THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, May 30, 2025 Page 7 had when he played for BE was ball distribution. Sharing the round ball with 6' 7" Rudy Williams and all-world point guard Bobby Chew (his family-owned BE) was a daunting task, to say the least. You see, Rudy starred at Providence College and had a “cup of coffee” I believe with the New Jersey Nets while Bobby could score 25 in his sleep, as the saying goes. After I posted the pictures, Jay had this marvelous retort: “Peter, you should have joined us after the games at Broadway East - if you thought Rudy took lots of shots at MHS, you should have seen all the shots he had at BE! Almost put Bobby out of business! Power forward (Dom) Lamarra was there to be the enforcer - although Rudy and he had good softball discussions, both could flat out play ball (and drink). Thanks for sharing those pictures - I didn’t know we had color photos from back then!!!!” Attention! Malden High School Class of 1975! It’s time for the Big 5-0! Can you believe it? Our 50th Class Reunion is just around the corner! (Yes, really… FIFTY.) Time may have flown, but our memories — and some of our dance moves (well, maybe not mine) are still going strong. Save the date: Saturday, September 20, Crowne Plaza, Woburn. Get ready to party like it’s 1975 all over again! We’ll laugh, reconnect, reminisce and squint at each other, asking, “Wait… do I know you?” (Except for you, Jack Freker and Mark Burns, who’ve somehow discovered the fountain of youth and still look like you just walked off the field at Macdonald Stadium.) Tickets: $100. Cocktail Hour: 5–6 p.m. (Cash Bar) — Buffet Dinner + Merrymaking immediately following! Dancing, storytelling and a whole lot of horseplay strongly encouraged! RSVP by August 20 — make checks payable to Pam Picillo and mail to 7 Peterson Rd., Peabody, MA 01960. Need a room? Call 781935-8760 to book a special $169 rate for the night at the Crowne Plaza. Let’s make this night unforgettable — because let’s face it, we’ll need the photos to remember it by! Am I right? “Malden Musings” is not just a list of old places (although it often resembles such); it’s about the memories and connections people have with them. This column attempts to highlight the importance of these shared experiences in shaping our understanding of a place and its community. With that said... Our paths rarely crossed over the years, but just last week I found myself deep in conversation with Ron Falite — and it turns out, we’re cut from the same Maldonian cloth (even though he’s a Wakefield guy). You see, in Malden — or “Maldonia,” as Chris (Moro) likes to say — if you’re not related by blood, you’re probably connected by neighborhood. If you didn’t share a classroom, then you likely shared a ballfield. And if your family didn’t know their family, then someone in the corner booth at the Irish American Everett Supplies Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Celebrating 66 Years in Business! •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roof ng • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! or the IACC sure did. That’s the beauty of this city — tight-knit, a little insular, proudly provincial and (quite) rich with overlapping stories. Ron and I had our moment of Maldonian revelation where all good conversations begin — and all good men meet — at the Italian American Citizens Club. We took a stroll down memory lane, swapping names and stories like trading cards (he was holding some serious Mickey Mantles), and by the end, it felt like we’d known each other forever. Turns out, we’re practically blood brothers by way of six degrees of Malden separation. You probably already know Ron — he’s a familiar face around town and the President of Falite Brothers, the HVAC company that’s been keeping homes comfortable since 1980. But beyond business, Ron’s the kind of guy you’re lucky to sit across from with a drink in hand swapping stories of who knows who. So, here’s to new chums that were always there, just waiting to be recognized. Ron’s a standup guy, and I’m proud to finally, officially, call him paisan. By the way, congratulations to Chris Moro for joining the esteemed ranks of the Massachusetts Italian American Sports Hall of Fame committee. They do great work, and you will be a fine addition. “All my best memories come back clearly to me. Some can even make me cry just like before. It’s yesterday once more.” —Karen Carpenter. This week, I take a stroll down memory lane with another Malden slice of life: a quiet reflection on the soul of a city that once thrived in corner stores, familiar faces, Bandstands and front stoop conversations. Just a small glimpse into what made — and still makes — our little five-square-mile hometown something truly special. Names and places from yesteryear echo in our hearts like the chime of a distant ice cream truck on a summer evening (Eddie the Ice Cream Man, anyone?), reminders of a time when neighbors were family (well, most of them anyway) and every street had MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 19 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! www.810bargrille.com Spring is Here!
8 Publizr Home