Atlantic County Arbor Day Ceremony to Recognize Michael Schurman

Atlantic County will hold its 27th annual Arbor Day ceremony on Friday, April 27 at 11 AM  at which time it will dedicate a  tree in honor of broadcast journalist and former Atlantic County Highway Safety Director Michael Schurman. The tree will be planted on the Northfield bike path in the 1000 block of Fuae Avenue between Mt. Vernon and Roosevelt avenues.

Proclaimed as a holiday in 1874, Arbor Day is commemorated each year in communities throughout the world by encouraging tree planting and tree care. In Atlantic County, Arbor Day provides an opportunity to recognize county residents for their exemplary community service with the planting and dedication of a tree in their name.

“Michael Schurman has had an illustrious career of service, from behind the microphone as well as in the forefront of promoting safe and sober driving,” stated County Executive Dennis Levinson. “He also helped to organize a countywide 9-11 Spirit of America tribute and presented annual lifesaver awards to individual heroes who successfully performed CPR and defibrillator saves. I am proud to have worked with him and to have earned his friendship.”

 Schurman is a military veteran and a resident of Northfield who is well known throughout Atlantic County, having served as the first news director for radio station WOND and later for local NBC affiliate WMGM-TV 40. He is a nine-time winner of the Press Club of Atlantic City’s Golden Mike award for excellence in journalism, an organization for which he served four terms as its president. He also served as a chairman of the National Headliners committee and as a judge for its annual awards program.

 Schurman also contributed 21 years of service to Atlantic County government, working tirelessly to reduce fatalities on county roadways and keeping the public informed of weather-related closings and emergency situations.  Additionally he dedicated his time and talents to helping others as a member of numerous charitable and civic organizations including the local chapter of the American Red Cross.