THE SAUGUS ADVOCATE – WEDnESDAy, DECEmbEr 24, 2025 Page 19 GARDENS | FROM PAGE 14 up their trees much earlier. You won’t see many blooming flowers on your walks through town this week, since outdoor plants are dormant while the ground is frozen. However, there are many decorations — from lights at night to wreaths on doors — most visible during the day, to catch your eye. Themes range from figures portraying the first Christmas, blowup Santas, wooden reindeer and decorated trees, to animals and popular cartoon characters. It is intriguing to see the wide range of decoration themes just as it is to see variations in landscape styles and architecture. It is hardly noticeable yet, but the days are already growing longer. We know that we are going to have some cold nights for the next few months before we see significant signs of spring, so we may depend on observations of indoor plants for some cheering reminders. The First Day Hike held in Breakheart, as well as those being offered in nearby towns, give some incentive to get out of bed on New Year’s morning. This “new” tradition has been catching on, and once you get outside you will likely warm up fast, even before you settle down before the fire with your hot chocolate. This is a good season for watching wildlife, as the bare branches make the activities of many birds and other animals easily visible. The bright red northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinale), and his greenish mate with her striking orange-red beak, are daily visitors to my bird feeder most winters until spring. If you need some incentive to get out into the cold, needing to put on the boots and fill the birdfeeder may be just the thing. Editor’s Note: Laura Eisener is a landscape design consultant who helps homeowners with landscape design, plant selection and placement of trees and shrubs, as well as perennials. She is a member of the Saugus Garden Club and offered to write a series of articles about “what’s blooming in town” shortly after the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. She was inspired after seeing so many people taking up walking. FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT A glimpse through a second story window shows a nativity scene. (Photo courtesy of Laura Eisener) BEACON | FROM PAGE 18 is neutering our ability to defend Bay Staters against the worst drawbacks of this technology, including AI-generated deepfakes, predatory algorithms, dangerous misinformation campaigns and more.” ---Sen. Mike Moore (D-Millbury) urging the Bay State Congressional delegation to fight President Trump’s recently-signed executive order on artificial intelligence, which directs U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi to establish an AI Litigation Task Force whose sole purpose will be to challenge state-level AI regulations in court. “From our smallest hill towns to our Gateway Cities and regional hubs, we are listening to local leaders and making sure they have the resources they need to deliver for their residents. These Community Development Block Grants will support housing and economic development in cities and towns across the state, and the new Rural and Small Town designation will make sure that no community is left behind.” ---Gov. Maura Healey, announcing nearly $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant awards to support housing, infrastructure, social services and economic development projects in 52 communities across Massachusetts. “These grants put real resources behind our commitment to protecting Massachusetts’ farmland. We are proud to support Massachusetts farming heritage and legacy to ensure our farmlands are there for generations to come.” --- Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper announcing over $1.8 million in funding to help protect farmland, support farm businesses and keep agricultural land in active use across Massachusetts through the newly created Massachusetts Farmland Partnership Program. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a BEACON | SEE PAGE 20 Prime Professional Office Space, 1600 Sq. Ft. located on Broadway near the heart of Everett business district. Off-street parking for 1-2 vehicles. Call: 617-699-0887 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT OFFICE FOR RENT - EVERETT
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