"The garden plan -- an organic one at that -- started back in 2013 and was proposed by myself and Zig Panek. The site was perfect as it was already established as green acres, was not being used, and it was easy to access.
At Howell Day 2013, the HOCG was born: Fliers were distributed, emails were collected from prospective members, and the idea was presented to then Mayor Gotto and Deputy Mayor Nicastro, who were immediately supportive.
HOCG was established as a non-profit organization in July 2014, and later as a 501c3 organization in 2016.
Over the next two year and a few council meetings later, the USDA came in to test the land for contaminants (this came out clean). After this, the Howell Township wrote and approved the land lease, the site was cleared of trees by Tom Clavin Tree Services, excavated for stump removal and general leveling by Tom Posch, and a non-interest loan for the deer fence was given by one of the members (repaid in 2017). No money was exchanged for any of the time, services, or equipment mentioned above.
The original deer fence was put up in one day by members Kathie Giri, Andy and Rich Valdes, myself (Dana) & Dave Vargo, Tracie and Glenn Kritch, Jani Iyer, Jon Panek, and other I may have missed. At the time, the deer fence was put up in April 2015, the garden had a handful of members, but not a water source, which now became the biggest obstacle. The water was something that we hoped we would find along the way in the form of an old well, or we though we might be able to get a well dug at minimal or no cost. Then Rick came up with a brilliant idea."
RICK:
"For a year, the members carried water in their vehicles in milk jugs, buckets, and some even had drums filled with water connected to a pump that ran off the vehicle's battery. Digging a well, buying water from the fire department, creek pump, and rain barrels were all considered.
NJ American Water's community outreach department was contacted to request a connection to the domestic water supply on Adelphia Road. Continuing to contact project managers there at NJ American Water, I got the water tap, construction, and meter fees -- approximated at $7K -- waived and installed. On the same day the line connected to the domestic suppluy, Zig Panek, some people from the Department of Public Works, and I, ran the 1-inch line from the curbline where the main water was installed. It took 2 days to complete all the connections to the yard hydrants and to backfill all the trenches. Pipes, hydrants, and fittings were all donated by Water Works Supply in Farmingdale."
DANA:
"It's important to note that Zig Panek and his relationships with area businesses -- excavation, tree removal, even water piping sources -- were invaluable in making the Gardens become a reality. He also guided me in the process of working with the town. In addition, then Mayor Gotto and Deputy Mayor Rob Nicastro were part of this every step of the way. Jon Panek, Zig's son, was also there to help with soil testing, excavation, the deer fence and water installation, and other behind-the-scenes issues. The DPW started working with us when the deer fence went up, initially dropping off composted leaves, then it built up from there. Best Chance Farms has been providing us for the last few years with manure, which has been a huge help. Environmental and Shade Tree Commission (ESTC) has always been a support and were thrilled with the prospect of having a community garden."
RICK:
"HOCG is a proud member of NJ Resource Working Group. NJRWG is comprised of Green Team, DPW, HOCG, schools, the ESTC, Lake Committee, and the Farm Advisory."
