The L M Garden Club's Arbor Day celebration was held recently. On hand for the occasion were, from left, Martin Maldonado, Bobby Hicks, Darrin Barker, Tim Carlton, Debbie Hicks, Tico Hicks, Ken Johnson, Matt Molter and Steve Parks. The L M Garden and Civic Club celebrated Arbor Day on Jan. 25 with a special dedication honoring Tommy Wayne Hicks, husband of Tico Hicks, father of Tonya and Tara, and friend of the garden club.

Mrs. Hicks, club vice president and Arbor Day chairman, welcomed guests. She introduced Darrin Barker, LCRA Hill Country regional manager, who delivered the invocation.

Music was provided by Lometa Elementary School music students under the direction of Eugene Barnett. Selections were “America the Beautiful” and “America.”

Mrs. Hicks then shared the history of Arbor Day and the importance of trees.

Lewvon Hicks recited “Trees” by Joyce Kilmer.

Lometa Mayor Cynthia Kirby read a proclamation designating Jan. 25, 2010, as Arbor Day for the Lometa L-M Garden and Civic Club. A burr oak tree, donated by LCRA in memory of Tommy Hicks, was planted by Mrs. Hicks and LCRA employees on hand for the dedication.

Judy Hall led club members in the Conservation Pledge. Mrs. Hicks gave closing remarks on behalf of herself and her daughters as well as club members, and extended thanks to Bobby Hicks for his assistance in coordinating the Arbor Day event with LCRA and for delivering the tree. She also thanked LCRA employees for being a part of the program and for their donation of the burr oak.

Mrs. Hicks also shared a Chinese proverb, “One generation plants the tree; another gets the shade.”

Bobby Hicks, nephew of Tommy Hicks and an LCRA employee, closed the program with the benediction. Light refreshments were served in the garden club building by hostesses Val Cash, Mrs. Hall, Mrs. Hicks and Jonell McMahan.