Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 3, 2020 “Malden: Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday” – Jimmy, thanks for the memories By Peter F. Levine “I t is said in Malden: today, tomorrow and yesterday...” It just isn’t fair. You were invincible, Jimmy! You loved life too much not to be here with us any longer. That voice! That smile! That sense of humor! That hair! Those fists of fury for such a gentleman. The way you took over a room, whether you meant to or not. That sense of humor – throw in that accent! Forgetaboutit! We loved you so much, Jimmy. Everybody did. Edgeworth grieves for the extra-large hole that you leave in our lives. It is with extremely heavy heart that I share the loss of the last of the “stand-up guys,” often imitated, never duplicated, Jimmy the “Prince of Pearl Street” Palermo. We’ll meet again someday, big guy. We’ll have a cold one and maybe you can make us one of those extra-long sausage subs you were so famous for at 3 in the morning. Rest in peace, friend. Many Malden historical preservationists (Barbara Tolstrup at the top of the list) wish to keep any hint of our past alive for future generations to appreciate, big and small, so I feel I can speak for many of us when I say we hope the “Edson Fashions” ghost sign remains on the façade outside the newly renovated storefront for Boda Borg. Unite Malden 2020! Count me all in! I know I am late with this remembrance but circumstances beyond my control prevented me from posting it earlier. This time of year, I always like to take a moment and remember two Malden boys (and boys they were) who were tragically killed one early summer day some 50 years ago. We remember the night as if it were yesterday. In the 9th grade at Beebe at the time, Malden Street’s Al Owens and Beltran Street’s John Surette were hit by a train on the tracks above Pearl Street Stadium pre-MBTA and killed instantly. Beebe Jr. High mourned. And we never stopped mourning. Here’s to you, Al and John. Malden will never forget you. Stop the presses! In the spirit of full disclosure and before Pete Robby accuses me of more “fake news,” I need to announce that the AOH on Charles Street has once again undergone a paint job to the outside façade. I reported recently how the original color green that was chosen was in my humble opinion “outstanding.” Seems the boyos at the Hibo’s decided it wasn’t quite the shade of green they envisioned. Ergo, the second paint job. Guys, I liked the first shade of green better. Insert smiley face emoji. “Uncle Jimmy’s New Jersey Collection” – amazing! Anybody who has ever collected baseball cards will appreciate the story. Note to any of my friends who may have sold their baseball card collection to me or my brother way back in the day: None of these cards were in the lot. Laugh out loud. Let me know when you guys get sick of this saying. “Maldonians! I have seen the future of Malden Square...” and it is Faces Brewing Company at 50 Pleasant St. I know I am prone to hyperbole at times, but I have a great feeling about this saloon in the old First National Bank of Malden building. Swanky interior with class to spare. Reports of the food as “unbelievable, everything fresh, with high quality Everett Aluminum 10 Everett Ave., Everett 617-389-3839 Owned & operated by the Conti family since 1958 • 57 Years! “Same name, phone number & address for family since 1958 • 62 over half a century. We must be doing something right!” •Vinyl Siding •Free Estimates •Carpentry Work •Fully Licensed •Decks •Roofing • Fully Insured • Replacement Windows www.everettaluminum.com Now’s the time to schedule those home improvement projects you’ve been dreaming about all winter! ingredients.” Cool owners. With the outside beer garden destined to be the hottest spot in Malden/North Shore this summer. Expect hipster heaven (and many long, thick beards) on Exchange Street as soon as the temps start rising. Location! Location! Location! Across the street from the beer garden is Malden’s hidden jewel – Fitzgerald Park! The dazzling mural on the CBD Garage painted by Malden native Ed Emberley! The spectacular landscaping! Peace and serenity amidst the chaos/hustle and bustle of Malden Square circa 2020! Faces Beer Garden & Fitzgerald Park – the perfect storm and the perfect spot to nurse a pint or two on a hot summer’s night. The “Malden: today, tomorrow and yesterday City of Malden Employee Spotlight”...step right up, Nick Pernice from the Controller’s office. Nick was one of Controller Chuckie Ranaghan’s better hires. Well-bred and wellread, Nick is the perfect example of the future face of Malden City Hall. Always adhering to Captain Lou Albano’s “P.I.G. Principal” – politeness, integrity and grooming. Take a bow, Nick. The Ballantine Ale drought of 2020 continues. The city is barren of the ale with “purity, body, and flavor,” forcing longtime consumers of the Pabst Brewing Company–distributed thirst quencher with the three-ring pretzel logo to abstain from alcohol consumption altogether. Until reinforcements come to our rescue of course. The threeringed logo bearing ale with the “balanced but defined hop flavor” has often been cited as the “cause of, and solution to, all of life’s problems.” Yes, I lifted that from Homer Simpson. The late Jimmy Palermo prepares to pin a donation to his patron saint, San Rock, at a past Saint Rocco Feast. His daughter Ann looks on. (Courtesy Photo) Oh my! Political kingmaker Michael Goldman turned me on to this gem – his taste in music almost as good as his topical FB posts! If you haven’t already heard the song by the great Dion (“Runaround Sue,” “The Wanderer,” “Abraham, Martin and John”) and the equally as great Paul Simon (“The Sound Of Silence,” “The Boxer”) a newly recorded Dion song written years ago about the greatest, Sam Cooke (“You Send Me,” “Chain Gang,” “Change is Gonna Come”) called “Song For Sam Cooke (Here In America)” – you really need to. The song is wicked good: https://www. youtube.com/watch?time_continue=3&v=geiaNspk5rY&feature=emb_logo. Nice gesture by Ward 2 Councillor Paul “Class Act” Condon to remember Jimmy (Palermo) during his “personal privilege” time at the City Council meeting held on the 23rd of June. All Season’s Table! Please open those hallowed doors of yours soon! I am jonesing for a beef plate with white rice and maybe a cosmo. Miss you guys incredibly. Love, Peter. Spotted on Pleasant Street recently was Tom Jones’s little boy Danny. Dan is a National Grid guy these days, but in another life the 6' 7" offensive tackle anchored some great late 1980’s MALDEN | SEE PAGE 11 Summer is Here!
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