THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 24, 2023 ~ Malden Musings ~ Page 3 Christian Turns 13 By Peter F. Levine W e’ve been through thick and thin together going on13 years strong (reminds me of one of his favorite childhood songs, “you got a friend in me, we stick together and see it through, cuz you got a friend in me.”) From marathon sessions creating Play-Doh Godzilla to endless hours on the playgrounds at Amerige and Devir Park to countless hours spent shooting basketballs in the driveway – each moment recalled fondly, to say the least. My amazing grandson Christian turns 13 in March. Hard to imagine the concept “teenager.” I am beyond blessed to have had a key role during his childhood and to have shared that wonderfully imaginative world that he inhabits. Peter, Paul and Mary sang “a dragon lives forever, but not so little boys.” So, much like the protagonist in Puff the Magic Dragon, “one gray night it happened, Jackie Paper came no more.” Replaced by NBA2K23, a Fender Electric Guitar (extra distortion please), AAU hoop, and (good grief) – girls. I tell myself that it is, okay, cycle of life and all that jazz. I’d have it no other way. But ya know what? I wouldn’t mind one bit spending another night (or ten) with three-yearold Christian – sitting on my lap, watching episode after episode of Chip ’n’ Dale, Donald Duck, the Wiggles, and Baby Godzilla v Mothra. Lately Christian has turned to prose. An assignment in English Class piqued his interest. I’m hoping the creative writing bug has stung him good and hard. Proud beyond words of his first offering, he’s a natural (and far more talented than Papa was at his age!). Here he channels his inner Dr. Seuss using a “simile” as part of the assignment – not knowing what a simile was until I Googled it. Insert smiley face. “It’s Raining” by Christian J. Falzarano: “Today is a very nice day. I think I’ll go outside to play. Oh no, no way, today there is rain. That makes me glum. I’m sad, I wanted to have some fun. It’s okay, I’ll just find something else to do. I’ve looked and searched the halls of the house, boo hoo. I just can’t find anything that will not make me a grouch. I have an idea. It’s silly, but fun. Why don’t we go outside to run and run? Oh no, there’s a problem, it’s still raining. It’s okay, just do it! Let’s run in the rain today. It will be fun, and you’ll have a good day.” Christian has grown into a wonderful young man. Caring, up guy Kevin McGlinchy announced he will let the pros wait and will opt for Central Florida Community College. Meanwhile, the Malden Observer had their proverbial finger on the pulse of Maldonians, featuring a weekly column called “Speak Out” – a weekly forum for Malden’s most engaged citizens (think SeeClickFix but in print media). Maldonians were encouraged to anonymously leave voicemail messages on a recorded line which the paper would print, verbatim! It is laugh out loud funny! Here you go, Malden 2023, I bring to you five of the more coherent “Speak Out” diatribes from 1995, unedited, for your reading pleasure. My note: Maldonians liked to speak anonymously but when they did, they were very polite. MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 19 AUTOTECH Birthday boy Christian J. Falzarano channels his inner Jerry West with this drive to the basket. loving, with a great sense of humor (and head of hair!), and if he sets his mind to it (and works on his mid-range-game), capable of setting the world on fire – destined for greatness. “Kvelling” beyond words, he could do no wrong in my eyes. My only disappointment: that the first 13 went too damn fast. Here’s to the next 13, bestie. Love ya, dude! It is said in “Malden Musings” ... One more time with feeling: Malden, 1995. Twenty-eight years ago, Malden was on the cusp of greatness. A few pieces of the puzzle were still missing, but the foundation was being laid and it would be just a couple of short years away before we reached our full potential – Malden 2023. Granted, we’re still a “work in progress” but darn it – you’ve come a long way, baby (goodbye, “Beast That Ate Pleasant Street!). Susan Lucey’s dad, Ed, was mayor in 1995. He was the first of the “enlightened” corner office holders we elected and in ’95 was being challenged by a young whippersnapper named Riche “Ace” Howard. Real Estate maven Kristin Gennetti’s father Henry was running a reelection campaign for Councilor-At-Large. 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