Every year in observance of Arbor Day, the Town of Greece plants a tree to both honor a member of the community and to promote the importance of trees for our environment. The Town of Greece has been named a Tree City USA every year since 1998 by continued commitment from Supervisor Bill Reilich, the Greece Town Board, and the dedicated members of our Tree Council.
Greece Town Supervisor Bill Reilich was joined by Greece Town Board Members Bill Murphy, Josh Jensen, and Diana Christodaro, Greece Receiver of Taxes Andrew Conlon, Greece Town Judges Brett Granville, Vince Campbell, and David Barry, and representative Aaron Baker from the office of Assemblyman Peter Lawrence for the Annual Town of Greece Arbor Day Memorial Tree Planting event this morning. This year’s tree was planted in memory of the late Eileen Coyle, founder and CEO of Monroe Ambulance. Many of Eileen’s family members, friends, and community members were present for the ceremony.
“Eileen was the founder and CEO of Monroe Ambulance and served in various leadership positions” said Supervisor Reilich. “She was very well-respected in her field and believed the best way to serve her customers was by providing well-trained professionals and the newest innovations in equipment. Everyone who had the honor of knowing Eileen knew that she had a zest for life and always made family her number one priority. She will be greatly missed in our community”.
The tree chosen by Eileen’s family to be planted in her honor was the Eastern Red Bud Tree. This beautiful tree boasts clusters of tiny magenta buds that bloom into pink flowers in early spring. Heart-shaped leaves 2-6 inches in length emerge a reddish color, turning dark green in summer and then a bright canary yellow in autumn.
The Eastern Red Bud Tree was planted on the Greece Town Hall Campus near the Kids Canyon Playground. This location was chosen by Eileen’s family because they knew it held a special place in her heart, as she would often spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren in that area.