PADUCAH, KY - Paducah's Civic Beautification Board members, Paducah Ambassadors and City employees gathered at Dolly McNutt Plaza Monday to dedicate two dogwood trees to former CBB members Teresa White and John Bichon.

The dogwood trees were planted about a week before the City's dogwoods are expected to bloom. "Even though it seems like a 'late' blooming season, it's actually more typical for our region", says Henry Barbour, CBB member and Co-chair for this year's 49th Annual Dogwood Trail. "The cooler weather allowed the buds to hold tight, but with the 70 degree days, they should be blooming within the next week."

The dediation of the dogwoods was presented as follows:
Teresa Ann White (62) will be remembered as a lady who loved the Lord and was not shy about sharing her faith. Her 12-years working with the City of Paducah and for years, being the first person you would see when entering the Mayor’s office, gave her insight into what makes this town tick - the good and sometimes the challenging. She remained joyful and upbeat even during her battles with cancer. Teresa was an inspiration to those who knew her and worked with her. She will be missed and not forgotten. She loved this time of year and having her own dogwood tree to pamper and watch grow and bloom. This dogwood tree will remind those of us who knew Teresa how brief life is and how important it is to make each day count. We are grateful to her for her passion for our City and her willingness to serve and help beautify our river town.

John Alvin Bichon (71) taught many of us how to plant a tree and more importantly how to take care of it once it was in the ground. He lived a full and meaningful life as a U.S. Air Force Veteran, husband, father and educator. At one time he was Paducah's only certified arborist, with degrees in forestry and biology. Upon retiring, John continued to garden and share his vast knowledge with anyone seeking landscape and horticulture guidance. John had recently moved with his family to Greenville, KY. He will be missed and not forgotten.

The planting and maintenance of these two dogwood trees at Dolly McNutt Plaza are part of Paducah’s Adopt-a-Spot program. The City has agreed to take good care of these trees to help insure they will grow strong and be here for years to come. As part of the beautification of Paducah, the Civic Beautification Board joyfully plants these trees in memory of our fellow board members, Teresa and John. We appreciate their willingness to work with us to help beautify our City. These trees will grow and bloom and we will remember their service to our City.