ABOUT US

Our Mission

To improve and promote the quality of life for the residents of Exeter Township, Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, through the planning and execution of recreational activities and other endeavors within the stated scope.

Our Beginings

At the April 5, 2021, Exeter Township Supervisors Board Meeting, Township Supervisor Chrissy Thomas first proposed a recreation board to organize efforts to improve parks, apply for grants, and gather volunteers in the township. A follow-up meeting between interested volunteers, supervisors, and the township attorney showed that while there was potentially not enough support for a township recreation board funded and run by the Exeter Township Board of Supervisors, an alternative approach was suggested. A volunteer, community non-profit organization. Supervisor Thomas and Arthur Becker organized a small group of residents, the first meeting of the Harding Recreation Committee took place on Monday, June 14, 2021. The group decided to organize a committee that was to be run by 4 executives (President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary), and 3 trustees. This meeting was when the mission of the committee was decided and solidified in its bylaws. Although the committee is supported by the Exeter Township Luzerne County Board of Supervisors, it receives no taxpayer funds. As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, the Harding Recreation Committee is 100% funded through donations, the sale of committee merchandise, and monies raised at committee run, community events.
The committee’s recognized birthday is September 16, 2021. This is the date the amended articles of incorporation were filed with the State of Pennsylvania, establishing the Harding Recreation Committee as a non-profit corporation. The Harding Recreation Committee was granted 501(c)3 tax exempt status by the IRS on March 4, 2022.

board members

arthur becker

President
Arthur was voted the Harding Recreation Committee's first president on June 14, 2021. Originally from Shohola, PA, Arthur moved to Harding after meeting his, now, wife, Joyce (Soska), in 2008. They have 2 children together. Arthur currently works in warehousing, though he holds an MBA from Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, as well as a BS in Management from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania.
Why I Joined:"The Harding Recreation Committee was originally a way for the community to come back together post pandemic. I agreed to join and lead this endeavor for my kids. I wanted to help create a community where they themselves would want to raise their own families one day."

chrissy thomas

Vice President
Chrissy became Vice President of the Harding Recreation Committee on January 10, 2022. Chrissy has been one of the main driving forces behind the organization. She was the committee's first Supervisor Liaison from June 14, 2021-January 1, 2022, while she served as a supervisor for Exeter Township.

Secretary

Joyce Becker
Joyce Becker was born in and resides in Harding/Exeter Township. She became secretary on September 23, 2024. She is currently employed by the Wyoming Area School District as a Music Educator. Joyce is married to Arthur Becker; they have 2 children that reside in the township and attend school in the Wyoming Area School District. Joyce enjoys all things musical, crocheting and crafts.

sarah simko

Treasurer
Sarah became treasurer of the Harding Recreation Committee on February 15, 2022. She is a transplant from the midwest, but has family ties in the eastern US. Sarah has an Associate's and Bachelor's degree of Science and enjoys spending time with her family and working in the yard.

trustees

Olivia Kiwak
Olivia Kiwak became a trustee on September 23, 2024. A student at Misericordia University, Olivia originally started as the Committee's 3rd secretary.
Gayle Robbins
Gayle Robbins became a trustee on May 20, 2024. She was born and raised in Columbia, NJ. She and her husband husband moved to Harding 25 years ago, two weeks before their son Alex was born. She also has a daughter, Holly who is 20. Gayle works at Adapthealth, a medical equipment company, as an intake order processor. She loves to hike, bake, cook, read and spend time with her family and friends. She looks forward to to helping out with the Harding Recreation Committee, "As I believe it is a great asset to our town."
Sagan Simko
Sagan Simko became a trustee on April 22, 2024. He was a longtime volunteer for the committee before this and is married to Sarah Simko.
Copyright © 2022 Web.com Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Web.com is a registered trademark of Web.com Group, Inc. All other registered trademarks herein are the property of their respective owners.