NEWS

Gonzales Garden Club donates tree to Gonzales Police Dept.

Patti Mouton Gonzales Garden Club
From left Pat Mouton, Loretta Ramirez, Priscilla Monson, Mary Jo Pohlig, Reverend Harry “Peter” Harrington, Harlan Poche, Janis Poche, Terry Richey, City of Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux, Kat Hightower, City of Gonzales Police Chief Sherman Jackson, Mabel Savoy, Loretta Speligene, Cathy Venable, Ellen Richmond, Conchita Richey and Ed Hightower.

On Friday, Jan. 15, the Gonzales Garden Club  planted and donated a Natchez Crepe Myrtle to the City of Gonzales Police Department. The tree, when grown, will bloom white flowers and display a beautiful cinnamon bark.

A ceremony was held at the City of Gonzales Police Department to recognize the gift, with members of the Garden Club, their families and the City of Gonzales Chief of Police Sherman Jackson and Mayor Barney Arceneaux in attendance.

“I’m always so touched when the Gonzales Garden Club plants and donates trees to this department,” Jackson said. “Not only do they bring life to the area, but they beautify it. This Crepe Myrtle is a special tree for me personally as they were my grandmother’s favorite. In her honor, I’ll be naming this tree Alice, and will cherish watching it grow.”

Pricilla Monson, Gonzales Garden Club President began the ceremony with opening remarks, followed by a beautiful Invocation by the Reverend Harry “Peter” Harrington. Harrington spoke of the life that stems from trees and their significance in sustainability. 

Chairman Loretta Ramirez presented the tree to Chief Jackson, with both Jackson and Arceneaux thanking the group.

Cathy Venable read a poem entitled ‘What Do We Plant When We Plant The Tree,” by Henry Abbey, which was both beautiful and apt for the day’s event.

The event ended with a thank you form Co-Chairman Mabel Savoy and a reading by Gonzales Garden Club member Kat Hightower.