Vibrant fall foliage brings brilliant color to scenic landscapes
Nature lovers across the U.S. enjoy vibrant fall foliage from Utah’s red and orange trees to New Hampshire’s scenic train rides.
To plant a tree is a gesture which comes out of a special kind of thoughtfulness. The tree is a contribution, a gift to future generations, one that brings promise of a long life and environmental benefits.
That is not just my opinion, but a practice which has been followed for generations. Before there was a formal Arbor Day, pioneer couples frequently planted a tree honoring their union by marriage. Without going into a lengthy discourse of historical practices, we will come back to today.
Your local Bucyrus Tree Commission is dedicated to the planting of trees, replacement of trees and taking care of trees troubled by age and disease. When storms and winds damage trees, this too calls for decision-making.
So, when individuals choose to make a tree dedication, memorialize an individual or just sponsor a tree planting, it is a pleasant decision.
This month, two families were engaged in the Bucyrus Memorial Tree program. The first tree, an Ohio buckeye, was planted one year ago when the commissioners planted a Buckeye Grove along the river in Aumiller Park. Steve and June Gebhardt stepped up first, excited about their granddaughter Sophie, who arrived in July. At that time, June planted the tree while mother Sara brought Sophie in an infant carrier.
On October 18, the tribute tag was attached to the tree with Sophie and Sara present.
Earlier that morning, which was a sunny, pleasant day, the Ponziani family gathered up near the Aumiller carillon bell tower. Before they arrived, family friend Jeff Panovich prepared a hole and set a tulip poplar tree in place. It was declared Autumn Arbor Day, an event the commission has planned for several years.
Mayor Bruce Truka arrived with a proclamation from the city, which he later read. That was an impressive event in sheer numbers.
Vincent L. Ponziani’s spirit was there. Kimberly waited patiently, as a few grandchildren played on equipment nearby — Jaxen, Kendall and Andrew, whose parents Trisha and Michael Ponziani kept watch. Angela (Ponziani) and Chip Miller were there with Jeff and Camp, their grandchildren who are Ponziani great-grandchildren. Alice Schieber was there as Vince’s mother-in-law. Adam Ponziani stayed close while waiting for other family members.
When the rest of the family arrived there were sighs of relief. The wrong time was in the minds of some family members so they were not late. The wait was worth it. Kylie (Ponziani) and AJ Burton made it in with Caleb, Kyle and Lilly; Anthony and Paula Ponziani were right behind.
As family members took turns adding soil and then bags of mulch even the wee ones wanted to help as if they understood the significance. They even poured water onto the planted tree. Kim selected this statement which will go on the memorial tag summarizing Vincent’s life: “His love of family and dedication to those in need defined his purpose.”
Mary Lee Minor is a member of the Earth, Wind and Flowers Garden Club, an accredited master gardener, a flower show judge for the Ohio Association of Garden Clubs and a former 6th grade teacher.
Comments are closed.