׉?4ׁB!בCטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://pBmy4DgmmP6GOU20w2qNuREM_M3J3Rdoy2-7c_y8hik`'p׉ 7cassandra://0pRwTGUHLlyosmhRMA16Vnh7-6BGasENtxCH3SnjkHkʹ`׉ 7cassandra://7mQTtMr41D5Na3u_2PwF25JZZCGkdVDummphnA_7Rn88`iPv!uנiPv!x 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׈EiPv!c׉E Your Local News, Sports and Information Online. Scan & Subscribe! Vol. 35, No. 6 -FREEwww.advocatenews.net Published Every Friday Malden’s Proposition 2 1/2 Override proposal gains support from elected officials, city personnel Mayor, nine City Councillors, several School Committee members and municipal unions back initiative, saying it will prevent budget cuts, layoffs By Steve Freker M alden voters will go to the polls in a historic, first-ever Special Election in six weeks, where they will be asked to support — or deny — a Proposition 2 1/2 override ballot question. On Tuesday, March 31, voters will decide whether to accept either a $5.4 million or $8.2 million override proposal, which Mayor BUDGET | SEE PAGE 8 Triangle, Inc. celebrates one-year anniversary of new program for young adults with disabilities Special to The Advocate T riangle, Inc., a 55-year-old disability services agency based in Malden, celebrated the oneyear anniversary of its newest program for young adults with disabilities. To celebrate, they hosted an open house attended by community partners, repI t’s a remarkable story. A Malden High ninth grader who is in her very first season of organized track competition is leading the field at the state and now multi-state levels. Malden High SchoolClass of 2029 runner Khadjiah Diagne won the 200-meter event at the renowned Colgate Women’s Games on Saturday, February 7 at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory located on Fort Washington Ave617-387-2200 Friday, February 13, 2026 Malden High freshman track star wins 200M at prestigious Colgate Women’s Games in NY Saturday Khadijah Diagne also set new school and Meet record at Mass. Track Coaches freshman-sophomore event By Steve Freker nue in Manhattan in New York, N.Y. Only a freshman, Diagne is already known as a force in the regional track world, in both the 300M and in the 55M sprint. In the 300M, Diagne is ranked #1 in Massachusetts and 12th nationally after recently breaking the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association (MSTCA) Meet record on January 24 with a time of 38.60 seconds at the ELECTED | SEE PAGE 7 resentatives from the state’s Department of Developmental Services and members of the local PROGRAM | SEE PAGE 2 Triangle CEO Rachel Kaprielian (pictured in blue blazer) and Malden Mayor Gary Christenson (pictured to Rachel’s left wearing blue tie) celebrated along with participants the one-year anniversary of its newest program for young adults with disabilities. (Courtesy photo) Khadijah Diagne, a Malden High ninth grader, won the 200-meter dash at the 2026 Colgate Women’s Races held Saturday, February 7, at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory, which is located on Fort Washington Avenue in Manhattan in New York City, N.Y. (Courtesy/Malden Athletics) ׉ 7cassandra://7mQTtMr41D5Na3u_2PwF25JZZCGkdVDummphnA_7Rn88`iPv!diPv!c rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://Bm09AmjXjRKvL-L_5tKtmJR8T5VPEyojKFJYODeJT_4`'p׉ 7cassandra://jCsWegLwPo13QyXobc1b7XGv_rZAM6jd99T_Cv9d3d0ͽ`׉ 7cassandra://4e87C83sj9xszwLEflBYstZ-6FOJUzE8qs7IcggIQjA8d`iPv!yטUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://2Y1sul1jiAnBh7ZTG87LdZ9MVKVdk7sOR1BIdRoXWEgj`'p׉ 7cassandra://oM0W135nQZsd8XBqNpAfc7h06D28iZdH4BSG08l_4iI͞`׉ 7cassandra://mFaSZwkCY4TUHz6NfXaScPyx9DRfKnBGlqKXaqbRBqk/`iPv!zנiPv!C#9ׁHhttp://TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COMׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!i9ׁHhttp://masenate.govׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!~p̭ 9ׁHhttp://SenatorJasonLewis.comׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!}E̴9ׁHhttp://SenatorJasonLewis.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 2 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 McMAHON STOLE THE BALL! Malden sticks up Medford in OT, 58-55 Tornado boys basketball team makes Senior Night memorable with solid win By Steve Freker I f only Johnny Most could have been there! Only the real Old-Timers can agree with that ancient Celtics reference to the iconic radio announcer who made John Havlicek and Dennis “DJ” Johnson famous (Bird, too!). But one of the most memorable “(Fill in the blank) STOLE THE BALL!” moments in Malden High basketball history will be the one that occurred Thursday night at the MHS Roy Finn Gym. Down by a point, 57-56, with 7.8 seconds to play in overtime, Medford went to inbound the ball from its far end, hoping for a last-ditch, one Gerry D’Ambrosio Attorney-at-Law Is Your Estate in Order? Do you have an update Will, Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney? If Not, Please Call for a Free Consultation. 14 Proctor Avenue, Revere (781) 284-5657 shot attempt to maybe win the game. Arguably, that 7.8 seconds is plenty of time to get the ball upcourt quickly and either heave up a three or perhaps just make it to the rim for a potential game-winning layup. But then, in a flash of some of the most enterprising defense Malden has seen all season, the visiting Mustangs ended up with a whole bunch of nothing. Nada. Zero. The pass went into the court, followed by a split second skirmish… but “McMAHON STOLE THE BALL!” Senior captain Ryan McMahon made the defensive play of the year — and his Tornado basketball career — when he stepped Sophomore Jason Minervini rises for a push with a blocked shot by a Medford big appearing imminent. in, yanked the ball free and then wrenched it away from the Medford guard. McMahon then dribbled three and was fouled with just three seconds left on the clock. The Tornado senior captain (15 points) then calmly hit both free throws to make it 58-55, and Medford could not ever get another shot off. McMahon’s 15 points matched his season high, but he was equally adept at dishing on this night, registering a rare high school “double-double,” as he also shared the ball all night with 10 assists. The Malden senior also went “Iron Man” McMAHON STOLE THE BALL! Malden High senior guard and captain Ryan McMahon got mobbed by the fans right after the game ended with a Malden win in overtime over Medford, 58-55. McMahon stole the ball with 7.8 seconds left and Malden clinging to a 56-55 lead. in this night, playing all 36 minutes — four quarters and then one OT period — one of the few Tornado players in basketball annals to pull off that feat. Malden also got a big night out of another senior captain, 6-4 captain Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares. Fernandes poured in a season and career-high 24 points. In another “when was the last time you saw this” moment, Fernandes hauled in 13 rebounds — another “double-double” in the stats. We have no idea when was the last time a Malden team had TWO “double-double” players in the same game. It was all quite appropriate for their seniors to shine, as it was indeed “Senior Night,” where they were honored before their final home game and certainly showed out in their final outing before a home crowd. Besides McMahon and Fernandes, the two other senior starters recognized were 5-9 guard Chace Bolling, a first-year varsity played who battled his way into the starting lineup four games ago, and 6-3 senior captain and forward Colin Okoth, a regular starter who put up nine points in his final home game. Malden broke a four-game loss streak and actually kept slim postBALL | SEE PAGE 7 PROGRAM | FROM PAGE 1 business community. After brief remarks from Mayor Gary Christenson and Triangle CEO Rachel Kaprielian, guests met with program participants and heard about their accomplishments since joining the program. In just one year, Triangle’s Pleasant Street program has placed seven people into competitive jobs; the program has expanded by 200% — now with 30 enrolled members. ׉ 7cassandra://4e87C83sj9xszwLEflBYstZ-6FOJUzE8qs7IcggIQjA8d`iPv!e׉E .THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Page 3 Senator Lewis announces Virtual Office Hours for February S tate Senator Jason Lewis will be holding Virtual Office Hours on Tuesday, February 17, from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. This will replace the regularly scheduled Virtual Office Hours on February 16, due to the celebration of Presidents’ Day. Any constituent of Senator Lewis is welcome to attend Office Hours, with no appointment necessary, to discuss any personal issue or legislative feedback with the Senator and his staff. Virtual Office Hours are held on Zoom. Each constituent meets privately with the Senator during the Zoom session. To join the meeting, please visit SenatorJasonLewis.com, use the following link address or enter the meeting information on Zoom: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/83854164671?pwd=eWZWQWU0VkZjcE9XSXl5Rk1BRVd5Zz09 Meeting ID: 838 5416 4671 Passcode: 234270 Senator Lewis also holds regular in-person Office Hours in each community of the district (Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and Winchester). For further information or any questions, visit SenatorJasonLewis.com or contact his State House office at 617-722-1206 or Jason.Lewis@ masenate.gov. Fairfield University congratulates fall 2025 Dean’s List honorees he following students at Connecticut’s Fairfield University received Dean’s List Honors for the fall 2025 semester: Grayson Kamadeu and Zachary Marion-Brown of Malden. In order to be placed on the Dean’s List, students must have completed a minimum of 12 credit hours in a semester, have no outstanding or incomplete grades for that semester and have attained a semester grade point average of 3.50 or better. T If We Happen To Meet By Accident ... You’ll Be Glad You Found Us! There is a difference between the rest and the BEST! Celebrating 46 Years In Business! TONY’S AUTO BODY Call or Visit 781-321-0032 34 Sharon Street Malden, MA 02148 TONYSAUTOBODYLLC.COM COME VISIT OUR STATE OF THE ART BODY SHOP • Computerized Paint Matching (State of the Art Spray Booth) • Computerized Frame Machines • P.P.G. Refinishing System • R134 + 1234yf A/C Machines Fully Insured -RS2415 Insurance Company Approval ALL OUR WORK IS GUARANTEED! TONY BARTOLO Owner 46 Years Let Us Handle Your Next Insurance Claim. Go With the BEST It Doesn’t Get BETTER! RENTAL CARS Available ׉ 7cassandra://mFaSZwkCY4TUHz6NfXaScPyx9DRfKnBGlqKXaqbRBqk/`iPv!fiPv!e rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://udfwc7V501TayLknMOysoek1gEjLxFnFvGFNSpkeW-8g `'p׉ 7cassandra://GxCLcZlALTTuwp1_C88UbN3kb3oWDqnFjYqUZdUL1C4ͽ`׉ 7cassandra://XSuOEhx0SdK6ZIunQU8w5x9EDKXWACGz_0TLCeJXBsU7I`iPv!טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://1OWjzSz7ByeQ24kl0BJ7tBmpT2tyInPyc2jOFXDYuxsX `'p׉ 7cassandra://Hix4i9hQa36vT1o_xB7nF2D3tHhA2mrgpRB4Te9bK0Eͼ `׉ 7cassandra://jQ1BeRKGf3P-Mx--9mNiXbdgkRgByFofqoG5_4ElMP87R`iPv!נiPv!6́9ׁHhttp://cityofmalden.orgׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!̍9ׁHhttp://www.ciׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!`9ׁHhttps://bit.ly/ׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!c9ׁHhttp://angelosoil.comׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 4 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Summer 2026 Internship Posting — Office of State Senator Jason Lewis M assachusetts State Senator Jason Lewis is seeking candidates for summer 2026 internships with his office. Senator Lewis proudly represents the residents of the Fifth Middlesex District of Massachusetts, which includes Malden, Melrose, Reading, Stoneham, Wakefield and parts of Winchester. Senator Lewis is a member of Senate President Karen Spilka’s leadership team and serves as the Senate Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Education and as the Chair of the Senate’s Ethics Committee. He also cofounded and cochairs the Legislature’s Zero Waste Caucus and Middlesex Fells Caucus, and he is a leader of the METCO Caucus. He has been a leader in shaping public policy on a range of issues important to his district and the state, including educational excellence, affordable healthcare and economic opportunity for all. Interns will have the unique opportunity to engage with policymaking, politics and government from the inside. Although unpaid, interns will obtain meaningful experience by witnessing and participating in the day-today functioning of a State Senate office with a special focus on work with education. Internship tasks may include: • attending legislative or project briefings • researching information and statistics • summarizing bills and reports • creating pamphlets and charts will be available about 10 hours per week between late May and early August. This position can be in-person, hybrid or fully remote. Senator Lewis’ office does not Established 1978 Mid-grade Regular 2.67 3.37 3.73 $3.47 Full Service ULS $3.579 Order online at angelosoil.com Kerosene Now Available! • drafting social media posts • event planning Interns must have strong written and verbal communication skills and attention to detail. Candidates should be comfortable with Microsoft Office, Google applications, and major social media platforms. Applicants must have a high school diploma or equivalent by summer 2026, and preference may be given to applicants from the Fifth Middlesex District. Hours and duration of internships are flexible, though ideal applicants discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information or age. Applicants of color are strongly encouraged to apply. Candidates should submit an application at https://bit.ly/ LewisInternship2026 by Monday, March 30, 2026. References should be available upon request. With questions, please email Jason.Lewis@masenate. gov or call 617-722-1206. Law Offices of • ESTATE/MEDICAID PLANNING • WILLS/TRUSTS/ESTATES • INCOME TAX PREPARATION • WEALTH MANAGEMENT • RETIREMENT PLANNING • ELDER LAW 369 Broadway Everett, MA 02149 (617)381-9600 JOSEPH D. CATALDO, CPA, CFP, MST, ESQUIRE. AICPA Personal Financial Specialist Designee Mayor seeks Member of Public Works Commission JOSEPH D. CATALDO, P.C. M “ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW” ayor Gary Christenson is reaching out to Malden residents to fill a vacancy on the Public Works Commission. The three-member Commission issues curb cut permits, provides for the removal of solid waste, sets water and sewer rates and considers applications for abatement of water and sewer bills. Interested applicants should have a background in civil engineering with knowledge of water, sewer, drain and roadway related services provided by public works departments. Public Works Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor with City Council confirmation and serve a term of three years. The Commission meets once a month on the second Tuesday of the month at 4 p.m. at City Hall, but may schedule additional meetings, as needed. Meetings are generally scheduled in the late afternoon or early evening for the convenience of residents. To apply to be a member of the Public Works Commission, please complete the online Boards and Commissions Application at www.cityofmalden. org/BCApplication. The deadline for accepting applications is Tuesday, February 24, 2026. Please email kmanninghall@ cityofmalden.org about questions. FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES! ׉ 7cassandra://XSuOEhx0SdK6ZIunQU8w5x9EDKXWACGz_0TLCeJXBsU7I`iPv!g׉E THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Page 5 Meet the 2025-2026 Malden High Boys Basketball Team Four seniors lead the way: Bolling, Fernandes, Okoth, McMahon By Steve Freker T he Malden High School 202526 Boys Basketball Team is led by a core of four seniors, three of them returnees from last year’s squad. While the team is close to being out of the running for an MIAA State Tournament this season, the team has shown much improvement this season overall. With a solid overtime win over Medford last week, Malden kept its slim postseason hopes alive. Leading the way for Malden has been the senior foursome of Chace Bolling, Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares, Ryan McMahon and Colin Okoth. Fernandes, McMahon and Okoth have served as senior tri-captains this season, all of them returnees from last year. Bolling is a newcomer, his first season with the team, as a senior. Seniors have certainly been all present and accounted for in all of the team’s wins this year, as well as many other games where Malden has been highly competitive, but just could not seal the deal with a victory. Just this past Sunday afternoon, senior guard Chace Bolling scored a career-high and team single-game high 26 MALDEN HIGH TEAM: The 2025-2026 Malden High School Varsity Boys Basketball Team includes, from left, Assistant Coach John McGlynn, Nguyen Sy, Alan Deris, Mario Joseph, Daniel Ferreira, Jason Minervini, Jaheim Rene, senior captain Ryan McMahon, senior captain Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares, senior captain Colin Okoth, Shawn Sekamwa, Shao Zhang, David Kintu, senior Chace Bolling, Varsity Head Coach Don Nally and Assistant Coach Dan Jurkowski. (All Photos Courtesy/MHS Yearbook/The Maldonian) points in a tough, 59-53 loss at Arlington Catholic. In a big 56-53 overtime win over Medford last Thursday night, senior 6-4 tri-captain center Kaua Fernandes Dias Valadares notched a career-high 24 points and made it a “double-double” with 13 rebounds. Fellow senior captain and point guard Ryan McMahon matched his career-high with 15 points and made the defensive play of the year when he stole the Medford inbounds pass with seven seconds left to play in overtime and Malden leading by just one point. Senior tri-captain Colin Okoth, a 6-2 forward, hit a career-high six three-pointers and finished with 23 points in another Malden win, 57-51 over Revere. “Our four seniors have provided leadership and commitment this season, something we really needed … considering we have a young and inexperienced team overall,” said Malden Head Coach Don Nally. Heading into the final stretch of the season, Malden is seeking to keep momentum going. Along with the seniors, other team members include junior forwards Daniel Ferreira, Mario Joseph and Shao Zhang; and sophomores Nguyen Sy, Alan Deris, Jason Minervini, Jaheim Rene, Shawn Sekamwa and David Kintu. Junior Varsity coach is Dan Jurkowski and Freshman coach is John McGlynn. PLEASANT ST. 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By Peter Levine F rom this day forward, it’s Sergeant Sal Gennetti! Don’t call him Sergeant Schultz!! We’ll say it loud and we’ll say it proud! Sergeant Sal! You could feel his pop Butchie’s spirit filling the room as Sal’s friends, family, paisans, and fellow officers looked on during a long-awaited, wellearned ceremony. Generations of pride, all standing at attention. Sorry I couldn’t make it, Sal — Ernie had me handcuffed to my desk (no Miranda rights either). I hear the after-party for Sal was something special also. Word on the street it was akin to Tony Soprano, Paulie Walnuts, and Big Pussy throwing down in the squad room on the NYPD Blue set. An Edgeworth style celebration! Congratulations, Sergeant. You done good, my friend. More on Sal at a later date or as soon I can think of more good stuff to say about him. Insert smiley face. Sal was a “son of a Butch” - or rather, he was Butch’s son. Butch was the legend and although Sal Junior is well on his way to his own legacy, his dad’s fame and fortune are always hovering nearby. With that said, Sal’s eulogy at his beloved father’s funeral was stuff of legend. Here I paraphrase a bit to showcase what this young man is made of: “Being Butch’s only son, or, as some of my loving coworkers like to remind me, “a son of a Butch,” I had a front-row seat to one of the greatest shows ever to come out of the great city of Malden. And I wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Butchie was the kind of dad every kid hopes for. The best kind! Everything I love and everything I value, I learned by walking alongside him. He took me everywhere. He showed me how things were done, how people were treated, and how you carried yourself in this town. He unlocked doors, some real, some figurative, and introduced me to everyone, always with pride in his voice. He believed in me, even during those times when I gave him every reason not to. Especially then. The highest honor of my life came the day Salvatore “Butch” Gen8 Norwood St. Everett (617) 387-9810 Open Tues. - Sat. at 4:00 PM Closed Sun. & Mon. Announcing our Classic Specials Dine In Only: * FREE Salad with purchase of Entree, Tuesdays & Wednesdays * Cheese Pizza - Only $10 Catch ALL The Live Sports Action On Our Large Screen TV’s Scan & Follow Us on Facebook! netti pinned a Malden Police badge on my chest. In that moment, it wasn’t just a badge, it was history, trust, love, and a lifetime of lessons passed from father to son. Malden remembers Butchie. And I carry him with me every single day.” Congratulations once again, my friend! Well-deserved and I know pops is looking down proud as a purple peacock! It is said in Malden Musings… • In the why can’t we get players like her department I bring to you... good golly, Miss Molly! Former Maldonians Elena & Bobby Ryan’s daughter Aliana outplayed me for my whole career (in one game) scoring 20 points with five assists and 5 steals in a recent Peabody High School victory over the Masconomet Chieftains, 68-40. The Tanners senior point guard is a chip off the old block as moms was a standout softball player in high school and pops played hockey at MHS with stops at UConn and Merrimack. Best of luck in the future Aliana - I hope to catch one of your games soon with brother Joe. • Also, her uncle is Malwww.810bargrille.com den Parking Department’s Whiz Kid and former football standout at AC and Saint A’s, Ernie “Ernie’s Son” Ardolino. That is some really good genes! • Malden City Hall took another huge hit last month when Joanne “The Queen of Excise Tax” Settemio called it quits and rode off into retirement sunset. Her goal: to spend even more quality time with her Hollywood handsome inamorato Henry and adorable son Christian (think Wally Cleaver meets Opie Taylor)! On January 15th - after 26 years - Joanne’s colleagues in the Assessor’s Office threw a going away shindig for her the likes of which have not been seen around these parts possibly since Retirement Director Kevin “Big Mo” Morrison’s farewell gathering a couple years back! Mayor Gary even used the finest piece of paper available and presented a wonderful citation to Joanne in honor of her blood, sweat, and tears over these many years. Much like General Douglas MacArthur’s faSergeant Sal Gennetti with his still beautiful mom, Peg mous quote in WW2 “I shall return” - upon departure Joanne uttered these now to be famous words...”I’ll be seeing everyone around! This Edgeworth girl is still a Malden girl at heart!” Love it Joanne and we love you! Congratulations my friend!! • Has it REALLY been 35 years since Emerald Street’s John Bionelli started working for the best American rock n roll band ever, Aerosmith?! Seems like yesterday I wrote about Johnny B celebrating his 30th year working with the Toxic Twins and remaining (somewhat) sane of mind! That’s a joke, son. John is in my Human Being Hall of Fame, the Emerson Schoolyard Hall of Fame, the Immaculate Conception Street Hockey Hall of Fame, and (hopefully soon) in the Malden High School Alumni Hall of Fame! From schlepping Marshall amps as a pre-pubescent 13-year-old for Malden based garage/punk rockers Boy’s Life to Road Managing/babysitting America’s greatest export to the world of music, the mighty Aerosmith - John, you done real good and we’re proud of you. Fingers crossed on this year’s Alumni HOF nomination. • Oh, did I also mention he also works with an ex-Beatle you may have heard of, one Richard Starkey aka Ringo Starr. • Great googly moogly! For months now, I’ve been meaning to properly thank Malden Musings’ number one fan, Sharon Malatesta Neal, for her unwavering support of this column. Truth be told, when someone like Sharon takes the time to read, enjoy, and appreciate these musings, it makes the whole thing feel worthwhile. This little column is my modest contribution to the city that raised me — written in the spirit of community, friendship, and that old-fashioned golden rule we all grew up with - treat people the way you’d want to be treated. It’s my way of trying to put a little good back out onto the streets of Malden. Knowing that Sharon gets that, and enjoys it, means more than I can say. From one Malden heart to another — thank you, Sharon. • Did I mention that Sharon’s son Brian has been a proud member of the USAF for ten years now? How bout that!? Let’s give Brian a big round of applause for his service. • The awards keep piling up! You can now call Malden High School sophomore gridiron sensation Jayden McGuffie “All Scholastic” as the Boston Sunday Herald did in last week’s paper. Congrats young man! • Just for the record, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Jayden a couple of times, and I can honestly say he’s a fine young man with a bright future ahead of him, no matter which path he chooses. Congratulations again, Jayden — keep up the great work. Malden is truly proud of you. MUSINGS| SEE PAGE 11 ׉ 7cassandra://Xv7QxuSOgsztpPWJU6zamTvpXpRdbVRSDkKeBbqsf_s4h`iPv!i׉EBALL | FROM PAGE 2 season hopes alive, with a 4-10 overall record, 3-9 in the Greater Boston League, The Tornados would have to win out, of course, but still do-able mathematically. Heading into Sunday’s planned road trip to Arlington to take on the non-league AC Cougars, the Tornados needed that win and five more to finish the season. Unfortunately, despite a spirited, career-high 26 points from Malden senior Chace Bolling, Malden met the same fate as the Patriots, stumbling in a 5953 loss to the hosts. That put Malden’s record at 4-11 overall, statistically now out of the needed .500 minimum winning percentage possibility with five games left on the slate. Malden and Medford fought it out close in the first three quarters, neither team really able to pull away, with the Tornados leading at each juncture: 11-9 after one quarter, 23-20 at halftime and extending its lead to 38-33 at the end of the third. Malden went up by 10 early in the fourth quarter, 44-34, with a quick 6-1 run, but Medford hunkered down and fought back to tie the game with less than three minutes to play, then taking the lead, briefly (49-48) with 2:01 left on the clock. Malden trailed for most of the rest before a Fernandes offensive rebound and putback off the glass tied the game at 50-50, sending it into overtime. Overtime resumed the end-to-end defensive dogfight between the two league rivals, with “McMahon Stole the Ball!” finishing the game off in style. *** Malden’s road trip to Lynn English was cancelled due to Tuesday’s storm and rescheduled to Wednesday night (after Advocate press time). After the Lynn English game on Wednesday, Malden will play on the road today at 5:30 p.m. at Northeast Metro Tech, then compete in the Annual Jake & Joe’s Tournament on Monday and Tuesday, February 16-17. Malden plays host Waltham on Monday at 7:00 p.m. Consolation and championship games are next Tuesday. The Tornados will close out their season next Thursday, February 19, on the road at Chelsea High at 2:00 p.m. THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 ELECTED | FROM PAGE 1 Reggie Lewis Center in Boston. In the 55M, Diagne finished 3rd at the MSTCA Meet with a personal best time of 7.15 seconds. Also a member of the Malden High Girls Soccer Team — which had been her primary athletic sport before starting her track career this winter — Diagne is one of the top-ranked students in the Class of 2029 with a GPA of 4.43. Page 7 Khadijah — interviewed immediately after shattering the MSTCA Meet record — made it clear what is next on her agenda. “I would like to break the state 300 record next, that is now my biggest goal,” she told Bay State Running after the meet. “I really think I might have a chance, if not this year, then next year.” The existing 300M State Record is one of the oldest on the books, having been set in 1986 — 40 years ago — a 37.88 seconds run by Tasha Downing of the former Boston Tech (Boston Technical High School). Downing ran the record time in February 1986 at the National Scholastic Championships held in New Haven, Ct. Diagne’s next opportunity was at the MIAA Division 3 Indoor Track Championship Meet, which was being held Thursday, February 12, at The Track at New Balance in Allston, Mass., at 4:30 p.m. (after Advocate press time). Good Luck, Khadijah! Get that medal! Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD Malden High School freshman Khadijah Diagne set a new Meet record in the 300-meter run at the Reggie Lewis Center in Boston at the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association event. (Courtesy/Malden Athletics) * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net SABATINO/MASTROCOLA INSURANCE AGENCY 519 BROADWAY EVERETT, MA 02149 Auto * Home * Boat * Renter * Condo * Life * Multi-Policy Discounts * Commercial 10% Discounts * Registry Service Also Available PHONE: (617) 387-7466 FAX: (617) 381-9186 Visit us online at: WWW.SABATINO-INS.COM ׉ 7cassandra://unqoIS7r2r1yE55h16ImwYuAtTNI3PBVt3Rv1VqvHSs3`iPv!jiPv!i rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://X_y68s-BrdDZF1BDIzj252BF_RHzbNsRfWmfU0sjZVs%`'p׉ 7cassandra://zTDOWkrr5u8X3fvwhLG2UjCrCHKDrZU7YrNeHlh-qqkͦ`׉ 7cassandra://QVQ84Bxb7PIIhCfjVPkcPsALlf9W6CbFoS94L4E30r0-`iPv!טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://zBDhRHnverKmxA90JllptevQcuBadTsg_u0HoEbu7V07`'p׉ 7cassandra://oX3tRsTcrpeuLjU-HcGBbwUF3kGzbR7ZBO9ZDTBEnAwͶ`׉ 7cassandra://2NW_cU0vnMUpz0UsP9-fz2NUqgssXW8npsSZXmZbG585;`iPv!נiPv!̵9ׁH!http://cityofmalden.org/override.ׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!ف;9ׁHhttp://den.orgׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!g9ׁHhttp://atwww.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!̹9ׁHmailto:tion@forestdalepark.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E_Page 8 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 BUDGET | FROM PAGE 1 Gary Christenson and other city officials, both administrative and elected, have deemed critical to Malden’s financial status, both present and future. Officials have stated that if the override proposal — either option — does not pass, then serious budget cuts and probably layoffs of municipal personnel would follow as soon as this spring and into the next FY2027 fiscal year. Most recently, a coalition of elected and appointed city officials and several of the city’s unions, including police, fire and Malden Education Association — the city’s largest — have come out publicly to support the override measures. Across the state, due to shrinking state-sponsored funding of local budget and growing fixed costs to municipalities, Proposition 2 1/2 Override campaigns have increased substantially in number, with 63 communities across the state requesting 68 override ballot questions in 2025 alone. Nearly 60% have been successfully passed by voters. In the past three years, 20232025, the Proposition 2 1/2 override ballot questions are over 170, according to Massachusetts state data. Historically, nearly every town and city across the state has requested a Proposition 2 1/2 override since at least 2000, with a majority of the campaigns achieving success. Most recently, the nearby communities of Melrose and Stoneham saw Proposition 2 1/2 override ballot questions passed, for a total combined amount of over $22 million. Melrose’s successful campaign, where voters approved a $13.5 million override in November 2025, stands as a state record for highest amount. The previous high was $11.3 million in 2023 by Brookline voters. The Melrose passage gives a one-time hike of $1,837 in the property tax to the average single-family homeowner, with an average assessed value of $871,123. Stoneham voters approved a $9.3 million override ballot question on December 9, with officials there sounding a similar alarm to Malden’s, seeking to prevent eliminating dozens of town and school positions and deep cuts to the library, senior center and ice arena For Malden single-family homeowners, the “1A” ballot question, which would approve a $5.4 million override, would mean an increase of $356 in the tax levy for the average homeowner, or, 54 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. The average Malden single-family home is assessed at $660,542. If the “1B” ballot question approving an $8.4 million override is passed, it would mean an additional 84 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, or an increase of $516. The Malden drive for the override began with a presentation and formal request by Mayor Gary Christenson in OctoSPECIAL OFFER Safety. Style. Stress-Free Installation. CALL NOW 1.877.357.6691 FREE Fixtures and FREE Shower Door Add’l terms apply. Offer subject to change and vary by dealer. Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 3/31/26. ber 2025. Since then the Malden City Council’s Finance Committee, led by chairperson and Councillor-at-Large Carey McDonald, have held numerous meetings where details of the override request and plans for the Special Election and ballot question were hammered out. In mid-December 2025, the City Council unanimously approved a request from the city’s administration to hold a Special Election on March 31 where local residents will be asked to vote on a proposed Proposition 2 1/2 property tax override. The proposal has been met with debate both public and online in favor and in opposition. At several City Council meetings and Finance Committee meetings, a number of residents have spoken out against the override proposals. Nearly all cited perceived possible fiscal management issues and called for independent audits of Malden’s spending and revenue. At this week’s City Council meeting, the members discussed proposals by two Councillors-at-Large, Karen Colón Hayes and first-term Michelle Luong, regarding the possible pursuit of outside audits. A group formed to support the Malden override proposal. Yes for Malden this week announced more than a dozen endorsements in support of the Proposition 2 ½ override ballot question. The campaign is run by Malden residents and has launched the website yesformalden.org, which includes information on the override, including “how this ballot question is uniquely tiered to ensure maximum flexibility to voters, and how residents can pitch in to help ensure success before the March 31 election,” according to a news release this week. According to Yes for Malden, many public officials — including nine City Councillors, have announced their support, including Mayor Gary Christenson, City Council President Amanda Linehan (Ward 3), Councillors Carey McDonald, (At Large), Karen Colón Hayes (At Large), Michelle Luong (At Large), Peg Crowe (Ward 1), Paul Condon (Ward 2), Ari Taylor (Ward 5), and Steve Winslow (Ward 6). Malden School Committee members Michael Drummey (Ward 1) Dawn Macklin (Ward 4), Elizabeth Hortie (Ward 5), Peter Piazza (Ward 6) and Keith Bernard (Ward 2) are also endorsing the effort. “As a fiscal conservative, I’m generally skeptical of tax increases. But I’ve looked at the budget, I’ve asked the questions, and I’m voting Yes for the override because Malden doesn’t have a spending problem — we have a revenue problem.” Councillor Condon said. Additionally, the Malden Police Patrolmen’s Association, the Malden Education Association, Greater Boston Labor Council, Malden Firefighters 902 and Malden Public Library Local 3945 have all endorsed the campaign. More unions have indicated they will take votes in support of the measure, which is slated to increase revenues by either $5.4 million or $8.2 million with the stated intention “of offsetting budget pressures and preserve jobs.” “Without additional revenue, Malden will be forced to make cuts that touch nearly every aspect of civic life. Public safety, services for seniors, educational supports, and access to community programs would all be placed at risk”, stated Deb Gesualdo, Malden Education Association (MEA) president, in the news release. “Educators and municipal employees are already working within systems stretched thin. Any further reduction in personnel or services will have a disproportionate effect on families and neighborhoods across the city,” Gesualdo added. Like us on Facebook advocate newspaper Facebook.com/Advocate.news.ma ׉ 7cassandra://QVQ84Bxb7PIIhCfjVPkcPsALlf9W6CbFoS94L4E30r0-`iPv!k׉E THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Page 9 Malden residents invited to Educational Forum series on Proposition 2 1/2 Ballot Initiative All welcome to attend and be informed of the issues around the March 31 Special Election Special to the Advocate M alden residents are invited to attend a series of five educational forums focused on the upcoming Proposition 2½ ballot initiative special election taking place on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. Each session will cover the same material, allowing residents multiple opportunities to attend at a time and location convenient for them. There will be one online forum as well. Proposition 2½ is a state law that gives voters the power to raise additional funds for City services through property taxes. Last year, facing a significant budget gap that could greatly reduce City services, the Mayor and the City Council worked together to put a Proposition 2½ question on the ballot. The forums are designed to provide residents with clear, factual information about Proposition 2½, explain how it affects local government services and school funding and outline what the ballot question would mean for the community. The forums are intended to be informational only and will offer attendees the opportunity to ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the issue before the March 31 Election Day. The educational forums will be held: —The first forum was held this week on Wednesday, February 11, at Salemwood School Auditorium, 529 Salem Street, Malden. —Saturday, February 28, at 10 a.m.: online forum (TEAMS) —Thursday, March 5, at 6 p.m.: Beebe School Auditorium, 501 Peasant Street, Malden —Monday, March 16, at 6 p.m.: Ferryway School Auditorium, 150 Cross Street, Malden —Wednesday, March 25, at 6 Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group at Forestdale Park Senior Living F ebruary 24, 2026, 5:30 pm, at Forestdale Park Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 341 Forest Street, Malden. Our support group for caregivers meets in person at Forestdale Park. Dealing with Alzheimer's disease and related dementia isn't easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you're going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. RSVP to 781-333-8903 or reception@forestdalepark.com. Forestdale Park Senior Living is a project of the nonprofit Volunteers of America Massachusetts, which has supported local seniors with specialized services for over 75 years. CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CAdvocate all now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web atwww.advocatenews.net p.m.: Linden STEAM Academy Auditorium, 29 Wescott Street, Malden Presentations will be made by Mayor Gary Christenson, City Councillors and City Finance employees, who will discuss Proposition 2½, and the potential implications of the proposed ballot initiative. “Understanding Proposition 2½ is critical for voters,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “The forums are designed to ensure residents have accurate, factual information so they can make informed decisions at the ballot box.” The forums are open to the public and accessible to all residents. If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, please contact Maria Luise, ADA Compliance Coordinator, at mluise@cityofmalden.org or 781-397-7000 Ext. 2005. For more information, please visit cityofmalden.org/override. ׉ 7cassandra://2NW_cU0vnMUpz0UsP9-fz2NUqgssXW8npsSZXmZbG585;`iPv!liPv!k rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://i7xfM7L_xLpZaxpvYCkbVMDkbQB5vyEGQcWVEwa37pc`'p׉ 7cassandra://RL92raDqejmzCO6-Hr7Lt3Q-LQFb8Pr7RPR5HpQIYUI͹l`׉ 7cassandra://45G5Vc9jBf7vEEpUw4T3uHjKqtRzr0WLQr9Ui_mCiY82N`iPv!טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://0nLBThoEQQV6_YEpL-n2RahFS2HjtjB7Tb4dWwGKkXo)`'p׉ 7cassandra://sfL35RaxD8LxnSw_8Fp6LzSyCJT3TyQ2DBUcwZHnZbM͠C`׉ 7cassandra://70JzXPsaaTOuD5Rran6DHnOsf2tIdhLsM60EaLNK4CA)`iPv!נiPv![N9ׁHhttp://lenire.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E[Page 10 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Savvy Senior by Jim Miller How To Turn Down the Volume on Tinnitus Dear Savvy Senior, What treatments are recommended to help with tinnitus? I started noticing a subtle ringing in my ears about 10 years ago, but it’s gotten much more bothersome since I turned 60. Ringing Ronnie Dear Ronnie, Tinnitus is actually one of the most common health conditions in the country. According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders around 10 percent of the U.S. adult population – over 25 million Americans – experience some form of tinnitus. For most people tinnitus is merely annoying, but roughly 5 million people struggle with chronic tinnitus and 2 million find it debilitating. While there’s no cure, there are a range of different strategies you can employ to reduce the symptoms to make it less bothersome. Here’s what you should know. What is Tinnitus? Tinnitus (pronounced TIN-a-tus or tin-NIGHT-us) is the sensation of hearing a ringing, buzzing, roaring, hissing or whistling sound in one or both ears when no external sound is present. The sounds, which can vary in pitch and loudness, are usually worse when background noise is low, so you may be more aware of it at night when you’re trying to fall asleep in a quiet room. Tinnitus itself is not a disease, but rather a symptom of some other underlying health condition. The best way to find out what’s causing your tinnitus is to see an audiologist, or an otolaryngologist – a doctor who specializes in ear, nose and throat diseases (commonly called an ENT). The various things that can cause tinnitus are: • Hearing loss, which is the most common cause. • Middle ear obstructions usually caused by a buildup of earwax deep in the ear canal. • Side effects of many different prescription and over-the-counter medicines like aspirin, ibuprofen, certain blood pressure medicines and diuretics, some antidepressants, cancer medicines and antibiotics. • Various medical conditions such as high blood pressure, vascular disease, diabetes, allergies, thyroid problems, ear or sinus infections, Meniere’s disease, Lyme disease, fibromyalgia, otosclerosis, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder, a tumor, an injury to the head or neck, traumatic brain injury, depression, stress and more. Treatment Strategies There are many ways to treat tinnitus depending on the cause. For example, if your tinnitus is caused by a wax build-up in your ears or a medical condition like high blood pressure or a thyroid problem, treating the problem may reduce or eliminate the noise. Or, if you’re taking a medication that’s causing the problem, switching to a different drug or lowering the dosage may provide some relief. If you have hearing loss, getting a hearing aid can help mask your tinnitus by improving your ability to hear actual sounds. Another strategy that can help suppress or mask the sound so it’s less bothersome is “sound therapy.” This can be as simple as a fan or white noise machine, or you can use sound therapy apps like ReSound Tinnitus Relief, myNoise or NatureSpace. Cognitive behavioral therapy and psychological counseling can also be helpful, as can tinnitus retraining therapy (TNT). This combines counseling and sound therapy to train your brain to ignore the sound in your ears. The new MindEar app offers TNT. There are even new innovations like the FDA approved device Lenire (lenire.com) that uses electrical stimulation of the tongue to alleviate symptoms. There are also certain medications that may help. While there’s no FDA approved drugs specifically designed to treat tinnitus, some antianxiety drugs and antidepressants have been effective in relieving symptoms. Your audiologist or ENT can help you figure out the best treatment options. Other things you can do to help quiet the noise is to avoid things that can aggravate the problem like fatty foods, salt, artificial sweeteners, sugar, alcohol, tonic water, tobacco and caffeine. Also be sure to drink plenty of water as dehydration can worsen symptoms. And protect yourself from loud noises by wearing earplugs. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. 1. February 13 is World Radio Day; which RPM records did radio DJs start with? 2. In what 1500s “dream” play is “Love looks not with the eyes, but with the mind…”? 3. On Feb. 14, 1859, George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., was born; he created the Ferris Wheel to be a centerpiece like what European attraction? 4. The 1928 film “Alias Jimmy Valentine” is based on a play based on whose short story? 5. In 2008 why were three Miami Dolphins fined for dancing the Cupid Shuffle after a touchdown? 6. What does XOXO mean? 7. On Feb. 15, 1965, what country changed its flag to have a leaf? 8. Originally, borax was transported out of what is now a national park by 20-mule teams? 9. Which Founding Father sold drinkable chocolate at his print shop? 10. The first permanent Pokémon theme park just opened where: Japan, Korea or USA? 11. On Feb. 16, 2005, what pro sports league in North America canceled their season? 12. In 2025 a Kartoffel-Flut (bumper crop) prompted free giveaways in Berlin of what? 13. On Feb. 17, 1963, what pro basketball player was born whose last name is the same as a river in the Bible? 14. In February 1926 production for “The Son of the Sheik” began; who starred in two roles? 15. Where is the world’s largest flood defense barrier: Florida, London or the Netherlands? 16. In 2022 a chocolatier created a Dubai chocolate bar called “Can’t Get Knafeh Of It” with knafeh pastry and what nut? 17. Feb. 18 is Cow Milked While Flying in an Airplane Day; why did that happen? 18. What new sport does the 2026 Winter Olympics have? 19. Reportedly, the first teabag was invented in what city: Boston, Delhi or London? 20. On Feb. 19, 1945, U.S. Marines invaded what island? ANSWERS 1. 78 2. Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 3. Eiffel Tower (His Ferris Wheel was the centerpiece of the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.) 4. O. Henry’s story “A Retrieved Reformation” 5. There was a rule that two or more people could not perform choreographed celebrations. 6. Kiss, hug, kiss, hug (hugs and kisses) 7. Canada (the Maple Leaf replaced the Canadian Red Ensign) 8. Death Valley (20 Mule Team Borax became a brand) 9. Benjamin Franklin 10. Yesterday the park (PokéPark Kanto) opened in a suburb of Tokyo. 11. NHL (collective bargaining agreement ended) 12. Potatoes; Kartoffel-Flut means potato flood. 13. Michael Jordan 14. Rudolph Valentino (He played a father and son.) 15. The Netherlands — Oosterscheldekering Barrier 16. Pistachio 17. It was an experiment to learn how height affected milk production; the milk was parachuted to spectators for publicity. 18. Ski mountaineering (also called skimo) — ascending a mountain on skis or carrying them and skiing back down 19. Boston (In 1880 inventor Thomas Fitzgerald was granted a patent; however, there are some Ancient China writings about teabag-like devices.) 20. Iwo Jima ׉ 7cassandra://45G5Vc9jBf7vEEpUw4T3uHjKqtRzr0WLQr9Ui_mCiY82N`iPv!m׉ETHE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Page 11 MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 6 • Malden, just in case you forgot - Jayden was the first MHS player to surpass 2,000 yards rushing (2,006) setting a single season record for TDs at 16 with total points scored at (188). • Them’s good numbers and I’d be super curious what Critic’s Corner at the 621 Tavern & Grille (Tommy Lubin, Terry Mathews, & Ralphie Kelly) have to say about young Jayden and his place in Maldonia football/ sports history. I’ll be sure to let you know as soon as I hear back from these three valued Maldonians — card-carrying Keepers of the Maldonia Sports Memory Bank and proud caretakers of Malden lore (oh, and btw, really good blokes). • No slight intended to 20-year Malden Police veteran Jack Lanni who was also “made” the same day young Sal was. Jack is a proud long-time Maldonian who rose from Sergeant to Lieutenant, just like that! Well, not exactly “just like that” because Jack is one of the hardest working Constable on Patrol in the business. His dedication and commitment to Malden and the MPD are unparalleled. And he is a heck of a good guy to beat!! Congratulations Jack, Malden salutes you. • Also, dammit! Jack was sporting the coolest muttonchops seen since our 21st President Chester A. Arthur!! Next time I run into Mr. Lanni I’ll ask what inspired this great face moss once popular only during the Victorian era! Enquiring minds, stay tuned. • Quick reminder, the Saint Rocco Feast (it is NOT a Festival!) will be here before you know it! Keep the faith, we’ll get through this winter from Hades as we do every year. As the Carter Family once sang, “keep on the sunny side/always on the sunny side/keep on the sunny side of life.” There are 8 million stories in the Naked City, this will be one of them...on a recent cold, windy Friday night Cliff Cioffi, Johnny McGee, and Richie “Turk” Turcotte wandered into the Italian American Citizen’s Club and instantly flipped the switch from quiet and tranquil to hold-mybeer storytelling hour (just for the record: this was a Cliff Cioffi Production — Turk and Johnny were innocent bystanders). After Dave “Elbows High & Wide” Angelo delivered a spoton Cliff Cioffi impersonation — bringing the house down to much laughter and applause, I might add — Choff took the mic and did what Choff does best: held court. What followed was a master class in long-winded but impossibly entertaining tales from yesteryear. It’s a narrative we’ve heard before, but we listened politely anyway. We got the Icky’s era and five-cent loosies story, the legendary and epic Melrose hoop league playoff game where Cliff and his teamLEGAL NOTICE CONTRACT 2026-S-1 2026 SEWER LINING PROGRAM MALDEN, MASSACHUSETTS INVITATION TO BID THE CITY OF MALDEN invites sealed bids for Contract 2026-S-1 of its 2026 Sewer Lining Program. Bids will be received at the office of the Malden Engineering Department, 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor – Room 340, Malden, MA 02148, until 1:30 PM local time on Thursday, March 5th, and at that place and time will be publicly opened and read aloud. In general, the work of this contract shall consist of pipeline cleaning, CCTV video inspection, followed by cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) lining of sanitary sewers along various streets throughout Malden, MA. The pipelines to be CIPP lined will be determined based on a review of the initial cleaning and CCTV video of the various sewer lines. The City has compiled a list of approximately 37,400 linear feet of sewer lines that will be initially cleaned and videoed. As the videos are completed the City will review the videos and select the pipes to be lined. For bidding purposes, the City anticipates most pipelines will be lined. Additionally, 8,000 linear feet have been identified for cleaning and CCTV video inspection only. The total described work may also consist of sewer manhole rehabilitation along with other appurtenant items. Contract Documents will become available Thursday, February 19th, and may be examined and/or obtained at the office of the Malden Engineering Department, 215 Pleasant Street, 3rd Floor – Room 340, Malden, MA 02148, Monday through Thursday, 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. City offices are closed on Fridays. A deposit in the form of a check payable to the “City of Malden, Massachusetts” in the amount of $50.00 will be required for each set of the Contract Documents. A refund of the deposit will be made for Contract Documents returned in good condition within 4 weeks after bids are received. Bidders requesting Contract Documents by mail shall include an additional non-refundable check payable to “IMEG Consultants Corp.” in the amount of $40.00 per set to cover handling and mailing costs. The bids shall be prepared and submitted in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. Bids must be accompanied by a bid security, satisfactory to the City, in the amount of five percent (5%) of the total bid. The bid security shall be in the form of a bid bond issued by a company licensed to do business in the Commonwealth; or a certified, treasurer’s or cashier’s check, issued by a responsible bank or trust company, payable to the “City of Malden, Massachusetts”. Cash deposits will not be accepted. A Performance Bond and a Labor and Materials Payment Bond in the amount of one hundred percent (100%) of the bid will be required of the successful bidder. Contracts for work under this Proposal will obligate the Contractor and Subcontractors to comply with applicable State and local provisions regarding prevailing wage rates, insurances, labor, equal employment opportunity, anti-discrimination and affirmative action. Bids may be held by the City of Malden for a period not to exceed sixty (60) calendar days from the date of the opening of bids for the purpose of reviewing the bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders, prior to awarding the Contract. The City of Malden reserves the right to waive any informalities or to reject any or all bids received if deemed to be in their best interest. CITY OF MALDEN BY Yem Lip, P.E. City Engineer Malden Engineering Department February 13, 2026 mates somehow took on the entire Barrett family — including Mr. Barrett himself — and of course Cliff’s timeless philosophy on life: “keep shooting till you get hot!” Stories flowed, gestures grew more animated, the rhetorical flourishes sharper, and the punchlines… well, familiar — but comforting, like your old pair of Chuck Taylor’s. Thankfully, as the clock crept dangerously close to Cliff’s bedtime (7:30 PM sharp), he wisely called it a night and headed off on the short ride home, leaving the room smiling and shaking their heads. Great seeing you, John and Turk. And Cliff — it’s always a pleasure listening to you pontificate, even if I’ve heard the same stories a thousand times over the past 56 years (could it possibly be 56 years?!). Wouldn’t have it any other way! As Peter Falk’s iconic TV character Columbo would say “Just one more thing sir” – Malden Musings remembers the 14th anniversary (Nov 2011) of the passing of a dear friend of Malden’s, Sean Lucey. Sean was on a lifelong journey to get inside his “mind and spirit” as he would say. To find the source of all the great spiritual mysteries in life. His journey was noble and his battle with ALS was just as noble. Inspirational to one and all. He found his rhythm in motion and mindfulness, ripping down mountain trails on his bike, then slowing the world through the disciplined flow of T’ai Chi Ch’uan. Grounded by the teachings of Buddhism, he carried a quiet sense of peace into his daily life. Above all, Sean was a devoted Dad, proudly coaching his chilMUSINGS| SEE PAGE 12 LEGAL NOTICE ׉ 7cassandra://70JzXPsaaTOuD5Rran6DHnOsf2tIdhLsM60EaLNK4CA)`iPv!niPv!m rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://63jCB6Q_ph98N5C5LMzIilKvGYw9qdGjtq01aODqw50K`'p׉ 7cassandra://uA0IexRTneXAzgwKCVLdhvdshG70JcXPv6PjmvcOc3Y͸R`׉ 7cassandra://UsN96ED7kIfeFK4GBoSHxoUX3ELFabQb83F6pV5_vG04'`iPv!טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://b745I1aecec7Yl7KeViz0IfFz9kKdD372E9gzj4CKikޱ`'p׉ 7cassandra://4K-5S0cVQMaF5QclVMqZz_FTGwtvaf8fziQVyaJNs-Qύ`׉ 7cassandra://NWJdz5lNaGU-t9wrIRUVZVnk6hDxpXfly8dFSbN-rD0?`iPv!נiPv! 9ׁHhttp://www.advocatenews.netׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!w9ׁH!http://www.americanexteriorma.comׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!w9ׁHhttp://www.mastrocola.comׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!/+9ׁHhttp://advocatenews.netׁ ׁ Ј׉E=Page 12 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 FURNISHED ROOM FOR RENT EVERETT ~ LEGAL NOTICE ~ MUSINGS | FROM PAGE 11 PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF MALDEN LICENSING BOARD 1 bedroom, 1 bath furnished room for rent. $275. per week rent. Two week deposit plus 1 week rent required. Call: 617-435-9047 - NO TEXT A Public Hearing will be held before the Licensing Board for the City of Malden at City Hall, 215 Pleasant Street, Room 108, Malden, MA 02148 on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. regarding the application of Mirpatt Restaurant Corp DBA Pearl Street Station Restaurant, located at 53 Summer Street, Malden, MA for a Transfer of License to sell All Alcoholic Beverages as a Restaurant to be consumed on premises, and for pledges of the License and Inventory. All interested parties will be given an opportunity to be heard. Lee A. Kinnon, Chairman Andrew Zeiberg, Member Paul Lee, Member February 13, 2026 ~ School Bus Drivers Wanted ~ 7D Licensed School Bus Drivers • Basement Renovation & Restoration • Bathroom Remodeling • All Aspects of Carpentry • Chimneys Rebuilt/Repaired • Roofing & Siding Installed/Repaired • Masonry Repairs • Foundation Leaks Repaired • Waterproofing • Interior Painting & Much More Free Estimates & Consultation Fully Licensed & Insured 617-955-5164 Toughbuildmasonry.com Johntoughbuild@gmail.com Malden Trans is looking for reliable drivers for the new school year. We provide ongoing training and support for licensing requirements. Applicant preferably lives local (Malden, Everett, Revere). Part-time positions available and based on AM & PM school hours....15-30 hours per week. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! If interested, please call David @ 781-322-9401. CDL SCHOOL BUS DRIVER WANTED Compensation: $28/hour School bus transportation company seeking active CDL drivers who live LOCALLY (Malden, Everett, Chelsea and immediate surrounding communities). - Applicant MUST have BOTH S and P endorsements as well as Massachusetts school bus certificate. Good driver history from Registry a MUST! - Part-time hours, BUT GUARANTEED 20-35 HOURS PER WEEK depending on experience. Contact David @ 781-322-9401. REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS BUYER1 Gonzalez, Leslie P Guo, Yanting BUYER2 SELLER1 Lundy, Ketline M Ruan, Shengfeng Mahmoud, Minerva SELLER2 dren on the basketball court and baseball diamond, teaching far more than the fundamentals of the game. His great joy and deepest comfort came from time spent with family and friends, where laughing, love, and connection were always the main event. Sean knew stuff. I treasured the times exchanging my latest favorite bands or cutting-edge comedians with him. I would never have heard of many obscure punk/Oi bands (Sham 69!) if not for Sean. The night he took me to see famous comedian/satirist Barry Crimmins perform, then finding out after the gig that they were best friends! And on a night where there may have been a perfectly poured Guinness or two consumed, well versed in the “Troubles” Sean broke down Stiff Little Finger’s ‘Suspect Device’ for me serenading me shortly after with a rousing version of ‘Nobody’s Hero.’ Memories I will cherish for life. Another beautiful soul never to be forgotten as long as there is a Malden Musings. Miss and love ya, dude. Postscript: Suffering succotash! Don’t seem possible, and it seems a bit surreal but as we sit reading together Sergeant Sal Gennetti will be enjoying a milestone birthday with friends and family at a local steak joint near you. As a precocious youngster running the streets of Malden/Edgeworth chasing his pallies around to decorated Constable on Patrol chasing bad guys around Malden/Edgeworth - ain’t life strange! Happy 5-0 my friend, stay well and enjoy the day dude - it’s just a number - or so they say. Insert smiley face. Peter is a long-time Malden resident and a regular contributor to the Malden Advocate he can be reached at PeteL39@ aol.com for comments, compliments, complaints, or criticisms. Copyrighted material previously published in Banker & Tradesman/The Commercial Record, a weekly trade newspaper. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher, The Warren Group. For a searchable database of real estate transactions and property information visit: www.thewarrengroup.com. ADDRESS 42 Loomis St #209 7 Sawyer Ct CITY Malden Malden DATE 01.21.26 01.20.26 PRICE 382000 740000 ׉ 7cassandra://UsN96ED7kIfeFK4GBoSHxoUX3ELFabQb83F6pV5_vG04'`iPv!o׉ETHE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Page 13 For Advertising with Results, call The Advocate Newspapers at 617-387-2200 or Info@ advocatenews.net APARTMENTS FOR RENT www.mastrocola.com American Exterior and Window Corporation Contact us for all of your home improvement projects and necessities. Call Jeff or Bob Toll Free: 1-888-744-1756 617-699-1782 / www.americanexteriorma.com Windows, Siding, Roofing, Carpentry & More! All estimates, consultations or inspections completed by MA licensed supervisors. *Over 50 years experience. *Better Business Bureau Membership. Insured and Registered Complete Financing Available. No Money Down. FIRE • SOOT • WATER Homeowner’s Insurance Loss Specialists FREE CONSULTATION 1-877-SAL-SOOT Sal Barresi, Jr. - Your fi rst call 617-212-9050 We follow Social Distancing Guidelines! Clean-Outs! We take and dispose from cellars, attics, garages, yards, etc. Call Robert at: 781-844-0472 AAA Service • Lockouts Trespass Towing • Roadside Service Junk Car Removal 617-387-6877 26 Garvey St., Everett MDPU 28003 ICCMC 251976 Frank Berardino MA License 31811 ● 24-Hour Service ● Emergency Repairs BERARDINO Plumbing & Heating Gas Fitting ● Drain Service Residential & Commercial Service 617.699.9383 Senior Citizen Discount Camy’s Home Improvement 781-813-5971 Painting, Drywall & Wall Repair February Special $300 a Room (Stock not included) BUDGET SERVICES RUBBISH REMOVAL * Interior-Exterior Demolition Bathroom/Kitchen/Decks, Etc. * All Types of Debris Removed * Pick-up Truck Load of Trash starting at $239. ~ Licensed & Insured ~ Call (978) 494-3443 The Kid Does Clean Outs From 1 item to 1,000 * Basements * Homes * Backyards * Commercial Buildings The cheapest prices around! Call Eric: (857) 322-2854 J.F & Son Contracting Snow Plowing No Job too small! Free Estimates! 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Advocate Call now! 617-387-2200 advertise on the web at www.advocatenews.net Classifieds ׉ 7cassandra://NWJdz5lNaGU-t9wrIRUVZVnk6hDxpXfly8dFSbN-rD0?`iPv!piPv!o rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://6-dTUeWTu4eEtHIP5yFc51U_hBvJSoqKLjFrZ9qvfFk`'p׉ 7cassandra://RNa0j-7JZqdzCpX6L1tsf6SVRnoXgTNJUnsfYm4qpzc͸`׉ 7cassandra://fw8ZLzvU-8owq4VQPHNz102wBwDZ_334seRUiUDCfDM6,`iPv!טUUru׉׉ 7cassandra://SPmSWRyyyREX8O_m7oseYY_nX5sjaCXh2j0ew6vSUfM i`'p׉ 7cassandra://Izw_7HDwVA62rHHVhwIO8tkHDrgBU5hU3UxKSa_IOfY͞`׉ 7cassandra://XTtFc-2in1OINoqqrsvc3P3cGONHka-G-k6VdnI6mvI2"`iPv!נiPv!1 9ׁHhttp://Boston.deׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!#9ׁHhttp://TrinityHomesRE.comׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!ā09ׁHhttp://www.BEYONDFINANCING.COMׁ ׁ ЈנiPv!99ׁHhttp://www.beyondfinancing.comׁ ׁ Ј׉E8Page 14 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 ׉ 7cassandra://fw8ZLzvU-8owq4VQPHNz102wBwDZ_334seRUiUDCfDM6,`iPv!q׉ETHE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 Page 15 Get your Mortgage Refinanced with Beyond Financing, Inc. Lower rates @ www.beyondfinancing.com Powered by Finley Concierge Beyond Financing, Inc. Licensed in CA-CT-FL-MA-NH-NC-RI-SC-TX 999 Broadway, Suite 500-N, Saugus-MA 01906 www.BEYONDFINANCING.COM 857.410.1391 NMLS ID: 2394496 IN CA, CT & MA: Mortgage Broker Only, not a Mortgage Lender or Mortgage Correspondent Lender. In FL, NH, NC, RI, SC & TX: Mortgage Broker and Correspondent Lender. Loans are available fairly and equally regardless of race, color, religion, sex, familial status, national origin, military status, disability, or ancestry. TRINITY REAL ESTATE 321 MAIN STREET | SAUGUS, MA | VILLAGE PARK TrinityHomesRE.com 28 Osprey Rd., Saugus 01906 - Commercial Rental List Price: $3,000 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 A 2 story building in Prime Location with the 2nd level unit available for rental office space to sublet consisting of approximately 4000 sq ft of 7 furnished offices and a designated kitchen along with 2 restrooms. Upon entering the unit you are greeted into a Large foyer entrance that opens into a spacious reception room which leads to a huge spacious office that leads out to a long hallway consisting of another 4 offices (2 smaller offices and 2 ex lg) and a designated kitchen that includes a refrigerator along the hallway is a men and women restrooms....rental price includes all utilities (Heat/electric/AC/water) .Move-in condition...office furniture included...Wi-Fi negotiable Easy access to Rt 99 near Lowe's and Rt C-1 exit in front of building... Available Jan 1,2026 7 Adams Avenue, Saugus, MA 01906 List Price: $589,900 Listed by Lori Johnson: Cell: 781.718.7409 Inviting 6-room Colonial offering a warm and welcoming feel with nicely updated features throughout. The renovated eat-in kitchen boasts quartz countertops, tile backsplash, stylish laminate flooring, skylight, walk-in pantry, and stainless steel appliances. A spacious, sun-filled living room opens to the formal dining room featuring a charming built-in hutch, adding period character. The second floor offers three bedrooms (one without a closet) and a nicely updated full bath. Additional features include hardwood flooring, mini-split ductless A/C, front and back porches, and a fenced yard with patio area. Conveniently located near public transportation, Saugus Center, Cliftondale Square, schools, Route 1 shopping and dining, and just 20 minutes to Boston.de in-unit laundry in the basement & two-car parking 781.231.9800 230 Broadway, #2, Lynn 01904 - Rental Rental List Price: $2,400 Listed by: Patricia Torcivia Cell: 781.820.0974 A freshly painted 2nd floor apartment consisting of a 5 Room/2 Bedroom owner occupied house that is located in a desirable area near Wyoma Square... Features include lots of cabinet space in the kitchen with electric stove, new refrigerator, tiled floor and a walk through that leads to an open dining room/living room with hardwood floors and natural woodwork with built-in china cabinet.. two bedrooms and a newer bathroom with tiled floor finish off this great layout with closet space and hardwood floors in the bedroom as well...covered parking for one car under the carport and front and rear porches for sitting outdoors...Available for Feb 1..Must have good references..1st month rent, last month rent, and one month security deposit is required at signing a one year lease. 123 Arnold Ave., Revere, MA 02151 List Price: $569,000 Listed by: Michael Foulds Cell: 617.461.1952 Check out this prime location. Bring your vision to this spacious property offering a great opportunity for investors, flippers, or buyers seeking an opportunity to add value. This 5 bedroom, 2 bath home is the ideal canvas for renovation and customization to make it your own. The layout includes a main living level offering a living room, large kitchen, seasonal sunroom, 4 bedrooms and full bath. Plus, there is an additional 1 bedroom extended living area with additional living room and 2nd full bath on the second floor for in-laws, guests or your own main bedroom suite. Set high on an oversized lot, the home enjoys seasonal city views and excellent natural light and privacy. Ample off street parking on a large lot for potential expansion. Providing Real Estate Services for Nearly Two Decades Servicing Saugus, Melrose, Wakefield, Medford, Malden, Everett, all North Shore communities, Boston and Beyond. FOR RENT FOR RENT FOR SALE FOR SALE ׉ 7cassandra://XTtFc-2in1OINoqqrsvc3P3cGONHka-G-k6VdnI6mvI2"`iPv!riPv!q rבCטUru׉׉ 7cassandra://jrB8cdg9-Sy-Zp_Stt0Wzkf2K882uRiUUENhu53pScky`'p׉ 7cassandra://ml-RjbK-jgfms10l1Xqz90hPidsWUKMnHzPU7XMU8CUͳ`׉ 7cassandra://C1RI6cpSBlpbkIRcrCJ6niiEEUXw8q2gvOSYIYteFOo5J`iPv!נiPv!t9ׁHhttp://COMMONMOVES.COMׁ ׁ Ј׉EPage 16 # 1 “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service” THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, February 13, 2026 # 1 Listing & Selling Office in Saugus “Experience and knowledge Provide the Best Service” ~ Free Market Evaluations ~ LYNNFIELD $2,499,900 UNIQUE Mixed use property, 4 bedroom home plus rear building, great corner lot with ample off street parking, many possibilities! Call for details. CANTON $899,900 1st AD - 10 room, 6 bedroom, 2 ½ bath single family home featuring central air, 1 car oversized garage, inground pool, many updated. 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