iBerkshires.com Columnist SectionSue Bush
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Men In Trees In North AdamsBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Thursday, November 09, 2006
 | | A holiday tree was erected at the eastern end of Main Street this morning. |
North Adams - Several city workers were involved in something resembling the "Men In Trees" television show this morning and early afternoon as the city's two holiday trees were erected at the eastern and western ends of Main Street.
City Fire Department Director and Wiring Inspector Stephen Meranti, and city employees Robert Upton, R.J. Laurello, John Barrett, Paul Mormon and Michael Bullitt as well as Waconcah Welding company crane operator Dave Clement were hard at work at the eastern end of the street at about 10:30 a.m.. Traffic was detoured along Ashland Street and Church Street while the lush pine tree was hoisted upright and secured into place.
City employee John Barrett sharpened a chain saw blade in anticipation of a tree-cutting on Walker Street in Clarksburg. |
The tree was donated by Phyllis Szewczyk of 74 East Road in Adams.
City workers cut the about 35' tall tree down earlier during the morning and cleaned up all debris from Szewczyk's yard. Only a stump cut flush to the earth remained at the site, Meranti said. The tree is believed to be about 35 years old.
About five feet of height were removed from the tree bottom once it arrived at its' destination, Meranti said. The result is a plump tree that will be covered with colored lights.
City workers Paul Mormon and Michael Bullitt swept and shoveled tree debris from Main Street. |
The tree placed at the downtown's western edge was donated by Najib Davis of 840 Walker St. of Clarksburg. After the tree was cut, city workers removed all debris from that site.
Response to a city call for two donated holiday trees was significant and about 23 people offered trees for consideration. In addition to Northern Berkshire folks, calls came from communities including Lee, Lanesboro and Pittsfield.
Each tree was considered before the choices were made, Meranti said.
Dave Clement operated a Wahconah Welding company crane during the tree set-up. |
"We had quite a few trees to consider," he said. "The generosity is appreciated by the city. This is an interesting time, you find out that every tree has a story."
Cutting the trees is the least time-consuming part of the task, Meranti said.
"It takes minutes to bring the tree down and a couple of hours to get the tree up," he said.
City employee R.J. Laurello worked to straighten a downtown holiday tree this morning. |
A public tree lighting ceremony is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 1 at 6 p.m..
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush@iberkshires.com or at 802-823-9367. |
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