Let the healing begin with us.
In This Issue

Korean War Memorial for Melrose Hometown Heroes

 

Melrose Korean War Memorial at The Knoll

The community of Melrose has another in a long line of memorials that honor the many veterans having ties to this area. This latest addition is the Korean War Memorial, located at The Knoll, 350 Lynn Fells Parkway. The knoll is a grass covered area next to the fields on the parkway and has proved to be an ideal  spot for this beautiful tribute.

 

The community acquired this memorial through the efforts of many hands, including students, veterans officers, city staff and others. The Memory Project, founded by president Lisa Lord, is comprised of middle school students from Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School who are involved in Operation Remember. They spend many hours researching newspaper items, photographs and other documents to gather information for the memorial.

 

The Korean War Memorial consists of a granite monument combined with living memorials in the form of trees and other plantings. There are six evergreen trees planted around the monument to represent the six Melrose lives sacrificed during the Korean War. Nine bushes planted on the perimeter stand for the lives of Melrosians that were lost during the time of the war, from 1950-1953. 54 granite pavers lead up to the monument, each paver representing 1,000 lives that were lost nationally during this same time period.

 

The Monument

The monument itself is truly an amazing work of art. David DeFillipo, co-owner of Woodlawn Memorials, explains, "Many older civic monuments tend to be gray and we wanted something that really stood out. We decided to go with black granite and a white background to make it really unique."

 

This monument has images of each of the six soldiers who gave the ultimate sacrifice etched in the granite, and each has their branch of service included. Etchings are usually done with a laser, but these had to be done by hand, courtesy of an artist at Rock of Ages.

The laser could not be used because some of the images were taken from old newspaper clippings or graduation pictures. 

 

 

A quality monument should memorialize as well as educate and this one does just that. An etching of the Korean peninsula and the 38th Parallel are included with the images of the men. DeFillipo hopes that as children look at the monument they will ask questions and get answers to those questions. The words Freedom is not Free are emblazoned across the bottom as a bold reminder.

 

John Gately, owner of Gately Funeral Home, was honored to be involved in the project by donating the etching and engraving. "I am humbled and proud to be part of such a wonderful tribute to our hometown heroes. This was a perfect way to show my gratitude to all veterans for their service to our country." John adds, "Without the help of the entire community this project could not have been constructed, and all Melrose citizens can be proud of their city and the efforts put forth to honor our veterans."

 

David DeFillipo mentions something his great-grandfather used to say that sums things up perfectly: "My great-grandfather always said that you don't make a monument because someone died, you make a monument because someone lived." Well said. 

An Exciting Summer of Activities at Melrose Public Library

 

From it's humble beginnings at the corner of Essex and Emerson streets in Melrose, the Melrose Public Library has gone through many changes to become the modern information center it is today. In March of 1871, the library was born at a town meeting and has been housed in the town hall, the Y.M.C.A., and thanks in part to Andrew Carnegie, in a new building that was erected on the site of the former high school at 69 West Emerson Street. By 1963, the library had grown enough to need an addition and now has a variety of resources, including building-wide wireless internet access, to serve area residents.

    

Book Groups

The library has a variety of book clubs to offer local residents. "Our book groups are very popular with Melrose citizens and people in the surrounding areas," says Diane Wall, Assistant Director. "You can join at any time, so come check out one that interests you."

 

The History Book Club is led by Bill Tobin, retired history and economics professor at Cambridge Ringe and Latin School and covers a different history topic each month. This group usually meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m., but July's date has been changed to July 8th. July's topic is Radicalism in American History.

  

The Red Scarf Book Club was born of a desire to have a daytime club. Meetings are held on the last Friday of every month at 1:00 p.m. You can pick up a copy of the latest book being discussed at the circulation desk. July's book is To Kill a Mockingbird.

 

Tasty Books for Hungry Readers meets on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 7:30 p.m. and has the added attraction of enjoying snacks related to the monthly book. Book selections can include memoirs, fiction and nonfiction titles.

 

For additional information and more book group choices, please visit www.melrosepubliclibrary.org/library-events/book-groups/.

 

Summer Reading Programs

The library's summer reading program kicked off on June 24th and will run until Aug. 13th. The theme this year is "Every Hero has a Story". The summer program includes all ages: preschool, elementary, teens and adults. Included is a Read to Me club for preschoolers, BAM, POW, READ! Wednesdays for kids in kindergarten through second grade, and an Unmask! summer program for middle school and high school students.

 

Although there is a lot of reading going on, there are also other activities included with the summer reading program. There will be songs, crafts, games, picnics and movie nights. Want to build with Legos or create your own superhero? If so, then the library is the place to be!

    

Dewey the Therapy Dog

One of the more unique programs offered at the Melrose Public Library is the opportunity to read to Dewey the therapy dog. A child can sit down with Dewey for ten minutes and practice reading in a calm atmosphere. It is relaxing to pet Dewey while reading, and there is the added bonus of associating reading with something pleasant.

 

Many of the programs, including reading to Dewey, require registration so please visit the website at www.melrosepubliclibrary.org or call 781-665-2313 to get more information and to register.

 

Summer Museum Passes

The Melrose Public Library offers museum passes to many area museums and attractions. This summer, we are happy to offer two new passes! The first pass is to The Sports Museum at TD Garden in Boston. The Sports Museum uses Boston's rich sports heritage to help build character in kids. The other pass is for Boating in Boston at Stoneham's Spot Pond and Wakefield's Lake Quannapowitt. Boating in Boston offers camps and classes for those who are crazy about boating. These museum passes are available to Melrose residents only. For more information, and to see a complete listing of current passes, please visit www.melrosepubliclibrary.org/services/museum-passes/. or call 781-665-2313.

 

Special Services

There are many helpful extras at the library. It houses an extensive number of large print books for visually impaired people. Seventeen public computers are available that have a magnification tool to increase the font size for easier reading. Like many other libraries, Melrose Public Library has a large collection of books on CD for patrons who are hearing disabled. The OverDrive program for North of Boston Library Exchange has a digital catalog where library clients can download books. They can be downloaded as e-books and you can adjust the font size, or you can download it as an audiobook. Please click here to learn more http://overdrive.noblenet.org.

    

Melrose History and Maps

An extensive history collection is housed in the history room of the Melrose Public Library. The resources there include books on Melrose history, old Melrose High School Yearbooks, Melrose newspapers and city directories. A resident can even find out the previous owner(s) of their home and look at old maps to discover land ownership. "Some of our resources in the history room are becoming digitized," states Shelley O'Brien, Resource & Local History Librarian. "We are pleased to be getting this done and hope to get much done in the coming year."

    

Upcoming Events

There is always something going on at the Melrose Public Library. On July 14th, the library staff is excited to host Wendy Johnston and hear her presentation Reflections from the Pacific Crest Trail. Wendy backpacked the entire 2,700 mile long trail in 2013 and has much to share from that experience.

 

Adults and teens 16 and older will certainly enjoy Library Tai Chi, Health and Longevity from the Mountain with Paul and Rosalie Dicrescenzo on Aug. 13th. This presentation has a short PowerPoint to go along with the learning of basic Tai Chi and Qigong moves.

 

To access times for these programs and to view all of the library's other upcoming events, please look at the monthly calendar at www.melrosepubliclibrary.org. You can also check out our Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Melrose-Public-Library/118999511490600?fref=ts where we list many of our events and post fun photos. Currently our Facebook page has photos of artwork by Melrose Veterans Memorial Middle School students that are displayed in our newly renovated teen zone.

 

Employee Spotlight on Leo Spano


Leo Spano of Gately Funeral Home

 

Leo Spano began as a young apprentice at Gately Funeral Home some 10 years ago. Leo was only 18 years old when his father passed away. This experience, combined with an interest he had at a young age, sparked Leo's desire to work in the funeral industry. He saw an opportunity to help guide others through a complicated time with compassionate caring and to make something positive out of a difficult situation.

 

Leo attended the two year Funeral Science Program at The New England Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences at Mt. Ida in Newton. He enjoyed the challenge of his studies while a student there. He is glad to have his exams behind him and is looking forward to becoming a licensed funeral director in the near future.

 

"Leo is an all-around nice gentleman," states John Gately, owner of Gately Funeral Home. "He has done well in his studies and has all the qualities of an excellent, young team member." John Sr. also remarked that it has been nice to have someone so close to John Jr.'s age. "John Jr. and I hit it off right from the beginning and have been great friends ever since," explains Leo.

 

Leo's early schooling included elementary school at Immaculate Conception School in Malden and Pope John XXII High School in Everett where he was active on the basketball team. Sports is a running theme throughout Leo's life. He is passionate about golf, and when he is not working you can probably find him on the golf course or spending time with family and friends.

 

"At Gately, we have a shared vision of doing whatever it takes to meet every family's specific needs. We are not a one-size-fits-all funeral home and we work hard to develop a rapport with families," Leo shares. "I find it so rewarding to assist families in a very difficult time - guiding and assisting them through the process."

 

When asked what advice he might have for someone considering the funeral business or wanting to become a funeral director, Leo answered, "Do what you love to do. Try hard and work hard and don't let anyone hold you back. It's worth it."

 





Frequently Asked Question

What Kind of Services Can I Have if I Choose to be Cremated?

Many people are choosing cremation and have questions regarding the kind of services that can be included with cremation.There are many options to choose from if your final wishes are to be cremated. "Cremation is not just direct disposition of a human body," explains John Gately. "Most of our cremations involve a service of some kind. It is important for loved ones to get to celebrate the lives of their important people and to honor who they were."

Service Options

Service options are unlimited and are no different from a traditional burial. A family may choose to have visiting hours along with a traditional funeral service and at the end, instead of going to the cemetery for a ground burial, the body is taken directly to the crematorium. A casket can be chosen that is specifically designed for cremation, or a rental casket can be chosen.

     Another option is to have the cremation take place first and then have a memorial service or a celebration of life at a later date. If direct cremation is selected, it is still recommended that a private viewing time be attended by family or close friends. It is essential for loved ones to be able to acknowledge that the death occurred, and this helps greatly in the healing process. The cremated remains can be at the memorial service, displayed in a beautiful glass enclosure with brass handles or other enclosure chosen by the family, or the remains don't have to be present.

     A funeral director will be more than happy to sit down with a family and help them sort through the various choices to be made. Families are encouraged to create very personalized services. It is important to acknowledge a life that has been lived and by offering services and memorialization features that are unique, a life can be remembered in a way that comforts loved ones.

     Personalizing services can include things such as a balloon or dove release, video tributes, military honors or special music. A woodworker could have examples of his/her craftsmanship displayed, a teacher might have tributes read written by former students, or a musician might have personal instruments displayed or music played that was written by them. The ideas are truly endless.

 

Cremains Options

A remembrance balloon release

Often, families are not sure what to do with the cremains (or ashes) of their loved one. Memorialization is important for families to honor the life of the deceased.   The following are some of the choices available.

 

Scattering -- Scattering of cremains is a popular choice. There are many ways tosafely and properly disburse cremains. Service options exist where cremains are actually scattered at sea or among the stars.

 

Traditional Burial -- Urns may be buried at the head or foot of a gravesite in a family plot. This can be a option for families to have a husband and wife or other pair buried together.

 

Outdoor Niches -- A columbarium is a structure with niches designed to hold remains contained in urns or other vessels.

 

Keepsake jewelry -- Cremation jewelry and personalized keepsakes are a creative way to hold on to the ashes of a loved one. Urns or other beautiful containers can be personalized with names, photos or important quotes or verses. Keepsake jewelry can include necklaces, bracelets, or even rings that discreetly hold ashes, allowing a person to have a physical remembrance

close at hand. These special containers also allow loved ones to share the ashes of their beloved.                                      

 

Whatever options a person chooses, Gately Funeral Home can give expert guidance and make sure people are aware of all their options. Please visit our website at www.gatelyfh.com to see service option explanations and view urn choices, urn vaults, or other cremation product offerings. You can also call 781-665-1949 or stop in at 79 W. Foster Street to speak with our helpful and experienced staff.

Since 1889 the firm of Gately Funeral Home has been dedicated to providing the people of Melrose and  
surrounding communities funeral services unsurpassed in quality and caring. We thank you for your  
continuing support.  It is our honor to assist your families in times of need. 
Let the healing begin with us.   

Contact Info

For more information about the articles in this issue of Gately Community Connections or to contribute
to a future issue, contact John Gately at [email protected] or by phone at 781-665-1949.
Gately Funeral Home is located at 79 West Foster Street, Melrose MA 02176.
 


Gately Funeral Home | | [email protected] | http://www.gatelyfuneralhome.com