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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 20, 2020 Page 13 It is Said in Malden By Steve Freker T hat a group of teachers and administrators at Malden High School got together and are hosting a "Spirit Week" celebration (virtually) next week, similar to the traditional one hosted in-person every "Thanksgiving Week" at the school in anticipation of the traditional Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Football Classic. **** That all the fun begins Monday with "Sports Day" (*wear your favorite team's gear); Tuesday "Bad Hair Day"; Wednesday "Blue and Gold Day" where students wear their best Blue and Gold 12:00 noon that day to: https:/bit.ly/mhsspiritday **** That for the first time since the early 1900s, there will be no Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Day football game next Thursday. **** That it would have been game #133 this year and Malden was due to be the host at Macdonald Stadium. It is expected there will be some fanfare when Malden, as planned, plays Medford in football during "Fall 2" season in April. A Patriot's Day matchup, perhaps? **** That there may be a roundabout local connection to the New England Patriots this season as rumor has it that the daughter of well-known Golden Tornado Hall of Famer Carmine Cappuccio (Class of 1988), Talia Cappuccio, is dating Patriots second-year tight end Ryan Izzo. Both were classmates at Florida State University. **** That despite the fact the Cappuccio family homestead has been in North Carolina for many years, the Cappuccio’s were raised as stalwart Patriots-Celtics-Red Sox fans, we are told. MBTA | FROM PAGE 4 would have to be approved by a vote of the independent state Fiscal Management and Control Board (FMCB) which has had oversight of MBTA finances since its establishment in 2015. Before that, the MBTA is conducting both virtual public engagement meetings, where it presents its plan, and a written comment period, where it accepts participation from the public. Information on both may be obtained by emailing to publicengagement@mbta.com. A virtual meeting specifically designed for the communities of Malden, Everett, Revere, Chelsea and Winthrop was held Wednesday night this week. Over $400M has been invested in transitoriented development in Malden in past five years In speaking against the proposed service changes, the Malden delegation pointed out the extensive public and private, municipally driven financial investment Malden has overseen in transit-oriented development in and around the areas of its two Orange Line stations at Malden Center and Oak Grove and elsewhere in the city. “The City of Malden has pursued zoning reforms and transit-oriented development, which has been strongly encouraged by the Baker administration and these efforts will be severely impacted if the MBTA proceeds with these cuts,” the delegation’s letter stated. “Malden has become the poster child for transit-oriented development with more than 1,500 units of housing built just steps from the Malden Center Orange Line station and Commuter Rail Station in the past five years,” the legislators stated. “The most recent development, J at Malden Center, opened a year ago and includes 320 units of market rate housing, as well as significant retail space and a City Hall condominium – a nearly $200 million private investment…Next door to J at Malden Center is Exchange 200, which is being rehabbed to accommodate life science and new economy tenants. This represents another $150 million in transit-oriented development. These investments rely in large measure on continued access to public transit.” Shown from left to right are Denise Brogna, former Gabby’s Barbershop Owner John Angelo, My Pals Barbershop Owner Dominique Peña, Mayor Gary Christenson, Angel Peña and Anthony Brogna during the recent grand opening of My Pals Barbershop. (Photo Courtesy of the City of Malden) M ayor Gary Christenson recently participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony of My Pals Barbershop at 252 Highland Ave., the location of the former Gabby’s Barbershop. New owner Dominique Peña revealed that Gabby’s owner, John Angelo, has been a big inspiration to her through her entire life. “His shop was home to many grateful people over the years, making each and every customer feel like family, and his recent retirement left many of us feeling empty,” said Peña. “I hope to continue the great legacy of Gabby’s Barbershop.” The name “My Pals Barbershop” is inspired by Peña’s papa John Cataldo’s private men’s club called “My Pals,” where members would meet once a month to eat, drink and play bocce. Lots of memories and friendships were formed from that group, and she and her husband look forward to forming similar memories at My Pals Barbershop. Peña has been in the hair industry since 2009, and her husband, Angel, has been a barber for more than five years. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. My Pals offers haircuts, shaves and more! They are very excited to be in the neighborhood and part of the community. They look forward to welcoming new faces as well as the old! For more information, please visit them on Facebook. ~ Letter to the Editor ~ Senator Lewis weighs in on proposed MBTA service cuts, project delays Dear Editor: On November 9, the MBTA announced proposed service cuts across the system to respond to the pandemic-caused drop in ridership and fare revenue. While I understand the need for the MBTA to take steps to address their potential budget deficit, I am deeply concerned that these cuts are premature and would cause major harm to our communities. The state legislature is currently debating the state budget for the remainder of this fiscal year, and we also remain hopeful that another federal coronavirus relief bill will be passed by Congress (especially with the new Biden administration) and will very likely include funds for public transit agencies. The cuts being proposed by the MBTA would impact the Winchester Center commuter rail station project; the Melrose Cedar Park station; several bus routes in our region; commuter rail service; and Orange Line service. Reliable, accessible and affordable public transportation is critical to our residents, businesses, and local economic development. Despite the pandemic, many people still rely on public transportation to get to their jobs, school, medical appointments, and elsewhere. Our communities have also been pursuing transit-oriented development, including badly needed affordable housing, and these cuts would put these continued efforts at risk. Delaying important capital projects, closing stations, and unreasonably reducing service levels could have lasting negative impacts for public transit ridership, local housing production, downtown economic development, and our efforts to fight climate change and improve public health. I have already begun to join with my legislative colleagues and local officials to vehemently reject these cuts, and urge the MBTA and Baker administration to slow down this process and reconsider their options. I also encourage residents to participate in the public comment process that is now underway, and share your feedback directly with the leadership of the MBTA. Sincerely, Jason Lewis State Senator My Pals Barbershop celebrates grand opening on Highland Ave

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