Uncategorized Archives - Page 18 of 30

Is “Smart Growth” the future for Malden?

April 5, 2018 NeighborhoodView 7

Should Malden stop regarding growth as a problem and instead see it as an opportunity? By the staff of Neighborhood View, the first in a series exploring the future of development in Malden . In its 350-year-plus history, Malden has transformed itself over and over again. Today, the city is in the midst of another transformation that may chart its history for decades to come. Let’s start with a little history. In the 18th and 19th century, Malden was mostly farmland and dairy farms, amid hills and woodlands north of the Mystic River. By the early 1900s, it was a bustling urban area with five movie theaters, a popular Jordan Marsh department store, and a growing population of both immigrants and those who had settled here centuries before. Much of the city’s housing stock dates to the 1920s and the city steadily grew and prospered until the 1950s. The population started to decline in the 1960s and by the 1970s, Malden was mired in an economic malaise that affected much of New England. In the 1980s, the […]

Events

Enough: Malden High walks out to advocate for gun control

March 22, 2018 gshamlinmatv 0

A day later than anticipated, but with no less enthusiasm, students from Malden Public Schools walked out of class on Thursday, March 15, to highlight the need for action in the wake of the tragic shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Fla., on Feb. 14. At about 10 a.m., students assembled in front of the entrance to the high school’s Jenkins Auditorium and heard speeches by fellow students. The walk-out was originally scheduled for Wednesday, but due to snow, the schools were closed. Thanks to social media, student organizers regrouped and held the walkout on Thursday. Angela Soliz, a junior and one of the event organizers, told her fellow classmates that the NRA’s influence was in fact making them all unsafe. “What about the right to live?” she asked. Meghan Yip, a senior and also one of the event organizers, said her life can be measured by the mass shooting at schools. She turned 18 on March 1; she noted that two weeks prior, while Malden was sharing Valentine wishes, 17 lives were […]

Malden Reads kickoff celebrates reading, collaboration and community

March 7, 2018 annedr 1

For the first time in the eight-year history of the Malden Reads program, the 2018 kickoff event was held at Malden High School on Feb. 15. Usually staged in the Converse Memorial Building of the Malden Public Library, the kickoff emphasized the intergenerational nature of the book choice, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas, a young adult novel that can be enjoyed and appreciated by all ages. The Malden Reads committee collaborated with the student-run Black Culture Club at Malden High School to host an event that was inclusive and celebratory as well as profoundly moving, challenging and inspiring, which reflected the book’s topical themes. “One of the things that I think is really exciting about this joint venture between Malden Reads and the high school is the way it’s showcasing student voice and issues that are relevant to students, starting some great conversations among students, educators and community members,” said Sean Walsh, Malden High School English teacher and Drama Director, who was involved in the collaborations. The event featured exhibit tables from a […]

Forum to highlight defense of transgender rights

February 18, 2018 jlynnmcclain 0

By Jennifer McClain A forum to draw attention to the need to safeguard newly won transgender rights will be held Wednesday, Feb. 21 at 7 p.m. at the First Parish Church in Malden. Sponsored by Freedom for All Massachusetts, the forum aims to build support for Bill S.735, which went into effect in October, but is now facing a repeal drive. Bill S.735, which was passed with a supermajority of votes in both legislative chambers, expands protections against discrimination for transgender people and allows transgender people to use the bathrooms and locker rooms consistent with their gender identity. While Gov. Charlie Baker was cheered by many when he signed Bill S.735 in May 2016, opponents of the legislation immediately began organizing to put a repeal of the law on a state-wide ballot in November 2018. Opponents include groups such as the the Massachusetts Family Institute, which has attacked the bill with statements such as, “What we have today is the sacrifice of common sense and the abdication of responsibility by both houses of the legislature and now […]

Commissioner sees “once in a lifetime” opportunity in legal pot retail

January 29, 2018 NeighborhoodView 0

Shaleen Title, a Malden resident and a commissioner with the Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission, said that the final changes are being made to the state’s new rules for recreational marijuana sales and that she welcomes comments from the public as the last details are being worked out. In a video interview with Malden Neighborhood View, Title said she expects the final regulations to be issued in March and sales to begin this summer. In November 2016, Massachusetts citizens voted to legalize recreational marijuana; the state Legislature later made changes to the law, which “made the program better,” said Title, an attorney and activist who helped author the marijuana ballot question. “Because we are the first state to do this, it is very much expected that there will be tweaks that will need to be made; that’s part of the process.” Title told Guillermo Hamlin, Neighborhood View reporter. She added, “I think Massachusetts is going to be a role model.” Title encouraged the public find out more information about the process of getting a license for the […]

75th anniversary of Maplewood Theatre fire

December 19, 2017 jlynnmcclain 0

By Jennifer McClain Movies were magic in December 1942. Bette Davis and Gary Cooper were superstars; the Academy Awards were handed out for both black and white and color films. Disney’s sophisticated animated film, “Fantasia,” hit the screens that year. Women’s eyebrows were perfect, sharp dark lines and men’s suits were fitted and double-breasted. This was also the year that film screenings ended on Lebanon Street in Malden — at least for a short time The night of December 18, 1942, was very cold and the sidewalks were icy and dangerous. Despite that, the Maplewood Theatre was packed. Was it because the theater was playing “Kitty Foyle,” the film that gave Ginger Rogers a Best Actress Oscar? The class-crossing romance started a whole new dress style known as the “Kitty Foyle Dress.” Or was it a packed theater because many there had dreams of rising above their class status by competing in “Bank Night.” “Bank Night” contributed to the ability of the film industry to survive during the Great Depression. This was an ingenious idea […]

The Road to Morocco from Malden: A Pressing Event

November 19, 2017 bzoe42 1

This is the last part of the Road from Malden to Morocco series By Bonnie Blanchard Our whirlwind visit in Marrakesh left our imaginations, memories and cameras full of sensations, stories and pictures. With a visit to the city of Essaouira we were winding down for our journey back home. Like vagabonds we wound our way to a rambling little coastal town with a view of the ocean from our lovely little hotel. We unwound with a walk on the windy beach. Camels and horses were competing for ride business, but we were not too eager for repeat lumps, so we contented ourselves by walking along the village shoreline. Essaouira is a laid-back old port town on the Atlantic Ocean. In the mid 1700s the then installed sultan liked the area and engaged the services of a French architect to create a city there. It is rather off the beaten path and windy, so there are not too many beach goers. Essaouira remains a fishing village where folks can buy their catch of the day […]

The Road to Morocco from Malden: Marrakesh

November 5, 2017 bzoe42 0

By Bonnie Blanchard Fourth of five parts Take the train from Casablanca going southBlowing smoke rings from the corners of my my, my, my, my mouthColored cottons hang in airCharming cobras in the squareStriped Djellebas we can wear at home Would you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express Would you know we’re riding on the Marrakesh Express All aboard the train “Marrakesh Express,” by Graham Nash, 1969 Many of those from the 1960s “hippie” generation remember the lyrics to the Crosby, Stills and Nash song “Marrakesh Express.” The Marrakesh Express ran from Casablanca to Marrakesh and was a widely sought ticket. This song sums up the cultural reflections of singer Graham Nash on a trip he took in 1966 through India and North Africa. Fast forward 50 years and I find myself in that same world, snake charmers and all. One of the most colorful open air markets in the world, Djemaa el-Fna is something not to miss in Marrakesh. It would be akin to going to church and not praying. It is a […]

Need a bike ride? Choose green or yellow

November 2, 2017 NeighborhoodView 0

By Nekita Lamour Has anyone noticed the yellow and green bikes appearing throughout Malden? Originally, they were clustered on Pleasant Street, at the Malden train stations, along the Northern Strand Bike Trail and at other key locations. A little over one week later and you can spot them all over the city, now often parked in front of houses and apartment buildings. These bikes are the result of a pilot bike-sharing program, instituted by the City of Malden. The city has made arrangements with bike-sharing companies, Ofo and LimeBike, which “each offer users a station-free biking experience,” according to the city’s web site. Ofo has the bright yellow bikes and LimeBike has lime green bikes. Thanks to the efforts of Councilors Ryan O’Malley, Councilor-at-Large Debbie DeMaria, and Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden residents can ride these bikes at the reasonable fee of $1 per hour, for transportation, or exercise or just for the joy of a bike ride. “Many constituents have expressed the desire to having bike sharing in Malden like we see in Boston, Cambridge, Somerville and […]

Malden Pops Up: A Festive Shopping Experience Brings Sparkle Downtown

October 31, 2017 shrier58 1

By Robin Inman Do you dread holiday shopping? Do you have trouble finding a special gift amid the mass market clutter? Malden Pops Up is coming to the rescue. Malden Pops Up is a temporary gallery gift shop featuring unique wares by local artisans. It will spring to life on Nov. 16 in an empty storefront at 480 Main St., Malden, and run through Dec. 24. Even your fussy sister will be mesmerized by the selection of paintings, jewelry, photography, textiles, ceramics, glass, carved wood, sculpture, CDs, cards and books. The experience will be enriched by musical and spoken word performances, presentations and special receptions. New this year will be a children’s art corner, where young artists can sell their work and sit down to create things while Mom or Dad enjoy shopping. Malden Pops Up is spearheaded by Ose Schwab, the principal of Malden Creates, LLC, which is “a small business that partners with local groups, businesses, and individuals to initiate arts and culture opportunities that nourish Malden economically and socially.” The inaugural Malden […]