Residents create fund for memorial oak tree

Tree would be emblamatic of strength, endurance

By:Vanessa S. Holt
   BORDENTOWN CITY — A group of city residents that believes trees can provide more than just shade, has started a fund for a special memorial tree to honor the victims of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
   A sturdy oak tree would be emblematic of the qualities of strength, longevity and endurance and would be an appropriate memorial to those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, said resident Bonnie Goldman.
   Ms. Goldman is not on the committee, but her suggestion to plant a memorial tree sparked the effort that is being undertaken by an informal four-person committee.
   "The tree would stand for the hope that we have," she said. "We all need to heal; we need a place to go to contemplate."
   The informal memorial tree committee is made up of Chairman Don Bunker, MacFarland Junior High School teacher Ellen Wehrman, Bordentown City Public Works manager Bob Erickson and Christa Hartin, a former student of Ms. Wehrman.
   Ms. Wehrman said the committee will probably only meet to decide what to put on the plaque that will mark the site and to oversee the tree planting.
   The members envision a calm, quiet space where local people can gather and reflect, remembering the past while looking optimistically toward the future.
   "We’re going to plant it as a living memorial to democracy, which I feel is a living thing," said Mr. Bunker. "That date should be remembered."
   Mayor Bill Collom said the City Commission supported the effort and would set up an escrow fund for money raised through donations.
   "We’re urging citizens in town to support this to their best ability," he said.
   A tree will be selected with the help of Shade Tree Committee Chairman Al Barker.
   The location for the tree still has to be decided, he said, but resident suggestions and comments are welcome.
   Ms. Goldman said she hopes a picture of the tree, once planted, could be sent to New York City to show that people from small communities around the country are still thinking about them.
   "It’s our small offering to let them know we’re thinking about them," said Ms. Goldman.
   Future generations will be able to gather under the tree for shade, admire its beauty and know that it has been standing through all of these events in history.
   "It’s one more thing people can do," she said.
   The committee is seeking input from the public on what they would like to see written on the marker or plaque.
   Contributions in any amount can be made out to "9-11-01 Memorial Tree" and can be mailed to: 9-11-01 Tree Memorial, Bordentown City Hall, 324 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, NJ 08505.