By DENISE R. FREELAND

News Leader Staff Writer

Members of the Minerva Shade Tree Commission, village officials, and residents celebrated Arbor Day and Minerva's 20th year of being named Tree City U.S.A., with a tree planting in Municipal Park, April 25.

After a welcome by Pat Alexander, representing the Shade Tree Commission, the Reverend Dale Thomas of Minerva United Methodist Church offered an invocation, saying that those gathered would "celebrate life" by planting a tree.

Minerva Mayor James Waller read a proclamation urging citizens to "support efforts to care for our trees and woodlands and to support our village's community forestry program. . . ."

Dave Gotschall, Shade Tree Commission chairman, said, "Who knew, 136 years ago (on the first Arbor Day) that (today) we'd be talking about global warming, carbon footprints, leaving no trace and going green."

The group then planted Chanticleer pear and Mount Saint Helen's cherry trees on the banks of Little Sandy Creek. Six more trees will be planted along the bypass.

Village Service Director Steve Jackson presented the new Tree City U.S.A. flag, which was presented to village officials in a ceremony in Leetonia, April 22. The village also received signs, which are posted at the village limits, recognizing its 20th year as Tree City U.S.A.