Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, April 21, 2023 ~ Malden Musings ~ “Spotlight on Pete Caso” By Peter Levine I t’s Pete Caso’s world, we just live in it (I know that is showing signs of age, one last time, I promise). A lifelong resident of Watts Street, Pete started his journey as a social media infl uencer as part of the Facebook group “Malden, back in the day” – but quickly outgrew that site. He decided to start his own page where he could express himself without fear of wandering outside the rules of group engagement. Bam, Bang, Boom! Over 6,000 “friends” later, he has become an overnight sensation and the unoffi cial “ambassador” of all good things within Malden city limits (and the guy you want your picture taken with if you’re running for offi ce – insert smiley face?). From ribbon-cutting ceremonies (it is said Pete would go to the opening of an envelope – that’s a joke, son) to doNeed a hall for your special event? The Schiavo Club, located at 71 Tileston Street, Everett is available for your Birthdays, Anniversaries, Sweet 16 parties and more? Call Dennis at (857) 249-7882 for details. Law Offices of Terrence W. Kennedy 512 Broadway, Everett • Criminal Defense • Personal Injury • Medical Malpractice Tel: (617) 387-9809 Cell: (617) 308-8178 twkennedylaw@gmail.com ing battle with the many trolls/ goblins who inhabit the dark corners of the Internet to being the fi rst in line to help a neighbor (or damsel) in distress – Pete grinds it out day after day. His each “good morning,” each dinner menu proclamation, each Malden insider breaking news is met with enthusiastic responses and many huzzahs from fanatical devotees. The gift that keeps on giving – Pete was gracious enough to take time out to answer 20 questions for both the zealots who hang on every word and the curious Maldonians who need to know. He’s Pete Caso, and you’re not! Channel your inner Pistol Pete – enjoy: 1. My full name is...Peter Caso. 2. I am currently...working at the D.P.W. and coordinating a Facebook page. 3. I am saving up to...see my (late) dad’s house in Italy for retirement. 4. My home is in... Malden, Ma. 5. I love people who...love my “All About Malden” Facebook page. 6. Something I say a lot is... “pistachios.” 7. I consider myself to be...a legend. 8. I need to be...more aggressive. 9. My favorite movie of all time is...“Grease.” 10. My all-time role model is... my father. 11. I respect people who...respect Malden. 12. The best thing anyone has ever said to me is...that I am a goodwill ambassador for Malden. 13. I am happy when...I am watching wrestling in honor of my late father. 14. I find (Big Bang Theory) funny/hilarious. 15. I am named after...my fa~ Home of the Week ~ WAKEFIELD - 1st AD - Custom built, one-owner Contemporary offers 8 rooms, 3 bedrooms w/newer flooring, 3 ½ baths, updated kitchen with solar solarium, custom cabinets, granite counters, oversized island, bar area wit wine cooler, open to dining room, custom woodworking, hardwood flooring, stunning family room w/cathedral ceilings, fireplace, wet bar w/granite counters, slider to deck w/jacuzzi, den w/skylights, convenient 1st floor laundry, second floor balcony overlooking family room, primary bedroom w/private bath, walk-in closet & slider to balcony, finished lower level offers playroom w/ kitchenette, two car garage, private setting. Offered at $925,000 335 Central Street, Saugus, MA 01906 (781) 233-7300 View the interior of this home right on your smartphone. View all our listings at: CarpenitoRealEstate.com Pictured from left to right: Pete Caso, Bam Bam owner Stacy Zhang, Mayor Gary Christenson, Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, building owner Marc Gattineri and Johnny Long and Joan Mongeau from the Chamber of Commerce at the Grand Opening of Bam Bam Chicken at Malden’s crossroads of Florence, Commercial and Pleasant Streets. ther. 16. I have (zero) kids. 17. The farthest I’ve ever been from home is...Athens, Greece. 18. My special talents are...as a teenager I was the hacky sack champ. 19. I have (zero) pets. 20. I played sports as a youngster at Little Pearl, Devir Park, and Hockey Town in Saugus. Time for a trip back in Sherman and Mr. Peabody’s Wayback Machine – as the old song goes, “It’s good to touch the green, green grass of home.” As you’ve probably noticed, once in a while I stop and fi guratively touch the green, green grass of home. Some say obsessively. At least when it comes to Edgeworth. Here we touch the green, green grass of our collective Malden home with a look back at 1973 and a letter to the editor with Malden historical value. The Malden Sun-Times, 1973, a “Letter to the Editor”: “The elimination by a knockout of Joe Sideri, a leading Malden heavyweight boxer in one round at the Golden Gloves Nationals in Lowell, was a setback and a surprise. Sideri was riding it high in the amateur boxing ranks when he was defeated. But his future is rosy; he’s still young and coming. “Perhaps the greatest fi gure in the amateur ring of years past was Neddo Flanagan, who was a coming fi gure in boxing circles - as Joe Sideri. Neddo came from Malden around World War 1 time, went through the Golden Gloves as an amateur, and as a heavyweight fi ghter of 200 pounds, he went on into the professional ranks and scored about 14 knockouts in 16 fi ghts. He then joined Buckley’s camp, boxing out of Kelly’s Gym in Boston and, in 1924, fought a sizzling battle with Hambone Kelly, a sensational South Boston boxer at Wonderland Park. On July 4th, he met with an accident and the fi ght was stopped in three rounds at Revere Beach. “Neddo was the older brother of Phil Flanagan, who was a topnotcher in the 160-pound class. Neddo had fought Jim Maloney and lost in fi ve rounds at Braves Field in 1922 while in Buckley’s camp. He was killed in his prime at the Pick Wick Club disaster in 1925. [My note: The Pick Wick disaster is a fascinating story]. “Getting back to Sideri and amateur boxing, certain stars dominate the divisions. I recall around 1935 entering a novice class as a 175-pound fi ghter with not many fi ghts. My adversary, Jake Eagle, defeated me in the semi-fi nals at the B.A.A. Clubhouse on Exeter Street in Boston. Nothing sensational about that but less than two weeks later Eagle turned pro and was knocked out in two rounds by Dick Maloney, Jim’s youngest brother, at the [Boston] Arena. Here was a clearcut case of a professional fi ghter boxing as a novice and amateur. “George J MacDonald Salem Street - Malden.” As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – who says I ignore every part of Malden except Edgeworth?! Well, for the most part that is true, but I am changing that right now. Here’s another little story with plenty of meat (no potatoes) about Malden’s “red headed stepchild,” Linden on the Saugus Branch, by my newest Facebook friend, Scott Millikan: MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 7
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