~ Malden Musings ~ Malden Police Commissioner Barbara Walsh Murphy

By Peter Levine

It is said in “Malden Musings”…

• On Wednesday night, June 24, at about 6:48 p.m., Malden celebrated bigly. From CPL William T.J. Dempsey Memorial Square in Linden all the way to the Lt. Walter J. Gunther Jr. Memorial Stone at the Rez, Maldonians raised a glass of cheer for Barbara Walsh Murphy, Malden’s very first female Police Commissioner. The overflow crowd waited patiently for the eagerly anticipated vote as many of the councillors weighed in on the merits of Barbara’s appointment. All spoke in glowing terms of their former colleague but, surprisingly, one councillor voted against the appointment. On a side note, how ’bout being that lone solitary councillor, in the books as being on the wrong side of history? Good grief! Then MPD Chief Glenn Cronin (backed by many of the men and women in blue serving us so proudly) took the podium and gave a presentation for the ages – sealing the deal for Barbara (I hear tell Animal Control Officer and amateur historian Kevin Alkins had a hand in researching some of the more esoteric historical MPD moments captured by Chief Cronin). Not to digress but just to reiterate, Malden is extremely fortunate to have Chief Cronin sitting in the big seat. Another fabulous decision by the Mayor’s Office for our future in Malden. Keep up the great work, Chief, your department is, without doubt, the envy of our neighbors – on a daily basis, each and every officer making us proud. Barbara! Congratulations! You so deserve this appointment, and you will be exceptional at it. Malden has your back as you witnessed at the SRO special session to anoint you. I even saw your cousin Jimmy (Sullivan) come out of hibernation to show support, with your hubby Jeff making a rare in-person appearance (LOL)! All the best in the future and to the future, Barbara! Show them what we in Ward 5 have known for years: You are simply the best! Hey, you know you’ve made an impact if The Kevin Larson takes time to write a letter to the editor praising your appointment.
• Oh, and by the way, once again a tip of the fedora to Erika’s little brother, Mayor Gary Christenson (and his staff), for making yet another brilliant decision benefiting the lives of each and every Maldonian for many years to come. Hey, if Mayor “Beast Slayer” fails to make another important decision during his tenure, this appointment and his tearing down the “Beast That Devoured Pleasant Street” would be enough to cement his legacy.
• “What you are about to read is a matter of human record. Explain it: we cannot. Disprove it: we cannot. We simply invite you to explore with us the amazing world of the Unknown … to take that One Step … Beyond.” Ron Hogan aka “The Stable Genius” wears many hats in the Malden he loves so dearly. Director in the Parking Dept., Malden’s Chief Strategy Officer, parent to Theo and – much like Master Po in the 1972 TV series “Kung Fu” – a dispenser of wisdom for any grasshopper that may seek it are but a few. What many do not know is that he is a world-class chef. I kid you not. Long (true) story short, Ron brings a crockpot full of his celebrated meatballs into the office for the Parking Control Officers. The food was to recognize the exceptional work they had been doing lately. Ron created these yummy orbs with the recipe gifted to him from Johnny Cagno. I’m sure you know Johnny or somebody in his large, wonderful extended family. JC was one of those kids growing up who “all the guys wanted to be like, and all the girls wanted to be with him.” True fact. A little backstory: In 2008, Johnny aka Gino emails Ron aka Luigi (inside joke) his mother Nancy’s recipe for her Edgeworth-famous meatballs (“don’t make them too small!”). The recipe disappears; in 2012 upon request, John forwards the much sought after recipe back to Hoagy. Anyway, as I said, this recipe was from John’s late mom, Nancy (apropos of nothing, my mother Dotty simply adored Nancy and her killer fashion sense). The recipe was lovingly handed down from generation to generation to the “Irish guy” in the Parking Dept. So, on this day I am tasked with running across the street to Stop & Splurge to purchase hoagy rolls (pun intended) for the delicacies that await us. Here is where it gets a little strange: I am about to walk through the S&S portal when who comes strolling out at the very same moment? Cags! Now, for the record, I haven’t seen John at that S&S in recent memory, nor had I seen him around the neighborhood or the Club in many months, but here I am on a mission to secure bread to feast on his mom’s recipe for meatballs and I run smack dab into him…what are the odds of that encounter at that point in time and space? Predestination? Divine intervention? You make the call. By the way, the sandwiches were, as usual, out of sight, man!! Hint, hint Ron….
• Let’s have a big round of applause for Malden’s newest employee, Sean Shuemate in the Parking Department. Sean graduated in 1987 from Melrose High, where he excelled in academics, at making friends (Malden’s Errico brothers!), and on the hoop court. Stints in Belgium and Puerto Rico playing pro ball with a detour in Vegas living la dolce vita – the 50 something Sean brings a much-needed jolt of youth (inside joke) and a certain je ne sais quoi to the Parking Department. I am predicting right here in print Shue will become a major player in our fabulous city – making contributions for the betterment of Malden for years to come. What do you say, Hammer?
• Program your electronic thingamajigs, Malden and all you Friends of Malden! The bestest time on the Malden social calendar, as we all know, is the second weekend in August on the streets of Ward 2, and it is almost here! Of course I am talking about the glorious Saint Rocco Feast! This year it will take place August 9-11, and the musical lineup which, up to this point, had been kept a state secret, can finally be revealed. Check out this weekend of outstanding, free entertainment brought to you by the friendly folks on the Saint Rocco Committee. Drum roll please: Friday night – newcomers and North End favorites 12 Barz Band make their debut! Allan Marcus is the face of the band and is a talented vocalist who’s been fronting bands in the Boston club scene for decades. Inspired by the likes of Joe Cocker, Stevie Wonder and Tom Jones, Allan brings the total package to the stage and with a horn section no less. Saturday night – in their return to the San Rock Festa the mighty, mighty WildFire! Kenny and the rest of the gang even had me dancing last year, and I haven’t danced since 1971 at a Y dance with Beth Sampson! Also, extra special guest funny man Dave “The Entertainer” Russo will return and host the night. Dave will have you rolling in the aisles with laughter and have you chuckling, grinning ear to ear, giggling and laughing out loud also. Sunday afternoon, after the Procession, we feature Steve Savio and those cool cats in SeaBreeze playing everything from traditional and popular Italian music to the Great American Songbook. After SeaBreeze, back by popular demand are those hipsters and dedicated followers of fashion in Heart Attack Ack Ack Ack Ack Ack: the premier Billy Joel tribute act on the North Shore. So, join us for all the fun! Have a sausage with peppers & onions, a nice cold adult beverage in Albert’s Beer Garden, then fuhgeddaboudit! Kick back and enjoy the company of old friends and new in person, not virtually. Makes a huge difference.
• Friday, August 9, starts the Feast of San Rocco on Pearl Street in Malden. The organizers of the event take great pride in ensuring that each and every person who attends has a wonderful, welcoming time. It’s the premier family-friendly event in Malden and we sincerely hope you can join us. This year we honor the late, great Butch Gennetti who attended every San Rocco while alive. Cal Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played ain’t got nothing on Butch’s 85 straight years attending the festivities on Pearl St. We will honor Butch’s memory all weekend long.
• San Rock organizer Joyce Mover explains: “For one weekend every year Edgeworth is the piazza of Malden, the gathering place for the whole city of Malden. We look forward to our 94th anniversary this year. We hope everyone will come down and experience the “Saint Rocco Magic.” Viva San Rock, Viva Butch Gennetti.

As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say, “Just one more thing, sir” – Dana Brown speaks: “The community I saw…last night I had the pleasure of heading to a new and improved Devir Park for Malden Rec League basketball championship games. Malden Police coach the rec teams during the summer. Chief Cronin was on hand as a fan. Joe Levine and the rec department crew do a remarkable job for all our young people. Adjacent was the Little League Championship game. Kenny Mazonson and the Dolphins won again. Kenny has been doing this well for 50 years. The mayor was there to hand out the trophy. A bustling concession stand served as a landmark between the two events. Seems like freeze pops were the favorite! Each of the tennis courts was buzzing with amateur and semi-pro like players. The splash pad and playground were jammed with individuals and families alike. Several hundred people, by my count, were enjoying the variety of activities and the great weather. Every tribe and nation (to paraphrase from my favorite book), it seemed, were represented. No drama, no politics; just people wanting to be out, enjoying each other. That’s the Malden community I saw. That’s the community I want to be part of.”

—Peter is a longtime Malden resident and a regular contributor to The Malden Advocate and can be reached at PeteL39@aol.com for comments, compliments or criticisms.