By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Five symbols of hope during a horrible year have been planted in Bowling Green.
Though just 5-feet now, the goal is that the trees taking root in 2020 will prosper for years to come – serving as evergreen reminders that the community held onto hope during the coronavirus pandemic.
Teamwork from Bowling Green City Schools, the City of Bowling Green, and multiple Girl Scout troops resulted in five trees being planted – one at each school building of Conneaut, Crim and Kenwood elementaries, the middle school and high school.
On Tuesday, representatives of the schools, city and scouting shoveled snowy dirt onto the roots of the Eastern Red Cedar trees.
On the grounds of Kenwood Elementary, the first tree was dedicated by the Girl Scouts.
“The hope is that these trees will bring the community together, and serve as a positive activity we can do during the difficult days of COVID. For years to come, these trees will stand as reminders that we made it through tough times and they continue to grow, as we have grown from the 2020 days,” scout Ruthann Miller said.
Activities will be planned around the trees – like decorating them with community contributions such as winter scarves, or using it as a kindness tree where school and community members could leave messages.
“This would begin a new hope-filled tradition. Our first theme will be messages of hope. Community members are encouraged to decorate the trees with symbols or messages of hope,” scout Meredith Buchhop said.
The idea for the trees sprouted with Crim Elementary Principal Zeb Kellough, who was originally planning to put an artificial tree up for the holidays. The three elementary counselors helped that idea grow into a plan for three real trees. Then it was decided to branch off into trees planted also at the middle school and high school.
Superintendent Francis Scruci was supportive of the plans.
“Absolutely,” he said. “This is one of the easiest decisions we’ve ever had.”
Bowling Green School Board President Ginny Stewart agreed. “I love hope,” she said.
City Arborist Grant Jones was also onboard.
“I think it’s great,” he said after shoveling some dirt onto the roots of the tree at Kenwood. “Evergreens are a hope inspiring tree.”
The trees have been funded by various Girl Scout troops in the district with the help of North Branch Nursery.
“People can bring messages and symbols of hope,” said Elise Bucchop, a school counselor at Kenwood who also helps with the Girl Scouts.
