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Celebrate Fourth of July weekend in Malden

The Malden Public Library will display the original and the newly digitized version of Malden’s town records from the Revolutionary war period. Featured will be the May 27, 1776 document entitled “Instructions of the Inhabitants of Malden, Massachusetts to their Representatives in Congress” unanimously voted on by the townspeople of Malden to be delivered to the Second Continental Congress via their representative Ezra Sargeant. In the 1776 communication, the voting citizens of Malden renounce the Colony’s ties to the Kingdom of Great Britain and set forth their wish to become an independent “American” republic. The document is credited as a precursor to the Declaration of Independence written in July of 1776 when the Continental Congress formally declared their independence from England. The original historical document will remain on display for viewing. On Friday, July 1 at 6 p.m. in the Malden Public Library’s front lawn, local historian and period actor Tom Coots will perform the second annual Reading of the town “Instructions.” Here’s Neighborhood View’s coverage from last year: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OzR2iMORG8

Events

Bike to the Sea is still blazing a trail

It’s taken me 24 years to finally get up early on a Sunday morning to join the trailblazing Bike to the Sea folks for their annual 20-mile ride from Everett to Nahant Beach. Twenty-four years—that sounds lame, but it’s true. Finally, on Sunday, June 12, 2016, my husband and I biked down to the Doo Wop Diner in Malden to meet friends, Karen and Scott, for a 7:30 a.m. breakfast, and then on to the starting point for the annual ride. (This article was published in June 2016. We are re-posting in interest of the next Bike to the Sea bike ride to be held Sunday, June 11, 2017.) Every year, I thought about doing the ride. When my kids were young, I envisioned us all doing it together, but I could never seem to garner the forces such as they were. I’m essentially a casual bike rider, often too daunted by the long steep hill I live at the top of, which makes finishing my ride an exhausting feat. I love fresh air and […]

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Hoff’s Bakery satiates Malden’s sweet tooth

Have a sweet tooth? Head over to Hoff’s Bakery located at 35 Green Street in Malden. The 110,000 square feet facility features a retail component where residents can purchase desserts during regular business hours. Hoff’s, formerly located in Medford invested nearly $8.3 million in renovating the site of the former Asahi America building in order to triple their size. Hoff’s, a family owned and operated company, takes pride in being a forward thinking company that offers exceptional quality products with a personal touch. Nicole and David Frattura, the brother-and-sister team behind the Malden move, talk to MATV’s Neighborhood View about their gourmet cakes, European style tortes, individual desserts, brownies, mini pastries and more.

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First Church in Malden is a historic loss

It’s a sunny Spring morning in 2016, and I’m standing outside the First Church in Malden under the shade of a budding tree. A butterfly flits into the sky toward the soaring steeple of the church, and I notice it’s sadly in need of repair. Looking at the facade, it’s hard for me to believe that this building is one of the last links residents have left to Malden’s founding fathers. The congregation of this church virtually “birthed” our present day Malden government and played a prominent role in the Revolutionary War, leading the colonies in support for America’s Independence from Britain. Harder still for me to believe is that anyone could allow this historic treasure to be destroyed. I’m at the church today to attend an estate sale being held before the building is scheduled for demolition later this year. The eighth “Meeting House” of Malden’s founders, this building is reportedly a replica of an earlier church and it will soon be replaced with apartment and retail/office buildings as part of the downtown revitalization […]

Arts

Lantern walk at Fellsmere Pond lit up Malden

Darkness leisurely replaced dusk. The pond lit up with the procession of people carrying lanterns along its banks. This was Fellsmere Pond on the evening of June 4. Friends of Fellsmere and YODA hosted an evening of family fun. The Friends of Fellsmere is a group of citizens from Malden and Medford dedicated to honoring the 100-year legacy of Malden Hospital. YODA is a group of middle and high school students also known as Young Optimistic Daring Activists. These two groups organized and advertised the lantern walk. It was a lovely evening, warm and dry. It was attended and enjoyed by men, women and children. Lanterns with candles were for sale, or attendees could make their own. There were plenty of cut off 2L bottles, glue and tissue paper. And there were volunteers to help direct the lantern makers who needed help. There were many activities for children including the lantern making. Various size cardboard boxes were on the grass which the children made into houses, built towers, and used their imaginations in many ways. […]

Arts

Never Got Caught featured on “Release the Sounds”

Wow. Feel that heat? Memorial Day, the unofficial beginning of summer, has come and gone but that’s not what I’m talking about. June’s featured artist, Never Got Caught scorched Studio A when they dropped into Release the Sounds. Brothers Bryan Hinkley and Bill Hinkley have roots in the notable Boston hardcore band Tree (all puns definitely intended) but eventually wanted to explore a darker sound. They added Dave Ward on guitar and Jesse Sherman (former Malden resident!) on bass to round out their current lineup and set off playing shows and writing more songs. Those songs grew into albums and now they have been together for over four years. After playing a loud and tight set that included exclusive songs from their upcoming third studio album, they spoke with host, Liz Taegel about the new album, gave some Malden shout-outs, and how rude looking at your phone is during an interview! Look for them at Great Scott on July 16 and they’ll even be featured in a short documentary film about the Hinkley brothers called […]

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The Great Chow offers sizzling Sichuan fare

James and Carol Lin, co-owners of The Great Chow emigrated from Taiwan, China in 1988. James, chef, became interested in cooking after working at a series of restaurants in the Boston area. Later, they owned restaurants in Arlington and Cambridge until they were attracted to Malden’s diverse population and the large number of Chinese immigrants from around Canton in South China and opened The Great Chow in Malden in December 2014. The Great Chow, located at 114 Ferry St., is a casual establishment where large windows fill the air with light that falls on wooden tables and chairs and floral prints decorate the walls. Carol, manager, expresses, “Our restaurant is simple because we want our customers to feel comfortable—that everyone can come here.” Lin caters to locals with Sichuan cuisine. Sichuan Province in Southwest China is famous for its hot and spicy food and the Sichuan peppercorn that is unique to this area of China and is used in its dishes along with red chilies to create distinct flavor combinations. “We have the real thing […]

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Lantern walk at Fellsmere Pond field on June 4

Wanna light a lantern for the future of Malden Hospital? Young Optimistic Daring Activists and Friends of Fellsmere Heights will honor the 100-year legacy of Malden Hospital with a lantern walk at Fellsmere Pond field, West Border Road and Savin Street in Malden this Saturday, June 4 at 6 p.m. The event will also mark the start of a campaign by Medford and Malden community members to give new expression to the legacy through the use of a portion of the 18-acre site for a range of much-needed community services. Activities will include lantern-making, face-painting and lighting sparklers. Featured speakers include representatives from Malden Hospital, Friends of Fellsmere Heights and Young Optimistic Daring Activists. For information and RSVP: 617-876-7442; rwdoolittle@gmail.com. Rain date is June 5.

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Farewell to Malden High’s principal Dana Brown

Malden High School’s outgoing principal Dana Brown was selected as the Massachusetts Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts Secondary School Administrators Association (MSSAA). Here’s an excerpt from a press release from MSSAA: “This program annually recognizes principals who demonstrate exemplary skills in instructional leadership, supporting a safe learning environment and fostering a collaborative culture of decision making among members of the school community. Mr. Brown will receive the 38th Bertram H. Holland Award at the annual MSSAA Leadership Institute at the Hyannis Resort and Conference Center on July 27, 2016. Mr. Brown has created a collaborative culture at Malden High that bases all decision-making on a simple question; “Is it good for students?” Youngsters come to Malden High with a variety of learning styles. In addition, some come as parents, part-time workers or newly immigrated. Attending to all students takes creativity, hard work and patience.” –MSSAA For just a few moments, I waited in the Malden High School Boyle conference room for Principal Dana Brown to arrive. The stark walls, devoid of distractions, shared […]

Events

MATV celebrates 10 years of Open House Showcase

Celebrating ten years of its annual event, Malden Access Television invites area residents to the MATV open house showcase, an eight-hour party that includes a live show and webcast, Saturday, May 14, 1-9 p.m., at the MATV Studio, 145 Pleasant St., Malden. There will be free food provided by local restaurants, entertainment, and a behind-the-scenes look at a live TV show. Featured live performances include classical Indian dance, traditional Chinese music and dance, African drumming, a variety/comedy troupe, and musical performances that include alternative indie rock, acoustic folk and hip hop. Brothers Walk will close the show from 8 to 9 p.m., bringing 40 years of combined musical and vocal experience to a high-energy performance. Between performances, MATV will conduct short interviews with community guests in the studio lobby, which will be transformed into a live studio. There will be a live stream on matv.org on Saturday.