This is the 31st year that Merchantville has celebrated Arbor Day. The first of the day’s observances was held on Somerset Avenue where the Merchantville-Pennsauken Water Commission continued its long and generous tradition of supplying and planting a tree, this time curbside to the right of the driveway as you enter theCommunity Center. The Ornamental Japanese Cherry was welcomed to the neighborhood by a sizeable group including, I think, every member of the Water Commission administration and staff, including former mayor Burt German, and some members of the Shade Tree Commission. After the tree was planted, this year’s Tree City, USA flag and glass desk ornament commemorating 30 years were displayed to the gathering. This achievement is the result of not only 30 years of Arbor Day observances but also the existence of an active community forestry management program involving a complex collaboration between a volunteer group – the Shade Tree Commission – and the municipal government, Public Works, utility companies, and others.
The second observance was held at the Merchantville School, at the site of a tree donated by the Merchantville High School class of 1958. Present at this ceremony were Barbara (Grange) Campbell, a member of that class, Shawn Waldron and his seventh grade class, Vern Collins – class of ’39, former Shade Tree Commission member and long active in the memorial tree and plaque programs – as well as Shade Tree Commission members Krista Lee, Bob Paulson, and Joanne Steer. The MHS class of 1958 tree was not planted by those gathered, however. It had been planted the previous day by Joe Cuzzupe. Joe has planted countless trees in our town over the years using his own time and resources. In recognition of and appreciation for his contribution, this year’s Arbor Day tree honors him in Morissey Park. Enjoy more photos of Arbor Day 2008.
