THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 19, 2020 Page 11 COMMENTARY | FROM PAGE 10 in the original Filene’s in downtown Boston while as a schoolboy. After military service there was 37 years of Federal Service. I have experienced both good health and poor, had chemo and all the other age related ravages of time. For excitement I tried skydiving, participated in the Senior Olympic Games, played a good game of “Texas Hold’em” and a poor game of bridge, opened with a 4 card major once. I am one of seven children, had one brother in the Pacific and one in the European Theater of War. My father was ankle deep in trench mud at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918, The Great War. I come from a time and culture where sons and daughters-in-law called their mothers-in-law “Ma.” Practice that kind of respect and compassion, you will warm a few hearts, I promise you. Upon digesting this article in earnest, each of you will wonder about your individual socioeconomic status for the future. Will you ride to glory on a painted pony of bounty and be one of those who have, or will you ride the pale horse of deprivation and be one of those who have not? MALDEN | FROM PAGE 2 playing at the Jenkins Auditorium back in 1973 a short while back. The photo was taken by well-known Maldonian (MHS Class of 1973) Kenny Mazonson. Stevie did a short set of his material at the Jenkins at the behest of one of our beloved educators at the time, Mrs. Phillips. The announcement came early in the day that an “emergency gathering for the whole school” was to take place almost immediately. For some odd reason, the sophomore class was not invited – so much for the “whole school.” Once all were seated, to the delight of the student body assembled, our Principal (Arthur Boyle) announced from the stage that “Steve Wonder (not “Stevie” as he was known to all) was in the Auditorium.” Stevie comes striding down the Aud steps accompanied by Mrs. Phillips dressed in all his 1973 sartorial splendor! From the story I have heard, another educator, Mrs. Clifford, had become friends with Stevie’s manager while the Class of 1973 were doing a Sickle Cell Anemia Fundraiser. Although sophomores weren’t initially invited, as soon as word spread who was in the house, teachers soon relented, and the rest of the student body came rushing in. I had a prime seat already. I had a “study hall” across from the Jenkins, so as soon as I got wind of what was going on, I did not hesitate. Mrs. Phillip’s son Brian remembers the day like this: “I was in 8th grade, only 14 at the time and I really lucked out being there. I knew Stevie was famous, but I don’t think it really hit me HOW big a deal it was till he won all those Grammys a few months later and the years that followed. I was just starting to discover music in general and my own personal taste. Sadly, I think I only have one picture and It appeared in the yearbook that year. I know there are others floating around somewhere, my mom, who orchestrated the whole thing recently moved in with my sister and her husband in Virginia and photos she had are probably packed away somewhere.” Stevie played a short set. I remember being awestruck, as were most in the Jenkins that day, Stevie being one of the biggest recording artists of the day and already on his way to becoming an icon. We wanted it to last forever; it certainly does in our collective memories, but Mr. Boyle finally took the stage and announced (and I quote), “Mr. Wonder, the boys and girls have to get back to class.” Helen Mae (Battle) Phillips was described as a “wonderful and gracious woman” with a “gentle spirit and caring ways.” She died in April of 2014 at 89 years young. “This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend, the end...” Police Chief Molis gets it. He grew up on the same streets he does police work on. Why wouldn’t he get it?! He knows the neighborhoods, the actors (good and bad) and why it is so important to reach out to all members of the community. He even remembers the Brother Gilbert Carnival held at Brother Gilbert Stadium way back in the prehistoric days of Malden! His recent statement weighing in on the turmoil now engulfing the country was classic Kevin Molis, MC Class of 1975 – words of wisdom and well chosen. Same goes with other homegrown police talent, guys and gals like George MacKay, Noelle Bowie-Pierce, Kevin Killion, Kevin “K Mac” McKenna and Joey Walker. They also ran the same streets as Chief. Malden is their home. They have a vested interest in the good and welfare of Malden. Great individuals and awesome police. Joe has not changed a bit. A grizzled vet at this point, on the force for 26 years (one behind Kevin). I remember Joey vividly as a fresh-faced youngster hanging out at Devir Park. He and his little buddies (including Kevin Killion), Paul Burns, Johnny Bionelli and Kevin & Gregory Larson would shag errant foul balls hit into the Fells or onto Malden Street for the Augustine Athletics of the Inter-City Baseball League. In return they would get two dollars and a pat on the head from Stevie Ring. Joe and his brother Jimmy were fixtures at Devir. I remember the two Walker brothers spending an inordinate amount of time under the shade trees along Emerald Street doing arts & crafts, never leaving the side of the (very pretty) Park Instructor at Devir, Diane Wishoski. Good taste even at age 13! Joe was spotted on a detail recently on Exchange Street. Cannot mistake that great smile of his. We traveled down that long road, Edgeworth memory lane, until traffic picked up and Joe was called to duty. Postscript: Domenic P. DiSario, 1955-2020, friend, mentor, wicked good guy. More to follow. WE WORK FOR YOU! * Have your car repaired by Real Manufacturer Certiified Technicians * An I-CAR GOLD CLASS SHOP Highest Certificate in the Repair Industry * Premier Insurance Co. 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