrogen peroxide, inhalers, thermometers and other mercury products. Drug drop boxes are located at the Madison Police Department at 62 Kings Road, Madison and Hanover Township Health Department at 1000 Route 10, Whippany.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Highlights - Board of Education Meeting: November 17th

The Board accepted the resignation of Dev Modi as he moves on to become a member of the Township Committee. Laudatory comments praising Dev’s four years on the Board, the last as Board President, were offered by each member. Kim Macaulay was unanimously elected as Board President to replace Mr. Modi.

The Superintendent presented the MAP (Measures of Academic Progress) report which described the results of the test administered to the students in October. In all cases, our students perform better than the national average. This report can be viewed online at the Harding School website.

It was also noted that about 30-35% of the possible 600 or so school age children living in Harding attend private schools, significantly higher than in neighboring Districts. Furthermore, by law, the District must pay transportation costs (within 20 miles) for these students to attend the private schools, which results in a significant sum. On the other hand, the physical facilities at Harding accommodate the present student body very well, and would be challenged to handle the full potential enrollment.

The acting Business Administrator reported receipt of the “hard copy” of the CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report) which was summarized at the last Board meeting. He noted that the surplus funds were the maximum allowed by the state and the District was in the best possible condition.

Notice was advertised for candidates interested in serving on the Board to fill Dev Modi’s position in the normal locations. Several responses have been received. The Board interviewed these candidates on December 1st and December 3rd.

(Note: the purpose of this brief report is to help Harding residents connect with the School by highlighting significant items addressed by the Board. The “meeting minutes” are filed by the Board Secretary and placed on the Harding School website for all to view, generally about a month after the meeting date.)

PLANNING BOARD MEETING:

Highlights: October 27, 2014