Stepping up to community service once again is The STEPS Youth Committee as they prepare to plant a tree on the grounds of Mary Our Queen Church on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 6:30 pm. The tree, an Autumn Flowering Cherry Tree, (Prunus Autumnalis), was donated by Winterberry Gardens of Southington, thanks to the efforts of Heather Bartley, a member of the STEPS Parents Committee and its Advisory Board. Speaking for Winterberry, Ashley Vescera said, “We are pleased to assist the STEPS Youth Committee with this year’s tree. The gift is our way of saying thanks for their community service and allows us to be a part of such a wonderful project.”
The tree planting idea stems from the first planting of a STEPS tree at Recreation Park in June 2012 by the STEPS Youth Committee. Their initial purpose was to contribute something lasting to the community. The idea evolved into the aspired thought that it might become a tradition of the STEPS Youth so that each year another tree is planted to grow along with the young people of our town to healthy maturity.
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The exploration of a suitable location for this year’s tree was spearheaded by STEPS Youth Council and Advisory Board member, Trever M. Rogers, a SHS student. Trever turned to his church family where there is a group of garden lovers who are developing a Meditation Garden on church grounds. It took no stretch of the imagination for them to connect with their own garden plans and the positive idea of supporting the STEPS movement, Southington’s Town-wide Efforts to Promote Success in growing great kids. Dr. Carol Grant, a leading member of the garden group, said: “Our plan is to design the garden with flowers, other plantings, benches and a few chairs along with pavers and bricks for people to come and enjoy as a quiet place of beauty, reflection and introspection on the joys of life and the love of God.” Grant said the STEPS Tree will have a distinct place within the garden. Fr. A. Waine Kargul, pastor of MOQ, was moved by the symbolism of the tree to the vision of the STEPS movement: Growing Great Kids. He drew the connection of the young tree and our youth. “It’s great to see young people who realize that, like them, the tree has roots; the tree grows and matures, getting stronger, spreading its branches and ultimately seeding other trees.” Kargul noted the symbolic affirmation of the STEPS mission as it calls on the community to coalesce in nurturing our youth, teaching them to build their future, build assets that promote their education, moral values, character and good citizenship, while directing them away from the dangers of risky behavior in a culture that presents many challenges.
Heather Bartley, a member of the STEPS Parent Sector and the STEPS Advisory Board, said that all are invited to attend the dedication of the 2013 STEPS Tree on Monday, June 17, 2013 at 6:30 pm at the site of the STEPS tree planting at Mary Our Queen. Admission is free.
