A Memory Tree Project profile: John Govoni and Dorothy Giarla

Photo by Renée DeKona

By Pam Sinotte
 

This summer, rainfall throughout Massachusetts has been well below average, leaving much of the state and Boston in a severe drought. It’s been a difficult summer for many plants, including our newer street trees. But thanks to the efforts of Memory Tree Project participants John Govoni and Dorothy Giarla, there are two honeylocust trees bordering Fallon Field that stand a great chance of surviving and thriving! Over the course of the summer, John and Dorothy have been bringing large buckets of water to these trees that might otherwise not receive adequate water because they’re not near homes or businesses.  

Photo by Renée DeKona

Here is what John and Dorothy have to say about participating in The Memory Tree Project:

We have lived in Roslindale for almost 40 years and have enjoyed the evolution of our neighborhood. We decided to join The Memory Tree Project to honor our families and contribute to the important growth of green space on our city streets. Many people have complimented us on our dedication to this effort. Win/win all around.

– John Govoni and Dorothy Giarla

We hope you’ll be inspired by John and Dorothy to join The Memory Tree Project and care for a street tree in memory of a loved one. You’ll be honoring a loved one, helping to reduce Roslindale’s carbon footprint, and beautifying the neighborhood! To sign up for your own tree, go to our home page or email thememorytreeproject@gmail.com.  (To see a close-up of the tree sign, see Eric Smalley’s post Honoring My Father in a Green Way.)