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Harding Township Civic Association
THUMBNAIL ACCOUNTS OF CIVIC AFFAIRS
“Keeping Harding Informed Since 1949”
ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING Events
APRIL 2026
HARDING TOWNSHIP CIVIC ASSOCIATION
HESNA PFEIFFER AWARD WINNER!
GERTRUDE MILLS WILLEAN has been named the recipient of the Harding Township Civic Association Hesna Pfeiffer Award, honoring a lifetime of quiet and unwavering service to the community. Born 88 years ago in the farmhouse of her parents on Long Hill Road in what is now The Great Swamp, Gertrude has consistently stepped in to help neighbors in need—providing care, coordinating support, and guiding families through difficult transitions, often without recognition. Her compassion and dedication have touched countless individuals, from assisting elderly residents to ensuring proper care for those unable to advocate for themselves.
In addition to her personal acts of kindness, Gertrude has played a pivotal role in strengthening community institutions. As a longtime leader and President of the Harding Senior Citizens, she has helped the organization thrive through thoughtful programming, strong stewardship, and collaboration with local partners. Her volunteer work extends to local religious and charitable organizations, where she has supported outreach efforts for decades. Gertrude’s lifelong commitment embodies the spirit of service and community that this award represents. CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING YOU DO FOR OUR COMMUNITY!
TOWNSHIP COMMITTEE MEETING
Municipal Budget Introduced – Taxes Up about 3.6%
The Township Committee introduced the preliminary budget for Harding Township at the March meeting. The tax rate will increase 3.7%, from 3.48 mils to 3.55 mils. On a $1M property this is an increase of $127.
This tax increase and this report only refer to the part of your property tax bill (about 27%) for municipal government (police, admin, health, DPW, Open Space Trust, courts, etc.). School budget (47% last year) and county (24%) are not included in this analysis. We don’t know yet, what the Harding Township Board of Ed has proposed for the school tax levy, but Morris County will not increase the tax rate, for the 7th year in a row. The County is benefiting from the significant development that creates enough new property to tax that it does not need to increase the tax rate on all existing property owners.
Back to Harding Township. Harding municipal budget is proposed to be almost $11.5mm in 2026, up 3.7%. Employee compensation and benefits (current and post-retirement) will account for 61% of that total while all others are 39%. The biggest line, Salary and Wages, is set to increase less than 1% while health insurance, usually a large upward driver, will actually decrease 1.6% due to retirees aging out or passing away and some current employees opting out. On the other hand, pension expenses are up smartly. Non-Employee expenses are set to increase 3.7% – 43% increase in capital improvement fund funding, 16% increase in “other expenses” and 9% increase in reserve for uncollected taxes. Debt service is dropping while Harding Township is on track to be debt free in 2028.
What is the $1.8M of “Other Expenses”? Building/Road/Park maintenance ($214K), Utilities ($194K), Joint Insurance Fund ($205K), Legal ($140K), Technology ($95K), Engineering ($37.5k), Legal – tax appeals ($30K), Library ($50K), Audit ($38K), Snow removal ($88K) and $711k for Miscellaneous Other. This “Misc. Other” is the total of non-compensation expenses for the individual department budgets – general admin ($82k), municipal clerk ($44K), Planning board ($41K), Police ($171K – the largest), solid waste collection ($100) and roughly 15 others.
So, the expenditures were driven by inflation pressure (bad), paydown of debt (good), decrease in health insurance (good), increase in capital improvement fund (good long term) and reduction in “other expenses” (good).
According to NJ State law, the municipal budget must be balanced. Revenue sources come from taxes (64%), use of surplus (20%), other municipal revenues (7%) and three other minor items (8%).
To generate the $7.3mm need to balance the budget, Harding Township has to tax the 1,930 properties the assessed value of which is just over $2.1 billion. The taxable base has increased very modest for several years as compared to the county which has seen a building boom, especially in Morristown, the county seat.
To repeat the bottom line, the tax rate for Harding (municipal and Open Space) will increase 3.7%. For a $1mm property (slightly below the average property value) , this drives a $127 increase in this portion of your property tax bill.
Harding Township is projected to still have a healthy surplus of almost $3.5mm at the end of the year. And Harding Township, a AAA rated municipality, should be debt free by the end of 2028.
Harding has the lowest municipal tax rate in the county and maybe the lowest in NJ.
The Township Committee proposed the 2026 capital budget totaling $619K consisting of Department of Public Works equipment ($285K), Police vehicles ($140K), police equipment ($86.5K), road improvements ($70K) and Township facility improvements ($37.5K: Tunis-Elicks house, municipal facilities, DPW building).
The Township Committee enumerated the challenge and risks the Township faces including affordable housing obligations, NJ unfunded mandates for storm water management and police, escalating healthcare costs, growing state pension costs coupled with poor state management of pension assets, etc.
The budget will have a public hearing and adoption on April 7th. (Interesting note: New NJ law imposes $100 per day fine, on each committee member PERSONALLY, if municipal budgets are not introduced and adopted on time. This has not been an issue for Harding Township.)
The 40-page slide presentation is available on the HT website…www.hardingnj.org
Harding Will Change: Significant Population Increase Coming
At the end of the budget presentation, the Township Committee commented about some very important news and medium-term impact for our town.
First, Chris Yates announced that just hours before, Harding got the good news that its Round 4 Affordable Housing plan was accepted. It was challenged by GHK Realty (Harding residents Gail and Herman Kurz), the developer who wanted to build 135 homes on a site at 655 Spring Valley Road. The developer has owned the 30+ acre property for several years and had already received approval to subdivide and build 5-6 homes on large lots. But they wanted to do more (135 townhouse units!) and challenged Harding’s Affordable housing plan that fulfilled Harding’s obligation in other ways. The court sided with Harding and approved the township’s plan as submitted. The plaintiff will appeal but the plaintiff having success in overturning the ruling is thought to be very unlikely.
Though this is a win for Harding, Mr. Yates projected that the impact of these many years of affordable housing mandates will change the face of the township dramatically – leading to a population increase of 40-50%. The areas most impacted will be Rt 202 by the border with Bernardsville (our side of Old Mill Inn) and the property, also on Rt 202, behind the old AT&T Long Lines buildings. As well, the Hurstmont re-development into a senior living center will be home to many more individuals.
The impact on Harding budget (municipal and school) is difficult to determine currently. Yes, there will be more property tax revenue, but Harding will also need to provide more service – more police, more EMT (volunteer shortage now!), administration, DPW and school, though some estimates of school age children in the townhouse developments are shockingly low.
Planning for what Harding will look like and how it will accommodate this change will take significant analysis and planning. But it’s clear that the steamroller of the Mt Laurel affordable housing mandate is coming closer.
HARDING TOWNSHIP EDUCATION FOUNDATION (HTEF)
Step Back in Time for a Night to Remember!
Join us this spring for an unforgettable evening as the Harding Township Education Foundation celebrates 30 years of impact, while also kicking off the centennial celebration of Harding Township School!
In honor of these incredible milestones, this year’s fundraiser will transport you to the glamour and excitement of the Roaring Twenties. Set against the elegant backdrop of the Fairleigh Dickinson Mansion, this themed gala promises a night of celebration, community, and purpose.
This special event is open to all members of the Harding community, and we would love for you to be part of the celebration.
Get Involved:
Purchase your tickets using the QR code below. Can’t attend? You can still support HTEF with a donation through the same link. Your participation helps continue HTEF’s mission of enriching educational experiences for Harding Township students.
Put on your best Roaring Twenties-inspired attire and join us for a night of celebration, history, and impact!
HARDING TOWNSHIP SCHOOL
Seeking HTS Yearbooks for Our 100th Year Celebration
As we prepare for our upcoming Harding Township School 100th year celebration this September, we are reaching out to the community for help locating several historic HTS yearbooks. We are specifically looking for copies from the following years:
- 1957
- 1962
- 1963
- 1964
If you have one of these yearbooks, we would be grateful for the opportunity to scan the cover. If possible, we would also love to display it at the celebration as part of our historical showcase. Your contribution will help us honor and preserve the rich history of Harding Township School.
If you have one of these yearbooks, please reach out to us by email [email protected]. We’d be grateful for the chance to connect and include it in our celebration.
We hope you can join us this fall. Please save the date: Friday, September 25th, 2026
QUARTERLY VETERANS ROUND-TABLE
SUPPORTING OUR VETERAN’S COMMUNITY (NEW DATE)
Harding Township invites all veterans, active service members, their families, and all community members interested in supporting our veterans to attend our first Quarterly Veterans Round-table, held as part of New Jersey’s We Value Our Veterans Community initiative on April 28th, 7pm, at the Harding Township Municipal Offices. This meeting provides an open forum to connect with municipal leaders and veteran service representatives, learn about available local, county, state, and federal resources, and share ideas on how our community can better support those who have served. Your participation helps ensure that Harding continues to recognize and serve our veterans. Contact Rita Chipperson at (201) 919-8098 or [email protected] with any questions.
RUMMAGE SALE DONATIONS NEEDED:
PROCEEDS SUPPORT LOCAL HOME CARE & AVN HOSPICE
The Atlantic Visiting Nurse (AVN) Rummage Sale is accepting donations April 4 – 21 (Mondays – Saturdays) from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Far Hills Fairgrounds at 1 Peapack Rd in nearby Far Hills. All proceeds directly support AVN’s home health and hospice programs, helping patients in our community receive care in the comfort of their own homes.
Accepted items include gently used clothing, furniture, household goods, sports equipment, toys, and books. All items must be clean and in sellable condition. For a full list of accepted items, visit atlantichealth.org/rummagesale.
Volunteers are also welcome! If you’d like to help, stop by the fairgrounds during donation hours (Mon.–Sat., 10 a.m.–1 p.m.) to sign up.
The sale itself takes place over three days:
- Fri. May 1 & Sat. May 2 — 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Sun. May 3 — 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Admission is free. Every dollar raised supports AVN’s mission to bring high-quality care to patients and families across our community. To learn more, visit atlantichealth.org/homecare.
HARDING LAND TRUST
Harding Land Trust Annual Meeting
Thursday, April 24th, 6:30pm at the New Vernon Fire House
Harding and the Highlands: Harding Township joined the New Jersey Highlands as a conforming municipality in 2024. Find out how this critical decision impacts our open space and preservation plans and impacts the future of Harding.
HLT is pleased to host Ben Spinelli, Executive Director of the NJ Highlands Council, as our guest speaker this year. Ben has worked closely on Harding projects over many years and has deep experience in open space preservation and conservation. He will share a few Harding stories and explain what joining the Highlands means for Harding, its residents, and the NJ community. It is a conversation not to be missed!
Dessert and wine will be served beginning at 6:30pm. A short business meeting and update on the Harding Land Trust begins at 7:00pm followed by our honored guest.
Please RSVP to: [email protected] or call 973-267-2515
Native Trees and Shrubs Giveaway
Harding Land Trust and Harding Environmental Commission will be hosting the annual tree giveaway on May 10th from 9am-12pm at the New Vernon Fire Department. Availability includes a variety of Oaks, Maple, Sweet Gum, Sycamore, Black Gum, Hickory, Dogwood, Winterberry, Elderberry and a few perennials. First come, first served! For more information, please email [email protected]
Are you new in town?
Harding Land Trust is a non-profit organization that has helped preserve nearly 600 acres of land in Harding Township. We rely on public support to maintain hiking trails, wildflower meadows, streams and woodlands that protect our drinking water and are enjoyed by all residents. Find out more about us at hardinglandtrust.orgor follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information, please call 973-267-2515 or email us at [email protected]
SHADE TREE ADVISORY COMMITTEE-TREE REMOVAL REGULATIONS
Please note that a tree removal permit is required for all trees that are 6 inches in diameter or greater, dead or alive in a property’s Tree Conservation Area. The application for tree removal can be found on the Township webpage under Shade Tree Advisory. The application is fillable online and can be submitted to [email protected]. There is no application fee for a developed lot. Removal of living trees may be subject to replacement planting.
Tree Conservation Areas for each Zone are as follows:
[1] In the R-1 and RR Zones, the tree conservation area shall comprise the area along all perimeter property lines within:
[a] Fifty feet of any road, whether public or private.
[b] Twenty-five feet of all other property lines.
[2] In the R-2, R-3 and R-4 Zones, the tree conservation area shall comprise the area along all perimeter property lines for a distance equal to 1/2 of the minimum required building setback (front, side and rear yards), but not less than four feet.
[3] The flag staff portion of a flag lot shall be subject to these restrictions.
Removal without a permit is subject to a $2,500.00 per tree fine.
To find out more, check out the Tree Conservation Code §225-111 here on the Township Webpage.
John Linson, Tree Officer
Caron Menger, Shade Tree Advisory Committee Chair
HARDING TOWNSHIP HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Pathways of History Tour, Sunday, May 3, 2026
Mark your calendars for this exciting event. Once again HTHS will be participating in the Morris County Pathways of History Tour. As part of our collaboration with the Kemmerer Library and our RevRoots programing, we will have Bob Gula visiting us that day. He will portray a 3rd NJ Regiment Continental Army officer. He will discuss in small groups throughout the afternoon about the “goings on “during the encampment at Morristown during the winters of 1776-77 and 1779-80. He will include in his chats the nearby battles of Springfield and local stories of Harding soldiers.
We also will be showcasing our new HTHS Digital Collection, which is about expanding public access to our collections. We will show you how it works!
We will also have other activities and collections on view for children and adults. Please come see us! It is always a great day.
HARDING TOWNSHIP PLANNING BOARD
Planning Board Notes for February 23, 2026
The extension request for Application PB #01-23 GHK II and III Realty was adjourned to the March meeting. The Board then reviewed two Township Committee Ordinances for consistency with the Master Plan. TC #06-2026 Ordinance amended Land Use Chapter 225 to create an Affordable Housing Multifamily-1 Zone at 56 Kitchell as a compliance mechanism to increase units for the affordable housing fourth round. TC #05-2026 repeals and replaces portions of Chapters 171 and 225 with regulations to comply with NJ’s fourth round housing requirements. Both ordinances were deemed not inconsistent with the Master Plan
NEW VERNON VOLUNTEER FIRST AID SQUAD
Did you know the New Vernon Volunteer First Aid Squad began by winning an ambulance design contest?
In 1973, Bill Dudley, a member of the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, entered a Grumman contest to design a new ambulance. When the Fire Department won, residents faced an important question: should we create our own First Aid Squad? The answer was a resounding YES and 46 Founding Squad Members trained, raised funds for equipment, and built an organization grounded in a simple but powerful idea: Neighbors Helping Neighbors. That spirit continues even stronger today.
The 43 active members of the New Vernon Volunteer First Aid Squad represent an extraordinary 437 years of combined service to our community. Across decades, they have responded quietly and professionally, often without recognition, to care for residents in moments of urgent need. Because these volunteers are too humble to say much about their own service, we wanted to take a moment with a salute and a shout out. Their commitment reflects one of our town’s finest traditions: Neighbors Helping Neighbors.
And if you have ever wondered whether you might join the squad, we are always looking for volunteers to help as drivers or EMTs. It is a meaningful way to support the safety of our town. If you would like to learn more email us at [email protected] and follow us on Instagram (@newvernonfas) and Facebook (Facebook.com/New Vernon FAS). And with hopes of Spring in our future, please be on the lookout for members of the First Aid Squad marching in the Memorial Day Parade and standing by at Harding School’s Field Day.
NEW VERNON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
STEAK AND LOBSTER DINNER will be held SATURDAY, June 6, 2026, from 5pm to 9pm. Your favorite dinner selections will include Steak, Lobster, Chicken, Hamburgers (for children) and *NEW* Hot Dogs (for children). All dinners include Salad, Roll, French Fries, Dessert selections, Wine, Beer and Soda. Also available for purchase are Steamed Clams, & Corn on the Cob. Please go to NVVFD.COM to PRE ORDER YOUR DINNER(s) and FOR SEATING RESERVATIONS. Seating is limited, so order early! We recommend you pre-order and make seating reservations at the same time as your friends to be able to sit together. Please be prepared to show ID to get a wristband for beer and wine. Curbside Pick-up is also available. There will be limited seats available for walk-ins. Email [email protected] with any questions. All Proceeds benefit the New Vernon Volunteer Fire Company and First Aid Squad. Thank you for your continued support!
HARDING ENVIRONMENTAL COMMISSION
ROADSIDE CLEAN-UP
Saturday, May 2, 9am to 12 noon. Kirby Municipal Building
It is time to collect the detritus that accumulated along our streets this past Winter. The Environmental Commission is pleased to once again sponsor the Roadside Clean-up Day on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 9 am to 12 noon. All volunteers who are interested in assisting, please meet at the Kirby Municipal Building.
TREE AND SHRUB GIVEAWAY
Saturday, May 9th, 9am to Noon at the New Vernon Fire Department.
Harding Environmental Commission and Harding Land Trust will once again host the annual tree and shrub giveaway alongside the Morristown Garden Club plant sale at New Vernon Fire Department. A variety of native species have been selected based on their ability to thrive in Harding, NJ. Availability this year has been expanded and includes a variety of Oaks, Red Maple, White Pine, Hickory, Sycamore, American Holly, Sweetgum, Redbud, Black Gum, White Flowering Dogwood, Winterberry Holly, Cranberry Viburnum, Buttonbush, and even a few stunning perennials. We will also have a landscape expert available provide guidance on plant selection and planting.
GREEN VILLAGE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Community Shred Fundraiser
Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 8am until 11am – RAIN OR SHINE
hosted by the Green Village Fire Department Auxiliary
The Auxiliary of the Green Village Fire Department is hosting a community shred. All are welcome to bring their personal and business documents for shredding. Sensitive information will be destroyed on-site by a truck-mounted shredder provided by Absolute Shredding, LLC of Hackettstown. Not only will this fund-raiser protect privacy and help avoid identity theft, but it will also help to protect the environment as all the shredded paper will be recycled into other paper products.
Cost is $5/12″x17″ bag, $10/bankers’ box or similarly sized bag/container (additional $ for larger containers like tubs). No newspapers, magazines, books, or binders please. All proceeds from this fund-raiser will benefit the Auxiliary for fire scene relief, training, and community outreach. This event will take place at the Green Village Fire House, located at 529 Green Village Road in Green Village 07935. For more information, visit our “Events” page on greenvillagefire.com.
Sporting Clays Shoot and Pig Roast
Sunday, April 19, 2026, at 8 a.m. – RAIN OR SHINE
hosted by the Green Village Fire Department
This annual fundraising event will be held at Miele Field, located at the end of Britten Road in Green Village. The event is a 100 Target Lewis Fun Shoot. Lunch is included with your entry fee. There will be a limited number of shooters so pre-registration is recommended. For more information, call the Fire House at 973-377-7073 or visit our “Events” page on greenvillagefire.com. No shot size larger than 7 1/2 will be allowed and eye and ear protection is required. This event is held RAIN OR SHINE.
Flea Market Fundraiser
Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 9am until 3pm – RAIN OR SHINE
hosted by the Green Village Fire Department Auxiliary
The Auxiliary of the Green Village Fire Department is hosting an indoor Flea Market. With 20+ vendors, a wide range of items will be available for sale. Home-baked goods will be available as well. The sale will be held rain or shine. Parking is free. For questions, please contact Janet Doherty at 973-377-4071. If you are interested in renting table space, please go to the “Events” page on our website at greenvillagefire.com to download the form. Table space is limited and will be rented on a “first come, first serve” basis.
Flag Display
Deadline May 1, 2026
hosted by the Green Village Fire Department
The Green Village Fire Department would like to honor those who have served their country or community. A 3′ x 5′ flag will be erected on the green in Green Village on both Memorial Day and Veteran’s Day. The honoree’s information will be placed at the base of the flag. Please visit our “Events” page on greenvillagefire.com to download a form. Forms must be received no later than May 1st.
GREAT SWAMP WATERSHED ASSOCIATION
Great Swamp Watershed Association April 2026 Programming and Events
Registration required, register at greatswamp.org/events.
6th Annual Plant for Pollinators Program Online Plant Sale
April 1 – 18, Opens Online @ 12 pm (Plant purchase pickup May 2-3)
Online, GreatSwamp.org/native-plant-sale
GSWA and our 28 Community Partners will host our 6th annual Plant for Pollinators program online sale with convenient order pickup at multiple local sites. Order online April 1-18 and pick up your plants May 2 or 3. Whether you are looking to expand your garden or you’re ready to start one, we’ve got the native plants you need. And we’ve taken the guesswork out of it with a variety of pre-packaged plant plugs (young plants) that when placed together, create a beautiful, functioning pollinator garden. Plants can also be purchased in units of plugs. Mark your calendar for April 1 and email [email protected] for more information. Be sure to order early to ensure you get your choices as plants sell out quickly!
Plant for Pollinators Webinar #4: The Extraordinary Caterpillar – Nature’s Tiniest Superhero!
April 2 at 7:00 pm – 8 :00 pm
Zoom Webinar
Enjoy a special home-screening of The Extraordinary Caterpillar, a beautifully shot documentary that reveals the vital—and often overlooked—role caterpillars play in our ecosystems. Experience incredible cinematography as the film follows experts Dr. Doug Tallamy and Sam Jaffe who highlight the incredible lives and roles caterpillars play in our yards. Learn how to create habitat in your own yard—and just in time to get the right plants to help bring these amazing creatures to your yards. A Q&A session will follow. This event is free; a $10 donation is greatly appreciated to help offset the fees we pay to bring you expert speakers through our Plant for Pollinators program series.
Stream Assessment Training – Free
Sun, Apr 12, 1:30 – 4:00 pm
GSWA’s CMA, 1 Tiger Lily Ln., Harding Twp.
Unless there’s obvious pollution in the river or stream, to the untrained eye, the water may look healthy. But is it? This free training session, led by Sandra LaVigne, GSWA’s Director of Water Quality Programs, will provide you with all the necessary skills to make your own determinations. An indoor classroom session teaches you how to conduct visual and biological stream assessments, identify macroinvertebrates, and recognize environmental factors that could impact stream health. An outdoor session lets you practice your new-found skills at a local stream site. By afternoon, you will be fully trained in visual and biological stream assessment. Preferred volunteers are 15 or older. This free training session is held in conjunction with the AmeriCorps New Jersey Watershed Ambassador Program.
Breakfast Briefing: Grassroots Action & Making a Meaningful Impact
Tue, Apr 14, 8:00 – 9:30 am
GSWA Headquarters, 568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown
Make your voice count this Earth Month. Care about clean water and healthy lands but not sure how to turn that into action? We’ve got you. This Earth Month (and during GSWA’s 45th year of grassroots impact), join us for a casual, hands-on breakfast briefing focused on real ways to make a difference locally. Bill Kibler, GSWA’s Executive Director will demonstrate how to reach out to local and state leaders, speak up with confidence, and advocate for the places you love—no experience required. GSWA members free, non- members (adults) $10, non-members (kids) $5.
GSWA 2025 Water Quality Report Card — Free
Wed, Apr 22, 6:00 – 7:30 pm
GSWA Headquarters, 568 Tempe Wick Rd., Morristown (or) Zoom
Join us for an evening presentation of the 2025 Passaic River Water Quality Report Card. This is the place to learn about the state of the water throughout the Great Swamp Watershed and the Upper Passaic River. Sandra LaVigne, GSWA’s Director of Water Quality Programs, and our dedicated Stream Team of Citizen Scientists collect water quality data throughout the year to determine the health of our riverine ecosystems and the state of the water. Come learn, have your water quality concerns addressed by an expert, and become part of the solution for a healthier Passaic River. Light snacks will be served. For those who cannot attend in person, this program is also available via Zoom.
NEW VERNON GARDEN CLUB
Old Timey Gardening – Sally Quinn
Several years ago, I decided to put down quite a lot of expensive grass seed on a nice spring day and when I was almost done, the lawn guy next door told me it would all be eaten by birds and critters because it was too early for it to germinate. He said to wait until the lilacs were in bloom and I would have great success. I have never forgotten that homey advice. I thought it would be neat to see what other old-fashioned tips I could find. And here they are:
- Plant potatoes on Good Friday and peas on St. Patrick’s Day. (These are the only calendar-related tips so they might not be as good as the “natural rhythms” tips, which take into account conditions on the ground.)
- Plant beans when the catalpa trees bloom (great advice if you can find a catalpa to watch).
- Plant corn when the elm leaves are the size of a squirrel’s ear (this one is really dated – no elm trees left and I watch squirrels all the time, but I couldn’t tell you how big their ears are, to save myself; thank heavens I don’t plan to be planting corn!).
- Plant tomatoes when the apple blossoms fall.
- If the dogwood blooms are fading, it is safe to plant tender annuals.
- Don’t plant cucumbers until the lilacs are in bloom (if you have gone to rural areas which still have lilac bushes where the houses have fallen down, you can see what a ubiquitous marker they would have been.
- This last one, I really like. “Cut thistles in May, you’ll be back in a day. Cut them in June, that is too soon. Cut them in July, then they will die”. It’s the old-timey advice based on the fact that unwanteds are best pulled after they have put all their stored root energy into foliage. Get them then and there isn’t much left for a resurgence! I have to admit however, that I am too chicken to wait to see what my weeds would look like in July!
I enjoyed this little look into past practices but am very thankful for my phone and computer so I can look up any gardening questions I might have and can get the best and most current practices. But I still wait for the lilacs before putting down grass seed!!!!
KEMMERER LIBRARY HARDING TOWNSHIP
Kemmerer Library Harding Township – register at hardinglibrary.org.
Registration is required for all children’s programs.
Stay & Play – Tuesdays at 10:15 a.m.
This informal play session provides a relaxed environment where children can engage in “free play” utilizing various toys, puzzles, and sensory activities around the children’s room. Please clean up the toys when finished. No registration is required.
Storytime – Tuesdays at 11:00 a.m.
Join us for a winter themed story time every Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. during Stay & Play. Each week we’ll explore a different winter book.
Move with Me Dance – Thursdays at 10:15 a.m. NO CLASSES 4/2 OR 4/16
These classes are a special partnership with the Madison Area YMCA School of Performing Arts. Professional dancer Jennifer Gregory will lead this parent or caregiver/child class. The dance class allows the toddler and partner to experience the joy of creative movement together! Registration is required!
What’s the Weather Like on Mars? – Thursday, April 2nd 2:00 p.m.
SciStarter will be joining NASA scientists to learn about Cloudspotting on Mars. This is a livestream event.
Bernardsville Cinema – The Super Mario Bros. Galaxy Movie – Friday, April 3rd at 11:00 a.m.
Please join us at the Bernardsville Cinema to see the new Super Mario Bros. Movie.
Read to a Dog – Monday, April 6th appointments begin at 4:00 p.m.
Children may enhance their reading skills by reading to a dog.
Page Turners – Tuesday, April 10 at 4:00 p.m.
Miss Samantha Innella will be hosting Page Turners which was the basis for her Girl Scout Gold Award. Older children will read to younger children.
Poke’mon Club – Monday, April 13th at 4:00 p.m.
Professor Poke’mon will be on hand to teach the game, and children will have the opportunity to trade cards!
Sky Stories – Constellation Chronicles: Adventure, Mischief and Mayhem – Tuesday, April 14 at 4:00 p.m. – Shelley Shaffery from Amateur Astronomy will be joining us again to take part in recreating the adventures and excitement that were so great they became written in the night skies.
Eyes of the Wild – Wednesday, April 22nd at 4:00 p.m.
Please be sure to register each child separately to ensure a space to see wild animals at the library. It could be a Wallaby, an alligator, a hedgehog, etc.
Adult Programs – register at hardinglibrary.org
Yoga – Mondays only at 10:15a.m. Suggested donation $10.
Book Club – Open to all, meets in the Adult Reading Room (in person)
Book club will not be meeting this month.
#LibraryGivingDay – Wednesday, April 1, 2026
This is a one-day fundraising event with the goal of encouraging people who depend on and enjoy libraries to donate to their individual library system. And in turn, that support will go toward the incredible programs, services, and materials provided by local libraries.
Mary Cassatt: An American in Paris – Wednesday, April 8th at 7:00p.m. (on zoom)
Celebrating Mary Cassatt, a pioneering American Impressionist on the 100th anniversary of her death. She is one of the three grand dames of Impressionism and often compared to Degas. It is through her influence that the Met has a rich Impressionist collection.
Harding Twp. Community Day with SciStarter and Flight Path – Friday, April 10th at 11:00 a.m.
Harding Township Second Graders will teach adults about birding in our neighborhoods using the Merlin App. Please donate food items to the Second Graders’ Lunch Bag Project.
Revolutionary Roots: Benjamin Franklin – Saturday, April 11th at 2:00p.m. (in person)
Join us for a lively impersonation and lecture from Benjamin Franklin himself!
Native Plant Landscaping– Saturday, April 11th at 10:00a.m. (in person)
Join New Vernon Garden Club member Torie van Wie to learn about how to incorporate native plants into your landscaping.
Baseball in 9 Innings – Tuesday, April 14th at 7:00p.m. (on zoom)
Learn fun facts about the interesting and varied background and history of America’s game, from its inception to strange superstitions, to the “seventh inning stretch.” Participants are encouraged to recall and talk about their baseball memories.
Book Vase Craft– Tuesday, April 15th at 1:00pm (in person)
Join us to upcycle a book into a beautiful flower vase.
Gilded Art Photography – Tuesday, April 21st at 7:00p.m. (on zoom)
Photography was officially invented in 1839. People made it their tool, not only to record the incredibly fast changing world, but also trying to capture portraits. Taking a closer look at the role of photography between the Civil War and WWI is a wonderful way to gain a better understanding of this important chapter of our history.
Wildflower or Weed – Friend or Foe? – Thursday, April 23rd at 7:00p.m. (on zoom)
There are thousands of wildflowers, many with “weed” in their name that are the most beneficial to our native environment. Learn who the “Good” the “Bad” the “Ugly” and the “Questionable” plants are. Detailed handouts will be provided.
Marcel Duchamp – Tuesday, April 28th at 7:00p.m. (on zoom)
Duchamp challenged the standards of the art world and ushered in a new era of creative license. His imagination was aroused by elements of Cubism, Surrealism, and even Pop Art. His resourcefulness meant continuous self-reinvention and deliberate inconsistency.
Afoot in Morris – Thursday, April 30th at 7:00p.m. (in person)
Join Daniel Chazin and Jim Simpson of the New York-New Jersey Trail Conference to learn about Morris County’s wealth of open space and interesting hiking opportunities. More than 400 miles of trails traverse the wide variety of land in this New Jersey county.
Virtual Author Visits – archived recordings are available on the library website
On a Mission: The History of US Women Astronauts w/ SI Curator Valerie Neal
Thursday, April 2nd, 2:00p.m.
On Writing Action-Packed & Suspended Spycraft with Brad Taylor
Tuesday, April 14th, 7:00p.m.
Lush Lyricism and Intimate Confessions with Miranda Cowley Heller
Wednesday, April 22nd, 2:00p.m.
On Writing Beloved Characters & Powerful Portrayals of Resilience w/Jason Reynolds
Thursday, April 30th, 7:00p.m.
THE FRIENDS OF KEMMERER LIBRARY
SAVE THE DATE for ART IN BLOOM Saturday, June 13. 6:00 pm-10:00 pm Art Show and Sale at The New Vernon Volunteer Fire Department, 22 Village Road, New Vernon, complete with a Silent Auction, Wine, and Hors d’oeuvres: $50 per person. Sunday June 14th Art Show and Sale are free admission 10:00am-2:00pm.
NEIGHBORS FOR TOMORROW IN HARDING (NFTH)
Neighbors for Tomorrow in Harding (NFTH)— It is important for residents to stay informed about Housing Development projects underway in Harding Township and the implications for our community way of life. The goal of NFTH is to communicate with residents and to advocate for transparency from our Township Committee as options are evaluated for development in our town.
At Monday’s Township Committee meeting several resolutions related to Affordable Housing—specifically Harding’s Round 4 plan for a 54-unit, 100% affordable housing development—were considered and unanimously approved.
Following the votes, Committeeman Chris Yates noted that the Township has now completed all the required steps—applications, resolutions, and court filings—to move forward with the project. He also announced that the Township has received final court approval for Harding’s Round 4 affordable housing plan.
Chris thanked Township Attorney Mike Edwards for his expert guidance throughout this multi-year process. In turn, Mr. Edwards recognized Chris for his steady leadership on the issue and thanked the entire Township Committee for their support.
In response to a question, Mr. Edwards explained that the objections raised over the past few months by GHK Realty regarding Harding’s affordable housing plan have continued to be rejected by the courts. That said, he noted there is nothing preventing additional filings from that party. While not explicitly stated at the meeting, given the court’s prior rulings, the chances of a successful challenge appear increasingly limited.
If you happen to see Chris Yates around town, please consider thanking him for the thoughtful and creative approach he has taken in addressing the development pressures facing Harding. With the support of the Township Committee, this initiative moved from an idea introduced to the public last May to final authorization in less than 12 months—a reminder that government can sometimes work quickly and effectively when guided by committed and knowledgeable leadership.
Lastly, there were no agenda items related to Glen Alpin, and the topic was not discussed at the meeting.
Thank you, as always, for staying engaged in Harding’s local governance. We hope to see you at the next Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, April 7 at 7:00 PM at Town Hall.
Interested Harding Township residents are invited to join Neighbors for Tomorrow in Harding to stay abreast of development in our town. Contact: [email protected]
HARDING TOWNSHIP CIVIC ASSOCIATION
Thumbnail & Website News and Announcements
If you have a submission for the May 2026 Thumbnail, please send it via email to the editor: [email protected] by Friday, April 24th, 2026. MS Word is the preferred format, Times New Roman size 13, thank you. Current and past issues of the Thumbnail, as well as the Directory are available on our website: www.HardingCivic.org
For decades, the HTCA has been dedicated to preserving the quality of life in Harding. We work to protect our town’s pastoral beauty, provide non-partisan information on local issues, and bring neighbors together.
Your $35 annual dues make it possible for the Civic Association continue to keep Harding informed, engaged, and connected. With your support, we can continue to offer the events, resources and communications that bring our community together, including this Thumbnail of Civic Affairs, the Memorial Day Parade, and Meet the Mayor / Township Committee / Candidates Nights.
Thank you sincerely for your continued civic-minded support. Additional donations are greatly appreciated. Read the THUMBNAIL to stay engaged!
Ways to give: Use the venmo codes below or Click donate at hardingcivic.org
Mail a check to PO Box 72, New Vernon, NJ 07976
HARDING TOWNSHIP RECYCLING
2026 Recycling Schedule:
APR 4th, 18th
MAY 2nd, 16th, and 30th
JUN 13th & 27th
Hours of Operation:
Wednesday: 7am-Noon, Saturdays: 9am-Noon
Every Wednesday, seniors (residents 60+) will have full assistance available to them from 7am-9am. All residents are welcome for all hours that Recycling is open. Social distancing must be always observed. Tracy Toribio is no longer with HT. No replacement yet. Recycling Questions: Please contact Harding Department of Public Works at 973-267-2448, Mon-Fri 8am-3pm.
Commingled Recyclables: Consists of all aluminum and tin cans, glass bottles, all plastic bottles, and containers with the recycling symbol, and #1,2,4,5 & 7. Try to crush plastic bottles to conserve space. Please remember no plastic or paper bags.
Commingled Mixed Fiber: Consists of all paper, cardboard, newspaper, office paper, magazines, and books. Please put loose or shredded paper in paper bag. Please flatten all boxes or fill with other paper products.
Other Accepted Items: Batteries; automotive (car) and household (rechargeable accepted); Automotive and light truck tires, (on or off rim), Propane tanks (BBQ size only) and fluorescent bulbs (tube and compact).
E-Waste Items: Computers, monitors, laptops, and televisions cannot be put in household trash. However, all E-waste items including printers, copiers, fax machines and all computer peripherals can be brought to the Harding DPW recycling center at the regular hours of operation.
DATES TO REMEMBER Meetings as noted Time
Environmental Commission 1st Wednesday 7:30 PM
Seniors: Christ the King Church 2nd & 4th Thursday 11:00AM
Planning Board 4th Monday 7:00 PM
Historical Preservation Committee 1st Thursday 7:30 PM
Board of Health 2nd Thursday 7:30 PM
Board of Education 1st & 3rd Monday 7:00 PM
Board of Adjustment 3rd Thursday 7:30 PM
Township Committee 2nd Monday 7:00 PM
Harding Open Space 2nd Wednesday 7:30 PM
Harding TWP Civic Association 2nd Tuesday 7:00 PM