Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 7, 2021 Malden: Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday – IACC bocce season begins By Peter F. Levine T he first night of bocce at the Italian American Citizen’s Club (IACC) on Pearl Street is one of the most joyous days of the calendar year in Malden, akin to any holiday that is celebrated. In Edgeworth it goes Easter, Christmas, Dom Fermano’s birthday, then opening night of bocce season. For you naysayers or Doubting Thomases out there, continue reading if not for the sake of this article but for the sake of your own peace of mind. Wait, I cribbed that last part from Eric Burden. Forgive me. The stars came out on this glorious late April night: not too warm, not too cold, perfect evening for bocce ball – the acrid smell of New England Coffee in the air mingling with the aromatic bouquet offered up by Joe Crowley’s “Sinatra Pizza Pies” at “Pisa Pizza.” The night had all the earmarks of turning into one of the best nights evah! As if Mayor Gary Christenson PAYLESS OIL 877-688-7667 $2.29 SPRING Go GREEN LANDSCAPING & CONSTRUCTION LLC 9 Senior/Veteran Discounts Serving All Communities Lawns Cut CLEANUPS CHEAP FREE Estimates and Fully Insured $100 (COUPON YOUR CHOICE * THESE SERVICES ONLY * LIMIT ONE PER CUSTOMER) NEW SPRING OR FALL FLOWERS * NEW SHRUBS * TREE REMOVAL OUTSIDE PAINTING * JUNK REMOVAL * SIMPLE HANDYMAN REPAIRS * COUPON IS REDEEMABLE FOR NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Services include: ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ * Fertilization * Mulching *Junk Removed * Aeration * New Shrubs/Trees * Demolition * Irrigation Systems * New Lawns/Sod/Seed * Dog Poop Scoping * Dethatching * Tree Removal * Masonry * Lawn Cutting * Stump Removal * Landscaping * Spring/Fall Clean Ups * Gutter Cleaning * Sealcoating * Pruning * New Fences SERVING THE NORTH SHORE 877-688-7667 doesn’t have enough on that overflowing plate of his (new trash carts rolled out the week before, the ongoing COVID crisis, the budget, the bus and bike lane controversy – oh vey!), he nonetheless found time to stop by, drop a few words in Italian, showcase his love for Italy with a great “Italy” t-shirt and throw out the ceremonial first bocce ball of the season. His southpaw deliveries drawing comparisons by onlookers of other lefty standouts like Sandy Koufax, Bill Lee and Joe Levine. IACC President Billy Settemio (smiling ear to ear without the assistance of any controlled substances mind you) introduced hizzoner to the many members gathered social distance–style, masks up. The Dante Club guys sorta just stood around and stared quizzically, but Maldonians in the crowd gave the mayor a hearty round of applause. It is always appreciated when Gary takes time out for neighborhood events or traditions – always going the extra mile. No fake news there! Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora, although not a bocce player, showed support for the festivities, holding court as only a Spadafora can. Thank you, Craig. Another elected official that always shows up! Ward 2 Councilor Paul Condon, looking extra sharp with his hair newly shorn, presided over the evening with his usual flare, his resolute presence always welcome in these uneven political times we live in. Johnny Spadafora even stopped by. John was present to support participating family members, which included just about every person in the club! Except Marty Murphy of course. Another Spadafora with more charisma than should be allowed. Malden Police Chief Kevin Molis (FranMayor Gary Christenson threw out the first bocce ball of the year at the Italian American Citizen’s Club on Monday, April 19. (Courtesy Photo) ny and Joe’s brother) was also on hand, as always. He never, ever misses any of the big bocce nights at the club. The IACC is located right in the middle of his neighborhood. Kevin reminds me of Sheriff Taylor of Mayberry – a down-to-earth neighborhood guy all the way. A rested, tanned and (purple) masked up Sal “Butchie” Gennetti had a noticeable bounce to his step this night as he had his BFF, Animal Control Officer Kevin Alkins, as his good luck charm by his side. Oh yeah, the matches. Johnny “The Italian Rapscallion” Cagno’s team faced off against some formidable opponents, Kevin Giampa’s stacked squad. After some fast and furious action, the teams split. John conceded after the matches that it would be a long, grueling season but having teammates like Butchie, Jimmy “Cooch” Carducci, Matt “The Cerebral Assassin” Cagno, Carl Lipani, Anthony “Handsome Anthony” Cagno, Johnny Ragosa, Mike “Handsome Mike” Cagno and David “Handsome Dave” Cagno certainly guarantees the year will not be boring. Thanks for the update, John, hope to hear from you soon. It is said in Malden: today, tomorrow, and yesterday... Congratulations to the “Battlin’ Bambinos,” Jerry and his feisty son Nick for taking the Italian American Citizen’s Club 2021 Shuffle Puck Championship hardware home with them. After taking three of five matches from “The Rock ‘n Roll Express,” Derek “The Big Kahuna” O’Brien and Tommy “Tommy Gunn” Czar, the Battlin’ Bs were spotted strutting around the outdoor piazza like banty roosters! Stay in the moment guys, enjoy and congrats once again! Captain Glenn Cronin did not get demoted as some may have surmised a few weeks back when I called him Lt. Cronin. If not for loyal, eagle-eyed readers like (soon to be good friend) Captain Paul Hopkins, this rookie mistake would not have been noticed. My apologies to Captain Cronin and to you Captains Cronin and Hopkins, a promise to spend more time proofreading my article and less time at my designated bar stool at the IACC chatting up Dave Angelo. Just heard the Joe South classic “Don’t It Make You Wanna Go Home.” Call me old but I am taking an educated guess here and saying that 20 years from now they’ll still be playing this Joe South tune and not something called “WAP” by somebody named Cardi B. Big plans for the Memorial Day celebration at Forestdale Cemetery this year. Rumors of MALDEN: TODAY| SEE PAGE 9
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