VETERANS SERVICE

Friday, April 25, 2008

County Celebrates Arbor Day and Honors brigantine Resident Sciullo

To commemorate Arbor Day in Atlantic County, a cherry tree will be dedicated on the grounds of Haneman Park, 15 Street South in Brigantine, on Friday, April 25 at 3 PM, to honor longtime resident Michael Sciullo, a WWII army veteran and former businessman, for his contribution to our community and his dedicated commitment to enhancing the lives of his fellow citizens. For more than 52 years, Sciullo was the owner and operator of Atlantic Photo Center in Atlantic City. Several years ago he contracted an intestinal infection that caused septic shock and left him a quad amputee. After his own recovery, he became a volunteer counselor for the Amputee Support Group at Bacharach Rehabilitation Institute. He currently serves as the chairperson of the Atlantic County Disabled Citizens Advisory Board. He is also the current chair of the Atlantic County Veterans Advisory Board and was a supportive advocate for the expansion of the county's Veterans Cemetery as well as the creation of the Atlantic County Veterans Service Medal. "Michael Sciullo embodies courage, determination, selfless dedication and a commitment to making a difference. Atlantic County has certainly benefited from his sacrifices and talents. It is with deep gratitude and appreciation that we honor him today," stated county Executive Dennis Levinson. Proclaimed as a holiday in 1874, Arbor Day is celebrated annually in communities throughout the world by encouraging tree planting and tree care. In Atlantic County, Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday of each April and serves as an opportunity to recognize county residents for exemplary community service with the planting and dedication of a tree. Levinson encourages all residents to join Atlantic County in its commitment to becoming a "greener" community by planting a tree in their own yards or within their neighborhoods. "Trees serve not only to beautify our surroundings, but also to help clean the air we breathe and provide a renewable resource," he concluded.