MALDEN YEAR in REVIEW: This was a year of ‘returns’ with many time-honored traditions and events coming back as pandemic restrictions eased

Mayor Christenson announces for reelection; Phantom Gourmet Food Festival draws thousands; millions spent on infrastructure improvements; teachers strike; football team wins at Fenway

  While the once-in-100 years COVID-19 pandemic is still with us – going on three years – but for the first time since it began, many Malden residents may have gotten the chance to exhale and take a breath in 2022. With the long-awaited reduction of restrictions, which accompanied the widespread use of testing and vaccines, we were able to resurrect and return to many of the traditions, activities and events that we missed in 2020 and 2021.

  Though there were disagreements and familiar doses of rancor in the community – particularly in the political scene – which seemingly have gained a foothold here since COVID-19 arrived, there was also a rise on the other side of the equation. Malden residents came out in droves in 2022 to donate to causes, volunteer to help and maybe just cheer on their fellow citizens who were doing the same.

  In between there were some events we will never forget, such as the day tens of thousands descended on this community for the fantastic Phantom Gourmet Food Festival. How about the unforgettable “Football at Fenway Game” where Malden High football made history as the first team in school history to play – and win – at that iconic venue for Thanksgiving?

  Despite the bouts of acrimony at times, it is still appropriate to say “Hats off” to our elected officials, who put differences aside and made some major infrastructure changes a reality with lead pipes replaced, streets and sidewalks repaired and redone and many subtle, but valuable beautification efforts realized.

  Malden teachers stopped the school year for a full day with a citywide strike, but returned the next day after hammering out a new contract. The ranks of Malden Public Schools students continue to grow, near 6,500, and reports are promising as for test results and the overall mood in our school buildings.

  What lies ahead in 2023? We shall see, but let us take a look back at 2022 before the next chapter begins.

  Following is a look at this past year, 2022, month-by month.

  JANUARY: As a safety precaution, with a nod to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the rapid rise in cases due to the ultra-contagious Omicron variant, Mayor Gary Christenson announced on the first official business day of 2022 that there would be a return to mandatory mask-wearing in all public, indoor settings as of January 7. This did not affect the Malden Public Schools, which had its own mask mandate since school opening in September 2021. The mayor also ordered all city boards and commissions back to Zoom-style, remote meetings until further notice. A scaled down – physical interaction-wise – and shortened municipal Inauguration Night was held with three new Councillors sworn in: Karen Colón Hayes, at large; Carey McDonald, at large; and Chris Simonelli, Ward 6. Stephen Winslow took over as Ward 6 Councillor, having previously served as Councillor-at-Large. Two Councillors were bid adieu: Ward 7’s Neal Anderson and David Camell of Ward 6. Longtime Councillor-at-Large Craig Spadafora was elected City Council President despite some challengers. Despite the surge in COVID-19 cases following the Winter Break in the Malden Public Schools, classes resumed with strict health and safety protocols in place. A large group of Malden High School students participated in a statewide Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Summit hosted remotely by the MIAA. Major funding was voted in from public CPC funds to further support the major renovation of Devir Park in Ward 2 – a longtime dream of veteran City Councillor Paul Condon. Malden voters joined those around the region in overwhelming support for added funding locally for the new, planned $350 million-plus Northeast Metro Tech High School. A late-arriving bona fide Nor’easter blizzard smacked Malden and the state, dropping 20 inches locally and over 30 inches in some parts of Massachusetts.

  FEBRUARY: After a rough period of COVID-19 surges in January, February brought far fewer cases reported and, for the first time since 2019, students were allowed back in the Malden High gym for indoor athletic events. Black History Month was celebrated throughout the city in many places, particularly in the Malden Public Schools, as reported by Superintendent Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy. The Malden Health Department reported at mid-month that COVID-19 cases were continuing to plummet, even faster than the state averages. As a result of the 2020 Census, Malden saw its population soar to 65,000-plus and had to redistrict for voting purposes and voted in the recommended plan which called for 27 precincts, up from 16 which had been the standard for many years. Malden was stunned with the unexpected passing of former longtime (1972-1998) Malden High football coach and retired 35-year educator Paul Finn on Feb. 5. Hundreds of families and friends packed the wake and funeral for “Coach” in the days that followed; he was 74. Also passing in February (Feb. 4) was 50-year Malden dentist and 42-year Board of Health member Dr. John Horne, at 90. The Malden School Committee was researching and debating the future of the mask policy for students, as many districts across Mass. were making masks optional for students and staff since Gov. Baker removed the state mandate. The school board then made a decision on Feb. 15 that masks would remain mandatory until at least March 14. Mayor Christenson’s theme for his annual State of the City address in late February was “Malden is resilient: Let’s continue the story.” It was delivered virtually for the second straight year.

  MARCH: Malden High’s Model United Nations presentation tackled climate change issues in up-to-date debating platforms monitored by the MHS History educators. The Malden City Council got a detailed financial presentation that included forecasts of potential future issues by the city’s Chief Strategy Officer Ron Hogan. It was announced that Malden’s Town Line Luxury Lanes and Mixx360 Nightlife owner Anthony DeCotis had committed to footing the bill of providing buses for Malden High promgoers to the tune of $5,000 this coming June. The MHS Principal said prom planners had indicated the $5,000 cost “was most likely a dealbreaker, until Mr. DeCotis stepped in with his generous support.” The Malden Cares program at Malden MBTA Orange Line Station opened for business for the spring, and a surprise guest appearance among other dignitaries was U.S. Senator Ed Markey. The City Council backed two local resolutions aimed at two federal issues: weighing in against child marriage and supporting asylum for Haitians to avoid deportation. Longtime MATV Executive Director Ron Cox reviewed his many years at the helm in an Advocate story. The many Malden residents who are Muslims and follow Islam began the observance of the holiest month in the Muslim calendar, Ramadan, on the last day of March.

  APRIL: A strong schedule of cleanups hosted by Malden City Councillors, including several around the Malden River, kicked off the month. The Malden School Committee, in a major vote, voted to offer a new food services contract to Aramark (which later accepted), ending a three-year agreement with Whitsons Culinary Group. School Committee member Jennifer Spadafora told her colleagues that continual poor reviews of food services to Malden’s five K-8 schools and the Early Learning Center (ELC) was one key reason for the change. Sophomore Ryan Cogswell delivered a walk off, game-winning hit in extra innings to lead Malden High baseball to a season-opening win over Salem Charter Academy. An in-person Spring Job Fair returned to Malden High for the first time since 2019. The Malden City Council voted to commit some $15 million for targeted infrastructure improvements around the city, including replacing lead water service lines, reconstructing and new construction of water mains, and citywide roadway improvements. The City Council voted unanimously to appoint Malden residents Abraham Ndiwane and Theodor Janne Shahan as resident members of the new Racial Equity Commission. Eight Malden residents were among the over 20,000 runners who completed the distance in the first full Boston Marathon since 2019. Malden Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli announced a series of major steps being planned for beautification efforts in his ward, with the assistance of city departments. The City Council approved a license for a third marijuana retailer in Malden, DMS Trinity LLC, for 36 Charles St. A prayer room – to help Malden High Muslim students pray during the school day – was opened at the school.

  MAY: Mayor Gary Christenson made a formal announcement that he would seek reelection to a fourth four-year term in the Fall 2023 municipal election at a political event held at Mixx360 Nightlife in Malden. He remains the only candidate who has announced intention to seek the city’s top post as 2023 begins. Another return, the Malden High Spring Concert, was back on stage at Jenkins Auditorium, for the first time since 2019. The Malden School Committee, dealing with pushback and criticism over the administration of the accelerated learning program at the Linden STEAM Academy K-8 School, voted to retain the program, but also to revamp the program with new and specific guidelines. Mayor Christenson submitted a record $196.8 million municipal budget plan to the City Council for its consideration. Mayor Christenson released details of a new agreement between the City of Malden and Mystic Valley Regional Charter School regarding its plan to convert a large chunk of Maplewood Square into school operations space. Mayor Christenson recently joined members of Malden Arts, artist Keith Knight (a 1984 Malden High graduate), his family, Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe and former Ward 7 Councillor Neal Anderson for an unveiling of the Keith Knight Mural along the Northern Strand Community Trail behind The Breakfast Club (formerly Doo Wop Diner). The original conversion plan, coming soon after it was revealed Mystic Valley had purchased the property, drew heavy criticism from residents of the Maplewood neighborhood and beyond. A full-scale Memorial Day Parade closed out the month of May. Parade Grand Marshal Emery Haskell, a 1972 Malden High School graduate and decorated career Navy man, gave remarks at Forestdale School Cemetery that day.

  JUNE: Mayor Christenson told the members of the MHS Class of 2022 at the annual Senior Awards Night that every senior planning on furthering their education at the college level in the fall will be receiving a $1,000 scholarship from the City of Malden, using federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. Malden High School graduated 449 members of the Senior Class of 2022 at Commencement Exercises held Sunday, June 5 at Macdonald Stadium in Malden, with speeches by Class Orator Tony Geich, Class Salutatorian Olivia Chan and Class Valedictorian Jing Ren. Fire Commissioner Emery L. Haskell was honored for his service to our Country by the United States Navy in an award ceremony aboard the USS Constitution at the Charlestown Navy Yard. MHS students received a record $118,000-plus in scholarships at Senior Awards Night. Mayor Christenson took a tour of Food Link, a recipient of Malden ARPA funds, as they are a supplier of food items to Malden’s Bread of Life, Community Fridges and other local food pantries. The new-name Nationals – managed by Felice D’Anna – went undefeated on their way to the 2022 Malden Youth Baseball Major Division Championship. Malden High Class of 2023 standout pitcher Brandon McMahon was named to his second consecutive Massachusetts Baseball Coaches Association (MBCA) State All-Star Game – this year to the Junior Select squad – throwing two shutout innings as the game was held in Malden for the second straight year at Rotondi Field. Three other Malden High players – Ryan Cogswell, Zeke Noelsaint and Jake Simpson – were selected and excelled for the MBCA’s Sophomore Select All-Star Game, which was also played in Malden. Tens of thousands of happy “foodies” flooded Malden Square on June 24 as Malden was the “Epicurean Epicenter” for the wildly popular Phantom Gourmet Food Festival. Malden commuters and residents were dismayed when the MBTA announced massive service cuts for the summer months of July and August. The Malden Teen Health Center, administered by Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) opened in a private setting at Malden High School. The Courtyard alongside Malden City Hall was dedicated in the name of former Mayor and Malden state Rep. Ed Lucey on June 28. Malden High Class of 2022 graduate and star swimmer Tony Geich qualified to perform in the AAU Nationals.

  JULY: Thousands of Malden residents flocked to the city parks and recreational spaces on or around July 4th Celebrations, which returned again after a COVID-19 cloud. Back in force were the three-legged races, basketball shoot, egg tosses and all the traditional favorites – plus food, drinks and more food. Hundreds of students went back to work for the summer as the ever-expanding Mayor’s Youth Summer Employment Program began the week after the Fourth of July. On July 7, Malden Police Capt. Glenn Cronin was sworn in as the city’s new Police Chief, replacing outgoing Chief Kevin Molis, who served 42 years in the MPD before retiring in June. Many Malden residents participated in the annual Bay State Summer Games. Managed by Deano Summers, the Flames won their ninth Malden Babe Ruth Championship behind the play of league MVP Ryan Cogswell. Mayor Christenson and Malden DPW Director Bob Knox made a special visit to Malden High School to talk with incoming ninth graders about choices and opportunities that await them. The Mayor and the DPW Director were classmates in the Malden HS Class of 1986. The MBTA announced it was postponing its proposed month-long shutdown of rail service between Malden Station, Oak Grove Station and Wellington Station in Medford for the time being. In an effort to increase residents’ numbers to get free COVID-19 booster shots, Malden Health Department officials announced free gift cards would be distributed to anyone who took the shot. Malden High Baseball and Malden Recreation partnered up once again to host a local, free baseball camp for youngsters at the Rotondi Field. Two heat waves hit Malden in the second and fourth weeks of the month of July with temperatures soaring into the high 90s.

  AUGUST: Funeral services were held on August 1 for a 21-year-old motorcyclist, Kyle Roust, of Tewksbury, who was killed in a tragic crash on July 27 on Fellsway East in Malden. Mayor Christenson announced on August 11 that Malden will soon begin working on its first Climate Action Plan following an initial grant award of technical assistance from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. The City of Malden hosted the annual Challenger Baseball Game at Bruce Field for the 10th year. The MBTA caused a major outcry from all it would affect when it announced the Orange Line subway service would completely shut down for 30 days beginning August 19, due to safety and maintenance reasons. All elected officials from the City Council, Mayor Christenson, our state legislative delegation, Congresswoman Clark and U.S. Senators Ed Markey and Elizabeth Warren strongly opposed the short notice announcement, but the shutdown did indeed go forward, greatly inconveniencing thousands of Malden residents. The 92nd St. Rocco’s Feast was held from August 12-14. Mayor Christenson announced that Gov. Baker had signed a bill allowing the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to sell the former Malden District Courthouse building and surrounding land to the City of Malden – city officials planned a dedicated Arts and Culture Center. A Good Samaritan and the Malden Police saved the life of an emaciated Chihuahua dog that was found abandoned with no food, water or shelter on the Bike Path. Malden Public School English/Theater Arts educator Leanne DeRosa received a statewide award for “Emerging LatinX Leaders.” The Orange Line shutdown began on August 19, and Malden residents were left to take bus shuttles or other means to commute or just basically get around anywhere. Over 6,400 Malden Public Schools students returned to classes from Summer Break on August 30.

  SEPTEMBER: The Boston Red Sox announced that the 135th Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Day Game football rivalry would be played on Tuesday, November 22 at 7:30 p.m. at historic Fenway Park in Boston. Less than 10 percent of registered voters in Malden participated in the State Primary Election on Tuesday, September 5, which featured few contested races. The Malden City Council voted 8-2 against a potential citywide ballot question being placed on the municipal ballot in the fall of 2023 regarding the Roosevelt Park rehabilitation project. A second ballot question proposal was withdrawn by its sponsor when it appeared it would receive little support, with this proposal to ask Malden voters to petition for the revocation of the Mystic Valley Regional Charter School’s charter. Both proposals’ chief sponsor was Ward 4 Councillor Ryan O’Malley.  The Malden state legislative delegation visited Club 24 on Salem Street to announce a $60,000 state grant which provided funding for some much-needed renovations to the sober house, which provides support to those afflicted with substance abuse disorder. The City Council briefly discussed the situation where three key city officials were moving on and would have to be replaced: City Clerk Greg Lucey was retiring at the end of the calendar year; Cemetery Superintendent Jim Cahill was retiring at the end of October; and former City Solicitor Kathryn Fallon had resigned in mid-August to take a position with another community. A Malden man, David Desousa, 32, pleaded guilty in a major drug seizure case from 2020, where he was charged with distributing methamphetamine (crystal meth). A Mattapan Pop Warner Football coach, Dana Jones, 56, of Roslindale, was arrested and charged with assault after he allegedly fired a football off the chest of a referee he argued with after a game at Macdonald Stadium in Malden, knocking the official to the ground.

  OCTOBER: Following the return of his remains from Korea, a long-lost Malden native was interred in Malden’s Holy Cross Cemetery, 73 years after the then 19-year-old Army Corporal was reported MIA and then most recently revealed to have died, along with many others, in a Korean POW Camp. The Malden High Varsity Girls Volleyball team was the first in the region to qualify for the MIAA State Tournament when it went to 10-1 overall with a win over Chelsea. Malden Public Schools teachers went on strike for one day on October 17 when they did not reach a contract agreement with the Malden School Committee. The Blue Bikes program came to Malden with some temporary free usage memberships funded by the City of Malden. All schools were closed for just the one day due to the strike, with most teachers returning to classes on October 18 when a tentative agreement for a 10 percent pay hike over three years was announced and later ratified with a Malden Education Association (MEA) vote. Members of the Malden Police Department began wearing body cameras, which videotape and audiotape public interactions of police officers, joining many PDs across the nation in this practice. Mayor Christenson announced two new citywide initiatives designed to save residents money and help the environment: the Malden Community Electricity Program – crediting Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald with shepherding the project to fruition – and the new Malden Public Schools Composting Program. The first-ever English Language Learners Parents Information Night was held in the Jenkins Auditorium, and a large crowd was in attendance, receiving valuable assistance. For the first time in many years, Head Coach Witche Exilhomme’s Malden High football team was in first place in the Greater Boston League ({GBL) after defeating Somerville at home and improving to 3-1 overall. Malden Public Schools Athletics hosted USA Field Hockey’s well-attended camp at Malden’s Macdonald Stadium with National Team coaches providing the instruction. It was also announced that MPS Director of Athletics Charlie Conefrey had been selected by the MIAA as Athletic Director of the Year for District 5 for an unprecedented second year in a row.

  NOVEMBER: Malden Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy announced that Malden’s results in the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment (MCAS) testing had improved in a number of areas, bucking the statewide trend, where most districts showed declines. Malden Public Schools was also among the state leaders in attendance and participation rate district-wide, close to 99% across the board. Malden High School, in particular, showed a dramatic increase to 99.5% from the previous testing period. Governor Charlie Baker granted pardons to two members of the Amirault Family, Gerald Amirault and Cheryl Amirault LeFave, who both were convicted and served jail time in connection with the internationally known Fells Acres Case, where a number of young children claimed they were sexually assaulted and physically abused by those two Amiraults as well as the owner of the Malden day care center, the late Violet Amirault. The Chinese American Citizens Alliance and the City of Malden joined to host a special lunch to honor Malden’s Lt. Colonel “Woody” Woodhouse, 95, who served in the first All-Black USAF combat flying unit. Mayor Christenson joined Congresswoman Katherine Clark to distribute free groceries at the United Way Thanksgiving event at the Malden YMCA. Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli announced that a project to rehabilitate Kierstead Park and the Simonelli skatepark had received a $400,000 grant from the state’s Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. The 135th Malden-Medford Thanksgiving Game – played on November 22 – drew a large crowd as the Tornados used a strong defense and the offensive fireworks of sophomore Kevin Exilhomme to hand Medford its seventh straight Thanksgiving loss, 34-15. After the game, Mayor Christenson gave Coach Witche Exilhomme the official Key to the City of Malden, in honor of the big win. The new Smart Pass digital hall pass, in use at Malden High School this school year, has drawn a lot of interest and praise for its effectiveness in diminishing the time spent in the hallways for bathroom and water breaks by students.

  DECEMBER: After a season on a different part of the calendar last winter, a full return of school sports began in late November and the first games in December as Malden High School saw unprecedented participation with over 300 student-athletes out for winter season sports this year. After it appeared the Governor’s Council would vote to reject his pardon request for two members of the Amirault Family, who were convicted and served jail time in the 1980s Fells Acres sexual abuse case in Malden, Gov. Charlie Baker rescinded the pardon requests. Malden residents who wanted to continue to receive News Alerts from the City of Malden had to sign up online as the service has changed from a “robocall” system to text messages. Former Malden High star placekicker Ronald Juarez became the first MHS football standout to receive a Division 1 offer (from Merrimack College) in a number of years. Malden High School held its first parent-teacher conference night in person since 2019, and it was very well attended as hundreds of caregivers came to the school on December 1 for private one-on-ones concerning their student. Over 650 students were named to the Malden High School First Quarter Honor Roll, achieving all grades “A’s and B’s”: over 80 percent. Over 200 had all grades over 80%, “All A’s.” Malden High Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball Teams both registered wins over archrival Everett in the two schools’ meetings this year, the first time this has happened in about 10 years. Malden historian Inna Babitskaya made an interesting presentation to the Malden City Council on her new book, “Time of Converse,” which details the Converse Family and the profound impact the family members had on the history of this community. Malden’s Christmas Tree lighting took place at Fellsmere Pond hosted by City Council President Craig Spadafora and Ward 3 Councillor Amanda Linehan. Ward 7 Councillor Chris Simonelli hosted the first “Lincoln Lights” at Lincoln Common, with the whole park lit up with festive lights – to rave reviews. Ward 5 Councillor Barbara Murphy and her elves helped host the 73rd appearance of Santa Claus himself at Pine Banks Park on Main Street; Mayor Gary Christenson hosted “Winter Wonders” at Malden City Hall on Sunday, December 18, which featured games and other activities centered around the different holidays celebrated in Malden this time of year: Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa. Later that night the mayor presided over the lighting of the city’s Hanukkah candles, the Menorah. An arctic blast sent temperatures plummeting in less than 12 hours right before Christmas, sending temperatures into the low double-digits and a wind chill near zero degrees for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day over this past weekend.