Your Local News, Sports and More Online. Scan & Subscribe Here! Vol. 34, No. 51 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden City Council votes unanimously to place a two-level Proposition 2 1/2 property tax override on citywide ballot Special citywide election will be held on Tuesday, March 31, for voters to decide on either $5.4 million or $8.2 million override By Steve Freker T he Malden City Council — in a historic vote — unanimously approved a request from the city’s administration to hold a Special Election next spring where local residents will be asked to vote on a proposed Proposition 2 1/2 property tax override. The vote, taken at Tuesday’s regular Council meeting, means the first time in municipal history that the city of Malden’s voters will be asked to vote on such a proposal. The vote came after over two months of discussion both at regular City Council meetings and subcommittee meetings, most notably at seven separate meetings of the Council’s Finance Committee, which is chaired by Councillor-at-Large TAX | SEE PAGE 8 617-387-2200 Friday, December 19, 2025 Veterans housing development awarded funds from Malden Affordable Housing Trust Special to The Advocate A 12-unit veterans housing development led by Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) is gaining momentum following an award by the City of Malden’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund. The $400,000 award uses funds paid by developers through the City’s inclusionary zoning program. Construction on the project is expected to begin in 2026 subject to state funding, with new residents anticipated in late 2027 or early 2028. “Malden residents take pride in caring for our vulnerable neighbors and giving back to our community. The sacrifices our veterans have made to uphold our democracy represents this value perfectly,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This project will deliver affordable, supportive housing for our veterans and is another step in ensuring Malden remains affordable for all. I’m grateful for the HOUSING | SEE PAGE 5 Big Opening Night for Exilhomme as Malden Girls top Everett, 44-39 Malden's Exilhomme (30 pts.) unloads on Everett in season-opening win, 44-39 Junior forward hauls in 17 rebounds; Antoine adds 12 pts., 14 boards in victory By Steve Freker M alden knew it would need a big effort from Manicha Exilhomme this season if it was going to be able to accomplish its list of team goals. The Golden Tornado junior forward certainly answered the bell in her very first opportunity of the new season Tuesday. Ruling the floor from start-tofinish, Exilhomme attacked the rim and pounded the boards in a performance for the ages. The three-year varsity starter scored a career-high 30 points and hauled in 17 rebounds to lead the gym in both categories in an exciting, 44-39 win over visiting Everett High on Opening Night for both teams. "We will be asking a lot from (Exilhomme) this season and she certainly showed what she is capable of doing tonight," said Malden head coach Scott Marino of his junior standout. "It was an impressive night, obviously her best game and one of the top games we've had here the past couple of years." Along with Exilhomme's banner night, it was also a solid team win, with Malden teammate Jazairra Antoine chipping in with another "double-double," 12 points and 14 rebounds. Senior Madison "Maddie" Cook also had a solid game for Malden with her defense, rebounding and passing contributions. Malden rolled out to a 17-9 lead after the first quarter, with Exilhomme (10) and Antoine scoring every point but on basket. Everett came back with a strong second quarter to cut the lead to 23-21 at halftime. The game stayed close the rest of the way, a physical game with lots of free throws. Everett knocked the lead down to one point on four different occasions and tied the game at 35-35 with 2:31 left to SPORTS | SEE PAGE 9 Malden High junior Manicha Exilhomme scored a career-high 30 points and pulled down 17 rebounds in Malden's Opening Night win over Everett. (Courtesy/ Malden High Athletics Photo)
Page 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Advocate Newspapers Holiday Office Schedule Notice The Advocate Newspapers will observe a holiday closure from December 29, 2025, through January 2, 2026. Our next editions will be published on Friday, January 9, 2026. During this period, our office will be open intermittently, and all voicemail messages and emails will be monitored and responded to in a timely manner. For questions, legal notices, or advertising submissions for the January 9 publications, please contact us at 617-387-2200 or Jmitchell@ advocatenews.net We extend our sincere appreciation to our readers and advertisers and wish you a happy holiday season and a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year. Thank you for your continued support. - James D. Mitchell, President/Publisher Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 Malden Public Schools taking next steps for leadership change at high school Search for new MHS principal for 2026-2027 school year underway, and input will be sought beginning in January Special to the Advocate M alden Superintendent of Schools Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D. announced this week some next steps in the process of a leadership change and transition at Malden High School for the 2026-2027 school year. In an email message to Malden Public Schools staff and students’ caregivers this week, Supt. Sippel outlined a schedule that begins in the month of January, where there will be opportunities for various groups to provide input in the process of selecting a new Malden High principal for the next school year. The 2025-2026 school year ends on June 30, 2026, and the 2026-2027 school year begins on July 1, 2026. The Malden Superintendent also provided a timetable for the trict leadership • February 13 — Finalist(s) for the position publicly announced • Week of February 23 — Site visit(s) of finalist(s) to MHS & final interview(s) with the Superintendent • Week of March 2 — Ansearch and selection process, as follows, including the formal job posting of the MHS principal position this week: • Week of December 15 (this week) —Job posting for the MHS Principal position • January 23, 2026 — Deadline for submitting applications • Week of January 26 — Interviews with the first-round panel • Week of February 2 — Second-round interviews with disnouncement of appointment of the next MHS Principal Superintendent Sippel, in his message to MPS staff and students’ caregivers, stated, “As a next step, in the coming weeks I will engage with staff, caregivers, and students to learn more about their experiences at MHS and their hopes for the future.” Tentative dates for sessions where input/feedback will be solicited are as follows, Supt. Sippel stated: • Weeks of January 12 & 19 — Voluntary listening sessions for staff during the school day • Weeks of January 12 & 19 — Listening sessions for parents and caregivers • Weeks of January 12 & 19 — Student focus groups and listening sessions • January 16-23 — Survey of all members of the school community “The appointment of school principals is one of my most important responsibilities as superintendent – and I assure you that I am undertaking it with the most deliberate care and thoughtfulness,” Supt. Sippel stated in his message. “Your input and involvement in selecting the school’s next leader will be extremely important, and I look forward to including the voices of our staff, students, families, and community in the process.” SCHOOL | SEE PAGE 17 2026 Inaugural Ceremonies – Public Invited Jan. 5 at MHS Jenkins Auditorium he City of Malden announced that the 2026 Inaugural Ceremonies will take place on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Malden High School in the JenT kins Auditorium (77 Salem St.). Members of the public are invited to witness members of the City Council and School Committee as they are sworn into office. There will also be an opportunity to recognize outgoing members who have served the community.
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 3 Lifelong Malden resident celebrates 100 years Special to The Advocate L ifelong Malden resident Nick Angelo recently celebrated a century! Nick and his wife Beatrice have been married for 71 years and have lived and raised their family in the Edgeworth community. An Army veteran, Nick is still an active member of the ITAMS and enjoyed the role of Chairman of St. Rocco’s Society for more than 20 years. Mayor Gary Christenson attended a party thrown by Nick’s family in recognition of his milestone birthday. When the Mayor asked Nick his secret for such a long and healthy life, he said that “spending time with his family and friends” is what keeps him young. Advertise in The Advocate 617-387-2200 Mayor Gary Christenson presented Nick Angelo with a Key to the City of Malden. (Courtesy photo) ~ Letter-to-the-Editor ~ A Necessary Choice for Malden’s Future By Mayor Gary Christenson O n Tuesday, December 16th, the Malden City Council voted unanimously to place on the ballot two options for a Proposition 2 ½ override to address the structural deficit in the current budget. The election is scheduled for Tuesday, March 31st. This City Council vote is one that shows leadership and commitment to this community. We have come to a critical moment in our city’s history and how we respond to it will determine who we are as a city for years to come. This is an ask that neither I nor the City Council take lightly, but the truth is, this is something that should have been considered several years ago as a variety of factors continued to put a strain on Malden at levels far greater than other communities. At our current run rate, we are utilizing reserves at a level that isn’t sustainable. Our reserves, while less than many other cities, remain relatively healthy. These are critical to have in the event we find ourselves facing state cuts or other unforeseen economic challenges and we simply cannot deplete them to fund basic city services. Now, how did we get here? Not to be cliché but it really is a perfect storm led primarily by a flawed state education formula that is greatly hampering our ability to finance the rest of city services. It’s really simple math. State law requires us to put a larger percentage of our available revenue toward school funding than any other similar community. For more information, please visit www.cityofmalden.org/override. We have been raising the alarm on this inequity since 2021 and have been the leading voice in bringing focus to this issue at the State House. This year, our State Delegation was successful in requiring the Department of Education to commission a study on this issue, but with 351 cities and towns receiving aid from this formula, it’s a herculean task to change. I know from my many years working with this community that CHOICE | SEE PAGE 10 If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available
Page 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Malden legislators help protect public transit workers from assault Special to The Advocate S tate Senator Jason Lewis and State Representatives Paul Donato, Steven Ultrino and Kate Lipper-Garabedian joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to strengthen protections for public transit workers while they are on duty by expanding laws on assault and battery. An Act relative to assault and battery upon a transit worker responds to an increased number of assaults targeting workers on Massachusetts’ public transportation systems, including the MBTA, commuter rail lines and regional transit authorities, by ensuring a heightened minimum punishment for assailants. On November 24, 2025, the Legislature enacted the bill, and on December 3, Governor Maura Healey signed it into law as Chapter 79 of the Acts of 2025. On the MBTA alone, workers in 2024 were targeted by 33 assaults with weapons and 72 physical assaults. This law adds public transit workers to the list of public employees — including police officers, firefighters and emergency medical personnel — who are protected from assault and battery with heightened penalties for any individual who commits such a crime. The bill ensures that all transit workers are covered, including those who are not directly employed by the state, such as the Keolis employees who operate the commuter rail. “MBTA employees and other public transit staff are essential workers who keep us moving and safe when we are riding the subway, trains, and buses,” said Senator Lewis. “Transit workers, like all other workers, should never fear being assaulted while doing their jobs, and this legislation will ensure that violent or abusive individuals are held accountable for their actions.” “Transit workers cannot be expected to serve the public while being subjected to harassment or physical harm,” said Representative Donato, who is the House Second Assistant Majority Leader. “This act establishes a zero-tolerance standard for violence on the public transportation system. I am proud to join my colleagues in protecting and supporting Massachusetts workers.” “Public transit workers are the Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 Mid-grade Regular 2.67 3.37 3.39 $3.45 Full Service ULS $2.999 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! backbone of our transportation system, and ensuring their safety is essential to maintaining a reliable service for riders,” said Representative Ultrino. “By strengthening penalties that hold offenders fully accountable and establishing clear safeguards, this legislation sends a clear message that assaulting transit workers will not be tolerated.” “The Commonwealth’s transit workers oversee essential daily operations for residents in our ALL DEPOSITS ARE INSURED IN FULL. Celebrate 135 years of strength & commitment to our community with a special 135-day CD offer. LIMITED-TIME OFFER: 4.00% APY* 135-Day CD *New money only. $250,000 maximum deposit. Annual Percentage Yield (APY) is accurate of the date posted and is subject to change without notice. APY assumes the interest remains on deposit until maturity. A penalty may be imposed for early withdrawal. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. A minimum of $500 is required to open a Certificate of Deposit and earn the advertised APY. 419 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 771 SALEM ST. LYNNFIELD, MA 01940 331 MONTVALE AVE. WOBURN, MA 01801 EVERETTBANK.COM 617-387-1110 781-776-4444 781-281-9092 MEMBER FDIC | MEMBER DIF Jason Lewis State Senator Steven Ultrino State Representative Paul Donato State Representative cities and towns, including in the 32nd Middlesex District,” said Representative Lipper-Garabedian. “No one should be fearful to enter their place of work, and this critical legislation enhances protections for our transit workKate Lipper-Garabedian State Representative ers so that they can continue to carry out necessary services that allow our everyday lives to run smoothly. Thank you to Speaker Mariano and Chair Day for your PROTECT | SEE PAGE 5 FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 5 HOUSING | FROM PAGE 1 work Volunteers of America have put into this project and I look forward to continuing the City’s partnership with them for years to come.” The development will rehabilitate the current structure to construct 12 studio rental units of veterans housing, 10 of which will be affordable. Of the project’s 10 affordable units, three will be restricted at 30% of the area median income (AMI); three will be restricted at 50% AMI; and four will be restricted at 80% AMI. VOAMASS will be offering supportive services and other care for residents as part of the proposed project. More info can be found at cityofmalden.org/ 105Salem. “We are grateful for our partnership with the City of Malden and the support of its Affordable Housing Trust Fund that will enable this innovative project to become reality,” said VOAMASS President & CEO Charles E. Gagnon. “Our combined efforts will ensure that those who put their life on the line for our freedom have safe, decent, modern, and affordable housing in a central location served by public transit.” VOAMASS has provided critical social services and has served vulnerable populations, particularly veterans, since its founding in 1934. They currently offer numerous supportive services; among them are veterans’ services and workforce development. They run and operate numerous residential properties across Massachusetts. This includes the Forestdale Park assisted-living facility in Malden and the Massachusetts Bay Veterans Center in Somerville. PROTECT | FROM PAGE 4 leadership on this necessary legislation.” Public transit workers also face assault with bodily fluids, such as saliva. MBTA workers were targeted by 38 bodily fluid assaults in 2024 alone. This legislation explicitly clarifies that assaults with bodily substances will be punished as assault. Offenders face a sentence ranging from a minimum of 90 days to two and a half years in a house of correction, a fine between $500 and $5,000, or both. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma 8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 An architect’s sketch of the 12-unit veterans housing development to be located at 105 Salem St. by Volunteers of America of Massachusetts (VOAMASS) thanks to an award by the City of Malden’s Affordable Housing Trust Fund.(Courtesy photo) Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! www.810bargrille.com EVERETT ALUMINUM SUPPLIES 67 Years! — Vinyl Siding — Carpentry Work — Decks — Roofing — Free Estimates — Replacement Windows — Fully Licensed — Fully Insured
Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Happy Trails to DPW Director Bobby Knox By Peter Levine B reaking sad news coming out of the corner office at City Hall. One of the City of Malden employees who eats, sleeps and drinks Maldonia is leaving these here five square miles for greener pastures. Yes, Mr. Dependable hisself, Bobby Knox, Director and much more at the DPW, will be taking his considerable skill set over to Everett to help our neighbors to the south usher in a new era for the Crimson Tide. I’ve known Bobby and his family for many years, and yes indeed, all the good things said about him/them are the stonecold truth. Word on the street is the folks at the DPW are taking this very hard. We’re gonna miss you Bobby — which is the understatement of the year. Our Honorable Mayor (Gary) Christenson sent this missive out last week: “Over the course of my 14 years as Mayor I’ve worked with so many high-quality individuals who care about this City as if it’s part of their family. They become more than co-workers, they become friends. The hardest part then becomes when they come across an opportunity that they can’t pass up and leave the organization. “Yesterday, Bobby Knox shared with me that he would be leaving the City of Malden as DPW Director to take on a similar but more expansive role in Everett. I’m happy for Bobby because I know with new challenges comes growth, excitement, learning, and a renewed sense of energy. That said, Bobby has truly been an irreplaceable part of my team over the past 14 years. He has truly put Malden first, in a way that I’m sure his wife will tell you hasn’t always been her favorite thing. I truly can’t be more grateful for what he’s given to this City, working 24/7 to make it a better place to live. “As he has always done, Bobby Dr. Rosemonde Paulo DNP, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC Mindset Psychiatric & Wellness LLC 26 Ferry St., Everett, MA 02149 Phone: (781) 242-5401 Fax: (781) 205-1973 Email: Info@mindsetpsychiatricwellness.com continued to put Malden first in telling Everett that he needed to give Malden a long runway before leaving. As a result, he will be with us into the first week of February. More will follow of course to appropriately thank Bobby for his over 30 years of dedication to Malden. In the meantime, if you see him, please congratulate him, thank him, and wish him nothing but success in his new role because he’s earned that from all of us.” It is said in “Malden Musings”... • Suffering succotash! In the time waits for no man department...congratulations to Mike Be prepared before the next power outage. Pictured from left to right: Bob Rotondi’s 85th birthday party at the Moose in 2024 — Bob Knox, Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe, Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora, (the late) Bob Rotondi, Mayor Gary Christenson and Councillor-at-Large Jadeane Sica. and Barbara Scibelli on 40 years of wedded bliss. Most times I kid with that “wedded bliss” jazz but in the case of Barbara and Mike, believe me, it has been 40 years of true wedded bliss. Three beautiful children who most of you know (Jeri, Toni and Anthony), many lifelong friends and more happiness and joy in their lives than sorrow, Mike and Barbara are truly blessed. Congratulations and boy, do I feel old! • Last weekend I hit the daily double of good luck! First, I ran into West Street’s Lisa Carroll (Costa) as we were both entering Pisa Pizza (my half tray with extra sauce, onions and meatballs was outstanding!!); then the next day as I was on my walk with brother Joe we ran into Lisa’s mom — Edwina — also walking the old Edgeworth neighborhood. Great seeing both of you! • I spotted Glenn Watson recently wearing the coolest 621 Tavern & Grill gray sweatshirt I have ever seen. A real beauty! Hint, hint. • Edgeworth royalty, Nick AnReceive a free 5-year warranty with qualifying purchase* - valued at $535. Call 866-852-0221 to schedule your free quote! gelo, turned 100 years young a few weeks back with a swinging shindig at Ho Win Palace thrown by his brother Johnny and his lovely daughters Paula and Ann-Marie. I was there in spirit, Nick! Love ya, Nicky! Happy birthday and all the best in 2026! • I’ve mentioned this before, but some stories deserve another spin around Edgeworth and beyond. I recall the very first time I witnessed the full Nicky Angelo experience — and believe me, you never forget your first. It was the Saint Rocco Feast of 1973, the kind of August summer night where the music’s loud (Roma Band?), the air thick with grilled sausage smoke, and everybody looks like they’re in a Scorsese movie (big hair and white tees were all the rage in 1973 Edgeworth). There I was, nursing a Schlitz in Albert’s Beer Garden with my (late) BFF, Jimmy Damiano (by 1973 Jimmy gave up drinking — inside joke). Then suddenly… a ripple. A shift. A hush. The crowd began parting like the Red Sea — no exaggeration — as the Prince of Pearl Street himself, Nick Angelo, came strolling in. And is it just me, or does this guy even walk cool? He floated through that crowd like Brian Jones slipping through Monterey Pop in ’67, all effortless swagger and untouchable aura. I leaned over to Jimmy and asked who the (expletive deleted) just arrived. Jimmy whispered, half amused, “I forgot… you grew up on the other side of Highland Ave., that’s Nicky Angelo.” The hair. The presence. The beautiful daughters! In that moment, I was drafted — willingly and permanently — into the Nicky Angelo Edgeworth fan club. • Elaine Fisher, 87, of Malden, formerly of Lynn. I came across her obituary in the Jewish Journal and was blown away with
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 7 what I read. What a life! From frequenting New York’s best Jewish delis (Carnegie) to Venice Beach in California, to London for her 35th anniversary, to Coney Island for a slice and a dog — looks like Elaine was never shortchanged in life’s joy department. May her memory be a blessing. • Anybody else catch the 12th and final video released by Gary Cherone’s band Extreme from their 2023 release, “Six,” called “Here’s to the Losers”? No?! Shame because it is an instant classic with each band member giving a nod to their respective high schools. Gary is sporting the sweetest Malden High School Blue & Gold hoop jersey gifted to him many years ago by, you guessed it, Joe Levine. Upon release the “album” landed at #10 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart with first week sales of 12,500 copies! Holy cow! Extreme are back. Bigly! Congratulations guys, well deserved! • One last Extreme note... I promise to come see you guys play again only if you allow the original “Kid Ego” — Dickie August — to play lead on Kid Ego. Deal? Inside joke. • You’re gonna miss him when he’s gone (especially you, Kevin Morrison; you won’t have anybody to kick around any longer — LOL). I’m talking about legendary Globe sports maven Dan Shaughnessy. Example: I knew the iconic Mike Lynch of Channel 5 sports fame was an outstanding baseball player at Harvard but had no idea he stood out in football also. Thanks to a note in a recent column by Mr. Shaughnessy, I found out that in 1975 Lynchie kicked a 26-yard field goal with 33 seconds left on the clock to win the Ivy League title against Yale in front of 66 thousand fans at the Yale Bowl. Amazing! Thank you, Dan, for all the enjoyment/knowledge you have given us over these many years. Please do not retire any time soon. • Mike Lynch side note... I knew Mike Lynch was a standout baseball player at Harvard because whenever I walk into Frank’s Steak House in Cambridge, I always admire the baseball clipping on the FSH Wall of Fame showing Lynchie at bat for Harvard with Boston College’s George “Mr. Frank’s Steak House” Ravanis on the mound for the Eagles. Priceless picture! Love George Ravanis! Hope to be in soon for a “sizzler!” George, say HI for us to the best waitress in Cambridge, Lady Sunday! • Speaking of Dan Shaughnessy, Bob Ryan, Peter Gammons, Will McDonough and the rest of the amazing sports journalists we grew up reading... Former City of Malden Clerk, Councillor-at-Large and current sought-after political sage — Greg Lucey — tells of his time working in Lake Tahoe in the 1980s with other intrepid Bostonians. Highlight of the week? When the weekly mail arrived from back home with the previous week’s Globe sports pages! Dissected — read and reread cover to cover until the next batch arrived. The golden age of sports journalism in Boston brought so much joy 2,911 miles away. • Happy 54th wedding anniversary to those two eternal/ ageless lovebirds, Buddy and Louise Arthur. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – it’s beginning to feel a lot like Christmas (and every other holiday celebrated this time of year)! Fantabulous job done once again by those hardworking guys (and gals) at the DPW. (Nicky, tell they guys they done really good, once again!) for creating the festive atmosphere throughout the downtown area and beyond. Bobby Knox, Eric Rubin and the Mayor’s Office nailed it once again this year. The Christmas Trees in Maplewood and Malden Squares look majestic, and the beautiful wreaths and bows scattered throughout are a welcome sight after a year none of us will soon forget. Cannot omit the Menorah display at City Hall, which also looks marvelMUSINGS| SEE PAGE 20 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 Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM
Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 LOCAL SPOTLIGHT Bringing Cultural Insight to the Courtroom: Ricardo Franco’s Work as a CASA Advocate Special to The Advocate F or the past five years, Malden resident Ricardo L. Franco, 61, has served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) through Boston CASA, a nonprofit organization that recruits, trains and supports volunteers to advocate for children in Suffolk and Middlesex Counties who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and neglect. A CASA goes through over 30 hours of training before being sworn in by a judge, and the curriculum emphasizes the cultural differences the CASAs will encounter with the children and youth they will be advocating for. Born and raised in Colombia, Ricardo has spent 15 years in social work, including his current role as Associate Director at the Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange. He views it as his mission to connect his background to help children in the TAX | FROM PAGE 1 Carey McDonald. Councillor McDonald introduced the results of those meetings with a formal report at Tuesday night’s regular meeting, detailing the language of the ballot questions as they will appeal on the ballot. Included in the discussions was major change in the timing of the Special Election, which was set for Tuesday, March 31, a change from the original date in mid-February. The language of the ballot questions — including the amendments voted on Tuesday night — which will appear on the ballot in March, are as follows: most vulnerable circumstances. Of his four cases as a CASA, three have involved Latin American families. It’s no coincidence: children of color are overrepresented in the foster care system. “So many times, professionals make assumptions about ‘best interest’ without understanding the culture,” Franco said. “How do you know what’s best for a child if you don’t understand their family’s values, their background, their fears?” Ricardo has seen stressed parents lose their children over misunderstandings. Many Latino families don’t realize that the people they turn to for help (school counselors, doctors, social workers) are mandated reporters. In one case, a desperate mother vented to a school counselor, saying, “I don’t know what to do. This child is making me crazy.” By that afternoon, police and paramedics had arrived. The mother was taken for a psychiatric evaluation, and her son Questions 1A and 1B are separate questions. You may vote for or against each question independently. Each question requires a majority of those voting on that question to pass. If both questions pass, then question 1B with the highest dollar amount will prevail. 1A Order: That the City of Malden hold a Special Municipal Election on March 31, 2026 and to include the following ballot question: Shall the City of Malden be allowed to assess an additional $5,400,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of stabilizing the City’s budget and to support ongoing city services across all departwas removed from the home. What looks like neglect to a caseworker unfamiliar with a family’s background is often just poverty or a cultural difference. “So many times, children shouldn’t be removed in the first place,” he said. “These are stressed parents who just need support and resources.” Being a CASA allows Ricardo to be in the room when decisions are made and to offer perspective that might otherwise be missing. “I can show the judge all the beauty and possibilities with a family,” he said. “I can say, ‘Please keep in mind where this child comes from. Let me explain the reasons behind these behaviors.’” Ricardo hopes his story inspires others, especially Latino professionals and people of color, to consider becoming a CASA. “We need representation in these rooms,” he said. “If you understand the nuances of the culture, you should be at the table.” Ricardo Franco ments, including public schools, public safety, public library, public works and general government, for which the monies will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026? 1B Order: That the City of Malden hold a Special Municipal Election on March 31, 2026 and to include the following ballot question: Shall the City of Malden be allowed to assess an additional $8,200,000 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purposes of stabilizing the City’s budget and to support ongoing city services across all departments, including public schools, public safety, public library, public works, general government for which the monies will be used for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026? The original request was for a $5.4 million override, which would have been used for the purposes of lowering a structural deficit in this year’s municipal budget that totals $8.4 million. An additional $3 million would be forecast to be saved by changing the city’s health insurance provider. At a recent Finance Committee meeting, city officials made a case for requesting an additional $2.8 million override amount, these funds to be targeted directly at required school expenditures over inflation, due to the gap in annual Chapter 70 state school funding. Mayor Gary Christenson appeared before the City Council at Tuesday’s meeting and again outlined reasons for the override request and thanked Councillors and all who have offered opinions — for and against the request — for giving input “very respectfully in the process.” Several City Councillors, including Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica and Councillor-at-Large Karen Colón Hayes, noted there are plans to have a robust slate of public meetings regarding the override request and the subsequent Special Election, beginning after the new year in January 2026. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 9 More Than Pet Care: A Community Built on Connection M ALDEN, MA - December 15, 2025 - In the heart of Malden, there’s a place where tails wag a little faster, cats purr a little louder, and pet parents feel truly seen. The Downtown Paw is more than a pet care facility. It is a vibrant, compassionate community built on love, trust, and the belief that every animal deserves to thrive. From joyful daycare moments to meaningful outreach events, The Downtown Paw has become a cornerstone of Malden’s pet-loving culture. At the center of this mission is founder and facility director Katherine Cruikshank, whose lifelong devotion to animals inspired her to create a space where pets are treated like family and every tail tells a story. Kate’s vision is rooted in care, connection, and community. She believes that pet wellness is not community fundraiser, The Downtown Paw is a place where pets and people come together to celebrate what matters most: just about services, it’s about relationships, joy, and giving back. The Downtown Paw hosts and supports events that bring people together and uplift pets in need. Every initiative is designed to spark joy, strengthen bonds, and make a meaningful difference. From Back-to-School Photos and puppy yoga sessions to their annual Howl-ween Party, The Downtown Paw is a community-focused haven for animals and their parents. The Downtown Paw also partners with local shelters and organizations such as Paws Wakefield to support dog and cat adoptions. Through grooming, socialization, and visibility, these efforts help pets find their forever homes. The team also supports national causes, including fundraising for the LA Humane Society’s wildfire relief efforts, which aid hundreds of rescued animals. Kate and her team believe that SPORTS | FROM PAGE 1 play, after Exilhomme had to leave the game briefly with an apparent calf strain. Exilhomme, who played 31-of32 minutes in the game quickly returned and scored a putback jumper off glass for a 38-36 Malden lead. With Malden leading by a point, 41-40, Exilhomme leaped up in between three Everett defenders on Malden's end and ripped down a rebound with 35 seconds left to play which basically sealed the game when Malden got fouled and hit two free throws immediately after the big board. Nicole Damaceno led Everett with 12 points, Katerin Landaverde added eight points. **** Everett (0-1 overall, 0-1 GBL) was right back in action last night (Thursday) hosting Greater Boston League rival Chelsea at 7:00 p.m. at Everett High. Malden was also at home last night (Thursday), hosting Somerville at 6:00 p.m. at the Finn Gym at Malden High. pet care should be joyful, ethical, and deeply personal. Every dog and cat who visits The Downtown Paw is met with warmth, respect, and a commitment to their well-being. Whether it is a playful daycare session, a soothing grooming appointment, or a love, connection, and care. All pet parents, community members, and animal lovers are invited to celebrate their love for animals at The Downtown Paw. Whether you're joining for a seasonal event, supporting a local shelter or simply stopping by for a tail wag and a treat, your presence helps build a stronger, more compassionate pet community. Visit The Downtown Paw in Malden and follow their journey on social media to stay connected with upcoming events, adoption drives, and joyful moments that bring the pet community together. Become part of the family where every paw matters.
Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Malden Public Library Book Discussion Group’s 2025 Year in Review T he Malden Public Library’s Book Discussion Group read a wide variety of literature over the year, from classics like Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway” to contemporary prize-winners from Elizabeth Strout and Claire Keegan. This year in reading prompted the sharing of many different viewpoints and insights, and it is a great example of how books can be a garden for growing community. Talking about a book you loved (and sometimes even one you hated) in good company is always an evening well spent. The Book Discussion group is held on the third Thursday of every month, and all are welcome to participate. Books can be obtained from the information desk, and you can RSVP on our online registration portal: https://bit.ly/Register-MPL. Start a new habit this year and join a great group of readers at the library. Jen Sturtevant named President-Elect of Athletic Trainers of Mass J en Sturtevant, MBA, LAT, ATC, Program Manager of Sports Medicine at MelroseWakefield Hospital, was recently named President-Elect of Athletic Trainers of Massachusetts (ATOM). Jen, currently serving as Treasurer of ATOM, will serve a twoyear term as President-Elect, followed by a two-year term as President beginning in 2028. ATOM is a 900+ member organization committed to advancing, improving and promoting the profession of athletic trainJen Sturtevant ing. Jen has served as athletic trainer for Malden High School for the past 20 years. Christmas Celebrations at First Baptist Church of Malden F irst Baptist Church of Malden invites members of the Malden community to celebrate the Christmas season with two special worship services led by its newly installed Pastor, Gary McClenthen. The church’s Christmas Sunday Service will be held on Sunday, December 21, at 11:00 a.m. This service offers a fresh perspective on the Christmas story by moving beyond the familiar images of angels, shepherds and the manger. Drawing from the Gospel of John, the message — “The Wonder of It All” — will focus less on how Jesus was born and more on the deeper and often overlooked question of why He came. “We’ve all heard the story of the birth of Christ as it unfolded on our planet 2000 years ago – the shepherds, the angels, the kings and the star,” said Pastor McClenthen. “The gospel writer, Luke, tells it so well. This Christmas, though, I have been sharing from John’s account, which is really the ‘heavenly perspective’. Come and hear just how incredibly amazing the plan of God was long before anyone ever arrived in the city of Bethlehem. It’ll leave you in awe! Your heart will be singing, ‘O, Come let us adore Him’”. The church will also host a Candlelight Christmas Eve Service on Wednesday, December CHOICE | FROM PAGE 3 our residents will give much thought to this proposal. I ask that you consider that Malden is a great place to live, more affordable than most surrounding communities, and has a track record of being responsible with your tax dollars. I ask that you invest in Malden. The alternative of cutting our way to a balanced budget will no doubt leave this community a less desirable place to live and raise a family. I understand that this ask puts a strain on already tight family budgets. One thing we have been able to do to soften the impact of this is to increase the residential tax exemption from 30 to 35 percent. For those own24, at 6:00 p.m. The service will feature Scripture readings, traditional Christmas carols and contemporary Christmas songs. Immediately following the service, attendees are invited to join the church’s outreach team in delivering gifts to the Malden Warming Center. First Baptist Church of Malden is located at 493 Main St., at the corner of Salem and Main Streets. Parking is available behind the church accessible from Main Street. For more information about these services or the ministries of First Baptist Church of Malden, Pastor McClenthen may be reached at 781-3242745. Additional information is available at fbcmalden.org. ing a home, the override impact will be greatly reduced thanks to this newly passed increase. Even with the proposed override, when combined with the increased exemption, our taxes remain more than competitive. Please visit the link listed above for more information. At one time, cities and towns who requested overrides were limited to the wealthiest communities. Not anymore. We join a record setting number of municipalities that will be asking for overrides this year, even if the reasons differ by city. The question is whether we are able and willing to keep Malden moving forward and fund basic city services. I ask that you vote “Yes” on March 31st because I think Malden is worth it!
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 11 Friends of Forestdale Arboretum host First Annual Wreaths Across America Y ouths and volunteers placed wreaths on 200 veterans’ graves to ensure they’re never forgotten during Saturday’s First Annual Wreath Across America Ceremony at Forestdale Cemetery. St. Anthony Parish Father Anthony Mecha said a prayer. Shown from left to right: Cheverus Catholic students Karan Narendran (Army), Maria Jesus (Marine Corps), Gail Rufo (Navy), veteran Dennis Donnelly (Air Force), Nestor Umbasi (Space Force), Norah Coyne (Coast Guard), Brendan Moriarty (Merchant Marine), Joseph Noonan and Joseph Connolly (POW). Brian Coyne laid down a wreath. Eagle Scout Steven Lawrence laid a wreath. Cub Scout Harrison Weters, 5, placed a wreath during Saturday’s First Annual Wreath Across America Ceremony at Forestdale Cemetery. Cub Scout Master Jason Alteri put down a wreath. Malden High School student Matthew Jason Chen sang the National Anthem. Mayor Gary Christenson thanked the people stepping forward for making the first Friends of Forestdale Arboretum event happen. Shown from left to right: Malden Catholic students Joseph Winter and Griffin Leon, Veterans’ Services Officer Kevin Jarvis and Mayor Gary Christenson saluted during the National Anthem. A large turnout gathered in the cold. Veterans’ Services Officer Kevin Jarvis will have a well-deserved retirement. Veteran Dennis Donnelly placed the Air Force wreath. Friends of For est dale Arboretum member Mary Beth Leon welcomed everyone to the first annual wreath placement during Saturday’s Wreaths Across America ceremony at Forestdale Cemetery.
Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Strikes, Spares, and Strong Community Spirit! M alden Overcoming Addiction (MOA) rolled a perfect game at its annual Bowling Fundraiser on Saturday, December 7th, at Town Line Lanes in Malden. The event drew a fantastic crowd, all coming together to support recovery, connection, and community. Thanks to the incredible turnout and generosity, the fundraiser raised critical funds to further MOA’s mission of providing hope, resources, and support to individuals and families impacted by substance use. With more than 35 lanes filled, the alley was buzzing with energy, laughter, and friendly competition. From seasoned bowlers to first-timers, participants shared an evening full of fun, encouragement, and unity—perfectly capturing the welcoming, recovery-focused spirit of MOA. The night featured crowd-favorite fundraisers including impressive gift baskets, an exciting 50/50 raffle, and the ever-popular lottery tree, all helping make the event a huge success. The fundraiser was also honored by the presence of Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, underscoring the city’s ongoing commitment to supporting recovery efforts. The overwhelming turnout and generosity from our sponsors and community members sends a powerful message—no one has to face recovery alone. The funds raised are essential to continuing MOA's work and bringing hope and support to those who need it most. MOA extends heartfelt thanks to all of the sponsors, bowlers, volunteers, and supporters who made this event possible. Special recognition and thanks to Anthony DeCotis, owner of Town Line Lanes, for his continued generosity and unwavering support year after year. About Malden Overcoming Addiction (MOA): Malden Overcoming Addiction is a nonprofit organization dedicated to uniting the community to support individuals and families affected by the disease of addiction. Through awareness, resources, and pathways to recovery, MOA works to ensure that help, hope, and connection are always within reach in Malden and surrounding communities.
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 13
Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Vasquez (28 pts.) leads the way for Everett over Malden on Opening Night, 66-43 Tide boys use defense and capitalizing scoring to roll out a big win in home, season opener By Steve Freker W hen someone is having a night like this kid, it’s a good time to keep getting him the ball, then just get out of the way. Opening Night for Everett High Boys Basketball quickly evolved into the “Christian Vasquez Show” as one of the Crimson Tide’s top players just took over. Vasquez was #1 on the roster sheet and also #1 in the scorebook with a game-high 28 points as Head Coach Gerard Boyce’s Crimson Tide boys rolled to a 66-43 victory in Tuesday night’s home, league and season opener. With a fired-up crowd behind them, Everett rolled out to 14-4 lead after the first quarter, extended the lead at halftime and then never looked back to close out the commanding win. The Tide took advantage of its swarming defense, which caused a number of Malden turnovers, which led to quick transition baskets in every quarter on Tuesday. Vasquez led the way with his 28-point night, and Everett also got strong games from Samir King-Dacosta (14 points) and Jayden Alsaindor (10 points). Malden was led by sophomore forward Sean Sekamwa, who scored 12 points, and 6-4 senior captain Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares, who added 11 Malden’s Colin Okoth goes up for a shot. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) Shawn Sekamwa (3) lines up a shot for Malden. (Advocate Photo/ Henry Huang) Malden’s Sean Sekamwa (3) controls the ball against Everett’s Samir King-DaCosta. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) points and 12 rebounds. Newcomer Alan Deris, a sophomore guard and senior captain, and guard Ryan McMahon each added 6 points. *** THREE-POINTERS: In other Malden Head Coach Don Nally talks to the team during a timeout. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) Greater Boston League Boys Basketball season openers, Chelsea knocked off Somerville, 67-56; Lynn Classical handled Revere, 51-31; and a Lynn English-Medford scheduled matchup was postponed... Next up for Coach Boyce’s Everett Boys was a road trip to Chelsea on Thursday at 6:00 p.m. (after Advocate press time)... Malden was originally scheduled to take on Somerville on the road Thursday night, but that game was postponed until tonight (Friday) at 6:00 at Somerville High. The junior varsity and freshman games will precede the varsity game at Somerville... Malden’s Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares secures a loose ball. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) On Tuesday night, Malden freshman boys basketball, coached by John McGlynn, topped Everett while the Tide JV squad prevailed over Malden in a tripleheader at Everett High. Ryan McMahon looks for an open Malden teammate. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang) Malden sophomore Jason Minervini looks to score from the corner. (Advocate Photo/Henry Huang)
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 15 Malden Catholic First Quarter Honor Roll M alden Catholic students have successfully completed the first marking period of the 2025-2026 school year. A total of 744 students from over 40 cities and towns have earned recognition on the honor roll for their outstanding academic achievements. Malden Catholic honors academic excellence with three distinct categories: • President’s List: Grades of 90 and above in all classes. • First Honors: Grades of 85 and above in all classes. • Second Honors: Grades of 80 and above in all classes. President’s List Milania Aylward ’31 Dezarae Banks ’29 Nahima Bourdeau ’27 Veronika Brozek-Weight ’26 Sarah Bui ’28 Grace Burgos Patino ’29 Justin Chen ’29 Kelsang Choedon ’27 Julian Cooper ’27 Daniella Daquioag ’29 Sarah Darius ’28 Cairo Del Rio ’27 David Eta ’29 Julianna Ferguson ’26 Scott Gage ’26 Veer Garad ’27 Isabella Garcia Osorio ’29 Yamile Gonzalez ’27 Nathanael Handy ’27 Paul Harrington ’26 Elias Hunter ’31 Erika Iglesias ’28 Christelle Jacob ’28 Ghangden Jungne ’31 Siddhant Katta ’31 Cara Keane ’27 Kaitlyn Knox ’26 Kaylin Lagasse ’28 Alyson Lee ’27 Caroline McAuliffe ’26 Macie O’Neil ’31 Megh Patel ’26 Elicia Perez ’26 Leticia Ribeiro ’26 Mikk Saar-Beckles ’27 Nora Tinstman ’29 Joshua Urias Gil ’31 Anthony Valentino ’29 Sophia Wan ’27 Brady Wong ’31 Kevin Xu ’31 Emmanuel Zapata Valencia ’28 First Honors Amaya Banks ’29 Daniel Bossenele ’29 Achilles Brandao Rodriguez ’26 Eric Chen ’27 Hanhong Chen ’26 Tenzin Chodak ’30 Lucas Cooper ’29 Rocco Correale ’26 Nicholas Damico ’30 Rachael Dean ’28 Petra Di Marco Davila ’27 Giuliannah Dormevil ’27 Kyleigh Driscoll ’27 Mary Gage ’27 Mikiyas Geremew ’29 Sanjit Ghai ’29 Frank Hart ’29 Yasser Him ’30 Aidan Ho ’27 Angie Jacques ’27 Alex Jiang ’28 Claudia Jules ’27 Serena Khatib ’27 Serena Lama ’27 Eli Lapaix ’28 Sabella Le ’28 Kingsley Lin ’28 Lauren MacDonald ’28 Leanna Mai ’28 Andrew Noble ’28 Josh Pereira ’26 Emily Pham ’28 Randall Philius ’28 Raphael Reus ’30 Naomy Ribeiro ’28 Mia Rigano ’28 Mario Rivera ’29 Addison Romprey ’26 Jordyn Sikora ’26 Isabella Silva ’27 Karthik Sugunan ’30 Rafael Valencia ’28 Vaughn (R-Wrentham) who each missed 22 roll calls (81.0 percent roll call attendance record). Rounding out the top 15 repreBeacon Hill Roll Call By Bob Katzen THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports local representatives’ roll call attendance records for the 2025 session through December 12. The House has held 116 roll calls in the 2025 session. Beacon Hill Roll Call tabulates the number of roll calls on which each representative voted and then calculates that number as a percentage of the total roll call votes held. That percentage is the number referred to as the roll call attendance record. Oftentimes a representative is not able to attend only one or two sessions during which roll calls are held, but since there are sometimes multiple roll calls on each one of those days, the number of roll calls they missed can be high even though they only missed one or two sessions. Eighty-eight (55.3 percent) out of 159 representatives did not miss any roll call votes and had a 100 precent roll call attendance record. Seventy-one (44.7 percent) out of 159 representatives missed one or more roll call votes. The representatives who missed the most roll calls are Reps. John Lawn (D-Watertown) and Marcus sentatives who missed the most roll call votes are: Nicholas Boldyga (R-Southwick) who missed 20 roll calls (82.7 percent roll call attendance record); Christopher Flanagan (D-Dennis); Judith Garcia (D-Chelsea); Richard Haggerty (D-Woburn); Mary Keefe (D-Worcester); Chynah Tyler (D-Roxbury; and Thomas Walsh (D-Peabody) who each missed 19 roll calls (83.6 percent roll call attendance record.) Marjorie Decker (D-Cambridge) and John Gaskey (R-Carver) who each missed 18 roll calls (84.4 percent roll call attendance record.) Patrick Kearney (D-Scituate) who missed 16 roll calls (86.2 percent roll call attendance record); Tram Nguyen (D-Andover); and Joseph McKenna (R-Sutton) who each missed 15 roll calls (87.0 percent roll call attendance record). Lisa Field (D-Taunton) who missed 15 roll calls (72.2 percent roll call attendance record). Rep. Field won a special election to fill a vacant House seat. She has only been a representative for 54 roll calls, not all 116 roll BHRC| SEE PAGE 16 Dhruv Vasishta ’27 Liam Walker ’27 Olivia Wan ’27 Abigail Wightman ’27 Arleigh Wilde ’26 Leong Wong ’28 Jacob Yoyo ’28 Jiahao Zhou ’30 Second Honors Olivia Almeida ’27 Torxe Anim ’30 Ariana Bulla ’26 Nolan Corbett ’31 Stanley DaVitoria, Jr. ’27 Jahlaina Dormevil ’28 Chris Kifle Fantal ’27 Kerubale Fasil ’29 Tatiana Flores ’28 James Gage ’26 Kauan Gondinho ’29 Alick Goutier ’29 Noah Jasmin ’28 Artemi Jumutcs ’27 Griffin Leon ’26 Nicholas Liang ’27 Zaria Mayne Foster ’29 Justin Mei ’27 Isaac Miranda ’29 Hazel Nansamba ’31 Caitlin Nylin ’26 Claire O’Leary ’27 Arianna Patturelli ’28 Jordan Pierre ’29 Isabel Samson ’30 Sydney Saverse ’30 Yasser Selouani ’29 Manya Sharma ’26 Keleuel Solomon ’29 Isabelle Sova ’27 Jackson Spignese-Smolinsky ’29 Antonio Trinchese ’27 Giovanni Trinchese ’27 Rodney Viliena ’29 Marco Viola ’28 Weiqi Wang ’26 Trent Willis ’28 ~ HELP WANTED ~ Type of Person Needed: * Are you an experienced/willing to learn, motivated person looking for a shop where your skills can be valued? 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Page 16 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 BHRC | FROM PAGE 15 calls, and therefore her percentage of roll calls attended is different from Reps. Nguyen and McKenna who both also missed 15 roll calls but have been in office for all 116 roll calls. Beacon Hill Roll Call contacted all 15 representatives and asked them why they missed some roll calls: Eight representatives did not respond last week to repeated requests asking them to explain their absences. They are Reps. John Lawn, Marcus Vaughan, Christopher Flanagan, Mary Keefe, Chynah Tyler, Tom Walsh, Patrick Kearney and Tram Nguyen. Seven representatives responded either last week and/or when they were asked the same questions in August, when they were also among the representatives who missed the most roll calls. Nicholas Boldyga did not respond last week but responded in August: "A couple of days were missed due to health-related issues in my immediate family. My responsibilities as a father of three young children came first on those days. Unfortunately, unlike the Senate that allows for fully remote participation on all levels, House rules make it difficult to even vote remotely." Judith Garcia responded in August and last week with the same statement: "I missed two days due to illness and two days on official business with the Chelsea delegation, participating in the National All-America City competition in Denver, Colorado, which Chelsea won. One of those four days included 13 roll calls, so it’s important for readers to know that multiple roll calls in a single day do not equal multiple absences." Richard Haggerty responded in August and last week: In August, he responded, “I missed a single day of voting this session on February 6, 2025, when I was unfortunately not able to attend a session due to a family commitment.” Last week he responded: “I have submitted statements of support for each piece of legislation the House passed to the House Clerk’s Office after missing four engrossment votes this session due to a family commitment.” Marjorie Decker responded last week: “The votes I missed were due to family emergencies, and I sent a letter to the House Clerk’s stating how I would have voted for each of the two formal sessions I was not able to attend.” John Gaskey responded in August and last week: In August, he responded: “[Thirteen roll calls] were on the same day. I was out of town and unavailable. [Three more roll calls] were on the same day [that I was] involved with a delicate constituent issue and chose not to attend, determining it was more important to assist constituents in need than to throw a ‘No’ vote at something I don’t think should be legal.” Last week he responded, “The question has no context and is without merit.The way voting happens, as you know, missing one day has the potential to make it look like a legislator … has missed 20 percent of votes taken.That being said, I answered this question earlier in the year and since, not sure if I missed anything or not. If I did, it’s likely because of personal reasons.” Joseph McKenna responded last week: “I missed a formal session due to a long-scheduled family trip where I visited immediate family from across the country who I see very infrequently. Though I only missed one day of session, it unfortunately was budget veto override voting, so [it] was a day with the highest number of actual individual votes. Unfortunately, leadership's ongoing strategy of not scheduling formal sessions until late the Friday before, and further in holding the session agenda until the day before, makes it impossible to avoid such unfortunate occurrences.” Lisa Field responded last week: "In HOME OFFICE DEDUCTION A s part of the preparation of their 2025 individual income tax returns and for future years as well, small business owners should consider taking advantage of the home office deduction. The home office deduction rules are available for self-employed individuals who use a portion of their home exclusively for business. This deduction is found in Internal Revenue Code Section 280A. A home office deduction can be taken if the small business owner sets up and uses a room in his or her house or apartment for performing such administrative tasks relating to the business. Under Internal Revenue Service rules, expenses related to a home office qualify as a tax deduction if you use the home office to conduct substantial administrative activities, and if you use it exclusively and regularly for business. If you do much of your administrative work in a home office, even though you have an office at your place of business, you are still entitled to take the deduction. To qualify, set up an area of your home, attic or basement, and use that space regularly and exclusively for business. You might pay bills, do paperwork, develop product or business plan strategies, reconcile bank statements, review financial statements, etc. You may also meet with customers or clients in an area in the house used exclusively for business. If you have a home office, you can also claim other areas you use in your basement or garage or shed to store work materials, even if that space is not used exclusively for business. You can also take a deduction for miles traveled to and from the home office to your principal place of business. Without a home office, those traveled miles would simply be non-deductible commuting expense. All relevant direct and indirect house expenses are fully deductible expenses to be taken on Form 8829, Expenses For Business Use of Your Home. If you use your house 20% for business, then 20% of all house costs, including mortgage interest, real estate taxes, homeowners insurance, utilities and depreciation are fully deductible. Furthermore, repairs to the home office space itself would be fully deductible. You also have the option of claiming the simplified option of the home office deduction which is 300 square feet of living space x $5/square foot, for a deduction equal to $1,500. The total of expenses as computed on Form 8829 are then carried over to Schedule C, Profit or Loss From Business, on line 30, Part II. Always remember to consider if an office in the home deduction applies to you. Maximizing the amount of dollars that you can keep in your small business’ coffers rather than in Uncle Sam’s coffers is probably a worthwhile goal. For further information see IRS Publication 587, Business Use of Your Home. 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. 2024, I committed to a trip to Rome and the Vatican to celebrate the Jubilee Year 2025. The House scheduled a formal session while I was traveling.I missed one day of formal session, but the House took up several votes that day." REPRESENTATIVES' 2025 ROLL CALL ATTENDANCE RECORDS THROUGH DECEMBER 12, 2025 Here are the 2025 roll call attendance records of local representatives through December 12. The attendance records are based on 116 roll calls. The percentage listed next to the representative’s name is the percentage of roll call votes on which the senator voted. The number in parentheses represents the number of roll calls that he or she missed. Rep. Paul Donato 100 percent (0) Rep. Steven Ultrino 100 percent (0) ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL BAN SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBERS ON DEATH CERTIFICATES (H 2383) – The House gave initial approval to a bill that would eliminate the current requirement that death certificates list the social security number of the deceased. “The idea for this bill was brought to me by a constituent who read about this issue and expressed concern,” said sponsor Rep. Rob Consalvo (D-Hyde Park). “Although death certificates are not publicly available to everyone, removing social security numbers from them is a simple step the commonwealth can take to prevent any potential fraud.” Reps. Sean Garballey (D-Arlington) and Ken Gordon (D-Bedford) co-sponsored a similar bill that was also given initial approval by the House. Neither Garballey nor Gordon responded to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking them why they filed the bill and how they feel about its approval. ALLOW MBTA RIDERS TO PAY ONSITE FOR PARKING WITHOUT A MOBILE PHONE (H 3664) – The House gave initial approval to a proposal that would establish an 18-month pilot program requiring that three MBTA parking lots install automated payment machines that allow customers to make in-person payment for daily parking fees by cash or credit card, without the use of a mobile telephone or any other portable electronic device. The MBTA would file a report on the efficacy of the program. The proposal was given initial approval by the House in 2020 but died when the House let it sit in a committee for ten months. Supporters say that people who don’t use a mobile phone or other portable electronic device are billed for parking at MBTA lots through the mail at a higher rate than riders who use the app. They argue this is unfair to those without the means to purchase a mobile phone or who have trouble using their phone. Rep. Bill Galvin (D-Canton), the sponsor of the legislation, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed the bill and if he expects the bill to receive additional approval in the House and then approval in the Senate. Opponents of the bill say the measure is unnecessary because drivers can already currently pay the fee with a landline phone at the same rate that mobile phone users pay. .SCHOOLS MUST PROVIDE TYPE 1 DIABETES INFORMATION TO PARENTS (H 586) – The Public Health Committee held a hearing on a bill that would require the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in coordination with the Department of Public Health, to develop Type 1 diabetes informational materials for the parents and guardians of public school pupils when the student is first enrolled in elementary school and again upon his or her entry into 6th grade. The materials would be required to undergo periodic updates as necessary and be made available to each school district, county office of education and charter school through the DESE's website. Schools would be required to provide the information to parents and guardians by January 1, 2026. The materials would be required to include a description of Type 1 diabetes; a description of the risk factors and warning signs associated with Type 1 diabetes; a recommendation regarding those students displaying warning signs associated with Type 1 diabetes that the parents or guardians of those students should immediately consult with the student’s primary care provider to determine if immediate screening for Type 1 diabetes is appropriate; and a recommendation that, following a Type 1 diagnosis, parents or guardians should consult with the student’s primary care provider to develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include consultation with and examBHRC| SEE PAGE 17
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 17 SCHOOL | FROM PAGE 2 Earlier this month, Supt. Sippel announced — in an email message to staff and caregivers — that “the district will be recruiting a new principal to lead Malden High School beginning with the 2026-2027 school year.” Several days after the announcement was made, a large group of Malden High School students organized and a carried out a “walkout” protest from the school — expressing support for MHS Principal Chris Mastrangelo, whose BHRC | FROM PAGE 16 ination by a specialty care provider, including a properly qualified endocrinologist. Supporters say that the bill would help identify students with Type 1 diabetes earlier and begin early and appropriate treatment for this disease that affects so many children. Rep. Jessica Giannino (D-Revere), the sponsor of the legislation, did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking her why she filed the bill and why she thinks it is important for the Legislature to approve the measure. AGENT ORANGE (H 4688 and H 4691) – The Committee on Transportation held a hearing on legislation that would create a special Agent Orange license plate that would be made available, at no cost, to car owners who served in Vietnam and have suffered from exposure to Agent Orange. The plate would bear the Orange Star distinctive emblem that identifies Vietnam veterans exposed to the agent. Meanwhile, the Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing on legislation that would establish August 10th as Agent Orange Awareness Day. Both bills were co-sponsored by Reps. Jim Hawkins (D-Attleboro) and Kelly Pease (R-Westfield). Supporters said that Agent Orange was widely used in Vietnam by the United States Armed Forces as part of the herbicidal warfare program, Operation Ranch Hand, from 1961 until 1971. They noted that nearly 20 million gallons of the orange powder were sprayed over the land from helicopters or low-flying aircraft, destroying vegetation and crops to deprive enemy guerrillas of food and cover for their activities. Supporters noted that at the same time, this exposed 2.6 million American soldiers to the herbicide and defoliant chemical, which causes a number of serious illnesses, including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, ischemic heart disease, soft tissue sarcoma, amyloidosis, diabetes and cancers of the throat, prostate, lung and colon. present, three-year contract expires at the end of the 2025-26 school year. According to reports, Principal Mastrangelo was seeking a one-year extension to his contract, which would give him the required number of years for a full pension upon his retirement. Mastrangelo is in his ninth year as MHS Principal and 18th year overall in the Malden Public Schools. Before that, he had been employed in the Peabody Public Schools and Wakefield Public Schools. On Monday, December 7, Pease said he co-sponsored these two bills to recognize the lasting sacrifices made by Vietnam War veterans and their families. “These bills ensure continued awareness of the health impacts of Agent Orange exposure while paying tribute to the courage and service of those who endured it. It's important that Massachusetts never forgets the cost of their service and continues to support those still living with its consequences.” “We filed [those bills] since there are still so many Vietnam veterans around who are still suffering from the severe health consequences of exposure to Agent Orange and to honor their service and sacrifice,” said Hawkins. SAFETY OF CANDIDATES (S 2742) – The Election Laws Committee held a hearing on legislation designed to enhance the safety and security of candidates for public office by removing home addresses from ballots, nomination papers and other materials. The measure also would protect from disclosure of personal contact information maintained by government entities on elected officials, judges, judicial officers, law enforcement personnel, public prosecutors, public defenders and state licensed professionals whose work subjects them to an elevated safety risk. Supporters said that Massachusetts is the only state in the nation that unnecessarily puts people at risk by requiring candidates to put their street addresses on nomination papers and ballots. “Amid harassment, intimidation, assault and cold-blooded murder of elected officials and their families, as well as health care professionals, law enforcement officers and others, we must do everything we possibly can to protect our existing public servants and make it safe for anyone to run for and serve in office,” said sponsor Sen. Becca Rausch (D-Needham). “Notably, this is not a partisan issue, as figures spanning the political spectrum have faced terrible violence.” REPARATIVE JUSTICE FOR DESCENDANTS OF SLAVES (H 1696 and H 1753) – The Judiciary Committee held a hearing on a meaduring school hours, for about an hour, the students left the Malden High building and walked to Malden City Hall, some of them stopping at the Malden Public Schools headquarters at 110 Pleasant St., before returning to the high school. Later that evening of December 7, at the regular Malden School Committee meeting, several dozen Malden High teachers and about 20 students appeared. Ten staff members and seven students addressed the School Committee during sure (H 1696) that would establish a 15-member commission to study and develop proposals for reparative justice and other potential remedies to redress harm resulting from the institution of slavery and systemic racism in the Bay State. The commission would produce a report documenting the effects of slavery and its legacy on the American Freedman class – which it defines as “descendants of formerly enslaved persons emancipated in the United States via the 13th Amendment in 1865 or earlier.” “Rep Fluker-Reid filed the bill to address the longstanding social, political and economic disenfranchisement faced by American Freedmen,” said Camille Mula, a spokesperson for Fluker-Reid. “American Freedmen in Massachusetts on average face dramatically higher rates of incarceration, extreme poverty, maternal mortality and other health disparities … compared to other racial groups as well as other Black people who fall outside of the category of Freedmen.” A similar bill (H 1753) that would also establish a special commission to study reparation, was also on the committee’s agenda. Its sponsor, Rep. Russell Holmes (D-Boston), did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call asking him why he filed his version of the bill. QUOTABLE QUOTES “With President Trump repeatedly attacking the programs that help Massachusetts families afford food, programs like these will increase the supply of locally grown healthy, affordable food. These awards are supporting local jobs, farmers and small food businesses that keep money circulating in our local economy and provide essential food for the people of Massachusetts.” ---Gov. Maura Healey announcing $779,458 in funding to improve food access in underserved communities throughout Massachusetts, by increasing local food production which will support the growth of urban farms, community gardens and food business operations, targeting areas that struggle with food insecurity. “Today's court order will undoubtedly save lives by preventing the federal government from terminating the public comment portion of the meeting, all of them expressing disagreement with the decision of the Superintendent to not extend the principal’s contract through the 2026-2027 school year. No members of the School Committee nor the Superintendent publicly responded to the speakers’ statements at the meeting. Superintendent Sipple did address the remarks that he has received since the decision on the leadership change in this week’s email message. “To those of you who have already shared funding that helps communities prepare for and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters. This decision sends a clear message that the Trump Administration must not abandon state and local communities, and I won’t stop fighting to protect our residents from the federal government’s abuses of power.” ---Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell announcing that a coalition of 20 states, including Massachusetts, won their lawsuit against the Trump Administration over its unlawful attempt to shut down the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) bipartisan Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program, designed to protect communities from natural disasters before they strike. “Massachusetts is not competing against states like New Hampshire, instead New Hampshire is competing against states like Texas, Florida, Tennessee and North Carolina. In this recent case, New Hampshire won, but in every case Massachusetts loses. When employers are choosing to cross the border because they can’t keep up with our taxes, energy cost and mandates, that should be a wake-up call for every policymaker on Beacon Hill.” ---Paul Craney, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance, on the widening competitiveness gap between Massachusetts and New Hampshire as a series of high-profile employers have announced relocations from Massachusetts to the largely tax-free Granite State, an exodus Craney says is increasingly driven by Massachusetts’ rising taxes, energy costs and regulatory mandates. “By empowering homeowners and local municipalities with clear rules and practical support, we’re making it easier for accessory dwelling units to become part of the solution to our housing challenges. These new tools will give families more options to stay in their communities, live near loved ones and create opportunities for extra income and increased independence.” ---Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announcyour perspectives related to the impending leadership transition at Malden High School, I want to say thank you. I have heard the sincerity and passion behind your voices,” he stated. “ I appreciate how invested our entire community is in the future of Malden High. While I cannot discuss any individual personnel decisions– and I realize this may be very frustrating– I am committed to continuing to listen to your ideas regarding the future of Malden High School,” Supt. Sippel added in his message. ing a new campaign to make it easier and cheaper for people across Massachusetts to build accessory dwelling units -- also known as granny flats or in-law apartments – which are small residential living spaces that are located on the same lot as another home. HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION? Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session. During the week of December 8-12, the House met for a total of 16 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 39 minutes. Mon. Dec. 8 House11:00 a.m. to 11:06 a.m. Senate 11:21 a.m. to 11:49 a.m. Tues.Dec. 9 No House session. No Senate session. Wed. Dec. 10 No House session. No Senate session. Thurs. Dec. 11 House11:00 a.m. to 11:10 a.m. Senate 11:28 a.m. to 11:39 a.m. Fri. Dec. 12 No House session. No Senate session. Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@beaconhillrollcall.com Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.
Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller How to Prepare Your Online Accounts Before You Die Dear Savvy Senior, I recently had an estate plan drafted, including a will, power of attorney and advance directive, but I’m not sure what to do about all my online accounts – email, banking, and social media. What can I do to make sure my family can access what they need and protect my digital information after I’m gone. Almost 80 Dear Almost, In addition to creating an estate plan, you should also make a “digital will” that lists all your online accounts and login information. This will help your loved ones access your electronic devices and online accounts more easily so they can manage your electronic affairs, according to your wishes, after you’re gone. Montana State University offers a Digital Assets Inventory Worksheet (see Montana.edu/estateplanning/digitalsssetsworksheet.pdf) to help you get started. Or consider purchasing a “password book” on Amazon for a few dollars. This will let you record and organize your online account information alphabetically. Here are a few other tips to help you prepare your digital life for your survivors. Apple: If you’re an iPhone, iPad or Mac user, you should nominate a “legacy contact” who can access your Apple account’s data after you die. This is a secure way to give trusted people access to photos, files and messages. To set it up you’ll need an Apple device with a fairly recent operating system. iPhones and iPads need iOS or iPadOS 15.2 and MacBooks need macOS Monterey 12.1. For iPhones, go to settings, tap Sign-in & Security and then Legacy Contact. You can name one or more people, and they don’t need an Apple ID or device. You’ll have to share an access key with your contact. It can be a digital version sent electronically, or you can print a copy or save it as a screenshot or PDF. Take note that there are some types of files you won’t be able to pass on – including digital rights-protected music, movies and passwords stored in Apple’s password manager. Legacy contacts can only access a deceased user’s account for three years before Apple deletes the account. Google: Google takes a different approach with its Inactive Account Manager (see Support.google. com/accounts/answer/3036546), which allows you to share your data with someone if it notices that you’ve stopped using your account. When setting it up, you need to decide how long Google should wait – from three to 18 months – before considering your account inactive. Once that time is up, Google can notify up to 10 people. You can choose what types of data they can access – including emails, photos, calendar entries and YouTube videos. There’s also an option to automatically delete your account after three months of inactivity, so your contacts will have to download any data before that deadline. Facebook and Instagram: If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, both of which are owned by the parent company Meta, you can have your accounts either memorialized or deleted after you die if the companies get a valid request from a family member or friend. See Facebook.com/ help/1111566045566400 or Help.Instagram. com/264154560391256 for details. Meta also strongly recommends Facebook users add a legacy contact to look after your memorial accounts – see Facebook.com/ help/1070665206293088. Legacy contacts can do things like respond to new friend requests and update pinned posts, but they can’t read private messages or remove or alter previous posts. You can only choose one person, who also must have a Facebook account. Passwords: If you use a password manager – a service that creates, saves and manages passwords for all your online accounts – see if it has an emergency access feature. Some services, like Keeper, Bitwarden and NordPass, allow users to nominate one or more trusted contacts who can access your keys in case of an emergency or death. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 1. On Dec. 19, 1997, what movie (a name referring to mythological giants) premiered? 2. Where are “pigs in blankets” traditional at Christmas dinner? 3. In what did Shakespeare write, “...winter tames man, woman, and beast...”? 4. What singer-songwriter wrote a song that is the name of a Canadian winter festival? 5. On Dec. 20, 1999, what was made an administrative region of China? 6. George C. Parker became known for selling NYC landmarks, mostly famously what? 7. On Dec. 21, 1879, what play (name of a toy) by Henrik Ibsen premiered in Copenhagen that has a Christmas tree delivered in Act One? 8. Which of these is not “Festus”: a Roman grammarian, a TV character or a holiday? 9. What group had the hit “Heaven Must Be Missing an Angel” (1976)? 10. What was sometimes called the “Great Emu War”? 11. On Dec. 22, 1917, what “Gene” host of “The Match Game” was born? 12. The 1823 poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” includes what Roman god’s name? 13. What exactly is Yuletide? 14. What seasonal Chuck Berry song was inspired by another song that was inspired by a poem in a department store’s promotional booklet? 15. What U.S. president’s mother was named Stanley Ann? 16. Dec. 24 is National Eggnog Day; what island has a traditional “eggnog” called coquito? 17. What is the last name of New York’s “Harold” born into wealth who created a trophy for the game of bridge? 18. What kind of large animal is still wild in Australia, China and Mongolia? 19. In the 1940s what popular landscape board game was created by a polio patient? 20. On Dec. 25, 1821, what founder of the American Red Cross, National First Aid Society and Missing Soldiers Office was born in Oxford, Mass.? ANSWERS 1. “Titanic” (In Greek mythology, the Titans were a family of giants.) 2. Ireland and the United Kingdom (They are sausages wrapped in bacon.) 3. “The Taming of the Shrew” 4. Bob Dylan (“Winterlude”) 5. Macau 6. The Brooklyn Bridge (“If you believe that, I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell to you”); he conned tourists and new immigrants and ended up in Sing Sing. 7. “A Doll’s House” 8. A new holiday (Sextus Pompeius Festus was a grammarian and Festus is a character on “Gunsmoke.” 9. Tavares 10. A 1931 Australian military operation to get rid of the birds, which were destroying crops 11. Gene Rayburn 12. Cupid 13. Christmastide: from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day (or longer in some churches) 14. “Run Rudolph Run” (“Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer” was created by Robert May of Montgomery Ward; his relative Johnny Marks created a song from it.) 15. Barack Obama (She was Stanley Dunham’s only child.) 16. Puerto Rico (It has coconut.) 17. Vanderbilt 18. Camel (One-humped ones [dromedaries] are in Australia.) 19. Candy Land 20. Clara Barton
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 19 OBITUARIES Carol Ann (Santomango) Daigle Passed aw ay peacefully at home with family at her side on December 4, 2025 at the age of 76. Born in Malden, she was the daughter of the late Helen (Meuse) Santomango and Anthony Santomango. Carol is survived by her daughter Tracey Caputo and husband Marcus; her son Gregory Daigle and her beloved grandchildren; Nolan Caputo, Cooper Daigle, Sophia Caputo, and Avery Daigle. She leaves her loving sisters Helen Hyatt of Malden, Janet Kenney of Andover, Linda Adler of Newbury, and Teresa Santomango of Newburyport. She also leaves her nieces and nephews, as well as Joseph Daigle, her longtime friend and father of her children. Carol was a proud graduate of Northeastern University in Boston with a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. She loved travel with friends and family, particularly having traveled to Paris and Sedona. A celebration of life will take place at a later date to be determined. In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Lupus Foundation of America. Robert P. Moro Passed away peacefully in Georgia on December 9, 2025, in the presence of his family. He was 83 years old. Robert was formerly a resident of Stoneham and longtime resident of Malden. For many years, Robert owned and operated a respected Chiropractic practice in Malden, where he cared for countless patients with skill, patience, and genuine concern for their well-being. Robert was an active member of the Malden Kiwanis Club where he took pride in supporting its mission of helping children and improving the lives of those in need. Robert was the husband of the late Virginia L. (Romano) For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@advocatenews.net - LEGAL NOTICE - City of Malden Massachusetts Board of Appeal 215 Pleasant Street Malden, Massachusetts 02148 Telephone 781-397-7000 x2104 MALDEN BOARD OF APPEAL PUBLIC HEARING Advocate Call now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net The Malden Board of Appeal will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, 6:30 pm Eastern Time (US and Canada) at Malden City Hall, 215 Pleasant St, Room #106 Herbert L Jackson Council Chambers, Malden, MA on Petition 26-001 by Daniel Miller, seeking a variance under Code of the City of Malden as amended – Title 12.16.010 Table of Intensity Regulations: Specifically: Side Yard Setback, Dwelling, Single Family as per Plans Res-074859-2025 at the property known as and numbered 52 Murray Hill Road, Malden, MA and also known by City Assessor’s Parcel ID #027-103-309 Additional information, Petition & plans available for public review in the Office of Inspectional Services, 215 Pleasant St., 3rd floor, Malden MA or online at www.cityofmalden. org or https://maldenma-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/ SelfService#/home Nathaniel Cramer, Chair December 19, 24, 2025 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT Moro. He was the son of the late Angelo J. and Josephine D. (Tocco) Moro. Robert was the loving father of Alicia Marie (Moro) Skiba and Heather Ann Moro. He was the dear brother of Richard Moro. Robert was the cherished grandfather of Kyle Cottam, Jackson Brennan, Oliver Skiba and the late Ariana Rain Skiba. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, and his beloved grand dogs. Funeral was held at the A. J. Spadafora Funeral Home, Malden on Monday December 15th followed by a Mass of Christian Burial celebrating Robert's life in Saint Patrick's Church, Stoneham. Visiting hours were held at the funeral home on Sunday. Entombment will be in Holy Cross Mausoleum, Malden. OFFICE FOR RENT - EVERETT Prime Professional Office Space, 1600 Sq. Ft. located on Broadway near the heart of Everett business district. Off-street parking for 1-2 vehicles. Call: 617-699-0887 Classifieds
Page 20 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 7 ous. Thank you, Malden, you never disappoint. Postscript 1: Hard to believe it’s been 10 years since my mother passed. Ten years! Feels like yesterday. The hole she left in our lives remains as wide and deep as ever, especially this time of year. Mom absolutely adored Christmas. The music, the lights, the gift giving, making 20 pounds of pizzelles for me — every minute of it. So, it feels only right to bring this memory, and one of her favorite holiday quotes, back to life once again. As I’ve written before, my beloved mother was very special. Strong, protective, beautiful and fiercely loving, she had this rare gift of making everyone feel like they mattered — even if, truth be told, she didn’t always like you! LOL. Over the years, our friends ~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~ 7D Licensed School Bus Drivers Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for the new school year. We provide ongoing training and support for licensing requirements. Applicant preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere). Part-time positions available and based on AM & PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested, please call David @ 781-322-9401. CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED Compensation: $28/hour School bus transportation company seeking active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden, Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding communities). - Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements as well as Massachusetts school bus certificate. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! - Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35 HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience. Contact David @ 781-322-9401. naturally became hers, and I’m fairly certain she managed to feed every single one of them at some point. When she passed, the outpouring of love on Facebook was overwhelming. In moments of loss, that’s when social media shows its best side. Mom would have gotten the biggest kick out of reading every post — and she would have unabashedly bragged about that one photo of her shoveling snow on Charles Street that racked up over 300 likes. There she was, bundled up, clearing her sidewalk while her four big, strong boys slept through the morning. Classic Dorothy Drago Levine. So, in her honor — and for the season she loved — I share again her favorite Christmas quote, the one that always made her eyes twinkle and her heart soften. From the beloved Dr. Seuss: “And the Grinch, with his Grinch-feet ice cold in the snow, stood puzzling and puzzling, how could it be so? It came without ribbons. It came without tags. It came without packages, boxes or bags. And he puzzled and puzzled ’till his puzzler was sore. Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before. What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more?” Merry Christmas, Mom. Your light and your spirit still shine just as bright today. Postscript 2: A special ChristREAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS BUYER1 Chen, Si Cox, Ludwig Enwright, Michael Filho, Dimas O Gniado, Emily Kyab, Kirti Maharjan, Dilip K Ngusse, Tesfalem Nguyen, Peter T Sasso, Paul Vincenty, Matthew Vine, Julia R Wang, Ryan Y Wang, Yanling Zhu, Yin Y Li, Jiaqian Vickneswaran, Visnavy Enwright, Madeleine BUYER2 SELLER1 Rattanasone, Sengchanh Comeau Ft Dhekyong, Tenzin Maharjan, Resha S Menghestu, Yordanos Nguyen, Trang N Leone, Amoreena J Wang, Fujin 11 Starbird St Nt Minami, Takuya Johnston, Robert Doan, Khanh L&z Investments LLC Vetrano, Holly A Ryan, Gary W Bloom, Theresa Dow, Marcus Vine, Julia R Malatesta, Kelly A Bhr Development LLC Chamchoy, Wanalee Gray, Haley mas season shout-out to a dear friend of mine, Jimmy Semon. This past year, Jimmy gifted me something I’ll hold close to my heart for the rest of my life — one of those rare, meaningful gestures that remind you what true friendship really is. Thank you again, Jimmy. Wishing you and your wonderful family a season filled with health, happiness and all the quiet little blessings that make this time of year so special. Postscript 3: And now, here’s something we hope you’ll really like... If you’re tired of the same old, same old Christmas music being played and played out on the radio dial, do yourself a favor, take a moment and search out “The Only Thing I Want for Christmas (Is Just to Keep the Things That I’ve Got)” sung by Isidore Itzkowitz aka Eddie Cantor. This famous turn of (last) century Jewish actor, comedian, dancer, singer, songwriter, film producer, screenwriter and author simply nails the holiday spirit with this Johnny Lange, Lew Porter and Vic Knight composed classic. Became my fave Christmas earworm the moment it hit my inner ear drums: “the only thing I want for Christmas/A pair of loving arms around me/A garden of forget-me-nots/The only thing I want for Christmas/Is just to keep the things that I’ve got...” —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. The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. SELLER2 Potter, Denise Leff, Mark H ADDRESS 23 Upham St 49 Hill St 11 Starbird St 298 Lebanon St 197 Clifton St #4 248-250 Clifton St 19-21 Wolcott St 24-26 Presley St Ryan, Erin A 117-119 Rockwell St 156 Bainbridge St Vine, Nathan 36 Nichols Rd 32 Tyler St 63 Malden St 5 Jennifer Ln 30 Rich St #17 CITY Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden Malden DATE 11.24.25 11.26.25 11.24.25 11.28.25 11.25.25 11.26.25 11.25.25 11.26.25 11.21.25 11.21.25 11.24.25 11.18.25 11.20.25 11.21.25 11.18.25 PRICE 960000 735000 1110000 760000 400000 1185000 1100000 850000 870000 643500 745000 130000 850000 895000 355000
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 21 APARTMENTS FOR RENT www.mastrocola.com AAA Service • Lockouts American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 ● 24-Hour Service ● Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Gas Fitting ● Drain Service Residential & Commercial Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount PART-TIME JOB OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE: * VICTIM ADVOCATE * ATTORNEY We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@ advocatenews.net FIRE • SOOT • WATER Homeowner’s Insurance Loss Specialists FREE CONSULTATION 1-877-SAL-SOOT Sal Barresi, Jr. - Your fi rst call 617-212-9050 Portal To Hope (“PTH”) serves people whose lives have been impacted by domestic violence and related assault crimes. If you would like to join PTH’s award-winning team and share your leadership in the cause to end domestic violence, please call (781) 338-7678 for more information; or, email portaltohope@aol.com. Classifieds J.F & Son Contracting Snow Plowing No Job too small! Free Estimates! Commercial & Residential 781-656-2078 - Property management & maintenance Shoveling & removal Landscaping, Electrical, Plumbing, Painting, Roofing, Carpentry, Framing, Decks, Fencing, Masonry, Demolition, Gut-outs, Junk Removal & Dispersal, Clean Ups: Yards, Garages, Attics & Basements. Truck for Hire, Bobcat Services. Advocate Call now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net BUDGET SERVICES RUBBISH REMOVAL * Interior-Exterior Demolition Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc. * All Types of Debris Removed * Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $239. ~ Licensed & Insured ~ Call (978) 494-3443 Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472
Page 22 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025
THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 19, 2025 Page 23 Get your Mortgage Started with Beyond Financing, Inc. Home Pre-qualification www.beyondfinancing.com Powered by Finley Concierge Beyond Financing, Inc. Licensed in CA-CT-FL-MA-NH-NC-RI-SC-TX • Purchase • Refinance • Investment 999 Broadway, Suite 500-N, Saugus-MA 01906 www.BEYONDFINANCING.COM 857.410.1391 NMLS ID: 2394496 IN CA, CT & MA: Mortgage Broker Only, not a Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Correspondent Lender. In FL, NH, NC, RI, SC & TX: Mortgage Broker and Correspondent Lender. Loans are available fairly and equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability, or ancestry. TRINITY REAL ESTATE 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com 28 Osprey Rd., Saugus 01906 - Commercial Rental List Price: $3,500 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 A 2 story building in Prime Location with the 2nd level unit available for rental office space to sublet consisting of approximately 4000 sq ft of 7 furnished offices and a designated kitchen along with 2 restrooms. Upon entering the unit you are greeted into a Large foyer entrance that opens into a spacious reception room which leads to a huge spacious office that leads out to a long hallway consisting of another 4 offices (2 smaller offices and 2 ex lg) and a designated kitchen that includes a refrigerator along the hallway is a men and women restrooms....rental price includes all utilities (Heat/electric/AC/water) .Move-in condition...office furniture included...Wi-Fi negotiable Easy access to Rt 99 near Lowe's and Rt C-1 exit in front of building... Available Jan 1,2026 722 Lowell Street, Peabody 01960 - Rental Rental List Price: $3,500 Listed by: Lucia Ponte Cell: 781.8838130 Spacious and Beautifully Renovated Duplex! This stunning home has been completed with well planned details and layout, throughout. Much elegance is expressed in the large foyer that introduces you to the open-concept living and dining space, both with decorative FP. The beautiful, huge kitchen features custom cabinetry, large center island, pendant lighting, granite countertops, stainless steel appliances, w/breakfast area. The second level offers a spacious primary bedroom with cathedral ceiling, two generous closets, and a beautiful ensuite bath with sky light. Two additional bedrooms, with beamed vaulted ceilings Unit is sun filled and has been meticulously maintained. Additional highlights include in-unit laundry in the basement & two-car parking 781.231.9800 358 Broadway, #22, Lynn 01904 - Rental Rental List Price: $2,600 Listed by: Ronnie Puzon Cell: 917.992.3689 Welcome to this beautiful 2-bedroom, 1 bathroom condo located in Wyoma Village! Walk into a bright and spacious living room which features a sliding door leading to your own private balcony. The open concept continues from the living room into the inviting eat in kitchen. The two bedrooms are adorned with wall-to-wall carpet and spacious closets. The building is professionally managed and includes a laundry room in the basement. One assigned off street parking spot, heat and hot water are included in the rent. Close to transportation, shopping, business, and restaurants. Come see it today! 24 Parrott St. Lynn, MA 01902 - Sale Pending List Price: $779,900 Listed by: Michael Foulds Cell: 617.461.1952 Welcome to this well maintained two family in Goldfish Pond neighborhood. Lovingly cared for by the same family for 40+ years, this home awaits its next chapter. The 1st floor offers 4 rooms, 2 bedrooms & 1 full bath, while the spacious 2nd unit spans two levels with 7 rooms, 4 bedrooms, & 1.5 baths & features in-unit laundry for added ease of chores. Many updates throughout including newer roof, and gas efficient heating systems. A sprawling fully fenced backyard ready to create your own oasis, perfect for summer gatherings. A bright, clean basement has additional laundry hookup for the 1st floor unit & plenty of storage space for seasonal items. Whether you’re searching for a strong investment property or for an ideal owner-occupied home with rental income, this house offers a wonderful opportunity. Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Malden, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond. JUST LISTED FOR RENT FOR RENT SALE PENDING
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