Couple Runs Local Salvation Army Office Hoping To Help Others

MALDEN — Husband and wife James and Joy Labbe have been running the Mystic Valley Salvation Army on Main Street in Malden since late June, where James say the couple continues to “fact find” to “fill the gaps” of need in Malden and surrounding communities.

So far, the couple has brought a number of new programs to the branch: they offered a “free farmer's market” last fall, provide a free hot meal to anyone in need on Monday nights as well as a street ministry the team hopes to expand after the holidays.

Tufts Naked Quad Run Becomes 'Excessively Overdressed Quad Stroll'

MEDFORD — Naked students running through the quad used to be a tradition on the night after the last day of mid-terms. But when administrators threatened suspensions for any students participating this year, undergrads instead went for an "excessively overdressed stroll."

Melrose Firefighters Battle Mattress Fire, Save Dogs

MELROSE — Melrose firefighters rescued two dogs and knocked down a mattress fire in an East Street apartment Wednesday evening. No one was injured in the ordeal. Firefighters were able to keep the fire contained in its originating room, according to Fire Prevention Captain Ed Collina. “It was basically a room and contents fire,” he said. “Engine Three’s Lt. Dermott Madden and Firefighter Chris Walsh advanced the attack line through the front door to the apartment to exterminate a mattress on fire and the extension [of the fire] to the walls.”

Wakefield Teen Starts Own Business to Help Charities

WAKEFIELD — Wakefield teenager Nina Barresi has started her own online bow-making business, but she doesn't expect to keep any of the profits.

That's because Barresi, 16, a sophomore at the Cambridge School of Weston, plans to use all the proceeds from her "Bows for Good" endeavor to support four charities she's passionate about: ASPCA, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids, Boston Alliance of Gay Lesbian Bisexual and Transgender Youth, and YWCA Boston’s Leadership Initiative Program. And all this on top of an already jam-packed schedule between classes and after-school performance and theater arts groups.