Tree Planting Ceremony Honors Jeanne Krieger

After a dozen years as a member of the Board of Selectmen, Jeanne Krieger was honored this afternoon by the town's Tree Committee, which planted and dedicated a four-year-old scarlet oak in Tower Park for Krieger.

"The tree committee wanted to do something because she has been such a great liaison to our committee," said Tree Committee Chairman John Frey during a small ceremony at the park.

Members of the committee attending the event thanked Krieger for her work, telling her "you kept us honest" and "you had a good sense of humor." Anne Senning, Gerry Paul, Karen Longeteig, Jewel Kuljian, Nell Walker and Frey were at the ceremony, while member Jim Wood was not able to attend.

Selectman Deborah Mauger – who replaces Krieger as the selectmen's liaison to the Tree Committee – and board chairman Hank Manz also attended the event.

The committee chose to plant the tree in Tower Park because it is a protected area, and is visible from Mass Avenue, which Krieger often walks down to get to the town center from her home, Frey said.

Krieger, who did not run for re-election to the Board of Selectmen before her term expired in March, said she truly appreciated the gesture, and that working with the Tree Committee showed her how knowledgeable and dedicated its members are.

"They have so much they know and are willing to share," she said. "It's really been a privilege working with all of you."