More than 20 Marblehead High School students sat down across from School Committee members Jenn Schaeffner and Alison Taylor, along with interim Superintendent John Robidoux, on Feb. 13, to discuss a controversial draft flag policy that would lead to the removal of Black Lives Matter, Black History Month, Juneteenth and Pride flags on school property.
Schaeffner and Taylor are
BY WILL DOWD
A state arbitrator has ordered Marblehead to reinstate fired police officer Christopher Gallo, ruling that town officials failed to prove either of the two major charges that led to his dismissal last year, according to the 48-page decision obtained by the Marblehead Current.
Arbitrator Mary Ellen Shea criticized the town’s investigative procedures. Shea, a professional appointed by the state and agreed upon by both parties, came to her decision after she met at least two or three times with town officials and attorneys on both sides to review evidence and arguments. Shea ordered Marblehead to:
» Rescind Gallo’s suspension and termination.
» Reinstate him to his position.
Remove references to the
» Arbitrator’s findings, Page 6
disciplinary actions from his record.
» Restore all wages, benefits and seniority he would have received. Pay him for lost overtime and detail work opportunities.
It is not clear yet how much money that will cost the town.
Attorney Gary Nolan, representing Gallo, called the decision a complete vindication of his client.
“We were very pleased, but not a bit surprised, that the Arbitrator’s decision completely vindicated officer Gallo,” wrote Nolan in a Thursday afternoon email to the Current. “Her decision mirrors exactly our arguments from day one of this case.”
These types of rulings are legally binding and can only be appealed in court on narrow
The Marblehead Planning Board has scheduled the following public outreach sessions and presentations to engage residents on proposed zoning changes, particularly focusing on the town’s plan to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities Act.
Tuesday, March 11, 7 p.m., Abbot Hall: Formal public hearing, which will be a hybrid format.
» Monday, March 31, 7 p.m., Abbot Hall: Overview presentation.
Monday, April 7, 2-4 p.m., Abbot Hall: Public workshop/ Q&A session
WILL DOWD
BY
The next community presentation on proposed MBTA zoning changes will be held Monday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., the Marblehead Planning Board announced Feb. 11.
“The format is basically going to be that individuals can come in and just ask questions about the plan,” Town Planner Alex Eitler said. The session continues a series of community meetings ahead of and after a March 11 hybrid public hearing (which is the only one slated for hybrid meeting format) on the town’s MBTA Communities
grounds, such as proof of fraud or corruption by the arbitrator, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told the Current. Nolan characterized Shea’s ordering payments of all retroactive overtime and detail compensation unusual. “In my experience, such awards are reserved for instances where the town acted with significant bad faith,” Nolan said.
Gallo spent two-and-a-half years on paid administrative leave before his termination, receiving approximately $172,000 in salary payments while suspended from June 2021 through February 2024. During that time, he was denied opportunities to earn overtime and detail pay that typically boost an officer’s annual earnings.
On Feb. 23, 2024, Gallo was notified that the Select Board terminated his employment,
proposing a policy that would allow only U.S., Massachusetts, Marblehead and POW/MIA flags to be displayed on school property and inside the buildings.
Students have been protesting the draft policy for more than a year.
On Feb. 13, students, led by
seniors Maren Potter and Nina Johnson, attended the 90-minute forum at MHS to make their voices heard and to propose their own policy that would allow different flags to be displayed inside the school.
“As a queer student, I know firsthand the impact of seeing LGBTQ Pride flags within my school environment,” said MHS junior Liv Niles. “In a classroom that has a Pride flag,
adopting the recommendation of the hearing officer, Kezer.
“It’s still an open legal matter,” said Kezer when the Current asked for comment. “We are reviewing the arbitrator’s ruling and talking to labor counsel.”
The allegations
The first charge claimed Gallo, a 27-veteran law enforcement officer, spent more than 100 hours at home during his overnight shifts, based on anonymous photographs sent to the state Inspector General’s Office. However, Shea found this evidence unreliable, noting Police Chief Dennis King had instructed investigators not
approval and bring Marblehead into compliance with the state law before a July deadline. In May 2024, Marblehead Town Meeting voters narrowly rejected a zoning proposal put forth by the Planning Board to create three new multifamily housing districts on Tioga Way, Pleasant Street and Broughton Road. This proposal was designed to bring the town into compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act, which requires 177 cities and towns served by the MBTA to establish zoning districts allowing multi-family housing by right.
» Interim super presents school budget, makes pitch for new roof, Page 2
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Former Marblehead police officer Christopher Gallo, shown here in a file photo, must be reinstated with full back pay and benefits following an arbitrator’s ruling Wednesday that found the town failed to prove both major disciplinary charges against him.
Interim superintendent presents level-services budget for FY 2026
Robidoux said he hopes town understands need for new MHS roof
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux presented a $49,120,285 level-services school budget for fiscal year 2026 at a School Committee budget workshop Feb. 13. That is a 5.05% increase over the current school budget. Robidoux announced that the district will not need a general override to cover salaries and programming.
Robidoux emphasized that this level-services budget includes all the services, staffing and supplies from the current year, including salary increases.
“We are confident that the level-services budget will allow us to move forward with this budget and provide all the services necessary to educate our students and make sure our students and staff have all the resources they need.”
An override or layoffs may be necessary in upcoming years to fund new four-year teacher contracts approved in November. The largest wage increases happen in the later years of the agreement.
Tax hike ask for new MHS roof
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling announced last week that the schools will ask for a $8.6 million debt exclusion override that will raise taxes for 15 years. If passed at Town Meeting and the June election, the roof override would add $86 to the tax bill of the median-priced home the first year.
“The roof on this high school needs to be replaced. It’s leaking,” Robidoux said Thursday night. “I was there today. It was raining, and there were buckets catching water again. I’m hoping the town will understand that we have kids and staff in this building, and it’s not a want, it’s a need.”
Budget breakdown
According to Pfifferling, the largest piece of the budget (82%) covers salaries at $39,083,209.
The next largest portions of the budget include:
» Out-of-district tuitions:
$3,562,163
» Contracted services:
$2,579,043
Utilities $1,922,408
Supplies: $1,675,794
» Other expenses: $179,461
Out-of-district tuition and transportation costs (for students
whose academic needs cannot be met in Marblehead schools) are a large part of the budget. Assistant Superintendent for Student Services LisaMarie Ippolito said she expects 47 out-of-district students next school year, compared to 50 this year.
The School Committee and administration said they are committed to improving the district’s special education programs with the aim of keeping more kids in the district and reduce OOD costs.
“I guarantee that you will see that number of out-of-district placements go down because we’re going to continue to bring kids back into the district, make sure that they have programs that are solid,” Robidoux said.
Capital requests
In addition to the roof debt exclusion override request,
the district is also asking for funding for several other capital improvement projects, totaling $607,548. The requests, which would not require an override, include:
Glover School HVAC in the cafeteria: $70,000
Glover playground: $120,000
» Reupholster seating in the Veterans School Performing Arts Center: $140,000
» Paint the PAC: $200,000
Special education van: $77,458
Next steps
The public is invited to the School Committee’s budget hearing scheduled now for Thursday, Feb. 27. In March and April, the Finance Committee will weigh in on the school’s proposed budget. Town Meeting will vote on the budget on May 5.
Town shifts to flexible snow emergency parking policy
BY WILL DOWD
The Select Board voted Feb. 12 to replace the town’s fixed overnight parking ban during snow emergencies with a more flexible storm-specific approach that will allow officials to adjust parking restrictions based on weather conditions and snow removal needs.
The new policy suspends the current “All Night Parking Ban” under Article 5 Section 8 of town regulations in favor of an as-needed emergency response system. Under the revised approach, DPW Director Amy McHugh, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland and Police Chief Dennis King, in coordination with Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, will determine the timing of parking bans based on forecast and live weather conditions.
“That’s the whole idea of sort of breaking away from midnight and 7 time hacks,” said Kezer. “For a snow operation, it’s not just about plowing. There’s all the prep work — like sanding and salting in advance. Then, during the storm, you plow to keep the streets open. But afterward, you have to move the accumulated snow, since during the operation, it’s often piled up in critical areas like intersections and corners.”
McHugh explained the operational challenges that led to the policy change, noting that snow removal is more complex than many residents realize.
“An 8-inch storm takes 14 hours to clear,” McHugh said. “We’re not hiring a contractor who’s rotating through people and through equipment. We are doing it all in-house, so we definitely
have looked at it again.”
The change comes after a Town Meeting vote in 2020 that initially moved Marblehead away from a seasonal parking ban to an emergency-based system. However, officials found that the midnight to 7 a.m. restriction didn’t always align with storm patterns and snow removal needs.
“Mother Nature did not abide by those hours,” noted Select Board Chair Erin Noonan, referring to the weekend snowfall.
Select Board member Moses Grader emphasized the importance of clear communication.
“We’re asking to have flexibility with the ban, to trust that will minimize the impact on the community,” Grader said.
As King put it: “The management of business for us is that when it’s called, get off the street, if you don’t get off the street, you’re going to be ticketed and towed.”
Notifications will be sent
through the town website, CodeRED automated call system, town-managed social media accounts, MHTV and other available outlets. The town has seen increasing participation in its emergency notification systems, with growing numbers of residents signing up for alerts.
Officials stressed that resident cooperation is crucial for the new system to work effectively. Kezer emphasized the importance of advance planning.
“This is actually an ask to the public, to the residents, is that, as we’re in fall going into winter, before we hit the storms, make a plan for a place to take your car right, whether it’s on your property, lawn arrangements with others, that is probably the most impactful thing that can be done to have a positive effect is that the residents to proactively have a strategy.”
The policy allows for enforcement through parking tickets and towing for vehicles
that violate emergency parking restrictions. The vote is revocable if town officials determine it negatively impacts public health and safety.
McHugh highlighted recent improvements in snow removal capabilities, including new sidewalk plowing equipment.
“We have a few different ones. We have an angle plow that was purchased by the DPW that one goes now. But also school has a tractor that has a small snow drawer. We have a big snow thrower on our sidewalk tractor.”
For snow emergency updates, residents can sign up for CodeRED alerts through the town website at marblehead.org.
Additional information will be shared through town-managed social media accounts, MHTV, other municipal communication channels and, of course, the Marblehead Current. Kezer also encourages residents to make parking arrangements in advance of winter weather events.
The School Committee meets with district leaders for a budget workshop on Feb. 13.
COURTESY PHOTO
Students celebrate Black History Month
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Throughout February, Marblehead schools have been celebrating Black History Month with special projects and curricula.
“We’re proud of the work our educators are doing to help teach our students about justice and equality,” Assistant Superintendent for Learning Julia Ferreira told the Current.
In the elementary schools, students are learning about influential African Americans, including Jackie Robinson, former First Lady Michelle
Obama and musician Trombone Shorty.
Teachers are also introducing stories, such as “Catching the Moon,” “As Fast as Words Could Fly” and “Rosa Parks: Bus Ride to Freedom.”
Seventh-grade Spanish students read and recited the poem “El Mono y El Monito” by Cuban poet Nicolas Guillen.
“It’s a poem about heroes not being afraid and standing up for what they believe, told through the dialogue of an older, wiser El Mono and the younger, fearful El Monito and reflects the seeds of discord beginning to appear in Cuban life 20+
years after the War of 1898,” Ferreira explained.
Eighth-grade students started a windows and mirrors clay project by discussing artists from many different backgrounds, including Black artists Jean-Michel Basquiat, Mark Bradford, Kerry James Marshall, FAith Ringgold, Matt Small, Jack Whitten and Kehinde Wiley,” Ferreira said.
The high school is starting each morning in February with announcements “spotlighting influential African Americans, moments in history and cultural milestones that have shaped our world,” Ferreira said.
Plans to turn Abbot Hall attic into museum take shape
BY WILL DOWD
The Marblehead Historical Commission is exploring transforming Abbot Hall’s underutilized attic into what could become the most comprehensive presentation of the town’s history under one roof, chronicling from Native American settlements to modern times and spurred by significant private donations.
Early cost projections estimated the project at around $5.3 million, with $3 million for infrastructure improvements and $2.3 million for exhibits, albeit these numbers are fluid. The town has already received a commitment of a significant donation, though Historical Commission Chair Pam Peterson and subcommittee chair Edward O. Nilsson declined either to name the donor or specify the amount. There’s also no timeline set for the project.
The vision for this new museum space grew from the success of the “Mapping Marblehead” exhibitions hosted at the Old Town House between 2019 and 2022. These exhibits, which featured interactive displays and digital mapping technologies, showed strong public interest in comprehensive historical presentations, Peterson said.
“While we have a lot of representations of Marblehead history in various buildings and at the Marblehead Museum and at the hall, we don’t have anything that encompasses the whole history from pre-European settlement,” said Peterson. “I found it really fascinating when we did the ‘Mapping Marblehead’ to see all these bits and pieces and how they all fit together.”
‘It really could be stunning’
The ambitious plan would convert nearly 8,000 square feet into a modern museum facility.
The attic of Abbot Hall is a vast, unfinished space with vaulted ceilings and exposed wooden trusses arching overhead. The high-pitched roof structure creates a sense of openness, with heavy timber trusses crisscrossing above, lending an almost cathedral-like atmosphere.
new staircases to meet safety codes, as the space currently has only an elevator and what Nilsson describes as “a really tiny, awkward set of steps.”
Current conditions make the space challenging even for storage.
“The space goes through these huge cycles of heating and cold in the different seasons,” Nilsson said.
The renovation would take advantage of Abbot Hall’s existing geothermal wells.
The second phase
The second phase focuses on creating exhibits that would build upon the interactive approach that proved
successful at the Old Town House. Plans call for computer digitized equipment, animated displays and a deeper exploration of Marblehead’s maritime trade and international connections.
“There’s also some interesting aspects of the fishing trade and international trade that were really much more important than, I think we realize,” Peterson said. “It’s not duplicating anything that we already have. I think it’s just adding to it.”
“We try to have a kids area, really small for small children,” Nilsson said, adding that plans include space for rotating exhibits on specific topics.
The subcommittee includes Historical Commission members Peterson, David Krathwohl, David Bitterman, Chris Johnson and Chris Butler. They’ll work with Donna Cotterell, the town’s new grant writer, to pursue additional funding opportunities.
Rather than seeking immediate town meeting appropriations, the commission plans to focus first on private fundraising and grants. The project could qualify for various funding sources, including state and federal historic preservation programs.
“Somebody with the means in this town — one person could write a check for the whole thing and we could start tomorrow,” Nilsson said. “The magnitude of the project is small enough that some wealthy person could actually put their name on it.”
Light filters in through small, triangular dormer windows, casting angular shadows across the bare wooden floorboards. These dormers, while architecturally striking, do not provide operable ventilation, leaving the air stagnant in the warmer months. The brick walls, some exposed and some partially covered, add a sense of history to the space. “It’s a beautiful space,
and you have all these windows, the tops of all the big windows in Abbot Hall are providing wonderful natural light,” Peterson said. “It’s got this whole eaves ceiling. And it really could be stunning.”
The project is divided into two main phases: infrastructure improvements and exhibit installation. The first phase would address fundamental building needs including two
Major upgrades would include installation of a specialized ventilation system, expanded fire protection, structural reinforcements and a complete electrical system overhaul. The space would need to meet specific building code requirements for public assembly, including onehour fire resistance ratings for the structure and a maximum occupancy of 292 persons.
D HISTOry
COURTESY PHOTO
School students in Judith O’Flynn’s
eDITOrI a LS
Another chance to get it right
We’re not at all surprised that the high school students — 20-plus strong — who met with School Committee members and the interim superintendent on a school flag policy were prepared, articulate and passionate, but we sure are proud.
Committee members Jenn Schaeffner and Alison Taylor deserve credit, too, for holding the forum to invite student feedback, after putting forward an earlier plan which left many feeling unrepresented and unheard.
That initial proposal, to ensure compliance with a Supreme Court case, would require the removal of emblems inside the school, such as Pride flags and Black Lives Matter banners, while allowing only the state, town and POW/MIA flags to fly outdoors.
Student Maren Potter summed up the sentiment of 106 of 107 students who responded to a recent survey and others who have spoken out by noting that approach “may be the most simple way to deal with this issue of creating a flag policy.” Maren continued, “However, I believe, like many in this room, that it is more important to create safe, inclusive learning spaces where students can thrive and feel comfortable being who they are.”
Most impressive to us is that the students didn’t just attend the forum to protest. They provided their own wellthought out — and legally reviewed — plan. Theirs would adopt the outside-the-building policy proposed by the School Committee, but inside, they asserted, a decision-making process designed to include the administration and students would allow a fairer and more representative outcome, in compliance with the legal concerns raised.
“Then, within the schools, the decision rests in school administration, and we hope to further work with administration to incorporate students into these decisions, maybe through the new Anti-Discrimination Committee or forming a board of students, staff and teachers,” Potter said. This seems to us a fitting resolution, as well as a shining example of respectful dialogue leaders at all levels of government should emulate.
A costly lesson
The interminable disciplinary saga of Marblehead police officer Christopher Gallo has come to what some might call a fitting conclusion: It will cost the taxpayers yet more money, and the town will receive no services in return.
Arbitrator Mary Ellen Shea found that the town had not proven that Gallo was guilty of either time fraud or taking excessively long breaks. The police investigator, she said, had not taken necessary steps to rule out that the photographs documenting Gallo’s alleged infractions had been doctored. At the direction of Police Chief Dennis King, the investigator also did not interview the possible source of the photos, former officer Tim Tufts, who had lost his job after Gallo reported that Tufts had carved a swastika into the hood of another officer’s car.
The investigation related to the town’s other disciplinary action against Gallo, which was related to an incident involving his girlfriend, was equally flawed, Shea ruled.
The town has been ordered to restore all of Gallo’s wages, benefits and seniority he would have otherwise received. He was also awarded a sum of money “that approximates the overtime hours and details he would have worked but for the wrongful disciplinary actions.”
The retroactive overtime and detail compensation is unusual, Gallo’s attorney, Gary Nolan, told the Current.
“In my experience, such awards are reserved for instances where the town acted with significant bad faith,” he said.
In addition to finding that the town got its disciplinary determinations wrong, the arbitrator found lacking the police department’s explanation of why Gallo had been in limbo — on paid leave from June 2021 to February 2024 — for so long.
“It is true that the department faced a number of challenges during the pendency of Gallo’s case, but the extensive delays in initiating and completing an investigation into the [Office of the Inspector General’s] referral [of the time fraud matter] were neither reasonable nor consistent with the Marblehead Police Department Internal Affairs Policy,” Shea wrote.
The delays in responding to Gallo’s grievances were also not reasonable or consistent with the parties’ collective bargaining agreement, she added.
Before learning of Shea’s ruling, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer had told the Current a court appeal of the arbitrator’s decision would have a limited chance of success. If that is true, the town has 60 days to reinstate Gallo and otherwise make good on Shea’s award.
We hope and expect that the police department and Kezer, in his role as hearing officer, will use Shea’s decision as a road map to address the investigatory shortcomings she identified. As they digest the decision, members of the Select Board might consider whether it warrants any further inquiry of their supervisees, Kezer and King.
Beyond that, it may be time to cut Gallo his checks and close the book on a saga that has taken too much time and money to resolve, all while vowing to do better — far better — next time.
LeTTerS TO THe
Student voices deserve to be heard on flag policy
To the editor:
I was impressed and moved by the student leaders who attended Thursday’s student forum regarding a restrictive draft flag policy put forward by our School Committee.
As an LGBTQ+ parent with a child in Marblehead Public Schools, I was especially touched by the passion with which students advocated for symbols that make kids feel included and welcomed at school. For my family, that is the “All Are Welcome Here” rainbow colored sign on the door at Glover School that greets my child every morning. And for others, that is the Juneteenth banner at Brown School, or the Black Lives Matter banner at MHS.
It is incredibly meaningful that all 20+ students who attended the forum opposed the restrictive flag censorship policy proposed last year. They all favored an inclusive policy that gave students a voice in what goes on their school walls. So did 106 out of 107 students who responded to a Google survey created by student leaders.
It is also important to note that at a School Committee meeting last year where discussion of the flag censorship policy was on the agenda, every single parent that spoke during public comment was opposed to the overly restrictive draft policy. I know because I was there.
That is why it is incredibly frustrating to hear Jenn Schaeffner speak about the “challenge” of what to do if someone is “offended” by a symbol that is proposed. Her solution — simply censor everyone.
Based on the overwhelming majority of feedback from
students and parents, what is offensive to this community is an overly restrictive policy that silences student voices and erases symbols that provide comfort and safety to our students.
I hope that the School Committee will consider the fair draft policy presented by students on Thursday. It is based on policies adopted by other districts in Massachusetts and reviewed by attorneys at GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD Law). It also satisfies the legal requirements outlined in the Supreme Court’s Shurtleff decision by restricting the flags flown on the flagpole to US, state and town flags.
Full disclosure, I work at GLAD Law. I see harmful policies enacted against our community almost daily, and I spend my days fighting for the lives of my community members and the safety of my own
family.
It is frankly demoralizing to also have to fight for the safety of my family in my own town — a town that we chose in part because of the diversity, equity and inclusion statement of Marblehead Public Schools, from which the student leaders read on Thursday. It reads:
“Marblehead Public Schools is committed to sustaining an inclusive environment that fosters belonging and acceptance. We apply an equitable, culturally relevant lens to students’ social, emotional, physical and academic development. MPS sees the power of diversity.”
May our School Committee and administrators live up to the values of this statement. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak at a public forum for residents regarding this issue.
Jordan Caress-Wheelwright Lafayette Street
Teachers union supports town workers in contract fight
To the editor: The members of the Marblehead Municipal Employee Union deserve a fair contract — one that offers competitive pay and modern, manageable working conditions. In a surprise to no one, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer is once again turning negotiations between the town and its municipal employees into a hostile and unproductive sham. MMEU members provide invaluable services to our town and are essential to maintaining the quality of life Marblehead residents enjoy. Yet, these dedicated public employees are working under an outdated and
expired contract, long overdue for a cost-of-living raise.
The town administration wants residents to believe Marblehead can pay its bills without asking voters for a general override this year. However, this determination should not come at the expense of exploiting hard-working municipal employees. As the MEA has been saying for months, Marblehead must face reality when it comes to its costs and revenues. The town needs to take the necessary steps to properly fund municipal services and schools it has been actively starving for too long.
If town officials are serious about addressing the financial catastrophe we are all watching in real-time, Marblehead can both plan for a future override and settle a fair contract now — one that offers fair and welldeserved wages over the life of the agreement.
Kezer’s antagonistic bargaining tactics are exceedingly apparent and distracting from the real work that must be done to secure a realistic, long-term fiscal plan that supports the kind of community Marblehead residents want and deserve.
Marblehead Education E-board: Cp-president Jonathan Heller; Co-president Sally Shevory; Treasurer Robin Feins,;Secretary Coby Carlucci; Mary Miles,
Samantha
new
political action;
Roasato,
member liaison; Meg Burns, Brown School building representative.; Hanna Partyka, Glover School building rep.; Shelley Burns, Village School building rep.; Marissa Hunt-Pomeroy, MVMS building rep; Ali Carey, MHS building rep.; and James Douglas, custodian rep.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
This trans Pride flag would be removed from the MHS cafeteria under a draft policy proposed by School Committee members Jenn Schaeffner and Alison Taylor.
Union workers rally this month for a new contract.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Another Transfer Station delay; tempers flare at Health meeting
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The Transfer Station’s compactor will remain closed until late March, Public Health Director Andrew Petty announced at a Feb. 11 meeting.
The tipping floor, where vehicles park while unloading items into the compactor, was rotted and needs to be replaced.
SL Chasse Steel was set to start demolition work this week, which will take about a month.
“We’re trying to reschedule the compactor installation,” Petty said. Right now, the earliest date available is March 24.
The Transfer Station earns an average of $4,500 a day in user fees from contractors, although January and February are typically quieter months.
‘Sandbagging’ accusation
Tempers flared at the meeting when member Tom Massaro accused Petty of “sandbagging” him with news about an upcoming regional substance abuse survey.
Petty mentioned the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services wants to send out a 10-question survey to residents in Marblehead, Swampscott, Salem and Lynn to learn more about substance abuse in the communities.
Massaro is raising money for a wide-ranging public health survey with UMass-Boston and said he was upset that he
hadn’t been informed sooner about the BSAS survey. The two questionnaires would go out about three months apart.
“I am the vice chair of community health; this should fall under my territory,” Massaro said. “I have a background. I am a pediatrician. I have been working in public health for a long time, and to be bypassed like this is inappropriate.”
Massaro added, “I hope you feel that I feel I have been sandbagged.”
Petty responded, “There is no bypassing. These are day-to-day operations that we do in our office and have been doing for years.
Since his election last June, Massaro has been trying to
more clearly define the roles and responsibilities of the board versus the Public Health Department.
Tuesday night, Petty pointed out that working with BSAS is one of many tasks he performs in his office.
“I work my ass off for this community, and all you do is give me hell that I didn’t notify you about this stuff. I think that’s unacceptable,” Petty added. “I’m trying to do the best thing for this community, and you’re giving me a hard time.”
After several minutes of heated back and forth, Petty agreed to pause the BSAS survey while Massaro communicates with UMass about whether the two surveys will be redundant.
Select Board appoints
of planning and
Climbing costs
The town’s contract for waste disposal expires in September 2026 and costs are expected to jump significantly, Petty said.
“We will see some huge jumps,” he warned. Right now, Marblehead pays about $127 per household for waste disposal each year. Petty said in other communities, that figure ranges from $185 to $237. He predicted a total cost increase to the town of about $600,000 starting in fiscal year 2027.
Currently, Marblehead does not pay for curbside recycling, but that will also change and Petty predicted a “couple hundred thousand dollars
to deal with that material as well.”
‘Marblehead is not immune’ postponed
The board is reviewing the town’s tobacco control rules and may make some changes. It will set a public hearing in March to discuss.
Board member Tom McMahon said he was postponing a substance abuse education program called “Marblehead is not immune” from March until June.
Chair Helaine Hazlett mentioned bringing the nonprofit Drug Story Theater to Marbekhead schools. Drug Story Theater is a group of young recovering addicts who share their stories on stage.
inaugural director
community development
Callahan brings 19 years of municipal planning experience to the role
BY WILL DOWD
The Select Board formalized a major restructuring of town government Feb. 11 by appointing longtime Peabody planner Brendan Callahan as Marblehead’s first Director of Planning and Community Development.
The Marblehead resident’s appointment marks the culmination of more than a year of work to establish the new department, which was narrowly approved by Town Meeting in May 2024 by a vote of 373-360. The reorganization came after the retirement of Rebecca Curran Cutting, who served as town planner and chief procurement officer for 36 years.
“I finally got to sit down with the staff today. We had a nice staff meeting,” Callahan told the Select Board before his appointment. “It’s a good team, solid team. They’re really eager, they’re really excited to get to work.” Callahan, who will make around $126,000 annually, will oversee a new department that includes Grant Coordinator Donna Cotterell, Town Planner Alexander Eitler, Administrative Assistant Lisa Lyons and Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey. The department aims to coordinate planning, economic development, housing policy, transportation, historic preservation and sustainability
From P. A1
The decision to offer afternoon sessions on the MBTA
efforts.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, who spearheaded the department’s creation, highlighted its importance for boosting “new growth” tax revenue while preserving town character.
“One, ensure we’re capturing everything that is already happening,” Kezer said of the department’s priorities during his Feb. 5 State of the Town Address. “Two, find ways to encourage more positive development for the community. I say ‘positive,’ meaning it fits the character of the community.”
The department represents a significant shift in how Marblehead approaches planning and development. Kezer noted that “municipalities that are financially healthy are capturing every dollar of new growth,” emphasizing the department’s role in expanding the town’s tax base.
Callahan brings 19 years of municipal planning experience from Peabody, where he worked in various roles including assistant director of planning.
A Marblehead resident himself, he noted he has lived in three different houses in town.
hybrid public hearing set for March 11 — again all in Abbot Hall. These sessions will provide comprehensive overviews of the proposed changes.
Another evening presentation is scheduled for Monday, March 31, at 7 p.m. as well as a drop-in session April 7, with the forma
Kezer has said The new department comes at a critical time for Marblehead. As a largely built-out community, the town faces challenges in growing its tax base while maintaining its historic character. The department will play a key role in identifying development opportunities that complement the town’s character while expanding the tax base, he said. Funding for the department comes through what Kezer and Select Board member Moses Grader have called a creative combination of municipal
“The goal is to give people a factual baseline presentation about what it is, why we’re doing it and what the plan has,” Eitler said. He noted presentations would address potential consequences if the town fails to adopt necessary changes.
budget allocations, COVID relief funds and reallocated positions. They argue this restructuring was designed to minimize additional burden on taxpayers while maximizing service delivery.
Kezer praised Callahan’s experience and local connection. “Lots of experience in the city of Peabody, doing a lot of great work for a number of years, and also happens to be a Marblehead resident,” he said, “so he’s going to bring a lot of professionalism, and he understands the local flavor with it.”
A new planning department website will launch Feb. 19, featuring information about all proposed zoning changes, with emphasis on the MBTA Communities Act compliance plan.
“The MBTA Communities Act compliance plan will be at the very top because we need to make sure that the public is aware of this zoning plan,” Eitler said.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Things got heated at the Feb. 11 Board of Health meeting when member Tom Massaro, left, accused Public Health Director Andrew Petty of sandbagging him.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Brendan Callahan addresses the Marblehead Select Board Jan. 12 before officially being appointed as the town’s first director of planning and community development.
Sally Sands shares memories of growing up in Historic District
BY GREY COLLINS
Sally Sands sat in the living room of the house she grew up in, with a Revolutionary War musket guarding the fireplace, a model ship sitting in a display case, and a portrait of George Washington gazing over her shoulder, while she vividly described her experiences growing up in Marblehead in the ‘50s and ‘60s. Her parents bought the Historic District home in 1947 after her dad returned from World War II, and Sands eventually returned when she started her own family. The many historical objects around the house remind a visitor of our town’s interesting past, and are a not so subtle indication of Sands’ intimate connection with Marblehead history. She traces her Marblehead heritage back to 1660. She spoke with the Current about what it was like to grow up in Marblehead, how the town has changed and how it shaped her life.
“As kids, we had a lot more freedom back in the ‘50s and ‘60s, and it was a pretty magical childhood,” she recalled. “Every day was a new adventure. We swam, we fished, we hung out at Redd’s Pond and we had all of the simple pleasures of life.
Marblehead was not always a wealthy town, a lot of my friends and classmates were the sons and daughters of hardworking fishermen and boatbuilders.”
Boating and spending time out
Flag
I am reassured that my voice is heard. In spite of whatever discrimination or homophobia that occurs among students, seeing these Pride flags in our school lets queer people know that the people who are in charge care and are there to support us.”
Sophomore Max Kane spoke about the positive impacts flags have for all students, and how they encourage awareness and education of different groups of people.
“Not only do they help represent every group of people that attend the school, but they’re also a great opportunity for education,” said Kane “A
Gallo
From P. A1
to authenticate the potentially manipulated photos or interview their suspected source.
The second charge stemmed from a July 2021 incident where Gallo’s girlfriend called 911 during an alleged domestic dispute. Responding officers reported finding no evidence of wrongdoing, and the arbitrator determined the town improperly tried to hold Gallo responsible for his girlfriend’s behavior during an off-duty family outing.
“Even if inept or ill-advised, officer Gallo’s personal decisions and actions on July 26, 2021, were not evidence of an officer engaged in punishable misconduct but reflected the unfortunate and distressing challenges facing a family affected by alcoholism,” Shea wrote.
The arbitrator rejected the town’s argument that Gallo’s handling of the situation demonstrated poor judgment.
“The town failed to prove that
on the harbor was a central part of growing up in Marblehead, and Sands and many other kids drove Boston Whalers around as early as 10 years old.
She grew up during a time of social upheaval in our country,some of which was felt here in town.
“We were in high school in the ‘60s and ‘70s, and that was a time when things weren’t going well nationwide with the Vietnam War,” remembered Sands. “I knew some people that had older brothers that served, and a couple in particular didn’t come back. It was a very difficult time.”
school is a place of learning, and if someone isn’t educated on a certain group or flag, these flags give them a daily reminder to think about it and do some research.”
Student Awley Walsh spoke for his friends in the LGBTQ community, saying now is a critical time to support LGBTQ students.
“I’m here to give you their perspective,” Walsh said. “Mostly, they’re terrified, especially with all the policies Donald Trump is using to define trans people out of existence.”
Schaeffner, who ran the forum, explained that the 2022 Supreme Court ruling, Shurtleff v. Boston, found that flags displayed on government property reflect the ideals of the institution. This
officer Gallo’s actions violated any rules or regulations,” Shea wrote in her ruling. “The town did not establish how Gallo’s decisions regarding his private life raised ‘questions about [his] fitness to be a police officer.’”
Protracted public hearing process
Gallo’s lengthy paid suspension followed a pattern of delays that the arbitrator found troubling, calling them “not persuasive.” The arbitrator found officials violated their own policies requiring prompt investigation of complaints and failed to provide Gallo with timely hearings as required by state law and the police union contract.
Shea argues department officials believed but never verified that the anonymous complaint came from former officer Timothy Tufts, who had resigned in December 2020 after Gallo reported him for scratching a swastika into another officer’s vehicle.
“The town did not authenticate photos it knew 1)
Over the years, Sands has noticed how Marblehead has not only changed physically, but behaviorally as well. She spoke about how Marblehead has grown much larger and wealthier, but many people don’t appreciate the rich history of the town as much as they should.
“It’s certainly gotten a lot more crowded, we built on pretty much every square inch we have, but that’s not a bad thing,” said Sands. “I think that the town has probably more people in it now that didn’t grow up in Marblehead than people who did. People have moved here because of the beautiful
would make it difficult for the district to decide which flags can be allowed and to navigate differing political opinions of residents and students.
“Here’s the challenge,” said Schaeffer. “Suppose someone wants to fly a flag you don’t agree with, or you find offensive, there’s an obligation to show that. How do you reconcile that?”
Potter answered, “That’s a great question” and went on to explain the student-drafted policy would permit only the U.S., Marblehead, state and POW flags on school flagpoles, but would allow other flags and banners inside schools.
“Then, within the schools, the decision rests in school administration, and we hope to further work with the
ARBITRATOR’S FINDINGS
town that it is and the popularity of it, but I don’t think they care about the history of the town.”
Sands believes that preserving and understanding the history of Marblehead is a duty that all Marbleheaders should take seriously, and she encouraged young people around town to take some time to learn more about it.
“Wander around and talk to people about Marblehead history, and go into places you haven’t been,” said Sands. “There’s a lot of young people that haven’t really looked at the history of the town, so get a sense of how important this
administration to incorporate students into these decisions, maybe through the new Antidiscrimination Committee or forming a board of students, staff and teachers,” Potter said.
Students worked with lawyers at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders to create a policy they believe aligns with the Supreme Court’s decision. They plan to keep fighting to have an active role in the decision-making process.
“I believe that every student should feel like they belong in our schools and feel included, represented and safe,” Potter added. “These flags are symbols that help us show that.”
Resident Angus McQuilken, who watched the forum online, was impressed by the students’ presentation.
Arbitrator Mary Ellen Shea wrote in her ruling that she found flaws in how the town investigated and handled the disciplinary cases against former Marblehead police officer Christopher Gallo. She determined the town lacked just cause for the suspension and termination because it failed to prove Gallo engaged in misconduct warranting discipline. Key aspects of her ruling include: The town did not have just cause to suspend Gallo for 30 days or terminate his employment. The arbitrator found the town failed to prove Gallo was guilty of the alleged misconduct in both disciplinary cases.
» In the alleged time fraud case, the town relied on unauthenticated cell phone pictures and did not obtain sufficient evidence to corroborate the allegations that Gallo took excessively long breaks while
could be manipulated and 2) were likely taken by a person seeking revenge against officer Gallo,” Shea wrote. The arbitrator was particularly critical of how the department handled evidence, noting that officials continued to rely on incorrect information even after discovering errors that had led
little old fishing town was to world events, and you can’t fully appreciate Marblehead unless you take the time to do that.”
Sands has also noticed how people’s attitudes have changed, not only in Marblehead, but in society as a whole.
“People don’t trust each other, they don’t trust the government, they don’t trust the people with leadership positions in the town, and these are volunteers that live among us,” said Sands. “There’s less tolerance for people who are different and less tolerance for people with different views.”
Sands attended Colby-Sawyer College in New Hampshire after graduating from Marblehead High School, and eventually returned to Marblehead to teach preschool at the Old North Church. Now she teaches Nature Preschool at Mass Audubon.
Sands thinks that everyone has gotten too busy these days, and that sometimes they don’t even stop to look around and appreciate the beautiful town they live in.
“Take a break from social media every so often and go up to Fort Sewall and sit on a bench, and just enjoy the breeze and watch the boats and take life a little easier,” said Sands when asked what advice she would give to young people. “Everyone’s moving so fast and running around these days, so take the time to appreciate this town.”
“Rarely have I been more inspired than I was today watching student leaders in Marblehead share their views, strongly, unanimously and in a clear voice, against a lag censorship policy in our schools,” McQuilken said. “The students put forward a well-reasoned, well-researched and balanced alternative policy that should form the basis of the School Committee’s deliberations moving forward.”
Robidoux, Taylor and Schaeffner thanked the students for speaking. Taylor and Schaeffner have committed to hosting a community forum on the draft flag policy. When asked about a possible date for that event, Schaeffner did not respond.
on duty. The investigation was flawed and did not support the findings of misconduct, according to Shea.
In the July 26, 2021, off-duty incident, the town did not prove Gallo violated any department rules in his handling of a personal situation with an alcoholic girlfriend. His personal decisions did not amount to punishable misconduct, Shea found.
There were significant delays by the town in investigating the allegations, holding hearings and issuing decisions, which violated Gallo’s due process rights under civil service law and the collective bargaining agreement.
» Some of the documents relied upon to terminate Gallo contained erroneous information that was not corrected before being provided to the hearing officer and Select Board for their decisions.
to unfounded accusations of dishonesty against Gallo.
“From top to bottom, the arbitrator’s award is an indictment of Marblehead’s officials, and a clear exoneration of officer Gallo, a loyal son of Marblehead,” said Nolan. “As noted clearly in her 48-page ruling, Gallo was the victim in this case.“
Reached by phone, Gallo declined to comment on the arbitration ruling. Select Board Chair Erin Noonan said she had yet to see the ruling and planned to read it later in the day. King did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
From P. A1
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
Sally Sands stands in the living room of her childhood home, surrounded by signs of Marblehead’s storied past.
Luxury real estate brokerage brings global network to Marblehead
BY MELISSA STACEY
The Agency Marblehead is a boutique real estate brokerage located at 72 Front St., suite 6. To learn more, visit theagencymarblehead.com
Tell us about The Agency Marblehead and why you started it. The Agency Marblehead is a boutique luxury real estate brokerage that is part of a global network with 2,600 agents across 130 offices worldwide. With 23 years of experience owning and operating real estate brokerages in Marblehead, I wanted to create something new — an organization built on collaboration, creativity and innovation. Joining The Agency allowed me to bring impactful marketing strategies and a dynamic network of talented professionals to our community, offering a fresh approach to
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Local dispatch app enhances emergency response
The Marblehead 911 dispatch center has received free licensing from Esri, a multinational company specializing in geographic information system software, to improve emergency response capabilities. Developed by the dispatch center’s team, the application allows first responders to document incidents in real time using their cellphones. Photos and descriptions of downed trees, storm damage and other emergencies are instantly updated for dispatchers and emergency personnel.
“This tool enhances our capabilities in emergency situations,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said. The licensing comes at no cost to the town, helping reduce expenses while improving public safety.
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.
Mark Revolutionary War anniversary with bell ringing, talks
The Marblehead 250 Committee has organized a townwide bell-ringing event at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 23, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of an early Revolutionary War event.
Church bells and Abbot Hall’s bell will ring for three minutes to mark the day in 1775 when British troops landed in Marblehead, alarming the town.
real estate that emphasizes professionalism, teamwork and productivity.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? Your reputation is your most valuable asset in business — guard it fiercely. Never compromise your integrity or principles for shortterm financial gain.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? My favorite spot in Marblehead is Chandler Hovey Park, especially
during the summer. I love spending evenings there with my wife, Rhonda, watching the sunset as boats return to the harbor. It’s a peaceful, picturesque setting that offers
the perfect way to unwind and connect after a busy day.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Since graduating in
Following the bell ringing, a public program at Old North Church will feature historians discussing Marblehead’s role in the Revolutionary War and the significance of the event.
The Marblehead Museum will also host historian J.L. Bell on Thursday, Feb. 27, for a talk on Leslie’s Retreat, the first armed resistance to the British crown. Bell, author of “The Road to Concord: How Four Stolen Cannon Ignited the Revolutionary War,” will share how 250 British soldiers
marched through Marblehead in February 1775, sent by the royal governor to search for weapons. The talk will highlight eyewitness accounts of a day the Revolutionary War nearly began in Marblehead.
The event will take place in the J.O.J. Frost Gallery at 170 Washington St. and will be simulcast over Zoom. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public, available at marbleheadmuseum.org or by calling 781-631-1768.
Local historian Judy Anderson
will lead a program at Old North Church, 35 Washington St., about the historic event.
Bocce
facility
contract awarded
The Select Board approved a $207,300 contract with Price Landscaping & Construction to build an outdoor bocce facility behind the Council on Aging at 10 Humphrey St. The project combines $150,000 from the Shattuck Fund and $57,300 from Friends of the Council on Aging. Construction plans show multiple courts with benches and landscaping. Work must be completed by June 1.
Bridge project requires additional testing
An $8,948.76 increase for the Village Street Bridge replacement contract was approved after a Massachusetts Department of Transportation review required more geological boring. The amendment with Greenman-Pederson Inc. extends work through Sept. 30, with added costs covered by state highway funds.
State officials warn of avian flu outbreak State environmental officials report that highly pathogenic
1987, I still hold my high school’s mile track record. The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com
avian influenza is suspected in the deaths of more than 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 Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources at 617-626-1795.
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, a 29% discount on National Grid utility bills, protection from utility shut offs during winter and possible no-cost energy efficiency improvements. For more information, contact 978-5310767, ext. 136, or fuelassistance@ nscap.org.
Town integrates weights and measures role into inspections department
The town’s sealer of weights and measures role, which ensures accuracy in stores and other consumer-facing businesses, is moving under the inspections department. This could include ensuring proper calibration of scales in grocery stores, delis, and bakeries and verifying pricing accuracy in retail stores. The transition allows the town to manage the contract service responsible for checking and validating weights and measures, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.
COURTESY PHOTO
Mike Cannuscio is managing partner of The Agency Marblehead.
COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM
A folk art painting by J.O.J. Frost depicting Leslie’s Retreat on Feb. 26, 1775, when British troops, led by Col.
Alexander Leslie, landed in Marblehead before marching to Salem.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
The Village Street Bridge, seen here in a deteriorated state, is undergoing a replacement project.
Arts Association to celebrate life and work of Birthe Winer
A sampling of the late Birthe Winer’s artistry will be on view at the Marblehead Arts Association’s upcoming retrospective, running March 1-April 12. COURTESY PHOTOS
BY WILL DOWD
If you’ve lived in Marblehead since the ‘70s, you’ve probably carried Birthe Winer’s artwork in your wallet. For more than 40 years, every time someone checked out a book from Abbot Public Library, they used a card featuring Winer’s distinctive pen and ink drawing. The library card has since been redesigned, but its predecessor’s is one small piece of an artistic legacy that will be recognized
this spring.
The Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., will celebrate Winer’s life and work with an exhibition running March 1 through April 12, six months after her passing at 82. The opening reception will be held March 2 from 2-4 p.m.
Born in Aalborg, Denmark in 1941, Winer showed artistic promise from her earliest days. After graduating from Falkoneergaardens Gymnasium in Copenhagen, she studied
promotional materials for numerous local organizations.
“It was just part of mom,” Elisabeth Winer recalls. “We never questioned it. It’s like, ‘Oh, Mom’s going off painting.’ It was her outlet.”
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at both the Art Academy of Copenhagen and the Academia della Arte in Rome, later continuing her education at Boston University and the Butera School of Art. She arrived in America in 1961 with dreams of becoming a Disney cartoonist. Though that particular dream didn’t materialize, she found herself working as a personal assistant to Mattel founders Elliot and Ruth Handler, helping launch the Barbie doll fan mail club in Los Angeles.
Her path eventually led east to Marblehead, where she met Robert Winer while working at a Scandinavian gift shop called The Upper Story. After a whirlwind courtship, they married in August 1964, beginning a 33-year partnership that would deeply enrich the town’s cultural life.
While raising fraternal twin daughters Elisabeth and Britt, Winer immersed herself in the community. She designed posters and costumes for Marblehead Little Theatre productions, worked for more than a decade as a librarian assistant at Abbot Public Library, and created
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Though she won numerous awards from the Marblehead Arts Association, Swampscott Arts Association and Marblehead Festival of Arts, her daughters said their mother remained remarkably humble about her talents. “She was very shy about it,” Elisabeth says. “She wouldn’t say, ‘Oh yeah, look at mine.’ She knew she had talent since she was a kid” Winer worked in watercolors and acrylics, created portraits and landscapes, designed logos for local businesses and even developed a children’s reading program called “Knight of the Quest,” complete with an elaborate game board that caught Parker Brothers’ attention.
Fluent in seven languages — Danish, English, Italian, French, German, Swedish and Norwegian — Winer brought a cosmopolitan sensibility to her adopted hometown while embracing its maritime character. She held memberships in the Peabody Essex Museum, Marblehead Historical Society, Dolphin Yacht Club and various Scandinavian cultural organizations.
The upcoming exhibition emerged from an unexpected encounter at Winer’s wake, when Marblehead Arts Association president Jim Murray approached her daughters about showcasing their mother’s work.
“A week or two after, he called us and said, ‘You know, we loved your mom’s artwork, and we knew she was a member of MAA. We would be honored if we could have a show,’” Britt Winer recalled.
The exhibition will feature selections from throughout Winer’s career, including some pieces available for sale. Her daughters are also donating the original pen and ink drawing of the library card to the newly renovated Abbot Public Library.
Beyond her artistic achievements, her daughters say Winer was known for bringing beauty into everyday life.
“She could put anything together,” Elisabeth notes. “She made our house so cozy. That was just her way.”
The exhibition offers a rare opportunity to see the full scope of an artist who, while well-known in certain circles, never sought the spotlight for herself. In the 1980s, she helped establish one of the area’s first airport shuttle services with her husband, continuing to create art while managing the business.
“It’s a lifetime of art,” Britt Winer said. “I think now you’ll get to see who she really was.”
COURTESY PHOTO Elisabeth, left, and Britt Winer, right, with their mother, artist Birthe Winer, center.
Sports
Shorthanded Marblehead swim team enjoys solid finish at state sectional meet
Girls end up 10th among 23 squads, while the boys were 13th out of 29 schools
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The 2025 Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association North State Sectional Swimming Championships took place on Feb. 8 for the area girls at MIT. The Marblehead High girls team finished 10th overall with 97 points.
The top 10 North girls teams were as follows: ConcordCarlisle (338.5 2), Weston (259.5), Mystic Valley Charter School (241), Lincoln-Sudbury (232), Wayland (173.5), Westford Academy (167.5), Triton Regional (156), Bishop Fenwick (113), Hamilton-Wenham (98) and Marblehead (97).
The next 10 teams were: Newton South (97), Malden (66), Masco (63), Swampscott (56), Cambridge Rindge & Latin (50), Lynnfield / Wakefield co-op (42), St. Mary’s of Lynn (32), Ipswich (16), Bedford (14) and North Reading (4). Peabody (4), Gloucester (3) and Waltham (2) rounded out the North teams in this state girls sectional tournament.
The North state sectional boys championships took place the next day at the same MIT venue.
The Marblehead High boys ended up 13th overall out of 29 teams with 65 points.
The Marblehead High swim and dive team, the Northeastern Conference (NEC) regular season champs and winners of the NEC Postseason Meet, is, from left, fourth row, seniors Yuri Volkov (captain), Maddy Auerbach, Nate Rosen (captain), Finn Bergquist (captain), Nicolas Altonian, Quinn Sullivan, Logan Doody (captain), Olivia Bloodgood, Brinleigh Callahan (captain) and Ezra Reid. Third row, juniors Brady Leveroni, Cale Nelson, Monica Pechhold, Lucas Rosen and Ian Chemel.
Abby
row, freshmen Henry Reid, Paxton Swanson, Phillip Gaber, Orion Lewis, Shaelyn Callahan, Grace Ladouceur, Rowan Sullivan and Erin Clark. Missing from photo, freshman diver Claire Burke, sophomore diver Callie Gilmore, sophomore diver Hailey Gilmore, senior diver Maxine Hall, sophomore Loren Liu and diving coach Brendon Graffum.
The final North boys state sectional results are as follows: St John’s Prep (284), Wayland (266.5), Weston (200), ActonBoxborough Regional (174), Westford Academy (170), Concord-Carlisle (134), Haverhill (129), Mystic Valley Charter School (122), LincolnSudbury (118), Belmont (104), Triton Regional (92), Boston Latin (66), Marblehead (65), Lynnfield/Wakefield co-op (54.5), Reading Memorial (52), Bedford (44), Chelmsford (43), Melrose/ Stoneham co-op (40), North Reading/Wilmington co-op (34), Salem (33), Lexington (31), Cambridge Rindge & Latin (21), Masconomet (18), Watertown/ Arlington co-op (10), Burlington (9), Ipswich (4), Malden Catholic (4), Somerville (2) and Shawsheen Tech (1).
having two compete in the 100yard backstroke and one each in the 500-yard freestyle and 400yard freestyle relay. But they still ended up in the Top 50 percent among the North qualifying teams.”
Bergquist (1:02.07) came in fifth in the 100-yard butterfly. Shaelyn Callahan (5:42.81, 10th, personal best) and Brinleigh Callahan (545.45, 11th, personal best) had top finishes in the 500yard freestyle.
“We had a really good finish with only seven girls participating,” said coach Sue Guertin, “but the boys (were at a disadvantage), because they had scratches in the 200 IM and 100-yard freestyle, while only
In the girls 200-yard medley relay, Grace Ladouceur, Shaelyn Callahan, Finn Bergquist and Brinleigh Callahan (1:59.47, personal best) finished eighth. Ladouceur (57.18, personal best) was credited with a 13th-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle. She also participated in the 200 IM (2:25.46).
Monica Pechhold, Maddy Auerbach, Abby Moore and Brinleigh Callahan (1:52.01, personal best) teamed up to finish 12th in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Bergquist (1:04.77) had a ninth-place finish in the 100yard backstroke. Shaelyn Callahan (1:14.16, personal best)
accounted for 10th-place in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Bergquist, Brinleigh Callahan, Shaelyn Callahan and Ladouceur (4:00.90, personal best) came in ninth in the 400-yard freestyle relay.
Turning to the boys meet, Guertin said that “the boys had an incredible meet, considering three were out sick, and only had five participating in the state sectionals.”
In the 200-yard medley relay, Nate Rosen, Orion Lewis and
Marblehead wins James R. Galante Memorial Basketball Tournament
2022, the tournament serves as both a tribute to his legacy and a celebration of youth basketball.
The Marblehead Youth Basketball Association thirdand fourth-grade travel team emerged victorious at the second annual James R. Galante Memorial Basketball Tournament on Saturday, Feb. 9, at Veterans Middle School. The tournament featured travel teams from Andover, Saugus, Masconomet, Walpole, Georgetown and Swampscott. Marblehead clinched the championship with three consecutive victories, including hard-fought wins over Saugus (33-26) and Walpole (37-29).
The Headers were led by Head Coach Steve Medeiros and Assistant Coaches Matt Aranson and Chris Vasiliou.
Held in memory of James R. Galante, a member of Marblehead High School Class of 2022 who passed away in
“While James is rightly celebrated for his remarkable achievements on the football field, he was also a standout basketball player in MYBA,” said Bob Lemmond, MYBA president. “His dedication to the game, his hustle and his team-first mentality embodied the core values of our league: determination, sportsmanship and teamwork. MYBA is proud to honor James’ legacy through this tournament, celebrating the spirit of competition he so passionately represented.”
The event was funded by the Galante family and MHS 19, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and recruitment assistance for high school athletes pursuing collegiate sports. MHS 19 also funds initiatives to commemorate James’ legacy. Contributions to MHS 19 can be made at mhs19. org.
COURTESY PHOTO
Second row, assistant coach Luc Durand, assistant coach Jen Brehob, Ari Jiminez Tarasiuk, Meredith Kreevoy,
Moore, Elizabeth Hayes, Zoe Stachera, Leo DiCostanzo, Omar Elnabarawy and head coach Sue Guertin. Front
COURTESY PHOTO
CAPTION: MYBA tourney champions show off their trophies. Back row, left to right: Caleb Aranson, Preston Fall, Stephen Korede and Walter Keller; middle row: Charlie Riffel, Sam Bryant, Sebastian Rodrigues, Luke Williams, AJ Jasilli, Shay McLaughlin and Jake Service; front row: Niko Vasilou. Also shown: Coaches Steve Medeiros, Matt Aranson and Chris Vasiliou; and event sponsor Jim Galante
SWIMMING, P. A11
Marblehead indoor track teams complete annual NEC meet among the leaders
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Marblehead High indoor track head coach Nolan Raimo was quite pleased with his team’s efforts during the annual Northeastern Conference meet at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury on Feb. 9. “It was a great meet,” Raimo said. “Peabody won both the boys and girls titles, but we still put up a valiant fight, despite missing 20% of our team to the flu and injuries. The boys ended up third overall, just 0.33 points behind second place Beverly, while the girls came in second, missing first by three points. “We were vying for the top spot with both Masco and Peabody. All three teams were separated by just a couple of points
heading into the relays. But Peabody was able to wrap up the (NEC Meet title) after winning the 4x400 relay,” said Raimo.
“I was proud of the tenacity shown by our team to put up such a great fight, despite the circumstances,” the veteran coach added. “We had (kids) doubling or tripling up events on short notice with the conference championships on the line, and that was pretty cool.”
The final 2025 NEC meet standings for the boys is as follows: Peabody (132), Beverly (69), Marblehead (68.66), Masconomet (59), Danvers (35), Swampscott (21), Gloucester (18), Winthrop (3) and Saugus (2.33). The NEC Meet girls standings lines up with Peabody
(80) coming in first, followed by Marblehead (77), Masconomet (66), Beverly (53), Danvers (48), Swampscott (35), Gloucester (30) and Saugus (14).
Girls high jump
Paige Tredwell won the high jump with a clearance of 5-2. “Paige is now a triple conference champion in the high jump, dating back to last winter’s NEC Meet,” said Raimo. She also won it last spring, before this conquest.
Elise Burchfield (5-0) finished fourth with tired legs. “Elise had already competed in two heats of the hurdles, six long jumps and this aforementioned high jump competition. All three events took place over two hours,” explained Raimo.
Boys high jump
Owen Coyne and Clark Roszell (5-8) tied for fourth. “This was a personal best for Owen, who now qualifies for the AllState Meet, while Clark tied his personal best,” said Raimo. Seamus Crowley returned from injury with some bounce in his legs to clear 5-4 to come in 10th, along with Ethan Harwood. Noah Smerka and Noah Vanden Heuvel capped successful freshman high jump campaigns by tying for 15th place with identical jumps of 5-2.
Girls long jump
Burchfield shattered her own school record, while entering into the state’s top 10 with a leap of 17-11.25 to finish second, missing first by only an inch.
Tredwell (15-4.75) ended up 10th. Cate Cole (15-0.75, personal best) was 13th.
Boys long jump
Boys finish third, girls settle for second after missing championship by only three points ON THe M
Ryan Corrigan (18-11) led the way for the Marblehead horizontal jump squad with a fourth-place finish. Elian Colon (18-2) finished close behind in sixth place. Ethan Harwood (18-1) was seventh after dashing between the high jump and long jump to compete in both events simultaneously. Similarly, Coyne jumped a personal best of 17-9.25 to finish eighth, followed by Noah Jackson (16-11, 15th) and Alexander Humphreys (16-10, 16th).
“Out of a field of 18 jumpers,
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead Black & Blue co-op wrestling team (10-8) completed the regular season with a convincing win over the Essex Tech co-op squad, 47-27 on Feb. 10 in Danvers. The host team is also made up of Masconomet student-athletes.
“This was a full team effort over Essex Tech on a rare Monday night dual matchup in Danvers,” said coach Mike Stamison.
Sophomore Jaymes Carey
(106 pounds), junior captain Liam O’Brien (132) and senior Greg Podstrelov (150) all won their matches, along with senior captain Clive Connolly, who won by forfeit. Senior captain Mason Hinshaw pinned his opponent at 165. Senior Alejandro Haven did the same at 175. Junior captain Colin Hart maintained the trend at 190. Senior captain Justin Gonzalez recorded a win by forfeit at 285. Eighth grader Nolan Glass, returning from illness, was the Wrestler of the Match. He
Current sports profile: Leo Burdge
NAME: MHS hockey goalie and captain Leo Burdge
AGE: 17
FAMILY: Mom Kelly, dad Matthew, sister Elise, 19
GRADUATION YEAR: 2025
SPORTS YOU PLAY: Hockey and soccer
FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: Hockey, because I love the brotherhood, and the ability to compete at a high level.
MOST MEMORABLE GAME FOR YOU, AND WHY:
The 2024 Division 3 state championship game at the TD Garden against Nauset, where we beat them, 1-0.
PLANS FOR AFTER GRADUATION: I’m looking at University of Wisconsin at Madison, Ohio State, Penn State among others. MAJOR: Mechanical engineering DO YOU
Yes, club hockey. DESIRED CAREER: Engineer
Wednesday, Feb. 19
TBD, boys hockey (tournament), TBD, Graf Skating Rink, Newburyport
7 p.m., girls basketball, 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
Friday, Feb. 21
2:30 p.m., wrestling, MIAA tournament, TBA
Saturday, Feb. 22
8:30 a.m., wrestling, MIAA tournament, TBA
was bumped up to 144, and was able to save three points for the team by fighting off his back before losing a close 16-10 decision. After the varsity match was over, Glass jumped back on the mat for an exhibition confrontation, where he was losing big, but was able to rally back to pin his opponent. “This was very exciting stuff from this young wrestler,” said Stamison. “Junior Phineas Jakious was also credited with an exhibition win.”
Maya Alix, Isaiah Gibson,
SPOrTS rOu NDu P
Andrew Delisle and Ilan Hod all competed well against Essex Tech, according to Stamison.
“Sadly, this was the final high school match for seniors Jayvery Monegro, Gary and Greg Podstrelov, Gavin Lepler and Lorenzo Gaudioso, who will not be wrestling at the state sectionals (in Woburn),” said Stamison. “They are all fine young men, who contributed quite a bit to our winning 10-8 season this year. We thank them for their friendship and camaraderie this season, and
wish them all the best moving forward in their endeavors.”
The Division 2 North state sectional tournament, which includes the Black & Blue, took place last weekend at Woburn Memorial High School after press deadline. The state divisional meet follows the sectionals this weekend (Feb. 21, 22), which will then lead into the AllState meet on Feb. 28 and March 1. The All-New England Regional Tournament is scheduled for March 7 and 8.
MHS weekly notebook: boys hockey, girls basketball, boys basketball playoff scenarios
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Hockey Headers complete regular season at Newburyport Bank Classic Most high school hockey teams would be quite happy if they were 15-3-1 with the postseason right around the corner, but for the Marblehead Hockey Headers, the defending Division 3 state champs, they know they can be better.
The Marblehead boys started last week with a 5-4 win over host Gloucester on Feb. 10, but two days later the Masconomet Chieftains humbled them at Salem State’s Rockett Arena by the narrowest of margins, 4-3. What happened against Masco was the natural first question to coach Mark Marfione afterwards. First of all, Marfione answered it by crediting the Chieftains. “Masco (4-12, 30th seed in Division 2) is better than their record,” but then added, “our defense basically had a tough game against them.
“We have a bad habit of depending too much on (goalie) Leo (Burdge),” Marfione continued. “Having a great goalie is a challenge, because he
10:30 a.m., girls and boys indoor track, MIAA tournament, Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury
covers up a lot of mistakes, and as a result we were complacent, because we expect Leo to save everything.”
Captain Crew Monaco paced the attack against Masco with two goals. Captain Kyle Hart netted the other marker. Captain Sean Dolan, Avin Rodovsky, London McDonald and Hart collected the helpers.
Against Gloucester, freshman Teddy Dulac, junior Hayden Gallo, sophomore Will Sullivan, Monaco and Hart were credited with the lamplighters. Monaco, Hart and sophomore defenseman Jimmy Ryan were the assist leaders in this game with two apiece. Noah Feingold and Rodovsky setup one each.
Marfione reiterated that they have to tighten things up defensively, and with two regular season games left it’d be imperative to start now, before the playoffs get underway. Those two games are a part of the annual Newburyport Bank Classic at Graf Arena this week. It began on Monday (Feb. 17) for the Headers, when they took on Triton. Host Newburyport followed with its game versus North Andover. The consolation and championship
3:30 p.m., girls indoor track, MSTCA Invitational State Pentathlon, Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury
Wednesday, Feb. 26
3:30 p.m., boys indoor track, MSTCA Invitational State Pentathlon, Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury
Friday, Feb. 28
TBD, wrestling, MIAA tournament, TBA
Saturday, March 1 TBD, wrestling, MIAA tournament,
games will take place today, Feb. 19.
“Losing to Masco dropped us to the sixth seed in the Division 3 power rankings, so we need to make sure we perform well in these two games to remain in the top 8 to get at least one home game,” said Marfione.
But two wins could propel them to the fourth or fifth spot that might warrant two home games, just like last year. Ironically, Marblehead was the sixth seed last year, when they ended the regular season with a 12-9-1 record. And five games later, they were posing with the Division 3 state championship trophy on the TD Garden ice after beating Nauset, 1-0.
Girls basketball closes out regular season this week against Swampscott, Everett
The Marblehead High girls basketball team (13-4) defeated visiting Gloucester to begin last week on Feb. 11, 43-24. They closed out the week by blowing out Ipswich, also at home, 51-16 on Feb. 14. The Magicians also
TBA
10:30 a.m., girls and boys indoor track, Varsity New Englands, Reggie Lewis Center, Roxbury Friday, March 7 TBD, wrestling, New England tournament, TBA Saturday, March 8 TBD, wrestling, New England tournament, TBA
it was incredible to have six Marblehead jumpers. They will look to continue the momentum in spring track when we have a pit to practice with,” said Raimo.
Girls shot put Lillian Reddy (29-7.5) finished third.
Boys shot put Dylan Gilmore (40-5) came in eighth, a nine-inch personal best. “It’s monumental for high school throwers to break 40-feet, and Dylan broke 40 on three of his six throws,” said coach Danny Plunkett. “Dylan built a strong foundation in the weight room, and it was great to see his efforts translate from the weight room to the shot put ring.”
Graham Firestone (377) improved incrementally throughout the meet with each throw to finish 11th.
Girls 55-meter hurdles
Tredwell (9.03) held off Elise Burchfield (9.05) by fractions of a second to win the NEC championship. For Tredwell, this is her third conference championship, just like the high jump. For Elise, this was a significant personal best, dropping over 0.4 in a matter of a few weeks.
Catherine Cole (10.42, personal best) capped her freshman indoor hurdling season with yet another fine effort to finish 12th, the highest among freshmen. Campbell Crane (11.39) set a new season best time in her last race at 11.39, and repeated that mark to finish 19th among her NEC peers.
Boys 55-meter hurdles
Noah Jackson (8.44) ended up third. “Noah has battled through injury and illness the past few weeks, and so to run a time near his personal best was fantastic,” said Raimo.
Colon executed his race strategy to run a new personal best (8.55) in the preliminary round, and then 8.96 in the finals to finish fifth. Nate Jendrysik narrowly missed the finals (0.01 seconds) to finish seventh. This was his best race of the season.
Marc Grazado (9.34), who stepped up from the 55-meter hurdles to the 600 this season, was still able to cap a great hurdling career with an 11th place finish here in the NEC meet.
Girls 55-meter dash
Ava Machado captured the “Fastest in the NEC” crown for
the second straight year, while also tying her personal best and school record of 7.43. Lucy Flynn (7.58, personal best) was fourth. Zoe Dwyer (8.09) came in15th, followed by Lidia Jasmine Tiedra (8.14, personal best, 16th ) and Charlotte Roszell (8.15, personal best, 18th).
Boys 55-meter dash
Jacob Bobowski (6.84) led the way for Marblehead with a fifthplace finish to collect a medal. Corrigan (6.90) missed the finals by .01 of a second, settling for second. Coyne ran a huge personal record of 6.92 to finish eighth.
Girls mile
Seniors Abbie Goodwin (6:44.14) and Maren Potter (6:44.56) capped an indoor season with 15th and 16th place finishes. Thea Shaw (6:47.06) ended up 19th. Unfortunately, Evie Becker was unable to finish the race due to a calf strain.
Boys mile
Nate Assa was a man on a mission, before setting a new NEC Meet record of 4:20.09, a seven second personal best. He also captured the school record. Will Cerrutti (4:37.74) battled through an ankle injury and illness in the middle of the season to finish fourth in the NEC Meet. Zach Pike set a new personal best of 5:02.46 to come in 12th. Chris Shirtcliff (5:35.21) was 19th.
Girls 300
Flynn (44.87) started running the 300 late in the season, and, despite the late start, still came in third. Dwyer, like Lucy, only began running the 300 late in the season, but still set a new personal best time of
Rosen (1:54.08, personal best) also took part in this event.
Brady Leveroni (1:46.23, personal best) ended up 14th. Leveroni (1:51.43, personal best) finished 14th in the 200-yard freestyle.
played non-league host Notre Dame of Hingham last week in a game that didn’t count in the standings. It was considered an exempt game or for all intents and purposes a postseason test to get them ready for March Madness. For the record, the Marblehead girls dropped a 58-39 decision to the Cougars.
The Magicians are scheduled to wrap up the regular season this week with three games. They played Ipswich again at its place Feb. 11 after press deadline, before returning home to face rival Swampscott Feb. 19 at 7 p.m., and then non-league Everett the next night, also at home, starting at 5 p.m. After last week’s win over Gloucester, Coach Paul Moran said that it was his team’s best game of the year.
“Every year is a challenge, and this season was no different,”
Logan Doody (22.16, personal best) turned in a solid thirdplace finish in the 50-yard freestyle. Leveroni (56.76, personal best) was 13th in the 100-yard butterfly. Doody (50.0,
said Moran. “We started off the season with a lot of inexperience on the roster, but they have since all bought-in, and as a result we are playing good basketball down the stretch.”
Junior Hailey Schmitt played her best game of the year against Gloucester, according to Moran, while also contributing eight points to the winning cause.
Junior Samara Dosch took care of the basketball, and dished out many assists against the Fishermen. Her classmate Tessa Andriano paced the attack with 12 points.
Captains Ramana Gillett, Maddie Forbes and Olivia Goldwater led the way in this win with great hustle, defense and rebounding to go along with setting up fast break picks, said Moran.
It was Senior Night last Friday for the three senior captains, and exchange student Zoi Guzzini, who has fit right in to the team’s success this year.
46.98 to finish 14th among her conference peers, and third in the freshman class. Phoebe Fontela-Tuttle (47.23) continued her spree of breaking personal bests to end up 16th.Liv Carlson (47.31) set a personal best to finish 17th. Sophia Patterson (47.57) set a new personal best of 47.57 to cross the finish line right behind her.
Boys 300
Eben Weed (38.17) and Slater Johnson (38.35) only had one opportunity to run a 300 on a banked track, and they took full advantage. Weed set a massive personal best by over two seconds to finish eighth.
Johnson also had a personal best to come away with a 12th finish.
Girls 600
Norah Walsh led the way for Marblehead with a new personal best time of 1:52.06, an impressive feat for a freshman. For her efforts, she finished ninth overall. Juliet Burchfield (1:59.26) was 14th.
Boys 600
Jacob Szalewics cruised to a new school record of 1:23.73 to capture the NEC crown. Grazado got his chance on a banked 200-meter track, and he seized the opportunity to get a new personal best time of 1:31.91, beating his old mark by three seconds. It was good enough for 11th place. Sean Heenan, one of the most disciplined mid-distance Marblehead runners, finished 17th in 1:43.32.
Girls 1,000
Sarah Munroe (3:26.71) brought home hardware in the 1,000 with
personal best) returned to finish eighth in the 100-yard freestyle. Rosen (5:09.29, personal best) enjoyed a Top 10 finish, coming in 10th overall in the 500-yard freestyle.
In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Leveroni, Yuri Volkov, Rosen and
Moran has been in charge of the program throughout the last six years, and this season, in particular, has given him much satisfaction. He witnessed first-hand the team’s growth as varsity players in a short period of time, and hopes they have a nice long run in the Division 2 state tournament. Before the power rankings came into effect, Moran guided one of his earlier Marblehead clubs to the North quarterfinals, and he hopes for the equivalent of that (Round of 8) or even much more for this team come next month. As of Feb. 14, the Magicians are seeded 48th in the Division 2 power rankings. There are 68 clubs in this division.
Magicians extend winning streak to five against Malden to clinch tourney berth
The MHS boys basketball team (10-7) has gotten hot at the
a sixth-place finish. Ivana Nguyen set a new personal best time of 3:55.56 to come in 12th.
Boys 1,000
Henrik Adams (2:43.01, a sixth second personal best) was fifth. Will Cruikshank (2:48.63, onesecond personal best) came in ninth. Nicholas Regnault (2:59.50, one-second personal best) capped his senior indoor season by powering under three minutes to finish 12th. Peter Sullivan (3:08.17) ended up 15th. Peter caps an impressive indoor career with consistent race results and a fiery racing style that’s enjoyable to watch,” coach Will Herlihy said. “He will look to make a final hurrah in the 800 this spring before heading off to Boston University to study journalism.”
Felix Regnault (3:10.94) rounded out Marblehead runners in this event by coming in 17th overall.
Girls two-mile
Ruby Assa (12:55.13) had a successful freshman campaign before this NEC meet, but she put an exclamation point on her season with a 30-second personal best to finish fifth. Jesslyn Roemer (13:35.61) came in eighth, and Evelina Beletsky (14:49.88) 11th.
Boys two-mile
Nate Assa (9:43.08) came back to complete the ironman double to collect All-NEC honors in the two longest distance events. “Nate trained alongside Isaac Gross last year with great humility, and this year he has taken the reins and had one of the most impressive distance seasons in Marblehead history,” said Herlihy.
Doody (1:34.60, personal best) just missed breaking the school record, while coming in 10th overall among their sectional counterparts.
“All in all, it was a very successful two meets,” said Guertin after Sunday’s
right time, as the regular season winds down, and the postseason awaits. They have won five in a row, including the last two against host Gloucester on Feb. 11, 64-62, and non-league Malden two nights later at home, 53-46, which also clinched a berth in the Division 2 state tournament.
In the game against Malden, the Magicians pretty much led throughout, including at halftime, 30-19.
“After racing out to a 15-point lead at the end of the first quarter, Malden fought its way back to cut the lead to two with three minutes remaining in the half,” said coach Mike Giardi. Giardi singled out the defensive contributions of junior forward Rylan Golden and senior guard Cam Quigley, who provided the spark to reignite the offense.
Sophomore Finn Baron led the offensive attack against the Golden Tornadoes with 13
COURTESY
Jonah Potach (10:49.73) followed Assa’s lead to collect a medal after finishing fifth.
“With injuries and illnesses across the team, this group of girls stepped up to compete,” said Raimo. “This was already the second or third event for them on this day, and they still put in every ounce of effort to help the team.”
Boys 4x200
Bobowski, Corrigan, Coyne and Humphreys ran the fastest mile relay of the year to earn a new season best time of 1:37.43. “This was Alex and Owen’s first 200-meter relay of the year, and they both ran really well,” said Raimo, “while Jacob and Ryan are incredibly consistent 200meter runners, and they did their jobs to put Alex and Owen in a position to compete.”
Girls 4x800
Abbie Goodwin, Maren Potter, Thea Shaw and Cate Cole finished seventh in a time of 12:28.86.
Boys 4x800
Cruikshank, Pike, Adams and Assa ended up fourth in a time of 9:13.65.
Girls 4x400
Flynn, Sarah Munroe, Norah Walsh and Liv Carlson (4:33.39) sprinted to a second-place finish.
Boys 4x400
Nate Jendrysik, Weed, Johnson and Jack Franklin put together a quality relay to finish sixth in a time of 3:48.16.
boys sectional competition. “Hopefully, everyone is healthy for the state championship meet (the weekend of Feb. 15 after press deadline).” The All-State Meet was scheduled to take place at Boston University.
points, but senior captain Sam Thompson (12) and Quigley (11) were close behind to complete the team’s double-digit scorers. The Marblehead boys began the final week of the regular season in the annual Larry McIntire IAABO Board 130 Tournament at Marblehead. They first took on Gloucester in a rematch on Feb. 16 after press deadline. Bishop Fenwick went up against Bedford in the other opening round game. The consolation and championship games were held the next day. Coach Giardi’s squad will then face rival Swampscott on the road in Swampscott tonight at 7 p.m. to officially close out the regular season, before the playoffs begin next week. The Division 2 state tournament pairings are scheduled to be announced this weekend. As of Feb. 14, Marblehead is seeded 45th. There are 65 teams in Division 2.
PHOTO / CHARLIE ROSZELL
Marblehead High girls indoor track junior Addison Rotigliano, freshman Faith Apostolopoulos, freshman Cate Cole and senior Campbell Crane compete in the 55-meter hurdles during a tri-meet against Salem and Winthrop on Jan. 29.
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
‘Little Women: The Broadway Musical’
Friday, Feb. 21- Sunday, Feb. 23
Based on Louisa May Alcott’s life, “Little Women” follows the adventures of sisters Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy March. Marblehead Little Theatre presents the Broadway version, which debuted 20 years ago. For more info and tickets, visit mltlive.org.
The Dirty Floorboards
Saturday, Feb. 22, 8:30 p.m.
Come
Welcome to the Poop Museum
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 3:45-4:45 p.m.
Sarah Blacker & the Light
Friday, Feb. 28, 8 p.m.
The Me&Thee, 28 Mugford St., presents the 2024 New England Music Awards Performer of the Year Sarah Blacker and the Light. Blacker has toured nationally and internationally, playing to soldout shows throughout the U.S and Germany. The Patriot Ledger coined her music as “soaring folk gospel.” More info and tickets at meandthee.org.
Children ages 5 -10 and parents are welcome to join Susie Maguire, creator of the Poop Museum, to learn everything there is to know about poop — animal, insect and human. The program is a mix of science and goofiness. Register online at tinyurl.com/Poop-Museum.
BY KRIS OLSON
Marblehead High School
senior Benji Boyd heard about the 1920 silent movie “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari” from a YouTube video about the history of the Weimar Republic. Intrigued, Boyd looked into it further and discovered that the movie, called by critic Roger Ebert “the first true horror film,” the movie was a “big deal,” with many famous directors referring to it as part of their inspiration.
“I felt like it was the classic behind a lot of things, and I wanted to do something with it,” Boyd said.
That “something” has turned out to be adapting the film into “The Sleepwalker,” Marblehead High’s entry into the 2025 Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Drama Festival.
MHS will perform “The Sleepwalker” in the first round of the competition at Melrose High School on Saturday, March 1. But before that, local audiences will have two opportunities to see “The Sleepwalker” performed on the stage at the Performing Arts Center at the Veterans Middle School. The understudy cast will put on the play on Thursday, Feb. 27, with the main cast appearing the following night, Friday, Feb. 28. Both shows will start at 7 p.m., and the run time is approximately 40 minutes, the strict time limit for Drama Fest shows.
Boyd said he enjoyed the process of writing the script.
“The plot is pretty straightforward, so I basically just had to come up with, if the characters could speak, what would they be saying to explain the plot?” he said.
That plot centers on a series of mysterious murders that begins
to plague the quiet town of Holstenwall after the arrival of a new attraction at a local fair. The enigmatic Dr. Caligari claims that his ward, a sleepwalker named Cesare, has power to answer any question put to him, and to see into the past and future.
After his power is put to the test, the townspeople begin to suspect that the omniscient sleepwalker might not just be predicting the murders but causing them, too.
The film runs about 90 minutes but has “1920s pacing,” so not much had to be cut to trim it to the Festival’s specifications, Boyd said.
The lead role of Francis will be performed by Scarlett Kindle in the main cast and Isabel Scogland in the understudy cast.
The main villain in the show, Doctor Caligari, will be played by Anya Kane in the main cast and Brady Weed in the understudy cast.
The sleepwalker Cesare is Sam Jendrysik in the main cast and Niko King Mahan in the understudy cast.
Jane, the heroine and main love interest, will be portrayed by Charlotte Seliger in the main cast and Lucy Key in the understudy cast.
“A lot of the rest of my cast is gender bent from the original roles in the movie, either because there’s not that many female characters in the movie or because we just have a lot more women than men in our drama club,” Boyd said.
The vibe is more spooky than scary, “more of a Tim Burton film than a Stephen King adaptation,” according to Boyd.
“There are some murders that happen on stage, but they’re very dramatic — they’re not jump scares; there’s not tons of blood,” Boyd said.
The original film had “crazy” expressionist sets, and the MHS production will try to emulate the effects with its tech, including the lighting.
“Our lighting is going to be very dramatic, very expressionist — big shadows on the wall and spotlights, different colors, high saturation,” Boyd said. “Imagine a little kid holding a flashlight
Current Trivia Night
Tuesday, Feb. 25, 6-9 p.m.
Test your knowledge at Trivia Night with the Marblehead Current. The third annual Trivia night will be at The Landing Restaurant, which will donate 15% of the proceeds to the nonprofit newspaper.
under their face to tell a scary story. We have stage lights that are going to make some scenes look just like that.”
Program director Ashley Skeffington echoed Boyd’s enthusiasm about the lighting. She spoke to the Current after last Thursday’s rehearsal, noting that lighting designer Lucas Rosen was still in the auditorium changing out some gels with former faculty member Greg Dana, who continues to volunteer his time with the drama program.
“He’s got some really, really cool ideas for this as well to make it very spooky and very jarring,” Skeffington said. “I’m excited for people to be able to see his work as well.
Skeffington’s brother, Brad, has helped the crew build a big platform structure that will be on stage throughout the production.
“It’s going to help us have different levels of height on the stage,” Boyd said. “It’s visually really cool.”
Drama program veterans Monica Pechhold and Molly Farber have been given “free reign” with the costuming,
and Aoife Sullivan running the soundboard will be engineering a few music cues to add to the spooky effect, Skeffington added.
On March 1 in Melrose, Marblehead will be competing in a field of approximately eight schools, vying for the chance to advance to the semifinal round. Over the last decade or so, MHS has experienced success in the opening round, with a number of students in the cast and crew earning all-star company awards.
Trips out of the semifinals to the finals in Boston have been elusive, though this year’s Marblehead entry, like last year’s, may score a few points with the judges for being student-written and directed.
“If there’s anything that I would say I am exceptionally proud of, it’s the fact that we’ve cultivated this environment where students are capable of not just acting and not just operating as stage hands, but we have had for the last few years a lot of really good student writers and directors step up to the plate, which I think is a really cool learning experience for everybody involved,” Skeffington said.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Above, understudies Brady Weed, left, and Niko King Mahan as Doctor Caligari and Cesare the Sleepwalker, are surrounded by members of the ensemble during a rehearsal for Marblehead High School’s entry in the 2025 Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Drama Festival.
Doctor Caligari understudy Brady Weed, left, performs with Erin Clark, the understudy in the role of mayor, during a rehearsal for “The Sleepwalker,” Marblehead’s entry into the 2025 Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild Drama Festival.
to The Beacon Restaurant, 123 Pleasant St., for live music with The Dirty Floorboards, a local cover band that plays music from the 1960s to the present.
Robert Hughes Michel, 80
Robert Hughes Michel, late of Montreal, Quebec, died Feb. 4, at 80 years. He was raised in Marblehead, went to Tower School and graduated from Governor Dummer Academy in 1962. He attended the University of Pennsylvania for two years before transferring to Acadia University in Nova Scotia pursuing his interest in British
POLICe LOG
history and graduating with honors in 1966. He moved to Montreal earning both his master’s and doctoral
degrees at McGill University where his research there and at Oxford in the United Kingdom centered on the roles and status of women in Puritan England. In keeping with his scholarly nature he worked at McGill University Archives as a senior archivist from 1974-1995. While at McGill, he co-edited the journal “Fontanus: From the Collections of McGill” for several volumes and published many articles therein. His “Regis Messac at McGill University” from Fontanus, 2013, was most recently translated to French and published in France. After
retiring from McGill, Rob spent 1995-2002 at the Canadian Centre for Architecture as archivist, special project: Phyllis Lambert Collection. Rob was a true history scholar; he had an extensive knowledge of all eras and cultures which gave him a very broad outlook and perspective. This made him very objective in evaluating persons and politics. Literature, art history and music fueled his interests and he painted throughout his life. His personal library exceeded 6,000 volumes, and he was never happier than when
immersed in a book, nonfiction or fiction. Rob never rode when he could walk, never was idle when he could read and always had an appropriate and meaningful response, be it serious or a wry, sarcastic and witty quip for which he was known and loved. He was predeceased by his parents, Leopold and Carolyn Michel of Marblehead and longtime partner, Carol Wiens of Westmount. He leaves his sister Victoria (Tory) Kelley and her husband John, of Marblehead and two nephews, Christopher and Robert and their families.
Residents report suspicious tax documents
BY WILL DOWD
Excerpts from the Marblehead police log for Jan. 19-29.
Consistent with state law, police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.
Jan. 29
3:32 p.m. — Officer Tyler Bates met with a woman at the police station who reported losing her work authorization card approximately two-tothree weeks prior. The woman needed documentation of the loss for U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Bates filed a report documenting the incident.
Jan. 30
7:13 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello responded to the police station regarding an identity fraud report. A resident said she returned home from traveling to find she had received a W2 tax form from the IRS for a company she had never worked for, containing her correct Social Security number. Picariello advised the resident to contact
the IRS immediately, file a report with the FTC, and monitor her bank accounts. The resident had already frozen her accounts as a precaution.
Jan. 31
8:02 a.m. — Officer Douglas Mills responded to Pleasant Street for a minor motor vehicle accident. A company vehicle allegedly struck another vehicle’s snow plow attachment while attempting to change lanes. Both vehicles were undamaged.
4:06 p.m. — Officer Andrew DiMare took a phone report regarding a suspicious caller claiming to be from the Miami Drug Enforcement Administration. The caller claimed they had intercepted a package containing drugs addressed to the resident. The caller possessed personal information including the resident’s name, phone number and address, and threatened arrest if future calls went unanswered. DiMare advised the resident that federal agencies typically don’t make threatening phone calls and recommended ignoring any follow-up calls.
Feb. 6 1:18 a.m. — Officer Nicholas
Fratini conducted a traffic stop on Smith Street after observing a gray Volkswagen SUV allegedly fail to stop at a red light while turning from Ocean Avenue onto Pleasant Street. The juvenile driver was found to be operating with a junior operator’s license after permitted hours with an underage passenger. The vehicle was also determined to be unregistered and nonrenewable. The vehicle was towed and plates were seized.
12:03 p.m. — Officer Christian Hennigar responded to Susan Road for a report of an Amazon delivery truck striking a package and clipping a light pole. A witness reported hearing a loud noise and seeing the Amazon driver leave the scene after the incident. The damaged package contained materials for a backyard shed valued at approximately $200. No visible damage was observed to the light pole.
1:30 p.m. — Officer Douglas Mills took a fraud report at the station from a resident who allegedly discovered unauthorized charges on his Apple Card/National Grand Bank checking account. Two fraudulent charges were posted
that day — one to Apple for $3,135.59 and another for $35. Mills advised the victim to monitor accounts, check credit reports and place freezes with major credit bureaus.
3:30 p.m. — Officer Douglas Mills responded to Hereford Road where a snowplow operator had allegedly damaged a residential fence while pushing snow. Mills documented the damage and advised the property owner to contact the landscaping company directly to resolve the matter.
Feb. 8
5:04 p.m. — Officer Andrew DiMare took a phone report from a Bowden Street resident who received an unexpected 1099 tax form from Chase Bank for unreported income. The resident had no accounts with Chase and was concerned about potential fraud given past experience as a phishing victim. DiMare advised checking credit reports and contacting the IRS regarding the unexplained income reporting.
Feb. 9
11:25 a.m. — Officer Christian Hennigar met with a resident at the station regarding an ongoing
neighbor dispute on Sapphire Avenue. The dispute entered on property line boundaries and snow removal practices affecting vehicle access. Hennigar advised the residents of their rights regarding harassment prevention orders and documented the incident.
Feb. 10
8:14 p.m. — Officer Tyler Bates took a report from a parent regarding a fake TikTok account created allegedly using their child’s name and school photo. The matter was referred to Salem Police as the incident occurred at the family’s residence in that jurisdiction.
Feb. 11
5:13 p.m. — Officer Tyler Bates took an identity fraud report at the station from a Fader Place resident who allegedly discovered unauthorized charges on bank statements from AT&T ($136.86) and T-Mobile ($46.74). Both companies confirmed accounts had been opened using the victim’s information. The resident is working with the companies and National Grand Bank to resolve the fraud.
BY JARRETT ZEMAN
Before the days of CNN or Fox News, Nathaniel P. Bliss announced the news with this bell as Marblehead’s final town crier in the late 1800s. Bliss carried on a tradition that started in Marblehead in 1679, when the town paid John Ashton 40 shillings for crying the hours and ringing the 9 p.m. curfew bell.
In the days before high literacy rates and wide circulation of newspapers, town criers had an essential job of keeping their public informed, and they continued this role in the 19th century. For 50 cents, criers like Jonas Bettis, Nathan Homan, Rea Nourse and Nathaniel Bliss acted as a newspaper in flesh and blood, announcing town meetings, sales, ship arrivals, births and deaths, weddings and anything else people wanted to know. The bell served as a visual and audible cue that the crier was prepared to announce important news, and it played a similar role to other public bells like the ones in churches or town halls, which gathered large groups for ceremonies or events. Town criers also had the solemn duty of announcing tragic events, as Jonas Bettis did when he called mariners’ wives to the port to inform them of the Great Gale of 1846,
which cost 65
sailors their lives. In 1888, Nathaniel Bliss faced a close call when his bell burned in the Great Fire that ravaged Pleasant Street, and he replaced it with this pewter
bell. By the late 1880s, Bliss’s job had become obsolete, thanks to increased literacy rates and the communications revolution that put weekly newspapers within reach of every American,
including our own Marblehead Messenger. Bliss died in 1898, and Marbleheaders remembered him fondly for his service in a period when breaking news came from a man on the street.
Jarrett Zeman is the assistant director of the Marblehead Museum. “From the Vault” is a partnership between the Marblehead Museum and the Marblehead Current.
FrOM THe Vau LT
COURTESY PHOTOS / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM
Nathaniel P. Bliss’s pewter bell, used by Marblehead’s final town crier to announce news and events in the 19th century, is now part of the Marblehead Museum’s collection.
Daniel W. Shea Jr., 89
Daniel W. Shea Jr., 89, of Marblehead, died peacefully on Feb. 10. Dan, as friends and family knew him, was a patriot and proud veteran of the U.S. Navy, a devout Catholic and an active parishioner at Our Lady Star of the Sea in Marblehead. Most importantly, Dan was a beloved son, brother, uncle, husband, father and grandfather. Son of the late Daniel W. Shea, M.D., and Marjorie Ward Shea, Dan was born on Nov. 13, 1935, in Arlington. He grew up in Arlington, graduated from Matignon High School in Cambridge, St. John’s Seminary (with a master’s in history) and Boston College Law School (juris doctor) and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar. Dan was commissioned as a U.S. Navy officer in 1962 during the Vietnam War. He served as a judge advocate general at the U.S. Naval Station in Philadelphia and at sea as the legal officer aboard the Aircraft
Kenneth P. Weiss, 82
Kenneth P. Weiss, a pioneering entrepreneur, human factors engineer and esteemed inventor, passed away peacefully at the age of 82 on Feb. 8. The father of multi-factor authentication, Ken’s influence on computer security and his genius behind his SecurID invention is felt today every time we use our phones or computers to secure sensitive information, from bank accounts to social media. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity in both spirit and technological advancement for the betterment of mankind.
Son of the late Melvin and Mary (Press) Weiss, Ken was born in Lynn in 1942 and showed an early sense of perpetual curiosity and love for learning (although he admittedly was never a good student). He grew up in Swampscott, a proud graduate of Swampscott High School class of 1960, and was recognized as a brilliant entrepreneur from a young age. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Bridgeport. He pursued graduate studies and research at the University of New Hampshire and Temple University, earning a doctorate from the Neotarian Fellowship.
From 1975 to 1983 Weiss was
Thomas Stover, 89
Thomas Stover, 89, peacefully passed away after a long and full life on Feb 6. Born in 1935 in Biddeford, Maine, he was the son of Thomas and Florence Stover. He was the proud father of three daughters: Suzy O’Brien, Carolyn Devitt and Katy Krause. He also leaves behind seven
Carrier USS Saratoga. He was promoted to lieutenant commander on completion of his naval service.
Dan began a career of civilian legal work focused on labor relations and labor contract negotiations between large companies and unions in Cambridge, Connecticut, New York City, Chicago, New Jersey and other locations in the United States and abroad. He retired in 2004 and relocated to Marblehead with his wife Marjorie.
Dan’s lifelong joys of swimming
president and CEO of Contax Systems, a manufacturer of human-engineered, computeraided dispatching systems. In 1984, he founded Security Dynamics Technologies Inc., serving as CEO until 1986 and subsequently as chairman of the board and CTO until 1996. His visionary leadership led to the acquisition of RSA Security in 1993, a pivotal move that expanded the company’s influence in internet commerce.
Under his guidance, Security Dynamics developed and marketed the SecurID Card and RSA encryption technologies, setting new standards in computer security and identity authentication. That technology revolutionized digital security as we know it today. His invention, the SecurID, is used by the United States government as well as most Fortune 500 companies and the governments and major corporations in more than 30 countries. He took his
William F. Curtis, 85
William Frost Curtis, 85, of Swampscott, formerly of Marblehead, passed away on Feb.
11. He was the beloved husband of Ruth H. Morgan with whom he shared 57 years of marriage.
William was born at the original Mary Alley Hospital off Selman Street in Marblehead on Jan. 14, 1940. He attended
grandchildren — Hannah, Julianna, Tess, Natalie, Cassidy, Jack and Nora; his former wife, Judy Stover; and his brother, Richard. He was predeceased by his brother, Robert, and his sister, Joan, both of California.
A graduate of the University of Maine with a degree in chemical engineering, Tom served in the Air Force National Guard, spending time in Germany. He later earned a law degree from Fordham Law School, combining
and sailing started as a child swimming off Goldthwait Beach, where he later became a Trustee of the Reservation. He learned to sail in Marblehead Harbor and owned and raced sailboats throughout his life, primarily at the Noroton Yacht Club in Darien, Connecticut, and on Lake Michigan in Chicago, Illinois. Upon retiring to Marblehead, he joined the Power Squadron and the Freedom Boat Club, from where he motored around the waters and harbors of Essex County, a joy he shared with his grandchildren and family.
Dan was proud of his Marblehead roots, which date back to the Civil War when his great-grandfather William Ward served in the U.S. Navy. The Ward family owned a grocery store on the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Commercial Street, in the early 1900s. Dan’s mother was raised with her siblings in the apartment above the store until the family moved to Phillips Street in 1916.
Dan was a lifelong learner and read voraciously, giving him a wide and long view of the world and history, not to mention a
company public in 1994. You can draw a straight line from the SecurID’s constantly-changing numeric display to the nowubiquitous one-time codes we all use to access sensitive information including our bank accounts.
Beyond his corporate and scientific achievements, Weiss was a dedicated educator and mentor, teaching at institutions including Penn State, University of Bridgeport, Nasson College and King’s College, where he chaired the psychology department for seven years. He also contributed to the academic community as a member of the editorial board for the Journal of Information Systems Security and as chairman of the identification and authentication division of the American Defense Preparedness Association’s committee on computer security.
A prolific inventor, Weiss held more than 30 U.S. patents in addition to a personal trademark on practicality when it came to how he approached any challenge in life. His critical analysis of the Clipper chip initiative in 1994 highlighted its significant flaws, which influenced the eventual abandonment of the program and underscored his commitment to privacy and ethical considerations in technology.
Weiss’ passion for sailing
Marblehead Gerry School, Marblehead Middle School and Marblehead High School and graduated with the class of 1958.
William was the father of Eric W. Curtis and his wife, Anna Therese Rydbjork Curtis, of Andover, and Sean M. Curtis and his wife, Erin Schenk Curtis of Rockport; and the grandfather of Sean W. Curtis, Marcus J. Curtis, Lydia Ann Curtis, Brityn Elizabeth Curtis and Henry Otto Curtis.
He was the son of the late John
his engineering background with legal expertise in a career that spanned decades. He practiced law locally in Marblehead before transitioning to a civilian role as a patent lawyer at Hanscom Air Force Base for over 20 years. Tom was drawn to Marblehead by its vibrant sailing community and its proximity to his beloved Maine. He spent hours on the water, racing Lightning-class sailboats and enjoying the camaraderie of the Corinthian
million-dollar vocabulary. He shared his knowledge readily and regularly, and when dispensing it to his daughters and grandchildren, he would add, “And there’s no tuition for that!”
Unfailingly polite and formal, yet always cheerful and friendly, Dan greeted anyone he encountered with a “Good morning!” or “Hello, hello!” He was well-known to the staff at the YMCA, the Council on Aging and to business owners in town.
He was a favorite at the Flower House, where he bought his wife Marjorie bouquets for every occasion.
In retirement, Dan was an active volunteer at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church and also served the town of Marblehead on voting matters. He mentored a youth from Children’s Friend and Family Services in Salem, taught English to speakers of other languages, mentored veterans in Veterans’ Treatment Court, Boston, was of counsel for a local law firm and narrated boat tours of the Boston Harbor Islands. He also enjoyed his many years as
stemmed from his teen years as a launch boy at the Boston Yacht Club in Marblehead. He realized a life-long dream in 1999 when he purchased and refit Gitana, a 118-foot Perini Navi sailing yacht that he used to explore the world for nearly a decade. The boat was meticulously crafted, feverishly loved and the only registered megayacht berthed in Massachusetts waters.
At the time of his passing, Weiss divided his time between Newton and Gloucester, where he was a member of the Eastern Point Yacht Club. He was the founder and CEO of Universal Secure Registry (USR) and USR ID Inc, where he continued to innovate in identification, authentication and mobile phone applications.
His philanthropy enriched cultural and community organizations, including the Cape Ann Symphony, Rockport Chamber Music Society, Gloucester Stage Company and the Cape Ann Historical Association. He was a steadfast supporter of healthcare institutions: Mass General Brigham, Addison Gilbert and Beverly Hospitals and the Lahey Clinic. Weiss held a soft spot for his treasured golden retrievers who roamed his estates and slept by his feet for decades. A true humanitarian, Weiss provided benevolences to anyone in his life who was in need. From offering to host charitable
Wellington Curtis and Florence Hadley Smethurst Curtis and brother to the late John Stuart Curtis, Sandra Curtis Callaghan and Richard Elsworth Curtis. He leaves behind many nieces and nephews.
William worked for the First National Grocery Store in Marblehead and the Marblehead Electric Light for 38 years and many part-time jobs after he retired. He loved seeing his grandchildren in their various sports and school programs.
Yacht Club. Tom loved the outdoors, and was an active member of the Marblehead Conservation Commission. Tom was known for his quick wit and sense of humor. In retirement, he fulfilled a lifelong dream by designing and building a barn on his property. He loved to travel and explore, especially in his native state of Maine and Canada.
A private family gathering will be held in his honor.
a member of the BeverlyMarblehead Sail & Power Squadron and the Wardroom Club of Boston.
Dan is survived by the love of his life and wife of 61 years, Marjorie, and his younger brother, Rev. Timothy Shea. He is also survived by the greatest joys of his life: daughters Cathy Shea (David Turino) of Glen Ridge, New Jersey; Carolyn Curé (Edward Curé) of East Greenwich, Rhode Island; and Susan May (Doug May) of Marblehead; and grandchildren Lily Turino, Tim Curé, Nate May and Edie May.
Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 13, from 4-7 p.m., at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. A funeral mass will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, 10:30 a.m., at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Marblehead Veterans’ Services, 7 Widger Rd., Marblehead 01945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Dan’s family.
events to lending sage advice to extending generosity, he could be relied on to come through when friends or long-time acquaintances faced their most difficult challenges.
Weiss was best described as kind and fiercely loyal with a genial wit. He is survived by his beloved Ashton Zarna, nephew Clayton Weiss and niece Mira (Weiss) Kucharsky and her husband David. He proudly watched his grandnephew Jeffrey Kucharsky and grandniece Lindsey Kucharsky grow into accomplished and kind teenagers. He is also survived by life-long advisor and cherished friend Arthur Hagopian. Those who resided under his roof will feel his absence deeply: namely his devoted staff and his faithful dog, Watson. His closest connections will remember him not only for his professional accomplishments, but also for his generosity, mentorship and unwavering dedication to advancing technology for the betterment of society.
Weiss touched and improved thousands of lives. He made the most unconventional outsider feel welcome. He invited people into his world to share his good fortune and the fruits of his success. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations in the fields of technology, education and philanthropy. He will be greatly missed. Services will be private.
A celebration of William’s life will be held on Sunday, Feb. 23, 1 p.m. at the Philanthropic Lodge of Masons, 62 Pleasant St., Marblehead. Relatives and friends are kindly invited. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the National Council for Adoption (donorbox. org/ give-to-nationalcouncilfor-adoption). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for William’s family.
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Headlight
Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community
The unseen threat of plastic
Anna Baughman, Sophomore
The levels of harm, waste, and pollution from plastic has long since been a widespread concern. We see the dangers of plastic on the environment and all kinds of wildlife. But what about the dangers/ threats that it poses to humans? The thought never really crossed my mind until I read an article recently published in the Phillipian, Phillip’s Academy’s student newspaper. I did some more research, and I was surprised at the toxins found in many common plastics, more specifically those used for food. So, in an effort to help spread awareness on this topic, I’d like to talk about it, too.
We use plastic for so much, including utensils, food containers/packages, and cookware. These plastics are used with the food that we eat and can spread toxic chemicals, especially when heated. Plastics used for electronics often contain flame retardant chemicals for safety purposes. However, this plastic is frequently recycled and used in black plastic kitchenware. In the findings of a scientific investigation done by Buyun Liu, MD, PhD, HansJoachim Lehmler, PhD, “PBDE
[a flame retardant] exposure was significantly associated with an increased risk of cancer mortality.” I found many other articles and investigations that came to similar conclusions.
According to a team of researchers at PlasticChem, “There are at least 16,000 known plastic chemicals that are potentially used or present in plastics.” They go on to say that out of the 16,000, over 4200 plastic chemicals (25%) are hazardous to human health or the environment.
According to a CNN article, “In the United States, the regulatory process requires proof of an individual chemical’s harm before action can be taken. Critics of this approach say this allows industry to change a small molecule in that chemical’s structure, effectively sending scientists back to the lab to prove that the chemical harms the body in the same way as its predecessor.” This makes getting rid of these chemicals so much harder.
You can imagine how harmful these plastics are to us AND to the animals that may ingest them. That being said, more research will have to be done to truly determine the harm in some of the plastics that we use.
When to act
Grey Collins, Assistant Editor, Junior
As countless government agencies are purged and dismantled, ICE raids are allowed in schools and churches, DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) is blamed for every issue in our country, and tech oligarchs exercise novel unchecked power over our government, it’s no secret that many in our MHS community might feel nervous for what the next four years will bring.
While the chaos at hand is designed to make you feel helpless and overwhelmed, you can take action instead. Kathy Hempel, the chair of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee is leading an effort to raise awareness and fight back against oppressive new policies on a local level.
“The Marblehead Democratic Town Committee is a very active organization and has been for a long time,” said Hempel. “At our committee meeting on January 27th, the committee voted to form four new subcommittees: immigration; women’s reproductive rights; 3A housing; and combating misinformation. Hopefully, we will get momentum to do some really good things in our community and beyond.”
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
With so much uncertainty in the air, and the suspicions of an Elon Musk-led government takeover, some are wondering what they can do to step up and help.
Hempel believes that there are plenty of opportunities for Marblehead high school students.
“Gather in community,” she said, when asked what advice she would give to fearful and anxious high school students. “Find people and clubs that you enjoy. Do not be alone. Marblehead High School has a High School Democrats club. Join them and learn about democratic values and perhaps get involved in a campaign. Volunteer at the senior center. Volunteer at the animal shelter, or the Festival of Arts. Find something you enjoy and find a way to help.”
Hempel thinks that students could play an important role in improving our community and strengthening the movement to protect vulnerable populations left behind by the current administration. In Trump’s first two weeks in office, over 5,000 immigrants have been deported, and the policies preventing ICE arrests in churches and schools have been discarded.
Hempel remembered a plea made to President Trump by a bishop that she thinks perfectly sums up how she feels, and why the com-
munity needs to unite and act to protect its most vulnerable members.
“Bishop Marion Edgar Boudin said it best on Inauguration Day; she said, ‘Have mercy upon the people in our country who are scared. There are gay, lesbian, transgender children, democratic, republican, independent families - some who fear for their lives. The people who pick our crops and clean our office buildings, who labor in poultry farms and meat packing plants, who washed the dishes after we
eat in restaurants, and work the night shifts in hospitals - they may not be citizens or have the proper documentation, but the vast majority of immigrants are not criminals.’”
Those words inspired Hempel to take more action throughout our community and she hopes others’ hearts are touched in the same way. She firmly believes that we all need to stand up for our values, or we are no better than those who have stepped aside and allowed terrible atrocities in the past.
Senior fundraisers
Benji Boyd, Editor-in-Chief, Senior
Heading into the second semester, many MHS seniors' minds are already drifting towards May and June. As the exciting events of Senior Week grow ever nearer, our senior class student council is working hard to raise the funds to make them all possible. Recently, the MHS community has started to take note of how frequently the class of 2025 hosts fundraisers, and wonder where all this money is going. To find answers to these questions, I reached out to our senior class president Jared Kaplowitch for comment.
“I feel that we cannot have enough fundraisers,” said Kaplowitch. “The more money and support we get from each fundraiser helps us reach our goals of keeping costs as low as possible for each student.”
Thanks to their efforts thus far, Senior Prom tickets are already projected to cost under $100 for each student. This is a pretty good deal, especially considering this year’s exciting new venue. After several years at the House of Blues, the Senior Prom of 2025 will be held at the State Room in Boston, an event center overlooking an impressive view of the Custom House Tower and the Quincy Market neighborhood.
For seniors who have been consistently supporting our restaurant fundraisers throughout the year, this promise of reduced ticket prices should come as no surprise. According to Kaplowitch, a fundraiser could raise any-
thing from $100 to $1,000, depending on where and when it is held. Chipotle and Panera have been classic favorites for class fundraisers over the years, but this year the senior class has branched out to new locations, including Cookie Monstah, Flip the Bird, and QDOBA.
The process for partnering with a restaurant begins by reaching out to a franchise through a correspondent to its corporate office, or by contacting the owner of a local business directly. The percentage of the night’s earnings that the restaurant will donate depends on the location, but the partnership benefits both the business and the senior class by bringing in more customers.
In the past these events have helped our student government break even for the Sophomore Semi Formal and Junior Prom, while continuing to save up for senior year. “I’ve always been a firm believer in saving our money for senior year,” commented Kaplowitch, adding that all $40,000 we earned from our junior class auction has been saved for this year.
As the months begin to fly by, seniors have their student government and all the families who have supported our fundraisers to thank for the exciting things on the horizon. Until then, Kaplowitch reminds everyone to attend our upcoming fundraisers at Panera on Tuesday, February 25, and QDOBA on Tuesday, March 11, both from 4 to 8 PM.
REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Anna Baughman, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King, William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton, Madalyn Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas
