02.07.2024 — Volume 2, Issue 11

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February 7, 2024

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE NO. 11

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HATE GRAFFITI

Swastika discovered at Veterans School

BY LEIGH BLANDER Police are investigating the drawing of a swastika at the Veterans School discovered on Feb. 1.

“I am reaching out to you with a heavy heart full of disappointment, sadness and some anger,” Veterans Principal Matt Fox wrote to parents the same day. “Unfortunately, on a wall near the floor in the library we discovered a drawing of a swastika… This graffiti is

especially disheartening given the current globally impactful events in the Middle East.”

Helaine Hazlett, co-chair of the Task Force Against Discrimination, said, “We know that antisemitism is heightened around the world. It’s a terrible time. We hope they find the perpetrators and get them the education they need.”

Several swastikas were discovered at the Village School in the spring of 2022.

There have also been multiple

cases of antisemitic, racist and homophobic graffiti in Marblehead parks and beaches, and under the Village Street bridge.

“We continue to have a problem, continue to commit ourselves to eliminating hate in all its forms and continue to lament that this is too familiar in Marblehead,” said Rev. James Bixby of the Marblehead Racial Justice Team.

Fox said that Vets is committed to educating

students about the dangers of antisemitism.

“We have taken tremendous steps at Veterans and across the district to ensure that our students learn about the Holocaust and the world-altering impact that event has had on our world-wide community,” he wrote.

Fox noted that the school’s eighth-graders had read and discussed Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel’s memoir, “Night.”

“Additionally, we have had

numerous guest speakers (some of whom are parents/relatives of our teachers) who have survived the Holocaust speak to our students about what they have gone through and how that symbol of hate impacts them to this day,” Fox wrote.

Fox added that the school plans to provide professional development to support the eighth-grade unit by sending a staff member to an ADL SWASTIKA, P. A2

MUNICIPAL FINANCE

‘PLEASE SLOW DOWN’

Schools, town to host forum on budgets, cuts

Puppy struck, killed by hit-and-run driver

School Committee hits stalemate on who should sit on super search commttee

BY LEIGH BLANDER

blood off your front walk,” they wrote.

A review of state Department of Transportation data shows 12 reported crashes on Beach Street since 2016 (not including the puppy), including a fatality in 2017.

“This latest tragedy demands both an immediate response, namely installing temporary traffic calming solutions before beach season,” said Dan Albert, whose Town Meeting article last year created the new

School and town leaders will host what they’re calling a “financial forum” on Tuesday, Feb. 27, to answer residents’ questions about the fiscal year 2025 budget and potential cuts and layoffs.

“We’ll be able to answer questions about the facts. How do we come up with the budget, how do we come up with the additional revenue funding. It probably will get into the cuts that we’re looking at ….” explained Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Michelle Cresta at a Feb. 1 School Committee meeting.

Cresta presented another gloomy update on the budget process. The district is preparing three budgets: Level services: This plan includes no new services. However, expenses (including staffing, transportation, utilities, etc.) are increasing $3.1 million, bringing the district’s new budget to 47,935,000.

Needs based: This includes level services plus specially-identified needs, including support staffing, permanent substitutes and computer hardware replacement. Any new programs would require cuts to cover the costs.

Reduced services: This budget would be close or equal to this year’s funding level.

“This is what we’re focusing on now. We have a directive from the town to come up

PUPPY, P. A2

SCHOOLS, P. A2

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

A sign on Beach Street reads ‘Slow’ in red letters, days after a puppy was killed by a hit-and-run driver.

Beach Street has been scene of multiple crashes

BY LEIGH BLANDER A family is pleading with local drivers to slow down after their cocker spaniel puppy was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver on Beach Street on Jan 31.

Six-month-old Goose was being walked near his home when he wriggled free from his leash. He was struck by a black SUV heading toward the Neck. The vehicle did not stop.

In a letter to the editor (See page A5), the pup’s owners, Henry Peabody and Elizabeth Myers, described

how the incident is affecting their children.

“Both kids were subjected to a grotesque and graphic experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives,” they wrote. “It could have been a child.”

They urged drivers to slow down.

“Imagine it was you hitting a sixmonth-old puppy, or imagine it was your child sobbing while carrying his bloodied and limp body to the door, and you asking friends for a pressure washer so you can clean

UP IN SMOKE?

Status of one of two would-be dispensaries unclear Town administrator: Marijuana market has dimmed

BY KRIS OLSON and WILL DOWD While the holder of one of Marblehead’s two licenses to operate cannabis dispensaries says he hopes to open by summer, the holder of the town’s other license may have abandoned her quest to set up shop on Atlantic Avenue.

“With grateful hearts, Kind Lab has closed its doors after five years of cultivating

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

plant-powered wellness alongside an incredible community,” reads a message — presumably from the business’ principal, Marblehead resident Angela Arena Foster — on the business’ website.

The statement continues, “This may be our final chapter, but the lesson of prioritizing your own wellness lives on.”

Back on Nov. 22, 2021, Foster signed a host community agreement with the town on

behalf of her business, Seven Leaf Sisters Inc.. Foster’s shop, named Partake by Kind Lab,

was to have operated from 385 Atlantic Ave. Last April 13, the state’s

Cannabis Control Commission granted Seven Leaf its license, which was good for one year.

The Current’s attempts to contact Foster to inquire about Partake’s status were unsuccessful. Email sent to her business accounts did not receive a response, and the phone number listed on her Cannabis Control Commission paperwork is not in service.

However, late Monday, Town Planner Becky Cutting said she heard from Foster for the first time since Dec. 15, and Foster MARIJUANA, P. A3

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marbleheadcurrent.org

A2 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Marblehead Current

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Meet Melissa Sherwood of Panakio Insurance Adjusters Inc.

BY MELISSA STACEY The following is an interview with Marblehead resident Melissa Sherwood, co-owner of Panakio Insurance Adjusters Inc., conducted by Discover Marblehead.

Tell us about Panakio Insurance Adjusters, Inc. and why you started it.

Panakio Adjusters Inc. has been my family’s business since 1937. Five years ago, I bought the business with my business partner, Joe Caponigro. Panakio isn’t affiliated with any insurance companies. Our role is that of a private adjuster (technically called a “public adjuster”) when a property owner experiences a real estate property loss. We handle losses such as fire, pipe breaks, water damage, etc.

The claims process is very complex and overwhelming. Our service takes the mystery out of the equation which results in peace of mind and greater settlements for our clients.

Puppy From P. A1

Traffic Safety Action Committee in town.

Peabody and Myers had a message for town leaders: “Enough is enough. We watch cars drive outrageously fast on

Swastika From P. A1

conference this spring.

“Here at MVMS, we have truly invested in ensuring that when students leave our campus to head to high school, they fully understand the Holocaust and the impact it still has on the world today,” he wrote.

Later that evening at the School Committee meeting, interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness read from a letter she wrote to the community.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? This is a tough question. My dad always told me that in this business, you can’t fake empathy and the harder you work the luckier you get. We see so many awful claims, you would think that we become immune, but we don’t. Every claim is different, and every family has unique circumstances and needs. Our passion allows us to do our absolute best to take care of every client. Unfortunately, we engage with our clients when something awful has happened. The ability to see the big picture and know what the end result looks like keeps us going when the battle gets tough.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? I love the stretch between Fort Sewall and the Adams House (147 Front St.).

I walk early most mornings and if you catch the sunrise at the right time, there is nothing more peaceful and beautiful. That is always the best way to start the day.

this road, motorcycles up on their rear wheels, cars driving the wrong way, and before this tragedy, drunk kids driving a Jeep in reverse the wrong way and on lawns. It’s not only out-of-town drivers circling the Neck, as surely many would like to assume. It’s everyone. Cars, trucks, luxury

“We want to unequivocally and publicly condemn this act, and reaffirm our commitment to being an antiracist school district,” she said. “The swastika is a symbol of hate, and there is no excuse for ignorance.”

Fox thanked the students who reported the graffiti to a teacher when they found it.

And he had this message to parents: “I implore you to speak to your children about this incident, to ensure that they fully grasp the hateful meaning of this symbol.”

NeWS FOr PeOPLe, NOT FOr PrOFIT. CO-CHAIRPERSONS

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

Intern - Benji Boyd CONTRIBUTORS

COURTESY PHOTO

Melissa Sherwood, co-owner of Panakio Insurance Adjusters Inc., shares her journey in the industry.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’ve always been an entrepreneur. I had my own fitness business for 20 years in Marblehead. It seems like a drastic change from fitness to public adjusting but there are many similarities.

Most of all, I love to be of service to others.

The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd. com.

brands, EV, it’s everyone.”

They continued, “This street is not a playground for drivers. Quite the opposite, it is a pedestrian playground more so than any road we can think of: walkers, runners, elderly couples, teenagers heading to the beach, kids walking to and from school, dog walkers,

childcare givers with strollers. We will be damned if the loss of our family member doesn’t contribute positively in some way. Behavior won’t change on its own.”

Police are investigating. They are asking neighbors if they have any surveillance video from Jan. 31 around 6:50 p.m.

The outside investigation into the district’s student restraint process, expected to be completed by Feb. 1, has been delayed for a couple of weeks, interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness said. Four Glover educators are on paid leave until the report is completed. They have been out of school since early December.

Legal bills

Legal bills obtained by the Current show the district and

EDITORIAL BOARD

Ed Bell Virginia Buckingham Kris Olson Will Dowd Robert Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf FOUNDERS

DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

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CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Students discovered a swastika outside the library at the Veterans School.

From P. A1

Student restraint review

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Virginia Buckingham - President Gene Arnould Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Francie King Robert Peck Donna Rice Richard Weed - Treasurer

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Leigh Blander Will Dowd David Moran Kris Olson

Schools with a reduced services budget,” Cresta said. This plan would include $2.3 million in cuts.

“We will be struggling with how we can implement cuts of $2.3 million if we don’t seek any additional funding,” Cresta said.

The School Committee approved a “placeholder” override on May’s Town Meeting warrant, without an amount attached.

“The cuts will absolutely impact the classrooms and they will include a significant number of staff positions,” Cresta said.

School Committee member Brian Ota asked for a detailed report on student population projections and staffing numbers for the next three school years.

He wants a breakdown by school and grade to “understand the budget and potential cuts that are going to come up.”

The School Committee has budget workshops scheduled for Feb. 15 and 26.

Jo Ann Augeri Silva Stephen Bach Bob Baker Linda Bassett Nicole Goodhue-Boyd Laurie Fullerton Mark Hurwitz John Lamontagne Christine McCarriston Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens Lisa Sugarman Linda Werbner

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CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The School Committee is split on which members should sit on the new superintendent search committee.

School Committee spent more than $15,000 with the law firm Stoneman, Chandler & Miller for “labor relations” and “school law” issues. (To view the bills, visit MarbleheadCurrent.org.)

Super search stalemate

Three members — Sarah Fox, Ota and Schaeffner — all want to sit on the search committee for the next superintendent, but only two members are allowed. The School Committee split 2-2 on Fox’s motion to appoint herself and Schaeffner (with Ota and Taylor opposed).

“We will have to wait for a fifth member,” Schaeffner said.

The School Committee and Select Board meet in a joint session on Feb. 7 at 6 p.m. to interview applicants for the seat

left vacant when Meagan Taylor resigned last month. As of Feb. 1, three people had expressed interest, Fox said.

Finance director position The School Committee approved a salary range of $120,000-$150,000 for the new finance director position, replacing Cresta who is leaving next month. The search has started.

MHS turf field request

Athletics Director Greg Ceglarski and Muffy Pacquette with the Marblehead Boosters asked the committee to support a request for $200,000 at Town Meeting to complete funding for a new turf field at the high school.

The Boosters have raised

$792,000 in donations from the community, but need another $167,000 to cover the full cost of the project.

“My hope is that the community can help us get to the finish line, or the town can help us get to the finish line,” Pacquette said.

Flag policy

Schaeffner reported that she would be meeting with Assistant Superintendent for Learning Julia Ferreira to debrief after student listening sessions about Schaeffner’s draft flag proposal that would allow only U.S., Massachusetts and Marblehead flags and banners to be displayed on school property. The policy states that the School Committee will consider other flags for up to one month, on a case by case basis.

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Marijuana From P. A1

reported that she is still planning to open Partake.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said that he did not have any additional information about Partake’s status, but if Foster did not plan to use the license, it could be made available again.

“We would have to look at how to proceed,” he said.

Meanwhile, the other license holder, Aro Cannabis, finally completed a protracted process to get its provisional license from the Cannabis Control Commission on Jan. 14, according to its CEO, Marblehead resident Mark Schuparra.

That license will enable Aro to begin to build out its shop at 222 Beacon St., Schuparra said.

“I would like to be open by this summer,” he said.

Almost two years ago, the Select Board chose Aro over two other contenders for the license, in part because he had yielded to feedback he had gotten when he lost out to Seven Sisters in his first attempt to secure a license.

On the first go-round, Schuparra proposed operating Aro from 31 Atlantic Ave., but the sense of the board was that the Beacon Street location, near the Transfer Station, would have less of an impact on the community than if it were based in the downtown area.

Competing for the license with Aro were two other businesses, Flower & Soul and The Green Loft, which were proposing to set up shop at 56 and 28 Atlantic Ave., respectively.

That competition suggests that there might be some eager suitors, should Partake’s license become available. But Kezer is not so sure.

In the intervening two years, the cannabis market has become saturated, and prices have plummeted, according to Kezer.

“The industry seems to have changed,” he said.

Impact fees drying up In terms of revenue potential for the town, state law allows municipalities to collect a 3% tax on cannabis sales.

In addition, at the outset of the licensing process, dispensaries typically enter into host community agreements.

State law, G.L.c. 94G, §3(d), allows host community agreements to require dispensaries to pay “community impact fees” of up to 3% of their gross sales.

In the early days of the Massachusetts cannabis industry, it became standard practice for cities and towns to ask for the maximum allowed by law as part of those agreements.

But between the passage of a reform bill signed into law by then-Gov. Charlie Baker in August 2022 and regulations that followed a little over a year later from the Cannabis Control Commission, community impact fees have become less of a cash cow for municipalities.

The onus is now on cities and towns to document that the impact fees are “reasonably related to the costs imposed upon

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 7, 2024 A3

the municipality by the operation of the marijuana establishment.”

Within a month after the date of the renewal of a dispensary’s license, the host community must send documentation of the costs incurred by the municipality to the dispensary. The law explicitly allows cannabis businesses to sue cities or towns if they believe the municipality has not sufficiently justified the community impact fee.

The changes in the law prompted the city of Boston not only to stop collecting community impact fees but also to refund nearly $3 million to nine cannabis shops in the city.

More recently, in Uxbridge, a first-of-itskind lawsuit culminated in a settlement that saw the town cut a check of approximately $1.2 million to Caroline’s Cannabis, representing a refund of 80% of the community impact payments the business had made.

At least some industry watchers now expect

cities and towns to be increasingly willing to refund community impact fees, either voluntarily like Boston or upon being sued like Uxbridge, and perhaps forgo them altogether.

Our neighbors’ experiences In Salem, tax revenue from what are now five adult-use pot shops — Insa, Seagrass, Alternatives Therapies Group, Atlantic Medical Partners and Starbird — has grown steadily since stores first opened in 2019, providing a significant boost to the city’s budget, according to Salem Finance Director Anna Freedman.

“The excise tax has been helpful to Salem in terms of providing revenue for our needs and meeting our increasing fixed costs,” Freedman said.

The numbers support her assertion. Cumulative cannabis tax revenue in Salem jumped from $63,441 in fiscal year 2019 to over $4.4 million by the end of fiscal 2023.

Freedman said the actual

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figures exceeded early expectations.

“Because this was a new industry and Salem was among the first communities to work to try to support its development, we didn’t have the benefit of detailed revenue forecasts for what it might generate,” she explained.

Freedman noted that, as part of the city’s general fund, the money supports Salem’s overall budget for services like public safety, education, infrastructure and more.

Previously, the city’s cannabis retailers voluntarily donated to Salem’s Transportation Enhancement Fund for programs like the on-demand Skipper ride service and Bluebikes bike

share. However, recently amended state regulations now prohibit such contributions detached from the impact of the business on the community, according to Freedman.

Looking ahead, Freedman sees cannabis revenue continuing to benefit Salem’s budgetary needs, though primarily through the 3% sales tax.

“Because the state is drastically restricting what kinds of revenues communities can collect from these businesses, we are basically limited to the 3% local excise tax, which can only be used for general fund purposes,” she said.

Still, Salem’s position as an early adopter of adultuse cannabis served as a model for other cities eyeing the economic

potential.

Swampscott, on the other hand, began reporting collections in fiscal year 2022.

The revenue started modestly, with just under $5,500 coming in in December 2021.

But collections quickly gained momentum as the community increasingly engaged with the town’s two permitted pot shops, Terpene Journey and Local Cannabis Company.

Throughout fiscal years 2022 and 2023, Swampscott’s collections climbed steadily, amounting to over $322,000 by the end of 2023. The town deposits quarterly payments from the Massachusetts treasury into its general fund.

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A4 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

Its time has come

Last year, our town leaders urged us to approve a general override to maintain level services in both general government and the schools. We were warned that failure to pass the override would result in significant reductions in service and education. Voters resoundingly defeated this request in June, and there is now much suspicion that the town cried “wolf.”

Whether or not there is merit to this suspicion, it is not realistic to think that the costs to maintain town services and education do not increase annually. It appears that the Select Board and Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer have listened to the voice of the people and realize that now is not the time to again seek to convince voters to pass a general override for FY25.

No matter one’s opinion about general overrides, there is no disputing the fact that Marblehead — like all other Massachusetts municipalities — is restricted by Proposition 2 1/2 with regards to the overall increase of real estate taxes each year, notwithstanding the expense demands of the town’s budget. These include such items as negotiated pay raises for our employees, the burgeoning cost of employee health insurances and the general rate of inflation.

Under our current system of revenue sources, there is only so much room for growth. So what can be done to address this systemic issue?

In an effort to find additional revenue to meet escalating costs, Town Meeting will be asked to allow the assessment of meals and room taxes pursuant to local option legislation that has been available for a number of years.

Specifically, this would permit the town to collect a meals tax of 0.75% on taxable meals and to collect a rooms tax of up to 6% of taxable rents of hotels, motels, lodging houses and certain bed-andbreakfast establishments.

If passed, Kezer estimates that, over time, this could result in up to $1 million of additional revenue each year. This is a significant augmentation of overall annual revenue, and we applaud our town administrator and Select Board for making this proposal.

To put this issue in greater context, 11 surrounding municipalities — Salem, Swampscott, Lynn, Beverly, Peabody, Danvers, Nahant, Manchester by the Sea, Essex, Ipswich and Gloucester — all charge the local meals tax of 0.75%, and they all charge a rooms tax with the majority charging the maximum allowed amount of 6%, according to data obtained from the Department of Revenue.

According to Kezer, it is anticipated that the meals tax, if approved, would conservatively generate $300,000 of additional revenue and that the rooms tax, depending on the percentage assessed, would increase revenues by as much as $480,000.

Neither of these new taxes should put our local businesses at a competitive disadvantage, given that their “competition” in neighboring communities is already assessing these charges on meals and lodging. With respect to lodging, it is important to note that bed-and-breakfast establishments will also be required to charge the rooms tax, thereby maintaining a level playing field with Marblehead’s hotels and yacht clubs.

North Shore diners and lodgers are well accustomed to paying these local taxes on meals and rooms, and we support the effort to join our neighboring communities in reaping the benefit of these significant resources.

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EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

February musings

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM A short but long month, February. Spring is teasingly close in days — 40 as of this publication. But we who are wise to her flirtations know the countdown to spring’s arrival is meant only to assuage our despair with a flicker of hope, like a squirrel climbing on a birdfeeder and shaking free a few kernels of corn.

Yes, February has found me reaching for the tortured metaphor along with an afternoon hot cup of tea.

I’ve despaired less this winter; remedies of fires, candles and the company of birds and books lightening the heavy blanket of early darkness.

The trick will be to keep these habits up even as the skies brighten minute by slow minute past 5 p.m.

February and March stretch on before us (no, Ginny, not like an open road, you’re better than that).

New habits may help brighten the gray and reawaken my slumbering creativity. I’ve adopted one that I hope to keep up in every season. My smartphone serves as my alarm, so it’s the first thing I touch when my eyes open. Touch turns to scrolling turns to reading — emails, texts, Facebook posts, Wordle scores, before my brain is fully awake. Why not feed the soft pulsating gray matter which runs this human show more nourishing fare first thing? I’ve stacked a pile of books — poems, a tome on art, a small collection of essays next to my bedside and take a few minutes now to ingest beautiful, rather than prosaic, words upon waking. A small but noticeable shift in my energy the rest of the day may be my imagination, or perhaps I’ve simply stoked creative embers, which brings me to trees.

Bare trees are spectacular in winter. This is a revelation to one who seeks green like it’s a lifesaving medicine as I do. My change of perspective began before Christmas when my sisters and I visited The Breakers, the Vanderbilt’s Newport mansion, to see it festooned with holiday lights. They were lovely, but just as beautiful were the barren trees on the property, up-lit, each branch playing its own role in nature’s architecture. Author Margaret Renkl attributes her encounter with barren trees as one reason she fell in love with winter in her Tennessee backyard, noting, “the peeling bark and bare limbs of the sycamore reveal a ghost tree reaching for the sky.” With her perspective, I now more fully appreciate the ghost

birch and maple trees in my own yard. And to see a red cardinal alight on their branches, adding a splash of color to the peeled bark? A true February delight.

Other musings: » I’ve had trouble finding books that captivate this winter. Enter Marcellus, the soft-hearted, wry octopus in the remarkable book “Remarkably Bright Creatures” by Shelby Van Pelt. He is now tied with my favorite character ever in a novel. What do Leo Gursky (“The History of Love”) and a giant Pacific octopus have in common? They were each created by writers who were able to inhabit and bring to life a completely different heart, mind and soul than could possibly be found in their own experiences.

Well, that’s the work of a fiction writer, you might say. To me, it’s the work of a magician and I am newly awed at the craft. » Don’t miss watching “The Holdovers,” streaming on Prime Video, preferably on a snowy night in front of a fire with a glass of brandy. The 1970sset movie may follow a predictable story arc but nonetheless the disappointment-turned-redemptive narrative fits the dregs of the winter mood in New England perfectly. » Several Current team members recently spent the day in a glorious glass-walled conference room overlooking the Charles River. Even more glorious — the dozens of news organizations from across Massachusetts and New England gathered by Boston University School of Communications Chair Brian McGrory (formerly Boston Globe editor-inchief). We shared coffee and best practices and renewed our start-up spirits, inspired by being at the forefront of the transformation of local news. I wore a bracelet gifted by a Current colleague engraved with our tagline — “News for people, not for profit.”

The gift and the gathering of creative minds may be enough to get me through to spring, a reminder, as Marcellus might put it, that February, like humans, may be “dull and blundering” but occasionally, also remarkably bright.

President of the Marblehead Current’s board of directors, Virginia Buckingham is the former chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, chief of staff to two Massachusetts governors, deputy editorial page editor for the Boston Herald and author of “On My Watch: A Memoir.”

FOOD 101

The banh mi, an Asian sub with a French accent

BY LINDA BASSETT

Submarine, “subs” or Italian sandwiches are not-so-recent immigrants. Their elements — cold cuts and cheeses, fresh and marinated vegetables held together by crusty bread — are a long-beloved mingling of two cultures. That same design — meats, vegetables and bread — arrived as the “Cuban” which migrated across the churning bay from Havana to Miami and Tampa’s Ybor City.

Even more recently, the banh mi, joined these and other hefty sandwiches at lunch places to home kitchens. It is a French-accentedVietnamese combination, born of colonization and war on another continent. This sandwich marries ingredients from two cultures with sing-out-loud flavors.

The meats, marinated vegetables and fresh herbs are from Vietnam, the crusty baguette, mayonnaise (aioli), and, in some cases, a thin slab of pate are French.

Start with a pork tenderloin: small, thin roast, about 1-1/2

COURTESY PHOTO

This week our food columnist, Linda Bassett, shares her banh mi recipe.

pounds, usually sold in packs of two. It might be available in singles directly at the butcher’s counter instead of the packaged meat section of the grocery.

Really good baguettes are a must; fresh, crusty and, if possible, still warm. Some cooks like to FOOD, P. A6

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 7, 2024 A5

LETTERS

140+ residents give School Committee failing grade To the editor:

This is an open letter to the Marblehead School Committee.

We’ve lost confidence in your leadership. Your failure to prioritize our schools’ most pressing needs is hurting our students’ education. Your inability to manage increasingly scarce town resources is hobbling our schools. What happens in our schools impacts all of us, including local businesses and our home values.

Our report card for this committee is an F, across your most basic areas of responsibility: 1. Reviewing and approving the school budget: FAIL 2. Setting policy: FAIL 3. Hiring, firing and managing the superintendent: FAIL 4. Leadership conduct: FAIL

Failure: Budget leadership » After the 2023 override

failed, 33 school staff positions were eliminated.

Next year’s school budget Esme Allen, Humphrey Street Nancy Perkins Arata, Darling Street Maja Badzak, Cornell Road Kirsten Bassion, Smith Street Kenneth Bassion, Rose Avenue Margaret Bassion, Rose Avenue Emily Belfbecker, Ida Road Todd Belfbecker, Ida Road Dr. David Becker, Nonantum Rd Jackie Belf-Becker, Nonantum Rd Patricia Blackmer, Seaview Ave Michelle Blestowe, Garfield Street Kerry-Frances Bourne, Bubier Road Tanya Braganti, Weston Road Betty Breuhaus, Pequot Road Sabrina Brock, Rainbow Road Chris Bruell, West Shore Drive Marika Bruell, West Shore Drive Brendan Callahan, Intervale Road

will include more staff/ program cuts. And yet, instead of focusing resources on classroom instruction, you’ve diverted hundreds of thousands of dollars to administrator severance packages, legal fees, stipends and searches for new administrators. Why? » The Select Board has identified uses for the Coffin School property to bring new revenue to the town. Despite prior agreements to return this unused, deteriorating property, you have chosen to retain it at substantial cost and risk to taxpayers.

Will Eveleth School be added to this list ofmissed opportunities and continuing costs after it’s vacated by Abbot Library this spring?

Why? » We don’t have confidence in your ability to negotiate a new contract with Marblehead’s teachers this spring, which will be a major budget driver for years to come.

Jared Charney, Doane Street Eurim Chun, Maverick Street Scott Cody, Oak Street Amy Connolly, Cloutmans Lane Nina Pickering Cook, Pearl Street Elizabeth Coppola, Beverly Avenue Maryann Criswell, Pleasant Street Ray Curran, Pleasant St Diane Curran, Pleasant St Susan DeSilva, Rockaway Avenue Dr. Philip Devaux, Santry Road Nina Dinsmore, Tedesco Street Amy Drinker, Gregory Street John Duggan, Dodge Road Julie Duggan, Dodge Road Graham Faris, Pitman Road Stacey Faris, Pitman Road Kenneth Fisher, Maverick Street Jeff Flowers, Washington Square Laurie Flowers, Washington Square Jessica Fontela, Amherst Road George Gearhart, Rock Cliff Road

Tragic accident highlights need for Beach Street safety improvements To the editor: Our family bought a house on the Atlantic Avenue end of the harbor side of Beach Street in the height of the pandemic in 2020. It’s a nice house, with nice neighbors and an easy walk to see our lovely harbor. Upon moving in, we learned how fast cars drive, especially coming in from Boston and taking a right off Atlantic, where the speed limit is still elevated compared with the limit closer to the Ocean intersection.

The sidewalk project at the Atlantic intersection helped.

MPD officers show their presence to help influence behavior, but there is only so much they can do. Between the width of the street, the complete lack of road markings, it being a one-way and it being a cutthrough for cars coming from Boston, this portion of Beach Street remains a racetrack.

Casual observation indicates that Beach is wider than nearly all the two-way roads in the neighborhood, which also have sidewalks.

Tragically, we lost our sixmonth old cocker spaniel “Goose” on his first halfbirthday when he somehow bolted from the leash and was struck by a driver this past Wednesday. He was killed instantly. The car did not stop. Both kids were subjected to a grotesque and graphic

Failure: Policy leadership » Your job is to develop

district policies, not implement them. Policy implementation is the responsibility of school administrators, not you. » You should be conducting basic, comprehensive policy review; instead your policy focus has been around which flags should be displayed in schools and decreeing yourselves the arbiters.

» You ended Dr. Buckey’s

employment in July, but you’re just starting the superintendent search now without hiring an experienced consultant, as is best practice. In this highly competitive market, how will you attract and vet quality candidates? » After two months as interim Superintendent, Dr. Theresa McGuinness has withdrawn her name

experience that will stay with them for the rest of their lives. It could have been a child.

There is no blame for such a terrible accident. We won’t ever know the precise details or where the failure was. Perhaps the car was driving responsibly, and it was a case of tragic timing and luck. But data and anecdotal observation suggests that perhaps high speed may have reduced the driver’s reaction time.

With this letter, our family and several neighbors we have been in touch with make two calls upon the decent people in this town and its leadership.

First, drive like a dog may jump out into the road, or that a small child could wander in unknowingly, or chasing after a ball, or a biker could fall in front of you. That means drive lawfully, alertly and responsibly.

For those who are in a rush to get to their homes on the Neck, if you want to drive faster, take Ocean Avenue. If you want to drive through our neighborhood, please treat it with the same respect with which you would like drivers to treat yours.

Imagine it was you hitting a six-month-old puppy, or imagine it was your child sobbing while carrying his bloodied and limp body to the door, and you asking friends for a pressure washer so you can clean blood off your front walk.

Second, to the town. Enough is enough. We watch cars drive outrageously fast on this road, motorcycles up on their rear wheels, cars driving the wrong way, and before this tragedy, drunk kids driving a jeep in

Slaid Jones, Chestnut Street Brian Kane, Evans Road Sylvia Kane, Evans Road Andrew Katz, Driftwood Road Beth Kasten, Camille Terrace Jeff Kasten, Camille Terrace Kira Kay, Glendale Road Scott Kay, Glendale Road Katie King, Seaview Avenue Katherine Koch, Waldron Court Elizabeth Kronberg, Washington Street Kathleen Leonardson, Cloutmans Lane Lollie Leeson, Beacon Street Abby Lewis, Park Lane Joanne Libon, Cedar Street Mark Libon, Cedar Street Kate Lipsitz, Alden Road Matt Lipsitz, Alden Road Rebecca Love, Churchill Road Linda McLaughlin, Casino Road Maria McLaughlin, Conant Road Sara Marcy, Crestwood Road

Failure: Leadership conduct » Unbecoming behavior

Failure: Hiring the next superintendent

Marla Gearhart, Rock Cliff Road Susan Gessner, Gregory Street Howie Goldberg, Village Street Jen Goldberg, Village Street Michael Goldman, Auburndale Road Susan Goldman, Auburndale Road Brooke GoodwinFullerton, Cloutmans Lane Beth Grader, Mill Pond Buck Grader, Mill Pond Sean Greely, Front Street Kristine Gummere, Jersey Street Seth Gummere, Jersey Street Nancy Gwin, Pickwick Road Colleen Hamilton, Jackson Road Denise Hammer, Lafayette Street Glenn Hammer, Lafayette Street David Harris, Jr, Waldron Street Elloree Jennings, Commercial Street Cara Johnson, Cedar Street Graeme Jones, Heritage Way

from consideration for the permanent superintendent position. Why? » Four recent departures/ resignations of senior administrators (including the assistant superintendent of finance and operations) have further destabilized the district. What’s your plan?

degrades our school community and tarnishes the town’s reputation. » Distrust was sown from a failure to disclose conflicts of interest prior to the June 2023 elections. » Bullying tactics and hostility towards opposing or critical viewpoints is intimidation. » Unlawful noncompliance with records retention policies, and repeated suspected open meeting law violations.

Jennifer Martelli, Ruby Ave Joanne McElhenney, Dodge Road Susannah McGee, Rock Cliff Road Amy Mitman, Leicester Road Greg Mogolesko, Yorkshire Road Ilana Mogolesko, Yorkshire Road Jackie Mongeiello, Stramski Way Ron Mooney, Smith Street Lauren Moran, Cedar Street Cesca Morgan, Gingerbread Lane Lisa Nagel, Westminster Road Katie Norton, Crowninshield Road Matt Norton, Crowninshield Road Christine Nuccio, Damey’s Way Andi Oberlander, McKinley Road Deb Payson, Arnold Terrace Meghan Patterson, Pinecliff Drive Ross Patterson, Pinecliff Drive Julie Peach, Peach Highlands

reverse the wrong way and on lawns. It’s not only out-oftown drivers circling the Neck, as surely many would like to assume. It’s everyone. Cars, trucks, luxury brands, EV, it’s everyone.

This street is not a playground for drivers. Quite the opposite, it is a pedestrian playground more so than any road we can think of; walkers, runners, elderly couples, teenagers heading to the beach, kids walking to and from school, dog walkers, childcare givers with strollers.

We are all so lucky, and that is part of the charm of this neighborhood and Marblehead in general. Let’s please protect such a special thing.

In its current form there should be sidewalks, shoulder marks, speed bumps, improved signage and perhaps more. The width of this road is inconsistent with the expectation of limited speed. It invites aggressive driving. Nobody follows the speed limit.

Taken further, and more appropriately, there is absolutely no reason for this cut through to Ocean to even exist in the first place. Ocean Avenue is an ample thoroughfare for those on the neck to get to their homes, and those within the neighborhood have more than enough ways to navigate safely in and out, such that outside traffic can be limited and the growing number of pedestrians, children and animals may enjoy the neighborhood safely.

Something needs to change before this happens again and we lose another community member. Without these changes,

» Lack of transparency around

spending, decision making, and strategic priorities hurts our students, our schools and our town and further erodes trust.

The clock’s ticking. We’re calling on you to demonstrate to all Marbleheaders how you’ll tackle these issues and improve your performance.

Community members: If you’re in agreement, please add your name to our petition at form.jotform.com/ NoConfidence/MHDSC or scan the QR code with your phone.

Sincerely,

Brian Potter, Emerald Road Sonya Solberg Potter, Emerald Road Ryan Quick, Hawthorn Road Vanessa Quick, Hawthorn Road Maggie Raftus, Elm Street Michael Richman, Rockaway Avenue Sarah Riffel, Thompson Road Annie Rockwell, High Street Dr. Jeff Rockwell, High Street Ashish Samant, Rock Cliff Road Lainey Samant, Rock Cliff Road Kate Schmeckpeper, Chestnut Street Rhod Sharp, Franklin Street Aileen Sheheen, Jersey Street Brendan Sheheen, Jersey Street Brian Shoer, Joel Road Diane Shoer, Joel Road Renee Sidman, Village Street Karen Smith, Crestwood Road Scott Smith, Crestwood Road

or more drastic ones, it will happen. We will be damned if the loss of our family member doesn’t contribute positively in some way. Behavior won’t change on its own.

Henry Peabody Elizabeth Myers Beach Street

Support our educators, support our future To the editor: As the teachers and support staff of the Newton Public Schools risk huge fines and legal retribution for their strike, we must see this not as an isolated event but a bellwether of our future. I once saw a T-shirt that read on the front, “If you think education is expensive,” and on the back side “try ignorance.”

In this era of endless false news, students must learn how to discern facts from beliefs, or our democracy risks its demise.

To this end, advocating for our educators and the support staff within the system is essential.

When my son, who won The Presidential Internship Award, now holds a master’s degree and is in charge of the humanitarian demining of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for the U.S. State Department, was at Marblehead High School he was an academic failure, and truly hated attending classes. What kept him engaged were the very kind and nurturing women who staffed the front desk and lunch room, and the football program.

In middle school, it was a kind

Phyllis Smith, Hillside Avenue Scott Snyder, Washington Street Scott Solberg, Ramsey Road Amy Sorkin, Gerald Road Vicki Staveacre, Franklin Street Susan Stelk, Stanley Road Wayne Stelk, Stanley Road Mary Stewart, Damey’s Way Meryl Thompson, Pitman Road Chris Thompson, Pitman Road Elisa Torstensson, Wilson Road Amy Tully, Beacon Hill Road Jamison Tuttle, Amherst Road Julie Vinette, Overlook Road Erik Weibust, Chestnut Street Jeff Whitmore, Abbott Street Jen Whitmore, Abbott Street David Wedel, Coolidge Road John Wilder, Waldron Court Kathy Wilder, Waldron Court

maintenance man who helped him stay engaged. Our school system and its potential to support, educate and inspire includes every human who works for it.

Even if it requires a raise in the taxes we pay, isn’t it worth that to support the nurturing of all students to reach their potential, become bulwarks in the defense of democracy and contributing citizens? Let’s get ahead of a teachers strike and make sure that our educators and ALL personnel working at our schools are paid wages and offered benefits reflecting the deeply important work that all of them do.

Sincerely, Judith Black Prospect Street

Resident decries lack of action on hate incidents To the editor: As I sit here at the School Committee meeting, I am appalled that there was another antisemitic symbol found at Veterans Middle School. I have asked multiple times what the consequences were for the five young people who were charged over the summer for hate-filled graffiti. I asked what the consequences were for Mrs. Sharman Pollender for removing the Black Lives Matter flag. There has been no public statement letting the community know.

I am not asking for the names of the young people. Possibly, LETTERS, P. A6

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A6 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Marblehead Current

2024 ELECTIONS

Busy year ahead for Marblehead voters

BY WILL DOWD This year brings a full slate of elections for Marblehead voters, with a presidential primary, local races and state and national general elections on the calendar.

“It is a busy year but not a record year, there are four elections,” said Town Clerk Robin Michaud. “In the past, every four years we would have five elections.”

First up is the Massachusetts presidential primary on March 5.

Voters must register by Feb. 24 and can request mail-in ballots through Feb. 27. Early voting will take place at inside Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., and will be available on the following dates: » Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. » Monday, Feb. 26 through Thursday, Feb. 29, 8:30 a.m.4:30 a.m. » Friday, March 1, 8:30 a.m.-noon.

Next is Town Meeting on May 6, where voters will get their say on the budget, citizens petitions and any overrides.

The municipal election on June 11 will decide races for Select Board, School Committee and other posts. If Town Meeting approves overrides, they need to be approved at the ballot box.

The annual town election was moved from May to June starting in 2020.

“My main motivation back in 2019 was to combine the two elections [on leaders and budget overrides] into one to increase voter turnout,” former registrar of voters Walter Horan told the Current.

Voter participation hit a 12-year high at 40.5% in June 2023. Consolidating votes “not only reduced costs but also arguably improved the odds for non-incumbents,” Horan said.

The statewide primary Sept.

3 will finalize November ballot access for state offices. Oct. 19 is the first day of early voting for the Massachusetts general election, with mail-in ballot requests due Oct. 29.

November 5 is the national election day.

Michaud said her office

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead has a full slate of elections in 2024, including the presidential primary, local races and state and national general elections.

continues to see steady voter registration growth, up 8.4% over the past 17 years.

League of Women Voters programming The Marblehead League of Women Voters has numerous events planned to engage voters.

“Our goal now is to encourage those students who are eligible to get out and vote on March 5,” said Shari Pressman, a

representative from the league.

A candidates’ night is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, and will be broadcast on MHTV from the high school library.

The league is also planning an informational meeting on Town Meeting warrant articles on a date to be determined. Additional events will be scheduled after the Jan. 24 State of the Town address, depending on the Finance Committee’s report.

On March 20, the league will co-sponsor a meeting with the Council on Aging for residents who need financial assistance paying property taxes.

To register to vote or to change your party enrollment you must complete a new voter registration form in person, by mail or online at RegisterToVoteMA.com. For more information, call the Town Clerk’s office at 781-631-0528.

THE DIXEY COLLECTION

Snowbound: Winter of 1960 The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer and historian Dan Dixey, who regularly shares photos of Marblehead from his extensive collection, along with information about each shot.

This is a shot of snow dumped in the harbor at State Street Wharf on March 12, 1960. The town trucks and some hired subcontractors dumped the snow in Marblehead Harbor as they did snow removal. You can see the Marblehead Lobster Company where the Landing Restaurant is today. This original 35mm slide was taken by Harry Wilkinson.

Letters From P. A5

if the public was aware of the consequences, this would not happen. We as parents have to sit down with our children and discuss what hateful symbols, words and removal of flags mean to people. Our teachers should not be the only resources for our children. It starts at home.

Jennifer Schaeffner, a School Committee member and head of the Marblehead Housing Authority Board, has been spearheading the removal of

Food From P. A4

slather on a scratch version of French aioli, if there’s time or if the eatery is upscale. It requires eggs plus a few other components, and the use of a food processor or whisk.

Otherwise, there’s Hellman’s amped up with a shake of garlic powder. I whisk in fresh lime juice squeezed from the actual fruit because it tastes best in this recipe. To do this easily, pierce the lime several times with a knife and microwave it for 10 to 20 seconds. Cut it in half to squeeze.

FOOD PROCESSOR AIOLI Makes about 1-1/2 cups.

Blanching the garlic for a minute or two before pureeing makes a smoother and less sharply flavored sauce.

Embellish this with the juice of

COURTESY PHOTO / DIXEY COLLECTION VIA HARRY WILKINSON

flags in schools and housing.

The School Committee legal team has separated from them, and the legal team representing the Marblehead Housing Authority has advised against the decision to only allow the American flag and veterans flags. It would be very interesting to know the legal fees concerning this issue. Does that mean we now have to retain a constitutional lawyer? I suggested tabling the flag issues so they can concentrate on the town budget. This committee really needs to learn how to engage

with its critics and not just listen to people telling them what they want to hear. I noticed the job for permanent superintendent has not been posted.

I addressed this issue and recommended they choose members from the Special Education Parent Advisory Council, Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity, teachers, high school students and parents, but not one of their friends. I offered my services, but we know that will never happen. I applied last time and was not chosen.

a lime rather than a lemon for a more Asian flavor.

towels before marinating. Take your pick of the radish — white daikon radishes are more traditional, but if the market is out or doesn’t carry them, the red ones can substitute — and look good doing it.

Fresh cilantro gives the whole thing a bright finish. (For those with allergies — that means the herb tastes like soap – substitute basil or bright crunchy lettuce leaves. It won’t be the same, but then this sandwich isn’t perfectly Paris or Saigon.)

This sandwich might make a welcome addition to a Super Bowl spread since our own team will be skipping the festivities this year, and many of us may want to add to our New England favorites.

` 5 cloves garlic ` 2 egg yolks ` Salt, pepper juice of 1 lemon ` 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ` 1-1/2 cups pure olive oil

Puree the garlic in the bowl of a food processor.

Add the room temperature egg yolks, salt, pepper, lemon (or lime) juice and mustard to the bowl and puree until smooth.

With the motor still running, slowly pour the oil, starting with a few drops and graduating to a slow, steady stream, through the feed tube of the processor until it amalgamates into a smooth sauce.

For the veggies: use carrots, cucumbers and radish (red or Asian daikon). As a shortcut, I buy the already shredded carrots in plastic bags rather than risk my knuckles on the grater. Peel the cuke and slice very thinly, then blot dry between paper

BAHN MI SANDWICH MAKES TWO 12-INCH SANDWICHES.

Ideally, pair this with a cold beer and a pile-up of warm potato chips.

Mary McCarriston Pinecliff Drive

‘Serious, selfreflecting, adult thought’ needed To the editor: To Mark Ferrante, you wrote an excellent letter — “Sorry, not sorry, part 2” — in a recent Marblehead Current. It was clear, precise, accurate and something journalist Ms. Jo Anne Silva needs to read and give some serious, self-reflecting, adult thought.

No doubt, your words

` 1⁄2 cup rice wine ` 1⁄4 cup white sugar ` 1⁄4 cup water ` 1⁄4 cup shredded carrots ` 1-2 large daikon radish, peeled and thinly sliced ` 1 small pork tenderloin, about 1 pound ` 2 strips bacon ` 1 pinch garlic powder ` Salt and ground black pepper, to taste ` 2 (12-inch) French baguettes ` About 1⁄4 cup mayonnaise ` 2 tablespoons lime juice ` 1 small cucumber, peeled and thinly sliced ` 12 to 15 fresh cilantro leaves

Heat the oven to 400F. Bring rice wine/vinegar, sugar and water to a boil in a saucepan.

Stir until sugar dissolves, about 1 minute. Set aside. When cooled, toss in a bowl with carrots and radishes to marinate for 30 minutes.

While vegetables marinate, wrap the pork with the bacon.

describing the opinions and prejudices found in her writings echo those of many others in town who find her columns for the most part obnoxious.

She appears to have no shame regarding her narrow-minded, provocative writing style and arrogance.

Journalists and people like her are major sources of the great divide that festers in our country. Being so egocentric, she has probably never given that a thought. Your letter was cogent.

Jody Magee Guernsey Street

Place on a sheet pan lined with aluminum foil. Cook in the preheated oven, turning once, turning after 10 minutes. Cool and slice thinly on the diagonal.

Turn off the oven and set the baguettes on a rack to warm as the oven cools. Slice on the diagonal.

Squeeze the lime juice and a shake of garlic powder into the mayo and whisk together. Drain vegetables in a colander.

Spread each half of the bread with the lime-flavored mayonnaise. Layer on the pork, then cucumbers and pickled carrots and radishes. Top with a layer of whole cilantro leaves.

Cut diagonally into two 6-inch sandwiches to serve.

Former Marblehead resident Linda Bassett has worked as a cook, trained up-and-coming chefs, studied food history and led food tours. Her book, “From Apple Pie to Pad Thai,” is about local cooks and cooking.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 7, 2024 A7

BEARING WITNESS

Schneer reflects on brief but impactful Israel trip

BY KRIS OLSON To show solidarity. And bear to witness.

That is how Marty Schneer, executive director of the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, explains his purpose in joining about 40 colleagues from JCCs in the U.S. and Canada for a recent short-but-meaningful four-night trip to Israel.

This was Schneer’s eighth trip to Israel but first since what he calls “one of the most horrific events in Jewish history” — and all human history — the brutal surprise attack by Hamas on Oct. 7, which involved rape, torture and kidnapping.

“This is Dark Ages stuff; this is medieval stuff,” Schneer said.

“It was hard to conceive for the Israelis, even knowing they’ve been living with skirmishes and attacks and relatively brief wars since Hamas took over in 2007.”

Laying eyes on homes destroyed in Nir Oz or the makeshift memorials at the site of the Nova music festival has taken on added importance in the weeks since the attack, during which a lack of moral clarity has crept into the public discourse, Schneer added.

“I feel a sense of responsibility to share what I saw with people who may not quite understand,” he said.

In Sderot, Schneer said he was struck by the sheer distance the terrorists had been able to travel into Israel, relatively unimpeded.

Schneer said the group spoke with a woman, displaced from Sderot and questioning whether she can ever return, who seemed to find catharsis in describing the horror of finding a naked 13-year-old girl shot in the head in the street in her small city.

The woman left the group with a challenge, according to Schneer: “Tell them our story,” meaning people back in North America.

Israeli President ​​Isaac Herzog dropped a similar gauntlet when he welcomed the group into his residence.

“We were asking him questions, and he turned it around to everyone and said,

COURTESY PHOTOS

A stop at the site of the Nova music festival was not on the official itinerary for Marty Schneer and the rest of the delegation from Jewish Community Centers in North America. But Schneer said he was deeply moved by the detour.

Schneer and the rest of the group also got a grim tour of the Nir Oz kibbutz, where Hamas killed and kidnapped dozens and burned homes on Oct. 7.

‘What are you going to do when you go back? What are you going to do with what you learned here? How is this trip going to have real value?’” Schneer recalled.

A stop at the site of the Nova festival was not on the group’s itinerary, but the unscheduled detour had perhaps the greatest emotional impact, according to Schneer.

For Schneer, it evoked memories of the days of Woodstock, with carefree young people gathering in the name of love and peace, only to have brutal attackers stumble upon them — Israeli authorities have come to believe Hamas had no foreknowledge of the festival — and unleash unfathomable carnage in the early morning hours.

“You’re in your tent, you’re waking up — maybe you’re not waking up; you’re sleeping off the night before — and you awake to gunfire, hand grenades, screaming, stabbing, yelling,” Schneer said.

Perhaps what was most

striking was the life, the vigor and happiness plainly evident in the photos of the young people whose lives had been snuffed out, Schneer said.

“It was pretty devastating for me emotionally to see that in this bucolic setting,” he said.

Before Schneer left Marblehead, he had cleaned up a baseball cap with the Red Sox logo written in Hebrew that had been gathering dust on a shelf in his office at the JCC. Schneer had no set plan for the hat but figured he would find a worthy recipient somewhere in his travels, he explained.

He found the recipient when his group brought and shared dinner with about 20 soldiers at a makeshift base.

One of the soldiers caught his attention by goading one of his compatriots into detailing his bravery on Oct. 7, when he waded into the unfolding horror armed with just a handgun.

It turned out that the man who did not want his fellow soldier’s

Marty Schneer, executive director of the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore, left, poses with an Israeli soldier to whom he bestowed a Red Sox hat inscribed in Hebrew. The man, a 36-yearold civil engineer and the father of three, was one of thousands called up for military service after the Oct. 7 Hamas attack.

heroism to go unnoticed was a 36-year-old civil engineer, one of 360,000 reservists Israel called up for its response to the Hamas attack.

Despite such compulsory military service and the regular threat of violence, Israel’s population was ranked within the top five peoples in the most recent edition of the World Happiness Report, Schneer noted.

Schneer’s theory is that it relates to the fact that Israel is still a relatively new country whose people built it “out of nothing” into a technological powerhouse.

“It’s an amazing place that they have fought and died over, and it gives their life a sense of meaning and purpose,” Schneer said.

Such is the case with the new owner of Schneer’s Hebrewinscribed Red Sox hat.

While the man showed Schneer a photograph of his wife and three “beautiful” children, he was emphatic that he was willing to continue to put his life on the line for his country, including against the more powerful Hezbollah on the northern border, if necessary.

“The bravery, the commitment, the sense of unity and country — it’s overwhelming,” Schneer said.

The group also got a grim tour of the Nir Oz kibbutz, where Hamas killed and kidnapped dozens and burned homes on

Oct. 7.

The tour guide — a member of a family that had been part of the kibbutz since it was established in 1955 — showed no emotion and spoke in a monotone voice as he went house by house, detailing each family’s devastating losses.

Other encounters that left indelible impressions included one with Rabbi Doron Perez, the executive chairman of the World Mizrachi Movement, who has two sons in the military, one who had been looking forward to going on leave for his Oct. 17 wedding at the time of the Oct. 7 attacks, and another, who was wounded and captured

by Hamas. The wedding went forward, even as the fate of the groom’s brother remained uncertain.

“Unfortunately, Jewish history, we’ve had a lot of horrible things happen, but the sense that [Perez] conveys is, maybe it’s been more pronounced with Jews and more long-term, but that’s life — for all of us,” Schneer said.

“We have the good and the bad, and we have to try not to let the bad overwhelm the good.”

The final person the group met was Miriam Peretz, who became a renowned lecturer on Zionism and living with loss after two of her sons were killed serving in the Israel Defense Forces.

The winner of the prestigious Israel Prize in 2018 has visited the families of all of the remaining Oct. 7 hostages.

“When she was done, I had tears in my eyes, and I went to a corner of the room, took out my phone and texted my family — my daughters, my wife, my son-in-law — and told them how much I missed them and loved them,” Schneer said.

Schneer gave a presentation about his trip at the JCC on Jan. 27 but acknowledged that it was a bit like “preaching to the choir.” In the days ahead, Schneer said he would welcome the opportunity to speak with any open-minded group, even those who might not share his perspective.

NEWS IN BRIEF

BY WILL DOWD

(which oversees the entire Massachusetts public higher education system) for my senior year,” said Kezer. “So these were foundational experiences in dealing with all kinds of people and all kinds of issues.”

His term on the university’s Board of Trustees will expire in 2028.

The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.

Dog license renewals — extension The town clerk has extended the deadline for renewing dog licenses.

“Due to the demands of the upcoming primary I have extended the deadline for paying for your 2024 Dog license until March 1,” Robin Michaud wrote in an email to dog owners. “We are behind at issuing tags, if you mailed in your payment and don’t see your tag by the middle of February, please let us know.”

Licenses can be renewed online at epay.cityhallsystems. com or by filling out an application at bit.ly/48RJA3s.

Completed applications should be mailed or dropped off with payment at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or the Mary Alley Building, 7 Widger Road.

Payments should include the renewal notice or completed application, along with a check made out to Marblehead. Rabies and neuter certificates should also be submitted if not already on file.

Contact Michaud’s office at townclerk@marblehead.org or 781-631-0528 with any questions.

Driscoll swears in Kezer as newest SSU trustee Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer was recently appointed to serve a five-year term on the

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member, btone Fitness Marblehead, and owner Noelle English with a ribbon cutting on Jan. 25.

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll recently swore Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, third from right, into office as the newest Salem State University Trustee at the Hawthorne Hotel in Salem.

Salem State University Board of Trustees.

“I want to congratulate you, Thatcher,” said Select Board member Bret Muarry during a Jan. 24 meeting. “I don’t know how much free time you have left, but you are the most recent member of the Salem State University Board of Trustees.”

Kezer, who has served as Marblehead’s town administrator since 2022, was officially sworn into the volunteer SSU position by Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll during a ceremony at the Hawthorne

Hotel, where his wife, Claire Kallelis, is the general manager.

The SSU board is responsible for overseeing Salem State’s policies, finances, its president and facilities. Kezer said he looks forward to giving back to his undergraduate alma mater and serving its 9,000 students. This is not Kezer’s first time on the board.

“I was elected by the student body in 1986 to the Board of Trustees at Salem State for a year and then I was appointed by the governor to the Board of Regents of Higher Education

Chamber cuts ribbon on fitness center A new btone Fitness studio has opened its doors at 12 Atlantic Ave. Owned by Boxford resident Noelle English, the 2,200-square-foot studio is the company’s 16th location.

Btone offers 45-minute total body workouts using 11 custom machines with adjustable resistance for all fitness levels.

Child care will be available.

English said btone makes it easy to “squeeze in a total-body workout during the day, before or after work.”

ClearGov is live

Residents now have online access to more of the town’s financial information via the ClearGov Transparency Center at bit.ly/3Oi07pF. It’s part of the town’s new cloud-based financial software system.

Abbot Library offers tax counseling service Registration is open for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offered by AARP at the Abbot Library. The free tax preparation service will be held on Mondays through April 8.

Appointments are required.

Call the library at 781-631-1481 during open hours to sign up.

Tax forms are now available in the Reference Room.

The TCE program provides basic tax return preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, with a focus on seniors. Participants do not need to be AARP members or meet an age requirement.

For more information, visit abbotlibrary.org/tax-prepprogram or email the library at mar@noblenet.org.

Rodgers to discuss local veterans’ services The Council On Aging Speakers Series will host Veterans Agent Dave Rodgers at 1 p.m. on Feb. 21 to discuss his 20 years of helping local veterans. The free event is open to the public at the Council On Aging. Registration is requested at marblehead. org/council-aging-department.

Rodgers will explain how he pioneered his role since becoming the town’s veterans agent in 1999.

Bells to toll on Washington’s birthday The bells at Abbot Hall and churches across Marblehead will ring next month in honor of George Washington’s birthday.

The Select Board voted last week to continue the town’s custom of commemorating Washington’s Birthday. On Thursday, Feb. 22, bells will ring for 30 minutes in the morning, midday and evening.

Specific ringing times are 7:30 a.m.-8 a.m., noon-12:30 p.m. and 6 p.m.-6:30 p.m.

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RESTORING THE PAST

Photos highlight grave stone restorations

BY WILL DOWD The Old Burial Hill Committee gave the Select Board an overview of restoration work completed and repairs made at the public and historic cemetery founded in 1638. Committee member Alex Finnegan and Town Planner Becky Cutting reported that the committee funded the repairs of a dozen weatherbeaten gravestones in 2023.

“These are ancient stones that have weathered for hundreds of years and are at the point where many of them are in critical need,” Finnegan told the Select Board.

“The more we can do proactively, the better.”

An estimated 1,000 grave markers are on Old Burial Hill. Finnegan and Cutting shared beforeand-after images to show the progress made over the past year, funded by a $10,000 appropriation approved at the 2022 Town

Before-and-after images of the 2023 gravestone repairs for Capt. John Stacy (1722), highlighting the restoration of the intricate carvings and inscriptions.

COURTESY PHOTOS / TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD

The before-and-after restoration of Mary Elithrop’s gravestone (1717) shows the craftsmanship in preserving a piece of Marblehead history.

Meeting.

In the first set, Finnegan displayed images of the gravestone of Mary Elithrop, who died in 1717, before and after repair work. Initially, Elithrop’s headstone was shown cracked in two pieces near the top, with the fracture running through the inscriptions and decorative winged skull and floral designs. After restoration, the stone stands intact and upright, with barely visible seam lines. The original carvings

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emerge preserved.

“It was a failure of a previous repair, and it had shattered over the winter,” said Finnegan. “We were able to bring it back. It’s now a really beautiful stone.”

The next pair of images depicted the 1722 memorial of Capt.

John Stacy in a shattered state, split into two large fragments stretched horizontally on the ground. Following repairs, Stacy’s gravestone is again upright, and the breaks have been rejoined, maintaining the visibility of the winged face and spiral shapes on both sides.

Finnegan conveyed a pressing need for recurring community donations to finance this perpetual preservation work, which demands constant upkeep due to harsh weathering.

“There is essentially an endless amount of need up there,” said Finnegan.

“These stones will

continue to require care.”

Additional photos spotlighted the committee’s “2024 Priorities” list for pending restorative projects alongside images of varied gravestones in chipped, eroded and broken conditions. The list includes these gravestones and monuments: » Archibald Selman » Jane Waters » David Dixey » Homan (No last name listed) » Clarissa Bridgeo » T.P & B.H. footstones » Ruth Chadwick » Lost at Sea Memorial » Glover’s Tomb The Historical Commission is funding work on the Lost at Sea Monument, and Glover’s Regiment has expressed interest in helping restore Glover’s tomb. Cost estimates put restoration work for the Lost at Sea monument at $11,000 to $13,000; the monument is a poignant reminder of the 65 fishermen tragically

lost in the Great Gale of 1846. Meanwhile, officials estimate a Glover’s Tomb restoration price tag to be between $3,500 and $4,500.

“These are stones that are very rare and damaged, and we hope to bring them back to their kind of former state, or at least a semblance of it,” Finnegan said. “We want to stay on top of annual repairs and the landscape — we’d like to move from being more reactive to proactive and identifying the issues before the stones fail entirely.”

Staying on top of repairs All of this comes after a 2022 assessment identified 17 headstones, five footstones and 166 grave markers needing repair, totaling about $75,000 of work.

The team also aims to implement preventative conservation tactics moving forward, like minimizing damage from landscaping equipment that has scarred many

aging memorials.

“A large number of stones up in the Hill have been damaged by the lawn mowers that the Park and Recreation Department uses,” said Finnegan.

“Limiting the use of the mechanized lawnmowers among the gravestones is the single lowest hanging piece of fruit we can identify to avoid further catastrophic damage.”

He added, “We all appreciate the Parks and Rec’s cooperation in this matter.”

A fundraising kickoff event to support future restoration work at Old Burial Hill will be held at The Landing restaurant on April 2, where video updates and information will be presented to potential donors over food and drink.

Finnegan said, “We want to set up a more recurring philanthropic funding system so that every year we can bring in donations to stay on top of repairs.”

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 7, 2024 A9

Sports ON THE RUN

Magicians succeed on statewide level Girls indoor track makes history in Division 3 state relays; boys finish solid 12th

BY JOE MCCONNELL It was an eventful day for the Marblehead High girls indoor track team after securing the annual Division 3 state relay championships for the first time in school history on Jan. 21 at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury. The Marblehead boys also did very well, finishing up in 12th place.

“With 45 teams competing, finishing first and 12th is quite an accomplishment, and also a testament to the hard work and effort that both our teams put into the sport every day,” coach Nolan Raimo said.

“It’s pretty crazy we actually won it. There was a scoring error going into the final event — the 4x4 — so we thought even with a win in this relay, we would only get second. But they handed us the first-place trophy, while Billerica dropped from 37 to 35 points to finish second. We won it with 36 points.”

Girls high jump

Elise Burchfield (4-10.25, second), Philine Heuermann (4-7.75, fifth) and Paige Tredwell (4-7.75, fifth) teamed up to win the event in impressive fashion. They ended up defeating Middleboro by 21-3.

“All three put on a high jump clinic, clearing 4-2, 4-5 and 4-8 without a single miss, and Elise was also able to clear 4-10 without a single miss. Philine and Paige both had quality third attempts at 4-10, and I was surprised the bar fell as they barely hit it with either a calf or a foot,” said Raimo.

Girls shot put

Lillian Reddy (31-8.5), Rachael Albert (27-7) and Hannah O’Brien (23-7) finished fifth. They came within just nine inches of a third or fourth place finish in a very tight shot put relay.

“Lillian had her best ever day of throwing, clearing 30-feet on all three attempts, while earning a personal best by almost a foot,” said coach Danny Plunkett. “Lillian’s performance, combined with the solid throws from Hannah and Rachael, was enough to keep them in scoring position, which was crucial to the success of the girls team overall in this meet.”

Boys long jump

Alex Hersey (19-11, fifth), Thomas Carlson (18-1, 27th) and Graham Tips (17-2, 45th) finished seventh, narrowly missing sixth place for a medal.

“Unlike traditional long

COURTESY PHOTOS / CAT PIPER

LEFT: Sophomore Sadie Halpern hands the baton off to junior Charlie Roszell in the 4x400 during the Division 3 state relays on Jan. 21 at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury.RIGHT: Senior captain LeDaisha Williams is shown running down the final stretch to complete the victory in the 4x400. The entire girls team went on to secure the championship for the first time in school history, while the boys finished an impressive 12th.

jump contests, the jumpers were only given two jumps, rather than three, which in a chaotic relay meet amplifies the lack of jumps,” said Plunkett.

“The (long jump) team missed their initial flight, and it was congested at the back of the event, which was also tough as they had to stay warm for an additional hour.”

Girls long jump

Elise Burchfield, Paige Treadwell and Cora Gerson did not receive a team score as they did not all have a qualifying jump.

“Elise, Paige and Cora were running in the 4x200, when their flight of long jump began, which meant they didn’t have an opportunity to test their mark or practice a jump,” said Plunkett.

“This was Paige’s first meet jumping, and Cora’s second, and as a result of an unfortunate timing (error), it led to their downfall, but they all still put in an honest effort.”

Boys 4x50

In an event where two teams broke the meet record, Thomas Carlson, Jacob Bobowski, Ari Gold and Seamus Crowley medaled after finishing fourth with a time of 22.72.

“This event revolves around the outgoing runner leaving early without receiving a disqualification, but Jake, Ari and Seamus timed it seamlessly to take advantage of a solid opening

leg by Tommy,” said Raimo.

Girls 4x50

In a last second change, Ava Machado and Sadie Halpern joined Lidia Jasmine Tiedra and Gabby Hendy in the event to finish fourth with a time of 25.78.

Boys 4x50 hurdles

In an unconventional race that deployed only three hurdles, Alex Hersey, Elian Colon, Nate Jendrysik and Marc Grazado finished 10 th in 29.84.

Girls 1200

This Marblehead quartet ended up 11 th out of 14 teams after running a combined time of 15:06.65.

“Opening up the 1200 leg was Grace Mortensen (4:31),” said Will Herlihy. “This is the only time the 1200 is a race in high school, so it can be tough to pace, but Grace battled and stayed within the second pack throughout her leg. Manuela Puente ran a split 67-second 400.

Savannah Caruso showed a ton of grit by fighting through the 800 (3:16) after tripping twice at the handoff, before smashing her elbow on the track. Cat Piper anchored the race, and was able to pick up a couple of places with her 6:16 split in the 1600 leg.”

Boys 1200

This Marblehead foursome was second out of 25 teams to register a combined time of 11:06.20, the second fastest

finish in school history.

“Nate Assa has quickly emerged as an elite talent across multiple distances in the last couple of weeks, and his 1200 split 3:23 put his team solidly in second place. For reference, his 1000 split 2:50 within his leg would have been one of the best times in the NEC (Northeastern Conference) for that distance,” said Herlihy.

“Ryan Blestowe ran a respectable 60 flat in the 400 leg. Henrik Adams also did what he could to keep his team in the race with his 2:11 800-split. Isaac Gross did what he does best to power to a second-place finish after running an impressive 4:32 split in the 1600. This time is the second fastest in school history, only seven seconds off the school record set by the stacked 2014 team.”

Girls sprint medley relay

After a disqualification at the Northeast Invite, Ava Machado, Sadie Halpern, LeDaisha Williams and Kate Twomey won this event in a blazing fast time of 4:22.95, which earned them a provisional qualifier in the New Balance Nationals next month.

Boys 4x200

Carlson, Hersey, Isaias Aguasvivas Pena and Tips were unfortunately disqualified, because of a handoff outside the exchange zone. But Jack Burke, Ethan Horgan, Slater Johnson and Bobowski finished 24th

out of 45 teams with a time of 1:41.64.

Girls 4x200

Paige Tredwell, Elise Burchfield, Cora Gerson and Gabby Hendy ran a quality relay to finish 15th in a time of 1:54.45.

Boys 4x800

Isaac Gross (2:04), Will Cruikshank (2:18), Will Cronin (2:18) and Xavier Grazado (2:19) finished 13 th of 32 teams in 8:59.

“They were on a mission to make the Division 3 state championship meet qualifying time, and did so just under the 9:01.74 qualifier at 8:59.9,” said Herlihy.

Girls 4x800

Avery Wysor (2:47), Isabel Mortensen (2:49), Cat Piper (2:41) and Juliet Burchfield (2:54) finished 11th out of 24 teams in 11:11.21.

Boys 4x400

Slater Johnson, Elian Colon, Ethan Horgan and Aguasvivas Pena finished 26th in a time of 3:55.47.

Girls 4x400

Machado, Halpern, Charlie Roszell and Williams (4:12.22) won in dramatic fashion.

“Their time ranks sixth best in the entire state this year, and I think with fresh legs they will be able to easily reach the provisional national qualifier of 4:10, and even the automatic qualifier of 4:06,” said Herlihy.

HOOPS

Girls extend winning streak to three

BY JOE MCCONNELL The Marblehead High girls basketball team (8-5) is riding a three-game winning streak after its latest victories over Swampscott (36-31, Feb. 1) and Danvers (40-27, Feb. 2). The youthfulness on coach Paul Moran’s squad is starting to develop into a consistently winning formula.

Against the Big Blue, the

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Magicians led from start to finish. They enjoyed a 10-0 lead after one, and were in front by 13 at halftime, 23-10.

Sophomore Tess Andriano paced the attack with 11 points. Senior co-captain Katie Pine and freshman Ainsley McDonald scored nine apiece.

Sophomore Marri O’Connell and junior Ramona Gillett each tallied three points. Gillett also controlled the boards with

10 rebounds. Junior Maddie Forbes buried one free throw, while also grabbing four rebounds. Junior Liv Goldwater did her part to secure the win with five rebounds. Senior co-captain Kate Burns also turned in another solid game underneath the basket with 10 rebounds.

There was no rest for the weary as these Marblehead girls were back on the court just 24

hours later for Senior Night.

“Both our seniors — Katie Pine (six points) and Kate Burns (seven points) — stepped up and played phenomenally in all facets of the game against Danvers on their night,” said Moran.

O’Connell accounted for five points, while also playing her best game to date this year, according to Moran. “(O’Connell) handled and

distributed the ball very well,” the veteran coach added.

Andriano led the team in points with 13. Gillett was next in line with eight. McDonald sank one free throw.

After taking on Peabody at home last night (Feb. 6) after press deadline, the Magicians will be at Masconomet to face the Chieftains Feb. 8 starting at 7 p.m.

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SWIMMING

Boys win annual conference meet

BY JOE MCCONNELL The Marblehead High boys swim team came away with a big victory in the annual Northeastern Conference Meet on Jan. 30 after accumulating an extraordinary 580 points compared to 311 for second-place Peabody.

“Big congratulations to the boys,” said coach Sue Guertin.

“They swam out of their minds, and individually Nate Rosen qualified for another event (200yard freestyle) in the state meet, along with Greg Podstrelov in the 100-yard butterfly.”

In the 200-yard medley relay, William Wade, Brady Leveroni, Ian Chemel and Gary Podstrelov (1:59.1) finished on top. Nate Rosen (1:55.71) and Chemel (2:02.59) ended up second and third in the 200-yard freestyle. Quinn Sullivan (2:25.69) was seventh.

Cale Nelson (2:05.79) and Podstrelov (2:19.45) experienced similar results in the 200-yard IM. Ezra Reid (2:39.87) came in fifth. Logan Doody (22.54) bested the entire field in the 50-yard freestyle. Owen Torstenson (24.21) and Yuri Volkov (26.21)

COURTESY PHOTO

The Marblehead High boys swim team after winning the annual Northeastern Conference Meet on Jan. 30. They are, from left, William Wade, Ezra Reid, Quinn Sullivan, Cale Nelson, Yuri Volkov, Brady Leveroni, Greg Podstrelov, Logan Doody, coach Sue Guertin, Owen Torstenson, Ian Chemel, Lucas Rosen, Gary Podstrelov, Nate Rosen and Leo DiCostanzo.

finished right behind him in second and third to sweep the event to collect the nine points.

Leveroni (58.5), Gary Podstrelov (58.18) and Greg Podstrelov (58.54) ended up second, third and fourth, respectively in the 100-yard butterfly. Doody (50.36) and Rosen (52.18) topped the ticket in the 100-yard freestyle. Wade (1:02.70) came in seventh.

Nelson (5:06.19) was second in the 500-yard freestyle. Reid (6:37.25, seventh), Reid (6:37.25, seventh), Lucas Rosen (6:53.58, ninth) and Leo DiCostanzo (7:04.11, 10 th ) rounded out the top 10 in this event.

Torstenson, Greg Podstrelov, Doody and Nate Rosen (1:36.80) chipped in with a first-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Chemel, Sullivan, Reid and

Volkov (1:48.6) came in second.

Chemel (59.63) came out on top in the 100-yard backstroke.

Leveroni (1:01.69, third), Wade (1:07.97, sixth) and DiCostanzo (1:23.94, eighth) followed close behind to complete another event with multiple top 10 performances.

Podstrelov (1:08.86) and Torstenson (1:10.50) were the top two swimmers in the

100-yard breaststroke.

Sullivan (1:22.13, sixth) and Lucas Rosen (1:24.08, ninth) also swam for Marblehead in this event.

Nelson, Leveroni, Nate Rosen and Doody (3:34.42) combined to finish first in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Gary Podstrelov, Wade, Reid and Volkov (4:04.84) accounted for a second-place finish.

IN THE POOL

Girls complete undefeated swimming season

BY JOE MCCONNELL The Marblehead High girls swim team (7-0 regular season record) captured the top spot in the annual Northeastern Conference (NEC) Meet on Jan. 30, outdistancing second-place Peabody, 515-384. Coming in third was Masconomet with 382, followed by Swampscott (305), Danvers (257), Gloucester (177), Salem (131) and Beverly (115).

Finn Bergquist, Bella Takata, Song Waitekus and Sophia Weiner (1:57.54) teamed up to finish first in the 200-yard medley relay. Emiyah Setalsingh, Monica Pechhold, Madeline Auerbach and Abby Moore (2:09.63 30) came in fourth.

Sophia Weiner (2:05.78) and Brinleigh Callahan (2:08.74) ended up second and third in the 200-yard freestyle. Abby Moore (2:25.62) came in eighth.

Waitekus (2:17) came in second in the 200-yard IM. Bergquist (2:26.6) was fourth, and Zoe Stachera (2:42.70) ninth.

Takata (26.99) chipped in with a fourth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle. Auerbach (29.76) came in ninth. Elizabeth Hayes (163.80 points) and Maxine Hall

COURTESY PHOTO

The MHS girls swim team celebrates after winning the annual Northeastern Conference Meet on Jan. 30. They are, from left, Coach Jen, Olivia Bloodgood, Maddy Auerbach, Elizabeth Hayes, Zoe Stachera, Rebecca Vaynshteyn, Meredith Kreevoy, Abby Moore, head coach Sue Guertin, Song Waitekus, Brinleigh Callahan, Finn Bergquist, Ari Jimenez Tarasuik, Bella Takata, Sophia Weiner and Monica Pechhold.

(157.30) were eighth and ninth in diving. Bergquist (1:03.78 15) and Rebecca Vaynshetyn (1:05.35) were credited with fourth and fifth place finishes in the 100yard butterfly. Auerbach (1:06.10) came in seventh. Takata (58.00) accounted for a second-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle, followed by Moore (1:04.37,

seventh) and Setalsingh (1:04.87, 10 th ).

Vaynshetyn (5:52.4) was credited with a fourth-place finish in the 500-yard freestyle, followed by Pechhold (6:19.49), who was seventh overall.

Auerbach, Moore, Vaynshetyn and Callahan (1:52.37 34) produced a

second-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Aria Jiminez Tarasiuk, Meredith Kreevoy, Hayes and Stachera (2:08.97) ended up eighth.

Weiner (1:04.54) was No. 1 in the 100-yard backstroke.

Setalsingh (1:11.89) came through with a seventh-place finish. Waitekus (1:12.35) went

to the head of the class in the 100-yard breaststroke. Pechhold (1:21.25) ended up fourth.

Weiner, Bergquist, Waitekus and Takata (3:57.69) breezed to victory in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Setalsingh, Pechhold, Vaynshetyn and Callahan (4:14.48) finished fourth.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 7:45 PM on the request of Neha & Pratik Patel to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct an addition to an existing single family dwelling on a preexisting nonconforming property, with less than the required lot area, side and rear yard setbacks and parking, located at 291 Ocean Ave in the Shoreline Single Residence District. The new construction will be within the side yard setback.

This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

Town of Marblehead Legal Notice The Marblehead Municipal Light Department the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Contractors for the Force Main Land Bridge Project in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in accordance with the documents prepared by Bayside Engineering dated February 7th. Copies of the Invitation for Bids may be obtained at https://www.marblehead.org/ procurement-department/pages/bids on or after February 8, 2024. Bids are subject to M.G.L. c. 30 39M & to minimum wage rates required by M.G.L. c.l49 §§26 to 27H inclusive.

Bids will be received until February 28, 2024 at 10:00 AM and publicly opened. Any bids received after such time will not be accepted unless this date and time has been changed by addendum. General bids shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (considering all alternates) and made payable to the Marblehead Municipal Light Department in the form of a certified check, a bid bond, cash, or a treasurer’s or cashier’s check. The Pre-Bid Conference and site visit will be on February 14, at 10 am at Marblehead Municipal Light Department. All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts. Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 26 through 27D inclusive.

Selection of the contractor will be based upon bidder qualifications, including evidence of past performance in similar projects, and bid price. The contract will be awarded to the bidder deemed by the awarding authority to be the lowest responsible and eligible bidder. The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days, Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays excluded, after the opening of the bids. The Town reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of the Town.

The Town of Marblehead Rebecca Curran Cutting Chief Procurement Officer

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the request of Barry Yackolow to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct an addition to an existing single family dwelling on a preexisting nonconforming property, with less than the required lot area, frontage, lot width, side and front yard setbacks, located at 67 Glendale Road in the Single Residence District. The new construction will be within the front and side yard setbacks and exceed the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www. marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting.

Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM on the request of Bessom Associates Inc inclusive of Thomas Groom to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct a new single family dwelling with attached garage to replace an existing single-family dwelling and a detached garage on a preexisting non-conforming property with multiple dwellings on one lot and less than the required front yard setback, located at 2 Nonantum Road in the Shoreline Single Residence District. The new construction will be within the front yard setback. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web. zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM on the request of Michael Phelan to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a modification of a Special Permit issued to construct additions to a single family dwelling on a preexisting nonconforming property, with less than the required lot area, front and rear yard setbacks, located at 5 Lafayette Street in the Single Residence District. The modifications involve eliminating the previously approved ramp and adding open deck, change in location of door doors and an hp lift. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www. marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting.

Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 8:15 PM on the request of Richard Jordan to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct a new single family dwelling on a preexisting nonconforming property, with less than the required lot area and side yard setbacks, located at 10 Naugus Avenue in the Shoreline Single Residence District.

The new construction will be within the side yard setbacks, reduce the open area to less than required and exceed the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building.

This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.

30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation.

The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

FINAL-18 CP_MBHC_20240207_1_A11 Mon, Feb 5, 2024 3:02:44 PM

marbleheadCurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 7, 2024 A11

PAWS AND CLAWS

Kona is a prototypical puppy BREED: Mixed SIZE: Small AGE: Puppy SEX: Female Kona (a.k.a. Muffin, Squeaks) is an adorable, approximately 7-month-old, spayed, mixed-breed puppy.

According to volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, she is doing well with her housebreaking skills and loves her fellow dog housemates. She is warm, cuddly and playful — all the things you would want out of a puppy, they say.

Shelter volunteers believe Kona will be on the

petite side when she is fully grown.

“She is a wonderful sweet little girl who will make a wonderful addition to a family,” volunteers said.

Kona is up to date on vaccinations and preventatives. Kona is not being adopted at the Marblehead Animal Shelter but through another rescue with which the shelter works.

If interested, fill out an application at marblehead-animal-shelter.org/adoptionapplication-for-dogs, and the shelter will put you in contact with Kona’s foster mom. You must be registered with a vet’s office.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Wrestlers finish fourth in NEC Meet

BY JOE MCCONNELL It was a solid day for the Marblehead/Swampscott Black & Blue co-op wrestling team during the annual CAL/NEC Tournament at Gloucester on Jan. 24. They finished fourth, just behind Beverly, the meet champions, Gloucester and Saugus/Peabody.

“We finished ahead of several teams that we lost to previously, proving our wrestlers are peaking at the right time, not to mention our mettle as a solid tournament team,” said coach Mike Stamison.

At 106, eighth grader Brady Haskell accounted for his third gold medal of the season after pinning his way through the first two rounds, before bottling up his Beverly counterpart in the championship round to win a 12-4 major decision. Haskell is now 30-1.

At 113, freshman Jaymes Carey won two of five matches to place sixth.

At 120, sophomore captain Liam O’Brien’s season record now stands at 28-6 after going 3-1 in the NEC Meet. He pinned opponents from Triton and Danvers, before losing a tight match against his Salem/ Hamilton-Wenham foe. He then had a 17-2 technical fall triumph over his Lynnfield / North Reading opponent in the consolation final to take home

third place.

At 126, freshman Andrew Delisle was bumped up from his usual 113-pound spot to fill the gap. He wrestled well to place sixth.

At 144, junior captain Mason Hinshaw pinned two opponents from Pentucket / Newburyport and Beverly, respectively, before squaring off against his Lynnfield / North Reading foe. He lost a competitive match, 13-8 to finish second.

At 157, junior Alejandro Haven took home the first medal of his career after going 2-2 that included a major win over his Gloucester foe and a pin versus Pentucket / Newburyport, before losing in the consolation final to finish fourth.

At 165, sophomore Phineas Jakious also went 2-2 to place fourth. He had pins against Lynnfield/North Reading and Pentucket/Newburyport, before losing to Gloucester in the consolation final.

At 175, sophomore Colin Hart remained hot after he too went 2-2 to take home fifth place. He had pins against Saugus/Peabody and Essex Tech/Masconomet.

At 190, senior Ben O’Brien placed fifth in a group that was easily the toughest weight class of the tournament. It included all state-ranked wrestlers among the top three seeds. He went 2-2 with wins over Danvers

in overtime and Essex Tech/ Masconomet. He then ran into James Fodera of Lynnfield/North Reading in the consolation semifinals. The match lasted six minutes, before Ben took him down in the third period.

At 215, senior captain Angelo Knight experienced similar results (2-2) to come in fourth.

He was able to pin his Lynnfield/ North Reading foe, before running into the top seed from Gloucester. But he then pinned his Salem/HamiltonWenham opponent to get into the consolation final, where he was defeated by his Beverly opponent.

At 285, junior Justin Gonzalez also placed fourth after going 3-2. In his first match, he lost to Pentucket/Newburyport, but then he earned pins against Lynnfield/North Reading and Triton, before running into his Pentucket / Newburyport foe again. This time he pinned him to punch his ticket to the consolation final, where he lost to Saugus / Peabody.

Chuck Conlon (132-pound eight grader), sophomore Devin Dibarri (138-pound sophomore) and senior captain Clive Connolly (150-pounds) also wrestled well against their conference foes, according to Stamison.

Stamison’s team was once again awarded the NEC sportsmanship award.

“This award is a testament to our wrestlers and to the families and communities that are raising them, as well as our entire staff,” said Stamison.

“Thanks, as always, to my assistant coaches Rob Hopkins and Jeff Hinshaw, who were present for the conference meet, as well as to our other assistants — Jimmy Luscombe, Eli Smith, Andrew Norton and Igor Babushkin — who couldn’t make it (to Gloucester).”

Boys hockey extends winning streak to five After struggling to get untracked throughout the first six weeks of the season, the Marblehead High boys hockey team (7-8) has rattled off five straight wins to move up quite nicely in the Division 3 power rankings. As of Feb. 2, they are the 12 th seed in a division that consists of 50 clubs statewide.

In their two most recent triumphs, the Headers doubled up Medford, 4-2, before edging Masco, 5-4. They played the Mustangs twice already this year, with each side splitting the first two games. But in the rubber match, coach Mark Marfione’s red-hot squad settled the score behind the offensive efforts of sophomore forward Avin Rodovsky, who accounted for two goals and two assists to pace the attack.

Kyle Hart also chipped in with a goal to go along with two assists. James Caeran was credited with a goal and an assist. Senior captain Hogan Sedky contributed two assists to the winning cause.

Against Masco this year, the Headers lost the first meeting, 6-5 in December. But in the rematch, they reversed the close score to come out on top, 5-4. The offense has certainly picked up in these five wins, and as a result the Headers have outscored the opposition through 15 games, 48-42.

Girls hockey drops two On Jan. 27, the Masco girls hockey team defeated Marblehead / Swampscott, 3-0.

Goalie Scarlett Lee came up with 25 saves to keep things close.

Seventh grade forward Madi Reno and sophomore defender Ava Baughn stood out in this game for the Magicians, according to coach Hadley Woodfin.

The locals then fell to Gloucester, 6-0 on Feb. 1. Lee made another 21 saves in this game. Sophomore forward Madeline Graber battled up and down the ice on every shift.

“She kept the momentum up, and was a solid presence on the ice throughout the entire game,” said Woodfin.

MHS VARSITY SPORTS SCHEDULE Wednesday, Feb. 7 6:10 p.m., girls hockey, vs.

Winthrop, at Larsen Arena, Winthrop 7:30 p.m., boys hockey, vs.

Swampscott, at Salem State O’Keefe Center Thursday, Feb. 8 5:30 p.m., alpine ski racing, vs. TBA, at Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton 7 p.m., boys basketball, vs.

Masconomet Regional, at Marblehead High 7 p.m., girls basketball, vs.

Masconomet Regional, at Masconomet 8 p.m., gymnastics, vs. Peabody, at Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA Saturday, Feb. 10 7:30 a.m., wrestling, state sectionals, at Burlington High 9:45 a.m., girls swimming/diving, state sectionals, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute 1 p.m., girls basketball, vs. Pope Francis, at Pope Francis 3 p.m., boys basketball, vs. Pope Francis, at Pope Francis 3 p.m., boys hockey, vs. Danvers, at Salem State O’Keefe Center 3:30 p.m., gymnastics, NEC League, at YMCA Sterling Center, Beverly 4:30 p.m., girls and boys indoor

track, vs. TBA, at Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury 5 p.m., girls hockey, vs. Shawsheen, at Salem State O’Keefe Center Sunday, Feb. 11 7:30 a.m., boys swimming/diving, state sectionals, at Worcester Polytechnic Institute 11 a.m., girls basketball, vs. Holyoke, at Holyoke High 1 p.m., boys basketball, vs. Holyoke, at Holyoke High Monday, Feb. 12 5:30 p.m., alpine ski racing, vs. TBA, at Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton Tuesday, Feb. 13 5:30 p.m., alpine ski racing, vs.

TBA, at Ski Ward Ski Area, Shrewsbury 6 p.m., girls basketball, vs.

Gloucester, at Gloucester High 7 p.m., boys basketball, vs.

Gloucester, at Marblehead High Wednesday, Feb. 14 5:15 p.m., girls hockey, vs. Peabody, at McVann/O’Keefe Memorial Rink, Peabody 5:30 p.m., alpine ski racing, vs. TBA, at Bradford Ski Hill Thursday, Feb. 15 5:30 p.m., alpine ski racing, vs. TBA, at Blue HIlls Ski Area, Canton 6:30 p.m., girls basketball, vs.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 7:30 PM on the request of Groom Construction Company, Inc. to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct a new existing single-family dwelling on a conforming property, located at 29 Pinecliff Drive in the Shoreline Single Residence District. The new construction will be within the side yard setback and exceed the maximum allowed height. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment.

Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record. be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

Swampscott, at Swampscott High 7 p.m., boys basketball, vs.

Swampscott, at Marblehead High 7 p.m., boys hockey, vs. Shawsheen, at Billerica Memorial High Friday, Feb. 16 TBD, wrestling, state tournament, at Algonquin Regional High School

Saturday, Feb. 17 7:30 a.m., wrestling, varsity state tournament, at Algonquin Regional High School 10:30 a.m., girls and boys indoor track, state sectionals, at Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury 2:30 p.m., girls swimming/diving, varsity state finals, at MIT, Cambridge 5 p.m., boys hockey, vs. Beverly, at

Salem State O’Keefe Center 7 p.m., girls hockey, vs.

Newburyport, at Salem State O’Keefe Center Sunday, Feb. 18 2:30 p.m., boys swimming/diving, state finals, at MIT, Cambridge 3 p.m., boys hockey, vs. Haverhill, at Graf Skating Rink, Newburyport 6 p.m., boys basketball (Larry McIntire Tournament), vs. Bishop

Fenwick, at Marblehead High Monday, Feb. 19 TBD, boys basketball (Larry McIntire Tournament), vs. TBA, at Marblehead High 1:30 p.m., girls hockey, vs. Leominster, at Wallace Civic Center, Fitchburg 3 p.m., girls basketball, vs. Everett, Everett High

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Docket No. ES23P3432EA INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Estate of: Helena M. Mace Also Known As: Helen M. Mace Date of Death: 09/18/ 2023 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Gerald M. Mace of Wallingford CT Petitioner Leslie A. Omonde of So. Dartmouth MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate.

Gerald M. Mace of Wallingford CT Leslie A. Omonde of So. Dartmouth MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition, the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 8:15 PM on the request of Deborah Clarke to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct an addition to an existing single family dwelling on a preexisting nonconforming property, with less than the required lot area, frontage, side yard setback and exceeds the maximum height, located at 124 Front Street in the Shoreline Central Residence District. The new construction will be within the side yard setback, further reduce the open area and exceed the maximum allowed height, and the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 8:00 PM on the request of Griffin Booth to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct an addition to an existing single family dwelling on a preexisting nonconforming property, with less than the required lot area, side and front yard setbacks, located at 19 Linden Street in the Single Residence District.

The new construction will be within the side yard setbacks, reduce the open area to less than required and exceed the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building.

This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.

30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation.

The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 27, 2024 at 7:45 PM on the request of Michael Ferraresso to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit for the change of use from a commercial/ residential use to a multifamily use and to construct an addition to the existing mixed use structure on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area, side yard setback, open area an parking, located at 9 State Street in the Unrestricted District. The new construction will be within the side yard setback and further reduce the open area and parking required. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https:// us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

FINAL-17 CP_MBHC_20240207_1_A12 Mon, Feb 5, 2024 3:02:44 PM

marbleheadcurrent.org

A12 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Marblehead Current

OBITUARY

Norma Wight Vessot, 92 Norma Wight Vessot, 92, passed away on Jan. 25 surrounded by her family. Born on Nov. 11, 1931 in Montreal, Quebec, Norma was the youngest child of Gladys Anne (Bethune) and Norman Clare Wight. She was predeceased by her husband Robert F.C. Vessot, with whom she shared 59 years

of marriage; and her siblings John B. Wight, Joan C. Stetson and Shirley A. Brown.

Norma was educated at King’s Hall School in Compton, Quebec, and McGill University in Montreal. She relocated to Boston in 1956, where she worked in a meteorite research lab at Harvard University. Before long, she met Bob, a fellow Montrealer who was pursuing postdoctoral work in experimental astrophysics at MIT. They married in 1959 and moved to Marblehead the following year to raise their family.

Norma was active in the Junior League of Montreal and Boston, the Driftwood Garden

Club, the Eastern Yacht Club and was the first employee of Harbor Sweets in Salem. In the summer, she took great pleasure in sailing and cruising with Bob aboard their Nonsuch, Husky.

Inherently curious and kind, she also enjoyed adventurous traveling, gardening, knitting, playing cribbage and bridge, and staying in touch with family and longtime friends.

Family was Norma’s first love.

She leaves behind her beloved daughters, Judith Gardiner (Joel) of Marblehead and Palm City, Florida, Margaret

Lyons (Tim Moran) of Darien, Connecticut, and Nancy Thorne (Charlie) of Marblehead; her adored grandchildren, Alex and Tory Gardiner, Lindsay Lyons and Hannah Lyons Rizley, and Ben and Sam Thorne; and her many and much-loved nieces and nephews in Bermuda, Canada and the United States.

A private service will be held at Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Norma’s family.

POLICE LOG

Police respond to ding dong ditch, neighbor disputes Excerpts from the Marblehead police log Jan. 19-30. Consistent with state law, police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.

Jan. 19 12:47 p.m. — Officer Douglas Mills responded to the report of a repeated “ding dong ditch” prank from the previous evening around 5 p.m. The reporting party stated that three unidentified males allegedly rang the doorbell multiple times and fled. Mills advised the reporting party to keep doors locked and to call the police immediately if it happens again.

Jan. 20 12:41 p.m. — Officer Andrew Clark responded to a report of a motor vehicle break-in overnight while parked unlocked in a driveway on Wyman Road. The reporting party stated that upon noticing the driver’s side front door ajar and glove box contents strewn around the interior it was apparent someone had entered

the 2018 Toyota RAV4. Nothing inside or outside the vehicle seemed to be stolen or damaged.

An investigation into the circumstances of the break-in remains ongoing pending further evidence.

Jan. 21 9:03 a.m. — Officer Adam Mastrangelo responded following a call reporting potential harassment on Devereux Street. The reporting party stated a neighbor was intentionally revving a loud truck engine early that morning.

Mastrangelo did not hear or observe any vehicles being operated unsafely upon arriving in the area, but the parties had allegedly engaged in a verbal

dispute earlier. After advising no further contact, Mastrangelo informed the reporting party about obtaining a formal harassment prevention order if the described actions persist.

7:16 p.m. — Officer Tyler Bates conducted a traffic stop on Tedesco Street after a vehicle was allegedly observed swerving into the oncoming traffic lane. The operator was not in possession of a valid driver’s license. After a licensed family member arrived and took custody of the vehicle, Bates explained state licensing requirements before allowing the operator to leave the scene.

No citations were issued.

8:43 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello responded to Green Street following multiple noise complaints of loud music and banging coming from the unit above at various times. The reporting party resides in the unit below and stated the tenant upstairs has been uncooperative to past requests and officers asking to reduce the noise level even late at night. After

recently knocking at the upstairs apartment door, Picariello observed living conditions to be unusually sparse inside, with just basic furniture visible. Picariello obtained a verbal commitment from the upstairs tenant to refrain from further noise that evening but the reporting party feels the issue remains unresolved long-term.

Jan. 25 1:31 p.m. — Officer Douglas Mills responded to Pickwick Road for a report of property damage caused by an accidental trespass. A resident stated that minutes earlier, a male identifying himself only as “John” entered her gated backyard without permission and broke part of the wooden fence. No other property damage or theft occurred. The trespasser was located nearby, claimed he entered the wrong yard by mistake and left after apologizing. He was identified, and no enforcement action was requested or taken.

4:50 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello met with a person at

police headquarters reporting identity fraud. The party had received a letter claiming she had an overdrawn Chase Bank account. She said neither she nor her husband have an account at Chase. Picariello learned someone had allegedly used the woman’s name to open the checking account and credit card without consent, a felony offense. The reporting party has since notified credit reporting agencies of the incident. No suspect information available.

7:33 p.m. — Officer Tyler Bates received a call to the station claiming video surveillance harassment between neighbors on Treat Road. The reporting party stated a neighbor has numerous security cameras on their own property intentionally facing areas of privacy. Feeling unsafe, stalked and harassed the reporting party and spouse inquired about options. Bates informed parties on legally obtaining a harassment prevention order if the described actions persist. No enforcement action taken at this time.

MARBLEHEAD Y HAPPENINGS

YMCA celebrates 15 years on Leggs Hill Road SUBMITTED BY THE LYNCH/VAN OTTERLOO YMCA For more than a century, the Y has been a staple of healthy living, youth development and social responsibility in Marblehead and its surrounding communities. Beginning in 1910, the original Marblehead Y on Pleasant Street served the local community and when it began to outgrow the space downtown, the move to Leggs Hill Road began.

With a groundbreaking at the new location on the hill in September 2006 and an official opening in 2009, the Y has been growing its membership for 15 years while providing a welcoming space with hundreds of classes, programs and activities for adults, children and families. This year, the Y celebrates those 15 years since that groundbreaking as it continues to be a vital resource for the local community.

At this milestone, it’s important to reflect, recognize and thank those who made the “new” Y possible. Named for Marblehead’s Carolyn & Peter Lynch and RoseMarie & Eyk van Otterloo — the two major donor families who co-chaired and significantly contributed to the $15 million “Y It’s Time” capital campaign — the 90,000-square-foot, fullservice facility reflected the most ambitious fundraising effort by any North Shore nonprofit organization at the time.

At the building’s dedication ceremonies, the Y’s most generous donor — David Sherman of Swampscott — was posthumously recognized for his extraordinary contribution; in 2014, the annual David Sherman

Marking the 15-year anniversary of the Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA on Leggs Hill Road are, from left, Executive Director Brian Flynn, Mary Orne, David Gardner, Paul Gorman, David Quade and Rick Settlemeyer.

Community Strengthening Award was founded to honor civic leaders, Y staff or volunteers who reflect the major donor’s altruism. In May 2015, the Y’s inner roadway was formally named “Sherman’s Way” and a concrete tower was erected at its entrance to commemorate his selfless generosity.

Additionally, Marblehead’s Belinda & Henri Termeer, whose gift underwrote the innovative partnership between the Boston Ballet and the Y — the only such alliance between a YMCA and a major dance company — was acknowledged, along with the benevolence of Marblehead’s Dan & Meredith Doherty, whose names grace the Y’s gymnasium.

Dan, a board member and the site’s project manager, was instrumental in guiding

the organization through the numerous real estate challenges.

At this anniversary celebration, founders David Quade, a longtime Y board member and former board president whose astute and skillful real estate negotiation led to the land acquisition; and former Y Executive Director Paul Gorman, whose vision, determination and tenacity were crucial to the realization of the 25-year dream, were recognized for their commitment to the Y and the broader community.

Also feted at this event were former board president, longest-serving board member and Marblehead “Y It’s Time” fundraising chair Paul Guertin and his wife, Susan, longtime Y aquatics director/coach and

volunteer. The Y pools are named in their honor.

Looking ahead from this exciting 15-year mark, the Y understands the importance of offering a safe, inviting environment for all, a place for members, program participants and guests to stay active, engaged and connected.

The Y remains dedicated to meeting the needs of the community, offering innovative programming like Cornerstone for cancer patients while offering flexible pricing based on household income to ensure everyone has access to the Y. Brian Flynn, executive director of the Y said, “We are grateful to all those, past and present, who have helped make the Y what it is today. We are

so grateful to the Marblehead community, its leadership, local businesses and organizations that have joined us in our mission to help those in the community who need us most.

We look forward to many, many more years of serving this wonderful community.”

Fun fact: When the original Y on Pleasant Street was demolished, a time capsule was found in the cornerstone of the building. The contents included a “white cent” dated 1859 and a Lincoln cent dated 1910, and literature related to the proposal to build an ultimate construction of the Y in 1910. Documents inside included pledge forms requesting donations beginning at 50 cents or “major gifts” of $10. Y membership dues in 1910 were $2 per year.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 7, 2024 A13

Headlight

Shining a light on the news you care about!

Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community 2023 - 2024 Issue

www.mhsheadlight.com

Meeting in the middle: Flora and Son Max Kane, Freshman, Guest Writer

A mother throws her son out of the house every night so she can go party, drink, and smoke. Not exactly the ideal family life. Flora is a single mom living in Dublin, Ireland with her 14-year-old, Max. The dynamic of their family life consists of profanity, rude remarks, and neglect. Flora, discontented with her narrative, decides to pick up guitar. After falling for her teacher, the mother and son find ways to finally bond with each other over music. Flora and Son is a film that shows how making the best with what you have can become the best thing in the world.

This film is a hilarious, heartwarming story that leaves the viewer full of content with not only the movie, but also with their own lives. The Irish setting amplifies comedy that is so outlandish that it's impossible not to double over laughing at the gags and stereotypes of the culture. The dynamic between Flora and Max starts as appalling (and hilarious) but evolves into a mutual show of acceptance and love. The comedy is the glue that holds this film together.

The music featured in this film is a highlight of every scene it's in. Jeff, the guitar teacher, played by Joseph Gordan-Levitt, steals the show with his performances. Flora’s devel-

opment from only liking “dance music” to the songs she creates with Jeff helps to symbolize the growth of her character. And of course, Max’s raps add the comedic relief of the average 14-yearold boy’s fantasies.

Lastly, the acting is what really makes Flora and Son shine.

Watching this film with my parents, and my name also being Max, found my mother and I relating to some of the struggles that the mother-son duo go through.

It made me think about my own relationship with my mother, and how lucky I am to have her. This is all because of the performances of the characters. Eve Hewson’s witty, rude, piece-of-work performance as Flora not only gives the movie character, but it also shows her character’s change from disappointment to fulfillment. Jeff is introduced with a YouTube video of him explaining how music can change your life. As each lesson goes by, Jeff teaches his student music and provides advice on how to find fulfillment in her life.

Flora and Son is about finding contentment in the life you have. We have all made mistakes.

This movie is about turning the consequences into opportunities to live a more fulfilling life. It won't be perfect, and everyone will have to compromise. Flora and Son demonstrates that, sometimes, we all just have to meet in the middle.

Rotary Club invites Marblehead teens to show off their talent Benji Boyd, Junior, Assistant Editor

The Marblehead Rotary Club is excited to host its sixteenth annual “Marblehead’s Got Talent,” a competition for student performers. All high school residents of Marblehead are invited to showcase their talents and compete for scholarships ranging from $500 to $6000. Whether they come prepared with a set list of songs, a dance routine, or an arsenal of magic tricks, every performer has a chance to win.

Auditions were held on Saturday, February 3, and will continue this Saturday, February 10. Thirty-two slots were opened on the ‘Marblehead’s Got Talent’ website for applicants, but the Rotary Club is happy to offer more depending on interest. David Deutsch, committee member at the Rotary Club, stressed the importance of providing a place for student performers to feel appreciated. “Like the field is a place for football players to shine,” he commented in an interview, “‘Marblehead’s Got

Talent’ is for performers.”

Each performer will get fifteen minutes to showcase their talent, and recordings of each act will be passed on to the committee to sort through and decide which will continue to the semi-final round.

Although not every performer will be chosen to move on, they won’t leave empty handed. “I think it's important that if you’re gonna get up on stage in front of us, you should be rewarded for that,” said Deutsch. The Rotary club hopes to incentivize performers for being brave enough to get up on stage and show their talent by gifting Tshirts and prizes to all auditioners.

The semi-finals, featuring twenty acts selected by the committee, will be held at Marblehead High School. Anyone who attends to watch will be given a playbill and the opportunity to vote for their favorite acts. While the judges will choose who goes through to the final round, four fourth place winners will be decided by popular vote in the semi-finals. If the audience and the judges agree, it's

February 7, 2024

possible for a fourth-place winner to move on to the finals and win first, second, or third place as well. It’s also possible for a fourth-place winner to not be called to the final round, but still go home with $500 in their pocket.

For the final round, 8-12 performers will gather in the Cabot Theater in Beverly on March 27. Out of this group, the first, second, and third place winners will receive scholarships of $6000, $4000, and $2500 respectively. In the last “Marblehead’s Got Talent,” MHS senior Colby Kramer took first place, the duet Mona Gelfgatt and Charlie Smith second,

and Brady Weed third.

As a piece of advice for those looking to audition, Deutsch said that the judges are looking for evidence of effort. Performers will be selected based on their talents, but if two candidates are neck and neck, the judges might go for whoever seems like they put more thought into their presentation and how they come across. Most of all, ‘Marblehead’s Got Talent’ is looking for anyone with a true passion for performing. If that sounds like you, and if you’re a teenager living in Marblehead, it's absolutely worth it to put yourself out there for an audition and earn the chance to win.

For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition: From mediocrity to magnificence Michael LaBossiere, Freshman, Guest Writer

When 37-year-old Drake released his eighth studio album For All the Dogs, the listener knew he was burnt out. Who can blame him? Dominating the hip-hop industry for the past 15 years is tough. The album has an infuriating blend of great songs and not-so-great ones. Critics and casuals alike agree that even the best songs in the album weren’t due to him, but the artists that were featured: J Cole on “First Person Shooter,” SZA on “Slime You Out,” and Yeat on “IDGAF'' to name a few. Avid Drake listeners know what he is capable of, and this album is a letdown.

How does Drake respond? Instead of taking the one-year break from music as he promised, he decides to drop a six-song EP that shocks his fans and proves that he is not going anywhere.

For All the Dogs Scary Hours Edition. Everything about this is different. The first song of the six, “Red Button,” opens with a whimsical beat of voices harmonizing, along with a faint drum beat and bell jingle. This song has one theme: Drake is on the top, and everyone else is below. His long and lustrous career has made him cocky. He speaks upon this repeatedly with beautiful flow and rhyme, like his very first line of the song, "Most

decorated, competition decimated.” Instantly upon listening to this song, it was evident that Drake has gotten out of the hole he dug for himself.

His next four tracks have almost angelic beats that show his vulnerable side. While basking in the glory of his accomplishments, he finds himself jealous of his past, bored of the music industry, and reflecting on his rise to stardom. Drake isn’t a stranger to showing his weaker side, but this EP is cracking down on his imperfections. Nonetheless, he executes this beautifully.

On his last track, “You Broke My Heart,” we see a mood change. Again, there was a unique beat that could only be described as uplifting, full of brass instruments and piano that blend perfectly. But instead of examining his problems, he lets go and expresses his anger for the hate he faces. He says, “Disrespect that I just shouldn’t take, you just couldn’t see the good in Drake.”

As the beat drops, it is like his emotions have exploded, as he delivers an intense yet meaningful flow that will leave the listener in awe.

Drake delivered meaningful messages, head-bopping lyrics, and melodies that created some of the best music we have seen from him in the last five years.

Headlight Staff 2023-2024 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert

TECHNOLOGY EDITOR: Kate Twomey

REPORTERS: Cole Barbeau, John Bender, Nathaniel Carper-Young, Grey Collins, Tucker Crane, Aislin Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Anya Kane, Nina Lees, Georgia Marshall, Charlie Seliger, Livia Weiss FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

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A14 Wednesday, February 7, 2024 Marblehead Current

CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets coming up soon 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

‘Love Letters’: A play to benefit the MAA

‘Rhapsody at 100’

“Love Letters,” by A.R. Gurney, springs to life at the Marblehead Arts Association for two performances at the historic King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St. “Love Letters” is a play made entirely of letters between the staid and proper Andrew Makepeace Ladd III and Melissa Gardner, a free-spirited but troubled artist.

The play spans the characters’ lives from the second grade through their mid-50s. More info and tickets at MarbleheadArts.org.

The New England Yankees big band, led by Matthew Arnold of Marblehead, is presenting “Rhapsody at 100: The Experiment Continues” featuring piano virtuoso Matt Savage. The 32-piece symphonic jazz band will perform other hits from the Gershwin era.

The concert will be held at Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., which is handicap accessible. It is being funded by a $2,000 grant from the Marblehead Cultural Council.

Tickets are $20. They are available at https://loom.ly/lYmqAys and at the door the night of the show (cash only).

Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m.

Saturday, Feb. 10, 7 p.m.

Photography meetup Tuesday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.-9 p.m.

‘Fighting Climate Change: The State, the Town and You’

Member and non-member photographers are invited to the Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., for an informal meetup of photography enthusiasts. Learn about the latest innovations in photography and digital art, receive feedback on your work and connect with fellow shutterbugs.

Sunday, Feb. 11, 1 p.m.-3p.m.

Indoor sidewalk sale Saturday, Feb. 10, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Chamber of Commerce hosts an indoor sidewalk sale at the Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St. Come shop your favorite retailers.

Sustainable Marblehead, in partnership with Old North Church, is holding a community event featuring State Rep. Jenny Armini, who will speak about recent state actions and proposals addressing climate change and environmental protection. Eileen Mathieu from the Green Marblehead Committee will provide a summary of the town’s Net Zero Roadmap. And Light Board Commissioner Lisa Wolf and Mark Adams with Sustainable Marblehead will present actions that property owners can take to reduce their carbon footprint. RSVP at SustainableMarblehead.org.

Groovy dance party with the Guy Ford Band Saturday, Feb. 10, 8 p.m.

Get ready to dance at The Beacon Restaurant, 123 Pleasant St., as the Guy Ford Band performs.

Concert dedicated to Clara Schumann’s legacy Saturday, Feb. 17, 4 p.m.

The North Shore’s Arpeggione Ensemble continues its second season with “Lark Ascending: Clara Schumann” at St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant St. After a successful Marblehead debut with “Songs of the Seafarer,” Arpeggione turns its attention to the extraordinary 19th-century virtuosa, composer, entrepreneur, teacher and muse Clara Schumann. Performing Clara’s own works alongside works inspired by her artistry, this program will give an unprecedented look into Clara Schumann’s life, works and influence on the musical world. Suggestion donation is $15-$20. Reservations appreciated at arpeggioneensemble.com.

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