THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, October 22, 2021 Page 9 MALDEN TODAY | FROM PAGE 8 three regularly when they were writing for the local print media and was in awe of their knowledge, wisdom and sincerity. In 2007 I felt that local points of interest for those of us who grew up in Malden or who had recently made Malden their home weren’t being served and thought that local coverage was adequate at best. I wished to continue in the tradition of Mr. Mini, Mr. Squires and Mr. O’Brien; to inform as well as entertain those in Malden who love the city as much as I do (and as much as they did). I have no formal training besides writing a “newsletter” back in the eighth grade at Beebe Jr. High School called “The 8-7 Times.” The “8” standing for the eighth grade and the “7” standing for those of us who were not trying very hard in their scholastic pursuits. The newsletter consisted of eighth grade gossip with some afterschool shenanigans thrown in: stuff like who had a crush on whom or who drank too much Apple Wine at Tina Gaudette’s house, the Rez or behind the Glenwood on Friday night. Of course, the occasional sniping at our least favorite educators (My favorite: Mr. Jim O’Connell, who set me correct those many years ago). I would write it up, print up a bunch of copies and hand them out to all my friends and classmates (the 1971 print version of Facebook!). One day, my eighth grade English teacher, Mrs. Bothwell, found a copy. She asked me to stick around after class; she “wanted to talk to me.” That dear lady told me how much she enjoyed reading my newsletter and that I had some “real potential” in journalism if I applied myself. I was flattered. I tucked that conversation into my memory bank, never forgot it, but nonetheless, sadly continued my scholastic downward spiral. I acquired my love for print media from my father. He was an avid newspaper reader. A self-taught man, he would devour The Globe, the Herald, The New York Times, Newsweek, Life, Time Magazine and just about anything else he could get his hands on. I got the newspaper bug first by reading his sports pages and eventually progressing to the editorial pages. His education, as well as mine, was greatly enhanced by our love of print media. Fast forward 40 years: I was having a Miller High Life at the Italian American Citizens Club (before they carried Ballantine Ale, of course), probably in mid-2007, with a then close friend. He was writing an occasional column at the time for the Malden Observer. I told him how much I enjoyed reading it. I told him I would love to try to write an article and get it printed. He gave me the email address of the editor at the time, and the rest is history. By no means am I Kevin Cullen but I hope that my love of Malden as well as the love for the many friends that I have made over the years translates into these columns. I have had a few missteps along the way but have learned from each one. I hope my columns haven’t offended anybody. That was never my intention with anything I’ve ever written. Please accept apologies if I have. I would like to thank all of you who have enjoyed them and have told me so. I am truly humbled and sincerely appreciate your kind words. In closing, I realize that my columns may be “Edgeworthcentric,” that I may dwell on Ward 2 a bit much, but that is where I grew up, that is where my heart is, that will always be my home. So bear with me, I’ll get to the rest of the city – eventually. Postscript: In the “you can’t put your arms around a memory” department; three years gone, Steve (Bouley) 10.23.18 to 10.23.21. Missing you, Bouls. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma Mackey & Brown Attorneys at Law * PERSONAL INJURY * REAL ESTATE * FAMILY LAW * GENERAL PRACTICE * PERSONAL BANKRUPTCY * CIVIL LITIGATION 14 Norwood St., Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (617) 387-4900 Fax: (617) 381-1755 WWW.MACKEYBROWNLAW.COM John Mackey, Esq. * Katherine M. Brown, Esq. Patricia Ridge, Esq. ANGELO’S FULL SERVICE Regular Unleaded $3.219 Mid Unleaded $3.289 Super $3.419 Diesel Fuel $3.449 "43 Years of Excellence!" 1978-2021 KERO $4.81 DEF $3.49 9 Diesel $3.039 9 HEATING OIL 24-Hour Burner Service Call for Current Price! (125—gallon minimum) DEF Available by Pump! Open an account and order online at: www.angelosoil.com (781) 231-3500 (781) 231-3003 367 LINCOLN AVE • SAUGUS • OPEN 7 DAYS Prices subject to change Fill Up & Save! Fall is Coming! FLEET
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