Cubmaster Phil Rauscher and his Cub Scouts, left to right, Jack Rauscher, Abe Mitchell and Ashton Shenker, joined by Charlotte and Maggie Rauscher with shovels, put finishing touches on the planting of the Blue Eye Spruce at Adams Street Park on Arbor Day. (Photo by D’Arcy Patrick Egan)

BY D’ARCY PATRICK EGAN

Thanks to the protection of the gazebo at Adams Street Park in Port Clinton, a group of folks were on hand to celebrate Arbor Day and watch the planting of Blue Eye Spruce to mark the city’s 34th year as a Tree City USA. A chilly drizzle couldn’t dampen their spirits, and a little sprinkle was just what the 5 1/2-foot Blue Eye Spruce planted by Port Clinton city workers should find refreshing.

Cubmaster Phil Rauscher and Cub Scout Pack 361 kicked off the Saturday, April 29 ceremony, followed by Rosemary Schramm singing the National Anthem and Deacon Maury Hall with the opening prayer. Tree Commissioner Chairman Larry Holman introduced his Tree Commission members, including Lisa Body, who welcome the Blue Eye Spruce with evergreen information.

Other Tree Commission members are Roger Domokos, Jerry Tarolli, Ed Urban, Mayor Mike Snider and Safety Service Director Tracy Colston.

Port Clinton city council members Pat Hovis and Beth Gillman celebrated Arbor Day with poetry.

Over the years, the city has added to the beauty of the community by planting trees in the downtown area, it was noted in Mayor Snider’s proclamation on Arbor Day. It has encouraged the reforestation of the city’s parks and encouraged citizens to become aware of what is needed to preserve the planet, Earth. Through the planting of trees and shrubs, the people of Port Clinton can contribute personally to the development, enrichment and beautification of our environment.

Wrapping up the Arbor Day celebration were welcome cups of hot chocolate and cookies.