THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, July 24, 2026 Page 5 ~ Malden Musings ~ 2026 Malden Recreation Department Mac Singleton Senior League By Peter Levine S ixteen-year-old grandson Christian Joseph Falzarano — now standing somewhere around 6-foot-3 and seemingly still growing every time I visit the house — made an impressive debut in the inaugural 2026 Malden Recreation Department Mac Singleton Senior League at Devir Park, suiting up for Kevin Goncalves’ The Yard. Starting at the “3” position, Christian made his Papa proud, posting a double-double in his very first Senior League game. Unfortunately, it came in a losing effort. The Expos, despite having a very short bench, jumped out to an early lead behind the outstanding play of Malden High School Golden Tornado starting point guard Ethan Phejarasai and never looked back. Christian logged heavy minutes and admitted afterward that he was absolutely “gassed,” the disappointment of the loss written all over his face, but so was the determination (which I had a hand in instilling in him if I do say so myself — LOL). He believes The Yard has the talent to make a legit run at the championship, and after watching them compete (one through at least seven), I wouldn’t bet against them. As for my personal fave Christian Falzarano highlight reel moment, one play is etched in stone. During a second-half comeback attempt, Christian came flying in from seemingly out of nowhere to snatch a rebound out of the nasty Canadian wildfire smokefilled clouds. For one glorious moment, I was taken back to the days of NBA/ABA Hall of Famer Connie Hawkins, “The Hawk,” whose acrobatic rebounding and seemingly impossible reach made him one of basketball’s true artists. It was one of those plays that never show up in the box score but makes everyone in the park stop, look and say, “Did you see that?” Well, it made at least me and his moms Angela say, “Did you see that?” LOL. Not a bad way to begin what I hope is a long (six game season) Devir Park on Wednesday, July 15: Christian Falz (far left), Rec Director Joe Levine (far right), Cole Turner (#4) and Billy Gavin Jr. (#12). and memorable Mac Singleton Senior League career. On a very related note, Christian’s siblings, four-year-old Milo and six-year-old Lana, gave the newly renovated Devir Park Playground an enthusiastic double thumbs-up! The splash pad was an instant hit; the double swing got quite the workout; and that unique play structure — something you don’t see in many area parks — kept both happily occupied for hours. Lana wasted no time making friends with a couple of little girls, while Milo did what little brothers have done since the beginning of time: happily tagging along, determined not to miss a second of the quick paced action. Watching those little ones laugh, play and make new friends at Devir Park reminded me (and my sister, Barbara) exactly what a neighborhood park is supposed to be about and made me extremely happy watching them play in the same park I had so many happy memories at. So, congratulations, Malden. You for sure knocked this one out of the park onto Emerald Street. Devir has always held a special place in the hearts of generations of Edgeworth kids, and now, thanks to this remarkable renovation, it’s ready to create memories for generations yet to come. Great job, Malden. You done good. It is said in Malden Musings... • Malden High School Class of ’77’s Bobby Jones graced us with his larger-than-life presence last month with a surprise pop-in at the Italian American Citizen’s Club. Hooking up with a couple of old paisans, Jonesy hasn’t aged a day and looks like he could still sport the Blue & Gold and give them young’uns a run for their money! Florida certainly agrees with you, kid! Great to see you, Bobby! All the best, my friend. • George MacKay, Malden misses you already! You ain’t been gone for a cup of coffee but your mere presence cannot be replaced any time soon. George retired from the MPD last month after 40 or so years on the job he grew to love almost as much as his lovely wife Lisa and the neighborhood he grew up in, Edgeworth. George was an outstanding hoopster and had a head of hair envied by many in his younger days, all the while running with a great bunch of neighborhood kids. I’ll tell you about it/them later. • Traveled down Salem Street last week behind a Republic Garbage Truck and it was a very pleasant experience...said no one! • Good Lord Almighty! That MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 10 Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma “WE’RE STILL HERE!” Since 1947 MALDEN AUTO BODY Book online: Maldenauto.com 49 Robin St., Everett, MA 617-389-3030 * Maldenab@yahoo.com Over 79 years of exceptional service! Massone Family Owned & Operated Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net J& • Reliable Mowing Service • Spring & Fall Cleanups • Mulch & Edging • Sod or Seed Lawns • Shrub Planting & Trimming • Water & Sewer Repairs Joe Pierotti, Jr. S LANDSCAPE & MASONRY CO. Masonry - Asphalt • Brick or Block Steps • Brick or Block Walls • Concrete or Brick Paver Patios & Walkways • Brick Re-Pointing • Asphalt Paving www.JandSlandscape-masonry.com • Senior Discount • Free Estimates • Licensed & Insured 617-389-1490 Designing and Constructing Ideas that are “Grounds for Success” Landscaping
6 Publizr Home