[nfbmi-talk] lions plant tree at mcbtc

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Lions Club plants tree at Michigan Commission for the Blind to celebrate Year of the Tree

 

Published: Wednesday, April 11, 2012, 4:00 PM

Linda S. Mah | lmah at mlive.com

By

Linda S. Mah | lmah at mlive.com

Courtesy photoAmong those attending the tree planting at the Michigan Commission for the Blind on Tuesday were past club President Frank Murray, Lions 11B2

District Governor Gerry Pierson, club President Al Walker, and Michigan Commission for the Blind Director Christine Boone.

 

KALAMAZOO, MI — The Kalamazoo Downtown Lions Club planted a Newport cherry plum tree on Tuesday afternoon at the Michigan Commission for the Blind. The

tree will have a plaque in raised print and in Braille.

 

Lions International has declared 2012 as the Year of the Tree. Lions International President Wing-Kun Tam has challenges Lions members to plant one million

tress this year.

 

In his message to the Lions clubs around the world, Tam wrote, "Why trees? It’s no secret that trees help the environment, but you may be surprised by all

the benefits that planting a tree can provide. Trees are like the lungs of the planet. They breathe in carbon dioxide and breathe out oxygen. They also

reduce erosion to save soil, help preserve local water sources, and provide habitat for wildlife living under more and more stress. Simply put, planting

trees in your neighborhood really is one of the best things you can do for the local environment."

 

The Kalamazoo project united the tree planting effort with the Lions long-standing commitment to help the blind and their work on eye health.

 

Among those attending the event were past club President Frank Murray, Lions 11B2 District Governor Gerry Pierson, club President Al Walker, and Michigan

Commission for the Blind Director Christine Boone.

Submitted by Al Walker, Kalamazoo Downtown Lions Club