THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – FriDAy, JUnE 9, 2023 ~ The Advocate Asks ~ Page 3 Michael R. Maruzzi talks about his book, “Walking is Overrated,” a story of overcoming life’s challenges 36 years after a hockey injury left him a quadriplegic Editor’s Note: For this week’s column, we interviewed Michael Maruzzi, a Saugus native who has become a mentor and advocate for spinal cord injured persons. He spent his early years growing up in Everett before his family moved to Saugus. Maruzzi, 54, suffered a devastating injury while playing in a hockey game for Saugus High School on Jan. 17, 1987, when he crashed into the boards head-on, leaving him paralyzed. Though confined to a wheelchair for the rest of his life as a quadriplegic, Maruzzi made the most of his opportunities to pursue a career. He is a 1987 graduate of Saugus High School. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Boston University (1992). Then he went on to spend 23 years as a math teacher at Saugus High School, retiring from teaching in 2015. He and his wife, Arlene, who was a teacher’s aide and a cheerleading coach for Saugus Public Schools when they met, have been married for eight years and live in Fort Myers, Fla. His parents – Robert and Diane Maruzzi – and his sister, Sandra Nigro, still live in Saugus. In 2015, he went to work remotely for an SAT preparation company in Florida that is headquartered out of Boston. He tutors students from all over the world. He recently helped develop a peer mentor program for teenagers who have suffered a spinal cord injury. The group discussions were designed to prepare teens for the challenges and opportunities they encounter in their journey. Maruzzi has taken up water skiing. In one of his latest projects, Maruzzi has authored a membasket. Many of the kids that I skated with back then are still my close friends today. Saturday at Stackpole Field to watch the high school football team – I can smell the fried dough that was served by the band parents – and listening to Mr. Mitchell and the school band play the Saugus High School fight song. Ice hockey games at Lynn Arena watching my older cousin ASKS | SEE PAGE 4 A book about Michael Maruzzi’s life and challenges. The title is “Walking is Overrated: Witnessing the World from Two Perspectives.” (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) oir titled “Walking is Overrated: Witnessing the World from Two Perspectives,” to show how any human being has the capacity to overcome any physical obstacle. The Kowloon Restaurant will be hosting a book launch from 6 to 9 p.m. on June 27. Food, drink, music, dance, comedians and a copy of the book are included in the $75 ticket charge to the event, which will be held on the outdoor patio. Highlights of this week’s interview, which was conducted online with Maruzzi from his Florida home, follow. Q: What was life like as a normal, healthy and physically able kid growing up in Saugus? A: I’m 54 years old and I was recently driving through the town of Saugus with my wife Arlene. We are up here to visit family and promote the publishing of my new book. We’ve rented an apartment building at the end of Fairmount Ave. This is part of the neighborhood where I spent most of my childhood in the town of Saugus. As we were driving down Fairmont Ave. towards Lynn and our new apartment, I kept Setting goals to help others helps Michael R. Maruzzi maintain a positive outlook on his life. (Courtesy photo to The Saugus Advocate) pointing out the homes of so many of my childhood friends. It was close to a dozen houses that I was able to point out without even thinking on our short trip down the road. These were the areas where I played touch football, street hockey or chase through the different backyards. I remember skating with the Rinky Dinks at the arena in Revere behind the market 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut St. We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-8 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Wednesday Thursday Friday Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Private Parties Private Parties 4-11 p.m. Saturday 12-11 p.m. $9.00 $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com 9
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