Residents, township employees and friends participated in the event. Recognition was given to the honoree/dignitary for the day, former Mayor Fred Eckhardt. Also in attendance was the Eckhardt family to celebrate the planting, located on a street named for the family - Eckhardt Circle.

Eckhardt addressed the group and stated, ”Never forget your friends and family. Always hold them dear. And remember to plant a tree!”

Attendees received a free sapling to plant at their homes.  It will not only be a reminder of the 2008 Arbor Day but also serve as a reminder of Eckhardt and his devotion to the township and environment.  He not only  served for many years as mayor but also serves on the Montville Environmental Commission.  He  was a member of the Planning Board and was instrumental in raising funds for the Montville High School Wrestling Team. His years as an educator have brought many thousands of students to their successful endeavors.

Refreshments were served outdoors by the Montville Women’s Club. All Arbor Day Posters were on display.  The parents, relatives, superintendent, principals and teachers were present as the winning students received their honors. They are Samantha Kaplan of Valley View School, Tiffany Lai and Leslie Lin of  Hilldale School.

Photos by Bill Clare

Photo 1: First-place winner in the poster contest, Samantha Kaplan, 10, gets some help with her speech from her dad, Steven, and her mother, Sharon, before getting the award.

Above, Tiffany Lai, 10, points towards her second place winning poster. Looking on is: her mother, Lisa; sister, Tina, 13; her father, Patrick; Kathy Lin and her daughter, Leslie, 11, who was the third place winner.