THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 13, 2026 Page 5 LITTLE SMILES, BIG CONNECTIONS: Community policing and Malden’s youngest learners By Steve Freker C ommunity policing is a key component of the overall model embraced by the Malden Police Department, and a great example is a recent visit by MPD Patrolmen Richard Melgar and Ricardo Maldonado to the Happy Nest Bilingual Learning Center. The early learning center is located at 148 Main St., Malden, and engages young children from infants to toddlers and pre-K kids. Officers Melgar and Maldonado spent some quality time with some of our youngest community members, talking to the kids, and some of them got to check out a police cruiser Smiles were certainly in no short supply last Wednesday. Happy Nest Bilingual Learning Center Director Claudia Pamela Quispe and the Happy Nest staff organized the special visit, and “both officers helped some of Malden’s youngest neighbors feel comfortable, connected, and excited to meet their local police,” according to a Malden Police command staff spokesperson. “We love opportunities like these to build trust and friendships in the community we’re proud to serve.” “At Happy Nest Bilingual Learning Center, we are committed to guiding children in reaching their full potential by nurturing their creativity and curiosity,” according to a message on the facility’s website, happynestbilingual.com. “Our learning environment is A Happy Nest student is excited behind the wheel of a parked Malden Police cruiser. (Courtesy/ Malden Police Dept. Photo) thoughtfully designed to encourage interaction, exploration, and enjoyment, allowing children to learn through engaging, hands-on experiences.” Malden Police Patrolmen Richard Melgar and Ricardo Maldonado talk to the students at Happy Nest Bilingual Learning Center. (Courtesy/Malden Police Dept. Photo) 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 Malden Police Patrolmen Richard Melgar (left) and Ricardo Maldonado (right) meet Happy Nest Bilingual Learning Center Director Pamela Quispe and staff during a recent visit. (Courtesy/Malden Police Dept. Photo) * 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 NEW BRANCH. EXCLUSIVE RATE. MORE FOR YOU. Earn 4.75% APY* with our exclusive 7-month CD! Available only at our new Medford branch. Visit us at 501 High Street to take advantage of this special offer. New money only. We make it easy. Because here, easy means more. This is a new-money-only offer.
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