Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, November 22, 2023 ~ Malden Musings ~ “Dorothy Levine Muses” By Peter Levine O n rare occasions you stumble upon something on Facebook that is actually interesting. On rare occasions a post takes your breath away. My niece Dorothy recently gobsmacked me with such a heartfelt, poignant message that after reading it I said to myself, damn; I wish I could write like that! My niece Dorothy is a very special person. If you know her, you get it. Heart as big as the whole outdoors – a direct result of having parents who also possess the same altruistic qualities. In her missive Dorothy breaks down the race, the age, the socioeconomic life dynamic in simple, easy to understand language. Dorothy, much like her cousins, Jeri, Toni and Anthony (Scibelli), are what make Malden such a remarkable place to live; all contributing, both big and small, without requiring the spotlight or self-congratulations. Here we have something extra special, which my late friend Jimmy Damiano would be sure to remark, “Peter, if you could write like Dorothy, I would read you more often!” Without further ado: “Sometimes I worry that we won’t have as much as an impact on a kid’s life because they don’t look like us, but everyday these kids take away my worries. 15-year-old James (Hyppolite) who is sitting with my dad (in this picture) says at least once a week ‘I want to be like Joe Levine when I grow up because he is the most well-respected man in the entire city of Malden.’ The last time James said that to me 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 * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lein * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Daily 4:00 PM Closed Sunday Starting Monday, September 11... We’re back to serving our Full Menu featuring all your favorite Italian Specialties and American Classics! Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s www.eight10barandgrille.com I asked him if it mattered to him that Joe Levine (Malden Recreation Director and newest member to the MHS Athletic Hall of Fame) was an old(er) white man. And James responded by saying ‘I don’t look at Joe as an old(er) white man, I look at him as a man who respects everyone including us kids and adults. He talks to us with respect and treats us all like his family, that’s why I want to be like him.’ Just proves anyone can have a positive impact on a kid’s life no matter what gender or race you are.” James Hyppolite is not new to this column. Young James has been featured in the past, and I will continue to follow him through this thing we call life. Updating Maldonians on his journey as he completes high school, and beyond. Keep up the good work, Mr. Hyppolite! It is said in “Malden Musings”... • I heard “Train” by the James Montgomery Blues Band on WMEX (1510 AM) last week. Brought me back to my first concert; 1972, James Montgomery with Peter (MHS 1974) Myle’s first band “Asylum” opening at the Jenkins Auditorium. I remember very little about that night. Schlitz in cans were consumed. Lots of weed was smoked (not by me!). Both bands blew the roof off the old barn! And we finished the night at Signor Pizza in the Square. The movie “Dazed and Confused” could have been conceived that evening. • A renowned local poet, Presley Street’s own David Surette (MHS 1975), has two readings in the area this month: November 26 at The Gallery@57 in Malden Square and November 30 at the library on Salem Street. Dave, were you at the Jenkins that night in ’72? • Look for Councillor-at-Large (for life at this point?) Craig Spadafora, Ward 3 Councillor Amanda Linehan and newly reelected Mayor Gary Christenson to kick off the holiday season in grand style with Malden’s much anticipated annual lighting of the Fellsmere Pond Holiday Tree (aka Fellsmere Pond Christmas Tree) on Saturday, November 25, at 4:30. All are invited to “an enchanting evening of lights” featuring music by the Malden High School Choral Arts Society. Malden looks forward to this community event each year – which is free and open to all Maldonians (heck, even if you ain’t from Malden, you’re invited)! Expect wicked delicious cookies, piping hot hot chocolate, a few local pols looking to shake your hand, and a very speIn the photo: Malden Recreation Director Joe Levine and Malden High School student athlete James Hyppolite. cial visit from Santa Claus! FYI, if you’re looking for the Animal Control Officer this day, fuhgeddaboudit! Insert smiley face. • He is a living legend (not self-proclaimed, btw), and from the few times I have heard him speak I believe he would indeed be embarrassed I have called him that. He is Bill Dempsey, and we are not! Memorialized last week in his hometown of “Linden on the Saugus Branch” and fawned over in The Boston Globe on the same day, Bill Dempsey took it all in modest stride. Bill shined this morning, and you know what? Bill ain’t shy and he is very sharp! Insert smiley face. And I was fortunate to witness it all. More on Bill in the following weeks. • Martin Luther King, 1963 – 60 years later, words that still resonate loudly today: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Throwback Thursday on Friday...If you are a Maldonian of a certain age and were a fan of local rock music back in the day then you are familiar with Boston rock n roll survivor/singer of songs/cult hero Rick Berlin. Rick has been an icon in Boston music/art circles since the early 1970s when he burst on the scene with his groundbreaking ensemble, Orchestra Luna. Just as importantly, Rick has been a mentor to many local musicians and artists, including (quite) a few in Malden: Gary, Greg and Mark Cherone, Matt McKay, Frank Herrera, Phil Bynoe and Charlie Farren to name but a few. Gary (Cherone) of Extreme fame especially owes a great deal to Rick for his sage advice and guidance back in the day when Gary was first starting out (1979) in the competitive Boston rock scene. Rick was honored recently at the Paradise on Comm. Ave. in Boston. Here are Rick’s thoughts on the night: “An honor to be invited to Jim Sullivan’s book release party at the Paradise last night. What was so terrific about it was the electricity in the room. The fierce, joyous bonding, laughter, reminiscing, and heartfelt interactions between so many of the main characters from Boston’s awesome rock n roll past life and loves. Writers, musicians, radio jock stars. They still have it. The power and connection to help make what happens in this town musically.” “Those writers and ’BCN personalities changed the country, even the planet, with the hot ire that was that station and that paper (The Boston Phoenix) back in the day, back before corporate radio and weakening arts sections dulled our ears and eyes. They could still erupt, these stalwart rebels, and light song fires under the rears of the uninitiated. If given the chance. I loved seeing ‘em. Nothing deadin-the-water about it. And Jim’s book(s) were why all were there. “As a last-minute inspiration, I hurried back to the ‘Dise and gave Jim MY damn book. Joan Anderman telling him that ‘it’s a really good book,’ and edited by none other than James Sullivan! So yeah, Berlin is proud. (No selfies or big-time name drops, btw. Too many to count or brag.)” As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – answer: Someone who will represent MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 7
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