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Square. The guys and girls that hung out at the Granada Lanes were called the ‘collegians’ and the ‘fusco’s.’ The ‘rats’ hung out down by Senior Pizza. Generally speaking, we all got along. I had friends in all the groups. We used to have large drinking parties and social events up on Waitts Mount and at other locations. In those days you didn’t have cell phones, so we used to meet down in the Square, at our hangouts, and then the adventures would begin. Every day was an adventure back then, actually, they still are.” Thanks, Mike. As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character “Columbo” would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – crazy to believe it has been 10 years already (September 2012) since Malden High School submaster (and much more) Brendan Duffy passed away. Ten years! Duff did it all: US Army veteran during the Cold War, happily married for 52 years to his beloved Elaine, mayoral assistant, adjunct teacher of Writing at Bunker Hill CC, advisor to ‘The Lion’ at MHS, fierce handball competitor at the old YMCA (and much more). In the September 9, 2012, edition of the Malden Evening News, the then Editor of the paper, Steve Freker, wrote a touching “Appreciation” on the life and legacy of Mr. Duffy. Steve nails the essence of Duff but zeroes in with this: “Was he hard-nosed? Oh yeah. As hard-nosed as they come when he wanted to be and had to be (a lot of times). That came with the territory of the job as one required to mete out discipline and address transgressions. Big and small, on a daily basis. But like a lot of people who have an eternally gruff exterior, who hold a position of authority and are in the public eye, they also have an intense sense of justice, compassion, and genuine caring within.” Nailed! Freck closed like Eck in his UNSAFE | FROM PAGE 3 ond-leading cause of fire fatalities in Massachusetts, including nine deaths last year,” said State Fire Marshal Ostroskey. “Many of these fires start with extension cords and power strips that are damaged, overloaded, or improperly used. Always be sure that these items are free of damage and rated for their intended use. Never connect one extension cord or power strip to another, and always plug heavy appliances like space heaters directly into a wall outlet.” The Malden Fire Department responded to the area of 24-26 John St. shortly after 8:30 p.m. on December 26 and observed prime: “For over 30 years beginning in the 1960’s and carrying almost to the new millennium, Mr. Duff roamed, monitored, and embraced the halls of MHS touching lives of literally thousands of students. And for those thousands of Malden kids who ranged in years from being smack dab in the middle of the Vietnam War Era in the ’60’s to the salad days of the Bill Clinton presidency in the late ’90’s, Mr. Duff worked the halls of MHS. And we’re all the better for it. You will surely be missed.” My note: his two wonderful children, Marko and Kevin, living proof of the kind human being Duff went through life as. Postscript: I’d like to take a moment to wish all the readers of this newspaper (and my column) a very happy and healthy new year. We’ve taken a turn for the better in the last couple of years; the future bodes well if we stay vigilant. I’d also like to thank the powers that be for the privilege to contribute to this outstanding newspaper. The Malden Advocate is what hometown newspapers are all about. They are a vital resource for local news and information that can be counted on to be truthful and helpful in making important decisions in your everyday life. A proud descendent of all that can be trusted in the print media, the Advocate follows in the finest tradition of David Brickman’s Malden Evening News locally and The Boston Globe regionally. A source that can be counted on week after week to enrich your life. No fake news. No “alternative facts.” No misinformation or half-truths. As Walter Cronkite used to sign off, “And that’s the way it is.” All the best in 2023 to Malden (and beyond). 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, complaints or criticisms. smoke and flames on arrival. A second alarm was struck, followed soon by a third. The fire was concentrated on the upper floors, where the two injured firefighters were battling the blaze. The circumstances of the fire were investigated by the Malden Fire Department and State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Mutual aid companies from Everett, Lynn, Medford, Melrose, Revere, Saugus and Somerville responded to assist at the scene, along with Boston Sparks A-10, Cataldo Ambulance and The Salvation Army. The Red Cross is supporting the displaced residents. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 30, 2022 FIRE| FROM PAGE 1 en to the use of outdoor electrical connections used around the home. The Malden Fire Department responded after a call to 911 to the area of 24-26 John St. shortly after 8:30 Monday night, Dec. 26, and observed smoke and flames from the upper floors of the three-story residence on arrival, according to Chief Sullivan. A second alarm was struck, followed soon by a third. The fire was concentrated on the upper floors, where the two Malden firefighters were injured while battling the blaze. Mutual aid companies from Everett, Lynn, Medford, Melrose, Revere, Saugus and Somerville responded to assist at the scene, along with Boston Sparks A-10, Cataldo Ambulance and The Salvation Army. Fortunately, no other firefightPage 7 ers other than the Malden pair were injured. Malden fire officials reported that nine residents of the John Street multifamily all got out safely and no residents were reported injured as a result. The Red Cross is supporting the displaced residents, Malden fire officials added. “We’re extremely relieved that the two injured firefighters are recovering and that none of the residents were hurt or worse,” said Chief Sullivan. The Malden fire chief explained what is believed to be the cause of the blaze, noting that the fire could have been avoided. “This fire started with an indoor extension cord that was run through a window along the outside of the home, where it ignited the building’s exterior,” Chief Sullivan said. If you must use an extension cord outside, be sure it’s rated for outdoor use and keep it away from water, snow, and ice.” “Electrical fires are the second-leading cause of fire fatalities in Massachusetts, including nine deaths last year,” said Mass. State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “Many of these fires start with extension cords and power strips that are damaged, overloaded, or improperly used.” “Always be sure that these items are free of damage and rated for their intended use,” he added. “Never connect one extension cord or power strip to another, and always plug heavy appliances like space heaters directly into a wall outlet.” The origin and cause of the fire were investigated by the Malden Fire Department and the State Police Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit assigned to the State Fire Marshal’s office. WE CAN HELP PAY YOUR HEATING BILLS! You may qualify for ABCD’s Fuel Assistance Program and be eligible for as much as $2,200 towards your heating costs (oil, gas, or electric). Maximum benefit is $2,200 Household of 1 = $42,411 Household of 2 = $55,461 Household of 3 = $68,511 Household of 4 = $81,561 Cold days are coming. ABCD’s got you covered. APPLY TODAY! Last day to apply is April 30, 2023 Residents of Boston, Brookline, and Newton: 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA — 617.357.6012 Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Melrose, Stoneham, Winchester and Woburn: 18 Dartmouth Street, Malden, MA — 781.322.6284

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