04.24.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 22

This article is part of a series looking at warrant articles leading up to the Town Meeting on May 6.

BY WILL DOWD

As Marblehead prepares for its annual Town Meeting on Monday, May 6, Town Moderator Jack Attridge is introducing several changes aimed at improving efficiency and participation, most notably the use of wireless electronic voting

devices known as “clickers.”

The implementation of clickers follows the approval of Article 36 at the 2023 Town Meeting, allowing electronic counting devices to be provided to voters as they arrive at the meeting. The moderator now has the authority to decide whether the devices will be used to tabulate votes on any or all of the articles on the warrant.

In an interview with the Current, Attridge explained his

BY WILL DOWD

The Marblehead Arts Association is hosting its annual “Variations” exhibition, a showcase of diverse styles and mediums by artists across the United States.

The show, which runs until June 16, features 172 curated pieces, including paintings, photographs, sculptures and mixed media works.

“Variations 2024” was opened to artists nationwide, a decision that has significantly elevated the caliber of the submissions.

“The exhibit initially started many years ago as a regional exhibit, open to nonMAA artists,” explained Larry Dunn, a representative from the MAA. “A couple years ago we decided to make it a national call, and it has really raised the level of the work.”

This year, the MAA received an unprecedented 837 submissions from artists in 26 states, with entries coming from as far as Hawaii and Alaska. The final selection was chosen by a panel of three judges: Lydia Peabody, a curator of modern and contemporary art at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem; Karen Haas, the Lane Curator of Photographs at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; and Ariel Zaccheo, a curator at the Museum of Craft and Design

motivation for implementing clickers, citing instances of voters photographing others’ votes at previous meetings and the potential for increased attendance and “more pure” voting due to the anonymity

provided by the devices. “Back when we had our first Town Meeting behind the Star of the Sea building during the pandemic, I noticed people taking pictures of how other people were voting during

the meeting,” Attridge said. “And that made me sick to my stomach right away.”

Attridge also noted that clickers have been used successfully in other Massachusetts communities for over a decade, with no reported complaints from moderators or citizens. The town has purchased 1,500 clickers, which will be distributed randomly and not

BY LEIGH BLANDER

In less than a year, the Fund the Field campaign raised more than $800,000, and organizers are set to sign a contract this week to replace the aging turf field at Marblehead High School.

“In a time of so much angst and so many asks, it feels good to be part of something as straightforward, uplifting and useful as this project,” said Fund the Field co-chair Victoria Dosch. “Piper Field is a space that serves our entire community, young and old, and revitalizing it means so much to so many.”

More than 975 families and organizations have supported the fundraiser.

“I know our budget constraints within the town are tight, and I love the way the community always steps up. I think it’s great,” said Muffy Paquette, Dosch’s co-chair. The current turf field at MHS is 11 years old and no longer safe for sports, according to the Marblehead All-Sports Boosters, a nonprofit that supports student-athletes in town. The Boosters launched the Fund the Field drive last

COURTESY PHOTOS / FUND THE FIELD

Athletes of all ages use the turf field at Marblehead High.

EXHIBIT, P. A7

to increase the amount they can earn off their tax bills by volunteering for the town.

Article 23, sponsored by Finance Director Aleesha Nunley Benjamin, would raise the maximum reduction seniors can receive on their real estate tax bill from $750 to $2,000 through the Senior Tax Work-off Program. The Select Board has recommended adoption of the measure.

Under the current program, Marblehead homeowners age 60 and over who meet certain income limits can volunteer at town departments and receive a credit of $15 per hour worked against their property taxes, up to a maximum of $750 per year. There are currently about 20 seniors participating.

“We use it a lot,” said Pam Peterson, chair of the Marblehead Historical Commission. “We have the largest number of work-off people. I think there’s nine that work with the commission in different ways.”

Peterson said three of the volunteers work with the collections manager cataloging items, while the rest staff the commission’s gift shop, keeping it open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day.

“They’re really wonderful,” Peterson said of the senior volunteers. “A lot of them are really nice and just keep coming and do their shifts, even after their time is completed.”

Lyn Doran, 76, has participated in the program for five years as a fitness center monitor at the Council on Aging. She called it a “win-win.”

“I’m retired, looking for things to do, so I have my little job,” Doran said. “When you get your tax bill, they split the $750 … off my tax bill twice per year.”

Doran said she puts in more hours than the 55 required because she enjoys it and doesn’t want to leave the center shorthanded. “They need monitors for the exercise room, so if I left after my hours, I’d leave them in the lurch,” she explained. “I usually work about 45 Fridays per year.”

Council on Aging Director Lisa Hooper, who administers the program, said she’s “never heard anything bad about it.”

She added: “It works well for the departments and the volunteers.” She noted participation is down from the full 30 slots pre-pandemic, as some seniors have moved away or passed on.

The state recently authorized towns to increase the credit to $2,000, and many have already done so. At the current minimum wage of $15 per hour, that would equal 133 volunteer hours.

Hooper said the higher amount would be a big help to seniors on fixed incomes facing rising costs and property taxes. “It’s not a huge amount of money, but every little bit helps,” she said. “These are people who deserve it.”

Article 22, also sponsored by Benjamin, would provide further relief by automatically increasing the income and asset limits for senior tax exemptions each year based on the Consumer Price Index.

If approved, these limits would automatically increase each year based on the cost of living increase from the previous year.”

For example, if the cost of living goes up by 7%, the asset limit

would rise to $42,800 for singles and $53,500 for couples, and the income limit to $21,400 for singles and $32,100 for couples. This change would help ensure that as prices rise, the tax exemption keeps helping seniors afford their homes. Doran is thrilled at the prospect of the tax work-off credit increasing. “The extra money will make a real difference,” she said, “and a few more hours of work is no problem. I’ll keep showing up as long as they need me.” The Finance Committee has recommended adoption of the measures, which aim to help seniors age in place amid

Select Board, other races set for June town election

BY WILL DOWD

Voters will decide contested races for the Select Board, Recreation and Parks Commission and Housing Authority at the town’s June 11 election. For the first time since 2005, Select Board member Jim Nye will not be on the ballot. He confirmed to the Current that he will not seek reelection. Select Board incumbents Erin Noonan, Moses Grader, Alexa Singer and Bret Murray will face challengers Dan Albert and Daniel Fox for the five available seats. At the Rec & Parks Commission, incumbents Linda Rice Collins, Shelly Bedrossian, Rossana Ferrante, Karin Ernst and Matthew Martin will compete with Richard W. Jordan for the five seats. Kristin DuBay Horton and Laura Ruth Gallant will both run for the Housing Authority. The town election will see 23 seats across 12 boards, commissions and committees up for grabs. Candidates were required to submit a written request and obtain 50 signatures from registered Marblehead voters.

assigned to specific individuals, ensuring voter privacy. If they run out, he said the town has a mutual agreement with other towns to lend theirs.

Another significant change is the introduction of a consent agenda, which groups routine articles together to save time. Article 3 will combine several routine matters, such as accepting trust property and authorizing contracts, while Article 11 will address water and sewer department issues. Voters will have the option to “hold” specific items for further discussion, similar to the budget approval process.

“It’s just a small efficiency at Town Meeting,” Attridge said of the consent agenda. “And again, it’s with 53 articles, it’s a time saver. With 53 articles, it eliminates what would have been 61 articles.”

Key votes

Among the key issues up for vote are the adoption of local meals and room occupancy taxes (Articles 24 and 25), the creation of a Community Development and Planning Department (Article 34), changes to the Board of Assessors (Articles 35 and 38), and the proposed creation of three new zoning districts to allow multifamily

more information and to register, visit https://loom. ly/B7sOxmM.

Fund the Field has drawn support from a wide array of people in town.

“The field is used by so many different age ranges — from flag football 5-year-olds up to my husband who plays adult soccer,” Paquette said. “Youth lacrosse, youth soccer play there, in addition to high school sports. Graduation is on that field. There are other social events. The gym classes use it. The cross section of people who use it is huge. That helped us. It’s not just a football field.”

The replacement will likely begin once school ends in June.

“We’re talking about doing something just before, a farewell party,” Paquette said.

Over the summer, captains’ practices can be held on grass fields behind the high school.

If all goes as planned, the new field should be

housing under Article 36. Article 36 seeks to establish the 3A Multi Family Overlay District in response to the state’s MBTA Communities Act, which requires certain cities and towns to allow multifamily housing near transit stations.

If approved, the article would create three new zoning districts on Tioga Way, Pleasant Street,

and Broughton Road, totaling some 58 acres, where developers could build multifamily housing projects with at least 10% affordable units without needing special permits.

Leaf blowers and recalls

The meeting will also consider citizen petitions on topics ranging from leaf blowers (Articles 43-45) to recall

votes (Article 50) and public restrooms (Article 51). Attridge emphasized his commitment to maintaining civility during the proceedings, noting that state law and town bylaws grant him the authority to regulate the meeting. While he has the power to remove disruptive individuals, he expressed confidence in his ability to maintain order through reason and respect.

“I am [someone] of reason and [will] allow everybody their respectful place in the deliberations,” Attridge said. “As both [former moderators] Steve Howe and Gary [Spiess] have said, I will bring up every so often that ‘It seems like everything has been said on the matter, but not everybody has had the chance to say it.’”

in place by late August or early September, in time for fall soccer and football. There will be a special event to open and dedicate the field. Paquette said the area will be an impressive

YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN BLACK

sight. “We will have ‘Marblehead’ written in the end zones. It’s going to look amazing, with the new turf, stand-alone snack shed, murals and the new Forever Fan Zone,” she said. Dosch added, “We are very lucky to live somewhere where so many people consistently roll up their sleeves to get things done.”

For more information about Fund the Field, visit marbleheadboosters.org/ fund-the-field.

Opinion

Coarse correction

During a March meeting of the Board of Health, the topic under discussion was substance abuse education. Yet it was language abuse – specifically, an expletive-laced comment board member Tom McMahon aimed at chair Helaine Hazlett – that caught our eye (and ear). And not in a good way. Tensions between these two had been heating up for months. So perhaps the outburst was an inevitable step down the road to uncivil discourse taking root in our public meetings.

Still, it was unsettling to hear four-letter vulgarities become the soundtrack to town governance. “I think you use language in these meetings that I’d ask you to refrain from,” a fellow BOH member cautioned McMahon when the s**t-storm hit the fan. “It is not helpful.”

To which we emphatically add: No, it is not. Outbursts such as these are not happening in a vacuum. We see this type of behavior not only in our public meetings but on the floor of the U.S. Congress and on the 2024 campaign trail, in Marblehead-centric Facebook pages, and in the Current’s letters pages, where we encourage readers to express their unvarnished opinions — then hope we don’t have to varnish them before publication.

As one thoughtful letter writer put it last week, personal attacks against town officials and local journalists — among others — are bad for civic engagement, and certainly not deserving of “toilet humor” when serious issues are under discussion.

Words have consequences. And what gets said in anger or frustration often shuts down or impedes productive debate, threatening consensus building and the very fundamentals of a healthy democracy.

Yet across the board, the old norms seemingly no longer apply, if they ever did. (Can you imagine a U.S. president calling a group of African nations “s**thole countries?” Sadly, you no longer need to.) Off-color language and ad hominem attacks are becoming more prevalent, too, fueled by social media platforms and a shock-jock mentality that rewards performative profanity, R-rated for “really?”

Which brings us to next month’s Town Meeting, where passions over controversial issues like spending priorities and zoning regulations are almost certain to run high.

It may sound obvious, but words have consequences. And what gets said in anger or frustration often shuts down or impedes productive debate, threatening consensus building and the very fundamentals of a healthy democracy.

If you think the Board of Health meeting’s offcolorful exchange was a complete outlier, you haven’t been paying close attention, either.

Last July, as the School Committee was working to oust John Buckey, School Committee Chair Sarah Fox called concerned residents “lunatics” before admitting them to a Zoom discussion. At a School Committee communications workshop in November, Fox said the group needed “marital therapy.” Member Meagan Taylor accused a fellow committee member (she later revealed to be Jenn Schaeffner) of calling her to “literally berate me for 15 minutes.... I don’t feel safe when those things happen.” Taylor resigned in January. Schaeffner called Taylor’s accusation “profoundly untrue.”

Also in January, at a State of the Town address, Select Board member Moses Grader spoke to resident James Full, a Zoom participant, in a manner dripping with condescension. “I’m just gonna say it really slowly, OK,” a clearly frustrated Grader said to a question about rising property valuations and why the Select Board and town administrator were not more involved. (To his credit, Grader later apologized, and the Select Board’s role in the process will be discussed at Town Meeting.)

Grateful to live, work and vote in a community that takes pride in its civic involvement, we hope that going forward, and to the extent that’s even humanly possible, our civil discourse remains just that, civil. Marbleheaders deserve nothing less.

Municipal Musings: An open letter to Marblehead voters

BY JAMES (SEAMUS) J. HOURIHAN III

I would like to share some thoughts regarding the near-daily drama unfolding in municipal Marblehead. I call these thoughts “Marblehead Municipal Musings.” Musings reflect a period of thinking about something carefully and for a long time. With so much happening, one needs to dig deeper, think more intensely and faster. Thank goodness for live meeting feeds, newspapers, letters to the editor and MHTV recordings that you can watch again and again!

School Committee budget saga ends, no override requested

The drama surrounding the School Committee’s (SC) budget is over. On March 21, the SC presented its summary of an eye-straining 233-page budget covering what was needed for two options in FY25. These included a “reduced services” budget of $45.6M, a 1.7% or $756,000 increase over FY24; and a “level services” budget of $47.4M, a 5.8% or $2,587,000 increase. The “level services” budget would require an override.

Meanwhile, the teachers and students were clamoring for a “fully funded” budget. The SC threatened to withhold a budget number until the floor of Town Meeting. Ultimately, they admitted that they didn’t even know what a “fully funded” budget would look like. That took that option off the table.

The SC then wisely dug deeper and bled one-time, budget-boosting blood from every stone on their side of Goldthwait beach. They found $1.2 million to offset reduced-service budget cuts by drawing down some reserve and revolving fund accounts and tapping a

NET ZErO FUTU rE

“predicted” year-end FY24 surplus. (Can you believe a surplus given the employment shenanigans in the district?) In addition, the non-school side of the town gifted the schools $250,000 just for FY25.

What I call the “effective” budget increase is comprised of monies that the schools can spend on new items above the FY24 budget. It includes $756,000 representing the school’s share of increased tax revenues and the $250,000 one-time gift from the town. It also includes $1.2 million in reserve and revolving fund drawdowns and the predicted FY24 surplus. This totals $2,206,000, an increase of 4.9%.

Note that the schools also inherited $916,000 to pay for school-related utilities and Medicare expenses. Last year, this budget and the expenses were on the town side of the ledger. This can’t be considered part of the “effective” budget increase since the schools have to pay for the inherited expenses in FY25.

And no override is being requested. A good result? It depends on who you ask. Probably not as viewed by the teachers, students and parents since the “effective” increase is $381,000 below the “level services” budget. At least the budget drama is over for this year. But from my perspective, we are just kicking the override can down one of our potholed or ripped-up streets.

School Committee’s vision definition is lacking

The SC states its “vision” is for Marblehead to be a “model school district.” But there is no qualitative or quantitative definition of what that means. There is no benchmark data comparing Marblehead to comparable towns in the areas of student academic

Tour Marblehead homes, see how residents are reducing carbon footprints

BY MARK ADAMS

Did you know that 44% of Marblehead’s carbon emissions come from our homes and buildings? This statistic is revealed in our town’s Net Zero Roadmap published last year. Our town is on record with the goal of reducing our carbon output to zero by the year 2040, so we need to find ways to significantly slash, if not eliminate, the burning of fossil fuels in our homes.

To help in this effort, Sustainable Marblehead will host its second annual Green Homes Tour on Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. This year’s tour will feature 12 houses, several of which are net zero. Net zero homes burn no fossil fuels and produce more electricity than they consume.

If you are looking for ways to make your house more energy efficient, significantly lower your utility bills and reduce your carbon output, then take this opportunity to learn from other Marblehead homeowners who have already made these changes in their own homes. You can register for the Green Homes Tour at sustainablemarblehead.org. Look for the tour in the events section.

The types of efficiency upgrades that you can see on the tour are a) improved insulation, b) highly efficient and electrified appliances, c) heat pumps for heating and cooling and d) rooftop solar. One house uses photovoltaic tiles for solar power generation rather than traditional solar panels. In other homes, owners have converted their boilers to heat pumps, including one house that is using the original radiators rather than mini-splits. A variety of neighborhoods is represented, including the historic district, where one house on the tour has a heat pump with mini-splits. Tankless water heaters and induction stoves will also be on display.

Today’s heat pumps are available in designs that work well in cold weather and are able to operate at full capacity even when temperatures drop well below zero. They come in a variety of options. And they will cool your house in the summer as effectively as they heat it during the winter.

You can also learn about programs that will provide you with a no-cost home energy audit. An audit will

identify areas that are insufficiently insulated along with possible solutions that will result in a more comfortable house that consumes less energy. Further ways to save energy through more efficient appliances will also be suggested. All Marblehead residents, including renters, can schedule an energy audit through Marblehead Light’s partner at NextZero. Natural gas customers of National Grid are eligible for a similar service through the Mass Save program.

You’ll also get information on how cost of upgrades can be reduced by the incentives offered by the federal and state governments as well as the NextZero and Mass Save utility programs. Upgrade costs that exceed the amount of incentives can sometimes be financed by zero-interest loans which make for manageable monthly payments.

We hope you will join us on the Green Homes Tour on May 4 and encourage you to sign up in advance at sustainablemarblehead.org.

Mark Adams is a Marblehead resident and the co-chair of the Sustainable Marblehead Green Homes and Buildings working group.

MUSINGS, P. A5

Committee’s interim superintendent search process flawed

To the editor:

As a 30-year veteran in both public and independent schools, I know well the challenges facing all K-12 educational organizations. Acquiring and sustaining effective school leaders is increasingly difficult. There are countless factors influencing this trend, but Marblehead’s turnover at the superintendent level is significant and highly disruptive. The School Committee initiated another round of instability late last summer with their handling of John Buckey’s departure. Regardless of the merits of the change, the disruption continues a nearly 20-year trend of turnover and instability.

As the School Committee launches its search for yet another interim superintendent, there are numerous risks with their current approach. Foremost, having all five members serve as the screening committee for potential applicants is misguided. Since all five members make up the screening committee, there is a high potential of violating open meeting laws. Also, holding screening interviews in public can have a chilling effect on anyone who does not want to publicize their interest so early in a search. Most importantly, no other constituencies (teachers, parents or school administrators) are involved in the screening process, which risks undermining support for the eventual appointee. The limits of the proposed process make a difficult job even tougher and they are avoidable. Simply stated, using a subcommittee made up of two committee members and representatives from key constituencies is the best way to manage the tremendous workload and achieve the best results.

Looking ahead, if the committee is committed to a one- or twoyear appointment, they should start that search this spring or early summer if they want to seat a new superintendent for the 2025-26 school year. That’s a tremendous lift for any school committee. Given the challenges and workload required to search for an interim, followed shortly thereafter by one for a longterm superintendent, a two-year appointment is a more realistic target.

Instability in the superintendent’s office is just one challenge facing the School Committee and Marblehead Public Schools. There are also ongoing contract negotiations with the Marblehead Education Association. Several other policy and personnel issues remain unresolved, and the committee should presume the occurrence of controversies, conflicts and

Musings From P. A4

performance, cost per student, student to teacher and staff to teacher ratios, teacher salaries, teacher satisfaction, student satisfaction, etc.

Speakers from the March 21 audience, not the SC, verbally presented some data. Student performance is at the high end of the scale, but so is cost per student. Teacher salaries are at the low end. This suggests several possible issues –general overstaffing, too many administrators, excessively expensive state-mandated programs, etc. But the SC showed zero interest in following up and addressing any of this.

With this data, cost reduction

surprises that all school systems experience will continue. Governing doesn’t get any easier.

The interim search needs to be as thorough and inclusive as possible. The proposed process makes that much harder to achieve. The pattern of change and disruption preceded the current Committee’s term, but this committee is responsible for the current state of affairs. An opportunity to change the pattern and realize the outcomes we all desire — effective, stable leadership — begins with a wellthought-out search process this spring.

Peter Twadell Rainbow Road

‘Civil War’ is not ‘paranoid thinking’ but a wake-up call

To the editor: While I very much appreciate Virginia Buckingham’s commitment to local journalism, and the role that she plays in bringing the Marblehead Current to us each week (I am a regular reader and view the Current as a quality news source and publication), I respectfully and strongly disagree with the conclusion that she reached in her column last week regarding the film “Civil War” (“Everything will be okay”: Civil War nonsense). I saw the film (it is showing at the Warwick) and like Buckingham found it deeply disturbing, but for fundamentally different reasons. The film presents a horrifying but very realistic depiction of the human suffering that would result from a civil war in this country, one that in the film’s storyline stems from a U.S. president undermining the Constitution in order to stay in office for a third term. Buckingham argues that such a scenario is “paranoid thinking” as regards former President Donald Trump — I could not disagree more. Should Trump be elected to a second term, he has given, through word and deed, every reason for Americans to believe that he would seek to undermine our nation’s Constitution in order to stay in office beyond what the Constitution allows (as his entire reason for wanting to serve again as president is to obtain immunity from federal prosecution and stay out of prison indefinitely for the many serious crimes he has been charged with). Anyone who doubts that he and his supporters would turn to violence to achieve political objectives is ignoring reality — as they have already demonstrated a willingness to do just that.

I had the privilege of growing up in a constitutional republic. I want my four children and stepchildren, and their children, to have that same opportunity. I encourage people to see the

opportunities while maintaining education quality may be uncovered. Without this data, a “fully funded budget” is impossible to define. Perhaps the FinCom should press the SC to go get the data, establish some measurable goals and then determine how much their vision will cost. The town will then understand not only WHAT the schools want, but WHY.

Board of Assessors, dysfunction must be contagious

After reading John Kelley’s, Board of Assessors chair, letter to the editor in the March 13 Marblehead Current, I concluded the dysfunction exhibited by the School Committee must be contagious. John threw Karen

film and judge for yourself — and if the future that it portends shocks and concerns you as much as it does me, get out and vote for Joe Biden and urge all of your friends and family around the country to do the same.

Sincerely,

Angus G. McQuilken Ticehurst Lane

‘Yes, Virginia, there is a real and dangerous threat’

To the editor: Just as it was said back in 1897 to a child who doubted the existence of Santa Claus, “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus,” so I say today: Yes, Virginia, there is a real and dangerous threat to our Constitution. And the head and fosterer of this threat is Trump. Why do I say this? Let me count the reasons.

During his 2016 presidential campaign, he said “I could stand in the middle of Fifth Avenue and shoot somebody and I wouldn’t lose any voters, okay? It’s like, incredible.” Additionally, in a recent court argument, Trump’s attorney suggested that presidents could even assassinate political rivals without being charged.

On March 16, Trump spoke at a Buckeye Values PAC Rally in Dayton, Ohio. In that speech, he warned of an impending “bloodbath” if he loses the election. Referring to the Jan. 6 rioters as hostages, he said, “Well thank you very much, and you see the spirit from the hostages, and that’s what they are. Hostages. We’re going to work with the people to treat those unbelievable patriots, and they were unbelievable patriots.” Recall also that he told the Proud Boys to “Stand down and stand by.”

During an interview with Fox News host Sean Hannity in December 2023, Trump made a statement that garnered attention. When asked about the possibility of being a dictator, Trump replied, “No, no, no, other than day one.” Since he admires other dictators in the world (Putin of Russia, Orban of Hungary, etc.) was this a Freudian slip of the tongue betraying his true desires?

In his criminal case in New York, Trump has repeatedly and maliciously attacked the presiding Judge Juan Merchan’s daughter, Loren, on social media, exposing her to potential harm. During Trump’s civil fraud trial in New York State court, he went after the wife of Justice Arthur Engoron. Engoron received a bomb threat to his home. Trump also targeted Engoron’s law clerk, who faced constant serious threats and harassment.

Trump showed a video on Truth Social, Friday, March 29, featuring an image of President Biden tied up and gagged. The image was on the tailgate of a pick-up truck (flying a Trump

Bertolino, the town assessor, under the proverbial MBTA bus!

Now we know she was placed on administrative leave pending an outside audit of the entire assessment process. Where was the oversight by the BoA?

The board should stop reviewing the 340 abatement requests. Why? Many residents maybe didn’t file a request because of lack of time, money, procedural knowledge or bad past experiences. Second, will the approved abatement amounts be significant?

Assuming an average assessed value reduction of $100,000 for the 340 requests and a $8.96 tax rate, the Town would lose $305,000.. The SC would love to get its mitts on that or even half. Lastly, people who saw

flag) and showed Biden lying on the floor. Could this be an incitement to MAGA followers to threaten Biden?

Ms. Buckingham’s article refers to a Mr. Westwood, who said “we have no evidence for substantial support for partisan violence.” The display of hate and disdain of our judicial system by Trump and his millions of MAGAs would seem to contradict this. If Trump is successful, Jan. 6 will prove to be only a foretaste of tragedy for our country.

Walter Haug Highland Terrace

Cutting’s community planning a lasting contribution

To the editor: I was heartened to read the warm coverage of former town planner Rebecca Cutting’s career in the Current’s Feb. 21 edition. She deserves our congratulations for her dedication and contributions to the town over the past 35 years. In particular, I want to highlight Ms. Cutting’s achievement in drafting a comprehensive plan to align Marblehead with the MBTA Communities Act. Her approach was inclusive and thorough, ensuring that the plan not only meets legislative requirements but also thoughtfully addresses the specific needs of our community. Observing the contentious debates surrounding the Act in other nearby towns, I am reminded of the unique and welcoming spirit that distinguishes Marblehead. This spirit, fostered by officials like Ms. Cutting, has set a foundation for constructive dialogue and progress. I am optimistic that this same spirit will guide our Town Meeting, ensuring the smooth adoption of Marblehead’s plan. As Ms. Cutting embarks on her welldeserved retirement, I extend my gratitude for her years of service and her lasting contribution to our town’s future.

Nick Ward Rolleston Road

Parkinson’s Awareness Month highlights power of attitude

To the editor: April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity for often lesspublic but as-important people here in our area and around the world to ask the rest of us to look beyond a diminishing “person-with-Parkinson’s” label. Identifying someone only in terms of a medical diagnosis or career doesn’t necessarily describe him or her as a person. Among prominently recognized faces from the “Parkinson’s

their assessments go down haven’t been complaining. A new flock of boo birds will squawk if the town attempts to increase their assessments to recoup the abatement losses.

There are two ways to remedy things. Option 1: A complete property reassessment to correct the errors made. This might take considerable time to perform and check the results. Option 2: Perhaps easier and quicker — use FY24 assessments, increase them by 2.5%, and keep the $10 FY24 tax rate. Everyone’s property tax would increase by 2.5%. Assessors would have the rest of the calendar year to get things right. In effect, kick another can down our streets.

I do agree with John that it doesn’t matter whether the

world” are actors, athletes, popular recording artists and instrumental musicians, government officials and religious leaders. Their diverse careers share a common and progressively difficult diagnosis, but it does not devalue who they are or were, or their abilities shared with the world. Parkinson’s Awareness Month presents gateways for understanding why attitude is empowering and evidenced by their offering living-well advice:

Enjoy the moment. Try not to dwell on what the future holds.

» Surround yourself with upbeat people. Enjoy providing and having a good laugh!

Have at least three things you do well. If you’re not doing well in one, turn to the others.

» Be as physically active as you can, but also make time to rest.

Believe in yourself.

Try thinking, saying and practicing an attitude of “I’ll try” and “I will” and not always “I can’t.”

» Be adventuresome. Travel short and long distances and learn new things.

Don’t isolate yourself. Connect with friends, family and others. Help others however you can.

Over 10 years of volunteering with Keith and Linda Hall’s local Parkinson’s Fitness exercise and educational programs has provided me with extraordinary opportunities to better understand the definition of resilience. I choose “battleresilient” not as a label, but as a badge of honor worn by those who struggle with Parkinson’s challenges and continue to fight on!

Marilyn Freeman Willow Road

Thanks to community for supporting memoir

To the editor: A large thank you to Janice, Lisa, Doug and Dave from the Council on Aging and Marblehead Community Center for hosting me as I presented an hour-long talk about my 30 years of international teaching and travel. The 75 folks who attended enjoyed the refreshments provided by the COA and the many stories of my adventures. And another thank you to Will Dowd for the article in the Current highlighting my memoir “Boston, Bangkok, Bombay & Beyond: The Journeys of a Physical Therapist.” I appreciate the support I have received from my Marblehead community for the many financial, clothing and book donations I share with villagers in Nepal and for the interest in this recent publication.

Patricia Sullivan Tedesco Street

board is elected or appointed. Dysfunction can occur regardless. Appointees can be removed from service more easily. The termination of Christopher Gallo should not be our model.

Whenever assessments are significantly revised, I encourage the Board of Assessors to stop hiding and hold an educational town forum. It should illustrate the number of properties, value of properties and median property value in tax change brackets: +/-1%s, +1% to +5%, -1% to -5%, etc. Some case studies of anonymized properties would be helpful. Town Meeting is less than a month away. Will the daily drama in municipal Marblehead abate, or will it swell like our rising ocean? Stay tuned for more musings soon.

BY WILL DOWD

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

Library closing for six weeks, moving back home

Abbot Public Library will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24, to relocate back to its renovated building at 235 Pleasant St. The library will remain closed for approximately six weeks, with a planned reopening in mid-June.

During the closure:

» Digital services will remain available.

» Staff can be reached by email at marcirc@noblenet. org. Patrons should hold onto Marblehead library items until reopening.

» Items from other libraries can be returned to another NOBLE library. Holds can be placed for pickup at other NOBLE libraries.

» Some virtual programs will continue; story time will be held at Temple Emanu-El. Digital newspapers and magazines are accessible online; physical copies are unavailable.

» Meeting rooms cannot yet be reserved for after reopening. Updates are available at abbotlibrary.org, on social media and via email newsletter. The Eveleth School building will return to the school department. A library grand reopening date will be announced in May.

Blood drive set for April 29

The Marblehead Rotary and Boston Yacht Club are sponsoring a community blood drive on Monday, April 29, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. The event will be at the BYC, 1 Front St. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter: Marblehead.

AAPI Heritage Month celebration

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month and the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination will host the town’s first AAPI celebration on Saturday, May 4, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. at the Marblehead High School field house. Enjoy live performances, including a traditional lion dance, Guzheng concert, Khmer dance, martial arts and a poetry reading. Also, a Bon Me food truck will be there to serve Asian-inspired food. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at tinyurl. com/2uu54zur.

Tribe talk to address teen antisemitism

The JCC in Marblehead will host “Tribe Talk,” an event addressing antisemitism among teens, on April 28, 3-5 p.m.

The event is open to students in grades eight through 12, as well as their parents and grandparents. Interested participants can RSVP at tinyurl. com/tribetalkns.

Pride celebration set for June 1

Council on Aging will hold its annual auction on Thursday, April 25, at 5:30 p.m. at The Landing Restaurant. The auction will feature a variety of items, services and events to bid on, with proceeds supporting COA services and programs. Reservations are encouraged by calling 781-639-1266.

Candidates’ Night on May 21

The Marblehead League of Women Voters will hold its annual Candidates’ Night on Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the Marblehead High library. This forum allows voters to meet and learn about the candidates running for office.

Festival: Send us your art

The Festival of Arts is calling for art entries now through 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 nonresidents 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. Ribbon cutting

Friends of COA to host annual auction

The Friends of the Marblehead

The Select Board unanimously approved the use of Abbot Hall for a Pride event on Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m., with a rain date of June 2. The event is organized by the Marblehead Pride Committee.

Empowering kids to reach full potential

SUBMITTED BY THE LYNCH/VAN OTTERLOO YMCA

As the school year winds down and summer approaches, we’re reminded of the importance of summer camp. Children’s laughter, the thrill of exploration and the bonds of friendship are just part of the transformative experience camp can be. Each summer, hundreds of children experience Y camps and all they have to offer.

in San Francisco.

“The whole point of ‘Variations’ is that nothing is fundamentally unique; it’s different. Each piece stands alone, but together they make a cohesive exhibition,” said Xhazzie Kindle, the MAA’s director of operations. “You have to experience it all, from the ballroom to the tavern, to really absorb what this exhibition is about.”

The exhibit is divided into three main categories: fine art, which includes paintings, drawings and mixed media; photography; and 3D craft. The works are distributed throughout the galleries of the historic King Hooper Mansion, with each room loosely themed around subject matters such as landscapes, seascapes, figurative art and architecture.

Kindle noted that this year’s exhibition features a significant amount of abstract art compared to previous years.

“It was really interesting to me, the abstract art that just kept coming in,” she said.

Kindle estimates that around 500 individual artists submitted works for consideration. The exhibit saw an increase in 3D art submissions this year, with approximately 44 pieces out of the total 172 falling into this category.

“Circles” by Marblehead’s

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead High School National Green School Society raised $770 in an Earth Day 5K on April 20. The students will donate the money to local environmental causes.

Two dozen MHS students came out for the race, which started and ended at Devereux Beach. William Herlihy came in first, followed by Henrik Adams, Nate Assa and Will Cruikshank. The 5K kicked off several spring and Earth Day festivities in and around Marblehead. Here’s a preview of events coming up.

One of the main goals of summer camp is to combat some of the challenges children face today, including increased screen time (averaging six hours per day for kids), lack of physical activity (obesity impacts one in five children), social loneliness and a lack of activities and engagement which can negatively affect kids’ health. Summer camp can be part of the solution.

Camp makes a lasting impact, giving kids a place to learn, grow and thrive among their peers with supportive and experienced counselors. More than 1,100 kids ages 5-14 attended a Lynch/ van Otterloo camp last summer.

However, for many North Shore families, summer also brings challenges. Finding affordable fullday childcare, enrichment programs and extended learning opportunities to avoid the achievement gap can be overwhelming for families. The Y, with support, is equipped to address these challenges through its summer programming. With the Y, working parents, guardians and caregivers can find peace of mind knowing their children are in a safe and welcoming place where learning flourishes, adventures unfold and memories are made.

They continue to come back to their favorite camps year after year. Summer camp can even lead to career development. At the Marblehead Y alone, one-infour staff started out as campers.

This summer, the YMCA of the North Shore aims to increase the number of kids benefiting from Y camps to 4,300 across its seven locations, including Marblehead, Beverly, Salem, Ipswich, Gloucester, Haverhill and Plaistow, New Hampshire.

For some families, summer camp is out of reach financially — additional financial support is integral to providing summer camp for all kids this summer. A gift to send a kid to a Lynch/ van Otterloo camp is more than a donation; it’s an investment in the future.

For more information, visit the Y website at northshoreymca.org/ donate/.

Horse back home after running around Tedesco

There were some exciting moments in the neighborhood near Tedesco Country Club Monday morning when a neighbor’s horse got loose. Stitch, who lives on Pilgrim Road, escaped just after 7 a.m.

“He was mad,”owner Rosemary Collins told the Current. “My neighbor usually feeds him in the morning. She fed her chickens this morning and then went inside…. Stitch didn’t like that.”

The first call came into Marblehead Police at 7:16 a.m. of a runaway horse in the Tedesco Street area. Stitch was then spotted on Ruby Street heading west.

It was an “unusual call for sure and a rarity in town,”said Police Chief Dennis King.

Another call to MPD reported the horse was nearly hit by a car near the country club.

Stitch was captured at 7:35 a.m. on the golf course. Collins’ daughter walked him back home.

Stitch is heading to the family’s farm in Maine in two weeks, where he’ll spend the summer.

“He has a girlfriend there,” Collins said.

Judy Schmid earned first place in the fine art category. The abstract painting features bold, expressive brushstrokes in deep shades of blue, red and black, creating a sense of dynamic movement and energy. The composition is dominated by two abstract shapes that suggest an opening from one realm into another, inviting the viewer to interpret the imagery.

In the photography category, Heather Pillar of Brewster earned first place for her tender photograph “Morrie’s Massage,” portraying Morrie Schwartz, the subject of Mitch Albom’s best-selling memoir “Tuesdays with Morrie.” The black and white image captures a quiet moment of the elderly Schwartz receiving a massage, conveying a profound sense of human connection and care.

In the 3D craft category, Dan

Sustainable Marblehead is tying into this year’s official Earth Day theme of Planet vs. Plastics and screening the new PBS documentary, “We’re All Plastic People Now” on April 24, 6:30- 8 p.m. at St. Michael’s Church. The film explores how reliance on plastics in all domains has impacted our environment, bodies and futures. The event includes a discussion of ways to reduce plastic use and pollution in Massachusetts. Registration isn’t required, but is appreciated by emailing sustainablemarblehead@gmail. com.

Sustainable Marblehead is also hosting its second annual Green Homes Tour, on Saturday, May 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Tour as many as 12 homes to learn about air

source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle charges, electric induction stoves, thankless and heat pump hot water heaters, upgraded insulation, energyfree clothes drying, Mass Save rebates for National Grid Gas customers, NextZero rebates for Marblehead Light Customers, federal rebates and tax incentives.

sustainablemarblehead.org.

Marblehead Conservancy is hosting Earth Day and Arbor celebration on Saturday, May 4, 9 a.m.-noon, at Lead Mills.

Activities will include planting wildflowers and cleaning up the beach. Individuals, families and small groups are invited to meet at the Conservancy’s tent at

forms layered and intertwined in a gradient of blue, green, pink and yellow hues. The sculpture subtly evokes a sense of a small rustic structure. Jim Murphy, MAA president, emphasized the importance of “Variations” in drawing visitors to Marblehead.

“People come for the art and the architecture because it’s a 300-year-old building,” he said. “The exhibit is a way for us to show Marblehead to new people, and to bring in visitors who will support our local businesses.”

The “Variations” exhibit is the result of nearly a yearlong process, with planning for the next show beginning immediately after the current one opens.

“Literally, the day after ‘Variations’ opens, we’re immediately thinking about the next one,” said Kindle. “It’s a massive amount of work because it’s 850 pieces we’re looking at, and our judges had to narrow it down to what can fit in this building.”

All of the artworks in the exhibition are available for purchase, with the MAA taking a 40% commission on each sale. The proceeds help support the organization’s mission of promoting and preserving the arts in the community.

The exhibit at 8 Hooper St. is free and open to the public, with gallery hours from noon-5 p.m., Wednesday through Sunday.

Falby’s ceramic sculpture

“Cabin” earned first place. The abstract piece is composed of multiple undulating, ribbon-like

Monk parakeets’ intricate nests

BY RICK CUZNER

A couple years ago, I was told that there were several colonies of monk parakeets that live in the Northeast. The story I was told is they escaped a shipping container at the airport many many moons ago and continued to thrive in small colonies along the Northeast. I have seen them many times in Florida, but went on a mission to find them more locally.

After some searching, I found a nesting colony in Winthrop that had apparently been there for years. I watched as three parakeets worked to repair the nest.

According to the Mass Audubon, the monk parakeet, also known as the Quaker parrot, has established itself in Massachusetts and other U.S. states, primarily due to the pet trade. Originally from the temperate to subtropical regions of Argentina and surrounding countries, these medium-sized parrots are known

for their bright green plumage, grayish breast and pale yellowish underbelly. They build large, communal nests from sticks and twigs, which house multiple birds, each with its own chamber.

The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner. For the past 16 years, he has taken thousands of nature photographs.

Sports

Sailing season starts this Friday

The first major sailing event of the year in Marblehead Harbor, the Boston Yacht Club’s annual Jackson Cup, kicks off Friday, April 27, celebrating its 25th anniversary.

This year, the BYC is hosting teams from yacht clubs in the U.S. and the U.K. The New York Yacht Club, which won the event last year, is returning to defend its title, and last year’s runners up, the Royal Thames Yacht Club from the U.K., will renew its challenge.

Closer to home, in addition to competitors from the BYC, Eastern and Corinthian yacht clubs, challengers will include teams from Newport’s Ida Lewis Yacht Club, New Orleans’ Southern Yacht Club and Long Island’s Seawanhaka Corinthian Yacht Club.

The Jackson Cup is named in honor of the late BYC Past Commodore Dr. Robert F. Jackson, (who served 1993-1994) and is an invitational team race challenge. The teams are chosen for having demonstrated high racing skill and the Corinthian spirit. The event was inaugurated in 1999 and is held in April each year. It is sailed in Sonar class boats in Marblehead Harbor.

“I always look forward to the Jackson Cup for a few reasons,” said BYC Past Commodore Tom Mager. “It’s impressive to know that we can attract the

best team racers from across the country and even across the ocean. It’s a fun event to watch from Crocker Park, and

Magicians snap losing streak with pair of wins

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (2-4) enjoyed a much better week with a couple of wins to savor during spring school vacation week after a slow start to the season.

The Magicians began the year losing three straight games, but a trip to Danvers on April 13 got them back on the right track. They were able to defeat the host Falcons, 16-7.

The Marblehead girls were in control throughout the contest, leading at halftime, 8-3.

“We played very well against Danvers,” said coach Annie Madden. “Our defense was communicating, and the offense was moving the ball quickly up field. I’m proud of the way we are coming together as a team.”

it’s a kick-off of the racing and boating season about to begin in Marblehead.” The eight teams of three will

race with one or two round robins followed by a medal round to keep everyone racing over the two days.

Track begins spring season

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys and girls spring track seasons finally got underway on Patriots Day at home against Peabody. The visiting Tanners, however, ended up winning both ends of the meet, beating the Marblehead boys, 79-57, while also topping the girls team, 73-63.

Boys high jump

strong showing from Logan in his first meet, and I love to see consistency like that across all attempts,” said Plunkett.

Brady Leveroni and Tom Asci, even newer to the event, threw 24-6.5 and 20-10, respectively to round out the Marblehead participants.

Girls shot put

Two days later, the Magicians dropped a 12-3 decision to Peabody.

Whitney Jellison (1 interception), Chloe Rowland (2 ground balls), Kate Burns (2 ground balls), Forbes (3 goals, 3 draw controls) and Gillett (1 assist, 1 draw control) were the team’s statistical leaders. Bullard came up with seven saves.

“We are working hard and learning from each game,” said Madden afterwards. “We played an outstanding defensive game in this one, and just came up short.”

Maddie Forbes (5 goals, 1 assist, 2 caused turnovers, 1 ground ball), Ramona Gillett (6 goals, 1 assist, 1 caused turnover, 3 ground balls), Rachel Delisle (1 goal, 2 ground balls), Kathryn Commoss (3 goals, 1 ground ball), Chloe Rowland (1 goal, 1 assist, 2 ground balls), Caroline Scroope (2 assists, 2 ground balls) and Kate Burns (3 ground balls) were the leading offensive contributors. Goalie Molly Bullard made five saves to help secure the first win of the season.

It didn’t take long for them to get back into the win column, when they were able to defeat host Masco by the narrowest of margins, 13-12. The game was tied at halftime, 6-6.

Gretchen Smith (3 goals, 1 caused turnover), Rachel Delisle (2 goals, 1 draw control), Cassidy Lubeck (1 assist), Forbes (5 goals, 5 assists, 1 interception, 1 caused turnover, 2 ground balls, 5 draw controls), Gillett (2 assists, 2 caused turnovers, 2 ground balls, 5 draw controls), Commoss (2 goals, 1 ground ball), Jellison (2 interceptions), Scroope (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 ground ball) and Burns (1 interception, 1 caused turnover) contributed mightily to another victory.

Bullard came up with 12 very critical saves to keep her teammates in this contest.

After going up against host Gloucester April 23, the Marblehead girls will be heading home to face Salem April 25, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

The Tanners took the top three spots, but Ralph Pierre led the way for Marblehead after clearing 5-0 in his spring track debut. He’s coming off a solid indoor jumping season. Ryan Corrigan (4-10) as a newcomer to this event finished sixth.

Girls high jump

Paige Tredwell (4-10) finished second. Her best leap was 5-2 to win this past winter’s NEC championship. Philine Heurmann (4-10) was third.

Greta Sachs (4-8), making her high jump debut, turned in an impressive performance.

Boys shot put Peabody as expected steamrolled its way into the top four spots, but the Magicians still made some solid throws.

Grady Norfleet (30-2.5) was the clear standout, according to coach Danny Plunkett. Norfleet hung around 24-feet on his first two throws, but then launched his personal best effort, surpassing any previous marks by five-plus feet.

Logan McRae-Hughes was right on his heels, throwing 29-1, 28-10 and 29-0 on his throws. “This was a really

The dynamic duo of Lillian Reddy and Rachael Albert continued their indoor season dominance against Peabody. Reddy was in second going into finals with her throw of 29-7.5 putting her just an inch behind Albert, but on her last attempt she threw 30-1 to secure her first outdoor win. Albert (298.5) ended up second.

“These two went back and forth all indoor season, and it seems like we’re picking up right where we left off as a team,” said Plunkett.

Hannah O’Brien threw 22-3.5 to round out the small girls shot put squad.

Boys long jump

Alex Hersey (21-7) faced his Peabody rival Evan Bedard right out of the gate this spring. Hersey got the best of him in the indoor NEC championship meet this winter after setting a new record, but Evan was able to avenge that loss by beating the Marblehead product by two inches in the spring opener.

Hersey finished second.

Thomas Carlson (20-10) improved his personal best mark by nearly a foot to account for a third-place finish.

Ryan Corrigan (19-8.5) turned

GirlS l AX

COURTESY PHOTO / COLETTE RODRIGUES Marblehead High girls lacrosse coach Annie Madden directs the play on the field during a recent game. The Magicians won their first two games of the season during school vacation week against Danvers and Masco, and are 2-4 as of April 20.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Jackson Cup Final at the BYC set sail this week.

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High baseball team (3-3) had winning results during school vacation week with two triumphs against Beverly (5-4) and Salem (14-1) after dropping an 8-1 decision to non-league Newburyport on April 16.

Against the Clippers, host Marblehead, coming into this game with a 1-2 record, continued to struggle at the plate. They managed only one run against a solid visiting Newburyport squad.

Pitcher Matt Mahan (3 hits, one earned run, 2 strikeouts) allowed only two runs over four innings, but the Marblehead offense had trouble keeping up with his performance on the mound.

Kiernan Moss (2.1 innings, 3 hits, 6 earned runs, 5 walks, 3 strikeouts) followed him to the hill, and was cruising until the seventh when things went awry, according to coach Mike Giardi. Cole Wales relieved Moss, and before getting the final two outs he yielded one hit and one walk, while also fanning one.

and Cam Quigley each singled once.

The Magicians didn’t have to wait long to get back on the winning side of the ledger. The very next day after the loss to Newburyport they were able to edge visiting Beverly, 5-4.

Junior Carter Sahagian (4 innings, 3 hits, 1 earned run, 5 strikeouts) relieved senior starter Bodie Bartram (3 innings,

1 hit, 3 runs, 1 earned, 6 walks, 3 strikeouts) on the hill to help secure the win. Bartram, battling all the way to keep the Panthers off the scoreboard, limited the damage to only three runs over three innings.

Cannuscio helped pace the attack with a big double in the first. It was followed by Bartram’s two-run single to left that gave the local nine a 2-0 advantage after one.

In the third, the Panthers took advantage of some walks and miscues to plate three runs, before

Bartram was able to get out of it. After allowing a run in the fourth, Sahagian shut it all down throughout the rest of the game.

With two outs in the fourth, the Magicians were able to rally for three runs to win the game. Mahan started the uprising with a walk, and went to second on a passed ball, before scoring the team’s third run of the game on freshman Greyson Leventhal’s clutch single to right. Leventhal immediately stole second, and went to third on a passed ball. A short time later, he waltzed home on a wild pitch, all of which occurred during Schmitt’s nine pitch at-bat that turned into a walk. Junior Stef Shepard then doubled him home to account for what turned out to be the game-winning run.

The first five hitters – Schmitt, Shepard, Cannuscio, Sachs and Bartram – in the Marblehead lineup recorded hits in this game. Shepard and Cannuscio had the extra base hits with one double apiece. Leventhal, batting nine, was credited with the other Marblehead hit in the game,

which kept the line moving in the fateful fourth.

The Magicians closed out vacation week by beating up the Witches, 14-1 on April 19. The game was called after four innings, because of the mercy rule.

After giving up an unearned run in the first inning, the Marblehead boys scored the next 14, including eight in the second. Shepard led off the second with a solo homerun, and capped off the offensive explosion with a three-run round-tripper in the same frame.

The Magicians banged out nine hits, led by Brooks Keefe, Schmitt and Cannuscio (3 hits) with one double apiece.

Cannuscio went all four innings on the mound, allowing one hit, one walk and one run, while whiffing five to record the victory.

After taking on Bishop Fenwick and Danvers on the road Monday and Tuesday afternoons after press deadline, the Magicians will face the Falcons again on Friday, April 26, starting at 4 p.m.

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High softball team (4-1) won its first four games of the season, before losing a heartbreaker to nonleague Whittier at home, 1-0 on April 19. Prior to that close loss, the Magicians took down host Boston Latin Academy in the North End the day before, 11-1.

Pitcher Tessa Francis threw a no-hitter against Boston Latin. She fanned 11 batters. Catcher Luka Bornhorst helped her

It was another great Boston Marathon for Marblehead runners on April 15. Twenty-four ’Headers were signed up to run — and one, Rex Radloff, finished 222nd overall with a time of 2:34:41.

Also crossing the finish line was John Prindiville, who ran with the Massachusetts General Hospital Pediatric Cancer team in honor of his neighbor, Caroline Noonan. Caroline, 13, is battling a rare form of cancer, Ewing sarcoma.

“What she’s gone through is heroic,” Prindiville told the Current in February. Caroline’s mom, Select Board Chair Erin Noonan, dad and brother joined Prindiville’s family at Mile 20 along the route to cheer on their neighbor. Prindiville raised $23,000 for MGH.

’Header Thomas Smith finished his sixth Boston Marathon since suffering three paralyzing accidents. Smith walked the 26.2 miles with his friend Paul Kent, a double amputee, and his physical therapist, Keith Cooper.

“Preparing for this year’s

out behind the plate, throwing out two runners to stop any potential threats instantly.

Shortstop Hailey Schmitt led the way on offense with four hits. Ashley Mortensen drove in two on a triple to left that hit the fence in the air.

Coach Johnny Gold’s team scored two runs in the first to begin the onslaught. Bornhorst worked a walk to ignite the offense. Third baseman Tessa Andriano was then hit by a pitch. Second baseman Ruby Calienes

marathon was my most interesting to date, having fractured my ankle in January after a bad fall,” Smith wrote on Facebook. “Never had I condensed my training into just eight weeks, and admittedly I was a bit nervous for this year’s event. However, Keith along with my doctor, Tommy Mulroy, came up with a plan that we executed together, just as we’d done in years past.” Smith, Cooper and Kent raised more than $26,000 for

drove in both with a single to center. Pinch-hitter Geneveve Rogers bunted another run home. The Magicians scored five more in the fourth. Ashley Mortensen led off with a walk. Isabelle Mortensen, her twin sister, followed with a single, and they both came home on a single by Schmitt. Bornhorst kept the line moving with a walk. She then tagged up to advance to second on a flyball, before stealing third and coming home on a perfect suicide squeeze by

Calienes. The visitors added three more runs in the sixth. Ashley Mortensen’s triple brought home two of those runs. It was then your classic pitcher’s duel last Friday morning against Whittier. There were only a total of six combined hits by both teams throughout all seven innings. Whittier scored the game’s lone run right away in the very first inning. Francis allowed just four hits, while striking out 12

the outpatient rehab center Journey Forward, through the Thomas E. Smith Foundation. The foundation has raised

to do everything she can do to keep the winning streak alive. The Magicians had their chances to get on the scoreboard, only to come up short on the bases.

The Marblehead girls faced host Winthrop on April 23 after press deadline, before coming home to take on rival Swampscott later today (April 24), starting at 4:30 p.m. They will be at Salem to go up against the Witches Friday, April 26, beginning at 4 p.m.

Charlie Sachs helped power the attack with a double against the Clippers. Riley Schmitt was credited with a single and scored a run. Chris Cannuscio

Anyone who knows me knows that I abhor broccoli. Reasons? The texture. The color, although I do like other green vegetables. I’ll blame my dad.

A man of his time — a “manly man” — he urged his children to eat broccoli because it would “put hair on your chest.” This line of thought worked just fine on my brothers. (He used similar reasoning when recommending zucchini, green beans, carrots or anything deemed nutritious, but most often for broccoli.) So, I spent much of my childhood dodging vegetables, particularly that one. When I had kids of my own, and needed to feed the babies strained broccoli, I did so wearing an exaggerated smile while repeating, “Yum, isn’t this disgusting?” with each spoonful.

Over time, I discovered a substitute veggie: cauliflower. From the same family of cruciferous vegetables, its creamy color, smoother texture and floral shape rendered it more palatable. When cooked just right, the texture can be compared to cooked pasta. The problem with cauliflower is prep work. In its raw state it resists the pressure of a knife. Cut and already separated florets are readily available at the supermarket, but dearly priced. Frozen versions, unless timed perfectly, can turn to mush.

Enter Mary Ann Esposito, host of the PBS cooking show “Ciao Italia,” and recently a special guest of the Current. After her presentation, she signed copies of her latest book “Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Grow” and took time to personally chat up audience members. One attendee, a busy physician, asked for a recipe recommendation. The answer:

roasted cauliflower. The technique outlined in the book simplifies the prep work. She cuts a thin slice off the bottom so the whole round lays flat in the pan, then microwaves it to boost the cooking process. Next she brushes it all over with an herband-spice mixture, and finishes it in the oven for just over 30 minutes. The outside caramelizes to a lovely color and flavor and the tender florets break off easily.

Mary Ann recommends using a cast iron pan for roasting. But don’t run out and buy one just to make this recipe: a heavy baking dish will do the trick.

The next day I got a text, with kudos, from the guest who requested the recipe. She’d already tried it out, and said it was easy and delicious.

See Esposito’s recipe here for the particulars. I’ve added another one that has stood the test of time in my own kitchen and culinary classes. The florets blend well with the pasta echoing it both texture and color. For a great gluten-free dish, skip the pasta.

ROASTED CAULIFLOWER

From “Ciao Italia: Plant, Harvest, Cook”

Makes 4 servings.

`

1 medium-head cauliflower, outer leaves removed, base trimmed to allow the cauliflower to sit upright

` 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus extra for brushing

¼ cup tomato paste

`

`

1 teaspoon dried oregano

` ¼ teaspoon red pepper paste or red pepper flakes, or to taste

` Salt to taste

Preheat the oven to 350 F.

— Place the cauliflower on a microwave-safe plate and microwave it on high power for 5 minutes.

— Brush a cast-iron skillet or pie pan with olive oil and place the

cauliflower in the pan.

» — In a bowl, whisk together the oil, tomato paste, oregano, red pepper, and salt. With a pastry brush, coat the cauliflower all over the mixture.

» Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a knife easily pierces it and the head looks dark red. Cut into wedges and serve.

PASTA WITH CAULIFLOWER

Makes 6 servings “Kitchen-ready” tomatoes, (listed that way on the can), are already processed to a smooth consistency. This saves the extra step of washing up the food processor. The olive oil should lightly cover the bottom of the pot. Use just enough to soften up the garlic; be sure to discard it so you don’t bite into it thinking it is cauliflower. The end result, showered with good parmigiano-reggiano cheese and a chopping of flat (curly has no flavor) Italian parsley, is best drizzled with a small amount of extra-virgin olive oil to amp up the flavor.

`

1 head cauliflower, trimmed and cut into florets

` 2 ½ pounds canned plum

tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped ` Olive oil to cover the bottom of a stock pot, and a little extra for drizzling at the end

1

`

and cook gently until lightly golden. Remove and discard the garlic.

Carolyn (Bates) Stanton, 98

Mrs. Carolyn (Bates) Stanton, 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Marblehead on Monday, April 15. Carolyn was born in Salem, the daughter of the late George and Nora (Jennings) Bates. She was the eighth of nine children. She had wonderful memories of growing up in a household filled with music, laughter and energy. Carolyn was always particularly proud of her mother Nora, who immigrated to Salem from rural Mayo, Ireland, as a 17-year-old girl; her father George, who had to leave school in Salem as a young boy to help support his family but rose to become a Massachusetts state representative, the mayor of Salem and a U.S. Congressman; and her brother Bill, who succeeded his father in Congress. Before each

passed on while still in office, George and Bill represented the Massachusetts sixth district in Congress continually from 1937 to 1969.

Carolyn attended Salem Public Schools, where in high school she began dating her future husband and best friend, the late Edmund (Ed) Stanton. Carolyn attended Trinity College in Washington D.C., where she also helped in the World War II effort as a hospital candy striper.

After the war she graduated from Tufts University with a degree in math and worked as

Barbara (Bonnie) Jones, 67

Bonnie passed away on April 12 at her home in Key West, Florida, surrounded by love and gratitude. She was a native New Englander, having grown up in Marblehead and graduating from Northeastern

The Marblehead Current publishes obituaries online for free and in its print edition for a flat fee of $200. Submissions or inquiries should be sent to notices@ marbleheadnews.org.

a statistician at GE in Lynn. She married Ed in 1949. They moved from Salem to Prince Street in Marblehead in 1956, where Carolyn lived for the rest of her life. Ed and Carolyn raised five children. It was a busy household, but they always made time to go dancing, often at the Corinthian Yacht Club. In her 40s, as the children got older and she read about a shortage of math and science teachers, Carolyn got her master’s in education from Salem State.

She subsequently became the first female math teacher at Marblehead High School. When she retired, and Ed passed away before his time in 1989, Carolyn decided she wanted to push herself to create a new stage of life and to make a positive impact in the world. She considered joining the Peace Corps. She modified that a bit by diving into local volunteerism by increasing her deep and ongoing involvement with My Brother’s Table in Lynn, becoming the Marblehead representative to

University in 1973. She taught at Lincoln Sudbury Regional High School until moving to Key West in 1981 with her life partner of 50 years, Mitzi Krabill. Bonnie was proud to be the southernmost courier for Fedex until her retirement after 20 years. She was a high school and college athlete, a coach and a wicked sports fan. Sailing in the coastal waters of New England since she was a child and being

BY PAM PETERSON

Ashley Bowen of Marblehead was not famous during his lifetime, but he left a legacy that has proved invaluable. Bowen was an apprentice seaman from the age of 11. He was married three times and fathered 15 children. After many years at sea, he became a ship’s rigger at the age of 35. His personal diaries and illustrations provide information about life in Marblehead and beyond. Bowen’s journals record battles in Quebec in the French and Indian War in 1759. For the rest of his life, Bowen regaled anyone who would listen to accounts of his voyage to Quebec with Captain James Cook. Of course,

the North Shore Vocational School (now Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School) and being a docent at Peabody Essex Museum. She acted internationally by joining teaching and social service programs in places such as Poland and Northern Ireland. She traveled the world for adventure and fun, often with her good friend David Nolan. She also led a number of super fun “making memories” trips with her broad family.

Carolyn’s later years included her fantastic walking/ talking coffee friends, her deep and important faith at Star of the Sea Church, her various relationships with the Marblehead police and fire departments, her friends at the Corinthian Yacht Club, her special bond with everyone at My Brother’s Table and her absolutely wonderful neighbors on Prince Street.

Carolyn’s family includes her five children and their spouses: Ellen and Chip Mulaney of

on the waters around Key West best suited her nature and brought her great joy. Bonnie traveled her path through this life with a natural steadfastness, loving her family and friends with all her heart. She will be greatly missed by her sisters Pam Parsons of Key West and Beth Tenney (Steve) of Marblehead; her brother Bill Jones (Kate) of Marblehead; and her half-sister Jessica

Chicago: the late Ned and Mary Stanton of Beverly: Mimi and Mark Shapiro of Swampscott: Neil and Karen Stanton of Westport Island, Maine: and Amy and Tom Ladd of Danvers. She had 14 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was the last of her Bates siblings, but she leaves her beautiful sister-in-law Dorothy Bates of Danvers. Her loving friends and caregivers, Joyce Nansamba and Jannie Nabukenya of Danvers, are also part of the family.

Carolyn was a great woman. Luv ya.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, April 21, 2-5 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Her Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, April 22, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Burial will follow at St. Mary Cemetery, Salem. In lieu of flowers please make donations to: My Brother’s Table, 98 Willow St., Lynn, Massachusetts 01901.

Jones (Jimmy) of Hampton, New Hampshire; her favorite nieces and nephews Kim, Tori, Christopher, Trevor, Ryan, Will and sweet great-nieces, Milly and Charlotte.

A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Should you wish, donations in Bonnie’s memory can be made to Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Thoracic Surgery and Oncology.

Cook was not yet known as a famous explorer when Bowen sailed with him, but it was still impressive, as was Bowen’s service in the British Navy during the French and Indian War. Bowen also recorded his life as a ship’s rigger, with many accounts about the construction of vessels, as well as work that he occasionally did on buildings, including the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. He lived to be 85 years old, so his journal includes times before, during and after the American Revolution. During the Revolution, Bowen was a Tory, and he was quite open about it. As a result, he found little work during the war years and was often refused provisions by local shopkeepers. Bowen was drafted twice into the Marblehead militia, was trained as a soldier, but he was considered a suspicious character, and was not taken up by any of the militia commanders. Finally, he went to sea, but the naval ship he was on was suspected of supplying goods to the British. These accusations were never proven, and after the Revolution Bowen came back to Marblehead, apparently accepted again by his fellow townsmen.

Beautiful, colorful illustrations and firsthand accounts by Bowen in his journals provide information about a wide variety of topics. Included in the journals is the first known image of Marblehead in 1763. His illustration includes the spire of St. Michael’s, which was Bowen’s church and served as an important

COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM

An illustration from Ashley Bowen’s journal dated 1799, depicting a sloop named Eagle and two schooners.

Get ready for ‘The Prom’

Friday, April 26 through Sunday, April 28

Don’t miss the Marblehead High School spring musical, “The Prom.” The production tells the story of four washed-up Broadway stars who are looking to repaint their image as celebrity activists. When they catch wind that the bigoted PTA of a small town in Indiana has canceled the high school prom, all because one girl wanted to take her girlfriend, they hop on the cause. In their misguided attempts, many mistakes are made and many lessons learned, but the prom comes together in the end. Get tickets at ticketstage.com/T/ MHSCHOOLS

Historic concert at Old North

Friday, April 26, 7:30 p.m.

Old North Church, 35 Washington St., is hosting two double bass virtuosos to perform a concert celebrating the 150th anniversary of the birth of Serge Koussevitzky. The famous composer and double bassist was conductor of the Boston Symphony Orchestra from 1924-1949. Susan Hagen and David Heyes, who perform around the world, will play a double bass once owned by Koussevitzky. This one-hour concert is free and open to all. A free will offering will be accepted.

Wednesday, April 24

4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Latin Academy, at Carter Playground, Boston

4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Latin Academy, at Marblehead High

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

4:30 p.m., boys and girls track, vs. Danvers, Gloucester, at Gloucester High

Track

From P. A9

Sports & Leisure Tour

Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Join the Marblehead Museum for a new walking tour on the history of sports and leisure in Marblehead. You’ll learn about baseball, boxing, bicycling, billiards, movies, roller skating and drinking in town. Discover how Marblehead became a leisure mecca and explore the colorful characters who called the town home from 1865-1965.

Tickets are $15 for museum members and $20 for the public. More info at marbleheadmuseum.org.

Food For Thought

Thursday, May 2, 11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m.

Marblehead on the Eve of Independence

Thursday, May 2, 7 p.m.

This illustrated talk by Judy Anderson will present a portrait of Marblehead at the peak of the town’s pre-Revolutionary prosperity, as social tensions and political divisions began to erupt. Anderson will profile the gritty but thriving seaport in the two generations before the struggle for independence.

The event is at the Marblehead Museum, 170 Washington St. and on Zoom. $10 for museum members, $15 for the public. To learn more, visit marbleheadmuseum.org.

UU meet & greet

Saturday, April 27, 6 p.m.

At this women’s luncheon, join Leesonlife and Marcel Quiroga, founder and CEO of TQM Wealth Partners, to learn new ways to think about financial and physical health, with the goal of getting the most joy out of life. The event is at Tedesco Country Club and is $30 per person. Learn more and register at financialfoodforthought. eventbrite.com.

Thursday, April 25

4 p.m., unified track, vs. Malden, at Marblehead Village School

4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, vs. Salem, at MHS Piper Field

4:30 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Salem, at Marblehead High

7 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Salem, at Bertram Field, Salem

Friday, April 26

4 p.m., baseball, vs. Danvers, at Seaside Park

in a great showing, while making his long jump debut. He finished fourth.

Girls long jump

Sadie Halpern leaped to victory with a jump of 16-7.

“Sadie had an incredible day winning all three of her events in convincing fashion (long jump, 100, 200),” said head coach Nolan Raimo.

Paige Tredwell (14-11) was second. Campbell Crane (14-5) ended up fifth.

Boys triple jump

Hersey (40-11.25) finished second, only three inches off his career best. Graham Firestone (34-8) came in sixth. Claudio Gusmao-Gonzalez (34-4.25) was right behind him in seventh place.

Girls triple jump

Philine Heuermann (32-1) was the lone Marblehead competitor in this event, and ended up second. It was only her second time competing in the triple jump.

Boys discus

No Marblehead thrower made the finals, but there’s no shame here considering the competition. In his first high school meet, McRae-Hughes was the team leader against Peabody with a throw of 78-7.

Norfleet (67-8, personal best by over four feet) picked up where he left off last year. Brady Leveroni, another newcomer to this event, started out his discus career with a toss of 66-0. Alex Humphreys, who ran straight from throwing the javelin, fouled twice, before recording a 65-9.

Girls discus

4 p.m., softball, vs. Salem, at Mack Park, Salem

4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Masconomet, at Marblehead High

4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Masconomet, at Masconomet Regional High School

4 p.m., boys and girls track, MSTCA Relays, at Southeastern Regional Vocational/

Albert (105-9, personal best by two-feet) came out on top against Alessandra Forgione of Peabody, who was the meet’s favorite. O’Brien also started off the season very well with a throw 86-8, a two-inch improvement. She ended up third. First-time thrower Lillian Reddy threw 67-4 in her firstever outdoor meet. It was a very respectable distance given how little she’s practiced so far, according to Plunkett. Crane threw 53-9 in her socks, because she had to sprint over from the jumping area in spikes.

Boys javelin

Graham Firestone won the javelin with a monster toss of 129-1, over 10-feet better than his personal best last year. Alex Humphreys had a rougher go of it, fouling a couple of times, because of headwinds, but he still managed a throw of 100-0 and a third-place finish.

Girls javelin

Because of spring vacation, the Magicians were short handed in this event, but freshman Julia Betz stepped up from JV to be the varsity team’s lone participant.

“Alone against the world and facing a brutal headwind, she stayed cool and tossed the javelin 55-9 for a great start to her season,” said Plunkett.

Boys 400-meter hurdles

In his first 400-meter hurdle race of his career, Hersey cracked the 60-second barrier to win the event in 59.4. Nate Jendrysik (70.8) was fifth, and Elian Colon (72.8) sixth.

Girls 400-meter hurdles

After dabbling in the hurdles during the indoor track season,

The Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St, is hosting a community soiree, and everyone’s invited. The meet & greet includes a free buffet dinner, some “home-grown entertainment” and conversation.

“Despite their concern for social justice and our changing environment, we (UU) folks can still laugh, share a delicious meal and engage in delightful conversations with our friends and neighbors,” said member Linda Weltner.

Technical School, South Easton

Monday, April 29

4 p.m., girls lacrosse, vs. Beverly, at MHS Piper Field

4 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Beverly, at Beverly High

4 p.m., boys and girls track, vs. Masconomet, at Masconomet Regional High School

4 p.m., softball, vs. Malden Catholic, at Marblehead

Grace Mortenson (76.4) opened up the spring season with another win. Campbell Crane (88.7) stepped up on short notice to finish fourth.

Boys two-mile

Isaac Gross (9:52.5) continued his NEC distance dominance by cruising to the first spring win of the season. Jonah Potach (11:01, 12-second personal best) had the best race of his career to finish fourth.

Girls two-mile

Marri O’Connell (11:52.4) picked up right where she left off last season to remain undefeated in this event.

Boys 100

The fourth confrontation of the year between Carlson (10.7) and Peabody’s Eli Batista, the NEC’s best, resulted in a victory for the Marblehead sprinter.

“Eli won the first two indoor contests, but Tommy came back to win the NEC championship in the 55-meters,” said coach Will Herlihy.

Jake Bobowski (11.4) opened up the spring season with a third-place finish. Ryan Corrigan (11.9), making his debut in the sprints, was fifth.

Girls 100

Sadie Halpern (12.6) ran away from the field to start the season victorious. Lidia Jasmine Tiedra (14.0) was fourth, and Camryn O’Brien (14.9), stepping up on short notice to run varsity, came in sixth.

Boys 100-meter hurdles

Hersey (14.8) ran stride for stride with his Peabody counterpart for seven hurdles until the Peabody runner couldn’t keep up the pace to settle for second. Elian Colon (18.5) finished fifth, and Nate

Veterans Middle School 4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Winthrop, at Marblehead High

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

4 p.m., unified track, vs. Salem, at Marblehead Village School

Tuesday, April 30

4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Saugus, at Belmonte School, Saugus

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

Jendrysik (20.3) was right behind him in sixth.

Girls 100-meter hurdles

Tredwell (16.9) dominated the 55-meter hurdles this past winter, and it looks like she will continue winning in the spring after an impressive opening meet triumph. Grace Mortenson (19.8) was third, and Crane (26.7) sixth.

Girls mile

Jesslyn Roemer (6:13, estimated time) picked up a point for her teammates with a third-place finish. Maren Potter (6:29) was fourth, and Shannon Hitscherich (6:36) fifth.

Boys mile

“Will Cerrutti (4:37.2) is a man on a mission,” said coach Will Herlihy. “Will put on a (show) to get his first win of the season.” Ryan Blestowe (5:10.1) followed with a fifth-place finish for Marblehead, and Zack Pike (5:10.7, a nine-second personal best) came in sixth.

Boys 4x100

Jake Bobowski, Ryan Corrigan, Jack Burke and Slater Johnson (47.3) narrowly lost to the Peabody quartet (47.0.)

Girls 4x100

Cora Gerson, Paige Tredwell, Lidia Jasmine Tiedra and Lucy Flynn won this close relay as a result of Flynn holding off one of Peabody’s top sprinters down the stretch.

Boys 400 Eben Weed (61.0) led the way for Marblehead to account for a fourth-place finish. He was followed by Joseph Proulx (62.2, fifth) and James Pulido (62.9, sixth).

Girls 400

Ariella Kahn (67.8) was third,

Wednesday, May 1

4 p.m., boys lacrosse, vs. Danvers, at MHS Piper Field 4 p.m., softball, vs. Peabody, at Marblehead Veterans Middle School 4 p.m., girls tennis, vs. Gloucester, at Marblehead High 4 p.m., boys tennis, vs. Gloucester, at Gloucester High

and Maggie Miller (71.7) came in fourth.

Girls 800 Freshman newcomer Evelina Beletsky (3:06.6) was the lone Marblehead runner, and she held her own for the first 600 meters against a more experienced Peabody squad, before ultimately finishing fourth.

Boys 800

“It didn’t take long for Will Cruikshank (2:08.4) to have a noticeable impact on the spring track team after making the decision to switch from baseball for the first time,” said Herlihy. “About 60% into the race, the whole pack was pretty close, but Cruikshank made a decisive move to break free, bringing Henrik Adams (2:07.2, a threesecond personal best) with him. Henrik’s top speed helped him to secure the win, with Cruikshank finishing second.”

Veteran leader Xavier Grazado (2:14.3) came in a close fourth.

Girls 200

Halpern sprinted to a 27.3 win, nearly matching her best time from one year ago, despite the headwind. Cora Gerson (29.5) finished third, and Flynn (30.4) was sixth.

Boys 200 Carlson (23.1) swept the short sprints with a victory here in the 200. Jack Burke (26.1) finished fifth, and Slater Johnson (26.5) sixth.

Boys 4x400 Pulido, Johnson, Pike and Potach came out on top, despite competing in at least a couple of events already.

MHS VA rSiTY SCHEDU lE