Willow Tree

 When students return from this four-day conference they host events at their school to spread the message of Willow Tree. The students also gave a presentation to their sponsor the Rotary Club of Branchburg about the things the learned during the conference.

Sue Nobleman, director of Willow Tree, spoke about the origin of the name Willow Tree. She described a Willow Tree as representing flexibility, as with the tree it is important to bend when necessary and not get bent out of shape.
The tree also stands for self care as the tree can change its chemistry when it is attached by pests.
And finally it symbolizes caring for the community because a willow tree emits a chemical to warn other willows of the threats and as a community we need to help each other in times of need.
Nobleman also stated in her childhood she had a Willow Tree in her yard that she always found as a kind of magical wonderland that was all inclusive and a comforting place to visit.
"We are a culture of instant fixes," she said. "If you feel sad, bad, sick we want to take a pill to fix the problem. At Willow Tree they talk about fixes being natural highs.
As Gandhi said, "Be the Change you wish to see in the world," Nobleman reminded everyone. "If you want it to be cool not to use drugs, live it now."
In addition, she thanked the Rotary Club of Branchburg for their support and for being a part of the solution and to Kathy Gorski from Branchburg Middle School for her role as Willow Tree facilitator.
Willow Tree is always looking for volunteers to help with their conference. Those interested in becoming involved in any of the community service projects of the Rotary Club of Branchburg can visit