Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, January 3, 2025 YEAR | FROM PAGE 11 so happy and excited, as were all of our students. A great day for all!” *** City unveils magnificent World War I Soldier replica bronze statue at Devir Park Mayor Christenson blended the past with the present in a stirring address to a receptive audience, one of the many highlights of a very special Veterans Day celebration on November 11. In this national election year, he stated, “The focus has been on the fact that we live in a country where we have the fundamental freedom to discuss these election results, thanks to the veterans who protected them. Without a doubt, it has been their mination and resolve that has preserved our freedom to participate in the democratic process. I am so proud to say Malden doesn’t forget and our community remains ever grateful.” The spotlight of the day was on the unveiling of the new lifesize bronze statue of an authentic World War I soldier, in full circa 1917-18 uniform. The statue is one of many now erected in Malden. Several other similar, lifesize figures are in place at Forest Dale Cemetery on Forest Street, honoring veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Desert Storm. *** Malden unveils city’s Climate Action Plan, focusing on equity, resilience, and a sustainable future nance combined with her fair mindedness and even keeled approach really make her a great fit for this role.” Murphy, the first woman to be appointed Police Commissioner in the history of Malden, is fulfilling the term left vacant by the recent passing of longtime Police Commissioner Salvatore “Butch” Gennetti. *** FIRST WOMAN POLICE COMMISSIONER: From left to right: City Councillors Peg Crowe (Ward 1) and Paul Condon (Ward 2), Mayor Gary Christenson, new Malden Police Commissioner Barbara Murphy, Malden Police Chief Glenn Cronin and Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor at ceremony where Commissioner Murphy was appointed. LUNAR NEW YEAR: Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Glenn Cronin, Chinese Culture Connection Director Mei Hung and Lion Dancers were on hand to celebrate the Boston Lunar New Year Parade coming through Malden. selflessness and service that has strengthened our democracy and it has been their deterIn October, Malden announced it had completed its first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP), with a unanimous endorsement from the Malden City Council. A CAP is a detailed strategic roadmap to reduce emissions, protect neighborhoods from climate impacts and create a sustainable and resilient future for all. Malden’s CAP prioritizes equity and climate justice, and it is driven by five key goals: championing good governance, advancing net-zero in buildings and energy, accelerating sustainable transportation, mitigating heat and flooding impacts and enhancing community resilience. “A plan like this is unprecedented in Malden,” said Mayor Christenson. “I am proud of the effort that was put into this CAP, and I look forward to working with residents, City departments, City Councillors, and partner organizations to begin the work of implementation.” “I couldn’t be more excited about the equitable, sustainable clean-energy future that our climate action plan lays out for Malden,” said Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald, chair of the Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Commission and member of the CAP Steering Committee. “The climate crisis is already here – protecting our neighborhoods from the worsening climate and doing our part to protect the planet is essential for the safety and health of our community moving forward. In every part of the city, I witness growing commitment to this work ahead.” *** Barbara Murphy becomes Malden’s first woman Police Commissioner Mayor Christenson, Police Chief Glenn Cronin, members of the City Council and several City Hall employees witnessed as former City Councillor Barbara Murphy was officially sworn in as Malden’s 23rd Police Commissioner. City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio took the oath and then had Murphy sign the official Oath Book. Murphy, a lifelong resident of Malden, served seven terms as the City Councillor for Ward 5. During her time as Ward Councillor, she served as City Council President on two occasions, chaired the finance committee multiple times and always took an active role in public safety matters. “I am pleased that Barbara will continue to serve her community and that she has accepted this opportunity to work side by side with our Police Chief Glenn Cronin in providing guidance and oversight of the Malden Police Department,” said Mayor Christenson. “Barbara’s strong management, operational skills, and knowledge of this community, municipal government and fiMalden Declaration Day – Special Tribute to Black Revolutionary War Veterans Mayor Christenson, Library Director Dora St. Martin and members of the Historical Society welcomed residents on June 28 at Historic Bell Rock Cemetery to kick off Independence Day celebrations. Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe, Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor, Ward 6 Councillor Steve Winslow and Ward 7 School Committee Member Keith Bernard all attended the ceremony. This event was especially moving, as the new bronze Revolutionary Malden City Council Presidentelect Ryan O’Malley from Ward 4 is ready to take the gavel for 2025. War Memorial recently installed to honor the service of 12 free and enslaved Black Soldiers of Malden who served during the Revolutionary War was unveiled. The original memorial was installed in the same location in 1930 and lists no Black soldiers. To assist with the memorial unveiling, Willis Rose, Sr., a longtime community member and member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, stepped up to uncover the memorial for all to see for the first time. *** YEAR | SEE PAGE 13
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