SAUGUS — When Greg NIdkolas died this past September, he was hailed as one of the most visible, and integral, parts in the town’s social fabric.
Nickolas was the town’s youth and recreation director. But, say town officials, he was so much more.
Most Saugonians saw him as almost an ambassador of the town. He was heavily involved in counseling young people on serious issues such as addiction.
But always, said School Committee member John Hatch, in an understated way.
“He never looked for any reward or recognition,” Hatch said after Nickolas, 58, died of complications from the COVID-19 virus.
Nickolas was a former Saugus High athlete whose activities in town ranged from sports, to recreation, holiday parades, community gatherings, field management, and more, said Selectman Jeff Cicolini, in speaking about him after hearing he died.
“He always saw the good in people,” said Cicolini.
With all of the other projects he had undertaken, Nickolas stepped in when Donna Gould stepped down as chairperson of Founders Day, Cicolini said.
Now, the town will honor him for the contributions he made to the town. Friday, beginning at 5 p.m., the town will dedicate the lighting of the Christmas tree in Saugus Center in his honor.
This is the second time in three years that the tree-lighting ceremony has been held in memory of a Saugus resident whose death greatly impacted the community. It was not held last year due to ongoing concern about the COVID virus. But in 2019, the tree-lighting was conducted in memory of Alan Silipigni, a 14-year-old boy who died in November 2019.
The tree-lighting ceremony goes from 5-8 p.m. Children of all ages will have the opportunity to meet Santa Claus, take sleigh and train rides, play on inflatable equipment, and visit the petting zoo. There will be cider, popcorn, cocoa and cookies available.
The tree is located in the traffic circle opposite the Town Hall at 298 Central St.
