as Grand Marshal

     Veterans Appreciation Committee Chairman John Sacherski announced the selection of David J. Solimine, Sr. as Grand Marshal for its upcoming parade in Lynn.  

     "David is a man of great character. His devotion and dedication to veterans over the past 20 years has been huge. He has done countless charitable work for veterans for decades and it is only fitting we honor him during the Lynn Parade," Sacherski explained. David Solimine, Sr. is the founder of the Solimine Funeral Homes in Lynn on Ocean Street and Broadway. He is a former A/2nd Class Massachusetts Air National Guardsman and is a member of American Legion Post 57.  

     The Veterans Appreciation Parade will step-off at 1 pm on September 22nd, and will travel from Market Square up Western Avenue to Chestnut Street and come to an end at Lynn English High School. The Lynn Parade will be a "living time capsule saluting our armed services," Sacherski said. The festivities will include food, live entertainment, a standing display of US Military vehicles, US helicopters, and much more.

     A highlight of the afternoon will be a fly-over to get the Parade off to a grand start! The Review Stand, located in front of Lucia Lighting & Design at 311 Western Avenue, will be hosting Medal of Honor recipients, Gold Star families, and US Military Brass.  

     The first Veterans Appreciation Parade was held in Swampscott in 2011 and the committee hopes to stage a third parade in Saugus. "The Swampscott parade proved to be a great success, and our goal for the Lynn parade is to make it even bigger and better, Sacherski said. "Thanks to the dedication of committee members and the outpouring of support from North Shore communities, local businesses, and the Lynn Mayor's office, we are confident this parade will honor area veterans and be an event the residents of Lynn and the North Shore deserve," Sacherski added.

     John Sacherski explained that many have been instrumental in the planning of the parades, including Lynn Veterans Agent Mike Sweeney, Swampscott Veterans Agent Jim Schultz, John Stinson, Sgt. Maj. Ken Oswald, and Saugus Selectman Steve Castinetti, to name just a few. The parade, which is funded solely through private contributions, will cost nearly $50,000. Donations are appreciated and those wishing to help support the efforts of the Veterans Appreciation Committee are urged to call 781-710-1079.  

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       Information vital to seniors and their families will be presented by experts in estate planning on Wednesday, October 23rd at 2 pm and at 6:30 pm at Solimine Funeral Home, 426 Broadway in Lynn.   Sponsored by Solimine Funeral Homes, the seminar will feature Stephen Smith of the Stephen Smith Law Firm in Lynn and funeral director, Joel Solimine.   

      Attorney Smith will discuss financial and legal strategies and requirements for effective estate planning and asset protection, including accessing Medicaid and Veterans' funding benefits.

     Joel Solimine will discuss the choices available today regarding personalized funeral services, options regarding cremation, and pre-planning.   "Those who want to solidify their retirement plans often include funeral arrangements as part of their overall strategy," Joel explained. "An advance plan provides a feeling of freedom and peace of mind. For the families, it allows the emphasis to shift from making arrangements to being able to celebrate their loved one's life."

     Anyone interested in learning about these essential estate planning concerns is invited to attend this seminar.

     To register for this free event, call 781-595-1492. All attendees will receive a complimentary Planning Guide and refreshments will be served.

     The 15th Annual Caregiver Connections Conference is scheduled this year on November 2nd. Workshops with key information for caregivers of those with Alzheimer's, Dementia, Parkinson's and other diseases that affect the elderly will be held at the Doubletree Ferncroft in Danvers from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm.

     "This conference is an opportunity for those caring for loved ones to hear from experts in the field of dementia and to meet with other caregivers to share experiences and support one another," said Kim Anderson Hogan, Community Outreach Director at Solimine Funeral Homes and member of the North Shore Alzheimer's Partnership. "We encourage anyone who is dealing with the challenges of being a caregiver to attend."  

      For further information about membership, contact the North Shore Alzheimer's Partnership at  info@alzheimerspartnership.org.  

 Frequently Asked Questions  

"What options are available when choosing cremation?"   

     One of the important things to remember is that choosing cremation does not limit your ceremonial choices in any way.  You can still memorialize your loved one in a manner that is personal and
meaningful to you.   

     There are several options for you to consider. The first is to determine what type of funeral service is desired and whether you wish it to be held before or after the cremation takes place. If you want a service with the body present, then you may also choose to include a visitation with an open casket. In fact, many families prefer to have a traditional visitation before cremation. Having the deceased's body present gives a sense of acceptance and closure and provides a way for the family to have a memorable final farewell.

     You may prefer to have a funeral or memorial service after cremation - an option here is to have the cremated remains present in an urn or other special container.  

     What choice do we have for the "ashes?"  Many families choose to preserve their loved one's remains in an urn to keep at home and pass down to the next generation. The cremains can be divided among several small urns and given to members of the family. Some people prefer to bury the remains and others elect to spread the ashes in a special place that may be particularly meaningful. You can also use a biodegradable urn that can be placed in water. There may be laws that govern where, how, and when remains can be spread, so this option should be discussed with your funeral director.  

     In the recent past, other options have become available after cremation. One is to place a small amount of the remains in a piece of "remembrance" jewelry. A pendant or ring with a small opening is used to hold the ashes and can be worn by a family member.

     Again, there are many choices available, and your funeral director can advise you about the options and assist you in selecting the option or combination of options that will provide the greatest comfort to your family and tribute to your loved one.  

     If you have questions about cremation or would like to discuss the choices available, one of our directors will be happy to meet with you. Call Solimine Funeral Homes at (781) 595-1492.