YEAR IN REVIEW: Here are some of Malden’s Top Stories of 2024

Our 375th Anniversary Celebration, honors for individuals and recognition of cultural groups topped the list this past year

 

By Steve Freker

 

As we welcome the New Year 2025, we also look back and recall some of the top stories that made the headlines in The Malden Advocate in 2024. This past year was a special one where Malden celebrated historic milestones – a record fourth term for Mayor Gary Christenson and the city’s 375th Anniversary – dating back to 1649. It was also a momentous year in our city for many other reasons, including events around the community, in our schools and a parade of honors and remembrances.

Especially notable were two standout women honored this year: Malden’s first woman Police Commissioner Barbara Murphy and “Black Excellence on the Hill” state award recipient Kashawna Harling. We also welcomed a new Superintendent to our city, Dr. Timothy Sippel.

It was also a year tinged with sadness at times, particularly in the month of June when we lost three of the most well-known citizens of all time in our city’s history: Bob Rotondi, “Butch” Gennetti and Bill Dempsey.

We celebrated our diverse community culture as Malden High School became the very first high school in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to raise the Brazilian Flag in honor of its large and growing Brazilian student population on Brazil Flag Day. Malden also dedicated an exquisite memorial to its Black Revolutionary War heroes and, in February, welcomed the Greater Boston Lunar New Year Rolling Parade to Malden.

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Mayor sworn in to a record, fourth four-year term of office on a historic night

Two former Mayors, including the former 16-year Malden top spot holder he succeeded, were on hand on January 2, 2024, when Mayor Gary Christenson was sworn in to a fourth, four-year term of office, a first in municipal history. On hand for the Inaugural ceremonies – held at Malden High School’s Jenkins Auditorium – were former Mayor Richard Howard, who served from 1996-2012, and former Mayor Ed Lucey (1992-1996). “It is the honor of a lifetime that I stand before all of you this evening,” Mayor Christenson told the audience of over 300 in the Jenkins Auditorium at Malden High School on Tuesday night after he was officially sworn in by Malden City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio.

Mayor Christenson is the first Malden mayor to be elected to four consecutive four-year terms since the mayoral years were changed, by ordinance, from two years to four years in the mid-2000s. “I promise to continue to give you my all in serving the residents of Malden and to do whatever it takes to keep this community on the right path,” Mayor Christenson added. “We will continue to live our motto, ‘Strong Past, Proud Future.’”

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School Committee announces contract of Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy will not be renewed, with her three-year tenure ending in June 2024

Mayor Christenson, on behalf of the School Committee, via news release, in early January announced that the Committee voted to not renew the contract of Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy. Supt. Noriega-Murphy had been working on a three-year contract, which began on July 1, 2021. Apparently, the terms of that contract included formal notification on a potential new contract (or not) was due to be provided to the Superintendent by the end of the 2023 calendar year, December 31. Dr. Noriega-Murphy had led the Malden Public Schools for the past two and a half years, “which included some challenging times in education, especially during the end of the COVID-19 pandemic,” according to the city’s official statement.

“I am grateful to Dr. Noriega-Murphy for her contributions to education in Malden, and the professional approach she has brought to the role,” Mayor Christenson said at a January 8 School Committee meeting. A new superintendent search began immediately.

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An abandoned dog got a second chance at life due to some Good Samaritans, Malden doggie daycare owner

In February, it was announced that an abandoned dog’s life had a bright future after a succession of compassionate and generous people stepped to the forefront and helped save her. It’s so hard to imagine why someone would abandon her, scared and shivering, tied to a pole in Trafton Park in Maplewood. “Big Momma,” as the mastiff has since been named, was found in the cold the night of Dec. 14, 2023, on a pole in Trafton Park, “whimpering and screeching for help,” said Kevin Alkins, Malden police’s animal control officer. She also had a massive, 13 lb. tumor on her belly. A good Samaritan brought her to Malden police, and Malden daycare kennel owner Bill Bowdridge immediately took over care of Big Momma. “It was the first dog I’ve ever witnessed that cried real tears and the more we wiped the more the tears came. It would break anybody’s heart.” Bowdridge, who owns Big Daddy Doggie Daycare on Maplewood Street in Malden, fostered Big Momma as she awaited adoption.

“She’s not the same dog. Being with us now, she lays on her back with all four legs in the air,” he said.

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For the first time, 4th Annual Greater Boston Lunar New Year Rolling Parade hits Malden

Mayor Christenson welcomed the 4th Annual Greater Boston Lunar New Year Rolling Parade to Malden in February. Kicking off in Boston, the parade was escorted by Boston Police and traveled with a contingent of 30 vehicles through several Massachusetts cities, including Belmont and Somerville. The Korean American Citizens League of New England, Chinese American Citizens Alliance Boston Lodge and the Chinese American Heritage Foundation with the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community honored 2024 Parade Grand Marshal Brigadier General Joseph Milano for his dedication to our country. Malden-based Chinese Culture Connection was instrumental in coordinating the ride through Malden for the Lunar New Year Parade.

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A recurring story: Malden Mayor, School Committee and City Council lament ‘skewed’ Chapter 70 state education aid formula

Malden School Committee members, including Chairperson and Mayor Christenson, were joined by members of the Malden City Council in lamenting the glaring disparity in the all-important state education aid funds received by the City of Malden through the Mass. Chapter 70 program. This year’s figure represented a 7% increase of around $5.4 million from the FY23 state budget, but local politicians noted far higher proposed Chapter 70 aid for similar districts in the region. Two of the communities compared to Malden in a chart presented by Spadafora were Everett and Revere, which have similar student numbers in their populations and similar demographics. Everett, which has just 300 more students than Malden’s 6,570, was preliminarily allocated $111,682,212 – nearly twice as much as Malden – while Revere’s preliminary Chapter 70 aid was $98,418,11 – 50 percent more than Malden’s $68.2M, while having approximately the same number of students. The full Malden State House legislative delegation – led by Sen. Jason Lewis, chairperson of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education – appeared before the City Council on April 11 to discuss this serious financial issue, make a presentation and take questions.

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Malden High students awarded over $2 million in full-scholarship packages from six different colleges and universities for their high academic achievement from Posse Scholarship and QuestBridge Scholarship programs

Seven Malden High School Class of 2025 senior students were selected to receive full four-year academic scholarships to some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the nation. In all, the full scholarships added up to over $2 million in grants covering all costs: tuition, fees, room and board. Tufts University, Centre College (Kentucky), Union College (N.Y.), Rutgers University (N.J.) and Bryn Mawr College (Pa.) were the schools. The students: Catherine Alayne (Centre College), Fnu Dolkar Tsering (Bryn Mawr College), Nathan Dean (Rutgers), Thomas Ghile (Union College), Damien Josephat (Centre College), Zhiqiang “Phillip” Li (Tufts) and Zeng Yu (Tufts). Alayne, Dolkar Tsering, Dean, Ghile and Josephat were awarded their full scholarships through the Posse Scholarship program. Li and Yu were recipients of the QuestBridge Match Scholarships program, another national program.

“We were amazed and so proud and excited when we were informed of these scholarship awards,” said Malden High School seventh-year Principal Chris Mastrangelo. “What a tremendous honor for these students and a huge impact on their families, for saving the full cost of their college educations.”

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Malden ‘State of the City’ address gave a compelling ‘History Channel’ Lesson on city’s past and present, a highlight of year-long 375th Anniversary celebration

Mayor Christenson and staff’s production of the 2024 “State of the City” address in March was so good, it should be preserved and used as a resource – just like a lot of the historical information that was used to create the tremendous video that accompanied his State of the City address. Throughout, the theme was the “Malden History Channel,” and in giving detailed synopses on each municipal department, the presentation also gave a wonderful “look back” to yesteryear, complete with vintage photos and, at times, recaptured videos of Malden’s past. It was certainly a highlight of the city’s year-long 375th Anniversary celebration. The presentation on Monday was easily the most comprehensive, informative and of course – entertaining – that has been compiled. Everyone experienced several “I never knew that” moments, for sure. The presentation was so detailed and informative, it is worthy of being used as an educational resource moving forward, for all in the community. Mayor Christenson and his staff, Maria Luise, Kathleen Manning Hall, Elaina Savino, Paul Hammersley and all others who participated in the creation of this valuable and remarkable new archive of Malden history deserve commendation as well as the proverbial “Two Thumbs Up!” for a job very well done!

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City ends Roosevelt Park Improvement Project after many delays and increased costs surfaced after bidding process

In May, Mayor Christenson announced that the city would not be moving forward with the proposed renovation project at Roosevelt Park. The Mayor pointed to “significant delays and increased costs” of the project, which would have established a state-of-the-art, synthetic surface playing and practice field at Roosevelt Park, replacing what has essentially been an underutilized eyesore in the community for the past several years.

The Mayor also stated the challenges that were now associated with the project, which involved soil remediation and the removal of three feet of urban fill from the entire park, before drainage materials and synthetic surface field cover were installed. The cost for removing those three feet of urban fill alone is now estimated at well over $2 million.

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It was a ‘Year of Bob’: honors for the iconic Bob Rotondi, then his sad passing at age 85 in June

He received a major honor in March, then later that month over 300 packed the same hall to sing “Happy 85th Birthday.” But sadly, just weeks later, in early June, it was time to say goodbye to “Mr. Malden Babe Ruth,” Bob Rotondi, who passed away after having been in poor health for years. At his birthday party in late March, It was a veritable “Who’s Who” of the city of Malden, from toddlers to octogenarians – like the Grand Poobah honoree himself. It was also the day to pay tribute to the walking, talking icon/encyclopedia of Malden Babe Ruth Baseball himself. Many say it may have been the biggest birthday party ever held in the city.

Malden mayors “galore” were in attendance: present “city CEO” Gary Christenson, his predecessor former Mayor Richard Howard, former Mayor Ed Lucey. Bob had been involved with Baseball as a player, coach, manager and league administrator since the 1950s – about 70 years. He has been the only manager of the Malden Babe Ruth Knights for over 60 years.

It was not a day to go over records, wins, losses and championships, though Bob has plenty of those to his credit as well, but a day to say “hello” to Bob, wish him well and thank him for all his service to the Malden community. In early March, Bob was the Legacy Inductee into the newly established Malden Baseball Legacy Hall of Fame. On June 2, Bob Rotondi passed away and it was time to say “farewell” to a Malden legend.

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Farewell to the ‘Man they called Butch’: A 62-year Malden Police Dept. veteran as Patrolman and Commissioner, a true Malden legend and icon

Salvatore “Butch” Gennetti, a lifelong resident of Malden, passed away on June 28. Butch was a veteran of the Malden Police Department for over 62 years where he worked as a patrolman assigned to various functions over his long career, including vice, the detective unit and crime prevention, and was appointed by Mayor Richard Howard as the Malden Police Commissioner in June 2010, and then by Mayor Christenson, a position he held until his recent passing. Butch has long been active in local government and community organizations. In addition to his esteemed career with the Malden Police Department, he was also a past President of the Malden Police Relief Association, past member of the Malden Police Honor Guard, member of the Malden Police Softball team and former league President, Mayor Howard’s Ombudsman, Malden School Committee member for eight years and two years as Chairman, cofounder and first President of the Malden Over 40 Softball League, manager of former Kappy’s Kops Softball Team, member of St. Rocco Society, past President and current board member of the Italian American Citizens Club, past President of Malden Kiwanis, past President of the Brittolesi Mutual Aid Society, member of the Irish American Club, member of the Italian-American World War Veterans and member of Club Italia.

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Decorated World War II hero, longtime former Linden School principal ‘Bill’ Dempsey passes in June, at 99; left long, rich legacy in community

June continued to be a sad month, when William “Bill” T.J. Dempsey, a longtime resident of Malden, passed away peacefully on June 29, 2024, seven weeks short of his 100th birthday. The son of William and Barbara (Walsh) Dempsey, Bill was raised in Malden along with his nine siblings and cousin Barbara. He graduated from Boston College High School in 1942. After enrolling at Boston College, but before graduating, Bill enlisted in the Army. As a member of the 42nd Infantry (“Rainbow”) Division in World War II, his first combat action was in the Battle of the Bulge. His wartime experience included single-handedly halting the advance of a German surprise attack on his company, for which he won a Bronze Medal. On April 29, 1945, his squad played a key part in opening the gates and liberating the Dachau concentration camp, an experience that haunted him throughout his life. Bill lived and breathed Malden, where he had a long, successful career as an educator, first as a teacher at the Faulkner School, later as principal of the Pierce School and, for 27 years, as principal of the Linden School. It was at Linden that Bill really excelled at positively impacting young people.

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Malden DEI Coordinator Kashawna Harling is ‘Black Excellence on the Hill’ award recipient

Kashawna Harling, Malden’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Coordinator, was nominated by State Senator Jason Lewis and State Representative Steven Ultrino for the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus’ “Black Excellence on the Hill Award.” In her work as Malden’s DEI Coordinator, Kashawna has strived to create a strong community where people feel included, supported and heard. She previously served as the Program Director for the Mayor’s Youth Employment Program, Senior Employment Program and Career Connections program – assisting students, seniors and residents into employment across the city. The Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus works to define, highlight and analyze issues and concerns affecting people of color in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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Dr. Timothy Sippel assumes post as new Malden Superintendent of Schools

New Superintendent of Schools Timothy Sippel, Ed.L.D. officially took the reins of the Malden Public Schools on July 1. On that day, digitally online, he officially greeted the community with a message of introduction. He also delivered a detailed Entry Plan for his new leadership, encouraging community members to participate in the formulation of pathways and policy for the district’s future as he embarks in his new role. “I am truly honored to join Malden as your Superintendent of Schools,” Superintendent Sippel said in his introductory message, which was sent via email to the Malden Public Schools community. “Malden is an amazingly diverse community made up of talented students, loving families, hard-working educators and staff, and community leaders who want to do right by the city’s young people.”

The newly appointed Superintendent, who previously worked in a top-level administrative position in the Worcester Public Schools, told the community the future is bright for this city’s school district. “The Malden Public Schools has all of the ingredients to become a model urban school district, and its journey toward that goal has been underway for many years,” Superintendent Sippel said in his message. “We have the opportunity to work together to ensure that all Malden students thrive in our schools and are fully prepared to succeed in the future they choose to pursue.

“I am committed to leading our district to achieve these goals through a spirit of inclusiveness, collaboration, and continuous improvement,” he added.

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Malden High School became the first school in Massachusetts to raise the Flag of Brazil on November 18, commemorating Brazilian Flag Day

While some communities have held a Brazilian Flag Raising Day, no other school in the state had done so until Malden took that step on Tuesday. Over 600 students participated in the end-of-school celebration, including many of the close to 350 students of Brazilian descent who are attending Malden High School. On hand for the ceremony and celebration were Malden Mayor and School Committee Chairperson Gary Christenson, Malden DEI Coordinator Kashawna Harling and government staff members and Malden High School Principal Chris Mastrangelo and many MHS staff members. “It was the first time we’ve done this and it was one of the largest events of this kind we have held,” Mastrangelo said. “We have a large and vibrant group of students of the Brazilian culture and they were so happy and excited, as were all of our students. A great day for all!”

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City unveils magnificent World War I Soldier replica bronze statue at Devir Park

Mayor Christenson blended the past with the present in a stirring address to a receptive audience, one of the many highlights of a very special Veterans Day celebration on November 11. In this national election year, he stated, “The focus has been on the fact that we live in a country where we have the fundamental freedom to discuss these election results, thanks to the veterans who protected them. Without a doubt, it has been their selflessness and service that has strengthened our democracy and it has been their determination and resolve that has preserved our freedom to participate in the democratic process. I am so proud to say Malden doesn’t forget and our community remains ever grateful.”

The spotlight of the day was on the unveiling of the new life-size bronze statue of an authentic World War I soldier, in full circa 1917-18 uniform. The statue is one of many now erected in Malden. Several other similar, life-size figures are in place at Forest Dale Cemetery on Forest Street, honoring veterans of World War II, Vietnam and Desert Storm.

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Malden unveils city’s Climate Action Plan, focusing on equity, resilience, and a sustainable future

In October, Malden announced it had completed its first-ever Climate Action Plan (CAP), with a unanimous endorsement from the Malden City Council. A CAP is a detailed strategic roadmap to reduce emissions, protect neighborhoods from climate impacts and create a sustainable and resilient future for all. Malden’s CAP prioritizes equity and climate justice, and it is driven by five key goals: championing good governance, advancing net-zero in buildings and energy, accelerating sustainable transportation, mitigating heat and flooding impacts and enhancing community resilience. “A plan like this is unprecedented in Malden,” said Mayor Christenson. “I am proud of the effort that was put into this CAP, and I look forward to working with residents, City departments, City Councillors, and partner organizations to begin the work of implementation.”

“I couldn’t be more excited about the equitable, sustainable clean-energy future that our climate action plan lays out for Malden,” said Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald, chair of the Energy Efficiency & Sustainability Commission and member of the CAP Steering Committee. “The climate crisis is already here – protecting our neighborhoods from the worsening climate and doing our part to protect the planet is essential for the safety and health of our community moving forward. In every part of the city, I witness growing commitment to this work ahead.”

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Barbara Murphy becomes Malden’s first woman Police Commissioner

Mayor Christenson, Police Chief Glenn Cronin, members of the City Council and several City Hall employees witnessed as former City Councillor Barbara Murphy was officially sworn in as Malden’s 23rd Police Commissioner. City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio took the oath and then had Murphy sign the official Oath Book. Murphy, a lifelong resident of Malden, served seven terms as the City Councillor for Ward 5. During her time as Ward Councillor, she served as City Council President on two occasions, chaired the finance committee multiple times and always took an active role in public safety matters.

“I am pleased that Barbara will continue to serve her community and that she has accepted this opportunity to work side by side with our Police Chief Glenn Cronin in providing guidance and oversight of the Malden Police Department,” said Mayor Christenson. “Barbara’s strong management, operational skills, and knowledge of this community, municipal government and finance combined with her fair mindedness and even keeled approach really make her a great fit for this role.”

Murphy, the first woman to be appointed Police Commissioner in the history of Malden, is fulfilling the term left vacant by the recent passing of longtime Police Commissioner Salvatore “Butch” Gennetti.

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Malden Declaration Day – Special Tribute to Black Revolutionary War Veterans

Mayor Christenson, Library Director Dora St. Martin and members of the Historical Society welcomed residents on June 28 at Historic Bell Rock Cemetery to kick off Independence Day celebrations. Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe, Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley, Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor, Ward 6 Councillor Steve Winslow and Ward 7 School Committee Member Keith Bernard all attended the ceremony. This event was especially moving, as the new bronze Revolutionary War Memorial recently installed to honor the service of 12 free and enslaved Black Soldiers of Malden who served during the Revolutionary War was unveiled. The original memorial was installed in the same location in 1930 and lists no Black soldiers. To assist with the memorial unveiling, Willis Rose, Sr., a longtime community member and member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, stepped up to uncover the memorial for all to see for the first time.

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Malden’s 375th Anniversary officially celebrated on May 2 at State House in Boston

Happy 375th Anniversary to our City! May 2, 2024, was the 375th Anniversary of when in the year 1649 that the territory known as “Mistick Side” became separated from the Charlestown Colony to become a distinct town. Upon agreement by the General Court, the following entries upon the records of the colony recorded the incorporation of the town of Malden: “Upon the petition of Mistick side men, they are granted to be a distinct town, and the name thereof to be called Mauldon.

“In answer to the petition of inhabitants of Mistick Side, their request is granted, to be a distinct town of Malden.”

This record would have been read at the First Meeting House in Boston, which stood just behind where the Old State House is now (probably roughly the corner of Washington and Court Streets). It would have been a very simple wooden meeting house used both for the First Church services and for meetings of the General Court, until the Town House was built in the late 1650s (on the site of the Old State House).

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Ward Four’s Ryan O’Malley elected Malden City Council President

Ryan O’Malley will serve as the Malden City Council President in 2025, it was determined at the December final Council meeting of the calendar year. O’Malley, who was reelected to a fifth term in 2023, was ushered into the Council’s top post by a unanimous 9-0. For the first time in several such elections, the Ward 4 Councillor was the only candidate nominated and voted on by the members. After outgoing Council President Stephen Winslow (Ward 6) formally opened nominations for Council President for 2025, Ward 2 Councillor Paul Condon – the most senior Councillor – nominated O’Malley for Council President. The nomination was seconded by Ward 8 Councillor Jadeane Sica. At the end of the meeting, during the personal privilege portion, Councillor O’Malley thanked his colleagues: “I want to say thank you to everyone for your vote. It means a lot to me.”