The initiative to plant 150 trees in recognition of Lehighton's sesquicentennial continues to grow.

Mark Hoffman, chairman of the Lehighton Shade Tree Commission, whose members are taking on the special challenge of planting 150 trees in honor of the borough's 150th anniversary, offered his take on the situation."Meteorologists are crediting El Nino for providing our area with warmer than normal temperatures so far this year," Hoffman said. "Although the meteorologists may be right, one may wonder if the warmer than normal temperatures are due to all the activity taking place in regard to the endeavor to plant 150 trees in honor of Lehighton turning 150 years old as a borough."Hoffman said that to date, more than 47 trees have already been purchased, with others expected from residents of the community who are looking for that special gift for the holidays.Although the original idea suggested by Shade Tree member Kenneth Leffler was somewhat shared in jest, the members, along with the entire town, have rallied around the idea, allowing it to take root, he said.Hoffman said the Shade Tree members "are appreciative of all the donations received so far, and are especially thrilled with a request recently received from students of Lehighton Area High School science department."Under the direction of their instructor, Guy Potts, students chipped in and donated enough money to purchase two flowering dogwood trees that will be planted near the recently constructed pavilion bordering Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard, he said."It is encouraging to know the youth of the town are behind the initiative, and care enough to want to do something to beautify their hometown," Hoffman said.In addition, Hoffman said the Shade Tree Commission recently received a very generous donation from the council and special gifts committee of Trinity Lutheran Church in Lehighton, which requested 10 trees be planted to the glory of God. The added money they donated will be used to help defray the cost of planting the remaining 150 trees, Hoffman said."It is a gratifying feeling being involved in a project that is bringing the entire town together," he said.Anyone with questions related to sponsoring a tree in memory or honor of a loved one may contact Mark or Diane Hoffman at 610-377-5275.