09/10/10 Byram Residents: Tree overhanging Western Junior Highway poses threat

The leaning tree of Western Junior Highway in Byram is a deadly threat to motorists, walkers and students at nearby Western Middle School, say a pair of Henry Street residents.

John Zmarzlak and Giulio Zarra say the oak tree near the roadway and at the corner of Western Middle School property should be cut down.

Zarra, 76, said the tree is starting to rot, and he stuck his right index finger into its base Friday afternoon to back up his contention.

"When this tree goes, it's going to create some major damage," Zmarzlak, 77, said. That damage would include a major power outage, he predicted.

The tree is about 40 inches in diameter, said Zmarzlak, who used a tape measure to make that determination. Zarra estimated the tree is about 50 feet tall.

Two branches hang over Western Junior Highway, spreading out to Henry Street on the other side of the roadway.

"It would be good if they took it out of here. It is awfully dangerous," Zarra said.

Bruce Spaman, the town's superintendent of trees, said the arbor is not considered a high-risk tree, although the Parks and Recreation Department is aware of it.

"It's a leaning tree; it's been leaning that way forever, but it is on our list," he said, referring to a record of trees the town has noted may pose a risk to people or structures.

About two years ago, the department conducted a tree survey and recorded about 450 trees on town property that were classified Priority 1, deemed the highest risk to fall.

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09/10/10 Pauline Belick

Pauline Belick passed away on Aug. 29, 2010 at Nathaniel Witherell Home, where she had been a longtime resident.

Belick was born to John and Anna Kosik of Greenwich. She was an active member of the Mary-Martha Guild at St. Paul's Evangical Lutheran Church, a longtime member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Eastport Chester Fire Department and an active supporter of the Volunteer Fire Services.

She was also a member of the Byram Garden Club, and took great pride in her vegetable garden and her spring bulb garden, her family said.

She and her husband spent many summer days enjoying the local waters in their boat they built together. She also enjoyed Island beach and Byram beach in her later years.

She is survived by her son John Belicka Jr., and his wife Susan of Greenwich and Stonington; A daughter, Arline and her husband Lucius M.Whitaker Jr. of Farmington and Mystic; a grandson, Lucius M. Whitaker III of Unionville; and a granddaughter, Lindsey, her husband, Daniel Brennwald, and their daughter, Mckenna Whitaker Brennwald, all of Farmington. She was predeceased by her two sisters, Susan Berndt and Ann Hotoph. She is survived by her brother John Kosik of Lutz Florida. She was predeceased by her husband, John Belicka.

Funeral services and interment are private and will be at the convenience the family.

Memorial donations may be made to Nathaniel Witherell Home, 70 Parsonage Rd., Greenwich, CT 06830.