Time to Honor-Athletes, Artists, and Academics

Time to Honor-Athletes, Artists, and Academics

The Promise of Tomorrow’s Trees- East Lyme Public Trust Foundation

As our attention turns to the Gift-giving times of Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and other Holidays, consider a unique gift of a tree which has the power to symbolize and express our deepest feelings of love, gratitude, and happiness. They can be a lasting tribute to a beloved person or event.

For the Athletes, there are still two Sugar Maples that can be sponsored at Peretz Park at Bridebrook along the outfield fence of the baseball field. Are you an adult who has fond memories of playing baseball at Bridebrook as a child? Are you a parent who has had a child who enjoyed learning the principles of sportsmanship at Soccer games at Bridebrook? Are you a grandparent who has enjoyed many games watching family members grow and learn the game of Lacrosse? There are already four trees planted for this project. The plaque for one of the four trees that has already been planted, thanks the donor's parents for "Summers at Niantic". We know there are many more people who are grateful for their experiences at Peretz Park.

For the dramatic and musical artists, there are four Evergreen trees that can be sponsored behind the Band Shell at McCook Park. In May, 2017, The East Lyme Public Trust Foundation with the partnership of the Rotary and the Lions, combined efforts to make our new band shell at McCook Park a reality. Now, three years later, we want to beautify the area behind the bandstand. The Parks and Recreation Department has proposed a line of four evergreen trees that would run behind the back of the Band Stand along the chain link fence that separates the park from the railroad tracks. If you have enjoyed a concert, play, or other event at this new installation, we urge you to commemorate your enjoyment with the purchase of a tree.

In addition, for the Academics whether they be alumni, grandparents, students, staff, or faculty, we are offering 5 Dogwood trees in the courtyard at Flanders School. This is a wonderful chance for teachers, employees, parents, grandparents, and former students to help beautify the school which gives such a fine foundation to our students. Not only will these trees be able to commemorate people associated with the schools, they will also provide scenic beauty and contribute to a healthy ecosystem.

This program- THE PROMISE of TOMORROW’S TREES- is a project of the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation in partnership with the East Lyme Parks and Recreation Department to raise funds for the support of the Niantic Bay Boardwalk and other projects of the Trust. This commemorative tree program makes available to the public, trees to be placed in public spaces in East Lyme.

Since the inception of this program, Forty- three trees have been planted to not only remember a person or event but to also cut down on the carbon dioxide in the environment.

A contribution of $600 for a tree will cover the cost of the tree, the planting, an 8”x4” plaque, a base, and a water bag to assist in the stabilization of the tree. Planting will take place the spring of 2021. Since the East Lyme Public Trust Foundation is a non-profit 401c, contributions are tax deductible.

June Hoye is the chairperson for the project in partnership with Dave Putnam, the Director of Parks and Recreation. Her committee includes Carol Marelli and Bill Rinoski-administration.

Applications can be found on the Trust web-site: http://publictrustfoundation.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/TREE-APPLICATION-REVISIONS-7-4-20.pdf

Application forms are also available at: East Lyme Town Hall-Town Clerk’s Office, East Lyme Parks and Rec., East Lyme Library, and the E.L. Book Barn.

Follow us on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/EastLymePublicTrustFoundation/

and on our web-site: http://publictrustfoundation.org/

In this depressing time of Covid-19, give the gift that symbolizes life and hope.

Photo 1: Maple trees at Bridebrook

Photo2: Evergreens for the Band Shell

Photo3: Dogwoods for Flanders Court Yard