Mayor Christenson's Blog
Dear Malden Residents,
Crime continues to be the focus here at City Hall.
I want to thank the Malden Police Department for responding admirably in the wake of the gun violence over the summer. Since the most recent incident on Eastern Avenue, the Police Department has held four random sweeps with outside law enforcement agencies across the city involving K-9 dogs and police motorcycles. I believe their strategy is working based on the positive feedback from the City Council and residents throughout Malden. There are more planned in the coming weeks and months.
In the meantime, we continue to work with Middlesex District Attorney Gerry Leone on tracking the young adults that have been the root of the recent incidents. We are also looking at partnering with an organization to provide high-risk intervention services in an attempt to get some of these troubled young adults back on track to be contributing members of society. Again, there is no doubt we have a lot of work to do in the area of crime prevention. The acts of kindness mentioned above are steps in the right direction to making Malden a safer and better place to live. I thank the folks who are getting involved and I thank you for reading these community newsletters. I truly believe that by working together, we will reach the potential that this city has to offer.
Despite the challenging times, Malden is moving forward. I continue to be amazed by... Click here to read the whole blog.
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30 Trees Replanted, More to be Planted in Spring

Mayor Gary Christenson and the City Council would like more trees to line Malden's cityscape. The Department of Public Works (DPW) has recently planted 30 Cleveland Callery Pear Trees, which are non-fruit bearing, along sidewalks throughout Malden.
The City is planting smaller trees to help prevent streets and sidewalks from being cracked by root growth, which in turn lowers overall maintenance cost to the City. In the past, Malden has outsourced tree planting efforts but to be more cost efficient, tree planting is now done in-house under the direction of Bob Knox, DPW Director. Funding for tree planting are part of the Fiscal Year 2013 budget and many more trees are scheduled for spring planting.
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Mayor's Bowling Tournament to Support the Golden Tornado Club
Make way for the Changing Lanes Bowling Tournament, a new tradition to support the Golden Tornado Club. Malden has changed lanes in the last year, from Mayor Howard to Mayor Christenson and now from a classic golf tournament to a fun-filled bowling tournament!
The Golden Tornado Club is a booster organization that provides over $10,000 in scholarships to student athletes each year, helps provide team equipment, awards, recognition, as well as general individual support for student athletes of the Malden Public School system.
The Changing Lanes Bowling Tournament will take place at Town Line Ten Pin, 665 Broadway, Malden on Thursday, October 18, 2012. For more information please e-mail Carol Ann Desiderio at cdesiderio@cityofmalden.org.
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Malden Public Schools Achieve Successes in MCAS Scores
The Malden Public Schools have gained a number of successes in this year's round of Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) scores. Three of the district's K-8 schools earned the state's highest Accountability Level with a designation of "Level 1" status: Ferryway, Linden, and Salemwood Schools. Among schools from twenty-four Gateway Cities, Malden High School ranks in the top five for ELA scores, the top four for math scores, and the top four for science scores.
"Despite these successes, teachers and administrators will be working together throughout the year to collect and analyze data that will be used to inform instruction and improve students' performance," said School Superintendent Dr. David Derousi.
For a peek at just how much MCAS demands of our students, please visit http://www.doe.mass.edu/mcas/testitems.html, and for a more general overview of the state's overall performance in MCAS, check out http://www.doe.mass.edu/news/news.aspx?id=7011.
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City Job Opportunity: Youth Services Librarian
Malden Public Library is seeking high energy, committed, customer oriented applicants for itsYouth Services Librarian position. Focused primarily on serving teens in grades 6-12, the ideal candidate will feel equally comfortable assisting children, parents and caregivers in the Children's Room.
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Mayor On the Move
Mayor Gary Christenson recently hung up his government hat to become a "vendor" at the Linden Farmers Market and literally moved his office from 200 Pleasant Street to Lynn Street in Linden Square.
Although the weather was a little chilly, Mayor Christenson said he really enjoyed his "outdoor office" and the time to interact with residents. "This was an idea I discussed with residents during the campaign and received positive feedback," said Mayor Christenson. "The day-to-day business of running the City leaves me little time to get out in the community. I'm looking forward to the next one."
The Mayor will hold monthly meetings in different wards around the City in an effort to hear first-hand from residents about issues important to them.
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Macdonald Stadium Ribbon Cutting---Celebrating in the Rain

Rainy weather did not deter residents from celebrating the ribbon cutting of Macdonald Stadium on its re-turfed, all-weather playing field. Hundreds of people, including state officials and city officials, braved rain to witness the special moment. The Malden High School Varsity Football team played their game against Bedford after the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Macdonald Stadium recently underwent a $2 million renovation, which was funded through a capital improvement bond. The improvements include a new artificial turf field, a regulation size track and a new state-of-the-art scoreboard.
This project has become one of the top priorities for Mayor Gary Christenson since he became Mayor. "I have always felt that facilities like Macdonald Stadium and other parks around Malden provide recreational opportunities for all residents, especially Malden High School students and youth across the city," said Mayor Christenson.
Starting soon, residents will be able to participate in many activities such as a Running/Walking club, fitness boot camps and much more.
Click here to see the schedule of activities.
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Online Forum Transcript Available for Review, Focusing on DPW

Mayor Christenson's monthly live chat on Friday, September 28 was assisted by Director of DPW Bobby Knox, to discuss all aspects regarding the public works in the city.
Questions ranged from updates on blue trash bags to sidewalk clean-ups. Also, the city's new means of allowing residents to submit city service requests online, Zendesk, was introduced at the live chat: If you want to submit your DPW requests online, simply go to http://cityofmalden.zendesk.com and fill out the form. You will receive a confirmation email with a confirmation number to track your request. When your request is complete, you will receive an email alerting you.
Click here to read the transcript of the online forum.
Click here to watch a video the city made to educate residents how to properly recycle and contain trash.
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3rd Annual Malden River Festival Is a Big Success
Malden River, one of the best resources in the tri-city area, witnessed its third annual festival at River's Edge Park on a sunny Saturday, September 22. Almost one thousand residents from Malden, Medford and Everett showed up at the festival, enjoying entertainment, art displays as well as the beautiful view on the banks of Malden River. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson addressed the crowd during the popular regional event.
The festival was sponsored by the Tri-City Community Action Program, Tufts University and Preotle, Lane & Associates. It was started by Tri-CAP as part of their Environmental Justice (EJ) initiative to educate the people in these communities about environmental issues associated with Malden River, according to Tri-CAP Deputy Director Loretta Kemp.
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The Malden YMCA Croken Crocodiles Swim Team will be raffling off a New England Patriots Gift Basket
On Sunday, October 7th, the Malden YMCA Croken Crocodiles Swim Team will be raffling off a New England Patriots Gift Basket which includes 2 tickets to a Patriots game vs. the New York Jets! The Pats tickets were donated by Keith Johnson and tickets are $2 apiece. The proceeds will help the Crocs purchase a much needed electronic scoreboard. Mayor Christenson is very supportive of this team which was named for Malden's beloved Joe Croken.
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Mayor Welcomes New Library Trustee
Mayor Christenson welcomed Yvonne Tran-Nguyen, the newest Trustee of the Malden Public Library. The Library Trustees work to establish and maintain a free public library for Malden residents in addition to overseeing a wide range of cultural, artistic and literary programs and are curators of an extensive art collection located in the historic Converse Memorial Building.
Yvonne is a long-time Malden resident and looks forward to further involvement in the community as a member of the Library Board of Trustees. |
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Online Services
We are updating the City's website on a daily basis and communicating with residents and businesses through Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Blogger and Flickr. Don't forget to follow us! |
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UPCOMING EVENTS
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2012 Free Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics
Flu clinics are open to all Malden residents regardless of insurance status. There are no charges or copayments. Please bring all insurance cards at the time of the clinic.
Wednesday, October 10th, 1:00-3:00 PM, at Malden Senior Center, 7 Washington Street.
Wednesday, October 17th, 4:00-7:00 PM, at Government Center, 200 Pleasant Street, 3rd floor.
FAME's Malden Comics Come Home Fundraiser
Malden Class Clowns Go to School Comedy Show will be held on Saturday, November 10th, 7:30 PM at Malden High School.
Comedians performing include Anthony Scibelli, Bob Gautreau, Dave Connolly, Dave Russo, David Twohig, Joey Voices, and Paul Gilligan.
$25 Tickets can be purchased now at the places below with a portion going to the Foundation for the Advancement of Malden Education (FAME):
Malden City Hall Mayor's Office, 200 Pleasant St. 6 floor;
Malden Access TV, 145 Pleasant St.;
Malden High School Principal's Office, 77 Salem Street;
Dockside Restaurant, 229 Centre Street;
Fizz Eds, 142 Pleasant St.
Municipal Building Committee and Municipal School Building Advisory Committee Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, at 4:00 PM in the Conference Room of the Mayor's Office at City Hall, 200 Pleasant Street, 6th floor.
Malden Housing Authority Meeting
Tuesday, October 9, at 5:00 PM in the library of Malden Housing Authority Executive Office, 630 Salem St.
Planning Board Public Hearing
Wednesday, October 10, at 7:00 PM at City Hall Council Chamber, 200 Pleasant St., 3rd floor. To view agenda, click here.
Public Works Commission Meeting
Tuesday, October 16, curb cuts will be addressed at 3:00 PM at the Department of Public Works, 356 Commercial Street, and Water and sewer abatement petitions at 4:00 PM, at City Hall, 200 Pleasant Street, Room 609.
Rowe's Quarry Site Plan Review Committee Public Meeting
Thursday, October 16, at 4:00 PM, at City Hall Council Chamber, 200 Pleasant St., 3rd floor. Monthly Traffic Commission meeting
Tuesday, October 16 at 5:00 PM at City Hall, 200 Pleasant St., Room 421.
October Yard Waste Pickup Schedule is as follows: Week of October 9-13. Week of October 22-26.
The Changing Lanes Bowling Tournament Thursday, October 18, with a cocktail hour from 5-7 PM, bowling from 7-9 PM, and awards and presentations from 9-10 PM at Town Line Ten Pin, 665 Broadway, Malden. The tournament will include bowling, music, raffles, and a trophy for the winning team! All proceeds to benefit the Malden High School Golden Tornado Club.
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PUBLIC HEALTH TIPS
Renovate Right: Important Lead Hazard Information for Families and Schools
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Is your home, your building, or the child care facility or school your children attend, being renovated, repaired, or painted? Was your home, your building, or the child care facility or school your children under age 6 attend, built before 1978?
If the answer to these questions is YES, there are a few important things you need to know about lead-based paint.
Lead is harmful to adults, and especially dangerous to children under six years of age. It can affect children's brains and developing nervous systems. There are a few things you can do to protect your family:
*Regularly clean floors, window sills, and other surfaces.
Wash children's hands, bottles, pacifiers, and toys often.
*Make sure children eat a healthy, nutritious diet consistent with the USDA's dietary guidelines, that helps protect children from the effects of lead.
*Wipe off shoes before entering house.
*Call your local health department for advice on reducing and eliminating exposures to lead inside and outside your home, child care facility or school.
*Always use lead-safe work practices when making renovations or repairs so as not to disturb lead-based paint.
*A blood test is the only way to find out if you or a family member already has lead poisoning. Call your doctor or local health department to arrange for a blood test.
Trivia Answer:
Weymouth |
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