Mayfield Village Celebrates Arbor Day

It arrived a little late, but the Arbor Day celebration was back in Mayfield Village on Friday.

The Beautification Committee organized an event at featuring a tree planting, choir performance and student artwork created for the occasion.

Committee member Steve Jerome said the garden club had put on an Arbor Day event years ago, but that stopped for some reason and there hasn't been an event in years.

"I remember going to them when I attended Center School 15 years ago," he said.

This year, students from St. Paschal Baylon School were invited to participate. Because the school was on break last week when Arbor Day is traditionally celebrated, the event was delayed.

Councilman and Beautification Committee chairman Joseph Saponaro addressed the audience, followed by a presentation of artwork from members of Brownie Troop 384. The posters had messages such as "Love trees and they'll love you back," "Trees are habitats for animals, so go green" and "Trees Prevent Erosion."

The St. Paschal Baylon Children's Choir performed before the children gathered around a newly planted King Crimson maple tree in front of the police station and helped fill dirt in around the roots.

Mayor Bruce Rinker shared Arbor Day facts and quizzed children about trees. Noting the pine trees that were passed out for them to plant in their yards, he also recalled when his daughter, now a college student, received a pine tree to plant.

"Every time I look at that tree I remember that day and I remember my daughter," he said. "It's very special."