Video: Ted Largman is honored in Morris Township
By Kevin Coughlin
Eventually, all this snow will melt, and life will sprout from the earth once more.
Morris Township residents can prepare for that sunny day by reserving their plot now in the new Theodore Largman Community Garden, in the new ValleVue Preserve.
Signup day is Jan. 31, 2016. Plots rent for $20 to $60 per season, depending on size.
The Picatinny Road preserve is on 21 acres purchased from the Rosenhaus Estate by the Township, The Trust for Public Lands, Morris County Open Space Trust and the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority.
The 3-acre garden will be managed by the Morris Township Environmental Commission with help from the Department of Parks and Recreation. A “Giving Garden” will produce food for local food banks and food kitchens; gardeners can volunteer to help tend the Giving Garden.
More details are below. But first, a word about Ted Largman.
Ted, 92, was honored earlier this month for 50 years of volunteer service on various Township commissions. It all was an accident, by his account.
“I’m here by mistake,” said Ted, a retired chemist.
When he moved here more than a half-century ago, his wife tried to do a load of laundry but the water was brown. Ted called the town.
“Whoever answered the phone said, ‘Come to the environmental meeting tomorrow night,'” he recounted.
He went. A blue haze of cigarette smoke permeated the room. The board had one opening.
“When I was complaining about the water, they said: ‘You’re on the commission!'”
Looking back, Ted feels good about that, and about the Township.
“I don’t see too many For Sale signs. I think we’re doing a good job,” he said.
And smoking is gone from the municipal building.
“The firemen are happy with that,” Ted said.
More about the Theodore Largman Community Garden, from the Township:
Mission and Vision:
Morris Township is opening its first Community Garden at ValleVue Preserve located on Picatinny Road. The acquisition of 21 acres from the Rosenhaus Estate is the result of a joint effort between Morris Township, The Trust for Public Lands, Morris County Open Space Trust and the Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority (MCMUA).
This 3 acre Garden will be administered by the Morris Township Environmental Commission with assistance from the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Garden will provide Morris Township residents with the opportunity to grow quality produce for their families in a way that is healthy to the environment.
Our gardeners will practice organic, sustainable methods such as building soil biology and the use of natural mulches for water conservation.
We will be creating a “Giving Garden” which will produce food for local food banks and food kitchens. Gardeners can volunteer their time to help support and maintain our Giving Garden.
Eligibility:
Each garden plot will be privately maintained by individual renters. Individuals who live in Morris Township are eligible to participate; commercial enterprises are not eligible to apply. Plots will be rented on a first come, first serve basis. This year all gardeners will all be considered New Gardeners!
Plot sizes/Annual Fee:
10 X 10 (100 Sq. Ft.) = $20, 15 X 15 (225 Sq. Ft.) = $40, 15 X 30 (450 Sq. Ft.) = $60.
Responsibilities:
Each gardener is responsible for the preparation and regular upkeep of their garden plot, including weeding and harvesting mature produce. We will be open this year from April 1- until November 31, 2016.
Garden plots are offered in AS IS Condition and need to be prepared each season by the participating gardener using strict organic amendments (NO CHEMICAL fertilizers or pesticides) will be allowed. Gardeners will also be responsible for providing their own seeds or plants and must use their own garden tools to tend their plots.
Participation Requirements:
Each gardener must read the Rules and Regulations Handbook, sign the Garden Membership Agreement which includes a “Hold Harmless” Form, fill out the Registration Form and send in with their check for the desired plot size. Gardeners who fail to comply with the requirements will forfeit their plot.
- Maintain a valid email address to receive all communications (unless other arrangements are made with the Garden manager).
- All gardeners must attend Orientation and Introduction to Organic Gardening classes.
- Volunteer 4 hours for the first plot and 1 hour for each additional plot.
- Abide by the Morris Township Community Garden Rules and Regulations as stated in the Garden Handbook.
To reserve a plot, please contact Garden Coordinator Sue Young, 201-274-4285 cell/text. More info is here.
