A tree grows in Southold.
Members of the Southold tree committee met yesterday to mark the planting of the new ginkgo tree, sited on Youngs Avenue by Silversmith’s Corner.
A plaque was placed at the foot of the tree to mark the town’s anniversary year.
Ginkgo trees are the oldest identified trees in the world, said Dave Cichanowicz, chairman of the town’s tree committee.
The tree is only one of between 30 and 50 street trees that will be planted this year to beautify town streets, he said; the town’s tree committee is funded both by the town and by private donations.
A memorial tree program also offers residents the chance to donate a tree and plaque in the name of a loved one. Anyone interested in the program should contact the Southold town clerk’s office.
The fall months, and heading into winter, are the prime time for planting street trees, Cichanowicz added.
Herb Adler, chair of the town’s 375th anniversary committee, thanked all involved for the commemorative gesture to cap the town’s series of celebratory events.”We’re pleased they’re doing it this year. It’s a nice way to end the year, with a dedication.”
The planting was first suggested by Peggy Murphy, who also serves on the tree committee. Standing beside new tree, she said she thought the gesture was particularly appropriate. “The tree committee has been working hard. This makes the town look nice,” she said.
Recently, the town also buried a time capsule at Silversmith’s corner filled with memories of the 375th celebration.
After the ceremony, a little girl, Fernaneda Recinos, walked up to Councilwoman Jill Doherty, who also serves on the tree committee, and handed her a dollar bill. She and her brother Alonso had been walking with their mother and just happened upon the group gathered for the ceremony.
Fernaneda had earned the dollar for good behavior and now wanted to use it to help others, paying it forward, she said. The child did not know that a tree dedication had taken place.
Doherty explained the tree ceremony to the children and said the dollar would be donated to the tree committee.
The gesture touched hearts, Doherty said, adding that it moved her to tears.
