THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 12, 2024 Page 7 the City Address? No, nobody else?! Well, you missed a oncein-a-lifetime Malden history lesson presentation – rich in archival Malden images and videos – I agree with a recent editorial that mentioned that it was worthy of being used as an educational resource moving forward! The mayor’s staff done the Lord’s work with this walkin’, talkin’ history lesson! Good job putting together this classic, Maria (Luise), Kathleen (Manning Hall), Elaina (Savino), Paul (“The Hammer” Hammersley) and everybody else I may have missed! • Speaking of the State of the City Address, what a treat to see Malden High School Alumni Hall of Famer Neal Anderson decked out in his City Messenger top hat and tail looking more distinguished than he usually does! • Inna Babitskaya once again killed it in a recent edition of the Advocate with her wonderful ode to “former mill girl, writer, and suffragist” Harriet Hanson Robinson. Inna is a local treasure, and her offerings are always informative and a pleasure to read. • Speaking of the Legacy HOF Banquet, I did not know this... in 1974 as a member of the BRL Orioles, Shawn Brickman won a City Series against the much-vaunted Bob Rotondi Knights; he was the top pitcher in the Greater Boston League from 1975-1977 and posted an 11-1 record as a senior, which still stands to this day. Good golly, Earl and Molly, your father did some amazing stuff (and still does)! • 60 years ago – February 6, 1964 – the Beatles landed at JFK in New York, changing our lives, forever! • Speaking of the Legacy HOF Banquet, I continue to find this extraordinary... Bob Rotondi (as we all know) has been called “Mr. Malden Babe Ruth League” over the years and has been involved since its inception in 1959 (through present day). Think about that: over 60 years! He did six years with the Little League Malden Rifles (from 1957-1963) before his legendary run; coaching and mentoring for part of eight different decades! A record of service destined to go unmatched in Malden history. Ever. Bob, we salute you (and love you), once again! • Happy April birthday wishes would go out to Ward 3 Councillor Amanda Linehan and Dorothy Kerger from Public Facilities at Malden City Hall. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – a “Malden Musings” “slice of life” – Blue Star Lounge redux … the Blue Star bumper sticker on the back of my vehicle has elicited many thumbs up, many smiles and numerous waves since I added it a few years ago. But the encounter I had in the recent past with a woman in her early to mid-70s was the most treasured. I only mention this because many of us in Malden hold memories of the Blue Star near and dear to our collective hearts. It was a “rite of passage” back in the day to journey to Route 1, stop at the Blue Star and have lifelong remembrances full of fun memories. A time to forget about everyday life for a brief moment or two. So, I am on Lowell Street in Peabody when a woman in the car behind me starts frantically waving her arms for me to pull over. I don’t recognize her, so I figure she must have mistaken me for somebody else. After a half mile of high beams flashing, more hand waves and J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. manic honking, I pulled into the parking lot of Saint Adelaide’s Church. I am not struck by lightning nor does a tree fall on my vehicle as I pull in the church lot (inside joke – insert smiley face). We roll our windows down in unison. At that point this total stranger and I go into the most heartfelt exchange I have had in many years. She became emotional when she told me that my bumper sticker brought back countless unforgettable memories. She thanked me for pulling over and for giving her the opportunity to tell me how “delightful” it was for her to see that memory come alive, once again. She went on to tell me how she and her pallys (100 strong!) would take over the bar on the weekends; how they would “dance and laugh all night”; how much enjoyment they received listening to the bands and hanging with the eclectic clientele the BS attracted; how many of those friends are no longer alive. Like many of us she wished she could spend “one more of those nights dancing carefree” – “laughing until it hurt” – to go back when “life was simpler.” I agreed. Total strangers when we met, hugging on departure as if we knew each other forever. Postscript: Jack Garrity, Ernie Leblanc, Don Quon, Chris Mirageas, Bobby Martino, Rocky Brooks; each individual so important to the success of Malden in 2024. Each individual not soon be forgotten. More on each of them at a later date. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to the Malden Advocate and can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group at Forestdale Park Senior Living April 30, 2024, 5:00 pm, at Forestdale Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 341 Forest Street, Malden. Our support group for caregivers meets in person at Forestdale Park. Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. RSVP to 781-333-8903 or reception@forestdalepark.com. Forestdale Park Senior Living is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years. RON’S OIL Call For PRICE MELROSE, MA 02176 NEW CUSTOMER’S WELCOME ACCEPTING VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER (781) 397-1930 OR (781) 662-8884 100 GALLON MINIMUM 425r Broadway, Saugus Located adjacent to Kohls Plaza Route 1 South in Saugus at the intersection of Walnut Street We are on MBTA Bus Route 429 781-231-1111 We are a Skating Rink with Bowling Alleys, Arcade and two TV’s where the ball games are always on! PUBLIC SKATING SCHEDULE 12-7 p.m. Sunday Monday Tuesday $9.00 Price includes Roller Skates Rollerblades/inline skates $3.00 additional cost Private Parties 7:30-11 p.m. Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday $10.00 Price includes Roller Skates Adult Night 18+ Only Private Parties Private Parties 4-8 p.m. $10.00 8:30-11 p.m. $11. 18+ Adults Only After 7 PM 12-9 p.m. $9.00 Everyone must pay admission after 6 p.m. Sorry No Checks - ATM on site Roller skate rentals included in all prices Inline Skate Rentals $3.00 additional BIRTHDAY & PRIVATE PARTIES AVAILABLE www.roller-world.com
8 Publizr Home