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!
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