Dr. Joe Smith talks trees

Pictured: Dr. Joe Smith, Cambridge Tree Commission, and Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

Dr. Joe Smith brought the tools he uses for a tree survey and showed the Byesville Rotarians how to calculate the value of a tree. Smith stated that “…trees are valuable for more than just their lumber, and their value can be calculated.” To calculate the monetary value of a tree, Smith used a free app—the National Tree Benefit Calculator at www.treebenefits.com.

Smith began by estimating the diameter of a maple tree located outside of the Rotarians meeting place. He then input this into the app and added the tree species, the zip code, and how the land was being used. The app instantly estimated the total value of the tree in terms of its value to the property owner

Values used include the amount of gas and electricity saved because the tree reduces costs of heating and cooling. Other benefits include reduction of damage caused by storm water runoff, reduction of air pollutants like smoke and dust, reduction of carbon dioxide, and the amount of value the tree adds to the property as part of the landscaping.

Smith, a member of the Cambridge Tree Commission, is currently making a survey of every tree located on public land in the city of Cambridge. Smith stated that his long term goal is to reduce the cost of tree maintenance and removal for Cambridge and reduce the potential of damage to property by trees such as the damage that occurred during the 2012 straight line wind event.

Smith explained that city owned trees are “…trees that grow in city parks and other municipal properties, and in the tree lawn located between the sidewalk and streets or alleys. He estimates that the survey will take 3 to 5 years to complete. Smith stated that he would love to have help from anyone who loves trees or who want to learn more about trees. Just contact the Cambridge Tree Commission at 740-439-1240 or www.cambridgeoh.org.

As part of the survey, Smith evaluates 13 characteristics of each tree which includes information such as species, sidewalk condition, presence of overhead wires, health of the tree, and need for maintenance. Smith stated that basically all this information boils down to deciding if “…the right tree is in the right place.” For example, trees which have roots that spread on the surface and not good candidates for planting in the tree lawn because they will break up the sidewalk, lead to trips and falls, make it difficult to use a stroller, and cost the city money to fix the sidewalk.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.

 

Byesville Rotary learns about new study on air and water quality

 Pictured: Rusty Roberts; and Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

The BBQ chair reported that the chicken BBQ went well. All 250 chickens sold and the club could have sold additional chickens. The next BBQ will be held September 24. Chuck Fair, club president, stated that after the September BBQ is completed, the club will begin fundraising for its annual Christmas food basket program.

Rusty Roberts spoke to club members about a new project to collect information about air and water quality in Guernsey County. Roberts will serve as a research assistant for Dr. Hayes a professor from the University of Cincinnati. Roberts pointed out that he worked with the University of Cincinnati on a previous project—CARES—to determine if children in Guernsey county were being exposed to industrial pollutants such as magnesium. The results of this project indicated that Guernsey County children were exposed to fewer pollutants than children in Marietta.

Roberts explained that the new study—funded by a grant—will analyze soil, air and water samples. Roberts stated that property owners near waste injection wells will be asked for permission to set up air collection canisters for a 24 hour period. The air samples will be tested for volatile organic compounds, formaldehyde and particulate matter.

Additionally, surface and drinking water will be analyzed. Roberts stated that water test kits will be provided to local residents to be used to test home drinking water or well water. Future plans include taking soil samples for analysis.

Roberts indicated the goal of the study is to provide a base line measurement of current conditions in Guernsey County. After the test samples are analyzed, a report will be presented to the local community. The study sponsors do not believe that that the information produced by the study will uncover anything alarming in Guernsey County air, water or soil.

Roberts reported that part of the grant is reserved for education. The University of Cincinnati will provide staff and equipment to teach local students about the environment. The students will be involved in hands on activities involving learning about air and water quality in an academic setting.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.

Business and Profession Women visit Byesville Rotary

Pictured: Nellie Bichard, Speaker Host; Cheryl Lowry-Miller, BPW; and Chuck Fair, Byesville Rotary President.

Cheryl Lowry-Miller representing the Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) organization spoke to the Rotary about the club and its activities. Club members believe in the power of “…women helping women.” BPW members help other women through a variety of efforts ranging from working for legislation favorable to women to education and mentoring.

Lowry-Miller pointed out that the organization, which was founded in 1919, has almost a century of service to women beginning with the organization’s efforts to insure the 19^th Amendment giving women the right to vote was passed in 1920. Current legislative efforts include support for equal pay. The local organization draws attention to this effort by sponsoring an “Equal Pay Day” during the summer.

Locally, the BPW works to extend opportunities for women in more personal ways. Lowry-Miller stated that, “The Haven of Hope which provides support for victims of domestic violence has developed into one of the clubs biggest service projects.” The BPW makes an annual donation to the Haven and has helped on other projects such as refurbishing rooms.

Lowry-Miller stated that education is another way the BPW helps women succeed in the workforce. In the spring the club holds an education Spring Seminar which helps women grow professionally. The organization provides an annual scholarship award of $500 to young women entering college. The BPW scholarship is open to any female living in Guernsey or Noble Counties. In order to be considered for the scholarship, women must submit a reference letter, and proof of application to college or university.

The organization has supplied sweatshirts and pants for victims of rape treated at Southeastern Med and professional clothing to help women re enter the workforce. Lowry-Miller also stated that BPW recognizes local professional women with a “Woman of the Year Award” and have recently established an “Outstanding Woman of the Community” award.

Connect with Byesville Rotary at: www.Byesvillerotary.blogspot.com or https://www.facebook.com/pages/Byesville-Rotary/256548047818283. The club meets 7:30 am, Tuesday at the Stop Nine Senior Center at 60313 (GPS use 60299) Southgate Road, Byesville. Walk-ins are welcome at the club’s meeting.