THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 19, 2024 Page 7 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 6 the congregation in the palm of her hands, that gorgeous voice of hers off ering solace and balm for the soul. Offi cer Sal Gennetti just killed it with his eulogy for his beloved pops mixing pathos deftly between classic Butchie vignettes on his famous father’s life story. Then, not a dry eye in my car as I drove to the cemetery with Judy’s communion hymn “How Great Thou Art” still ringing in my ears. The hearse – driven by loyal companion Malden Animal Control Offi cer Kevin Alkins – slowly drove by Quincy Street, where Butch threw some of the most legendary family block parties Malden has ever seen, then by Pearl Street for one last ciao to Saint Peter’s Church and his beloved Italian American Citizens’ Club. Butch’s fi nal resting place: a sweet little spot as you enter the front gate on the left at Forestdale. Not far from goombahs like Jim Conway, Ed Norton, Pete Trabucco and Joe Croken – a quiet and peaceful location – perfect for Butch to get the gang back together for a glass of wine, the Boston Herald, a game of bocce and maybe one last dance before last call. Postscript 2: On a personal note, Butch’s passing has been painful, especially for his dear old friend Dom Fermano – for all of us actually. It has been an extreme pleasure getting to really know Butch over the years. Our love of Edgeworth, the Italian American Citizens’ Club, the Saint Rocco Feast and his name consistently in my column had cemented that relationship through the years (LOL). But nothing compares to the joy we all derived from walking the Sunday Procession at the San Rock Festa with Butch (and believe me on this one – after many conversations, he loved his children and grandchildren very much). The pride he had for his neighborhood, his family, the MPD and the city of Malden itself was contagious and was an amazing experience to behold. The legend of Butch Gennetti will never die and will be recalled as long as we continue to gather together to keep that memory alive. Only time moves on to the next scene, memories remain in the heart forever. Viva Salvatore “The Purple One” Gennetti. Postscript 3: Mums the word – stay tuned for big news about naming an iconic Edgeworth location after Butch. Postscript 4: I’ll touch on Bill’s life in the future. —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. Northern Strand Community Trail project nears completion F or more than three decades, Bike to the Sea has promised to build a trail from Everett through Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn to the ocean in Nahant. Work began this week on the fi nal two-mile section of the project: from Western Avenue in Lynn to Nahant Beach. The state Department of Transportation (MassDOT) held a groundbreaking ceremony yesterday (Thursday, July 11) to build the twomile, two-way, separated bike lane The Northern Strand Community Trail now runs from Everett, through Malden, Revere and Saugus, and it ends at Western Avenue about one mile west of downtown Lynn. The plans include extending that trail with curb-separated, on-street bike lanes and sidewalk improvements through downtown Lynn to state-owned parkland at Nahant Beach. This project is expected to provide safer and improved transportation access for bicyclists and pedestrians. Bike to the Sea is also working with offi cials in Revere to Core and Balance with Sharon Fall Prevention Boot Camp Sponsored by State Representative Paul J. Donato Thursday, August 22 at 10:30 AM at Medford COA, 101 Riverside Ave, Medford FREE CLASS - All in attendance will receive a water bottle! extend the trail from Linden Square in Malden to Revere Beach alongside the roadway there. Bike to the Sea has been working since 1993 to create the Northern Strand Community Trail: a trail free of cars from Everett, Mass., to the beaches in Lynn and Nahant. That dream has now been realized and the trail is being utilized as a commute and recreation corridor through Everett, Malden, Revere, Saugus and Lynn. 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 (Paid Pol. Adv.)
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