Glover School teacher fired in restraint crisis cleared of wrongdoing
BY LEIGH BLANDER
A Glover School special education preschool teacher fired in the aftermath of a student restraint crisis has been cleared of any wrongdoing by a state
arbitrator. Arbitrator Mary Ellen Shea ruled on March 27 that Patty Frawley, who lives in town, be hired back at Glover.
“The decision to fire Patricia
Frawley on April 17, 2024, was not supported by just cause,” Shea wrote. “The district is ordered to immediately reinstate Patricia Frawley to her
position and restore all wages and benefits she would have received but for the wrongful termination.”
“I’m thrilled,” Frawley told the
Young students show their STEAM smarts at fair
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The future looks bright after visiting the Brown School’s third annual STEAM (Science, Technology,
Current just hours after receiving the news. “I’ve always felt that I would be vindicated. Of course, you’re nervous, but I really felt strongly about our position
Noonan, Fox discuss MBTA zoning with state auditor
Public hearing on multifamily housing moved to April 8
BY WILL DOWD
The Planning Board postponed the final public hearing on the MBTA Communities Act until April 8 at Abbot Hall. Last week, the Select Board reported that Chair Erin Noonan and member Dan Fox spoke with State Auditor Diana DiZoglio about her determination that the housing zoning law constitutes an unfunded mandate.
Noonan and Fox shared details from their March 17 conference call with DiZoglio, highlighting key information that could impact the town’s approach to the controversial housing requirement.
The discussion followed a contentious standing-room-only public forum on March 12 where nearly 40 residents voiced passionate arguments both for and against seeking an exemption from the state law, which requires
BY LEIGH BLANDER
A former Marblehead Episcopal priest, Boy Scout leader and assistant headmaster at Tower School is set to go on trial April 8 for allegedly raping a 12-year-old Marblehead boy whom he took across state lines to a Boy Scout camp in New Hampshire in 1976.
On Aug. 18, 2023, a New Hampshire grand jury indicted Richard Losch, 92, on a charge
animals in the world.
PRIEST, P. A6
CLEARED, P. A3
STEAM, P. A8
MBTA, P. A6
BY LEIGH BLANDER
On Thursday, April 3, interim Superintendent John Robidoux is expected to release the results of the long-awaited investigation into antisemitism accusations — and counterclaims — involving current and former Marblehead educators.
The School Committee approved $25,000 for the investigation last June, after teacher Brigitte Karns appeared on a webinar accusing several Marblehead teachers and the administration of antisemitism. The allegations prompted a heated, two-hour public meeting, where the accused teachers denied the accusations, including that one ripped down an Israeli flag. Several high school language teachers quit the district in the following months.
Now, Robidoux said he will release the investigation’s executive summary at Thursday’s School Committee meeting. He tried to manage expectations by emphasizing that the report mainly deals with personnel issues, and not overarching concerns about antisemitism.
“It’s always been focused on personnel issues that transpired… were they antisemitic or not?” Robidoux told the Current in a sit-down interview at the central administration office on March 27. Robidoux has already
created an antidiscrimination committee, which started meeting about a month ago. It includes three administrators: Robidoux, Marblehead High School Principal Michele Carlson and METCO Director Caja Johnson; three staff members, MHS teacher Robin Feins, Village School counselor Kevin Merrigan and K-3 reading specialist Rebecca Brand; and three parents, Yael Magen, Sara Pouladian and Amy Mitman. The committee also includes about seven high school students.
“As things come up, we will pull in other resources,” Robidoux said.
Appearing in a Hadassah webinar on antisemitism in schools last month, Robidoux raised some eyebrows when he said that the district will consult a rabbi to review curriculum. He later explained that local rabbis may be consulted if issues arise, but that they won’t be regularly handed textbooks and other materials to review.
“I have the same concerns about the religious piece, given that we’re a public school,” he said. “But we will seek other resources, other community members, and pull in people as we need.”
Robidoux said curriculum review already happens internally, led by Assistant Superintendent for Learning Julia Ferreira, when teachers check content for factual errors and biases, whether they be related to race, gender or religion.
“If there’s a question, we won’t go with just one source,” he added. “We’ll talk to many people.”
Robidoux arrived as interim superintendent in Marblehead last July and is asking the School Committee, which he reports to, to hire him as the permanent super this summer. He lives in Rhode Island but says he doesn’t mind the commute.
“There are a lot of positive things happening in Marblehead,” he said. “There has to be some stability at the admin level. And I’ve gotten a lot of support from staff, community members and the School Committee. We’ve done a lot of work in a short time, and I’m already seeing a culture shift.”
Asked to provide an example of that culture shift, Robidoux pointed to “spotlights” that he has started at School Committee meetings, when students come in from different schools to present what they’re learning.
“It’s a great way to showcase some of the things that students are doing and demonstrate student voice,” he said.
Asked about concerns regarding
the possible shuttering of the federal Department of Education and threats to defund schools that don’t abandon DEI programs, Robidoux said he’ll rely on the state’s Department of Early and Secondary Education for guidance.
“It’s hard when the federal government starts dismantling programs,” he said, “but what does that look like locally? Until I hear from DESE that our funding is looking different or we’re looking at getting rid of programming, we won’t make any changes.”
Asked what he believes are the greatest assets of Marblehead Public Schools, he answered without hesitation: “Our students.”
“That’s our focus,” he said. “Our educators and administrators supporting the students are the biggest assets we have.”
And as for challenges?
“Making sure we have the right resources in place for the students and the staff, to make sure they can teach,” he said. “Students need the right educational resources to succeed. Those include buildings, technology, curriculum and social-emotional learning.”
Robidoux said he’s been impressed by the high level of collaboration between Marblheead schools and the town.
“I’m all about collaborating and communicating,” he said.
BY WILL DOWD
Town officials trimmed $1.7 million from the proposed fiscal 2026 budget during a March 25 Select Board meeting, with public safety chiefs warning they’re already operating at dangerously lean staffing levels amid cuts to police salaries and fire overtime.
“At 31 it’s difficult. We’re at the tightest edge,” Police Chief Dennis King told the board about his department’s staffing. “Thirtyone is as lean as you get.” Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin explained the need for the cuts.
“After all budgets were submitted and insurance numbers were finalized, a $1.7M shortfall was identified,” Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin told the Current. “To address the budgetary shortfall and balance the budget, we made necessary budget cuts.”
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland described a department stretched thin by absences. The Fire Department assigns 40 people to fire and emergency rescue. They are divided into four groups of 10 members, each consisting of one captain, one lieutenant and eight firefighters.
“We have three out due to budget reductions over past years. We have two out on probably indefinite military because they write their own orders. We have three to four out right now with cancer-related injuries,” Gilliland said, adding that “we’re down to pretty much a whole shift out.”
The Board of Health is taking a substantial hit, needing to cut $182,505 from its waste disposal budget and another $60,000 in funds for the Marblehead Counseling Center.
The $1.7 million in cuts affect 10 departments under the Select Board’s purview, Abbot Library and Recreation & Parks, which have a combined fiscal 2026 operating budget of approximately $50.08 million, a modest increase of $904,134 (1.84%) over the current fiscal year’s $49.18 million budget.
Despite this increase,
departments still faced significant cuts from their requested amounts to close the $1.7 million gap between budget requests and available revenue.
All of this comes despite what initially appeared to be a positive financial outlook. In recent months, the town received approximately $2.4 million in unexpected interest income, creating an impression of financial stability. However, Benjamin clarified that this income had already been factored into revenue projections.
“The town’s FY 26 budgetary requests exceeded the town’s allocated revenue by $1.7 million.
The interest from local receipts is incorporated within the total revenue allocation,” Benjamin explained to the Current
The December financial forecast had actually projected a $1.8 million deficit for fiscal year 2026, a figure that remained relatively stable despite the interest income. The current $1.7 million shortfall represents the continuation of this structural deficit rather than a new financial challenge.
Benjamin noted the underlying issue: expenditures are growing faster than revenues can keep pace.
“We anticipate recurring annual deficits, as expenditures continue to outpace the rate of revenue growth as presented in December and at the State of the Town,” she stated.
The town faces significant constraints on revenue growth due to Proposition 2½ limitations.
Benjamin explained that property taxes represent “approximately 80% of the town’s total revenue” but can only increase by 2.5% annually plus minimal new growth. Meanwhile, major expense categories are increasing at much higher rates: “health insurance premiums have surged between 10.5% and 17.1%. The pension contribution has risen by 8.6%, and casualty insurance premiums have increased by 8%.”
Select Board member Bret Murray voiced particular concern about public safety cuts.
“I worry about the safety and the burnout of our firefighters and police, and that’s something I think we need to take a little bit of a harder look at between now and town meeting,” he said.
The Fire Department faces a $100,000 reduction in overtime funding despite significant staffing challenges. With multiple personnel out on military leave or medical absences, the department is operating below full strength, creating strain on remaining staff.
Similarly, the Police Department’s $50,000 salary reduction comes as the department is already operating with fewer officers than in previous years. King explained that minimum staffing levels remain at “three on every shift,
except for Friday, day and evening,” though even with scheduled shifts of four or five officers, absences frequently reduce actual staffing to the minimum level.
Benjamin noted that to address potential volatility in health insurance costs, they’ve “set the health insurance cushion to $700K and have increased the Finance Committee Reserve by $300K for additional transparency.”
She warned that even with these precautions, “a mere 10 adjustments could deplete up to half of the cushion” for health insurance, highlighting the volatility in this budget area.
The DPW will lose $60,000.
Superintendent Amy McHugh described her department’s extensive reorganization. “We have five divisions that we’re covering. We went through . . . kind of just looked at what everybody did, how does everyone interact, how can they work together, how can we make some things more cohesive,” she said.
Beyond the current budget challenges, Benjamin warned of additional financial pressures on the horizon, including “the imminent expiration of the waste management contract next year” which will add “over $300K in recycling costs, alongside escalating trash collection costs.”
The town is implementing several measures to improve its financial position. “We have conducted an extensive review and restructuring of departmental operations to improve efficiency,” Benjamin wrote. Officials have “adjusted departmental fees to reflect municipal benchmarks, are actively reviewing new recurring meals and room tax revenue, and implemented comprehensive financial systems.”
While Benjamin confirmed there would be “no tax override for May Town Meeting,” she acknowledged that “a tax override may be necessary for the fiscal year 2027 budget given the structural deficit with the trash contract expiration and added recycling costs and other rising contractual costs outpacing annual revenue.”
John Robidoux
With a month until Town Meeting, here’s what you need to know
BY WILL DOWD
Replacing the Marblehead High School’s leaky roof and passing a recall provision are among the highest-profile proposals local voters will consider when they gather for the 2025 Town Meeting on Monday, May 5.
The 52-article warrant contains a mix of urgent infrastructure needs (that would temporarily raise taxes), tax relief measures, citizen petitions and financial allocations that will shape the town’s direction for the coming fiscal year.
The Finance Committee’s warrant hearing, scheduled for April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Select Board Room at Abbot Hall, will provide residents an opportunity to learn more about these and other articles before the May 5 Town Meeting.
Here’s a look at some of the articles that will be debated:
Another $8.6M for MHS roof replacement Voters will be asked to raise their taxes for the next 15 years to fund another $8.5 million for the high school roof replacement. Town Meeting approved $5.3 million for the project two years ago, but it never launched. It now includes HVAC units.
Mary Alley Municipal Building debt exclusion
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has said the Mary Alley Municipal Building’s deteriorating HVAC system has reached a breaking point, creating uncomfortable working conditions for town employees.
Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin expects to have a dollar amount for the debt exclusion this week.
“The 1950s system in the building is on its last leg,” Kezer explained during a recent Select
Board meeting. “That affects us both in winter heating and cooling. There are way too many conditions in the summer and too many plug-in heaters in the winter to keep the employees comfortable.”
Senior, veteran tax relief
Article 28 seeks to establish a means-tested property tax exemption for qualifying senior citizens who have owned homes in Marblehead for at least 10 consecutive years, but will require state legislative approval through the home rule petition process if passed by voters.
To qualify, single applicants must be 65 years or older, and for joint applicants, at least one person must meet this age requirement. The exemption amount would be determined annually by the Select Board and would range between 50% and 200% of the applicant’s Circuit Breaker Income Tax Credit, a state program designed to assist seniors with property tax burdens based on income and home value criteria.
For tax year 2024, the maximum Circuit Breaker credit is $2,730, meaning the proposed exemption could provide eligible seniors with a property tax reduction ranging
grader is now suing the district. At least one other educator was let go. Ann Haskell is suing the district.
fighting this. I’ve been teaching in Marblehead for more than 21 years, and my whole career demonstrated my commitment and hard work.”
Frawley said she isn’t sure what the next steps will be, but she’s looking forward to being back with students.
“I really missed working with the young kids,” she said. “I do think it’s my speciality. And I’ve developed very strong relationships and bonds with people who work at Glover. Everyone has been very supportive.”
Frawley and three other Glover educators were placed on paid leave in early December 2023 after a controversial student restraint in the school. The family of the then-third
In the wake of the crisis, the MPS student services director and assistant director stepped down. An outside investigation determined there was neglect of the student. A new student services team has been hired, and new protocols have been put in place.
“The Marblehead Education Association (union) maintained throughout this case that our members did not deserve to be punished for the previous administration’s failure to provide safe working and learning environments,” MEA Co-President Jonathan Heller wrote to the Current. “The circumstances around this unjust dismissal and
from $1,365 to $5,460, depending on the percentage set by the Select Board. By implementing this exemption, Marblehead aims to support long-term senior residents in managing their property tax obligations, allowing them to continue residing in their homes.
Additional property tax relief measures appear in Articles 29 and 30. Article 29 would accept a state provision that allows the town to automatically increase veteran property tax exemptions each year based on the Consumer Price Index rate of inflation. Article 30 would accept another state provision that doubles the property tax exemption amount for qualifying veterans. Both measures aim to enhance tax relief for veterans as living costs increase.
Eight citizen petitions
A recall provision (Article 52) would establish a process to remove elected officials, requiring signatures from 15% of town registered voters after an initial affidavit from 25 voters. If passed, the measure would need state Legislature approval.
Other petitions include a proposed residency requirement for department heads (Article 48), despite concerns about
housing affordability with $1.2 million median home prices.
Attorney John DiPiano has proposed limiting reconsideration motions to within 30 minutes of initial votes (Article 51), while Jack Buba seeks to create an independent parliamentarian position (Article 49) to advise the town moderator on procedural matters.
Lobsterman Ray Bates petitioned to allow fishermen to store gear and traps on their residential property from Nov. 1 to May 1 (Article 45), citing economic challenges faced by the industry.
Additional petitions call for a $100,000 independent town audit (Article 46), elimination of the sustainability coordinator position that pays $73,111.70 annually (Article 47) and a request to present Proposition 2½ tax override articles separately on ballots rather than bundled together (Article 50).
Building fees, police hiring age
Building and electrical permit fees would see changes under Articles 38-41. Articles 38 and 39 would give the Select Board authority to set building and electrical permit fees after public
the School Committee’s decision to ignore educators’ concerns about conditions in our schools were a driving force for the MEA to pursue health and safety language in our contract.”
School Committee Chair Jenn Schaeffner declined to comment specifically on the arbitration ruling, but did write, “On December 21, 2023, the School Committee convened an executive session to
address complaints from the Marblehead Education Association regarding certain special education staff. The members present at this meeting included Sarah Fox, Alison Taylor, Brian Ota and myself. The actions taken by these members of the School Committee, with the later addition of member Al Williams, represent a direct and decisive response to the concerns raised by the union and must be
hearings, similar to how other town boards set fees. If those changes aren’t approved, Articles 40 and 41 would raise building and electrical installation fees from $15 to $17 per $1,000 of total project cost.
Article 41 would also add a new fee for electric storage battery installations, addressing the growing use of home battery backup systems.
“What’s happening in people’s homes are the large home batteries as backup systems,” Kezer said. “Those are not plug and play — they’re pretty significant installation inspection requirements.”
Article 37 would rescind a previous acceptance that capped police officer hiring at age 32, removing that restriction and potentially expanding the applicant pool for the department.
Second try for snow emergency parking fines
Another home rule petition appears in Article 44, representing a second attempt to increase parking violation fines during declared snow emergencies from $50 to $100, with an increase to $105 if not paid within 21 days.
“Parking tickets, increasing the fee for snow emergencies from 50 to 100. This was passed, I don’t know how many years ago, went through Town Meeting, went to the Legislature. It never made it through,” Kezer noted. This history necessitates a fresh Town Meeting vote and resubmission to the legislature.
The complete 2025 Town Meeting Warrant is available at bit.ly/3Rwx2I5 under the Town Meeting tab. The Current will publish its comprehensive Town Meeting Guide on April 4, offering detailed explanations of these articles and the home rule petition process.
viewed as strong support for the leadership and full membership of the MEA.”
Sally Shevory, union co-president and Glover teacher, has worked with Frawley for about a decade.
“We have been fighting this for over a year,” she said of Frawley’s firing.
“We always had the students’ safety foremost in our minds. Teachers were repeatedly ignored when they asked for more training and safety precautions. Patty is a wonderful teacher.”
Shevory added, “Justice was really served. We will welcome her back with a red carpet.”
Frawley said it wasn’t easy going through the very public ordeal in her hometown.
“I am committed to Marblehead schools,” she said. “This is my hometown. My son graduated from Marblehead schools. I have a strong commitment to the town, and I want to make it better. I’m a firm believer in, if you work through challenges, everyone can become better.”
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux, who was not in Marblehead when Frawley was initially fired, said Friday, “We’re going to review the decision and take whatever steps we are required to.”
“At first it was difficult, but people have been so supportive, people who really know me, because they know me as a teacher,” she said. She is happy to be part of Marblehead Public Schools again.
Shea is the same arbitrator who recently ordered Marblehead to reinstate fired police officer Chris Gallo with back pay.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
EDiTOri A l
Opinion
Tax relief that reflects our values
Rising property values and inflation have put Marblehead’s seniors and veterans in a financial squeeze, and three proposals before Town Meeting seek to offer some relief.
Article 28 would boost property tax exemptions for qualifying elderly homeowners while maintaining eligibility requirements. Nearly half of Marblehead’s senior citizens living alone earn $60,000 or less annually, with about 3,060 making under $40,000. Seniors 65 and older comprise approximately 22.6% of Marblehead’s 20,300 residents, significantly higher than the national average of 17.3%. The financial strain on this population has intensified as property taxes climb despite Proposition 2 1/2 protections. When Marblehead’s average single-family home assessment jumped 16.7% in 2023, the average tax bill rose 4.6% to $10,778 — a significant burden for those on fixed incomes. Healthcare costs have compounded the problem, growing at an average annual rate of 5.2% from 2019 to 2023, with a sharp 8.6% increase in 2023 alone. The Senior Citizens League reports that Social Security benefits have lost approximately 20% of their purchasing power since 2010.
The state has enhanced the Circuit Breaker Tax Credit program — eligibility requirements for which this proposal would mirror — raising the maximum credit to $2,730 for tax year 2024. In 2022, 418 Marblehead seniors claimed a total of $440,382 through the program, averaging $1,054 per recipient.
Meanwhile, Articles 29 and 30 would expand property tax exemptions for veterans, building on the HERO Act signed last August. This state legislation permitted municipalities to double property tax exemptions for veterans. Marblehead has about 670 veterans, constituting about 4.2% of the town’s 20,296 residents. Last year, Marblehead granted 143 statutory exemptions totaling $164,737 to qualified applicants and senior work-off volunteers. These targeted exemptions provide needed balance as Marblehead manages fiscal challenges of its own, even as the cost of living goes up for its residents. The Boston area’s Consumer Price Index rose 21.3% between June 2020 and December 2023, yet Social Security benefits increased just 17.8%. For many seniors, this gap has created genuine hardship, forcing difficult choices between medication, heating and property tax payments.
By expanding exemptions for seniors and veterans, Marblehead affirms its commitment to compassion, dignity and economic fairness — and upholds the values that define our community.
A modern approach to managing public funds
Article 26 would adopt the Massachusetts Prudent Investor Rule, giving Marblehead the ability to diversify its trust fund investments beyond conservative vehicles like bank deposits. This modern investment standard, enacted under state law in 2023, allows municipalities to manage public trust funds using a balanced portfolio approach — similar to how private trusts and endowments are managed. It emphasizes sound strategy over rigid restrictions, requiring that funds be invested with “reasonable care, skill and caution,” and tailored to the town’s financial goals. Riskier speculation remains offlimits, but responsible diversification becomes possible.
Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin told the Current that adopting this rule would enable the town to build more robust investment portfolios that deliver stronger longterm returns.
Marblehead’s recent investment returns underscore the benefits of strategic financial management. In fiscal year 2023, the town earned over $1.3 million in investment income — a dramatic increase from just $66,000 the year before. That momentum continued in fiscal 2024, with returns reaching $2.4 million. Benjamin credited this growth to well-timed decisions that took advantage of high interest rates, though she noted that future returns could soften if rates fall.
The Prudent Investor Rule provides a framework to help sustain this momentum. It includes built-in safeguards — such as mandatory diversification and regular performance reviews — to ensure that public funds remain both productive and protected.
Adopting Article 26 is a natural next step.
Independent audit would duplicate existing oversight
Marblehead voters face a costly choice at Town Meeting. Article 46 proposes an independent municipal audit at a cost not to exceed $100,000 from free cash, despite existing professional oversight.
The town recently switched external auditors to Roselli, Clark & Associates from Powers & Sullivan for enhanced transparency. These annual, independent audits currently cost $76,000.
The existing annual audits already review financial records, procedures and internal controls, providing recommendations for improvements.
Article 46 would duplicate these efforts at significant expense. Town Meeting should reject this redundant measure.
GUEST COlUMN
Marblehead set for annual Town Meeting
BY JACK ATTRIDGE
Marblehead’s annual Town Meeting is just about a month away, on Monday, May 5. Unlike open public meetings held by the boards and commissions of our executive branch, Town Meeting is the gathering of the citizenry of our town, which becomes the legislative body once the meeting is opened, through to completion. It is a privilege to be town moderator and an honor to oversee the important business of the town through this legislative process. Unlike other legislative bodies at state and national levels, I do not take a position in the debate and, like almost all moderators, choose not to vote. Leading up to Town Meeting, I see my job as facilitating articles for submission to the warrant from conception through to the presentation of motions on the floor of the meeting. There are many nuances to this process and my goal is to assist, most importantly the citizen legislators, in the successful evolution of this process. During the meeting, state law is prescriptive in part that; “The moderator shall preside and regulate the proceedings, decide all questions of order, and make public declaration of all votes…” The 2025 Town Meeting warrant can be found on Marblehead.org under the Town Meeting tab on the left side.
There are several open public meetings between now and Town Meeting. Those meetings can be found on Marblehead.org and are typically available to watch remotely via Zoom. One of the most important meetings coming up will be the Finance Committee’s warrant hearing. This is a mandatory meeting where the articles on the warrant are open for presentation and discussion before we get to Town Meeting. The warrant hearing is April 7 at 7 p.m. in the Select Board Room at Abbot Hall. The Finance Committee’s primary responsibility is to make recommendations to Town Meeting on any article which impacts the budget.
Since being elected in 2022, I have looked to make
lETTErS TO THE EDiTOr
Finding kindness through community connections
To the editor:
I used to walk every day for 40 years until COVID happened and I stopped after being yelled at twice for not wearing a mask!
For most of my walks, I would encounter Nikolay Kuzmina racing down the sidewalk and each time I’d jump out of his way. This past summer while having an ice cream, the Anchor to Windward Group were also enjoying theirs, I happened to know Tina, one of the helpers and therefore was introduced to the group.. Because of this engagement, I met Nikolay. His enthusiasm, joy and delightful personality intrigued me enough to inquire about opportunities to watch some of their activities.
I have never felt such fulfillment as each of the members show such gratitude and appreciation for each other. My friend and I decided to help them with their involvement with the Christmas Walk. The generosity from most of the businesses in Marblehead as well as Swampscott and Beverly were overwhelming!!
For Nikolay to be appreciated and honored made me cry and realize the goodness in not only the businesses that supported them but the young adults too. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Alexandra Cooper Sevinor Road
‘My family has family values, too’
To the editor,
Supportive gestures of pride and inclusion are vital. The quote, “I don’t act like this to change the world; I act this way so the world won’t change me,” has always rung true for me. Minorities can feel they live in the shadows of the overwhelming “norms” of most people in this town, and it can feel very small.
What are you doing wrong?
As Atticus says in “To Kill a Mockingbird,” it sounds as though you “haven’t walked around in anyone else’s shoes.”
measured improvements to foster greater participation and efficiencies at our town meetings. One change is that I have solved a long-term challenge pertaining to an amendment from the floor calling for the reconsideration of a prior vote. Up until last year, and for as long as the accommodation was instituted in our bylaws, the moderator has had to rely on faith that the person presenting such amendment voted on the prevailing side. After two years of seeing this amendment presented, and considering alternatives, I discovered that our new electronic voting devices can be used in the verification process. Although the distribution of the voting devices is random, should a citizen call for such an amendment, their vote will be confirmed through the electronic voting device which they were provided. After the device is given to me to confirm the direction of their vote, they will be given another random voting device.
The power and privilege of Town Meeting has been ingrained in our traditions since Marblehead’s founding over 375 years ago. They continued through to the founding of our great nation 250 years ago when Town Meeting became the original instrument of our independence and governance. The primary tenet of Town Meeting is the deliberative process that enables the citizens to gather for the common good of the town. Although the practice can bring even the most modest to fervent debate, I am reminded that many a vote has been swayed during the factual exchange of views. I doubt any have changed through intimidation or discourse, which is why I will expect and call for order when necessary, for the benefit of all. I will continue to remind people that we gather because we care about the existence of our town’s governance and common good and hope that we all show up on Monday, May 5, at the Veterans School Performing Arts Center, One Duncan Sleigh Square, mindful to meet that end. I am always available should you have questions about Town Meeting and can be reached at 781-883-3200.
Jack Attridge is Marblehead’s town moderator.
Please be open to listening, and to not be so fearful of your majority’s stake and presence in this town.
As a senior at MHS in 1989, I felt unable to be who I truly was (not a choice!) and now I’m incredulous at how little we seem to have evolved, with some comments I hear by students currently in the Marblehead High School.
My family has “family values,” too.
I have signed some of your petitions to be on the ballot for school committee, on the street and in parking lots, and hope you will be open-minded to those who are seeking a voice and visibility in a town with very established, normalized majorities.
Thank you,
Tanya Braganti Weston Road
Town struggles with budget cuts as mandate looms
To the editor:
As I write, I’m dabbing at the beads of sweat gathering on my brow, now that I’ve finished the Current’s clear and comprehensive article titled, “Marblehead chiefs urge caution as town trims $1.7M from FY 2026 budget” in the March 27 edition. If you haven’t read it, please do. Every word.
It sums up the best reasons yet for supporting the town’s 3A state mandate.
And make sure to focus on every single dollar amount in it. Our departments and services are already struggling to work with a sizable shortfall in town funds —with special pain inflicted on our town’s fire and police forces. To me, it makes no sense at all to add more financial pain to Marblehead’s already remarkably inclusive shortfall.
But this is the future I’m seeing if we continue to fight the 3A state law and end up on the losing end. I urge you to listen very, very carefully this month and next to the many scheduled pre-Town Meeting public discussions about 3A. You’ll come away with a picture of what we face if we buck the law: possible towering new legal fees needed to fight it; the potential for fines associated with noncompliance; loss of
essential state grants on which many town programs depend; and the strong possibility (inevitability?) that our leaders may come to us taxpayers to help cover the costs (who else would cover them?); plus all of the other nightmares that would further darken this dispiriting financial future.
Never mind the issue of badly needed affordable housing — that fight is at the heart of my argument, and it’s already being eloquently fought by many others. For me the question is, do I want a future characterized by overwhelming financial debt because we voted against a mandated state law and will now pay the price? A future of effort after effort to keep the snarling wolf at the door from chewing away at Marblehead’s robust and vital protection services, quality education, good teachers and the kinds of essential programs we’ve been blessed with for so long? And all because our town is fighting a state law whose implementation here will surely cost me less than will a protracted fight against it? I offer a resounding NO. My wallet is already thin enough.
Please, vote YES on 3A at Town Meeting in May.
Francie King Chestnut Street
Village plaza development could benefit community while addressing housing needs
To the editor:
In response to Mr. Anthony Chamay’s letter, “3A questions for the Marblehead Planning Board,”: It is so true. The Village Plaza and the Beacon/Warwick Pleasant Street area is a vital hub in our town that we want to preserve. It’s also true that the Village Plaza is tired, dated and ripe for an upgrade that could actually stimulate and enhance the area. We’ve already had multifamily and Smart Growth zoning in this area for years however, with minuscule development, due to the financial constraints. The same situation exists for 3A.
In areas where the financial dynamics are favorable though, I’ve seen here in the U.S. downtowns that have been revitalized by literally putting residents on top of stores and restaurants in very attractive, well-designed spaces that fit the character of their surroundings. Many European cities and towns also locate apartments and condos above street level stores.
Those owners and renters working from home, could easily enjoy picking up a sandwich, filling prescriptions, working out, shopping, dining and going to the dentist, within a short walk. Even those commuting could potentially have a bus at their doorstep. We can certainly envision scenarios that both preserve and grow our local economy and give housing options to residents.
The affordability issue that Mr. Chamay raises is, of course, completely valid. Unfortunately, the financial realities of the Marblehead housing market and the cost of construction today, will probably lend themselves to incremental growth and the cost of housing will continue to be out of reach for many people. Multifamily housing however is still more reasonable than single family homes. Some who might take advantage of condos or apartments, even at market rate, are senior residents, who want to downsize to accessible condos or apartments, but have nowhere to move, without giving up the community they love and have invested in. Young workers, maybe with roommates or young couples with two incomes, trying to get into single family homes might be able to get a start. It won’t be a perfect answer for
everyone, but it is a start.
Resident urges yes vote on MHS roof project
To the editor:
The Marblehead High School roof has been leaking since at least 2020. I urge town voters to please vote “yes” in May at Town Meeting on Article 34 to pass this on to the voters on June 10. Although it doesn’t appear we’ve received any clear answers on why this was delayed for so long, it’s clear that we need the project to be completed ASAP. The roof cannot be repaired without replacing the HVAC systems. It poured rain on March 24. I’m sure trash buckets catching rain water lined the halls of MHS. If you patch one spot on the roof, a new leak appears elsewhere. This is inefficient and money wasted. Our students and staff shouldn’t have to work in such conditions. Even the auditorium roof leaks! Further delays will increase costs.
The bond that paid for the new highschool is being paid off this year! A few years ago, I asked and found out the annual tax impact of that project on an $800K home in FY 2025 was $179.04. This falls off our tax bill after the last payment this year.
The annual cost of the additional roof/ HVAC project is estimated to add $86/ year for the first of 15 years to our tax bill on a median priced home (as reported in the Current)
What we will vote on is an estimate — the project cannot be put out to bid until the money has been approved. It could come in under the $8.6 million. Marblehead is known for deferring maintenance on its buildings — let’s come together to support this one!
As the town’s stabilization and reserve funds increase this year, we can finally start looking forward to getting our finances in order. I hope that the superintendent and the School Committee can start advocating for this project soon so that everyone understands why this building maintenance is necessary. Voting “yes” on Article 34 is an investment in our community. Thank you.
Samantha Rosato Martin Terrace
We can’t normalize civil rights abuses
To the editor:
On March 25, Rumeysa Ozturk, a Tufts graduate student and legal resident, was kidnapped on the streets of Somerville by ICE. Caught on camera, the chilling footage shows the young woman being
approached by masked men, who then handcuff her, take her away in an unmarked car and fly her to a detention center in Louisiana before her friends, family or the university even knew she was in custody. Her crime? Co-authoring an op-ed — much like this one — criticizing Israel in the Tufts student newspaper.
For many of us, such actions are abhorrent. Like similar incidents at Columbia University and across the country, they raise urgent questions about the rights of legal residents, the status of free speech, the protections of due process and what, if anything, can be done to prevent the next abduction. But lurking beneath these immediate concerns is another sort of anxiety, one more subtle, but perhaps more consequential: As things become worse, who will we become?
Put differently, how will events like Ms. Ozturk’s disappearance change our understanding of what it is to be an American? Like mass shootings and wildfires, will such arrests, without any sort of judicial oversight or due process, simply become “normal”? Will we learn to live with them? To ignore them? To rationalize them?
Particularly for Marbleheaders, steeped in a deep anti-authoritarian tradition that existed long before the revolution, how will we reconcile such egregious violations of personhood with our own values and history? Getting picked up by literal masked men and taken to faroff, secretive detention centers used to be something that happened in other countries, but not here. As that changes, we will change too; whether for the better or worse remains to be seen.
Nothing about the rhetoric or past actions of this administration suggests that these abductions will stop. If anything, they will probably become more frequent. As they do, these unwarranted and cruel attacks on legal residents, making an example of those who choose to speak out as a way to stifle dissent, will continue to erode the faith and trust we have in our institutions and each other. And even if they never lead to the more violent horrors we associate with other authoritarian regimes, even if they never, as Martin Niemöller put it, ‘come for me,’ those of us who knew a different time will have to reckon with how far we’ve fallen.
I don’t know what will happen, how we’ll respond or whether we’ll come to see ourselves as resistors, cowards, captives, willing participants or fools in the wake. But I do know that who we become now — our willingness to treat such extra-judicial disappearances as ordinary, even expected — will pave the way for whatever comes next.
Caleb R. Miller Curtis Street
School Committee chair responds to case of vindicated Glover teacher
To the editor:
This is in response to requests for a statement regarding a recent arbitration case involving a school employee. As chair of the School Committee, I am unable to issue an official statement regarding the arbitrator’s decision, as I have not convened with nor communicated with the other committee members in compliance with Open Meeting Law requirements. I am only permitted to speak on behalf of the committee after engaging with and receiving input from its members directly.
That said, the School Committee will always uphold the rights of employees as outlined in the collective bargaining agreement. In this case, the employee had the right to exercise their rights under the CBA, including arbitration. This is the same CBA that was unanimously approved by the School Committee last November and has consistently received the committee’s support. Moreover, it is inappropriate for the School Committee to comment on personnel matters or actions taken by the superintendent. All personnel decisions are the sole responsibility of the administration and fall outside the jurisdiction of the School Committee, except in the instance of the position of superintendent.
On December 21, 2023, the School Committee convened an executive session to address complaints from the Marblehead Education Association regarding certain special education staff. The members present at this meeting included Sarah Fox, Alison Taylor, Brian Ota and myself. The actions taken by these members of the School Committee, with the later addition of member Al Williams, represent a direct and decisive response to the concerns raised by the union and must be viewed as strong support for the leadership and full membership of the MEA. The School Committee has since undergone a nearly complete turnover of senior administrators within the district, including the committee’s hiring of Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, LisaMarie Ippolito. Ms. Ippolito has since brought on several new direct reports to help build her team. We commend their extraordinary efforts in rebuilding this department over the past year. Despite facing a concerning audit from the state regulator after this incident in 2023, Ms. Ippolito and her team have effectively resolved all issues identified, and we are now moving forward with the state’s approval. We expect the special education investigative review requested by the School Committee to be on the agenda for our meeting on April 3.
Additionally, we are looking forward to a comprehensive presentation from Assistant Superintendent Ippolito later this spring, detailing her plans for special education programming in the upcoming academic years. Furthermore, a report from the Joint Labor and Management Safety Committee, established as a direct result of collective bargaining last fall and fully supported by this School Committee, will provide critical updates on staff and student safety. This report will be an agenda item in a School Committee meeting before the end of the academic year, and we anticipate a thorough discussion.
The members of the School Committee are dedicated to advancing our district while upholding our core values: student achievement, personal growth, fostering partnerships and collaboration, creating a culture of respect and appreciation, and maximizing resources for the benefit of student development.”
Jenn Schaeffner
The Current welcomes letters to the editor and strives to represent a range of viewpoints on our opinion pages.
Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. Letters over the word limit may be returned to the writer for editing.
Writers may be given more leeway to criticize national political candidates and other public figures. However, in all cases, letter writers should refrain from name calling and personal attacks and instead
focus on the substance of matters of public concern.
Letter writers may be asked to substantiate claims that do not relate to information previously published in the Current.
While we will make every effort to let writers have their say, we reserve the right not to publish letters.
Letters must include:
» The author’s name.
Unsigned letters and form
letters will not be published.
The name of the street on which the author lives in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next to the author’s name – not their full address.
The author’s daytime/cell phone number for verification purposes (not publication).
Letters must be received by our newsroom directly from their writers (for special
circumstances, contact the newsroom). Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org or use the submission form found at marbleheadcurrent.org/ letters.
Some letters may be shared to social media. We will share a wide array of viewpoints.
Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition.
Renee Ramirez Keaney Beverly Avenue
Casino Rd. Chair, Marblehead School Committee
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Healey signs law extending remote, hybrid meetings
Gov. Maura Healey has signed legislation extending the authorization for remote and hybrid public meetings in Massachusetts through June 2027. This law allows state and local public bodies to continue conducting meetings virtually, enhancing accessibility and public participation. The extension applies to public bodies and representative town meetings. In Marblehead, residents and officials have expressed support for the continuation of remote meetings, citing increased public participation and the convenience of virtual access. State Rep. Jenny Armini, D-Marblehead, has highlighted the importance of this extension, stating, “These two years will give the Legislature time to come up with an approach that meets the needs of all communities — and they give communities time to continue
Marblehead to create zoning for multifamily housing across approximately 58 acres in three designated districts.
According to a memo Noonan prepared after the 45-minute conversation with DiZoglio, the auditor clarified that while the state Supreme Judicial Court has established the MBTA Communities Act as constitutional, the law remains unfunded because costs associated with implementation have been provided through discretionary grants rather than guaranteed funding.
“The State Auditor’s Office only determines whether the law has been funded, not the amount of funding,” Noonan told board members, referencing DiZoglio’s explanation of her office’s limited role in the process.
Fox emphasized how DiZoglio characterized potential solutions to the funding dispute.
“She thought it could be easily remedied by shifting the funding for planning assistance from discretionary grants to a
of aggravated felonious assault. His alleged victim, who asked to be identified as “Jack” to protect his and his family’s privacy, spoke to the Current in 2023.
“I am coming forward in order to give Losch’s other victims the opportunity to seek justice and healing,” Jack said. Reached last week, he declined to comment further before the trial.
Losch’s defense attorney did not return requests for comment. Contacted by the Current in 2023, Losch said, “On the advice of my attorney, I have no comment to make other than that the charge is totally false, and I deny all allegations of wrongdoing.”
Two Marblehead residents are set to testify at the upcoming trial in New Hampshire’s Grafton Superior Court, Clifton Lutheran Church pastor James Bixby and Don Doliber, who was involved with the Scouts for many years. Marblehead Police Sgt. Sean Brady is also on the witness list.
Losch now lives in Livingston, Alabama, where he worked at two churches for years.
Losch was also Jack’s Boy Scout leader of a troop based out of St. Stephen’s Church, and he was Jack’s math teacher at the Tower School, where he also served as assistant headmaster. Losch was at Tower from 1969 to 1983.
improving their systems.”
Old Burial Hill committee hosts fundraising night
The Old Burial Hill Committee will hold its annual fundraising night at The Landing Restaurant on Tuesday, April, 8 at 6 p.m.
Attendees can enjoy food and drink while learning about new and ongoing projects to preserve Old Burial Hill’s gravestones and landscape.
The Landing will donate 10% off all food and drink proceeds to the Old Burial Hill Preservation Fund. No tickets are necessary; however,
guaranteed budget line item,” Fox said.
The memo states that DiZoglio’s determination focuses narrowly on direct costs such as planning studies and consultants employed to create zoning overlay maps. Infrastructure requirements and potential staffing needs resulting from population growth would likely be classified as indirect costs not covered by the unfunded mandate law. These could include sewer expansions, road improvements, or increased school capacity — expenses that arise if new housing leads to population growth. In contrast, direct costs are limited to compliance activities like creating zoning maps and hiring consultants. Notably, these direct compliance costs have already been covered through existing grants to Marblehead,.
Fox noted that DiZoglio compared the situation to Massachusetts’ early voting mandate, where the state eventually provided direct funding after a similar determination.
“She referenced that early voting had been determined an unfunded mandate in the past,
COURTESY PHOTO
Former Marblehead priest Rev.
to
on
is
is
of sexually assaulting a Marblehead boy in the 1970s.
“Losch has not been affiliated with Tower School for many decades. We cannot comment on the proceedings,” Tower Head of School Todd Eveleth wrote to the Current, adding that it is important for Tower to “support members of our community who may have been victims of sexual assault and learn from any past issues to inform the ways that we can continue to create a safe community today.”
Grooming accusations
Jack said Losch groomed young boys at Tower and the Boy Scouts — first by telling inappropriate stories.
In what he calls his “survivor statement,” Jack wrote about Losch, identifying him as “FL.”
“We were told how FL and his younger brother did not own bathing suits when they were children. FL, his brother and all of their friends swam naked because it was ‘more fun.’ This
reservations are recommended. For more information, contact pampeterson01945@gmail.com
Temporary parking restrictions
The Select Board approved temporary parking restrictions recommended by DPW Director Amy McHugh to facilitate water main upgrades through June 5. The restrictions include 24-hour parking prohibitions on both sides of Pleasant Street from Rockaway Street (Watson Street) to Washington Street and on the right side of Rowland Street
and that when they did that, then Beacon Hill basically stepped in and gave us money,” Fox said. “She said that was how it was remedied.”
DiZoglio’s office cited a “zero impact” financial statement submitted by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities as a core reason for her ruling. The memo called this “internally inconsistent,” given the millions in technical assistance already awarded to towns.
This approach contrasts with
supposed fact of increased fun was apparently magnified further when practiced in the Scouts. Naked swimming (a.k.a. skinny dipping) on an overnight camping trip was, according to FL, an incredible experience. We heard many stories exhorting the undefinable amazingness of skinny dipping in the Scouts.”
Losch also told stories about taking pictures of naked boys, according to Jack.
“FL told us that, on a past Scout overnight, he took pictures of the boys when they were swimming naked,” Jack wrote. “When he worked at Scout camp, FL told us that he typically showered with the boys because ‘It’s more fun to shower with the Scouts.’”
In the summer of 1976, Losch took Jack and three other boys to the Indian Pond Boy Scout Reservation in Piermont, New Hampshire. They were the only people there, according to Jack.
“At some point before the overnight, I realized that I was ‘supposed to’ skinny dip when we went swimming,” Jack wrote. “I had been ‘successfully groomed.’”
Three of the four boys did take off their bathing suits while Losch watched them swim at the camp, Jack said.
That night, Jack discovered there were only four beds for the four boys and Losch. Losch allegedly told Jack to share his bed. Later that night, Jack said Losch fondled him, put his
(even-numbered addresses) from Cross Street to Prospect Street.
These measures will accommodate steel bypass lines laid in the gutters to provide temporary water service and fire protection during construction. The restrictions are necessary to ensure emergency vehicles and buses can navigate the streets during the project.
Board makes key appointments
The Select Board made two key appointments during the meeting on March 26. James Maher, a retired vice president from CDM Smith with 38 years of experience in water/wastewater fields, was unanimously appointed to the Water & Sewer Commission vacancy after interviews with three candidates including Timothy Shotmeyer and Thomas Veilleux. Maher’s experience with the South Essex Sewerage District and extensive background in water facilities management impressed the commissioners. For the Task Force Against Discrimination, the board appointed Maura Dartley-Rocco, a health educator at Veterans Middle School. DartleyRocco highlighted her commitment to promoting acceptance and
the heated March 12 forum, where residents like attorney John DiPiano urged immediate legal action while Angus McQuilken, a founding member of the Marblehead Housing Coalition, warned against what he called “a very expensive wild goose chase.”
Board member Moses Grader emphasized the importance of continuing to gather information.
“We’ve got a lot of information since the last meeting,” Grader said. “One is a ruling by the Supreme Court, determination from the auditor. And I think this memo is very, very important and well done for getting information, reaching out to the auditor, putting it in a memo.”
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer clarified distinctions between compliance costs and potential future infrastructure expenses, noting Marblehead had received technical assistance when the town drew its MBTA district.
“The grant we received paid for everything,” Kezer said, explaining that covered costs included analysis work performed by consultants to ensure proper zoning densities across the designated acreage.
hand over his mouth and then violently raped him.
“What FL did to me was pure evil. Evil that forever changed who I was and who I would become. It instantly ended my childhood. It permanently changed the physical structure of my brain. It shattered my little boy’s soul,” Jack wrote. Jack continued, “I often feel afraid. I am claustrophobic. I have night terrors. I have flashbacks. I am terrified of suffocation. When emotions overwhelm me, I disassociate. For a significant period of my life, I abused ETOH [alcohol] and/or other substances.”
Jack added, “I was betrayed by my teacher, my Scout leader and my chaplain, a priest. Much later, I would realize that I was also betrayed by the church, my school and the Scouts.”
Jack said he didn’t tell anyone about what happened at the Scout camp for years and finally confided in his brother.
The Boy Scouts of America sent a statement to the Current in 2023. “Father Richard Losch’s registration in Scouting ended in 2014. In 2020, a proof of claim was filed alleging sexual abuse of a Scout by Father Losch. The BSA added him to its Volunteer Screening Database, precluding him from future registration in Scouting.”
In 1986, Losch left the area and moved south. He worked as a principal and math teacher at two schools in North Carolina
diversity through her curriculum and her identity as a disability advocate, LGBTQ ally and antiracist to support the Task Force’s mission.
Cable television license renewal
The Select Board approved a fiveyear renewal license with Verizon New England for cable television service. Bob Pomeroy and attorney William Solomon presented the agreement details, noting it continues the 5% of gross revenue funding for MHTV operations and includes a $210,000 capital grant to be paid in three installments. The agreement continues three standard definition channels and one high definition channel, maintains interconnection points at key locations (Performing Arts Center, Marblehead High School and Abbot Hall), and includes provisions for future electronic program guides and video-on-demand if Verizon offers these services elsewhere in Massachusetts. The five-year term, shorter than typical 10-year agreements, reflects industry uncertainty as cable subscriptions decline. The board unanimously approved the renewal.
The issue remains particularly urgent as Marblehead faces a July 14 compliance deadline. Failure to comply could result in sanctions, including loss of grant eligibility and court intervention. According to housing advocates, courts could appoint a special master to create and impose a compliant zoning plan without local input.
The zoning proposal, rejected by a 33-vote margin at last May’s Town Meeting, is scheduled to go before voters again on May 5, pending favorable recommendation from the Planning Board. Because the proposal was previously defeated, state law requires a two-thirds vote at Town Meeting unless the Planning Board gives it a favorable recommendation.
Meanwhile, Town Planner Alex Eitler, per the Planning Board’s request, will host an information session on the proposed MBTA zoning. A public workshop and Q&A session is scheduled for Monday, April 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Abbot Hall. Eitler said the session aims to provide residents with a clear, factual overview of the proposal and its potential impacts
and became a rector at St. James Episcopal Church in Livingston, Alabama.
The Episcopal Church in Alabama told the Current in 2023 that it had launched what is called a Title IV investigation into Losch. Debbie Donaldson, missioner of communications for the Alabama Diocese, did not respond to requests for an update last week.
Jack and Bixby went to the Marblehead Police in November 2021 to file a report about the alleged abuse. The report led to the New Hampshire grand jury’s indictment.
Marblehead Sgt. Sean Brady spoke with Jack and then contacted the other boys, now adults, on the 1976 camping trip. The men said they could not remember much about the trip, according to Brady’s police report.
“To my knowledge, we have had nobody else come forward, and I wouldn’t state there is a concern that there are other victims,” said Police Chief Dennis King. “But I would encourage any victim of sexual abuse to come forward and would not rule out there being other victims based on the type of crime that allegedly was committed.”
SNAP, Survivors Network of those Abused by Priests, is the largest support network for people abused by clergy. For more information, visit snapnetwork.org.
Richard Losch
about
go
trial. He
accused
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Standley Goodwin, member of the Old Burial Hill Oversight Committee, examines weathered grave markers at the historic cemetery in 2023. Goodwin, a historian of the site, says continual fundraising and awareness are needed to preserve the colonial-era burial ground. The committee’s upcoming fundraiser at the Landing Restaurant on April 8 aims to support these preservation efforts.
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead leaders share the details of a call with State Auditor Diane DiZoglio about the controversial MBTA Communities Act.
Board of Health talks money, measles, bird flu
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Due to a townwide $1.7 million budget shortfall, the Health Department had to cut $182,000 from its proposed fiscal year 2026 budget, Public Health Director Andrew Petty announced at a meeting March 24. The cuts will be from the waste disposal line item.
“The town is on a very slim line; you will see cuts in the health department,” Petty said, adding that he will use money from the waste revolving account (from Transfer Station user fees, etc.) to plug some of that hole.
The BoH voted unanimously to approve the following FY 26 budgets:
» Waste disposal: $2,943,402 (compared to $2.8 million in FY 25)
» Health Department: $326,041 (compared to $324,190 in FY 25)
Marblehead’s Health Department is already under-funded according to state guidelines. The state recommends that communities spend about $40 per resident a year on public health. Before the new cuts, Marblehead spent about $17 per resident.
BoH member Tom McMahon will speak to voters at Town Meeting in May about the Health Department’s tight funding after the town’s 10-year contract with a waste management company ends. Currently, Marblehead pays about $127 per household for trash pickup annually. That cost could jump to $200 per household under a new contract.
Additionally, Marblehead pays nothing to dispose of
its recycling. Under a new contract, the town would have to pay between $109-119 per ton to dispose of recyclables.
With the town recycling about 3,000 tons annually, this new cost alone could add between $327,000 and $357,000 to annual expenses.
Monitoring bird flu, measles
BoH member Dr. Tom Massaro presented an update on the threat of bird flu, which is still low here in Marblehead.
“It is possible that the virus is just a small number of mutations away from sustained human-to-human transmission, which would be devastating for human health,” he said. Measles outbreaks across the country are also causing some concern.
“You’ll hear us talk a lot about measles because of how contagious it is,” Petty said. “It can cause devastating issues; it can cause death. It can hang in the air for a long period of time.”
Petty shared an example: If an individual walks into a coffee shop, at the height of COVID’s Delta variant, that one infected person could infect as many as five to eight people. With the mumps, that number jumps to 12 people. With the measles, one infected person in a room can infect approximately 18 others. Massaro shared the following information on measles vaccinations.
“The American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC and the Massachusetts Bureau of Infectious
Disease all agree that under normal circumstances, the first dose of MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine should be given between 12 and 15 months of age. In exceptional circumstances, MMR has been given as early as six months. Today, there is a consensus that with the current measles outbreaks in the U.S. it may be appropriate to give MMR earlier (after 6 months) for domestic travel, especially to the Texas and New Mexico areas where the high number of cases are reported. That is important, since infants less than 1 year face a heightened risk of severe measles complications.” Massaro added, “Adults born before 1957 are presumed to be immune and are presumably immune because of the high
rates of measles prior to 1957. No additional treatment is warranted. Adults born after 1957 and vaccinated prior to 1968 are recommended to receive a single dose of MMR because between 1963 and 1968 a vaccine from inactivated virus was used, and that vaccine may produce a less robust immune response. There are no obvious reasons to measure antibody levels, given the safety and the availability of MMR and the expense of that laboratory procedure.”
Transfer Station update Progress is being made on installing the compactor at the Transfer Station, Petty reported. Residents should access the Transfer Station via its Green Street entrance until the compactor is fully installed.
Observer Corps volunteers provide more transparency in town
BY: ELLA ROGERSON
At many town committee meetings, dedicated volunteers can be seen scribbling notes by hand. Those notes soon become detailed reports that will keep residents informed about the decisions that shape our community.
The volunteers are part of the League of Women Voters of Marblehead, a group that has transformed the role of volunteerism in local government. They ensure transparency and community engagement in a way that goes beyond traditional service.
“Members of the Select Board and people in town were giving compliments and thank yous for what we’re doing, spreading the word,” said Bonnie Grenier with LWVM. “If you don’t know something is happening, when you find out, you can do something.”
Founded in 1920, the League of Women Voters of the United States has long championed political engagement and government transparency at local, state and national levels. Marblehead’s chapter has embraced this mission through its Observer Corps, a team of volunteers who attend town meetings, document proceedings and publish reports online, making civic information easily accessible to residents. (You can find Observer Corps reports at MarbleheadCurrent.org.)
The Observer Corps began in 2019, a response to what many saw as a gap in local news coverage. Greiner, who had been involved with the League for 11 years, spearheaded the effort to create the program.
“We were kind of like a news desert. I think people were really
frustrated that they weren’t getting local news. I didn’t really know what an observer corp was, but I figured other leagues had them,” said Grenier, who now serves as its coordinator. “I went to different websites, talked to other people who were running observer corps in different leagues. Got educated, created a couple forms and started recruiting people too.”
Since then, Grenier has recruited 11 observers who cover various town committees based on their interests. Their work has proven invaluable, especially in times of crisis, such as the town’s educator strike just last year.
“It’s a great benefit to anybody in town who wants to know what’s going on and never could possibly get to meetings,” said Grenier.
Tom Kruger, a former pediatrician,has been an observer since 2019, covering the Board of Health. He was particularly active during the COVID pandemic, ensuring residents had accurate information about public health decisions.
“And then once COVID started, it was really important to attend meetings to find out what was going on because everything was very fluid at the time,” said Kruger. “There was a lot of controversy about how things were being done and what was happening.”
Through Kruger’s reports, Marblehead residents gained insight into the Board of Health’s response, helping the community navigate the pandemic.
Other observers bring
expertise from their professional backgrounds. Nancy Powell, a retired social worker, reports for the Disability Committee.
“I’m a retired social worker. And I had a career working with a medical group that followed adults with significant disabilities,” said Powell. “There are a lot of issues here that affect people with disabilities. I feel like, you know, we’re educating the community because a lot of people don’t get out to the meetings.”
The work of the Observer Corps has led to tangible changes, according to the League. Local businesses have improved accessibility.
The Riptide, a Marblehead restaurant, installed an accessible door and ramp after community awareness grew.
“They put an accessible door
and they put a ramp inside once you could open the door and go in. And they got a lot of positive feedback from that,” said Powell.
The observers pride in their commitment to transparency especially in a time when public trust in government can be fragile.
“I think there’s definitely a segment that distrusts what’s going on,” said Kruger. “So that’s one of the reasons we wanted to have more transparency.”
A core tenet of the Observer Corps is neutrality.
“The other thing is you have a responsibility to write what’s truthful and what’s real. You can’t misstate facts. But really, it’s a struggle,” said Powell.
The impact of their work extends beyond reporting — it inspires civic engagement, the League said. Shari Pressman, an observer with the Task Force Against Discrimination Committee since 2021, has seen firsthand how transparency can drive community involvement.
“If people hear about an issue through one of our reports, they often want to join or volunteer for a committee,” Pressman said. “That’s how you make your community a better place.”
As the Observer Corps continues to publish reports, they hope to strengthen civic participation and gain the recognition they deserve.
“This is a group of top-notch people who really do their homework,” said Greiner. “If you read any of these observer reports, honestly, it’s really the minutes in detail.”
Ella Rogerson is a student at Endicott College studying journalism.
COURTESY PHOTO / CDC
The Board of Health discussed how contagious the measles are at a recent meeting.
COURTESY PHOTO / BONNIE GRENIER
The Recreation and Parks Commission meets while League of Women Observer Brigette Lagoutte sits in the front right.
Sage Flaherty, also in first grade, explained how he used a 3-D printer to create a lockbox for his Pokemon cards. He also printed a Pokemon coin and two characters.
Second grader Carlie Castro, 7, explained how powerful hydraulics can be by squeezing water through a syringe to raise an elevator made of popsicle sticks.
Second grader Dean Fenty and his partners were especially popular
as they offered bowls of extra treats from their candy bridge, which was made out of gumdrops and toothpicks.
First graders Teagan Horvath and Griffin Cahalane also had candy for curious spectators. They offered gummy seahorses to complement their project on how seahorses breathe underwater.
Caleb Megenedy, 7, held a digital thermometer as he explained exothermic reactions and his project on how hand-warmers work.
David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission
Kindergartener Maddie Enscoe, 6, happily showed passersby her project on a leak-proof plastic bag experiment.
“Every year, I am floored by our students’ creativity at the STEAM Fair,” Brown Principal Mary Maxfield told the Current. “I am incredibly impressed with our students’ willingness to explore the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics, and to be brave enough to display and publicly speak about their learning. I am very grateful to our PTO for their support and to our families for supporting our students’ learning.”
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
Anna Melanson, in second grade, explains her baking soda balloon project. (The key ingredient is vinegar!)
Kindergartener Maddie Ensco displays her project on waterproof plastic bags.
One of many Brown School educators, wearing white lab coats, checks out all the STEAM projects.
Sports
ON THE Di AMOND
Expectations running high for the MHS softball team after last year’s near miss
Magicians begin the season against NEC rival Masco in the home opener April 2
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The high and lows of a typical season was certainly magnified last spring for the Marblehead High softball team. They started the season with an unimaginable loss, when the program’s longtime assistant coach Todd Norman passed away suddenly, just hours before the opening day game against Reading. As difficult as it was to hear this unexpected news, the Marblehead girls channeled their emotions beautifully into an historic season, where they finished up with an 18-4 regular season record and a ninth seed in the final Division 2 power rankings. They catapulted that success into three more wins in the state tournament, before dropping an agonizing 3-2 extra innings loss to Westfield, the fourth seed, in the state semifinal round. They defeated Mansfield (4-1, 24th seed), Nashoba Regional (5-1, eighth seed) and Silver Lake Regional (4-3, top seed) before that loss to Westfield, who went on to lose its own heartbreaker in the state title game to Walpole, 1-0.
Despite the way last year ended, this year’s returning veterans knew at that time that their state championship dreams were far from over. Most of that roster is back in the fold, including junior pitcher Tessa Francis and her catcher Luka Bornhorst, who’s also this year’s team captain. “In a sense, there’s probably
pressure on them after the way last year ended, but I’m pretty sure they can handle it,” said veteran coach Johnny Gold, who added, “It’s always a good place to start (the state championship mission) with seven returning veterans, led by pitcher Tessa Francis and catcher Luka Bornhorst.”
Gold then offered that he hasn’t seen a better high school softball catcher like Luka since he started coaching, while Tessa led all of Division 2 last year in strikeouts with 272.
Bornhorst, in a related development, is already committed to play for Stonehill College next year, where she’ll be playing with (former Magician) Lauren Donovan, who as a junior pitcher just recently
Local runners prep for 129th Boston
Marathon April 21
BY JOE MCCONNELL
A sure sign of spring around here is only less than three weeks away on Patriots Day, April 21. That’s when the Boston Athletic Association (BAA) will celebrate the 129th running of the Boston Marathon, the granddaddy of all marathons. It’s one of the day’s seminal events to go along with the reenactment of Paul Revere’s ride and the American Revolution’s Battle of Lexington on Lexington Common, not to mention the early 11 a.m. traditional Red Sox game at Fenway Park. As always, there will be plenty of Marblehead runners participating in the marathon. Here’s a listing of this year’s local entrants accompanied by their BIB numbers and ages:
Tyler Callahan (26027, 20), Isabella Corsini (31868, 23), Margaux Danforth (26563, 39), Matthew Duca (28308, 39), Vanessa Freedman (27488, 26), Kristin Gendron (12399, 37), Kyle Heffrin (27541, 32), Lindsey Hogan (22694, 45), Margaret Hollister (25451, 60), Richard Jordan (15340, 62), Katie Killeen (27877, 36), Maeve Maloney (29158, 23), Jenn Mangold (26512, 34), Erin McCarthy (25907, 38), Kylynn Mckinley (7870, 37), Faxon Michaud (31898, 32), Ross Patterson (13264, 45), Emily Promise (27611, 27), Ben Pyburn (27606, 37), Rex Radloff (715, 37), Sally Reiley (21857, 65), Ashley Sanderson-Snyder (11222, 39), Jennifer Sheridan (27096, 53), Thomas Smith (8323, 35), Scott Snyder (2770, 43), Tim Sullivan (27479, 56), Will Waddington (9346, 53) and Bethany Zanrucha (14030, 40).
threw the program’s first no-hitter as a Division 1 school.
As good as Francis was last spring in the circle, she might be even better this year. “She has never looked better,” said Gold. “She’s currently working on different pitches to surprise the opposition, and combined with her mentally tough mindset that’s not good news for them.”
The defense behind Tessa should also make her even tougher to beat, starting with junior third baseman Tessa Andriano. “(Andriano) has a rocket for an arm, which makes her the best high school third baseman that I’ve ever seen,” said Gold.
Andriano’s classmate Haley Schmitt is alongside her at shortstop. Schmitt is an exceptional athlete, who also has
great speed, according to Gold. Tessa Andriano’s twin sister, Kate, is the second baseman, who can also play first. “(Kate’s) hitting and fielding has really improved,” said Gold.
Sophomore Keliane Salem, who has quick feet and a good bat, is also capable of playing first or second, providing Gold to switch his players around depending on the opposition. But senior Lyla McGovern will be the regular starting first baseman. “(McGovern) has an excellent glove and a good arm, and (so far in practice) is an improved hitter,” said Gold.
The starting outfield is made up of juniors, who are all fast.
Nora Mahan will be in left; Ashley Mortensen will patrol centerfield and her twin sister
Isabel is in right. The only way Gold can identify the identical Mortensen twins is by their throwing arms. Ashley throws with her right hand, while Isabel is a southpaw.
Senior Carolyn Black gives the varsity roster tremendous depth. “She can play anywhere in the infield and outfield, and has excellent speed,” said Gold.
Sophomore Lucy Rogers is slated to be a designated hitter, along with Kate Andriano.
Joe Fields is back as Gold’s assistant coach, who specifically tutors the first basemen and outfielders. He’s also the first base coach. Keri Whitcomb is the JV coach, and Marisa Fields is her assistant.
The Magicians will now be playing in the Northeastern Conference Dunn Division, going up against heavyweights like Danvers, Masco, Beverly and Peabody twice. They only played these opponents once last year. But, according to Gold, that should not deter them from their lofty expectations this year. Some outlets have them going to UMass Amherst in June to play for the state championship, with Gold adding, “anything less than getting back to the Final Four would be a disappointment.”
The Marblehead girls will take on the iron right away, when aforementioned Masco comes to town to play them in the home opener on Wednesday, April 2, at the Veterans Middle School,starting at 4 p.m.
Magicians put in extra time outdoors to get ready for the regular season
After two road games, Marblehead takes on rival Swampscott in the home opener at Seaside on April 9
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Such is life for a spring high school coach. They start practicing with their teams in mid-March, while for the most part it’s still cold outside, even two weeks into tryouts, and so
indoor workouts are more desirable. But when the weather does break, they take advantage of the relative warmth with prolonged stints outside.
Marblehead High baseball coach Mike Girardi understands the plight, and he knows how to adjust. “We were able to get outside the last few days, and stayed on the field a little later than usual,” he said after a practice late last week. “But despite the lack of outdoor practices, we like how things are shaping up.”
Giardi’s Magicians are coming off of a 15-6 season last spring
that included a 9-3 loss to host Westwood, the ninth seed, in a Division 2 Round of 32 state tournament game. The Marblehead boys were ranked 24th in the final regular season seedings, “We really turned it on last year, winning 10 of our last 11 games, including seven in a row to end the regular season,” said Giardi as he neatly summed up the 2024 campaign.
This year, Giardi welcomed 53 players to tryouts on March 17, and
sixth graders successfully defend Cape Ann League championship
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead Youth Basketball Association (MYBA) travel teams made deep runs in the Cape Ann League tournament this year, but it was the sixthgrade boys, who emerged as back-to-back champions after winning a thrilling finale against Lynnfield at Salem High School on March 15, 52-47.
“From Grades 4-8, we are immensely proud of each of our travel teams,” said MYBA President Bob Lemmond. “Every team advanced far in their respective tournaments, but, more importantly, all the boys worked hard and showed tremendous improvement throughout the regular season and
COURTESY PHOTO
Getting ready for what could be a state championship run, the Marblehead High softball team poses for a photo recently. They are, from left, kneeling, Carolyn Black, Lucy Rogers, senior captain Luka Bornhorst, Kate Andriano and Nora Mahan. Second row, Ashley Mortensen, Keliane Salem, Isabel Mortensen, Tessa Francis, Haley Schmitt, Lyla McGovern and Tessa Andriano.
COURTESY PHOTO
The defending Marblehead Youth Basketball Association sixth-grade champs are all smiles after once again winning the Cape Ann League postseason championship for the second year in a row last month. They also rolled through the regular season with a 23-2 record to win the CAL Division 1 title, before winning four more in as many games to go undefeated in the playoffs. Team members are, from left, second row, Coach Tyson Whitten, Chet Whitten, Pete Walters, Myles Olmstead, Rhys Donovan, Nicholas Fiore and Coach Chris Walters. Front row, Sean Cabasa, Micah Sidman, Dawson Higgins, Jackson Berger, Jack Papalardo and Max Hipsh. Missing from photo, Sebastian Nelson.
Girls lacrosse beats non-league Woburn in home opener
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
Friday, April 4
4 p.m., softball, Ipswich, Bialek Park, Ipswich
4 p.m., boys tennis, Beverly, Marblehead High
4:15 p.m., girls tennis, Winchester, Winchester Swim & Tennis Club
7 p.m., boys lacrosse, Newburyport, Newburyport High
Monday, April 7
4 p.m., girls tennis, Masconomet, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Masconomet, Masconomet High
4:30 p.m., softball, Latin Academy, Puopolo/Langone Park, Boston
Tuesday, April 8
4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, Beverly, MHS Piper Field
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Beverly, Beverly High
4:30 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, multiple schools, Danvers High
Wednesday, April 9
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Tewksbury, MHS Piper Field
4:30 p.m., baseball, Swampscott, Seaside Park
4:30 p.m., softball, Swampscott, Swampscott Middle
Thursday, April 10
4 p.m., baseball, Peabody, Peabody High
4 p.m., girls tennis, Newburyport, Marblehead High
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High girls lacrosse team couldn’t have asked for a better start to the season after they defeated nonleague Woburn March 27 in the home opener at Piper Field, 16-10.
Gretchen Smith (2 goals, 1 assist 1 ground ball, 1 caused
4 p.m., boys tennis, Gloucester, Gloucester High
4 p.m., unified track, Salem, Marblehead Village School
Friday, April 11
4 p.m., softball, Peabody, Marblehead Veterans Middle
4 p.m., boys tennis, ManchesterEssex, Marblehead High
4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, Swampscott, Blocksidge Field, Swampscott
7 p.m., boys lacrosse, Swampscott, MHS Piper Field
Monday, April 14
4 p.m., baseball, Salem, Gallows Hill Park, Salem
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Danvers, Danvers High
4 p.m., softball, Malden Catholic, St. Mary’s Park, Revere
4 p.m., girls tennis, Swampscott, Swampscott Middle
4 p.m., boys tennis, Beverly, Marblehead High
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Danvers, MHS Piper Field
Tuesday, April 15
4 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, multiple schools, Marblehead Village School
Wednesday, April 16
4 p.m., baseball, Beverly, Seaside Park
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Peabody, MHS Piper Field
4 p.m., boys lacrosse, Peabody, Peabody Veterans Memorial High
4 p.m., softball, Beverly, Beverly High
4 p.m., girls tennis, Peabody, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Winthrop, Winthrop High
4 p.m., unified track, Everett, Marblehead Village School
Thursday, April 17
4 p.m., boys tennis, Malden Catholic, Marblehead High
Friday, April 18
4 p.m., girls tennis, Beverly, Beverly
turnover), Caitlyn Ryan (4 goals, 2 assists, 1 ground ball, 1 caused turnover), Kathryn Commoss (2 goals, 2 assists, 1 ground ball), Zoe Dwyer (3 goals, 4 ground balls), Maddie Forbes (4 goals, 4 assists, 3 draw controls, 2 ground balls, 2 caused turnovers) and Ramona Gillett (1 goal, 1 assist, 2 draw controls, 1 caused turnover) were the team’s offensive leaders
High
4:30 p.m., baseball, Saugus, Seaside Park
Monday, April 21
10 a.m., boys lacrosse, Wakefield, Wakefield High
Wednesday, April 23
4 p.m., baseball, Danvers, Seaside Park
4 p.m., boys lacrosse, Masconomet, MHS Piper Field
4 p.m., softball, Danvers, Great Oak School, Danvers
4:30 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, Saugus, Gloucester High
Friday, April 25
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Masconomet, Masconomet Regional High
4 p.m., softball, Masconomet, Masconomet High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Swampscott, Marblehead High
6 p.m., baseball (varsity tournament), Masconomet, Fraser Field, Lynn
Saturday, April 26
TBD, baseball (varsity tournament), TBD, Fraser Field, Lynn
Monday, April 28
4 p.m., girls tennis, Saugus, Belmonte School, Saugus
4 p.m., boys tennis, Salem, Salem High
Tuesday, April 29
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Salem, Bertram Field, Salem
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Salem, MHS Piper Field
Wednesday, April 30
4 p.m., baseball, Salem, Seaside Park
4 p.m., softball, Salem, Mack Park, Salem
4 p.m., girls tennis, Danvers, Danvers High
4:30 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, Masconomet, Masconomet High
Thursday, May 1
4 p.m., baseball, Bishop Fenwick, Bishop Fenwick
against the Tanners. Goalie Molly Bullard came up with nine saves to help secure the win.
“This was a great start to the season,” said coach Annie Madden. “The goals were distributed across all grade levels, which showed the depth in our bench. We aren’t relying on any one or two players this year. The defense also looked
4 p.m., unified track, Swampscott, Marblehead Village School
4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, Beverly, Beverly High
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Beverly, MHS Piper Field
Friday, May 2
4 p.m., girls tennis, Masconomet, Masconomet High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Masconomet, Marblehead High
6:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, North Andover, North Andover High
Saturday, May 3
9:30 a.m., boys and girls outdoor track, NEC Freshman-Sophomore Meet, Danvers High Noon, girls lacrosse, Bishop Fenwick, Bishop Fenwick
3 p.m., softball, Saugus, Marblehead Veterans School
Monday, May 5
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Danvers, MHS Piper Field
4 p.m., girls tennis, Salem, Salem High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Gloucester, Marblehead High
4:15 p.m., softball, Wakefield, Wakefield Memorial High
4:30 p.m., baseball, Swampscott, Swampscott Middle
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Danvers, Danvers High
Tuesday, May 6
4 p.m., girls and boys outdoor track, multiple schools, Winthrop High
6:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Lexington, Lincoln Street Fields, Lexington
Wednesday, May 7
4 p.m., softball, Peabody, Kiley Bros. School, Peabody
4 p.m., girls tennis, Pentucket Regional, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Beverly, Beverly High
Thursday, May 8
4 p.m., baseball, Peabody, Seaside Park
4 p.m., girls tennis, HamiltonWenham, Tea House Courts,
strong, with Molly coming up with some big saves. But we still have plenty to learn from, as we move forward into the season.”
The Marblehead girls have since taken on non-league Manchester Essex, also at Piper on March 31 after press deadline. They will then go up against non-league host Melrose April 3, starting at 5 p.m.
Wenham
4 p.m., boys tennis, Hamilton-Wenham, Marblehead High
Friday, May 9
4 p.m., girls tennis, Peabody, Peabody Veteran Memorial High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Winthrop, Marblehead High
4:30 p.m., baseball, Gloucester, O’Maley Middle School, Gloucester
4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, Gloucester, MHS Piper Field
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Gloucester, Gloucester High
4:30 p.m., softball, Gloucester, Marblehead Veterans Middle
Monday, May 12
4 p.m., softball, Danvers, Marblehead Veterans Middle
4 p.m., girls tennis, Gloucester, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Swampscott, Swampscott Middle
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Peabody, MHS Piper Field
6 p.m., girls lacrosse, Peabody, Peabody Veterans Memorial High
6:30 p.m., baseball, Danvers, Twi Field, Danvers
Wednesday, May 14
4 p.m., baseball, Beverly, Beverly High
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Masconomet, MHS Piper Field
4 p.m., boys lacrosse, Masconomet, Masconomet Regional High
4 p.m., softball, Beverly, Marblehead Veterans Middle
4 p.m., girls tennis, Beverly, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Salem, Seaside Park
Thursday, May 15
4 p.m., girls tennis, Danvers, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Malden Catholic, Malden Catholic
4:15 p.m., baseball, Masconomet, Masconomet Regional High
4:30 p.m., softball, Latin Academy, Marblehead Veterans Middle
7 p.m., boys lacrosse, Melrose, MHS Piper Field
Meet Thomas Svencer
BY JOE MCCONNELL
NAME: Thomas Svencer
AGE: 17
FAMILY: Parents Nick and Susan; sister Maggie, 14
SCHOOL YEAR: Junior SPORTS YOU PLAY: Sailing, alpine skiing, cross-country
FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: I love skiing, as well as sailing, because they are both such unique sports that are addictive.
MOST MEMORABLE
MEET FOR YOU, AND WHY:
Race 6 this winter at Blue Hills, because it was my first varsity win on the ski team.
POST-HIGH SCHOOL
DESIRED CAREER: Not sure yet, but something in the engineering field. CU rrENT SpOrTS prOFilE
PLANS: I’m interested in Brown and Tufts universities, but not entirely sure as of yet.
MAJOR: Engineering DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE: Yes, sailing.
Specifically, the aforementioned sixth-grade Magicians, now the defending champions, first completed the regular season with a stellar 23-2 record. As a result, they finished atop Division 1 in the Cape Ann League. In the ensuing two weeks, these Marblehead boys maintained their dominance in the double-elimination playoffs, where they went undefeated, while demonstrating both team depth and determination. They secured victories over Beverly (62-46), North Reading (46-35)
he will keep all of them in the program. He’ll once again have plenty of help along the sidelines. Michael Lavender and Tom Bennett are his varsity assistants. Jon Strzempek will move up from the freshman team last year to coach the JVs, replacing Kent Wheeler, who of course is the school’s new athletic director. Lou Naioleari will be Jon’s volunteer assistant. Kevin Perdios is the new freshman coach, and he will have help from volunteer assistant Ed Goulet.
and Lynnfield (51-37), before facing Lynnfield again in the championship game. Myles Olmstead led all scorers in that title tilt with an impressive 22 points.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this team’s love for the game and the dedication they brought to every practice,” said coach Tyson Whitten. “Their commitment to defense, patience in choosing the best shot and ability to rise to the occasion against every opponent’s best ultimately earned (them) the title again.”
The team’s success was a true collective effort, with key contributions coming from
ton of solid players, not just one superstar,” he said. “Our depth should be our strength. As with any baseball team, we will need consistent pitching.”
The Magicians scrimmaged Beverly early last week, and again Giardi was thrilled to get outside. “The more game situations we put our kids in, the better our team will be,” he said.
Jackson Berger, Sean Cabasa, Rhys Donovan, Nicholas Fiore, Dawson Higgins, Max Hipsh, Sebastian Nelson, Jack Papalardo, Micah Sidman, Pete Walters, Chet Whitten and Olmstead. Under the leadership of coaches Tyson Whitten and Chris Walters, they were able to showcase skill, teamwork and resilience throughout the regular season and their outstanding tournament run to earn another trophy. With another championship in the books, these sixth-graders solidified their place as one of the top hoop clubs on the North Shore, setting a high bar for future MYBA teams to follow.
day April 10 to close out the second week of the season.
The team’s first goal as always is to make the state tournament, and once there the expectations will adjust accordingly.
Giardi is impressed with the entire varsity roster. “We have a
Those vying to make the 2025 varsity roster are sophomores Owen Coyne, Andrew Dellacamera, Oscar Galante, Ethan Harwood, Greyson Leventhal and Tim Wales; juniors Ryan Angilly, Breydan Callahan, Aidan Downey, John Downey, Dylan Glass and E.J. Wyman; seniors Julius Galante, Sean Heenan, Ian McComish, Jayvery Monegro, Kiernan Moss, Cam Quigley, Carter Sahagian, Stefan Shepard, Colt Wales and David Zampese. playoffs.”
The regular season began this week on April 1 at Newburyport after the press deadline. They will then face host Manchester Essex April 3, starting at 4 p.m., followed by the home opener against rival Swampscott at Seaside Park on April 9, beginning at 4:30 p.m. They will be at Peabody the next
VA rSiTY SCHEDU lE
Marblehead women in history
BY PAM PETERSON
From the beginning, women in Marblehead have been strong, selfreliant and enterprising. Marblehead has always had an industrial community, starting as a commercial fishing seaport that welcomed vessels from many ports of call. Many businesses supported the fishing trade including sail making, ship building and suppliers of the vessels. Women worked in many of these trades, since a large percentage of men were often away at sea for long periods of time. They worked by necessity, but they were successful at their jobs, developing the resilience and toughness that was necessary to support their families.
There was a variety and abundance of work necessary to support the fishing and later the shoe industry, and to keep households operating in the absence of the men. Whether it was work or war that called them away, many men were not at home for large parts of each year. Beginning at around the age 8 or so, boys, with their fathers and uncles and brothers, went to sea for months at a time, fishing offshore throughout the year and on the frigid Grand Banks in spring and in fall. They also served on merchant vessels crossing the Atlantic and, later, into the Pacific.
Women at home ran taverns, operated dry goods stores and worked or managed trades while their husbands were away at sea, or at war, or dead. They were part of the shore-based support industries for fishing. Wives and daughters from the earliest times labored at piece work, particularly sewing shoes in their homes for additional income or sometimes as their sole means of support. Marblehead women were hard workers as well as prolific and dedicated mothers.
Throughout their lives, Marblehead women endured unspeakable losses, as fathers, brothers, husbands and sons were lost at sea or perished on distant shores from disease, accident or maritime warfare, never to return again. Many an entry in Marblehead death records reads “fell off a mast,” “drowned off (some faraway place),” “died of (some exotic
molasses cakes, a recipe that remains popular today. In recognition of their legacy, the Lucretia and Joseph Brown School was named in their honor in 2022.
Louise du Pont Crowninshield (1877-1958) was a summer resident of Marblehead and a dedicated preservationist. A regular attendee of St. Michael’s Church, she supported local charities and played a key role in the Colonial Revival movement. She was instrumental in establishing the National Trust for Historic Preservation in Washington, D.C. In Marblehead, she contributed significant gifts of colonial American furnishings to the 1768 Jeremiah Lee Mansion, helping to preserve the town’s architectural history.
and/or debilitating disease)” contracted in foreign lands or on unsanitary ships. While many women married several times, others remained widows, often relying on their community for support.
In the 1800s, those who lived to old age often died “in the poorhouse.”
It was this significant social need that impelled women’s groups and churches to offer relief funds.
Social welfare organizations such as the Marblehead Female Humane Society (1816) were established very
early on in Marblehead.
Most women were and are part of the sisterhood of community support that has persisted throughout time, helping less fortunate neighbors and friends as much as possible. Some women made distinct contributions to social welfare, religious and academic developments, and the socio-cultural vitality of the town. In one way or another, women have contributed to the nurturing of the Marblehead community. This spirit of involvement for the betterment of the
This 18th-century woodcut depicts a colonial woman holding a musket and powder horn. She is wearing a tricorn hat, typically worn by men during the period. The print is part of a broadside released in 1779 featuring a poem by a “Marblehead woman” that describes the hardships and courage of
Agnes Surriage, known as “Marblehead’s Cinderella,” was the daughter of a fisherman and worked at the Fountain Inn, which overlooked Little Harbor. In 1742, she captured the attention of Sir Harry Frankland, an English nobleman and customs official, who took her to Boston to be his mistress. They lived together for many years, and after she saved his life during the 1755 Lisbon earthquake, he finally married her. Surriage died in England in 1783.
Mary Alley was a Marblehead schoolteacher in the 1800s, known for her dedication to assisting the town’s impoverished and ill residents. She organized relief packages for Civil War soldiers, brought medicine and food to those in need, and co-founded the Marblehead Visiting Nurse Association in 1895. She later donated her home and property on Franklin Street to establish Marblehead’s first hospital. The Mary Alley Hospital, which opened in the 1920s, operated until the mid-1960s before being relocated and repurposed as the Mary Alley Municipal Building.
community is alive today, in the many social, health-related, environmental and cultural groups that thrive in Marblehead.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.
Marcia Selman, a Marblehead Academy graduate, was an advocate for temperance and women’s suffrage. She pursued her early dream of ministry and served as a Unitarian minister in Marblehead. She penned the song “Marblehead Forever” for the town’s 350th anniversary. Set to the tune of “The Lily of the Valley,” it became the town’s anthem in the early 1900s and remains an enduring symbol of Marblehead’s heritage.
Lucretia Brown, known as “Aunt ‘Crese,” was the wife of Black Revolutionary War veteran Joseph Brown, who won his freedom by fighting in the war. Together, they operated a tavern beside the pond on Gingerbread Hill, where Election Day celebrations were held with spirits and “‘Lection buns” consumed in great quantity. Lucretia was famous for her “Joe Frogger”
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
April 11-14
Come explore the underworld with Marblehead High School and its production of “Hadestown: Teen Edition.” The show is running at Marblehead High, 2 Humphrey St., April 11-14. “Hadestown” is a Tony Award-winning Broadway hit. It is the retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set against a background inspired by the New Orleans jazz bar scene in the 1920s-30s. It intertwines two love stories — that of young dreamers Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife, Persephone. For showtimes and tickets, visit ticketstage. com/T/MHSCHOOLS.
Artists Showcase
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The Marblehead Festival of Arts has unveiled its lineup of more than 75 performers for this year’s Concerts @ Crocker Park, July 2-5. The concerts cover a variety of musical genres including salsa, Latin, jazz country, folk, soul, R&B and rock. Here’s the schedule.
Wednesday, July 2
6-6:45 p.m. Francoix
Simard — Folk/rock
7-7:45 p.m. VOCE Quartet — All female barbershop group
8-10:30 p.m. La Pura Vida — Salsa/Latin jazz
Thursday, July 3
12-1:30 p.m. Local
Country Line Dancing Workshop
Saturday, April 5, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Whether you are looking to hit the dance floor with confidence or just have a fun time, these workshops led by Kate Hoffman are for you! This class breaks down the fundamental steps of line dancing in depth, making it easy for absolute beginners to follow along. Set to classic and today’s country music, you’ll learn basic footwork and apply it to a few simple dances that build on what you’ve practiced. No experience is needed. Cowboy boots are welcome! $16 or one group exercise punch pass. Register at lighthousefitness.net.
Concert in the courtyard
Saturday, April 5, 11 a.m.-noon
Enjoy a concert in the courtyard (or inside if the weather is poor) at Abbot Library, with nationally touring folk musician Marc Berger. Based in New York, Berger has performed at Austin’s South X Southwest Music Festival and the Kerrville Folk Festival, and has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. Berger’s most recent music CD, “RIDE,” is a collection of songs all having to do with the romance of the American West and has received national airplay and critical acclaim.
2-3:30 p.m. Maddie MCGill — Original indy pop/jazz fusion
6-7:30 Gavin Marengi Band — Country
8-10:30 p.m. Stan Martin Band — Traditional southern country & Bakersfield twang
Friday, July 4
12-1:30 p.m. Local Artists Showcase — August Belf/Brady Weed 2-3:30 p.m. Peach Fuzz — Music of the Allman Brothers Band
6-7:30 p.m. Evan Goodrow Trio — Soul/ blues/R&B
8-10:30 p.m. Adam Ezra Group — Americana
pErFOr MiNG A rTS prOFilE
Back in time
Sunday, April 6, 4-5:30 p.m.
Temple Sinai, 1 Community Road, is hosting a screening of the new documentary, “Chelsea: The Jewish Years” produced by the Jewish Chelsea Museum and the Chelsea Gateway Project. The screening is free. Register at susan.templesinai@gmail.com.
Get the blues with Guy Davis
Friday, April 4, 8 p.m.
Back-to-back Grammy nominee Guy Davis brings his traditional blues, roots and world music to the Me&Thee stage. Davis is more than a musician. He’s also known as an actor, author and songwriter who uses a blend of roots, blues, folk, rock, rap, spoken word and world music to sing about, comment on and address the issues of social injustice, historical events and common life struggles. Tickets at meandthee.org.
rock & folk
NAME: Brady Weed
AGE: 18
SCHOOL YEAR: Senior
COLLEGE: Currently undecided
INVOLVEMENT IN MHS
ARTS: I’ve been performing at MHS since my freshman year when I played Banquo in our production of “Macbeth” and joined the choir. Before that I had been doing choir for two years and theater for five.
FAVORITE MEMORY: Last year, I had the privilege of writing and directing, “It’s
About Pirates and Nothing Else” which went up at Dramafest. The day before opening night, we were 10 minutes or so over our 40-minute limit (per competition guidelines). Luke Menslage (my co-writer and director) and I load into my car and talk for three hours, trimming everything we possibly can. So my favorite memory was when we finished our opening night run and were a minute under time. The joy and elation I felt was IMMENSE.
PLANS AFTER HIGH
SCHOOL: Hopefully I’ll be performing! I’ll try to participate in theater throughout college.
(Weed isn’t sure where he’ll be attending yet.) I’m going into the film industry on the production end which doesn’t overlap with acting but if I get the chance to do some screen acting, I will take it. I’ll also continue performing gigs whenever I can.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT
PERFORMING: What’s best for me about performing is collaboration. There’s something magical about working with
everyone else so closely, being vulnerable and engaging with the piece on a deep level, whether it’s chorus or theater. It also builds strong connections between people. I met many of my closest friends through theater.
SHOUT OUT: I’d like to thank Ashley Skeffington, Tom Rash and Andrew Scoglio (performing arts teachers at MHS) for their time over these last few years. They’ve been so influential in my life and I can never repay them.
Mira Lesley (Weiss) Kucharsky, 47
Mira Lesley (Weiss) Kucharsky, beloved wife, devoted mother and cherished friend, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, March 20. Her kindness, generosity and unwavering love touched the lives of all who knew her.
Born on January 9, 1978, to the late Richard and Bette (Fishman) Weiss, Mira was a source of light and warmth to all who knew her. She had a rare gift for making people feel truly seen, valued and cared for. Whether through a heartfelt conversation, a
OBiTUA rY
June Augusta Casler, 104
June Augusta Casler (nee Haushalter) passed away peacefully on March 20 in Danvers. She was 104 years old. She was born on Aug. 19, 1920, the day after the ratification of the 19th Amendment, which gave U.S. women the right to vote. She was raised on her greatgrandfather’s farm in Water Valley, Erie County, New York. She was valedictorian of her high school and she graduated from
OBiTUA rY David Bennett
McKane, 80
David Bennett McKane, beloved father, husband, brother, uncle and grandfather, passed away at his home on March 13, at the age of 80.
Born on July 10, 1944, in Salem, David’s devotion to his family was the foundation of his life. He married Wilson Lineburgh on April 16, 1977, and together they raised three daughters: Taylor Baldwin of Fairfield, Connecticut; Lee Baldwin of Southport, Connecticut; and Paige Baldwin of Old Greenwich, Connecticut. “Poppy” was
OBiTUA rY
Barbara H. Norman, 93
Barbara H. Norman of Marblehead, entered into rest on March 27 at the age of 93.
Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Dr. William S. Norman and devoted mother of James and Diane Norman of Virginia,
OBiTUA rY
Barbara
Joan Turcy, 92
the New York State College for Teachers at Albany (now SUNYAlbany), where she met her future husband, Edwin Casler.
June remembered that she and Ed had gone out for ice cream on their first date, but he had only enough money for one return streetcar fare. So, he put her on the streetcar and then ran alongside, catching up at each stop to wave. They were married in Albany, New York, on June 28, 1944. He was stationed with the U.S. Army Air Corps in New Jersey, while she conducted time motion studies for an industrial plant. In 1954, they relocated to Water Valley, where they
also a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren, each of whom held a special place in his heart. In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by two brothers, Joseph McKane of Marblehead and Jonathan McKane of Damariscotta, Maine. He was predeceased by his sister, Deborah McKane of Brookline,
Catherine (Norman) and Frederick Keuthen of Wellesley, and Marjorie Norman of Marblehead. She was the loving grandmother of Emily (Keuthen) and Shreyas Dube, Allison (Keuthen) and Mikey Moses, Benjamin and Jill Norman, and Andrew Norman. She was adoring great-grandmother of Lily and Logan Dube, and Mira Norman.
thoughtful gesture or simply her reassuring presence, she formed deep and lasting connections with everyone she came in contact with.
Above all, Mira’s greatest joy was her family. She was a devoted wife to David Kucharsky, with whom she shared over 18 wonderful years of marriage, and a loving mother to Jeffrey (16) and Lindsey (13). Her children were the heart of her world, and she embraced every moment with them. She celebrated both of their academic successes and many accomplishments as their steadfast supporter and cheerleader.
Mira’s generosity extended beyond her immediate circle, as she was deeply involved in
had a house moved, over farm roads, to the Haushalter Farm’s former asparagus field fronting on Gowanda State Road. When their fourth child was in grade
and Barbara and Vernon McKane of Marblehead. His remarkable career spanned decades. At Schick International he rose through the ranks to COO and EVP, and eventually went on to found McKane Robbins & Company and then Riverland and Indian Sun, LLC. He served on several boards, including Schick Inc., Oakhurst Dairy and Impax Corporation, making significant contributions to the businesses and their communities. His influence extended beyond his professional career. He was a trustee of Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Connecticut, as well as a board overseer for the Tuck School of Business, where he graduated from in 1969.
Barbara is predeceased by her sisters Faye Wilkes and Ruth Solomon, and brothers Robert Polansky and Sidney Polansky. A native of Salem, Barbara was, first and foremost, committed to her family and friends.
Her other interests were wide-ranging; she was an avid golfer, substitute teacher, small business owner, voracious reader,
Barbara Joan (Eaton) Turcy, who was born and raised in Marblehead, passed away peacefully on March 20 after a short illness outside of Chicago, Illinois. She was 92 years old. Barbara was born on Sept. 11, 1932, to Roger and Louise Eaton. She attended the Story Grammar School and Elbridge Gerry Elementary School and then Marblehead High School. She attended Peter Bent Brigham School of Nursing, graduating in 1953 as a registered nurse. She worked for two years at the Brigham Hospital as a staff nurse and as a clinical instructor at the nursing school. During that time, her nursing school roommate introduced her to Frank Turcy of Bridgeport, Connecticut, who was a professional baseball player in the Phillies organization. They were married on Aug. 20, 1955, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Marblehead.
her community. Especially at Temple Emanu-El, which she attended as a child and where she had her Bat Mitzvah. As an adult, she served on the board of directors for several years and was involved in many aspects of the temple. It brought her and her husband much happiness that their children also attended the temple and are still involved with it today. Mira received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Syracuse University in 2000.
After college, she moved to New York City working as a consultant for Accenture. In 2006, she began a career with Pfizer as a senior manager. After taking some time off in 2017 to care for her parents she
school, June began teaching reading in Eden, New York, then English and special education in Hamburg, New York, and ending her career as a librarian at the Hamburg Public Library. She was active in the League of Women Voters and the Hamburg Antique Study Club.
After Ed died in 2007, she moved to the Boston area to be near her oldest son, John, and his family. There, she was involved in numerous book clubs and senior activities. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Anna Haushalter, her sister, Doris Agle, and her brother, Carl Haushalter.
eventually returned to Pfizer as a director. Throughout her career she made meaningful contributions to the company while balancing her personal passions and commitment to family.
She is survived by her loving husband, David; her beloved children, Jeffrey and Lindsey; her brother, Clayton Weiss; her uncle, James Fishman and a wide circle of family and friends who will miss her beyond words. Services will be held at Temple Emanu-El in Marblehead. Burial will be held privately. Given her lifelong involvement with the temple, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor at emanu-el.org/payment. php.
She is survived by her son John and his spouse Jane (Ellis) of Marblehead; son Jim of Houston, Texas; daughter Ann and her spouse Matt Putnam of Minneapolis, Minnesota; and daughter Pat and her spouse Jim Peters of Chicago, Illinois. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. A memorial service is being planned for this summer in Hamburg, New York. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given to the Public Broadcasting System Foundation, the Kaplan Family Hospice in Danvers or the Clifton Lutheran Church in Marblehead.
Also an active member of several social organizations, David belonged to the New England Society in the City of New York, the Massachusetts Society of Mayflower Descendants, the Union Club in New York City, John’s Island Club in Vero Beach, Florida, and the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead. David had a keen wit, a discerning knowledge of history and was a Red Sox fanatic, but his greatest passion was mentoring students and young adults, both academically and professionally. His commitment to education and community service was a testament to his dedication to helping others. He will be remembered not only for his professional achievements but for his unwavering devotion to his family and friends, and the countless lives he touched through his generosity and leadership.
A private service will be held to honor David’s life, with details to be provided to family and friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the McKane Family Scholarship at the Tuck School of Business, 6066 Development Office, Hanover, New Hampshire. His family would like to extend their profound gratitude to Sarah Byrne and her homecare company, NeighborGood Care, 40 Tioga Way, Marblehead, where donations can also be made. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for David’s family.
gardener and a highly competitive Rummikub player who was instrumental in growing a large following at the Swampscott Senior Center.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her name may be made to Salem Hospital, 81 Highland Ave., Salem 01970 or The Ellie Fund, 200 Reservoir St., Suite 300, Needham 02494.
Barbara was extremely proud of her New England heritage and especially of being from Marblehead. She was a relative of Marblehead settler John Peach and its most famous castaway, Philip Ashton. Barbara made sure that her children knew all the words to Marblehead Forever and always reminded my sister and I that whenever we were in Marblehead visiting relatives, we were Eatons, not Turcys. Barbara held memberships in the National Society of Daughters of Colonial Wars and the Daughters of the American Revolution, among others. She was a prominent member in the Fairfield DAR chapter, serving as its corresponding secretary and chair of Historic Preservation, recognized for her fundraising work in the preservation of a
Revolutionary War-era powder house in town.
After marrying, Barbara moved to Fairfield, Connecticut, where she worked in nursing for over 45 years, in the emergency rooms of area hospitals, the Fairfield Visiting Nurse Association and later as a supervisor and administrator at Carolton Convalescent Hospital in Fairfield. She was an accomplished seamstress, knitter and needle pointer and, in retirement she gave knitting lessons to the dentist’s office staff during their lunch hour on Fridays. Barbara was also very active at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Fairfield, volunteering in the altar guild into her eighties.
In the early 1970s, Barbara’s family began spending parts of the winter in Jamaica, eventually building a villa in the Blue Mountain region near Port
Antonio. She loved traveling and accompanied her family on many trips to Hawaii, Mexico and Europe. She counted among her most memorable moments attending church services at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey, and the evening she dined atop the Eiffel Tower. Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 53 years, Frank “Zeke” Turcy in 2009. Barbara is survived by her son Philip Eaton Turcy, his wife Elizabeth and their daughter Kellan; and by her daughter Beth Kilmarx, her husband Jake, and their three sons, Nick, Harris and Sumner; her sister Priscilla (Eaton) Billington of Somerset, niece Dianne Stronach of Tewksbury, nephew Steve Billington of Somerset, and her cousin Linda Rinta of Wareham.
Bertrand ‘Bert’ L. Michaud, 87
Bertrand “Bert” L. Michaud, 87, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on March 23, surrounded by family.
Bert was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend to many. His kind heart, outgoing nature and humor touched the lives of those who knew him. He was the cherished husband of Elizabeth (Carey Welch) Michaud; and brother to Armand Michaud and wife Elaine, and Anne Michaud. He was a loving father to Susan (Michaud) O’Donnell and her husband Mark; Maureen Michaud; Brian Michaud and
OBiTUA rY
Christine Marie Cantillon, 83
Christine Marie “Chris” (Kaszuba) Cantillon, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully at home on March 17. Born on Feb. 25, 1942, in Buffalo, New York, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Genevieve (Podgorski) Kaszuba. She was 83. Chris was the beloved wife of James Cantillon, with whom she shared nearly 60 years of marriage. She graduated from Holy Angels Academy and D’Youville College in Buffalo. Described as classy, sweet, creative, funny, supportive, lovely, outgoing and gentle, Chris was a remarkable woman who touched the lives of many. Her interests included cooking, home decorating and gardening, all of which she pursued with
his wife Kim Wilson; as well as a loving stepfather to Melissa Watford and her husband Leroy; the late Richard Carey Welch and his wife Thelma; and Cassandra Welch and her husband Michael Jones. Bert treasured his role as Pepere to his seven grandchildren, Matthew and Kaleigh O’Donnell; Kaylee, Catherine (Cat) and Jackson Watford; and Sean and Ava Jones. His close-knit family meant the world to him.
At 17, Bert enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he was deployed to the Mediterranean. After leaving the service, he embarked on a long and successful career in the retail industry. In 1964, he joined Marshalls, when it was only a two-store operation. Ten years later, he left to open his own off-price domestics store in Wellesley. In 1977, he was
passion and skill. Chris had a natural flair for creativity, excelling in sewing, decorating and, later, pursuing a career in interior design. Her artistic talents extended to painting, sketching and nurturing her beautiful gardens, where she took great pride in her herbs and vegetables and loved sharing the harvest.
Chris and Jim’s love story began in Buffalo under the most serendipitous of circumstances.
rEA l ESTATE Tr ANSFErS
recruited to join a new start-up company, (the future T.J.Maxx), where he remained until his retirement in 2002.
Bert excelled in business by doing right by his customers and his vendors, ensuring that he was always a step ahead of new designs and trends. He
She was watching him play ball at a picnic and while chasing a foul ball, Jim tumbled into Chris’ lap. He held onto the ball and they have held onto each other ever since. They married in 1965, moved to Rochester, New York and raised their family there, with a brief period in Toronto.
A new job brought them to the North Shore of Boston in 1984, where Chris and Jim fully embraced the beauty of their new ocean community.
A true “people person,” Chris cherished conversations and storytelling, always showing genuine interest in others. She possessed a rare ability to truly listen and remember, evident in her thoughtful gestures and detailed recollections.
A lifelong teacher, Chris began her career instructing first-grade students in Buffalo, many of whom attended her wedding. She continued to share her knowledge throughout her life, whether exchanging recipes
specialized in home textiles and rugs and was named 1995’s Rug Retailer of the Year.
Bert and Liz shared a love of travel, creating cherished memories with family and friends across the globe. Highlights of their travels include trips to Argentina, Brazil, Chile, France, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Portugal and St. Martin.
Bert loved living in Marblehead and was a member of the Boston Yacht Club, Marblehead Arts Association and the Council of Aging. At the COA, Bert was active in the men’s club and loved getting together with others to play golf, bocce and curling competitions. With a twinkle in his eye, Bert was always ready with a witty story or funny joke. Bert was a man of strength and integrity.
with family and friends, offering gentle decorating advice or imparting kitchen and gardening wisdom to her children and grandchildren. Chris cherished conversations and storytelling. Family and friends appreciated that like a fine wine, the stories got better with time. Known for her kindness, Chris often shared “three compliments a day” with strangers, leaving a lasting impression on those she met. Despite health challenges, she found joy in everyday pleasures, especially visits to her favorite North Shore spots, Chandler Hovey Park, Devereux Beach and the Red Steps, with her beach chair, thermos and husband in tow.
Chris is survived by her loving family: children, Amy (Thomas) Imhoff, with grandchildren Yannick and Elena of Marblehead; and Andrew (Susan) Cantillon, with grandchildren Owen,
Bert spent his last two years at The Mariner in Marblehead. He was well loved by the Mariner community for his ability to bring humor and camaraderie to those around him. While he may not physically be with us, his love, humor and fun spirit will forever live on with those who were fortunate to call him family or friend.
A visitation and funeral service will be held on Monday, April 7, at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 135 Lafayette St., Marblehead. Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friends of Marblehead Council of Aging in Bert’s honor. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Bert’s family.
Charles and Hugh of Milton; and brother, Gregory (Jeanne) Kaszuba, with nephews Matthew and Mark of Orlando, Florida. In addition, Chris was blessed with a sisterhood she shared growing up with her two cousins Anne Louise Duggan of Baltimore and Valerie Oliver of Cincinnati. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Care Dimensions and also the dedicated and compassionate group of caretakers who provided exceptional care. Visiting hours will be held on Friday, April 11, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Care Dimensions by going to Memorial Donations at giving.caredimensions.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Cantillon family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
Women’s History Month presentation
Megan Sweeney, founder of PowerUP and a HAWC community ambassador, delivered a presentation on women’s contributions to Marblehead history, emphasizing that women’s stories have been largely omitted from historical records despite their significant impact. Sweeney highlighted women who served in military roles, established care networks, fought for abolition and education and led various social movements. She proposed several initiatives including creating a women’s veterans monument, establishing public gardens, designating space for portraits of notable women and developing easily searchable online
resources about women’s contributions. Sweeney noted support from state senators, the Women’s Veterans Network and the Essex County
Commission on the Status of Women. The Historical Commission has already requested to install a new display case in the Select Board room to showcase women’s history. Following her presentation, the board approved a proclamation recognizing April as Sexual Assault Awareness Month.
Arts association seeks entries for youth digital art exhibit
The Marblehead Arts Association Youth Council has announced an open call for its upcoming digital art exhibition for artists 18
and younger.
The exhibition will run April 19 through June 14, with an opening reception April 20 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the association’s King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St.
Young artists are invited to submit digital drawings, paintings, illustrations, videos and sculptures created with programs such as Procreate, Blender, Adobe products or other digital software. A limited number of monitors will be available to display video and animation works.
Each artist may submit up to three pieces,
with at least one piece guaranteed to be shown. The exhibit will be judged for ribbons and cash prizes by a team of MAA members. Computergenerated or AI subjects are not allowed. All accepted 2-D work must be framed and wired for hanging. There is a $5 take-in fee per piece. The deadline for online submission is April 14 at 5 p.m. To apply, students can fill out a JotForm with a picture of their work along with its size, title and price if it is for sale.
For more information, visit marbleheadarts.org or call 781-631-2608.
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Written by
Headlight
the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community
Sophomore Semi 2025
Georgia Marshall, Assistant Editor, Sophomore
On Friday, March 14, at 5:45 p.m., the sophomore class of 2025 congregated in the MHS Field House to be transported to Tupper Manor. After weeks of anticipation, anxious buzzes of excitement echoing through the hallways, and photos of dresses, suits, jackets, shoes, and nails being passed back and forth, the night had finally arrived. It was the Sophomore Semi-Formal of 2025.
After being breathalyzed and sorted into buses (with New England sports team names, of course), just under 150 sophomores arrived at Tupper Manor in Beverly for an extravagant night of food, friends, and dancing. The venue was notable for its profound elegance and sophistication.
Upon entering, we were greeted by friendly staff and immediately seized by the grandeur of the Manor. From the sparkling chandelier, to the carved staircase, to the huge, engraved mirrors, it felt like stepping back in time to a Jane Austen-era ball. Past the entrance was a dance floor throbbing with pulsating beats from the DJ. Beyond that was a beautiful dining room with a wide-ranging buffet off to the side.
After enjoying dinner, students took to the dance floor. Whether you were there to throw your arms high to your favorite pop songs, screamsing the anthemic lyrics to every rock ballad, or jump to the rap beats from the speakers and watch the disco lights skate across the ceiling, there was fun to be had by all.
Max Kane, president of the sophomore class, said, “I thought it went pretty well! It
was slow to start, but I think people had a lot of fun towards the end. (The class officers) are proud of all the hard work we did and are happy with how it turned out!”
It is safe to say that Max’s sentiment is shared by all the students who attended the dance. As the night went on, more and more people gathered on the dance floor. Social cliques and boundaries were forgotten as we enjoyed the music and festivities. It was enlightening to see how everyone joined together. From best friends to mutual acquaintances, to people you may have never exchanged a word with before, it didn’t matter who you were as long as you were willing to let go of your inhibitions and dance. Some highlights of the night were when the entire group formed a circle and people took turns in the center, when a group formed a conga line, and when everyone sang the lyrics to "Don’t Stop Believin’" and "Sweet Caroline" at the top of their lungs.
Teachers and staff who attended also had an amazing experience. “I think Sophomore Semi went pretty well considering how many smiles and shouted song lyrics there were on the dance floor,” said Mr. Proulx, the CAD, Animation, and Architecture teacher at MHS who attended the dance. He and the rest of the attending staff all had a great time watching the students dance.
Overall, this year’s Sophomore Semi was one to remember. From the venue, to the dancing, to getting all dressed up with friends and classmates, it was an unforgettable experience. The class officers’ hard work fundraising, promoting, and selling tickets paid off in this culminating event for the class of 2027.
MHS’s Junior Class Auction kicks off March 30
Anna Cruikshank, Freshman
Get ready to bid for a cause! The Marblehead High School class of 2026 launched their highly anticipated Junior Class Auction—the largest fundraiser any class undertakes during their time at MHS. This exciting, week-long event began Sunday, March 30th, at 5:00 p.m. and runs through Sunday, April 6, at 5:00 p.m.
This auction is open to the public and promises something for everyone. From small ticket treasures like gift cards from local eateries, salons, and businesses, to big-ticket expe-
riences including Red Sox and Bruins front-row seats, a guided fishing trip, golf outings, and even summer getaways to Cape Cod and Nantucket—there’s no shortage of exciting finds. Other standout options are a weekend mooring in Marblehead Harbor and VIP senior parking.
“This fundraiser is absolutely critical to the next year and a half of our class,” said Will Cruikshank, president of the Class of 2026. “Every dollar raised helps us fund both of our proms, senior activities, and other class events. Our goal is not
to just make these moments unforgettable, but also ensure that every student can participate, no matter their financial situation.”
Inclusivity is a driving force behind the fundraiser’s mission. The more successful the Junior Auction, the less expensive things like prom tickets can become. With a wide array of items being sold at all price points, the Class of 2026 hopes to attract a broad audience— from families with kids to retirees, and everyone in between. The auction is open to all—no need to be a student, parent, or school employee to participate. The more community involvement, the better. All proceeds go directly toward enhancing student experiences at Marblehead High School and fostering a supportive, inclusive school environment.
“We’ve worked hard to offer things that appeal to a wide range of people in our town,”
Evan Eisen, Junior
Cruikshank added. “We’re incredibly grateful for the donations we’ve received and are proud of how Marblehead has stepped up. We also hope the auction helps introduce customers to new businesses they might not have discovered yet.” This auction benefits both businesses and consumers, and is the biggest source of income for prom. Because items can be sold fast, another way to support the Class of 2026 is by donating directly to them, no auction purchase necessary. Don't miss your chance to snag some incredible items for unbelievable prices while supporting Marblehead High School students. Mark your calendars, build your wish list, and keep an eye on the Class of 2026 Instagram page for item previews and updates. Whether you're looking to treat yourself, find the perfect gift, or support a meaningful cause, this is one event you won’t want to miss.
Should we go in the carpool lane?
It is seen as an impressive accomplishment to go to hard places like scaling Mt. Everest or successfully flying up into space or on the moon. These are all miniscule in comparison to trying to get through the traffic on Humphrey St. during school hours. It is truly a miracle if you can get through all the traffic and get to school on time. Everyday, cars are usually bumper to bumper starting around the corner at the post office. It doesn’t help that the street lights take a million years to turn green, causing the traffic to further build up. The question must be asked: what can be done to fix this?
There has been constant debate about how town funds should be best utilized, which I have the answer for. It would best benefit our town if we spent money on fixing the lights so that they don’t take as long to turn green. It takes around two whole minutes for the lights to turn green, with only a few cars able to go in the madness of the intersection on Humphrey St. On other streets in Marblehead, the lights move at a relatively quick pace, but, of course, one of the busiest streets in our town, has the longest traffic lights.
If the town decides that they don’t want to spend their funds on fixing the lights, then
maybe there should be a police officer stationed there instead. They already have a crossing guard stationed on the corner from Smith to Humphrey St. In a town where there is little violent crime, shouldn’t that be what police are supposed to be doing? We should station one to two officers at the intersection on Humprhey St. to direct traffic in all directions, since the traffic lights aren’t doing a good job at what they’re supposed to do. The police don’t even have to stay the whole day, only during school drop-off and pick-up times, to ensure that traffic doesn’t pile up like it usually does. They're the ones who are supposed to keep us safe, so why don’t they do so by making sure everyone gets to where they need to?
It's not fair to those who are trying to get to their jobs and end up being late because of the obnoxious traffic. Students and staff shouldn’t also be punished for being held up in the busy street when it can be so easily fixed. If there are individuals who truly want the best for our town, then maybe they should focus on fixing issues that matter to everyone in Marblehead and not the pointless things that offer no value. Hopefully, this issue will be fixed soon because, if not, then we might have to consider building a carpool lane.
Headlight Staff 2024 - 2025
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
Nathaniel
Benji Boyd ASSISTANT EDITORS: Grey Collins, Kathleen Hanson, Georgia Marshall FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins
REPORTERS:
Carper-Young, Anna Baughman, Anna Cruikshank, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King, William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton, Madalyn Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas
Marblehead Museum to host Lee lecture
The Marblehead Museum will host local historian Judy Anderson for a program Thursday, April 10, entitled “Marblehead’s Mysterious Revolutionary.” Anderson will honor Jeremiah Lee’s life and contributions to the revolutionary cause, which the nonprofit notes have remained nearly unrecognized for 250 years. Anderson is a social and cultural historian and the former curator of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. She has given talks and led walking tours on Marblehead history for the past 30 years. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public. They can be purchased from the Marblehead Museum website or by calling 781-631-1768.
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.
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