By Laura McAlister
Journal Editor
Cahaba Heights will soon have new trees to replace some of the many uprooted by the April 27 tornado that tore through the area.
Mary Jean Archer is donating 10 dogwoods Vestavia Hills in memory of her father, the late William John “Bill” Christiansen, a longtime resident of the city and an avid gardener.
“My dad lived most his life here, and he just loved Vestavia, and he loved working in his yard,” she said. “We just thought he would really love this.”
The city is working with James Pegues, chairman of deacons at Philadelphia Baptist Church in Cahaba Heights, to find homes for the trees. One will be planted in the yard of the late Milton Edward Baker. Milton, 68, was Cahaba Heights’ only fatality from the April 27 storms. He was struck by a limb while trying to help a neighbor clear up debris from the storm.
“I just think this is amazing,” said Donna Baker, Milton’s wife. “We have a very special place in our yard for the tree. This has all been extremely difficult, but the good Lord is helping us through it.
“The community and people here are just absolutely wonderful. Our neighbors are very special people.”
The trees that Mary Jean is donating are actually survivors of the April 27 storms. They were being cared for and stored at Uncut Flowers in Cahaba Heights until Mary Jean’s daughter’s June 11 wedding reception. Instead of traditional floral bouquets at their reception, Ashley Dawson Archer and Al Jones decorated the entryway of the Birmingham Country Club with white dogwoods to give the hall a garden-like feel.
Micheal Dyer of Uncut Flowers said his shop was damaged by the tornados, but the dogwoods were unharmed.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Micheal said. “We had been taking care of the trees since March and were so worried. There was some debris in the trees, but other than that they were fine.”
The April 27 tornado did more than $7.7 million worth of damage in Vestavia Hills. More than 500 structures were damaged, not to mention the significant loss of trees. The great oaks that once lined the streets of the area were uprooted. Now that most of the stumps and root balls have been removed, areas of the city that were lush with vegetation are now barren.
Vestavia Hills Mayor Alberto “Butch” Zaragoza said he’s thankful for people in the community who’ve stepped up to help rebuild and “re-green” the city.
“We’ve been in touch with churches to help identify key areas where the trees should go,” he said. “I think her (Mary Jean’s) efforts to donate the trees in her dad’s honor is just tremendous.”
Though 10 trees won’t fill the void, Mary Jean said, it will help. She is also glad to honor her father’s memory.
Bill died in Aug. 2010, and dogwoods just happened to be among his favorite trees. Vestavia was always very important to him as well.
Bill was born and spent most his life in Vestavia. He attended and played football at Shades Cahaba High School. After graduation, he served in the Army’s airborne division. He was a sales manager for American Standard Company and later founded Chris-More Inc.
Bill was also an active member of Vestavia Hills United Methodist Church for some 50 years, Mary Jean said. Up until his death, maintaining his yard was a top priority.
“His hobby was gardening and his yard and the community,” she said. “I think he would just be thrilled about the trees being donated in his memory. His yard was always a big concern to him, and he loved dogwood trees.”
Mary Jean isn’t the only one contributing to the replanting of Cahaba Heights. Zaragoza said the Vestavia Tree Commission gave several trees away shortly after the storm on Arbor Day, and American Responds With Love, Inc., has also donated a pallet of mixed flower bulbs.
Anyone interested in donating or helping plant trees and bulbs should contact Melissa Hipp at the mayor’s office, 978-0100.
