Senior Day at The Park

Senior Day At the Park at Mt. Hood was deemed a success.Not only did the weather cooperate but the sixth annual Senior Day brought out one of the largest crowds ever drawing a crowd of 100 In comparison the 2013 kickoff of Senior Day At The Park, drew a smaller crowd with just 20 persons in attendance.

Among the guests this year was one of the original members of the Mt. Hood Park Association, Helen Giorgio. She and her husband, Charlie, were the founding members of the Mt. Hood Park Association in 1971.

Mt. Hood Park Association Treasurer Paul McQuillan with honored guest, Helen Giorgio

Local politicians also attended the event.

Mayor of Melrose, Gail Infurna

Ward 6 Alderman Peter Mortimer and State Representative Paul Brodeur.

Featured speaker was Park Ranger Dan Small whose presentation was on the history and the upgrades of Lynn Woods Reservation and its programs as well as the Flora and Fauna in that area.

Dan Small has been a Park Ranger at Lynn Woods Reservation since the year 2,000.

Small focused his talk on the improvements that have been made to the LynnWoods Reservation over the years as well as its history, its programs and the availability for hikers, for runners, for birders and for children. Some events that take place there include racing and an event in October, usually the weekend after Columbus Day. That event includes a bit of the history of pirates in Lynn Harbor and Lynn Woods, mixed with a bit of fun. More legends of pirates also abound at Dungeon Rock and Pirate's Glen. Small included slides of Lynn Woods, volunteer efforts and successes at cleaning the area and he talked about animals that can be seen throughout the woods as well.

Myron Dittmer, President of the Mt. Hood Park Association, spoke about the the beginnings of the organization, the history of the area and its wildlife following a free luncheon also included in the day's program.

Buses were available to take Seniors to Slayton Tower.The tower was named after John C. Slayton who was a philanthropist in Melrose. The current stone structure was built in 1934 to replace another tower, a wooden structure that had been destroyed by fire.

Slayton Tower, Mt. Hood, Melrose, Massachusetts

Just below the tower is a memorial to Major Doake Weston, who gave his life to save those of his friends and the lives of residents of Melrose and residents of surrounding communities when an engine on his plane cut out.

Army Air Force Major Doake Weston, gave his life to save the lives of his crew members. He was piloting a Mitchell B-25 twin engine bomber on its way to Boston from New Hampshire. in late September of 1945.

Views from the the tower include the Boston Skyline, Revere Beach and on clear days, parts of New Hampshire. Some scenes below are from this year's Senior Day at the Park.

Two people taking in the views from atop Slayton Tower

Just for the record, Lynn Woods Reservation also boasts of its own Stone Tower. It was built in 1936 aa a fire observation tower. Its location is on Burrill Hill, one of the highest points in Lynn.

Other scenes from Senior Day At The Park, were photographed from the top of the tower overlooking surrounding areas of Mt. Hood above and below the tower, along one of the trials in the park

The Boston Skyline photographed from Slaton Tower

Listed below is the background history of speakers at Senior Day At The Park and topics of their presentations as recorded by the President of the Mt. Hood Park Association, Myron Dittmer :

2013 - The festivities began with a lecture by local amateur birder and a member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Fells organization, Dana Jewell. Jewell provided attendees with recommendations on clothing and equipment needed when hiking and birding at Mt. Hood He also discussed many different varieties of birds that frequent Mt. Hood and spoke about their habitats, activities and migrations during each month of the year.Jewell's wife, Inge, discussed how the couple was able to document the presence of 140 species of birds at Mt. Hood over a period of two decades.

2014 - An informative and spirited lecture on the biodiversity of the Middlesix Fells Reservation was provided by Dr. Bryan Hamlin., President of the New England botanical Club and Chairman of the Friends of the Middlesex Reservation. Dr. Hamlin presented his personal studies the many species of plants and animals found in the Middlesex Fells Reservation.

2015 - Susan Murphy, Chairman of the Melrose Conservation Commission. She provided the audience with an in-depth description of hydrology in Melrose including the importance of the Mystic and Saugus River watersheds. She also explained how local hydrology has changed over the years as a result of development in Melrose. Suggestions were also made as to how residents could contribute to the improvement of water resources.

2016 - Lindsay Beal, Board Vice Chair of Friends of the Middlesex Fells Reservation provided the senior gathering with helpful hints and information on preparations to consider before hiking in the woods. Suggestions included types of equipment, food supplies,and other necessities to take along when hiking. She also provided advice on precautions to take to prevent or minimize exposure to poison ivy and ticks as well as ways to prevent injuries. She ended her talk discussing many sponsored programs and events available for seniors, parents and children at the middlesex Fells Reservation.

2017 - Well known local author Douglas Heath spoke on "Breakheart though the Centuries." He and co-author Alison Simon researched and wrote the book. During Heath's presentation, he described the history of Breakheart Reservation from its natural origins , through colonial settlements to a public park of extraordinary beauty.

2018 - Lynn Woods Park Ranger, Dan Small's presentation focused on the improvements made at the Reservation throughout the years and many programs available to all of those who enjoy nature whether it includes birding, hiking, swimming, or the many programs that have opened the park up to many visitors. Its history includes some stories about pirates as well.

Following a luncheon after each of the presentations, President of the Mt Hood Park Association, Myron Dittmer details the history of the Mt. Hood area. He and his son have now upgraded the website to include some aerial views , taken with a drone ,of grounds within the park.

More information can be obtained on the history of the following parks and upcoming programs or events by using the search engine on your computer.

The Mt. Hood Park Association -www.mthoodpa.com

Lynn Woods Reservation - www.flw.org

Friends of the Fells - www.friendsofthefells.org

Friends of Breakheart Reservation- https://friends-of-breakheart....