MEDIA ADVISORY

Mayor: Jennifer P. Dougherty

CONTACT: Nancy Poss, Public Information Officer, 301-360-3842
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, March 26, 2004

MAYOR DOUGHERTY TO PARTICIPATE IN CITY’S 24th ANNUAL ARBOR DAY CELEBRATION ON APRIL 1

Frederick, Md. --- City of Frederick Mayor Jennifer P. Dougherty will present a Proclamation during the City’s 24th Arbor Day celebration on Thursday, April 1, at 1:30 p.m., Hillcrest Park.

This year the City will be planting two White Oaks. The White Oak (Quercus alba) was designated as the State of Maryland official tree in 1941.

The White Oak is named for its whitish bark and grey twigs. White Oaks are large, long-lived, and slow-growing trees, reaching heights of 60 to 150 feet, with diameters between 3 to 4 feet. Their glossy, bright green leaves have rounded lobes, five to seven per leaf.

One of the White Oaks will be dedicated to Laura Offutt. Ms. Offutt served as volunteer coordinator of the City’s Arbor Day event for over a decade. She passed away this past year. The Rosehill Garden Club also made a donation in honor of Ms. Offutt.

The 3rd grade classes from Hillcrest Elementary School will help celebrate this annual tradition.

A rain date has been set for Friday, April 2, same time. Media coverage is welcome and encouraged.

Directions to Hillcrest Park from Downtown Frederick:
Begin South on NORTH COURT STREET toward WEST CHURCH STREET
Turn RIGHT onto MD-144 W/W PATRICK STREET
Continue to follow WEST PATRICK STREET
Turn LEFT onto HILLCREST DRIVE
End at 1285 HILLCREST DRIVE