05.29.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 27

MUSIC Local teacher nominated for a Grammy Page 10

FOOD & FUN What’s new at this summer’s Farmers’ Market Page 15

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

SPORTS MHS teams head to postseason Page 11

Candidates make their cases at League forum

BY WILL DOWD

Dan Albert, the town’s MBTA advisor and Select Board candidate, set himself apart from his opponents during the candidates’ forum hosted by the Marblehead League of Women Voters on May 21. Albert stood alone in his opposition to the MBTA zoning law, which failed to pass at the recent Town Meeting. He argued that it would do little to address the housing crisis and could lead to environmental damage.

“The reality is, we’re being lied to,” Albert said. “We’re told this is a solution to the housing crisis, one. Two, we’re told (by) Sustainable Marblehead people who got up and said, ‘Hey, this is

NEVER FORGET

» Check out the Current’s 2024 Election Guide on Pages 6,7.

good for the environment.’ The reality is it’s not … it’s more cars in town.”

Most of the other candidates, including incumbents Erin Noonan, Bret Murray and Moses Grader, along with challenger Dan Fox, supported holding a special town meeting to reconsider the zoning issue, citing the potential loss of state funding for critical projects.

“I have to support a special town meeting,” Murray said. “This is money that we’ve given to the state. So, if we don’t pass this, this is money that’s not

coming back to us.”

Fox agreed, noting the low turnout at the previous Town Meeting. “If you look in Marblehead, we have approximately 16,000 registered voters, there were 800 people at Town Meeting. That’s what, 5%?” he said.

Fox expressed support for the Planning Board’s work on the issue.

“The problem was that it wasn’t explained well,” he said. “I spent a lot of time looking at this, and I’m in real estate. It was confusing at Town Meeting on exactly what we we’re voting for between amendments, people objecting and yelling at each other. We need to treat each other well and get to the facts, to

the data.”

The forum, which featured five of the six candidates vying for five seats on the Select Board, saw the candidates outline their visions for the town’s future and clash over key issues, including the budget, infrastructure and zoning.

Noonan, seeking a third term on the board, emphasized the progress made over the past year, from hiring a sustainability coordinator and establishing a department of planning and community development to starting the charter review process and adopting financial policies.

“We have a very strong team in place right now,” she said. “I just want to ensure that we keep the

Town pauses to honor fallen heroes

BY WILL DOWD

Marblehead paid solemn tribute to its fallen service members with a series of events and ceremonies over the Memorial Day weekend.

On Monday morning, the day began with an 8 a.m. service at Clark Landing. This was followed by a parade that commenced at 9 a.m. from the Old Town House, winding its way up Pleasant Street to Memorial Park, where further ceremonies unfolded under an overcast sky.

Groups of residents lined the streets along the route, some waving American flags as the Marblehead High School marching band played patriotic tunes.

Retired four-star Army Gen. David McKiernan delivered the principal address, emphasizing the importance of remembering service members’ sacrifices.

“Remember those who are not here. Remember sons and daughters who grew up without a father or mother. Families are never the same after the loss of their loved one,” McKiernan said.

Congressman Seth Moulton provided reflections on the true

MEMORIAL DAY, P. A15

EDUC aTION

momentum moving on some of our priorities.”

Noonan also highlighted the board’s efforts to improve the town’s long-term financial health, citing ongoing meetings with the finance director and the development of a multi-year financial plan.

“Right now, in terms of advocacy, our number one priority is the long-term financial health of the town,” she said, adding that Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin is organizing “around starting this process next month.”

Murray, who like Noonan is a lawyer, touted his deep roots in the community and his

Parents demand addition at contract talks

Also, next steps on interim super search

BY LEIGH BLANDER

As School Committee Chair Sarah Fox and Vice Chair Jenn Schaeffner bargain with teachers about a new contract, a group called Marbleheaders For Change is demanding that Fox and Schaeffner invite Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer to the negotiating table. Marbleheaders For Change — which includes parents, former School Committee and Finance Committee members, retired educators and other residents — sent out two emails last week encouraging people asking the School Committee to take a public vote adding Kezer to the negotiating team.

“So far the schools/town negotiating subcommittee team has consisted of School Committee members Sarah Fox and Jenn Schaeffner, plus the SC’s attorney, Liz Valerio,” read one email. “But best practices would include the superintendent of schools (if we knew who that was going to be) and the town administrator: in other words, professionals with knowledge and experience in negotiations.”

Kezer confirmed to the Current that he has been invited to the executive sessions of the School Committee for discussions about strategy but not to the bargaining.

“I have not been invited to participate in the actual negotiations with the union members present,” Kezer wrote in an email. “That has been Sarah Fox, Jenn Schaeffner and attorney Liz Valerio. I was asked to be available via phone for any calls if they needed a caucus session during a negotiation meeting along with the other members of the School Committee.”

Kezer continued: “Under MGL Chapter 150E, I do serve as a voting member of the School Committee for the purposes of collective bargaining. It is up to the School Committee chair to appoint members to the negotiating team. The town administrator is eligible for appointment but is not required.”

SCHOOLS, P. A2

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Families gather to watch the Marblehead Memorial Day parade.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Marblehead’s Memorial Day parade ends with a ceremony at Waterside Cemetery.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Two juveniles have been charged in the gun threat hoax that put Marblehead High School in a “hold passing” for several hours last month as police and K-9 units searched the building and student backpacks, Police Chief Dennis King has told the Current. King declined to offer any details about those charged because they are minors. They will face charges in Lynn Juvenile Court. On April 29, police received a call from

someone claiming to be inside MHS with a firearm.

“At approximately 1 p.m., MHS was notified by the Marblehead Police Department that they had received a call. The caller stated that they ‘had a gun’ inside Marblehead High School,” interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness and Police Chief Dennis King wrote in an email after the incident.

“A significant presence of the Marblehead Police Department responded to the school within minutes and began making

‘Oh, the Places You’ll Go’ COURT Juveniles charged in MHS gun threat call

BY WILL DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead High School seniors will graduate on Friday, May 31, at 6 p.m. on Piper Field. If the weather does not cooperate, the ceremony will be moved indoors. Several seniors will speak, including valedictorian Katherine Twomey and class president Clara Donovan. MHS a capella groups Luminescence and Jewel Tones will perform.

Then, graduates will head out into the world — and across the map. Here’s a look at where many of the students will be heading this fall. No graduates have enlisted in the military this year.

» Auburn University

Baylor University

Bentley University

Berklee College of Music

» Boston College

» Boston University

» Brown University

» Bunker Hill Community College

Colby College

College of Charleston

» Columbia University in the City of New York

» Concordia University

Connecticut College

Cornell University

POMP & CIRCUMSTa NCE

» Dartmouth College

Denison University

Dickinson College

Elon University

» Emmanuel College

» Essex Tech NightHawks

» Fairfield University

» Fordham University

Franklin Pierce University

Gettysburg College

Grinnell College

» High Point University

» Hobart William Smith Colleges

» Indiana University-Bloomington

Ithaca College

James Madison University

» Kenyon College

» Lappeenranta University of Technology

» Lesley University

Loyola University Maryland

Marist College Massachusetts College of Art and Design

» McGill University

» Merrimack College

» Miami University-Oxford

Norfolk State University

North Shore Community College

» Northeastern University

» Ohio State University-Main Campus

Ohio University-Main Campus

Pace University

the scene safe and investigating,” the email continued. “Again, this was not an active shooter incident, it was a threat that was called into the police station. We immediately enacted our safety protocols to ensure that the safety of our students and staff was secured, and the high school was placed in a hold passing. A search was conducted of every classroom and backpacks by the MPD and school administrators, out of an abundance of caution. There were no weapons found.”

» Pennsylvania State University-

Penn State Main Campus

Providence College

Purdue University-Main Campus

» Rochester Institute of Technology

» Roger Williams University

Saint Joseph’s University

Saint Mary’s University

Salem State University

» Salve Regina University

» San Diego State University

» Santa Clara University

Simmons University

Skidmore College

Southern New Hampshire

University

» St. Andrew’s University

» St. John’s College

» Stonehill College

Suffield Academy

Suffolk University

SUNY Fredonia

» Syracuse University

» The Peterson School

» The University of Alabama

» Tufts University

University College Dublin University of California-Berkeley

» University of California - Santa Cruz

» University of Colorado

Boulder University of Connecticut

» University of Delaware University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Iowa

» University of Massachusetts-Amherst

» University of Massachusetts-Boston University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth University of Massachusetts-Lowell

» University of Miami

» University of Minnesota

University of Mississippi University of New Hampshire-

Main Campus

» University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

» University of Rhode Island

» University of San Francisco University of South Carolina- Columbia University of Tampa

» University of Vermont

» University of Wisconsin-Madison

» Virginia Tech

Wake Forest University

Wentworth Institute of Technology

» Wesleyan University

» Westfield State University

» Williston Northampton School Winchendon School

Many ’Headers among St. John’s Prep graduating class

BY LEIGH BLANDER

More than two dozen Marbleheaders graduated from St. John’s Preparatory School at its 114th commencement on Saturday, May 18. Among them: 19 members of the National Honor Society, National Merit Scholarship finalist Elliott Adams and Sonia Schreiber Weitz Human Rights Award winner Jason Orfaly.

David Kane of Marblehead was the valedictorian and Graham Kramer was the senior class speaker.

Graham Kramer of Marblehead was the senior class speaker In his address, Kane urged his

Schools

From P. A1

‘Ally not adversary’

Kate Schmeckpeper, a member of Marbleheaders For Change, explained why it’s important to have Kezer in the room with educators.

“I think successful negotiations with the MEA (Marblehead Education Association) are vital for our schools and our community,” she said. “Without terms that address teachers’ issues, we can’t attract and retain high-quality teachers. An agreement also has to take into account the town’s financial capabilities. That’s why it’s imperative to have professional expertise at the bargaining table, where the rubber hits the road and strategy plays out in real time. Thatcher Kezer brings years of experience negotiating these types of contracts. His perspective complements the

classmates to avoid living life by any preconceived outline or to-do list.

“I’ve come to realize that life can’t be planned, and the more I try to plan, the more disappointed I find myself in surprises,” Kate said. “No outline is entirely ‘right,’ so I urge all of us to live openly. I can’t speak to what the next four years of my life will look like, let alone the rest of it. But isn’t that exciting? As Fine Arts Department Chair Ms. Alicia Greenwood (Salem) says, ‘the constant flux of life and the spontaneous motion from one moment to another is what makes each individual moment distinctly beautiful.”

School Committee’s — he’s an ally not an adversary.”

Schmeckpeper added, “No one is asking the School Committee to reveal their strategy at the table — if executive session applies, so be it. Instead, we’re asking that the School Committee take a vote and make Mr. Kezer a member of the negotiating subcommittee and an active participant at the bargaining table.”

Asked whether she would consider adding Kezer to the negotiating team, Fox told the Current, “The School Committee has and will continue to make sure Mr. Kezer is updated and involved throughout bargaining. We are grateful for the advice and feedback Mr. Kezer has offered and will continue to work with him.”

At a League of Women Voters forum on May 21, sitting Select Board members — Chair Erin Noonan, Bret Murray and Moses Grader — and candidate Dan Fox all called for Kezer to be part of

Here is the list Marblehead graduates (* signifies National Honor Society): Elliott Nils Adams*, Academic Excellence, National Merit Finalist; Alexander Gabriel Bernstein*, Academic Excellence, Gold Key Scholastic Art & Writing Award and two Honorable Mention Awards for ceramics; Charles Langdon Brenneman; Matthew Arthur Callahan*; Richard Loomis Case III, English Medal; Jack Robert Doherty*, Athletic Director’s Award; Wells Rockefeller Gillett; Jackson Bailey Ivers; David Andrew Kane*, Valedictorian, Academic Excellence, National Merit Commended Student; Evan

the negotiating team. Candidate Dan Albert did not.

“I have advocated for that,” Noonan said. “I have spoken to the chair and vice chair (of the School Committee) and shared my opinions on that, that he should be at the table. He has 30 collective bargaining agreements under his belt and 12 with schools. I hope that going forward that he is at the table with the union negotiators.”

The next bargaining session is set for Tuesday, June 11, at 3:30 p.m.

Interim super search update

The School Committee planned to discuss interim superintendent candidate John Robidoux Tuesday evening, May 28. Fox told the Current that the committee might vote on whether to move to the next stage with Robidoux, inviting him for a “day in district” in Marblehead when he can meet community members.

CO-CHAIRPERSONS

David Karlyn*; Andrew Samuel Klein*; Graham Patrick Kramer*, Mathematics Medal, Spanish Medal, Loyalty and Service Award; Alden Robert LeMieux*; Graham Eagan MacLean*; James Kipp MacLean*; Jason Paul Martin; Ryan T. Murphy*, Social Studies Medal; Jason Morris Orfaly*, Sonia Schreiber Weitz Human Rights Award; John Upton Rice*; Ethan James Rule*; Andrew Ronald Ruocco*, Social Studies Medal; Kurt O’Neill Schillinger*; Daniel Timothy Scroope*; Gregg Duggan Semprucci; Everest A. Tilkens; Samuel Henry Tucker*, Art 2D Medal; and Christopher Jian Young.

On May 22, committee members visited the Swansea school district where Robidoux is serving as superintendent through the end of June. He announced last fall that he would be leaving Swansea because of a difficult relationship with the school committee there.

Also coming up: The finalist for the Village School principal position, Scott Wiliams, will meet with parents and guardians at the school on Wednesday, May 29, from 3:30-4 p.m.

“This meeting is meant to be interactive, providing participants the opportunity to ask the candidate questions of a professional nature,” Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira wrote in an email to parents.

“Mr. Williams will also have the opportunity to ask questions of families.”

The district is also searching for a Village assistant principal, Glover School principal and high school athletic director.

Senior projects impress crowd at MHS

From composing music to starting businesses, teens immerse themselves in passion projects

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead High School field house was packed last Friday as nearly 200 students displayed their senior projects. MHS seniors have the option to spend the last quarter of the school year getting hands-on experience in passion projects.

“It lets the kids take control and try something new, a new path, all while being supported,” said MHS teacher Andrew Scoglio, who oversees senior projects.

This year, students did everything from teach in classrooms, compose music, start businesses, work with veterans, plan events and more.

Max Arbo spent his senior project reporting and writing for the Current, and displayed some of his articles and feature stories.

“I learned a lot about reporting and how to write effectively for news,” Arbo said. “And I got a chance to connect with my community, covering people and events here.

“I also learned I’m not great with deadlines,” he added sheepishly. “It’s not just in school.”

Bella Takata wrote, directed and appeared in a one-hour show called “Saturday Night Live? No, Tuesday Afternoon Dead.”

“I’ve never written a play before. I kind of went off the deep end with it,” Takata laughed. She also raised about $350 for the MHS Drama Club.

Several students worked together to plan this year’s Culture Feast, which took place Friday, May 24. (Read about Culture Feast on Page 16.)

Others, members of the band Wham Bone, wrote and recorded their own song, called “Event Horizon.”

“It’s a long jam, inspired by

From P. A1

commitment to giving back. He also discussed the board’s efforts to generate revenue without raising property taxes, such as exploring meals and lodging taxes and permit fees.

“We’re looking at ways we can generate revenue without taxing the citizens on their homes with the meals tax, the lodging tax, looking at permits,” Murray explained. “So we’re trying to squeeze every day.”

Grader, the third of four incumbents in the race, praised the Select Board’s ability to work collaboratively despite challenges.

“One of the biggest achievements was that the Select Board has really maintained our capacity throughout to work as a team,” Grader noted.

He also emphasized the board’s fiduciary responsibility and the need to inspire volunteers and maintain ordered governance.

“It’s really important to safeguard as a governing board with that unique (fiduciary) mandate. It should not be a place for acrimony, partisanship,” Grader said. “We’re in the business of trying to inspire by inspiring volunteers.”

Fox called for greater community engagement and a more proactive approach to addressing the town’s challenges.

“We need to advocate this now. We need to get people involved,” he said. “We need to reach across to different boards beyond our control.” Albert, in addition to his opposition to the MBTA zoning law, focused on pedestrian

Pink Floyd,” explained Jameson Vied.

Audeline Vitet, who is headed to Wentworth Institute of Technology to study interior design, researched and designed a beach club and restaurant for a property in Cote D’Azur.

“I learned that I need more patience,” she said. “And I learned that me and my dad, who also does design work, don’t work well together at all.”

Kirill Ostrovoskii launched his own car detailing business.

“I like my own car better when it’s clean,” he said. “I started the business, built the website and

safety and holding officials accountable.

“I’m running because somebody needs to ask some questions,” Albert said. “Somebody needs to make sure the bureaucrats are doing their jobs.”

He also criticized the board’s handling of the budget, arguing that the town has been using debt and free cash to cover operating costs.

“We’ve issued debt to maintain our roads. So we’re basically using debt to cover operating costs. We continue to use free cash to cover operating costs,” Albert said. “So, it’s absolutely true that we have a fiduciary responsibility, but from what I see from the Select Board so far, nobody’s been responsible.”

Alexa Singer, the remaining candidate in the race, was unable to attend the forum due to a work conflict. In a statement read by the moderator, Singer emphasized her commitment to tackling the town’s challenges.

“I know the challenges facing Marblehead. I do my homework and listen to all sides. You need the right people at the table — and I am one of them,” she said.

The candidates also discussed their plans for overseeing the various boards, commissions and committees to which the Select Board appoints members. After last year’s election, some members expressed discomfort in appointing volunteers without some vetting.

Grader advocated for a balanced approach, respecting the time and effort of volunteers while also encouraging fresh ideas and turnover when necessary.

“We can probably do a lot

built the scheduling tool.”

Haven O’Brien and Precious Smallwood spent their senior project volunteering with the Veterans Administration in Jamaica Plain.

“There are a lot of veterans in my family,” O’Brien said. “The VA really helps vets mentally and physically.”

“There’s a lot of judgment here,” she added looking around the high school gym. “The veterans are so kind. They’re always open to hear my stories.”

Jacob Piascik composed “Chad Gadya,” a six-movement piece of music depicting the

more to let the chairs of these committees know that we expect that the folks that are on the boards that aren’t doing a great job or not attending, but they should move over and let new volunteers come in,” Grader said. “But having said that, I mean, volunteers, that is a very delicate thing. Because you don’t want to discourage people from stepping up as well.”

Albert, on the other hand, called for a more aggressive approach, suggesting that many of the volunteer committees should be eliminated.

“Get rid of as many of these volunteer committees as possible,” Albert said. “We have, for example, the Moderator’s Committee to Study the Financial Impact of Article 44. Why do I need to appoint somebody to that committee?”

As a result of a vote at the 2023 Town Meeting and subsequent passage of a home-rule petition, the top two vote-getters for the Select Board in the June 11 election will receive three-year terms, the next two will get twoyear terms and the fifth-place finisher will serve for one year.

Rec and Parks forum

The night also featured a forum for the Recreation and Parks Commission, where five of the six candidates vying for five open seats shared their visions for the town’s parks and recreation facilities. Three candidates participated in person: current commissioners Karin Ernst and Linda Rice Collins and newcomer Richard Jordan. Incumbents Shelly Bedrossian and Rossanna Ferrante were unable to attend but submitted written remarks. Incumbent Matthew Martin did not participate in

“persecution, joys and troubles of the Jews throughout time,” he said. The chamber work features a quartet of strings as well as a mixed choir and will be performed Friday, June 7 at 5:30 p.m. in the MHS auditorium.

Students Alex Coate, Ben Wales, Cam Waldman and Charlie Grenier organized a street hockey tournament to raise money for Huddles for Hearts, which will supply MHS with AED devices and other lifesaving equipment. More than 125 people participated in the tournament.

the forum.

Political newcomer Jordan said his experience with the town’s parks and programs inspired him to run.

“I grew up here in town, and we were fortunate enough to participate in a lot of programs that the town has to offer,” he said.

If elected, Jordan pledged to focus on improving facilities like Green Street Park, which he noted is used by schools and residents but “needs some work.”

Jordan, who runs two marinerelated businesses, said he supports measures to increase revenue, such as reviewing usage fees, but stressed “we don’t want to exclude people from participating.” He also called for better signage at all town parks.

Ernst, seeking a second term, pointed to her work on initiatives to address demand for pickleball and generate additional beach revenue to fund janitorial services at the community center. While acknowledging budget constraints, she expressed confidence in the passion of parks and recreation staff.

“We have to do what we can do with what we have,” she said.

Rice Collins, an incumbent since 1998, cited her education background and previous work on issues like organic land management, Memorial Park renovations and the town dog park. She said her priorities include expanding program offerings, improving transparency of commission meetings and finances, and completing ongoing projects.

“I believe I have the credentials and background to help the Recreation and Parks Department expand

Colette Rodriguez created a “social media presence dedicated to teaching people about cerebral palsy and what goes into being a caretaker.” She was inspired by her neighbor who has the disease.

“Being able to caretake for Lucy Stiles has been one of the most rewarding and special things I have ever done in my life,” Rodrigues said. “My goal of my senior project was to teach people about what it means to have a child living with severe cerebral palsy and what goes into providing her with the utmost care.”

our offerings and provide safe playing surfaces, parks, trails, courts and beaches,” Rice Collins said.

In her statement, Bedrossian highlighted her business experience and policy-focused approach, including leading a beaches working group that projects raising at least $50,000 in additional revenue this year. She also co-led a racquet sports group that analyzed municipal pickleball and tennis facilities and implemented a scheduling system and maintenance standards.

Ferrante wrote in her statement, “We are going deeper into scrutinizing the financial aspects of how projects are run and find opportunities for more revenue.

On the growing popularity of pickleball, Ernst said the commission developed a court scheduling policy that considers “what’s best for the town and the neighbors” while still providing ample playing time.

Regarding the town dog park located off Lime Street, Rice Collins said she has been working with the dog park committee chair to obtain parking spaces and an access road, and to identify new gate and ground surface materials. Ernst agreed the park needs improvements but said resurfacing should wait until access issues are resolved.

Laura Gallant returned nomination papers for the Marblehead Housing Authority but missed the deadline to withdraw her name, effectively ceding the race to Kristin duBay Horton. (Read more about Horton on Page A14.)

Polls will be open Tuesday, June 11, 7 a.m.-8 p.m.

Left to right: Christian Weston, Anais Disla Soto, Trinity Hobson and Emiyah Setalsingh spent their senior project planning the MHS Culture Feast.

Haven O’Brien, left, and Precious Smallwood worke with veterans at the VA in Jamaica Plain for their senior project.

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

Max Arbo spent his senior project learning how to be a reporter at the Marblehead Current

COURTESY PHOTO For their senior project, four students planned a street hockey tournament to raise money for AEDs at the high school.

Opinion

EDITORI a L

A time to remember

Memorial Day is the time we put our busy lives on hold to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our country.

We hope that you and your loved ones paused during the cookouts, travel and family reunions to remember the soldiers, sailors, aviators and Marines who died on the battlefields and in theaters around the world and here at home.

Memorial Day was originally known as Decoration Day. It was first observed on May 30, 1868.

The National Cemetery Administration, a division of the Department of Veterans Affairs, credits Mary Ann Williams with originating the “idea of strewing the graves of Civil War soldiers — Union and Confederate” with flowers.

It should be instructive to us that during a time of great divisiveness following the Civil War people could still come together as Americans to honor the fallen from both sides of the battlefield.

During the Civil War 1,048 Marbleheaders answered the call, according to Town Historian Don Doliber. One-hundred-ten were killed or died in action. Another 87 were wounded or taken prisoner. Six Marbleheaders were killed in World War One, according to Doliber. Forty died in World War Two.

The Vietnam War claimed the lives of six Marbleheaders. The last fatality was Staff Sgt. Christopher Piper who died in the Afghanistan conflict.

And while we remember the fallen on Memorial Day, many of our military veterans, men and women, bear combat scars both seen and unseen — and will require lifelong support from a grateful, if too often forgetful, nation. We are proud, therefore, that Marblehead has produced leaders like U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton, himself a U.S. Marine officer and Iraq war combat veteran, who has fought to get our country’s heroes the resources they so richly deserve.

Marblehead’s fallen were remembered with solemn ceremonies at Clark’s Landing, Memorial Park and Waterside Cemetery where flags adorned the veterans’ graves. U.S. Navy World War II veteran Ken Drewery and U.S. Army Korea veteran Jim Rodgers were the honorary marshals of the parade that wound its way around town to Waterside Cemetery, Army Gen. David McKiernan spoke at Memorial Park. Army veteran Thomas Mathers spoke at Waterside. A special salute to Veterans Agent Dave Rogers who for years has set up the parade, speakers and ceremonies. He is retiring.

There is a monument at the Citadel Military College in South Carolina that reads in part: “Duty done; they rest so we may live free. Speak softly in the company of heroes.” Rest easy, heroes.

Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. Letters over the word limit may be returned to the writer for editing. 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.

THING WILL BE OK ay

EVERy

Making time

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

My dad bought me my first watch for a long ago birthday. He picked it out of a plastic case which sat on the front counter at the local drug store, aptly named Drug City. The case spun around so you could look at all the choices, and he picked a Timex on a silver link chain that looked like a bracelet. I treasured it, mostly because my dad wasn’t one to buy us presents, that was my mom’s purview. I kept it for years after it stopped working in a little wooden jewelry box on my dresser. I don’t know where it is now.

days were, how impossible I would have thought it to not even be physically with them as they turned 22 and 25.

I bought a second watch for myself on my first business trip. I was 22, fresh out of college and was working for a regional trade association. I was about to shepherd a group of businessmen on a round of meetings with their members of Congress at the Capitol. I panicked when I realized I didn’t have a watch to make sure they got to each meeting on time once we were in the building. I anxiously stopped in at the first store I saw on a D.C. street — it may actually have been a Smithsonian museum store — and bought the only watch that was affordable. I remember it had a section on the face with a small mechanical moon that moved across as time elapsed, changing phases. When I got to the first meeting on the Hill, the moon-moving watch on my wrist, I saw a huge clock behind the congressman’s desk — he, too, needed to track time so as not to be late for any votes. The moon watch was unnecessary as it turned out, but I came to love it.

I’ve had a few more traditional watches over the years, but for some reason I don’t hold on to them — each went the way of the first one from that long ago birthday, lost to time.

Now of course we have our smartphones and smartwatches and smart appliances to stay on track.

This notion of time is on my mind in part because of the season, in part because of the milestone birthday of one of my children and in part because, here and there, I find I have a little more of it.

There’s no season that better captures the passage of time than spring. Each day seems to bring forward a new bud, a new leaf, a new shade of green. I wish I had the technological smarts to produce a time lapse video of the trees and bushes coming to life in my backyard. Or the boats filling the harbor. Or the plants filling the rows at a garden center. Rebirth is all around us.

I think of that first watch I purchased and imagine finding one with hands that turn past the deepening greens from April to June — lime to emerald to forest.

My childrens’ birthdays are both in spring, and I remember when celebrations included Barney, Batman, and American Girl dolls. I don’t need a timepiece to tell me how long ago those

Twenty-five! I was onto my second job, thought I was all grown up at that age, though not yet married or a mom. I can close my eyes and feel what I felt like then — how can it be that the little boy who danced with Barney on our deck is that same age?

When they were little, David, with his indefatigable enthusiasm, would urge Jack and Maddy to “Carpe diem” — seize the day — as I buttered their waffles and packed their lunches. I think I hid my eyeroll pretty well from them all. Who had time to seize the day when the amount of work that had to be squeezed into 24 hours practically squeezed the breath out of you?

Now, though, while there’s work to do — client Zoom calls, board responsibilities, writing projects, another closet to straighten — there’s also time to sit and watch the birds at the feeder, time to drive to a park and watch a thunderstorm move across the harbor.

When was the last time you sat in a car during a thunderstorm and followed the water droplets as they traced little paths down the window, putting your finger on them from inside and trying to follow along their route? Who has time for that? Unexpectedly, sometimes, I do. Or maybe more accurately, I make time.

David’s favorite scene from “Dead Poet’s Society” is in the classroom where a student is reciting the Robert Herrick poem with the line “gather ye rosebuds while ye may.” Then Robin Williams takes the class into the hallway where pictures of long-passed students are displayed.

Williams tries to impart the wisdom of the urgency of now to his young charges. “We are food for worms lads, because believe it or not, each and every one of us in this room is going to stop breathing, turn cold and die… Carpe diem, seize the day boys, make your lives extraordinary.” I don’t regret my jam-packed past. But what a joy to have time to breathe. To not have to keep track of every minute, rushing from meeting to meeting, call to call, jumping in a taxi, running for the airplane gate, jamming my finger again and again on the elevator button as if that would summon it faster.

I am seizing a slower day, maybe not in the way Williams meant, but to me, making time, having time, feels pretty extraordinary.

President of the Marblehead Current’s board of directors, Virginia Buckingham 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.”

Hidden gem unveils a dad’s bittersweet reflections

BY COURT MERRIGAN

For beginnings, you start at the start. Like when we came to Marblehead. From my vantage point in Wyoming before we came here, Marblehead was a mere dot on a Google map, somewhere close to where the land ended.

The first time I saw this town was from the front seat of a moving truck, maneuvering down Pleasant Street, almost comical in its narrowness after Wyoming’s wide boulevards. It seems like a blink of the eye now, but 2,000 miles of driving that U-Haul, took us from hundred-mile vistas on the high plains to a New England postcard. In similar fashion, my daughter has gone from a tiny bologna loaf wrapped in swaddling clothes in the hospital in Thailand where she was born to a graduate, this week, of Marblehead High School. When the nurse brought her to me I was so overpowered that I could not keep to my feet. I had to sit with her. I clearly remember thinking that I had done nothing of real importance in all my days before. Now I had this little life to guard and protect and guide.

Along the way we came to Marblehead, where she has received the finishing touches on the first part of her

education. My next job will be to let her go. But! This also means that these days she gets to take me places. Her whole life I’ve been protecting and guiding, as I said, but since we’ve been here, she’s learned a thing or two I didn’t know. For instance, when I asked her what I should write about for this column, she suggested Castle Rock. Not to ruin it for the young people, but apparently this is a favorite hangout spot for teens in town. (If I had to guess, it’s been a favorite since the teenage days of many readers...)

Because she’s a good sport, she agreed to drag her dad there. I haven’t spent a ton of time out on the Neck since moving to Marblehead, but I have circumvented the peninsula enough times to know I had no idea Castle Rock existed. Another of Marblehead’s hidden gems, it lies a short walk off Ocean Avenue, easily missed from the car. Its preservation stands as a testament to the foresight of our local forebears. I have been impressed at the robust protections landmarks and landscapes enjoy in

CURRENT PHOTO / COURT MERRIGAN At Castle Rock, Court Merrigan reflects on his daughter’s journey from childhood to adulthood.

Debunking ‘the law is the law’

BY JOHN DIPIANO

Reports of a special town meeting and a new message packaging up the MBTA Communities Act as a kinder and gentler version of itself have been published and promoted. One message conveyed by proponents of this measure is that the No on 3A vote was a result of misinformation and voters acting emotionally because they either don’t understand the law or are acting emotionally. Select Board Chair Erin Noonan continues her mantra “it’s the law.” And, the acolytes of this measure — the true

believers — continue to tell us that this benevolent measure will ease housing prices and low inventory. All of this is the misinformation people are being fed.

Let’s explore these claims, beginning with the condescending statement that the No on 3A Voters are misguided ignorant children and upstarts. I can’t speak for everyone but I am one of the no voters. I didn’t come by my Juris Doctor degree (cum laude) easily. First, I had to earn my Bachelor of Arts with two majors and a concentration (magna cum laude) and then I had to work my butt off to pay my way through law school while working full-time. Yet I managed

to become an editor of the New England Journal on Criminal and Civil Confinement, had a note published in law school that has been referenced by academia and courts in other states and then had to pass the bar exam. Then came the next almost 29 years of litigation practice, founding my own law firm and being selected by Best Lawyers in America, Boston Magazine, Super Lawyers and appearing in Forbes and Fortune Magazines. In sum, my parents didn’t raise no dummy. Rest assured that I am not having a reflexive reaction to this statute because I’m just colicky. And you can bet your bottom dollar that I’ve read G.L. c. 40A Sec. 3A and case materials regarding pending litigation. I

am not sure that I can say the same for some of the proponents of this measure serving in official capacities in Marblehead based on what I hear from some of them.

Now, I’m sure that I’ve read that insulting people you may be trying to win over to your point of view is not the first, best way of going about that task. Dale Carnegie might have mentioned something about that in “How to Win Friends and Influence People.” So, if proponents are trying to convince No on 3A voters to come over to their side, they may want to read that book. Second on our list is the claim that the MBTA Communities Act is a panacea to the so-called housing crisis. But even The

Is procrastination a bad habit?

BY MAX ARBO

If there’s one thing I’ve mastered in my high school career, it’s waiting until the last minute to complete just about anything. I find that it takes practice to stare down a deadline as it creeps closer and remain unbothered until it’s in your face, the due date hours away, before scrambling to start an assignment you received days ago. It’s an art.

Unfortunately for me, there’s little room for procrastination in journalism, a lesson I’ve learned over the course of my internship with the Current. News is fastpaced. It’s a sprint, starting the second you get your next story to print. Blink and you’ll miss it. So what’s the difference between that short time and the 24 hours before an assignment is due? Pacing yourself.

If news is a sprint, an assignment is a marathon; both are races against time, but

I’m supporting Dan Fox for Select Board

To the editor: Dan Fox and I grew up together in Marblehead. Dan’s post-high school path took him away from Marblehead — to the University of Michigan, a stint as an investment banker in New York City and then to Salem — but it was no surprise that Dan returned to Marblehead to raise his family. Dan is a ‘Header through and through. Dan has the leadership qualities our town needs right now. He understands finances and budgets — he’s a data geek. He’s willing to ask difficult questions. Most importantly, Dan knows how to build and

Boston Globe refutes that claim. In his article dated May 18, 2024, columnist Andrew Brinker’s story appeared under the headline “The state’s new housing law aimed to help fix the affordability crisis. Experts now say it won’t deliver.” Experts — not misguided petulant miscreants who favor the measure — told The Boston Globe the MBTA Communities Act won’t do what the aforementioned acolytes claim it will do. Let that sink in for a minute. Experts on the housing crisis told the Boston Globe that 3A won’t work. After that has sunk in, please tell us again how it will solve the problem it is aimed to solve

Massachusetts. The entrance to Castle Rock is only a walkway, no more than 30 feet across, and could easily have been swallowed up in an earlier time of breakneck development. I hope we do as well in our time at preserving such places for future generations.

Future generations of teens among them. Like my daughter, who showed me the rock ledge atop Castle Rock where she

when faced with an assignment, students often see the miles ahead of them as plenty of time to catch up, and they have time to stop and rest or smell the roses before making that mad dash to the finish line. Journalism, on the other hand, has no room for hesitation, make one small misstep and you’re out of the running.

Going into this internship, my senior project mentor and English teacher at Marblehead High School, Ms. Billings told me I’m “allergic to deadlines,” and as a two-time teacher of mine, all too familiar with my penchant for dodging due dates like an Olympic sport, if anyone would know that about me, it’s her. But is procrastination really a bad thing?

Almost my whole life, I’ve been told that yes, putting things off until the last minute isn’t good, but for so many people,

sustain relationships. His ability to find common ground and build connections will benefit us all.

I hope all Marbleheaders will join me in voting for my friend Dan Fox for Select Board on June 11.

John Whipple

Norman Street

Fox would be unifying force

To the editor: I’m writing to express my support for Dan Fox in the upcoming election for the Select Board. Having known Dan for 25+ years, I’ve witnessed his unwavering dedication to our community and other relevant qualities that make him an exceptional candidate for

likes to go with her friends. The rock itself is a formidable slice of ledge that juts out into the Atlantic. She told me that at high tide when the wind is up, sometimes the waves come crashing all the way up her favorite spot. I decided not to ask her what the heck she was doing out there at high tide in the first place. This, as I said, is a time for letting go. We clambered down off the rock to the beach below. Unlike its counterpart over on the mainland at Devereaux, this beach (unnamed according to

including myself, that strategy works. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right?

“Until it really affects you, you won’t make any changes — when the pain outweighs the pleasure,” Ms. Billings, whom I consider an expert on the topic,

Marblehead. When I was 8 years old, Dan was matched as my big brother through the Big Brother program of Massachusetts. Through this relationship, I have witnessed his commitment to helping others and his community. Dan has always demonstrated genuine care and mentorship, consistently supporting me and those closest to me. This experience allowed me to see the depth of his character and dedication to positively impacting people’s lives.

One of Dan’s greatest strengths is his unique ability to listen and connect with people across the social and political spectrum. Dan has always been a unifying force, adept at hearing out different perspectives and working collaboratively to find

Google Maps, although I hope an alert reader will name it for me) was black. There were a couple private stairways that looked as though they had been carved directly into the rock as though in a movie, and interesting beach flotsam and jetsam. Seaweed (sea vine?) is always going to be of interest to the landlubber. It was a windy, gray day and we sat on the beach and watched the sea churn. My daughter pointed out that the sea looked green. She’s a big fan of the classics and I asked her if she’d ever seen it looking wine-dark, as Homer

said. It’s true; until a person faces worse and longer-lasting consequences than that short period of adrenaline-inducing stress before a deadline, their behavior won’t change.

Which brings us to the ultimate question: How do I

solutions that benefit all. His skill in bridging differences is a testament to his leadership. In closing, I cannot think of a more qualified, compassionate and genuine person to serve our Select Board than Dan Fox. If you’re looking for a candidate who values integrity and transparency, I urge you to support Dan Fox this coming election.

Sincerely, Mike Bircher

Auburndale Road

Preserving Marblehead’s coastline

To the editor:

I am a middle schooler who is fortunate enough to have grown up in Marblehead. I love the

had. She told me, not yet. I told her that one day she could find out if that Homer fellow knew what he was talking about, when she went to see the Aegean Sea for herself.

“Oh, for sure,” she replied. That’s where she is now. All the fullness and certainty of youth and all the world laid before her. She’ll always be a Wyoming girl, but now a part of her formative learning has come from Marblehead, too. From the lowland tropics to the sweep of the Rockies down to the high plains and all the way

change before the consequences catch up to me? Call me a pessimist, or maybe just unwilling to put in the effort, but in my opinion, you don’t.

Humans are driven by stress — without deadlines, we wouldn’t get anything done — and it takes a different amount of anxiety to motivate everyone. Not only that but we are motivated by success and deterred by failure. Procrastination is our brain’s way of creating that perfect storm of stress-driven productivity that will deliver a final product. It’s in our nature. Still, you can always prove me wrong by putting in the hard work to break the habit, but you have your whole life to do that, why rush? Stop and smell the roses first.

Max Arbo interned at the Current for his senior project.

opportunities that Marblehead’s beautiful coastline offers, and I want to live here well into the future. I also want to feel safe when swimming off our local beaches. After it rains, rainwater runoff carries fecal matter and harmful chemicals straight into the ocean. Taking a few simple steps can really help protect future generations and keep our coastline safe for all of us. For instance, try using fertilizer instead of pesticides on your lawn, or just make sure to pick up after your dog. Marblehead is known for its beautiful coastline and our beaches aren’t something we should take for granted. Help me preserve our ocean, because it really matters. Thank you.

August Belf Green Street

out to the Atlantic, I’d say she’s off to a pretty good start. And when she wants to come home, we’ll be right here waiting in this town where the surf pounds Castle Rock, and I’ll still be out exploring. As always, if you’ve got an idea upon which I can embark for a Marblehead First Time, drop me a line at court.merrigan@gmail. com. Wyoming transplant Court Merrigan is a new Marblehead resident. His column “My Marblehead First Time” appears regularly in the Current.

COURTESY PHOTO

Current intern Max Arbo and MHS English Teacher Jenn Billings.

DIPIANO, P. A16

CANDIDATES GUIDE

BY LEIGH BLANDER AND WILL DOWD

On Tuesday, June 11, voters will go to the polls to decide who will help lead the town in the next year and beyond.

In this election, there are only two contested races: Select Board and Recreation and Parks Commission. While there are two names on the ballot for the Housing Authority, one candidate, Laura Gallant, has since dropped out.

The Current has put together its second annual Candidates’ Guide, with brief bios and Q&As with candidates in the two contested races. One candidate, incumbent Rec & Parks Chair Matt Martin, declined to participate.

For more coverage of the election, visit MarbleheadCurrent.org.

FOR RECRE aTION a ND Pa RKS COMMISSION

Shelly Bedrosian

» Years in Marblehead: 13

» Occupation/education: Operations manager for my husband’s physical security company. I earned a Bachelor of Arts from Boston College.

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Recreation and Parks Commission, Friends of the COA Board of Directors 2018-2020; Marblehead Youth Hockey Board 2018-2023.

Linda Rice Collins

» Years in Marblehead: I am a lifelong resident of Marblehead.

» Occupation/education: Bachelor of Science degree from University of New Hampshire, Master of Education from Boston University Health Education, National Board teacher certification. I was a PE/health teacher for 38 years, coached a combined 67 seasons for Marblehead High School, taught an adult education volleyball class for 18 years, organized the Marblehead Women’s Softball League for 26 years, and in college I worked as a playground counselor for the Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department.

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Recreation & Park commissioner

Recreation and Parks Commission Chair Matt Martin, who is running again, declined to answer questions for this Candidates’ Guide.

What are the biggest challenges facing Rec & Parks this year? How would you address them?

Shelly Bedrossian: To solve last year’s challenges, I initiated a Beaches 2024 working group to generate revenue to reinstate the Community Center’s janitorial services. About four years ago, the janitorial position was cut from the budget, so the most utilized building outside of the schools has not had appropriate janitorial service since that time. Karin Ernst joined me on the project and we thoroughly analyzed other municipal beach properties, cashless and recreational pass software options, staffing, service upgrade opportunities, hours and much more. Based on the new beach policies established, I am confident that at least $50,000 of additional revenue will be generated for the town this year. These revenues, along with funds dedicated by the Council on Aging and from the general fund, will allow for fulltime janitorial services as of July 1 and it will be reinstituted as a budget line item in 2025

Prior to establishing the Racket Sports working group, tensions were very high and policy decisions seemed to change weekly without rhyme or reason. The goal of establishing this working group was to implement efficiencies so that demand was being met for pickleball, maintenance parameters were put in place for all courts, equity for all racket sports was advanced, and neighbors had a voice. We researched pickleball and tennis opportunities in 12 communities across 10 parameters. I conducted an independent sound and wind study, resulting in a 70-page report that we presented to the Board for deliberation. As a result, a new scheduling system for tennis and pickleball was created so players could book courts with ease, scheduling parameters were optimized so courts could be reserved on the hour avoiding gaps in between openings. This single efficiency yielded 384 additional playing opportunities per week. Seasonal court opening and closing parameters are now the same for all courts and sports.

Karin Ernst

» Years in Marblehead: 28 years

» Occupation/education: Sales representative for a nutrition company, college degree in communications/ psychology.

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Three years as Recreation and Parks commissioner

Rossanna Ferrante

» Years in Marblehead: 13

» Occupation/education: Lead and manage an engineering office focused on telecommunications, fiber and electric vehicle infrastructure development. Bachelor of Arts from University of Nevada Las Vegas, Suffolk Law School, Babson School of Business

» Appointed positions and/ or elected offices: Marblehead Town Charter Committee (current), Recreation & Parks (two years, current), Planning Board (seven years, past) Marblehead Softball Little League (five years, past)

ON THE ISSUES

Instituted a maintenance schedule based on best practices from the American Sports Court Builders Association, of which we are now members. Established a seasonal court lighting schedule that was fair and equitable for tennis, pickleball and neighbors. Encouraged and passed the dual-lining of additional courts at Seaside to meet the demand of pickleball yet stay within the needs of tennis and Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association regulations. Set the tone for partnering with the pickleball community for fundraising opportunities such as Fund the Field.

This year’s focus will be honoring the Lars Anderson bequest from 2018 and implementing internal controls regarding the department revolving fund.

Karin Ernst: The biggest challenge I see is the ability to keep the projects we started … going. The Commission as a whole has been focused on several projects: A department and commissioner policy manual, Stramski project; Fountain Park step project, Larz Anderson Trust and dog park among others. A ton of work has been started and we hope to continue to work on them.

Rossanna Ferrante: The power of the status quo can be a challenge when it comes to making sure we are in touch with what the community needs today and tomorrow. The Commission makes the best decision it can with the information available to us at a given point in time. Projects take many months to years to complete. To address these challenges, it is important that the Commission has a policy in place to review projects on a regular basis and confirm that original plans make sense over time — both financially and being consistent with the current needs of the community.

Richard W. Jordan: The Rec & Parks (Department) faces staffing and budgeting concerns. I will work on evaluating the current fees for various programs to see if they accurately reflect the services that are provided.

Linda Rice Collins: As a Board we need to focus on the Recreation and Parks mission statement: “To enhance the environment and the quality of life for the residents of Marblehead. This is accomplished by the development of a variety of recreational activities in a safe and enjoyable setting, and through the

care and maintenance of the town’s parks, athletic fields and recreational areas.”

We need to be fiscally responsible in achieving this. We need to be thoughtful in what we are charging citizens to use our facilities and participate in our programs. A full accounting of where the funds are going in both the operating budget and revolving fund needs to occur. The message is loud and clear that the citizens of Marblehead want accountability of where their hard-earned tax payer dollars are going. Currently we are being asked to provide 2024 services on 2002 money. I am hopeful that with this added information the taxpayers will support the funding needed to support our budget and capital improvements for example the pavilions at Chandler Hovey.

What qualifications set you apart and make you the right choice for Rec & Parks?

Karen Ernst: I am approachable, reachable and an effective listener. I do not like the phrase, “We have always done it this way.” And I believe wholeheartedly that every idea goes on the table for discussion. Over the past three years, we have added three new commissioners, including myself. The Commission chair has really embraced our efforts.

Rossanna Ferrante: The ability to collaborate, be open-minded and form decisions based on facts and feasibility.

Richard W. Jordan: I am a lifelong resident of Marblehead and have been fortunate enough to participate in and enjoy what the town Rec and Parks Department offers for Marblehead residents. I am vested in continuing the opportunities that the Rec & Parks offers to both the youth and residents of Marblehead.

Linda Rice Collins: I am an experienced member of the Board having served 24 years. My education and work experience align with my role as a commissioner. I work hard to represent all interest groups in Marblehead.

Shelly Bedrossian: Prior to leaving corporate America to have children, I spent 20 years as a business operations specialist. In this position, I worked in underperforming organizations and implemented proper systems to create holistic change.

What will be your focus if elected?

Rosanna Ferrante: I participated in

Richard W. Jordan

» Years in Marblehead: 61 years (lifelong)

» Education, occupation: Owner of Jordan’s Marine (35 years) and Jordan’s Launch (two years)

Matt Martin

» Martin did not submit any information for this guide.

leading the following projects in 2023-24 and would love to see them progress over the next term:

» Disc golf: Identifying an area in town to establish a six-to-nine-hole course. Fountain Park steps: Repair and create an opportunity to offer “memorial steps” in a similar way we have offered memorial benches. Department and Commission Policy and Procedures Manual: Facilitate and implement the creation of a manual that helps guide both the Commission and department in policy and procedures. Castle Rock: Working with the Marblehead Neck Association to help beautify and improve elements of Castle Rock Park.

Richard W. Jordan: My focus will be on improvements at Reynolds playground, including the fields and the hockey facility there. I would like to come up with a plan to see improvements in the near future and create a timeline for residents.

Linda Rice Collins: Transparency: Commission meetings need to be on Zoom and recorded. A monthly published accounting of both the operating budget and revolving fund needs to occur.

» Programming: We need to come out of our comfort zone. With my experience as an educator, I would like to work with our recreation head to develop programs such as bike safety and bike riding, nature programs, arts and theater, boot camps utilizing the fitness trail, adult programming and finally team building for all ages. We are still seeing the effects of the COVID shutdown. We can all benefit from team building — learning to work together again. I have been running team building experiences for all ages for the past 43 years.

» Dog park accessibility: I am working with Ted Moore to secure parking spaces and vehicle access to the dog park

Seaside fitness trail: I am currently working with a private citizen on improvements of the fitness trail at Seaside Park.

Karen Ernst: I want to keep doing the work — work with the department heads, the community and the Commission on the projects we have started, as well as whatever lands on our plate. Projects

2024 TOWN ELECTION

Candidates Guide FOR SELECT BOa RD

Dan Albert

» Years in Marblehead: Resident and property owner

» Occupation/education: Researcher, analyst, interpreter and writer focusing on the past, present and future of mobility; teacher; Ph.D. in history, University of Michigan

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Marblehead MBTA Advisory Board representative, Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Vision Zero Task Force

Dan Fox

» Years in Marblehead: 31 (raised in Marblehead, returned in 2011 to raise own family)

» Occupation/education:

Owner/broker, Merry Fox Realty; Bachelor of Arts in economics, University of Michigan

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Numerous nonprofit boards and committees, including president of the Board of Directors of John Bertram House and treasurer of the Salem Food Pantry

Zoning and housing are hot topics in Marblehead right now. If there is a Special Town Meeting this fall to pass the MBTA Communities Act plan, will you support it? What do you think should be changed in the Planning Board’s original proposal, if anything? What else can Marblehead do to create more housing?

Erin Noonan: Yes, we will have to hold a Special Town Meeting before the deadline of Dec. 31 to allow another opportunity for Marblehead to adopt the proposed plan and become compliant with state law. The MBTA Communities Act is the law, and the vote at Town Meeting does not change this. This was a very close vote. The misinformation circulated leading up to it points to the need for more discussion before the town bumps up against the year-end deadline. The quality of the plan was never questioned. The Planning Board and the Town Planner worked incredibly hard. The result builds on the town’s strengths and aligns with our current housing production plan. State intervention in municipal land-use policy is as common as state intervention in building and public health codes, school operations and curricula, and environmental regulations. To pretend otherwise is fantasy. As Town Counsel confirmed at Town Meeting, it is well-settled law that the state can impose zoning requirements for municipalities. I am hopeful that the voters of Marblehead will choose to adopt the plan at the next opportunity because it is good for the future of Marblehead. Although not unique to Marblehead, our town feels the housing crisis acutely as a densely populated town with limited opportunity for new growth and an overwhelming inventory of singlefamily homes. We also have a rapidly aging population. We must increase the diversity of the housing stock in town to allow for more types of housing that meet residents at all stages of life.

Dan Fox: Commentary at Town Meeting focused more on opponents’ disagreement with the law rather than with the plan itself. Chapter 40A, Section 3A is the law and we have to follow the law. I support the Planning Board’s original proposal, as it was well thought out in a manner that protects the integrity of Marblehead’s neighborhoods

Moses

Grader

» Years in Marblehead: More than 30 years, from a multigenerational Marblehead family

» Occupation/education:

Co-founder and managing partner, Little Harbor Advisors, an investment management firm based in Marblehead; early career experience includes Big Five accounting consultancy, investment banking, venture capital and U.S. Marine Corps; Bachelor of Arts in economics/English, Tufts University; Master of Business Administration, Harvard University

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Finance Committee, 20082017, last six years as chair; Select Board, five years

Bret Murray

» Years in Marblehead: More than 35 years

» Occupation/education: University director of risk management & insurance, Juris Doctor

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Select Board

Erin Noonan

» Years in Marblehead: Born and raised in Marblehead, returned with husband and children in 2014

» Occupation/education: Attorney representing parents and children in child welfare cases; Bachelor of Arts, Boston College; Juris Doctor, George Mason University School of Law

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Select Board member

ON THE ISSUES

and our history. There is work to do ahead of a Special Town Meeting to ensure citizens understand the plan and the ways in which it will benefit Marblehead. Development is necessary for towns to grow and maintain housing choices for everyone. This growth should be meaningful, sustainable and inclusive. The adoption of ADUs is a great start to create more housing and we need to look for other such opportunities to allow Marbleheaders the opportunity to remain in or return to town.

Dan Albert: If there is a Special Town Meeting this fall to pass the MBTA Communities Act plan, will you support it? That’s too hypothetical. Jim Nye wished Town Meeting could be delayed; John DiPiano (with my help and support) moved to delay. But in violation of Town Meeting Time rules the Town Moderator headed off that debate. Instead, Town Meeting sat through the same selfcanceling arguments officials have presented for months.

The Planning Board assures us that no housing will ever be built, but our state representative Jenny Armini tells us these unbuilt apartments will address the “housing crisis.” Sustainable Marblehead’s leaders claim (without evidence) that people will ride the bus but support a plan that encourages — in fact demands — private car ownership and use. The paving for parking alone threatens groundwater while West Shore Drive traffic will grind to a halt. When officialdom couldn’t make the sale, they blamed their constituents. Mr. DiPiano filed a public records request (welcome to my world) to confirm claims about grant funding and faithfully reported the town’s response. “Misinformation!” shout the powers that be.

Bret Murray: Yes. In terms of the MBTA Communities Act, the Planning Board’s original proposal found three suitable locations to meet the state’s mandate and I still support that plan. Last year, the Select Board restructured the Fair Housing Committee and, in 2020, created the Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee. I think these two boards, in conjunction with other elected and appointed town boards, are best suited to address this issue.

Moses Grader: Yes, I plan to support

the MBTA Act because of the local practical considerations of providing smaller units 1) for downsizing or entrylevel housing options for seniors and young families and 2) to preserve state funding of grants which will be important for harbor resiliency in particular. Marblehead’s solid plan also allows ways to control impact. Having said that, Marblehead has sent a reasonable and clear message to the state. The state has imposed this law with more stick than carrot. They have also not made a compelling case that more inventory will ease skyrocketing housing prices, which have been driven by large international flows of money into the most desirable U.S. residential locations, the competition to homebuyers from hedge funds and large investment firms seeking inflation resistant investments, and the state’s mismanagement of transportation assets and planning to encourage commuting development in locations more distant from the Route 128 corridor.

Alexa Singer: Yes, I will support it. I think the proposal is great because it leverages the town’s existing density so there is minimal impact. The Planning Board worked together for months to design a plan that provided the best solutions for Marblehead. Marblehead has limited opportunity for new growth. We must look strategically at the housing stock in town to allow for more types of housing while keeping the character of the town. There are a set of strategies laid out in our Housing Production Plan and the solutions will come from executing the plan.

Several town and school leaders have predicted the need for an override next year. Do you agree? What can the town do this year to improve its finances so any necessary override will be smaller?

Erin Noonan: I believe it has been well-articulated over the past several years that the town has been operating within an unsustainable structural deficit. Our operational expenses have exceeded our revenues for years and been offset by the use of “free cash” to balance the budget. We have depleted our free cash reserves to around 2.5% of the operating budget. The state and bond rating agencies recommend 5-10% of operating budgets be held in reserves.

» Years in Marblehead: 23

» Occupation/education: Chief pilot, department chair, teacher

» Appointed positions and/or elected offices: Select Board

Our revenues grow annually at 2.5% plus new growth. Meanwhile, town employee salaries and wages increase 3-4% (cost of living 2%, plus contractual step and lane changes 1-2%). Benefits and health insurance costs rise at 8-10%, energy and utility increases are 10-20%, and the town’s pension assessments increased 8.6% last year. Additionally, our trash and recycling contract is ending and that cost is expected to rise by 20%. The town has reduced level-service budget requests for the last three years. The Select Board voted last month to declare the creation of a three-to-five year financial plan a top priority. I’m looking forward to this process getting underway next month so that we can present an overridecontingent budget at next year’s Town Meeting. It will be for the residents to decide on the merits of an alternative budget or the cuts to services in a balanced budget.

Dan Fox: It is clear that the expenses of providing the services Marbleheaders expect are outpacing revenues and that there are limited options to address this problem other than a general override or significant cuts to municipal services. However, any override needs to be based in comprehensive, long-range financial planning. The Finance Committee, Select Board, CFO and Town Administrator have begun to take steps to maximize revenue and reduce costs through such actions as the meals and lodging taxes that were recently approved at Town Meeting. This needs to be the beginning of that process, not the end. We need to capture growth through better processes in our Building Department and Assessor’s Office so that we can maximize revenues. My strong financial skill set, first developed as an investment banker and refined by running multiple small businesses and serving on nonprofits, can help this town find creative, pragmatic solutions to minimize the tax impact on property owners.

Dan Albert: Prop 2 1/2 is a useful check on government bloat, but override is not a dirty word. Like debt and user fees, it is a tool to manage town finances. Why is this newspaper pretending it is something different? Why parrot the narrative of long-serving incumbents who claim the mantle of fiscal responsibility

Reflecting on 20 years of marriage equality

BY WILL DOWD

As the state celebrates the 20th anniversary of same-sex marriage, Marblehead residents are reflecting on the impact of this historic milestone on their lives, their relationships and the ongoing fight for equality.

In 2001, GLAD (Gay, Lesbian Advocates and Defenders) filed a groundbreaking case that would pave the way for marriage equality in Massachusetts. Two years later, on Nov. 18, 2003, the state Supreme Judicial Court ruled that excluding gay and lesbian couples from civil marriage rights was unconstitutional. Marriage licenses were subsequently handed out in February of 2004.

For Peyton Pugmire and his husband, James Ashton, this ruling was a turning point in their relationship. The couple met during a Boston Harbor cruise hosted by Fenway Health, and their connection was instant.

“James spotted me on the boat, and by the end of the cruise, he had approached me,” Pugmire recalled fondly. “The rest was history.”

Pugmire said he “felt seen” when the court handed down the decision in 2004 and then again when the U.S. Supreme Court did in 2015.

Pugmire and James’ love story culminated in a wedding ceremony in 2020 at the Crocker Park gazebo, followed by a reception at the historic Lee Mansion. Pugmire expressed deep gratitude for living in a state that recognizes and celebrates their union, allowing them to build a life together without fear of discrimination.

“James is one of the kindest, big-hearted, intelligent and interesting people I’ve met,” Pugmire said. “He’s my best friend.”

The Middletons

Alexandra Middleton has been married to her wife, Alison, since 2021. They are the first gay couple to be married in St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.

While Middleton was raised in a supportive environment in Connecticut, her wife’s upbringing in rural Pennsylvania was markedly different.

“I grew up in a progressive bubble,” Middleton admitted. “It wasn’t until later in life that I realized not everyone is affirming and supportive.”

The Middletons’ journey to parenthood has been marked by a deep commitment to securing legal protections for their family, including their two children. The couple has taken steps to ensure their parental rights, including second-parent adoption, in the face of an uncertain political climate.

“We have to think about these layers of protection,” Middleton

explained. “You never know, especially with the tumultuous politics going on.”

Middleton spoke of the balance she and Alison bring to their relationship, with Alison serving as the more pragmatic and realistic partner.

“I have these grand ideas,” Middleton laughed, “and then she’ll say, ‘OK, this is what we actually have to do.’” She said their complementary dynamic has been essential in navigating the challenges they face as a same-sex couple and as parents.

From Nashville to Marblehead

Jordan Caress-Wheelwright and her wife, Emily, tied the

knot in 2016 and faced their own set of challenges on the path to marriage equality. The couple met in Nashville, Tennessee, when same-sex marriage was not legally recognized there.

“We met kind of virtually in this Facebook group that someone had created, like ‘lesbians in Nashville,’” said CaressWheelwright. “We had been chatting there, like just kind of replying to these similar threads.”

They couldn’t get married in Tennessee, so they moved to Massachusetts.

Caress-Wheelwright remembers feeling butterflies in her stomach when she first saw Emily.

“She was very kind. She was open. She had beautiful eyes,” said Caress-Wheelwright. “I got a feeling in my body that was like — ‘that is somebody who is going to be really important in my life.’”

The couple exchanged vows at Glen Magna Farms in Danvers, surrounded by a literal circle of love and support from family and friends who had witnessed their struggle and celebrated their triumphs.

Caress-Wheelwright spoke of the balance she and Emily bring to their relationship, with Emily serving as the more introverted and fiercely loyal friend.

“I crave social interaction more,” Caress-Wheelwright

explained, “while Emily cultivates deep, long-lasting friendships.” This balance has been crucial in navigating the challenges they face as a samesex couple and as activists fighting for equality.

Caress-Wheelwright, who works for GLAD, emphasized the importance of continued activism and the ongoing fight for equal rights, from workplace discrimination and adoption rights to the mental health struggles faced by LGBTQ+ youth. Despite the progress made in Massachusetts, CaressWheelwright recognizes that true equality remains elusive for many.

Looking to the future, Middleton stressed the need for continued vigilance and advocacy.

“We’ve come so far, but in a lot of ways, I feel like my generation is spoiled because, in Massachusetts, it was legalized when I was in middle school,” she said. She and Pugmire emphasized the importance of never taking hard-won rights for granted.

“We’re very grateful to be living in Massachusetts,” Pugmire said, referring to gay rights overall, “but until everyone can experience the same rights and protections, the work is cut out for us.”

Marblehead’s pride events Marblehead will kick off Pride Month celebrations with a pride flag raising at Abbot Hall on Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m. The event, which will be held rain or shine, will feature an ice cream truck, kids’ activities and community speakers. Each year, speakers share their stories, highlighting the progress Marblehead has made while also acknowledging the work that still needs to be done in the pursuit of equality and acceptance. This year’s speakers had not been announced as of press time.

On Sunday, June 2, The Beacon Restaurant will host its annual pride party from 5-9 p.m., featuring music, food and drinks.

BY WILL DOWD

After nearly two decades on the Marblehead Select Board, Jim Nye was honored with a traditional maple chair at his final meeting on May 22, recognizing his years of service.

The ceremony took place in the Select Board Room at Abbot Hall, which was packed with town department heads and retired officials. Attendees enjoyed slices of yellow cake topped with strawberries and frosting.

Praise for Nye was effusive,

can move slowly. I am happy that we have been able to put a racket policy in place, we have reviewed our fees and continue to work on other policies such as our very own public comment policy. This will help guide us for when we are ready to offer our meetings via Zoom or some other platform.

Shelly Bedrossian: See below for combined answer

If you had a magic wand and could make any recreational facility appear in town, what would it be?

Linda Rice Collins: A second community center located on

with colleagues commending his character and professionalism.

“In order to do this work, you have to love the people who come to you,” said Select Board member Alexa Singer. “You’ve been so valued — the level of professionalism and decorum that you carry.”

Fellow board member Moses

Grader highlighted Nye’s ability to work collaboratively, saying,

“Just to see you work with all the other boards and committees around town, I’m impressed how much we get done.”

During his tenure, Nye helped

the Eveleth School site for all ages. The center would contain two gymnasiums, multiple rooms for arts and crafts, theater, yoga, dance, photography, music, movie nights, CPR/ first aid, safe boating, robotics and mine craft, the various town volunteers groups, sports groups etc., a workout room and a kitchen with a dining area. Outdoor fields, bocce, basketball court.

Shelly Bedrossian: I don’t need a magic wand because I am already working diligently to use the $2 million Lars Anderson bequest to build a weather-independent practice facility at Green Street for Marblehead Youth Hockey, Marblehead Youth Soccer, boys

maintain the town’s triple-A bond rating and supported several debt-exclusion override projects to invest in Marblehead’s future. Nye is

and girls lacrosse, and adult soccer. More details on the project are on my campaign Facebook page.

Karin Ernst: I would love to see a recreational facility. The Rec Department does a great job with the space they have and the space they borrow and is the best on the North Shore. That is 100% because of Recreation Director Jaime Bloch and her staff. It is not that easy to just put a new building in town, as there are a lot of moving parts. First, in my opinion, we should use a town building that is already empty. Marblehead does not have a ton of open space and to take some of that space to build a new rec center would not be

stepping away to spend more time with his three daughters.

“Having your dad in Select Board meetings wasn’t always easy, but for as long as I can

my first choice. Second, I am very concerned about asking the town for an override to fund this project even though I support it. Some people are struggling just to continue to live here. That said, I have had several people show support to the growth of the program. Ideally three things would need to happen: Wouldn’t it be great if there was a gift/trust to the town for the project! Wouldn’t it be great if we have an empty building lying around not being used. And finally, wouldn’t it be great if we had the right recreation director in place. Oh, we have that already. Check. Rossanna Ferrante: I need more than a magic wand to

remember, he’s always put the town first,” his youngest daughter, Ashley, 24, told the Current, “My sisters and I have learned a lot from him.”

answer this question, I need facts. I recommend an inventory of all town facilities to first determine if the current use is the highest and best use of that particular property. For town facilities not currently in use, what is the plan.

Richard W. Jordan: I would like to see improved signage at Rec and Parks facilities so that residents are aware of these facilities and usage surrounding them. There are always new residents, or residents who may not be aware of what the town has to offer. I believe that improved signage will help to increase usage of and participation in Marblehead

programming and facilities.

COURTESY PHOTO

Jordan Caress-Wheelwright, right, and her wife, Emily, tied the knot in 2016.

COURTESY PHOTO / AMY BUCHER

Peyton Pugmire, right, and his husband, James Ashton, walk hand in hand, on their wedding day with Abbot Hall standing tall in the background.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Select Board member Jim Nye is surrounded by his mother, Suzanne Nye, and, from left, daughters Ashley, Abigail and Alyssa on May 22.

MHA ironing out $67M development’s details

BY WILL DOWD

The Marblehead Housing Authority continues to explore the proposed $67 million redevelopment of the Broughton Road public housing community in partnership with WinnDevelopments. During the May 21 meeting, board members and the public raised additional questions and concerns about the project.

MHA Executive Director Cathy Hoog provided updates on the ongoing discussions with WinnDevelopments as they establish terms for a potential memorandum of understanding.

While Hoog expressed confidence in WinnDevelopments based on references and the company’s track record, some board members emphasized the need to thoroughly vet the proposal given the project’s scale and long-term implications.

“This is probably one of the biggest monetary things that’s public or private that’s happened since they built the high school,” said board member William Kuker. “It’s going to be there for a long, long time. And it has to be done right at every aspect, that construction has to be absolutely as good as you could get.” Board members also discussed the importance of protecting

while underinvesting in the modernization of town services and using free cash to make up for their lack of political courage and childish approach to finances. Readers should review FinCom Chairman Alec Goolsby’s thorough explanation of our choices going forward. We manage our debt well, have cut services and sought new revenue. I’m ready for a grown-up conversation with voters.

Bret Murray: An override next year is inevitable. With the passage of a meals tax and a local room tax, the amount should decrease. Additionally, should the town pass the Planning Board’s MBTA Communities Act plan before the end of the year, this will allow Marblehead to take advantage of available state grants, providing further offset and reduce the need for higher taxes.

Moses Grader: We do not know yet, because we need to see the impact of new sources of tax revenue passed at town meeting, our success in sourcing grant and state funding due to staffing shifts, and the availability of more evident savings due to the rollout and superior controls of our new financial and budgeting software this past year.

Alexa Singer: I believe Marblehead voters are educated voters and know the importance of addressing the structural deficit. The sooner this is done, the more effective the solution. I advocated for proactive action to address the deficit after I joined the Select Board in 2021, and continue to do so. We held a Select Board retreat to set financial goals and priorities in 2023. Planning is essential in any situation relating to large financial implications and override requests. I will continue to advocate for creative solutions to decrease the burden on the taxpayer, such as proactively addressing capital projects, controlling energy costs, economic development, and access to grants. We have successfully implemented recommendations from the townwide financial audit and are working together

current residents during construction. They stressed the relocation process must provide comparable, subsidized housing options and cover all associated costs so tenants do not lose any benefits or services they currently have. School transportation will need to be maintained for relocated families with children.

“The tenants have choice,” Hoog said regarding relocation. “We have to provide them with what they need, and it needs to be subsidized as well.”

Kurt James with the Fair Housing Committee emphasized that current residents have a statutory right to return to the redeveloped complex. He explained that during

to put forth a comprehensive multiyear plan. Throughout the year, we have searched and found opportunities to increase revenue but it is increasingly clear that we are exhausting those opportunities so we cannot take the option of an override off the table.

Another common theme in town is the “us vs. them” friction between the town and school district. How do you see that relationship? Are there more ways the Select Board and School Committee can work together to benefit students and taxpayers?

Erin Noonan: I have a long track record of working collaboratively with others. In budget discussions we refer to the school and town side in regards to accounting procedures. We are truly one town and each side impacts the other.

Dan Fox: We are all Marbleheaders and need to find common ground. It seems that much of the current friction is based on past grievances. It is essential for everyone to focus on moving forward to build a strong school system. Great schools will benefit our entire town. We need strong leadership from the Select Board, open lines of effective communication and a willingness of all parties to make concessions for the common good. We should stop distinguishing between the “town” and the “schools.” We are ONE town and no one succeeds unless we all succeed.

Dan Albert: This School Committee has a friend in me, as do the teachers and their unions. I find Moses Grader’s sneering complaint that the schools took “our” money both embarrassing and unhelpful. I’m disappointed Erin and Sarah cannot agree on the disposition of the Coffin School property. We voted out the folks who handed an unprecedented five-year contract to a guy who, as should now be abundantly clear, did a terrible job. Good riddance. We’re not saving money on education but cutting the budget. We’re shifting costs to families and millions of dollars are spent on activity fees, outside tutors and mental health support. Like Ben Franklin and

the estimated 18-month construction period, residents would be temporarily relocated to other public housing units or provided with subsidized housing options in the private market.

“We have to find a way that we can do this and balance what is the best for the tenants now and in the future, as well as maintaining the property,” the board’s chair, Jenn Schaeffner, said. “If this doesn’t work for the developer who came to us, then we can’t redevelop this property, and I don’t know that that’s in the best interests of tenants either.”

Questions remain about the Housing Authority’s role after the redevelopment.

Horace Mann, I support public education full stop.

Bret Murray: There is no question that the Select Board and School Committee have had differences over the years. Leading up to Town Meeting this year, the Finance Committee, Town Finance Director and School Business and Finance Office worked very well together. I have no doubt this close working relationship will continue into next year as we address a general override. Will we continue to differ from time to time? Yes. But that does not mean that we will not work through those differences to ensure our town has the best schools and services our citizens deserve.

Moses Grader: The friction is a function of many years of perverse incentives, in which the town has been held accountable for school spending over which the town has no control and, until recently, no meaningful transparency. School spending has historically been the driver of the need for overrides. This Select Board has recently sought to align incentives in several ways: i) transforming the financial technology of the entire town, bringing complete transparency to all school finances, too, (ii) allocating all costs associated with school discretion into the school’s chart of accounts and under school budget responsibility. The next steps to encourage mutual accountability are to (iii) split the tax levy between schools and town to fixed amounts based on the latest budget allocations and (iv) allow the town and the schools to change the split by advocating their separate overrides at Town Meeting. In this way, both town and schools will advocate directly for the budgets they fully control at town meeting — creating more direct accountability to taxpayers, removing the core basis to “fight the town” or “us vs. them” stance, and encouraging the credibility of both school and town leaders to properly explain the spending they control independently.

Alexa Singer: Marblehead is one town and we need to ensure all departments are fully functional with the support they require. With the town’s

Under the current proposal, WinnDevelopments would become the property manager collecting, while the Housing Authority would no longer manage the property directly.

Some worry this structure could reduce the Housing Authority’s ability to serve its mission and maintain control.

The tenant selection process was another topic of debate, with some advocating for preferences for local residents, veterans and essential workers.

“A major concern of mine is who decides who lives there,” said Kuker. “Will the board have any say in that? I mean, why not? It’s Marblehead Housing Authority. We have

new financial accountability tools, I am optimistic we will be able to move forward with productive fiscal planning and a cohesive environment with all our departments. The School Department is transitioning leadership and the Select Board will continue to support them as the school department stabilizes the new professional team.

How would you address concerns that the town needs new volunteers with fresh ideas?

Erin Noonan: I am grateful for all of the volunteers currently serving the town. We have incredibly dedicated volunteers with passion and diverse backgrounds. There is always a need to ensure volunteer boards evolve over time and represent a healthy mix of institutional knowledge, newer members and new members. One of the changes the Board has made is to solicit and receive letters of interest throughout the year, not just when there is a vacancy on a committee or board. We continue to look for ways to improve the opportunities to engage new volunteers.

Dan Fox: As a Select Board we need to get more people involved. That starts by creating an environment where people can feel safe in expressing their ideas and beliefs. This doesn’t mean we should all agree. We just need to respect differences in opinion and find common ground. I believe that we need to look at our appointment process for town boards and committees. Long-term volunteers should be commended for their service and we should not make change for change’s sake alone. However, new blood and fresh perspectives are essential and we must find a way to ensure our volunteer positions are filled with a balanced mix of perspectives, experience and expertise.

Dan Albert: Another lame premise that serves the incumbents’ narrative. From citizens petitions to charity organizations and special interest groups, Marbleheader volunteerism is strong. The key is to shrink the government — eliminate “official” committees — and return power to the people.

our waiting lists. Is everybody on that waiting list just out the window?”

However, Hoog explained that fair housing laws and funding source requirements may limit the Housing Authority’s ability to provide those preferences. Tenant selection must follow a regulated, data-driven process focused on fairness and equal opportunity.

Hoog said she expects to have a recommendation ready for the board to vote on designating WinnDevelopments as the developer at the June meeting. The board decided to move its next meeting to June 25 at 7 p.m. in order to enable more community participation.

Bret Murray: Marblehead is lucky to have so many great people willing to step up and give back to this town. Unfortunately, there is not enough organic turnover leaving too many sitting on the sidelines, waiting years for an opening. My hope is that those who have served for many years on the same board or committee will voluntarily decline reappointment this year, allowing new members to have their turn. Absent that, as I stated at Town Meeting this year, I believe I have no other choice but to vote against many reappointments to ensure turnover occurs on our volunteer boards.

Moses Grader: Fresh ideas from volunteers and an open forum to discuss and temper them with reality are literally the basis of our municipal democracy. Committees and boards flourish when there is a mix of experienced and new volunteers who can bring ideas forward effectively. Voters choose elected committee members. The Select Board chooses appointed committee members, which are largely left to self-manage. The critique of this traditional approach is that the chairs of the appointed committees effectively control the turnover of their members and the openings for new members. I think that we should continue with this approach, but encourage the chairs to create standards such as attendance and get volunteers to think about creating openings for new members. The Select Board should discuss with appointed committee chairs the best way to do that.

Alexa Singer: There are so many qualified, amazing volunteers in Marblehead. I am blown away by the talent and compassion of our town. Appointing new members to any of our boards and committees can be one of the most challenging things we face. This is an important process and one we should not take lightly. In June 2023, the Board spent the summer revisiting its current policies on appointments. We will continue to look to create more opportunities for new volunteers to serve in meaningful ways.

Marblehead Housing Authority is working out more details in a proposed $67 million redevelopment of the Broughton Road public housing community. A vote is expected next month on whether to move forward with WinnDevelopments.

MCCPS teacher earns Grammy nomination

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Not everyone can say that they studied music with a Grammy nominee. But the students at Marblehead Community Charter Public School can, now that their teacher Adria Smith has been named a finalist for the Grammys 2025 Music Educator Award.

“We were so excited to learn this news,” said MCCPS Head of School Stephanie Brant. “We are so proud of Adria… she is

truly the best.”

The award is given to educators — from kindergarten through college in public and private schools — who have “made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who advocate for the ongoing inclusion of music education in schools,” according to the Recording Academy.

Smith started Charter’s music program nearly 23 years ago and has been

there ever since.

“When I came here, there were no instruments,” Smith told the Current. “I built up all these programs, got grants for all these instruments. This is the only school I know where kids can take more than 10 music classes a week for no extra charge. That’s very special about this school.”

Smith is one of 215 quarterfinalists. She now has to submit at least three videos of her teaching, along with student

testimonials. She also has to answer questions about what techniques she would share with other music educators and why.

Semifinalists will be announced later this year. The ultimate winner will be flown to Los Angeles for the 67th Grammy Awards. Nine other finalists will receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools for all 10 finalists will receive matching grants.

All students at Charter, which serves grades

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4-8, take music at least twice a week. They have the opportunity to take another eight music classes each week, Smith said.

“There are so many extra music classes… chorus, honor band, jazz band. I love teaching these ensembles. They’re kind of like my baby. I’ve built them from the ground up, and they’re what the kids enjoy,” she added.

Asked how she will celebrate if she wins the Grammy, Smith answered with a laugh, “With the kids, of course! They get really excited, especially knowing they’re a part of it.”

For now, Smith is happy to come to work every

day and teach music. She also composes jazz pieces and plays jazz piano professionally.

“I have a gig today, actually,” she said.

COURTESY PHOTO MCCPS Music Director Adria Smith, who has been nominated for a Grammy Award, poses with her students.

Sports

ON THE RUN

Track teams second in annual NEC Meet

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The annual NEC (Northeastern Conference) spring track championship meet took place at Danvers High School on May 18. Both Marblehead boys and girls teams finished second. The final girls standings are as follows: Masconomet (160 points), Marblehead (118), Peabody (100), Beverly (39), Swampscott (38), Gloucester (33), Danvers (23), Saugus (14), Winthrop (2) and Salem (0). Peabody (166) won going away among the boys, followed by Marblehead (82), Beverly (65.33), Danvers (58.33), Masconomet (56.33), Gloucester (46), Winthrop (36), Swampscott (16), Saugus (1) and Salem (0).

Girls discus

Rachael Albert threw 106-8 to account for a third-place finish at the NEC Meet.

“While her personal best on the season is 112-5, Rachael’s second best was 105-9, so clearing 106-0 on three of her six attempts made this an outstanding set of throws, and it points to a level of consistency I've yet to see from her,” throwing coach Danny Plunkett said.

Hannah O’Brien (78-9) came in seventh. Lillian Reddy (59-10) placed among the Top 20 in 20 th place.

Boys discus

Angelo Knight delivered a shocker for the second meet in a

L a X

row, according to Plunkett.

“Coming off a 12.5-foot personal best, Angelo outdid himself again by another 9.5feet. He ended up throwing 115-5, all with a standing throw. He was seeded 16th , but ended up making the finals to place seventh overall,” added the coach. “He also qualified for the Division 3 state meet to top it all off.”

Graham Firestone (105-9) finished 11th . Freshman Logan McRae-Hughes (105-5, personal best) broke 100-feet not once, but twice to finish right behind Firestone in 12th place. Tucker Crane (97-10) rounded out the

Marblehead throwers in 15th place.

Girls shot put Albert (31-7) came in fourth. Reddy (28-1) was seventh.

O’Brien (25-0, nine-inch personal best) jumped up to an 11th place finish after being seeded 21st going into the conference meet.

Boys shot put Colin Hart (33-5-5) finished exactly as seeded in 23rd place.

Girls javelin

Albert (78-8) came in eighth.

Sierra Leinberry (75-8) was 13th , finishing a few feet short of her best, but she did throw over 70-0 on all three throws for the first

MHS boys ready and healthy for another long postseason run

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (11-3 in the NEC, and 14-3 overall) is winding down the regular season looking for more wins in order to get a home game in the state tournament. And it’s so far, so good after they dominated both Melrose on the road (11-4) and Wakefield at home (15-5). They played one more home game against Newburyport on Memorial Day after press deadline, before the final power rankings and postseason pairings come out May 29. The Magicians are currently 18th, as of the May 24 rankings.

Against Melrose, Reece Moore paced the attack with five goals. Greg Motorny and Gio Garibotto netted two apiece. Freshman Will Sullivan chipped in with one goal and two assists. Cam Waldman had one and one.

Goalie Finn Gallup came up with 13 saves to prevent the home team from getting any closer on the scoreboard.

“With Toby Grenier back from his early season ankle injury, we are controlling the faceoffs and the tempo of the games much better,” said coach John Wilkens.

Charlie Grenier helped lead his teammates in scoring against Wakefield with two goals and four assists. Sullivan collected two goals and three assists. Moore had the hat trick, plus one assist. Waldman also came through with a hat trick. Garibotto produced one goal and one assist. Motorny was credited with one and two. Junior James Achteroff, James Pickell and Toby Grenier each scored once.

Gallup made eight saves in three quarters, before sophomore Colin Maniaci stopped two more shots in the fourth quarter.

Wilkens is happy that everybody is back healthy, and the defense is playing well — led by captain Eliot Pluss, Hogan Sedky, J.J. Pollender and Wilson Bullard — just in time for the tournament. They would like nothing better than to go back to the Final Four for the second year in a row, and maybe a couple of steps beyond that, as well.

Girls end season with success

The Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (7-11) ended the regular season with two straight wins against North Reading and Saugus. The Magicians are 36 th in the Division 2 power rankings out of 55 teams, as of May 24, but unfortunately, they won’t be playing any play-in game, because of their subpar record.

Against non-league North Reading on May 20, coach Annie Madden’s team smothered the Hornets, 17-6. They also had a commanding lead at halftime, 12-5.

Maddie Forbes (4 goals, 2 assists, 1 ground ball, 1 caused turnover, 6 draw controls), Ramona Gillett (3 goals, 4 assists, 2 draw controls), Kathryn Commoss (1 goal, 2 assists), Gretchen Smith (5 goals, 2 assists, 4 ground balls), Rachel Delisle (1 goal, 1 assist), Caroline Scroope (1 goal), Whitney Jellison (1 goal) and Avery Wysor (1 goal) were the team’s offensive leaders against the Hornets. Goalie Molly Bullard came up with 11 saves to prevent North Reading from getting any closer.

The Marblehead girls then closed out the season against the Sachems on May 23, and they did it in style with a 15-2 victory. It was 13-1 at halftime.

Forbes (3 goals), 2 assists, 3 ground balls), Gillett (4 goals, 2 assists, 4 draw controls), Commoss (2 goals, 1 ground ball), Smith (2 goals), Scroope (1 goal), Jellison (1 goal), Cassidy Lubeck (1 goal) and Kate Burns (1 goal) all

the

time. Freshman Julia Betz (49-3) accounted for 22nd place.

Boys javelin

Knight (108-2) finished a solid 15th. Firestone ended his own javelin season by fouling on all three of his attempts, an unfortunate result, but somehow fitting for him, whose all-or-nothing style means he could have just as easily fouled or personal best on any given throw, according to Plunkett.

Going the distance

“Our distance squad absolutely brought it at the NEC championship meet,” said coach Will Herlihy. “Fifteen out of our 20 runners had personal bests in at least one event. Of the 17 events in outdoor track, there are only four distance events — two-mile, mile, 800 and 4x800 relay. The girls distance squad scored 38 of the team’s 118 points, with Marri (O’Connell) accounting for 22.5 of those points. The boys distance squad also scored 38 points of the team’s 82 points. Our training program is designed to have runners peaking specifically for these championship meets, and that asks athletes to have a lot of patience if the results aren’t coming through in the regular season. This group was patient and worked tirelessly all season. I hope they’re proud of their results, I know I am.”

Boys two-mile

Senior Isaac Gross (9:26.20, first), Nate Assa 9:30, second), Jonah Potach 10:32.21, seventh),

Tennis

Will Cronin (10:34.17, eighth) and Zach Pike (11:20.96, 15th) were the Marblehead competitors in this event.

Girls two-mile

O’Connell (11:59.64) went to the head of the NEC class once again with a first-place finish, followed by freshman teammate Jesslyn Roemer (12:50.65, eighth), senior captain Cat Piper (13:14.88, 10th ) and sophomore Emma St. George (15:39.98, 17th ).

Girls mile

O’Connell (5:18.23) recorded another first place finish. Maren Potter (6:14.90, 15th ), Shannon Hitscherich (6:17.13, 16th ), Evelina Beletsky (6:31.16, 20th ) and Thea Shaw (6:46.90, 21st) completed the field of Marblehead milers.

Boys mile

Junior Will Cerrutti (4:26.18) broke the tape first, as the only Marblehead boys runner in this event.

Boys 800

Sophomore Henrik Adams (2:04.30, fifth), Will Cruikshank (2:07.86, ninth), Ryan Blestowe (2:14.92,14th) and Peter Sullivan (2:18.99, 17th) ran well to end up in the Top 20.

Girls 800

Senior Kate Twomey (2:27.16) broke Masco’s stranglehold on the top spots with a secondplace finish.

Girls 4x800

O’Connell, Potter, freshman Maggie Miller and Twomey

get ready for postseason

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High girls tennis team (12-6) completed the regular season with three straight wins against Gloucester (4-1), Salem (5-0) and nonleague Lynnfield (3-2). The Magicians are 18 th in the Division 2 power rankings, as of May 21, heading into the state tournament.

In the May 17 match against Gloucester, the Fishermen’s lone point came in second singles, when Aviva Bornstein dropped a hard-fought battle to Grace Thomas, 3-6, 3-6.

First singles player Maddie Conlon reversed that score to win, 6-3, 6-3. Sami Dosch won in third singles, 6-1, 6-0.

The first doubles team of Aoife Bresnahan and Lucia Levin shutdown their Gloucester counterparts, 6-0, 6-0. Reese Friedman and Lani Gilmore did likewise in second doubles, 6-0, 6-0.

“This was a solid win for us to get ready for the state tournament,” said coach Tracy Ackerman.

On May 20, the Magicians swept Salem to complete the conference season. Conlon came out on top in first singles, 6-0, 6-0. Bornstein also breezed to victory in second singles, 6-0, 6-2. Hannah Atkinson maintained the winning trend in third singles, 6-0, 6-0. Bresnahan and Levin dominated their first doubles match, 6-0, 6-0. Abbie Goodwin and Emma Zurn completed the

sweep in second doubles, 6-0, 6-1.

The Marblehead girls then faced their annual non-league Lynnfield rivals the next day to close out the regular season.

“Our much-anticipated match against Lynnfield did not disappoint,” said Ackerman. “It was a back-and-forth battle, before we clinched the victory in second doubles on a third set tiebreaker, 11-9. This match really prepared us for the postseason. If we play with as much heart and grit as we did (against Lynnfield), then I have high hopes for the states.”

Conlon was defeated by Lynnfield’s Paige Matrano in first singles, 2-6, 2-6. Bornstein lost a close match to Lily Alyes in second singles, 6-4, 2-6 (6-10). Dosch took care of Maddie Sieve in third singles to begin

contributed to

winning cause in this game. Bullard was credited with three saves.

POINT, SET, M aTCH

teams

TRACK, P. A12

TENNIS, P. A12

COURTESY PHOTO / LUANNE GABEL Marblehead senior girls tennis captain Aoife Bresnahan sends the ball back over the net during a recent first doubles match.

COURTESY PHOTO ANGIE FISCHER Marblehead High boys spring track senior captain Isaac Gross takes the lead in the mile ahead of junior Will Cerrutti during a regular season meet earlier this month.

COURTESY PHOTO / CHARLOTTE MOORE

Marblehead’s Toby Grenier, back from an early season ankle injury, wins another faceoff and controls the ball against Winthrop.

MHS baseball enters tourney with momentum

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High baseball team (15-3) is feeling good heading into the postseason after winning its final seven regular season games, including three in the final week against Winthrop (5-1), Swampscott (7-6) and Salem (12-7), all on the road. The Magicians are 24th in the Division 2 power rankings, as of May 24.

“I’m obviously happy that we ended the regular season on a good run, but as I reminded the players, we are now 0-0 going into the state tournament,” said coach Mike Giardi after the Salem game on May 23.

“We now have an opportunity to take a little break (away from the diamond), before going back to practice on (May 27).”

ON THE DI a MOND

The final power rankings will be announced May 29, followed by the state tournament pairings.

Against Winthrop on May 20, the Magicians scored two quick runs in the first, and added three more in the fifth for added insurance to seal it.

Chris Cannuscio pitched all seven innings, scattering two hits and one walk. He whiffed seven batters, while Winthrop’s lone run was earned.

Cannuscio also helped pace the team’s offensive attack with three hits that included one double. He also knocked in one of the runs. The Magicians were credited with seven hits altogether, and the veteran pitcher had practically half of them.

Charlie Sachs had a single and

a double. Sachs drove home one, and also scored once. Designated hitter Stef Shepard tripled home a run, and scored once. Riley Schmitt singled, and scored one run. Against host Swampscott, both teams scored in the third and fourth innings, with the Big Blue holding a 6-5 lead going into the fifth. Giardi’s team tied it up in the seventh to send the game into extra innings, before winning it in the ninth.

Carter Sahagian pitched the first 3.1-innings, giving up seven hits, five runs, four earned, but no walks.

Bodie Bartram pitched the next 4.2-innings, issuing two hits, four walks and one unearned run. He fanned three, and was credited with the win.

Ian McComish pitched the home

half of the ninth to earn the save. He yielded just one hit and one walk, while striking out one. Both teams collected 10 hits apiece. Shepard powered Marblehead’s offensive attack with a three-run homer. He also singled, and scored twice. Bartram singled in two runs. Freshman Greyson Leventhal chipped in with two singles, and scored one. Downey had two singles and two walks, and also scored a run.

The Magicians scored three times in the second to take the early lead against Salem on May 23. The Witches trimmed the deficit to one with two in the third. The home team then put five on the scoreboard in the fifth to take a 7-6 lead. The Marblehead boys quickly came back with two in the sixth to

regain the advantage, before tacking on four more in the seventh to put the game on ice. Matt Mahan hurled the first 4.2-innings, allowing seven hits, one walk and six earned runs. He whiffed four. Brooks Keefe went the next 1.1-innings to get the win after yielding two hits, four walks and one earned run. He struck out one. McComish saved it in the seventh. He gave up just one walk, while fanning one.

The Magicians ended up getting 13 hits. Shepard once again was the offensive leader with three hits, including a double and a triple. He was responsible for four RBI, and scored two himself, as well.

Cannuscio chipped in with a single and a double, and had three RBI. Sachs tripled in a run.

Softball Magicians streak into postseason

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Entering the home stretch of the regular season, the Marblehead High softball team (17-3 overall, 11-2 in the Northeastern Conference, 8-0 in the division), possessors of the Northeastern Conference’s Lynch Division title, began the final week getting ready for the postseason with a dominating win over visiting Danvers, 9-2 on May 20. The Magicians are eighth in the Division 2 power rankings, as of May 24.

Pitcher Tessa Francis gave

Tennis

From P. A11

the comeback effort, 6-2, 6-4.

Bresnahan and Levin had a solid win over Laticia Marathon and Ella Hayman in first doubles, 6-1, 6-1.

Gilmore and Friedman beat Vicky McCann and Erica Wagon in the decisive second doubles match, 3-6, 6-1, 7-6 (11-9).

Boys complete regular season with NEC title

The boys tennis team (9-1 in the NEC, 12-4 overall, fifth in the Division 2 power rankings as of May 21) lost to visiting

From P. A11

(10:28.27) topped the ticket to finish first.

Boys 4x800 Gross, Cerrutti, Cruikshank and Adams (8:32.97) teamed up to finish second behind host Danvers that ended up establishing a conference meet record (8:16).

Girls 100

Sadie Halpern (13.08) finished second. Ava Machado (13.36) came in third. Lucy Flynn (13.74, personal best) was eighth.

Boys 100

Thomas Carlson (11.11) defended his title with another win in a conference meet.

“Tommy won the 55-meters during the indoor conference meet this past winter,” said head coach Nolan Raimo. “With a steady head wind slowing the field, Tommy battled down the stretch to win the title, while Jacob Bobowski continues to impress this spring with a fourth-place finish. Bobowski was battling illness during the week, but he’s a fighter, and so there was no surprise that he showed up and competed.”

Ryan Corrigan (12.13) was able to finish in the Top 10 in 10th place.

Girls 200

Halpern (27.29) was credited

up two runs on six hits, while striking out 14 Falcons. During the game, she achieved a milestone after recording her 200 th strikeout of the year in the third inning.

Offensively, Marblehead shortstop Hailey Schmitt went 3-for-4, and third baseman Tessa Andriano did the same, while also knocking in two runs. Catcher Luka Bornhorst collected two hits in three at-bats. She scored twice, and drove home two.

Ruby Calienes, Sophia Hallisey and Ashley Mortensen all contributed two hits to the

Gloucester on May 17, 4-1. These Magicians had already wrapped up the conference title, before the Gloucester encounter.

“Minus our No. 1 star singles player, senior captain Mika Garber, who’s recovering from an injury, we had to reshuffle the lineup against Gloucester.

But we still put up a good fight nonetheless,” said coach Elisabeth Foukal.

Junior captain Etan Farfel, filling in for the injured Garber, lost to senior Andre Payan Sosa in a competitive first singles match, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5).

“Etan turned things around

with a second-place finish.

“Sadie has been consistent and successful this spring in both short sprints (100 and 200),” said Raimo.

Machado (27.78) was fifth.

Manuela Puente (28.79), battling a heel injury, came in 13th, followed by Cora Gerson (29.03, 15th), Lidia Jasmine Tiedra (29.92, 21st) and Lilah Greten (30.56, 25th).

Boys 200

Carlson (23.11) finished third in one of the fastest 200 in conference history. Bobowski (24.22, eighth), Ralph Pierre (25.18, personal best, 21st), Ethan Horgan (25.49, 23rd), Slater Johnson (25.60, 26th), Isaias Aguasvivas Pena (26.18, 30th) and Owen Newburg (26.30, 32nd) also participated in this event for the Magicians.

“To have seven runners in the Top 32 was an achievement as a team, and with all, but two returning next year we will look forward to scoring a lot of points in this event next year,” said Raimo.

Girls 400

Charlie Roszell (62.48, personal best) finished third in a competitive field. Gabby Hendy ran a season best time of 65.60 to finish 12th. Olivia Vanden Heuvel (68.87, 17th) and Ariella Kahn finished (69.39, 19th) to round out the Marblehead

winning cause. The Magicians scored four runs in the second, and five more in the fifth to seal the deal.

Coach Johnny Gold’s team has since beaten Boston Latin (7-4, May 22) and Ipswich (7-0, May 24) to extend its winning streak to five. They wrapped up the regular season schedule last weekend against Medford and Mansfield after press deadline. The state tournament pairings were announced earlier this week after the Memorial Day weekend. Go to MarbleheadCurrent.org for the latest.

after the first set to play a solid second set, taking his opponent to a tiebreaker,” said Foukal.

Junior captain Jayden Janock lost to senior Anders Pittman in second singles, 6-2, 6-1.

“Jayden stepped up to play second singles, and did well,” said the veteran Marblehead coach.

Sophomore T.J. Kelly lost to Shane Widtfeldt in third singles, 6-4, 6-2.

“T.J. won several more games than he did in the last meeting against the same opponent,” Foukal said.

Juniors Leo Winocour and Austin Bacon lost to Luke

runners.

Boys 400

Xavier Grazado (57.95) stepped down from the 800, while he fought off an illness to compete in the 400. He finished 15th overall in the NEC Meet.

“While this wasn’t an ideal time for Xavier, he has contributed so much to the track and field and cross-country programs over the past four years. He was a captain this season, but he has always been a steadfast, trustworthy leader throughout his entire career,” said Raimo.

Girls 100-meter hurdles

Paige Tredwell (16.16) won the NEC championship with a new personal best time, while nearing the 16-second barrier.

Elise Burchfield (17.22) was next in line in second place.

Freshman Arianna Leahy (19.35) ended up 10th.

Boys 100-meter hurdles

In their final NEC Championship Meet, Alex Hersey (14.93) won the crown over Leo Sheriff of Beverly.

“It was one of the best personal rivalries in recent NEC history. Both are top hurdlers in the state and region, and they’ve helped each other grow tremendously over their high school careers. Alex was just .05 seconds from the meet record, despite the less-than-ideal conditions,” said Raimo.

McElhenny and Dominic Paone in first doubles, 6-1, 6-4.

Recording the team’s lone win of the match, freshmen Ty Cooper and Alex Boehning beat seniors Cole Colin and Cam Widtfeldt in second doubles, 6-4, 6-4.

In sub-varsity play, Ben Zaltsman and Filip Wabno played a shortened doubles match that ended in a 3-3 tie.

Quinn Fletcher was ahead in his abbreviated singles match, 5-1.

The Marblehead boys wrapped up the regular season with a 5-0 shutout win against visiting Newburyport on May 20. Garber returned to the lineup to

Noah Jackson (17.41, personal best, sixth), the freshman hurdling sensation, broke into the finals with a 17.99 preliminary time. Elian Colon (19.00, ninth) had a breakout season, before narrowly missing the finals in the conference meet. Quinn Scheib (20.88, personal best) came in 17th, just ahead of Nate Jendrysik (20.90, 18th).

Girls long jump

Tredwell accounted for a fourth-place finish, just missing first by 2.25-inches.

“Paige was the leading scorer for Marblehead in the NEC Meet with 24 points, and she had a chance for more if she had finished first in all three of her events.” Elise Burchfield (15-10.5, sixth) and Halpern (158.5, eighth) also competed, just missing the finals.

Boys long jump

Hersey (21-3) finished fourth.

“Alex claimed the indoor NEC long jump title this past winter with a meet record of 21-7, and he also jumped well in this highly competitive contest,” said Raimo.

Corrigan (18-7, 12th) and Newburg (18-5, personal best, 14th) also participated in this event for the locals.

Boys triple jump

Firestone (35-9, 11th) and Claudio Gusmao Gonzalez (323.5, 20th) were the Marblehead

beat Austin Yim in first singles, 6-0, 6-2. Farfel took care of Alex Lambert in second singles, 6-0, 6-1. Bacon completed the singles sweep against Lucas Palen in third singles, 6-2, 6-1.

The first doubles team of Janock and Winocour beat Caden Eiserman and Brindley Fisher in three sets, 6-1, 2-6, 6-2. Junior Anthony Vizy and Cooper were victorious against Sam Brickman and Conner DeMann in second doubles, 6-2, 7-6 (7-5).

In sub-varsity play, Boehning and Wabno topped Matt DeSimia and Beck Andreliunas, 6-2.

jumpers here in this event.

Girls high jump

Tredwell (5-0) took home the conference championship.

“Paige is now a four-time conference champion in the high jump and 55/100-meter hurdles throughout her first track season, an incredible feat,” said Raimo.

Sophomore Greta Sachs (4-10), also in her first track season, was fifth. Elise Burchfield (4-8) finished seventh.

Boys high jump

Alex Humphreys (5-4) led the way for Marblehead with a new personal best to finish ninth overall. Hart (5-0, 11th) and Pierre (5-0, 14th) also took part in the event for the Magicians.

Girls 4x100

Arianna Leahy, Puente, Tiedra and Flynn (53.33) finished sixth.

Boys 4x100

Bobowski, Carlson, Corrigan and Hersey (44.43) squared up against Peabody in an electric race, according to Raimo. Peabody (44.31) won the race, with Marblehead close behind in second place.

Girls 4x400

Machado, Juliet Burchfield, Hendy and Grace Mortenson (4:31.5) accounted for a fourthplace finish.

Boys 4x400

James Pulido, Colon, Jack Franklin and Johnson (4:00.23) ended up sixth.

The MHS girls softball team earlier this month when they clinched the NEC’s Lynch Division title.

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

Cods & Whales

Friday, May 31, 5-7 p.m.

The Festival of Arts will kick off its annual Cods & Whales Auction at Abbot Hall. Come see dozens of oneof-a-kind wooden cods and plastic whales, decorated by local artists. After this event, the works will be displayed in local retailers and then auctioned off.

Acorn Gallery 30th anniversary celebration

Sunday,

Celebrate

will be art for sale, as well as raffle prizes. Gerry 5, 210 Beacon St. Tickets are $20; children under 12 are free. More info at https://loom. ly/CMBGIkU.

Soul Play

Friday, May 31, and Saturday, June 1, 7:308:30 p.m.

Come experience “Soul Play,” a project that “falls at the intersection of theater performance and personal transformation,” according to director Peyton Pugmire.

Pugmire guided six local women as they identified stories in their lives that reflected resilience, where they overcame challenges and became stronger, better, wiser people. They then turned those stories into performances, including monologues, songs, dances, etc.

The audience is invited to stay after the one-hour performance and speak

with the performers.

The performance will be at MacRae’s Sustainable Goods, 108 Washington St. Suggested donation is $20. creativespiritma.com/soul-play

Pride celebrations

Saturday, June 1, 3 p.m., Sunday, June 2, 5-9 p.m.

Marblehead begins Pride Month celebrations with a pride flag raising at Abbot Hall on Saturday, June 1, at 3 p.m. There will be an ice cream truck, kids’ activities and community speakers. The event will be held rain or shine.

On Sunday, June 2, 5-9 p.m., The Beacon Restaurant will host its annual pride party with music, food and drinks.

Paint Night

Monday, June 3, 6 p.m.

Join artist Colin McGuire at The Landing for a Paint Night. Ticket includes a complimentary glass of wine and cheese platter. Reservations are required. Call 781-639-1266 to secure your spot.

MHA candidate emphasizes tenants’ voices

BY WILL DOWD

Running for the Marblehead Housing Authority seat

being vacated by longtime commissioner Pam Foye after 15 years, political newcomer

Kristin duBay Horton introduced herself to voters Tuesday at the Marblehead League of Women Voters candidates’ forum.

Only two out of 12 races — for Select Board and Recreation and Parks Commission — are being contested. Laura Gallant returned nomination papers to run for Marblehead Housing Authority and attempted to withdraw her name but missed the deadline to do so. But she is ceding the race to the other contender, duBay Horton.

“I don’t plan to campaign and I am confident that Ms. duBay Horton will be an excellent MHA Commissioner and advocate for MHA’s current and future tenants,” Gallant said in her statement to the forum.

DuBay Horton and her family moved to Marblehead for the schools.

“I could open with a joke that starts something like why does a Black family living just outside Austin, Texas, move to Marblehead, but I don’t have a good punch line,” she opened to chuckles. “So I’m not gonna continue, but I will say that my husband got a new job.”

Horton added that she appreciated Marblehead’s approach to supporting students with dyslexia, like one of her daughters.

As a longtime public health advocate, Horton said amplifying underrepresented voices in the community is a driving motivation for seeking the Housing Authority position.

“I want to think about what folks are saying that they need,” Horton told the forum about Housing Authority tenants.

“I did meet with the tenant association, and they really don’t have hard concerns — but they want a voice at the table.”

She worked for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health in the 1980s and 1990s, making community planning around HIV/AIDS prevention more collaborative and empowering. At the height of the AIDS epidemic, Horton assisted the Centers for Disease Control in designing meeting

structures that ensured all voices were represented.

Horton emphasized her goal of making meetings more accessible by adjusting strict adherence to rules like Robert’s Rules of Order when needed.

“I know we’re all Robert’s Rules folks, but Robert’s Rules can be stretched to make meetings accessible for everyone in the room,” she said. “I hope to be able to help teach the board and to have everyone value the empowering voices of the community.”

In Massachusetts, housing authority commissioners play a crucial role in the governance and oversight of local housing authorities. Their responsibilities include establishing policies and procedures, overseeing the management and operation of

public housing developments, and ensuring compliance with federal and state regulations. Commissioners review and approve budgets and expenditures, engage in longterm strategic planning for housing needs, and work to address resident concerns, promoting involvement in decision-making processes. Additionally, commissioners are involved in hiring and evaluating key staff members and building community partnerships to support affordable housing initiatives, ensuring public housing programs are effectively managed and serve the community’s needs.

Sharing her background, Horton spoke about being raised by white parents committed to activism and inclusion after being

adopted as an infant biracial child on her 1st birthday. Her father, she recalled, believed “being a good world citizen was the most important job that he had.” If elected to replace Foye on the five-member commission, she will serve five years. Horton said she intends to continue engaging Housing Authority tenants before and after meetings to understand their perspectives as major housing developments move forward in Marblehead.

Horton said moving to Marblehead has made her family feel at home thanks to gestures of support like a neighborhood displaying “Black Lives Matter” and another empowering slogan on their lawn.

Polls across Marblehead open at 7 a.m. on June 11.

Traffic committee votes for markings, signs rather than speed bumps on Peach Highlands

BY WILL DOWD

At its May 20 meeting, the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee unanimously voted to recommend that the town install new markings and signs near a hill on Peach Highlands and forgo returning the controversial speed bumps that resident Tom Peach recently removed without permission.

After the meeting, Peach told the Current the speed bumps were supposed to be a two-month trial solution in 2020 but remained in place for four years.

“The town was gonna come out and see if they were effective,” he said. He added this led to frustration among some residents. Peach removed the speed bumps last month , calling his action “civil disobedience,” and returned them to the Department of Public Works. The advisory committee’s vote came after members listened to passionate comments from residents, with more voicing concerns about the speed bumps than those in favor.

‘Recipe for disaster’

Resident Sean McHugh, who said he initiated the call for speed bumps in 2020, still thinks they’re necessary.

“I went before (the Select Board then) with videos of occurrences of cars jumping (the Highland Hill Crest),” McHugh said, handing the advisory committee’s chair, Gary Herbert, a USB thumb drive containing the videos. “We got the speed bumps.”

The Peach Highland Hill Crest has been a traffic safety concern for many years due to limited

sight distance caused by an abrupt hill crest. The visibility of motorists in both directions is impaired.

“A review of MassDOT crash data indicates there has only been one reported crash at or near the crest on Peach Highlands during the past 10 years. The reported crash on Sept. 27, 2017, involved a single vehicle hitting a tree with no injuries,” Herbert wrote in a report this month. “Apparently, there have been many undocumented ‘near misses’ at or in the vicinity of the hill crest.”

Mike Anslinger also spoke out to get the speed bumps put back, pointing out the lack of sidewalks on the blind side of the hill causes safety concerns.

“It’s imperative that the speed bumps be put back,” Anslinger said.

“There’s a lot of kids in this neighborhood. People are driving clearly too fast with no speed bumps, that’s a recipe for disaster whether they’re jumping or just driving quickly.”

Data from the Marblehead Police Department revealed that the average speed over the hill crest was 27.2 mph

during a one-week period this month. That’s much faster than what Herbert determined is safe for that sight distance.

The hill crest section no longer has the speed bumps and currently has a pair of yellow advisory signs that read “SLOW SPEED BUMP AHEAD.”

New signage recommended Now, the vote advises the town to install new signage and pavement markings, without physically tearing up the roadway.

“For all intents and

purposes, the hill crest of Peach Highlands already is a ‘speed hump,’” Herbert wrote in his report. “It is possible to treat the existing hill crest with markings and signage as if it were a ‘speed hump.’” New warning signs would be placed 120-130 feet before the hill crest in both directions, warning drivers of the “speed hump” and displaying a 10 mph advisory speed. Additional signs would be installed at the hill crest, pointing down at the “speed hump.” Pavement markings would also be added to create an optical illusion, visually narrowing the roadway and alerting drivers to the upcoming “speed hump.” Peach believes the speed bumps were installed unfairly and without input from the neighborhood. He and other residents emphasized the importance of community involvement in the decision-making process, with some advocating for enforcing speed limits through community and police efforts rather than relying solely on physical barriers.

“At the end of the day, it’s about getting together and coming up with a solution that works,” Peach told the Current. “Because guess what? No one wants speeding in the neighborhood.”

Chief Dennis King and Public Works Superintendent Amy McHugh indicated Select Board approval is needed for implementation, pending further information on installation dates and costs.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Resident Kristin duBay Horton, a Marblehead Housing Authority candidate, speaks at the League of Women Voters candidates’ forum on May 21.

BY WILL DOWD

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

Aquarium investigates shark bites on deceased whale

The female humpback whale that washed ashore twice this spring in Marblehead and Swampscott before being buried at Preston Beach on May 18 showed evidence of great white shark bites, according to local resident Simon Frechette and the New England Aquarium.

“The sharks were likely scavenging on the carcass postmortem, which means it would have been within one mile from shore,” Frechette said. “Based on the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy Sharktivity App, it was the first documented shark of the season.”

The aquarium said it is working to determine the size of the sharks based on the bite marks found on the 42-foot, 65,000-pound whale.

Housing Authority

honors Foye

Marblehead Housing Authority Board celebrated longtime member Pam Foye at its May 21 meeting, recognizing her 15 years of dedicated service.

Foye, who is retiring from her position, received heartfelt gifts from her fellow board members in appreciation of her contributions.

“I’m going to miss it; I think it was time for a number of reasons,” said Foye, adding that she thought the authority was in good hands. “At the time I got elected, I had some concerns. That was a long time ago. Right now, I have no concerns, and I think that’s why I’ve decided it is a good time for me to retire.”

Green Street Woods bike park to host open house

The Green Street Woods bike park, a collaboration between the Recreation and Park Department and the New England Mountain Bike Association, will host an open house on Thursday, May 30, from 4-5:30 p.m.

The park, located on the corner of Beacon and Green streets, has been open for a year and is maintained by volunteers and local donors organized by the Friends of Green Street Woods.

Phase two of the project involves building two bridges, expanding the trail system and enhancing existing trails. Tours will be provided during the open house.

RSVP to Pat Milner, Friends of Green Street Woods, patmilner1@gmail.com.

Epstein Hillel School stages ‘Into the Woods Jr.’

Epstein Hillel School’s middle school performed “Into the Woods Jr.” to sold-out audiences at Marblehead Little Theatre from May 16-19.

Every fifth through eighth grade student participated in the production, directed by humanities teacher Leslie SmithRosen with music direction by Ori Baruch.

MDTC awards Goldberg scholarships

On May 16, the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee presented three Edwin L. Goldberg and Selma L. Goldberg Scholarships to Marblehead High School seniors Sophia Weiner, Char Pratt-Miller and Kate Twomey.

The scholarship, established 43 years ago, honors the civic engagement exemplified by the Goldbergs and is awarded to students demonstrating interest in government, policy and the political process; leadership in school and the community; and an excellent academic record.

Collection drive

The Marblehead Police Department, in partnership with the Council on Aging, is hosting a collection drive June 3-14 supporting STAR, a community-based center for people on probation, parole or

otherwise involved in the court system. Donations of clothing, hygiene products and gift cards are needed.

Drop-off locations include the Police Department, Fire Department, Council on Aging, Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA and JCC.

Local student to travel to Morocco

Emma Hawthorne of Marblehead will study Arabic in Morocco this summer through the U.S. Department of State’s National Security Language Initiative for Youth scholarship.

Hawthorne is one of 540 students selected nationwide for the program. She will live with a host family, immerse herself in local culture and engage with local peers to enhance language learning.

Rotary Club offers summer camperships

The Rotary Club of Marblehead has funds available for Marblehead children who need financial assistance to attend summer camp. Through donor contributions and a portion of funds raised from

its summer lobster raffle, the Rotary provides camperships of up to $600 per child. Over the last 20 years, the Rotary Club has awarded over $210,000 to more than 350 kids.

Popular local camps include those run by the Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department, JCC of the North Shore and the Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA. One application per household is required. Apply at marbleheadrotary.com/page/ camperships.

MHS Class of 1984 announces 40th reunion

The Marblehead High School Class of 1984 has announced its 40th reunion, scheduled for Saturday, July 27, from 4-10 p.m. at the Salem Waterfront Hotel. To stay informed, share memories and reconnect with classmates, graduates are encouraged to join the Facebook group @ MarbleheadHigh SchoolClassof1984. Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Laurie Weil at Marbleheadhigh1984reunion@ gmail.com or sending a private message on Facebook.

Farmers’ Market set to open with new vendors

BY LEIGH BLANDER

It’s that time of year.

The Marblehead Farmers’ Market will reopen on Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m.-noon behind the Veterans School on Pleasant Street. In its 27th year, the market will feature old favorites and new vendors. Ten farms are signed up to participate this summer, including Bear Hill, Grant Family, Middle Earth Earth and Brookford farms. New this year is Sow and Savor Farm from Beverly.

Vendors returning include A&J King Bakery, the Boy Scout coffee booth, Bucovina Cuisines, Seafood Express, Oliver World, Crepe Du Jour and Copper Dog Books. New vendors include Three Hundred Fifty Bakery, offering cookies and dessert bars;

Something Sweet Without Wheat, with gluten-free treats; and Universal Energy Healing, with herbal products. On June 1, woodworker Raymond Plouffe will be there,

along with candlemaker Jillian Kirschner and potter Angela Cook. Musical performances start on June 15. “We’re getting a little bit

bigger this summer,” said Stephen Fowler, who manages the market and has been involved for about 15 years. He added, “I love this market.

Memorial Day

From P. A1

meaning of the occasion.

“This day is not about veterans.

It’s not even about the names I’m about to read of veterans who have died in the past year. It’s about those who never made it home from war itself,” Moulton said.

“For all of you who come here today, the job to do on Memorial Day is to think about what we can do to prevent Memorial days in the future.”

After the Memorial Park observances, the solemn parade continued down residential streets and concluded at Waterside Cemetery, where Tom Mathers, a U.S. Army veteran from Marblehead, delivered remarks.

I like the local produce. I like knowing all our farmers. It’s a great community event. It’s a great place to meet people on a Saturday morning.”

Veterans and town officials also laid wreaths at the cemetery in honor of the fallen.

The occasion marked the final Memorial Day organized by Veterans Agent Dave Rodgers, who retires at the end of June.

And the Waterside ceremony capped a weekend of events organized to commemorate the sacrifices of service members throughout history. On Thursday, veterans and residents gathered at the Council on Aging for a breakfast sponsored by The Masons fraternal organization. On Saturday morning, a grave flagging event took place at Waterside Cemetery, when about 75 people, including Scouts and firefighters, placed flags at veterans’ graves. Leigh Blander contributed to this article.

HE a LTH y FOOD

COURTESY PHOTO / SIMON FRECHETTE

Great white shark bites are seen on the humpback whale that washed ashore in Marblehead and Swampscott before being buried at Preston Beach. The New England Aquarium confirmed the bite marks.

Piper Desmettre portrays Little Red Riding Hood and Daniel Pampe is the Wolf in Epstein Hillel School’s middle school performance of “Into the Woods Jr.”

COURTESY PHOTO Ten farms will be at the Marblehead Farmers’ Market this summer.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead Farmers’ Market is a popular spot for families on Saturday mornings.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead’s annual Memorial Day parade, featuring veterans, Scouts, and the Marblehead High School marching band and hockey team, steps off in a light rain.

High school celebrates Culture Feast

By Benji Boyd

On Friday, May 24, Marblehead High School hosted its annual Culture Feast. Streamers, flags and posters celebrating all the countries of the world decorated the tables and walls of the cafeteria, where students, teachers and guests gathered to enjoy food and musical performances. The festivities were organized and run by the METCO program.

Beginning at 4 p.m., the cafeteria was transformed into a dance floor. A DJ handled the playlist until 6 p.m., when the performers took the stage. Christopher Vasquez started the night with a performance of “Dance, Dance” by Fall Out Boy on the electric guitar, followed by Francesca Thibideoux with a vocal performance of “Million Dollar Man” by Lana Del Rey. Then, audience members were invited up to participate in a dance lesson led by a Latin dance instructor. The night rounded out with more performances, including a drum circle and more musical guests.

Culture Feast was started in 2019 as a potluck for students to share different types of cultural

DiPiano

and show us your expert credentials upon which you rest to make that claim.

I’ll wait.

Third, and my personal favorite, is the Select Board chair’s continual claim that “the law is the law.” If the voters have no choice but to accept G.L. c. 40A where is there a need to vote on it in the first place? There are two issues presently before the courts. One is the

foods. It has since grown to include musical performances and other activities. Students lined up for free airbrush temporary tattoos and handmade crafts were available to purchase at several stalls.

The Cookie Monstah truck,

Constitutionality of the statute itself and the other is the scope and breadth of the state’s authority to compel compliance with the statute rather than implementing the penalty for non-compliance provided for in Section 3A of the statute — which is the loss of the grants enumerated in Section 3A. All that is in 3A if you bother to actually read it. And, that’s the central issue in the matter of Attorney General v. Town of Milton and Joe Atchue,

and outside of the METCO program, volunteered to make and serve the feast, which

in his official capacity, SJC Np SJ-2024-0078. In that matter, SJC Associate Justice Serge Georges wrote, “I believe that this case raises novel questions of law which are of public importance and which are time sensitive and likely to recur, i.e., the scope of a municipality’s legal obligations under G.L. c. 40A § 3A, and under the related guidelines, and whether the attorney general has authority and standing to enforce compliance with the

same. Therefore, in my opinion, the matter would be decided by the full court, and as noted above, I hereby reserve and report this case for its determination.”

(Emphasis added.) Please, Ms. Noonan, read this article and stop telling us “the law is the law.”

The principle of what branch of government is responsible for interpreting law goes back to the case of Marbury v. Madison, 5 U.S. (1 Cranch) 137 (1803). Then Chief

MCC’sphilosophyisthatchildrenlearn best through play.Seeking enthusiastic, dedicatedprofessionalswho will engage in andupholdour mission Acollaborative &suppor tive environmentwith theopportunitytodevelop teaching skillsthrough

Please contact gail@marbleheadchildrenscenter.com 781-631-1954 Forinfoabout salary +benefits (includingfreechildcarefor full time employees).

Justice John Marshall wrote for the majority that “[i]t is emphatically the province and duty of the Judicial Department to say what the law is.” So, when the Select Board chair, any of its members, or anyone else for that matter posits the phrase “the law is the law” you can give them a copy of this decision from 1803. While they are reading that decision know that the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court is in the process of making that determination. It is not within the Constitutional wheelhouse of the executive branch or the legislative branch — and it is certainly not up to Ms. Noonan — to say what the law is. That is in the exclusive purview of the judicial branch. And,

they’re working on it.

In conclusion, there is no misinformation in this letter. It is fact that opponents of this measure have thought this through and have the intellectual capacity to make informed decisions. It is fact that The Boston Globe reported that experts state this law won’t solve the problems proponents of the law it will solve.

And, it is fact that the Massachusetts courts are in the process of determining what this law is.

While the proponents of 3A are entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to their own facts. John G. DiPiano is an attorney and lives on Trager Road.

a fan favorite from previous years, returned to sell ice cream sandwiches, and ran out barely halfway through the festival.

Many students, both within

included mac and cheese, rice and peppers, collared greens, fried chicken, pork ribs and cornbread.

MHS student Francesca Thibideoux

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

Life as a cap-and-gowner

www.mhsheadlight.com

you know that you can. You don't have to be panic-stricken.

Rachael Albert, Senior, Assistant Editor

I feel the term “cap-andgowner” is the only appropriate way to describe myself at the time of writing this. I know I am not yet a graduate; that comes later with success and cigars, but I am no longer a senior, either, as I have few responsibilities and no classes to attend. Labeling myself as a cap-and-gowner feels appropriate because I am in a state where adults who I do not know either congratulate me on already graduating or ask if I have even finished my exams. No one thinks I am somewhere in between.

Life as a cap-and-gowner is odd. It is only mid-May, so my conditioned brain makes me feel like I have at least a month of school left. My impending graduation has not yet taken full form in my mind. I can imagine a puddle of students, and I can place myself somewhere among the front of the alphabetized rows. I can see my best friend giving her speech and the diploma in my hand, but when I zoom out again, the faces I see are not those of my peers. They are the muddy visages of previous classes, a melange of the 2018 and 2021 graduating classes, my siblings’ respective years. The hand I imagine shaking is that of my previous

principal, and I still think it will come as quite a shock to me when I feel a woman’s delicate hand in mine rather than the rough one of a man.

Over time, I think my own hands have become rough and blistered, if not literally, then with the weight of academic burden for the past four years. During high school I had no access to bandages or ointment, I was simply told the blisters would form stubborn calluses and I could work again. Yet, I am only a cap-and-gowner, so my hands stay raw until graduation. When it comes time for college, I believe my wounds will have healed and will hopefully give me new strength.

Life as a cap-and-gowner is strange because while I am sure this summer will be one of the best of my life, I simultaneously grapple with the fact that these will likely be the last three months I permanently live in the same town as my best friends. Life as a cap-and-gowner is my last chance to be irresponsible, but how can I be when I am moving out and only have the emotional maturity of an 18-year-old? I must battle life’s sudden complexities with grace, and, until that diploma is in my hand, I must exist as a cap-andgowner.

Spotlight: Marilyn Day

Ila Bumagin, Senior, Editor-In-Chief

In 1983, a group of talented MHS students and English teacher Marilyn Day joined forces to create our beloved newspaper - Headlight. To wrap up my four years working for the school paper, I interviewed Day. We talked about her favorite memories from the high school, her student editors (including my mother), and the fate of journalism.

Day worked in the Marblehead High School English department for more than 25 years. She taught AP classes, journalistic writing, Japanese Studies, and Speech, and she will always defend these types of electives and choices for her students. When she was in high school, she wrote for her school newspaper. She said, "We wanted the paper, and we wanted it to be published in the Marblehead Reporter, and I knew how to do it. And so I did it. Later, I had a journalistic writing class, which served as a feeder course."

One thing we talked about was controversial articles she was proud of. Headlight would stir up controversies, and Day remembered these fondly. She said: "Ha ha, yeah we did. We had editors who were politically interested, and they wrote

some political commentary, and someone on the school committee was mad about it. The state laws protect students in this case."

I asked if there was anything she wouldn't want to publish, like a political view or a protest, especially during controversial times like the present. She explained, "For the most part, as long as the opinion was reasonably and carefully stated, backed up with facts and authoritative opinions, there was never a problem publishing it." She would often check with the principal, and they were "always supportive of student journalism."

She was especially proud of special editions, like an investigative journalism piece on cheating or a review of all AP classes. In addition, she was a founding member of Yankee PEN (Press Education Network) which organized a conference with speakers from The Boston Globe and content for students. This gave the students real-world experience and knowledge of journalism.

Whether or not her students went into writing professionally, she stressed the importance of journalistic writing in every career. She said, "That speed and organization helped them get it done. Once you do it once,

Headlight Staff 2023-2024

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt

"Technology has had a big impact on journalism, both in how it's produced and how audiences view it. When Day started, they had to do the layout manually. During her time at the high school, everything became digital, as it is now. She says, "When we started at the Marblehead Reporter, there had to be 10-12 people working there. By the time we finished there were only three because you didn't need the bodies with new technology." She said that journalism is fading so much now because there are so many sources of information, helped by online media outlets of varying reliability. She said, "But one thing you

May 29, 2024

know is that your local paper is reliable," they're "dedicated to bringing out facts, news, and the truth."

Now, in Marblehead, we have three local papers. Day stated, "I'm rooting for The Current It's better to have one strong paper because it's hard when they're competing. I just hope we don't end up with no papers."

It was wonderful to speak with Day and put my four years with Headlight into perspective. Day wants to pass on that she's "glad Headlight is still going with Mr. Higgins, and in the local paper, where you should be. I hope you keep going because I know it's hard for all journalists. But we do good work in the world that needs to be shared.”

"I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will." - Charlotte Brontë

Aislin Freedman, Senior Jane Eyre - many people know the name or have read the award-winning novel published in 1847 and written by Charlotte Brontë. While famous, and considered a classic of literature, many people have mixed feelings about the story of Jane Eyre, and many people particularly dislike the ending. Deciding to read this book was an interesting endeavor, as I had more people telling me not to read it than people who said it was good. However, the book was famous enough for me to want my own opinion, and I’m glad I did.

There are many ways to look at this book that I believe produce the negative opinions of Brontë’s work, but I would like to look at its character development, message, and why I enjoyed it so much. Without spoiling anything, of course.

Jane is a strong girl, that much is established in the first third of the book. She faces many challenges, and she is able to stay true to her nature and speak her mind. She learns to navigate society and hold her tongue when necessary, but a large part of her character is that she is unwilling to bend in her ideals and morals. Not lured by good looks or standings, Jane knows that it is character that defines a person. She never holds herself in lower standing due to her gender either,

and she has the self-respect to know she has value as a human being. Because of this, she betrays her own heart due to a situation that would go against what she believes is right. Jane is saddened by her decision, but she takes heart at the knowledge that she made the only decision leading to her retaining her own self-respect, saying to herself, “I care for myself. The more solitary, the more friendless, the more unsustained I am, the more I will respect myself.”

After this pivotal moment, Jane undergoes much character development, less in changing what she believes, but more in how she believes it. She goes from a dependent, insignificant young lady easily preyed upon, to the strong independent woman she always was in her own head. It is through this part of the book that we are to understand her decision in the finale, and how she does what she does, which is not an act of giving in. No, what she does is vastly different; she is able to retain her own independence and acknowledge that her own happiness, when her morals do not stand in the way, is something important to her. She does not give up independence, or hinder her own vision of herself, in making a decision, that half the novel ago, would be seen as giving in. That is the true beauty of character development.

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert TECHNOLOGY EDITOR: Kate Twomey

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

FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

Sun storm paints the town’s night sky

BY RICK CUZNER

I had forgotten about the possibility of seeing the aurora. I happened to be in the backyard photographing the moon and got a decent glimpse of the amazing colors in the sky. I grabbed a camera and tripod, jumped in the car, driving all around town taking photos. Old Burial Hill, Fountain Park, Redd’s Pond, and Grace Oliver’s Beach all provided excellent viewing.

The photos were taken during a dramatic solar blast in May, sparking the highest-level geomagnetic storm in Earth’s atmosphere since Halloween 2003. The storm made the northern lights visible as far south as Florida and Southern California.

The aurora borealis occurs

when charged particles from the sun collide with gasses in Earth’s atmosphere, causing them to glow. Different gasses produce different colors: oxygen creates green and red lights, while nitrogen causes blue and purple hues.

The New York Times reported that the storm, classified as an “extreme” geomagnetic-five storm, was caused by a cluster of sunspots about 16 times the diameter of Earth. The cluster flared and ejected material every six to 12 hours, creating a disturbance in the Earth’s magnetic field known as a geomagnetic storm, which caused auroras visible far from the poles.

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

COURTESY PHOTO / RICK CUZNER

In early May, Rick Cuzner captured the aurora borealis illuminating the night sky over Old Burial Hill.