THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, June 28, 2024 Page 7 What is your go-to place today? “My old go-to was Pasta Market and my current favorite is All Seasons Table.” 10. What one thing would people be surprised to learn about you? “I spent eight years in two foster homes as a foster child.” As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – I mentioned a couple of weeks back how this past June 4th might possibly go down as one of the saddest days in the history of Malden. As a longtime Maldonian, it certainly was the most upsetting day in my life. But my family got here in 1963, which happens to be the year Patrolman Eddie Callahan was killed while on duty. A day that will live in Malden infamy – the saddest day in recent memory. I do not remember that dark day, but Carl Chimi does: “Peter, you mention the death of Officer Ed Callahan. I was actually there on September 14th when the shooting happened. I was ten years old and lived on Sterling Street, opposite the end of Stadium Road. My mother sent me to the A&P. I distinctly remember swinging on the metal rod they used to push the shopping carts against. As I was doing that the robbery had begun, but I was completely unaware of it. I left the store. As I did a police car came roaring up Pearl Street and slammed to a stop right in front of me. Two officers jumped out of the car. I remember it happening, but I was a kid who lived largely in my own head, so I paid little attention. I walked across the street toward Elmwood Pharmacy, then past the cobbler’s and Wendell’s Barber Shop. As I passed the restaurant next to Wendell’s I heard a zip! sort of sound behind my head but kept walking. When I got home less than ten minutes later, my mother was frantic. The shooting was apparently already on the radio. Except for a few vague impressions, I was completely unaware it was happening. I know the [expletive deleted] who shot Officers Callahan and [George] Hood were chased toward Elm Street by a middle-aged man, who beat the [expletive deleted] out of him. Later I saw the bullet hole in the restaurant window; that must have been the zip sound I heard. I’ve always been personally glad that I was so inside my head and didn’t actually witness the shooting. As it was, I was still badly traumatized for a long time afterward. I was a Junior Police member; I idolized police officers. I kept thinking I could have done something – like throwing tomato paste cans at the robbers – to save the officers. My part in the event – an oblivious 10-year-old probably thinking about Batman comic books – was so minor, yet still traumatic. I have often thought of the trauma of the officers’ families. I wish I could tell them that the two officers are in my memory for the way they jumped fearlessly out of their car and ran towards the danger I wasn’t even aware of. I remember them as heroes, even though I only saw them for a second or two.” Carl, you have made Malden proud with this heartfelt account of that horrific day and I am pretty sure the Callahan family will feel the same way. Thank you. Postscript 1: Time remains undefeated...weeks after his passing Malden is still mourning the deep loss of Bob Rotondi. His impact on thousands of lives, immeasurable. We were fortunate to have Bob in our lives for so long. We live with his memory, that way he lives on – “as long as we live, they too will live; for they are now a part of us; as we remember them.” Postscript 2: Fifty-five years ago, today – June 28, 1969 – marks the beginning of the Stonewall Uprising at the Stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City. —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. 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
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