LYNN — City officials, employees, and students gathered outside Lynn’s Early Childhood Center to watch as a tree was planted not just to celebrate Arbor Day, but also in honor of Deputy Superintendent Debra Ruggiero for her nearly 40 years of dedication to the district.
Urban Forestry Fellow Erica Holm, DCR forestry assistant Stephen Blanchard, Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Matt Kennedy, DCR urban forester David Bresnahan, and DPW’s Jason Hill did the heavy lifting as they rolled the Magnolia Galaxy tree into its new home.
The center’s preschool students watched in excitement as the new tree was planted and even got to help bury the tree and water it.
Associate Commissioner of the DPW Lisa Nerich was the first to speak at the event, welcoming everyone and thanking those who were involved in the event.
“This tree is in honor of a special person who has worked for the school department for many years… This tree is very special,” she said. Nerich then introduced Mayor Jared C. Nicholson.
“On behalf of the City of Lynn, happy Arbor Day, everyone. We are so excited to be here and to be celebrating Arbor Day,” Nicholson said.
He recognized Councilor Nicole McLain, DCR workers, public works, community development, the school department, fire department, police department, and the entire city team for the work they’ve done and for being at the event.
“I have a couple of numbers I want to share with you because they’re very impressive. As part of this year’s Greening the Gateway Cities Implementation Grant that includes 80 new tree pits and 47 of them have already been installed. The goal is for us to hit 110 trees by June 30, which is amazing,” he said.
Nicholson thanked the Lynn Tree Committee and Holm for the work they have done.
“Trees represent the health of ourselves as a society. It’s an honor to do this here with our youngest students,” he said.
Nicholson then read the Arbor Day proclamation.
“We are so thankful for the New England Chapter of the ISA. They gave us an award of an Arbor Day grant of about $1,000. That allowed us to buy our Galaxy Magnolia Tree,” Holm said as she presented the award to Nicholson.
Nicholson then spoke about the special dedication to Ruggiero.
“This tree isn’t just any tree, although we love all of our trees… It is a special dedication to someone I’ve had the privilege of working for throughout my entire involvement here in Lynn who is a great example and role model. She has dedicated her career to this city and its students,” Nicholson said before reading the citation for the dedication and giving it to Ruggiero.
Ruggiero was immediately met with applause as she accepted the citation for her work.
“I am truly, truly honored to have this special tree. I’m an avid gardener. My husband and I work in our garden from spring through late fall. To have a tree sitting here at the Lynn Public Schools Early Childhood Center is heartwarming. I thank you all,” she said. “We’re making an impact on our students and showing the importance of education in general, so thank you very much for everything.”
Holm, the DPW, and DCR got to work finishing the tree’s planting and students serenaded everyone with songs they had learned about trees and living things to end the Arbor Day celebration.
