01.29.2025 – Volume 3, Issue 10

Proposed MHS roof project would raise property taxes for years

School Committee split on next year’s calendar

BY LEIGH BLANDER

At the School Committee’s Jan. 23 meeting, board member

Alison Taylor said residents are right to ask questions about the delay of the project to fix the Marblehead High School roof, which has been leaking in several areas for years.

“I don’t think it helps our cause at all for any of the asks we may or may not have this year

— or next year, or in the future — unless we are transparent about it and understand that yes, there were some things we could have done better and some things that were out of our control because we had to choose priorities,” she said, acknowledging that had been a delay in getting the request for proposal out.

The School Committee is planning to ask Town Meeting

voters to raise residents’ taxes to fund the project, now estimated to cost $14 million. In 2022, Town Meeting approved $5.6 million to redo the roof, but the project never happened. The new estimate now includes replacing several HVAC units. Assistant Superintendent for Finance & Operations Mike Pfiffering said his predecessor, Michelle Cresta, had “more responsibilities on her plate that were far more pressing.” The roof project coincided with the departures of two superintendents and several top

administrators. School Committee member Sarah Fox emphasized that the cost of the roof replacement has not gone up, but that the initial estimate approved at Town Meeting did not include the HVAC units because the project manager, Left Field, had not gone on the roof before giving the estimate. A full feasibility study was not done at the time, Fox said.

Taylor expressed appreciation to Robidoux and Pfifferling for moving the project forward.

“It’s a whole ‘nother year of children sitting with a leaky roof,

Construction progresses at the Park on Elm

BY WILL DOWD

Construction is underway on an ambitious project to transform an outdated playground into a vibrant community space in Marblehead’s historic district hopefully later in the year, marking a significant milestone for a grassroots initiative that has raised more than $300,000 in charitable contributions.

The Park on Elm Street project, located at the former Gerry School playground site, broke ground last month after the town accepted a bid from Raffaele Construction Corporation for the first phase of construction. The initiative represents a unique partnership between local government and community organizers to preserve and enhance one of the few safe play areas in Marblehead’s historic district.

“We’ve reached a major milestone, raising over $300,000 thanks to the generosity of the Marblehead community,” said Maeve Maguire, president of Friends of the Park on Elm Street, the nonprofit organization spearheading the project. “This demonstrates how deeply our community values creating spaces where families can come together.”

Meanwhile, the kids who showed up for a photo Thursday said they are thrilled to kick off the Gerry School Park Club, channeling their excitement and ideas into shaping the park’s future.

The renovation is proceeding in two phases, with significant financial backing from multiple sources. Phase one, funded by the town, includes removing existing asphalt and hardscaping, and repaving the parking area, basketball court, and pathways.

The town has allocated $234,000 from American Rescue Plan Act funding to support this initial phase.

Phase two will focus on creating the playground space, including new equipment, trees, shrubs, a perennial garden and site amenities such as benches and picnic tables. Crowley + Cotrell, the town-appointed landscape architects, will develop plans for this phase, which is expected to cost more than $400,000 based on similar projects in the area.

“This park isn’t just about play — it’s about creating a safe, inclusive space that brings people together in the heart of our neighborhood,” Maguire said. “As one of the only safe play areas in the historic district, we have an opportunity to create

something truly special that will serve generations to come.”

The organization’s commitment to fiscal responsibility has been a key factor in gaining community trust.

Board members personally cover all operating costs, including website fees, marketing materials, and administrative expenses, ensuring that 100% of donations directly support park improvements.

“Our approach has been to keep operating costs as low as possible while maximizing the impact of every dollar donated,” Maguire explained.

“We’ve been incredibly fortunate to receive tremendous in-kind support from local businesses that share our vision for the park.”

Local firms have stepped up with valuable pro-bono services. Rubin & Rudman provided legal assistance in establishing the organization’s 501(c) (3) status, KingFish developed the website, and Gus & Ruby contributed design services for promotional materials.

Alex Eitler, Marblehead’s new town planner, is working closely to help oversee the project’s implementation. The team has already conducted three community meetings through

of potentially mold infiltrating in new places,” Taylor pointed out. “I don’t disagree with the need for the money at all. We need the community’s support for this. It’s what they have begged us for. They need us to be transparent in order to get us there.”

Town Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin told the Current that the debt exclusion would add 6 cents per thousand dollars of assessed value, or $57.36, to the median tax bill based on a median value of a single-family

Tra SH Ta LK

Another setback for Transfer Station

BY LEIGH BLANDER

There is another headache and delay in the beleaguered Transfer Station renovation project. Crews arrived Jan. 20 to remove the old compactor and install a new one.

The renovation, which dates back to 2010 and had an initial budget of about $24 million, has been plagued with problems.

“When they removed the chute of the compactor, the contractors on site noticed an issue with the steel floor and beams that the chute attaches to and where vehicles back up onto the dump material into the chute,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty told the Current.

He continued, “Unfortunately, work will need to stop and this will need to be addressed before the new compactor can be installed.”

The project engineer assessed the site and determined that the metal deck on the compactor building needs to be replaced, Petty told the Current.

“We expect a stamped plan from the structural engineer the beginning of this week to replace the deck in kind,” Petty said. “We will provide the plan to a steel fabricator and get them onsite to complete the work as soon as possible. Once the steel deck is replaced the compactor and new chute can be installed.”

No word on how long that will take or how much it will cost.

Petty added that the Transfer Station’s residential area is open for trash and recycling. The recycling area is also open to commercial establishments that have a recycling permit.

Students gather in front of the Gerry School as construction begins on the Park on Elm Street, a community-driven effort to transform the space into a vibrant playground. COURTESY

home of $965,000 for 2025. The 6 cents per $1,000 would stay on tax bills for 30 years.

That amount does not include the tax increase from the previous $5.3 million debt exclusion.

Questions were raised at the School Committee meeting about why the town would pursue a 30-year bond for a roof that likely would not last that long. It was explained that the actual terms of the bond would be worked out later by Benjamin.

Meanwhile, the Select Board will sponsor a second debt exclusion request for an HVAC system at the Mary Alley Municipal Building. There’s no dollar figure attached to that yet. Benjamin said that amount should be known sometime in March.

Flag policy

School Committee Chair Jenn Schaeffner provided an update on the proposed flag policy that would allow only the U.S., Massachusetts, Marblehead and POW flags to be displayed on school grounds.

Many students and community members have protested the draft policy for more than a year. It would require the removal of the Black Lives Matter and Pride flags.

Taylor repeated a School Committee claim that they were required to create a policy because MHS Principal Michele Carlson had asked about one after a local mother removed the BLM flag without permission.

“I’m not even sure if that’s

the case,” Schaeffner said about being required to draft a policy.

“We need to get clarification on that, but I think it’s good practice that you have an administration that comes and asks for help and guidance in the form of a policy.”

School Committee member Al Willliams said he had heard from many people on the issue.

“I think there’s a large portion of our community questioning whether we need a flag policy,” he said.

The policy subcommittee is planning two forums on the draft policy — one for students and one for the community — to hear more input. Those meetings have not yet been scheduled.

Policy for ICE raids?

School Committee member Brian Ota asked interim Superintendent John Robidoux about a policy regarding federal raids in local schools.

“Have you given any kind of direction to teachers or principal on if an ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) agent walks into your building how to proceed?” he asked. “I think it’s possible they would come here. I think it would be a good idea to have talking points.”

Schaeffner pointed out that someone watching the meeting had posted an anonymous question about that issue.

Robidoux said he would take up the question with his administrators. In the meantime, he said they would treat it like any other people asking to enter the school.

“We’ll ask if they’re there and have discussions,” he said.

Assistant super outlines strike costs to town

BY LEIGH BLANDER

At the end of the 11-day teacher strike in November, School Committee member Sarah Fox said the estimated cost to the town — excluding legal fees for negotiations — came to about $20,000 per day.

The Current filed a public records request for those bills.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Pfifferling reported that the total is about $112,000, or $10,000 a day, half of Fox’s estimate.

The costs included, but were not limited to, the following:

$11,529: Police details

$48,000: School lunches prepared for students

$2,829: Custodians to keep the high school open late for negotiations

$1,500: Extra wages for Pfifferling’s office

$35,000: Wages for nonunion workers and a few union employees who crossed the picket line

The Marblehead Education Association agreed not to pursue retroactivity for their wage increase to offset those costs. Pfifferling calculated that the Unit A teachers gave up about $195,000 in retroactive wages.

Fox did not respond to requests for comment. MEA Co-president

Jonathan Heller said the $195,000 only represents Unit A and not the other units that also did not receive retro pay.

The Current previously reported that the School Committee spent $12,5000 on public relations fees related to the strike. The committee was billed about $440,000 in legal fees in 2024.

Fox asked Robidoux to confer with the district’s attorney and ask specific questions, including whether agents need a judicial warrant to enter the building and if a student is protected if they are in a nurse’s office, since that is a clinical setting.

Calendar debate

Robidoux presented a new proposal for the 2025-2026 school year calendar, which would have

students returning on Aug. 27. His previous proposal had a start date after Labor Day. The School Committee appeared to be split on whether to start the school year before or after Labor Day. Schaeffner asked parents and guardians to let Robidoux their preference before the next committee meeting on Feb. 6. Robuidoux can be reached at 781-631-3141 or robidoux.john@ marbleheadschools.org.

A look at first articles facing Town Meeting voters

BY WILL DOWD

The Marblehead Select Board is preparing to advance several significant infrastructure and policy articles for the May Town Meeting, with a proposed debt exclusion (temporary tax hike) for the Mary Alley Municipal Building’s HVAC system taking center stage among critical town improvements.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer detailed the urgent need to replace the building’s 1950s-era climate control system

“There’s huge concern in the building,” Kezer said. “So many of the systems have failed that there’s plug-in heaters in so many office spaces. It scares the heck out of people that if we went down over the weekend, we might have another insurance claim. During the summer, we’re using window air conditioners to keep the building cool because, again, systems have failed.”

Contracts form another crucial component of the warrant, with three articles addressing collective bargaining agreements for fiscal year 2026. These cover contracts with the police department (MASS C.O.P., AFLCIO, Local 437), firefighters (International Association of Firefighters AFL/CIO CLC Local 2043), and the municipal employees (IUE/CWA Local 1776). Since July, contract negotiations between the town of Marblehead and its municipal employee unions and police officers have reached an impasse.

A significant procedural change comes in the form of an article that would authorize

the Select Board to set inspectional services fees through public hearings rather than annual Town Meeting votes. Kezer detailed the challenges with the current system: “It’s more complex than you can ever imagine, trying to compare fees, because everybody uses different terminology and different categories. What we’re trying to do is make sure that we’re sort of in the comparable communities.”

The proposal includes a two-part approach. “If that fails, we still want to make

No new rules for Rover

adjustments for the fees,” Kezer said, adding that new categories need to be established for emerging technologies like home battery installations. The process would mirror the town’s approach to setting water and sewer rates, requiring public hearings before fee adjustments.

The board is also advancing a home rule petition that would ask the state Legislature for expanded senior tax exemptions, developed in collaboration with the Finance Committee. The program aims to supplement state circuit breaker benefits (providing state tax credits to eligible senior homeowners and renters when their property taxes exceed a certain percentage of their income) for seniors struggling with rising costs and inflation.

“The overall effort, as we talk about building the avenues to support the services that we provide, is we also want to protect the vulnerable in the community from the increases,” Kezer said. “We are exploring every opportunity for an exemption that takes care of folks that would be most negatively impacted from any tax increases in the future.”

Several articles address compliance with state regulations and community safety. The town’s Accessory Dwelling Unit bylaw requires updates to align with new state laws, primarily affecting owner-occupancy requirements. Floodplain mapping revisions will ensure proper insurance coverage for residents, while MBTA zoning compliance measures will be advanced through the Planning Board.

Rec & Parks drops its push to update leash laws, fines

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Current has learned that the Recreation & Parks Department has dropped proposed changes to dog-related bylaws. Rec & Parks had planned to partner with the Board of Health and Animal Control Officer Betsy Cruger to increase fines for off-leash dogs and for owners who don’t pick up after their pups.

“There will be no amendments to any leash laws on the warrant for 2025,” Rec & Parks Commissioner Shelly Bedrossian told the Current.

“The original goal of this endeavor was to initiate a Pooch Pass program in town so there

would be revenue generated to improve and expand dog parks, install 30 waste stations in town at key locations, reward responsible dog owners with expanded privileges, and deter consistent evaders with stiff penalties,”

Bedrossian wrote in an email.

She continued, “The situation has morphed quite a bit over the last month, so we have decided to hold off on updating any animal bylaws until we can accomplish a plan more inline with our initial goals.”

Bedrossian had expressed serious concerns about dog poop around town.

“Having dog poop on our fields, public safety wise, kids rolling around in this stuff is my concern,” she said. “Also, dog waste bags

being strewn all over the place.”

Bedrossian also shared warnings from state health and environmental officials that dog waste on bathing beaches is a serious public health risk and can bring significant harm to shellfish beds and aquatic life. Marblehead’s bathing beaches are Devereux, Gas House, Stramski, Grace Oliver and Cove Lane (on the Neck).

Currently, dogs in Marblehead are allowed off leash only at the dog park on Lime Street and in private yards. Dogs, on- or off-leash, are not allowed at most town parks, all playing fields and all beaches from May through October. Dogs are never allowed at public cemeteries.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Select Board’s slate of warrant articles for May’s Town Meeting include proposals for a Mary Alley Building HVAC system, senior tax exemptions and updated inspection fee procedures.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Dr. Thomas Massaro has worked in medicine around the world and hopes to use his experiences to improve public health here in Marblehead. As the newest member of the Board of Health, Massaro has launched an initiative called Creating a Healthier Marblehead, raising about $100,000 to fund it.

“I do think this town has the capacity to be a leader in public health,” he told the Current in a sit-down interview. “We need to know what our strengths are — where can we lead, where can we learn.”

Massaro was a pediatrician and faculty member at the University of Virginia from 1981-2007. After retiring, he served as the founding dean of the University of Botswana School of Medicine. Next, during the pandemic, he worked as the chief medical officer in the New Mexico Department of Health.

He moved to Marblehead in 2023 and was elected to the Board of Health last June.

Massaro recently secured $90,000 in state grants. One will go to identifying maternal and child health challenges and opportunities in town, including vaccine hesitancy and workforce shortages. The second grant will be used to enhance mental health services in Marblehead by strengthening partnerships with the Counseling Center, schools and more.

Additionally, he hopes to partner with UMassBoston for a six-month public health assessment in Marblehead that could start as early as June. The price tag is $45,000.

The Rotary Club of Marblehead has donated $10,000 to the effort, and Massaro is meeting with other potential donors.

“After hearing about Dr. Massaro’s interest in expanding the role of public health through the Board of Health in Marblehead, we were intrigued and impressed with his initiative, the concept of starting from the ground up with a comprehensive survey from the community,” said Rotary member Jack Attridge. “We were also impressed with his experience and perspective on public health.”

The assessment would include a 40-question survey, asking residents about their health issues, housing, transportation, vaccine use and more.

“These are some of the issues… there’s also access to care, safety, personal safety, economics. How tough is it to live here in Marblehead?” he added.

Massaro hopes to create a 20-to-30-member community board that can review the assessment results.

“We’ll know what the problems are and prioritize,” he said.

“Maybe we need to fund another public health nurse or a teen youth center. We can identify things that we can be better at.” Massaro thinks the

Board of Health has focused too much and too long on the Transfer Station and not paid enough attention to its public health mission.

One example: The state recommends that communities spend about $40 per resident a year on

public health. Marbehead spends about $17. With the new grants and new data, Massaro hopes to be able to make a case to leaders that the town should spend more on health initiatives.

“My wife thinks I’m a delusional optimist, but I think if we can make this happen and residents see the town doing something to make them healthier and, therefore, possibly happier in these difficult items, maybe people will think more positively about the town and its fantastic self-governing volunteers,” he said. “If that happens, it would be a good thing.”

Please contact gail@marbleheadchildrenscenter.com

Dr. Tom Massaro

COURTESY PHOTOS

Dr. Tom Massaro worked as a founding dean at a medical school in Botswana. He has launched the Creating a Healthier Marblehead intiative.

EDITOrI a L

Opinion

The other housing crisis

Over the past year, much attention has been focused on the housing shortage crisis, both regionally and nationally. The MBTA Communities Act and the requirements it places on many Massachusetts towns, including Marblehead, to create plans to build more affordable housing have stirred passions on both sides of the issue.

In a recent ruling, the Supreme Judicial Court unanimously upheld the act’s constitutionality and affirmed the Attorney General’s legal authority to enforce its mandates.

As we await the release of updated FEMA flood maps and drafting of new town bylaws for presentation to Town Meeting in May, we’ll soon learn more about their impact on the cost of homeowners insurance.

Marblehead now faces a stark choice: comply or potentially lose badly needed state funds.

But there is another housing crisis that may not generate as many headlines but can no longer be ignored, either: the availability and rising cost of homeowners insurance.

Driven by climate change, rising ocean levels and temperatures, and other unprecedented weather extremes, the ensuing natural disasters, ranging from hurricane destruction in the South to catastrophic wildfires in the West, have caused massive property losses and staggering costs to repair or replace homes and businesses. With their resources under mounting strain, insurance companies are passing along these costs to homeowners nationwide.

Many of our own town residents are feeling the pinch as their policies are either being canceled or their annual premiums substantially increased, in some cases by 40% to 50% or more. Why? Often, the justification given is that ours is a coastal town and therefore more vulnerable than inland locations to ocean storm damage.

While that may be true — virtually all of Marblehead lies within 2 miles of the coast, placing it in the category of “most difficult to obtain new insurance” — less than 2% of its land mass is contained within FEMA’s designated flood risk area. In short, the vast majority of local homes are not, or should not be, considered oceanfront property.

Meanwhile, a recent congressional investigation found that Massachusetts’s non-renewal rate is the fifth highest in the nation and that Essex County alone has seen a nearly 32% increase in nonrenewals since 2018.

For local homeowners, those are some tough numbers to swallow. And at a time when the federal response to climate change and the burning of fossil fuels seems to be headed in the wrong direction, those numbers only threaten to get worse.

As we await the release of updated FEMA flood maps and drafting of new town bylaws for presentation to Town Meeting in May, we’ll soon learn more about their impact on the cost of homeowners insurance, especially for those residents in flood risk areas. Still, it seems safe to assume that premiums and deductibles will be rising just as surely as ocean levels continue to do.

Local insurance agent Twig Burke tells the Current that if the existing cycle of non-renewals and cost increases continues, insurance companies may need to change their business models. He suggests this could include “meaningful credits for deductibles, including windstorm, leak detection systems, home improvements and loss-free history, to name just a few.”

As we well know from watching horrors like the Los Angeles fires, the problem is complicated, the costs daunting and solutions elusive at best. But obtaining adequate insurance protection is a challenge that will not be going away anytime soon. Unless all interested parties — homeowners, insurers, local communities such as ours, and federal agencies, including FEMA — can figure out ways to meet that challenge, housing costs in Marblehead will only become more prohibitively high and the ongoing shortage more severe.

SuSTa Ina BLE M arBLEHE a D

Plant-based foods are good for you and the planet

BY ELAINE LEAHY

For years, we’ve known about the health benefits of incorporating more fruits and vegetables into our diets — reducing cancer risks, supporting weight loss and improving heart health. There’s another compelling reason to embrace plant-based eating: safeguarding our planet. Many of today’s environmental challenges, such as greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation and water pollution, are connected to the ways we produce and consume food. Choosing to eat more plant-based foods offers an easy way to reduce our environmental impact and contribute to a healthier planet.

You’ve probably heard that reducing your carbon footprint is a crucial step in the fight against climate change. Switching to a heat pump to heat your home instead of oil or gas, driving an electric vehicle or opting to walk or bike more often are all impactful ways of going about this. But another great way to lower your carbon footprint is to change your diet to include more fruits and vegetables while reducing meat consumption, especially beef.

Animal agriculture is one of the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions globally. This is problematic because these gases trap heat and are a significant cause of global warming. Livestock farming produces methane from cow digestion, nitrous oxide from fertilizers used on animal feed crops and carbon dioxide from land-use changes. According to a 2019 report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, 21-37% of global emissions originate from food production and systems.

Plant-based foods produce far fewer greenhouse gas emissions per

calorie than animal-based foods. For example, growing lentils emits just 0.9 kilograms of CO2 per kilogram, compared to 27 kilograms for beef.

If you’re like me and come from a “meat and potatoes” type of family, the thought of saying goodbye to a delicious hamburger or steak might seem daunting, and downright depressing. But this doesn’t need to be the case. With any lifestyle change, it’s best to start small and build upon your success to create lasting change. Though some may want to go all in and cut out meat altogether, there are smaller steps that can also make an impact. After all, if everyone made some small changes, the combined impact really would make a big difference.

Transitioning to a more plantbased diet doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Start with simple steps like participating in “Meatless Mondays” or swapping one meal a day with a plant-based option. You can also try to simply eat less beef, opting instead for other meats like chicken or pork that cause fewer greenhouse gases. Can you have chicken stir fry with vegetables for dinner instead of beef stir fry? Or how about trying turkey meatballs rather than beef? You can also substitute mashed beans for half of the ground beef in your meatballs. There are so many clever “hacks”

LETTErS TO THE EDITOr

Ed Bell’s legacy of local news

To the editor:

Ed generated energy, enthusiasm and smarts in everything he did. He was like that as a broadcast executive and bureau chief at the AP, where we first worked together. Years later, after he had ostensibly retired and I was running INN, the Institute for Nonprofit News, Ed called to ask if INN could help him and a small band of journalists save local news in Marblehead.

It was a joy to reconnect with Ed. Beyond that, I knew if anyone could do it, Ed would. And he did, of course. By the end of 2022, the Current was up and publishing and had won broad support from the community. It was a great second act for this wonderful news man.

Sue Cross Mayview Drive

Los Angeles, California

Remembering Ed Bell’s moral compass

To the editor:

For someone in Flyover Country, the Current has been a godsend to read the tributes to Ed Bell, for whom I worked for a time at WHDH.

Your observation that he instilled

in his people “a moral compass” was spot on. The country is filled with Ed Bell disciples.

After layoffs, Ed gave me the option of staying around for a month and working or taking the money and leaving. I took the money and left. A day or so later, a tannery in Peabody exploded and it was all-hands-on-deck in a newsroom that had just had layoffs. One final bow. But I didn’t go.

“I kind of thought we’d see you,” Ed said to me at a farewell party a few days later, which was Ed’s way of saying “You should’ve come in.” I still feel bad about that because Ed Bell was the type of boss you’d run through a brick wall for and the sting of disappointing him never goes away, even 40 or so years later.

I’m proud to support the Current in his memory.

“God love ya, Ed.” Bob Collins McKinley Drive Woodbury, Minnesota

Pardons raise serious concerns about democracy

To the editor:

It’s Jan. 21, and I have just read about the pardons and commutations that our new president issued to people who beat and attacked police officers,

like these to get more plants into your diet.

While fruits and vegetables are the foundation for a plant-based diet, also consider adding more whole grains, beans, nuts and seeds. These foods are not only good for the planet but also are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber.

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are many plant-based meat substitutes out there as well. I currently have plant-based “ground be’f” in my freezer. No, that’s not a typo, and yes, I got a chuckle from the name, too. It’s a soy-based, gluten-free, crumbly ground beef substitute. My plan is to sauté it with some taco seasoning and add it to a whole-wheat tortilla with lettuce, tomato, salsa and avocado. Sounds pretty good, doesn’t it?

Experiment with recipes featuring beans, whole grains and seasonal vegetables. Explore cuisines from around the world that are naturally plant-forward, such as Mediterranean, Indian or Southeast Asian dishes. There are so many vegetarian cookbooks available at the library, and countless free recipes online.

Sustainable Marblehead is excited to delve deeper into this topic this year, and we invite you to join us on the journey. Whether you’re considering going fully vegan, swapping out beef occasionally or simply adding more vegetables to your meals each day, there’s something for everyone to learn. To kick things off, we invite you to our free “Meatless Meals Workshop” on Sunday, Feb. 9, 1–2 p.m. Please email sustainablemarblehead@ gmail.com to register.

Elaine Leahy is the executive director of Sustainable Marblehead.

to those who plotted against the United States of America four years ago. It’s grim. Example: David Dempsey of Santa Ana, California, was sentenced to 240 months in prison for repeatedly assaulting police officers with pepper spray, a metal crutch and wooden and metal poles. Mr. Dempsey is being released and given a full pardon.

On Jan. 12, a mere nine days ago, the vice president-elect said those responsible for the violence during the United States Capitol riot “obviously” should not be pardoned. Obviously, because political violence is not acceptable in a democracy. Apparently, the vice president-elect was misinformed. So, what are we, those who support the law and our local police, going to do? Our leaders — political, religious — must speak out and condemn this action. For our leaders in Washington, D.C., I would like this condemnation to be relentless. After all, our democracy is on the line. For the rest of us?

Stop supporting the oligarchs and their platforms and products that stood on the dais yesterday in full support of the new president, and “obviously,” stop voting against our own self-interests.

Kathy Hempel Palmer Road

Specialists share dementia insights at Council on Aging

BY WILL DOWD

As the predicted “silver tsunami” of aging baby boomers approaches, healthcare experts are working to prepare families and caregivers for the challenges of dementia care. At a recent “Join My Journey” presentation at the Marblehead Council on Aging, specialists shared insights into the daily struggles faced by individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

The program, led by Missy Abraham, director of memory care at The Mariner, and Martha Dooling, who plans activities for Mariner residents, offered attendees a chance to undergo a simulated dementia experience designed to build understanding and empathy.

“Our brain is about 2% of our body mass but uses about 25% of our oxygen. When you think really hard or begin to panic, our brain uses up to 50%,” Abraham explained, highlighting how cognitive challenges can affect basic functions.

The presentation revealed stark statistics about caregiving in America. As of 2020, approximately 53 million family caregivers provided unpaid care in the United States — a number exceeding California’s population. Nearly one in four caregivers spend more than 41 hours weekly providing care.

Dooling emphasized the physical toll of dementia, noting that when the disease progresses, “their brain is

actually shrinking so that it may only weigh a pound. So you can understand that their processing is not the same.”

The program utilized various tools to simulate the sensory challenges faced by individuals with dementia, including special glasses to demonstrate visual impairment, headphones to replicate hearing difficulties and equipment to simulate dexterity problems.

“Seventy-five percent of people over the age of 65 have visual impairment of some kind,” Dooling said. “Sixty to 80% of people living with dementia are challenged with depression.”

The presenters demonstrated

how simple environmental factors can significantly impact individuals with dementia. Dark-colored rugs or furniture may appear as holes to someone with cognitive impairment, while proper lighting and color contrast can help with daily activities.

Abraham shared how music can provide powerful connections for individuals with memory loss.

“We see all the time folks that may be at a stage where they can’t express themselves verbally, or they miss words,” she said, “but a song comes on — they know every lyric. It’s remarkable.”

The specialists emphasized

the importance of meeting individuals with dementia “where they are” rather than trying to force them to conform to current reality. This approach helps reduce anxiety and creates more positive interactions.

“A person with dementia is not trying to give you a hard time. They’re having a hard time,” Abraham noted, encouraging caregivers to practice patience and understanding.

The presentation addressed caregiver burnout, a significant concern in dementia care.

According to the Family Caregiver Alliance, about 40% of family caregivers of people with dementia suffer from depression, compared to 5-17%

of non-caregivers of similar ages.

To support caregivers, The Mariner, 265 Pleasant St., hosts monthly support group meetings on the first Wednesday of each month at 4 p.m. The public meetings provide a forum for caregivers to share experiences and access resources.

The program also covered various types of dementia and their different manifestations.

“There’s over 100 different types of dementia, you can have more than one at the same time,” Abraham explained. “Neurological studies can tell what parts of the brain are being affected.”

The presenters shared practical strategies for managing daily challenges, from personal care to communication. They emphasized the importance of simple, direct instructions and the use of visual cues rather than complex verbal directions.

As the aging population grows, with older adults projected to outnumber children under 18 for the first time in U.S. history by 2034, the need for dementia education and support continues to increase.

The “Join My Journey” program represents part of a broader effort to prepare communities for this demographic shift. It offers training for first responders, healthcare workers and family members to better understand and support individuals living with dementia.

Top 5 tech myths everyone believes: Are you falling for these?

BY STEPHEN BACH

In today’s world, technology is everywhere, but so are the myths surrounding it. From protecting your computer to improving performance, there’s no shortage of advice—much of which is flat-out wrong. Here are five of the most common tech myths that many people still believe and the truth behind them.

1. Myth: You should always safely remove USB drives

We’ve all seen the warning: “Safely remove your device.” It’s drilled into us that pulling out a USB drive without ejecting it first will corrupt your data. But is it really that risky?

The truth: Modern operating systems are designed to handle quick removal, and data

Inaugural address fails to unite nation

To the editor:

Like many Americans, I listened to the new president’s address to the nation from the rotunda. Perhaps I was naive to think that his message would be couched in language that would lift our spirits and encourage us to ask ourselves, “What we can do for our country?” Instead, there was a litany of lies and grievances,

corruption is rare if you’re not actively transferring files. As long as the drive’s indicator light isn’t flashing, you’re generally safe to unplug. However, ejecting is still a good habit for peace of mind—especially with older drives.

2. Myth: More bars mean better cell service

When you look at your phone and see five bars, you probably think, “Great signal!” But does that mean you’ll have a better call or faster internet?

The truth: Those bars measure your connection to the nearest tower, not the actual network speed. Factors like network congestion and your distance from the tower affect performance. Even with five bars, you can experience dropped calls or slow data if the network is overloaded.

3. Myth: Macs can’t get viruses

Apple users often tout the security of their devices,

claiming that Macs are immune to viruses. This belief has led many Mac users to skip antivirus software altogether.

The truth: While Macs are less targeted than Windows PCs, they’re not invincible. Cybercriminals create malware specifically for Macs, and as Apple’s market share grows, so does the risk. Using antivirus software and practicing good digital hygiene is essential, no matter your device.

4. Myth: Clearing your browser history speeds up your computer

Feeling like your computer

perhaps not surprising from a man who had neither the courage nor the grace to attend his predecessor’s inauguration.

Trump painted a picture of a dark, desolate failing country, which I and most people in the world do not recognize. Yes, we have challenges and wrongs to right, but such dark rhetoric does nothing to unite us and harness our will to overcome those challenges.

As a former educator, I was appalled to hear him accuse our teachers of “teaching children to be ashamed of themselves and to not

is running slow? Some people swear that clearing your browser history will give your device a performance boost. But is that really the fix?

The truth: Clearing your browser history won’t make your computer faster. What might help is clearing your browser’s cache or disabling unnecessary extensions. If your computer is still slow, the issue is likely elsewhere—like insufficient memory or outdated hardware.

5. Myth: Charging your phone overnight will damage the battery. This is one of the most persistent myths in tech. Many people believe that leaving your phone plugged in overnight will overcharge the battery and reduce its lifespan. (And this is a myth that the doc believed for many years!)

The truth: Modern smartphones are designed to stop charging once they hit 100%. While keeping your phone plugged in for long periods

love this country.” Having witnessed the selfless dedication and devotion of teachers both in the United States. and overseas, I know how special teachers are. These are the people who just keep on giving because that’s who they are, even though it’s unlikely to get them an invitation to join the billionaires’ party at the White House. When I became a United States citizen, I never thought I would feel so despondent and afraid for my adopted country — and its citizenry.

Ann Williams Birch Street

can generate heat (which can affect the battery), it’s not the overnight charging itself that causes damage. Using a highquality charger and ensuring your phone doesn’t overheat are more important.

Why these myths persist Tech myths stick around because they’re often based on outdated information or partial truths. As technology evolves, it’s crucial to separate fact from fiction to make informed decisions about how we use our devices.

The takeaway

Don’t believe everything you hear about technology! Understanding the truth behind these myths can save you time, money and frustration.

Have a tech question or myth you’d like debunked? Reach out to us, and we might feature it in our next column! Until next time: stay safe out there! Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.

LETTErS POLIC y Generally, letters should not

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

As part of the “Join My Journey” program, Martha Dooling, left, and Missy Abraham, center, engage Marblehead resident Beverly Hartline in hands-on activities designed to simulate the sensory challenges of dementia.

Hundreds gather to honor Ed Bell, veteran newsman and mentor

BY WILL DOWD

In a packed St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church on a crisp January morning, hundreds gathered to celebrate the life of Edward Stuart Bell, the veteran journalist and community leader who died Jan. 16 at age 84. Bell, who helped shape Boston and national journalism for five decades before co-founding the Marblehead Current in 2022, was remembered as a transformative figure who mentored countless journalists while setting the highest standards for

ethics and integrity. Beef tongue and pig knuckles

“We worked for a very special man,” said former WCVB-TV anchor Susan Wornick, who credited Bell with launching her career 50 years ago. “We worked for a guy whose ethics, whose morals and whose standards were above and beyond anybody else who you’ve ever met.”

Before hiring her at WBZ, Bell drove to a McDonald’s parking lot in Salem, New Hampshire, to listen to her broadcasts at a small local station, quietly evaluating her potential.

“He was intrigued,” Wornick recalled, drawing laughter as she described their subsequent lunch interview at a Cambridge restaurant. “I see I can get a beef tongue sandwich and I think, ‘I don’t even know this man and I’m gonna order a tongue sandwich.’” Bell, showing his characteristic humor, ordered the pig knuckles and ate them with relish.

“That’s when I knew I’d

met a very special human and wonderful person,” she said.

Before a standing-room crowd that included journalists, civic leaders and community members, speakers painted a portrait of a man who seamlessly balanced professional excellence with personal warmth and humor.

“That twinkle in his eye was the twinkle of the inner light of a man who

lived a life that exceeded expectations,” said his daughter, Andrea Bell Bergeron, who described her father as someone who “could start from humble beginnings but find himself sitting next to a president or eavesdropping on the Queen of England, accidentally of course.”

Bell’s journalism career took him from the Salem News to leadership roles at WBZ, WHDH and the Associated Press, where he directed coverage of major stories including Boston’s school desegregation crisis, the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the Red Sox breaking their 86-year World Series drought.

Peter Casey, who worked with Bell at WHDH-Radio in the 1980s, recalled how Bell transformed newsroom culture wherever he went. “Ed had the ability to manage people without having

them feel as if they were being managed,” Casey said. “That made us want to work hard. He wasn’t a micromanager. I never heard him yell.”

The Rev. C. Clyde Elledge, rector of St. Andrew’s, described Bell’s characteristic listening pose — “cross-legged, cross-armed, his head tilted slightly downward and off to the side.” That stance, whether in church pews or interviewing a president, embodied Bell’s gift for engaging others.

“Talking to him was an adventure of the mind,” Elledge said. “He would humbly engage with people wherever they were on whatever level.”

In retirement, Bell threw himself into community service, chairing the Marblehead Council on Aging, hosting news shows on local access television,

Ed Bell, to the right of President Ronald Reagan, at a media luncheon at the White House.

BELL, P. A13

Moulton:

Let’s get back to the Marblehead tradition of serving others

Congressman says growing up in town helped shape his military, political careers

BY GREY COLLINS

Although now he walks through the marble halls of the United States Capitol, serves on influential committees and casts significant votes in the House chamber as the Massachusetts 6th District representative, it wasn’t long ago that Congressman Seth Moulton was just a kid sailing, fishing and swimming in Marblehead Harbor.

“Everything was on the water,” said Moulton of his favorite things to do as a youngster. He swam regularly, sailed at Pleon and worked fixing boats during the summers. “And I still love to swim in the ocean any chance I get,” he added.

Moulton thinks Marblehead is a unique town with a rich history, and that growing up here made him who he is.

“As I got older, I started to appreciate the amazing history of Marblehead and the role Marbleheaders have played in our country for a long time,” said Moulton.

“Marblehead was essential to the Revolution, but Marblehead today is home to a lot of fascinating revolutionaries in their own right. It’s not a cookie cutter town with cookie

n EWS In BrIEF

BY WILL DOWD

Send yours to wdowd@ marbleheadnews.org.

Did you feel it?

A 3.8 magnitude earthquake, based in York, Maine, shook much of New England Monday at 10:22 a.m.

Residents in Marblehead reported feeling the rumble here in town.

Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Current there were no reports of structural damage or injuries.

State of the Town address scheduled

The annual State of the Town address is set for Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 6 p.m. in Abbot Hall. The presentation will review financial successes and challenges from the past year and establish revenue projections for the FY 2026 budget and future forecasts.

Crowley + Cotrell to gather resident feedback on current usage patterns and future improvements.

“Our collaboration with the town and our amazing supporters has allowed us to move from ideas to action, and it’s exciting to see the first phase of construction underway,” Maguire said. “The community’s involvement has been crucial in shaping our vision for a park that serves everyone.”

The redesigned park will feature elements that promote physical activity, mental wellness and socialization while accommodating people of all abilities. Special attention has been given to ensuring the design harmoniously blends with the historic neighborhood’s character, incorporating sustainable elements and creating intentional play experiences.

More than 100 families have become actively involved in the project. The park is expected to serve more than 500 neighborhood children

cutter people.”

Moulton said that the strong Marblehead community has always supported him and had his back throughout his life and career.

“I think some of the people I have gotten to know around Marblehead are quietly ambitious with a broader world view beyond our shores,” reflected Moulton.

“In particular, there’s a strong veterans community that’s been supportive, not just to me but to my family. And I’ve found a lot of role models in older Marbleheaders that I’ve met over the years.”

Moulton was just 10 years old when he was playing soccer at Seaside Park and a Marine Cobra Helicopter landed nearby for the anniversary of the founding of Marine aviation in Marblehead.

“I’d never seen a helicopter like this before, so I walked around it and admired it,” remembered Moulton. “Then I looked up at this big Marine major and said ‘Wow, you’re so lucky to fly this everyday.’ And the Marine major looked down at me and said, ‘I’m not lucky, kid, I’m good.’ I thought that was pretty awesome.”

These projections will determine available funds for next year’s budget planning. The State of the Town can also be viewed virtually at marblehead.org/ select-board/events/143671.

Town Meeting warrant closes Friday

The warrant for the May 5 Town Meeting remains open for town government boards and commissions until noon Jan. 31 to submit their own articles. Town Meeting, which serves as Marblehead’s legislative body, enables residents to vote on key matters such as budgets, bylaws, home-rule petitions and resolutions. For guidance, reach out to Town Moderator Jack Attridge at jack@allmarblehead. com or 781-883-3200.

Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony planned

Marblehead will hold its third annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at

and provide a gathering space for residents of all ages in one of Marblehead’s most densely populated areas.

Friends of the Park on Elm Street hopes to raise an additional $100,000 in the coming months to ensure phase two can begin promptly upon completion of the initial construction phase. Once completed, the Recreation and Parks Department will maintain the facility, including the new perennial gardens indicated in the design plans.

“The response from our community has been overwhelming,” Maguire said. “From major donors to children hosting lemonade stands, everyone is playing a part in making this dream a reality. This truly is a park being built by the community, for the community.”

For more information about the project or to make a donation, residents can visit theparkonelm.org or email theparkonelm@gmail.com. The organization also welcomes volunteers who wish to help with fundraising events or contribute to ongoing community engagement efforts.

Moulton later served four tours as an officer in the Marines himself in Iraq, enlisting just days after his graduation from Harvard University. He led a frontline infantry platoon in the first Marine company to enter Baghdad. After coming home and earning joint degrees in business and public administration, he began his political career, and has served in the House of Representatives since 2015.

“I certainly wouldn’t be a member of Congress if it wasn’t for my time in the Marines,” said Moulton. “I didn’t grow up interested in politics, but I saw the consequences of failed Washington leadership when I

noon on Jan. 31 at Abbot Hall. The Select Board approved the 30-minute ceremony at the request of the Task Force Against Discrimination. Rabbi Michael Schwartz of Temple Sinai and Rabbi Jenn Mangold of Temple Emanu-El will lead the observance. Mangold will also conduct a special Shabbat service that evening to honor Holocaust victims.

MBTA Communities Act forum planned

The UU Church of Marblehead will host a program called “Multifamily Housing in Marblehead: Just the Facts” on Sunday, Feb. 2, 2-4 p.m. The public forum will feature Angus McQuilken, co-founding member of the Marblehead Housing Coalition, and Bill Keaney, a coalition member and recently retired Boston College Graduate School of Social Work associate professor. The speakers will

was in Iraq.”

Summers spent fixing boats also taught him the value that hard work and sacrifice can have, a lesson that he brought with him to the Marines, and later, to Washington D.C. But he thinks values like grit, serving your community and hard work have become much rarer these days.

“I think we’ve lost the grit and resilience that has always been a part of America,” said Moulton. “We’ve got to get back to the Marblehead tradition of serving others, not just ourselves. Marblehead has a proud history of service, so instead of thinking about how you can buy a house on the Neck someday, start

address current developments, noncompliance penalties and potential benefits of 3A Zoning for Marblehead. A question and answer session will follow the presentation.

Police, NEMLEC combine to resolve mental health crisis

Marblehead Police called in officers from the Northeastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council to help with a call for a mental health crisis in the Naugus Head neighborhood on Saturday evening, Jan. 26. Multiple cruisers responded.

“At no time was the public in danger, as the area was secured and cleared early in the response,” according to a statement by Marblehead Police. “Marblehead and NEMLEC officers were able to make contact with the individual and they were treated and transported to a hospital for

thinking about how you can serve our country and make it better.”

Moulton thinks that young Marbleheaders should try to work hard, persevere and pursue lives of service towards others.

“My first piece of advice is to put your damn phone down and get your hands dirty,” responded Moulton when asked what advice he would share with young Marbleheaders.

“I always had blue collar jobs growing up and too many kids in wealthy communities are out of touch today with the real world and real Americans. The second thing is to work hard. We’ve developed a culture of laziness in America. And if you look at the history of Marblehead… it’s always been a town of grit and hardwork.”

Moulton strongly believes that although people are deeply divided right now, we have a lot more in common than we think, and that we can all accomplish so much more if we stick together.

“Marbleheaders have always been proudly independent, so rise above the partisan political fray and show that we can do great things together,” he urged.

additional care.”

The statement continued: “The incident shows that cooperation between multiple agencies, both law enforcement and non-enforcement, is required to handle difficult mental health calls.”

Home energy assistance program accepting applications

North Shore Community Action Programs is accepting applications for its Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households pay winter heating bills from Nov. 1 through April 30. Eligible households can receive direct payments to heating vendors, 29% discount on National Grid utility bills, protection from utility shutoffs during winter and possible no-cost energy efficiency improvements. Contact: 978-531-0767 ext. 136 or fuelassistance@nscap.org.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Dozens of people attended the town’s first MLK Community Breakfast, hosted by the Marblehead Racial Justice Team at Old North Church. Others came out to SPUR to make soup jars for local families facing food insecurity.

At Old North, it was standing room only as Marblehead resident and the town’s new grant writer Donna Pearl Cotterell led a community sing of “Lift Every Voice and Sing.” She and MRJT member Cheryl Boots also led the singing of “This Little Light of Mine.” Boots spoke about the power of music and the soundtrack to the Civil Rights movement.

MRJT member Kristin du Bay Horton led a discussion, asking

people what changes they could make starting this day to make the world a better place. Answers ranged from bringing warm-weather clothing to a Salem homeless encampment to “love your neighbor.” Marblehead resident Lottie Horton recited two poems by award-winning writer Amanda Gorman. Across town at SPUR, volunteers made 156 jars of dried soup mix, which were delivered to local food pantries.

COURTESY PHOTO SPUR volunteer Celeste Ignacio spent MLK Day preparing soup jars for local food pantries.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Donna Pearl Cotterell, right, and Cheryl Boots lead the MLK Community Breakfast in song.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Congressman Seth Moulton grew up swimming, fishing and fixing boats in Marblehead.

On THE run

Sports

Magicians turn in solid finishes in pair of annual state meets

Assa, Cerrutti, O’Connell, Szalewicz among the leaders in MSTCA Northeast Invitational

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys and girls indoor track teams had four athletes compete at the MSTCA (Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association) Northeast Invitational at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury over the weekend of Jan. 10. Historically, this meet has proven to be chaotic with a lot of events and no entry standards, and so as a result the Magicians elected to only send a handful of top athletes in order to get a chance to run their events in a more competitive field. As it turned out, the results were outstanding. There were two school records broken and another two that landed them in the top 3 on the all-time list throughout the history of the MHS indoor track program.

Starting on Friday, Jan. 10, Nate Assa and Will Cerrutti ran in the fast heat of the boys mile, with Assa finishing third after running a phenomenal time of 4:27.22, a seven-second personal best to catapult him to second place on the alltime MHS list.

Cerrutti (4:48.79) ended up 43rd in the state. “Will recognized fairly early on in the race that something wasn’t quite right in his legs, and he did the smart thing by opting to cruise through the remainder of the race,” said coach Nolan Raimo. “While this meet was a great opportunity to run fast, it doesn’t have nearly the stakes of the bigger races at the end of the season. It was a smart move by the veteran runner.”

The Magicians also had three runners compete on Sunday, Jan. 12, which yielded more success for the program.

First up was Marblehead’s distance star Marri O’Connell, who finished seventh

SPOTLIGHT

JOE MCCONNELL

NAME: Paige Tredwell

AGE: 18

PHOTOS / ALEX HUMPHREYS

Marri O’Connell of the Marblehead High girls indoor track team puts forth a tremendous effort with a 5:15 split in the 1600-meter leg of the distance medley relay to get her team a sixth-place medal during the 56th annual James Kalperis indoor track relays at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury on Jan. 18.

in the seeded two mile with a time of 11:37.73. Her effort landed her third on the all-time list of elite two milers in school history, only five seconds away from the school record.

“It was Marri’s best (race) of the

FAMILY: Parents: Karen and Rusty; siblings: Alonzo (22) and Brooke (24)

SCHOOL YEAR: Senior

SPORTS YOU PLAY: Track

FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: My favorite sport is track. The (sport’s) competitiveness allows all of us to push each other to succeed, and it’s a great positive environment to be a part of.

MOST MEMORABLE

MEET FOR YOU, AND

WHY: The 2024 state relays, because my teammates Elise Burchfield, Greta Sachs and I won the high-jump relay on that day.

PLANS FOR AFTER MHS: I’m currently awaiting decisions from many colleges in the south.

MAJOR: Psychology

DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE: I hope to compete in track as a walk-on, if possible.

DESIRED CAREER: I hope to become a sports psychologist.

The National Grand Bank sponsors the Current’s student athlete spotlight.

season, and her first chance to really showcase her distance prowess,” said Raimo.

In the seeded section of the boys twomile race, Assa (9:24.99) doubled down on his success two days earlier to finish second. This time qualifies him for the New Balance Indoor Track National Meet in March at both the two mile and 5K distances. His outstanding performance also snagged the MHS indoor track record

away from former teammate Isaac Gross, who had the previous record at 9:27.85.

“This was a huge weekend for Nate, who will be looking to do some serious damage at the state level and beyond in late February,” said Raimo. Jacob Szalewicz (1:58.29) also competed in this state meet, and was the only runner to finish under two minutes in the 800 to win this event going away.

“Even more impressive than the win was how Jacob managed to run under two minutes, when the whole field went out fairly slow with a 30 second opening 200 meters,” said Raimo. “Jacob took control after that first lap, and then only built up his lead (all the way to the end). Jacob’s time crushed the existing school 800 record of 2:04.82, and although it is not a common indoor distance, it was still an insanely impressive performance from him, who may not be done rewriting the MHS history books just yet.”

Onto the state relays

One week later on Saturday, Jan. 18, a group of Magicians participated in the 56th annual Division 3 James Kalperis indoor track relays at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury, and once again they did not disappoint.

Girls 4x800

In the girls 4x800, Marri O’Connell (2:19), Sarah Munroe (2:29), Maggie Miller (2:35) and Evie Becker (2:42) collectively finished sixth out of 28 teams. They had a combined time of 10:07.06. “They all ran an outstanding race as a group, and outperformed their seeded entry time by 13 seconds,” said assistant

MHS weekly sports notebook

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Postseason underway, swimmers lap NEC again

The Marblehead High swim & dive team (6-0) traveled to Gloucester to take on the Fishermen on Jan. 14, and by the end of the meet it was another win for Coach Guertin’s crew to the tune of 89-73. They have since defeated Swampscott on the road (94-78, Jan. 22) and Danvers at home (103-75, Jan. 23). Specific official results will be in next week’s Marblehead Current, along with Northeastern Conference Meet highlights.

Prior to the Gloucester meet, the Marblehead seniors were honored by their Gloucester counterparts with boxes of ‘fish,’ according to Guertin, who then said, “It was so appropriate.”

After the pregame festivities, it was time to get down to business. In the 200-yard medley relay, Omar Elnabarawy, Cale Nelson, Brady Leveroni and Logan Doody (1:55.14) took first for Marblehead, and their teammates Ezra Reid, Lucas Rosen, Yuri Volkov and Phillip Gaber (2:05.88) came in second. Leveroni (1:55.43, state cut), Ian Chemel (2:00.13) and Brinleigh Callahan (2:17.76) swept the 200yard freestyle. Grace Ladouceur (2:23.72, state cut), Shaelyn Callahan (2:33) and Gaber (2:50.24) provided points for the team in the 200 IM with second through fourth place finishes. Doody (22.95, state cut) went

to the head of the class in the 50-yard freestyle. Rosen (27.82) and Ellizabeth Hayes (31.77) finished fourth and fifth. Maxine Hall (136.65 points), Callie Gilmore (131.60) and Hailey Gilmore (127.40) dominated the diving competition.

Orion Lewis (1:03.57) secured first place in the 100-yard butterfly. Volkov (1:05.78) ended up third, and Ladouceur (1:06.08, sectional cut) was a close fourth. Doody (52.39, state cut) recorded another first place finish in the 100-yard freestyle. Abby Moore (1:02.38) was third, and Ezra Reid (1:02.55) fifth. Nelson (5:19.39, state cut), Callahan (6:01.53) and Maddy Auerbach (6:23.57) made it a clean sweep in the 500-yard freestyle. In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Reid, Chemel, Lewis and Volkov (1:45.60) took first. Moore, Callahan, Ladouceur and Callahan (1:55.39, sectional cut) ended up second.

Omar Elnabarawy (1:00.58), Chemel (1:01.56) and Reid (1:15.52) were the top three swimmers in the 100-yard backstroke. Lewis (1:16.02), Callahan (1:17.13, sectional cut) and Monica Pechhold (1:26.06) did the same in the 100-yard breaststroke.

In the 400-yard freestyle relay, Nelson, Leveroni, Chemel and Doody (3:39.69, state cut) finished on top. Callahan, Auerbach, Callahan and Ladouceur (4:22.24) got the second place points.

Girls hockey secures third win

The Marblehead High girls

co-op hockey team (3-7) picked up another win, when it defeated host Medford, 3-1 on Jan. 18.

Madilyn Reno paced the offensive attack with two goals. Emma Johnson accounted for the other tally. Madilyn Reno (1), Vera Conley (1), Lara Dolan (1) and Paige Waldman (2) collected the assists. Goalie

Scarlet Lee came up with 24 saves.

“The team played well on the road, and was able to pick up an important win,” said interim coach Jon Strzempek. “We had success across the (board), and were able to take care of the puck and do our jobs defensively. Other than a couple of rushes by quality Medford skaters, we played a great game defensively. I thought that this game was another complete game by us, and it really showcased many of the great qualities that this team has.”

Back at Salem State on Jan. 21, the Header girls ended up falling to the Bishop Fenwick Crusaders, 4-1. Layla Dulac netted the lone goal for the Headers assisted by Johnson. Lee kept things close on the scoreboard for a while with 25 saves.

“We came out with low energy in this game, and couldn’t find a way to battle back,” said Strzempek. “We played better in the second and third periods, but couldn’t find a way to make it translate on the scoreboard.”

rOun Du P

Sarah Munroe of the Marblehead High girls indoor track team battles in the lead pack in the opening 1200-meter leg of the distance medley relay.

COURTESY

Wrestlers gain that winning feeling

Black & Blue grapplers top Greater Lawrence, Billerica, Salem to jump

BY JOE MCCONNELL

It was another solid day for the Marblehead/Swampscott Black & Blue wrestling team (7-5) in a tri-match against Greater Lawrence Tech (42-36 win), Billerica (52-28 win) and Lawrence (48-32 loss) on Jan. 18, when they went 2-1 on the road In Andover against formidable Merrimack Valley opponents.

The first match of the day was against the host team Greater Lawrence, and the Black & Blue wrestlers stepped up with wins via pinfall coming from Jaymes Carey, Liam O’Brien, Gary Podstrelov, Greg Podstrelov and Colin Hart.

Mason Hinshaw also chipped in with a 16-1 technical fall victory. Gavin Lepler won via a major 23-15 decision. Alejandro Haven stepped up big time to defeat a ranked opponent as a result of a 9-7 decision. Picking up exhibition wins were Eva Goodman, Nolan Glass and Gavin Ferretti.

Lawrence was next up. “We wrestled well, but we ultimately didn’t have the firepower to close the gap,” said coach Mike Stamison. “We had a forfeit win from Isaiah Gibson, pins from Jaymes, O’Brien and Gary Podstrelov and major decision triumphs from Hinshaw (11-3 win) and Haven (10-1 win). Ferretti came through with another exhibition win.”

The Black & Blue wrestlers wrapped up the day against Billerica Memorial. Though

shorthanded, the Indians still had some tough kids, but the Black & Blue were able to pick up wins via pinfall from Devin DiBarri, Jaymes, Hart and Jayvery Monegro, who just rejoined the team to fill-in admirably for his friend Justin Gonzalez at heavyweight on this day. Picking up forfeit wins were Greg Podstrelov, Graham Ferretti, O’Brien and Hinshaw.

Bumping up from the 165 to 175pound weight class was Haven, and he came through once again with a 13-4 major decision triumph. Andrew Delisle also picked up an exhibition win. Black & Blue wrestlers defeat Salem on Senior Night

Prior to the tri-match, the Black & Blue grapplers defeated the always tough Salem/ Hamilton-Wenham co-op squad on Jan. 15 at Marblehead. 47-20

The team first honored

From P. A9

coach Will Herlihy. “Marri (started off) blazing fast, and never settled (down) during her leadoff leg. She simply dusted the entire field with her 2:19 split, and showed that she’s got wheels to go along with her distance prowess.

“Sarah Munroe, running in her first 800, held the lead for nearly 600 meters before battling through the last lap to an awesome 2:29 split.

“Maggie Miller kept her team in the race with a very solid 2:35 split. Evie Becker was then given a really tough task to put down her best effort as the anchor. Most of the runners she was competing against were the fastest runners on their teams. Despite the (formidable competition), Evie had a split of 2:41, which was more than enough to get her team a medal,” added Herlihy.

“The team time of 10:07.06 is Marblehead’s fifth fastest indoor time and sixth fastest all-time. This team could definitely threaten the all-time school record (9:52) later this season and beyond as O’Connell (junior), Munroe (sophomore), Miller (sophomore) and Becker (freshmen) continue to train to improve (their own individual times).”

Boys 4x800

Jonah Potach (2:11), Will Cruikshank (2:09), Marc Grazado (2:12) and Henrik Adams (2:14) finished 13th out of 27 teams in a combined time of 8:46.44.

“Jonah Potach bet big on

Wednesday, Jan. 29

4:30 p.m., girls and boys indoor track, multiple schools, Marblehead High

5 p.m., girls basketball, KIPP Academy, KIPP Academy, Lynn

6 p.m., girls hockey, Masconomet, Valley Forum, Haverhill

6:30 p.m., wrestling, Gloucester, Swampscott High

himself before the meet, and asserted that he believed he was one of the fastest 800 runners on the team. He proved himself right in a big way with his opening leg split of 2:11, which is a significant improvement from his prior 800 relay splits,” said Herlihy.

“Will Cruikshank split a 2:09 in the second leg, which is not too far off his outdoor opening 800 personal best. Will has consistently been one of our most versatile runners, competing across many distances throughout the season, and he’s always willing to do whatever he can to help the team.

“Marc Grazado, who is still pretty new to mid-distance races, has really shined the past couple of weeks, and his 2:12 split in the third leg was excellent for someone who doesn’t have a lot of experience at the longer distances,” added the veteran track coach.

“Henrik Adams knew he was on a go/no go call in his (anchor) leg since he would have a huge role later on in the meet in the (distance medley relay), and when he knew his team was out of medal contention, he cruised the final 400 to earn a 2:14 split. Even with a conservative effort, this was still a solid split. Overall, it was a great showing for this team.”

Girls distance medley relay

The distance medley relay consists of a 1200-meter leg, 400-meter leg, 800-meter leg and 1600-meter leg. It is a pretty demanding event that requires a team to have solid runners in the long sprints, mid-distance

7:30 p.m., boys hockey, Beverly, Salem State University Thursday, Jan. 30

6:30 p.m., alpine skiing, TBA, Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton

6:30 p.m., girls basketball, Salem, Salem High

7 p.m., boys basketball, Salem, Marblehead High Friday, Jan. 31

its seven outgoing seniors, including captain Clive Connolly (four-year starter), captain Justin Gonzalez (three-year starter) and Gary Podstrelov, Greg Podstrelov, Gavin Ferretti, Gavin Lepler and Lorenzo Gaudioso, all first-year wrestlers. Glass, Delisle, DiBarri, Ferretti and Xavier Tejeda provided positive momentum early on for their teammates with five exhibition wins.

At 106 pounds, seventh grader Isaiah Gibson picked up a win via forfeit. At 113, sophomore Jaymes Carey, bumped up from 106, proceeded to defeat Caden Tran with a 15-4 major decision.

At 120 pounds, sophomore Eva Goodman dropped a close 13-9 decision. At 126, freshman Ilan Hod fought hard, but ultimately lost to a tough foe Kevin Spoon. At 132, junior captain Liam O’Brien faced off against Connor

and distance disciplines. Most of the Marblehead DMR teams had already run a tough relay leg earlier in the meet, but that didn’t deter both boys and girls teams from showing up in a big way by putting down great splits, while also earning medals and team points.

The girls team (13:26.25) ended up sixth out of 20 foursomes.

Munroe (4:12), Gabby Hendy (66), Juliet Burchfield (2:50) and O’Connell (5:15) turned in that top finish to bring home a medal for their efforts.

“Sarah Munroe, doubling back from an all-out 800 earlier in the meet, came in right around her goal time with a 4:12 split. The 800/1200 is one of the toughest doubles you can do, and Sarah once again showed true grit to put down the time she did,” said Herlihy.

“Gabby Hendy had one of her fastest 400 splits of the season with a 66-second leg, on her birthday no less. Juliet Birchfield split a 2:50 in the 800 leg. Juliet hasn’t had to step up to the 800 in a while, but she pushed her way through the leg before passing off the baton to Marri O’Connell, who then put down the fastest 1600 split of the entire field to bring her team back from ninth place to sixth place with her gutsy 5:15 split. Marri had arguably the best day of any individual in the distance events. She had the fastest split in the 4x800, as well as the fastest 1600 split in the DMR. She has somewhat struggled to find her stride in her first indoor season, but it’s safe to say that she is back on track now with these two outstanding performances.”

6:30 p.m., gymnastics, multiple schools, Winthrop Gymnastics

Academy Saturday, Feb. 1

7 a.m., wrestling, NEC League, Triton Regional High

5:30 p.m., girls hockey, Beverly, Salem State University Sunday, Feb. 2

10:30 a.m., boys hockey, Peabody, McVann/O’Keefe Memorial Rink, Peabody

At 165 pounds, Haven was dominant, winning a 15-3 major decision over Fionn Coughlin. Junior Phineas Jakious took a seat for Lepler, who got the nod against Gadge Hayes in the match of the day at 175. Hayes shot out to a 6-0 lead, but Gavin roared back. He fought to get back to his stomach to grab a reversal as time expired. He was then able to pin Hayes in the second period.

Buckley once again, and he beat him for the second time this year, this time by a 6-1 decision. At 138 pounds, senior Gary Podstrelov took on Justice Bower, and was able to stay off his back to save the team a point, before losing 18-0 on a technical fall. “Gary has been wrestling well at 138, and is 5-3 since moving down a weight class,” said Stamison.

At 144 pounds, Gary’s twin brother Greg capped off his senior night in style with a pin.

At 150, Connolly won by forfeit. At 157, Hinshaw squared off against Salem’s Miguel Arcila, and what ensued was an absolute grind. Following a scoreless first period — despite a controversial takedown on the edge of the mat as time expired an escape from Hinshaw in the third period gave him a 1-0 decision win over his worthy opponent.

Boys DMR

The boys DMR squad (10:43.33) finished second out of 22 teams. Szalewicz (3:15), Marc Grazado (56), Adams (2:06) and Assa (4:25) were responsible for the incredible finish.

“The boys absolutely smashed the school record in the DMR by 16 seconds in what had to be one of the most exciting oval races in the entire meet. Their time is the 30th fastest time in the entire country so far this season,” said Herlihy. “Admittedly, the available records for the DMR are limited, but I have no doubt that there are very few, if any, prior Marblehead teams that could match this time.

“Jacob Szalewicz, also doubling off a tough 800 earlier, used his strength and endurance in the final lap to power to a 3:15 split. Marc Grazado, who also ran an 800 earlier, split a great 56 second 400 split to keep his team in the race. Henrik Adams ran a 2:06 split in the 800 leg, only three seconds off his outdoor opening 800 personal best, which set up an electric closing leg,” said Herlihy.

“In the recap of this meet last year, I wrote that Nate has emerged as an elite talent across multiple distances, and he proved that to be true with his 52-second 400 split in the SMR (sprint medley relay) earlier in the meet, but it was this race where he showed that he is still an absolute force in the distance events. Nate erased a five-second lead in two short laps, before going back and forth with Billerica through the remaining six laps in an epic battle between two very high caliber runners. Nate put on the jets to open up a slight lead with 200 meters to go before

Monday, Feb. 3

6 p.m., boys basketball, Malden, Malden High

7 p.m., girls hockey, Leominster, Salem State University

Tuesday, Feb. 4

6 p.m., wrestling, Winchester, Winchester High

7 p.m., alpine skiing, TBA, Ski Ward Ski Area, Shrewsbury

7 p.m., girls basketball, Peabody, Marblehead High gym

At 190 pounds, junior captain Colin Hart ran his record to 18-7 after pinning Matt Rosa in the first period. At 215, senior Gavin Ferretti, bumped up from 190, took on Lukas Dos Anjos. But the weight discrepancy proved to be too much for Gavin, despite wrestling well. And finally at 285, senior captain Justin Gonzalez won a close 3-2 decision over Greg Njiseng.

Eighth grader Isaiah Gibson wrestled his first six-minute match, before losing a close decision in an exhibition encounter. In another exhibition match, senior Lorenzo Guadioso, returning from injury, lost his first match in a month.

“The great part about this match wasn’t the win, but how we conducted ourselves,” said Stamison. “We were much more disciplined, and the kids who lost still gave it their all to save the team points. I will take this effort every time, win or lose. Hats off to Salem, they gave us everything we could handle.”

getting out-leaned at the line by the Billerica runner. In the end, it came down to timing more than anything else, with Billerica sneaking up on the inside in the final 30 meters that caught Nate off guard without enough race left for him to respond and cover the final move. Erasing a five-second lead and splitting 4:25 is crazy impressive, but Nate makes crazy look almost easy. This was a phenomenal performance from this squad, and they all deserve a ton of credit, but I’d be remiss not to note that they did this without one of their best runners, Will Cerrutti, who unfortunately missed the meet due to illness. Come spring relays, this team is going to be scary when back at full strength,” Herlihy added.

Sprint medley relay

The Marblehead girls B-team of Cate Cole, Emily Zisson (1:11) and Norah Walsh (2:41) came in 20th of 39 teams in 4:56.39. The boys A-team of Jake Bobowski, Ryan Corrigan, Assa (52) and Szalewicz (1:57) finished second out of 37 teams in 3:38.33.

Boys 4x400

The boys A-team of Eben Weed (54), David Magen (57), Will Cruikshank (56) and Slater Johnson (57) ended up 15th of 36 teams in 3:45.38. Since then, the Marblehead boys (5-2) and girls (6-0-1) indoor track teams returned to the Northeastern Conference, where the boys defeated host Saugus, 65-11, and the girls remained undefeated after also beating the Sachems rather easily, 62-10 on Jan. 23. More on this meet in next week’s Marblehead Current.

Wednesday, Feb. 5

4 p.m., girls hockey, Gloucester, Talbot Rink, Gloucester

7 p.m., boys basketball, Peabody, Peabody Veterans Memorial High

7:30 p.m., boys hockey, Winthrop, Salem State University Thursday, Feb. 6

5 p.m., wrestling, Essex Tech, Essex Tech

6:30 p.m., alpine skiing, TBA, Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton

COURTESY PHOTO

The Marblehead/Swampscott Black & Blue wrestling coach Mike Stamison introduces his seniors on Senior Night prior to the Jan. 15 match against the Salem co-op. They are, from left, captain Justin Gonzalez, Lorenzo Gaudioso, captain Clive Connolly, Gary Podstrelov, Greg Podstrelov, Gavin Ferretti, Gavin Lepler and coach Stamison.

The Headers then lost to Newton North on the road, 4-0. Lee was busy in net, making 38 stops.

“We struggled to get going offensively, and also struggled to adjust to (the Newton North) offensive attack and pressure,” said Strzempek. “It was a tough game all around with lots of lessons to be learned going forward for the entire team, coaches included.”

Girls basketball keeps on winning

The Marblehead High girls basketball team (9-2) ran its winning streak to six games after two more wins last week at home against Winthrop (36-30) and Beverly (37-31).

Tess Andriano was the leading scorer in the Winthrop game with 14 points. Maddie Forbes, Ramona Gillett and Olivia Goldwater scored four apiece. Freshman Lucy McDonald and Hailey Schmitt each contributed three points to the winning cause. Samara Dosch and Greta Sachs ended up with two points apiece.

Andriano was also the leading scorer against the Panthers with 13 points. McDonald tallied six. Dosch had five. Sachs and Goldwater chipped in with four apiece. Gillett produced three points. Schmitt factored into the offense with two points.

Coach Paul Moran is certainly not complaining about the results, but like all coaches he’s keeping everything in the present tense. “We are just going one game at a time. We give them a good game

plan to follow, and they are executing it very well,” he said. “These girls can play any type of game. They can play fast, or they can slow things down if need be.”

Moran went on to say that in these two games, in particular, his team won the majority of the 50//50 balls, because “they play really hard in all phases of the game, and go beyond the call of duty.

“Playing defense is not fun, but they don’t mind digging in to get the job done,” he added.

The Marblehead girls are doing the things that please the coach. “I don’t care about winning or losing, as long as my team plays hard,” he said.

And they are doing just that, and winning too.

Basketball Magicians all even

The Marblehead High boys basketball team (5-5)

won its second straight game on Jan. 21 on the road at Winthrop, 69-49. But then, three nights later, also on the road, they dropped a 81-33 decision to the Beverly Panthers. Winthrop was a good win for us,” said coach Mike Giardi. “But the Beverly game was the complete opposite. We played a tough Beverly team, and when you play a top team you have to be at your best, but unfortunately we may have been at our worst.”

Finn Baron paced the attack against the Vikings with 21 points.

Sam Thompson was next in line with 16. Matthew Sherf chipped in with 13.

Cam Quigley netted eight.

Cody Bouchard ended up with three points, along with Rylan Golden.

Declan Gibson and Adam Loughlin each accounted

for two points. Owen Newburg buried one free throw. Baron also led the team in scoring against the Panthers with 14 points.

Winthrop snaps Hockey Headers’ winning streak

The Marblehead High boys hockey team (10-21) began last week with a 2-1 win over host Masco on Jan. 22, but then three days later in another road encounter they dropped a 3-1 decision to Winthrop to snap their four game winning streak.

Junior London McDonald and his classmate Avin Rodovsky netted the goals against the Chieftains. Rodovsky also set up McDonald’s tally, while senior captain Sean Dolan had the helper on Avin’s marker.

But last Saturday at Winthrop’s Larsen Rink, the Vikings upset the Headers, who dropped to four in the Division 3 power rankings, as of Jan. 24, behind only Nauset (10-0-1), Medfield (12-0-1) and Essex Tech (11-1-1).

McDonald netted the lone Marblehead goal assisted by sophomore defenseman Jimmy Ryan and goalie Leo Burdge.

Head Coach Mark Marfione had a simple explanation on the loss to Winthrop and the narrow win over the Chieftains. “We took too many penalties in both games,” he said.

Marfione also singled out McDonald and Rodovsky, who combined had 18 minutes in penalties over these two games.

“It’s tough to look at the power rankings or think about any success in the postseason if two of our best players continually make choices to put our team at a disadvantage,” he said. “We have to solve that problem or else our season is going to end early.

“Nonetheless, it was a good effort against Winthrop, but (the Vikings) right now are better than us in every phase of the game,” added Marfione. “We are also just giving up too many opportunities, and leaving a lot of work for (Burdge).”

Burdge continues to do his job, making 30-plus saves in each of these two games, but he also needs a little help from his friends up front.

Marblehead’s best bets

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander

March to Old Burial Hill

Saturday, Feb. 1, 5 p.m.

The members of Glover’s Regiment will commemorate the life of Gen. John Glover in their annual march from the Old Town

Heart bowl painting class

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 6-8 p.m.

House on Washington Street to Burial Hill. Glover died on Jan. 30, 1797, and is entombed at Burial Hill. Once at Burial Hill, the commander of the regiment, Capt. Seamus Daly, will deliver an oration remembering Glover’s service to the country, state and town. Members of the regiment

Join Hestia, 40 Hawkes St., in its Paint Your Own Pottery studio and paint a pair of heart bowls. Hestia will supply everything needed to paint and create a one-of-a-kind artistic project. Feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments. The fee is $40, and registration is required. hestiacreations. com/pyop-reservation-page

Old Men of Marblehead will perform at The Landing, 81 Front St. The band includes 10 active members with more than 200 years experience. The musicians play bluegrass, country,

will render honors by firing three musket volleys and will then march back to the Old Town House.

Members of the public and re-enactors are invited to join the regiment and march under lantern light and drumbeat. People are encouraged to bring candle-lit lanterns.

FISK at 50 – A special Evensong service

Sunday, Feb. 2, 5 p.m.

On Feb. 2, 1975, St. Michael’s Church celebrated the installation of a new organ, C.B. Fisk’s Opus 69, with a Festal Evensong service in collaboration with the choir of Christ Church of Hamilton and Wenham. To commemorate this year’s 50th anniversary, the choirs of St. Michael’s and Christ Church will once again join voices to sing a service of Evensong. Musical selections will include some repeats from the original event, including Thomas A. Walmisley’s “Magnificat and Nunc dimittis in D” for choir as well as J.S. Bach’s “Gigue Fugue” for solo organ. There will be a reception immediately following. 26 Pleasant St.

Me&Thee Music: Fabiola Mendez Trio

Friday, Feb. 7, 8 p.m.

The warm, upbeat music of Puerto Rico and the Fabiola Méndez Trio kicks off the Me&Thee’s winter season. Fabiola, who was named the Latin Artist of the Year at the recent Boston Music Awards, is a gifted cuatrista, singer, educator and Emmy-nominated composer. Fee-free tickets are only available at meandthee.org and at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St. Tickets ($25 adults, $10 students) also available at meandthee.org. 28 Mugford St.

Festival of Arts reveals 2025 logo

\BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead Festival of Arts has announced the winning logo for its 2025 season. The logo, by Justin Derosa of Swampscott, is blue and white and depicts Marblehead’s famous light tower at Chandler Hovey Park.

“In our new logo, the light tower is not only guiding our sailors home, but projecting out the indomitable creative spirit that the Marblehead Festival of Arts has helped to foster for generations,” according to a MFoA press release. Derosa’s original design featured a more traditional lighthouse. He updated it to

COURTESY PHOTO

Justin Derosa of Swampscott is the winner of the Festival of Arts 2025 logo contest.

Robert Hansen ‘Bobby’ Whear,

70

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert Hansen Whear, lovingly known as “Bobby,” on Jan. 17. Bobby left this world peacefully at Massachusetts General Hospital, surrounded by his devoted family, after a courageous twomonth battle with leukemia. A cherished resident of both Marblehead and Damariscotta, Maine, Bobby leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and extraordinary kindness. Born on Feb. 24, 1954, Bobby grew up in Marblehead, where his passion for hockey first took root. He spent his childhood playing street and pond hockey and proudly represented the Bantam and town high school teams. His enthusiasm for the sport blossomed into a lifelong love, fueled by his admiration for the Boston Bruins and Bobby Orr. Bobby’s devotion extended to organizing many trips to the Frozen Four, being a part of the Hobey Baker Committee and

Jeffery A. St. George, 49

Jeffrey Allen St. George, beloved father, son, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly at age 49 from complications of an abdominal infection on January 20, with his family by his side. Jeff was predeceased by his wife, Katie Martin, in May.

Jeff was born on May 27, 1975, to Sara and Dan St. George in North Dakota, the younger of two boys. He spent his early years in Colorado and Michigan where he excelled at soccer and at just being a great kid and little brother to Peter (PJ). He moved to Marblehead in 1992 to join his dad and stepmom, Allyson Preston, and to become the big brother to his two younger siblings, Katie and Christopher St. George. He was welcomed into the MHS Class of 1994 where he made lifelong friends both on and off the soccer field.

It was at UMass Amherst where Jeff discovered his appreciation for the importance of our surroundings and graduated in 1998 with a bachelor’s in landscape architecture. He returned home to Marblehead to open Terrascape Gardens but soon realized that his personality and talents were a great match for facilities management. Jeff had a successful career with his most

collecting endless tales of hockey glory.

In Bobby’s mind, no one was a stranger. His charm, wit and gift for storytelling made him the life of every gathering. His vibrant personality and fun-loving attitude took Bobby on many escapades and shaped his skills as an epic party organizer. He delighted in sharing memories, whether about the best local treasures or faraway adventures, spreading joy wherever he went. His zest for life took on new depth in the mid-1980s when he met the love of his life, Sherry. Together, they embarked on their greatest adventure as co-innkeepers of the Mill Pond Inn, creating a haven of warmth and hospitality for over four decades, forming a multitude of so many amazing friendships

recent position being director of sales for ABM, a multibilliondollar, multinational facilities management company.

It was at UMass that Jeff met Katie Martin, the love of his life and fellow landscape architecture major. Together they built a life rooted in love, respect and mutual support as a couple, and most importantly, as the proud parents of their two amazing daughters, Emma and Charlotte St. George.

Jeff was Katie’s rock throughout her illness and primary caretaker to the end while still being an amazing dad to the girls.

To remember Jeff is to remember a kind, fun and loyal son and friend, a great dad and a hard-working member of the Marblehead community. Jeff was always at the girls’ sporting events as a proud parent and often as a coach. He selflessly shared his professional expertise with the Marblehead schools and Corinthian Yacht Club as a member of their facilities committees. Favorite times were

worldwide that Bobby held very close to his heart. During his marriage with Sherry he became a stepfather and friend to Marissa and Becky. He took them in and treated them and loved them as his own. Bobby’s heart expanded even more with the arrival of his beloved grandchildren — Troy, Dylan, Lilliana and Antonio. Whether taking them on trips to Fernald’s for a sweet treat or simply filling their days with laughter and love, he was a grandfather in the truest sense — an unwavering source of adventure, wisdom and boundless encouragement. Bobby lived life to its fullest, juggling countless roles with boundless energy. In addition to building a thriving bed and breakfast, Bobby was a successful realtor, a registered Maine Guide, a trusted board member of Great Salt Bay Sanitary District, an amazing bartender and a cherished local figure. He worked in the restaurant industry throughout his whole life and has spent the past two decades bartending at the Damariscotta River Grill.

The patrons came on Thursday nights to hear his captivating stories and see his famous hockey puck collection. Bobby

on the water on the RustyChap with his family, his Supper Club, woodworking, relaxing on the porch of the Corinthian, long walks with his four-legged buddy, Bob Robert, holidays filled with love and laughter, the Christmas lights on his enormous tree on West Shore Drive, rooting for the Patriots… it just goes on. We were lucky to have had him in our lives and will miss him terribly.

Jeff is survived by his daughters, Emma and Charlotte St. George; his mother, Sara Moskal (Mike Moskal); his father, Dan St. George and stepmother, Allyson Preston; his siblings, Peter (Bianca), Katie and Chris St. George; his in-laws, Sue and Charlie Martin and their daughters Jamie and Erin and their families; his aunt Ricky Preston and cousin Kara; and his amazing friends Kristen and Tony Pratt, Lisa Keith and Matt Lindblad.

In lieu of a funeral, a celebration of life will be held this summer with details at a later date. The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Jeff’s teams at Salem Hospital and MGH for their expertise, care and compassion as well as to the entire Marblehead community who have been beyond amazing in their support of this family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Jeff’s family.

drew countless friends and admirers along the way. His vibrant voice resonated across the airwaves on his rockand-roll radio show and the local cable programs “Wuzzup” and “InnSannity.” Bobby’s written words also graced the pages of The Lincoln County News in his “Gone Fishin’” column, offering a unique perspective on life.

Among Bobby’s many achievements, most notable is his 41-year journey of sobriety. He inspired countless others through his unwavering dedication to recovery, offering guidance, hope and steadfast support to both official and unofficial endeavors. His impact on the recovery community in Lincoln County and beyond is profound and enduring.

He leaves behind a family who will forever cherish his memory: his wife of 38 years, Sherry Whear; his daughters, Marissa and her husband, Chuck Deschenes, and Becky and her husband, Tony Freddo; his grandchildren, Troy, Dylan, Lilliana and Antonio; his siblings, Debbie and Buddy Fox, Bruce and Heidi Whear, and Gary and Linnea Whear; along with many nieces, nephews and a multitude of dear friends. Bobby was predeceased by his loving mother,

Roberta; his father, Roger; and his sister, Diana Staples. Bobby’s love, generosity and larger-than-life spirit will forever be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a man who truly lived his life with open arms and an open heart, leaving a legacy of kindness and joy that will endure through the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Bobby. You will be deeply missed, but your light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who loved you.

In lieu of flowers we are asking for donations to be made in Bobby’s name to Hearty Roots, a nonprofit, outdoor-based youth development program guiding people off the grid and into their hearts. To learn more about this wonderful organization that was very close to Bobby’s heart, please check out their website and consider making a monetary donation in his name at heartyroots.org. Links for his scholarship program or “Bobby’s Basecamp” will be provided on the website.

Services will be announced at a later date.

To learn more about Bobby and his life, go to shorturl.at/ nWjeU or read the “Characters of the County” feature about him at shorturl.at/3Mboe.

‘un IM aGIna BLE CH a LLEnGE’ Community rallies behind teen sisters who have lost both parents

A family tragedy in Marblehead has prompted nearly 1,000 people to donate to a GoFundMe supporting two teen sisters.

Jeff St. George and his wife, Katie Martin, were active volunteers in Marblehead schools for years. Katie died of breast cancer last May. Jeff died Jan. 20 of a severe infection.

“Emma and Charlotte now face the unimaginable challenge of navigating life without either one of their devoted parents,” wrote Elizabeth Salvi, one of the GoFundMe organizers.

“Despite the overwhelming grief, these resilient young women continue to inspire

us with their strength and courage. They are surrounded by family and friends who love them, but the road ahead will be difficult.”

The GoFundMe message continues, “As close friends of Jeff and Katie’s, our goal is to raise funds to cover educational and unforeseen costs that may arise so that the adjustment to their new reality with Jeff’s sister, Katie, is as smooth as possible. No child should have to grow up without one parent, but to grow up without two, is beyond comprehension.”

Within 24 hours, people had donated more than $139,000.

and in 2022 co-founding the nonprofit Marblehead Current newspaper.

“He cited the ‘equal portions of hope, optimism and a deep and abiding love for the town’ that drove him to fill a void in local news coverage,” Bergeron said, quoting her father’s motivation for starting the Current at age 82.

‘Yo, Barb’

The service balanced moments of deep emotion with bursts of laughter as speakers shared stories of Bell’s wit and humor.

Bell’s dedication to family ran as deep as his commitment to journalism. Speakers noted his 50-year marriage to his wife Barbara, his pride in daughter Andrea and his strength after losing daughter Jennifer to a drunk driver in 1987.

“They are the blueprint for a happy and healthy partnership,” Bergeron said of her parents. “I’ll miss them answering my phone calls at the same time, or hearing my dad call my mom shouting ‘Yo, Barb!’ when he needed to get her attention.”

The service closed with Bergeron sharing one of her father’s favorite pieces of advice about celebrations: “Don’t skimp on the flowers.”

“What it means,” she explained, “was that he wanted us to know that in moments worth celebrating, do it big.”

As mourners filed out to head to the cemetery to inter Bell and then attend a reception at the Danversport Yacht Club, folks joined in singing “Sweet Caroline,” to the accompaniment of a guitar. They passed beneath the church’s stone archway where Bell had often greeted fellow parishioners — one final reminder of a man who, as Elledge noted, “squeezed every bit of life out of every day.”

“He’s on the other side of the veil now,” he said, “and it’s our turn to emulate the best of him.”

COURTESY PHOTO

The St. George family in happier times.

Ed Bell loved singing with his family. Here he is playing guitar with his young daughters, Jennifer and Andrea, in the 1970s.

COURTESY PHOTO

Bell

From P. A6

George Owen Roberts, 92

On Sunday, Jan. 19, the world lost a unique and remarkable man when George Owen Roberts, 92, passed away peacefully. George, known affectionately by some in the family as “Bud,” was born on April 5, 1932, in Holyoke, to George Irwin Roberts and Florence (Phoenix) Roberts (later Kellogg). The family soon moved to the upper west side of Manhattan where George would watch Columbia University football games from the roof of his building. One of his fondest memories from early childhood was sitting in the outfield with his father at Yankee Stadium watching the great Bambino in the twilight of his career. George attended Bogota High School (near Hackensack, New Jersey)

Lucy Lincoln Gilson, 84

Lucy Lincoln Gilson, 84, died peacefully on Jan. 20 in her Marblehead home following a long battle with dementia. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, she was the daughter of Laura and James Lincoln Jr. Lucy leaves her son Michael, brother Russell and step-sister Brannon. She was

Heather Lacey, 53

Heather Lacey, 53, of Marblehead, decided to take the party elsewhere on Jan. 22. For the past six years, Heather played ‘Whac-A-Mole’ with cancer, and did it with courage, dignity, grace and an unwavering sense of humor. She is survived by the light of her life, daughter Sydney and the love of her life and husband of 14 years, John Wetmore. In addition to John and Sydney, Heather leaves behind her mother, Patricia Lacey, brother Dan Lacey and his wife Aimee, sister Melanie,

Joan Marie Lessard, 92

Joan Marie Lessard passed away suddenly at age 92 of a heart attack March 28, 2024. She was on vacation in her beloved Key West, swimming, walking, visiting with friends and enjoying the local cuisine.

Joan was born March 20, 1932, in Goffs Falls, New Hampshire, not far from Manchester. She had a challenged childhood with a father away in the Navy and a mother debilitated by a serious medical condition. From a young age she took much of the responsibility of raising her younger sister, Iris.

Finding public high school lacking, Joan walked herself to the local Catholic high school and asked to be admitted. She was accepted and felt like she

and then studied German and art at Principia College in Illinois, where he also starred on the golf team. In the summers of his college years, he worked with his dad at a branch of Bendix Aviation in Manhattan, transferring avionic diagrams of dashboard parts onto vellum. After graduating from Principia in 1954, he enlisted in the Army just after the Korean War. He was stationed in Germany, in part because of his fluency in the language. After painting a pastoral watercolor birthday card for a major’s wife, it was determined that he was a better

predeceased by her husband Leo, her brother Jeff and step-sister Bonnie. She is survived by many adoring family members and friends.

For many years, Lucy lived in Boston after graduating from Boston University and was employed by Boston Investment Development Company which turned old mills into housing for the elderly and handicapped residents. She managed The Peabody House, a division of BIDC.

brother Michael and his husband Mark and sister Marisa and her husband Gary. Heather was predeceased by her father, Donald Lacey. Born on Jan. 25, 1971, Heather grew up in New Castle, Delaware,

artist than soldier. Soon he was tasked with all sorts of art projects, including some beautiful murals on the walls of the officers’ club in Heidelberg. George eventually found his calling as an art teacher. He was one of the original teachers at Newton South High School when it opened in 1960. Known for his sense of humor and dedication to his students, he taught art, art history and architecture there for 30 years. This is also where he met his beloved wife Gail Eaton, who was a student teacher at the time. In 1966, he was offered a sabbatical year to study art in Florence, Italy, at the Accademie di Belle Arti di Firenze. He asked Gail if she would like to accompany him and she replied, “Married?”

With his characteristic wit and charm, he retorted, “If necessary.” Thus began 47 years of a wonderful marriage, most of which was spent on picturesque Peach’s Point. The two traveled extensively together, visiting

Lucy married Leo Gilson, the love of her life, and moved to Marblehead. She ran a bed and breakfast out of their home and worked in the Marblehead school system where she was a teacher assistant at the Gerry School for many years. At school and in her community, she made friends quickly and was loved by all. Treasured by her family and friends, Lucy will be remembered for her infectious laugh, tremendous sense of

and was the youngest of five siblings. A 1993 graduate of the University of Delaware and a 1997 graduate of Suffolk University Law School, Heather spent the majority of her legal career as general counsel for Legal Seafoods, where she divided her responsibilities between managing litigation and overseeing employee-related issues. She was a fierce advocate for the company’s employees (other than those she had to fire) and was recognized by Vanguard Legal as one of Boston’s top Women in Law in 2021. Heather was a fantastic attorney, but she worked to live, and she was really good at having a good time. She was happiest

was in a caring environment. In her youth she also found much loving attention from her grandmother Kitty and Aunt Gerry.

While a teenager, Joan was hired by a local vacation resort where she worked as a chambermaid and kitchen help. The owners of the resort, called The Elms, invited the staff to participate in all sports with the guests so Joan learned

Parker Wilde, 78

Parker Wilde, born at Mary Alley Hospital in Marblehead, passed away peacefully on Jan. 10. He was the beloved son of the late Donald and Marjorie Wilde and a distant cousin of Jonathan Chapman, better known as Johnny Appleseed.

This connection may have explained Parker’s lifelong love for plants and trees, a passion

countless countries on five different continents. They never turned down a return trip to their beloved Italy.

George was an avid and accomplished golfer, sporting a single digit handicap for many years. He had the good fortune to tee it up with the pros, playing in some pro-am tournaments in the 1970s in Arizona and California. Other memorable golf experiences include hitting the links in Ireland with family on famous courses such as Lahinch and attending the Masters tournament with Gail and friends in Augusta, Georgia.

A talented artist, George produced many memorable paintings and drawings throughout his life. But nothing could top his elaborate model train projects, which captured the lives of entire communities through detailed dioramas, models and authentic German trains. He painted over a thousand different miniature people to depict his special world.

humor, joyful and sometimes mischievous spirit, unique style and willingness to help anyone at any time. She was a true gift to so many. Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Lucy to Jog Your Memory, 56 Nichols Road, Needham, Massachusetts 02492. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Lucy’s family.

with her family and friends on any sunny beach; she absolutely loved Dewey Beach, Nantucket (the Flaming Daisy cocktail at Oran Mor was her favorite), St. John, Bermuda, Cabo San Lucas, Ocean City and Key West. Heather’s beauty and unique style captured everyone’s attention, but her kindness and charm made everyone with whom she came into contact want to be her friend. Heather also excelled at skiing, scrabble and cooking. She made decent contributions to her trivia team at the Dolphin Yacht Club and was mostly a failure at being on time for anything.

In addition to her family, Heather also leaves her dogs,

Boston State College and earned her degree in physical education. She was a certified yoga and swimming instructor. From the mid-1970s to 2024 Joan created a multifarious business comprised of the following:

Public children’s swimming lessons at Salem State

University

» Private swimming lessons at residential pools

Movement lessons for various local daycare centers

George will be missed by many, but particularly his daughter Gwyneth, his son Gareth and daughter-in-law

Julie, his niece Katie and his grandchildren Bronwyn, Owen and Vivian. He was predeceased by his wife Gail, sister Jan and nephew Kevin.

As reflected in many of the family names, George was incredibly proud of his Welsh heritage; his love of music and singing was often on display.

The family would like to thank all of the incredible nurses, doctors, caregivers and aides for the loving care and attention they gave to George over the past three years. Calling hours will be on Saturday, Feb. 1, from 3-5 p.m. at Pickering & Sons Funeral Homes, 62 West Main St. in Westborough. A celebration of life will be held in Marblehead later this spring. In lieu of flowers, donations in George’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or The Trustees of Reservations.

Tucker and Piper, as well as her cat Romeo and the worst cat ever, Lil’ Bit. Heather also leaves behind a large wack pack of friends who will miss her more than words could possibly express, but will take comfort from memories of all kinds of shenanigans with Heather Lacey. In lieu of flowers, kindly make a donation in Heather’s name to the Northeast Animal Shelter (mspca.org). A celebration of Heather’s life will be held in Marblehead in May; details will be provided in the coming weeks. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Heather’s family.

participate in various sports and they became avid skiers. She somehow finagled the opportunity for her sons to join a private children’s yacht club and they learned to sail.

Two of her sons had careers as boat captains. Joan and Norry frequently brought the family to museums and theater shows, imbuing them with a love of history and the arts.

to alpine ski, play tennis, golf and ice skate. Upon graduation from high school, Joan was accepted to airline school and subsequently became an executive secretary in New York for the vice president of Pan Am. Joan (Hall) married Norry Lessard in 1955. Over the years Joan gave birth to three boys.

While raising her children, Joan spent most of her time at home. In her late 30s Joan attended

that led him to become a professional arborist and expert in his field.

A Marblehead High School graduate of the class of 1964, Parker spent several years in Texas attending college before embarking on a life full of diverse adventures. He lived in California, New Hampshire, Texas and many other places, but always returned to his hometown of Marblehead.

Over the years, Parker took on many roles, including arborist, painter, lobsterman

Gymnastic lessons for children

» Swimming instruction at the JCC in Marblehead

» Weight lifting and yoga for seniors at the Marblehead, Salem and Saugus councils for the aging

» Yoga classes in her home

studio

» Two yoga retreats every year at North Shore monasteries Joan encouraged her sons to

and sailmaker. His sharp memory for details, history and fellow Marbleheaders endeared him to all. Parker was a true student of life. His passions extended to cooking and history, areas in which he was equally knowledgeable. Though he never married or had children, he was a familiar face to many in Marblehead. He was a fixture at his favorite coffee shop, Starbucks, where he would greet visitors with his signature phrase: “Thank you for coming to Marblehead.”

Contributing so much to the community, Joan was also a good friend to so many. She connected with people in a special positive way and always made an effort to support people emotionally. Joan was an amazing host, always making fabulous dinners for family and friends.

Joan Lessard is survived by her three sons Paul, Mark and Carl; her grandchildren Sophia and Kaity; her great-grandchildren Graham and Harris and her cousins Bob and Kathy.

Parker Wilde was a true Marbleheader, a character known by all. His unique spirit and deep love for his town will be fondly remembered by those who knew him. To everyone who crossed paths with him, Marblehead was made even more unique because Parker was there.

Rest in peace, Parker, and thank you for coming to Marblehead. Services are being handled by Casper Funeral Home. For information, call 617-269-1930.

you care about!

Headlight

Written by the students of Marblehead High School

Photo Club’s first “Photo of the Month”

Grey Collins, Assistant Editor, Junior

On Thursday, the members of the MHS Photography Club packed into the photography classroom for the first contest in the club's history. The first meeting took place only a few weeks ago, so everyone has really hit the ground running. This "Photo of the Month" contest focused on wildlife and land-

scape photos. After reviewing eight finalists, the judges named Junior Thomas Svencer the winner for his photo of the Matterhorn peak in Switzerland. Patrick Wilson was the runner-up with his photo of a sunset on a beach in Aruba.

After having been out of the presidency for the last four years, President Trump was sworn in for a second time as the 47th President. The inauguration ceremony broke tradition and foretold what his second term might look like. The swearing- in ceremony took place inside the Capitol rotunda rather than outside on the famous steps due to freezing temperatures. The last time this occurred was in 1985 when then President Ronald Regan was sworn in for a second term. The inaugural parade was also held indoors at the Capital One Arena, where Trump also signed many executive orders reversing Biden’s policies and firing many of his appointees.

Along with Trump, J.D. Vance was sworn in as the 50th Vice President. Vance is being propped up as someone who will bring some more youthful

perspective to the administration, and to help in making decisions. Vance previously served as a Senator from Ohio, and he wrote a well-received memoir about the troubles of his childhood called “Hillbilly Elegy” which was later adapted into a movie in 2020.

There was a return to tradition with the outgoing president (Biden) having tea with the incoming president (Trump). They also continued the tradition of riding together to the Capitol. Like with much of his presidency, Joe Biden left in controversy by pardoning officials like Dr. Anthony Fauci, General John Milley, and members of the January 6th committee. What got the most criticism was his pardoning of his siblings and their spouses in order to “protect them from Trump.”

In his inaugural speech, President Trump pointed out the mistakes of the previous

for our school and community

administration and explained how he would correct them. Behind him, Joe Biden and Kamala Harris sat stone-faced and didn’t stand up when the audience applauded. There were some unusual inaugural guests like tech CEOs and billionaires including Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerburg, and Elon Musk, who Trump gave a shout out to when saying he wanted to get astronauts

to Mars. Trump highlighted his plans to have mass deportations, lower inflation, and tariffs on foreign imports.

Only time will tell on how Trump will do in his second term and if he will deliver on his promises. But, if the last decade and this inauguration ceremony can tell us anything, it is that the next four years will be something to watch.

From overachiever to overwhelmed: How to find balance

Georgia Marshall, Assistant Editor, Sophomore

It happens every year. January 1st rolls around, and you’re invigorated by a sudden motivation to attack all of your goals. Curbing bad habits, setting new intentions, and the promise of achieved resolutions for the year ahead fills you with excitement for the arrival of New Year’s Day. Doom-scrolling? A habit of the past. Gym visits? Every week. Procrastination? Nonexistent. With a whole twelve months spread out before you to perfect yourself, it's easy to feel on top of the world, ready to face whatever challenges are hiding in the cracks of the future.

Slowly, as time passes, your tightly wound ambitions begin to unravel. Tasks pile, todo lists grow, and afternoons become increasingly crammed with extracurriculars, time spent with friends, and homework, barely leaving any hours for sleep or relaxation. You feel less empowered, less ready for whatever the year holds in store for us, so you resort to the very habits you promised yourself you’d leave behind. It happens to the best of us. The question is, how do you restore your vision for the new year when it’s well underway?

The cycle of ambition and burnout isn’t unique - it’s practically a tradition. Studies have shown that resolutions often fail because people don’t turn them into habits. According to a 2023 poll by CBS News, around 8% of people that year gave up after a

Headlight Staff 2024 -2025

REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Anna Baughman, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King, William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton, Madalyn Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas Shining a light on the

month, 22.2% after three months, 13.1% after four months. Only 1% lasted 11-12 months, representing the sliver of our population that successfully integrated their yearly goals into their everyday lives.

The problem, in my estimation, is one of scale, not scope. All of us tend to set wide, unrealistic goals because we want results quickly, but fail to plan out how we’re going to achieve them. Relying heavily on willpower alone often leads to burnout, as it’s hard to sustain perfect habits in the face of everyday stressors. One way to combat this is to set more specific goals. Rather than saying “no more procrastination,” for example, you could promise yourself to finish at least three assignments every night before doing anything else, and afterwards allow yourself to relax as you deserve. The key to this approach is the emphasis on progress over perfection. By setting small, attainable goals that can be done quickly and easily, you are more likely to see long term results.

So, as January comes to a close, it is a good idea to take an honest look at your goals and reevaluate. If you feel like you haven’t seen the results you’d hoped for, consider narrowing your vision board into an honest set of objectives that you feel you can start chipping away at, no matter the curveballs you might face. And if you haven’t set your goals yet, what better time than now? You have a whole year ahead of you.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Benji Boyd ASSISTANT EDITORS: Grey Collins, Kathleen Hanson, Georgia Marshall FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

Goodbye Biden, hello Trump

Evan Eisen, Junior

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Magic Hat thrift shop is celebrating its 20th year of collecting and selling everything from designer clothing (sometimes with the tags still attached) to jewelry, homegoods, toys and soccer cleats. Since launching in 2005, the store has raised and donated $2.13 million for enrichment programs in Marblehead’s five public schools.

The Hat, as it’s affectionately known, has funded dozens of exciting school field trips and special events. It supports the Village and Glover school gardens and helps purchase equipment like cameras, iPads, microscopes and electronic keyboards.

“With two children at the Brown School, I have been able to see firsthand the memories Magic Hat has made for them,” said Michelle Craig, who serves on the Brown PTO.

“Just today they had acrobat Li Liu perform in celebration of the Chinese New Year for the entire school,” Craig added. “Some examples still to come are The Discovery Museum (science activities), historic impersonator Sheryl Fae, recorder performer David Coffin, Tanglewood Marionettes and everyone’s favorite Mark Rothstein, a world renowned jump roper. This wide array of enrichment programming the PTO supports at the Brown School would not be possible without the generous support of the Magic Hat.”

Gayle Stoll is a retired Marblehead Public Schools speech and language pathologist

who now serves on the Hat’s board of directors.

“I saw the benefits of the enrichment programs,” she said. “The students really enjoyed the special activities.”

The Hat, located at the back of the Veterans School at 217 Pleasant St., has eight paid staff, but relies heavily on volunteers. To receive Magic Hat funds, each school must provide 180 volunteer hours each year.

About 400 people shop at the Hat each week, according to its board.

“We have a breadth of clientele — people in Marblehead and the surrounding towns. It’s a very eclectic group,” Stoll said. “Some are thrifters and bargain hunters, others are people in need who buy things to send back to their families in the islands.”

Filippo Nenna moved to Marblehead with his family a year ago and now serves on the Hat’s board.

“I’ve got two kids that are in the system right now so I’m benefiting from the Hat,” he said. “I’m also a closet thrifter, so it ticks all the boxes for me. It’s a great place to be.”

The Magic Hat is open Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Donations are collected

Thursday-Friday, 10 a.m.-2p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-noon.

In celebration of its anniversary, it has been running a 20% sale through the month of January.

To learn more, visit magichatthriftshop.com.

Antonio Nenna picked up a few games and a toy at the Magic Hat recently. His dad, Filippo, serves on the Hat’s board of directors.