Pine tree at Kennebec Hall replaced with cedars

Craig Bakay | Sep 20, 2017

Back on June 15, 1984, seniors in Arden and Kennebec planted a pine tree to commemorate not only the seniors of the day, but also descendants of those present who represented the original pioneers of the area.
However, nobody really envisioned a day when the tree would get as large as it did nor when needles and cones would cover steps and the ramp, making wet and/or icy conditions all that more treacherous for seniors and others wanting to access Kennebec Hall. Also, the bigger the tree got, the more light it blocked adding increased darkness to an already slippery situation.

So, the District 1 (Kennebec) Rec Committee, along with G. E. Matson & Sons/Kennebec Tree and Lawn Services got together last Monday morning to knock it down.
The pine tree was replaced with two cedars. There were no costs to the Township for removal or replacement of the tree.

“The lady at the store said they won’t get much bigger than 10 feet high and they can be easily trimmed,” said Lorne Harrison.

Rec Committee chair Wanda Harrison said a branch of the tree will be milled and a plaque attached commemorating the 1984 seniors as well as the 2017 seniors who planted the new trees.

Several attendees at the ceremony went home with bundles of pine cones from the old tree.