02.01.23 - Volume 1, Issue 10

Educators wrapping heads around ChatGPT

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Concerns that local students might tap into the cutting-edge artificial intelligence offered by ChatGPT to do their schoolwork for them have been realized, Superintendent John Buckey told the Marblehead Current

The powerful, multilingual chatbot can instantaneously perform literary analysis, compose original poems, write short fiction and compute

complex math problems.

“This is so new, districts are trying to get up to speed quickly as they discover more about it,” Buckey said. “We just did a professional development on the topic.”

OpenAI, a private artificial intelligence research organization whose founders include Elon Musk, developed ChatGPT. The organization released the chatbot on Nov. 30 and it became wildly popular

overnight. Today, its usage is in the millions.

“It uses a deep learning technique called transformerbased neural networks to generate human-like text,” wrote ChatGPT when the Current asked the chatbot about itself.

“It can be fine-tuned for various natural language processing tasks such as language translation, question answering and text summarization.” Marblehead High School

A dream come true

Assistant Principal Lindsay Donaldson recently prepared and disseminated information about ChatGPT to educators.

“Our teachers are learning more about the pitfalls of ChatGPT and reviewing if there can be positive applications of the technology,” said MHS Principal Dan Bauer.

Bauer and Buckey confirmed incidents where students handed in ChatGPT-generated work as their own.

“We want students producing authentic assignments that cause them to engage critically in their thinking about topics and assignments,” Bauer said. Passing off ChatGPT-created work constitutes plagiarism and cheating, violating the MHS student handbook’s section titled “academic integrity expectations.”

“If a teacher suspects

BY CHRIS STEVENS

Nearly everyone has a vehicle they dream about owning. Maybe it’s a sports car, luxury vehicle, decked-out Harley or even a fire truck.

“Every firefighter, I think, dreams of owning their own fire truck,” said Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland. And for Gilliland, that dream has come true.

Gilliland recently became the proud owner of a classic 1939 model 80 Mack combination pumper/ladder truck. If that weren’t exciting enough, it is an

original Marblehead fire truck. Gilliland said he’d looked off and on for a truck he could call his own, something small enough to store, ideally with an open cab. He wasn’t sure it would ever happen.

Then he got a phone call from a guy who said he had something he thought belonged to Gilliland.

“I hate calls like that,” Gilliland said with a laugh. “I said, ‘What could you possibly have that belongs to me?’”

When Sunapee, New Hampshire

Assistant Fire Chief Dana Ramspott said it was a vintage Marblehead fire

truck, Gilliland said, “OK, now you’ve got my attention.”

Ramspott immediately sent photos.

“It’s pretty funky looking,” Gilliland said, showing the photo Ramspott sent. “I’m not a real big fan of the swayback, but it belonged to Marblehead, so you know what, I’m interested.’”

A little history

Along with photos, Ramspott also sent Gilliland the original “bill card,”

DISCOV ery Body found on beach is man from Peabody

GrIM

After ‘double take,’ woman walking dog ran to call police

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD, LEIGH BLANDER AND KRIS OLSON

A body discovered on a beach at the end of Edgemere Road on Salem Harbor on Thursday, Jan. 26 was identified two days later as that of a missing Peabody man, authorities announced.

The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed the body was that of Michael Gray, 31, of Peabody, Essex County District Attorney Paul F. Tucker, Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King, Salem Police Chief Lucas Miller and Peabody Police Chief Thomas Griffin confirmed in a joint statement issued Jan. 28.

Gray’s family reported him missing on Dec. 11. A day later, investigators found some articles of clothing connected to Gray on Juniper Beach in Salem. In January, State Police and local dive teams searched for Gray over several days in the water off the Salem beach.

Marblehead resident Ellie Tomlinson found the body around 4 p.m. while walking her golden retriever. Her waterfront house sits abuts the beach entrance where she discovered the body, across Salem Harbor from the area previously searched.

When Tomlinson came across the body, she thought it was a Halloween decoration.

Banner year for the Glover’s Regiment march

Annual observance pays homage to Revolutionary War hero

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

It was a chilly and clear night for Glover’s Marblehead Regiment’s annual march from the Old Town House to Old Burial Hill to pay homage to Gen. John Glover.

As the sun retreated, Capt. Seamus Daly led the march as a

banner-year crowd of about 150 people trailed behind the singlefile line of reenactors.

The Old Historic District came alive. People stepped out of their front doors. Children and parents pulled back the curtains to take a peek at the passing contingent. Some joined in the march.

Robert and Zoey de Saint Phalle brought out their son, Leo. The little boy repurposed his Revolutionary War uniform. “He was George Washington for Halloween, but he is often in costume,” said Zoey de Saint Phalle. “We generally do turn out for all the fun, wacky Marblehead stuff.”

Once at Old Burial Hill, Daly stood in front of Glover’s tomb,

Some students have handed in AI chatbot work as their own

After more than 40 years away, Marblehead fire truck finds its way home

Corey Stein Films

BY MELISSA STACEY

Tell us about Corey Stein Films. It was during a brief high school elective class that I first held a camera and gained experience with a full editing suite. It was then that I started to learn the power of creating a story through creative image. Although I intended to focus on “business” in college, my passion became more focused and I gained considerable knowledge in film and video and widened my hands-on experience.

When just starting out, I had every intention of working in the film production field for a company until I sat down and spoke with a college alumni who started and ran his own film company. His words, “Just go out and make videos,” was the catalyst I needed to start my own video production company. I now have

complete control of the work I put out under my own company name.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received?

The best piece of advice

I ever received was to build a network in the community I live in. This has become a large focus of my business affiliations and has resulted in my business growth.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? My favorite spot in Marblehead is Fort Sewall. It may be a cliche answer but you can’t beat the views and location!

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am 25 years old and decided to start my business right out of college. The business spotlight is a weekly feature published

in partnership with Discover Marblehead. Discover Marblehead is “dedicated to the promotion of our majestic seaside

town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Our mission is to highlight local businesses, tourism, community events and

attractions through social media, email marketing and community outreach.”

To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.

Town’s green team invites public to net-zero meeting

The Green Marblehead Committee invites the community to participate in a public meeting via Zoom to review the draft Marblehead Net Zero Roadmap on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 6 –7:30 p.m.

To register, visit mapc.ma/ marblehead-roadmap Marblehead Select Board created the Green Marblehead Committee in 2019 to develop a Climate Vision and plan to reach net-zero carbon emissions.

The committee, with input from town residents and guided by the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC), has set the goal of achieving net zero carbon emissions community-wide by 2040 (ten years earlier than the state’s goal). Residents attending the public-visioning session voted to approve this goal in October 2020, and the Select Board adopted the Visioning Document

and Net Zero by 2040 goal in December 2020.

The Green Marblehead Committee has continued meeting monthly, with the guidance of MAPC, to develop a roadmap for how to reach this goal. Incorporating public input from a workshop/listening session in 2021, as well as from surveys and questionnaires, the committee is now presenting its draft of the Marblehead Net Zero Roadmap.

The Feb. 15 public meeting is an opportunity for townspeople to learn about the Roadmap and comment on it. For more on the Green Marblehead Committee and the Marblehead Net Zero Roadmap, visit https://www.marblehead.org/ green-marblehead-committee.

beeN THere, DON e TH aT Bea Paul credits daily swims, clean living for longevity

INTERVIEW CONDUCTED

BY LEIGH BLANDER

NAME: Bea Paul

AGE: 91

BIRTHPLACE: Boston

How long have you lived in Marblehead? I’ve lived here for over 50 years. I was teaching at the JCC in Lynn and became the director of the early childhood program. When the center moved to Marblehead it was a natural move for me.

What is your fondest childhood memory?

I grew up in Revere and I loved walking Revere Beach in the winter when the snow was piled up high on the sand. Revere Beach was always fun for me.

What jobs have you had and what was your favorite? My favorite job was being the director of the early childhood program at the JCC. I loved the involvement with parents and seeing the children every day, seeing those little faces. I still like to see the little faces when I come to the center.

I also developed the infant-toddler daycare program, which was very innovative, in 1978 with Ursula Block. It came at a time when mothers were going back to work. We also wanted to accommodate mothers who wanted a little time to themselves during the day, which can we very important.

I remember during the Blizzard of ‘78, Ursula and I met at Brown’s Resetaurant, we both walked, and we talked about how we were going to present the infant-toddler program to the JCC. Some board members said they didn’t want diapers and cribs at the JCC. They were overridden. It started with one room and we filled up almost immediately. It’s been going strong ever since. It’s a very important program.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen the in the world? There are a lot of changes.

I suppose technology is the biggest one. When we started (at the JCC) we were making lists for parents and it was all by hand. The technology really boosted our ability to have the programs that we have today.

I know how to text, but I prefer not to. I do email for communication and safety. Over the pandemic, I Zoomed classes, concerts, courses … and it saved my life. I’m a widow and I was alone and it was very difficult, but that saved my life.

What is your most vivid memory from history? The JFK assassination hit me very deeply and when Robert Kennedy was assassinated it hit me again. They represented things I cared about. Today, I’m concerned about our democracy. I’m worried about America.

What is your biggest accomplishment? Developing the early childhood program at the JCC and adding extended care. I was also a docent at the Peabody Essex Museum for 10 years. After I retired, I taught at Salem State and that was very fulfilling. I also have two children, one grandson and two great-grandchildren.

What is your best piece of advice to the younger generation? Have a goal and work towards it. Word hard. You just have to keep at it. It’s very satisfying.

What is your secret to aging well? Exercise is number one. I swam before work for many years. Now I take water aerobics classes at the JCC two or three times a week. Clean living, I guess!

NEWSROOM

Managing Editor - Will Dowd  wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Staff Reporter - Leigh Blander lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Sports ReporterJoe McConnell jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristan Ashlock

Linda Bassett

Nicole Goodhue-Boyd

Scot Cooper

Laurie Fullerton

Mark Hurwitz

John Lamontagne

Christine McCarriston

Eyal Oren

Frances Roberts Hill

Pam Peterson

Chris Stevens

Linda Werbner

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gene Arnould

Jessica Barnett

Ed Bell

James Bryant - President

Virginia Buckingham - Secretary

Donna Rice

Kate Haesche Thomson

Richard Weed - Treasurer

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf

DIRECTOR OF

COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Marion Warner Greely

FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett

Ed Bell

Leigh Blander

Will Dowd

David Moran

Kris Olson

ADVISORS

Francie King

Donna Rice

Marblehead News 217 Humphrey St.  Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 781.910.8658 info@marbleheadnews.org

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COURTESY PHOTO

Corey Stein, owner of Corey Stein Films, is a filmmaker, photographer and cinematographer.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Bea Paul, center, plays canasta at the JCCNS with friends Beverly Nathan, left, and Arlene Padulsky.

Snowy snapshot, 1969

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

“This photograph was taken after a winter storm in 1969 by the late Dave Moynihan,” Dixey explained. “A John S. Martin truck is driving down Pleasant Street near the former Dill’s Restaurant and Marblehead Submarine Shop.”

March

From P. A1

illuminated with lanterns placed atop it. He offered a brief eulogy. His fellow reenactors flanked him to the left and right as a wall of people fanned out in front of Daly, who spoke not only of the general’s leadership during the Revolution but also the sacrifice of Marblehead men and families in their pursuit of liberty.

Daly gave a bit of a history lesson, too, about the New York campaigns in which Glover’s military knowledge proved important to Washington.

Glover’s men evacuated the Continental Army from Brooklyn to Manhattan and fought against the British during the Landing at Kips Bay and the Battle of Pell’s Point in 1776.

Glover’s regiment also carried out the military operation that ferried Washington and his army across the Delaware River on Christmas Day in 1776. The Delaware crossing allowed the Continental Army to launch a sneak attack against sleeping Hessian soldiers and secure its first major victory in 1776.

“Most importantly, this defeat of the Hessians reinvigorated the colonials’ confidence in their pursuit of war after almost four months of constant retreat and defeat,” Daly said. “His men were key to this turning point of the Revolution. Their success saved the Revolution.”

Glover’s public service did not end with the wartime effort. He served six terms as a Marblehead selectman.

Before they left Old Burial Hill, reenactors fired their muskets three times and offered one of the march’s hearty “huzzahs.”

Reenactors retreated back into the Old Historic District’s downtown area and capped the ceremony with a musket firing in front of Glover’s former house at 11 Glover Square.

Meaghan Walsh, whose family lives in the home now, stood in the door cradling her son, Jackson, as the reenactors approached to render honors.

“It’s pretty cool that they carry on this tradition,” Walsh said.

“They are keeping Glover’s spirit alive.”

218Beacon Street Marblehead, MA 01945 Open Monday-Friday8 a.m.-5 p.m. 781-886-7075

CURRENT PHOTOS/ NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Members of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment tell the story of how the famous Marblehead general helped George Washington cross the DelawareRiver in the Revolutionary War.

Reenactors fire three volleys at Old Burial Hill during the annual funeral procession for Gen. John Glover.

“Powder monkeys” Michael Robillard, 7, and his brother Joey, 4, watch reenactors during the annual Glover funeral march.

Reenactors listen during a service at Gen. John Glover’s tombstone on Sat., Jan. 29 at Old Burial Hill.

Select Board, School Committee fill Barron vacancy

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

For the next five months, resident Thomas Mathers will serve as an interim member of the Marblehead School Committee.

The Marblehead School Committee and the Select Board picked Mathers in a joint meeting on Jan. 23, interviewing a half-dozen candidates in Abbot Hall over a two-hour period. Mathers will serve out the remaining months of Emily Barron’s three-year term on the School Committee.

In the second round of voting, Alison Taylor and Erin Noonan switched their votes from candidate Don Dewitt to Mathers, giving him the five votes he needed to secure the seat. The pair joined Select Board members Alexa Singer and Moses Grader and School Committee Chair Sarah Fox in giving Mathers the appointment. Paul Baker (three votes) came in second after tying with Mathers in the first voting round. In both rounds of voting, Select Board member Jim Nye cast a lone vote for Raymond A. Hansen.

Mathers will serve until the municipal election in June, but he said he will not pull

nomination papers in March. Aside from paying property taxes, Mathers said he has no strings attached to the Marblehead Public Schools.

“My kids are 27 and 25. They did not go to school in Marblehead, so I have no institutional bias,” he told officials. “I don’t come in here with any fixed view on any member of the administration.”

From 2013 to 2016, Mathers served as an elected official on the School Committee of the Masconomet Regional School System, sitting on its finance and negotiating committees. He also served as a Butler University board of trustee for an unspecified time.

“From my perspective, I really enjoyed the policy subcommittee when I served,” he said. “I think that you can have a tremendous amount of input and impact on long-term kind of policy formation within the school system.”

He firmly stated that he takes seriously the separation of powers between the School Committee and the superintendent.

“Understanding your role as a school committee member is really important. You’re here to

hire and fire the superintendent and evaluate their performance,” he said. “You’re here to approve, develop and formulate a budget. And you’re here to really provide governance on policy formation and implementation.” He said he’s learned that micromanaging doesn’t bring out the best in him or other people.

“I’m not a good micromanager. I’ve tried in my career to micromanage, [and it] always backfires,” he said. “But I think if you trust in people, you hire

the right people. You empower those people and get out of the way. Typically, it works out well. That’s my experience.”

Fox and Singer said Mathers prior School Committee experience sold them.

“I think qualifications is important and understanding the intricacies that are involved with the town versus the schools and what that looks like,” said Singer, explaining her rationale before she cast her Mathers vote. “The importance of this short-term appointment, leading

to then a situation where the decision is then led back to the voters.”

Mathers’ resume notes he is the founder, president and chief executive officer of Allievex Corporation. He has experience in the biotechnology, biopharmaceutical and healthcare industries.

The Marblehead resident graduated from West Point and is a former captain in the U.S. Army. Mathers flew Apache attack helicopters in the 1991 Gulf War, earning an Air Medal.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

When an emergency mental health or substance abuse call comes into Marblehead Police, Gina Rabbitt will head to the scene with officers to try to de-escalate the situation and connect people to the services they need.

“Someone might be having the worst day of their life and be in full crisis mode,” said Rabbitt, a mental health clinician who started at MPD about six months ago. “I talk to that person and try to calm them down if they’re feeling anxious. I try to resolve the matter at the scene as compared to arresting the individual or transporting them to the emergency room.”

Rabbitt is embedded with Marblehead police three days a week, thanks to a state-funded program called Jail Diversion. Dozens of Massachusetts police departments, including Salem’s, now have Jail Diversion programs.

“Our goal is to divert people with psychiatric and substance abuse issues from the criminal justice system to the mental health system,” Chief Dennis King told the Marblehead Current. King received a threeyear, $250,000 grant from the

“I had to do a double take,” she told the Marblehead Current outside her home. “I then saw a scarf.”

She did not want to use her cell phone because it was too loud with the

state Department of Mental Health to fund Rabbitt’s role and implement crisis intervention training for all Marblehead officers.

Rabbitt, who grew up in Lynnfield, received master’s degrees in mental health counseling and criminal justice. She goes on calls with officers two to five times a week. When she arrives on scene, she starts by introducing herself.

“I identify who I am and why I’m there and what my role is,” Rabbit said. “People have been receptive.”

After de-escalating the scene, Rabbitt will work with people to find them the right resources, including Community Behavioral Health Centers in Lynn and

water and wind, she explained.

“I ran into the house and called 911,” Tomlinson said. “My dog was still on the beach and wouldn’t go up with me.”

The Current obtained a photo of a skeleton — decomposed but largely intact — on the beach, but

Danvers, outpatient counseling, a partial hospitalization program or a substance abuse disorder recovery center.

“The need for mental health treatment has grown exponentially,” Rabbitt told the Current. “The more resources we have for people, the better.”

If someone is unsafe and needs the ER, Rabbitt can facilitate that. But given the long wait times and shortage of psychiatric beds, she tries to connect people to other services first.

If a mental health or substance abuse case happens on days she is not working, Rabbitt follows up with the people involved to make sure they are getting the services they need.

King said his officers

has chosen not to publish it out of respect for the deceased.

Additional police officers arrived on the scene around 5:15 p.m. They began snapping photos and gathering evidence.

At around 5:30 p.m., two vehicles from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner arrived on scene.

In the evening, King reported the body appeared to have been in the water for “a significant amount of time.”

Detectives from the Peabody and Salem police departments, as well as troopers from the Essex County District Attorney’s

appreciate having Rabbitt respond to calls and look forward to getting crisis intervention training.

“They want the tools,” King said. “Officers on the scene are trying to help. They are compassionate, and they want to help. We always say, ‘Treat people like they’re your mother.’”

‘An extremely important tool’ Psychiatrist and member of the Marblehead Mental Health Task Force Dr. Melissa Kaplowitch calls the Jail Diversion program an “extremely important tool.”

“We know there is an overrepresentation of people with mental illness in the criminal

justice system. This program creates alternative pathways to get people treatment rather than jail,” she said.

King believes funding will stay in place to keep a Jail Diversion clinician on staff after the initial three years. He has also received money to hire a peer support specialist. Peer support specialists are specially trained to work with people who have substance use disorders.That position will be one day a week and should be filled in February.

“Marblehead is committed to helping,” King said, pointing to his two new positions and the Mental Health Task Force. “The town is taking care of its citizens. It’s refreshing.”

Office State Police Detective Unit, continue to investigate the case, according to the Saturday statement.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Tom Mathers, far right, during his interview in Abbot Hall on Monday, Jan. 23.

health clinician Gina Rabbitt is embedded with the Marblehead Police Department.

Mental health clinician Gina Rabbitt reviews files with Police Chief Dennis King.

‘Once Upon a Time’ coming to Little Theatre

Marblehead Little Theatre, in conjunction with Hello Friends Productions, is excited to bring “Once Upon a Time” to its stage just in time for Valentine’s.

Hello Friends Productions and its talented group of performers present great night of music and storytelling through music. Featuring incredible voices from all over New England, the evening begins with Broadway classics from past and present. Songs from “Sunset Boulevard,” “Legally Blonde,” “Hadestown,” “Shrek,” “Finding Neverland” and “The Scarlet Pimpernel” are

just a few of the soaring solos, duets and group numbers.

The second act will feature a premier performance of a different telling of the classic tale “Cinderella,” featuring popular hits of the 1950s through today in what will surely be a great evening of song, fun and laughter.

One night only: Feb. 11 at 7:30 p.m. at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St. Tickets can be purchased online at MLTLive.org. Contact info@MLTLive.org for additional information and group purchases.

Va LeNTIN e’S Day

APL offers blind dates with books

Abbot Public Library is ready to help you find love this Valentine’s Day!

Stop by the Program Room of Abbot Public Library, 3 Brook Road, on Wednesday, Feb. 15, from 1-4 p.m. to pick your date. Library books of various genres will be wrapped with a short description to help you get acquainted and see if one piques your interest. Take your date straight home or stay for a craft. Light refreshments will be served.

This program is generously sponsored by the Marblehead Council on Aging and the Friends of Abbot Public Library. For additional information, please visit www.abbotlibrary.org, email mar@noblenet.org, or call 781-631-1481.

rea L eSTaTe Tra NSFerS

plagiarism, there is a process we follow to review the situation,” Bauer said, adding that it involves a conference with the suspecting teacher, administrator and parents. “If a violation occurs, there are consequences. This can range from reduced credit, no credit and potentially other disciplinary action depending on the severity of the infraction.”

Violations can come with the loss of privileges, class standing, membership in

honor societies and leadership positions. Consequences increase if further infractions occur.

Buckey said each incident offers “a teachable moment” where educators prompt students to reflect on the harm they are inflicting on themselves.

“When they put their name to something that they did not write, create or generate,” Buckey said, “it is not only unethical, it impedes their learning.”

Some have characterized the artificial intelligence’s release as “a before-andafter moment.”

“Like any advances in technology, there

is potential for it being a resource, but at this point it is not being used positively to enhance learning,” Buckey said. “I think we need to focus on providing students hands-on learning opportunities where technology like this would not be as much of a temptation.”

Jenn Billings, a MHS English teacher, is keeping an open mind about ChatGPT. She would like to figure out ways it can support students’ learning.

“This is not going away,” Billings told the Current. “Education can sometimes feel static, and this is certainly mixing things up.”

February schedule at Abbot Public Library

New digs

The Abbot Public Library has temporarily moved into the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Road, as their Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million-dollar renovation. Library hours are the following:

» Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

» Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m.

» Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Sunday: Closed.

*Note: The Children’s Room will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Returns are accepted inside the library in the blue bin near the main desk or, if the library is closed, outside its main entrance in the black Library Return bin. Book donations are only accepted on Book Donation Days.

For updates on the renovations, visit abbotlibrary. org/news/renovation-news.

Sign up for the library’s newsletter at tinyurl.com/ Abbot-News.

Fines no more Abbot Public Library is now fine-free. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ about/general-info to learn more about borrowing materials and to get a library card.

Tech and misc. things

The library offers Book Club Kits, Chromebooks, Hotspots and more in its Library of

Things. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ what-we-offer/library-of-things to learn more.

Need to use a copier?

Abbot Public Library does not charge a fee per page, but it does ask that patrons contribute what they wish at the time of copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library.

Get your museum on Visit abbotlibrary.org/whatwe-offer/get-a-museum-pass to

reserve passes and promo codes for some of the best museums in the Greater Boston area.

Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Abbot Public Library, the library offers passes and promo codes to:

» Boston Children’s Museum.

» Harvard Art Museums (coming soon).

The House of the Seven Gables*.

» The Institute of

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

The home page of ChatGPT.

Zoning proposal reflects good governance

Kudos to the Planning Board for approving a zoning proposal that could help Marblehead chip away at its long-standing affordable housing needs should Town Meeting adopt it in May.

And Marblehead, a community where 77 percent of its housing stock is single-family homes, is desperately short of affordable housing, according to the 2020 Marblehead Housing Production Plan.

Of the 8,135 households in Marblehead, 2,404 — or 29 percent — are classified as low-income. Two-thirds are cost burden, meaning they spend 30 percent of their income on housing.

Yet, just 333 housing units of Marblehead’s entire housing inventory qualify as affordable housing. That’s well short of the state-mandated 10 percent for every town and city.

According to the housing production plan, one must make $76,000 to afford a Marblehead apartment. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom floats under $2,000.

Market conditions are pricing families, young adults and seniors out. The town’s various housing plans note changes in Marblehead’s demographics and high housing costs demand “a spectrum of different housing units … to retain aging households looking to downsize and to attract young professionals and young families that support Marblehead’s future.”

The Planning Board’s zoning proposal seeks to spur the production of accessory dwelling units by regulating their construction and use. ADUs, also known as “in-law apartments,” are small living quarters on the same lot as single-family homes. Experts point to ADUs as a way to add natural housing stock, create affordable housing and keep families together.

The AARP supports ADUs as an excellent option for seniors to “age in place.” Moreover, homeowners renting ADUs provide relief to tenants while also collecting extra income.

Over the past several months, we have found the way in which the Planning Board members crafted its ADU proposal to be an example of good governance.

Proposing zoning changes can spawn passionate debate, but we saw the Planning Board’s chair, Robert Schaeffner, run productive, on-topic discussions during public meetings. We saw board members lean on Town Planner Becky Cutting’s expertise. We saw the board incorporate meaningful public input. The board forged consensus on most provisions, from its proposed goals to the prohibited use of ADUs as short-term rentals.

However, members split when the question of a rent restriction on ADUs arrived. Three were against a rent restriction, while two supported it.

Yet, when the board got down to brass tacks, the majority joined the minority, voting to leave a rent restriction in the final zoning proposal. They agreed Town Meeting should decide the provision’s fate, and we found that vote particularly laudable when omissions and special interests permeate political systems today. It is the type of vote that respects Town Meeting’s intelligence, cultivates civic engagement and prioritizes voters’ input.

Nevertheless, we agree with the majority’s argument that rent restrictions could discourage ADU construction. Homeowners will need to recoup their investment into an ADU, and rent control could delay their return.

We encourage officials to take seriously the suggestions made by Marblehead Fair Housing Committee member Kurt James into consideration. He brought attention to Salem grant programs that subsidize homeowners’ ADU construction and design costs in exchange for renting them out at affordable rates. He also suggests Marblehead send a home-rule petition to Beacon Hill, asking for a property-tax abatement for homeowners renting ADUs out at affordable rates.

Lastly, ADUs should not be considered a silver bullet — but rather a tool in a toolbox that could help tackle Marblehead’s housing dilemma.

be there for you’

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

The popular sitcom “Friends” with the catchy theme song and lovable characters lasted so long, in re-runs anyway, that it became a favorite of a whole other generation than its original audience. There’s something about the lure of that time in life when you’re sort-of-an-adult and friends are the sun, the moon and the stars of your universe. That is particularly true when you live with them, in college and after. I lived with my college roommates for several years after graduating, and venturing out to the work world by day while still coming home to the kind of hours-long walks and talks at night that intense friendships offer was a gift.

Each season of life so far has seemed to bear its own fruit of new friends — “friends of the road” and “friends of the heart.” Coincidentally, these were definitions I first heard in a talk given by my college roommate in the waning days of senior year. By friends of the road, I mean those connections you make standing at the sidelines of soccer games or outside at school pick-up. Grabbing lunch in the office cafeteria. Chatting about college searches while waiting for a Zoom to start. Lamenting your teenagers’ eye-rolls. The conversation is friendly. You care about each other’s lives, kids, careers. You help each other out with

reFLeCTIONS

Until recently, I had been under the misimpression that at some point in middle age you stop making friends of the heart. Turns out, I was wrong.

rides, compare notes on teachers, stats on admissions, advice on promotions. You probably socialize. Until one day, kids have grown and gone, you’ve moved on to a new job or new city, and just a handful of those earlier connections remain a part of your life. Some though become “friends of the heart.” They strike some chord in your soul. With them you continue to go deeper. They know your vulnerabilities, you know theirs. You tell more, they share more, sometimes you cry, all the time, you laugh. One positive of Facebook is that it supports connection with friends who blur this divide of road and heart. The opportunity to keep in touch with, if not just tabs on, friends from a past work life, old neighborhood or from childhood is so fun, and sometimes, so heartbreaking. Just last week in a Facebook group of my graduating class, I learned of the sudden death of one of my closest high school friends. Our lives had taken such different paths, we didn’t keep in touch for nearly 40 years. Yet I loved her. Deeply. At one time, she knew me and I knew her as well as we knew ourselves. She was funny and smart and fiercely loyal. Nora was a friend of

the heart.

Until recently, I had been under the misimpression that at some point in middle age you stop making friends of the heart. You just double down on the ones you have, nurturing them through formal reunions, weekend trips away, “wine dates” over the phone.

Turns out, I was wrong.

Since I’ve reached my fifties, friends of the heart have entered my life in abundance.

Advice on making new friends later in life echoes my lived experience. The more I involved myself in ventures that sparked my interest — whether a leadership program, a spiritual retreat, a writing group, a non-profit — the more I found “my people.”

The process of getting to know these friends almost seems like reverse engineering. Instead of catching an old friend up on your life, you take new friends of the heart back in time to let them know about key moments they missed, key people you wished they had known, like departed parents.

Sometimes life seems like “you’re always stuck in second gear, when it hasn’t been your day, your week, your month or even your year.” It’s a total surprise and delight that the next line from the Friends’ theme song — “I’ll be there for you”— grows ever broader and deeper, the identities of “I’ll” a bounty expanding with time.

The unknown heroes in our midsts

BY BOB BAKER

You finish reading Patrick O’Donnell’s “The Indispensables,” his brilliantly presented account of the part Glover’s Regiment played in the American Revolution. Even if you just moved to Marblehead a month ago, the next time you cross the line to Swampscott or Salem, there will be a lilt to your kilt, a decided swagger of obnoxious pride about you. Gen. John Glover and his hardy band of mixed-ingredient soldier mariners almost singleregimentedly saved the wobbly country-in-the-making time and time again, creating the American Navy while they were at it. If it weren’t for Glover’s Regiment, we’d probably all be speaking British today. I overheard someone talking about the book the other day say, John Glover belongs on Mount Rushmore.”

John Glover is one kind of hero — textbook. My son, Rich, who passed away at 51 in 2016 after a four-year live-life-to-the-fullest smackdown with esophageal cancer, was another. Due to circumstances beyond my control in recent years and minimal contact soon after divorce, my relationship with my son was loving but distant. Other than the fact that he was almost painfully humble, a bright, happy good guy, a bass player with a wry sense of humor and a lot of friends, I saw him so seldom that I had only a sketchy notion of what he was up to. I knew he was a loyal friend of Bill — a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)— for the

A month ago, I emailed a best buddy of Rich’s and asked him to fill me in — who was this son of mine? At first glance, the brevity of his friend’s response would seem to hold little promise. Probably 50 words or less. Reading it knocked me out.

past 25 years or so, and as one of the more recent United Airlines, plus his illness, he’d been on leave from his job on the ramp crew for the past year and a half.

A month ago, I emailed a best buddy of Rich’s and asked him to fill me in — who was this son of mine? At first glance, the brevity of his friend’s response would seem to hold little promise. Probably 50 words or less. Reading it knocked me out: “I need to tell you Rich helped someone, somehow seven days a week all over the North Shore. He was constantly giving people rides to the (AA) halls, new and old members ... didn’t matter, what mattered is Richie was saving there (sic) lifes (sic) in the simplest but most profound way ...

Richie was a Saint of the people in AA ... nothing ever expected in return.”

The blubbering outpouring of tears of euphoric aching pride I felt, and feel, every time I read that message ... ! His lady love, who Rich lived with, told me every word of it was true.

Here’s a hero in a far less dynamic sense: My “staying true to things I value” form of heroism. The subject here is Paul Newman, whose memoir published last October made it

clear he’d gone through some rough patches in his life. My validation of the hero at the core of Paul Newman came about from this passage in the terrific Sports Illustrated sportswriter Frank Deford’s 2012 memoir, “Over Time”: “Paul Newman and his wife Joanne Woodward lived for many years in Westport, Connecticut where we lived. I only met him a couple of times, but one night a couple of years ago, my wife, Carol, and I, strictly by chance, had seats next to the Newmans at a small musical in town.

“Paul had cancer then and had but a few months to live; he was frail, but the glorious blue eyes still had a glow to them, and when he sat down next to me, he gave Carol and me the best that remained of that you-never-know smile of his. Paul and I had some fun general chitchat. Joanne, who’d been talking with friends at the top of the aisle, came down and took her seat, just as the house lights blinked. The lights dimmed lower. Out of the corner of my eye, I sneaked a look to my right. The instant it was dark and the music started, Paul reached over and, like a teenager, took his sweetheart’s hand in his.

“I only waited a second. If Paul Newman, the handsomest, sexiest man in the world, age 82, married half a century, could ... I reached over and took Carol’s hand and the four of us held them like that while the show went on. Double date.”

Hemingway’s definition of heroism was “grace under pressure.” Mine is “it comes in all flavors.”

Bob Baker is a creative and branding resource, and author of a bar-style memoir “When Life Was Wow!”

which is essentially a list of the specifications the chief sent to the company that built the engine. He called the card a rare find that also verifies that the truck is exactly what it’s purported to be.

While the accompanying letter is undated and unsigned, “which kills me,” Gilliland said that he believes Chief J.S. Adams ordered the engine in 1939.

The truck was housed at the Franklin Street Station from delivery in 1940 to approximately 1962, then it ran out of headquarters as a reserve piece until it was auctioned off in 1974, Gilliland said.

Marblehead resident Ray Burns bought the truck at auction and took it to New Hampshire, but Gilliland said they lost track of it after that — until Ramspott called from Sunapee.

The Sunapee Firefighters’ Association would take the truck out for parades, musters and shows. Still, as is typical everywhere, Gilliland said the younger firefighters had little interest in the old engine, and it’s been sitting in a garage for years.

When the association decided it was time to sell it, Gilliland was their first call because “we’d rather see it go back home.”

Otherwise, it would have likely gone back up for auction.

Coming home

Bringing the truck home turned out to be a family affair. Gilliland and his wife drove up, and his two sons pitched in. Logan drove a semi-truck and trailer on which the engine would be carried home, and Liam, a Marblehead firefighter, drove the service vehicle stocked with tools, just in case they were needed.

“It was great fun,” Gilliland said. “There were like 20 guys up there; they were sad to see it go, and we were excited to see it

come home.”

Gilliland was also excited to see that nearly everything on the bill card from 80-plus years ago was still on the truck. Along with the wooden ladders and old brass nozzles, the Mack hubcaps, mirrors and bulldog hood ornament were all still in place.

“Usually, people strip that stuff right off, but there were a lot of tools that came with it,”

he said.

The only thing missing was the bell hanging off the truck’s side.

“That’s probably sitting in someone’s living room right now,” he said.

But Gilliland said he’s already been in touch with South Park, the company that manufactures bells for various fire engines, and they’ve agreed to replicate it.

Looking at the single cab

engine, Gilliland said Logan asked where everyone sat.

“I said, ‘They don’t.’ The driver and the officer sat inside, and come hell or high water, no matter what the weather was, the other guy had to ride the tailboard.”

Gilliland, who has ridden on the tailboard of an engine, said the last time they were allowed to do that was in the early 1980s, and he’s glad he had a chance to experience that ancient tradition.

Before they left, Gilliland said the firefighters caring for the truck shared a wealth of aweinspiring knowledge.

“They showed the little secrets — they knew everything,” he said.

Price tag

So how much does an 80-plus-year-old fire engine cost? Gilliland said that was interesting, too.

He said he had looked at engines that were going for

as much as $10,000 and was prepared to hand over some cash. Ramspott said he needed to negotiate a price with the association, and he’d get back to him.

When Ramspott called him a month later, he asked if he was sitting down. Gilliland said he thought that was a bad sign, but then Ramspott said, “How about $1,000?”

“I said the check is in the mail,” Gilliland said. “This made my day. The stars were aligned.” Ramspott said the association was happy to see the engine go back home and that it would be taken care of.

What next?

“The goal now that it’s back in town is to take the time to restore it properly,” Gilliland said.

The motor runs fantastic, and Ramspott said it pumped 900 gallons a minute last spring. Gilliland also said the body was in good shape with no significant rust, but the chrome would all have to be replaced. He’s hoping to start the restoration in a few months, but in the meantime, he has to find a place to store it out of the weather.

“That will be a huge goal,” he said.

He added, “Once we restore it, I’ll put it in parades and take it to shows.”

And Gilliland also hopes to one day soon return it to Franklin Street Station. Gilliland said he and Town Planner Becky Cutting are working on a project to restore the old firehouse fully.

“We have an article for Town Meeting, and we did get a grant from Massachusetts Historical Preservation … we’ve had architects look at Franklin Street, and we’re going to try and restore it as it was with the hose towers and everything,” he said. “When that’s finished, I think the cool thing to do would be to put a fire truck back in it. It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

The front hood of the 1939 Mack model 80 fire engine that Fire Chief Jason Gilliland recently acquired from Sunapee Fire Department in New Hampshire.

Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland holds up an old photo of the 1939 fire engine that he recently acquired from Sunapee, New Hampshire Fire Department.

Track teams take down Peabody, Saugus

Girls finish in three-way tie for NEC title

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Both the Marblehead boys and girls indoor track teams beat Saugus and Peabody at the brand new Track at New Balance complex in Brighton on Jan. 22.

As a result of the girls’ win, the Magicians (8-1) catapulted into a three-way tie for first place in the Northeastern Conference with Peabody and Beverly. They defeated the Tanners (71-15) and the Sachems (81-5) to get back on top.

The Marblehead boys (8-1) topped Peabody in a close meet, 47-39, and the Sachems, 79-6.

Boys 55-meter hurdles

The battle for the top hurdler in the conference was at stake in this event, with Alex Hersey taking first overall in the tri-meet.

Errol Apostolopoulos finished second in the dual meet and third overall with an 8.99.

Marc Grazado completed his quest for his sub-10-second goal. He finished his first New Balance meet last month with a 10.2, and returned at this meet to break the tape in 9.82.

Girls 55-meter hurdles

Devin Whalen and Claire Davis finished first and second in the dual meet and second and third overall with times of 9.34 and 9.42, respectively.

Elise Burchfield was third in the dual meet and ninth overall with a time of 10.32.

“I may sound like a broken record, but this group has dominated the NEC all season, and it will be exciting to see them in the championship meet,” said coach Nolan Raimo.

high jumpers in the country.

Boys 55-meters

Thomas Carlson finished on top in the dual meet and fifth overall with a time of 7.05, a significant improvement from the last New Balance meet (7.17).

Matt Mahan was 19th overall (7.42) and Ethan Horgan 25th (8.09).

Girls 55-meters

Ava Machado completed the regular season undefeated in this event with a time of 7.73, and it was the fastest time at the track on this day.

Sadie Halpern was second overall with a time of 7.88, a huge drop from her previous best time at New Balance (8.07).

Gabby Hendy ended up fourth in the dual meet and 10th overall with a time of 8.18.

Grapplers wind down season

Season highlighted by individual successes, youngsters gaining experience

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead-Swampscott Black & Blue co-op wrestling team has just two team wins to date, but there have been many outstanding individual performances that promise hope for the future and have brought some acclaim to seniors on the roster.

Season highlights to date

Senior captain Nicolai Tarason of Swampscott (25-7) has literally been the team’s leader. This year, he won the Anthony Lisitano Memorial, ended up fifth at the Pentucket Holiday Tourney and was third in the Daniel Gionet Memorial.

“(Tarason) has been excellent on his feet, and in every other position on the mat. He’s also the vocal and emotional leader of the team,” coach Mike Stamison said. “He is a great wrestler on top, and is overall very cerebral, intelligent and tough.”

Tarason’s attitude provides a good role model for the younger grapplers on the roster, including freshman Liam O’Brien of Swampscott, who won the Pentucket and Gionet tournaments, and was sixth in the Lisitano

Swimmers remain undefeated

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys and girls swim and dive team (6-0) traveled to the Cape Ann YMCA for a meet versus Gloucester on Jan. 17 and won again, 85-75. Two days later, they defeated Salem at the Lynch-vanOtterloo YMCA, 87-51.

“While there were no super-fast times — probably because of the late start time at Gloucester — a few swimmers were still credited with personal best times,” said coach Sue Guertin.

These include Sophia Weiner (100-yard freestyle, 57.71, state cut), Monica Pechhold (100yard freestyle, 1:05.10) and Cale Nelson (500yard freestyle, 5:18.03, state cut).

In the meet against visiting Salem, Jack Brady, Nelson, Cole Brooks and Logan Doody (1:49.60, state cut) teamed up to come out on top in the

200-yard medley relay. Ian Chemel, Greg Podstrelov, Gary Podstrelov and Nate Rosen (1:54.42) ended up second.

Brooks (1:49.65, state cut), Song Waitekus (2:08.88, sectional cut) and Monica Pechhold (2:25.40) swept the 200yard freestyle. Doody (2:12.51, sectional cut), Will Cerrutti (2:16.78) and Finn Bergquist (2:24.67, sectional cut) did the same in the 200 IM.

COURTESY PHOTO/CAT PIPER

Marblehead girls indoor track senior captain Keira Sweetnam sails over the high jump bar during a tri-meet against Peabody and Saugus at theTrack at New Balance complex in Brighton on Jan. 22. Her leap of 5-3 was enough to qualify for the nationals, and she is also now ranked No. 50 among

From left, Marblehead girls indoor track senior captain Claire Davis, senior captain Devin Whalen, sophomore Ava Machado and senior captain Cate Trautman, are shown after running the second fastest time in the 4x200 relay in school history at the Track at New Balance complex in Brighton on Jan. 22, which qualified them for nationals.

COURTESY PHOTO

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Memorial. He is 25-5 so far this year.

Sophomore Mason Hinshaw of Swampscott (21-4), a transfer student from San Antonio, Texas, was the Gionet champion in his weight group after coming in third in the Lisitano Memorial.

“He’s a quiet kid but may be one of the more talented guys on the team this year,” Stamison said. Junior captain Angelo Knight of Marblehead was injured to start the season but did finish fourth in Pentucket and third in the Gionet Memorial.

“(Knight) was named the team’s second captain for the Bridgewater-Raynham quad meet on Jan. 7 as a result of his contributions on the mat but more importantly in the practice

room,” Stamison said. “He is a good wrestler but a better kid and teammate.”

Stamison shares thoughts on seniors

Zach Perlman, Marblehead “Marblehead senior

Zach Perlman is a firstyear wrestler. He is a calm teammate, who sadly had his season cut short by injury. I truly wish we had more time together with him, because I think if we could’ve had him all four seasons, he would have been a dangerous wrestler.”

Miles DeRiggi, Marblehead “Similar to Zach, Miles is calm and quiet. He filled in admirably early on this season at 220. As a first-year wrestler, that’s no easy task. I truly wish he had also decided to come out as a freshman with Perlman, because

they would have been great teammates. But nonetheless, thanks for trying something new. This is truly the most difficult of sports, and I admire the character he has by sticking with it.

“Both Perlman and DeRiggi are coachable young men, and that will take them a long way in life.”

Mark Babineau, Marblehead

“Mark has been on the team since his freshman season and is the team’s longest tenured member, along with Swampscott senior captain Tarason. He has been a good soldier for us ever since. He is 5-11 to date this year and took sixth place at Wakefield. He has also been steady in the practice room while battling injuries year in and year out. He is my favorite scorekeeper.

He was injured early on in the weird spring COVID season and is the only team member that seemingly knows how to hold a pencil. Thanks, Mark, for four years of service to our team.”

Roni Snitkovsky, Swampscott

“Roni is new to the team and sport this season and has won a few exhibitions for us. He’s a good drilling partner and teammate, and I wish we had more time together with him. Roni is the team’s Uber driver, taking his teammates over to practices at Marblehead High School every day.”

Drew Roddie, Swampscott

“Similar to Roni, Drew is brand new to the sport and has taken to it quickly. He narrowly missed out on medaling at the Wakefield and Pentucket tournaments,

going 2-2 in each. He is 6-10 on the season and is a good drilling partner and teammate. Drew takes to coaching well and is only improving.”

A.J. Kluge, Swampscott

“The quiet A.J. has been a fixture in our lineup since joining us in the spring COVID season. He has been durable, supportive and a valued teammate. He’s taken his lumps but has never begged out of a match and has always come back. All summer, he worked with us at the YMCA to get better, and he certainly has improved. We appreciate his effort and sacrifice for the last three seasons.”

Nicolai Tarason, Swampscott, captain

“A four-year starter for us, he has a 39-18 record the last two seasons. This season, he has won the Wakefield Tournament,

placed fifth at Pentucket and was third at Pelham. He’s been a constant presence who’s also durable and honestly one of the best captains we have ever had.

“Fun fact: Until he was appointed captain this season, I had no idea he had a Boston accent. It just goes to show how he led by example during his first few seasons, and then when thrust into a leadership role he has been vocal and passionate. He has been a big part of our recent team success in the 138-to-160-pound category. He wrestled in our first-ever outdoor match at Piper Field in the spring COVID season, and he pinned his opponent from Triton in our first-ever win over them last season. He has placed in numerous tournaments. Thank you, Nicolai, for four great seasons.”

Girls mile

The Magicians swept Saugus and were first, second and fourth against the Tanners.

Maren Potter (6:04.25, 13 seconds, personal best) ran even splits of 3:02 to finish first in her best race of the season and young career, according to coach William Herlihy.

“She has been on a mission this year to run a sub-6:15, but now she has her sights set on a sub-6:00. It was an all-around excellent performance by Maren,” he added.

Ada Merrigan (6:24.84) and Piper Morgan (6:46.88) rounded out the Marblehead runners in the mile.

Boys mile Will Cruikshank, Nate Assa and Ryan Blestowe also swept Saugus and were third, fourth and fifth versus Peabody.

“All three boys ran personal bests in this race, and all three came tantalizingly close to their goal of breaking the five-minute mark,” said Herlihy.

Cruikshank (5:00.5, threesecond personal best) and Assa (5:00.13, three-second personal best) came about as close as they possibly could, while Blestowe (5:02.82, three-second personal best) was hot on their heels.

“I expect all three of these guys to use this as motivation at the NEC Championship Meet on Feb. 4 to achieve their goal,” said Herlihy.

Boys 300 Sebastian Pantzer and Harrison Curtis took home the top two spots in the overall meet with huge personal bests of 37.73 and 38.00, respectively.

Jack Burke finished 17th overall with a time of 41.57, a personal best by one minute.

“In general, long sprinters struggle early in the season due to the lactic acid thresholds they have to endure, but these personal bests are a general indication that these folks are peaking at the right time of the season,” said Raimo. “I’m very excited to see what these boys and girls can do in the postseason.”

Girls 300

Cate Trautman and La’Daisha Williams cruised to the top overall with times of 44.02 (onesecond personal best) and 44.66 (two-second personal best), respectively.

Close behind was Cora Gerson, who finished fourth overall with a time of 45.97 (2.2-second personal best).

“Cate completes the regular season undefeated, while Le’Daisha and Cora both ran incredible races,” said Raimo.

Girls 600

This Marblehead trio swept both Peabody and Saugus.

“Juliet Burchfield (1:52.74, onesecond personal best) had the fastest opening lap of anyone in the field and held on to run another personal best,” said Herlihy.

Newcomer Isabelle Mortensen (1:56.31) ran one of the best 600 times this season while making her debut.

“It was very impressive in a difficult race,” Herlihy said.

Sienna Velandry (2:02.93) also had an impressive time in her 600 debut, holding off a Peabody runner to secure the sweep.

Boys 600

These Magicians ended up fourth, fifth and sixth against Peabody, and first, second and fourth versus Saugus.

Xavier Grazado (1:35.56, fivesecond personal best) had his best race of the season with a big personal best, according to Herlihy.

Henrik Adams (1:40.2) showed consistency, running a time slightly faster than his previous race.

Sean Heenan (1:53.63) was the final Marblehead runner to cross the finish line.

Girls 1,000 Maya Mahoney (3:37.04) was the first Marblehead runner to cross the line, accounting for a second-place finish against Peabody, but was No. 1 versus Saugus.

“Her continued improvement from week to week has been awesome to watch, and her best race is still to come,” said Herlihy.

Savannah Caruso (4:01.48) returned to a more familiar event this week and picked up some big points in both meets, according to Herlihy. She was second against Peabody and third versus Saugus.

Boys 1,000 Ryan Thompson (2:38.62, eight-second personal best) had a plan and executed it to perfection, despite being all alone for the majority of the race to come out on top.

“To take eight seconds off his best time at that level is a testament to Ryan’s work ethic

at practice and discipline in races,” Herlihy said.

Gabe Bayramian (2:52.12) had his best race of the season, setting himself up well for a big race in the top heat at the NEC Meet.

Nicolas Regnault (3:08.92) once again showed consistency, demonstrating that his big personal best from the previous meet was no fluke, Herlihy added.

Girls two-mile

Cat Piper (13:26.39) took another step toward her personal best in the two-mile.

Angie Fischer (14:08.71, 22-second personal best) had a great race running her best time to date, according to Herlihy, adding that Anne Simcoe (14:28.61) had another great race.

Boys two-mile

Isaac Gross (9:49.45, eightsecond personal best) had what might have been the race of the day to finish first.

His finishing time was incredibly impressive, best highlighted by the fact that Gross’ opening mile (4:48) was the second fastest mile run by only four-hundreds of a second.

Jonah Potach (11:48.89) and Will Cronin (12:26.57) ended up second and third against both opponents.

Boys long jump

Alex Hersey (18-9, second), Sebby Pantzer (18-1.75, third), Thomas Carlson (17-1.25, fourth) and Errol Apostolopoulos (170.25, sixth) all finished near the top.

“It’s incredible what these boys were able to do, because they are unable to learn the event in practice,” Raimo said. “Alex’s jump likely had another few inches in it if his hand didn’t touch down early.”

Girls long jump

Claire Davis (15-2.5), Charlie Roszell (14-10.5), Elise Burchfield (14-2) and Sadie Halpern (13-10) finished first, second, fourth and fifth, respectively.

“Coach Veloukas was running back and forth between the boys runway and girls runway to help all these athletes succeed,” said Raimo. “Sadie Halpern had

quite the day, and to jump 13-10 without ever jumping before is another impressive note on her freshman season.”

Boys high jump

Apostolopoulos and Graham Tips were sixth and seventh overall with jumps of 5-2.

“Errol had an incredible day considering he’d been fighting off an illness, and still he competed in the 55-meter hurdles, long jump and high jump,” Raimo said. “Graham continues to work on a consistent approach, and his leap of 5-4 this year is one of the best freshman jumps in recent memory.”

Girls high jump

Keira Sweetnam has struggled to reach 5-2 the past few meets, and she decided that 5-3 was more fitting, according to Raimo.

Sweetnam cleared 5-3 on a single jump, which qualifies her for the New Balance Nationals.

Currently, Sweetnam is No. 50 in the nation in the high jump. But unfortunately for her, the school record is 5-8, which is arguably MHS’ most untouchable mark.

For context, 5-8 would have been the third best jump in the entire country right now.

Elise Burchfield and Campbell Crane cleared 4-6 to finish sixth and ninth overall. Ava Machado finished 11th overall after clearing 4-4.

Boys shot put Riley Schmitt finished second in the dual meet and 13th overall with a throw of 35-5.5.

“Riley is returning from an injury, and even with two fouls it was a step in the right direction,” said Raimo.

Alex Hersey was hurried to fit his three throws in after coming over from the hurdles, but he was still able to secure a third in the dual meet and was 19th overall with a throw of 32-0.

Girls shot put Rachael Albert was second in the dual meet and sixth overall with a personal-best throw of 28-3.

“Rachael has been working diligently on her spin, which is an advanced technique that takes years to master, but she was

Marblehead boys indoor track senior captain Sebastian Pantzer runs around the Track at New Balance complex in Brighton during a tri-meet against Peabody and Saugus on Jan. 22. COURTESY PHOTOS/ CAT PIPER

able to find success after only a couple of weeks of spinning,” said Raimo.

Lillian Reddy continued her impressive freshman campaign with a throw of 26-10.5.

Hannah O’Brien had a fantastic day after throwing 22-10 for a three-foot improvement from the first New Balance meet six weeks ago, Raimo noted.

Boys 4x200

Harrison Curtis, Sebastian Pantzer, Thomas Carlson and Ryan Thomas brought home the victory in impressive fashion with a time of 1:35.27, which is just 1.27 seconds shy of qualifying for the New Balance National Meet.

“Typically, the 4-by-200 takes two or three meets to produce near 1:35 times, but this group was focused, and they executed the handoffs well,” said Raimo. Girls 4x200 Cate Trautman, Ava Machado, Devin Whalen and Claire Davis ran away from the opposition in this meet with a time of 1:49.74 while topping their personal best mark from last season (1:49.77). This qualifies them for nationals. This group ran a 1:52.14 in its first 4-by-200 last season, so a 1:49.74 without competition bodes well for the postseason.

Boys 4x400

Jack Burke, Graham Tips, Marc Grazado and Will Cruikshank put together a solid time of 3:59.37. Their respective splits were 60.07, 59.84, 60.69 and 58.79.

Girls 4 by 400 Sadie Halpern, Charlie Roszell, Juliet Burchfield and Le’Daisha Williams ran a superb best time of 4:22.72, topping their best time last year of 4:25.

Sadie Halpern opened with a 63.82, followed by Charlie (63.62), Juliet (70.05) and Le’Daisha (65.24).

“For reference, the time 4:18 went to the All-State Championships last year, which is a testament to these girls running their first race together this year as a unit,” said Raimo. “Juliet had a very quick turnaround from the 600 to the 4-by-400, and she battled the whole way.”

Marblehead boys indoor track senior captain Harrison Curtis runs in the 4x200 relay against NEC rivals Peabody and Saugus at the Track at New Balance complex in Brighton on Jan. 22.

After Beverly loss, boys hoop bounces back

BY JOE M CCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys basketball team suffered some defensive lapses against Beverly on Jan. 19, and as a result the Panthers were able to prevail, 74-67.

“We gave up two different runs against Beverly and lost sight of (Dylan) Crowley, who dropped 33 on us,” said coach Mike Giardi.

The Marblehead boys also trailed at halftime, 46-33. Tyrone Countrymon paced the offensive attack for the Magicians with 19 points. Isaiah Makor chipped in with 15, and Nick Lemmond accounted for 14. Other scorers were Scott Campbell (7), Miles O’Neill (6), Ryan Commoss (4) and Magnus McCarthy (2).

But the Magicians managed to put the Beverly loss behind them to defeat Winthrop on Jan. 24, 75-56.

“We bounced back with a great team effort against Winthrop, where 11 guys ended up in the scoring column,” said Giardi.

The Magicians led comfortably at the break, 43-20, after the defense limited the Vikings to just six first-quarter points.

O’Neill led the way in this game with 14 points. Campbell was next in line with 12. Lemmond had 10. Adrian Baron and Countrymon scored seven apiece. Cameron Comstock and Makor were each credited with five points, and Aven Denbow, Lupo Cabassi and

Finn and Bella Marblehead swimmers Finn Bergquist, left, and Bella Takata get ready to compete in a recent meet.

COURTESY PHOTO

Commoss each had four, while McCarthy tallied three.

Girls hockey snaps streak

In the last four games, the Marblehead High girls co-op hockey team (2-6 in the Northeastern Hockey League, 3-9 overall) earned its first two league wins of the year via shutouts, with the first one coming against Gloucester, 1-0, on Jan. 12. It was the second time this season they defeated the Fishermen.

“This was a great team win,” said coach Brittany Smith. “We played 45 solid minutes and then went into overtime, where we scored the game-winner just one minute into the extra period.”

Junior defenseman Ava Vautour of HamiltonWenham netted the overtime marker from seniors Riley Campbell and Hannah Tsouvalas. They, too, attend Hamilton-Wenham High School.

Two nights later, the Marblehead girls shut down Newburyport, 3-0.

Vautour scored the first goal of the game from Tsouvalas and Marblehead freshman defenseman Paige Waldman. Freshman forward Teyah Fleming of ManchesterEssex notched the second tally, assisted by Tsouvalas.

Swampscott sophomore forward Samantha Demady closed out the scoring set up by ManchesterEssex seventh grade defenseman Melanie Earl and Hamilton-Wenham

MHS VarSIT y SCHeDu Le

Wednesday, Feb. 1

5 p.m. Boys ice hockey vs. Masconomet at Valley Forum, Haverhill

Thursday, Feb. 2

3:30 p.m. Alpine ski racing vs. TBA at Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton

Friday, Feb. 3

6:30

Grady (24.30), Brady Leveroni (26.60) and Anna Coleman (28.39) maintained the trend in the 50-yard freestyle.

Grady (215.5, state cut points), Caroline Crosby (142.75) and Maxine Hall (131.75) were the top three divers.

The 100-yard butterfly belonged to Brooks (54.42, state cut), Ian Chemel (1:02.71) and Bella Takata (1:07.58), who swept the event.

Gary Podstrelov (54.86) and Brady Leveroni (56.8) topped the ticket in the 100-yard freestyle.

Greg Podstrelov (5:26), Rosen (5:40.47) and Brinleigh Callahan (5:44.80) swept the 500yard freestyle.

Grady, Nelson, Doody and Brooks (1:36.10, state cut), and Anna Coleman, Takata, Bergquist and Clementine Robins (1:53, sectional cut) were the two top teams in the 200-yard freestyle.

In the 100-yard

backstroke, Nelson (1:00.27), Clementine Robins (1:06.34, sectional cut) and Lucy Sabin (1:28.33) accounted for nine more points for their teammates against the Witches.

Waitekus (1:14.48, state cut), Cece Robbins (1:17.79) and Lucas Rosen (1:29.96) experienced similar results in the 100yard breaststroke.

Greg Podstrelov, Ezra Reid, Nelson and Leveroni (3:52.8) made up the winning quartet in the 400-yard freestyle relay, followed by Gary Podstrelov, Owen Torstenson, Chemel and Rosen (4:00.37) in second place.

On Jan. 25, the undefeated Marblehead swimmers went up against rival Swampscott to close out the regular season at the JCC. It was then time for the annual Northeastern Conference meet at the Beverly YMCA on Jan. 28. The results of these meets will be reported in the Feb. 8 edition of the Marblehead Current

freshman defenseman Lara Dolan.

“This was another great team win,” said Smith. “It was also our annual mental health game, and the girls really did come to play. They didn’t let their foot off the gas pedal for the entire game, and we were able to shut them out. We controlled the play, and I would say this is our best game of the season so far.”

The game also raised $10,300 for the American Foundation on Suicide

Prevention.

“We just hope to bring awareness and acceptance to mental health prevention, so that no one has to feel alone if they are struggling,” said Smith. “It’s an important subject, and there have been way too many amazing lives lost to this tragedy. Every life is precious, and we have to help each other fight through the toughest times. You never know what someone is dealing with on the inside, so that’s just another reason

to spread awareness around this topic.”

The Magicians then traveled to Springfield to take on Pope Francis, where they lost, 2-0.

“They are a solid, hardworking, talented team,” said Smith about Pope Francis. “We played this highly ranked Division 1 team well. They have some really great hockey players, and for the most part I was happy with the way we played during that game.”

Against Leominster on Jan. 22, the locals

continued to work hard in the first and third periods, only to lose, 3-1. Vautour scored the lone goal from Hamilton-Wenham freshman forward Maddie Graber and Fleming.

“We have a tendency to do that, and the other team capitalized on it,” Smith said of the midgame struggles. “The one goal we scored in this game showed teamwork, which was great to see, especially because it was in the third period. It showed that we didn’t give up.”

The story behind ‘The Swan Song of Parson Avery’

BY MARK HURWITZ

In the 19th century, New England poet John Greenleaf Whittier wrote the poem titled “The Swan Song of Parson Avery.”

The Rev. Parson Avery took his wife, eight children and their cousins, the Thachers, from Ipswich to Marblehead by boat. Avery was to be installed as the rector of the new Anglican Church (Old North).

The boat he was on, The Wait and Watch, encountered a storm at sea. That storm is known today as the Great Colonial Hurricane of 1635.

Isaac Allerton owned the vessel, and Moses Maverick of Marblehead later married his daughter, Sarah.

The storm threw the vessel onto Rockport’s Crackwood Ledge, smashing it into many pieces and tossing its passengers into the open sea. Of the 23 passengers aboard, 21 drowned that day, including Avery and his entire family.

Anthony Thacher and his wife were the only ones to survive. They were able to swim to a nearby island during the storm and waited there until they were rescued a few days later.

The Colonial government, hearing of the tragedy, compensated Anthony Thacher 26 British pounds and the island for the loss of their children and personal belongings.

Anthony Thacher later moved to Yarmouth, on Cape Cod, as one of the three original land grantees in that town, where he resided until he died in 1668.

What we know of this tragedy comes from a letter Anthony Thatcher later wrote to his brother Peter Thacher back in England:

“We embarked at Ipswich, Aug. 11, 1635, with our families and substance, bound for Marblehead, we being in all 23 souls. The next morning, having commended ourselves to God, with cheerful hearts we hoisted sail.

“But the Lord suddenly turned our cheerfulness into mourning and lamentations for on the 14th day of August 1635, about ten at night, having a fresh gale of wind, our sails being old and done were split. The mariners, because that it was night, would not put to new sails but resolved to cast anchor till the morning.

“But before light it pleased the Lord to send so mighty a storm as the like was never known in New England since the English came, nor in the memory of any of the Indians. The waves came furiously and violently over us and against us.”

Of the people in Thacher’s group that were traveling to Marblehead that day, only one chose to travel by horseback instead of by boat. It was Anthony Thacher’s 15-year-old nephew, Thomas Thacher. His reasons for not traveling by boat are unknown.

Thomas Thacher later became a minister, serving first in Weymouth. He later served as the Old South Church minister in Boston in the 1670s. He died in the year 1678.

The poem

Because of Thacher’s letter, word of the tragedy spread very quickly throughout England and the American colonies. A number of 17th-century Puritan ministers even wrote about it, including both Increase and Cotton Mather.

Later, in the 18th and 19th century, it was mentioned in a number of history books about New England history.

It was perhaps because of this documentation that Whittier chose to write about it in his poem “The Swan Song of Parson Avery”

“There was wailing on the mainland, from the rocks of Marblehead, in the stricken Church of Newbury the notes of prayer were read,

And long, by board and Hearthstone, the living mourn the dead.

And still the fishers outbound, or scudding from the squall, With grave and reverent faces, the ancient tale recall, when they see the white waves breaking on the rock of Avery’s fall!”

COURTESY PHOTO / THACHER ISLAND NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE Thacher Island off the coast of Cape Ann.

’Hea DerS HISTOry

Programs, classes, events for seniors

All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center unless otherwise stated. Questions? Call 781-631-6225 or email councilonaging@marblehead. org.

Lunching at the COA

Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. The meals are prepared in the Council on Aging’s commercial kitchen. These lunches are supported by The Friends of the Council on Aging.

Grab-n-go lunches

Grab-n-go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. Pick-up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made the Thursday before by calling 781-631-6225.

The Traveling

Chef Returns

Friday, Feb. 24, noon. There is no Grab-n-go this day. Enjoy a seated lunch indoors instead. Register by Feb. 17. Suggested donation is $2.

Maple Street Bistro at Essex Tech

Friday, Feb. 3, 11:15 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The menu is available at the COA. The COA van can transport up to 12 people or you can drive on your own. $15 per person. Registration and payment due by Thursday, Feb. 2.

Forensic Science Roadshow

Venture into the world of CSI with forensic scientist Paul Zambella, who worked in the Massachusetts State Police crime lab for 36 years. Learn about DNA, fingerprints, crime light and more. Thursday, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.

‘Murder in Marblehead’

Harry Christensen and Richard Santeusanio will be back to discuss their book, “Murder in Marblehead.” Friday, Feb. 17, at 1

p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.

A Tour of English Gardens

Join Ginny Von Rueden, president of the Driftwood Garden Club, as she discusses some of the best gardens in England. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.

Marblehead Citizens Police Academy

The academy is launching a new class in March. Applications are available online at www. marbehead.org/policedepartment or www.marblehead. org/council-on-agingdepartment. You can also sign up at the COA or police station. Call Janice at 781-631-6225 with questions.

Movie Days

Come watch the period comedy/thriller “Amsterdam” on Friday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. Then, on Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., watch “The Banshees of Inisherin.” RSVP at 781-631-6225.

Drop-in Songs and Music

Enjoy this sing-along featuring golden oldees, 60s hits, show tunes, hymns, folk songs and sea shanties. Wed., Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon.

Book Club

February’s book is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. Wednesdays Feb. 8 and 22, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Flying Solo

Joan Cutler leads this group designed specifically for people who live alone. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1: 30 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group

Amy Gilliland, Marblehead police dispatch supervisor, is the featured speaker this month. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Coffee with a Cop Join Chief Dennis King or someone else from the Marblehead Police Department to discuss community concerns.

People’s Day, Juneteenth, Pride Month, MLK Day, Community Book Reads, authors and speakers on DEI and an information booth at the Farmers’ Market. This year, they will include Holocaust Remembrance Day.

TFAD incurs printing, purchasing and advertising expenses for these events. Currently, they reach out for donations from businesses and individuals to support the events. Whipple and Sliney requested a meeting with members of the Select Board to discuss the request.

Student reps sought

TFAD is seeking two student representatives. Those students who would like to serve should submit a letter of interest.

Conversations on race

Louis Meyi from the Marblehead Racial Justice Team spoke about the ongoing “Conversations on Race” series. On Monday evening, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m., Executive Director Doneeca Thurston, Iris Kimber and Tara Agaba from Lynn Museum will present a program on “Untold Stories: A History of Black People in Lynn.” The program is hybrid. For further information, see marbleheadmuseum.org.

Festival presence

TFAD will investigate participating in Marblehead Festival of Arts’ proposed Main Street Boost for town organizations this summer.

Recreation and Parks Commission

DATE: Jan. 19

LWV OBSERVER: Kay Rieper

Memorandum of Understanding with School Department

The MOU that the commission submitted to the School Department was returned and approved with the addition of a phrase about usage for school-contracted programs that is not acceptable to the commission.

School Superintendent John Buckey and School Committee Chair Sarah Fox will be

Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

Blood Pressure Clinic

Drop-in blood pressure clinic on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Muscle Conditioning

Senior Muscle Conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)

Stay Active

North Shore Physical Therapy runs an osteo class on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. There’s also Balance and Mobility with Mary Manning on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Each class is $3. (No classes Monday, Feb. 20.)

Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. It is a lower intensity dance class inspired by Latin and world music.

Parkinson’s Fitness

The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s disease but appropriate for all, this class focuses on strength, mobility and balance. This program is paid for by the Friends of the Council on Aging.

Indoor Curling

Indoor curling takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m. No experience is necessary for this indoor sport. Instructions on how to play the game will be available at every session. Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol.com with questions. (No class Feb. 20.)

Need a lift?

The COA offers transportation services to both in-town and outof-town medical appointments and in-town errands such as the hairdresser, bank, to vote or to the COA for programs and/or lunch. Weekly grocery shopping trips to Crosby’s and Market

invited to the next commission meeting, and then commission members will attend the next School Committee meeting to discuss this.

Care of the high school athletic fields is the first priority of the department, and in return the department needs the use of indoor spaces in the schools for winter programs.

Budget

Superintendent Peter James presented a proposed budget with cost increases. He will send a copy to each member.

Parks James reported invasive branches were removed from trees near the high school entrance, and a wildflower mix was planted. The Vine Street area was cleaned up. After the tree burning, the area was cleaned up. A new sign was installed at the Rainbow Zone.

Recreation Director of Recreation Jaime Bloch reported that January programming is well underway. Bloch has put toy bins for younger children who are waiting with their parents in the lobby while older children are participating in programs.

On Jan. 29, there will be a ski trip to Bradford.

The Daddy-Daughter Dance is back and will be on Friday, March 24.

Bloch still needs to hire a building attendant on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 5:30-9:30 p.m.

Piqued pickleball players

Pickleball players have been harassing commission members over the courts being closed once it has snowed. This is a safety and liability issue. Other towns contacted have closed their courts. Other events

The retirement party for Rabbi Mayer, already approved for May 21, has requested a food truck. This was approved after making sure it is legal.

The request to hold the Home and Garden Show at the Community Center will be offered for the April 8 weekend for a fee of $5,000 to cover costs.

Basket and bimonthly trips to the North Shore Mall are also available. Transportation runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule a ride, call 781-631-6225.

Stretch & Strength

The Council on Aging offers a Strength & Stretch class on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)

Step it Up

Karen Jancsy leads this lowimpact movement and muscle conditioning class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Weight Training

A Weight Training class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Cost is $3.

Yoga with Evie

This yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Chair Yoga

Gail Perry Borden teaches Chair Yoga on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.

Line Dancing

Kate Hoffman teaches Line Dancing on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first hour is focused on beginners; however, all are welcome and encouraged to participate. Cost is $5.

Quilting

Learn how to quilt in this class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per class.

Knitting Group

Drop-in knitting is Thursdays at 9 a.m.

Cribbage

Cribbage is held on Tuesdays. Doors close at 9:30 a.m.

Mahjong

Play mahjong Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

I Love Bridge

This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Drop-in bridge is on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Canasta

Canasta is now at the COA on Thursdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Get a senior Charlie Card

People who are 65 years or older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a senior Charlie Card. These cards are valid for eight years. Call Nadine Lepick at 781-631-6225 Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to ask questions or make an appointment to process an application. Cards can also be reloaded with cash on any bus. Need help with heating costs?

The Home Energy Assistance Program at North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating bills even if the cost of heat is included in their rent. If your gross household income falls within certain limits, you may qualify for payment towards winter heating bills. In addition, eligible National Grid customers may qualify for a discount of up to 32 percent off their electric and gas bills. For more information about Home Energy Assistance, call 978-531-8810 or email fuelassistance@nscap.org.

Home safety audits

The town offers home safety audits to local residents. A representative from both the Marblehead Fire Department and the Council on Aging will schedule a time to meet seniors at their homes and review and discuss home safety options. Also, free fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and lock boxes can be installed. To learn more, contact Sharon Doliber at 781-631-6225.

practice where someone can help if you get stuck?

Contemporary Art Boston*.

» Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum*.

» Museum of Fine Arts.

Museum of Science. New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code).

» Peabody Essex Museum.

» Trustees Go Pass* (new!).

» Zoo New England*.

Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/ promo code right at the main desk or by calling (781) 631-1481, though some passes may require an email address to be used.

Tax counseling program

Mondays, Feb. 6, 13 and 27, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Mondays, March 6, 13, 20 and 27, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

» Mondays, April 3 and 10, 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The Abbot Library will host the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program on Mondays starting Feb. 6 through April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Reservations for this program are being taken during regular library hours. To reserve a spot, call the Reference Desk at 781-6311481. Please be aware that you will need your last year’s tax returns and 2022 paperwork.

Open lab

Mondays, Feb. 6, 13 and 27, drop-in 2:30-4 p.m.

Do you have a question about your computer, smartphone, or tech gadget? Do you want time to

Every Monday, join a staff member for one-on-one help with your device. Windows laptops will be available for attendees who cannot transport their device. Drop by the Reference Room anytime between 2:30-4 p.m.

Registration is not required.

Basket-weaving lesson

» Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1:30-3 p.m.

Due to popular demand, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 1:30-3 p.m., Abbot Public Library will host a second basket-weaving lesson!

This Adult Crafternoon event is to demonstrate how to weave a small basket with materials provided by the library. This event is free and limited to 10 people. To register, visit tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Adult-Crafternoon.

Adult book club

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10-11 a.m.

On the third Tuesday of every month from 10-11 a.m., book club members can log on to Zoom to discuss the latest and most highly recommended titles led by a library staff member.

February’s pick is “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. Copies are available in the Reference Room.

Registration is required at tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Zoom-Book-Club. For more information, contact Head of Public Services Librarian Morgan Yeo at yeo@noblenet. org.

Snow on the ground? Not for long

The JCCNS is thinking spring

BY KAREN ROBINSON, JCCNS MARKETING & PR DIRECTOR

The award-winning Summer at the J camps are gearing up for 2023. JCCNS Kindercamp and Camp Simchah directors and staff are excited for another summer on the hill and are busy planning. Kindercamp, always keenly focused on our youngest campers, will have our typical rotation of classic favorite specialties — art, science, music, sports, games, puppets, stories and daily swim instruction in our outdoor pool.

In addition to our all-camp

coordinated spirit days, special events and camp amenities, Camp Simchah is bringing back our most popular specialty camps, including Tennis, Sports, Arts and Travel Camp, while also getting ready to introduce campers to new and exciting activities.

We’ll be offering two weeks of Simchah Travel Camp this summer. All CDC and Marblehead Board of Health safety protocols and procedures will be strictly followed.

Registration for JCCNS members begins Feb. 19, and for the community on Feb. 22 at www.jccns.org/summer-camp/.

JCCNS summer camps are ready for another season of summer fun.

Golf tourney to benefit local children, families

BY BRIAN FLYNN, LYNCH/VAN OTTERLOO YMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Tee off for a great cause! We are counting the days until the snow melts as we prepare for the Y’s first-ever golf tournament at Tedesco Country Club on Monday, June 12. This new event will support the Y’s annual campaign, which enables the Y to say ‘yes’ to everyone who wants to be part of the Y regardless of their ability to pay. The Y is providing increasingly more financial support to children, adults and families across all program areas. Did you know? The Lynch/van Otterloo Y is part of the YMCA of the North Shore, a non-profit organization consisting of seven YMCA locations serving 25 cities and towns across northeast Massachusetts and into southern New Hampshire. It has hosted golf tournaments on three of the most beautiful courses in Massachusetts;

Essex County Club, Turner Hill Golf Club and Bass Rocks Golf Club. Now we’re adding Tedesco. These golf clubs have a long and storied history in New England and have opened their courses to support of the YMCA of the North Shore.

The Y golf tournaments have also become a viable means of fundraising to eliminate the financial barrier and enable access to those in the community who need the YMCA most. So this June, join us and hit the links at Tedesco, one of the North Shore’s most beautiful courses, have some fun and help support the Y and its ongoing work to assist local children and families. To participate visit https://www.northshoreymca. org/communityevents.

Head to the Hill 5k Road Race is back

Sunday May 21.

This race helps support our annual campaign specific to camp scholarships, giving every child the opportunity to experience a summer of fun, adventure and friendship.

The race starts at 9 a.m. am at the Lynch/van Otterloo Early Learning Center entrance in the back parking lot. The 3.1 mile course will take you through scenic Swampscott and back up hilly Leggs Hill Road to the Y.

New class alert

Try our Row and Strength, a small-group, circuit-style class utilizing the rowing machine, TRX, weights and more. This total-body workout will use most of your major muscles, burn

fat and build both strength and endurance. Classes are Sundays at 8 a.m. and Mondays at 5:30 a.m. Row and Strength is just one of hundreds of classes at the Y to help keep you healthy and active all winter long. Can’t get to the Y? Our virtual option, YMCA360, lets you access classes, activities and more right in your own home. Visit www. northshoreymca.org/ymca360.

Creative Arts at the Y — calling all little actors. Auditions for “The Little Mermaid Jr.” are right around the corner. Email the Y’s Creative Arts Director Justin Hatch at hatchj@ northshoreymca.org to register or with any questions. If you aren’t feeling ready for a full production, check out drop-in Theatre Games on Wednesdays at 5:30 p.m. Contact Samantha Gambaccini at gambaccinis@ northshoreymca.org with any questions.

Healthy mind & body for you, strong community for everyone

The Y is a place and a purpose where membership makes an impact. The Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA is a community leader in keeping children safe in and around water by providing more than 700 swim lessons annually.

The Y currently serves more than 10,000 members, provides more than $800,000 in financial assistance and offers programs including swim lessons, gymnastics, sports programs as well as camp and licensed childcare. Learn more about your Y’s community impact at www.northshoreymca.org/ meaningful-membership.

Not a member? Take a tour and see all the wonderful things available at your Y. Reach out to Membership Director Jane Rizza at rizzaj@ northshoreymca.org.

About the YMCA

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 40,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.

M arbLeHea D LITTLe THeaTre

Accidentally on Purpose returns to MLT on Feb. 4

Silly Theatre Productions & Marblehead Little Theatre partner up again for another evening of sidesplitting Improv Comedy in the beautiful Firehouse Theatre at 12 School St. in Marblehead on Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7:30 p.m.

Accidentally on Purpose (AOP) is an improv comedy troupe on the North Shore. The seasoned troupe’s comedy style is like that of the TV show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”. The evening requires interactive madcap involvement of the audience with scene suggestions and volunteer opportunities.

The AOP Improv troupe has a varied and eclectic cast of professionals whose day jobs include author, doctor, teacher, tradesmen and corporate executives that have been laughing together for over a decade. These exciting day jobs serve to add a unique flavor to the comedy weaving throughout the night. Sample video and tickets at MLTLive.org.

Students Masha Bondarenko, Karen Smith and Connie Truax display some of the clothes collected in the Marblehead School of Ballet and North Shore Civic Ballet’s third annual winter clothing drive

COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD SCHOOL OF BALLET

Ballet school’s winter clothing drive grows

The Marblehead School of Ballet and the North Shore Civic Ballet report that their third winter clothing drive was a success. The drive, which ran from Nov. 1 through Dec. 10, collected over 160 garments, which will help neighbors experiencing hardships this winter.

During the school’s Community Appreciation Week Dec. 2-8, the MSB and the North Shore Civic Ballet collected gently used winter coats for people of all ages and new pajamas for children up to age 6.

The coats were gathered and donated to Anton’s Cleaners through the Coats for Kids and Families Partners Distribution Network, and the new pajamas were given to the Lynn Economic Opportunity to distribute to children in need. With more local families facing economic hardships and homelessness, helping neighbors in need get through the cold winter was a priority, said Marblehead School of Ballet Director Paula K.

Shiff, who thanked everyone who contributed to the drive.

Judy Moynihan, a board member of the nonprofit North Shore Civic Ballet, which has been performing and providing arts education in greater Boston for 49 years, delivered the coats to Anton’s Cleaners Annual Coats for Kids and Families drive.

Rosemary Grant, a member of the NSCB board of trustees, packaged and delivered the new pajamas to Lynn Economic Opportunity.

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Woman enters home looking for ‘Heidi’; ‘Real Housewife’ pays a visit

Thursday, Jan. 19

7:50 a.m. An officer took a report of vandalism from a town employee who had discovered a door connected to the grandstand bleachers at Seaside Park had been pried open. The employee reported that the damage was to the door only and that nothing was missing or damaged underneath the grandstand. Officer inspected the door, which appeared to have had the screws removed from the lock bracket, allowing the door to be opened. Officer entered the area and did not see anything or anyone of concern.

8:22 a.m. Two officers were dispatched to the Lead Mills area off of Lafayette Street to investigate the report of a campsite that had been set up. After walking the trails for a few hundred yards, officers found a small tent pitched directly on a trail. The officers approached the tent, identifying themselves, and spoke with the man in the tent, who pointed out the lack of signage prohibiting camping. Officer informed the man that the town’s bylaw prohibiting camping is available online at ecode360.com/11769479. The man said he understood and asked for a few minutes to gather his belongings. Officer informed him of services available in the local area. Man responded that he was aware of Lifebridge in Salem but that he was trying to “get away from there,” without elaborating. Officer also made him aware that the police work with a clinician who could speak with him about any mental health issues, and the man said he appreciated the offer. The officer noted that the man had kept the area he was in clean of trash and any other materials that might have been harmful to the conservation land.

10:20 a.m. Two officers were dispatched to Barnard Hawkes Court to assist Chelsea Police in a search for a missing person. Officers went to speak to a man whom police believed might have some helpful information. Woman who answered the door initially told the officer she had no idea who he was talking about. But shortly thereafter, the same woman called the police and identified herself as the man’s sister and said she would contact her brother and have him call police, which the man did. The man then called in and said he did not know the missing woman and had never lived in Marblehead. He was asked if he had been in Lynn or Saugus on Jan. 10, and he replied that it was possible, as he is a home health aide and travels for work. He provided a phone number so that police could reach him if they needed to speak to him again.

11:56 a.m. Officer spoke with

reLIGION

a woman regarding a past larceny of a Jaeger-LeCoultre watch valued between $5,000 and $10,000 and a “very long” pearl necklace with a hidden clasp allowing it to be fashioned into two smaller necklaces of unknown value. The resident suspected that the items had been stolen by a full-time nanny she had hired and since fired. The resident said she had not reported the incident to police because she wanted to cut ties with the nanny and did not want police to follow up on the incident but just wanted it on file.

12:03 p.m. A caller on High Street reported having received annoying phone calls.

1:51 p.m. An officer assisted a Hammond Place resident and filed a report.

5:32 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the area of Leggs Hill Road for a report of a motor vehicle crash. Officers arrived to find two vehicles parked on the side of Tedesco Street. One officer spoke with the drivers involved and determined there were no injuries. Woman explained she was turning left from Leggs Hill Road onto Tedesco Street when a vehicle flashed its high beams at her to signal that she should go. Her vehicle then struck a black pickup truck traveling inbound on Tedesco Street. The woman was adamant she had the right of way and that the truck hit her vehicle on purpose. The damage to the woman’s vehicle was on the front passenger side and consisted of a gouge out of the plastic bumper and broken headlight. The other driver, a state trooper, explained that he had been traveling inbound on Tedesco Street when the vehicle in front of him was turning left onto Leggs Hill Road as he was stuck by the woman’s vehicle as she turned left from Leggs Hill Road. The damage to the trooper’s unmarked State Police pickup truck was located on the driver’s side door and consisted of scrapes. The state trooper reported that his supervisor was responding, and the Marblehead officer stood by with both drivers until the State Police supervisor arrived. The officer was advised that State Police would be handling the crash report and cleared the scene.

Friday, Jan. 20

7:32 a.m. An officer assisted a resident on Ocean Avenue and filed a report.

11:48 a.m. A resident on Shetland Road reported having received a grandparent scam call.

11:49 a.m. A caller reported that there was a celebrity coming to town. A contemporaneous Facebook post from a local

business owner indicated that the celebrity was Dorinda Medley from “Real Housewives of New York,” who was visiting an Atlantic Avenue clothing store.

2:49 p.m. A caller on Rockaway Avenue reported a tree branch down.

3:02 p.m. Officers responded to the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Atlantic Avenue and filed a report.

4:49 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with woman who reported that while her child was home alone after school around 3:30 p.m., an unknown woman had entered the house from the back door without knocking. According to the child, the woman stated she was looking for “Heidi” and mentioned something about a lost glove. The child had told the unknown lady that no one named Heidi lived there and to leave the house before she called the police, not realizing her phone was dead. After being told several times to leave, the lady did. The child reported that the lady appeared mad when told to leave. The child described the lady as being in her late 60s or early 70s. She had ginger-colored hair and was wearing a white hat with brown and purple designs. The child explained that the lady left the house and got into a small silver car parked on the street and had driven towards Glover School via Cherry Street. The woman explained that they have lived in their house for about 11 years, are relatively familiar with their neighbors and do not know of anyone in the area named Heidi. The woman stated they were not expecting any guests or deliveries. The officer inquired about security cameras, and the woman stated they had none but now intend to get them. The woman was advised to call back if the lady returned to their home.

7:03 p.m. An officer spoke by phone with a woman who was having an issue with a contractor she had hired and paid to do work on her home back in July. Woman said she had called the contractor multiple times asking when the work would get done and also asking to have her money returned because it was taking too long. The officer asked the woman for the contractor’s name and the amount of money she paid the person, but she did not want to give the officer that information because the contractor is a close friend. Officer told the woman that she should go to Lynn District Court and speak with an attorney. He also explained to the woman that she could file a complaint with the state or take the contractor to small claims court depending how much the contractor owes her.

The woman was satisfied with the conversation and said she would call back if she needed any further assistance from police.

7:11 p.m. A credit card was found on School Street.

Saturday, Jan. 21

10:35 a.m. A walk-in to the police station reported finding mittens on Atlantic Avenue.

4:17 p.m. An officer spoke at the police station with a young woman who had been walking with three friends at approximately 9:15 p.m. the night before. The ground had been about to enter a walkway in the rear of a Housing Authority property on Rowland Street when they were encountered by a man standing there with his dog. According to the young woman, the man said something like, “Oh, there you are. Your parents told me to look for you. Let me drive you back to your house. It’s past your bedtime. You girls shouldn’t be out this late.” The girls then ran in the opposite direction and eventually made it to their destination. The young woman described the man as in his 50s, about 6 feet tall, medium build, wearing black pants and black coat with a hood. The young woman said she could not see his face. She said the man did not chase them or attempt any physical confrontation. Officer spoke with one of the other witnesses, who confirmed the story. They were advised to call the police if they saw the man in their neighborhood again. The officer patrolled the area for a while around 9:15 p.m. Saturday but could not locate a man matching the description.

4:59 p.m. Until about 5:30 p.m., an officer monitored traffic on Atlantic Avenue in the area of Drumlin Road but observed no improper driving. The fastest vehicle he observed was traveling at 36 mph, he reported.

7:02 p.m. Until about 8 p.m., an officer conducted speed enforcement on Atlantic Avenue by Seaview Avenue. The officer reported that the average range of speed on Atlantic Avenue was about 30-35 p.m. The top speed the officer observed was 40 mph amid a light flow of traffic.

8:32 p.m. Services were rendered after a Water & Sewer substation alarm sounded on Nahant Street.

Sunday, Jan. 22

5:53 p.m. Officers conducted a well-being check on Pleasant Street and filed a report.

8:15 p.m. Until about 9 p.m., an officer conducted speed enforcement on Atlantic Avenue by Seaview Avenue. The average range of speed on Atlantic Avenue was about 30-35 mph, and the top speed observed was 38 mph amid a light flow of traffic.

Monday, Jan. 23

4:29 a.m. Officers investigated the breaking-and-entering of a structure or burglary on Crown Way.

8:22 a.m. An officer took a report from a person who was having ongoing problems with a neighbor on Stonybrook Road.

8:28 a.m. An officer helped investigate a report of an odor of gas in a home on Sevinor Road.

8:57 a.m. Until about 9:30 a.m., an officer monitored traffic on Atlantic Avenue in the area of Carlton Road. Officer observed the traffic flow fluctuating between light and moderate. The officer found that all vehicles were traveling at safe speeds for the traffic and weather conditions. The approximate average speed was 32 mph.

9:34 a.m. A notice of license suspension was served on Londonderry Road.

2:14 p.m. An officer investigated a report of larceny, forgery or fraud on Intrepid Circle.

2:32 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of an accident on Baldwin Road and filed a report.

2:46 p.m. A car doing donuts was reported on Atlantic Avenue. An officer could not locate the vehicle.

3:41 p.m. Officers investigated a report of a vehicle accident on Community Road and filed a report.

3:50 p.m. A caller to the police station inquired about whether there was any sort of snow parking ban in effect in town.

4:10 p.m. Officers assisted with a vehicle that was stuck on a hill on Lafayette Street.

4:47 p.m. A snow pile in the road was reported on Humphrey Street.

4:53 p.m. An officer assisted with a vehicle stuck on Lafayette Street.

6:15 p.m. A stuck vehicle was reported on Jersey and Guernsey streets.

11:35 p.m. Services were rendered after a disturbance on Cornell Road.

Tuesday, Jan. 24

12:52 p.m. An officer assisted with a stuck tractor-trailer reported on Doaks Lane and Orne Street.

2:58 p.m. Officers conducted a well-being check on Devereux Street and filed a report.

4:57 p.m. For about 40 minutes, an officer conducted speed enforcement on Atlantic Avenue and reported that he wound up conducting two traffic stops and issued two citations for speed, one for driving 45 p.m. in a 30 mph zone, and the other for driving 39 mph in a 30 mph zone. The officer estimated the average speed of all other vehicles to be between 29 mph and 31 mph.

Houses of worship service schedule

weekends or at the Parish Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Wednesday

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

» sosmarblehead.org

Regular Mass Schedule

Saturday Vigil: 4 p.m.

Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

» Every weekday (Monday-Saturday): 9 a.m.

» Confessions: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Saturday Adult choir rehearsals: Thursdays, 7 p.m., organ loft

Children’s choir rehearsals: Sunday, 8:15 a.m., organ loft

» Centering Prayer group: Mondays, after 9 a.m. Mass until 11 a.m.

» Annual food drive is ongoing through Feb. 26. Donations may be dropped off at the church on

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST 134 Elm St. 781-631-3868

fccsmarbleheadma.wordpress. com

» Sunday Church Service: 10-11 a.m. Sunday School (open to children and young people under the age of 20): 10-11 a.m.

» Wednesday Testimony Meeting: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

» Reading Room (in church building): Open just after Sunday service and before Wednesday

testimony meetings

COMMUNITY CHURCH

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

» 17 Pleasant St. 781-631-9343

gracemarblehead.org

Discipleship Class: 9:15 a.m.

Sunday

» Worship Gatherings: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday

» Grace Kids (Grades K-5): 4:30 p.m. Wednesday

Youth Group: 7 p.m. Wednesday

Women’s Bible Study: 10 a.m.

Thursday

» Prayer Gatherings: 1 p.m.

Thursday

» Men’s Bible Study: 6 a.m. Friday Friday, Feb. 3: 6 p.m., Bowling at Sunnyside Bowladrome

CONGREGATIONAL

OLD NORTH CHURCH, THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MARBLEHEAD » 35 Washington St.

» 781-631-1244

» onchurch.org

» Wednesday, Feb. 1: 10 a.m., staff meeting; 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal

Thursday, Feb. 2: 7 p.m., deacons’ meeting

» Sunday, Feb. 5: Communion Sunday, 8 a.m., worship service; 9 a.m., choir rehearsal; 10 a.m., worship service; 11:15 a.m., Confirmation

class Monday, Feb. 6: 6:30 p.m., Women’s AA in Parish Hall

» Tuesday, Feb. 7: 8 a.m., Community Life Board; 9 a.m., Lectio Divinia; 7:30 p.m., Bell Choir Wednesday, Feb. 8: 7:30 p.m.,

choir rehearsal

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW, EPISCOPAL » 135 Lafayette St. » 781-631-4951 standrewsmhd.org

Regular Sunday services (Rite II of the Episcopal liturgy): 8 a.m., spoken service; 10 a.m., musical service » Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Gospel

Reflections on Zoom

Alternate Tuesdays, 11 a.m.: “This Magic Moment” Memory Café on Zoom, a judgment-free zone for those with memory loss and their caregivers

Montigue ‘Monty’ Morris, 89

Montigue Morris (Monty) was never happier than when he was sailing, reading about sailing, talking about sailing or working on sailboats. Monty died at home in Marblehead on Jan. 23 with his wife Betsy and son Peter beside him. He was 89.

Monty and Betsy were married in 1962, and in their 4th-floor walk-up apartment in Greenwich Village, Monty built their first sailboat, a 12-foot catamaran, constructed in their 12-foot living room. It was a terrible sailing vessel, but it was the start of a lifetime love affair that led

Mary Lane Connolly Cairns, 88

Mary Lane Connolly Cairns, 88, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Jan. 22.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Walter J. Cairns, with whom she shared 53 years of marriage.

A life-long resident of Marblehead, Mary Lane, affectionately referred to as Queenie by family and friends, graduated from the Windsor School and Bradford Junior College. She loved spending time with family and friends sailing, skiing, tennis, and golfing into her mid-1980s.

As the daughter of Eugene T.

them to Marblehead in January 1967 and their first real boat — a townie, of course. Monty grew up in Kingston, Pennsylvania, and Brooklyn, New York, graduating from Brooklyn Technical High School and Brown University. He served in the U.S. Army during the tail end of the Korean Conflict,

stationed in Hokkaido, Japan. He worked for IBM and other computer companies until 1975, when he and Betsy went into business for themselves, building new houses and renovating old ones in and around Marblehead. In 1983 at age 50, he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Boston Architectural Center. Always creative and forever adventuresome, he and Betsy built a ski house in Vermont with their own hands and without power tools, as the property was not then connected to the electric grid. They brought up their three kids — Tom, Peter and Chrissy — on ski mountains, in sailboats, and exploring the jewels of Boston, other countries, and the endearing literature of

moved on to Ocean Racing, and participated in numerous Eastern Cruises. With their J-40 NIXIE, they successfully competed in the Marblehead to Halifax Race, finishing 2nd in class in 1991 and 1st in class and 9th overall in 1995. From there, they moved on to a custom powerboat that they cruised down east to Prince Edward Island and the south coast of Newfoundland.

and Eloise L. Connolly, Mary Lane enjoyed a lifetime on the water, and her passion for sailing was well known. During her younger years, she enhanced her sailing skills as an active member of the Pleon Yacht Club and then as a member of the Eastern Yacht Club for 63 years.

Mary Lane and Walter were active participants in the local Shields Class for many years,

David Cameron

David Cameron died Saturday, Jan. 21, 2023, surrounded by his friends and family, after a long tough fight with cancer.

David grew up in Marblehead and attended Marblehead schools. David loved to work and began working at a very young age. His first job was

Madeline Schultz, 86, lover of all things Marblehead

“Don’t remember me with sadness, don’t remember me with tears. Remember all the love, kisses, hugs and laughter we had throughout the years.”

Marblehead resident Madeline Schultz passed away peacefully

Religion

From P. A14

Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:153:30 p.m., Parish Hall open for exercise

» Wednesday, noon: Eucharist

Second Saturday, 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Coffee Cups informal conversation and fellowship ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

» 26 Pleasant St. 781-631-0657 stmichaels1714.org

» Sundays: Holy Eucharist, Rite II, 10 a.m.; in-person and online on church’s YouTube Channel

» Wednesdays: Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. on Facebook Live

First Sundays: Choral Evensong (September through May), 5 p.m.; in-person and online on church’s YouTube Channel

JEWISH TEMPLE EMANU-EL, REFORM CONGREGATION

on Dec. 2. She was 86.

Madeline shared her creative talents throughout her life. Her love of words endures in poems and letters written to loved ones. She enjoyed expressing herself creatively through

393 Atlantic Ave. 781-631-9300 emanu-el.org

» Shabbat: Friday, 6 p.m., in person and on Facebook Live

» Torah Study: First and second

Saturdays of month, 10 a.m. on

Zoom

Religious School: 9 a.m. Sundays

Senior Connection: 11 a.m.

Tuesdays

» Mah Jongg: 7 p.m. Tuesdays

» Wednesday, Feb. 1: 5:45 p.m.,

Pre Confirmation; 7 p.m., Monthly

Movie Night

Sunday, Feb. 5: 9 a.m., Confirmation; 10 a.m., Family Religious School; 11:30 a.m., Temple Tots; 1 p.m., Rabbi and Jon’s CD release party

Monday, Feb. 6: 7:30 p.m., Jewish

Adult Education

Wednesday, Feb. 8: 5:45 p.m.,

Pre-Confirmation

» Thursday, Feb. 9: 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees

TEMPLE

Raising five children, Mary Lane loved spending winter weekends and vacations with her family at their home in Franconia, NH, skiing Cannon Mountain. When the children were older and “out of the house,” she and Walter split their winters between skiing the slopes of Utah and residing in Palm Beach, Florida, where they enjoyed golfing and spending

with R.D. Williams. He then went on to work for Bartlett & Steadman Co., followed by the town of Marblehead at the Water and Sewer and Tree departments.

David was predeceased by his father, John Cameron. David is survived by his mother, Ellen Smallwood Cameron; his brother Len and the love of his life, Jody Martin; his brother Doug and his wife, Susan Grubaugh; his sister Lori

stained glass, painting, ceramics and decorative arts.

Mrs. Schultz loved raising her children in Marblehead and treasured her sweet Clifton area neighborhood. She was happiest when entertaining in her home at a beautifully set table with her family.

Madeline is pre-deceased by her husband of 60 years, Andrew Schultz. She will be missed by

1 Community Road 781-631-2762

templesinaiweb.org

» Kabbalat Shabbat: Fridays, 6 p.m.

» Shabbat Service: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.

» Minyans: Saturday, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Monday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. (at Congregation Shirat Hayam, Swampscott)

» Wednesdays, Feb. 2 and 9: 11:30 a.m., Jewish Prayer Workshops with Rabbi Michael Schwartz

LUTHERAN CLIFTON LUTHERAN CHURCH

» 150 Humphrey St.

» 781-631-4379

» cliftonlutheran.org

Weekly worship service: Sunday, 10 a.m., live stream on Zoom

Sunday School: Sundays, 9 a.m.

» Coffee Hour: Sunday, 11 a.m.

» Choir Chat: Tuesday, 4:45 p.m. over Zoom

» Midweek Fellowship: Wednesday, 7 p.m. Bible Study: Wednesday, 7:30

childhood. He fostered his kids’ love of stories, films, music and art. Monty’s heritage was 100 percent Welsh, of which he was very proud. Maybe that’s why he had a wonderful tenor voice and adored singing harmony; he was an avid reader, particularly of history, and his boundless memory held everything he read. And he skied until his 88th year. Their biggest adventure started upon retirement in 1993 when they sailed out of Marblehead harbor toward the Caribbean (by way of Newfoundland). They spent five years living aboard SALSA, completing two circumnavigations of the Caribbean, spending the bulk of those years in Venezuela, Colombia, Panama, Cuba and Guatemala. Twelve months were spent at Ak’ Tenamit working

time with their friends at Palm Worth.

In addition to Walter, Mary Lane loved to spend time with her five children, four sonsin-law, one daughter-in-law, fourteen grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. She is survived by her children, Susan and Jack Fischer of Marblehead; Ann and Don Turner of Hollis, New Hampshire; Gail and Jack Steele of Swampscott, Jim and Tamara Cairns of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and Kate and Jamie Kellogg of Marblehead; her adoring grandchildren Sarah (Fischer) and Parker Cote, Kiley Fischer and Mark Murphy, Don Turner and Hannah Johnson, Christine (Turner) and Jason Langevin, Jennifer (Turner) and Jeremy Oak, Erin Turner, Jackson Steele, Eliza Steele, Dylan Steele, Finn Cairns, Talia

Knowles and her husband, Doug, all from Marblehead; and his sister Denise Diamond and her husband, Bill, from Lynn. He also leaves his two favorite girls, his nieces Madison Cameron of Haverhill and Meghan Knowles of Marblehead. He is also survived by his uncle, Thomas Smallwood, and his wife, Donna, of Hampton, New Hampshire; and his aunt, Margaret “Bitsy” McGuirk of Athol; and many, many cousins.

her son, Eric Schultz of Danvers; daughter, Elizabeth Russell and husband, Tom Russell of Leister, Vermont and her six grandchildren, Hannah, Andy and India Schultz; Heron, Griffin and Hayden Russell.

“We loved to laugh. We loved to live. And above all, we loved to love you all. Always and forever.” —

Madeline Schultz

as full-time volunteers, side-byside with Mayan workers on an education and health care project up a jungle river in Guatemala. They were dismasted off Nicaragua in a ferocious storm, had snakes aboard — twice — and adored (almost) every minute.

Monty was pre-deceased by his daughter, Christina Drew. He is survived by his wife, Betsy; his sons, Tom and Peter; his grandchildren, Dan, Nicole, Zander, and Maia; and his greatgranddaughter, Leya.

In lieu of flowers, please offer donations to Ak’ Tenamit through the Guatemala Tomorrow Fund at www.https://thegtfund.org/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Morris family.

Cairns, Jay Kellogg, Phoebe Kellogg and Julia Kellogg; her cherished great grand-children Maya Langevin, Nina Langevin, and Josie Turner; her sister Peggy (Connolly) Hoffman and brother Gene Connolly; and her cherished nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by siblings Barbara (Connolly) Guild and Ellen Connolly. Funeral services will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary Lane’s memory to the Pleon Yacht Club, 42 Foster St., Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945. Arrangements by Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, Massachusetts 142 Elm St. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www. eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Cairns family.

David was also predeceased by his faithful companion Milo by one week. There will be a celebration of life for David on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St., Marblehead from noon to 3 p.m. Come and have some lunch and share some memories. Lunch will be catered by Louise Moore of Every Little Breeze Catering. In addition, there will be a cash-only bar.

p.m.

Thursday, Feb. 2: 1 p.m., Marblehead Ministerial Association

» Tuesday, Feb. 7: noon, BHM Celebration PREP METHODIST ST. STEPHEN’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 67 Cornell Road

» 781-631-2756 » www.marblehead.church

» St. Stephen’s is open for Sunday morning worship. Every Sunday, they have traditional worship at 10:30 a.m. with a time of refreshments and fellowship afterward. Worship may also be attended via Zoom.

» Tuesday mornings: Conversation and prayer with Pastor Isaac (see facebook.com/marblehead. church)

» Wednesday, Feb. 1: 7 p.m., Wednesday Evening Vespers

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF MARBLEHEAD » 28 Mugford St. 781-631-1215 uumarblehead.org

Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. and on Zoom: bit.ly/3EIRKiF All persons attending a regular Sunday Service in person are asked to wear masks in the sanctuary.

Wednesday, Feb. 1: 9 a.m., Small Group Ministry; 7 p.m., Committee on Ministry

» Saturday, Feb. 4: 9:30 a.m., Caring for the Caregivers

» Sunday, Feb. 5: 9 a.m., Sunday Seminar; 10:30 a.m., Sunday Services; 11:30 a.m., After Service Social Hour; 1 p.m., Life Spam Exploration Team

» Monday, Feb. 6: 2 p.m., Aging, Decaying, Dying, and Divinity; 7:30 p.m., choir practice

Thursday, Feb. 9: 4 p.m., UUCM at Lifebridge

Friday, Feb. 10: 4:30 p.m., UUCM Youth at Lifebridge

BY LINDA WERBNER

With its striking black-andwhite palette, Jean Fogle’s bold and dynamic work, now on display at the Stetson Gallery, defies categorization or labels. The multimedia exhibition showcases several decades of Fogle’s vibrant and unconventional acrylics, drawings, collages and ceramics.

Stroll into the compact and sunny gallery inside the Unitarian Universalist Church, and your eye is pulled to her diverse and energetic work in various media. On one wall is a large canvas entitled “First Date” with two whimsically “nervous” chairs sitting side by side.

Flanking “First Date” are two painted ceramic plates with folk art images of a strutting rooster and flowers. On another wall is a collaged wreath of entwined hands made from antique gloves entitled “Friendship Wreath.”

Building a show around these two colors was natural for Fogle.

“I’ve worked in black-andwhite over the years, and I wanted to put these pieces together at some point,” she said.

She also felt that it would look good in a small space like the compact Stetson.

Fogle says the show is “a little bit of this and that” and is an introduction to her multifaceted and eclectic approach to art.

“I like collage because I collect things and don’t like to throw stuff away,” she said. “When I walk into my studio, some materials will call out to me to use them.”

While some of Fogle’s work has an abstract expressionism

feel with its strong color, vigorous brushstrokes and nonrepresentational images, she is wary of labels.

“I’m a studio painter, so I don’t paint from life or nature,” she said. “Mostly, my work is abstract. I experiment. It’s very intuitive.”

Above all, Fogle stresses that the best art should feel like play.

A long-time member of the

Marblehead Arts Association, Fogle has had local shows at the Abbot Public Library and MacRae’s Sustainable Goods in Marblehead and on Gloucester’s Rocky Neck Art Colony.

In the past, Fogle has enriched the community by teaching arts classes to kids at the Marblehead Arts Association as well as Arts at Tower, a summer program of the arts at the Tower School.

When asked about her creative process, she pauses thoughtfully and responds that she first gathers the materials and then “sees what happens once she picks up a brush and lays some paint on the page. The goal is to have the experience of doing it. Sometimes you get something, and sometimes you don’t.”

Before she became a fine artist, Fogle worked as a graphic

designer for many years.

“When the computer world took over graphic design, I went in a different direction,” she says.

While the introduction of technology resulted in her exit from graphic design, these days Fogle takes full advantage of it. All of her work can be found on Instagram.

She says that painting the cinema-themed mural at the old Orson Welles repertory cinema in Cambridge, where she worked, was a pivotal moment in her artistic life.

“I began painting pottery and furniture and painting in people’s houses,” she says.

“Someone would want a mural in the kitchen, a wall vignette and faux painting where you make the wall look like marble or old stone. That was popular in the 1990s.”

When she isn’t in her studio — a reconfigured barn behind her house — Fogle spends her time happily walking dogs for Creature Comforts three days a week.

“Typically, I will do three to six walks a day,” she says. “Today, I had three this morning and another one today at 4 p.m. It’s my exercise program. I get to be with these lovely little animals.”

A Marblehead resident since 1974, Fogle says the town is ideal for artists.

“I feel so lucky that I can walk to the ocean and Redd’s Pond,” she said. “You kind of get immune to it. There’s so much beauty here.”

Fogle’s work can be viewed at the Stetson Gallery through Feb. 10. The gallery is open 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sundays at 28 Mugford St., Marblehead.

CURRENT PHOTO / LINDA WERBNER

Jean Fogle stands in front of one of her works of art being exhibited in the Unitarian Universalist Church’s Stetson Gallery until Feb. 10.