Next time you're sipping on a mocha at True Brew Barista, 3 Bicentennial Square, make a point to enjoy the view outside your window.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Modern Woodmen of America organized the planting of two celebration maple trees in Bicentennial Square last Thursday morning. One tree greets Concordians at the park's entrance, the other stands in front of True Brew Barista.
With a modest crowd watching, the maple in front of the coffee shop was placed down with a tractor. Once on its spot, onlookers were invited to be part of Bicentennial Square's history by helping pat down and shovel soil. “You can come back and say, hey, I helped plant this tree. I helped make this happen,” said Jim Milliken, secretary of Modern Woodmen of America's Concord chapter.
Several gathered to do just that, but none seemed quite as excited as a group of young kiddos from the Concord-Family YMCA to get their hands dirty. Enthusiasm increased when word got out that Granite State Candy Shoppe wished to continue the celebration by offering the entire crowd a free ice cream cones.
The downtown candy shop wasn't the only one in a generous mood – others chipped in to make the day possible.
Cole Gardens provided the trees and some financial assistance, General Services prepared the holes and planted and Scott Carlson, parks director of General Services, instructed the children on how to properly plant a tree.
City planner Becky Hebert got involved by selecting the location for the trees and the type. The celebration maples will only grow to a certain width, so no need to worry about the tree someday blocking the entrance to True Brew. And after the recent windstorm, Bicentennial Square was in need of some extra greenery.
