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THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, November 20, 2020 Page 5 INSIDE INFORMATION: In and Around the Malden Community Plans under way to create a COVID-19 Memorial in Malden By Steve Freker T he city of Malden will be the first in the greater Boston area to create a permanent COVID-19 Memorial to honor and remember those lost and those who have suffered during this pandemic. Everyone in the world has been forced to deal with varying degrees of adversity and loss during the pandemic, including the loss of loved ones. Over 10,000 COVID-19-related deaths have been recorded in Massachusetts, with over 100 here in Malden. Recently the Malden City Council voted unanimously to create a permanent COVID-19 Memorial in this city and referred the resolution to a joint meeting of the Citizen Engagement and Public Property Committees for further review. The first joint meeting was held virtually via Zoom webinar Wednesday night, and considerable progress was made as the discussion produced at least two possible, viable sites for the planned memorial: alongside the Malden River or next to the pond in the central region of Malden’s Forest Dale Cemetery. Councillor-at-Large Debbie DeMaria Councillor-at-Large Ryan O'Malley Ward 4 Councillor Debbie DeMaria, chairperson of the Citizen Engagement Committee, and Ward Four Councillor Ryan O’Malley, chairperson of the Public Property Committee, led the discussion which resulted in two potential sites being floated Wednesday night. DeMaria, O'Malley and Ward Three Councillor Amanda Linehan all agreed that public feedback and input would be vital in crafting a suitable plan for both design and final siting of the Malden COVID-19 Memorial. Councillor Linehan said she would work with Councillor DeMaria in formulating and promoting an online survey ~ Editorial ~ COVID-19 Memorial will provide a comforting place for those seeking solace City Council makes this community first in area to sponsor such a memorial T he members of the Malden City Council have taken a novel and timely approach to try and provide some solace for those who are grieving loss and dealing with other trauma during this COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has struck virtually everyone in the world to the core and changed the way we live, think and face issues, both small and large. In addition to forcing people to essentially shuffle the deck when it comes to finances, where they live and how they interact with others, there is a much starker side of the pandemic which has not left this community untouched. Malden, like nearly every community across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is mourning the loss of loved ones who have succumbed to COVID-19 since the pandemic was declared in March. Statewide, as of the latest figures, there have been 10,177 COVID-19 deaths. Malden has recorded over 100 COVID-19 deaths. Recently, the Malden City Council voted unanimously to create a COVID-19 Memorial in Malden to provide a place for residents to recall those they have lost and also a place to reflect on the events which have transpired related to this deadly pandemic. In doing so, Malden has become the first community in the Greater Boston area to begin planning for such a memorial. Earlier this week, at a joint meeting of Chairperson/Councillor-at-Large Debbie DeMaria’s Citizens Engagement Committee and Chairperson/Ward Four Councillor Ryan O’Malley’s Public Property Committee, great progress was made when two potential site ideas were discussed in committee. A public survey was commissioned by Councillor DeMaria as a means to garner some public feedback on the design and siting of the memorial, with Ward Three Councillor Amanda Linehan taking the lead to draft such a survey. Councillors DeMaria, O’Malley, Linehan and the other City Council members should be commended for their foresight, compassion and efforts to ease some of the pain wrought on the Malden community by this devastating pandemic. whereby Malden residents could weigh in with their thoughts and opinions on the future COVID-19 Memorial. A draft of that survey is planned to be ready at the next joint committee meeting, which is planned for December. Malden Public Schools continue to contact families of Special Ed students to gauge service level Malden Public Schools Special Education Department personnel continue to make progress in contacting the INFORMATION | SEE PAGE 15 www.eight10barandgrille.com We Have Reopened for Dine-In and Outside Seating every day beginning at 4 PM WE'RE OPEN! 8 Norwood Street, Everett (617) 387-9810 STAY SAFE! SABATINO INSURANCE AGENCY Call for a Quote 617-387-7466 Or email Rocco@sabatino-ins.com We cover: * Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available http://www.sabatino-ins.com SABATINO 564 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 617-387-7466 Hours of Operation are: Mondays - Fridays 9am to 5pm Saturdays by appointment only

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