04.03.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 19

Fired Glover educator files lawsuit

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Interim Superintendent Theresa

McGuinness

has fired the student services chair at Glover School, Ann Haskell, months after a student restraint incident. Haskell is now suing McGuinness, the School Committee and the Marblehead Public School district claiming

wrongful termination and breach of contract.

McGuinness placed Haskell and three other educators at Glover on paid leave late last year, during an investigation of a Nov. 20 student restraint incident. A heavily redacted, 54-page investigative report detailed the incident and made recommendations that all staff

be trained and/or retrained in safety procedures. At least one of the recommendations was redacted.

Haskell is “very disappointed and disheartened about the way this whole incident has been handled by the administration of the Marblehead Public Schools, and she feels that the four of them (Haskell and three

other educators), collectively, have been hung out to dry for the purposes of letting the administration wipe their hands of this very unfortunate incident for a student who never should have been mainstreamed without an IEP,” Haskell’s attorney, Neil Rossman, told the Current. Haskell’s suit is available for reading at MarbleheadCurrent. org.

Rossman also said the investigative report recommended that the other three Glover educators not be fired or disciplined, but that one of them be removed from the Safety-Care team that responds

Elementary students show off their STEAM skills at packed fair

BY LEIGH BLANDER

From volcanoes to catapults to a chocolate experiment, more than 200 students showed off impressive projects at the second annual Brown School STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Fair on March 28.

Brown’s gymnasium was packed with kids in preschool through third grade explaining their work, as well as parents and families oohing and ahhing.

Kindergartener Sage Flaherty proudly displayed his experiment entitled, “Does My Dog Have a Favorite Color?”

“We wanted to know what my dog’s favorite color is,” Flaherty, 5, explained. “So we put out color construction paper and put treats under each color,” to see which one the pup preferred.

It turns out Flaherty’s dog, Aughty, prefers orange.

TOWN MEETiNG

Petition opposing MBTA zoning plan surfaces

Noncompliance with state law could have financial repercussions

BY WILL DOWD

A Marblehead man has initiated an online effort to challenge the town’s proposal related to the MBTA zoning, arguing that the state-mandated measure could detrimentally alter the town’s character and overburden its infrastructure.

John DiPiano started the Change.org petition specifically targeting the 2024 Town Meeting warrant’s Article 36, a proposal designed to bring Marblehead into compliance with the 2021 MBTA Communities Act. The state law requires 177 cities and towns served by the MBTA to have at least one district where multifamily housing is allowed by right, meaning it can be built without special approval from the town.

“This law is currently being challenged in court for its constitutionality and its violation of the Massachusetts Home Rule Amendment — an amendment that guarantees our city’s right to shape its own community character through zoning regulations,” DiPiano wrote in the petition.

“The adoption of [Article 36] would strip us of this right.”

The petition has sparked frustration among local officials who spent months crafting a plan to comply with the law, even as a related lawsuit involving the town of Milton heads to the state’s highest court.

“We’ve done our due diligence to create a

STEAM, P. A6

First grader Carlie Morales built a volcano that erupted when she mixed HEA

Physical therapist goes on global adventures Resident pens memoir, chronicling three decades of international service

BY WILL DOWD

For 30 years, Marblehead resident Patricia Sullivan traversed the globe, bringing her skills and compassion as a physical therapist to patients in far-flung locales from Asia to the Middle East. Now, the PT has chronicled her experiences in a new memoir titled, “Boston, Bangkok, Bombay & Beyond: The Journeys of a Physical Therapist.”

“The book is written for those who love to or want to travel; for those who want to work internationally as health care

providers; and for those who will enjoy a book chronicling years of service and adventure,” said Sullivan, 78. “Readers will share the anxiety of working in new and unfamiliar places and the problems presented by the scarcity of services and facilities available in many places.”

Sullivan’s international journey began in 1989 when she received an invitation to teach for a month in Perth, Australia, where her physical therapy textbooks were being used. Sensing an opportunity, she reached out to contacts in other parts of Australia and Taiwan

to arrange a six-month teaching tour.

After returning to Boston, Sullivan became the coordinator of the International Scholars Program at the MGH Institute of Health Professions, which launched her into more overseas teaching and consulting. Her work took her to Turkey, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the Philippines and frequently Thailand over the ensuing years.

“I don’t think there’s any other physical therapist in the world who’s done what I’ve done,”

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

Third graders Will Marshall, left, and Elyse Machado learned how to (re)build a skateboard.

Quinn Chirico, left, and Avery Crowe show off their STEAM project: oobleck.

Sage Flaherty explains his experiment to find out his dog’s favorite color.

First grader Carlie Morales built a volcano that erupts when baking soda and vinegar are combined. LAWSUIT,

School Committee talks budget, restraint crisis and communication

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Facing a budget crisis heading into Town Meeting next month, the School Committee was set to meet multiple times early this week.

Interim Superintendent

Theresa McGuinness initially presented two budgets — levelservices and reduced-services — that are approximately $2.3 million apart. On March 27, the School Committee unanimously decided not to approve the reduced-services budget that would eliminate 36 positions, as well as programs and supplies next school year and to “scrub” the district’s revolving and reserve accounts for more funds.

“We should be looking at all the other ways we have within our district to fund” the fiscal year 2025 budget, said Chair Sarah Fox. “That being said, I’m not voting a budget that cuts more people this year.”

The School Committee is also asking town leaders about any reserve or free cash funds that might be moved to the schools to prevent layoffs.

On Monday, April 1, the Finance Committee had been scheduled to vote on the schools budget but postponed that vote until Monday, April 8, to give district leaders more time to identify funds and vote on a plan.

The School Committee had not yet decided whether to ask residents to raise their taxes through a Proposition 2 1/2 override.

BY WILL DOWD

The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.

23 seats up for grabs

The June 11 town election will see 23 seats across a dozen different boards, commissions and committees up for grabs.

These include the following:

» Select Board: Five seats

» Board of Assessors: One seat (three-year term)

School Committee: One seat (three-year term)

» Board of Health: One seat (three-year term)

» Moderator: One seat (oneyear term)

Cemetery Commission: One seat (three-year term)

» Housing Authority: One seat (five-year term)

» Trustees of Abbot Public

Library: Two seats (three-year terms)

Planning Board: Two seats (five-year terms)

» Recreation and Park Commission: Five seats (oneyear terms)

» Water and Sewer Commission: One seat (threeyear term)

Marblehead Municipal Light Commission: Two seats (threeyear terms)

Here is a list of those who’ve pulled papers: Incumbent Jack Attridge (Town moderator)

» Dan Albert and incumbent Bret Murray, (Select Board)

» Incumbent Janet Merrill (Cemetery Commission)

John G. DiPiano and incumbent Alfred Williams (School Committee)

» David F. Ross, Jr. and John G. Williams, both incumbents (Library Board of Trustees)

» Incumbent Adam Robert Smith (Light Commission)

Dr. Thomas A. Massaro (Board of Health)

» Incumbent Barton Hyte (Planning Board)

» Linda Rice Collins,

At a forum hosted by the League of Women Voters of Marblehead on March 27, the School Committee answered questions about whether it would push for a “fully funded” budget.

Fox answered that there’s “no clarity” on what fully funded means.

“What I hear is, ‘No more cuts,’” she said. “Someone else might say ‘No, fully funded is everything we need to get us on par.’ And then another person may say, ‘No, fully funded means getting us ahead so we can be the best district.’ Everyone has their own definition of fully funded.”

Later in the evening, Fox and School Committee member Jenn Schaeffner said that interim Business Director Mary Delai was “doing a deep dive” into several so-called “revolving funds,” including kindergarten and preschool, food service, building rentals and other accounts.

Interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness was working with principals to prioritize a list of budget items cut from the reduced-services plan to restore if possible. She was expected to present that list at a School Committee meeting Monday evening.

League forum

The LWV scheduled the public forum after more than 800 people signed a petition giving the School Committee failing grades and demanding more transparency.

The local league brought in Elizabeth Foster-Nolan from the

Massachusetts League of Women Voters to ask questions.

More than 50 people emailed in their questions, touching on a variety of issues.

Superintendent search

The School Committee was asked how it is approaching the search for a new interim superintendent, given that McGuinness has said she is no longer interested in the position past July 1.

Fox explained that the position has been posted, and applications will be accepted until April 12.

The committee will meet April 22 (a tentative date) to review resumes and decide whom to bring in for public interviews.

“There will be lots of opportunities for public input,”

Fox said.

Members also explained what they will be looking for in a new interim superintendent.

“You hire for a personality,” Fox answered. “People can acquire skills. A person’s leadership style is their leadership style.”

She added that she is looking for someone who is willing to have discussions, rather than insist on their own ideas.

Shaeffner said she is looking for someone with “good judgment” and “experience in personnel management.”

Member Alison Taylor said she hopes the new interim will have several years of experience as a superintendent. Mold at MHS

The committee was also asked about the district’s response

to mold discovered at the high school, which has a leaky roof.

Fox said the district is working to bring in an industrial hygienist to do additional testing and has put out bid requests for a new roof. In an earlier meeting, McGuinness said the new roof would not be complete until the summer of 2025.

Student restraint report

There were questions about the student restraint crisis at Glover School, where four educators have been on paid leave since late last year after an incident. A report by Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting determined that the educators violated procedures. CIC also made several recommendations, including new training and mandatory debriefs after incidents.

“There are common-sense recommendations in there that I would say are best practice,” Fox said.

Taylor added, “We will look into policies so that teachers who are trained can feel comfortable. It’s not just about the policies; it’s about ensuring that they’re being followed.”

Parents rights, books

There was a question about whether parents should have the right to get material they find offensive pulled out of the schools.

Shelly Bedrossian, Rossana Ferrante and Karin Ernst, all incumbents (Recreation and Parks Commission)

Candidates must submit a written request and obtain 50 signatures from registered Marblehead voters by April 22 at 5 p.m. To learn more, visit: tinyurl. com/mr3pwm78

To register to vote or change party enrollment, complete a voter registration form in person, by mail or online at RegisterToVoteMA.com.

Festival of the Arts calls for art

The Festival of the Arts is calling for art entries from April 1 to June 14 at 10 p.m. Eligible artists residing, working or belonging to an art association in Essex County can submit their original artwork for juried exhibits. Separate categories are available for youth and student art open to Marblehead residents or non-residents attending school or classes in Marblehead. Awards will be distributed in each category on July 3 at 6 p.m. at Abbot Hall. Artists are invited to enter across multiple categories. Visit tinyurl.com/5e5p4bt8 to learn more

Cecropia Strong to host second annual benefit Cecropia Strong, a Marbleheadbased charity, will host its second annual benefit on Thursday, April 18, at The Landing Restaurant to

raise money for therapeutic riding grants at Windrush Farm in North Andover. The event, scheduled from 5:30 p.m.-9 p.m., will feature a silent auction. For more information, visit cecropiastrong. org or contact Cecropia Strong at info@cecropiastrong.org.

MAA Arts Scholarship

The Marblehead Arts Association is awarding a scholarship to one high school student with plans to continue the study of art. Applicants must submit the following:

The general application form Five print-outs of artwork (any medium)

» Resume and cover letter

» Any other supporting documents from an art portfolio The deadline for submission is April 7 at 11:59 p.m. Learn more at tinyurl.com/2b7md8y8.

Colonial Craft Fair

The Marblehead Museum will hold its 1st annual Colonial Craft Fair on Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visitors can stroll through the gardens of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and meet skilled artisans and historic reenactors as they demonstrate crafts from 300 years ago. Visitors can learn how shoes were made by a master shoemaker, try their hand at copperplate printing, watch a cook prepare Colonial dishes

and more. Tickets for museum members are $10 per person or $25 per family, and tickets for the public are $15 per person or $40 per family. Children 3 and under are free. All tickets can be purchased at the door.

Abbot Library offers

tax counseling service

Registration is open for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offered by AARP at the Abbot Library. The free tax preparation service will be held on Mondays through April 8. Appointments are required. Call the library at 781-631-1481 during open hours to sign up. Tax forms are now available in the Reference Room.

The TCE program provides basic tax return preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, with a focus on seniors. Participants do not need to be AARP members or meet an age requirement. For more information, visit abbotlibrary.org/tax-prepprogram or email the library at mar@noblenet.org.

ClearGov is live

Residents now have online access to more of the town’s financial information via the ClearGov Transparency Center at bit.ly/3Oi07pF. It’s part of the town’s new cloud-based financial software system.

The Marblehead Festival of the Arts has put out a call for entries for its 2024 exhibitions.

Winners announced in final round

BY BENJI BOYD

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After Piascik’s first and last time participating in MGT, he called the event “an incredible experience” and wished all future performers the best of luck. MA

The Marblehead Rotary Club hosted its final round of Marblehead’s Got Talent, a contest for Marblehead youth, on March 27. The Cabot Theater in Beverly was packed with the performers’ friends and families, as well as the panel of judges. MGT Executive Director David Deutsch emceed the evening, introducing each of the 10 finalists before their acts and announcing the judges’ decisions.

First place went to Jacob Piascik for his vocal and keyboard performance of Carol King’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” for which he was awarded $6,000. MHS junior Lani Gilmore’s vocal rendition of Kelly Clarkson’s “A Moment Like This” and junior Brady Weed’s performance of “Finishing the Hat” earned them the second and third place prizes of $4,000 and $2,500 respectively.

“I felt ecstatic,” Piascik told the Current, describing his reaction to hearing his name announced as the winner.

“I’d been prepping for this for a really long time and it felt so nice to just get up there and put my all into a performance.”

Piascik is a homeschooled senior and a participant in the music and theater programs at Marblehead High. He cites playing songs with his father and brother and attending open mic nights as some of his inspirations.

More recently, Piascik has delved into composing and developing his own personal sound. His cover of “You’ve Got a Friend” was influenced by one of his favorite artists, Donny Hathaway, whose style he has drawn from in all three of his performances for MGT.

When Piascik took the stage, he began his piece with an unexpected couple of notes that took the audience by surprise.

“I was playing ‘Clare de Lune’ one day,” he later explained. “I heard that intro, and I was like ‘Oh my God this is in the same key — how wild would it be if I used ‘Clare de Lune’ as the intro.’”

The combination of classical and classic rock won Piascik points for creativity, and clearly struck a chord with the judges. Piascik said that he always likes to leave himself room to play around, and many of the riffs and chord changes in his piece were improvised.

When Piascik had taken his bows, the show was over. He was the last to play of the 10 performers, but the wait was worth it.

At the end of the night, the judges said it was difficult to choose between the 10 outstanding acts.

“I really want to applaud everyone,” said Piascik. “Probably my favorite part of the entire night was being amongst all of these incredible artists.”

Each performer brought a different talent to the

show: Emmet Charney’s rocky electric guitar, August Belf and Brooklyn Lorenz’s ukulele, and incredible vocals from Sadie Newburg, Eldar Yahorau, Lucy Key and Anthony Vizy. All 10 have

been invited to perform at The Beacon Restaurant.

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FAR LEFT: Marblehead’s Got Talent finalists gather onstage after the show. COURTESY PHOTO / STEVENKSTUDIO

LEFT: Jacob Piascik reacts to hearing his name announced as the first-place winner at Marblehead’s Got Talent. Also seen: Sadie Newburg and Emmett Charney.

CURRENT PHOTO /

Opinion

Vote yes for higher fees

Three articles calling for higher fees for some licensed town services appear on the warrant for the 2024 Town Meeting in May.

We urge a yes vote on all three.

There is no question that the cost of living in Marblehead is going up. In many cases residents are paying higher taxes and higher water and sewer rates. It seems as if every time you turn around the folks at Abbot Hall or on Widger Road have their hand in your pocket.

That said, we endorse articles 31-33 in the town warrant increasing fees on services from plumbing and gas inspections to licensing our dogs.

The last time fees were changed on those services was 33 years ago in 1991. An increase this year would bring Marblehead closer to fees for similar services in surrounding communities.

There, they average $75 for the most common license, according to Town Administrator Thatcher Keser.

But for the average run of the mill home project, we think a $20 increase is reasonable. Fees for plumbing and electrical work averaging $30 currently would go to $50.

Comprehensive permits, which are $15 per $1,000 value of a project, would remain the same.

We agree since that figure is in line with nearby communities, according to Kezer.

In Marblehead we love our dogs. There are 3,000 canines licensed annually in town. The town clerk’s office estimates that they collect between $50,000 and $60,000 a year in dog licenses.

An increase of $5 per year is being proposed raising the cost of licenses to $20 for a spayed or neutered dog and $25 for an “intact” animal.

We believe Articles 31, 32 and 33 call for modest increases in fees and we urge a vote of Yes.

lETTErS pOliCY

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.

Experiments in wonderful

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

I want to remember to be like her, this stranger with a wonderful attitude, our neighbor for the week in a vacation condo. At first, I felt a little sorry for her. She seemed in her late seventies or early eighties. Alone. White hair fashionably cut, wearing a bright red and black flowing dress. Sitting with her eyes closed on her deck, face tilted toward the sun. A book on the table beside her. Was she widowed, I wondered. Lonely? Idle thoughts as we sat yards from each other and just yards from the crashing Atlantic Ocean.

The condos themselves are only yards away from the water, too — which is delightful, but at the highest of tides, when the waves crash within inches of the sliding glass doors, and sometimes shake the sides of the building itself, it can also be a little unnerving. I saw this temporary neighbor the morning after one of these tides, her condo closer than ours to the pounding waves. “That was something, last night,” I commented, “the force of the water.”

“Oh,” she said with a wide smile, “wasn’t that wonderful!”

So much for my worry that she must have been a little frightened. We chatted a minute or two more and as I turned to walk away, I said, “Have a wonderful day.”

“If I don’t,” she answered, “it will be my fault.” Wow. “If I don’t, it will be my

fault.” There are people, even while vacationing, who find something to complain about. Not her. Her happiness was firmly in her own hands, at the beck and call of her own positive attitude. I could feel that attitude rub off on me.

Later, from another guest cooking on the grill beside me, I learned the woman comes this same week every year, always alone. Disabused of my assumptions, I thought, how wonderful, a yearly vacation with yourself.

During morning walks I decided to experiment further with this idea that one’s attitude could determine the course of the day. I called it my smile experiment. It’s not as annoying as it sounds, I promise.

I simply smiled at everyone I passed, sometimes adding a “good morning.” To a person, my smile and greeting was returned. On other walks, I kept my head down or looked away when a walker passed by me. No smile. No greeting. Did my smile or hello change anyone’s morning? I don’t know, I hope so. But simply sharing a little morning cheer surely changed mine. My friend and leadership coach, Lori Zukin, recently related a travel story which similarly underscores the importance of attitude and positive connection. She was sitting in an airport gate area across from a man wearing a mask. She coughed a little and the man gave her a dirty look. She quickly pulled up her mask and told the man that she had tested negative for COVID before coming to the airport. And then, instead of reciprocating his demeanor, she struck up a friendly

conversation with him about where they each were traveling to and so on. Eventually, he interrupted the conversation to apologize for his earlier behavior. “Hey, I gave you a nasty look before. I shouldn’t have done that and I’m sorry.”

When she brushed the apology off with an “It’s okay” — he said, “No, it wasn’t ok. It really wasn’t and I’m so sorry.” He explained he was especially sensitive because he had had a recent bad bout of COVID.

This story isn’t particularly groundbreaking but it is important. Lori noted she was struck by the “transformative power of connection and the boundless potential we hold to infuse our world with grace.” And she asked those she shared the story with to consider these questions:

What could we each do to create more positive connection in our personal and professional lives?

What would be possible if we could give each other a little more grace?

“If I don’t, it will be my own fault,” said my vacation neighbor about the kind of day she had in store. Her response is a reminder that giving grace and creating positive connections are powers which lie in our own hands. And that is a truly wonderful thing.

Virginia Buckingham, a member of The Marblehead Current’s Board of Directors, is the former chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, chief of staff to two Massachusetts governors, deputy editorial page editor for the Boston Herald and author of “On My Watch: A Memoir.”

How do we offer lifesaving help to someone who wants to die?

BY LISA SUGARMAN

OK, friends, I think now is as good a time as any to have one of the harder conversations I’ve been wanting to have here in this space.

Honestly, I feel like we can’t afford not to. But it’s going to be a tough one, so I want you to know exactly what you’re getting into if you choose to keep reading so you can make the best choice for your personal mental well-being. Because today, I’m talking about what to do when someone we love is having suicidal ideations and wants to die. And that’s a topic that activates a lot of deep feelings and emotions and it may not be a chat you’re ready to have right now.

So, if you feel that a dialogue about suicide and people in crisis will be triggering for you, this is the time when you should gracefully dip out of the conversation and come back when you feel more emotionally ready to read on. Because, as a crisis counselor, I’m hyper-aware that certain conversations can be like a trip wire for our mental health, blowing us up on the inside when we stumble on them unexpectedly. So, no hard feelings if you choose not to continue reading because you need to have agency over your own mental health.

For those of you pressing on, here we go …

In case you haven’t noticed, as a global community, we’ve transitioned from one pandemic directly into another over the last couple of years,

shifting from a world paralyzed by a physical disease to a world that’s been gripped by a similarly destructive mental health crisis. With depression and suicide statistics at an all-time high around the globe and tragic stories of people dying by suicide dominating every news outlet, the bottom line is, we need to do better prioritizing our mental health. And we need to work together to bring conversations about mental wellness (and unwellness) even further out of the shadows.

Now just for context and to help illuminate how dicey things really are, the National Alliance on Mental Illness confirms that one in 20 adults just in this country alone experience serious mental illness each year. That’s 50 million Americans every year. And an estimated 703,000 people die by suicide worldwide during the same time span.

So, if you haven’t already encountered someone who’s contemplating suicide, it’s not unrealistic to assume that, at some point, you will. And if/when that happens, you’re going to appreciate knowing how to handle that delicate situation.

So, what do we do when A) we think someone close to us is considering self-harm or suicide, or B) when someone confides in us that they’re contemplating ending their own life?

Well, we start by taking a deep breath. Then, we remind ourselves that the task at hand is to help the person de-escalate those feelings. After that, we ask the person directly, using very specific language, if they’re thinking of killing themselves. Like actually say, ‘Are you

thinking of killing or harming yourself?’

And, while I know that may feel like a counterintuitive and scary thing to ask, using that direct language is actually proven to reduce the risk of that person taking their own life. That’s because when we acknowledge someone’s pain and suffering, we’re validating what that person is going through. We’re sending a message that says, I see you and I know you’re hurting and I’m here to help. And then, once you’ve asked the hard question, your job is to listen to them as best you can. Because while your gut instinct will be to solve their problems and take away their pain, that’s not your job. You’re there to hold space for them and to offer support and to remind them that they’re not alone. Which segues into the next, and possibly most important step, which is to encourage your person to seek help. And that might mean suggesting they connect with their therapist if they have one or helping them find one. It could also mean recommending they call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline where a trained crisis counselor is ready to offer support and resources and connection 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

See, it’s when we start adopting a we-not-me attitude and we check in on each other by encouraging openness and honesty — especially with the hard stuff — that we’ll start seeing the scary mental health statistics start to trend downward.

Look, I know we’re talking life and death here, and that’s a terrifying

‘Bottom line: There is excess capacity in our schools’

To the editor:

I am writing in regard to the School Committee’s insistence on retaining control of the Coffin School. Previous School Committees analyzed data in their decision-making; current enrollment, projections of future enrollment and the capacity of our school buildings should be the basis for deciding whether additional schools will be needed in the future.

In the 1990s, the Marblehead School Committee formed a Master Plan Committee (comprised of community members and two SC members) to identify the most educationally sound and financially responsible plan to address Marblehead’s aging school buildings. The plan adopted by the School Committee called for four phases of construction: 1) Build a new high school; 2) Renovate the old high school into a middle school; 3) Renovate the middle school into a school for 700 students; 4) Address the K-3 schools.

At each phase in the Master Plan, Marblehead partnered with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, maximizing state aid to reduce the cost to Marblehead taxpayers. Part of the process involved justifying the size of the proposed school based on enrollment projections submitted to the Massachusetts School Building Authority, which uses a target class size of 25 students for school design.

The following information shows the enrollment capacity each school was built to accommodate, along with the actual enrollment for the 20232024 school year and the excess capacity (space) at each school:

» Marblehead High School (opened 2002): Capacity 1,000 students, grades 9-12. 2023-2024 enrollment: 874, excess capacity: 126.

Marblehead Veterans Middle School (opened 2004): Capacity 530 students, grades 7-8. 2023-2024 enrollment:

443, excess capacity: 87.

» Village School (opened 2011): Capacity 700 students, grades 4-6. 2023-2024 enrollment: 537, excess capacity: 163.

» Glover School (opened 2013): Capacity 425 students, grades K-3. 2023-2024 enrollment: 294, excess capacity: 131.

» Lucretia & Joseph Brown School (opened 2021): Capacity 450 students, grades K-3. 2023-2024 enrollment:

410, excess capacity: 40.

Total excess capacity across all Marblehead Public Schools: 547 students, indicating ample space to accommodate additional students within existing facilities.

Since 2013-2014, enrollment has steadily declined.

According to the Department

of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), in 20132014, there were 3,293 students enrolled in Pre-K through 12th grade, and in 2023-2024, there are 2,617 students in Pre-K through 12th grade. There are currently 676 fewer students than there were in 2013-2014. See the DESE website at tinyurl. com/2s37fy2d

The FY 2025 MPS preliminary budget includes enrollment projections over the next 10 years that predict a decline, then a slight increase in enrollment. If the projections are accurate and in 10 years there are approximately 100 more students enrolled than are currently enrolled, that will still be 576 fewer students than were enrolled in 2013-2014.

While there are concerns that zoning changes may result in the construction of more family housing, the data shows that our current schools can accommodate more than 500 additional students.

Bottom line: There is excess capacity in our schools.

Turning the Coffin School and the Eveleth School over to the town is fiscally responsible and this action will fulfill the commitments made to the town by previous school committees, building committees and ballot initiative committees. Failure to keep the promises made to turn over the old school properties to the town after new schools were built costs taxpayers money and breaks the public’s trust in the School Committee.

Sincerely,

Patricia Blackmer

Seaview Avenue

Patricia Blackmer served on the School Committee, Glover School Building Committee and the Master Plan Committee.

For override to pass, the School Committee should resign

To the editor:

If the School Committee wants to restore faith in Marblehead Schools and have any chance of having an override pass, I’d suggest they start with resigning. It could not be more clear that they have lost the trust of the community and without that trust, any override is doomed from the start.

Lawrence Schall Lee Street

A message to the School Committee

Dear School Committee members,

Thank you for volunteering your time and working hard to provide for our students and teachers in Marblehead.

I agree with Marbleheaders

For Change’s assessment about the need for more planning and honesty regarding what “fully funded” means.

We also need the present School Committee to acknowledge and take responsibility for the cost of

Looking back at Sorosis Farm

BY DAN DIXEY

mistakes made over the past several years. Specifically, the direct and indirect costs of terminating thensuperintendent Buckey. We need to include this entire expense and understand how it directly impacts resources available for our children and schools as we plan for fiscal year 2025 and beyond.

We still don’t know why this happened but apparently, we will all be expected to pay the bill.

Providing the children of Marblehead with an outstanding educational experience is an idea that everyone in town can get behind.

Please work to clearly identify the entire cost of what is needed (all of the staff needed, all of the equipment needed, all of the extracurricular student activity costs, all of the special education costs, all of the planned/estimated facility and equipment upgrades/ replacements). I would prefer to know exactly what it would take to make our school district similar to or better than other top schools in the state (Boston Latin, Lexington, Weston, etc.)

Could we study these highperforming school districts and implement their best practices?

Then, with a clear idea of the school system we desire and the total dollar cost in mind, we, as a fully informed town, can begin the hard work of figuring out how to pay for it.

Sincerely,

Michael Golden Birch Street

Re: ‘Israel’s doctors at war’

To the editor:

In the March 20 issue of the Current, Dr. Michael Fuenfer, a pediatric surgeon, reported on his volunteer service at Galilee Medical Center in the north of Israel, following the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas in Israel.

I applaud Fuenfer for his efforts to assist in the shortstaffed pediatric department there, and no doubt his expertise was beneficial to patients and staff alike.

Nevertheless, I must take issue with his claim that the Israel Defense Forces are implementing extraordinary measures to minimize civilian casualties.

Since the IDF entry into Gaza, we know that much of Gaza has been bombed, hospitals have been destroyed, populations have been sent to supposedly safe places, which were not safe.

There is widespread famine and water is scarce, sanitation is not functioning, whole communities have been demolished.

Fuenfer must know that thousands of children have been killed in Gaza. And many hundreds have had limbs amputated.

As of March 14, the United Nations Humanitarian Office cites credible reports from Gaza that over 13,000 children and at least 9,000 women have been killed since Oct. 7.

We know that famine is affecting many, and that basic human needs are unmet. The

U.S. is trying to airlift food — a poor mechanism to address this. Many see the U.S. as complicit in a form of genocide.

The Netanyahu administration is doggedly resisting the cries of much of the world to change tactics. This does not seem to bode well for Gaza, for Israel or for the United States.

Kathleen Curtis Bubier Road

Concerns regarding conduct at recent BOH meeting

To the editor: As a presenter at the last Board of Health meeting, I was more than a little disappointed that the important youth addiction theme of the meeting got sidetracked (as you reported) by an unrecognized, private sidebar discussion NOT on the agenda by all the board members.

Whatever happened to Robert’s Rules of Order (RRO); the chair’s use of the gavel to keep and maintain order; and the strict adherence to a published meeting agenda with time limits for each agenda item? There are several issues at play here. I didn’t see that or any of the above generally accepted meeting procedures followed or displayed at this meeting.

Some suggestions:

» Strict adherence to RRO protocols needs to be maintained by the chair (leader)

» Rotate the chairs for each meeting

» Name an agenda timekeeper for each meeting

Expand the BOH board to at least five members for wider town representation (The Town Meeting warrant vote should make this happen).

» Prioritize important town health and wellness issues and allot appropriate time limits for discussion.

I would respectfully suggest that BOH members informally caucus to get their collective acts together before they present themselves as “April Fools” at next month’s BOH meeting. R.A. Erbetta Chestnut Street

‘I wish I was wrong’

To the editor: What follows is what I wrote on my personal Facebook page on June 21, 2023, the day after I came last (or fourth) in the fourway race for the two open School Committee seats.

I wished I was wrong then, and I wish I was wrong now, but crikey was I ever right. What a debacle!

“I must, of course, congratulate Brian Ota and Jennifer Schaeffner on their election/reelection to the School Committee, they absolutely won fair and square, the tale of the tape never lies. However I fear for the direction that our schools is now headed under this newly constituted committee and fear still more that the gains made by Gold, Taylor, Harris and Barron

are in great jeopardy. I sincerely hope that I’m wrong.

I wish (now former superintendent) Dr. Buckey, his entire administration and faculty, indeed every school employee in the district, nothing but the very best in the coming year and sincerely hope that they get the full encouragement and support that is their due from both OUR town and OUR School Committee. Please stay involved and invested in our town and encourage others to do the same, I know I will!

Paul Baker Overlook Road

Thank you

League members

To the editor: Thank you to the Marblehead League of Women Voters for organizing and hosting last Wednesday’s forum with the School Committee. We appreciate the work League members did in securing an outside moderator for the forum and in soliciting, collecting and culling questions from the public. Thank you as well to Elizabeth Foster-Nolan for moderating the forum. To the hundreds of Marbleheaders who submitted questions for the event, attended in person and watched from home, thank you for your civic engagement. Finally, thank you to the School Committee for making time to participate in what we hope was the first of many opportunities for the community to voice concerns and ask questions of our elected officials.

Mark Libon, Cedar Street

Kate Schmeckpeper, Chestnut Street

On school participation fees

To the editor: My wife and I have had three children who have gone through the Marblehead school system and participated in sports. They all went on to the colleges of their choice. Stanford, Princeton, and BC, and all played Division 1 sports of their choice. This was prior to 2001. The system served them well with, of course, imperfections.

Sports, I would assume, are in the programs of Marblehead schools as they are considered an important part of the development of young people. I agree. (Personally, I felt it was a lifesaver to help children of that age dissipate energy that may have been directed otherwise. Even though there still seems to be enough to make imperfect decisions!)

As we are in a time of looking for increased or adequate funding for the school system, my feeling is that before we eliminate or overburden parents with the cost of the programs that we once or still value, we should look at other ways we can save money and maintain sports and other such activities. One of my objections that I had when my children were in school was:

Sheep freely wander the pastures of Sorosis Farm.

From P. A1

targeted, sensible plan that brings us into compliance without harming Marblehead’s character,” Planning Board chair Robert Schaeffner told the Marblehead Current. “It’s disappointing to see opposition driven by knee-jerk aversion to change rather than engaging with the specifics of our proposal.”

The Marblehead proposal seeks to create zoning that would allow for approximately 900 units across three multifamily housing districts totaling 54.7 acres:

— Tioga Way: 28.3 acres, capacity for 483 units at 19.2 units per acre — Pleasant Street: 20.2 acres, capacity for 297 units at 14.7 units per acre

Lawsuit

From P. A1

to student incidents.

Haskell, a career educator who lives in Nahant, had worked in MPS since October 2022.

According to the complaint, she was filling in as principal at Glover on Nov. 20 when the student restraint occurred.

McGuinness notified Haskell on March 1 that she intended to fire her “based on conduct unbecoming an employee, incompetence and untruthfulness” and scheduled a March 14 meeting with Haskell and her attorney, according to the complaint.

On March 19, McGuinness wrote to Haskell, “After your statements and the statements of your attorney at the March 14th meeting and all of the information before me, I have decided to dismiss you from

Sugarman

From P. A4

conversation to be having. But it’s far better that we all have it now, when someone’s not under duress, than when we’re caught off guard and unprepared.

— Broughton Road: 6.1 acres, capacity for 119 units at 19.5 units per acre

Together the districts allow 17.5 dwellings per acre on average. The state law requires Marblehead to rezone at least 27 acres at minimum densities of 15 units per acre.

In these districts, multifamily buildings up to 45 feet tall would be allowed by right, provided they undergo site plan review by the Planning Board. The minimum lot area per dwelling unit would range from 1,500 to 2,500 square feet, depending on the district. The zoning proposal also mandates that 10% of units be deed-restricted as affordable and establishes site plan approval procedures.

As of Wednesday, DiPiano’s petition had gathered 44 signatures towards a goal of 50

your position.”

According to Haskell’s complaint filed in Essex Superior Court, she was “exonerated” by the expert witness hired by Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting, which looked into the restraint incident.

The complaint quotes the report saying, “The finding in this incident is that Ms. Haskell did not violate the rules and regulations of the Marblehead Public Schools knowingly or with reason to know.”

According to the complaint, the report continues, “No disciplinary action should be taken against Ms. Haskell.”

The CIC report and Haskell’s complaint both describe the Nov. 20 incident. A student at recess complained of being cold, and a teacher brought him inside to find warmer clothing in the lost-and-found area. The student asked to go to the nurse and headed toward the place

to take the petition to the next level on the online platform. He argues the zoning changes will “alter the character and charm that makes Marblehead unique” and strain municipal services, traffic, parking and property values.

In a February referendum, Milton rejected its own zoning plan under the MBTA Communities Act by an 800-vote margin. Supporters of Milton’s “No” campaign argued they didn’t want Beacon Hill dictating local zoning.

Now, the state attorney general’s lawsuit seeking to force Milton to comply with the 2021 housing law has reached the Supreme Judicial Court. Justice Serge Georges ruled March 18 that the case raises important and novel questions that should be settled, ordering arguments

where medication is stored.

When the teacher tried to redirect him outside, the student became “aggressive,” and educators trained in Safety-Care techniques were called in.

According to the complaint, the student punched a teacher in the face and tried to ascend the main stairway leading up to the second floor. Haskell, who is not trained in Safety-Care, says she was asked to retrieve a blue mat, which she did. The mat was used by educators to contain the student and prevent him from hurting himself and others.

The CIC report found that the educators violated safety procedures by using the mat and dragging the student for a brief time during what is called a “reverse transport.” A reverse transport is when two people place their hands under the student’s arms and walk him backwards.

before the full seven-justice court in October.

In the meantime, the governor’s office has already begun penalizing Milton for non-compliance. Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus notified Milton officials that the town is disqualified from a $140,800 state grant.

Schaeffner warned that if Marblehead fails to adopt a compliant zoning district, it could face the same repercussions now hitting Milton.

“We’ve seen the attorney general sue Milton and the state revoke their grant funding. Those same consequences could come down on Marblehead if we don’t act,” he cautioned.

“Regardless of how anyone feels about the law, we have to

proceed in a way that protects the town.”

Schaeffner said the board worked diligently to craft a “benign” and “sensible” plan that complies with minimal impact.

“I’m sensing a reaction from people — I understand an American sort of urge to not be told what to do — this unbridled freedom thing,” Schaeffner said. “But when you look at the big picture, if you find there’s no harm to the town from a proposal that absolutely is benign, sensible and meets all the requirements.”

He added, “I don’t really understand why someone would tell us to turn it down.”

The Planning Board will hold a public hearing for Article 36 on April 9.

Rossman said Haskell is the only one of the four educators placed on leave who is not a member of the teachers union and does not have the same protections.

The complaint adds that Haskell’s four supervisors all resigned or announced their decision to leave after the incident. They include thenGlover Principal Hope Doran, former student services director Paula Donnelly and assistant director Emily Dean; and McGuinness, who notified the School Committee in January that she no longer wanted to be considered for the full-time superintendent position.

The student was brought to a “break room” where he began to cough and vomit. Teachers retrieved something from the nurse’s office, which he was able to “self-administer.” (The details here are redacted.)

“Each of these four named administrators have resigned or sent notice of their

intention to leave the school system rather than face public scrutiny for their failures in training, educating and setting administrative policies to have supported the educators in situations such as occurred here,” the complaint reads.

The complaint also alleges that McGuinness’ actions were taken “with the tacit approval of the defendant Marblehead School Committee.”

Haskell is asking for a jury trial. She has not specified how much she would be seeking in damages, but the complaint requests compensation for lost wages and benefits, including health insurance, compensation for future lost wages and benefits and compensation for emotional distress and public humiliation and embarrassment.

McGuinness and School Committee Chair Sarah Fox did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Because what you’ve just done by reading this to the end is arming yourself with the tools that could potentially save a life someday.

STEAM

From P. A1

baking soda with vinegar.

Friends Avery Crowe and Quinn Chiroco, both in first grade, partnered to create oobleck, a combination of cornstarch, water and food coloring.

Asked about her favorite part of the assignment, Chirico answered, “Working with my friend. Also, I like messy projects.”

Third grader Kaya Foster set out to determine the healthiest kind of chocolate — milk, dark or white. She cooked the milk and dark varieties herself (but ran out of time before being able to whip up some white chocolate) and compared the sugar and fat levels in the recipes.

Foster lifted a flap on her poster board to reveal that dark chocolate is the healthiest. Her display included samples of all three kinds of chocolates and, not surprisingly, her project was one of the most popular with her classmates.

Second grader Matthew explained his project on changing habitats and ecosystems. On one side, toy dinosaurs roamed the land. On the other side were modern-day wolves and foxes.

Third graders Dylan Calabrese and Hunter Tentindo built a catapult they named, “Stop Using Your Arm.” They demonstrated how their contraption could easily toss

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline and a trained lifeline counselor will be there to help. You can also bookmark my Mental Health

Resources Hub on my Mental Health Resources page at lisasugarman.com/resources, so you’ll always have the resources you need when you need them most.

Lisa Sugarman is an author, a nationally syndicated columnist, a three-time survivor of suicide loss, a mental health advocate, and a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project. She’s also a storyteller with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the host of The Suicide Survivor Series on YouTube. Lisa is also a Survivor of Suicide Loss Grief Group facilitator for Samaritans and she’s the author of “How To Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be Ok With It,” “Untying Parent Anxiety” and “LIFE: It Is What It Is.” Her work has appeared on Healthline Parenthood, GrownAndFlown, TODAY Parents, Thrive Global, The Washington Post, LittleThings, and More Content Now. Lisa lives and writes just north of Boston. Visit her online at lisasugarman. com.

items to dogs for a game of fetch.

Maeve Lyons and Nellie Schubmehl created a snowy “Mount Magnificent,” which featured a miniature ski lift and

rope tow.

“We used engineering and art to create this,” Lyons explained. “It took us a couple of weeks.”

Friends Elyse Machado and

Will Marshall bought a used skateboard, took it apart and taught themselves how to rebuild it. Then they decorated it.

“We didn’t know how many steps there were in putting it back together,” Machado said. “But it makes it more fun to skateboard now.”

Third graders Dylan Calabrese, right, and Hunter Tentindo built a catapult they named, ‘Stop Using Your Arm.’

Maeve Lyons, right, and Nellie Schubmehl created a snowy ‘Mount Magnificent,’ which featured a miniature ski lift and rope tow.

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

Kaya Foster’s project investigated which is healthiest: milk, dark or white chocolate.

Matthew built a STEAM project on habitats, which featured dinosaurs and wild animals.

Local brokers: Effect of NAR proposed settlement has been overstated

BY KRIS OLSON

The proposed settlement of litigation against the National Association of Realtors has been portrayed as a sea change and a huge win for homebuyers, but members of the local real estate industry are not so sure.

Technically, the proposed settlement eliminates the requirement that listing brokers or sellers make offers of compensation to buyer brokers. If such offers are made, there will no longer be any requirement that they be “blanket, unconditional or unilateral,” according to the language of the settlement.

But local real estate professionals do not expect such offers to disappear — or even change in any material way.

If the settlement is approved, offers of compensation for buyer brokers or representatives would also disappear from the industry database known as the Multiple Listing Service, or MLS.

Homebuyers will also be required to sign agreements

ASTr A l COUNTDOWN

with their brokers at the outset of working together, which will need to include an agreement on how the broker will be paid.

The settlement has been touted as a death knell for commissions of 6% sales commissions, which have traditionally been shared between the listing agent and buyers’ agent.

But whether that actually happens remains to be seen, say local real estate professionals.

“In all honesty, a lot of it feels like change for change’s sake,” said Jack Attridge, the head of the Attridge Group and a luxury properties specialist at William Raveis.

Compass real estate advisor

Andrew Oliver agreed. “It is not the revolutionary change people like to describe it as.”

One thing that many in the real estate industry seem to agree on is that the National Association of Realtors did not defend the case against it very well, Attridge and Oliver both said.

Attridge and Oliver also agree

that the settlement is unlikely to have much of an impact on home prices.

“If you are going to change prices, you need to reduce demand,” Attridge said. “[The settlement] has nothing to do with any impact on demand.”

Oliver concurred, “The price is set by the market. It is not set by agents.”

A common misperception is that the settlement will eliminate the practice of sellers paying commissions to buyer’s agents, Oliver said. Instead, it will merely add an extra step to the process. Where once a buyer’s agent could see the commission in the MLS database, going forward, they will have to pick up the phone or call the listing agent and ask, “What commission are you offering to the buyer’s agent?” he said.

Nothing in the settlement would prohibit that exchange of information, he noted.

In Massachusetts, a state with robust consumer protections, agents have long been required

to present their clients with a “licensee-consumer relationship disclosure,” Attridge noted.

“Buyers and sellers are very much aware of who represents whom,” he said.

Attridge added that it has long been the practice at his company when he and others first meet with sellers to have a “compensation discussion,” detailing the benefit of offering compensation to the buyer’s agent.

“One of the huge misconceptions is that NAR sets any sort of [standard] fee,” Attridge said, noting that Raveis is known as a “5% company,” which will typically but not always split that fee equally with the buyer’s agent.

Attridge said that one of his concerns with the proposed settlement will be the effect on consumers when the fee arrangement is taken out of MLS, thus becoming less transparent.

Buyers may also wind up at a disadvantage if they eschew the use of an agent to save money,

Mark the calendar for near total eclipse

Town experts highlight importance of safety during celestial event

BY WILL DOWD

On Monday, April 8, Marblehead will have the opportunity to witness a rare celestial event: a partial solar eclipse. While the town won’t experience the complete darkness of a total eclipse, the moon will cover a significant portion of the sun, offering a dramatic spectacle in the sky.

Dr. Eric Reines, an amateur astronomer, has been eagerly anticipating this event.

“Two years ago, I made reservations at an inn up in Vermont, near the Canadian border,” Reines said, explaining that the path of totality — where the moon completely covers the sun — will pass through northern New England. “Burlington, Vermont, has totality. If it’s good, it will be spectacular.”

James Keating, another Marblehead resident and former physics teacher, said some people were paying $3,395 a night in Vermont. He emphasized the rarity of solar eclipses.

“Eclipses only happen at certain times,” he explained. “The moon’s orbit sometimes is five

Memoir

From P. A1

Sullivan reflected. “I’ve had such an interesting life.”

Interesting may be an understatement. In the book, Sullivan recounts a harrowing motorcycle ride up a mountain path in Nepal, followed by a walk on wooden planks through rice paddies to reach a homebound patient. She describes the thrill of riding elephants in Thailand and marveling at architectural wonders like the Taj Mahal.

But it’s the human connections that shine through most vividly. In one section of the book, Sullivan is called to treat a construction worker who suffered a spinal cord injury after falling from a building site in Beijing.

“He was paralyzed from the waist down, with a wife and two kids to support, but there was no social safety net,” she explained.

degrees above or below the plane of the earth and sun. It has to be within 17 degrees of what we call a node for an eclipse to occur.”

In Marblehead, the partial eclipse will begin at 2:16 p.m., with the moon covering 92.838% of the sun’s surface at its peak around 3:30 p.m. While the sky will darken noticeably, Keating cautioned against looking directly at the eclipse without proper eye protection.

“Even when the earth is blocking out the sun, it still can hurt your eyes and cause great harm,” he said. “You should always wear special glasses when looking at eclipses.”

For those without eclipse glasses, Reines suggested alternative viewing methods.

“The principle of the pinhole camera works well,” he said. “If you get a colander from your kitchen and hold it out to the sun, you’ll see a lot of little crescents on the ground, which is each of the holes acting like a pinhole camera, transmitting an image of the sun.”

Reines and Keating also noted that the leaves on trees can create a similar effect, with the gaps between leaves acting as natural pinhole cameras,

“We improvised a pair of parallel bars using bamboo and cardboard to help him stand for the first time. He so desperately wanted to walk again, to work again, but all we could do was help maximize his independence with the resources available.”

Sullivan also profiles the heartbreaking case of a premature baby in Nepal who was left blind after being placed in an incubator with pure oxygen — a practice long known to cause vision damage, but still used in under-resourced hospitals. Gently working with the distraught mother, Sullivan demonstrated techniques to encourage the baby’s movement and development within the confines of the disability.

Throughout her adventures, Sullivan had the unwavering support of her partner Nancy and the Marblehead community, especially her fellow Rotarians. After a massive earthquake

projecting crescents onto the ground. They also emphasized the sense of camaraderie and wonder that eclipses can inspire.

“I remember in college when we had a partial eclipse go through campus, there was such a spirit of optimism and happiness,” Reines said. “We were all united in this natural phenomenon.”

Keating shared his experience viewing the 2017 total eclipse in North Carolina.

“I have pictures of the eclipse and the ground around where I saw it,” he said. “I was on top of a mountain, and it was just spectacular.”

Keating and Reines said this month’s eclipse is more than just a rare, unifying and beautiful event.

“Eclipses have held significant cultural and scientific importance throughout history,” Keating noted. “They serve as a reminder of the wonders of the universe and our ongoing quest to understand it.”

For those interested in safely observing the partial eclipse, NASA provides a straightforward guide on making a pinhole camera, accessible here: tinyurl.com/3h8tucwc.

he added.

There is also an opportunity for discrimination within the new proposed guidelines, he added. At a minimum, there are some wrinkles to be ironed out. For example, the Veterans Administration loan process does not allow veterans to pay for an agent, Attridge noted.

First-time homebuyers — including minorities — could also be put at a disadvantage, given what may be less of a capacity to pay a broker’s fee out of pocket rather than through the sale proceeds, he said.

Attridge said that he does see one positive to the settlement. In theory, full-time professionals like himself will be at an advantage as buyers bring new scrutiny to who is representing them.

“People who take it more casually may not provide the level of service buyers are going to be keenly aware of, now that they are paying out of pocket,” Attridge said.

Oliver agreed, “If you want good service, you pay for it.”

UNPACKING SOLAR ECLIPSES

The following facts were gathered through interviews with Marblehead residents James Keating, a former physics teacher, and Dr. Eric Reines, an amateur astronomer, as well as NASA’s factsheet on the 2024 total solar eclipse.

The path of totality for this month’s eclipse will pass over parts of Mexico, the United States and Canada. This will be the last total solar eclipse visible from the contiguous U.S. until 2044.

» During the eclipse, animals may exhibit unusual behavior, as the sudden darkness can confuse them into thinking it’s nighttime.

» The ancient Chinese and Mayans were skilled at predicting solar eclipses through careful record-keeping. They understood the saros cycle, a period of roughly 18 years after which eclipses repeat. Historical records show that total solar eclipses have been observed and documented by civilizations for thousands of years. One of the earliest recorded eclipses occurred over Nineveh, ancient Assyria, around 763 BC.

» The sun and moon appear to be the same size in the sky because the sun is 400 times larger than the moon but also 400 times further away. This unique celestial geometry is what enables total solar eclipses to occur on Earth.

» The moon is slowly drifting away from Earth at a rate of about one centimeter per year due to tidal friction. In the distant future, total solar eclipses will no longer be possible as the moon will appear too small to fully cover the sun.

Temperature drops during a total solar eclipse are significant and noticeable. As the sun’s rays are blocked, temperatures can fall by as much as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, creating a sudden, twilight chill.

» Solar eclipses have played a significant role in validating physicist Albert Einstein’s theory of general relativity. During the 1919 eclipse, Sir Arthur Eddington measured the bending of starlight by the sun’s gravity, confirming Einstein’s predictions.

—WIll Dowd

struck Nepal in 2015, she worked with the Marblehead Harbor Rotary to secure a $75,000 grant to bring physical therapy equipment and advanced training to rural areas.

“Nepal Medical Association’s promise of money,” Sullivan explained. “They withdrew their funding. So all of a sudden now I was down thousands of dollars.”

Local Rotarians helped

Sullivan make up the shortfall through fundraising. In total, the project delivered around $100,000 in equipment and training to Nepalese physical therapists over four years.

Rotarian Francie King, who served as one of the editors of Sullivan’s book, praised her friend’s compassion and spirit of adventure.

“Trish has a world of

experience as a PT and bringing that experience to far-flung audiences began sort of by accident, as she tells her reader. But then, taking that singular experience and traveling with it and being open to new countries and cultures was pure Trish.”

King exclaimed. “She was and is an individual uniquely unafraid of the strange and wonderful. I think this comes through well in the book.”

Sullivan hopes her memoir will open readers’ eyes to both the needs and the potential that exist in the wider world.

“Boston, Bangkok, Bombay & Beyond” is available through Amazon at tinyurl. com/6nk5emnj. On April 10 at 12:30 p.m., the Council on Aging hosts Sullivan for a presentation and book signing at the Jacobi Community Center. She also hopes to have an author talk at Abbot Public Library in the fall.

COURTESY PHOTO

Dr. Patricia Sullivan teaches a young patient Mandarin by singing ‘Old MacDonald’ together.

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CURIOUS

Why should a student participating in a school sport also have to spend time in a gym class? Why can’t the sport be credited for gym? I would also agree to this for theater and other activities. I brought this up at the time my children participated, as all my children participated in outside activities as well as their sports at Marblehead High School, which limited their study time. Scholastically and health-wise, they would have been better served with a 45-minute study period rather than a gym class that frankly did not engage them. If such sports credit was given, our requirement for gym teachers would decrease and thus save significant money on such a position.

April Showers Us With Beautiful Art!

Sincerely,

Robbie

Doyle Norman Street P.S. There are many other ways to save money, and there may be a need for more. But let’s see common sense applied and the community will support the schools. And fewer lawsuits and paid leave positions.

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Star

Sports

Globe trotter

With Tokyo Marathon, Bontaites completes world majors quest

BY KRIS OLSON

A lifelong athlete who played club lacrosse at Boston University, Marblehead resident AnneMette Bontaites figured that, by the time she turned 40, she would have added a marathon finisher’s medal to her trophy case.

After that milestone came and went, one of Bontaites’ friends convinced her that it was not too late. They set their sights on the 2014 New York Marathon.

Still, even if they were able to get runner’s bibs — which they did — Bontaites figured she would be “one and done” as a marathoner.

How wrong she was.

Last month, after she crossed the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon, Bontaites was handed a Six Star Medal, signifying her completion of the entire Abbott World Marathon Majors circuit. If that were not enough, Bontaites’ running shoes have taken her not only to London, Tokyo, Berlin, Chicago, New York and Boston for the six majors, but to Paris, Florence, Italy, and Copenhagen in her native Denmark, Along the way, Bontaites got more serious about her performance, partially out of necessity. Marathoners generally gain entry into races one of two ways: by latching onto certain charitable causes and meeting fundraising targets or by posting a fast enough time in a sanctioned race to qualify.

Bontaites and her childhood friend from Denmark used that first door to get into the New

Marblehead’s

York Marathon, running the race to benefit research into the blood cancer multiple myeloma.

“We agreed that we would do it [together] from beginning to end, so if I had to stop, she had to stop,” Bontaites said. “We just kind of laughed and talked the whole way through.”

But around Mile 18, the friend floated an idea that proved irresistible.

“She said, ‘The least you could do, since I came all the way to New York, would be to run Copenhagen and run the next one at home. I don’t think you’re done with this,’” Bontaites said.

Medals in hand, the pair went back to their hotel room and signed up for the Copenhagen Marathon about six months later.

“It became the beginning of not just a one-and-done but this journey to challenge myself physically and mentally,” Bontaites said.

She added that she will forever be grateful to her husband and her three children, who were ages 12, 10 and 8 when she

Pickleball tourney helps field effort

Marblehead Pickleball is hosting a tournament April 27-28 to raise money for Fund the Field, to replace Piper Field at the high school.

The tournament will have morning and afternoon sessions at the Veterans School pickleball courts. Players can sign up for one or both days, at $60 per day. Everyone who registers will receive a t-shirt. There will be medals for winners. All skill levels are welcome and you don’t need to come with a partner to play.

Fund the Field organizers are $130,000 shy of their $1 million goal.

For more information, visit https://loom.ly/B7sOxmM.

started, for allowing her to chase her dream.

Given that she was starting her career of running 26.2 miles a little later in life than many, Bontaites said she figured it would be smart to take her training seriously, beginning her program about 20 weeks in advance of the races.

The preparation involved running progressively longer distances initially at least three or four days a week,

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Last year, the Marblehead High boys lacrosse team had one of those dream seasons.

They won the Northeastern Conference title again — their fifth conquest in a row — with a perfect 18-0 record, and were seeded seventh in the Division 2 state tournament, where they went on to defeat Boston Latin (11-5), Milton (16-8) and Nauset (13-9) in the Elite 8 game, before dropping a 12-4 decision to Duxbury in a rain delayed state semifinal game at Weymouth.

But coach John Wilkens, who has been coaching the team since 2002, and his returning veterans have since moved on looking for continued success in the NEC and beyond.

While it will be difficult to replace the offensive firepower of Baxter Jennings, Carter Laramie and Connor Cronin, Wilkens thinks the versatility of his veterans

incorporating some cross training, and then tapering off those distances as race day neared.

“It’s important to rest your body and not overexert yourself because your body does have to heal,” she said.

After New York, a personal challenge

Each of the six majors is memorable in its own way, Bontaites said.

“New York was fabulous on so many levels,” she said. “The crowds are incredible.”

Runners traverse five different boroughs, and each has a different vibe and feel, Bontaites said.

When she trains, Bontaites said she runs with earphones in, which helps pass the time.

But, with her best friend at her side, she was not going to tune

should help to overcome those losses.

“We definitely have a lot of work to do, especially on offense, where we have to figure out who will be our go-to guys,” Wilkens said.

But he has good numbers to work with this year with about 50 showing up for the first day of practice.

Those who don’t make varsity will be playing for veteran JV coach Ron Zagarri, who has been with Wilkens the last four years.

J.J. Pollender, Eliot Pluss, Cam Waldman and Charlie Grenier, who have been in the program all four years, are the team’s captains this spring.

Hogan Sedky and Charlie Grenier, fresh from leading the boys hockey team to the state championship, Wilson Bullard, Bodie Smith, sophomore goalie Finn Gallup, Pollender and Pluss will solidify the defensive end of the field.

Charlie’s younger brother Toby Grenier, another hockey state champ, will be counted on to win faceoffs.

Senior Cam Waldman, junior

Sean Dolan and freshman Will Sullivan, who also played pivotal roles on the boys hockey state championship team, are ready to be prominent members of the lacrosse squad, as well.

“Before we worry about anybody else, we have to worry about ourselves first,” said Wilkens. But it’s good that we have a lot of multiple sport athletes on this roster, which should help us achieve our goals this year, starting with winning another conference title.”

The 2024 season is already underway. The Magicians took on host Winchester on March 30 after press deadline. They have since returned home to get ready for the Piper opener tomorrow (April 4) against Newburyport, starting at 5 p.m.

TOKYO: An ebullient AnneMette Bontaites gets her Tokyo Marathon underway last month amid a pack of runners.

LONDON: While Boston was certainly special, none of the world’s six major marathons matched the energy she experienced in England, AnneMette Bontaites says.

BERLIN: For Denmark native AnneMette Bontaites, running the Berlin Marathon in 2019 was a homecoming of sorts.

BOSTON: AnneMette Bontaites sought refuge in the porta-potties along the route, which proved to be essential in helping her complete the race.

Gold predicts postseason for his team

Magicians open up against Salem later today at home

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Starting the season with an extremely young squad, coach Johnny Gold’s Marblehead High softball team ended up with a 9-11 record in 2023, just missing the postseason. They were ranked 37th in Division 2, which is made up of 61 teams.

Gold, who has been along the Marblehead sidelines since 2002, is “really excited” about the potential of this year’s club. He is carrying eight sophomores, two juniors and seven seniors on varsity this spring. There are another 17 on the JVs.

“We’ll be extremely competitive,” promises Gold.

The veteran coach’s optimism stems from the fact that sophomore pitcher Tessa Francis is back after suffering a concussion last year as a result of sliding into second base.

Co-captain Ruby Calienes will be the starting second base but can also backup Francis in the circle if necessary. Calienes made the NEC’s All-Conference team last year as a pitcher after

Bontaites

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out any part of the day.

“I just soaked it all in, and just kind of let myself be part of the overall experience,” she said.

One part of that experience was humbling, Bontaites explained. Around Mile 8, there is a huge television set up in Brooklyn, where the crowd and runners alike can see what’s happening ahead of them at the finish line. In Bontaites’ case, that meant watching the world’s elite runners crossing the finish line, even as she still had twothirds of the race to go.

“It was pretty inspiring to see them going through what looked to be effortlessly the finish line as we were beginning our journey,” she said.

After running in New York and Copenhagen, Bontaites set her sights on her hometown race, the Boston Marathon in 2018. But asking again for donations from the people who had generously supported the multiple myeloma charity did not feel quite right, so Bontaites decided to challenge herself to post a qualifying time, which for her age group was three hours, 55 minutes.

“I worked with a coach whose company is called Going the Distance, and he had a 97% success rate of having people qualify for Boston,” Bontaites explained. “I thought, ‘I’m not gonna be the 3% that does not qualify.’”

The training felt like a second full-time job, Bontaites said. But it did the trick. She ran the Marine Corps Marathon in 3:49, far enough from the qualifying line that she was assured a bib, even if an inordinate number of would-be qualifiers tried to sneak in just under the 3:55 line.

“After I did that, I was like, ‘You know what? That is more than I ever thought I could possibly accomplish,’” she said.

Chipping away at the world

taking over those chores from the injured Francis. She also started a triple play to get out of an inning quickly.

“Francis pitched a couple of games last year before she got hurt, and she showed us that she’s the real deal,” said Gold.

Catching Francis will be junior Luka Bornhorst. Bornhorst led the team in all offensive categories last year, according to Gold. “She’s a great catcher, who has excellent speed on the basepaths,” the coach added. “To me, she’s already a Division 1 or 2 college prospect. She’s extremely athletic, and despite her height (5-foot-10), she gets low behind the plate to create a good target for the pitchers. I’ve had a number of fine catchers over the years, but right now she’s as good as anyone I have ever seen back there.”

Senior Ila Bumargin, the team’s other captain, would have been the starting left fielder this year, but she sustained a torn ACL two weeks ago, and will be out for the season after also missing most of last year with a broken finger. The rash of bad luck injuries has not affected her team spirit. “She still shows up every day helping our JV pitchers,” said Gold. “She’s planning to go to college next year in Ireland.”

major races became the primary goal, her times less important.

“Not that my times weren’t desirable, but they definitely were never going to be the 3:49 ever again, and I was OK with that,” she said.

Two types of rain

The weather — “sleety, rainy, horrific conditions” — threw Bontaites a curveball in Boston.

Along the route, Bontaites sought out solace in the portapotties, just to have a moment of warmth.

“It was like a survival thing,” she said.

Indeed, she would later learn that several of her friends had to be pulled off the course after developing extreme hypothermia.

Given the conditions, Bontaites figured that she would not see many people lining the streets. But she was wrong.

“I mean, I had to be there because I was running the marathon,” she said. “But I thought, ‘If you don’t have to do this, why on God’s green earth are you out here?’”

She continued, “It just goes to show the strength and the power in the community of Boston, and how much they really come out to support the runners, support their people.”

The sense of accomplishment of finishing that miserable race propelled Bontaites to finish the series.

“I might have just called it ‘two and done,’” she said. “But then I thought, ‘OK, it can’t get any worse than that.”

Next up was Berlin in 2019, which allowed Bontaites to visit with family in Denmark ahead of the race. The friend who had run New York with her had injured her knees and could not run but was there as a cheerleader. However, she did have a running companion, Ann Massey of Swampscott, who had embarked on her own quest to complete

MHS VA rSiTY SCHEDU lE

Wednesday, April 3

4 p.m., baseball, vs. Danvers, at Twi Field, Danvers 4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. ManchesterEssex, at Marblehead High 4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Manchester-Essex, at Manchester-Essex Regional High

4:30 p.m., softball, vs. Salem, at Marblehead Veterans Middle School

Thursday, April 4

5 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Newburyport, at MHS Piper Field

Friday, April 5 4 p.m., baseball, vs. Gloucester, at Seaside Park

4 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, vs. Gloucester, at Gloucester High

4 p.m., softball, vs. Saugus, at Belmonte School, Saugus

Monday, April 8

Senior Eva Walton is slated to be the designated hitter/ utility player. Sophomore Tessa Andriano will handle the third base chores. “She has a big arm and bat,” said Gold.

Sophomore Hailey Schmitt suffered a high ankle sprain last year, but she’s now back at shortstop. “She’s quick, who likes to slide headfirst into the

the world majors.

It rained throughout the race in Berlin, too, but unlike Boston, it was a warm, pleasant rain and did not detract from the experience at all as Bontaites and Massey — their ambitions for posting a fast time kept in check by some minor training injuries — soaked in the history of old Berlin and new Berlin and listened to the music being played along the route.

Family affair

Bontaites’ next marathon was a family affair. She and her sister, who lives in Chicago, ran the 2021 race on the same day, though not in tandem.

The race culminated with a big family celebration.

“All the cousins got to hang out together and celebrate their moms finishing this race, so that was special and, I’ve been told, very inspiring for our kids,” she said.

London in 2023 was Bontaites’ penultimate race in the majors circuit. She ran for Whiz Kids, a charity that raises funds to provide wheelchairs for children in the U.K.

The vast majority of participants in the London Marathon are running for charity, which brings out throngs of enthusiastic volunteers and supporters connected with those charities, creating an energy that trumps even Boston, which is saying a lot, Bontaites said.

“The crowds and the energy are just off the charts,” she said. “You just are uplifted the entire way. The course from beginning to end is absolutely breathtaking. There’s never any downtime or sleepy parts of the route. It just is absolutely gorgeous. But the power of the charities and the communities and those who live in London who come to cheer you on is really like nothing else.”

Grand finale

Like Bontaites, most runners who finish the world majors tend

4 p.m., softball, vs. Reading, at Reading Memorial High 4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, vs. Beverly, at Beverly High 4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Beverly, at MHS Piper Field 4:30 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Beverly, at Marblehead High 4:30 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Beverly, at Beverly High

5 p.m., baseball, vs. ManchesterEssex, at Seaside Park

bases,” said Gold. Schmitt will be alongside Calienes, the team’s aforementioned second baseman, and catching their throws to first will be junior Lyla McGovern.

Senior Sophia Hailsey will replace Bumargin in left. She has a good arm and bat, according to Gold. Sophomore Ashley Mortensen is the team’s returning centerfielder with her twin sister Isabel in right.

“Ashley was our defensive player of the year last spring. She is also a really good lefty hitter for us,” said Gold, “while her

to use Tokyo as their “grand finale,” given the distance they need to travel to get there.

The race is also very difficult to get into. For this year’s race, there were over 300,000 applicants, and about 80% of the spots are reserved for the world’s elite runners.

Bontaites would again be running for charity, but that offered no guarantees.

“They want to make sure that your heart is in the right place, and that you truly have a connection to the charity,” Bontaites said.

She ran for Ronald McDonald House, writing in her essay about friends who have children who have gone through pediatric cancer and the importance of ensuring that families have comfortable places to go while their children are undergoing treatment.

Bontaites had been advised not to expect the crowds to be as boisterous as in the United States and London “because that’s just not how Japanese people are wired.”

The race met that expectation. There was some quiet clapping and enthusiastic head nods, but no yelling and screaming.

“You could see the warmth and the happiness and the support and the love from the locals, but it wasn’t this bananas crazy United States mentality as people are running by,” Bontaites said. “It was definitely much more of a ‘we’re here for you, but we respect that this is your time, and this is your journey, so we’re politely cheering you on.’”

One of the defining characteristics of the world majors is that runners will be immersed in a rich cultural experience while on the route.

By this measure, Tokyo certainly qualifies, Bontaites said. Runners pass through any number of historic sites and Shibuya, Tokyo’s equivalent of

Tuesday, April 9 4 p.m., unified track, vs. Everett, at Marblehead Village School track

Wednesday, April 10 4 p.m., softball, vs. Gloucester, at Marblehead Veterans Middle School

4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Swampscott, at Swampscott High

4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Swampscott, at Marblehead

twin sister bats right, and can also fill in behind the plate.”

Gold boldly predicts that his club will make the state tournament this year, despite playing some formidable nonleague opponents ansfield, Reading, Boston Latin twice, Ipswich and Whittier Tech and taking on Peabody once, arguably one of the four best teams in the state.

The Magicians begin the regular season at home later today (April 3) against Salem, starting at 4 p.m.

“Salem beat us twice last year, so we’ll have something to prove against them,” said Gold.

Times Square.

“When you cross the finish line, you do it right by the Imperial Palace,” Bontaites said.

Like the other runners, Bontaites got her Tokyo medal. Then, she was ushered over to where cheering representatives of the other world major marathons were waiting to offer hugs and take pictures with the newest members of an exclusive club that now numbers about 13,000 worldwide.

“You feel like you just hit the jackpot,” Bontaites said. “It was pretty, pretty incredible.”

Even though she was about 6,700 miles from home, Bontaites was joined in Tokyo by her friend and fellow runner, Jenny Lakey, and her husband. They did some sightseeing together, having arrived in Japan early enough to shake off the jet lag and acclimate to the time change.

Bontaites and Lakey were in different corrals at the start of the race, but Bontaites caught up to her at Mile 22, and they ran the final 4.2 miles together.

“That was another pretty incredible moment and a great way to finish that race, in and of itself,” she said.

What’s next?

As for her next goal, Bontaites said she would like to find a way to redirect her energy to benefit others. A CEO for whom she used to work is involved in Achilles International, which trains people who are blind, deaf or have other disabilities to participate in endurance events around the globe.

There are other innovative programs that pair distance runners with homeless people.

“I’m not going to say I’m done with marathons, but [the Six Star Medal] gives you the opportunity to say, ‘OK, I’ve checked this big box. How do I take that and give back with the time that I otherwise have been training?’” she said.

High

Thursday, April 11 4 p.m., baseball, vs. Peabody, at Seaside Park 4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Saugus, at Saugus High

4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Swampscott, at Blocksidge Field, Swampscott 4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse vs. Swampscott, at MHS Piper Field

COURTESY PHOTO

Marblehead High sophomore softball pitcher Tessa Francis has been dazzling hitters for several years, including in this photo of her as a Marblehead Softball Little League all-star hurler. Francis suffered a concussion last spring after pitching well in two early season games. Coach Johnny Gold calls Francis “the real deal” in the circle after briefly seeing her throw last year before the injury.

Versatility is name of the game on MHS diamond

BY JOE MCCONNELL

No Marblehead High sports fan will ever forget the baseball team’s late surge that led to a memorable postseason last spring.

The Magicians ended up 12-8 in the regular season and were the 29th seed in the Division 2 power rankings. They won a highscoring thriller against visiting Somerville, 13-11, to begin the postseason in a preliminary round game, before making their own marathon trip to Hopkinton, where they upset the Hillers, 8-4 in the Round of 32. They then had to travel further west for a Sweet 16 game, only to drop a close 4-1 decision

SilVEr SCrEEN

sophomores and 16 freshmen rounded out the list of signups.

Seniors Bodie Bartram, Riley Schmitt, Jake Scogland, Charlie Sachs, Matt Mahan, Brooks Keefe and Chris Cannuscio are back from last year’s winning campaign, along with junior Stefan Shepard. Nathan Berry, Chris DeWitt, Wyatt Foley, Michael McCormick and Andrew Palmer are the remaining seniors on the varsity roster.

Giardi says this year’s team’s most valuable asset is its versatility.

catcher (David Bartram) and starting centerfielder (Shane Keough) to graduation,” he said.

Cannuscio, who was the star closer on last year’s squad, Mahan, Keefe and Sachs will all see time on the mound this spring.

As always, the team’s No. 1 goal is to qualify for the state tournament by going at least .500 or being in the Top 32 in the power rankings.

But to get there, they have to get through some formidable competition.

(won’t be easy outs), so we are hoping to stay competitive with them. They are all well-coached and have solid pitching across the board. In the other division, Salem, Peabody, Winthrop, Saugus and Swampscott also has good coaching to go along with solid performers on the mound and at the plate. It will be a tough year for us if we don’t come ready to play against all these clubs.”

to host Westfield. It was definitely a fun ride, but now it’s time to begin another season.

Coach Mike Giardi

welcomed 54 players to tryouts on March 18. A total of 24 seniors and juniors signed up, 12 from each class. Fourteen

“We have a ton of players that can play a ton of positions, but we lost our No. 1 pitcher (Ian Maude), starting

“Our league (Northeastern Conference) will be extremely tough,” said Giardi. “Masco, Gloucester, Beverly and Danvers in our division

The Magicians will begin the season later today (April 3) at Danvers, starting at 4 p.m. They will then come home to face Gloucester two days later at Seaside, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

Teen filmmaker shares love of movies with seniors

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead High School senior Wyatt Foley, who co-wrote and directed the movie “Currently a Paperboy,” says leading an intergenerational film club at the Council on Aging has made him a better filmmaker.

“Totally. By hearing different perspectives, your work can be more dimensional,” Foley told the Current. “That way, your movies can have something everyone can relate to.”

Foley and several MHS students met with seniors at the COA every week, January through March, to watch and discuss movies. In what they call the Discover Movie Magic Club, they have watched everything from “Dr. Strangelove” to “Good Will Hunting,” “The Talented Mr. Ripley” to “Marie Antoinette.” Of course, they watched Foley’s movie, “Currently a Paperboy,” too.

When asked what criteria he used to pick the movies, Foley said, “I wanted films with good stories that would create a debate and give us things to talk about. Also, ones that were done well technically.”

Foley especially appreciated watching Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” and the discussion

Schools

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“It’s important that we’re open to hearing about it,” said member Al Williams.

But he added that he does not believe a parent should be able to ban material for all students. Diversity, equity and inclusion

The committee was asked if funding was not an issue, would they hire a diversity, equity and inclusion director for the district.

Williams answered with a definitive “yes.”

“I would definitely add the position,” he said. “We’re still a pretty homogenous society in Marblehead, and understanding and working on racism is important and is lifelong learning.”

Taylor said any DEI position would need to have measurable goals.

“It would need to be outlined very clearly,” she said. “There are a lot of misconceptions about what DEI is in general and what its purpose is. Before that is considered, there would need to be an outline for what the measurable goals would be.”

METCO Committee members also answered a question about METCO. Member Brian Ota called it a “wonderful program” but added that he would like Marblehead to be able to see

on race relations that came after.

Lee Mondale shared her memories of watching TV coverage of Civil Rights leaders being beaten as they tried to cross the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, in 1965.

Vincent Carotenuto talked about the tense race relations in New York City when he was growing up there decades ago.

“Each movie was different,”

said Pinny Randall. “We discuss when it was made and tie it into events happening around us.”

In addition to race, discussions touched on wealth inequality, power and mental health.

Foley said it was interesting to watch the movies with a new perspective.

“It’s great to be able to understand things from an older person’s point of view,” he said.

Foley also shared moviemaking tips with the seniors, which gave them a greater appreciation for the art.

“Now, I try to imagine the editing and filming,” Mondale said. “‘Oppenheimer’ just won an Oscar for Best Sound, and I want to go back and watch it again to pay more attention to that.”

Most of the older folks agreed that Foley’s “Currently

a Paperboy” was their favorite movie to watch and discuss.

“I loved seeing the way you used the scenery, all over town,” Randall said to Foley. “It was really cool how you brought in a lot of the community.”

Mondale added, “It was a great look into teen life today. It is definitely different from my teenage years.”

Carotenuto, who comes to the club with his wife, Harriet, said he appreciates how Foley organized each meeting and discussion.

“He’s learning from the perspective of older people, even though we know teenagers know it all,” he said with a laugh. “He was humble.”

Carotenuto got a kick out of how Foley would fast forward through sex scenes.

“I was embarrassed,” Foley said sheepishly.

Foley graduates this spring and will study film at Wesleyan University. MHS students Quinn Scheib, Matias Watts Cruz and Phineas Jakious will take over the Discovery Movie Magic Club next year.

“Currently a Paperboy” played several sold-out shows at the Warwick Cinema and can be viewed at youtube.com/ watch?v=6detdZn9Dpk.

information about prospective METCO students before they arrive. By knowing more about students before they arrive, the district may be better prepared to support them, he said. Flag policy Schaeffner, who sits on the policy subcommittee, said the full School Committee should have a flag policy to discuss sometime after Town Meeting in May.

Many students and community members have protested a draft policy that

would only allow Marblehead, state and U.S. flags on school property. That draft policy would also permit people to ask the School Committee for permission to post other flags and banners on a 30-day basis.

Schaeffner agreed that they might write into the policy other designees, rather than the committee itself, to make decisions on those temporary flags.

The town policy, approved by the Select Board, designates Town Administrator Thatcher

Kezer to make those decisions.

Some people are asking that principals be allowed to decide. Self-evaluations, goals

Another question asked the committee if it would be doing a self-evaluation, as is its policy.

Members said because of the “chaos” of filling several positions early this year, the committee did not establish goals for this year, but they hope to for next year.

Williams, who joined the board earlier this year filling a vacant seat, said he would like

to see the committee “be a little more high-functioning team and earn the respect of the town we service… respecting different opinions and being open to different viewpoints.”

Most members agreed that improving communication is important.

“To improve our image and trust in the School Committee, we really have to focus on communication,” Ota said. “We need to get the word out on what we’re doing, why we’re doing it and invite feedback.”

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

MHS senior Wyatt Foley, center, led the Discovery Movie Magic Club at the Council on Aging. With him are,

from left, Joie Mayo, Lee Mondale, Pinny Randall, Harriet Carotenuto, Vincent Carotenuto and COA Executive Director Lisa Hooper.

CURRENT PHOTO / KEN MAGAH Marblehead relief pitcher Chris Cannuscio closes out the upset win over host Hopkinton in a Division 2 Round of 32 tournament game last year. Cannuscio returns this year as one of the senior hurlers, who hope to get their teammates back to the postseason in June.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The School Committee answers questions from a League of Women Voters moderator at a crowded meeting on March 27.

Festival of Arts reveals Concerts @ Crocker lineup

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The 58th Marblehead Festival of Arts has announced this summer’s Concerts @ Crocker Park lineup, featuring more than 75 musicians and genres, including jazz, salsa, Cajun/ zydeco, reggae, folk, soul, R&B and rock ‘n’roll.

“Our goal is to bring families, friends and the North Shore community together under the umbrella of music,”said Performing Arts chair and Concerts @ Crocker Park producer Brian Wheeler.

Here’s a look at the schedule:

Wednesday, July 3

6 p.m. Jazz with the Debby Larkin/Jeff Stout Quintet

8 p.m. Latin dance and reggae with Combo Sabros

Thursday, July 4

11:30 a.m.-noon Classic rockers

Squall House

12:15 p.m.-1 p.m. Marblehead

School of Music

2 p.m. Indie alt rock band River Sang Wild

6 p.m. Pop funk with The Far Out

8 p.m. 10-piece Big Ol’Dirty

Bucket band with R&B, funk and soul

This evening will also feature the traditional singing of the national anthem with the harbor illumination and fireworks countdown.

Friday, July 5

Noon Obscure Notation with jazz/fusion

2 p.m. Home-town favorite

The Gus Percy Band with R&B

6 p.m. Blue Tomorrow with indie/folk rock

8 p.m. Soul Rebel Project with reggae

Saturday, July 6 Noon Wakefield School of Rock

Concerts @ Crocker are a hit every summer at the Festival of Arts. Check out this year’s lineup. CU

2 p.m. The Christine Lucas Band with rock/soul

6 p.m. The Jorgan Quartet with jazz and blues

8 p.m. The Squeeze Box Stompers with Cajun/zydeco Learn more at marbleheadfestival.org/ performingarts.

Check out 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

‘At the Shore’ photography exhibit

Now through April 29

The Stetson Gallery at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St., is displaying the work of local photographer Leah Bokenkamp. The exhibit

“At the Shore” features color and black-and-white photographs taken at the edge of the sea. This exhibit spans an array of images: expansive views of the water using a technique called panning (which creates a painted look), arrangements of found rocks and shells, and images of the rocky coast with swirling water.

The public is invited to an opening reception Sunday, April 7, noon-1:30 p.m.

MPS spring concerts

Wednesdays, April 3 and 10, 7 p.m.

The MPS spring concerts are underway. Come listen to Marblehead music students, grades 4-12, performing. The concerts are free and open to all.

The all-strings concert is at the Veterans School Performing Arts Center, while the all-jazz concert is at the Marblehead High School Theater.

‘Mother of the Maid’ at MLT

Friday, April 5 through Sunday, April 14

Experience the emotional tale of “Mother of the Maid,” a portrayal of Joan of Arc’s story told through her mother’s eyes at the Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St.

Mother of the Maid tells the story of Isabelle Arc, the courageous mother of Joan of Arc. Set against the backdrop of the Hundred Years’ War, Joan embarks on her divine mission to lead the French army against the English, as Isabelle grapples with fear, uncertainty and unwavering maternal love.

Written by acclaimed playwright Jane Anderson, produced by Elaine Leahy and directed by Hannah Schuurman, “Mother of the Maid” explores sacrifice, faith and the enduring bond between a mother and her child. More information and tickets at mltlive.org.

Headwinds at Me&Thee

Friday, April 5, 8 p.m.

Me&Thee Music opens its spring season with the songwriting duo Pete and Maura Kennedy performing their new collection of original, socially conscious songs from their album “Headwinds.”

They’ll present an evening of acoustic and electric guitar, vintage steel guitar, slide ukulele and more that draws on the soundscape of American roots. For more information and tickets, visit meandthee.org.

Meet a celebrity chef

Saturday, April 6, 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

The Marblehead Current invites you to an event with PBS celebrity chef and cookbook author Mary Ann Esposito as she discusses her most recent book, “Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook!” at Caffe Italia, 10 School St.

Esposito will go through the entire season-byseason culinary process from gardening to more than 100 easy, Italianinspired recipes. She describes her award-winning book as “a seasonal home garden vegetable journey focusing on simple growing tips for anyone interested in growing their own vegetables and how to cook them Italian style. No green thumb necessary.”

Tickets are available at marbleheadcurrent.org/home/ upcoming-current-events/.

Taste of the North Shore

Wednesday, April 10, 6:30 p.m.

After nearly a decade, Taste of the North Shore is back at Temple Emanu-El. Come sample tastings from 18 North Shore caterers and restauants.

Marblehead establishments include: Sea Salt, Maria’s Gourmet, Amores Mexican Kitchen, Soall Viet Kitchen, Elia Taverna and Three Hundred Fifty Bakery. $80 per ticket. For more info, visit emanu-el.org/taste-of-thenorth-shore.html.

Where science meets taste buds

Out-of-town aficionado impartially evaluates local pizza

BY BETTE KEVA

When Trevor Radomski, 21, of Rochester, New York, came to Marblehead to visit his girlfriend, Alysa Eizenga, 22, over spring break, he found himself with enough free time that he naturally decided to fill it by eating all the pizza he could find.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pound cybersecurity major from Rochester Institute of Technology couldn’t believe his luck in being able to amble around this quaint, Colonial-era town and find one pizza joint after the next. With a week to immerse himself in gastronomic research before boarding the Amtrak back to New York, the lanky scholar set out to taste two slices of pepperoni pizza in as many greasy spoons as he could find in historic Marblehead.

But first, it’s helpful to know from whence came Radomski. His campus at RIT boasts seven to 10 eateries (15, if you’re counting cafes, convenience stores and a wall of vending machines).

But are RIT’s restaurants comparable to what we have here in Marblehead, where no fast food dare enter; where McDonald’s, Burger King, KFC, Subway and other such pre-made takeaways are kept outside the town’s borders?

“I was struck by the fact that there are no chains here. In Henrietta, where RIT is, it’s hard to find out about family-owned restaurants,” said Radomski. “We have three colleges, so it’s a breeding ground for chains. The three main roads connecting the colleges are dense commercial strips. Family-owned is scarce. No one-off restaurants. This is a nice change of pace. Every slice from each of the four restaurants — Tony’s Pizza, House of Pizza, Café Vesuvius and Mino’s Roast Beef — was different.”

However, the pepperoni at all four restaurants basically tasted the same, according to Radomski, so he did include that in his evaluation. Instead, his criteria included: crust, tomato sauce, cheese, price, ease of ordering and paying.

In his own words, here is Radomski’s assessment.

Tony’s Pizza

1 School St., 781-639-8669

Crust: Thin, not crunchy, floppy (not in a bad way). There’s an audience for that (including me), and for that,

Tony’s is your place.

Sauce and cheese: The right amount — not too much. It was greasy. You have to fold it in half to eat, but it’s good. I like those slices.

Price: $6 for two slices.

Ordering: Not tech-friendly, but you can call. Good seating.

House of Pizza

7 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-4898

Crust: Thicker than Tony’s; in fact, it was the thickest crust of all four. I wouldn’t say crunchy, but crisp and airy. It can support itself on its way into your mouth. It has a noticeably flavorful crust. I don’t know what the flavors are; the others were just bread. Best crust by far. (House of Pizza is similar to Pizza Hut for the dough.)

Sauce and cheese: Average. Sauce-to-bread ratio was very good. In a doughy slice, you don’t want too little sauce or else you taste too much bread.

According to the restaurant, Marblehead House of Pizza is

Greek style. It is not a chain and is family-owned.

Price: $5 for two slices.

Ordering: This cash-only restaurant had the best price, probably for that reason. But cash-only can be a problem for someone who’s traveling, especially internationally. It isn’t tech-friendly because it’s cash only; no Apple Pay and no website.

Café Vesuvius

18 Bessom St., 781-639-8120

Crust: Good; not as good as House of Pizza, which was the best.

Sauce and cheese: Very flavorful and evenly cooked. The ratio of sauce to cheese to bread is good. It’s my favorite because of the overall flavor.

Ordering: I didn’t order online; I just walked in.

Mino’s Roast Beef

27 Atlantic Ave., 781-631-7228

Crust: Compared with the others, it was middle-ground thickness. The taste was good, but the bread wasn’t flavored.

Cheese: Too much for my liking.

Sauce: Average Overall, Mino’s is most similar to Domino’s, and not unique. It was the most average in all categories.

Ordering: Mino’s was the most tech-savvy with online ordering. We ordered without talking to anyone. Put a card in online, select toppings and be done with it. People our age like online ordering without talking in person.

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Reflecting on his nine-day stay in Marblehead, Radomski said, “I’ll remember the walking. It’s a big change from a driving city. Having pizza destinations forced me to walk through town. In Rochester, I have to decide where to eat, make a phone call and then drive at least 10 minutes. Here, you don’t have to decide. You walk and then go into a restaurant. I enjoyed the slices from all four restaurants.” On breaks from school, Radomski gets home-cooked meals from his grandmother. But just as often, he’ll buy a pizza and “go back to my nana’s house, eat and play board games.’

Eizenga and Radomski met at RIT. The science-minded young woman put together the stackedcolumn pizza datasheet. A biomedical engineering student, she is doing an internship at Abiomed in Danvers, a company founded by David M. Lederman, who lived in Marblehead and passed away here in 2012.

What would RIT President David C. Munson Jr. say about his students delving into the world of pizza reviews? Perhaps, something like this: “RIT is one of the top universities in the nation working at the intersection of technology, the arts and pizza. We are a university that is shaping the future and improving the world through creativity and pizza tasting. We put a high value on bringing goodness to the world. And how better to do that than to send emissaries to the far reaches of the nation to selflessly roam the streets of say, Marblehead, in search of a greattasting lunch?”

The article is courtesy of Mass Motifs (massmotifs.com), a local blog.

Trevor Radomski ranked House of Pizza as having the best crust in town.

With a box of Tony’s Pizza in hand, Trevor Radomski captures his exploration of Marblehead’s pizza shops.

COURTESY PHOTOS / TREVOR RADOMSKI

Alysa Eizenga and Trevor Radomski savor the moment and the flavor with a slice of Café Vesuvius pizza, voted as Radomski’s favorite for its overall taste during their pizza-culinary expedition through Marblehead.

Shining a light on the news you care about!

Headlight

Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community 2023 - 2024 Issue

www.mhsheadlight.com

Judge not, lest you yourself become the Karen

Georgia Marshall, Freshman

I’m going to go ahead and assume that everyone has committed the humiliating act of talking about somebody without realizing they’re right behind you. It's so easy to do that. It can happen in warm, bustling, friendly coffee shops. It can happen even to those of us who pride ourselves on being openminded, non-judgmental, and easygoing. It was a Saturday morning. My Mom and I were at our favorite spot to grab coffee and donuts in Beverly - the Atomic Cafe. We often go there on weekend mornings to enjoy pastries and hot drinks before a brief shopping spree through Copper Dog Books and Worthy Girl next door.

We ordered at the register, and then my Mom went to the adjacent juice shop to grab a fresh squeezed orange juice in a futile attempt at fighting against the cold that had brought down everyone in my family except her (spoiler alert: she came down with it the next day). I waited for my order at one of the mini booths by the counter. A gothy-looking couple was sharing the booth by the other window, whispering to each other through curtains of bottled black hair. A runner leaned against the window glass with his sneakered foot propped against the wall. A toddler waddled towards me, and though I adore kids, I dreaded the idea of the mother and everyone else turning their attention on me and waiting to see what cute and loving gesture I made to make the child laugh, so I snapped my head to the register.

A woman in her early 20s was ordering. In an instant, I decided exactly what type of person she was. From her neon green Stanley to her hot pink nails, all of her screamed Loud and Self-Important Karen. She tossed her highlighted hair over her shoulder and announced to the whole room that she would like a large, non-fat latte with soy milk. “Yeah,” she added, “and could you heat that to 150 degrees? I just need my coffee to be cool. I have a sensitive mouth,” and let out a resounding laugh while pulling out her phone to pay.

Now, I hardly consider myself a judgmental person. And if anyone were to suggest otherwise, I would immediately correct them. Not judgmental, just observant. Still, as I sat by the window, concealed by a painfully bright patch of sunlight, I silently hurled accusations about this stranger’s character, her personality, and her moral compass as she marched

past me, her baseball cap-wearing boyfriend in tow. Because the truth is, I have to resist the urge to roll my eyes when I see Stanleys. And neon nails. And non-fat lattes.

When my order was called, I grabbed my mug and made my way to a little table in the corner. My Mom joined me a few minutes later, and after some idle chit-chat, I stopped mid-sentence, eager to regale her with the tale of a reallife Karen. Without so much as a quick, furtive glance around, I told her the story in full detail, complete with an in-depth character analysis of my new apparent enemy. My Mom was just as delighted as I was to partake in this harmless mockery. And just as I was describing the blinding color of her nails (and how they perfectly mirrored the depths of her personality), my Mom’s eyes snapped to something behind us and widened with…was that terror?

“What? What are you…”

I slowly turned my head around. My heart began pounding in my ears. I froze, glued to my chair. A neon green Stanley sat on the table directly behind us. And clutched around the water bottle’s handle were a set of pink nails. She sat there silently, easily close enough to be within earshot, her head down and eyes trained on a page of her book. Across from her was her boyfriend, who also sat in intense silence, his body rigid, frozen in place. They weren’t talking to each other, but instead trying very hard to appear…invisible.

In that instant, my perception shifted. She seemed… nice. Humble. At the very least, entirely undeserving of my not-so-silent criticism. After all, what did I know? How much of her character could really be revealed in her coffee order, nail color, or choice of water bottle? The truth is, on the flip side of my observational prowess, though I loathe to admit it, I can be judgmental. And in this case, my careless judgment probably caused some strong discomfort. I felt terrible. To me, she was a self-centered, Stanley-toting Karen. How dare she order a soy milk non-fat latte for the whole cafe to hear? To her, I’m certain I was a precocious brat with a superiority complex. Which one of us was accurate? All I can say is one of us, at least, had the decency to keep our thoughts to ourselves.

Just as quickly as I realized what happened, I scooped all of my possessions into my purse, snapped upright, and silently bolted through the nearby doorway to Copper Dog Books. Moments later, from my hiding spot behind a bookshelf, I saw my Mom come in without a word of argument, even though we’d only been at the shop for a few minutes. We combed

Headlight Staff 2023-2024

April 3, 2024 through books in silence, still shaking from pure terror. Through the bone-crunching embarrassment and horror of the moment, I learned something. Snap judgments aren’t always accurate, and we’d do well to always work to keep our minds

open and our judgments in check. And when we fail to do so, in those moments when our observations crystallize into opinion, for the love of all that is holy, at the very least, scan the room before broadcasting them at the top of your lungs.

Attention MHS Seniors!

Marblehead Dollars for Scholars Application Deadline: Friday, April 12

Students who demonstrate financial need are encouraged to apply for a scholarship by visiting the following website and creating their on-line profile: www.marblehead.dollarsforscholars.org. Questions may be directed to: Mike Weed at 617-823-9898 or mweed1973@gmail.com.

Standardized testing in college admissions

Kathleen Hanson, Sophomore

After the Covid pandemic, the debate on whether or not standardized test scores are important in college admissions has continued. While many schools stopped their requirements for SAT and ACT scores, some have retained them. This leads to the discussion of the role of standardized testing in college admissions. The question is: Should standardized test scores be required in college admissions? The evidence says ,yes, test scores should be required.

Firstly, standardized test scores accurately predict academic success in college. Research shows that high standardized test scores and college GPAs have a strong correlation. Their research found that students with top scores on standardized tests had a first-year college GPA that was 0.43 points higher than students who had low scores. Additionally, a study of Ivy-Plus colleges showed that scores had a strong correlation with post-college outcomes. For example, earnings, being hired at top firms, and getting accepted into a prestigious graduate school are correlated with high test scores. These studies show the accuracy of standardized test scores in identifying students who are likely to excel in college and beyond.

Secondly, eliminating standardized test scores in college admissions may worsen biases in the admissions process. Some may argue that standardized tests are biased against lowincome and minority students; however, studies have shown that the inclusion of standardized test scores doesn’t widen the gap in college acceptance between students from different backgrounds. Standardized tests can also help to find students from minority groups who may have overcome obstacles to achieve high scores. This

promotes diversity and equity in college admissions. Research shows that in every racial group, students with higher scores perform better in college, no matter their socioeconomic status.

Thirdly, standardized test scores can provide a valuable benchmark for comparing students from different high schools. Since high school grading scales and standards can vary, admissions officers can have a hard time assessing if an applicant is prepared academically. Standardized test scores offer a standard metric that allows colleges to evaluate students in the same way, no matter their educational background. In addition, standardized test scores can help find students who excelled academically despite attending underfunded schools. By considering standardized test scores, colleges can make more informed decisions that are also more equitable.

Many against standardized testing say that these tests are unfair and favor students from high-income families who can afford expensive test prep. However, eliminating standardized tests may hurt students from less advantaged backgrounds who lack access to other resources, such as extracurricular activities and essay help.

In one study, it was found that colleges using test-optional policies relied more on factors that were more biased toward wealthier students, such as letters of recommendation and expensive extracurricular activities.

Test scores provide valuable information about a student’s potential for academic success, and they help to lessen biases in the admissions process. As colleges change admissions policies, adding the requirement for test scores could build a fair process that recognizes the most qualified and diverse students possible. By acknowledging the importance of standardized testing, colleges can continue their commitment to excellence and equity.

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert TECHNOLOGY EDITOR: Kate Twomey

REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Grey Collins, Tucker Crane, Aislin Freedman, Kathleen Hanson, Samuel Jendrysik, Anya Kane, Nina Lees, Georgia Marshall, Charlie Seliger, Livia Weiss

FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

OBiTUA riES

Charles Gregory Stacey, 78

Charles Gregory Stacey of Marblehead passed away suddenly on March 25. He was 78.

QUESTION: On a fateful morning, June 25, 1877, Marblehead faced a calamity that would leave a lasting imprint on its community. What event are we talking about?

ANSWER: On June 25, 1877, a fire devastated Marblehead, destroying the town’s manufacturing center and affecting the livelihoods of most residents.

The blaze, which started in a stable behind a hotel, consumed 72 buildings, including the Central Fire Station.

The New York Times featured the story on its front page, highlighting the scale of destruction relative to Marblehead’s size and wealth.

Prior to the disaster, on May 7, Marblehead appropriated $10,000 to expand Redd’s Pond and build a reservoir, heeding the late advice of Adoniram Orne. However, the project was not completed in time to respond to the fire.

The fire caused over $500,000 in damage. The immediate economic impact was severe, with 1,000 people losing their jobs and the town’s main industry,

Born in Salem and raised in Marblehead, Charlie was the son of Donald and Mary Stacey (Haritos). He was the beloved husband of Gail Stacey, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage before she passed away in January 2023. He was the devoted father of Melissa and Greg Stacey and the dear brother of Rita Havens (Stacey), Donald Stacey, Jr. and Thomas Stacey. He is survived by his daughter

Eleanor Marie Ivers, 100

With great sadness we announce the passing of Eleanor Marie Ivers, 100, on Dec. 19, 2023. Eleanor passed peacefully surrounded by her children and grandchildren who were fortunate not only to share the last weeks of her life, but so many years of their childhood.

Eleanor was born in East Boston on May 4, 1923 to Helen (Ivers), the church organist and John Vignoli, a master carpenter and musician who emigrated to Boston from Genoa, Italy. Music was a very essential part of Eleanor’s family life and from a very young age she played classical piano. Years of daily practice eventually evolved into a lifelong passion for the piano.

In her 20s with typical dauntless spirit, Eleanor moved to New York City where she became a secretary in Rockefeller Center and thoroughly enjoyed everything the city had to offer. Eleanor was

Edith ‘Edie’ Handleman, 101

Edie (Edith) Handleman of Greenfield died on March 27. She was 101, just months shy of 102. Born Edith Celia Climan on July 15, 1922, in Hartford, Connecticut, she lost her young mother to consumption (tuberculosis) at age 5. Her father remarried and they added three more siblings to her and brother Marty’s family. Her father insisted she leave Weaver High School in her junior year to help financially support the family. This took her away from the subjects she loved most, (ancient) history, and science (astronomy) where she could dream.

Edie married musician and Army soldier Eddie in 1942. She would always say, “The day I met daddy was the day my life began.” Opposites attracted, and the union was bound in the rather unusual name-pairing of Edie and Eddie. Coming from poverty and little formal

a natural teacher. Everything she learned she wanted to share.

Some of her most lasting lessons emphasized the importance of daily exercise and a healthy diet (always Mediterranean).

Although as a child she never swam or played tennis, when she was in her 30s she decided to learn. With characteristic determination she succeeded, however it was not until she was in her 40s that she began to love the sports. That love lasted a lifetime! She always referred to herself as a “dedicated but not really great tennis player” and a “disciplined but slow lap swimmer.”

Throughout her life Eleanor walked everyday and

education, she always generously and positively plowed forward, and because of her, all three of her children, Betsy (Moment) of Marblehead (the oldest), Joey and Randie, all had college educations and their own cars. Edie was no homebody. She loved to be out and about with people, and she loved to work. Of her many jobs, her favorites were saleslady at a downtown Hartford 5 & 10 in the candy aisle (she could not believe her good luck), Pratt and Whitney aircraft factory where she worked on airplane propellers for the war effort, as so many women did, a delivery driver in the greater Hartford area for Suburban Dental Lab, and as a

Melissa Stacey of Marblehead, his son Greg Stacey of Portland, Maine, his sister Rita Havens of Marblehead, his girlfriend Susan Stinnett, many nieces and nephews and his beloved dog, Kaylee.

Charlie grew up in Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the class of 1963. He also graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Charlie was a veteran of the Army and served in Germany during the Vietnam War. He and Gail raised their family in multiple cities all over the United States while he advanced his successful

everywhere! She pushed baby carriages all through Central Park and up and down the Charles River, along every beach in Rockport and then for many more years all through Old Town and around the Neck. She always greeted everyone with a big hello. Not surprisingly Eleanor enjoyed a beautiful half-hour walk through her neighborhood the day before she became ill. She taught all of us to enjoy walking but mostly to always keep walking.

Eleanor was a lifelong learner. One of her most meaningful goals was to graduate from college. In her 50s she decided to embark upon a college education and enrolled in an adult program at Goddard College, in Vermont. It was only with infinite perseverance that Eleanor realized her heartfelt goal and proudly graduated from Salem State College with a bachelor’s degree in education. She took great pride in teaching at private and parochial schools in Gloucester. The highlight of her teaching days was always when she succeeded in teaching a child to read! Throughout her life Eleanor remained an

nurse’s aide at Mease Memorial Hospital near Clearwater, Florida.

shoe manufacturing, severely hit. Only three of the town’s shoe factories remained after the fire. —Will Dowd

executive career in the food industry before settling back in Marblehead in 2009. Charlie loved life and he lived life to the fullest. He was an extraordinary husband, father and friend. Traveling, watching Notre Dame football, playing golf, reading, playing cribbage with “the boys” and being with family and friends were just a few of his favorite things. He was an incredibly generous and positive person who took much joy in making others laugh. He would greet everyone with a smile and there was rarely a person he met that didn’t love him. He will be missed greatly, by many.

avid reader and became a wellrecognized figure at the Abbot Public Library. In her last years, even with declining eyesight, Eleanor continued to read for two hours at a time. Eleanor always claimed that her most important accomplishments in life were her two children and four grandchildren! This love and appreciation of children extended to all of her great-grandchildren as well. She always recognized each child’s accomplishment, large or small. Eleanor’s greatest enjoyment was sitting poolside at the Corinthian and loudly applauding every single goofy dive off the board. Each of her children, grandchildren and “greats” will always share an enduring bond with Eleanor. At her 100th birthday, Eleanor was asked to offer some advice to young people today. She immediately replied, “Work hard but have fun … and treat your children like gifts, because they are!” Eleanor will be sorely missed, but the lessons she taught us will live on. Her indomitable spirit,

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, April 10, 4 p.m.-7 p.m., at Eustis & Cornell, 142 Elm St.

The funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 11, at 11 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church at 26 Pleasant St. The burial will be private. Due to Charlie’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his memory and name to The Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village St. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Stacey Family.

determination and love of life are deeply ingrained in each of us. She taught us how to live and even in her last days, how to pass.

Eleanor was predeceased by her husband, Austin E. Brady, and brother, Paul Vignoli. She will be especially missed by her children, Kathy Bednar (John) and Keith Ivers of Marblehead. Eleanor sends her blessings to all her grandchildren: Chris (Jen) Bednar of Salem, Katy (Bert) Reynolds, Cara (Craig) Drummond and Julie Bednar, all of Marblehead; and to each of her amazing great grandchildren: Annie, Jack, Tyler, Wiley, William, Max, Gabby, Ellie, Liam and Brady.

A private funeral mass was celebrated at St. John the Evangelist Church, Swampscott. Donations in her memory may be made to Boston Children’s Hospital Trust 401 Park Drive, Suite 602, Boston, MA 02215 or to Friends of Abbot Public Library friendsofabbotlibrary@gmail. com. For more information or online guestbook, please visit MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

Edie and Eddie traveled extensively in their middle and later years, both in the U.S. and abroad. She was a hearty, healthy soul, the catalyst go-er and a do-er who was impatient and eager to live life fully. She loved red roses, the color purple, was partial to fancy dresses and having her hair colored red. She kept a neat and clean little brick house that she had built in Hartford, but didn’t like to cook. She said she only had a kitchen because they come with a house. She always favored seafood, Chinese food, liver and onions, “mushrooNs” and anything with cheese on it. Hot chocolate and licorice were add-ons. She loved to walk, read mysteries and health books and magazines. Coming from a religious childhood, she could still recite the Friday night prayer in Hebrew at 100, though she hadn’t said it for many years. She was a giver. “You like that? Here, take it!” Things didn’t matter to her as much as people did. She knit sweaters and legwarmers, sewed, crocheted quilts, and made jewelry, many of which would be given away. She played lots of Rummikub but never an instrument or sports (although Eddie was a serious Yankees fan, having lived in New York City). She also sang in choruses and performed in city plays.

She and Eddie moved to Florida when they got older and their kids were on their own. They bought a house in Clearwater then a condo in Delray. They moved to The High Rise in Greenfield, Massachusetts, then, after her beloved Eddie died, she moved to the Weldon, and finally to RegalCare. The Greenfield community loved her, as she loved them. She always said she’d live to be 112, a number that caught her fancy, but at 101, she admitted she’d lived long enough, was bored, there was nothing left for her to do or people to see, and she wanted to join her adored paternal grandmother, Tabel (Anna), and her husband, if her favorite dog Kelly, who had passed so many years before, didn’t knock her down first. Edie leaves behind her

three children, Betsy, Joey (Lillian) and Randie (Carol); grandchildren Amanda (Tim), Emily (Steve) and Kimberly (Damon); and greatgrandchildren Ellie, Reed, Mac, Evan, Joshua and Alexandra, with whom she shared an extra special bond. All called her “Bubbie,” her chosen name, because that’s what she called her grandmother Tabel, from the “old country.” Pola (and Cathy), Joey’s first wife, were loved and extended family, as were the children and grandchildren of Joey’s second wife, Lillian.

Now she’s flown away. Away from the aches, pains and tears, the confines of a walker, a wheelchair, hearing aids and a failing memory with dementia and delirium mixed in, and to the grandmother she so loved and missed, and who bought her a coat with pockets when her stepmother wouldn’t. And to the husband she loved. Be happy and at peace now. And wait for us at the crossover gate, where we will meet and hug again.

Edie often said, “I do the best I can.” Now we navigate the world without her ... and do the best we can.

The front page of the New York Times from June 25, 1877 reports on the massive fire that swept through the town, destroying the business district and most of the shoe factories that were the community’s main industry.

A bleak scene from one of Marblehead’s darkest days — the remnants of a once-bustling business district lay in ruins after the devastating fire of June 25, 1877.

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