The Marblehead Select Board heard passionate arguments from residents both for and against seeking an exemption from the state’s MBTA Communities Act during a standing-room-only meeting at Marblehead High School library last Wednesday night. The law requires Marblehead
to create zoning that allows multifamily housing by right across approximately 58 acres in three designated districts. The town rejected the proposed zoning plan at the last May’s Town Meeting by a 33-vote margin. The contentious issue is set to go before Marblehead voters again at the May 5 Town Meeting, though it first needs the favorable recommendation
of the Planning Board because it is being reconsidered within two years of being rejected. With a July 14 compliance deadline approaching, the debate centered on whether the town should join five other Massachusetts communities in pursuing legal action based on the State Auditor Diana DiZoglio’s recent determination that the housing mandate in
G.L.c. 40A, §3A constitutes an unfunded state obligation. Following three hours of heated debate and hearing from a little under 40 speakers, the Select Board members unanimously signaled they needed more time to consider whether to pursue legal action based on the state auditor’s determination. Board members emphasized that they had only
BY KRIS OLSON
By 12 years old, Marblehead native Hayley Reardon had begun establishing herself as a songwriting prodigy and wanted to share her creations. There was just one problem.
“My dad was my biggest supporter, and I told him that I wanted to play my songs and go to open mics,” Reardon recalls. “But I was scared.”
Enter Don White.
When Pete Reardon learned that the award-winning singer-songwriter,
comedian, author and storyteller was offering a performance class at Club Passim in Cambridge for people new to the stage, he quickly enrolled his daughter. The class would be canceled, but White assured Reardon that he would be happy to work with her one on one.
In the 16 years since, the relationship has evolved into a mutual admiration society. The warm feelings they have for one another will be on full display as Reardon and White help Me&Thee Music celebrate its 55th anniversary this Friday night,
March 21 at 8 p.m.
When she and White first started meeting, his initial lessons involved “super practical stuff,” like how to move the microphones and how to get comfortable on stage, Reardon says.
“Then it grew into like storytelling and so many things that are integral to my take on performing,” Reardon adds.
White says that when he first spoke to Pete Reardon, his first inclination
BY LEIGH BLANDER
At least three people pulled papers on March 17 in the race for two School Committee seats now held by Sarah Fox and Alison Taylor. The election is June 10. Incumbent Fox, along with attorney Kate Schmeckpeper and graphic designer Henry Gwazda all
heard from town counsel for the first time earlier that evening and felt the rapidly evolving legal situation warranted careful deliberation.
“I am not ready to vote one way or the other here,” said board member Dan Fox. “I want to look at the cost-benefit analysis. I would like to also rely
Crisis DOGE-d Funds for veteran suicide research revoked, restored
BY WILL DOWD
A Marblehead-based company conducting nationwide suicide prevention research for veterans recently had its $1 million federal contract abruptly terminated after the Department of Government Efficiency deemed it “nonessential.”
It was reinstated following Congressman Seth Moulton’s intervention.
The contract suspension, lasting about two weeks in February, threatened research by Minuteman Technology Services that helps the Department of Veterans Affairs evaluate suicide prevention programs across the country.
MTS, a service-disabled-veteranowned small business founded 10 years ago, specializes in IT services for federal healthcare facilities. Ninety percent of its revenue comes from VA contracts.
“We do a lot of staff and veteran-facing technology implementations, so things like self-service check-in and facility navigation, digital maps, and we also do suicide prevention research,” said Tim Keeney, MTS founder and a former Navy SEAL who served from 1999 to 2005.
child now goes to St. John’s Prep).
“The last couple of years with the School Committee have been so turbulent,” Schmeckpeper said during an interview in her Chestnut Street living room. “We need members who are committed to stability and building or POLIc Y W hIPL a Sh
plan to run. Taylor did not return multiple messages about her plans. Schmeckpeper and her husband moved to Marblehead 11 years ago. Their four children have attended Marblehead Public Schools. (Her oldest
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead native Hayley Reardon will be joined by her one-time performance coach, Don White, as Me&Thee Music marks its 55th anniversary Friday night
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
COURTESY PHOTOS Kate Schmeckpeper (left), Henry Gwazda and Sarah Fox are running for School Committee so far.
Interim super, local mother and son featured on antisemitism panel
BY KRIS OLSON
Marblehead’s interim superintendent of schools and a local mother and son will be featured speakers in a Wednesday, March 19, virtual panel discussion on strategies to advocate for the removal of classroom materials that may be biased against Israel, Israelis or Jews.
The event, hosted by Hadassah Northeast, the local branch of the national women’s Zionist organization, will run from 7:30 to 8:45 p.m.
In addition to Interim superintendent John Robidox, the panel will feature attorney Yael Magen and her son, David, along with Karen Bloom of Oakland, California, who is the current president of the Hadassah Central Pacific Coast Region and former co-chair of Hadassah’s National Educators Council.
The event comes as the Massachusetts Teachers Association continues to be embroiled in a controversy over materials related to the IsraelHamas War that it had made available to its members through its website. As recently as last week, MTA critics continued to argue that the MTA had failed to remove materials they believe to be anti-Jewish or anti-Israel.
In David Magen’s case, he was moved to get involved after receiving a homework assignment as a Marblehead High School freshman in the fall of 2023 — about two months after Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack — that he instantly recognized was historically inaccurate.
The assignment erased the words “Israel” and “Judah” from biblical times and current times, replacing it with “Palestine,” even though Palestine did not exist during biblical times, explained Yael. The time period that the class was learning about was 2000 BC to 500 BC. But Palestine did
Lessons Learned:
principal.
“The whole premise of our project is that it’s led by the students; it’s not another situation where a parent goes and complains,” Yael Magen said.
The “S” is to offer a solution, Yael Magen said, again attributing her son’s success to his having addressed the problem directly with his teacher.
“When it comes from the student, I think teachers look at it a little bit differently,” she said.
The Magens met with Robidoux within days of his arrival in Marblehead to bring him up to speed not only on the work that David had been doing and intended on continuing to do but about incidents of antisemitism in the town’s recent past.
In Robidoux and MHS Principal Michele Carlson, Yael Magen believes they have good partners.
BY WILL DOWD
The Marblehead School Committee is developing a comprehensive midcycle evaluation for interim Superintendent John Robidoux as it weighs whether to offer him a permanent contract, though officials stress their timeline remains fluid.
During a March workshop, committee members outlined a process to assess Robidoux’s performance since he began leading the district in July, working to balance thorough review with the constraints of evaluating someone midway through his interim period. Rather than conducting a complete summative assessment, the committee agreed to perform what Chair Jennifer Schaeffner called a “more rigorous formative assessment” focusing on Robidoux’s progress toward his established goals.
“We need to produce some type of document if we’re asking the public to follow us through this,” said committee member Alison Taylor. “We’re not getting caught up on these words and documents. There’s no legal requirement on anything, so we can make it as robust as we want this cycle.”
The evaluation will center on but be limited to Robidoux’s three primary objectives: establishing consistent district-wide culture with appropriate staffing patterns, developing a comprehensive district improvement plan and
not exist until about 70 AD.
David’s assignment asked him to respond to the question, “What is the relationship between Palestine and the Jewish religion?” In his essay, David responded that there wasn’t a connection, and that what was being taught was inaccurate and antisemitic.
The assignment was particularly jarring to Yael because she had seen that her son’s class would be studying the origins of Judaism and had read all 80 pages of the textbook on the subject.
“It was good,” she said. “There weren’t any antisemitic tropes. It was really objective and accurate. I was like, ‘Oh, good.’ I took a breath of relief.”
Mother and son discussed the problematic assignment, and Yael said her son insisted on being the one to address it with his teacher.
His response to the homework assignment opened the door to a prolonged discussion — about 90 minutes, by Yael’s estimation — with the social studies department chair, who agreed to
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux, who has led Marblehead schools since July, will undergo a mid-cycle evaluation as the School Committee considers whether to offer him a permanent contract.
ensuring students have a voice in their teaching and learning.
Robidoux, who previously served as superintendent in Swansea from 2016 to 2024, has completed about eight months of his two-year interim contract, which pays $208,000 annually for the first year with the second year’s salary to be determined.
The committee faces time pressure as Robidoux has expressed interest in securing a permanent position beginning July 1. This timeline requires members to complete their evaluation, gather community feedback, vote on offering a permanent contract, and negotiate terms before the start of the next fiscal year.
Committee member Brian Ota questioned whether there was sufficient time for a thorough evaluation.
“Do we have enough time to
remove the worksheet from the curriculum.
David Magen has since been invited to share his experience with thousands of people through webinars like the upcoming Hadassah one, hearings before the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and at conferences in Washington, D.C.
David Magen has established a nonprofit called FAIS, which is an acronym for both the organization’s full name, Fighting Antisemitism in Schools, and its method, where “F” stands for “find.”
The flaw in MHS’ curriculum, which had gone undetected for almost 25 years, illustrates that texts sometimes must be given a fresh look and read critically to identify problems, Yael Magen said.
The “A” and the “I” are related to student-led efforts to assess the information for accuracy and then initiate the process for change by bringing the results of their research to the appropriate person, be it their teacher or
“I’m extremely thankful for them for being not only open minded, but thankful for them for taking the initiative and understanding the depths of what we’re facing, what everybody’s facing right now,” she said.
Robidoux could not be reached for comment before the Current’s print deadline.
One of the outgrowths of those discussions is a new antidiscrimination committee, which met for the first time a couple of weeks ago. The committee, composed of students, parents, teachers and administrators, will not focus on antisemitism exclusively but may put a little more emphasis on the issue initially, according to Yael.
“I’ve said this for quite some time: I really feel that Marblehead can be a role model and a leader and in specifically fighting antisemitism; I really do,” she said. “I feel like it has enough power by students, teachers, parents and administration and care about the issue to actually do that.”
School Committee charts tentative timeline for superintendent evaluation
actually do a summative over the next couple of months?” said Ota.
Massachusetts Association of School Committees Field Director Alicia Mallon advised that a formative assessment would be more appropriate, given the timing.
“Because he was planning on doing the formative by the end of this school year, that’s more where you would want to stay,” Mallon said. “To then switch gears to the summative would require you to look at the goals he put forth and see if they’re actually completed.”
The committee established a timeline that includes members individually completing evaluation forms in early May based on a modified version of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education rubric. They will then convene for a workshop on May 8 to compile their assessments into a single document.
The composite evaluation will be made public by May 12, followed by discussion at their May 15 business meeting, when they will review the evaluation and survey results. A vote on whether to offer Robidoux a permanent contract would come at a subsequent meeting. Contract negotiations would follow, with a final decision expected by early June.
Committee members also emphasized the importance of gathering feedback from district staff, administrators and the community through anonymous
surveys. Ota and board member Sarah Fox will develop the survey.
“I would like to see administrators and then staff, like non-administrative staff, because it’s different views,” Taylor said.
The committee agreed surveys should be distributed in early May, with results incorporated into their final deliberations.
Members expressed particular interest in feedback regarding Robidoux’s professional practices.
The evaluation forms will include rating options ranging from “did not meet” to “exceeded,” though members acknowledged that goals set for a two-year interim period would be difficult to fully achieve in eight months.
“Based on what he’s written, it’s hard to put a ‘met’ or ‘exceeded’ on any of these because they weren’t meant to be evaluated in seven months,” said board member Al Williams. “These were at least 12-month goals.”
If the committee votes to offer Robidoux a permanent contract, negotiations would follow, with a final contract vote expected by mid-June to meet the July 1 start date.
Schaeffner emphasized that the timeline allows for community input before any decisions are finalized.
The committee plans to keep the public informed throughout the process, with updates at their April 17 meeting and opportunities for community input in May.
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The Marblehead Planning Board postponed its vote on the town’s MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal on March 11, opting to wait until after the Select Board discussed the housing mandate on March 12 in the Marblehead High School library.
The board did, however, unanimously approve proposed zoning changes to the town’s floodplain district maps and accessory dwelling unit bylaw for consideration at the Monday, May 5 Town Meeting.
Planning Board Chair Andrew Christensen said the board needed more information before deciding on the MBTA Communities Act compliance plan.
“I think we really need to know what the Select Board is doing,” said Christensen. “We’re supposed to make a determination tonight, and then they’re supposed to make a determination tomorrow. That doesn’t make any sense.”
The delay comes after state Auditor Diana DiZoglio recently determined the MBTA Communities Act constitutes an unfunded mandate. Opponents have urged the Select Board to pursue a compliance exemption based on this ruling.
Board member Barton Hyte expressed concern about proceeding without clarity from the Select Board.
“I just think that if they’re
rebuilding confidence in the district and its direction.”
Schmeckpeper is a part-time litigator and previously served as in-house counsel at Suffolk University, where she worked on a host of policies, involving issues such as cybersecurity and Title IX. She has volunteered with Marblehead PTOs and a School Advisory Council. Learn more at her website kateforsc.com.
“My main message is that we need good governance,” she said. “The School Committee needs to focus on executing its areas of responsibility and making sure the public knows and understands what it’s doing. The committee also needs to empower our administrators to run our schools.”
Gwazda agrees that the School Committee needs a shakeup.
“It’s been a rough couple of months, couple of years,” he said. “Someone needs to step up and repair bridges, not just with the citizens but with teachers and students.”
A professional graphic designer, Gwazda said he has experience managing budgets and employees, as well as problem solving. He and his wife, Marisa Colabuono, have two young children, one at the Brown School. Colabuono is a substitute teacher in town who volunteers with the Brown School PTO. Fox told the Current why she’s running again. “I have experience to really understand what the job entails, what is the School Committee purview and
going to potentially pursue something that would lead to an exemption from compliance with Section 3A, I think we have to hear what they have to say first,” Hyte said.
The board voted unanimously to continue the MBTA Communities Act discussion to its March 27 meeting, after the Select Board weighs in.
On the floodplain district bylaw changes, Town Planner Alex Eitler explained the updates were necessary to comply with federal requirements and ensure residents maintain access to flood insurance.
“If we don’t update the floodplain district to incorporate the new maps, then what could happen is the town could be sanctioned by FEMA,” Eitler
what isn’t. I have worked very hard to help build the wonderful central administration team we currently have and am very proud of the work they have accomplished in a short time.”
On the issues
The Current asked the three candidates about key issues facing Marblehead schools. The following are their responses: High School roof replacement project
The district is asking Town Meeting this May to raise property taxes for 15 years to fund another $8.6 million for the Marblehead High School roof and HVAC units. Town Meeting already approved $5.3 million two years ago. The project never launched.
Schmeckpeper: “We need to fix the roof; it’s been leaking for years. I support funding the project, but at the same time we need to recognize there were mistakes made. People are looking for accountability.”
Gwazda: “We need to fund a new roof. But people feel bad sending any more money to this School Committee because they have bungled the project so far. They need to admit to their mistakes and not gaslight the public.”
Fox: The original project was passed to cover the roof. Once the owner’s project manager and architect got on site it became clear the HVAC would require replacement and a recommendation was made to the committee to pair the HVAC replacement with the roof project. I absolutely support the debt exclusion override request that will
said. “And essentially, that would potentially jeopardize people’s ability to get flood insurance.”
The proposed changes would designate the building inspector in the building department as the permitting authority for floodplain development, with Marblehead’s town engineer serving as floodplain administrator.
The board spent considerable time discussing changes to the accessory dwelling unit bylaw needed to comply with new state regulations taking effect.
Resident Susan Walker raised concerns about the bylaw modifications, particularly regarding historic properties.
“I am troubled by the ADU provision that allows the ADU to be sold separately from the
be presented at Town Meeting in May.
Teachers strike Marblehead educators went on strike for 11 days in November after months of contentious negotiations with the School Committee.
Schmeckpeper: “Our teachers are the most important asset the community has. We need to make sure there’s a strong relationship between teachers, administrators and the School Committee. We need to move forward now as a community.”
Fox: “The negotiations were very complex and involved a tremendous amount of pressure from forces outside of Marblehead as was seen in the other strikes that were timed to coordinate with the strike in Marblehead. The School Committee worked diligently to balance the requests of the staff with the fiscal reality of Marblehead and was successful in negotiating a contract that was fair to all parties.”
Gwazda: “There was no communication from the School Committee. It was a one-sided negotiation with the teachers essentially bargaining with themselves in order to get the kids back in school. It
main house,” Walker said. “A lot of historic houses have separate carriage houses that have been converted to ADUs. It’s a way to preserve the historic fabric of Marblehead. If you allow separate sales of these historic properties, then you fragment the historic property and historic setting.”
Walker added: “I am really troubled by the state’s micromanagement of ADUs. I recognize there’s a housing crisis, but I think the state should stay in its lane.”
Eitler acknowledged her concerns but explained the town has limited flexibility under the new state requirements.
“The state has removed a lot of the discretion that we would otherwise have,” Eitler said. “We
was disrespectful to our teachers, the community and, most importantly, the students.”
School funding
Gwazda: “The School Committee should be the biggest cheerleaders for school funding. But I don’t trust them with our money, and I know many other people feel the same way.”
Schmeckpeper:
“Advocating for school spending is all about identifying and explaining needs in our district so the community understands how the spending will benefit students and move the district towards meeting its goals.”
Fox: “The School Committee has a responsibility to advocate for a budget that meets the needs of our schools. It is the responsibility of the administration to make a request for their suggested budget. The School committee must be able to explain to the citizens of Marblehead what the money is funding and how it impacts students. It is important for the School Committee to be good stewards of the taxpayers’ money and practice fiscal responsibility while also meeting the needs of our students.”
Flag policy
have to revise our bylaw to be consistent with state law.”
Key changes to the ADU bylaw include removing the owneroccupancy requirement, allowing separate ownership of ADUs, and maintaining the board’s site plan review authority.
The board also postponed discussion of a citizens’ petition that would permit residents to store fishing gear and lobster traps on their property. The petition’s sponsor, local lobsterman Ray Bates, was not present at the meeting. The board agreed to hear the petition in April.
The Planning Board will reconvene March 27 to address the MBTA Communities Act proposal after hearing the Select Board’s position.
Taylor and School Committee Chair Jenn Schaeffner have worked on draft policies that would allow only U.S., state, Marblehead and POW/ MIA flags and lead to the removal of Black Lives Matter and Pride banners.
Fox: “Currently the flag policy is still in the policy subcommittee and has yet to come before the entire committee.
It is also important for the School Committee to hear all voices when soliciting feedback prior to approving any policies.”
Schmeckpeper: “The flag policy creation process has been ineffective. It’s been 18 months of rehashing a very emotional issue.
The policy subcommittee policy should have recognized that it was going to be divisive and come up with a process to cause the least damage and harm. I’m not convinced that the law requires anything beyond a policy for the flagpoles. I think we can leave it to our administrators, who have the expertise.”
Gwazda: “There’s a lot of anger about the way the School Committee has handled the flag policy. They solicited feedback from the community, and students stepped
up. It was a shame to see the students work so hard for nothing. It’s another example of how disconnected the committee is from the public.”
The backdrop It has been a tumultuous couple of years for the current School Committee. Within a few weeks of Schaeffner and Brian Ota joining in June 2023, the committee started work to remove then superintendent John Buckey, giving him a nearly $175,000 payout.
Interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness announced a few months into her tenure that she did not want to stay in the district as a permanent super. Several other administrators resigned in the ensuing months. The district was hit with another crisis when several Glover School educators were put on paid leave (with some ultimately fired) after a student was improperly restrained. That student’s family is suing the district, along with one educator. During the teacher contract negotiations, 1,370 people signed a petition saying they had lost confidence in the School Committee.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Marblehead Town Planner Alex Eitler presents zoning updates at a recent Planning Board meeting. While the board postponed a vote on the MBTA Communities Act compliance plan, it approved
Opinion
a L
EDITOrI
First Amendment weather report: storm clouds, choppy seas
When Amazon founder Jeff Bezos bought the Washington Post in 2013, some worried he might meddle in the news operation if it conflicted with his business interests. Nevertheless, given the tough news affecting print journalism — shrinking revenues, depleted staffs, expanding local news deserts, voracious online competitors — there was hope, too. A multibillionaire owner running a prize-winning national newspaper? What could go wrong?
In the Post’s case, not much. Until it did. To recap, the Bezos Effect took hold fully when a planned endorsement of Kamala Harris was yanked just days before the 2024 election. That was the owner’s prerogative, most agreed. But the timing looked suspicious, given Donald Trump’s disparagement of the news media (“enemy of the people”) and wealth of Bezos’ government contracts, which could well depend on Trump’s blessing should he be elected.
Several Post staffers quit in protest. Thousands of subscribers fled. Newsroom morale plummeted. The paper’s Pulitzer-winning cartoonist soon quit over the killing of a cartoon lampooning billionaires (including Bezos) bowing down to Trump. When Bezos moved to revamp the paper’s editorial lineup to reflect a more proadministration bias, more staff and reader defections followed. Longtime opinion writer Ruth Marcus was among the latest, quitting earlier this month after a column mildly critical of Bezos was scrapped.
These threats to editorial independence have not been limited to the Post, either. We have seen the Associated Press denied White House access for refusing to use “Gulf of America” in its news reports; coveted press briefing seats being handed to more administrationfriendly media outlets; Pentagon news offices closed to the New York Times, NBC, and NPR; White House officials handpicking the presidential press pool, upending long standing protocols; and other attacks on legacy news media. The list grows daily.
(To its credit, the AP is suing the administration for “coercing journalists to report the news using only government-approved language.” Stay tuned on that.)
Why should this matter to a town like ours, far removed from this kind of inside-the-Beltway drama? Because what happens in Washington doesn’t necessarily stay in Washington.
These assaults on a press corps committed to holding government officials accountable, whatever their party affiliation or quasi-official standing, should concern every American. It’s not about the Post losing its editorial edge. Or the AP losing its seat on Air Force One. It’s about a key Constitutional protection being stripped away before our very eyes. And it’s happening as the line between information and disinformation is being aggressively blurred, if not erased altogether, by government officials who deem reputable independent journalists to be unfriendly, un-American, or worse. That should alarm communities like ours, where holding local leaders accountable and having access to public meetings and records is vital. We can disagree over issues and policies. Argue over how taxpayer money should be spent, and why.
But we should always have the relevant facts and figures in front of us. When it comes to town governance, transparency and accountability should be baked-in features, not bugs.
The Current is fortunate in many respects. We don’t have a capricious or potentially conflicted owner overseeing our operation, a la Bezos. Not in the conventional sense of ownership, anyway. Unless you count our readers, donors and advertisers. Which pretty much defines our nonprofit model.
Also, and it bears repeating, operating as a nonprofit means we cannot legally endorse candidates for elective office. However, we can take sides on issues of clear importance to our citizens. And those include larger threats to an independent press, which these days loom like storm clouds over an angry sea.
In his best-selling book “On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century,” Yale historian Timothy Snyder warns against what he calls “anticipatory obedience” and cites the urgent need to defend institutions, a free press among them, against creeping authoritarianism.
Reasonable people can succumb to autocratic rule, Snyder writes, by assuming that “rulers who came to power through institutions cannot change or destroy those very institutions – even when that is exactly what they have announced that they will do.”
Marbleheaders have a long history of resisting tyranny in all forms. Let’s resolve to honor that history and keep up the fight, which includes vigorously supporting First Amendment protections for all journalists. Our democracy depends on it. And us.
MUNIcIPa L MUSINGS
State of Half of the Town — the good, the unknown, the ugly
BY JAMES (SEAMUS) HOURIHAN
If you were looking forward to Town Administrator Kezer’s State of the Town address on Feb. 5 to understand the state of the ENTIRE town of Marblehead, you would be truly disappointed: It wasn’t a State of the Town of Marblehead address. It was the State of Marblehead’s Municipal Service Operations, not including the schools.
It was operating budget focused, with no discussion of planned and looming capital projects and their financial implications.
Here is the good, the unknown and the ugly news, including some additional information from the School Committee’s operating budget hearing on Feb. 27.
The good: FY24 operating budget performance
This presentation was the first public reveal of FY24 operating budget performance. Note that this was seven months after the close of FY24 on June 30. The good news is the town had a $9.5 million budget surplus. But there was no slide that crisply presented the reasons for the surplus. After digging into FY24 financials on ClearGov, here are the reasons:
» $9.5M surplus resulted from $3.8M in higher revenue and $5.7M in lower expenses relative to budget.
$3.8M higher revenue driven by $4.7M increase in local receipts. The major components include $2.3M in interest income and $1.3 M in licenses, permits and service charges.
» $2.3M above budget interest income assuming 5% interest rate implies $46M was not expected to be invested. Some/much of this was ARPA funds? Was it sitting in an office file cabinet drawer?
$5.7M lower expenses driven by $4.8M in lower expenses in the MSO operating budgets. Kezer claimed this was from “controlling spending.” The reality was over budgeting in general government areas. Of this $4.8M, $2.3M was lower-thanbudgeted health insurance, Medex and Medicare expenses, $0.8M was unused or lower Finance, Select Board and Fincom expenses; and $0.6M in lower street lighting and reserves for energy and utilities.
All major departments, including police, fire, DPW and even the schools spent close to budget.
The FY24 Annual Comprehensive Financial Report, the audited financial statements, are still not available. The Finance Director now forecasts April availability. The unknown: FY25, H1 budget performance
Lingering questions about ‘unfunded mandate’
To the editor:
I attended [Wednesday] night’s Select Board meeting on whether to seek a compliance exemption to 3A based on the state auditor’s determination that it is an “unfunded mandate.” I was surprised to see the discussion continue to include assertions that Marblehead has already voted “no to any zoning plan” or should vote similarly again at the next Town Meeting.
That vote has already been nullified by the [Supreme Judicial] Court when they determined that 3A is constitutional, that towns must comply, and the Attorney General has the legal authority to enforce compliance. As far as I can see, the only votes that can now be cast at Town Meeting are:
1) “yes,” accept the current plan and submit it;
2) “no,” modify or create a new plan by the deadline. If people disagree, my questions are: Has Marblehead ever voted before at Town Meeting to violate a state law?
Is that even allowed at Town
One would expect that a mid-year State of The Town address should include an assessment of current FY25 budget performance. After all, all public companies provide quarterly financial reports. Not the town of Marblehead.
According to Finance Director Benjamin, Marblehead does not currently have the staff or systems to do this. Benjamin is planning to implement this capability in FY26 using the new Munis Financial System coming online July 1. Until then, this is a major hole in understanding how Marblehead is performing financially.
The good: FY26 operating budget
Prior to this address there had been much hand wringing relative to the need for overrides to fund the FY26 MSO and school operating budgets. Negotiation with the teachers union threatened the possibility of school-driven overrides and/or layoffs. One wonders how much the School Committee negotiating team, including Kezer, knew about the sizable FY24 surplus?
The $9.5M operating budget surplus converts to free cash that can be used to help fund the FY26 operating budget. This surplus brought the free cash balance to $12M. $7M of this will be used to fund the town’s FY26 operating budgets to eliminate the need for any operating budget overrides. This is an increase from $5.5M used in FY25.
The School Committee at their budget hearing on Feb. 27 confirmed that their operating expense budget allocation by the Select Board of $49.1M is sufficient to fund a “level services” plan. No override will be requested by the School Committee. They appear to have given up on their quest last year for an “fully funded” plan. They also no longer talk about their vision of being a “model school district” since they can’t muster the energy to define what that means qualitatively, quantitatively in terms of student performance, teacher satisfaction, etc., and financially. Additional free cash allocations will include $2M to the town’s stabilization fund and $2M to FY26 capital projects. Ending free cash balance will be $1M, down from $2.5M after allocations to the FY25 budget.
The unknown: FY26 capital budget
As noted above, the presentation did not address planned and looming capital projects and their financial implications, including additional taxes required. There is a list being developed that includes
Meeting (e.g., could Marblehead vote to allow drivers to not stop for pedestrians in crosswalks)?
My second concern is regarding seeking a compliance exemption through the court. Since the state auditor has not determined what actual direct service costs (not potential or possible costs) are unfunded, if any, which is the requirement when there is a determination that a mandate is “unfunded,” and the requirement of 3A is to only develop a zoning plan, not implement a building plan, what costs has Marblehead incurred that have not been covered that could be submitted to the court for a compliance exemption?
Legal fees? Consultant fees? Plan development fees? Office equipment use? Staff?
Finally, I would like to point out that per the state auditor’s website on unfunded mandates, once a determination has been made that there is an unfunded mandate, 10 town taxpayers can file their own class action to seek a compliance exemption. This would take the financial burden off the town in seeking a legal compliance exemption and perhaps quell the debate around 3A.
But of course, per the auditor’s office, any petition for the compliance exemption would not
prevent the AG from enforcing the 3A law against the town, would not guarantee funding, and would only delay the requirement to create the zoning plan.
Pat Fried Hillside Avenue
What I learned about 3A mandate
To the editor:
What I learned from the Select Board meeting on Wednesday night about the state mandate to increase modestly multi-family housing where it already exists and is subject to our existing zoning codes.
1. Town growth?
Marblehead’s population, which was 22,000 in 1970, is now 20,000. The school population is down 17%.
2. Unfunded?
Our town received a grant to create the plan that was, and will be, presented to Town Meeting, so the mandate has not been unfunded for us.
3. Legal?
We can vote for the same warrant article again and again at Town Meeting (and we have!).
4. Big change?
Our town already allows
When Isabella gifted a Neck villa … and no one
BY PAM PETERSON
There is a small villa on Marblehead Neck built in a Mediterranean style. It is called “Twelve Lanterns” and was planned, commissioned and supervised during construction by Isabella Stewart Gardner. In its own small way, the house is as unique and distinctive as Mrs. Gardner’s palace and museum in Boston, Fenway Court — now known as the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. In both places, Mrs. Gardner used architecture that certainly doesn’t evoke New England. She incorporated the decorative tiles, balconies and arched doorways that she admired in her beloved Venice.
“Twelve Lanterns” sits high on a rock ledge, looking out toward the open Atlantic Ocean. A covered arch and stone steps lead to the entrance of the house. Inside, it is not terribly large, though the main room features an enormous fireplace and a raised area designed for a grand piano. In this room is the
Musings
MHS roof repair/replacement, the Mary Alley municipal building renovations and perhaps some other capital projects. The specifics of these requests may not be known until the Town Warrant hearing scheduled for April 10.
The ugly: FY27 through FY30
The operating budgets for these four years are forecasted to produce a cumulative budget deficit of $35.4M: $3.7M in FY27, $7.2M in FY28, $10.5M in FY29 and $14M in FY30. They include free cash consumption of $23.5M. What if there are no budget surpluses of this magnitude?
These forecasts reflect the revenue limitations imposed by Proposition 2 1/2 and everincreasing operational costs. Revenue will increase each
first of the 12 lanterns that give the house its name.
One of the most intriguing features of the house is a square tower accessible only by a hidden trap door. The tower room has 12 large windows with a limitless view in all directions,
year from 0.5% to 1.9% over this time period. Expenses will increase each year from 4.1% to 4.8%. These forecasts clearly need scrubbing. The forecasted revenue increases are likely low. But without significant new revenue sources or expense reductions, we will be facing major override requests each year.
The presentation did not include any list of capital projects that may require funding during this time period. I am sure the Capital Planning Committee has a long list of projects, such as the $13.6M Municipal Shipyard Resiliency Improvements Project, that the town will need to execute.
Town Administrator Kezer continues to beat the drum for capturing “new recurring revenue streams.” But what are they? $1M annually from the local meals and room tax won’t make a dent in these deficit numbers. New Airbnb taxes will
taking in the ocean, the harbor and the town.
The house was built in 1910 by Mrs. Gardner, who by this point in her life was a widow and had already embarked on a master plan to build her own museum.
Isabella Stewart Gardner was a
help. Home renovations added to taxable base as “new growth”? Traffic congestion tolls? A local income tax? Sorry, but I am proclaiming “Emperor Kaiser Kezer is wearing no clothes” relative to the availability and viability of significant new recurring revenue streams any time soon.
Other observations No summary or conclusion slide: At the end of the presentation, the Select Board and audience was left wondering. Select Boarder Dan Fox had to confirm that an FY26 MSO operating budget override would not be required: “It should have been in neon lights.” There was no summary of the FY24 good news, nor the ugly FY27-30 operating budget forecast and its implications.
Difficulty explaining terms and concepts: A varying combination of the town administrator, finance director and Select
well-known patron of the arts, an avid and knowledgeable collector. She was also a benefactor to many young artists, particularly handsome young men who showed promise. Whether Isabella Stewart Gardner had romantic
Board had difficulty explaining in simple terms a “debt exclusion,” how the property tax levy and property taxes are calculated, and “grant deficits.” They should practice with simple examples before they attend any future budget forums or meetings. Missing numbers, inconsistent column placement, inconsistent numbers: On the “Multi-Year Expense Projections” slide, the FY27 expense column was missing. (This was fixed in v.2 of the presentation.) On the “Revenue Projections” and “Expense Projections” slides, the ordering of the “FY24 Budget” and” FY24 Actual” columns were not consistent. On the two “Expense Projections” slides, the FY26 revenue and expense totals were off by $10K.
At Town Meeting, there will be no operating budget override requests from the schools or the MSO. What we don’t know is the magnitude of debt exclusion requests for the MHS roof
relationships with these young men will probably never be known. But she did support and encourage them.
For George Proctor, a talented young pianist who became her protégé, Mrs. Gardner built “Twelve Lanterns.” She introduced Proctor to influential musicians, sent him to Europe for study, and fostered his talent. He was a somewhat difficult protégé, and he did not always apply himself to his music.
Neither Mrs. Gardner nor George Proctor ever lived in the house on Marblehead Neck. Mrs. Gardner gave the house to him as a wedding gift, but he and his wife never moved in.
The beautifully designed space for his piano never became the music salon that Mrs. Gardner had envisioned, and the property was eventually sold.
The house still exists today — a charming villa with 12 lanterns, exquisite views… and an intriguing history.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.
replacement, the Mary Alley municipal building renovations and other capital projects.
The requestors better have more than one estimate to validate the request. Taxpayers like Sam Altreuter, who works in commercial real estate and has experience with rubber roofs, has some serious concerns about the additional $8.6M “required” to fix the MHS roof. Why can’t the School Committee tap into his expertise and others in the town who have relevant experience?
Relative to the ugly future, after this Town Meeting and elections, it’s time to determine if the town of Marblehead is “right-sized.”
James (Seamus) Hourihan was born in Marblehead and is a MHS graduate. For 35 years, he worked in finance, marketing and executive management roles at high-tech companies. He has lived here fulltime since 2009. He currently sits on the Town Charter Committee.
multi-family housing through its Smart Growth Overlay District, adopted in 2011, and developers have not taken full advantage of this. Our downtown/Old Town already more than meets these standards of density, and we love it!
5. Decency?
Chair Erin Noonan required respect from speakers and audience — and was given it!
Conclusion: We can choose to throw a lotta money at lawyers to oppose our obligation to obey the state mandate, or we can use our tax money to support our life in town, its necessities and amenities.
Lynn Nadeau Surf Street
Sadness in soul is deep
To the editor:
On March 12, I attended the Marblehead Planning Board meeting to find out what was happening with the MBTA Communities Act. At the last Town Meeting, the act was voted down by a small number of votes, putting the town in jeopardy of losing some state funding. In order to be voted on again at this year’s Town Meeting, the Planning Board
needs to give its approval. The Supreme Judicial Court has upheld the act’s constitutionality while the state auditor claims the act constitutes an unfunded mandate. One way out of complying with the act is for the town to seek a compliance exemption.
I expected people to be defending their sides of the argument about whether Marblehead should comply, but I found the energy in the room to be unsettling. What upset me is how much the division in our town represents the division in our country.
At the start of the meeting, one man suggested that we rise and recite the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. It was a bit of a surprise, but more surprising was the grumbling from some in the group opposing the act. Part of their argument against the act is that we shouldn’t have to comply with the state government, that we need to take care of our own town without the state interfering. However, the act was created as a means to deal with the housing shortage in our state. Are laws no longer respected in our town the same way they are no longer respected by the present government of the United States? Is the Pledge of Allegiance no longer held in high esteem?
Each side had some valid points in defense of their position about the act. One woman mentioned the act would create an abundance of cars, which our small town can’t handle — that’s something to think about. Another person pointed out that all the act is trying to do is provide space to help alleviate our state’s housing shortage, perhaps to provide some housing for the poor and immigrants. Some of those against the act groaned, while she continued to point out that all of us in the room came from families that were once immigrants.
The attorney who opened the meeting, without taking sides, cautioned about the astronomical legal fees we could end up paying if we tried to seek a compliance exemption.
I’m in favor of the act because our town has not been fiscally managed well during the last couple of years, and we can’t afford more lawyers’ fees or lose government funding if we’re not in compliance. Moreover, the act isn’t about building housing now; it’s about saving the space to build later.
I’m not sure what’s going to happen in our town, in our state, or in our nation. I only know this: When I attended the vigil at Memorial Park initiated by the League of Women Voters to
celebrate our democracy, I was so deeply moved when someone started singing “America the Beautiful” that I started crying and had to keep myself from sobbing — the sadness in my soul is so deep at what I’m witnessing happening to our country.
Ginny O’Brien Garden Road
State of dialogue has deteriorated
To the editor: As an older retired person, I confess that I have not been as active in Town affairs as I should have been in recent years. However, I attended the Select Board meeting on Wednesday evening on the state affordable housing law to try to re-engage. I was disappointed to discover how much the level of dialogue has deteriorated in our town. Some are advocating that, at the May Town Meeting, we should once again vote not to comply with the state law, even though the state Supreme Judicial Court has ruled that it is a mandatory law. They are proposing that the town should instead join litigation to seek reimbursement for supposed indirect costs (like constructing an additional water line?) that supposedly could result from allowing more affordable
housing in our town. However, the state unfunded mandates law states that reimbursement is allowed only for “direct” costs, not costs that are indirect and speculative. My understanding is that our town already has received state funding for the direct costs of doing rezoning that would result from complying with the law.
In addition, I was disappointed to see some of my fellow citizens booing speakers, attacking our town counsels for being “propagandists” and even seeking to require that the town Select Board members and audience all join in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before we could proceed to having our discussion. Reciting the Pledge of Allegiance is supposed to be a unifying moment, not used as a cudgel to suggest that supporting affordable housing is somehow un-American.
I intend to vote in favor of complying with the state law at the Town Meeting and hope that the majority of people in our town will join me in doing so. And I hope that we will not be expected to cite the Pledge of Allegiance in the expected loud and angry tones before being allowed to exercise our right to peacefully participate in the Town Meeting without rancor or intimidation.
Jeffry Fowley Cherry Street
COURTESY PHOTOS / NEW ENGLAND DRONE TOURS
“Twelve Lanterns,” a Mediterranean-style villa on Marblehead Neck, was commissioned by Isabella Stewart Gardner in 1910. Perched atop a rock ledge overlooking the Atlantic, the home was a gift to pianist George Proctor but never became the music retreat Gardner envisioned. Its distinctive architecture, inspired by her love of Venice, remains a striking presence in Marblehead today.
Nomination papers available for town election
BY WILL DOWD
Nomination papers for Marblehead’s 2025 municipal election became available in the Town Clerk’s office at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., on Monday, March 17, kicking off the campaign season for nearly two dozen positions that will appear on the June 10 ballot.
Prospective candidates must submit a formal request to pull nomination papers, then gather at least 50 valid signatures from registered Marblehead voters to qualify for the ballot.
The School Committee has two full three-year terms available, with incumbents Alison Taylor and Sarah Fox up for re-election.
The Select Board race continues the town’s transition
to staggered three-year terms replacing the former system where all five members were elected annually. Bret Murray is not seeking reelection, and Jim Zisson has declared his candidacy for the seat. Board of Health member
Helaine Hazlett has decided not to seek re-election this June. Fitness studio owner Kim Crowley has announced her candidacy for the seat.
In the town clerk race, Terri Tauro has announced her candidacy for the position
currently held by Robin Michaud, who is finishing her sixth three-year term. Tauro currently works in the harbormaster’s office and serves as vice chair of the Marblehead Housing Authority.
The full list of open positions on the June 10 ballot includes: School Committee: two seats for three-year terms
» Select Board: one seat for a three-year term
Board of Health: one seat for a three-year term Cemetery Commission: three seats (one three-year term, one two-year term and one one-year term)
» Water and Sewer Commission: three seats (two three-year terms and one oneyear unexpired term)
» Housing Authority: one seat
for a five-year term
Abbot Public Library Trustees: two seats for three-year terms
» Municipal Light Commission: two seats for three-year terms
» Planning Board: one seat for a three-year term
Recreation & Parks Commission: five seats for one-year terms
» Board of Assessors: one seat for a three-year term
Town moderator: one seat for a one-year term
Town clerk: one seat for a three-year term
The deadline to return nomination papers is 5 p.m. on April 22.
For more information about running for office or the election process, contact the Town Clerk’s Office at 781-631-0528.
Union president Tauro to run for town clerk
BY WILL DOWD
Terri Tauro will run for Marblehead town clerk in the June 10 town election, she told the Marblehead Current on March 12.
Town Clerk Robin Michaud pulled papers on Monday, according to her office.
Tauro currently works in the harbormaster’s office, serves as president of the Marblehead Municipal Employees Union and holds the position of vice chair of the Marblehead Housing Authority. She believes her municipal experience has prepared her to bring to the town clerk’s office improved communication, voter engagement and modernized services.
“I see an open, welcoming, engaged face of the town,” Tauro told the Current in her Jersey Street home Wednesday. “I want the town clerk to be more than just a place you go to pick up a birth certificate or to register a dog. I want it to be a community place and a safe space for everybody.”
Incumbent Town Clerk Michaud is finishing her sixth three-year term. She was first elected in 2007, easily outpacing rivals Gail Brown and E. Fredrick Armstrong. Michaud secured 2,717 votes to Brown’s 570 and Armstrong’s 156.
Michaud last faced a challenger in 2016 when she
narrowly defeated Sally Sands by 129 votes, 1,635 to 1,506.
Duties and responsibilities
In Massachusetts, town clerks serve as pivotal figures in municipal governance, acting as the official record keepers and chief election officers within their communities. Their responsibilities encompass maintaining vital records, including birth, death and marriage certificates; administering local elections; issuing various licenses and permits; recording votes at town meetings; maintaining municipal bylaws; and administering oaths of office to elected and appointed officials.
Tauro’s connection to Marblehead runs deep. As the daughter of Danny Colbert, a
U.S. Air Force veteran, she grew up in federally funded housing at Barnard Hawkes Court, continuing what she describes as a sixgeneration family legacy in town. She attended Marblehead public schools and has held various jobs throughout her career.
“My father served in the United States Air Force for 15 years. As a USAF veteran, he was eligible to live in federally funded housing,” Tauro wrote in her Housing Authority appointment letter. “Thanks to the Marblehead Housing Authority, my four siblings and I were able to grow up in our father’s hometown and benefit from its many resources.”
Her professional background spans multiple industries, including banking as a mortgage originator, real estate, food service and municipal government. She started her town career at the police station as a part-time records clerk in 2010 before moving to the harbormaster’s office, where she has worked for the past 14 years.
If elected, Tauro plans to implement several changes, including establishing a social media presence for the clerk’s office to keep residents informed about important dates and deadlines. She also wants to explore early voting options for town elections and improve voter engagement, particularly among young people.
“I want to engage voters. I want to get out the vote,” she said, suggesting initiatives like classroom visits to inform students they can register to vote at 16 years old.
‘Bridge builder’
As a self-described “bridge builder,” Tauro believes her ability to work with people across political and socioeconomic spectrums makes her well-suited for the town clerk position, which involves interfacing with residents from all backgrounds.
“I have friends on every side of the aisle, every demographic, educational background, blue, red, purple; financially sound, broke — everywhere,” she said. “I think I have an ability to build bridges with people, and this is a non-partisan position where everybody matters, everybody’s vote counts, and everybody’s opinion needs to be heard.”
Tauro said she has demonstrated collaborative skills in her role, working with former harbormaster Webb Russell and current Harbormaster Mark Souza to streamline processes and improve transparency — especially around the waitlist for boat moorings. She says she helped create a more efficient boat excise tax process that has reduced paperwork and increased revenue.
“Webb and I had what we call the hidden yellow pad,”
Tauro explained. “We made the waiting list start to move, finally starting to move. We made it more transparent by having lists available.”
Digitization of historic records would be another priority for Tauro.
“I think all the records need to be digitized so, God forbid, if we ever lost records — those priceless, old, precious old records — that we would at least have them digitized,” she said.
Beyond election administration and record keeping, town clerks in Massachusetts also oversee the preservation of historic documents, some dating back centuries. In Marblehead, this includes correspondence from Founding Fathers and early Town Meeting minutes that chronicle the community’s rich history. If elected, Tauro would need to step down from her position as president of the Marblehead Municipal Employees Union, though she has worked with AFL-CIO representatives to arrange a leave-of-absence status.
The former Democratic Town Committee member has already unenrolled from her party in preparation for possibly serving as an impartial election official.
“I stepped down from the Democratic Town Committee because I don’t want the perception of me being biased,” Tauro explained.
was to presume the father was overstating his daughter’s talent.
“All dads think their daughters are great,” he says.
But it did not take long to figure out Hayley was the real deal.
Hayley and her father would sit on White’s couch every Wednesday for about six years, with White serving as a sounding board, and not just for Hayley’s performance skills. White also offered his thoughts on navigating the music business.
“I had been around longer, so I just tried to give her information where she could make her own good decisions,” White says.
Late last month, Reardon played in Barcelona to celebrate the release of “After Everything,” an album she had recorded in Spain with a band of Spanish musicians, including brothers Pau and Arnau Figueres. Later this spring, Reardon will head back overseas for a series of shows in Germany, where she previously spent six months as an artist-in-residence in Dachau, and a pair in Spain.
“Her story is very impressive
because she’s chosen to be
its
fiercely independent and protective of her creativity and her ownership of her material and have a career that moves forward at a regular pace rather than signing something and jumping ahead quicker and then giving up that freedom or some of it, anyway,” White says.
Reardon recently announced the launch of “Hayley Reardon Song School,” offering one-onone songwriting sessions for teens. White believes it is a rare opportunity.
“They are going to be studying with somebody who has an understanding of how to move a career forward without signing your life away, with protecting your independence as a primary goal,” White says. “I just can’t
imagine that there’s a parent out there that wouldn’t want their kid to see how some other young person did that.”
But first, there is the show at the Me&Thee, a treasured venue for both Reardon and White.
In addition to connecting her to White, Reardon says the other big thing her father did for her early on was introduce her to Jeanie Stahl, which led her to the Me&Thee.
“The Me&Thee has been a supporter of me forever,” Reardon says.
White has lost count of the times he has graced the Me&Thee stage over the past two-plus decades. One of his fonder memories of coming to Marblehead occurred in 2012, when the Boston Area
Coffeehouse Association surprised him by presenting him with the Jerry Christen Memorial Award, which honors the memory of one of the most important and well-liked figures on the local folk scene.
There has never been a better time to see one of White’s shows, Reardon says.
“He will have you laughing and then crying, and the storytelling and the arc of what he does is magnificent,” she says. “He’s so gifted at bringing messages home in this really artful way.
It’s very uplifting. I think Don is a perfect show for these times, where everyone is so freaked out and everything is so chaotic.”
Reardon plans to share some songs from “After Everything”
and some older material, along with some new, unreleased songs that she was “feverishly working on” before pausing to chat with the Current.
She and White have also been rehearsing songs that they will perform together after doing their solo sets, something that has never happened before, despite their long history with one another.
“It’s an unlikely combination — we have decades between us — so it’s quite exciting, actually,” White says.
Both say part of the joy of the show will be the chance to offer a hearty “thank you” to the dedicated volunteers who have sustained the Me&Thee for 55 years.
As a young artist, Reardon says she was surprised when she realized that she did not need to travel to “wherever I was seeing the Jonas Brothers,” like the TD Garden in Boston or Xfinity Center, to see amazing touring musicians. Instead, they were coming into her backyard, to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St.
“We’re very lucky to have it, and we’re lucky that it’s survived,” Reardon says. “And we need this type of thing more than ever.”
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
Interested in local government? Nomination papers for Marblehead’s 2025 election are available, with more than 20 positions on the ballot.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Marblehead native Hayley Reardon, left, will be joined by her one-time performance coach, Don White, right, as Me&Thee Music marks
55th anniversary Friday night.
COURTESY PHOTO / TERRI TAURO
Longtime public servant Terri Tauro says her experience positions her well for the responsibilities of town clerk.
on our attorneys, and it’s great that they are representing some other towns and have the ability to get more input on what is happening.”
Select Board member Moses Grader noted the importance of consulting with legal experts, particularly Town Counsel Jay Talerman, who was present Wednesday and is representing other municipalities on MBTA Communities Act challenges.
“This is really the nature of our deliberative process,” Grader said. “’No means no,’ right, on the one hand, but on the other hand, there’s a lot of information that’s come forward more recently. I think a big part of our job is to really open up the floor to experts like Jay.”
Talerman provided an overview of the legal landscape, explaining that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has already ruled that the MBTA Communities Act is constitutional and enforceable.
“This isn’t about building housing or the wisdom of the statute,” Talerman said. “The Supreme Judicial Court already decided that Marblehead is subjected to this, and 176 other towns are also subjected to this. That mandate is real, and it’s not going away.”
Talerman cautioned that even successful litigation wouldn’t permanently exempt the town from compliance.
“The purpose of this litigation is not to kill compliance with this statute. None of this is about whether or not you have to comply with the 3A statute,” Talerman explained. “The purpose of this litigation is to get a temporary reprieve while we sort out whether or not the Commonwealth has to pay for it.” He described a potentially lengthy and expensive legal process that could involve “extensive fact discovery, potential depositions, a lot of lawyering in between debating of motions, developing of expert witness testimony and qualifications.”
“Those things take months, if not years, in a normal cycle of a case that goes to trial,” he said.
Infrastructure and environmental concerns Attorney and resident John DiPiano urged the board to seek an exemption, arguing that voluntarily accepting the zoning changes would permanently prevent the town from challenging associated infrastructure costs.
“Under the statute, the local mandate law, if this community voluntarily accepts 3A, it is
then barred from seeking an injunction and would bear any of the costs associated with infrastructure developing the community, police, fire, deficits with the school system,” DiPiano said.
He emphasized that the state auditor’s determination provides a legal pathway for the town to challenge what he characterized as an unfunded state mandate.
Angus McQuilken, a founding member of the Marblehead Housing Coalition, strongly disagreed with seeking an exemption, calling the proposed litigation “a very expensive wild goose chase” that would waste taxpayer dollars.
“We’ll spend all this money on a wild goose chase with the idea that we’re going to try to get an exemption from the law, which we won’t get, and then we’ll be out of compliance with the law by the deadline,” McQuilken said. “The court has the power to put sanctions on communities that do not comply, and they will do so.”
McQuilken added that the town would lose access to
important state grants and ultimately face court-appointed intervention.
“What will the court do after their support order against our community for noncompliance? They will appoint a special master to create a compliant zoning plan, and they will impose that plan on our community without local input,” he said.
Resident Nick Ward argued in favor of creating housing opportunities for middle-class residents rather than focusing on litigation.
“This is housing primarily for the middle class. We’re talking about people with good jobs ... these aren’t people who need a hand up or a handout, but they just need to be playing a fair deck,” Ward said. “And at the moment, in this town, we have thousands of properties that are existing, non-conformity. To me, that is not a fair deck.”
Town Meeting’s role
Resident Emily DeJoy challenged previous cost assessments presented by
town officials and alleged misinformation had been spread about the financial impact that the state law would have on Marblehead.
“Our town employees and the Democrat Town Committee have been disseminating misinformation regarding the financial impact of this zoning project, particularly the fees that would be imposed on taxpayers if it were to pass,” she said.
She emphasized the importance of respecting the previous town vote.
“It is our responsibility to uphold the overwhelming vote of our community members by advocating for the protection of both their decision and our financial interests, as we — the taxpayers — would ultimately bear the cost should this project move forward,” she said.
While several speakers similarly argued that Town Meeting had definitively settled the matter, others directly challenged this premise, pointing to the town’s established tradition of revisiting contentious issues through successive town meetings as community attitudes evolve and new information emerges.
Marblehead’s decade-long leaf blower debate exemplifies this deliberative process. Since 2009, the town has navigated multiple proposals, rejections and revisions before finally reaching a seasonal ban in 2022.
Even after passage, residents continued to file petitions to both strengthen and rescind the ban as recently as last year.
This year will mark the first time in eight years there is no leaf blower petition on the warrant.
Kurt James, speaking as both a resident and member of the Housing Plan Implementation
the veteran deaths.
The now-reinstated research contract, representing about 20% of the company’s business, supports a nationwide study collecting data across 22 states to help the VA identify effective prevention strategies.
“It’s basically a nationwide study to understand attitudes and risks for suicidalities in different communities around the United States, and it’s supposed to juxtaposition those with different programs and initiatives that are going on in those states,” Keeney said.
MTS employs about 15 people from administrative positions to software developers. After receiving notice of the contract termination, Keeney immediately contacted Moulton’s office for assistance.
“I think there’s probably the same thought that other government agencies had, where it seems like some of the
cancellations don’t seem very well thought out,” Keeney said. Moulton’s staff connected Keeney with their liaison with the Veterans Affairs Committee in Congress and Washington, D.C. contacts who raised awareness about the contract’s importance.
In 2022, there were 6,407 veteran suicides in the United States — approximately 17.6 per day — with a suicide rate of
34.7 per 100,000 people, which is 57.3% higher than for nonveteran adults, according to the 2024 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. Firearms were involved in 73.5% of veteran suicides in 2022, a significantly higher proportion than the 52.2% among non-veterans who died by suicide that year. The total number of U.S. adult suicides in 2022 reached 47,891, including
Risk factors vary significantly across demographic groups.
Homeless veterans using VA healthcare had a 110.2% higher suicide rate than non-homeless veterans. Veterans with military sexual trauma faced a 75% higher risk. Data shows younger veterans aged 18-34 had the highest suicide rates among the veteran population, though this group saw a 3.8% decrease from 2021 to 2022.
“The VA has got a lot of work going on at many different levels to help with suicide prevention among the veteran population,” Keeney said. “The veteran population is twice as likely to commit suicide as the regular civilian population.”
MTS’s research is particularly valuable because it reaches beyond those directly served by VA facilities, according to Keeney.
“The VA, in their mission to reduce veteran suicide, they realize that not all veterans use the VA; only about half of
Committee, emphasized that the town already allows multifamily housing through its Smart Growth Overlay District, adopted in 2011.
“One of the primary recommendations of the master plan is to adopt more flexible zoning that allows multi-family, transit-oriented housing,” James said. “We have two parcels or two areas in town identified as buildable housing as a matter of right, almost identical to 3A right now.”
James addressed concerns about changing town character.
“If we want to preserve a character in town, we’d be providing more opportunities for multifamily,” he said.
Jeanne Lambkin advocated for a careful approach to any legal action. She emphasized that Town Meeting, not just the Select Board, was the appropriate forum for the final decision.
“The vote belongs to the Town Meeting,” she said, stressing the importance of the opportunity for voters to learn from additional public information sessions.
“All of these good people should be able to go to those and have the deliberation and ask quality questions and get answers,” said Lambkin.
The legal questions have delayed a vote by the Marblehead Planning Board, which is required if the MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal is to be reconsidered in May.
The Planning Board unanimously voted March 11 to postpone its decision until after hearing the Select Board’s position, scheduling further discussion for its March 27 meeting.
them do. So, they’re only really able to help half of the available population directly,” Keeney explained.
After the contract’s reinstatement, MTS was able to immediately resume its research work. The company is now also connecting with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“The results of the data are helping to inform, actively inform decisions that the VA is making about where and how much to invest in suicide prevention around the country,” Keeney said.
When asked if this experience would change how his company approaches government contracts, Keeney expressed uncertainty about the future.
“It’s still to be determined what’s going to happen in the future with government contracting, and this administration in particular,” he said. “So, we’re just going to wait and see how it’s going to all work out.”
COURTESY PHOTO
Congressman Seth Moulton’s recent advocacy helped reinstate a $1 million federal contract for Minuteman Technology Services, which conducts nationwide suicide prevention research for veterans.
CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD
Marblehead resident Nick Ward addresses the Marblehead Select Board during a standing-room-only meeting at the Marblehead High School library on Wednesday, March 12. The meeting focused on whether the town should seek an exemption from the MBTA Communities Act, with residents voicing strong opinions on both sides of the issue.
Town Counsel Jay Talerman updates the Marblehead Select Board and residents on the evolving legal landscape surrounding the MBTA Communities Act and the state auditor’s recent determination that it constitutes an unfunded mandate. Talerman emphasized that litigation, if pursued, would not exempt the town from eventual compliance.
Sports
Nate Assa: All-American
Senior captain finishes sixth nationwide in 5K; other Magicians also in spotlight
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The annual New Balance Indoor Track National High School Meet was held at its Allston complex last weekend, and several Marblehead High stars took part among their nationwide peers.
Leading the way for the Magicians was once again boys senior captain Nate Assa, who finished sixth in the 5K — equivalent to the 2-mile — with a time of 14:32. For his efforts, he earned All-American status to complete his scholastic indoor track career with the highest of honors.
Assa first joined the Marblehead High track team as a transfer from New Jersey, when he was a sophomore. It was his first year running track.
Despite the late start, he was able to capture All-American status with only three years of running experience, competing against many distance runners who have been running since elementary school.
“Nate is technically young enough to be a junior, too. Yet, even though his profile looks like an underdog story, he dominated locally, regionally and nationally in one of the most grueling competitions in sports: distance running,” said head coach Nolan Raimo.
Raimo added, “Since running his 9:04 two-mile at the AllState Championship Meet, Nate has been contacted by a wide range of college track coaches. His ascent from a 9:24 2-miler to a 9:04 was an instantaneous rise to fame in the running world, especially considering
BY JOE MCCONNELL
NAME: Crew Monaco
AGE: 17
FAMILY: Parents Courtney and John, sister Stella
SCHOOL YEAR: Senior
SPORTS YOU PLAY: Hockey and football
FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: I don’t have a favorite sport because I’m only devoted to the sport that I’m playing at that time.
MOST MEMORABLE GAME FOR YOU, AND WHY: It has to be either the gamewinner against Blackstone Valley this year to begin the postseason, or the football game at home against Masco last fall, when we won, 21-7, before a packed Piper Field.
COLLEGE YOU WILL BE ATTENDING: Providence College
MAJOR: Business
DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE: I’m not planning on playing sports in college.
DESIRED CAREER: Whatever makes me the most money possible.
this was on a 200-meter indoor track, which is slower than a traditional 400-meter outdoor track. Yet, through all the exposure, Nate has remained level-headed and calm, always appreciative of this opportunity he has earned.” Assa running at the New
Balance Nationals last weekend was a final interview for college coaches across the country.
“Without a sign of worry or fear, he dueled with multi-time All-Americans over 17 laps under the brightest of lights,” Raimo said.
Assa spoke at the team’s winter track banquet on March 10. He mentioned, among other things, the delicate balance of hard work in his intense workouts with the need to recover through rest.
“Distance running is obviously physically taxing. A runner puts in 35 to 40 miles per week, and the mental toll is just as immense,” said Raimo. “As Nate also said at the banquet, ‘If you run all-out every day, you will
eventually plateau and/or injure yourself. You have to align with a training regimen that is crafted with thought and care, and you have to trust the process. Coach (Will) Herlihy (track) and Coach (Brian) Heenan (cross-country) have created incredible training plans for all their athletes over the years that have led to incredible success for both boys and girls distance runners.’” Raimo added, “Overall, I’m incredibly proud of Nate as a running phenom, and he deserves the accolades and success he has accrued during this indoor season. At the same time, I’m proud of the person he is. It’s hard to imagine a better
with MHS girls basketball captains
BY JOE MCCONNELL
In the ensuing text, Marblehead
High girls basketball captains Olivia Goldwater, Ramona Gillett and Maddie Forbes answered questions posed by the Marblehead Current on life as a Marblehead athlete through the years.
Olivia Goldwater
When did you get involved in playing sports? Was there a person or persons who were instrumental in encouraging you to play? I have been involved in playing sports since I was about 3. I started with youth soccer and have continued playing it ever since. I began playing basketball in the sixth grade when Ramona’s (Gillett) dad formed a team. I started playing lacrosse in the second grade, and picked it back up again in the sixth grade.
Both my parents were instrumental in encouraging me to play any and every sport. My mom is from Maryland and was big on lacrosse and soccer, and my dad played basketball all through high school, while turning to soccer in college.
Through the years, did your teams win any championships or competed for one, and in what league?
My teams have never won a championship, but I have competed in tournaments almost every year. My high school lacrosse teams have competed in the state tournament in 2022 and 2023. My soccer team competed in the postseason last fall, while we always made it in basketball every year.
What’s your favorite sport, and specifically what do you like about basketball? My favorite sport is probably lacrosse, because I love playing outside and it’s so fast-paced. But I also like basketball, because the season is always so intense, which brings us together as a team. I also love basketball because it requires such mental and physical strength. It’s always a good workout, and the team is so supportive. You become really close with your teammates because there are only five players on the court at one time, and everyone has to do everything. I also love the strategy in it.
What were some memorable highlights for you as a high school
athlete in any sport? As an athlete, some of my favorite memories include the basketball trip to Florida in my sophomore year, playing on the TD Garden court this year and beating Masco in lacrosse during my sophomore season. All of those moments were so much fun for team energy.
How’d you describe coach Paul Moran, and what type of coach was he in your development as an athlete? Coach Moran was a really great coach to play for. He’s definitely a tough coach in terms of his work ethic, but there’s no doubt that his
CURRENT PHOTO / JOE MCCONNELL
Marblehead High girls basketball captains Olivia Goldwater, Maddie Forbes and Ramona Gillett are together after wrapping up sensational multiple-year varsity careers, never missing the postseason.
COURTESY PHOTOS Marblehead High boys indoor track senior captain Nate Assa comes down the home stretch running the 5K with sparklers shooting up in the air during the annual New Balance National Indoor Track Meet in Allston last weekend. Assa finished sixth overall to secure All-American honors against the best high school distance runners in the country.
The Marblehead High boys indoor track sprint medley relay team of Ryan Corrigan, Jacob Bobowski, Henrik Adams and Jacob Szalewicz, from left, pose together after competing in the annual New Balance National Indoor Track Meet.
Reno, Johnson chosen all-stars in Northeastern Hockey League
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Northeastern Hockey League, consisting of girls high school hockey teams in the Northeastern Conference and Cape Ann League communities, recently announced its all-star team, and the young Marblehead High co-op (4-15-1 final record) had two — Madi Reno and Emma Johnson — make the elite squad. They are both only eighth graders from Marblehead.
“Madilyn Reno and Emma Johnson are two fantastic athletes and individuals, and are both deserving of the honor of being named an allstar,” said interim coach Jonathan Strzempek, who replaced Hadley Woodfin, who stepped down in December.
“Emma’s hockey IQ and skating ability make her a constant threat to other teams, and a key piece of our own gameplan. Her presence on the ice was a benefit to the entire team, not just on the scoreboard, but in the locker room and at practices, as well, added Strzempek. “Emma’s desire to compete and get better was felt on the roster throughout the entire season. She was a cornerstone of our starting lineup, and was a force to be reckoned with on the power play and penalty kill.”
Of Reno, Strzempek said, “Madi’s skating ability and creativity with the puck on her stick make her a difficult player to handle. She was a constant threat to take over any game with her talent and seemingly endless supply of energy on the ice. Her natural
VarSITY SchEDULE
Friday, March 21
4:15 p.m., girls lacrosse, TBA (varsity jamboree), Lincoln Street Fields, Lexington
Monday, March 24
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Winchester (scrimmage), MHS Piper Field
knowledge of the game is so far above almost every other high school basketball coach. He’s also such a caring person and always puts the team first, while making sure we were prepared for every game. We knew exactly what had to be done to win.
Over the years, Coach showed me personally what it means to work hard. He always told us that we had to work for our wins, and as a team lacking talent for the most part, we really did work for every win. I owe him a large debt of gratitude for making me a better person and athlete.
Who are your parents and siblings, and did they have any influence on you in your desire to play sports? My parents are John and Erika. My siblings are Bennett (13) and Mitchell (16). My whole family plays sports, and my parents certainly did have an influence on our involvement in sports.
Have you chosen a college yet, and will sports be a part of it? Do you have a major and career choice in mind? I haven’t chosen a college as of yet. I’ve been accepted to UVA (University of Virginia) but am still waiting on Georgetown University. I plan on majoring in economics and would like to work in the international business world. While in college, I’d like to pursue an MBA and then a JD (Juris Doctorate) to possibly go into corporate law. I plan to play club lacrosse and basketball on the next level.
What are your lasting impressions of the MHS girls basketball program, and what advice would you give to your successors? I love the MHS girls basketball program. It’s really supportive and successful, because of Paul and the captains that came before us. I think next year’s captains should not be afraid to advocate for their teammates. But overall, I think they will be really successful next year. Our injured point
ability and need to compete made an immense impact on the team both in games and in practices. Madi was a cornerstone of our starting lineup and a dominant part of our power play and penalty kill.”
Johnson was credited with 14 goals and 7 assists for a total of 21 points this year. Reno accounted for 12 goals and 15 assists during the last three months.
Thursday, March 27
4 p.m., baseball, Beverly (scrimmage), Beverly High
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Woburn, MHS Piper Field
Saturday, March 29
10 a.m., boys lacrosse, Austin Prep (scrimmage), MHS Piper Field
Monday, March 31
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, ManchesterEssex, MHS Piper Field
Tuesday, April 1
4 p.m., baseball, Newburyport, Newburyport High
guard Ainsley (Macdonald) will be back, and with the returning talent of next year’s seniors — Samara (Dosch), Tessa (Andriano) and Greta (Sachs) — leading the way, there’s no doubt in my mind they can go a long way in the state tournament.
Ramona Gillett
When did you get involved in playing sports? Was there a person or persons who were instrumental in encouraging you to play? I don’t remember the exact age, but it was fairly early. My parents definitely helped me get into sports, but after that I loved playing them so much, I didn’t want to stop.
I first began playing soccer and lacrosse, before taking up basketball in the fourth grade. Through the years, did your teams win any championships or competed for one, and in what league? While none of my teams won any championships, I remember winning a tournament with my sixth-grade basketball team, and that will always be a great memory for me.
What’s your favorite sport, and specifically what do you like about basketball? I couldn’t pick a favorite. I love both lacrosse and basketball. They have given me amazing memories and friendships.
I like the intensity of basketball because I think it’s played at a perfect pace and is something that will never bore me.
What were some memorable highlights for you as a high school athlete in any sport? I played on the varsity basketball team for three years but began practicing with them in my freshman year. My memorable basketball highlights have to include traveling to Florida with the boys team during my sophomore season, which created such funny and memorable moments that I’ll never forget.
But overall, it’s the friends that I’ve made playing high school sports that I will always cherish.
How’d you describe coach
Wednesday, April 2
4 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, Peabody, Village School track
4 p.m., softball, Masconomet, Marblehead Veterans Middle School
Thursday, April 3
4 p.m., baseball, Manchester-Essex, Memorial Park, Essex
4 p.m., unified track, Swampscott, Swampscott High
5 p.m., girls lacrosse, Melrose, Melrose High
Paul Moran, and what type of coach was he in your development as an athlete?
I would describe Paul as a very caring person. He puts a lot of time into the team, and also cares about us throughout the entire year. I think he has helped me develop as an athlete by teaching me how to push myself, and also the effort it takes to do well.
Who are your parents and siblings, and did they have any influence on you in your desire to play sports? My parents are Whitney and Mike, and I have three siblings — Fehr, Wells and Haddie.
I definitely think my older siblings played a huge role in me playing sports. I also think my brother, in particular, who plays football at Franklin & Marshall College (in Lancaster, Pennsylvania), has especially influenced my love for competition.
Since we were little, we have been competing, whether in video games or just a game of horse, and I was always determined to win.
Have you chosen a college yet, and will sports be a part of it? Do you have a major and career choice in mind? I will be attending Bucknell University in the fall, and hope to go into the business world.
What are your lasting impressions of the MHS girls basketball program, and what advice would you give to your successors? I will forever love the MHS girls basketball program, and will always be incredibly grateful for being a part of it.
I hope (our successors) have learned from us on how to be confident and how to come together as a team, not to mention go all out on the court, while also having fun. But beyond that, I think the team will be amazing next year. They have a lot of talent, and I’m excited to see what they do.
Maddie Forbes
When did you get involved
representative for Marblehead track and the Marblehead community at large than Nate, and it’s all because of his dedication, determination and humble nature.”
Relay team competes with the nation’s best
Senior captain Jacob Bobowski (200 meters), sophomore Ryan Corrigan (200 meters), senior Jacob Szalewicz (400 meters) and junior captain Henrik Adams (800 meters) ended up 97th — that’s nationwide, don’t forget — in the boys sprint medley relay (SMR) championship heat with a combined time of 3:48.48.
“This relay team ran their SMR peak time back in January, and now almost two months later they competed again to celebrate a great indoor season, rather than training in anticipation of it,” said Raimo.
Raimo added, “For most runners, they finished their indoor season a month ago. They had since taken a couple of weeks off to rest before ramping up for this meet, which is essentially the opener of the spring practice season that’s scheduled to begin on Monday, March 17.”
Jacob Szalewicz was the star of the relay, running a 50.90 400, Raimo noted.
“He typically runs the 800meter leg, but with his own individual 800 scheduled for the next day on Saturday, we decided to keep him in the 400-meter leg, so he’ll be fresh,” Raimo said.
“Overall, it was a great season for all four runners, with
in playing sports? Was there a person or persons who were instrumental in encouraging you to play? Sports have always been a part of who I am, and I began playing sports from the day I could first walk. My parents, older sister and younger brother were always my biggest supporters. They all encouraged me to play sports. From the beginning, I played soccer, lacrosse, basketball and field hockey.
Through the years, did your teams win any championships or competed for one, and what were they, and in what league?
My high school teams have made it to the playoffs, but I’ve never made it past the first or second round in both basketball and lacrosse.
What’s your favorite sport, and specifically what do you like about basketball? To me, it’s the game of basketball, because of the fast-paced and high-energy nature of it, where every second counts. It’s the reason why I always wanted to play it.
What were some memorable highlights for you as a high school athlete in any sport?
My favorite memory was our team trip to Florida, when I was a sophomore. It will forever be one of my top high school memories, because I was able to travel with my team and play against some of the top clubs from around the country. It was an amazing experience.
How’d you describe coach Paul Moran, and what type of coach was he in your development as an athlete?
Coach Moran was an amazing coach, who cared so much about the game and the team. He put in so much time and effort to prepare us for (the games). When I first started high school, I was more of an athlete than a basketball player, but Coach Moran made me into a basketball player. His coaching allowed me to grow as a player, person and teammate.
Who are your parents and siblings, and did they have any
both seniors — Bobowski to Springfield College and Szalewicz to UMass-Lowell — now heading off to run college track next year after completing their upcoming spring season.”
Tredwell celebrates outstanding season at the nationals
Paige Tredwell also participated in the national elite meet as a high jumper, where she capped a remarkable season with a leap of 5-0.25 to come in 42nd.
“Paige last competed at the New England Championship Meet on March 1,” said Raimo. “She then took a week off to rest up for the upcoming spring season. In years past, the national meet was held the week before the start of spring practice, which gave us a break between seasons. But this year, we had to take a rest between the New England Championships and Nationals. Otherwise, we would have jeopardized the spring season.”
Raimo added, “Paige was able to compete alongside the best in the nation as a celebration of her remarkable indoor season, which had personal bests in all of her events (8.85 55-meter hurdles, 17-0 long jump, 5-4 high jump), which placed her among the Top 25 in the state in each of them.”
Tredwell will look to continue her track dominance this spring before heading to South Carolina to further her academic career.
“She won’t compete in track on the next level, even though she had options to do so,” Raimo said.
influence on you in your desire to play sports? Susannah and Jeff are my parents. Molly is my older sister, and she is 21 and will graduate from the University of Alabama this spring. I also have a younger brother, Tyler, who is 16 and a sophomore at the high school. My family has always been my biggest supporters and is the reason why I began playing sports in the first place. Have you chosen a college yet, and will sports be a part of it? Do you have a major and career choice in mind? I plan to attend Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York. I will be playing lacrosse there, and major in political science. Although I will be playing lacrosse, I still want to keep on playing basketball (in some capacity).
What are your lasting impressions of the MHS girls basketball program, and what advice would you give to your successors? My lasting impressions of the MHS girls basketball program can be summed up in one word: family. For the past four years, I got the opportunity to compete with some of the best girls I have ever known, who have since become my best friends and sisters.
Our coaching staff — Paul Moran, Joe Fields and Marissa Fields — have all been instrumental role models throughout my high school career. I’ve learned the power of teamwork and working together to achieve something we all want.
I hope (our successors) will take away from us the importance of standing up for what you believe in, while supporting one another through both hard and good times. As an upperclassman, you’re more than just a teammate. You are a role model who’s responsible for the younger girls. I know that the team will continue to grow under the leadership of Greta Sachs, Samara Dosch and Tessa Andriano, who will be next year’s seniors.
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead High girls hockey co-op eighth graders Madi Reno, left, and Emma Johnson were recently chosen as Northeastern Hockey League all-stars.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
Abbot Library book sale
Saturday, March 22, 10 a.m.-4
p.m.
Spring into good reading with the Friends of Abbot Public Library’s spring book sale. Find your next great read (which you won’t have to return!) while supporting the library. Proceeds from the book sale will go towards library programs and services, including museum passes, the Library of Things and more.
Comedy for a cause
Saturday, March 22, 7-10 p.m.
Join the Thomas E. Smith Foundation at the Gerry 5, 210 Beacon St., for the first TESF Comedy Showcase, featuring Lenny Clark, Steve Sweeney and Mike Donovan. The special guest will be Boston Bruins national anthem singer Todd Angilly. Proceeds will benefit the Foundation, which was started in 2010 by Smith, who lives in Marblehead. Smith sustained three, unrelated paralyzing injuries and has made it his mission to help others living with spinal cord injuries. For more info and tickets, visit https://loom.ly/a3nmIqU.
Be mindful
Monday, March 24, 7-9 p.m.
Whether you’ve been practicing meditation for a while or you’re a newbie, join Mediation Monday at Creative Spirit, 40 South St., Suite 102. Melanie Wilson will be your host, and the guides will vary. Wear comfortable clothing and pay what you wish. Register at https://loom.ly/ UrIBEdM.
Get wild
Wednesday, March 26, 7-8:15 p.m.
The Marblehead Conservancy will feature wildlife photographer Rick Cuzner at its annual meeting at the Abbot Public Library, 285 Pleasant St. Cuzner will share insights on capturing local wildlife in photos, discussing technical aspects of photography, patience and timing, and ethical considerations when photographing animals. The meeting, co-hosted by the Conservancy and Abbot Library, will begin with a brief business portion followed by Cuzner’s presentation. It will be available both in-person with limited seating and online via Zoom. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/ wildlife-photos.
Beethoven concert
Sunday, March 23, 3 p.m.
Marblehead musicians Sheila Vitale (violin) and Carolyn Colby (flute) will perform with Symphony by the Sea at its all-Beethoven concert featuring internationally acclaimed violinist Josha Brown as a guest soloist. The program for this special concert includes: • Symphony No. 1 in C Major, Op. 21; • Romance in F Major, Op. 50; and Symphony No. 8 in F Major, Op. 93. Symphony by the Sea performs at the Cabot Theater, 286 Cabot St., Beverly.
Visit thecabot.org/event
Marblehead Animal Shelter Charity Night
Tuesday, March 25, 6-9 p.m. Join the Marblehead Animal Shelter at The Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St., for food, drink and a silent auction. Fifteen percent of all food and gift certificate purr-chases during the event will go directly to the shelter.
‘Love Letter to Marblehead’
March 28-April 16, opening night reception 4-7 p.m.
Don’t miss “Love Letter to Marblehead,” a photography show opening at the Willie Shaker Gallery, 70 Washington St. Julian Orenstein has worked as a pediatric ER doctor for most of his adult life and picked up photography a few years ago. He moved to Marblehead full-time last year.
“I fell in love with all the town has to offer and found some new ways to show it off, hopefully something that looks a lot different from what all the other photographers have found over the years,” Orenstein said. He is donating 10% of sales to the Marblehead Counseling Center and Making Ends Meet.
The Marblehead Current’s nonprofit news neighbor, the Swampscott Tides, will host its first-ever “Fish Tales” storytelling event, bringing together diverse local voices to share personal stories in a format inspired by the popular weekly podcast and national public radio show hosted by the nonprofit storytelling group The Moth. The event aims to support the Tides’ independent journalism while establishing a new annual community tradition.
“This is our first public fundraiser and a cornerstone event in both building community and our base of financial support,” said Anne Driscoll, an award-winning journalist who serves as president of Swampscott Tides.
“We have been building the organizational and financial
foundation we need to have a successful and sustainable launch and hope to begin publishing this spring.”
Former Boston television anchor Kim Carrigan will emcee the evening, which will feature storytellers sharing unrehearsed personal narratives without notes. The lineup includes:
» Driscoll, who has written for the New York Times, Boston Globe, and People magazine, and who recently became an Irish citizen.
» John Ingalls, a lifelong Swampscott resident with
roots dating back nearly four centuries. Ingalls was chef and owner of Palmers Restaurant for 37 years, earning recognition from the Boston Globe and Zagat Reviews.
» Mike Lynch, the former principal sports anchor at WCVB-TV in Boston for nearly four decades. Lynch, who grew up in Swampscott, is a Harvard graduate who quarterbacked the university’s 1975 Ivy League football championship team.
» - Enzo Silon Surin, a
Haitian-born poet, author, educator and social advocate whose work has won a Massachusetts Book Award. Surin is the founding editor and publisher at Central Square Press.
» Liora Ragozin, a Swampscott High School senior who is president of the school’s French Club, co-president of its United Nations and class vice president. She aspires to travel the world and pursue global public health.
» Misha Trubnikov, a Jewish
Ukrainian immigrant raised in Swampscott who discovered his voice through humor and performance. The event organizers describe Swampscott Fish Tales as “an immersive experience” centered on storytelling that will bring the community together “to embrace the importance of independent news and the power of great stories well told.” Tickets are available at www. zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/ swampscott-fish-tales. Additional information can be found at swampscotttides.org.
FISh Ta LES
Misha Trubnikov Mike Lynch Liora Ragozin
Kim Carrrigan
John Ingalls
Enzo Silon Surin
Anne Driscoll
Laura L. Regis, 92
The world has lost a true original. Laura L. Regis, longtime resident of Hampton, New Hampshire, passed away peacefully of natural causes at the age of 92 at The Mariner in Marblehead on Monday, March 10.
She leaves behind her children, John Regis of New York City, Susan Regis of Somerville, James Regis of Marblehead, Lori Regis, her spouse Amaryll Schwertner, their daughter, Sita; and their grandchildren, Lola and Ford, all of San Francisco, California; niece Claudette Poor (Roger) of Topsfield and nephew Robert Danish (Lana) of Naples, Florida, as well as grandnieces and their children.
Laura was born in Peabody on May 23,1932, daughter of Frank and Anna Witwicki and the youngest of four sisters: Josephine Goodrich (George), Theresa Leveille (Carl) and Nellie Danish (Nick), all predeceased.
BY WILL DOWD
Send your submission to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
2025 excise tax bills mailed
The 2025 excise tax bills were mailed on Feb. 28 and are due by March 29. Residents who have not received their excise tax bill should contact the Tax Collector’s Office for assistance at 781-631-0587 or email revenue@marblehead.org.
Water and Sewer seeks to fill vacancy
The Marblehead Select Board voted Wednesday to accept letters of interest to fill a vacancy on the Water and Sewer Commission following the death of Commissioner Carl Siegel. During the March 14 meeting, Department of Public Works Superintendent Amy McHugh announced Siegel’s passing, describing it as “a huge loss for the water and sewer because of his history, knowledge, passion and ingenuity.”
Letters of interest and resumes should be sent to both the Select Board at wileyk@ marblehead.org and the Water and Sewer Commission at water@marblehead.org by Friday, March 21. All applicants will be interviewed during a joint session with the Water and Sewer Commission on Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at Abbot Hall.
The appointee will serve until June, with the option to run for election to the position.
Lunt appointed provisional police captain
The Select Board unanimously approved the appointment of Lt. Jon Lunt as provisional captain of the Marblehead Police Department on March 12. Lunt steps into the role after longtime police captainMatthew Freeman retired after more than 30 years on the force.
“His record shows a lot of good work, demonstrating his professionalism in the community,” Police Chief Dennis King told the board while recommending Lunt for the
Laura attended Peabody High School, where she cultivated a flair for the dramatic in school theater and was also a cheerleader for the Tanners high school football team, which starred halfback Joseph Regis.
While the couple met in high school, they did not start dating in earnest until Joe was attending the University of New Hampshire. Joey, the captain of the UNH football team, graduated in 1954, and the couple were married in 1955 when Joe was on leave from basic training in the U.S. Army. While he was stationed for two years in Alaska, Laura worked as
a secretary for the Salem Electric Company and was a frequent shopper at L.H. Rogers.
Joe was honorably discharged in 1957, and the Peabody couple began to raise a family there. Son John was born in 1958 and their daughter Susan in 1959. Laura raised her two children there, while Joe worked for his father in the family business, Regis Tanning in Raymond, New Hampshire. Soon, Joe was made general manager, and the family relocated to Hampton, New Hampshire, in 1961. Son James was born in 1961 and daughter Lori in 1963.
Partly as an escape from the rigors of motherhood, Laura began antiquing, and she spent hours scouring New England barns and estate sales for hidden gems, always on the hunt to restore, repurpose or proudly display her findings.
Antiquing led to Laura designing her homes on North Shore Road, which displayed her deep love of colonial architecture. She began taking interior design classes at the Boston Architectural Center, and in time started her own business,
position.
King highlighted Lunt’s 28 years with the department, including 17 as a lieutenant. The chief noted Lunt’s experience as a training instructor and his service with the North Eastern Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT team.
NEMLEC is a consortium of 46 police departments in Middlesex and Essex counties, as well as both county sheriff’s departments.
The captain position involves significant administrative responsibilities including training, sex offender registry coordination and inspections.
Lunt’s appointment took effect March 17.
Dollars for Scholars gift card fundraiser returns
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars announced its fifth annual gift card fundraiser, “Let’s Eat!” The local nonprofit, established in 1987, provides financial needbased scholarships to college
Laura Regis Interiors. Laura was well-known for her keen eye for color and her knowledge of textiles. She was well-respected among her peers and could be seen impeccably dressed moving between the showrooms at the Boston Design Center with her iconic wicker basket of samples.
Laura also knew how to have fun. She was an avid tennis player, taking to their court with Joey, where matches were equal parts competition and comedy.
The best part came afterwards, with Laura hosting parties up at the house that included laughter, snacks and cocktails.
Laura was an avid reader, had a passion for politics, and was an environmentalist and an early protestor against the building of Seabrook Nuclear Power Plant.
When her beloved husband of 63 years passed, Laura relocated to Amesbury, and in 2023 she became a resident of The Mariner in Marblehead, where she lived out the remainder of her days well-loved by residents and staff.
Everywhere Laura went,
she touched people’s lives with her smile and beautiful blue eyes. Her family and friends remember her style, her charisma, her warmth and infectious laughter.
We’re guessing Laura’s next project will be in heaven. The celestial bodies need a redesign, and she isn’t about to pass up the opportunity. Look for better lighting, bolder colors and a layout that finally makes sense — oh, and maybe a few antique treasures, just for good measure.
Laura will be missed, but her brilliance will shine on — because style like hers never fades.
Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, March 20 at the Remick and Gendron Funeral Home - Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton, New Hampshire. A funeral Mass will follow at 11:30 a.m. at Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal Church, 289 Lafayette Road, Hampton, New Hampshire. Burial will be at the High Street Cemetery, Hampton.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to All-Care Hospice, 210 Market St., Lynn, MA 01901.
students and will partner with six Marblehead eateries to raise funds throughout March.
Participating businesses will donate 10 percent of all gift card purchases, whether online or in-person, to the organization.
The vendors include Shubie’s, The Landing, Sea Salt, Maria’s Gourmet, The Barrelman and Soall Viet Kitchen.
“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous businesses that are supporting us and to everyone who buys gift cards,” said Marblehead Dollars for Scholars president Jac Bentley.
The need for scholarship assistance continues to grow. In 2024, the organization awarded $193,000 in scholarships to 47 college students. With college tuition and fees rising, Bentley hopes to raise funds that will make a meaningful difference for students pursuing higher education.
Clean energy and historic preservation meeting
set
Marblehead residents in the Old and Historic Districts can learn about integrating clean energy solutions with historic preservation at an upcoming community charrette, a meeting in which all stakeholders in a project attempt to resolve conflicts and map solutions. The meeting takes place on March 19 from 6-8:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St.
The interactive session will provide updates on policies for incorporating solar panels, EV chargers and heat pumps in historic homes while preserving Marblehead’s character.
Participants will have the opportunity to share experiences, provide feedback on proposed updates to the Old and Historic Districts Commission guidelines and speak with specialists in historic preservation and clean energy. The event will wrap up the town’s Sustainable Heritage grant and discuss findings with the public.
For more information, contact Logan Casey, sustainability coordinator for the Community Development and Planning Department, at caseyl@ marblehead.org or 617-693-1618.
March COA events
This March, the Council on Aging is offering diverse activities for seniors ranging from art collaborations to fitness classes and day trips.
For registration information, call 781-631-6225 or email councilonaging@marblehead.org.
» Opening Minds Through Art is an evidence-based, intergenerational art program pairing individuals with dementia and Marblehead High School art students for six weeks of creative collaboration. The program begins in the coming weeks and culminates in a gallery exhibition celebrating participants’ work.
» Coffee with a Cop (Fridays, 9 a.m.): Offers informal discussions with Police Chief Dennis King or department representatives about community concerns.
» Explorers Lifelong Learning presents free classical concerts at Salem State on Sundays at 3 p.m., plus lectures on The Rat Pack on March 20 and Frank Lloyd Wright on April 10. High School Film Club (March 24, 3 p.m.) hosts screenings at Marblehead High with transportation provided.
» iPhone workshop (March 28, 10 a.m. – noon) offers hands-on personalization class for $20.
» Book club (March 28, 2 p.m.) discusses “Lady of the Eternal City” by Kate Quinn. Caregiver Support (March 20, 1 p.m.) features Family Caregiver Support Program speaker Crystal Polizzotti.
Registry relocates, launches fraud alert system
The Southern Essex Registry of Deeds has relocated from Salem to Beverly and launched a free property fraud alert system for homeowners.
The registry, which maintains records of real estate transactions across 30 local communities, now occupies more than 16,000 square feet at 100 Cummings Center, Suite 206-C, with a small satellite office remaining on Congress Street in Salem.
“We urge all property owners to enroll in our free Property Watch service, created to help warn property owners of potentially fraudulent document recordings at this Registry,” said Register Eileen Duff.
The registry maintains approximately 400 years of property deeds, mortgages and related documents. While it converted to an online records database in 2002, the free alert system provides added security.
Duff also warned residents about direct-mail solicitations offering copies of deeds for fees upward of $100.
“It is important that people know they can get copies of their deeds for free through the Registry so they do not fall victim to these solicitations,” Duff said. Residents can search records at salemdeeds.com or contact customer service at 978-542-1704.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Police Chief Dennis King, right, speaks before the Marblehead Select Board on March 12, recommending Lt. Jon Lunt, left, for the role of provisional captain. The board unanimously approved Lunt’s appointment following the retirement of longtime captain Matthew Freeman.
COURTESY PHOTO
Southern Essex Register of Deeds Eileen Duff, left, and Cummings Properties Vice President Stephanie Aitchison stand at the registry’s new headquarters at 100 Cummings Center in Beverly. The registry recently relocated from Salem and introduced a free fraud alert system to help property owners monitor for potentially fraudulent document recordings.
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Headlight
Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community
I’m Still Here: the power of family and the effects of tragedy
Max Kane, Sophomore
This past week, I went to see the Academy Award winner for Best International Feature, I’m Still Here. The film centers around a family living in 1970s Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Eunice Paiva begins a journey to learn the truth behind the disappearance of her husband, former PTB deputy Rubens Paiva, while struggling to hold her family together.
Co-written and directed by Walter Salles, the film is one of the best representations of family I’ve ever seen. Eunice and Rubens have four children: Vera, Eliana, Nalu, and Marcelo. The movie starts with the family happy as could be, but soon, the tide turns. Rubens is kidnapped by the authoritarian government of Brazil at the time because he had been assisting families who had fallen victim to the dictatorship in a number of ways, and it is unclear to Eunice if he will ever return.
Salles describes how the real Eunice Paiva began a journey of fighting for human rights after the disappearance of her husband. She never allowed anyone to take pictures of her crying or upset, as she did not want to be seen as a victim. She returned to school and became a human rights attorney and continued her work until she developed Alzheimer's and passed away in 2018.
This film was expertly crafted. It showcases the
brutality of the Brazilian dictatorship whilst simultaneously demonstrating the power of family. The tragedy and loss of Rubens doesn’t stop the family, but pushes them forward.
The film is based on the book authored by Marcelo Rubens Paiva and Ainda Estou Aqui. Published in 2015, it is a series of memoirs reflecting on his experience when his father disappeared. In an interview, he talks about how the film was beautiful and represented the true events extremely well. He assisted much in the film, helping with getting certain details right. One detail he raved about was when men came to kidnap his father. He describes how they never hurt anyone and were respectful, as they were just following orders and the family posed no threat to them.
Critics adore I'm Still Here for its fantastic performances and powerful message Jessica Kiang of Variety described the film as "classical in form but radical in empathy." I think this is a fantastic way to describe the film. It had a familiar feeling to it, while completely changing the way periods of turmoil like this are put to the screen. Seeing the effects of the dictatorship not as just numbers and statistics, but as real effects on an individual family that go on for the rest of their lives is a fantastic method at raising awareness and understanding of the effects of this tragedy for the Brazilian people.
A brief history of graffiti: art or vandalism?
Anna Baughman, Freshman
We’ve all seen graffiti, whether it be on the side of buildings, in subway stations, on boxcars. It is a controversial form of expression, and while some view it as a legitimate form of art, many see it as illegal vandalism that damages public and private property. Graffiti has a long history that predates modern spray paint. Ancient civilizations, such as the Greeks and Romans, left behind inscriptions and drawings on public walls, often conveying political or social messages. Over the years, it has evolved into the graffiti that we know now, ranging from simple street tags, murals, and thought-provoking pieces of visual art. Supporters of graffiti argue that it is a valid form of
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Benji Boyd
in the quality of public spaces. On the other hand, many graffiti enthusiasts and artists believe that painting on walls is an act of resistance—a way to reclaim public space and challenge societal norms. In this context, graffiti is seen as a tool for resistance and a form of empowerment for those who may feel voiceless or invisible.
One of the most significant figures in this artistic revolution is Banksy, a British street artist whose works have gained worldwide recognition. Banksy’s pieces often offer commentary on issues such as war, consumerism, and social inequality. His anonymity and use of public space have helped elevate graffiti from an underground movement to a form of high art that commands millions of dollars at auction. Banksy’s influence has sparked a shift in public opinion, with many now viewing graffiti as an important form of modern art. In addition to Banksy, artists like Jean Michel Basquiat, Keith Haring, and
Shepard Fairey have contributed to the legitimization of graffiti. Basquiat, once a street artist in New York City, became a celebrated figure in the art world, blending graffiti with neo-expressionism. Haring’s bold, colorful murals became iconic symbols of activism and social justice in the 1980s. Shepard Fairey’s famous Obey Giant campaign, which started as a street art project, evolved into a global brand and has become a symbol of the fusion between art, marketing, and politics.
Parts of the art world have shifted their views on graffiti, with museums such as the Museum of Modern Art and the Smithsonian American Art Museum hosting exhibitions that celebrate its cultural significance. As graffiti has transitioned from a form of rebellion to a respected art form, many critics acknowledge its ability to provoke thought and challenge societal norms. The future of graffiti may lie in finding a balance between respecting public spaces and celebrating the creativity it brings to the urban landscape.
creative expression that should be celebrated, while opponents see it as a threat to public order and safety. The debate surrounding graffiti is reflective of broader societal tensions between authority and freedom of expression. For many graffiti artists, the streets serve as an open canvas, allowing them to communicate messages to the public without the constraints of galleries or museums. Graffiti provides an opportunity for marginalized voices to be heard, offering commentary on political, social, and cultural issues.
Many critics argue that graffiti undermines efforts to maintain public order and disrespects property. They say that leaving graffiti unchecked can send the message that vandalism is acceptable, leading to a decline
Headlight Staff 2024 - 2025
Grey
REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Anna Baughman, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King,
Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas
ASSISTANT EDITORS:
Collins, Kathleen Hanson, Georgia Marshall FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins
William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton, Madalyn
Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas
in a field
BY RICK CUZNER
Driving home from work, I spotted a pair of coyotes in a field. I pulled over and managed to capture some decent photos. Both looked remarkably healthy. I observed and photographed them for about 15 minutes before they disappeared into the woods.
The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner, who has been photographing local wildlife for over 16 years.
LifeguardsNeeded! Great pay& great location
Begin Memorial Day weekend Must be YMCA or RedCross lifeguard certified, or equivalent.
If interested please call Lynda 781-581-5400
If yo u’re struggli ng to pay your bills or are experiencing asudden and unexpected financial hards hi p, we’ re he re t o he lp. Individual requests forfinancialassistance must be referred through athirdparty for consideration
We urge you to contact our partners listedbelow, or speak to your localclergy to request assistance from Ma rbleh ead Female Huma ne Soc iety:
Marblehead Counseling Center 781-631-8273
Marblehead Housing Authority 781-631-2580
Marblehead Council on Aging 781-631-6225
Marblehead Food Pantry 781-631-8340 For over200 years, MarbleheadFemale Humane Society has remained faithful to its original mission of quietly and re spec tfu lly helpi ng Ma rble head re sid ents in ne ed.
