Member Profile:
Domenic Siraco

Written by Diane Machado

Domenic Siraco began his exploration into video production when planning to a commercial for his knife sharpening business. Domenic wanted to air his commercial on television and, at the same time, “create a video with a sense of humor.” Somerville Community Access Television semed to be the most likely venue for his idea because it offered access to video production equipment and cablecasting on cable Channel 3. Domenic joined as a member in 1998 and discovered that while he couldn't make a commercial, “SCAT provided more than an opportunity to create a video but a forum for Somerville.” He continues to admire the cooperation among members and the “helpful teachers” at SCAT.

As a resident of Somerville for thirty-three years and long time business owner in Magoun Square, Domenic has witnessed the ever present traffic passing along his shop front on Medford Street. Domenic's video, The Magoun Square Theme Song, highlighting his rhythmic poem about the square, seeks to welcome and familiarize people to Magoun Square “on their way to Boston, Sullivan Square Station or Hoyt's Cinema.” A Somerville viewer is sure to remember Magoun Square and the song lyrics and will sing along with Domenic's two sons by the end of the video. Domenic hopes The Magoun Square Theme Song will continue as a series on SCAT.

Passersbies should likewise not estimate the talents within humble Magoun Square's knife sharpening business. Domenic spoke to me about the art of knife making. One of his sons is learning the craft at Massachusetts College of Art in Boston. His son's professor, an award-winning knife artisan, has provided Domenic with the opportunity to create a video about the history of knife making.

Domenic also wishes to use his video making energies to address the high school drop out rate in Somerville. He is creating a video of interviews with various parents, teachers, and high school students about their personal experiences in the educational system. Domenic's interest here follows the work of his close friend, Paul Duhammel, who passed away three years ago. Domenic spoke highly of his friend show was a very active member of the Somerville community.

Thus far, Domenic's video productions focus on Somerville and facilitate the building of community. It is Domenic's strong belief in Magoun Square as the “heartbeat of Somerville” and his compassion for the Somerville community that motivate his video productions. His smile and sense of humor coincide with his optimism in “hopes of getting better” at video production at SCAT.

Somerville Community Access Television
90 Union Square, Somerville, MA 02143
Phone: 617-628-8826 | Fax: 617-628-1811
Email: info@access-scat.org
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