Remembering the old Carousel
Dear Editor:
Recently as I read the letters section of the Revere Journal I read a letter to the editor about the old Carousel at the Hippodrome at old Revere Beach back in the day. I remembered how sad I was to see the old amusement strip demolished and was especially saddened to see the Hippodrome taken down because it took away all  my memories or so I thought. However, my memories of those old childhood days never disappeared.
 I also remember years and years ago hearing that that beautiful carousel had been sent to the Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Musuem in Connecticut. At least I thought it got to live on.
However, as I viewed the photo next to the letter identified as the Hippodrome Carousel, I did not recognize it as such. Much too small and it never had a giraffe among those beautiful horses that went up and down as it ran round and round.That old carousel also had three rows of horse with my favorite one, white on black was right there in the front row for all to see.
 I may be a lot older than yesteryear when Revere Beach served as our local Disneyland but I know my old carousel when I see it and also those old red Dodgems.
By the way, Revere Beach actually had two merry-go-rounds back then. The  iconic  Hippodrome Carousel and a smaller one near the Dodgems and Beach Street.
By the way also, as someone who loves carousels to this day, the one at the Rose Kennedy Greenway hasn’t got one horse on it but it does have plenty of sea creatures which seem so out of place on it even if it is next to the harbor. Keep the fishy stuff at the Boston Aquarium.
Sal Giarratani
Sharing grief experiences is a comfort
Dear Editor:
The Rossetti-Cowan Senior Center is comprised of many wonderful seniors from all backgrounds, ethnicities, nationalities, religions, and genders. Over the last year and half I have come to realize that a great number of them have a special bond or connection. They have lost a husband, partner, companion, son, or daughter and are living alone. Most of our senior participants are women, mainly because their husbands have predeceased them. I admire their strength. Out of necessity and will power they forge onward, despite their hardship of dealing with loss.
Last October Lois Diamond approached me about the need for creating a special time and space each month for those individuals who wish to share their grief experiences. A fantastic idea! The group was named “Sharing Grief Experiencesâ€. After much discussion our thought was that it would truly be beneficial to those who have been left behind, not only offering comfort and personal reflection, but also helping others as they continue on their journey after the loss of a loved one. It was designed with a positive and healthy approach – to allow one to come to grips with their loss in a very personal manner, how to deal with it, and help them realize that outward expression can be a very hearty and comforting experience. There is no pressure for anyone to share. In fact, listening is a very important part of the program. Sometimes just hearing about someone else tell their story is very soothing. The program started with two people and has grown steadily since then. They tell us it is a blessing to attend.
Lois, who serves as the facilitator, has created a very respectful, thoughtful atmosphere each month.  The two-hour monthly session takes place in a very quiet room. Specialized candles, reflection prayers and readings, specific music, and hug rugs (shawls) were incorporated into the program and serve as physical elements that complement mental and verbal reflections that are conveyed and discussed. Having experienced her own loss with strength and resolve and being extremely sensitive to others who must move forward as she has, despite the everyday pain, she is the perfect person to manage this program.
These sessions have been nothing short of extraordinary because of those who attend. Their willingness to share such touching and personal feelings are testimony to appreciating all they have had as well as what they have overcome. As human beings we tend to always be on the fast track, without stopping to heal, such is everyday living. However, these folk have embraced something we all will face at some point in our life – the loss of a loved one.
If you are experiencing loss of any kind please consider joining our “Sharing Grief Experiences†sessions. The next one is January 26th at 1:00 p.m. Please call Lois Diamond at (781) 286-8156 for information.
Stephen Fielding
Director, Revere Office of Elder Affairs
