Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 13, 2026 ~ Malden Musings ~ Malden Musings — The Maplewood Square Edition By Peter Levine I n the “to confer, converse, and otherwise hobnob with my fellow wizards” department... While I’m on a Maplewood Square kick, I’d be committing a downright cardinal sin if I didn’t tip my grey Scally cap to the last of Malden’s great old gin mills — Patrick’s! Ah, the neighborhood tavern, or as they are sometimes colloquially called, “Old Men’s Bars!” There was a time when places like Patrick’s were about a whole lot more than just getting your load on. They were the unofficial community centers of their day, where the regulars gathered to solve Malden’s problems, rehash the day’s events, commiserate over life’s little disappointments and engage in that time-honored tradition of complaining about the boss man. Twenty or so years ago, these neighborhood watering holes were abundant throughout Malden, each one a little kingdom run by a local proprietor who knew your name (hello Richie Cremone, Dave Angelo & Johnny Puleo, Albert Spadafora and Billy & Dommy Settemio), knew your business (sometimes a little too much of it!) and took great pride in making everyone feel welcome. You weren’t just another Joe walking through the door. You were one of the congregation. Sadly, one by one, these old haunts have disappeared, leaving behind little more than fond memories, the occasional Facebook reminiscence and a chorus of “Remember the time…?” stories from those of us lucky enough to have experienced them (hello Maher’s Café). But one soldier still stands tall in Maplewood Square, keeping the old tradition alive. Patrick’s! So, here’s my personal plea: Stop in. Say hello. Have a drink. Get to know the place. And if you’re already a regular, keep doing what you’re doing. Support the people who keep these neighborhood traditions alive. Because, frankly speaking, PatEstablished 1978 Mid-grade Regular 3.59 4.28 5.73 $4.64 Full Service ULS $4.879 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! rick’s isn’t just another bar/restaurant. It really is a little piece of our history, a link to the people and places that helped make Malden feel like home. And for those of us who remember when neighborhood joints like these were at every corner, that means something really special. Here’s to Patrick’s still standing in Maplewood Square, keeping the lights on, the chinwag flowing and the spirit of the old neighborhood alive. In a world that seems to be changing faster than we can possibly keep up, it’s nice to know that some things in Malden are still the way they ought to be! Long live Patrick’s — one of the last of a dying breed, and a little slice of old-school Maldonia worth holding onto! Attention, Maldonians! It’s time for the annual “Frank Says Hi” Scholarship Foundation fundraiser, a fun Malden tradition honoring Frankie DeCandia of Thacher Street in Ward 2. Frankie left us way too soon in April 2008 at just 23, after battling leukemia. Before he passed, he asked his best friend, Jason Rossi, to deliver one final message: “Tell everyone I said hi.” When JaHome of the Week BEST BUILDING IN AUSTIN COURT! Offered at $345,000 Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Commonwealth Real Estate Formerly Carpenito Real Estate SAUGUS - 1st AD - This top floor, corner unit is perfectly located and maintained featuring kitchen with granite counter tops, ceramic tile backsplash and dining area open to huge living room with hardwood flooring, oversized storage closet, bright and sunny, king size bedroom with hardwood flooring and slider to newer, private balcony overlooking inground pool. One exclusive use, off street parking. Only building with private balconies! Affordable and carefree living in this impressive unit! You will not be disappointed! (781) 233-7300 335 Central St. Saugus commonmoves.com ©2024 BHH Affiliates, LLC, An independently owned and operated franchisee of BHH Affiliates, LLC, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices and the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices symbol are registered service marks of Columbia Insurance Company, a Berkshire Hathaway affiliate. Equal Housing Opportunity. This Maplewood Square isn’t walking through that door anytime soon, but the Maplewood Square of 2026 is a worthy successor to the glory days of the Square. son asked who “everyone” meant, Frankie simply replied, “Everyone.” And so, a most beautiful tradition was born. Since 2009, the foundation has awarded more than $75,000 in scholarships to deserving Malden seniors, keeping Frankie’s spirit of courage, kindness and generosity alive. The DeCandia family’s roots run deep in our city, and this annual event reminds us that Malden folks show up for their own. This year’s fundraiser is “Breakfast with Santa!” Join the rest of Malden on Saturday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Malden Moose at 562 Broadway. Enjoy a fabulous breakfast by Henry’s Catering, pictures with Santa, children’s arts and crafts, raffle prizes and more! Tickets, of course, are available at the door: $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for kids under three. Visit www.franksayshi.com for more information. Frankie may be gone, but his message lives on. And here in Malden, we’ll keep saying “Hi” right back. It is said in Malden Musings… ● Been to Franny’s in Maplewood Square lately? I have and I haven’t enjoyed breakfast that much since...”goodness knows when” (famous Three Stooges swipe)! My plate, overflowing with breakfast goodies, did not last very long as I deep dove into that heavenly plate like the gavone that I can be at times (right Barbara, Joe, Frankie?). The kids behind the counter? The hardest working gals in show biz hustling about like a finely tuned machine to bring Malden a really special experience right in the heart of this great city of ours. Go there, you’ll like it! ● Happy Birthday to a very dear friend of mine, Johnny “The Prince of Pearl Street” Molinari. A special guy in my life; if you grew up in Edgeworth then you have a Johnny Moe story. Popular, charismatic and a “chick magnet,” Moe — now happily residing on the South Shore with the love of his life, Michelle — will be forever remembered as he is inducted into (in my mind’s eye only), “Edgeworth’s Gallery of Legendary Characters Hall of Fame.” ● Malden waits patiently for the reemergence of the best oldschool Chinese take-away in Malden history, China Garden, to open their door again. ● Rest peacefully, sweet Deanna. Another beautiful Angel has earned her wings, leaving behind a lifetime of memories and a place in the heart of every single person who knew and loved her. Sending heartfelt condolences, love and strength to the entire DeMayo family during this difficult time. May the love she shared and the memories she leaves behind bring comfort in the days ahead. May her memory forever be a blessing As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” — superior Gas on Lebanon Street, how do I love thee, let me count the ways... Mo and his brothers over at Superior are yet another one of Malden’s hidden gems! These guys are the kind of honest, hardworking chaps who seem to have stepped right out of a simpler time, when your neighborhood mechanic was someone you trusted with your car, your wallet and maybe even your firstborn! You could walk through their door without feeling like you needed to hide your wallet or take out a second mortgage before asking what was wrong with the old jalopy (or a 2012 Nissan Versa). Imagine that! In a world where finding an honest mechanic can sometimes feel like searching for buried treasure, Mo and the boys are the real McCoy. They’re a reminder that integrity, a fair shake and good old-fashioned customer service are still alive and FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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