Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 10, 2020 MALDEN | FROM PAGE 5 the choir) but it was this insidious virus that plucked him away. I hope he saw the light, he always imagined what it would be like to arrive at the pearly gates. He would be mad preaching, filled with the spirit, and testifying by pounding the piano like no other. “I saw the light, I saw the light “No more darkness, no more night “Now I’m so happy no sorrow in sight “Praise the Lord I saw the light “He was not just exuberant, he was really, really good. I was lucky to be able to see him perform so many times. Preach was lucky to have a good friend in Peter Levine, who ‘managed’ Preach, as best a person could, and took care of him when it was time to retire. Boston was lucky to have such a one of a kind talent.” Loyal reader and longtime Maldonian Joanne Torosian caught me by surprise with this email. I totally missed it. The Sunday Globe June 21 listed the obituary of Albert Bailey Sparks (93 years of age). He was one of the sons of the original owners of Sparks Department Store in Malden Square. He ran the store with his brother after the parents retired – now the Boda Borg. “If you couldn’t find anything at Kresges, Grant’s or Woolworth’s, you might find it at Sparks. I know without a doubt Sparks holds memories for a lot of Maldonians. I remember going there with my grandmother. She was there for the ribbon cutting and went to that store practically every day. Arrangements are through Goldman Funeral Home.” Chris Cirino’s dad was at Woodstock. No, he doesn’t have his ticket stub like most from that weekend. Not many realized the historical significance that the musical event would eventually hold. He may not even have been around when Jimi played “The Star-Spangled Banner,” but his recollection of that long-ago day is seared into his memory bank as if it were yesterday. Congratulations to the nice young man who works behind the counter at Sunrise Postal on Pleasant Street in Malden Square on the birth of his first child. Details to follow. Sunday morning quiet at Holy Cross Cemetery. Donut Villa dark roast in one hand, The Malden Advocate in the other and Father Powers’ gravesite a short walk away. The mind races as the daily news cycle gives me whiplash. My phone pulsating with the latest news on Covid 19, protest marches and yet more distressing “breaking news” out of Washington. But I refuse for my tranquility to be abated. I shut off my phone! Shutting off the phone does not mean that “The Great Ballantine Ale Drought of 2020” is over, though – or is it? Much later in the day I visit old friends at M&M Liquors on Broadway. Shamefully I do not know their names, but we always greet each other with a hearty “how ya doing, pal?!” Great fellas – old-fashioned service with a smile. But something arouses my suspicion on this visit. One of the floor managers approaches me with a black plastic bag (disclaimer: M&M does not use plastic; it was left over from the old days). A gift from the gods! The last Ballantine Ale on the North Shore has been gifted to me from above. Well, maybe not from above but it sure felt like it. Well, actually it was the good-hearted folks at 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! M&M who know how to keep a customer happy. And coming back. I cannot say enough good things about this packy! Long live M&M Liquors! “This is the end, beautiful friend, this is the end, my only friend, the end...” – Kevin “Devir Park Dirt Dawg” Larson and I hold so many similar memories of our life growing up in Malden that I swear we are “brothers from another mother” as some people say, or they used to say. His and my wonderful memories of our beloved city of Malden Fourth of July celebrations are uncannily similar. We remember the wonderful Devir Park foot races (Rocco Saraceni always beat me), Hoodsie ice creams and the smell of stale beer emanating from the Bandstand. The portable green Bandstand facing Emerald Street that was erected the day before the Fourth. The night before the Fourth of July talent show on said Bandstand. Councillor Billy Callahan welcoming all residents before and after he had a toot or two at the Irish American. Everybody had a toot or two in those days! Don’t look so shocked, Malden! Insert smiley face emoji. The parade put together by Councillor Callahan going down Charles towards the Fellsway. Right by my house! Us on the top porch waving to Torby, Teddy K, Ed Markey and our beloved Ward Councillor, Mr. Callahan. Kevin remembers being introduced to the most Honorable Senator Ted Kennedy at Devir Park by Councillor Callahan. Billy telling Senator Kennedy “this little guy wants to be Mayor of Malden someday.” We have beautiful memories of our beloved city during the best childhood a kid could ask for. That is for sure! Happy Fourth of July, Malden. We will miss you this year. MSO announces new asymptomatic COVID-19 cases Cases confirmed, suspected to be a result of community-based contacts. No positive tests reported in main facility B ILLERICA – The Middlesex Sheriff’s Office today announced seven individuals, including six Work Release and Community Work Program participants residing in a minimum security building, physically separated from the facility’s main housing structure, have tested positive for COVID-19.All six minimum security cases are currently suspected to be as a result of community-based contacts outside the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction. The seventh individual entered the facility having previously tested positive in the community. Each of the individuals remains asymptomatic and all seven have been placed in medical isolation to be monitored.These are the first positive tests involving any incarcerated individuals at the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction since mid-May. “While the incredible efforts of our staff to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 resulted in six straight weeks without a positive test, we were always cognizant the virus could return – most likely as a result of a community contact or through a new arrestee,” said Middlesex Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian.“With a constant flow of new admittances – nearly 750 since March 1 – it was never a matter of if we’d see more cases, but when – and we have been prepared to respond immediately.” On Tuesday morning, the MSO received the initial positive result on a COVID test that had proactively been administered to an individual as part of his preparation for potential parole.The individual, who participated in the office’s Work Release program, was immediately placed in medical isolation, per protocol, and all non-essential movement in and out the building was temporarily suspended.In consultation with our infectious diseases expert 28 additional individuals living in the building were tested, with five positive results and 23 negatives. Individuals participating in Work Release, are eligible to leave the facility to take part in employment activities at community-based jobsites and are monitored by GPS while outside the facility. Those involved in the Community Work Program take part in both onsite and offsite painting, cleanup, beautification and other projects under the direct supervision of a correction officer. The MSO has notified employers associated with the Work Release program of the results. “Working with our infectious diseases specialist we will continue to maintain our high level of vigilance and preparation,” said Sheriff Koutoujian.“As we have throughout this pandemic, we remain committed to ensuring the health and safety of all those who live in, work at and visit the Middlesex Jail & House of Correction.” Summer is Here!
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