THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 3, 2026 Page 3 “Big Night in the Light”: family event explores amphibian migration with local author Kari Percival M alden Reads, in partnership with The Great MalFree morning of storytelling, hands-on activities and wildlife education at Malden Public Library • Story time with Malden auden Outdoors and Friends of the Malden River, invites families to “Big Night in the Light” on Saturday, April 11 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Malden Public Library (36 Salem St.). This free, family-friendly event celebrates spring amphibian migration through storytelling, interactive activities, and live animal demonstrations. Local author Kari Percival will read from her book “Safe Crossing,” which tells the story of amphibians’ remarkable journey from forests to vernal pools each spring. Event highlights: thor Kari Percival reading “Safe Crossing” • Hands-on activities, including frog beanbag games and arts & crafts activities • Educational displays featuring the “Be Kind” campaign of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) What is a “Big Night”? On warm, rainy spring nights, amphibians migrate from forests to vernal pools to breed. These mass migration events are called “Big Nights,” and learning how to help amphibians cross roads safely is an important part of proAuthor Kari Percival holds her book “Safe Crossing.” tecting local wildlife. The event will feature educational tables from local organizations: The Great Malden Outdoors and DCR Junior RangHealey-Driscoll Administration announces $5M in grant awards to local fire departments Funds will support firefighter safety equipment R ecently the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced that 307 Massachusetts fire departments will share $5 million in grant funding to support the purchase of new safety equipment. The City of Malden received $21,072.79. “Massachusetts firefighters answer the call in every corner of our state and our job is to make sure they have what they need to do it safely,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re investing in the equipment that protects them on the front lines and strengthening departments in more than 300 communities so they can continue protecting all of us.” “We rely so heavily on firefighters in our most challenging moments,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This program allows us to show our appreciation for the risks that they take to help us every day by providing them with the equipment they need to stay safe.” Fire departments across Massachusetts were invited to apply to the Firefighter Safety Equipment Grant program, which provides reimbursement on purchases of nearly 100 different types of equipment. Eligible items include hoses and nozzles, turnout gear, ballistic protective equipment, portable and mobile radios, thermal imaging cameras, hand tools and extrication equipment, hazardous gas meters, and more. In many cases, the purchase of this equipment will help departments attain compliance with Occupational Safety & Health Administration or National Fire Protection Association safety standards. “Firefighters face immediate danger at fires, structural collapsGRANT | SEE PAGE 11 er Program, among others. This event is free and open to all — no registration required. Families with children of all ages are welcome. For more information, visit www.maldenreads.org or email maldenreads@gmail.com. PLEASANT ST. TAX 175 Pleasant Street, Malden Specializing in Personal Income Tax Preparation Starting at $90. Call: (781) 324-6195
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