POUGHKEEPSIE – Saturday was a very special day for a couple of reasons. It was of course Juneteenth, the only holiday that Theodore “Tree” Arrington celebrated, so it was appropriate that the mural paying tribute to his life and legacy be unveiled on this day.
The mural was commissioned by Family Services, Inc. for the Family Partnership Center where Tree ran the R.E.A.L. Skills Network he founded in 2008.
Often described as “larger than life” with “a big booming voice,” Tree was remembered Saturday as a person who was always willing to help any child. The R.E.A.L. Skills Network was a testament to that profound vision of helping every child he met. Creating a variety of programs for youth with a focus on academics, and real life skills, Tree has left an incredible mark on the children and community he called home.
Well know artist Nestor Madalengoitia was charged with creating a mural that captured this gentle giant for all to see upon entering the Family Partnership Center. He chose to depict Arrington in his office, with piles of paperwork on his desk, helping children, wearing a Malcolm X t-shirt. The background was painted in blue, Arrington’s favorite color.
Arrington’s wife Sharon was moved to tears upon it being unveiled, due to the realistic and life like resemblance of the mural. “You did a wonderful job,” she told Madalengoitia.
Sharon Arrington said, “R.E.A.L. Skills was Tree’s calling. When he told me of his plan, I supported him because I knew he had his mind made up.” She continued, “His dream was for R.E.A.L. Skills to make a huge impact on kids in the city.”
New York State Senator Sue Serino offered an official proclamation and said of Arrington, “Tree is responsible for having a positive influence on hundreds of Poughkeepsie kids that will never be forgotten.”
City of Poughkeepsie Mayor Rob Rolison recalled first meeting Tree and how he would never forget that “booming voice.” He described Arrington as “truly larger than life whose imposing figure was matched by his vigorous advocacy for Poughkeepsie’s children.” The two men would develop a relationship over the years recalled Rolison who concluded, “It was impossible to say no when Tree asked for help.”
Brian Doyle, CEO of Family Services Inc., who was the event’s master of ceremonies, recalled how it was Arrington who explained to him the importance of Juneteenth. That conversation led to the agency recognizing the holiday before it became a federal holiday.
Numerous speakers would echo the lasting impact Arrington had on them, the kids and the community as a whole.
Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro in his remarks announced that Dutchess County will be recognizing Juneteenth as a holiday next year.
Following the mural unveiling, the day’s Juneteenth festivities continued in Mansion Park with food, games, information booths, COVID-19 shots, live music and entertainment, organized by Councilwoman Yvonne Flowers.
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