~ Malden Musings ~ “Julie Willcox Turner”

By Peter Levine

Malden, please give a big round of applause to one Julie Eunice Willcox Turner for her decision to get involved and to get engaged in the city she and her large, extended family have called home for many, many years. Julie is working hard to fill the (soon to be) vacant Ward 5 seat held by our beloved outgoing Councillor, Barbara Walsh Murphy – a worthy successor for sure if she prevails in November. As Bobby Sherman once sang, “Julie, Julie, Julie do ya love me?” Yes, she does! Her love for Malden runs deep. With that said, let’s get to know Julie a little bit better (as you can see, her love of music knows no particular genre)!

1. First concert – NKOTB.
2. Last concert – Zac Brown Band.
3. Worst concert – Jewel (although it was in Virginia Beach and a fabulous venue).
4. Loudest concert – Summer Jam.
5. Best Concert – Billy Joel and Elton John.
6. Seen the most – Billy Joel.
7. Most surprising – Lady Gaga (she was amazing and not at all what I expected!)
8. Happy I got to see – Mary J. Blige.
9. Wish I could have seen – Frank Sinatra.
10. Still need to see – Luke Coombs.

Speaking of music… “Malden Musings” (redux) celebrates the 50th anniversary of legendary singer/songwriter/human rights activist Stevie Wonder playing a short set of songs at the Jenkins Auditorium at the behest of one of our beloved educators Mrs. (Helen) Phillips (now deceased, 2014). The announcement came early in the day that an “emergency gathering for the whole school” was to take place almost immediately. For some odd reason, the sophomore class was not invited – so much for the “whole school.” Once all were seated, to the delight of the student body assembled, Principal Arthur Boyle announced from the stage that “Steve Wonder (not Stevie, as he was known to all) was in the Auditorium.” Stevie comes striding down the Aud steps accompanied by Mrs. Philips dressed in all his 1973 glory! From the story I have heard, another educator, Mrs. Clifford, had become friends with Stevie’s manager while the Class of 1973 were doing a Sickle Cell Anemia Fundraiser. Although sophomores weren’t initially invited, as soon as word spread about who was in the aud, the rest of the student body came rushing in. I had a prime seat already; I had a “study hall” across from the Jenkins, and as soon as I heard what was going on I bolted in.

Mrs. Philip’s son Brian remembers the day like this: “I was in 8th grade, only 14 at the time and I really lucked out being there. I knew Stevie was famous, but I don’t think it really hit me HOW big a deal it was till he won all those Grammys a few months later and the years that followed. I was really just starting to discover music in general and my own personal taste. Sadly, I think I only have one picture and it appeared in the yearbook that year. I know there are others floating around somewhere, my mom, who orchestrated the whole thing recently moved in with my sister and her husband in Virginia and photos she had are probably packed away somewhere.”

Stevie played a short set. I remember being awestruck, as were most in the Jenkins that day, Stevie being one of the biggest recording artists of the day and already on his way to becoming an icon. We wanted it to last forever; it certainly does in all our memories, but Mr. Boyle finally took the stage and announced (and I quote), “Mr. Wonder, the boys and girls have to get back to class.”

Ronnie Fales’ daughter Tammi reached out to me recently, making a case for her pops MHS Sports Hall of Fame nomination. She makes a compelling argument for the next time the committee meets: “I know his situation is different because his parents voluntarily held him back at Browne Junior High so he could take part in a new course of studies they were introducing. Unfortunately, it ended up making him ineligible for his senior year. However, I have heard over the course of my lifetime from a lot of guys his age who are already inducted including John Salmon who was a good friend is what a outstanding athlete my father was and what he accomplished by his junior year was amazing. In addition, his connection and dedication to the community has never stopped. He worked servicing the business machines at the high school as his regular job and then when that company closed, he became a head janitor I believe at the Forestdale and now in retirement he’s working with special needs children as a para. He stayed involved in Malden Pop Warner and Malden Youth Hockey for 25ish years combined. So anyway, I obviously think he deserves it.”

Ten musings from the immensely creative pencil of the late John O’Brien whose wit and wisdom endeared him to generations of MHS students, Maldonians and faculty at MHS those many years ago. Here are 10 of my favorite witticisms from his iconic “Musings” columns:

1. “A Russian napkin is a Soviet serviette.”
2. “Ex-streakers are over baring.”
3. “In a conservative bookstore, the customer is always right.”
4. “A crab apple a day keeps the psychiatrist away.”
5. “Bikinis: you have to draw the line some wear.”
6. “When she brought the T.V. Guide to bed, I knew our prime time was dead.”
7. “Well, Bud, wiser men than you drink beer.”
8. “Carson for the vulgar, Paar for the coarse.”
9. “Only a chump chomps like a chimp, champ.”
10. “Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, oil gotta spill, I gotta cry.”

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – why vote for Julie Willcox Turner for Ward 5 Councillor? I’ll let my dear friend Jackie Bouley explain why (she’s so good with words!): “To put it simply, Julie is the real deal. Her dedication to family and community speaks for itself. Ask anyone who knows her, she is a loyal, genuine person. As a lifelong resident of Malden, a wife, and a mother of two young boys, she prides herself on helping people, regardless of race, religion, political or personal beliefs. Julie is running for city council because she wants to be a strong representative for her ward. She wants to be an advocate for those that otherwise may not know how to get the resources and help they need, no matter the circumstance. She will dedicate herself to working for you and working with the city council to get the job done. When Julie told me she was running, I asked her why she wanted to run. Without hesitation, she told me she wanted to make a difference and bring balance to the city council. I know she is the right candidate, and even though I live in Ward 3 and can’t vote for her, the next best thing I can do is give her my support and tell people she is the right choice for Ward 5. Of this, I have no doubt. In a city as big as Malden, it’s unfortunate that the voter turnout is not greater, but it is vital that we exercise that right. Every vote counts, and your vote can make a significant difference!”

Postscript 1: I know, you yearned for more questions asked and more questions answered by Julie. Ask and thou shall receive faithful readership – Julie Part 2: What one thing would people be surprised to learn about you? I love to read. I don’t sit still often so you wouldn’t think so, but I love to learn. So, if you see me with EarPods in I’m probably listening to an audiobook on the go.

• Where would you most like to buy a one-way ticket to? Honestly, I love to travel but there is nothing better than getting home. So, I’ll take a two-way ticket to Ireland please!
• What person, alive or dead, would you like to eat dinner with? My Grandmother Eunice.
• What’s one song to play to put yourself in a good mood? Bob Marley – Three little birds.
• What is the one piece of advice that most changed your life? When you want something work hard for it and don’t stop until you get it!
• What one piece of advice would you give your younger self? Slow down! Enjoy being young and carefree!
• What’s the one thing that keeps you motivated? My kids!
• What’s the one thing you want to be remembered for? Being someone that always showed up for you, good or bad!
• Growing up in Malden – most admired or most inspirational mentor? I have been blessed with so many amazing people throughout my life, but my older brother Dennis takes the cake!
• Growing up what were your favorite places to grab a slice of pizza, a sub, or a hamburger? The Roadside Tavern (currently the 621) and Maria’s Pizzeria!

Postscript 2: Oh, by the way, did I mention that Julie’s nephew Jake (Willcox) is the starting quarterback for the Brown (University) Bears and (last week) was named the Gold Helmet winner by the New England Football writers for the second time this season?

Postscript 3: Speaking of music, straight from the Classical period in ancient Greece, Plato wrote, “music is a moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, and charm and gaiety to life and to everything.”