Tree Society holds membership drive

Standing, L-R: Bill Kloidt, Tom Mimnall, Amy Evans, Mark Zeamer, Ron Fritz
Seated: Claire Storm

The Columbia Tree Society has begun its annual membership drive for 2015. The society is the fundraising auxiliary for the Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission. Membership dues enable the shade tree commission to purchase and maintain street trees in the borough.

Over the last 20 years, the Shade Tree Commission planted approximately 770 trees in the community, as well as maintaining street trees, and has received the National Arbor Day Foundation's "TREE CITY USA" designation for 22 consecutive years.

The Columbia Borough Shade Tree Commission strives to encourage street tree plantings as well as yards, parks, and public places, since trees retain large volumes of rainfall, thereby reducing and cleansing runoff. They also increase property values, reduce air pollution, calm traffic, and lower noise levels. Manageable stormwater runoff results from abundant trees, multi-use catch basins and rain gardens, reduced impervious surfaces, and increased ground vegetation. The benefits are lower costs and a more livable, sustainable environment.

Shaded homes and tree-filled yards make urban life more pleasant and provide practical benefits such as lower heating and air conditioning costs, and increased resale values. The tree canopy is also a major contributor to stormwater runoff reduction.

Dr. Claire F. Storm has been selected by the Shade Tree Commission to be the honorary chairperson for this year's membership drive. 

Dr. Storm received her doctorate of education in 1992 from Temple University. She received her Masters of Education in 1976 and her Bachelor of Science in 1972, both from Millersville University. She is a 1957 graduate of Lancaster Catholic High School. She has been in public education for 29 years and retired in 2001 from the Manheim Central School District as an elementary school principal.

She is past president of Rivertownes PA USA and is a member of the Columbia River Park focus group, Columbia Economic Development Strategic Planning Committee, and the Mount Bethel Cemetery Board of Directors. She volunteers at the Susquehanna Valley Visitors Center and is active in her church.

She is married to her husband Albert for 56 years, and they have five children, 16 grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

Please consider making a contribution to the Columbia Tree Society. Membership categories are as follows:
Student - $2
Individual - $10
Family - $20
Business - $50
Life - $100

Memorial certificates for deceased loved ones can be purchased for $50 and will be presented at the annual Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 24, 2015 at Locust Street Park. In case of inclement weather, the event will be held indoors at the Columbia Borough Municipal Building at 308 Locust Street.

Please make checks payable and mailed to:
Columbia Tree Society, PO Box 509, Columbia PA, 17512

A copy of the Shade Tree's annual report to council can be requested by writing to the same address above. Members of the Columbia Shade Tree Commission are: Bill Kloidt, chairman; Tom Mimnall, secretary; Mark Zeamer, treasurer; Ron Fritz,and Amy Evans.

The Commission partners with the Columbia Park Rangers throughout the year in maintaining street trees and park trees. If interested in participating, please attend the Shade Tree Commission meeting held the second Tuesday of each month, commencing at 6:30 p.m. in the Columbia Borough Municipal Building.