October 3, 2012 THE VILLADOM TIMES III • Page 5 Ho-Ho-Kus Shade Tree Commission gets approval for plantings by Jennifer Crusco The Borough of Ho-Ho-Kus will soon have 118 new trees planted in various locations within its borders thanks to the HoHo-Kus Shade Tree Commission. Last week, the Ho-Ho-Kus Council gave the commission the green light to use $3,705 from the Ross Shade Tree Trust Fund to cover the professional fees associated with this project. According to the council’s resolution, the commission hired William R. Comery to investigate, evaluate, and make recommendations for the purchase and planting of the trees. Comery prepared specifications and sought quotes from tree nurseries and landscapers who would install the plantings. Comery will help establish a planting timetable, and provide inspections of the trees. He will also be charged with keeping the commission apprised of the project’s progress. During the council session, Shade Tree Commission Chairman Frank Grieder and Commissioners Kim Mitchell and Chris Raimondi explained the commission’s plans. Grieder noted that several years ago, the Janet Ross family provided money to be used for the beautification of the borough. That money is available through the Ross Shade Tree Fund, and Grieder said the commission was seeking the council’s blessing to use the money for the new plantings. According to Grieder, the commission received favorable prices for the new trees, noting that the actual bids were $5,000 to $6,000 below the estimated cost. Raimondi added that the lower than anticipated bids would allow the commission to purchase additional trees, bringing the actual number of plantings up to 118. Grieder told the council the commission is ready to plant and is awaiting the delivery from the supplier. Councilman Doug Troast asked what types of trees would be installed. Grieder responded that the tree varieties would include pin oaks, lindens, and honey locusts. Mitchell added that the pin oaks would be planted where they would not interfere with overhead wires. She also noted Saint Bartholomew’s Episcopal Church located at 70 Sheridan Avenue in Ho-HoKus offers Sunday school classes for children in pre-school through high school. Classes for preschoolers and children ages six through 11 are held Sundays at 10 a.m. The youth group meets the third Sunday of the month from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Activities include competitive games Church offers Sunday school and youth group that the new trees would be planted with an eye toward providing additional shade along the borough’s parade route, which includes North Franklin Turnpike. Mitchell indicated that some of the trees would be planted in areas where people have been requesting them. When Councilwoman Maryellen Lennon asked exactly where the trees would be planted, she noted that many trees had been removed along Warren Avenue in recent years. Grieder responded that the trees would be planted randomly all over town. Raimondi added that some of the trees would be planted in areas where people have been waiting for them. Councilman Steve Shell asked if residents would receive maintenance guidelines for the new plantings. “We will put a care tag on each tree as we plant them,” Raimondi told him. about making decisions in challenging situations, puzzle solving, socializing, and refreshments. A pontoon boat eco-cruise is planned for Saturday, Oct. 6 at 3 p.m. Sign up in the parish hall. For more information about the youth group, contact Peter Loder at ploder101@yahoo.com, call (201) 4445025, or visit stbartshhk.com.