GLOCESTER – Chepachet Village has a new permanent addition: a 10-foot-tall Norway spruce tree planted at the Kent Field Pavilion.
Planting and naming of the evergreen came about through a joint effort between the Town Council and the Department of Public Works.
“It is suggested that this tree would be a symbolic tree for future generations to enjoy and should be given a name for future reference,” said Council President William Worthy.
The suggestion was to name it “Chet” a shortened version of “Chepachet.”
“What about ‘Pat’?” offered Council Vice President Walter Steere.
“What about ‘Pet’?” responded Worthy. “Wait, what about ‘Shep -a– shay’ (French version of Chepachet)?”
“No, I think we should go with ‘Chet'” said Councilor Stephanie Calise.
“I like ‘Chet'” agreed Worthy. “Let’s go with that.”
The council voted unanimously to name the tree “Chet.”
Calise later noted that the Christmas tree was planted so that generations of town residents can enjoy it year after year.
“We can watch our families grow as the tree grows,” she noted.
“At least it’s something happy that is happening,” Calise told NRI NOW. “I was going to donate a tree.”
The tree was actually supplied, and planted on Thursday, May 8 by the DPW. The department also recently installed a number of similar trees at the town transfer station to help keep trash from blowing into the nearby Smith and Sayles Reservoir across the street.
Norway spruce trees, one of the fastest growing evergreens, average 60 feet tall, but can grow to close to 100 feet. They also can live for 300-500 years.
Thank you so much…..I’m happy now.