We hear a lot these days about a thousand points of light and volunteeuism.The Shade Tree and Beautification Commission is just one of the many, manyexamples that occur in our Tiffin and Seneca County Community During theterm of Mayor Gilmore Lange in 1973, the Shade Tree and BeautificationCommission was established.
Mrs. John (Mary) Lewis provided much of the energy and stimulus forthe organization of the first commission. She may have been influencedby the Earth Day movement. The first commission consisted of Mrs. MaryLewis, Mrs. Wendell Baum, Wayne D. Funk, Howard Young and Howard W. Hintz.These members volunteered their time and the commission remains as a volunteerorganization.
The record indicates that Mary Lewis spent hundreds of hours in correspondenceamd meetings to establish the organization. Howard Hintz served 14 years,part of the time as the chairperson, and must be given credit for increasingthe interest and awareness of the importance of the urban forest and vegetation.I always look forward to reading his articles in the Advertiser Tribune.Wayne Funk's great wisdom, experience, and his love for trees made hima most useful member. He also contributed valuable dollars when there werelittle or none in the budget. Mrs Wendell Baum and Howard Young were alsoexcellent choices and should receive our thanks for their contributions.
Thanks to all of the other members that have served during these24 years and especially to Donna Brose for her many long hours. In oneway of thinking, it is a thankless job. Satisfaction has to come from within.In 1973, Tiffin's forest was in a critical condition. Wind and storm damagewere commonplace. Trees were uprooted, and limbs fell on cars and houses.Silver (soft) Maples that must have been planted in the 30'5 and 40~s perhapsmade up at least 50X of all of our trees. They had matured and were ina deplorable state.
Dr. Howard Hintz related to me that a state forester told him thatTiffin and Seneca County are known as the site where the worst offensesof severe, inept topping of trees has occurred in Ohio. The severe toppingof Silver Maples several years ago has hastened their demise. This practiceis no longer condoned by the Shade Tree and Beautification Commission forthe city-owned trees.
Members of the 1997 Shade Tree and Beautification Commission areWilma Klopp (Chairperson), Bradley Borer, Patricia Gottfried, Percy Lilly,and William Stallings. City administrator Wayne Stephens is an ex-officiomember. Cathy Willoughby, representing City Council, and Mayor BernardHohman attend most meetings. Lowell Hetzel, a city employee in trainingto become an urban forester, also attends the monthly meetings. Lowelldoes most of the work in caring for the young trees being planted.
More next time about what has happened since 1973.
-- Percy