At the October 30 Arbor Day ceremony sponsored by the Shade Tree Advisory Board of Teaneck on the Municipal Green, Teaneck Poet Laureate Scott Pleasants read an original poem that he composed for the occasion. In tribute to outgoing Township Manager Dean Kazinci for his 44 years of devoted service to the Teaneck community, he wrote:

This tree will continue to grow as a living extension

Unceremoniously as an open gift

A genuine gesture of gracious gratitude

Granted by a community of friends family and those who have been privileged

To watch witness and water the many seeds of Dean

Pleasants compared Kazinci’s tireless efforts, both seen and unseen, to a tree whose outward branches and leaves we enjoy while its invisible, below-ground roots are ceaselessly working toward its preservation and good health.

In accepting the honor bestowed upon him for four decades of commitment to the welfare of the Teaneck community, Kazinci praised the Shade Tree Advisory Board, founded in 1995, for focusing on the welfare, maintenance and planting of trees, thus beautifying our community.and serving as the “Stewards of the Township Canopy.” He shared: “Trees remind us to nurture the world around us. They remind us of our commitment to sustaining our environment. Trees are our symbol of growth, resilience and hope and the investment in our legacy for many years to come. I am truly honored by the planting of this dappled willow tree on our Municipal Green.”

Mayor Michael Pagan read the proclamation honoring Kazinci with the planting of the willow tree in recognition of his lengthy and devoted service to the town of Teaneck. He praised the Shade Tree Advisory Board for initiating the honor and for their qualification year after year as a Tree City USA, a national designation for cities that to date have dotted the U.S. landscape with millions of trees since its inception in 1872.

Opening the program was Nancy Cochrane, who together with Anna Kurz, serves as co-chairperson of the Shade Tree Advisory Board. A special presentation by Teaneck High School student Nate Oghian offered those assembled one of a dozen red oak seedling plants that he had been preparing for planting in February. From the age of 10, Nate has been fascinated with the vegetation in Teaneck, collecting acorns and experimenting with methods to promote their growth into trees.

Roby Langert, who serves on the Shade Tree Advisory Board and who together with co-member Zina Barrera worked on coordinating the program for many months, shared the Arbor Day Foundation’s listing of “Benefits of Trees.” The list of nine points included health benefits and lowering of temperatures, relief of ozone layers and cleaning of airborne particles, prevention of erosion and flooding, reduction of crime, increase in property values, promotion of physical activity and provision of calming spaces.

Township Arborist and Department of Public Works Liaison Michael Sermabekian described the “Hakuro” dappled willow tree being planted as a small tree, native to China, Japan, Korea and southeastern Siberia. At full growth it reaches 4 to 6 feet in height and 5 to 7 feet in girth. It displays variegated foliage with multiple colors on each leaf, sprouting as pink and then turning from white to green. In fall the stems may turn red. The willow is easy to care for and is suitable for city gardens, cottage gardens, and along streams and ponds.

Doug Ruccione, who serves as township clerk, extolled Kazinci as a mentor and leader and attributed to him the creation of the special environment of Teaneck. He also expressed his appreciation for the many open green spaces still available in Teaneck including the lovely Municipal Green hosting the day’s ceremony.

The event concluded with the planting of the dappled willow tree by the Teaneck Department of Public Works, which was lauded for its “unflagging support and unstinting help in the maintenance of the beauty and landscaping of the town of Teaneck.” Among those joining Pagan at the planting were Jaclyn Hashmat, newly appointed township manager; Anthony Verley, deputy township manager; and Teaneck Council Member Karen Orgen.