Rehoboth couple giving new purpose to their evergreen
Story Location:
Ramblewood Drive
Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971
United States
Rehoboth Beach residents Tammy and Rick Smith said they believe everything in life has more than one purpose. Which is why they have decided to donate the large evergreen in their front yard for Rehoboth Beach’s annual tree lighting and sing-along this year.
“It’s a beautiful tree, but it’s getting a little out of hand,” said Rick. “It’s probably grown five or six feet since we’ve lived here, but we’d still just hate to cut it down and mulch it up.”
Tammy was the one who called the city. She tried last fall – calling Rehoboth, Dewey and Millsboro – but it was too late. She had forgotten all about it, she said, but she was reminded when Rehoboth issued an all-call in June. The city called her back almost immediately, she said.
“As soon as they pulled into the driveway, they said this was the one,” said Tammy.
The Smiths aren’t sure how old the tree is. The house was moved to the site in 1985 and they purchased it in 2016. Rick said he thinks the tree dates back to the original owners.
Even they’re surprised about how good the tree looks.
“I haven’t done any kind of shaping or anything. It’s just grown like that,” said Rick.
“It’s just as full all the way around,” added Tammy.
The Smiths said they weren’t looking for the attention associated with donating the tree – news stories and being recognized at the tree-lighting event. They said they just thought it was a good alternative.
“We don’t need all the fanfare,” said Tammy.
“I guess we’re going to have to go to the tree lighting this year,” said Rick, half grudgingly.
Tammy said the goal is to plant a dogwood tree in honor of her father once the evergreen tree is removed. He died a long time ago, but it’s important to keep a little bit of everybody with us, she said.
The sing-along and tree-lighting event is traditionally held on Black Friday, which is Nov. 26 this year. For event information, go to rehobothbandstand.com or contact the communications department at 302-227-6181, Ext. 522 or communications@cityofrehoboth.com.
Chris Flood has been working for the Cape Gazette since early 2014. He currently covers Rehoboth Beach and Henlopen Acres, but has also covered Dewey Beach and the state government. He covers environmental stories, business stories and random stories on subjects he finds interesting, and he also writes a column called Choppin’ Wood that runs every other week. He’s a graduate of the University of Maine and the Landing School of Boat Building & Design.
