Ceremonial Tree Dedications To Honor Avon Lake Influencers

AVON LAKE, OH — Two ceremonial tree dedications will honor recently passed Avon Lake community pillars.

Both ceremonies will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The first tree dedication will honor Russell C. Beck, who served on the Avon Lake Citizens Tree Commission for 23 years. He was an active volunteer, a biology teacher and the city's go-to guy for tree questions.

The city will plant a bay magnolia tree at the Old Firehouse, 100 Avon Belden Road, in memory of Beck.

The second tree dedication will be at the Safety Center, 32855 Walker Road, immediately following the Beck ceremony. Friends, family and colleagues will remember and honor former Ward 3 City Councilperson Gary Izo, who died Nov. 21, 2020.

A white oak will be planted in Izo's memory, the city said.

"The public is invited to attend both ceremonies honoring these men who gave so much to Avon Lake," the city said in a statement.