Hi to all, 

As you all know, the home rule petition to make McFadden Memorial Manor a Geriatric Authority was unanimously approved by the City Council June 10.  It is now in the process of approval at the State House.  There are no guarantees it can move quickly enough to be approved before the July 31st recess date, but know that Representative Fallon and Senator Tisei are supporters of our endeavor and will do their best to keep it moving toward approval.  

So now, we focus on the financial side so we can begin the process of understanding the requirements for the transfer of the facility from the City to the authority.   To that end, we know we need additional money for start up.  The Mayor has committed some funds and we are hopeful we will have success pursuing grants to begin the major repairs needed to the building. 

Last night’s meeting focused on generating ideas for how we can best get the community involved with this.  Initial plans are underway for our first annual gala.  It will be sometime in the fall and hope to make it a spectacular evening that will be fun for everyone and raise money for the Friends of McFadden and hence the geriatric authority.

Anyone who would like to volunteer time, ideas or money to this endeavor or to the Friends of McFadden should contact Joanne Patterson at joannepatter@comcast.net .  We really need the community’s support to make the Geriatric Authority a reality and keep our loved ones in their home. 

The next meeting will be an update on the committee’s work on the Gala and the status of the home rule petition.  The exact date will be announced on this site, and will be some time in August.  Enjoy the summer and have a safe and happy 4th of July!

Val 

Thanks to all of you who attended our Friends meeting last evening.  Mayor Howard presented the group with an update on various options that have been pursued to keep McFadden open.  The city pursued several  groups that would have privatized McFadden, but they have declined the opportunity.  During the same timeframe we have been researching  how to institute a Geriatric Authority to run McFadden.  Several members of Friends of McFadden are working with City Council President  Gary Christenson and Councilor at Large Greg Lucey in this endeavor.   This will be a non-profit organization staffed with  well known citizens/businesspeople from Malden.   We have been thrilled to get committed volunteers to sit on the authority.  

Tonight we present the charter to the City Council subcommittee.  Within the next week it should be on the agenda of the city council.  We will update you on the WHAT (the geriatric authority is) and STATUS (where it is in the approval chain) very soon.  We will also provide you with a breakdown of how the million dollar grant was spent.  This was and continues to be a hot topic .  We should have that information this week and will post it to this site.  Please keep your support loud and visible.  We need you more than ever.  We still have a long and winding road ahead. 

Next meeting will be June 30 at 6:30PM.  Will update this site soon. 

Feel free to comment on the meeting last night!

Hi to all.  Mayor Howard will attend the Friends of McFadden meeting on Monday, June 9 at 6:30PM at McFadden Manor.  He will give us an update on the status of McFadden.  On the agenda will be the geriatric authority.  So plan to attend….tell your family, coworkers and friends.  Hopefully this will be a pivotal meeting.

See you on the 9th!

Hi to all Friends,

We will be meeting at McFadden on Monday, June 2 at 6:30PM.  I am hoping Mayor Howard is available to give us an update.  We will try to accommodate his schedule, so stay tuned……!!!!

Thanks to all of you who attended the annual Open House on May 14.  I haven’t heard how much money was raised, but the energy and support was great.  The residents enjoyed the company, entertainment and food!  The new flag pole stood out and is a source of pride for them.  Thanks for making it happen!

Please keep McFadden in the forefront.  Use all opportunities to solicit support from friends, neighbors and city officials.  Memorial Day  weekend may provide you with opportunities to garner more support.  We appreciate all your efforts.  Keep up the good work and hope to see you on the 2nd!

We will not be meeting Monday evening.  I am awaiting a call from Mayor Howard to see when he can meet with us and give us an update.  Keep  up your support and get the word out.  Memorial Day is coming and it will be a good opportunity to “network” at the parade and local bar-b-ques.!!!

 There are some updates you should be aware of.  Paperwork will soon be filed to make the “Friends of McFadden” an official not-for-profit organization.  The board members will be announced soon.  Their major responsibility will be fund raising….to keep the Friends afloat and to support McFadden Manor.  We are ready to meet with Mayor Howard, Councilman Gary Christianson and Councilman Greg Lucey to discuss the establishment of the Geriatric Authority.  So keep up your support and keep us in your discussions with city officials.   We need your support.  Thank you for helping us.