Page 16 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Wednesday, November 26, 2025 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 7 able “Son of Watts Street” babyface. It hit me hard, harder than I expected. I thought of myself at 21, the things I worried about, the things I didn’t have to worry about. Then I tried to imagine this young man — just a kid, really — thousands of miles from home, from his mother, from his family, from the familiar sidewalks of Edgeworth. And there I was, a wreck all over again. So, here’s to John. And here’s to every young man who left Malden — or any hometown — to go to war long before they’d had the chance to grow old. Malden Musings will always remember you. Always. Postscript: Maldonia! In case the winds of Edgeworth haven’t carried the news your way yet — the Pope of Edgeworth himself, Dommy Settemio’s big brother Billy, has left this world for greener, gentler pastures. Billy fought the noble fight with every ounce of grit he was born with, and now he’s cashing in on the rewards of a faith lived loud and true (and his way). I can definitely see him now, pulled into the great beyond by Richie Cremone, who’s undoubtedly throwing yet another legendary skiffyskaff soirée. This time with no last call, open bar all night and no complaints from any neighbors. I’ll continue to wrap my heart and head around this mind-bending loss before I set pencil to paper and properly honor Billy in print. He meant SO much to SO many that I worry my words won’t be enough to capture the size of his shadow or the warmth of that big, beautiful smile of his. But I’ll try. I owe him that. From Emerson School to eternity and beyond, love you, Billy. Happy trails, my friend. Postscript: This article is offered with the utmost respect for District Attorney Marian Ryan — a genuinely gracious presence. I’ve had the pleasure of crossing paths with her once or twice at the San Rock Festa, where she strolled through the crowd alongside former Police Chief Kevin Molis, greeting Maldonians like old friends. —Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate. He can be reached at PeteL39@aol. com for comments, compliments or criticisms. SELECTION | FROM PAGE 10 Hearts, libraries become a new kind of underground railroad, preserving knowledge and humanity when both are under threat. These themes, along with one’s own personal revolution, will be explored through programming beginning in 2026. Malden Reads will use the book Our Missing Hearts as a way to help the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution come alive. Malden has a special role in the American Revolution as the first town to declare independence from Britain in their Town Instructions in 1775. Not only did Malden formally declare their wishes in this manner, but Malden’s militia was heavily involved in the resistance to Britain. Plans for 2026 Malden Reads invites resi2025 YEAR END TAX PLANNING T he State And Local Tax (SALT) deduction is now up to $40,000 for 2025. This would include real estate taxes, excise taxes and state income taxes. This is a substantial increase over the $10,000 limit placed into law by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. These deductions are claimed on Schedule A. Many more people will be itemizing their deductions in 2025 as a result, as the total of itemized deductions for many taxpayers will now exceed the standard deduction. Mortgage interest and charitable contributions are also itemized deductions. Nonitemizers can also claim a $1,000 charitable contribution ($2,000 for a joint return) beginning in 2026. Although this does not help you on your 2025 1040, it is good to keep in the back of your mind. Cash charitable contributions are limited to 60% of your adjusted gross income. Excess contributions can be carried over five years. There is also the new $6,000 deduction for taxpayers age 65 or older. For a joint return, the number is $12,000. This deduction was placed into law in order to help offset taxable social security income. There is also a new write-off for up to $12,500 of overtime pay, up to $25,000 in tip income not having to be reported, and a writeoff for up to $10,000 of interest on a car loan used to purchase a new car only. These deductions are subject to modified adjusted gross income limitations (MAGI). The $6,000 deduction for taxpayers age 65 or older begins to be phased out with MAGI of $75,000 for single taxpayers and $150,000 for joint filers, and is completely phased out with MAGI of $175,000 for single taxpayers and $250,000 for joint filers. The right to exclude $25,000 of tip income begins to be phased out with MAGI of $150,000 for single taxpayers and $300,000 for joint filers, and is completely phased out with MAGI of $200,000 for single taxpayers and $400,000 for joint filers. The right to take a deduction of $12,500 to offset your overtime pay begins to be phased out with MAGI of $150,000 for single taxpayers and $300,000 for joint filers, and is completely phased out with MAGI of $200,000 for single taxpayers and $400,000 for joint filers. Two energy-efficient home improvement tax credits end after this year. The energy-efficient home improvement tax credit is for homeowners who install heat pumps, new doors, new windows, new boilers, new central air conditioning systems, etc. The 30% residential clean-energy tax credit is for homeowners that install solar panels, for example. Neither credit will be available starting in 2026. In order to claim either of these two tax credits, the installation and payment must be on or before 12-31-25. Joseph D. Cataldo is an estate planning/elder law attorney, Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner, AICPA Personal Financial Specialist and holds a master’s degree in taxation. dents, schools, organizations, and businesses to participate in a full season of events beginning in January 2026. Activities will include book discussions, film screenings, art exhibits, cultural programs, and special events designed to engage readers of all ages and backgrounds. We will be hosting and collaborating with other organizations throughout 2026 celebrating our city’s role in the American Revolution, and will be hosting civic learning opportunities and multiple ways to connect with our city’s and Boston’s history. Programs related to civic learning are funded in part by the Malden Community Connections Grant to bring the people of our community together. Books will become available for checkout from the Malden Public Library. Books are also available for purchase from The Gallery@57, a unique retail show in Malden run cooperatively by local artists. Books may also be purchased from our favorite local independent booksellers including The Book Oasis in Stoneham, Molly’s Bookstore in Melrose, and Porter Square Books in Boston and Cambridge. About Malden Reads “What if all of Malden reads the same book?” Malden Reads is a community reading program in Malden, MA that seeks to answer that question. Organized by community groups, city leaders, and residents, in collaboration with the Malden Public Library, the program invites the community of Malden to read the same book and participate in a series of events related to the book’s themes. The goals of the program are to promote literacy, a love of reading, an appreciation of city resources, and most of all, to build community in the city of Malden. Other languages as well as an e-book and audio versions will also be available. In addition to the main book selection each year, Malden Reads selects companion books for younger readers and English language learners so that everyone can participate in the annual program. Malden Reads distributes free books and resources to schools, community programs in Malden, offers the books in quantity and in a variety of formats for lending through the Malden Public Library, and provides sales of books at local events and locations. To contact the committee with questions about the book, to collaborate on a program, to volunteer, or to be added to the email newsletter list, please email maldenreads@gmail.com. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/ Advocate.news.ma
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