White Plains Celebrates Arbor Day 2012

From the White Plains Beautification Foundation:

White Plains Beautification Foundation hosted its annual Arbor Day Celebration at the Highlands School Friday afternoon, where about 75 people attended to advocate for the planting and care of trees.

A beautiful River Birch was planted courtesy of Pat Laidman of Care of Trees.  The celebration began by WPBF director, Kathleen Masterson welcoming Dr. Clouet, Superintendent of Schools, Common Council President Beth Smayada, members of the WP Public Works, Bud Nicoletti, Dennis DeFlippipo and Rick Hope as well as the Department of Recreation Commissioner Wayne Bass and Fran Croughan. 

Council President Smayada presented a Proclamation of Arbor Day on behalf of Mayor Thomas Roach. Bud Nicoletti presented the Tree City USA Flag to Principal Jonathan Brown and Rick Harper the Resources Eucator for the Cornell Cooperative Extensive of Westchester spoke about the importance of trees.

The Highlands Select Choir sang a beautiful song directed by Michele Davila.  Principal Brown thanked the WPBF and all involved in planning this event particularly Susan Levin and the students in the Highlands School Community Service Group. 

WPBF Co-Presidents Jean Bello and Marie Silverman Marich spoke about the origin of Arbor Day and thanked the school and community on behalf of the WPBF.  The Highlands Cheerleaders wrote and performed a cheer about trees directed by Kelly Carfi. 

The Ceremony ended by the reading of a poem "Growth of a Tree" about a River Birch written by Meish Godish.  

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