Family members pose by a Lavendar Twist Redbud tree planted in the Parting Ways Green near Acushnet Town Hall on 9/24/24 in honor of Tree Warden Norman Fredette, who died suddenly after a short illness in May. L-R: Mr. Fredette’s daughter and Sara, and his wife, Maria. Photo by Beth David.
By Beth David, Editor
The Town of Acushnet recognized Norman Fredette, who died unexpectedly in May after a short illness, at the age of 64, with a tree planting on 9/24/24. Mr. Fredette was the town’s Tree Warden at the time of his death, and had served on the Board of Public Works. He was an outspoken and well known member of the community.
Acushnet Town Administrator Jamie Kelley spoke to a crowd of about 25 friends, family, and town officials after the tree was planted in the Parting Ways Green between Town Hall and the Parting Ways building.
“There are people who contribute their time and skills to making their community a better place to live. Norm was one of those people,” said Mr. Kelley. “He was also our tree warden, a job he did well for many years.”
Mr. Kelley said many people in Acushnet appreciated Norm, as is shown by the dedication of the tree.
He said he always felt better after talking to Norm.
“I know I will miss him and his raunchy jokes and his parting words: ‘God bless,’” said Mr. Kelley. “God bless Norm.”
Mr. Fredette’s wife, Maria, was on hand, and said it was a “great honor,” and she was “very overwhelmed” with the love and support of the town.
“I knew he was well liked,” she said. “But now I really know how loved he was.”
Mr. Fredette’s daughter, Sara, said she felt “very nostalgic and honored by the town planting a tree for him.”
“He’s been part of many things in Acushnet,” said Sara.
Acushnet Town Administrator, Jamie Kelley, speaks at the ceremony dedicating a Lavendar Twist Redbud tree planted in the Parting Ways Green near Acushnet Town Hall on 9/24/24 in honor of Tree Warden Norman Fredette, who died suddenly after a short illness in May. Photo by Beth David.
“He was such a beloved person, we felt we had do to something,” said Mr. Kelley after the ceremony, adding that Sydney Viveiros in his office spearheaded the effort.
Ms. Viveiros said she thought a tree for the tree warden was a good idea. They ordered the tree in the spring, but had to wait for the proper time to plant it.
After the ceremony, the public was invited into town hall for coffee and pastries. Many people lingered outside in the green in the comfortable fall weather.
Acushnet staff raised $500 for the project, plus a house plant they gave to Mr. Fredette’s family in May. Roseland Nursery donated the cost difference for soil and fertilizer; Bob Medeiros of A. Medeiros Contracting donated his time and machinery to dig the hole; maintenance staff, Matt and Brady, planted the tree and installed the memorial plaque.
The tree is a Lavendar Twist Redbud. It blooms purple buds in the spring, has large leaves for the rest of the summer and fall.
The ceremony is available on demand on the town’s YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AbCMcfIfOU
This plaque is placed in front of a Lavendar Twist Redbud tree in the Parting Ways Green near Acushnet Town Hall on 9/24/24 noting that the tree was planted in memory of Tree Warden Norman Fredette, who died suddenly after a short illness in May. Photo by Beth David.
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