Marblehead voters will not be asked to approve a general (permanent) property tax override this spring, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told a standing-room-only crowd at Abbot Hall during his annual State of the Town Address Wednesday evening. However, the town and School Committee will likely ask residents to
temporarily raise their taxes for two major capital projects. They are:
Mary Alley Municipal Building renovations, including a new HVAC system. The total cost is not yet known. » A new roof at the high school, estimated at about $14 million. Town Meeting approved $5.3 million for the replacement in 2022, but it was never started. The project
now includes new HVAC units. The School Committee is expected to ask for another $8.6 million debt exclusion override that would raise taxes for 15 years. The first year, it would add about $86 to the tax bill for the medianpriced home.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance & Operations Mike Pfiffering told the Current that the School Committee will not need to ask for an override
to fund teacher contracts or operations in fiscal 2026. That surprised many people in the community who remembered the School Committee warning about the need for layoffs if an override did not pass to fund the agreed upon wage increases. Pfifferling said the biggest increases in the fouryear contract come in the last two years. An override might be required then. Only one member of the School Committee replied to a request for comment.
“I am not the best person to respond to your question since I am not on the budgeting
subcommittee,” Al Williams wrote in an email. “However, I can state two things relative to your question: 1. No decision has been made yet as to whether we are seeking an override relative to the new contract; 2. As a full committee, the budgeting process really begins at our budget workshop this Thursday at 5 p.m.” Debt exclusion overrides require both a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting and a majority in the June election.
Budget picture
Meanwhile, Kezer outlined
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead has been awarded $330,000 in opioid settlement money and is determining the best ways to spend the money.
“These funds are from several opioid settlements made between representatives of states and municipalities and defendants, companies that played a role in dispensing opioids that were responsible for the addiction epidemic,” said Town
Administrator Thatcher Kezer. Kezer, Public Health Director Andrew Petty, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland and Police Chief Dennis King have been meeting as a working group to decide how to allocate the funds. So far, they’ve spent about $7,000 to place naloxone boxes containing anti-overdose drugs in all municipal buildings.
King said some of the money will go toward a substance use awareness day being planned
in town and to updating AED machines in police cruisers and municipal buildings.
“There’s a desire to spend the funds effectively and not just to spend them,” King said.
There is one other important use for the settlement money.
“We want to make sure that if there’s somebody in town that has a n ed (for rehab or treatment), we can help them get the best treatment possible. So, we want to make sure that they’re getting into a 90-day program,” Petty said at a recent Board of Health meeting. “These
are really high costs, so the idea was to keep a large sum of money so when the needs arrive, you take that money and you spend it on these individuals who have the need.”
Kezer said more money may be coming.
“There are new settlements being announced,” he said. “Each settlement has its own requirements and timeline to expend the funds over a number of years.”
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SNOW GLObe
PHOTOS BY RICK CUZNER
TOWN,
At legislative breakfast, leaders vow to defend Massachusetts libraries
BY WILL DOWD
With federal funding for libraries increasingly under threat due to President Donald Trump’s recent attempts to freeze congressionally appropriated funds, about 100 Massachusetts library advocates and legislators gathered Friday at Abbot Public Library to assert their commitment to protecting the commonwealth’s libraries from what they characterized as mounting pressures from Washington.
The stakes were laid bare at the Northeast Massachusetts Library Legislative Breakfast at Abbot Public Library, where officials warned of potential freezes to congressionally appropriated funds and emphasized the critical role libraries play in preserving democracy and equal access to information.
“We are unsure of the extent, but if the new administration’s recent attempt to freeze congressionally appropriated funds is any indication, Massachusetts will be forced to make up as much as it possibly
can,” said Rep. Jenny Armini. “As Speaker Ron Mariano said this week, we have lost our federal partner again, to what extent we don’t yet know.”
The federal uncertainty looms over critical library programs, including grants that fund English language learning, technology access and services for seniors and disabled residents. Federal money currently supports databases, staff salaries, online learning, advisory services and ebooks across Massachusetts
libraries.
“Our libraries do receive federal funding that supports programs and activities. This funding, yes, is in danger at this time,” said Karen Traub, a member of the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Traub outlined three state funding priorities for fiscal year 2026: administrative funding for the library board, support for the Massachusetts Center for the Book and state aid to public libraries. These state funds have
become increasingly critical as federal support grows uncertain.
Beyond funding concerns, advocates highlighted growing challenges to intellectual freedom. Several bills have been filed in the Massachusetts legislature to protect libraries and library staff.
“Librarians are under attack right now verbally. People are leaving the profession because they’re being bullied, and that absolutely has to stop,” Traub said. She said there are bills filed aimed at protecting librarians and ensuring freedom to read.
Armini drew connections between Massachusetts’ historical role in American democracy and its current stance on libraries.
“When I’m sitting in my seat on the House floor, my eye is often drawn to the names painted on the frieze above — Emerson, Hawthorne, Longfellow are all there,” she said. “Courage, judgment, integrity, dedication — these are the historic qualities of the Bay Colony and the Bay State. Today, the eyes of all people are truly upon us.”
Union claims town broke labor laws amid stalled contract talks
BY WILL DOWD
The Marblehead Municipal Employees Union is awaiting a Department of Labor Relations ruling on charges that the town implemented new workplace policies without bargaining and failed to provide financial analyses of union proposals.
The union’s September filing alleges two violations of state labor law: implementing policies affecting employee leave and work rules during ongoing negotiations and refusing to provide financial justification for rejecting union proposals.
“It’s a trial of sorts to see if the town will be fined,” said Terri Tauro, president of the union representing about 100 municipal
workers. “If DLR issues the [ruling], they will most likely make the Select Board vote to withdraw the policies and order the town to provide financial analysis of why they are rejecting all proposals under the guise of ‘too expensive.’”
“The problem with this is how can they say they cannot afford something they have not done a financial analysis on,” Tauro said.
“The last COLA we asked for would have only cost an average of $150,000 per year.”
Both sides are scheduled to meet again with a state mediator
Thursday. “After that, the town won’t give us another date for three weeks,” Tauro said. “And we have a Town Meeting looming again. If we don’t get a contract
by town meeting, we don’t get a raise again.”
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer characterized the union’s complaints as negotiating tactics meant to apply public pressure. Kezer has a standing rule that he does not talk about union negotiations.
“This is a tactic to influence the negotiations,” Kezer told the Current.
The MMEU has expressed what it feels is the need for the Select Board to get more involved in negotiations.
The dispute has intensified as municipal workers have worked without a contract since July. Negotiations began in March, with union leaders saying they’ve made multiple concessions while
receiving little reciprocation.
The negotiations come as Marblehead grapples with broader budget pressures, including $3.2 million in recently approved teacher contracts over four years.
Town officials maintain they must balance competitive wages with fiscal responsibility. The union argues delays and lack of financial transparency have unfairly impacted some of the town’s lowest-paid workers.
The union has already yielded one victory for municipal employees. In November, engineering clerk Lisa Lyons won a grade increase and back pay after challenging the town’s decision to hire an external candidate at a higher rate.
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Town launches updated website
Marblehead will launch a new town website, designed to improve accessibility and transparency for residents on Feb. 19. While acknowledging the challenges of organizing vast municipal data, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer assured residents that the upgrade will improve navigation and usability. “It is still a bear to manage the volume of data and make it as easy as possible to find things. I’ll say it’ll be better,” he said.
Epstein Hillel team takes third in bridge competition
A seventh-grade team from Epstein Hillel School placed third in the middle school division of the annual Model Bridge Building Competition sponsored by the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section. The team achieved a bridge efficiency of 85.25 pounds, placing 13th overall out of 50 total teams. Two other Epstein Hillel teams placed fourth and seventh in the middle school
division.Students worked with science teacher Lauren Zoerhoff and guest advisor Irene Barsky, a retired structural engineer
who specialized in bridge design at MassDOT. The competition required bridges to be built using only popsicle sticks, wooden rulers and Elmer’s glue.
VFW Post 2005 presents first community service awards
VFW Post 2005 honored three public safety officers and a student at its inaugural Community Service Awards ceremony on Jan. 16. Recipients included Marblehead Police Officer Dean Peralta, Marblehead firefighter and past commander Doug Knowles, and Emergency Dispatcher Teresa Collins. The post also recognized Jessica Leaderman as the district
10 winner of the “Voice of Democracy” essay contest, presenting her with a $500 gift card.
Ballet school’s clothing drive sets record
The Marblehead School of Ballet and North Shore Civic Ballet’s fifth annual winter clothing drive collected 224 garments for local families in need. The winter coats were donated to Anton’s Cleaners for distribution through their Coats for Kids and Families network. New pajamas went to Lynn Economic Opportunity, a nonprofit serving children and families in southern Essex County.
“For struggling families, pajamas are a low priority, a luxury,” said Julie Danahy Hebeisen, communications manager at Lynn Economic Opportunity. “You provided love.”
Stay informed of snow emergencies
Vehicles parked on-street during declared snow emergencies will be subject to ticketing and towing. To stay informed, residents can call Marblehead Department of Public Works at 781-631-1750 during business hours for emergency status, subscribe to town alerts
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
State Rep. Jenny Armini speaks at the Northeast Massachusetts Library Legislative Breakfast at Abbot Public Library on Friday. Armini emphasized the importance of protecting library funding and intellectual freedom amid growing federal uncertainty and book challenges.
COURTESY PHOTO / VFW POST 2005
Left to right, Marblehead Firefighter Doug Knowles, Ronny Knight, the commander VFW Post 2005, Jessica Leaderman, the 2025 Voice of Democracy recipient, and Marblehead Patrolman Dean Peralta at the VFW Post 2005’s first Community Service Awards ceremony.
COURTESY PHOTO / EPSTEIN HILLEL SCHOOL
The third-place winning team with their bridge before the competition, left to right, Leah Bruner, Nir Kantor and Meirav Ganezer.
Student forum on flag policy this Thursday
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead High School students will get another chance to share their thoughts about a controversial draft flag policy at a forum with the School Committee this Thursday, Feb. 13, at 2:30 p.m. Students are invited to attend in person at the high school, and there is also a virtual link.
The flag policy would permit only Marblehead, Massachusetts, U.S. and POW flags on school property and would lead to the removal of a Black Lives Matter banner and Pride flag in the MHS cafeteria.
School Committee
members Jenn Schaeffner and Alison Taylor are also planning a forum for the community to discuss the proposal. No date had been set for that as of the Current’s press deadline.
The School Committee started considering a flag policy after a Marblehead resident confessed to taking down the BLM flag in the MHS cafeteria without permission.
That prompted Principal Michele Carlson and thenacting superintendent Michelle Cresta to ask the School Committee whether it had a policy.
School Committee members have cited the Supreme Court case, Shurtleff v. City of Boston, involving a flag at Boston City Hall, saying the ruling supports their plan to limit flags in schools.
However, when contacted by the Current last year, ACLU of Massachusetts staff attorney Rachel Davidson said the nonprofit is “troubled by the censorious nature” of the School Committee’s draft policy.
“Courts have ruled that it is not for local officials to mandate any particular orthodoxy in public schools,” Davidson added. “And because schools are places where students prepare to participate in our pluralistic society, it may not be wise as an educational matter for the School Committee to attempt to micromanage expression and access to information in schools in this way.”
For more than a year, many students and community members have spoken out — at meetings, rallies and more — against the draft policy. Students have demanded that they have a say in what flags and banners can hang in their school.
MHS senior Maren Potter told the Current on Feb. 7, “We remain
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The town has been awarded a $92,000 Americans With Disabilities grant to make Devereux Beach more accessible to people with disabilities. The improvements should be in place by this summer.
“This is really good news,” said Laurie Blaisdell, chair of the town’s Disabilities Commission.
The grant should fund upgrades including:
For more than a year, many students and community members have spoken out — at meetings, rallies and more — against the draft policy. Students have demanded that they have a say in what flags and banners can hang in their school.
even more committed to ensuring that every student in the district feels welcomed and supported. Students are organizing to best have their voices heard, and we plan to present a reasonable policy that will accommodate the legal issues in the Supreme Court ruling as well as including the input from student voices. We believe this policy ensures a more inclusive atmosphere at the schools.”
No students have spoken in favor of limiting flags in schools, but a handful of residents have.
Nyla Dubois has shared her support of removing the BLM banner and Pride flag.
“Not everyone sees the same values in those particular symbols,” Dubois said. “Even the one (Pride flag) on the sidewalk outside the information booth … These symbols are what some people believe speak for everybody, and that’s just not true. You can’t say that the Pride flag stands for every lesbian or trans person.”
The student forum will be available at marblehead. org/school-committee/ events/144021.
» More Mobi-mats, which are nylon mats people in wheelchairs can use to navigate the beach.
» A second Mobi-chair that helps people with disabilities get into the ocean.
» A new cut-away picnic table convenient for people in wheelchairs.
» New handicap parking spaces that are level and ADA compliant.
» Proper access to the bathrooms.
Rec & Parks Superintendent Peter James applied for the same grant last year but didn’t receive it. This year, he worked with Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey and Blaisdell and received the funds.
The $92,000 has to be spent by June 30, and retired town planner Becky Curran is working parttime to get the projects out to bid.
The Disabilities Commission is meeting Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 4:15 p.m at Abbot Hall to prioritize the pieces of the project and see what can be covered by the $92,000. That meeting is open to the public.
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Storm clouds on horizon
On Feb. 5, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer presented his annual State of the Town address as the fiscal year 2026 budget process nears finalization in anticipation of the May Town Meeting. The good news is that there will be no request for a Proposition 2 1/2 general override this year notwithstanding earlier concerns that such an override would be needed to balance the budget. (There will, however, be two requests for debt exclusion overrides to fix the high school roof and renovate the Mary Alley Building.)
As recently as last November when the teachers strike was settled, the School Committee reported there would be a $3.17 million shortfall in the school budget that would require a general override. Now, we are told this will not be necessary in FY26.
Last week, Kezer cited reasons for this change of events, including a strong position in the amount of available free cash and — somewhat astonishing in our opinion — an increase in annual interest income from $60,000 to more than $2 million. With regards to the dramatic increase in interest income, we are reminded of some residents’ earlier criticisms regarding the town’s management — or lack thereof — of its revenues and liquid assets.
There have been many changes to our Finance Department in recent years, which may well account for positive changes to the management of the town’s assets. Assuming that to be the case, we applaud such efforts.
Last year as we approached Town Meeting, representatives of the School Committee warned of massive cuts and layoffs that would result if there were not a general override in June. Then — miraculously — with no general override, funds were found in their budget to avoid such consequences.
All of this reinforces the opposition of many in town to any suggestion that we should ever need or support a general override. Yet, to steal a phrase often mentioned at last week’s State of the Town, this is where the rubber meets the road.
By all projections, while we are escaping the debate over a general override one more time, it appears almost certain that this time next year there will be no way to balance the budget — absent major layoffs — without an override.
Rising health insurance premiums, our mandated contributions to the retirement system, anticipated increases in the cost for trash disposal, year two of the settled teachers’ contracts and currently unknown increases associated with yet-to-besettled municipal and police contracts, to name a few, cast a dark shadow over the sustainability of our current level of services without the infusion of additional capital from a general override.
It is anticipated that voters at the 2026 Town Meeting will be asked to support a budget, subject to subsequent approval at the ballot box in June, that will call for a general override sufficient to sustain town services for the following three to five years. Our town leaders would be well advised to clearly and transparently present their data to support the call for such action, failing which it may be impossible to convince residents that they are again being warned that the sky is falling. So, while we may be able to breathe a sigh of relief that the dreaded general override debate has been postponed, storm clouds are most definitely on the horizon.
LeTTerS POLIC y
The Current welcomes letters to the editor and strives to represent a range of viewpoints on our opinion pages.
Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. Letters over the word limit may be returned to the writer for editing.
Writers may be given more leeway to criticize national political candidates and other public figures. However, in all cases, letter writers should refrain from name calling and personal attacks and instead focus on the substance of matters of public concern.
Letter writers may be asked to substantiate claims that do not relate to information previously published in the Current.
While we will make every effort to let writers have their say, we reserve the right not to publish letters.
Letters must include: The author’s name. Unsigned letters and form letters will not be published. The name of the street on which the author lives in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next to the author’s name – not their full address. The author’s daytime/cell phone number for verification purposes (not publication). Letters must be received by our newsroom directly from their writers (for special circumstances, contact the newsroom). Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org or use the submission form found at marbleheadcurrent.org/letters. Some letters may be shared to social media. We will share a wide array of viewpoints.
Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition.
How to keep your internet bills under control
BY STEPHEN BACH
Let’s chat about something we all deal with — keeping our internet bills from going through the roof.
I’ve been helping folks figure out their internet bills for years, and I’ve got some friendly advice to share. This topic’s been on my mind lately because of what happened with my dad’s internet service, but more on that in a bit.
So, what’s the deal with internet bills? Well, they’re kind of like a puzzle. You’ve got the main piece — that’s the cost for your internet speed and data. But then there are other pieces too, like fees for using the company’s equipment (that’s the modem or router they give you), taxes and some other charges that can sneak in there. Oh, and if you’re on a special deal, make sure you know when it ends.
Now, how do we keep that bill nice and low? First, think about how you actually use the internet. If you’re just checking emails and watching a bit of Netflix, you might not need the fastest speed they offer. It’s like buying a sports car when all you do is drive to the grocery store — why pay for more than you need?
Here’s a fun tip: don’t be shy about asking for deals! Internet companies love new customers, but
Ed Bell loved Marblehead and the town loved him back
To the editor:
These past few weeks have been difficult for our family. As we continue to adjust to our lives without my father, Ed Bell, we wanted to share our gratitude.
To the Marblehead community:
Thank you for embracing my parents and for inviting my father to be a part of so many organizations around town. He had a full and enriching life because of the opportunities provided to him through Rotary, MHTV, COA, St. Andrew’s, Masons, the Current, the ROMEOs and BYC, to name a few. He loved this town, and you loved him back. You have also honored his memory with generous donations to the Current and the Friends of the COA. These organizations provide immeasurable value to this town, so supporting them meant quite a lot to my father. Also, a heartfelt thank you to Betsy, Moira and the first responders who helped my parents. In their moment of need, you were there to step in and support them. I am eternally grateful for this beautiful community.
To the journalists: I’ve learned that when a beloved journalist passes away, the journalist community will do what they do best — take to their keyboards. We have been positively overwhelmed by the tributes in the Current as well as the Facebook posts, blogs and newsletters we have seen. Our friends at the Current are a special group of journalists and represent the best of local news. My mother and I will continue to support you
they want to keep their old ones too. So go ahead and ask if there are any specials you can get. The worst they can say is no, right?
And speaking of asking, it’s totally okay to call up your internet company and see if they can give you a better price. I know, I know, phone calls can be awkward. But trust me, it can be worth it. Before you call, check out what other companies are offering. That way, you can say, “Hey, I saw this other company is offering a better deal. Can you match it?” Sometimes, just hinting that you might leave can get you a better price. If you’re also getting TV or phone service, ask about bundling them together. It’s like buying in bulk at the grocery store - sometimes you can save money that way. And if money’s really tight, there are government programs that might be able to help out. It’s worth looking into.
Now, let me tell you about what happened with my dad. Last year, I found out he was paying for two modems (he only needed one) and
in any way we can. And to the Salem News, who set my dad on a path to success in the news business when he was a teenager and took care of him at his time of passing, thank you.
To those who cared for Ed: My father’s medical needs were complex and expertly managed by a team of dedicated professionals at the Lahey Clinic. We are grateful for the care he received over the years, and I have no doubt that we were given the gift of extra time with him due to their efforts. Also, a special thanks to the staff at Salem Hospital Emergency Room who showed us kindness and compassion when we needed it most.
Finally, thank you to our family and dearest friends who have buoyed us through this time and will continue to be a source of strength and support. These next months will be hard, but I know they will be with us every step of the way. We are truly fortunate to have your love and support.
With love and gratitude, Andrea Bell Bergeron Elmwood Rd. (and Andover)
The dangers of unchecked power
To the editor: Our country is under siege. Following the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol, law enforcement investigated the perpetrators and many who pleaded guilty at trial were sent to prison. Now pardoned and freed by the president, some are threatening retribution against law enforcement officers who did nothing but obey orders to investigate and prepare cases for prosecution. Now, those law enforcement officers are being
his bill was way too high. It took me hours on the phone, but I got it sorted and saved him about $40 a month. But guess what? This week, I had to do it all over again because the bill had gone up by 20%. These companies sometimes slowly raise prices, hoping we won’t notice. So keep an eye on your bill, especially when any special deals end.
Be careful with those “introductory” rates too. They sound great at first, but make sure you know what the price will be after that first year. It can be a real shock sometimes!
If you do see your bill go up unexpectedly, don’t just sigh and pay it. Give the company a call and ask what’s going on. Sometimes they’ll bring the price back down if you ask. And if they won’t? Well, maybe it’s time to shop around for a new company.
I know keeping track of all this can be a bit of work, but it’s worth it to keep your hard-earned money in your pocket. After all, wouldn’t you rather spend that cash on something fun instead of an overpriced internet bill? Remember, you’ve got this … with a little know-how and some friendly persistence, you can keep your internet costs under control. Happy surfing!
Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
purged from the FBI for doing their job.
No one in this country voted for Elon Musk. The South African billionaire poured millions of his own money into the Trump campaign and has been rewarded by the president, who has given him the keys to the kingdom. Musk has unheard-of access to the White House and unfettered access to government departments. He has illegally shuttered USAID, boasting that he has put the agency through the wood chipper. More frightening is his access to the Treasury Department, where he and his minions have access to the details of government business payments and the personal information, including Social Security numbers, of millions of citizens.
Even if you are unconcerned about the FBI, USAID and the dismantling of the Education Department, you should care about Elon’s power trip. We should all oppose the violation of the Constitution, and we should all oppose the elevation to power of noncitizen Musk. Deluge the White House with letters and calls expressing your concern and outrage.
Ann Williams Birch Street
Marblehead Democrats wrong on immigration, says local GOP
To the editor: The Marblehead Republican Town Committee would like to address the recent article published in the Marblehead Current, “Marblehead
Finding joy, setting limits at 80
BY JO ANN AUGERI SILVA
I turned 80 in November.* This was a huge milestone for me, but unlike when I turned 50, 60 or even 70, reaching this age didn’t make me feel exceptionally old. Instead, I felt like celebrating. I still do.
Nothing dramatic happened on that day. No lightning bolts flashed, no teeth fell out. I didn’t suddenly go gray or get more wrinkly. There was no dramatic decrease in physical ability or mental acuity. I didn’t suddenly get shorter and more stooped. All that stuff has been taking place over the decades. It would have been nice if I’d magically shed a few pounds, but no, I’m still overweight as well as short and wrinkly.
I’m feeling very lucky. Sure, I have a longish list of chronic issues for l which I take an equally long list of medications. I’ve had some falls, broken a few bones, dealt with COVID, all that sort of thing. And I’m here, and happy to be here.
Too many friends and relatives, including wonderful people I’ve treasured over the 55 years I’ve lived in Marblehead, are not. It’s always a shock, even when it isn’t a surprise, to find out that another person you care about is gone. The hurt is especially deep when the person first disappears cognitively, when you meet them and see little behind those once bright eyes. When a friend gets a diagnosis that puts an end date on their life, it hurts a lot, though all you really can do is offer support
Democrats mobilize against Immigration & Customs Enforcement threats,” about the Democratic Town Committee’s immigration subcommittee in response to ICE and immigration policies. We believe there are significant misunderstandings that need to be clarified.
According to a New York Times poll from January, 87% of Americans support the deportation of immigrants who are in the U.S. illegally and have criminal records.
Additionally, 63% of respondents support deporting immigrants who entered the country illegally over the past four years, regardless of the reason for their entry. These numbers suggest that the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee may be out of step with the views of the broader public on immigration enforcement.
A major point of contention is the Democratic Committee’s focus on the percentage of immigrants in Essex County, which they imply are at risk of deportation due to ICE raids. This mischaracterizes the situation and perpetuates a false narrative that opposition to certain immigration policies equates to being anti-immigrant. In reality, most Americans, including a significant portion of the immigrant community, support policies that prioritize the removal of individuals who have committed crimes or who entered the country illegally. The results of the 2024 election further demonstrate this.
President Donald Trump garnered significant support
and love, and stop whining about those chronic but not lifethreatening annoyances.
My husband and I have lost all of the generation before us, but none of our physical challenges is more than concerning. We know we must stay healthy. But, fatalistically or not, we’ve developed two sayings to express how we feel about the future. “It’s not if, it’s when,” and “The one thing we know for sure is that we don’t know.”
When you’re our age, you have no choice but to acknowledge the inevitable, the certainty that your past is far longer than your future will be. Obviously, we don’t slog around in gloom, we take pretty good care of ourselves, and try to live each day to the fullest, which is a lot easier to say than to do. Frankly, some days living life to the fullest means taking the day off to rest, read, not watch the news, and maybe stare into the fire awhile.
One thing we try hard do is to treasure the life, the love, and the loved ones we have, and spend as much time with people we care about as it’s possible to do. I’ve said in this space before that we both love travel. We follow the advice of my favorite aunt and uncle — to travel as much as we can as long as we can — and will continue exploring.
As you age, and especially when you retire, you have choices and decisions that weren’t available to you when you were working. You get to decide who you want to spend time with, what you’re willing and eager to do, and things you’re no longer willing to put
among Hispanic voters, even flipping traditionally Democratic areas like Starr County, Texas — a county that had not voted Republican since 1892. This shift shows that many immigrants, particularly those who are legal residents or citizens, are concerned about the impact of illegal immigration and border security. We encourage Marblehead residents to consider these facts and to recognize how the current stance of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee may not reflect their values or the broader community’s views. If you feel that the Democratic Party no longer represents your beliefs, we invite you to consider joining the Republican Party, where your voice will be heard and valued. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Emily DeJoy Riverside Drive
Marblehead Republican Town Committee
What happened to my Israeli flag?
To the editor: The question, “What happened to my Israeli flag?” refers to a flag I donated to Marblehead High School before the 2021-2022 school year. Marblehead’s school district had focused on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives under its administration. Due to rising antisemitism following the Israel-Gaza War in 2021, I proposed displaying an Israeli flag alongside others in the school cafeteria. The superintendent agreed, and I delivered the flag to the principal.
In September 2023, I heard rumors that the flag had been
Retired professionals need to be careful how much we say yes. Most of us need to cultivate that other word.
up with. We’ve all faced bullying and bad behavior in one form or another — in school, with our kids, with coworkers, managers and subordinates. Most people my age (especially fellow Sicilians) become less willing to tolerate bad behavior and excuse bullying. Given experiences I had in my career, no longer being forced to interact with bad actors is a huge relief.
You also have choices about how you’ll spend your time. Even while working full time, my husband and I always found ways to volunteer, because we’re committed to “giving back” to this community. Anthony, though, worked long hours in Boston, keeping him from expanding his interests and taking on new responsibilities. Once retired, after sorting out what he wanted to do, he jumped into volunteerism in ways he hadn’t been able to before.
I retired a couple of times, with each time a little different. Once, I started a freelance PR business. I gave that up when the job editing the late, lamented iteration of the Marblehead Reporter was offered. Next, I taught journalism, an experiment I really enjoyed. Then, I went back to school to earn the Master’s Degree I’d always wanted, and loved every minute of that. I somehow managed to co-author a book for teens with a now-departed friend, finished and then edited a significant history by a friend
removed during a school cleaning, but later learned a teacher may have hidden it.
After the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, I contacted the acting superintendent, urging the flag’s return to show solidarity with Jewish students. She promised to address the issue with the interim superintendent, but I received no follow-up.
In March 2024, controversy arose when the Anti-Racism Task Force, a subcommittee within the Massachusetts Teachers Association, hosted a webinar presented by the group Jewish Voice for Peace, which promotes anti-Israel propaganda. Several speakers pushed anti-Israel bias during the virtual event. The webinar sparked outrage among Jewish educators. A subsequent webinar, hosted by the IsraeliAmerican Civic Action Network, highlighted incidents of antisemitism in Massachusetts schools. A Marblehead teacher claimed that a colleague had torn down the Israeli flag, calling it a “flag of oppression” and had harassed Jewish staff. The School Committee, prompted by community uproar, initiated an independent investigation into these allegations.
Amid the controversy, the accused teacher wrote a column in the Marblehead Current, denying antisemitism and attributing the accusations to a political agenda tied to the IHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance) definition of antisemitism. She claimed her work had always supported marginalized groups. However, Israeli students were excluded. In June, the School Committee pledged to launch an investigation into the incidents. By August, the teacher at the center of the controversy along with three other foreign
who died unexpectedly, and did a fair amount of other volunteer work, including joining my garden club, being a guide and helping organizations with their PR.
These days, my primary volunteer focus is the Marblehead Museum and the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. After the sprawling responsibilities of guiding at PEM, having a narrow but rich focus is a treat. Doing original research using the wealth of documents in the Museum’s care is a daunting but fulfilling task.
Retired professionals need to be careful how much we say yes. Most of us need to cultivate that other word. There are many worthy organizations in Marblehead, and most of them need help with their public relations. Why was I surprised that every time I joined a volunteer group, I was asked to do PR?
Look. I love to write. I love it enough to have made it my profession. Apparently I’m pretty good at it, so my career was rewarding. Here’s the thing, though. It was my work.
Interviewing, writing, editing, teaching, setting up a PR plan?
My job, but just one part of my skill set. When I retired, I wanted to do other things. So, I had to learn a lot about limit setting.
Limit setting is critical to attaining and keeping a healthy (and happy) old age. It’s also one of the hardest things to
language teachers who had publicly supported her at a School Committee meeting, had resigned, alleging a toxic work environment. The investigation into these incidents is ongoing. Currently, while flags representing other marginalized groups are displayed at Marblehead High School, the Israeli flag remains absent, raising questions about a potential double standard in supporting Jewish students. Recently, the interim superintendent announced plans to establish an AntiDiscrimination Committee, with an initial focus on addressing antisemitism. This committee aims to provide professional development for staff, parents and students, review the curriculum for specific biases and establish more efficient reporting mechanisms and outcomes. While the findings of the independent investigation into allegations of antisemitism are still pending, this initiative suggests that Marblehead school administrators are beginning to take proactive steps to address community concerns and provide concrete actions and implement tangible measures to combat antisemitism.
Karen Tal-Makhluf Trager Road
School Committee
elections are coming
To the editor: I have to applaud the student, teacher, parent or stakeholder that has been posting videos on Youtube under the title Marblehead Underground! What a great idea! These videos are a great way to show community
accomplish. Saying no is never easy, and sometimes you have to say no multiple times before it’s heard. No one wants to offend a friend who genuinely wants your help, but if that help takes you over your limit, you’re doing your friend and yourself an injustice.
As noted, there are so many worthy organizations that need our skills. We can’t help them all. To me, limit setting looks like this. I will say yes if: I believe in the mission or cause; I like the people I’ll be working with; I’ll be doing some good; I have enough time in my schedule to accomplish what’s asked. I’ll say no if: I’m pretty sure I won’t have any fun; the task will take more time than I can mentally and physically handle; I won’t be contributing to a cause or mission I believe in; I won’t be learning something new and exciting; I’m pretty sure I won’t be appreciated for the skills I bring to the task.
I’ve enjoyed having this space to express, on a volunteer basis, what I believe and feel about things in my purview. Some of you may have noticed that it’s been a minute since the last time my name and photo appeared here. In that time away, it became clear that I’d rather be doing something else. So I will.
*I know I lost most of my audience with that opening line. Oh well.
Marblehead resident Jo Ann Augeri Silva is a retired journalist, author, public relations professional and educator, and was an editor of the Marblehead Reporter.
members who may have missed the trials, tribulations, chaos, miscommunication and plain old fibbing that has led us to where we are today because of our School Committee.
Hmmmm, it seems like the School Committee could have agreed to the teachers contract without a strike. They threw our teachers under the bus.
Our teachers are the backbone of our community. They are responsible for our precious gifts, our children, each day. The way they have treated our teachers has been disgusting.
As we see each day in the news, our world is spiraling out of control.
Our children need consistency and that includes our teachers and schools.
We need to fix our schools. Our teachers deserve to be celebrated!
Remember Town Meeting and elections are fast approaching. So, think long and hard who you want to lead our schools into the future!
Mary McCarriston Pinecliff Drive
Clarifying MBTA zoning rules
To the editor: In the Feb. 5 article, “Forum addresses multifamily zoning before Town Meeting,” you refer to “the 897 total units required under the MBTA Communities Act.” This phrasing is incorrect. The Act does not require any units, and Marblehead can comply without building any at all. In fact, Marblehead’s plan will simply change the zoning rules in three areas where multifamily housing already exists.
Rick Smyers Phillips Street
From recalls to lobster traps, May’s warrant features 8 citizen petitions
BY WILL DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER
The aftermath of a contentious 2024 in Marblehead — marked by a teacher strike and a chaotic MBTA Communities Act debate
— has spawned a wave of citizen initiatives aimed at reforming how the town conducts its municipal business. When voters gather May 5 at Veterans Middle School, they’ll consider eight petitions, filed by citizens, covering everything from lobster trap storage to a recall provision.
Recall option for elected officials
A recall for elected officials returns to the Town Meeting warrant this year.
Resident Luisa Boverini sponsored the petition, which, if passed, would need approval from the state Legislature. Here are some of the details:
»
—A minimum of 25 registered voters file an affidavit naming the elected official targeted for recall and the reasons for the recall.
» The petitioner must then collect the signatures of at least 15% of the town’s registered voters.
If those conditions are met, the board of registrars of voters would order that written notice be sent to the recalled official, who has seven days to resign.
“It definitely stems and emerges from the ongoing struggles that educators have had with the elected and appointed officials in the town,” Boverini said, referring to last year’s teacher contract talks and strike.
“Basically, what the intent was was to get something similar to what Swampscott has … in terms of their recall. It seemed to me like a practical thing to do. I felt like it was something that should be in our bylaws anyway.”
The Current reached out to all five members of the School Committee for comment and did not receive a response.
Last year, a citizen petition calling for a recall was indefinitely postponed.
Department heads residency requirements
When asked about a proposal requiring department heads to live in Marblehead, Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin highlighted a stark reality: With median home prices exceeding $1.2 million, most municipal leaders would struggle to afford living where they work without significant pay increases.
A citizen petition seeks to advise the Select Board to mandate that all department and division heads reside within town boundaries. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer warns the requirement would significantly reduce the pool of qualified candidates for critical positions.
“It would be penny wise and pound foolish,” Kezer said. “We’ve got strong background requirements. These are unique skill sets that are in high demand, and there’s just not enough pool for the demand right now.”
Benjamin noted that maintaining independence as a nonresident can benefit the town.
“You want an outside person without a vested interest to do what’s best for the town, not what’s best for themselves,” she said.
The petition’s sponsor, Philip Mancuso, did not respond to the Current’s request for comment. Several Marblehead department
heads already live in town, but some do not, including Kezer, Benjamin, Police Chief Dennis King, Marblehead Public Schools Superintendent John Robidoux and Building Commissioner Steve Cummings. The petition does not include a grandfather clause to keep these officials employed.
Motions for reconsideration
Democracy is rarely neat, and Town Meeting proved that last May when a motion to reconsider the MBTA Communities Act threw the proceedings into turmoil. What began as an orderly debate turned chaotic after Article 36 failed 377-410.
Resident Angus McQuilken’s attempt to revive the measure ignited shouts of “Sham!” from the floor, and frustration boiled over as one attendee hurled a microphone and voting clicker onto the stage in protest.
Attorney John DiPiano’s citizen petition would require future reconsideration motions be made within 30 minutes by someone who voted in favor
initially – addressing issues exposed by the town’s new electronic voting system.
“It appears that the motion for reconsideration filed last year was calculated to coincide with people leaving Town Meeting after the vote was taken, in a partisan attempt to reverse that vote and disenfranchise the majority,” DiPiano said. “As we witnessed, many people — including a significant portion of individuals who voted in favor of Article 36 — were angered by the maneuver.”
DiPiano argues the anonymous nature of electronic voting has created a procedural loophole.
“The electronic voting devices now make it impossible to determine whether someone moving for reconsideration voted on the prevailing side and has changed their mind,” he said. “This is important because motions for reconsideration should not be abused by people who voted against a warrant article to simply gerrymander a revote.”
McQuilken opposes the 30-minute limit on reconsideration.
“It runs contrary to established parliamentary procedure which sets a deadline of either the same day or meeting to make such a motion,” he said. “A 30-minute limitation would effectively eliminate the opportunity for a voter at Town Meeting to make a motion to reconsider.”
Parliamentarian
Meanwhile, a separate petition by resident Jack Buba would create an independent parliamentarian position, addressing what he sees as an inherent conflict when the town attorney advises on procedural matters. A parliamentarian in this context would be an independent advisor to the Town Moderator ensuring Town Meeting procedures are followed impartially and without influence from town officials.
“The town attorney is hired by the Selectmen,” Buba explained. “When a question at Town Meeting comes up, oftentimes the town moderator will seek the advice of town counsel who then decides whether the motion is in or out of order.”
When asked to weigh in on the parliamentarian and reconsideration citizen petitions, Town Moderator Jack Attridge wrote in an email: “While I will not be delving into the specifics of any warrant article, in general, my role as an elected moderator is to preside and regulate the proceedings of Town Meeting. The manner in which I fulfill this duty is at my discretion.”
According to the Massachusetts Municipal Association, “The powers, duties, and responsibilities of a town management position are determined and defined locally, by a special act approved by the Legislature or the town charter.” This local autonomy allows towns to implement positions such as an independent parliamentarian if they choose to do so.
Eliminate sustainability coordinator position
Marblehead resident Emily DeJoy has filed a citizen petition seeking to eliminate the town’s sustainability coordinator position, citing concerns about administrative costs amid financial challenges.
The position, created at 2023 Town Meeting to help Marblehead achieve net zero emissions by 2040, is currently held by Logan Casey, who focuses on coastal resiliency and municipal energy efficiency initiatives among other responsibilities.
“The addition of a sustainability coordinator position raises questions,” DeJoy wrote to the Current. “The town has been asked to approve Proposition 2½ tax overrides to maintain essential services, and we are facing pressing issues such as the transfer station, high school roof, deteriorating roads and aging infrastructure.”
Town officials strongly oppose eliminating the role. Kezer called Casey “an invaluable member of our team.”
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Logan Casey, Marblehead’s sustainability coordinator, whose position is targeted for elimination in a citizen petition. The sponsor, Emily DeJoy, cites financial concerns despite the role’s focus on helping the town achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
COURTESY PHOTO / DAVID ATKINS
Local lobsterman Ray Bates wants fishermen to be able to keep their traps in their own yards during the off-season.
CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE-BOYD
Marblehead residents will gather for Town Meeting on May 5 at 7 p.m. in the Veterans Middle School Auditorium, 1 Duncan Sleigh Square, to address a range of issues, including citizen petitions.
CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE-BOYD Attorney and Marblehead resident John DiPiano speaks at the 2023 Town Meeting. DiPiano has sponsored a citizen petition to reform motions for reconsideration on the Town Meeting floor.
a fiscal 2026 budget of $102.3 million, supported by approximately $12 million in free cash reserves (money left over from last year). Of that free cash, officials plan to move $2 million to stabilization funds, keep $1 million in reserve, use $2 million for capital projects and put $7 million toward balancing the budget. He credited an unexpected windfall in interest payments, as well as other revenue sources, for the reason no general override is needed.
“We’ve had a strong position in the amount of free cash that we’re generating this year, in part due to the work of the professional staff, both schools and town, really controlling our spending and being wise in that,” Kezer said. “Additionally, our interest income, which had been normally about $60,000 in a year from our accounts, brought in more than $2 million.”
The town’s new meals and rooms tax brought in new revenues, too, with Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin reporting improved secondquarter results that prompted revised estimates from $400,000 to $600,000 in annual revenue.
The total fiscal 2026 budget of $102.3 million represents a $6.23 million (6.49%) increase from fiscal 2025. Revenue sources include:
» Property taxes: $77.85 million (76.11%)
State aid: $9 million (8.08%)
Local receipts: $7.87 million (7.07%)
» Free cash and other sources: $7.58 million (8.74%)
The town’s operating budget increases assume the following: Town departments: $46.9 million, up $2.11 million (4.72%)
» School department: $49.1
million, up $2.36 million (5.05%)
Essex Tech assessments:
$539,076, up $71,019 (15.17%)
Fiscal challenges and long term pressures
The town faces significant fiscal pressures, including a projected 10% increase in Group Insurance Commission health insurance rates and aging municipal facilities requiring urgent maintenance. The Mary Alley building, constructed in the 1950s, exemplifies these infrastructure challenges with failing HVAC.
» Recycling and disposal costs increasing by approximately $1 million Property tax revenue growth limited to $2.16 million (2.94%) due to Proposition 2 ½ constraints
Officials acknowledged potential fiscal challenges in fiscal 2027 and beyond, including an expiring waste disposal contract and continuing infrastructure needs. Multi-year projections suggest growing budget gaps that will require careful management and potential revenue adjustments.
Fiscal 2027: Projected $7.16 million budget gap
Fiscal 2028: Projected $10.5 million budget gap
» Fiscal 2029: Projected $14.04 million budget gap
Concerns over contract negotiations
President of the Marblehead Municipal Employees Association Terri Tauro voiced concerns over ongoing contract negotiations, stating that municipal contracts — those covering the police union and municipal employees — expired
Yard storage of fishing gear
Sustainable Marblehead
Executive Director Elaine Leahy emphasized the position’s importance for a coastal community.
“We already feel the effects of flooding in our coastal zones,” she said. “The harbor is the heart and soul of our community, and to put that at risk because that is our biggest risk — flooding and sea level rise — makes no sense.”
Casey declined to comment. Since his appointment as Marblehead’s sustainability coordinator in early 2024, Casey, with an annual salary of $73,111.70, has led several initiatives to advance the town’s environmental objectives. He has also helped with grants, most recently a $92,000 Americans with Disabilities grant for Devereux Beach.
DeJoy underscored that “this petition is not a reflection on the individual in the role but rather a broader conversation about fiscal responsibility.”
Local lobsterman Ray Bates filed a petition to change the town’s zoning bylaws to allow fishermen to store their gear and lobster traps on their own residential property from Nov. 1 to May 1.
“I’ve been a lobsterman for 40 years and up and down the East Coast towns allow storage of lobster traps in yards or they set up some sort of public area where the lobstermen can store their traps,” Bates told the Current. The Harbormaster’s Office charges lobstermen $1 per trap for storage at a Village Street parking lot each season.
Bates argues that local lobstermen face enough economic challenges as it is, without having to find and pay for storage for their traps for the five months that they’re required to remove them from the ocean.
“Marblehead’s town seal is the fisherman,” Bates said. “We just want the town to give us some slack and please let us store our traps in our yards.”
Bates said he was prompted
in July and remain unresolved.
Speaking on behalf of town employees, Tauro presented an informal petition urging the Select Board to prioritize union negotiations and to ensure that town representatives engage in good-faith bargaining.
“We respectfully request that the Select Board step in to make union negotiations and municipal employees a priority,” Tauro said. “We are concerned that the town representatives are not bargaining in good faith to provide municipal workers with a successful contract that meets public needs.”
She also criticized what she described as “tactical delays” in negotiations, arguing that they demonstrate a lack of respect for Marblehead’s workforce.
“We’ve been in negotiations for 11 months, and nothing is getting anywhere. We’ve requested state mediators, but
to file the petition by the case of a Marblehead resident complaining about traps being stored in his neighbor’s yard.
“We’re small businessmen,” he said, adding that the number of local lobstermen is dropping steadily.
There are more than 50 fishermen out of Marblehead and 15-18 store traps at the Village Street lot, according to Harbormaster Mark Souza. The storage fees bring in $3,000 to $5,000 a year.
Asked whether he supports Bates’ citizen petition, Souza had no comment.
Auditing the town
One citizen petition calls for establishing an independent town audit process, though officials note the town already undergoes regular external financial reviews.
The petition, sponsored by Mancuso, seeks to appropriate up to $100,000 from free cash to fund an independent audit examining departmental budgets and recommending policy changes to control town costs.
even they don’t know what to do at this point,” she said.
Marblehead seventh-grade science teacher Tawny Callaghan expressed frustration with the State of the Town presentation, arguing that it failed to address the systemic issues affecting municipal services and longterm financial planning.
Callaghan called for a clear, actionable strategy to tackle these challenges, warning that without one, the town risks severe consequences in the future.
“The question now is, what is the plan to fix these systemic issues? When will the town hear that plan? Without a clear, actionable strategy in place, there will be severe consequences for the future of Marblehead. We cannot afford to delay or ignore this any longer,” she said.
Resident Albert Jones expressed concerns about the town’s financial management, particularly regarding its
The Finance Committee, rather than town officials, would select the auditor.
Benjamin recently announced Marblehead has engaged Roselli, Clark & Associates as its new external auditor for fiscal year 2024, replacing longtime auditor Powers & Sullivan. The change was made to bring “fresh eyes and transparency” to the process.
The current audit contract shows the town paying $76,000 for fiscal year 2024 for comprehensive financial reviews, with costs rising to $88,000 by 2026.
Separating override requests
Resident John Prindiville’s petition is “To see whether the town will vote to advise the Select Board to present any Proposition 2 1/2 tax override articles to the voters on the ballot as single items, corresponding to the articles as presented and passed at Town Meeting.”
Asked about the goal of his petition, Prindiville said, “This allows voters to approve or reject each override individually,
borrowing practices and the impact on seniors living on fixed incomes.
“I just don’t understand how we’re spending money we don’t have,” Jones said. “I know a lot of older people in town who are struggling. Many of them have been retired for decades, living on Social Security and small pensions. If all these raises and spending proposals go through, the town will be asking for money it simply doesn’t have, and it’s the taxpayers — especially our seniors — who will bear the brunt of it.”
Highlighting success
Kezer and Benjamin highlighted the town’s success in maintaining its AAA bond rating, keeping interest rates low when the town borrows money. The rating agencies have responded positively to Marblehead’s strategic reserve building and financial management practices, she noted. Kezer noted the hiring of Marblehead’s first Community Development and Planning Department director.
To protect vulnerable residents amid these financial changes, the town is increasing veterans’ tax exemptions through the HERO Act, allowing for cost-of-living adjustments and expanded eligibility for full exemptions.
“Our goal is to maintain excellent services while being mindful of taxpayer impact,” Kezer said. “We’re building a sustainable financial framework that balances immediate needs with long-term stability.”
The Finance Committee will weigh in on financial Town Meeting articles at its warrant hearing in early April.
rather than being forced to accept bundled items. The goal is to encourage the Select Board to present overrides in a menu format that reflects how they were approved at Town Meeting.”
Prindivlle added “The petition is about giving voters more control. It ensures they can approve override expenditures they support without having to accept others they oppose. Transparency is crucial. Each override should stand on its own so that advocates can present their projects without them being overshadowed by unrelated proposals.”
It is the Select Board that places town overrides on the warrant. Select Board Chair Erin Noonan did not immediately comment on the proposal.
Marblehead’s 2025 Annual Town Meeting will convene at 7 p.m. on Monday, May 5, in the Veterans Middle School Auditorium at 1 Duncan Sleigh Square. The meeting will continue on successive nights until all business is concluded.
CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer delivers his State of the Town address to a packed room at Abbot Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 5, as Finance Director Aleesha BenajminDuring the presentation, Kezer outlined the town’s fiscal 2026 budget and discussed upcoming capital projects, including renovations to the Mary Alley Municipal Building and a new roof for the high school.
During the State of the Town public comment period, President of the Marblehead Municipal Employees Association Terri Tauro voiced concerns over ongoing contract negotiations, stating that municipal contracts — those covering the police union and municipal employees — expired in July and remain unresolved.
Sports
Track girls share NEC indoor title; boys end regular season with seven wins
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The regular season is over for the Marblehead High boys and girls indoor track teams that featured much success for both. The Marblehead girls (8-0-1) shared the Northeastern Conference (NEC) title with perennial champ Peabody, while the boys team finished 7-2, with losses only to Peabody and Beverly. Head Coach Nolan Raimo foresees a bright future for the program.
The season actually came to a triumphant conclusion for both squads on Jan. 29 with a home tri-meet against Winthrop and Salem. The boys beat the Witches, 63-17, and the Vikings by a similar score, 64-18, while the girls literally shut both schools down to the tune of 80-0. The Magicians have since been prepping for the postseason meets that started last Saturday (Feb. 9) with the running of the annual NEC Meet after press deadline.
Here are the Winthrop, Salem glorious results:
Girls high jump
Paige Tredwell (4-10) won the high jump, followed by Elise Burchfield, who ended up with the same leap, but Paige did it in fewer attempts. “With three meets in six days, their legs were tired. They still both had quality jumps, but the fatigue still took its toll,” said Raimo.
Norah Walsh (4-4) then set a new personal best after only two weeks competing as a high jumper to complete the sweep of this event.
Boys high jump
In one of the most shocking performances of the year, according to Raimo, Ethan Harwood leaped 5-7 to win the high jump. “Ethan jokingly
practiced the high jump a couple of weeks ago, and now he is in contention for a medal at the conference championship meet,” added the veteran head coach.
Owen Coyne cleared 5-4 to account for second place, albeit with tired legs after running the 300. Seamus Crowley jumped over 5-4 to casually set a season best, while also qualifying for the conference championship.
BY JOE MCCONNELL
NAME: Nathaniel
Noah Vanden Heuvel cleared 5-0 to finish fourth. Noah Smerka jumped 4-10 following a grueling 300, which definitely took the spring out of his legs, said Raimo.
Girls shot put Lillian Reddy took first with a throw of 29-7 as she continued to dial-in on her spin technique.
Hannah O’Brien (24-7.5) shed an
BY JOE MCCONNELL
As regular season winds down,the Hockey Headers stick to the basics to avenge loss to Winthrop
There are many things that separate the Marblehead High boys hockey team (14-2-1) from their counterparts throughout the state. But these Headers have one distinction that few teams have, and that’s the ability to refocus quickly after the occasional game, where they might get away from the basics, an attribute that made them state champs last year and a top seed this season.
Coach Mark Marfione doesn’t hesitate to tell them that they are a part of a team, and individual glory and celebrations can come later. The latest example of them possibly lapsing away from the basics was about a couple of weeks ago on Jan. 25 against the host Winthrop Vikings, when the Vikings came away with the 3-1 victory. But just over a week later
emotional, tear-filled farewell to her indoor shot put career after finishing second. “She’ll be focusing mainly on the discus this spring, and hopefully that will cheer her up a bit,” said Raimo.
Naomi Goodwin almost lost to Campbell Crane for the first time this season, but she came through in the clutch to record a third-place finish with a throw
of 22-8.5. Campbell, meanwhile, ended up fourth with a throw of 21-5, a 2.5-inch personal best.
Boys shot put Nardo Bannis (39-2.5, a twofoot personal best) nabbed his first shot put win of the season. Graham Firestone (38-7.5) and Dylan Gilmore (38-3) were right on his tail to complete the sweep. Logan McRae-Hughes (34-2.5) came in fourth.
Girls mile
Ruby Assa (6:19.9) won the mile, while Evelina Beletsky (6:22.6) and Maren Potter (6:44.5) followed close behind to complete the sweep.
Girls 600
Gabby Hendy (1:53.7, threesecond personal best) bested the entire field. Norah Walsh (1:54.3, a two-second personal best) was second. Freshman Catherine Cole (2:01), who usually runs the hurdles, took third place.
Girls 1,000
The Marblehead girls also swept this event, and also accounted for a fifth-place finish. Led by Avery Wysor (3:50.6), Abbie Goodwin (3:54.6) and Ivana Nguyen (4:00.9) scored a combined nine points to sweep another event. Maddie Gelb (4:49.6, a two-second personal best) ended up a solid fifth.
Girls two-mile
Jesslyn Roemer (15:02.9) and Thea Shaw (15:04, a 17-second personal best) were the lone two milers on the girls side.
Boys 600
Sophomore Chris Shirtcliff (1:37) finished second. Felix Regnualt (1:41) followed in third. Jack Franklin (1:41.5), usually a
sports notebook
on Feb. 5, the Headers avenged that rare loss by the same score — only in reverse — at Salem State University’s O’Keefe Arena.
“I think both Winthrop games were pretty even, but we were a bit better on the details in last week’s game,” said Marfione, “especially our (defensive) zone coverage.”
Juniors London McDonald and Andrew Dephillips, and senior captain Kyle Hart netted the goals in the Winthrop game.
After the Winthrop rematch, the Headers were all over
Danvers, another Northeastern Conference rival, last Saturday back at Salem State, 5-0. McDonald paced the attack with two lamplighters. Senior captain Sean Dolan, and juniors Hayden Gallo and Avin Rodovsky accounted for the other markers. Hart was the assist leader with three.
The Marblehead boys began the final week of the NEC schedule on Monday (Feb. 10) versus the host Gloucester Fishermen, before facing off against Masco Feb. 12 at Salem State, beginning at 7:30 p.m. They will then participate in the 30th annual Newburyport Bank Hockey Classic next Monday and Wednesday (Feb. 17, 19) to officially complete the regular season. As of Feb. 7, they are seeded fifth in the Division 3 power rankings, bound to move up if they keep on focusing on the basics in every game.
COURTESY PHOTO / CHARLIE ROSZELL Marblehead High indoor track runners Evelina Beletsky, a sophomore, and freshman Ruby Assa run the mile during a tri-meet against Winthrop and Salem on Jan. 29.
Black & Blue wrestlers finish sixth in annual CAL/NEC meet
Carey, O’Brien, Hinshaw win league titles to the lead way in postseason opener
BY JOE MCCONNELL
After completing the regular season with a winning record, with still two matches left against host Winchester on Feb. 4 and Essex Tech on Feb. 10, a makeup from the Feb. 6 postponement, the Marblehead High Black & Blue co-op wrestling team (9-7) is just beginning the postseason. The annual Northeastern Conference/Cape Ann League confrontation was first up on Feb. 1.
“It was a great weekend for the team at Triton Regional High School during this annual tournament,” said coach Mike Stamison.
The day before the big varsity All-League event on Jan. 31, the JVs took over the mat with a round robin series of exhibition matches. Going home with first place medals were seniors Gavin Lepler, Greg Podstrelov and Jayvery Monegro. Graham Ferretti and Isaiah Gibson secured third place medals,
while Soren Lorenz and Walden Martin-Epstein gained valuable experience for the future.
It was then time for the varsity wrestlers to take center stage the next day. “We brought 13 wrestlers, and took sixth place out of 10 teams after compiling 135 points,” said Stamison.
The Black & Blue wrestlers ended up just behind Gloucester (157 points), Triton (164), Lynnfield/North Reading co-op (165) and Beverly (165). But they were all no match for the Saugus/Peabody co-op (204), who overwhelmingly came out on top.
At 106 pounds, sophomore Jaymes Carey remains undefeated in the new year after earning his first CAL/NEC title with decisive wins over Triton and the Saugus co-op.
Sophomores Eva Goodman (113) and Maya Alix (120), freshman Ilan Hod (126) and sophomore Andrew Delisle (138) all gained valuable experience in their respective weight classes
during the league meet. “All four are improving every week,” said Stamison.
At 132 pounds, junior captain Liam O’Brien slid into first place on the program’s all-time list for wins after winning his first CAL/ NEC title. “Liam was dominant all day with pins over opponents from Pentucket / Newburyport, Saugus/Peabody and Danvers,” said Stamison.
At 144 pounds, first year senior Gary Podstrelov remains one of the best stories of the season after coming in third in the league meet, while also earning another win over his Gloucester counterpart on the heels of a close loss to his Pentucket/ Newburyport foe.
At 150 pounds, senior captain Clive Connolly chipped in with a sixth-place finish.
At 157 pounds, senior captain Mason Hinshaw earned the second most wins in program history after claiming his second CAL/NEC title. Two wins via pinfall over his Lynnfield/North Reading and Beverly opponents
pushed him to the finals against Saugus/Peabody, where he came out on top, 9-7. “This was a gritty win by Mason,” said Stamison.
At 175 pounds, junior Phineas Jakious turned in a solid fifth place finish after going 2-2. Last second wins over Gloucester and Essex Tech/Masconomet earned him a spot on the podium, according to Stamison.
At 190 pounds, junior captain Colin Hart was credited with a 3-2 record on the day to secure fourth place in arguably the toughest weight class, said the veteran Marblehead co-op mentor. “Opening up with a pinfall over Salem/HamiltonWenham and an emphatic pinfall in sudden death overtime over Beverly, he then ran into the Lowell Holiday champion James Fodera of Lynnfield/North Reading. But he bounced back to beat his Pentucket/Newburyport opponent, before running into Zach Hashley of Gloucester for the second time this week. It was a good day for Colin,” added
Boys two-mile
Zach Pike (12:35) picked up the win, and Cole Barbeau (14:20) was third.
long sprinter, came in fourth. Sean Heenan (1:41.8) was eighth.
Boys 1,000 Henrik Adams (2:50.7) won with an impressive time on the Marblehead track. Seniors Nicolas Regnault (3:15), Peter Sullivan (3:16), and David Alpert (3:16.5) finished second through fourth. Freshman Owen Harrison (3:39.5, a twosecond personal best) was seventh.
Boys 55-meter dash
Coyne (6.9) continues to emerge as a sprint star with a victory in the dash. Harwood (7.1) and Oscar Galante (7.3) carried over the momentum from a varsity appearance against Saugus to come in second and third.
Boys 300 In a herculean effort, Slater Johnson (40.2), without spikes on a flat track, and Graydon Waller
7:30 p.m., boys hockey, Masconomet, Salem State University
Thursday, Feb. 13
6:30 p.m., alpine skiing, TBA, Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton
7 p.m., boys basketball, Malden, Marblehead High gym
Friday, Feb. 14
4:30 p.m., boys and girls indoor track, TBA, Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury
(41.8) topped the ticket. Ethan Horgan (42.3) was fourth.
Boys 4x400
In an epic finish, Johnson tracked down a Winthrop runner to win the relay at the finish line. “It was an all-around performance day for Slater in both the 300 and 4x400,” said Raimo.
Girls 55-meter dash
Lidia Jasmine Tiedra won the dash in 8.3. Event newcomer Naomi Goodwin (8.6) finished second. Camryn O’Brien (8.8) completed the sweep.
7 p.m., girls basketball, Ipswich, Marblehead High gym
Saturday, Feb. 15
8:30 a.m., wrestling, MIAA tournament, Woburn High
11:45 a.m., boys and girls swimming and diving, MIAA tournament, Boston University Fitness & Recreation Center
5:30 p.m., girls hockey, Beverly, Ray Bourque Arena, Beverly
Sunday, Feb. 16
10:30 a.m., girls hockey, Medford, Salem State University
6 p.m., boys basketball (tournament), Gloucester, Marblehead
High gym
Monday, Feb. 17
Girls 300 Freshman Phoebe
Fontela-Tuttle notched her first varsity victory in the 300 with a time of 48.6. Classmate Sophia Patterson (49.4) was second. Liv Carlson (51.0) came in third.
Girls 55-meter hurdles
Cate Cole won the hurdles in an impressive time of 10.3. Addison Rotigliano (11.6) ran a quality race to finish second. Faith Apostolopoulos (11.7) was third, and Crane (11.9) fourth.
TBD, boys basketball (tournament), TBD, Marblehead High gym
5 p.m., boys hockey (tournament), Triton, Graf Skating Rink, Newburyport
Tuesday, Feb. 18
4:30 p.m., girls basketball, Ipswich, Ipswich High Wednesday, Feb. 19
TBD, boys hockey (tournament), TBD, Graf Skating Rink, Newburyport
7 p.m., girls basketball,
Stamison.
At 215 pounds, junior Xavier Tejeda initially had a tough draw, falling to the top seed from Beverly, before dropping out of the tournament after sustaining a lower body injury in his second match.
Last but certainly not least at 285 pounds, senior captain Justin Gonzalez placed second. “After two wins, Gonzalez found himself in the finals against old friend Antonio Anzalone of Saugus/Peabody. He closed the gap a bit, before losing a tight 2-1 decision,” said Stamison.
In that aforementioned Winchester match, the Red & Black defeated the Black & Blue, 49-19. The Marblehead wins came from Connolly, Hinshaw, Hart and Gonzalez. Jayvery Monegro produced an exhibition triumph.
Following the Essex Tech makeup on Feb. 10 after press deadline, the Black & Blue is now getting ready for the Division 2 North Sectional meet at Woburn High on Feb. 15.
Swampscott, Marblehead High
gym
7 p.m., boys basketball, Swampscott, Swampscott High
8:40 p.m., girls hockey, Bishop Fenwick, Essex Sports Center, Middleton
Thursday, Feb. 20
5 p.m., girls basketball, Everett, Marblehead High gym
TBD, wrestling, MIAA tournament, TBA Friday, March 7
TBD, wrestling, New England tournament, TBA Saturday, March 8
TBD, wrestling, New England tournament, TBA
Track
From P. A9
COURTESY PHOTOS / CHARLIE ROSZELL
Marblehead High indoor track senior Seamus Crowley clears the high jump bar during a tri-meet against Salem and Winthrop at MHS on Jan. 29.
Marblehead High indoor track runners Ivana Nguyen, a sophomore, senior Abbie Goodwin and junior Avery Wysor compete in the 1,000.
Marblehead High indoor track junior Slater Johnson is being carried by his 4x400 relay teammates following a come-from-behind victory during a tri-meet against Salem and Winthrop at MHS on Jan. 29. MHS
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The Board of Health signed off on an estimated $120,000 on Jan. 3\to repair the steel tipping floor outside the compactor at the Transfer Station. Crews removing the old compactor last month discovered rotted steel on the tipping floor where vehicles park to unload their trash.
The $120,000 estimate covers $60,000 for parts and another $60,000 for labor. The labor estimate jumped $22,000 due to state-mandated prevailing wage laws, Petty said.
“When they removed the chute of the compactor, the
contractors on site noticed an issue with the steel floor and beams that the chute attaches to and where vehicles back up onto the dump material into the chute,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty told the Current in January.
Petty continued, “If time were not an issue, we would be putting this out to bid to make sure we have the best price.”
However, the clock is ticking. The Transfer Station is losing about $4,500 a day in fees from contractors who use the compactor, according to Petty.
The compactor has been closed since Jan. 20 when crews
attempted to install the new one. Petty said the tipping floor replacement should take about four weeks. Then the new compactor can be installed, which will take another 10 days or so.
The Transfer Station renovation, which dates back to 2010 and had an initial budget of about $24 million, has been plagued with problems and setbacks.
Board of Health member Tom McMahon pointed out that there were significant savings found when the board decided to install $24,000 transaction huts instead of the initial $134,000 versions.
BY WILL DOWD
Recent federal legislation has significantly expanded benefits for veterans, prompting Marblehead Veterans Service Agent Roseann TrionfiMazzuchelli to ramp up outreach efforts to ensure local veterans are aware of and can access these opportunities.
The PACT Act has broadened VA benefits by recognizing more health conditions linked to toxic exposures during military service. It specifically addresses exposures to toxins in Vietnam through Agent Orange as well as exposures in the Middle East, Japan, Asia and certain U.S. states.
A key feature of the PACT Act is the addition of 23 new presumptive conditions — health issues that are automatically presumed to be service-connected if a veteran served in specific locations during certain time periods. This change simplifies the process for veterans to receive disability benefits.
The act also enhances healthcare options, particularly mental health services, which were previously limited. For surviving spouses, the legislation has opened significant new opportunities. Spouses who were previously denied benefits after their veteran died from conditions now recognized
under the PACT Act can reapply.
Approved claims may result in monthly compensation of approximately $1,700. Veterans rated 100% disabled are now eligible for additional benefits including exemptions from excise and vehicle sales taxes.
Complementing the PACT Act, the state’s HEROES Act introduces new programs to support veterans and their
families. Key provisions include:
» Family coordinators at VA medical centers to assess family needs and provide referrals to support resources.
» A family support program offering services for veterans with a service-connected disability rated at 70% or more as well as for their children.
Trionfi-Mazzuchelli estimates that at least 600 veterans live in Marblehead. To ensure no one is left behind, she has been conducting outreach through the Senior Center, VFW, both local Rotary Clubs and various veterans’ events.
Regular Veterans Coffee Hours are hosted at the Council on Aging, with the next meeting scheduled for Friday, Feb. 14, at
LEFT: Eastern Airlines Flight 537 collided with a fighter plane over the Potomac in 1949, killing Congressman George Bates of Salem.
COURTESY PHOTO / ARLINGTON HISTORICAL SOCIETY
RIGHT: Congressman George Bates served in Congress for the Massachusetts 6th District from 1936 until he died in a plane collision in 1949.
PHOTO / SALEM STATE UNIVERSITY ARCHIVES
10 a.m. These gatherings provide opportunities for veterans to connect, learn about the expanded benefits and explore available resources.
Marblehead veterans interested in learning more about these programs are encouraged to contact the Veterans Services office at 781631-0990 or email RoseannM@ Marblehead.org.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
When Marblehead lobsterman Ray Bates saw the news about
COURTESY PHOTO Crews try to replace the Transfer Station’s aging compactor in January before
CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD
actively seeking to identify and connect with local veterans to ensure they can
Leaf blower petitions will be absent from May warrant
BY WILL DOWD
For the first time in eight years, Marblehead’s Town Meeting warrant will not include a citizen petition about gas-powered leaf blowers when Town Meeting convenes in May, marking a noticeable change in what had become one of the town’s most persistent and contentious debates. The absence of a leafblower warrant article became apparent after the citizen petitions became public last week.
The absence of a leaf blower article comes as early data suggests the current seasonal ban, which prohibits gaspowered leaf blowers from Memorial Day to Labor Day, has achieved relatively good compliance in its first full year of implementation.
“I’d say that compliance overall is good,” Police Chief Dennis King told the Current.
From May 27 until early August 2024, police logged 66 complaints resulting in two
written warnings and 12 verbal warnings, with only two repeat offenders.
The path to this point was not easy. Since 2009, Marblehead residents have engaged in spirited debates over leaf blower regulations, with multiple failed attempts at restrictions before the current seasonal ban passed in 2022. Initial proposals ranged from outright bans to various seasonal restrictions, highlighting deep divisions between those concerned about
noise and health impacts and those focused on practical and economic considerations.
The Marblehead Police Department took a notably educational approach to enforcement, publishing notices about the bylaw in English, Spanish and Portuguese and posting reminders on town signboards.
“We did a lot of work putting out notices to the public ... to help inform and educate rather than punish,” King said.
Under the current bylaw, property owners rather than landscapers are held responsible for violations. The first offense results in a written warning, followed by a $100 fine for the second violation and $200 for subsequent infractions.
Though attempts were made in 2023 to both rescind and expand the ban, neither succeeded, suggesting the current compromise has found a workable balance for the community.
Former restaurant owner finds her calling in computer support
BY MELISSA STACEY
The following is an interview with Theresa Milewski, owner of All Computers Great and Small, conducted by Discover Marblehead. All Computers Great and Small is a personalized tech service and computer tutor for seniors, families and computer users of all levels. To learn more about her services, go to allcomputersgreatandsmall.com.
Tell us about All Computers Great and Small, and why you started it. When I was 8 years old, I received a gift from “Santa” that would change my life — a Commodore 64. This early computer was basically a chunky keyboard that plugged into a TV. There wasn’t a lot you could do with it, but I loved it, and it sparked a lifelong passion for computers. Fast forward 40 years, through countless devices and tech revolutions, and my love for computers hasn’t wavered. But I noticed a growing frustration in others trying to keep up with today’s computer world, which is why I created All Computers Great and Small, a personalized tech support service. I like to think of myself as a personal translator for the digital world.
Whether people need help navigating new devices, keeping thousands of photos organized, managing their cloud space or leveraging the power of AI to make life easier, I tailor my services to meet people’s needs. From seniors exploring their smartphones and iPads, to teens (and older) rediscovering “lost” files, I want to make tech accessible, enjoyable and empowering. The world today requires us to use computer devices for so many things, but it doesn’t teach us how. That’s where I come in. I want to make technology work for you, not the other way around. And yes, my company name is a nod to the beloved TV series “All Creatures Great and Small.” I want to help people love all their computers, great and small.
What is the best piece of
business advice you’ve ever received? Yoda’s “Do or do not. There is no try.” For the longest time, I didn’t think that I could really own a business. I did it as a side gig, helping people here and there, and hoping that maybe my clientele would grow. Basically, I was “trying” to do it, but I never fully committed myself to it.
Once I finally decided that this was what I wanted, what I was passionate about, I threw myself into it. Committing to it meant “I am DOING this” and it freed my mind from thinking I should just rely on word of mouth and
luck, and instead I put effort (and money) into marketing and networking. This has paid off, and business is growing. The Star Wars green guy had a good point.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? So many places. I love how many small businesses there are in Marblehead. I love hanging out at Java Sun and Blue Canoe, they’re both so warm and friendly and are such nice places for me to grab lunch or a snack and check emails
in between client visits. For outdoor space, I love Beach Bluff Park at Preston. It’s beautifully kept up and as a tidal beach, it’s such a peaceful place to sit and just watch the tide come in and out. I go there as often as possible, even in the winter months, so I can see all the dogs playing.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I used to own and run a restaurant in Rockport called Whale’s Jaw Cafe. My business partner and I took the leap in 2021, leaving our jobs and jumping in feet first. Together, we ran it successfully as a sandwich shop and music venue for two years. Then I decided my overriding passion was not running a restaurant but was to get All Computers Great and Small up and running. I left in 2023 and here I am, and I couldn’t be happier. Oh, I also used to be an executive assistant for Dennis Lehane (e.g., “Mystic River” and “Gone Baby Gone”) — that was my brief brush with fame.
The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com
Girls hockey still working hard to experience more success
The Marblehead High girls co-op hockey team (3-13) have been involved in close games recently, but just couldn’t get that break to pull off at least a couple of wins in that exchange.
The Newburyport Clippers edged the Headers on Jan. 25, 4-3. Madilyn Reno had the hat trick to account for all of the team’s scores. Layla Dulac (2) and Emma
Johnson (1) helped set them up for her. Goalie Scarlet Lee did her part to keep the game close, making 21 saves.
“We played well as a group, and obviously Madi Reno had a standout performance by netting a hat trick,” said interim coach Jon Strzempek. “We had some late opportunities to tie it up, but just couldn’t find a way to put the puck in the back of the net.
“I was very happy with the team’s ability to turn over a new leaf after two disappointing outings against Bishop Fenwick (4-1) and Newton North (4-0),” added Strzempek.
The Headers then dropped a 3-2 decision to Masco on Jan. 29. Emma Johnson and Reno each scored once against the Chieftains. Reno (1), Johnson (1) and Dulac (1) picked up the assists. Lee was again busy between the pipes, making 28 saves.
“We let up two goals in the first, but were able to battle back throughout the rest of the game,” said Strzempek. “We really surged late in the third period to bring it within one, and nearly tied it up with seconds left on the clock, but it wasn’t meant to be.”
Both coaching staffs were heard saying afterwards that they wish there was a third matchup between these two clubs on the schedule this season, but they also admitted that the blood
pressure may not be able to handle it.
Against Beverly on Feb. 1, the Panthers were able to throttle the Headers to the tune of 9-3. Reno (2) and Johnson (1) were credited with the lamplighters, while Dulac (2), Johnson (1), Reno (1) and Paige Waldman (1) accounted for the helpers. Lee was even more busy in net in this game, coming up with 46 saves.
“We had a brutal first period. It just didn’t look or feel like we were ready to play hockey, and Beverly took advantage of the opportunity by racking up six goals,” said Strzempek. “We then made some adjustments between periods, and were able to settle into the game fighting back during the final two periods. We looked much better in
the last two-thirds of the game, but it was still a rough night overall.
“I remain proud of the heart and grit that this team showed by (staying) together and not giving up mentally after that first period,” added Strzempek.
The young Headers have since lost to Leominster (2-0, Feb. 3), Gloucester (2-1, Feb. 5) and Winthrop (7-1, Feb. 8) last week. They began a new week against Ursuline Academy last night (Feb. 11) after press deadline, before facing host Beverly Saturday night at 5:30 p.m.
Boys basketball back in the postseason hunt after three straight wins
The Marblehead High boys basketball team (8-7) won three in a row at the right time of the regular season to propel them into a position, where they are on the threshold of a Division 1 state tournament berth with four games left on the schedule.
The Magicians defeated non-league Malden (70-50, Feb. 3), Peabody (64-48, Feb. 5) and non-league Salem Academy (61-33, Feb. 7). These three games followed three straight losses, making this streak even sweeter.
The Marblehead boys have since taken on host Gloucester on Feb. 11 after press deadline, before facing Malden again tomorrow night (Feb. 13) at home beginning at 7 p.m. They just need two more wins to clinch a spot in the postseason.
In the first Malden encounter, the Magicians pretty much controlled the game, also leading at halftime, 32-26.
“The Golden Tornados just couldn’t get some shots to fall, and we were able to take advantage of their misses,” said coach Mike Giardi.
Sophomore guard Finn Baron was the team’s offensive leader with 22 points. Senior captain Matt Sherf was credited with 13, and his classmate Cody Bouchard chipped in with 10.
After beating the Tanners to even their record at seven, Giardi’s team then jumped over that .500 barrier against Salem Academy last Friday night. Once again, the Magicians dominated the opposition, and led at halftime, 36-19. Sherf was the team’s top scorer in this game with 17 points. Baron was next in line with 16. Senior Carson Brooks came off the bench to pour in eight points.
COURTESY PHOTO
All Computers Great and Small owner Theresa Milewski sits with her dog.
Leonard Fafel, 84
Leonard Fafel, 84, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on Feb. 3 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Chelsea, he was the son of the late Evelyn and Samuel Fafel. He is predeceased by his beloved wife of 58 years, Eleanor Fafel. He is survived by his daughter, Jodie (Jonathan) Sorkenn of River Edge, New Jersey, and his son, Steven (Alyssa) Fafel of Swampscott. He was the beloved Papa Lenny to his grandchildren, David
(Alexis), Alison and Rachel Sorkenn and Sasha and Dylan Fafel. He is also survived by his siblings, Bernard Fafel and Arlene Schwartz as well as
Laurel (Brown) Bickell, 79
Laurel (Brown) Bickell, age 79, of Marblehead, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 7 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
A true “Marbleheader,” she was born at the Mary Alley Hospital on April 3, 1945, and
Eleanor’s siblings, David (Judi) Locke and Barbara (Dennis) DuBois, who were like brothers and sisters to him, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins. He leaves behind his devoted companion, Judith Fox, who became a loving member of the family.
Leonard grew up in Chelsea and graduated from Chelsea High School. He graduated from Bentley College with a degree in accounting. He worked as a controller for a large local retailer and then became the budget and personnel director for the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Department and later founded and grew a successful
resided in town most of her life. She graduated from Marblehead High School and Lasell University.
Laurel was predeceased by her beloved husband, Jack, whom she missed every day they were apart. They met at State Street Bank, her first job out of college, and they went on to share 39 years of marriage. They settled and raised their two boys in Old Town, becoming an integral part of the High Street gang.
CPA practice over the past 30 years. He was an avid coin collector, was active in planning his high school reunions, enjoyed investing in real estate, spending time in Florida and playing bocce, but most of all he cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren and extended family.
Leonard was known for his kind, gentle and caring nature. He cherished and valued his family to whom he gave unselfishly and lovingly. He will be missed dearly by all who knew him.
A funeral service for Leonard will be held at
Laurel is survived by her sister Claire Moseley; sons, Pete and his wife Nikki, and Ben with his wife Lindsay; and five grandchildren — Madelyn, James, Katherine, Jack and Shea. She was passionate about her role in Marblehead’s real estate. She was an active member of Marblehead’s Garden Club as well as a long-time member of the Beach Club and Boston Yacht Club. She was an avid
Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin St., Salem, on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 10:30 a.m. Followed by interment at New Tifereth Israel of Everett Cemetery, Fuller Street, Everett. Memorial observance will be held on Wednesday from 2-8 p.m. and on Thursday from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at his late residence. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association (heart.org) or to the Kaplan Family Hospice House (caredimensions. org). For more information or to register in the online guestbook, please visit stanetskyhymansonsalem.com.
tennis player and her social calendar was always bustling. A celebration of Laurel’s life is being planned for this summer where family and friends will be invited to share their cherished memories. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Marblehead Garden Club. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
Tar and feathers marked captain’s downfall
BY PAM PETERSON
In the fall of 1808, the Betty, a Marblehead fishing schooner, was on a homeward-bound voyage from the Grand Banks. The night was stormy and the seas were rough. The Betty was hailed by a ship in distress, the fishing schooner, Active. Betty’s skipper Floyd Ireson did not answer the call, nor did he lay by the ship until morning, as was a common practice in high seas when rescue was impossible. The Betty sailed straight home to Marblehead. When the ship docked, the crew made their way to the local tavern and told their version of the story. Townsfolk were horrified, as the account violated every unwritten law of the sea. To leave fellow mariners in distress, without even a gesture toward helping them,
was the worst crime imaginable. The next night, a crowd of men and women appeared at Ireson’s house. He lived at 19 Circle St. The fishermen of Marblehead and their wives and families were incensed by Ireson’s behavior. They took him, tied him up and proceeded to tar and feather him. This process is often described in a humorous
way, but in fact it was a cruel and painful process. Boiling hot tar burned the skin, followed by chicken feathers with sharp quills that pierced the burned flesh. Once Ireson was tarred and feathered, he was placed in an old dory and dragged through the streets of Marblehead. Townsfolk came out to cheer the action and jeer
at the skipper. The crowd and the dory were halted by Salem constables as they came down the hill from Marblehead into Salem. Ireson was released and sent home, but his career as a ship’s captain was over. He ended his life as a poor old man, selling fish from a cart.
Many years later, John Greenleaf Whittier heard the story. He made it into an epic ballad, published as “Skipper Ireson’s Ride” in 1857.
“The strangest ride that ever was sped, Was Ireson’s out of Marblehead! Old Floyd Ireson, for his hard heart, Tarred and feathered and carried in a cart, By the women of Marblehead.” By the time the poem was printed and circulated, Ireson was dead. He had always claimed that he wanted to stop and help the distressed ship, but his crew refused.
The story was an embarrassment for Marblehead fishermen, the women of Marblehead and the reputation
of the town. Town historian Samuel Roads Jr. was so distressed by the poem that he wrote the “true” story of Ireson’s ride in “The History and Traditions of Marblehead.” He also wrote a letter to Whittier explaining Ireson’s innocence. Whittier sent a letter of apology, and many Marbleheaders came to believe that Ireson was not to blame. As Roads stated, “for the credit of the town, be it said, that it is one of the few incidents in its entire history that its citizens have any reason to regret.”
The truth of whatever happened on board the Betty that night will never be known, but the poem lives on, as does Skipper Ireson’s infamy. His house on Circle Street still stands and remains an attraction due to Ireson’s notoriety and Whittier’s fame.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former executive director of the Marblehead Museum.
at marblehead.org for email notifications, sign up for Code Red automated phone calls and text messages at marblehead.org, or follow the Marblehead Police Department on Facebook for updates. For more information, visit marblehead.org.
State officials warn of avian flu outbreak State environmental officials report that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza is suspected in the deaths of over 60 Canada geese, swans and other birds at Billington Sea in Plymouth, with smaller outbreaks affecting fewer than 15 geese reported elsewhere in
Massachusetts. There have been no confirmed cases of avian flu in birds in Marblehead. Officials urge residents to avoid handling sick or dead birds and to report
findings of five or more dead birds at a single location at mass. gov/reportbirds. Cat owners in affected areas should keep pets indoors as cats are highly
susceptible to infection. To report sick domestic birds, contact the Mass Department of Agricultural Resources at 617-626-1795.
2025 town census underway
Marblehead has initiated its 2025 annual census, as mandated by Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 51, Section 4. Census forms have been mailed to all households and should be reviewed, updated, signed and returned within 10 days to ensure residents remain on the active voting list. Failure to respond may result in a change to inactive voter status. For assistance, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-631-0528 or townclerk@marblehead.org.
The census form is available at tinyurl.com/3y7njvs8
Home energy assistance program accepting applications
North Shore Community Action Programs is accepting applications for its Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households pay winter heating bills from Nov. 1 through April 30. Eligible households can receive direct payments to heating vendors, 29% discount on National Grid utility bills, protection from utility shutoffs during winter and possible no-cost energy efficiency improvements. Contact: 978-531-0767 ext. 136 or fuelassistance@nscap.org.
An 1875 lithograph captures Ireson’s house in S.A. Drake’s “Nooks and Corners of New England.”
COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD SCHOOL OF BALLET
Students from the Marblehead School of Ballet show off some of the winter coats and pajamas collected in the fifth annual drive
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.
Protect yourself from cybercrime
identify malicious calls, emails and text messages and avoid being scammed. Q&A to follow the presentation. This is a free and open event at Marblehead Yacht Club Clubhouse, 4 Cliff St. Register at marbleheadyc.com.
Live music to support L.A. fire victims
Saturday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m.
Rick Broughton and Brian Ware will perform live at the VFW at 321 West Shore Drive to help raise money for victims of the Los Angeles fires. All proceeds will go to the World Central Kitchen and Wildlife Recovery Fund. Entrance is free, but donations will be accepted.
BY BENJI BOYD
Opening night for Marblehead Little Theatre’s production of “Little Women: The Broadway Musical” is two weeks away, and the cast and crew are working hard to prepare for opening night.
The show will run from Feb. 21 through Mar. 2.
Allan Knee’s “Little Women: The Broadway Musical,” first premiered on Broadway in 2005, making this year its 20-year anniversary. MLT director Alexandra Dietrich has always loved all things “Little Women,” the classic novel written by Louisa May Alcott, and suggested this musical to MLT for a variety of reasons.
“I wanted to make sure we did a work that not only centered a story of joy and growing up, but one with more roles that center female performers,” she said in an interview with the Current.
“Little Women” was initially published in 1868, but its timeless themes have allowed it to live on the cultural zeitgeist. Along with “Little Women: The Broadway Musical,” the book has been adapted into several major motion pictures, TV series
Find love at the library
Cat Valentines
Guy Ford dance party
Saturday, Feb. 15, 8 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s weekend with a Guy Ford dance party at The Beacon Restaurant, 123 Pleasant St.
and even an opera. Dietrich herself acted in a production of the latter, where she played the leading role of Jo.
The story follows four sisters and their mother during the American Civil War as they grow up in a household largely devoid of men. Many of the women’s struggles, as Dietrich pointed out, reflect “a quality of life that we’re still fighting for today.” The family dynamics represented are realistic and
relatable to audiences today — triumphs, sorrows and all.
“That’s the point of the show,” said Dietrich, “The ups and downs of life are worth walking through and experiencing.”
The cast includes 10 actors representing a wide range of ages and experience, from newcomers to seasoned MLT veterans. Alongside them is a team of set builders, costumers and technical designers dedicated to creating
an authentic 1860s aesthetic. Dietrich and producer Andrew Barnett even visited Orchard House — the historic house in Concord where Louisa May Alcott wrote “Little Women” — for set design inspiration. The cast has been rehearsing four times a week since around Christmas, and Dietrich is happy with how the show is progressing. Most of all, she is excited to see how an audience will react, and how that
energy will feed back into the performance.
“I love when audiences gasp, or cry or applaud at something you wouldn’t expect,” she remarked. “The cast spends so much time together, when you add an audience we find out new things about the show.”
On a closing note, Dietrich invites people to “come see a familiar story told in an unexpected way.” To find tickets, go to mltlive.com.
PHOTO
The cast of Little Women: The Broadway musical rehearses at Marblehead Little Theatre. From left: Kyle Doherty as Laurie, Bridget Saunders as Beth, Sophie Mintsiveris as Amy,
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Written by
Headlight
the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community
Is Privacy Being Flushed Away?
Evan Eisen, Junior, William Pelliciotti, Junior
The recent decision made by the school administration to remove the doors of the student bathrooms has been met with mixed reactions, to say the least. Some at the school have viewed the move as being not that big of a deal and have accepted it. Others, on the other hand, see it as an invasion of privacy and are demanding that the doors be reinstalled.
One student took it upon themselves to create an online petition on the website Change. org, where they cite a lack of privacy and demand the doors be put back. In addition to the issue of the bathroom doors, the student also complained about the new rule of not leaving the cafeteria during the lunch period and compared the school to being a prison. The school attempted to compensate for the loss of the doors by installing additional barriers in the bathroom to ensure some sense of privacy.
To be honest, it doesn’t really seem like that big of an issue. While there is justification in having concerns with privacy, like adults going into the student bathrooms, the issue of the bathroom doors shouldn’t be seen as a big deal. In most public schools they already have doorless bathrooms to prevent vaping, smoking, and vandalism, which have shown promise. For us guys, we agree that it
would definitely feel better to have barriers in between the urinals, as no one wants to see what's going on in the other urinals. Students also have the option to use private bathrooms where there is only one toilet, which, for now, seems like a good alternative for those who have anxiety or don’t feel comfortable using the main student bathrooms.
When you really think about it, the students brought this change upon themselves. Many have been known to constantly vape, hang out, waste time in the bathrooms, and make a ruckus in the hallways. If only the select few who actually did this had stayed in class and did their work like they are supposed to, then the rest of us wouldn’t have to suffer due to their actions or should we say lack thereof.
In the grand scheme of things, all this doesn’t really matter when there are much more important things to be concerned about. For example, raising money for field trips and school events, working hard to get good grades, or maybe having the district finally fix the roof on the high school, which will probably cave in any day now. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the petition, but if there is any silver lining it is that students will likely stop vaping and making a mess of the high school. It's like the saying goes, “when life closes a door, it opens a window.”
ICHSA 2025
Georgia Marshall, Assistant Editor, Sophomore
On Saturday, February 1st, a surprising flurry of snow greeted us as we prepared for one of the biggest days of our year. Everything was white and still as we buzzed around, packing bags and texting each other frantically, nervous energy humming in the air. At 11:30, we congregated at the high school and boarded our signature yellow school bus, blasting Chappell Roan and Sabrina Carpenter from several speakers. While most people’s game days involve open fields or arenas, our big event largely revolves around silver body glitter, sparkly outfits, and descending runs of the major scale. It was the morning of the Varsity Vocals International Championship of High School A Capella, or ICHSA, Quarterfinals for Luminescence, MHS’s all-female acapella group. After executing a fulfilling performance following months of strenuous work and dedication, we went home with the third place title, placing for the first time in six years. The
community’s equally talented co-ed vocal ensemble, the Jewel Tones, also competed and scored fourth place, as well as an Outstanding Soloist Award to Lani Gilmore, a senior member and choreographer of the group. Both groups’ spectacular commitment paid off as we joined other teenage singers for one of the biggest nights of high school acapella.
ICHSA is the only international tournament showcasing high school acapella from all over the world. Schools submit videos of their talent at the beginning of the year, and the selected groups from each region compete in a bracketstyle competition, broadening from regional to national to international levels. The unique competition has been uniting young performers for 20 years and is a huge part of the acapella community. It is what all main groups in our region work towards from the beginning of the year and showcases a wide array of artistry, whether that be showstopping vocals, dazzling choreography, or infectious energy.
With the start of school came the beginning of a long string of after school rehearsals, 7 AM choreography practices, and neverending repetitions of chords, notes, and riffs. Lumi and JT each collectively voted on a set of three songs, building unique narratives to complement our dancing and singing. We auditioned soloists, created choreography, and cleaned our presentation all throughout fall and winter.
Luminescence chose "End of Time" by Beyoncé to open our set. The song’s pulsating bassline and triumphant rhythms set the tone for what was to come, with Cassidy Klock, Callie Gilmore, and Sadie Newburg taking center stage as featured soloists, blowing away the audience with beautiful harmonies and individual moments. The anthemic energy of the song was a perfect contrast to the slow, melancholic ballad "Dynasty by Miia," with Jane Rickards delivering a haunting and powerful solo, transporting the audience with the song's siren-like melody. We closed with "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan, a song that became our ultimate anthem of empowerment. Anya Kane commanded the stage for the final showstopper with her lilting voice and natural starpower.
The Jewel Tones carried an equal amount of energy and force in their set. Kicking off with the gritty country hit "Before He Cheats" by Carrie Underwood, Lani Gilmore’s spirited and compelling solo set the stage for what was sure to be an unforgettable
act. The tone shifted dramatically as they transitioned into the dreamy and jazzy "Good Life" by Sammy Rae & The Friends, with Charlie Seliger's soulful rendition leading the way. They wrapped up with "Easy to Love" by Couch, an uplifting funk-pop anthem in which Arianna Leahy shined as the lead.
Ultimately, both Luminescence and the Jewel Tones worked incredibly hard to reach our shared goal of competing and doing well in the Quarterfinals of ICHSA. The competition was a culmination of all the teamwork and diligence that we put into our sets. Though neither of the groups advanced in the competition, we couldn’t be more proud of our individual successes and the satisfaction of the experience. Everyone, whether a soloist, beatboxer, or background vocalist grew as singers, dancers, and performers and came out of the weekend having gained a lasting experience. It was surreal to watch every piece of our passion come together in under ten minutes. Each little detail - from the sharpness of our arms to the timbre of our voicesconverged beautifully to form our ultimate performances. Whether we finished in last place or landed at the top, what matters the most is how each group came together and gave everything we worked for.
While our competition season has ended, this year’s MHS acapella program still has a lot more to show. Whether you’re looking to hear some good music, watch us dance, or just enjoy a good ensemble, be ready for upcoming acapella events in our community. Just make sure you watch Pitch Perfect first.
Baughman, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King, William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton, Madalyn Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas
Luminescence performs!
The Jewel Tones perform!
BY RICK CUZNER
With the cold weather, we usually get some crystal-clear nights. The clear nights are perfect for backyard deep space photography. The setup can be simple to very complex, depending on the images you are trying to capture. I usually use a digital camera with up to a 500mm lens mounted on a device that can track stars.This device allows the camera to move at the same relative speed as the Earth to the stars. This allows for long exposures with no star trails or motion blur. These images were taken with a smart imaging telescope, which basically does the same thing. I take a series of 10-second exposures, over an hour or two, and then stack the images together into one image
containing more detail.
The Rosette Nebula is about 5,000 light-years away in the Milky Way Galaxy. It has enough gas and dust to form around 10,000 stars over millions of years, though new stars emerge at a gradual pace. On average, a new star is born here roughly every 100,000 years, according to the European Southern Observatory.
The Orion Nebula is about 1,344 light-years away in the Orion Constellation. It is the closest massive star-forming region to Earth and is visible to the naked eye as a glowing spot in Orion’s sword, according to NASA.
The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner, who has been photographing local wildlife for over 16 years.
&G IFT SHOP
COURTESY PHOTOS / RICK CUZNER
The Rosette Nebula is located 5,000 light years away in the Milky Way Galaxy.
The Orion Nebula is situated 1,344 light years away in the Orion Constellation.
