Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, September 24, 2021 Malden Today, Tomorrow and Yesterday – Class of 1969 turns 70 By Peter F. Levine B irthday congratulations go out to the Malden High School Class of 1969, most of whom will be turning the big 7-0 this year. Thumbing through the ’69 MHS yearbook recently, I saw a group of fresh-faced, mostly clean-shaven and well-groomed students. The class of ’69 looked like they skipped right over the hippie culture engulfi ng most of the rest of the country. They listened to The Temptations, The Supremes, to “The Cream” and a little ditty written by a Lisbon Street singer/songwriter (Norman Greenbaum, MHS Class of 1961) – his hit song “Spirit in the Sky.” They worked at Raymond’s, Giant Value and Faulkner Manufacturing on Eastern Avenue. Most of the girls “liked to dance,” according to their bios. Future Ward 5 Councillor Barbara Walsh Murphy looked cute as a button (as a junior) as “Moonbeam McSwine” in the “Sadie Hawkins Day in Dogpatch” run sponsored by the class of ’70. “Billy & The Twilights” had them doing the “Tighten Up” at the Junior Dance. A precocious Arthur Boyle Jr. (age 12) is seen hugging longtime MHS “Principal Clerk” (the legendary) “Auntie” Mabel McQuesten at her retirement party in the Marshall Gym (44 years at the high school). A svelte George Miller shooting a baseline jumper versus Quincy in his little gold shorts. Dante DiSerio looking boyish, much as he still does today. Jimmy Burns worked at “Mal’s” after school and looks just like his son Justin, who at one time fronted the Lowell-based country blues band “Reverend JJ and the Casual Sinners.” Johnny “D” DeBenedetto won “best looking.” Jimmy Duggan (or “Elvis,” as his friends called him) played hoops for St. Paul’s Church. And who knew that English was (Moose bartender) Ralphie Kelly’s favorite subject? Happy Birthday, Class of ’69! Breaking news! Big announcement for Malden High School and the Class of 1975! I am fi lled with happiness and much joy as I announce the Class of 1975 will have their 45th reunion after all. By now most know that last year’s reunion was canceled due to the plague with Karyn (Lock- Help Wanted - Traffic Supervisors (Crossing Guards) – Multiple Positions City of Malden Malden Police Department, Traffic Commission The City of Malden seeks Part Time Traffic Supervisors (Crossing Guards) – Multiple Positions. Provide safe crossing at crosswalks, as assigned, for pedestrians and students walking to and from school. Must be able to stand in one area for 1-hour intervals to monitor and ensure traffic flow in all directions while providing safe crossing at busy intersections throughout the City of Malden. To see full job description and complete an application please visit: cityofmalden.org/jobs Lisbon Street guy Norman Greenbaum is pictured with a number of photo bombers at the “Spirit in the Sky” mural unveiling on Exchange Street in 2019. (Courtesy Photo) hart) announcing that she will not be running another one. But after careful consideration, the powers that be (thank you, Karyn) decided that the show must go on in 2021. Sad news is that this will be her very last reunion as big cheese. We are only a couple months away from the celebration. If you are attending, please send your hard cash in as soon as possible. It will be an unforgettable evening: reconnecting with old classmates, talking through what television programs we binge watched during the pandemic (Gunsmoke); when we will begin shaving again (soon); and how many of us have had hips replaced (two)! Also, if anyone has a food allergy or gluten issue, please let organizers know before the event, of course. Albert’s place on Canal Street – Anthony’s – has assured Karyn that all can be accommodated. Thank you, Albert! I need to emphasize right here that money for your ticket(s) needs to be in by October 8. There will be no tickets sold at the door. If you have any questions, please contact Karyn at karyn.lockhart@gmail.com. Here are the particulars: October 30 at Anthony’s of Malden (Terrace Room). Show time starts at 6 and runs until 11 (nap time promptly at 9) with an Italian buff et. Cocktail hour will be 6-7 with dinner/dancing immediately following. Price: $65 per person. Did I mention the deadline to have money in is October 8? Please send a 1975 old-school check or money order to: Karyn Lockhart, 1 Kimball Ct. Apt. 505, Woburn, MA 01801. Karyn eagerly awaits your gelt. I printed this piece a couple years back. I thought I’d bring it back around again for any newbies in Malden who may have missed it. A true profi le in courage about an amazing young lady, Andrea Giannattasio – MHS Class of ’75 – “It was 46 years ago (1975) when 709 of my classmates and I (yes, you read that right, 709 classmates) graduated from Malden High School. I remember it as a steamy hot day, and I was late for the ceremony, as usual. My lasting memory though will be the sight of the most courageous person I had known at the time (and since), fellow graduate Andrea Giannattasio. Andrea was battling leukemia but graduated in the top of the class with plans on going to college. She passed away shortly after graduation. Those who knew her will never forget her will to succeed, her MALDEN: TODAY| SEE PAGE 17 Monogram D4 Double siding Cedar impression half rounds Harvey Vinyl 63 Replacement Windows Custom Aluminum Trim work Windows & Doors Top quality Vinyl Siding! •Vinyl Siding •Carpentry Work •Decks •Roofing •Free Estimates •Replacement Windows •Fully Licensed •Fully Insured
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