THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, DECEmbEr 24, 2025 Page 15 SOUNDS | FROM PAGE 13 served free. A Candlelight Christmas Eve Service in Cliftondale The Cliftondale Congregational Church will host a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Wednesday, Dec. 24, at 7 p.m. at the church at 50 Essex St. Saugus Senior Center The Bible Study at the Senior Center will resume on Wednesday, Jan. 7. This week’s “Shout Outs” From Crystal Cakounes, director of the Saugus Youth and Recreation Department, a “shout out” for Brian Cross, who oversees the Annual Christmas Eve Parade: “He is the young man that organizes this parade all by himself. We assist him where we can, but he orchestrates the entire thing from the kindness of his heart… to keep this wonderful tradition alive.” From Donna Lawrence: “A shout out to retired Lt. Bill O’Malley and his better half Carole for another successful year with the Fire Department toy drive. Bill and Carole, you and the elves come through again!” An Editor’s “Shout Out”: “For Brian Cross and everyone who has worked to make this year’s annual Christmas Eve Parade a popular holiday event for Saugus residents. An Editor’s “Shout Out”: “For all of the Saugus residents who contribute in their own ways to help brighten the holidays for less fortunate citizens, through toy drives donations to the food pantries in town. An Editor’s “Shout Out”: to all of those citizens who volunteer untold hours on a wide range of elected or appointed town boards and committees for the betterment of the town. Their collective service to the community is crucial to enhancing the quality of life and services in Saugus. An Editor’s “Shout Out”: to the dependable corps of contributors to The Saugus Advocate who don’t get paid, but who work hard to make The Saugus Advocate more interesting, entertainBOARD OF SELECTMEN AND ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF: Left to right, Selectman Jeffrey Cicolini, Town Manager Scott C. Crabtree, Selectman Michael Serino, Board of Selectmen Clerk Meredith Casagrande, Board of Selectmen Chair Debra Panetta, Selectman Frank Federico and Board of Selectmen Vice Chair Anthony Cogliano in front of the Christmas Tree in the second floor auditorium at Saugus Town Hall. They extend their best wishes to Saugus residents for a happy holiday season and New Year. (Saugus Advocate photo by Mark E. Vogler) A CHRISTMAS STORY: “Enjoy Small Saves’ holiday storybook video, The Forgotten Goalie, now on YouTube.” Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7RE8WI5H34Q (Courtesy art to The Saugus Advocate) ing and educational. People like Laura Eisener (“The Saugus Gardens” column along with frequent articles and photos), Joanie Allbee (The Sketch Artist, frequent articles and photos), Janice Jarosz (frequent articles and photos with a historical flair) and James DeMarco (“Small Saves” cartoon). Thank you all for your years of service. First Day Hike at Breakheart begins 2026 Laura Eisener passed along this note to remind us of the many great activities that Breakheart Reservation has in store for area residents for the new year, beginning with the wonderful First Day Hike on Jan. 1, which has become a tradition with many people. There are two choices of route, with a hike leader for each loop of the paved trail: The inner loop is about 1.9 miles and the outer loop is about 2.9 miles. Please be sure to wear footwear suitable for walking. You may well meet some new friends or perhaps your neighbors along this social walk! The First Day Hike is 10 a.m. to noon, with hot chocolate and snacks served in the festively decorated Visitors’ Center afterward. If the ground is extremely icy or there is heavy rain or snow, the hike may be shortened or cancelled, but we hope for good weather to start off our new year! Winter is by no means a slow period at Breakheart! There are guided walks several days a week all winter, and the very popular Fireside Chats in February have moved to Saturdays, as several people have requested. The Visitors’ Center is open Wednesdays through Sundays, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., including New Year’s Day itself, when it will be bustling with hikers. You can relax in the Visitors’ Center even on most rainy or snowy days! As nature begins to show signs of spring, the Maple Sugarin’ Days celebration will be held on Saturday, March 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be various maple-related activities inside and outside near the Visitors’ Center. The current winter schedule of programs is online at: https://www.mass.gov/doc/ breakheart-winter-programs/ download Here is a summary of some upcoming events: • Wild Breakheart Winter Tree ID series: Wednesdays in January, 9-10 a.m. • Wild Breakheart Animal Tracking series: Wednesdays in February, 9-10 a.m. • Step into the Past: Thursdays 10 a.m.-12 p.m., Jan. 5 and 29, Feb. 12; Hikes of about 2.5 miles, moderately difficult terrain. Themes include “stories in stone” and “glacial giants.” • The Beavers are Back! Thursdays, 10-11:30 a.m., Jan. 8 and 22, Feb. 5; Meet outside the Visitors’ Center to learn about beavers and their history while enjoying a walk in Breakheart. • Kidleidoscope: Fridays 10:30-11:30 a.m., December-February (except Dec. 26). Storytime and easy walks for children and their adult caregiver. • Nice and Easy Hike: Saturdays, 9:30-11:30 a.m., December and January; moderate hikes for ages eight and up; can include some uneven and rocky terrain, two to three miles, moderately paced. • Fireside Chats: Saturdays, 9-10 a.m., Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28; programs inside Visitors’ Center presented by various “Behind the Scenes” experts. Speakers to be determined, no walking required. Heavy rain or snow or icy surface conditions may cancel outdoor events. Please wear appropriate footwear for walks/hikes. Breakheart Reservation, Department of Conservation & Recreation, 177 Forest Street, Saugus, MA 01906, 781233-0834. SRWC Annual Meeting Jan. 26 The Saugus River Watershed Council will hold its annual meeting Monday, Jan. 26 at 6:30 p.m. at the Marina at The Wharf (543 North Shore THE SOUNDS | SEE PAGE 16
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