Robert Bastian, chairman of Catasauqua’s Shade Tree Commission, welcomed honorees and guests to an Arbor Day celebration April 28 at the borough’s new municipal complex.

This is the first year the celebration was held at the 90 Bridge St. building. According to Mayor Barbara Schlegel, this is, however, the 19th annual borough celebration of Arbor Day.

“It’s important that we continue to beautify the borough with our long-standing commitment to planting trees. It is a way to beautify the community and to honor those who have served the borough well,” she said.

This year, the borough honored long-serving borough employees and volunteers. Bastian announced the honorees: Eugene Goldfeder, retiring borough manager, for his 40 years of service to the borough; Jeffrey Mac- Hose, for his volunteer efforts outside his duties as public works supervisor; the Rev. George Spieker, Lutheran minister at St. Paul’s who has delivered the invocation and benediction at each Arbor Day celebration; Pat Kerin, for her volunteer activities over and above her duties as a borough employee; Betty Miller, for her long-standing commitment to the Catasauqua Community Thrift Shop and for her service as secretary of the J4 Celebration; and Jillian Emert, for her efforts at the Catasauqua Community Thrift Shop and the Catasauqua Food Bank, as well as her organizing efforts for the borough Halloween parade.

The trees for each of the honorees are planted on the grounds of the new municipal complex.

The Shade Tree Commission took time to present Verdiana Quinn, commission secretary, and Schlegel with flowers as thanks for their continued support.

“Without Verdi’s help and support, we would not have the long-term commitment to trees. Mayor Schlegel has been a strong supporter of the commission and to the Arbor Day celebration,” Bastian said.

Each honoree had a picture taken in front of his or her tree. This year, all the trees selected were honey locust trees, known for their hardy nature and ability to survive in an urban environment.