Amazing Trees Contest Winners To Be Honored

The following is an announcement from the Lynnfield Tree Committee:

Lynnfield’s Arbor Celebration on the Commons this Saturday May 7 at 10 a.m. will include the Tree Committee Chair Jane Bandini recounting the history of Arbor Day, the selectmen’s proclamation of Arbor Day 2011, and the awarding of prizes to the five winners for the second Amazing Trees of Lynnfield Contest. The complete pictures and stories can be found on the town website: www.town.lynnfield.ma.us.

This year's categories required people to think more about their trees. The category of Most Unusual can be very personal and be a tree unusual or special to the viewer in more than a visual sense.

The three winners did that.   Sarah and Owen Doherty of Carol Ann Road nominated the tall evergreen on the Lynnfield Commons behind the Liberty Bell: “Our tree stands over all the daily hustle and bustle of the town center which watches all our citizens go about their day to day lives. We enjoy our summer evenings on the common listening to concerts, while our tree peers down at us,” they wrote.

Harlee Priestley of Wing Road nominated a tree in her yard where she likes to hide things and have picnics with her best friend. Julia Henriques of Homestead Road nominated the tall pine tree in her front yard. “This pine tree is one of the taller pine trees in this town. This makes it very unusual! … You can hide under it! The lower branches are always delicately touching the ground so it looks even more like a room.”

In the category of Best Climbing Tree the two winners were: Molly Pifko of Homestead Road who chose her backyard tree for because she loves to climb and “hang out” in it with her friends. “It also makes a great place to hide when my little brother is chasing us!” Erica and Melanie Richards of Main Street nominated their front yard tree (photo) “It started with pulling apart a sit and spin. Followed by some ropes, followed by some crafting fundraising (at the Geraniumfest) to raise money for harnesses and carabiner clips. It has provided countless hours of fun ... It is a very recognized tree especially since it is on Main Street ... There is often an old pool ladder handy to give an added boost when needed. Stop by for a swing!  (see photo)

The Tree Committee greatly appreciates the support of the Board of Selectmen, Lynnfield Tree Warden Dennis Roy, the Lynnfield Library which kicked off the tree contest with activities and display space, Townscape, Northeast Nursery, and Gregory’s.