B.M. - Tree Page 1

"BIG MIKE's Day - Donated & Gift Tree"

       Big Mike has taken care of a tree since 1996. Given to Mike from a friend. The tree was about 2 inches tall at the time.
       Now the tree is 15 foot tall and was in a green round toy bucket. Was struggling to grow the past three years. The township of Belleville first said yes on planting the tree on town property. Nothing happened late 2005 and early 2006. Mike was worried about the tree.
       Mike Pesci was told about the tree. Wrote a letter to the mayor of Denville. They was touched and wanted to have the tree.
       The township of Denville, NJ planted the tree at Gardener Field on May 27, 2006. With the help of Bike Mike at 11:30am.
       Mike misses the tree. Was use to sitting by the tree. Next to the porch. Like a pet or apart of him.
       The tree is in honor of Arthur Richmon of the Yankees. In memory of Donald Stefenalli of Boy Scout Troop #364, Albert Alves of WBHS-34 and Big Mike's grandfather Chester Parciak - WWII - Purple Heart.
       Mike saw the tree again during the 2006 Perfect Pitch Home Run Derby on June 4th. He saw a big colorful bow on the tree.
       A small tree in a pot was next to it. Mike was given a beautiful Japanese Maple Tree to care for the next 3 to 5 years. Then will be planting the donated tree by Big Mike back to Denville, NJ. Mike loves the tree he will be taking care of.

The tree you see is the tree that Mike has been caring for 10 years. The tree was given to Mike by his long time friend Vinnie. A former commissioner of Belleville back in the days. The tree ten years ago was only 2 inches tall. Now the tree is currently about 15 foot tall. Struggled to grow in a toy green bucket by his porch. The last two years. Had problem growing to squirrels biting on the branches during the cold season.

Mike with tree . .. before loading to truck

Mike and his ten year old tree. Just before moving the tree to the back of the truck.

Mike taking one last photo with his tree at his home. Before it is loaded on the truck and tied.

Here is Lisa and one of Mike's friend roping the tree to the back of the truck. Getting it ready for the trip to Denville, NJ.

Lisa is driving a bit slower then normal. So none of the leaves falls off. Half way to Denville at this point on May 27th, 2006.

Mike's tree is getting un-tied. Getting ready for the trip to the hole in the ground at Gardener Field in Denville, NJ. It is about 11:30am on May 27, 2006.

Mike saw one of the park crew with a saw. Mike decided to cut the green bucket from the tree himself. Because he was the one that grew the tree the past ten years.

Mike with the a great bunch of guys of the Denville Park Crew. Thanks guys for planting the tree.

Mike is with Mayor Feyl, the Denville staff and the Denville park crew. A nice bunch!

The mayor of Denville gave Mike a gold plated Denville pin. Mike wore it all day on May 27th, 2006. The mayor of Denville thanks Mike for donating the tree to Denville.

Had to throw this one in the page. Mike with a good friend F.M.. Thanks for the cool photos you took of the tree ceremony.

Mike standing high with his 15 foot tree. Everyone else in the background. Holding the Perfect Pitch Home Run Derby June 4, 2006 banner in the back.

Ellen puts on a Denville pin on Mike's shirt

Ellen S. put a gold plated Denville pin on Mike's white shirt. Sort of like getting the key to Denville. SMILE!

Here is the tree planted at Gardener Field in Denville, NJ

Well, the tree is planted for the first time in ten years. Hope this tree grows really big and beautiful for years to come. Become a shade on hot days. Maybe a picnic table under the tree. Mike loves this tree.

Mike and Brain at Attilio's Kitchen in Denville. Located at 278 Diamond Spring Road in Denville, NJ. It is Big Mike Day in Denville, NJ.

How you like your pizza? Here is a special pie in honor of Big Mike. A torch pie for Mike on May 27, 2006. This was at Attilio's Kitchen in Denville.

Denville has given Mike a beautiful new tree. A Japanese Maple tree. A Tamkeama Cutleaf Japanese Maple. It was presented to Mike at the June 4, 2006 Perfect Pitch Home Run Derby at Gardener Field in Denville. Then Mike and his friend Leo got the tree on June 5th and brought it home to Mike's place. Mike will take care of this wonderful tree for 3 to 5 years. Then donate it back to Denville. Mike plans on getting a bigger and nicer pot for the tree.