Ohio Community Helps Elderly Man Decorate A Tree He Planted 40 Years Before: A long-time resident of Mentor-on-the-Lake, Ohio, Gene, experienced a heartwarming surprise this holiday season when his community and family members came together to decorate a tree he planted 40 years ago. The 88-year-old man planted the tree, which has grown to about 40 feet, when his son brought a sapling home from school on Arbor Day four decades ago. For years, he’d dreamed of decorating the tree, and this year, his dream was realized with the help of donations and support from the community, leading to an emotional and memorable moment as the tree was lit for the first time.