06.05.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 28

Then closing for rest of year

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The student-focused travel group Stone & Compass is canceling all but a few high school trips from Marblehead and will regroup in 2025, founder Rob Goodwin told the Current. Stone & Compass has been under investigation since last

month after canceling several trips and claiming to be the victim of a $900,000 financial crime.

“We’ll open again in 2025 when the dust settles,” Goodwin said on May 31. “I need a freakin’ break.”

The Current reported on May 15 that Stone & Compass

had canceled six student trips, including one for more than 100 students in Daytona Beach, Florida. A teacher who helped organize the trip said his students are still having a hard time getting their money back. Two complaints have been filed against Stone & Compass with the Florida Attorney General’s Office.

At the time, Goodwin told

the Current two New Yorkbased companies had stolen $900,000 from Stone & Compass. Goodwin said he filed complaints against the companies with the New York Attorney General’s Office and the Consumer Protection Division.

Detective Bill Weaver with the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department told the Current on

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Under a pale blue sky on Friday evening, more than 210 Marblehead High School seniors accepted their diplomas and tossed their graduation caps into the air under a goal post at Piper Field. Two nights earlier, they walked the red carpet on their way to senior prom at Boston’s House of Blues.

The Class of 2024 started its first year at the height of the pandemic, and resilience was a theme at their graduation four years later.

“As freshmen, you met your teachers on Zoom and attended school in cohorts,” said MHS Principal Michele Carlson addressing the graduates. “You wore masks and had to be 6 feet apart. You learned how to pivot, not only in your thinking but in the hallways,” which were changed to one-way only to reduce contact.

“You achieved academic excellence despite the disruptions,” Carlson added.

Senior Shakayla Baxter welcomed her peers to graduation saying, “Don’t you feel like all those early mornings and late nights were worth it?”

A METCO student since first grade, Baxter encouraged her fellow

graduates to “value others, recognize injustices and do your part to make the world a better place for all.”

you recognize these graduates from MHS Class of 1958?

May 31 that Stone & Compass remains under investigation in Florida.

Meanwhile, Matthew Rossi of Westport, Connetticut, contacted the Current saying he and nine friends had booked a $41,000 golfing trip to Scotland this summer with Stone & Compass. They received an

Polls open June 11 for town election

BY WILL DOWD

On Tuesday, June 11, voters in Marblehead will head to the polls to cast their ballots in the town election. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at three locations: Precinct 1: Old Town House, One Market Square Precincts 2 & 3: Abbot Hall Auditorium, 188 Washington St. » Precincts 4, 5 & 6: Judy & Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. Voters can find their designated precinct at sec.state.

ma.us/WhereDoIVoteMA.

The election features contested races for Select Board and Recreation and Parks Commission. Four incumbents on the Select Board — Erin Noonan, Moses Grader, Alexa Singer and Bret Murray — face challengers Dan Albert and Daniel Fox for the five available seats. Long-time Select Board member Jim Nye opted not to seek re-election for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Under a new system, the top two votegetters in the Select Board election will initially receive three-year terms, while the next two will serve two-year terms. The fifth-place finisher will hold office for one year before facing re-election in 2025. This staggered approach aims to maintain an experienced base even as new members join the board.

For the Recreation and Parks Commission, incumbents Linda Rice Collins, Shelly Bedrossian, Rossanna Ferrante, Karin Ernst and Matthew Martin will vie with Richard W. Jordan for the five seats. Kristin DuBay Horton and Laura Ruth Gallant will appear on the ballot for a five-year seat on the Marblehead Housing Authority, but Gallant

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Sadie Jennings and her classmates move their tassels during graduation ceremonies at Marblehead High School May 31.

Alisa Colon is all smiles after receiving her diploma during graduation ceremonies at Marblehead High School May 31.

Miles Flynn fist bumps a classmate during graduation ceremonies at Marblehead High School.

Vote

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The School Committee planned to vote Thursday, June 6, on whether to hire John Robidoux as Marblehead’s next interim superintendent. Robidoux visited Marblehead on June 3, meeting with teachers, administrators and community members. (Visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for more details on Robidoux’s visit.)

On May 22, four members of the School Committee traveled to Swansea, where Robidoux is currently superintendent, to speak with leaders and parents there.

“He has a real open door policy that families and staff use,” reported School Committee member Brian Ota, who met with a Swansea School Committee member and an elementary school principal.

“Under John’s superintendency, they passed budgets each year for the 17 years he was there with an increase of 4-8% each year. Since John’s been with them, there’s been no need to pink slip employees at the end of the year.”

Member Jenn Schaeffner met with the Swansea assistant superintendent. “She is very sad to see him leave. She had very positive things to say about her many, many years working with him.”

Chair Sarah Fox added, “I left feeling very comfortable.” She described parents lining up to say hello to Robidoux at a field day event.

“People can learn a skill, but you can’t learn personality,” Fox said.

Robidoux announced last fall that he would be leaving Swansea at the end of the school year due to tensions with the local school committee.

Ota asked a Swansea School Committee member about Robidoux’s decision.

“The last couple of people who got elected (to the school committee) for whatever reason just kept picking fights with him over everything,” Ota said. “It got to the point where he was constantly trying to justify himself.”

Teacher contract talks

Fox and Schaeffner planned to meet with the Marblehead Education Association on

Monday, June 3, for the latest round of contact talks.

After the group Marbleheaders for Change demanded that Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer be a part of negotiations, Fox emphasized at the May 28 School Committee meeting that Kezer is welcome at all contract negotiations but declined to vote him onto the bargaining subcommittee. Kezer, who has negotiated about 30 contracts over his career as a public official, has said he has not been invited to bargaining.

In an email to Fox on May 29, Kezer wrote, “As you may recall, I sent an email in February reminding you, the superintendent and my chair that, according to MGL Chapter 150E, I am a voting member of the School Committee for purposes of collective bargaining. I joined the earlier strategy sessions only because I read of the meetings in the Current. I appreciate the better coordination for scheduling and look forward to being of assistance to the committee.”

Kezer continued, “The results of these negotiations have a significant impact on the longterm financial health of the community, so it is important that we all work together to get the best results. I am also interested in more conversation about School Committee proposals. I am concerned that the School Committee does not have any significant proposals given that the unions have requests that have significant

costs and disruption to classroom time for teachers.”

Kezer was unavailable to attend the June 3 bargaining session.

Sick leave bank approved after Google doc controversy

In executive session, the School Committee approved a sick leave bank for educators. The vote followed an earlier statement from union co-presidents

Jonathan Heller and Sally Shevory that they discovered the School Committee never signed an agreement last spring establishing the sick leave bank, where educators can donate and share sick days.

Former superintendent John Buckey referenced the sick leave bank agreement, and thanked Fox, in a meeting nearly a year ago, on June 15.

The MEA produced a document approving the sick leave bank, dated June 16, 2023, with Heller and Shevory’s signatures and a blank space for Fox’s signature. They said they believed Fox was going to sign next.

Before going into executive session on May 29, Fox addressed the MEA’s claim.

“I went back to try and find some ratification. I had never seen a finalized version of it. It certainly did not come before us to be ratified,” she said.

Fox acknowledged that the School Committee may have become distracted last summer.

“Full disclosure, we spent a lot of time through some transitions,” she said referring to

the committee’s efforts to oust Buckey, who ultimately left in August.

Fox projected onto a screen a shared Google document of the sick leave bank proposal. She said a review of its edit history showed someone named Anthony Parolisi was last in the document in March 2024. Parolisi is a rep with the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Fox said the document also showed that Heller added the signature lines on Oct. 5, 2023, months after Heller and Shevory said they signed a printed version.

The MEA released this statement after the School Committee meeting:

“We were shocked to learn that the School Committee failed to fulfill its obligation to hold a ratification vote on this agreement due to the many disruptions that transpired at the end of last school year and into the summer. We were further disappointed to hear School Committee Chair and negotiating team member Sarah Fox claim zero responsibility for the committee’s own malpractice and attempt to lay blame on the MEA while the School Committee prepared to ratify the agreement unanimously one year in arrears.”

Heller said he is glad the sick bank is finally officially approved.

Meanwhile, the MEA filed a grievance with the School Committee over the district’s decision to remove union signs from school property.

The next bargaining session is set for Tuesday, June 11.

BY WILL DOWD

On the gorgeous first day of June, a large crowd gathered on the lawn at Abbot Hall to celebrate LGBTQ+ pride and raise the rainbow flag. The annual Marblehead Pride flag raising event brought together people of all ages to show their support for the LGBTQ+ community.

State Rep. Jenny Armini gave an impassioned speech, reflecting on the 20th anniversary of same-sex marriage in Massachusetts.

“We declare that barring an individual from the protections, benefits and obligations of civil marriage solely because that person would marry a person of the same sex violates the Massachusetts Constitution,” she quoted from the historic Goodridge decision handed down in 2003. “That is the ultimate mic drop. And it’s one that changed the social landscape of this country for the better forever.”

Armini also acknowledged the work that remains to support the LGBTQ+ community, especially youth. She cited statistics that LGBTQ+ young people in

Massachusetts experience: LGBTQ+ youth in Massachusetts are more than twice as likely as their non-LGBTQ+ peers to report extended periods of sadness and helplessness. Nearly half of LGBTQ+ youth in Massachusetts say they have considered suicide.

» LGBTQ+ youth, especially those of color, experience

higher rates of homelessness and food insecurity compared to non-LGBTQ+ youth.

» In one study, 65% of transgender individuals in Massachusetts reported experiencing discrimination in the past year in public spaces like transportation, restaurants, and healthcare settings.

“Yes, we have work to do,”

Arminni said. “But the LGBTQ+ community and its allies, everyone here, we are ready. We have decades of organizing to fall back on.”

Veterans Middle School health teacher Maura Dartley-Rocco took the podium. She shared findings from a recent survey showing high rates of anxiety,

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The School Committee discussed interim super finalist John Robidoux at a May 28 meeting.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Wyla Ferris, 14, speaks passionately about her journey and the importance of self-acceptance at Marblehead’s Pride Month event.

BY WILL DOWD

Hundreds of locals and art enthusiasts packed into Abbot Hall’s auditorium on May 31 for the kickoff of the Marblehead Festival of Arts’ annual Cods & Whales Auction.

The popular event, which has been running for at least 15 years according to organizer Cynda Rohmer, showcases one-of-akind wooden cod and whales decorated by artists from across the North Shore.

Nearly 60 artists contributed their talents, transforming 55 cods measuring 18-by-7 inches and 12 55-by-15 inch whales into colorful masterpieces using mediums like oil paint, jewels, stones, wire, beads and felt.

Young attendees Caroline, 9, and John Sturma,11, were drawn to the intricately designed whale with Marblehead landmarks on it . “I like that it has historic parts of Marblehead, like the lighthouse,” Caroline remarked, while her brother John added, “I like the carved teeth.” Caroline, who takes weekly art lessons, also appreciated a sunrise-themed work and a cod

named “Bubbles Up.”

Their sentiments were echoed by Dorothy Sturma, grandmother of Caroline and John, who has participated as an artist in previous years.

“I’m a potter,” she shared.

“You get inspiration from this stuff, right? As an artist, it kind of gets you going.”

Sturma added, “I think the festival is so unique. Anything that brings people together and encourages creativity is wonderful.”

Visitors checked out the artworks displayed around the historic auditorium. Susan Schrader’s whale covered in a

mosaic of 8,000 colored pencil pieces meticulously cut, glued and sanded over several months was a particular standout, as was a whale with a Marblehead skyline colored on it.

“Once I did this one, I’m like, this is it,” Schrader said of her decision to cover the entire whale in the pencil pattern, a labor of love that required a tiny Japanese saw to cut the pencils

before adhering them.

The Marblehead artist, who has been an active member of the Festival for years, spoke about the spirit of the event.

“I just love the whole idea of all different artists, like all different types of artists, coming together to create individual works of art ... on a similar platform, like the whales and the cods,” Schrader said. “We can take our time, really show our individual creativity … some do their landscapes; other ones are more sculptural, and other ones are whimsical. It’s very, very exciting.”

After the kickoff, the artful cods and whales will be displayed in shops and businesses around town until July 3. Rohmer said proceeds fund scholarships, grants and the Festival’s numerous events including live music, children’s activities, sand castle contests and art exhibits from July 4-7.

In the past, individual cods have fetched as much as $1,200 at auction.

To learn more about the auction and how to bid, visit marbleheadfestival.org/ cods-whale-auction.

BY WILL DOWD

The Village School, in collaboration with the Marblehead Racial Justice Team, hosted a portraits presentation honoring the lives and legacies of Harriet Tubman and John Lewis on May 31. Students in grades four to six gathered in the auditorium to learn about these two pivotal figures in American history. The program aimed to educate students about the significant contributions made by these civil rights icons and to foster a deeper understanding of the ongoing struggle for racial equity.

Students learned about Harriet Tubman’s life from a slideshow presented by sixth graders Claire Ceplikas, Alice Girling, Caitlyn

The Current presented three Frances “Fraffie” Welch memorial scholarships to Marblehead High School seniors Aviva Bornstein, Madeline Cole and Alexander Hersey on May 28. The $2,000 scholarships are

for students who show interest in journalism and public service. They are sponsored by the Current and funded by The Mariner.

Welch worked for the Marblehead Reporter for decades and authored the popular “Up

for Air” column under the pen name Dawn Bucket. She was also a dedicated volunteer serving on the Recreation and Parks Commission, Marblehead Forever Committee, Council on Aging and Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor.

and Finna

into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made numerous

presented by sixth graders Londyn Ball, Cate Cruikshank and Catherine Wolverton. Students learned how Lewis, from a young age, organized sit-ins at segregated lunch counters and participated in the Freedom Rides. Students learned about his leadership role in the historic 1963 March on Washington and his long career as a U.S. congressman, fighting for equality and human rights until his passing in 2020.

Organizers expressed hope that the portraits, which will be displayed within the school for a year before traveling to the next Marblehead school, will serve as a reminder of the power of perseverance, courage, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Roge

Walsh. Born

dangerous trips back to the South to lead dozens of enslaved people to freedom through the

Underground Railroad. The focus then shifted to John Lewis, with a slideshow

JOu RnALISM

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Members of the Marblehead Racial Justice Team hand over portraits of Harriet Tubman and John Lewis to Village Elementary School students on May 31 before the school’s entire student body.

CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD

Hundreds of local art enthusiasts gather in Abbot Hall’s auditorium for the kickoff of the Festival of Arts’ annual Cods & Whales Auction on May 31.

“Fireworks Over Marblehead” by Gretchen Langton, created with wool felt, showcased at the Marblehead Festival of Arts’ annual Cods & Whales Auction.

Opinion

eDITORIAL

Best wishes to a special class

Members of the Class of ’24 entered Marblehead High School with weightier matters on their minds than remembering their locker combinations.

Over the summer, scenes from protests that often turned violent after the murder of George Floyd played on a constant loop on screens.

The rhetoric of a hotly contested presidential election had just started to ramp up, though few could predict what the boiling point would look like on Jan. 6.

And of course, initially the Class of ’24 did not “enter” MHS at all, at least in the truest sense, though remote teacher introductions eventually gave way to masked classes and one-way passing through the hallways.

We may not know the Class of ’24 as well as its teachers or its parents. But we have seen enough to know that it is a special one.

In the classroom and beyond, this year’s seniors thrived. It’s no wonder that so many great institutions of higher learning, including three Ivy League colleges, have rolled out the welcome mat for Marblehead students.

Once upon a time, senior projects were simply an excuse to break out of MHS for the final weeks of high school. But this year’s senior projects are notable for their ambition and, in many cases, spirit of service. Whether volunteering with veterans, organizing community events — or writing words in these pages — these projects had a positive impact beyond MHS’ walls.

Many of the senior projects had an artistic bent, and the Class of ’24 has shown itself to be an exceptionally creative class as well. Wyatt Foley cast many of his classmates in his locally filmed movie, “Currently a Paperboy,” which packed seats at the Warwick Cinema. The spring art exhibition was simply stunning, and the spring musical “The Prom” drew rave reviews.

There were successes on the athletic field, too, most notably the boys hockey team’s state championship, the town’s first since 2011. But there were other triumphs as well. The softball team dedicated its season to its longtime assistant coach, Todd Norman, who died suddenly the morning of the opening game of the season. The team lost just three regular season games, claiming the Lynch Division title and earning a home state tournament game.

And of course, the right team won the annual girls flag football, a.k.a. “Powderpuff,” game.

That all this and more happened against the backdrop of the residual effects of the pandemic, yes, is a credit to the class’ resilience, as speakers noted at graduation ceremonies May 31. But the challenges the Class of ’24 was forced to confront also seem to have fostered something else: an appreciation for true human connection.

The 210-plus members of the Class of ’24 have seen the alternative — people as two-dimensional facsimiles of themselves — and know that it is a cheap substitute.

That should serve them well in their next destinations, including college campuses that may once again erupt in protests, if not over the war in Gaza then some other outrage, here or abroad. If they never lose sight of the humanity of those with whom they disagree — and that includes administrators trying to balance the right to freedom of speech with the preservation of safe learning environments — they will be muchneeded positive forces in their new communities. In this regard, we have seen this class’ capacity in action. When conversation over a banner policy at their school veered in the direction of endorsing negative associations with the phrase “Black Lives Matter,” students offered the reality check. Whatever else that slogan might be, it is deeply meaningful and affirming to their peers and should not be banished from the halls of MHS cavalierly, members of the Class of ’24 urged.

In a world full of social media platforms making money by driving engagement through outrage, sustaining that humanity-first perspective will be a constant challenge. But so far, so good.

The Current wishes all the best to the Class of ’24 and knows that, wherever they go, they will continue to be the shining Marblehead lights they have shown themselves to be.

e

V eRYTHInG WILL Be OKAY

There’s more to a tree

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

I was walking near my neighborhood on a recent sunny morning and saw three people standing stock still in the middle of the street, looking up. I followed their gaze. Was it a cool bird? That would get my immediate attention. Nope. So wide it was hanging over the street, nearly touching the branches reaching up on the other side of the road, was a tree. Its cone-shaped canopy was dotted with cone-shaped pink flowers. “Do you know what it is?” one of the gazers asked me as I came closer. I wanted to answer “a tree” but I am not my most sarcastic sibling so I refrained and instead said, “No.” “I Googled it,” she said, using the function Google has to take a picture and seek an identity. The answer came back in Latin and thus was not much help to her. I smiled sympathetically and walked on, telling myself I would search “cone-shaped tree with cone-shaped pink flowers” when I got home, not because I needed to know, but because I’m a helper by nature and she needed an answer. That she was a stranger and I’d have no way to communicate the information to her is an annoying little detail, you non-Mr. Rogers fans out there. But when I got home I got distracted and the tree’s name remained a mystery to me if not to her.

In an odd coincidence, my son visited the local bookstore last weekend and on an impulse bought me a book that was displayed near the counter. He was excited to give it to me, saying, “This book has your name all over it!” The cover had a small green tree and its title, “How to be More Tree: Essential Life Lessons for Perennial Happiness” was actually right up my alley. I’m always looking for shortcuts to happiness, I just never looked at trees as a potential source for the lasting kind, never mind life lessons.

Then I took a walk with my friend Phyllis. We met at her house and I saw again the tree she has growing in her living room. At least she thinks it’s a tree. It’s been there since she and her husband bought the house 45 years ago. It’s massive and super cool and as, Phyllis says, at this point a member of the family. She talks to it, worries over it, is amazed by it. I’m not saying she feels the same way about the tree that she does about her grandchildren but I’m not saying she doesn’t either. Awareness of trees suddenly abounded in my orbit. But why?

It’s a tradition in some religions and regions, including Judaism, to plant a tree when a baby is born. We planted a four-foot-tall sugar maple for our firstborn and, when his sister arrived, a white kousa dogwood next to it. I liked the idea of marking their

births but didn’t give much thought to the likelihood that these trees’ time on earth would likely outlast our family’s. I wouldn’t actually have really liked the thought back then, fresh in protective mother mode.

The maple is now well over 40 feet and the dogwood about half that. I enjoy them, particularly watching their leaves dance about on a windy day, as I do the subsequent additions of two white birches, a red smoke tree and a Japanese maple. But I admit to the enjoyment being mostly grounded in aesthetics and privacy. Could I learn something from trees, too?

Turns out, more than I could have ever imagined. A friend mentioned a book she had just finished that had blown her mind, and it’s about, you guessed it, trees. I downloaded the book, “The Hidden Life of Trees,” by German forestry expert Peter Wohlleben. It is not for the faint of heart, or maybe more accurately, the sensitive heart.

Did you know trees can be lonely? That parent trees and their offspring actually live together as a family? That they communicate with each other? That they can send out olfactory signals to alert their fellow trees, as well as helpful predators, if an insect or other creature is attacking them? That they feel pain? And help each other with nourishment, keeping even old stumps alive for centuries?

I am still reading and learning, more than can be reflected here. But what I’ve read so far has blown my mind, too.

I recently bought a Japanese umbrella pine tree because I’ve always loved how their needles are shaped like a umbrella, except one that’s been turned inside out by the wind. Mine is about one-foot tall. According to its tag and a friend who has one, it will grow to 30 feet tall and six feet wide. It can live to be over 100 years old, maybe longer depending on the conditions. I will be long gone by then. But I plan to pay attention as it grows, and will learn as much as I can about its needs.

As for the cone-shaped one with the pink-cone flowers? Ultimately, a Google search didn’t come up with a clear answer. If you know, drop us a letter to the editor. Trees deserve our attention. Maybe that’s why they are grabbing mine.

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.”

Lee and Barry Weed Education Match Challenge

BY RICK WEED

My parents, Lee Bartlett Weed and Barry Weed, were a power couple and influencers before there was such a thing. I want to share some of their story, their strong belief in education and their commitment to being active and involved citizens. I hope it will inspire you to do the same.

They both graduated Marblehead High School, Class of 1958, and neither went to college — at least not right away. My mom went to nursing school as that was more affordable for her at the time. She knew she needed more education, so she attended Salem State at night for 10 years to get her nursing degree and graduated magna cum laude!

My mom worked at Mary Alley Hospital, the only place she ever wanted to work as she wanted to care for the people in her community. She was a night nurse, which left her time to both serve on many committees and to make sure our homework was done. She was the warden at St. Michael’s Church and was on the board and before she passed away director of the Marblehead Female Humane Society. This organization, which was founded in the 1800s to support widows and orphans combined all the things Lee felt

most deeply about — caring for the people of this town. Not only did she lead this incredible philanthropy, but she also mentored those who served with her, sharing her deep understanding of the mission and modeling how one should carry that out.

My dad started as a teller at the National Grand Bank and retired as the president. He was on every board in town — treasurer of St. Michaels, the YMCA, the Masonic Lodge, Salem Hospital and, of course, the bank.

Both Lee and Barry were original founders of the Rotary Club of Marblehead.

On top of all of that, they shared their belief that education was vitally important. There was no question that my sister Elizabeth (MHS ’85) and I (MHS ’81) would go to college whether we wanted

to or not! They believed strongly that our schools were a critical element of our town as both builders of solid citizens and as feeders to higher education. And while neither of them served in an elected position, they developed relationships with leaders that allowed them to share their opinions on every topic related to our public schools.

Lee loved the Current. She was so happy that the void left by the Reporter has been filled. She would have been grateful for the coverage of our schools and applauded the continued shining of a light on such an important piece of her beloved town.

Lee and Barry Weed meant a lot to Marblehead — and Marblehead meant a lot to them. In their honor and memory, I am offering the Education Match Challenge. I am grateful to be living the life that they envisioned for me including earning a college degree and two post-graduate degrees. For every dollar raised I will match up to $2,5000.

Please join me in the Barry and Lee Weed Education Match Challenge to keep the Current schools coverage coming.

Rick Weed sits on the Current’s Board of Directors.

K eeP THe Cu RRen T COMInG

COURTESY PHOTOS

Lee Bartlett Weed and Barry Weed in their 1958 MHS yearbook.

Join my Patron of the Arts Match Challenge

BY PEGGY SCHRAGE

match every dollar donated to the Current up to $5,000.

LeTTeRS

Bedrossian for re-election

To the editor:

We are writing to endorse Shelly Bedrossian for re-election to the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Committee. Her first year portfolio of significant and impactful accomplishments positions her as an outstanding candidate for re-election.

Shelly is an innovative thinker with an entrepreneurial mindset. Her solutions not only result in improved services for all ages and recreational interests, but also provide pathways to increased income for the town.

Shelly’s ability to innovate approaches to old problems — such as opening beaches earlier, using work previously done to re-examine possibilities for a multi-surface sports deck, and creating significant efficiency and equity for racket sports and pickleball — bears testament to her entrepreneurial mindset.

As residents of Marblehead, we support the re-election of Shelly Bedrossian and look forward to her ideas for the future of sports and recreation that will benefit the residents of, and guests to our town while promoting growth and sustainable economic development.

Lyn Doran, Linden Street Roseanne Phelan, Pleasant Street Pamela Buell, Orne Street Diane Thomas, Harris Street Missey Donohoe, Washington Street

Call for transparency around the athletic director search

To the editor:

It was pretty much a confusing School Committee meeting on May 28.

Many times at SC meetings I am confronted with answers to my question(s) with, “We have no purview,” regarding this or that question. This night, I asked a question about the search committee for the new athletic director. The past administration always made search committee appointees public. You could fill out a Google form if you were interested in applying for a position on a search committee.

I remember one time names were pulled out of a hat. MHS Principal Carlson, the search for your present job was conducted in such a way to make it fair for all who wanted to participate in finding the best candidate for the job of principal at the high school. I believe, Jenn Schaeffner, you even requested all names of who even applied for the search committee, not just those who were appointed. So why the change?

I believe it was Alison Taylor who mentioned it was strictly Ms. Carlson’s “policy” to wait until after the search was

I love to fill a need and make things better. That’s the philosophy that I follow passionately particularly when it comes to the arts in Marblehead.

I have always been drawn to the creative arts and as a Marblehead resident for the past 47 years I marvel at all the cultural opportunities that our little seacoast town has to offer.

Whether it be taking painting classes at the Marblehead Arts Association or appearing in the chorus of five musical productions for Marblehead

completed to reveal those that were chosen as members of the search committee. Wait a minute, didn’t the SC in the past say it was their job to establish “policy” in our district? Was there a sub-committee in place to present this to the SC to establish a policy.?

Did someone, (SC member or interim superintendent) kindly suggest to Ms. Carlson to keep candidates and appointees confidential? I can understand a NDA for the appointees to sign to keep information confidential concerning the candidate, but not so much for the committee members’ names.

I thought it was agreed upon by the SC after seeing that stakeholders did not have confidence in them, that the SC was going to be more transparent. That didn’t last very long, now did it?

Then there was the discussion of the last man standing candidate for superintendent. What we heard sounded fantastic from our SC members. Mr. Ota answered that one question that lingered. Why is the finalist coming to our district when he couldn’t get along with a couple of newly seated SC members in Swansea? Doesn’t he realize that’s what happened to our past superintendent? Our newly seated SC have separated from 13 staff members that were either fired, resigned or took a deal in one year. Oops, a law firm separated from the SC, too.

Then there was talk about sick time that was so confusing I will leave that to the editor to explain!!

Let the teachers’ negotiations begin. Note to Sarah Fox and Jenn: let’s play nice, pull up a chair for Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer.

Mary McCarriston Pinecliff Drive

Dan Albert on the MBTA zoning law

To the editor:

Will Dowd reports, “Dan Albert... stood alone in his opposition to the MBTA zoning law,” at the League of Women Voters candidate night. Please correct the record. First, candidates were never asked whether they supported or opposed the MBTA zoning law. Second, nowhere in your supporting quote do I say that I oppose — or approve of — the MBTA zoning law. Third, you might simply have fact checked your reporting with what you’ve printed in the Current’s identical question in your guide to candidates.

The story here isn’t whether I oppose or support the MBTA zoning law. The story here is the abuse of power by hired staff and elected officials and their treatment of those “troublemakers” who would dare question their wisdom. John DiPiano and I have put

Little Theatre, I have witnessed firsthand the amount of effort and dedication required to make it all come together. What is especially appealing to me is the wonderful people I have met along the way who became lifelong friends. That interaction with others is not only enjoyable but creates a strong sense of community.

My involvement with both the Marblehead Arts Association and Marblehead Little Theatre took on a much more definitive role when both organizations — I call them my “pets”— had new

reasonable questions on the table around the zoning plan. That’s your job. Ask the right questions, listen carefully to the answer, and this is key, ask a follow up question.

Dan Albert Leicester Road

Justice in peril

To the editor:

Winston Churchill once said, “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.”

Yes, democracy can be messy, but it still offers the greatest opportunity for participatory government. Our democracy is based on three branches of government: executive, legislative and the judiciary. I would like to focus on the judiciary and our current Supreme Court. As with any court, being composed of human beings, it is fallible, susceptible to bias, personal prejudice and politics. The last three appointees by the Trump administration seem to have heightened the propensity of the current court to succumb to the aforementioned failings. This court can reasonably be judged as a MAGA court. Two examples: Justice Clarence Thomas has refused to recuse himself from some cases in which he blatantly expressed his bias. His wife, Ginni, has been a very active proponent of the Save the Steal movement (an effort to illegally overturn the results of the 2020 election). Justice Thomas’ propensity to raise questions of ethics, bribery and financial shenanigans is public knowledge.

And now, let’s look at Justice Alito. Around the time of the riots at the Capitol in January 2021, an upside down American flag was flown on the property of the Alito home in Virginia, signifying the country is in a state of emergency or distress.

This has been interpreted as support for the riots. Last summer, the Alito summer home in New Jersey flew the flag, Appeal to Heaven, a flag associated with the Christian Nationalist movement (basically eliminating the separation between church and state).

Chief Justice Roberts has shown no inclination or desire to correct the conservative bias of the court. The court itself refuses to establish a code of ethics. How many more “gifts” can Justice Thomas accept? How will the court vote regarding the total immunity of Trump?

Ladies and gentlemen, our democracy is facing real and dangerous threats. We cannot rely on the Supreme Court to act in a balanced, impartial manner. But we can prevent Trump and the MAGAs from destroying our democracy. If Trump gets elected, you will not recognize

needs that required support. With MLT, it was the purchase and renovation of the old firehouse on School Street. The Hooper Mansion, home of the MAA, has also required substantial upgrades. It is truly a gift when you can see the difference you can make by supporting organizations that you deeply care about.

I feel the same way about the Marblehead Current which is an essential source of keeping us all informed about all the cultural activities that we can enjoy

justice. He will stack each and every branch of our government and our courts to support his autocracy. Vindictiveness, vendettas and vitriol will be the rule of the day. Your vote counts as never before in our current history. If you are not a MAGA, please think of what you are leaving your children and grandchildren.

Walter Haug Highland Terrace

Upholding state law in MBTA zoning

To the editor:

In response to Mr. John DiPiano’s opinion piece, “Debunking ‘the law is the law’ when it comes to the MBTA zoning act,” I have read G.L.c.40A and the AG’s guidelines. As a former Massachusetts state regulator, I am very familiar with enforcing compliance with regulations required by state and federal law.

The only vote that should have occurred at Town Meeting was a “yes” for the current plan or a “no” for a revised or new plan. A “no” vote should not have been allowed for “no plan at all” as that would be a vote to violate a state law. (That would be the same as voting to allow drivers not to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks if you don’t agree with that state law.)

But here are some of the answers from the AG’s guidance to Mr. DiPiano’s assertions: » What is the MBTA Communities Law and what does it require?

The MBTA Communities Act was adopted in January 2021, as part of legislation to strengthen the state’s economy. It was passed by broad bipartisan majorities in the legislature — the Senate voted unanimously in favor of the act, and the House voted 143 in favor to 4 against.

Governor Charlie Baker signed the act into law on Jan. 14, 2021.

[Source: H.5250 (2020)]

» Is compliance with the law mandatory?

Yes. The law states clearly that 177 communities covered by the MBTA Communities Law “shall have a zoning ordinance or

LeTTeRS POLICY

The Current welcomes letters to the editor and strives to represent a range of viewpoints on our opinion pages. Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. Letters over the word limit may be returned to the writer for editing.

Writers may be given more leeway to criticize national political candidates and other public figures. However, in all cases, letter writers should refrain from name calling and personal attacks and instead focus on the substance of matters of public concern.

Letter writers may be asked to substantiate claims that do not relate to information previously published in the Current. While we will make every effort to let writers have their say, we reserve the right not to publish letters. Letters must include:

without ever having to venture beyond our borders.

With that same spirit of giving, I am challenging all of us to join me in supporting our local, nonprofit independent newspaper.

For every dollar raised, I will match up to $5,000. Please be a part of this critical campaign to keep the Current coming and all of us involved and informed. Go to MarbleheadCurrent.org/donate to show your support.

Peggy Schrage lives in Marblehead.

bylaw that provides for at least one district of reasonable size” that permits multifamily housing as of right.

Is the MBTA Communities Act constitutional?

Yes, it is. Under the state Constitution, our state legislature has the power to pass laws about municipal zoning. (Mass. Const. Art. Amend. art. 60.) In the words of our state Supreme Court, this gives the state the “supreme power” in zoning matters. Litigation has challenged Chapter 40B, for example, based on an argument that the state cannot require communities to allow low- and moderate-income housing developments that would otherwise violate local zoning. But those challenges have failed because the Constitution gives the state the authority to restrict local zoning. The state Supreme Court has consistently required municipalities to comply with state law.

* What happens if my city or town fails to comply with the MBTA Communities Law? Communities that fail to comply with the MBTA Communities Act automatically lose certain state funding, including funding: for local infrastructure generally, such as road, bridge, water and sewer improvements (known as MassWorks); for local infrastructure projects that support housing (known as HousingWorks); for EOHLC grants to communities with a “Housing Choice” designation; and state funding under the Local Capital Projects Fund. In addition, intentional or persistent non-compliance may result in an enforcement action against the municipality by the Attorney General. Any such action would seek a court order requiring the community to comply with the law. Such a lawsuit is currently pending in the state Supreme Court against the town of Milton.

The Attorney General also issued guidance that communities can not just elect to forgo funding in order to not comply with the law.

Pat Fried Hillside Avenue

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.

COURTESY PHOTO

Peggy Schrage will

And I’m proud to be queer

BY LISA SUGARMAN

Well, if you read my column’s headline, then the proverbial cat is outta the bag. Because when you combine the title of this piece with the timing of Pride Month, you should have all the context clues you need to know where this conversation is headed.

Yup, you guessed it. I’m not straight. In other words, I’m queer.

What you don’t know, though, is why, exactly, I’m sharing this ultra-personal factoid with you, especially in such a public way. (Although I think you’re probably insightful enough to have at least some idea considering the timing.)

The thing is, I don’t so much want to talk about my coming out story as the reason behind it. Because, in my opinion, that’s way more significant than the actual truth that I identify as pansexual.

What I really want to talk about in recognition and support of Pride Month, are social constructs and how we exist within them OR we choose to live our lives in spite of them. And in case you haven’t already guessed, I started out doing the former and eventually found my way to the latter. Because, for

the better part of the first 50 years of my life, I lived within them. And now I can say, from experience, that that’s no way to live.

See, social constructs are interesting things. Especially, I’ve found, as they relate to sexuality. They can act like invisible and often paralyzing barriers to authenticity because of how scary it can be to challenge them. That’s because we’re conditioned to believe — or at least my generation was — that heterosexuality is the norm and anything that deviates from that norm, like being queer, is unacceptable. Or taboo. Or less than. Or inappropriate. Or wrong. Or sacrilegious. Or even criminal.

Exactly the reason why I didn’t come out until I was in my early 50s. Well, one of the reasons anyway.

In full transparency, I was terrified to acknowledge that I was somehow different. Because being different can be scary as hell. And for a young person who’s not only trying to fit in but also trying to find themselves at the same time, that place of questioning and uncertainty can be a terrifying place.

In my case, though, one of the big reasons why I stayed hidden was because the language just didn’t exist for me to make the connection to who I truly was on the inside. Or at least it didn’t in Marblehead in the 70s and 80s. my little harbor town just

For a young person who’s not only trying to fit in but also trying to find themselves at the same time, that place of questioning and uncertainty can be a terrifying place.

north of Boston in the 70s and 80s.

Without the words to identify myself as this or that, I settled for the bucket that looked the safest. And since most everyone I knew was in the Straight Bucket, that’s the one I chose. And I knew then, just like I know now, that my reason for choosing it was simply fear-based.

Looking back, I’m a little disappointed in myself that the extent of my knowledge of the LGBTQ+ world was pretty much relegated to gay and straight and bisexual. Because, even then, there was so much more. Unfortunately, I knew very little about what was beyond the boundaries of my cis-normative life. I knew that I was boy-crazy like so many of my friends. But I also had this knowing that I had the capacity for more. I felt something else living inside my heart along with all the boycraziness — something that told me I had the ability to be attracted to more than just men. Something that told me I had the heart space to be romantic with someone regardless of their gender. Something that said, You’re in the wrong bucket. Fast forward to only a handful

of years ago, when our oldest daughter came out to us as bisexual and that’s when the big shift happened inside me. We started having these beautiful conversations, she and I, about the nuances of the different sexual orientations like bisexuality vs. asexuality vs. pansexuality vs. omnisexual, to name only a few. She expanded my world and opened my eyes to an entire dictionary full of new vocabulary. And it was when she defined pansexuality — sexual, romantic or emotional attraction towards people of all genders, or regardless of their sex or gender identity — that it hit me like a lightning rod to the heart that she was talking about me.

Ironic, because at the time of that conversation, I had been married for close to 30 years, with two grown daughters, and a husband whom I’ve adored since I was 17. And still adore.

But, like I said, something in me shifted and I knew now was the time to acknowledge my truth. The truth that I’d been carrying in my pocket for most of my life. And it was time to let that truth see the sunlight for the first time. Not because I wanted to divorce my husband to be with someone

else, or because I was in any way unhappy with my life, but simply because, as a mother of two daughters, I wanted to live authentically, which was something I’d always encouraged our girls to do since they were small. I also wanted to represent a community that I’d come to care deeply about who embraced my child when she came out. Because representation matters. Now, why am I sharing this deeply personal part of myself here, like this? Well, it’s simple... it’s Pride Month. And because we are who we are, and we need to be proud of that. I know I am.

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

depression and suicidal thoughts among LGBTQ+ students in Marblehead schools.

“It is our responsibility, our obligation, to minimize risk to our precious youth,” DartleyRocco said. “It is, in fact, a life or death concern. We need to support education that embraces the needs of all youth to build an inclusive community.”

Dartley-Rocco also shared her own experience being targeted for discussing LGBTQ+ topics in her classroom.

“We need to support education

From P. A1

email on May 29, saying it had been canceled.

The email, shared with the Current, reads, “With the challenges we face due to what occurred over the past month, we have finally gotten to a breaking point and will be closing the company. We had originally tried to continue onward and have fought for weeks to push ahead and we even sought bankruptcy counsel as a way to restructure the company in hopes of continuing to run the program and come out of this tragedy intact… But in the end, nothing has worked so we sadly have come to the final conclusion that all of our hard work and 15 years of commitment to others must end.”

Goodwin said customers who paid for trips that have been

that embraces the needs of all youth to build an inclusive community and minimize risk of harm to oneself and others, “ she

canceled can go through their credit card companies to recoup their losses.

But some, like Rossi, paid via check or debit card.

“This is an absolute fraud,” he said.

Rossi wrote back to Stone & Compass, “Your directions to claim funds back via credit card company are moot if (like I did) used my HARD EARNED MONIES to pay via my debit card. I am requesting a full refund of my $2,220 deposits ($320 & $1,900). If I don’t get a full refund from you I will engage counsel, the MA Attorney General as well as the FBI Fraud division and provide them with all the emails and fraud committed by you and the company — which is extensive.” Rossi said he has already filed a complaint with the FBI.

Rossi also said that when he called the airlines and hotels listed on the Stone &

Several races are uncontested, including Town Moderator (Jack Attridge), Cemetery Commission (Janet Merrill), School Committee (Alfred Williams), Library Board of Trustees (David F. Ross Jr., John G. Williams), Board of Health (Dr. Thomas A. Massaro),

said. “I promise to do everything I can to lead by example and create an environment where all students feel secure.”

Compass itinerary, there were no bookings under his name or Stone & Compass’ name.

Goodwin started Stone & Compass 15 years ago. In a Discover Marblehead interview that appeared in the Current last October, Goodwin said, “The company runs adult tours and then reinvests the profit to lower the costs for kids (high school and college students) to travel abroad. While the kids are traveling, they also create and build sustainable projects for local communities and people who are in need.”

He said Stone & Compass sent 100 Marblehead students to five different countries last summer.

The Stone & Compass website has been down since early May when Goodwin told the Current he would be restructuring and moving the nonprofit to its retreat center in Bulgaria.

On May 31, he said, “I’m going to sit on the beach. I need a break.”

Planning Board (Andrew Christensen, Barton Hyte), Light Commission (Adam Robert Smith, Simon Frechette), and Water and Sewer Commission (Gregory Bates).

The deadline to register to vote in the town election was May 28.

Wyla Ferris, who captivated the crowd with her youthful perspective, described her journey of learning about the LGBTQ+ community, first through books and TV shows, and how she initially thought she had to fit certain stereotypes.

“I’ve come to realize, as I’ve made it to the ripe old age of 14, that being part of the LGBTQ+ community isn’t about fitting a stereotype,” Ferris said. “I found I couldn’t base my identity off my peers or movies or books. It was something I would have to figure out for myself, something I will eventually figure out for myself.”

Her message to the crowd

was one of patience and self-acceptance.

“You can live your life how you want to live it and no one can tell you otherwise, since it is in fact your life,” she said. “Just go for it and have fun. Life’s short.”

Resident Sally Scott shared her experience coming out in the 1970s.

“Slowly, I adjusted to my own reality,” she said of that time. “I knew that I was OK. And I knew that it wasn’t OK with everybody else. And I just had to figure out how to deal with that.”

As the rainbow flag was hoisted up the pole, cheers erupted from the crowd. Hugs and happy tears were shared.

The Marblehead Current has put together its second annual Candidates’ Guide, with brief bios and Q&As with candidates in the two contested races. The guide also includes news articles, spotlights, editorials and letters to the editor related to the election.

Voters can access the Candidates’ Guide at marbleheadcurrent.org for more information on the candidates and races. For more information, call the town clerk’s office at 781-631-0528.

COURTESY PHOTO Stone & Compass founder Rob Goodwin on a trip to Greece.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

The Pride flag raising event featured a vibrant festival with arts, crafts and vendors on the lawn at Abbot Hall.

BY WILL DOWD

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

Redd’s Pond to get accessibility upgrades

Redd’s Pond, a 1.8-acre natural body of water located off Pond Street in the heart of town, is set to receive muchneeded improvements. The pond, which offers skating in the winter and model boat races in the summer, has long struggled with dangerous levels of cyanobacteria and disrepair of the surrounding infrastructure. The wall and walkway, built in 1934 as part of the federal Workers Progress Administration projects, have suffered from years of wear and tear, leading to noticeable challenges.

The Select Board has awarded an $87,500 contract to a Foxborough-based company for the development of an accessibility-improvement plan.

Last year, state Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Jenny Armini secured $25,000 for upgrades, including repairs to the pond’s retaining wall and walking pathways.

Residents have expressed frustration with the

A n OPen BOOK

deteriorating state of Redd’s Pond. They have also noted that the deteriorating sidewalks and eroding wall are not only dangerous and aesthetically unpleasing but noncompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Education

grants

The nonprofit Friends of Marblehead Public Schools has announced 23 grant recipients for the 2024-25 school year. The grants total $75,589, raised through donations and fundraising events.

The top five grants supported the following: ergonomic chairs for the high school art department, new mats for the Glover School Bee Bot program, the MHS/Endicott College dual enrollment partnership, audio-enabled books at the Glover School and an Inchy the Bookworm vending machine at the Brown School. Learn more about FMPS at friendsofmarblehead.org/.

Student’s design featured on adopt-a-cat shirts

Marblehead High School student Sam Peach designed the winning T-shirt for Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals’ Adopt-A-Cat Month campaign. T-shirts with Sam’s winning design can be purchased locally at Creature Comforts

& Pawsitively Marblehead, Marblehead Outfitters, the Animal Shelter and online via Marblehead Sport Shop at bit. ly/3V3xJtW. Proceeds support the animal shelter.

June is national Adopt-A-Cat Month to promote cat adoptions and address seasonal increases in homeless kittens.

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.

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 through June 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.

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 @Marblehead HighSchool Classof1984. Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Laurie Weil at Marbleheadhigh1984reunion@ gmail.com or sending a private message on Facebook.

NSCC Dean’s List

North Shore Community College President Dr. William Heineman announced the Dean’s List students for the Spring 2024 semester. Students who earned six or more semester hours of academic credit with a grade point average of 3.30 or higher received Dean’s List honors. These students include: Dominic Arcos, Lily Attwood, Carly Baker, Adam Bedrossian, Cynthia Bershad, Yevhen Brykin, Caitlyn Buswell, Hayley Cannon, Janie Cantell, Michael Carlson, Tyler Chalifour, Abigail Clark, Allison Daly, Malaika Dunlop, David Etienne, William Finnegan, Luke Gallagher, Paul Jones, Malynda Kuc, Olga Makarova, Roxann Mcfarlane, Maxwell Murray, Elizabeth O’Brien, Dillon Rowe, Angelo Russo, Samuel Trasher.

Abbot Library set to reopen on June 20

BY WILL DOWD

The newly renovated Abbot Public Library, a $10 million project, is set to open its doors to the public with a ribboncutting ceremony on Thursday, June 20, at 4 p.m.

Town Meeting approved an $8.5 million override for the renovation three years ago, and the Abbot Public Library Foundation raised another $1.5 million through private donations.

The project aimed to replace the failing infrastructure of the 20th-century building and transform it into a modern, 21st-century library.

“We are so pleased to invite the community of Marblehead back to the library at Pleasant Street,” said Abbot Public Library Director Kimberly Grad.

“Abbot Public Library takes on a vital role in our town in the promotion of literacy and lifelong learning, the freedom to read what we choose, the pursuit of knowledge and

trusted information resources, providing free, inclusive and adaptive spaces for gathering, and supporting civic engagement through collaboration and connection with our

community.”

The renovations include:

Three new small meeting rooms equipped with presentation screens.

» Audio-visual improvements to the event center and Carten Gallery. Accessible entrance to the courtyard.

» New makerspace and podcasting studio.

» Self-checkout kiosks at all three service points.

Digital signage displays.

Improved Internet connectivity.

» New security, fire alarm and fire protection systems.

» Centralized building management system. Four new gender-neutral bathrooms Grad will speak at the opening,

along with board chair Gary Amberik and Marblehead state Rep. Jenny Armini. The Marblehead String Quartet will perform and Glover’s Marblehead Regiment will be there.

The renovation project was led by the Building Renovation Committee, which met twice a month throughout the duration of the project. The committee included Chair Gary Amberik, Vice Chair Ken Fisher, the late Nancy Perkins Arata, John Williams, Driftwood Garden Club Kathy Bradford, and Grad. The renovated library will offer summer programming, including a summer reading program starting July 1 and the Marblehead Literary Festival featuring 20 speakers as part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts from July 5-7.

Town loses dedicated library, arts champion

BY WILL DOWD

Marblehead is mourning the loss of Nancy Perkins Arata, a passionate advocate for the Abbot Public Library who passed away on May 26 at the age of 78. Arata, who served on the library’s board of trustees for seven years, was instrumental in spearheading the $10 million renovation project that will position the library to provide enhanced services to the community for years to come.

“Nancy’s vision, dedication and unwavering commitment to the library were truly remarkable,” said Gary Amberik, chair of the library board of trustees. “She brought together an incredible team to make the renovation project a reality and remained deeply involved even after her cancer diagnosis. We will miss her greatly.”

Born in Dallas, Texas, on Oct. 27, 1945, Arata’s passion for the arts and respect for ideas led her to seek experiences far and wide. After graduating from the University of Texas in 1967, she worked as an executive assistant to the Beatles’ manager, Brian Epstein, in London and later served in various roles at the

American Conservatory Theater, the San Francisco Opera and WGBH in Boston.

Arata’s love for the library was rooted in her belief that libraries serve as a vital foundation for democracy and civil society.

“Nancy will be remembered as a fiercely loving person, and no sacrifice was too great for her to make for family or a friend,” said Phyllis Smith, former member of the Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees. “She understood how to do it and of course her elegant style was appreciated by all.”

As founder of Perkins Associates, she brought over 40 years of nonprofit fundraising experience to her role on the board, helping to establish the Abbot Public Library Foundation as the main fundraising arm for the renovation project.

“Without Nancy’s vision for private fundraising and her invaluable knowledge in development work, we would not be looking forward to the reopening gala in celebration of a newly renovated library on June 14th,” said EuRim Chun, president of the Abbot Public Library Foundation. “She understood that to convince

taxpayers to say yes, we needed to prove that the library’s relevance was important to private citizens willing to support the effort with their own donations.”

Abbot Public Library Executive Director Kim Grad spoke fondly of her time working with Arata.

“I truly enjoyed working with Nancy Perkins Arata. Her impressive knowledge of nonprofit arts was inspiring to me and familiar, as I also followed a path in the arts before working in publishing and

becoming a librarian and library director,” Grad said. Grad and Arata collaborated on a presentation for the New England Library Association in October 2023 titled “Renovations in Progress: Historic Coastal New England Town Saves its Library.” Grad said Arata’s contribution provided valuable insight into the 10-year span of the renovation project, while Grad focused on stabilizing operations and rebranding, and Assistant Director Morgan Yeo shared

practical information on moving a library.

“Nancy was clear in providing five points for a successful fundraising campaign: a clear and compelling message, marketing and visibility for the library’s services, prospects and volunteers, materials, and administrative support,” Grad recalled. “I think that the Foundation has gotten a strong start thanks to her leadership.”

Just two weeks before her passing, Arata visited the library with Amberik and Grad to see the progress of the renovation.

“She was very happy to see all of the improvements and how all of the work came together,” Grad said.

Many described Arata’s leadership style as collaborative, organized and pragmatic. They continued that she fostered a strong, engaged library community by bringing everyone to the table, ensuring that each person was heard and seen.

“Nancy was the most charming taskmaster,” Chun recalled fondly. “And how could anyone say no to someone who starts her sentences with a ‘darling,’ using her charming southern Texas accent?”

COURTESY PHOTO / ABBOT PUBLIC LIBRARY

Nancy Perkins Arata holds a copy of “Join Us!”, inviting the community to support the Abbot Public Library renovation project that she passionately spearheaded as a library trustee and advocate.

COURTESY PHOTO

This photo gives a glimpse into the front area inside the newly renovated Abbot Public Library.

Valedictorian Katherine Twomey, a confessed procrastinator, urged her peers to pause and experience moments as they come.

“They’re happening right now. Take a second and appreciate this moment for what it is,” she said.

Salutatorian and class president Clara Donovan also spoke about pausing and expressing gratitude.

“When we look at things with gratitude, we can turn failure into learning, challenges into opportunities and ordinary days into extraordinary adventures,” Donovan said. “On this day, we embrace gratitude by showing our appreciation for all that has led up to this point and for the people who have supported us along the way.”

Interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness encouraged the teens to build support networks and never be afraid to ask for help.

“One thing I wish I learned when I was your age is that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness,” she said. “It’s collaborating, it’s

thought-partnering … on life and on loss, on work and on relationships, on mental health challenges that will surface from time to time. It’s building on your own thinking and feeling, while considering others’ perspectives.

If you consciously practice asking for help for thought-partnering starting now, the payoff will be a life of connectedness and greater wisdom than if you try to go it alone.”

Throughout the evening, the MHS chorus, along with a cappella groups Luminescence and The Jewel Tones, performed the National Anthem, “Slipped Through My Fingers” by ABBA and “You’ve Got a Friend” by Carol King. The MHS band performed the traditional “Pomp and Circumstance” by Edward Elgar.

Finally, School Committee Chair Sarah Fox congratulated the students and instructed them to move their graduation cap tassels from the right to the left. Then, the new graduates walked down Piper Field to stand under a yellow goal post and toss those caps into the sky as their friends and families cheered.

Valedictorian Kate Twomey addresses her fellow soon-to-be-graduates.

Jake Scogland wears his red-rimmed sunglasses Friday, May 31, during graduation at Marblehead High School.

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Members of the MHS Class of 2024 at graduation ceremonies on Piper Field.

PROM PHOTOS COURTESY GREY COLLINS Jack weissenburger and Eva Walton walk the red carpet on their way to the MHS senior prom at the House of Blues on May 29.

Shakayla Baxter and Colleen Corrigan walk the traditional red carpet on prom night May 29.

MAKInG HISTORY

Sports

Softball team wins another one for Todd

Marblehead girls make history with win over Mansfield to begin the postseason

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Coming off a regular season that started with heartbreak, the Marblehead High softball team (19-4) channeled those emotions nicely to secure the Northeastern Conference Lynch Division title. It earned them the ninth seed in the Division 2 state tournament made up of 37 teams. They went on to defeat Mansfield (13-8), the 24th seed, 4-1 in the Round of 32 at Veterans Middle School Field on June 1. Following the game, head coach Johnny Gold, fighting back tears, talked to his players in leftfield. Gold said how proud he was of them in terms of the fortitude they displayed after finding out that their assistant coach Todd Norman passed away just hours before the opener against Reading on April 8.

“These kids were handed a bad deal with the news of Todd’s passing,” said Gold. “There was talk that we might postpone the opener, but captain Ruby Calienes said that she and her teammates wanted to play, and they were dedicating the season to Todd.

“I’m awfully proud of these kids,” added the longtime Marblehead coach. “Todd was my assistant for 18 years, and I know he’d be proud of them, as well.”

Before each game, they passed Todd’s fungo bat around in a salute to their beloved coach. After the win over Mansfield, Gold was holding the game ball, and while he was talking to the team, he was signing his name

on it, before passing it on to the players for them to also sign it. He then took it to Todd’s grave, so he could share in the triumphant moment, which was also the team’s 19th win of the year, a new record for the program.

The Hornets scored the first run of the game in the opening stanza, before the home team scored its four runs in the bottom of the second, all with two outs. Sophia Hallisey and Lyla McGovern started the

Baseball Magicians fall to host Westwood

BY JOE MCCONNELL

There won’t be any road upsets for Marblehead High baseball (15-6), the 24th seed, this year after No. 9 Westwood (15-6) defeated them, 9-3 in a Division 2 Round of 32 game on June 1. Last year, the Magicians defeated Somerville at home (13-11), before upsetting host Hopkinton (8-4) to advance to the Sweet 16, where they dropped a 4-1 decision to Westfield.

The Magicians tied up Saturday’s game against Westwood at three apiece, but the home team regained the lead in the bottom half of the frame with three runs of its own. They tacked on three more in the sixth to seal the deal.

Senior co-captain Chris Cannuscio pitched the first 5.1-innings, giving up 10 hits, three walks and nine runs, six of them were earned. He struck out two. Carter Sahagian recorded the final two outs in the sixth after issuing one hit and one walk.

The Magicians managed just four hits, including one double by Charlie Sachs that knocked in a run. Cannuscio singled in a run. Stef Shepard also drove home a run. Riley Schmitt and Downey were credited with one single apiece.

Coach Mike Giardi’s team still enjoyed a winning campaign, averaging three wins for every loss they experienced throughout the last three months. In a onegame elimination state tournament, where long bus rides are now the norm, a superlative regular season can quickly turn sour. But the players, many of whom were a part of last year’s run as a top 16 club, should look at it as the cumulative effort that got them to play into June.

two-out rally with singles. McGovern alertly went to second, when the return throw after her base hit went to third.

The Magicians had runners in scoring position for Ashley Mortensen, who delivered a two-run single to left. Catcher Luka Bornhorst then reached on an error. Both Mortensen and Bornhorst perfectly executed the double steal, before an infield hit by Isabel Mortenson brought home what turned out to be the insurance tallies.

FROM THe COu RTS

After giving up Mansfield’s run in the first on two hits and two walks, pitcher Tessa Francis pretty much shut them down the rest of the way. In seven innings, Francis allowed seven hits and five walks, while whiffing nine. She also hit one batter. Francis had some help from her catcher, as well. Bornhorst picked off a runner at first in the sixth, and in the next frame she fired a strike to shortstop Hailey Schmitt to nab a potential base stealer at second. It led to

Francis starting a double play to seal the deal. She caught a liner back to her, before throwing to first baseman Lyla McGovern to complete the twin killing. Gold had high praise for his starting pitcher. “After the first inning, (Francis) settled down, and did what she does best,” the veteran coach said. “She never gets flustered, while confidently throwing a good fastball to go along with a curve changeup and

Tennis teams begin postseason with home wins to advance to Sweet 16

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys tennis team (13-4) started the Division 2 state tournament with a 4-1 home win over the Reading Rockets (4-13, 28 th seed) in the Round of 32 on June 1. The Magicians are the fifth seed in a division made up of 34 squads.

Senior captain Mika Garber, back from injury, defeated Wyatt Picard in first singles, 6-1, 6-2. Junior captain Etan Farfel shutdown senior Drew Lynch in second singles, 6-0, 6-0.

Sophomore T.J. Kelly lost a close encounter in third singles to Jake Kyle, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2.

The first doubles team of junior captain Jayden Janock and his classmate Leo Winocour pulled out a three-set marathon victory over Pip Bales and Luke Zannino, 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

Junior Austin Bacon and freshman Ty Cooper took care of Christian Cha and Andino Saber in second doubles, 6-0, 6-2.

The Magicians have since taken on Hopkinton (16-2, 12 th seed) in a Sweet 16 home matchup on June 3 after press deadline. Hopkinton shutout Shepherd Hill Regional in its Round of 32 encounter, 5-0.

Girls tennis Melrose

The Marblehead High girls

tennis team (13-6) came into the Division 2 state tournament as the 15th seed, and as a result they were going up against Melrose (6-10), the 18th seed, in the Round of 32 at home on June 1, where they edged their Middlesex League counterparts, 3-2. The Magicians have since moved on to the Sweet 16 to face host Longmeadow (19-0), the second seed, on June 4 after press deadline. Longmeadow defeated South High Community (16-3), the 31st seed, in its Round of 32 encounter, 5-0. There are 39 schools in Division 2.

“Even though Melrose was a lower seed, we knew it would be close, because they play in a super competitive conference,” said coach Tracy Ackerman. “Per usual, our doubles won quickly to give us the upper hand in the match.

“Our big strength all season long has been both our doubles team, and this match was no exception,” added Ackerman. “We had to wait quite some time before our third singles player Samara Dosch earned the decisive third point. Sami hung in there against a very similar style player. The points were very long, but she remained focused and in control of the match.

“After we earned our three

points, our number one and two singles players continued in long battles of their own, where they both just fell short in the third set.”

Second singles player Aviva Bornstein was on the court for three hours, and gave it her all, but just fell short, according to the veteran Marblehead coach. But overall, Ackerman was pleased with the effort.

“All in all, it was a superb day of high school tennis,” she said. “We really appreciated all our friends and relatives who came out to cheer us on. I have stressed all year long the importance of having a firstround home match, and just to have the community there (on Saturday) to support us certainly played a big role in our win over Melrose.”

First singles Maddie Conlon lost a hard-fought three set match in first singles, 6-2, 4-6, 4-6. Bornstein experienced similar results in second singles, 6-4, 3-6, 5-7. Dosch topped her Melrose opponent in a third singles marathon, 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 to seal the deal.

The first doubles team of Aoife Bresnahan and Lucia Levin won in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1. Lani Gilmore and Reese Friedman remain undefeated as a second doubles team, 6-1, 6-0.

nO JOY In M u DVILLe

CURRENT PHOTO / JOE MCCONNELL

Ashley Mortensen, head coach Johnny Gold, Tessa Andriano and Kate Andriano, from left, of the Marblehead High softball team pose with Todd Norman’s fungo bat after the Magicians defeated Mansfield, 4-1 in a Division 2 Round of 32 game at the Veterans Middle School Field on June 1. Norman passed away suddenly on the morning of the opening day game against Reading in early April. Mortensen is holding the game ball signed by the coaches and players that was later dropped off at Norman’s grave, so he can share in the moment.

SOFTBALL, P. A11

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Marblehead High boys hockey fans will never forget where they were on St. Patrick’s Day 2024. Thousands were at the TD Garden cheering on the team to the program’s second-ever Division 3 state championship, a 1-0 thriller over Nauset, while many others were at home getting their updates online.

Junior goalie Leo Burdge was the star of the show after making

32 clutch saves to record the shutout, and sophomore Avid Rodovsky accounted for the game’s lone score at the 4:41 mark of the first period from his junior linemate Kyle Hart. Just over two months later, the Hockey Headers got together again on Memorial Day weekend to receive their state championship rings on Friday night, May 24, and three days later they were marching as one team in the town’s Memorial Day Parade.

Spring track teams secure top 10 finishes at state divisional meet

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The postseason continued for the Marblehead High boys and girls spring track teams, when they traveled to Bridgewater State University to participate in the Division 3 State Championship Meet on May 23 and 25. Both teams finished in the Top 10. The girls, going up against 48 other divisional schools throughout the state, ended up ninth after accumulating 38 points. Mansfield (96) came out on top. Reading Memorial (69) and Oliver Ames (59) rounded out the top three.

The Marblehead boys, also competing against 48 other divisional opponents, came in seventh with 40 points.

Walpole (92), Milton (62) and Westborough (61) were the top three squads.

Girls discus

The meet was delayed on the final day, which caused the discus throwers to race against the setting sun, but Rachael Albert (112-8) still stepped up for an incredible series of throws. In one of her final throws, she threw a three-inch personal best of 112-8 to finish third.

“Rachael had hit 112-feet just once at the state relays over a month ago, and while you only

need one really good throw to win a meet or qualify for states, it can be as much of a curse as a blessing if you can’t do it again.

But Rachael did it again,” said throwing coach Danny Plunkett. Albert’s teammate Hannah O’Brien (88-1) ended up 11th .

Boys discus Angelo Knight threw a personal best in every single meet this season, and had

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (14-5) came into the Division 2 Round of 32 playoff game against host Bridgewater-Raynham (13-6, 12 th seed) on June 2 as the 20th seed in the final power rankings. The division consists of 39 playoff teams.

But in a single elimination tournament, anything can happen. The participants go allout in order to move on to the next round, and this game was no exception.

The Magicians had a 10-9 lead, and were seemingly in control with 1:47 to go in regulation. They just had to kill the remaining 34 seconds, but in lacrosse nothing is guaranteed as goals usually come fast and furious.

B-R’s Jayson Kelleher netted the tying 10 th goal at that point to send the game to sudden death, before rising to the occasion again to seal the deal, just 23 seconds into the overtime period to propel his teammates to an 11-10 triumph. He was credited with three goals and one assist in the game. Several years ago, the

Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association changed the overtime rule from playing out a complete period to a next goal wins scenario, which definitely impacted this game.

But the Magicians had a lot more bad luck late in regulation, besides Kelleher’s clutch score.

They had a goal taken away, because allegedly they had too many players on the field.

“The referees claimed we had too many players on the field, but I didn’t see it, and I watch

another personal best here in Bridgewater with a throw of 118-3 to end up 14th among his divisional counterparts. He was the 30th seed going into the event.

“The start of the discus was delayed by over an hour after a huge thunderstorm overcame the area. There was still water in the circle — and everywhere else — while the boys were throwing,” said Plunkett.

“But being one of the few nonspinners at the meet, Angelo didn’t have to worry nearly as much about losing his footing or fouling. He worked incredibly hard all season long to improve his throwing, and I’m glad that he ended up on such a high note.”

Girls javelin Albert (75-3) came in 20th, a remarkable achievement considering she rarely practices throwing the javelin, because it hurts her shoulder.

Girls shot put Albert (31-10, three-inch season best), and Lillian Reddy (31-7, one-inch season best) competed quite well, jumping significantly higher from their

the game closely,” said coach John Wilkens.

With 1:47 to go in the fourth quarter, Cam Waldman gave his teammates the 10-9 lead, but unfortunately that was shortlived. It led to a nightmarish two minutes, which stretched into an extra period.

The Magicians trailed at halftime, 6-4. But that soon changed quickly, when the visitors netted four unanswered goals to lead by two, 8-6.

“We had all the momentum at that point, but then we let up a late third quarter goal with 10 seconds to go on the clock to lead by just one, 8-7,” said Wilkens. Waldman helped pace the Marblehead offensive attack in the game with three goals and one assist. Freshman Will Sullivan accounted for two goals and two assists. Charlie Grenier netted two scores. Gio Garibotto came through with a goal and an

seeding positions. Albert was seeded 20th, before finishing seventh to earn a surprise medal. Reddy was seeded 22nd, but ended up ninth.

Boys two-mile Senior Isaac Gross (9:30.66, third) and junior Nate Assa (9:43.92, sixth) were credited with medal-winning performances.

Girls two-mile Sophomore Marri O’Connell (11:16.78, fourth) was once again among the best distance runners in the state. Senior Cat Piper (13:03.28, 25th ) and freshman Jesslyn Roemer (13:14.98, 28th ) completed the Marblehead field.

assist. Reese Moore and Drew Nelson each scored once.

Greg Motorny setup one marker. Sophomore goalie Finn Gallup was credited with five saves.

“We had some self-inflicted wounds in this game, but overall, I can’t complain about the effort,” said Wilkens. “We played well during the second half of the season, and come next year we have a lot to work with. But nonetheless, we still lose several good seniors like Eliot Pluss, Hogan Sedky, J.J. Pollender, Wilson Bullard, Jack Whipple, Braiden Kilroy, Motorny and Nelson.”

Bodie Smith, Grady Beckert, Sean Dolan, James Pickell, Owen Dulac, Moore, Sullivan and of course Gallup in goal are among the core group of varsity returnees, who give Wilkens much optimism for the future, plus several others, who are ready to make the jump from JVs.

But until next spring rolls around, you know the coaches and players alike will be rerunning those final frustrating two minutes in their heads with pretty much the same retort: “What could have been.”

COURTESY PHOTO / LISA WALES

The Marblehead High boys hockey team shows off its state championship rings after a brief ceremony on May 24. Team members are, from left, top row, assistant coach Liam Gillis, Cam Waldman, Ben Wales, Alex Coate, Kellan Laramie, Sean Dolan, Colin White, Kyle Hart, Miles Flynn, Toby Grenier, E.J. Wyman, Crew Monaco, London MacDonald, James Caeran, Boden Laramie, Will Sullivan and head coach Mark Marfione. First row, Leo Burdge, Avin Rodovsky, Drew DePhillips, Hayden Gallo, Max King, Hogan Sedky, Charlie Grenier, Noah Feingold and James MacKenzie. Missing from photo, Kyle Rushton, and assistant coaches Tim Kalinowski and Kyle Koopman.

COURTESY PHOTOS / ANGIE FISCHER

Marblehead High girls high jumper Philine Heuerrman clears the bar to finish seventh during the State Division 3 Meet at Bridgewater State University late last month.

Marblehead High girls spring track sophomore Marri O’Connell leads the way in the mile during the State Division 3 Meet.

Marblehead High senior lacrosse captain Eliot Pluss defends his Bridgewater-Raynham counterpart closely

COURTESY PHOTOS / CHARLOTTE MOORE

Marblehead High boys lacrosse player Bodie Smith tries to disrupt a Bridgewater-Raynham playmaker during a Division 2 Round of 32 game at Bridgewater-Raynham on June 2. The Magicians ended up losing heartbreakingly in overtime, 11-10.

TRACK, P. A15

PICKLEBALL FOR A PURPOSE

Marblehead Pickleball’s Cheryl Patten, left, and Lisa Spinale, right, present a check for $16,073 to Fund the Field Co-president Muffy Paquette for the new turf at Marblehead High School. Marblehead Pickleball raised the money in a two-day tournament last month. The new turf project, totaling $1 million, will begin this summer.

Softball

screwball to help keep batters off balance.”

The Marblehead coach also doled out compliments for his junior catcher. “Mansfield is very aggressive on the basepaths, but it was great that we had (Bornhorst) behind the plate to prevent possible comebacks in the last two innings with her strong arm,” he said.

Honor for local swimmer

Marblehead resident Kendra Walton, second from the right, was recently named to the inaugural class of the College Swimming & Diving Coaches Association of America’s Division III Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony took place on May 6 at the CSCAA Annual Awards celebration in Indianapolis.

Walton, a 2011 graduate of Amherst College, was an All-American swimmer who won 10 national titles in individual freestyle events and three relay titles. She was named the Division III Swimmer of the Year in 2011, and continues to hold D-III records in the 100, 200 and 500 meter freestyle events.

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Founded in 1922, the CSCAA is the nation’s first organization of college coaches. The mission of the CSCAA is to advance the sport of swimming and diving at the collegiate level.

to leadoff the first, just missing a homerun by inches.

The Magicians advanced to the Sweet 16, and have since taken on host Nashoba Regional (17-4, eighth seed) on June 4 after the press deadline. The Wolves defeated the Billerica Indians (7-14, 25th seed) in their Round of 32 game by the slimmest of margins, 2-1 on June 2.

To Include logo and reduce size of “help wanted” to fit. And change the border to red. No need for double border as I’ve shown.

Help Wanted Full Time Infant/Toddler & Preschool Teachers

MCC’s philosophy is that children learn best through play. Seeking enthusiastic, dedicated professionals who will engage in and uphold our mission. A collaborative & supportive environment with the opportunity to develop teaching skills through education & training.

Please contact gail@marbleheadchildrenscenter.com 781-631-1954

For info about salary + benefits (including free childcare for full time employees).

PUBLIC NOTICE: The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Announces Issuance of an Emergency Permit for the Disposal of a Humpback Whale Carcass, Located in Marblehead, Essex County, Massachusetts

Publish Date: June 5, 2024 (If published on June 12, update to July 12, 2024)

How to Comment

Comments Due: July 3, 2024 (if published on June 12, update to July 12, 2024)

If you have any questions or comments about this action taken by the EPA, please contact Steven Wolf, USEPA Region 1 Ocean Disposal Coordinator, wolf.steven@epa.gov 617-918-1617.

Summary

The EPA issued an Emergency Permit for the Town of Marblehead to dispose of the carcass of a humpback whale, Megaptera novaeangliae, into ocean waters. The deceased whale washed ashore along Preston Beach, Marblehead, Massachusetts late in the day on April 25, 2024. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Stranding Coordinator was notified, and the whale carcass was examined on April 26, with measurements and samples collected for laboratory analysis.

Given the location of the carcass on the rocky shoreline, burial was not possible, and no other feasible upland disposal options were identified. Given the lack of upland options and the determination of the potential risk to human health from allowing the whale to decompose in place on the shoreline of this populated area, EPA issued an Emergency Permit allowing ocean disposal of the carcass on April 29. On May 2, the whale carcass was towed approximately 46 miles offshore to a location outside of Massachusetts Bay and established shipping lanes and was released at approximately 6 pm EDT in hopes that it would be assimilated naturally into the marine food chain. Unfortunately, prevailing winds and currents returned the carcass into Massachusetts Bay, and it made landfall on May 14 in Swampscott, remarkably a short distance from its original landfall in Marblehead. Given the advanced state of degradation of the carcass at that point (limiting the potential for towing) and an identified non-rocky portion of the Swampscott beach, the carcass was buried on the beach on May 18.

Under the ocean dumping regulations [see 40 CFR 220.3(c)], emergency permits may be issued for any materials except those prohibited by 40 CFR 227.5 when the Administrator determines that there exists an emergency requiring the dumping of such materials, which poses an unacceptable risk relating to human health and admits of no other feasible solution.

Applicants or Respondents

Town of Marblehead, Massachusetts Related Documents

https://www.epa.gov/ocean-dumping/emergency-permit-disposalhumpback-whale-carcass-marblehead-massachusetts

COURTESY PHOTO

Bornhorst also likes to swing for the fences.

She hit a shot off the leftfield fence for a double

CURRENT PHOTOS / JOE MCCONNELL

Marblehead High softball teammates Luka Bornhorst and Sophia Hallisey, from left, are all smiles after the Magicians defeated Mansfield, 4-1.

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Nancy Elaine Perkins Arata, 78

Nancy Elaine Perkins Arata, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully at home May 26 surrounded by family and caregivers from NeighborGood Care.

Arata left a legacy of grace and wisdom bolstered by passionate strength and determination. She found greatest joy in rich relationships and devotion to loved ones.

Born Oct. 27, 1945, in Dallas, Arata spent 20 years with her mother, Mary Ruth, father, Clayton Perkins, and brother

Doris Eagen, 91

Doris Eagen passed away peacefully on May 4 at age 91. She was born in Clinton, Iowa, to Earl McIvaine Slaymaker and Marguerite Kiesel Slaymaker. Eagen married her high school sweetheart, Duane M. Eagen, at 18 and became a Navy wife in Norfolk, Virginia. Over the next three decades, she raised two daughters, built several homes and moved her family numerous times around the country for her husband’s management career. Upon arriving in Marblehead in 1966, Eagen embraced her

Dr. Robert D. Fallon Jr., 87

Dr. Robert Duncan Fallon Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on May 20, surrounded by his devoted family at the home of his son Rob and Rob’s wife Tory, where he had been living since last summer.

Bob was born in 1937 to parents Robert and Elinor Fallon who raised Bob and his brother Peter in Marblehead. A respected physician and father of four, Dr. Fallon was an internist based out of Marblehead and Salem hospitals. Over the course of his 47-year medical career, he was a trusted family doctor and friend to generations of North Shore residents.

Young Fallon spent his freshman and sophomore

Ben Perkins, to whom she was devoted. A 1963 “Starlet” lieutenant on the drill team at W.W. Samuell High School, she graduated from the University of Texas in 1967, where her love of the arts inspired seeking wide experiences.

This curiosity led Arata from

new community, meeting lifelong friends through the Newcomers and Gourmet clubs. She joined the Marblehead VNA in the 1970s and worked as their home health coordinator until retiring in 1997.

years at Marblehead High, then his junior and senior years at Phillips Exeter Academy, where he graduated in 1955. He attended Harvard University, where he played football and lacrosse and majored in English and pre-med, graduating in 1959. Fallon attended Tufts Medical School, graduating as a doctor of medicine in 1963, then completed his internship

John Bertram Read, Jr., 90

John Bertram Read, Jr., born Feb. 8, 1934, in Cambridge to Anita Blackey and John Bertram Read, Sr., passed away peacefully May 24.

Survivors include his daughter, Juliana Read of Henniker, New

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on June 13, 2024 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of Centercorp 66 Pleasant LLC (owner) for a proposed new two-family house and site work/landscaping on land at 66 Pleasant Street (Map 133, Parcel 64) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: engineers@ marblehead.org For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is: https://www.marblehead.org/conservation-commission David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

Texas to England, working as a personal assistant to Beatles manager Brian Epstein. After two formative UK years, she headed west to San Francisco, serving as assistant company manager for the first “Hair” touring production at the Orpheum Theatre. Roles followed at the American Conservatory Theater and San Francisco Opera, growing her arts career.

Drawn to Boston’s WGBH in public relations, Arata was later recruited to the Massachusetts Council on the Arts and Humanities, serving seven years as director of public information as the budget jumped from $1 million to $20 million due to her strategic communication skills. She became a consummate

Marblehead impacted her life in many ways: Leaf and Mud weekends with friends, volunteering at the Lee Mansion, Cottage Gardeners, Ocean Park Civic League, Boston Yacht Club, Dolphin Yacht Club, Arts Festival events, her cherished home and neighbors on Sunset Road and more.

Eagen loved socializing and later became a member of the Peripheral Neuropathy Group, Founders’ Glass Club and Orchid Club. She also enjoyed time with family, antiquing, gardening, sailing and theater. She had a talent for color, design and fashion and could be relied upon for beauty tips and clothing insights. She also believed

at Salem Hospital in 1964. In July 1964, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a captain at Two Rock Ranch Station in California for two years.

Returning to New England after the Army, Fallon’s medical residency spanned three years at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center, where the young family, with daughters Kate and Deb, enjoyed living in the country.

Moving back home in 1969, as he began his medical practice in Marblehead, Fallon and Bonnie welcomed their son Robert D. Fallon III to the family. Shortly after their youngest son John arrived in 1971, the family moved to Ridge Road, where they stayed until the kids were grown in the 1990s.

Fallon was a long-standing member of the Church of the Holy Name in Swampscott, where his family had their roots,

Hampshire, and her partner, Andrew Olmsted Doherty; son, Stuart, daughter-in-law Teri and two grandsons, Lyell and Mason; and long-time friend, Joan Thayer of Marblehead. He was predeceased by his sister, Anita Szemes of Connecticut.

Read attended Buckingham, Browne and Nichols School and Harvard College, earning an bachelor of arts in economics. He played football and hockey at Harvard and remained an

fundraiser and administrator with senior leadership roles at the New England Conservatory, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Brookings Institution, National Trust for Historic Preservation and, finally, vice president at the New England Aquarium. Arata brought creativity, persistence and flair to development positions crucial to key campaigns like restoring the New England Conservatory’s Jordan Hall and the New England Aquarium’s giant ocean tank. She mentored many younger leaders. In 1983 leaving a Boston hotel, Arata inadvertently met her 6-foot-5 Italian husband, John W. Arata. Their relationship was a wellspring of love, hope and devotion, with two sons, Nat and Alex. Her skill at blending families was among her biggest, cherished accomplishments.

fervently in the importance of education for women and instilled in her daughters the belief that they could achieve anything.

A chance encounter during a girls’ night out at Marblehead Little Theatre changed her life in May 1985 when she met John Vdoviak. Together, they traveled, watched sunsets from Eagen’s deck and shared their families, homes and lives until Vdoviak’s death in 2019.

Eagen’s final years were at the Village at Waterman Lake in Greenville, Rhode Island, where she received exceptional care.

Eagen was predeceased by Vdoviak. Survivors include daughters Dr. Kathleen

serving as a vestryman and usher for many years. The family was raised and confirmed in the church and the kids sang in the choir and served as acolytes.

As the son of a World War II Navy man, Fallon learned his love of the ocean from his father, finding a worthy challenge at the helm of sailing vessels. He raced on the waters off Marblehead, from the Townie class in his youth, to the 210, IOD and Shields fleets in later years.

With his son Rob, he finished his racing days in a Rhodes 19 in the early 2000s. Fallon paddled the rivers and hiked up the mountains of New England with his wife, kids and the family dogs on many a blustery fall day. An avid sports fan, he was always at his kids’ games and loved to attend the annual Harvard/Yale game at Harvard stadium. Since the early 1980s, Fallon

ardent fan, particularly for the annual Harvard-Yale games. After earning an M.B.A. from Columbia University, Read met his wife, Anita Scott, at Radcliffe. Anita was the mother of his two children.

The family moved to Marblehead in 1964, where Read resided nearly 60 years.

He worked for the First National Bank of Boston and in retirement ran an antiques business, the Blue Butter Churn.

An avid sailor and talented

Elected to Marblehead’s Abbot Public Library Board in 2015, Arata as chair spearheaded raising $10 million to finance a major renovation, positioning the library for superior future service reflecting her belief in libraries’ democratic foundations. Survivors include sons Alex and Nat Arata; daughters-inlaw Melissa Huggard Arata and Kelly Dietz Arata; grandsons Sebastian, Lucca and Dashiell; Texas cousins; and nieces and nephews.

A gathering will be held June 6 at 4 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club. Memorial contributions may be made to the Abbot Public Library Foundation.

Koehler of Martha’s Vineyard and Barbara Eagen Wright of Woodstock, Connecticut, and Marblehead; son-in-law Thomas Wright; brother Richard Slaymaker and wife Susan of Clinton, Mississippi; grandchildren and other relatives.

Visiting hours will be June 17, 9:30-11:30 a.m., at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. A funeral service will follow at 11:30 a.m. Interment will be at Waterside Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, Alzheimer’s Association or Female Humane Society of Marblehead.

enjoyed spending time at the family property in Brookfield, Vermont, where a walk through the trails and quiet time with a good book were favorite pastimes. Masterful in his ability to find four-leafed clovers in fields of grass, he could recite Hamlet from memory and drop a joke at the perfect moment. He was a good-natured man of honor whose abiding respect, patience and dignity will be remembered.

Dr. Robert D. Fallon Jr., predeceased by his beloved brother Peter, is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his daughters, Kate and Deb; his sons, Rob and John; three nephews; two nieces; seven grandchildren; and many extended family members. A memorial service will be held at the Church of the Holy Name in Swampscott at 11 a.m. on June 21.

skipper, he won numerous racing trophies. Read also loved skiing, traveling, collecting antiques, gardening and growing tomatoes.

He treasured Boston Symphony Orchestra evenings and classical music, annual Christmas trips to Boston for “The Nutcracker” and festive parties and family holiday gatherings. A private graveside service will be held at Mount Auburn Cemetery in Cambridge.

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on June 13, 2024 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of Bessom Associates, Inc. (owner) for proposed maintenance repairs to an existing house, seawall, house foundation and wooden deck for singlefamily house at 6 Nonantum Road (Map 103, Parcel 15) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw.

Jeanne Dagmar Bartlett, 98

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Jeanne Dagmar Bartlett on May 30 at Salem Hospital. She was born on March 7, 1926, in Marblehead to the late Anna and Rodney Hunson. Jeanne was proud of her roots as a Marblehead native, attended local schools and graduated in the class of 1944.

Everett Chapman Goodwin, 87

Everett Chapman Goodwin, 87, died April 27, in Orange Park, Florida, where he happily lived for nine years at the Moosehaven Retirement Community. The son of Everett Safford and Amelia Leslie (Peach) Goodwin, he was also predeceased by brothers Raymond Howard Remick and Fred Peach Goodwin. Born in Marblehead, a proud descendant of its first settlers, Everett attended Marblehead schools before entering the U.S Coast Guard in 1954. He served on the Cutter Unimak with brother Fred, followed by two years of hazardous, sea-storyworthy duty on the Nantucket Lightship. He was discharged from his last tour at Hampton, New Hampshire, lifeboat station in 1959.

Everett’s cooking career began at age 11, working for Great Uncle Clint Adams’ takeout restaurant at the Fort Sewall turnaround. After discharge, he used his exit pay to purchase needed equipment

Christopher Lentell Dowley

Christopher Lentell Dowley died on Sunday, May 26, at his home in Marblehead of complications from a bone marrow transplant for leukemia undergone 10 years ago. Chris was born on March 8, 1958, to Elizabeth and Robert Dowley in Troy, New York. He is the grandson of Marion and Leroy Dowley and the great-grandson of Augusta Lentell and George B. Dowley — all of whom were lifelong homeowners on East Chop, Martha’s Vineyard, beginning in 1902. Chris spent every summer there well into his 20s until he found the spot where he settled for good — Marblehead, close to the sea. Chris graduated from the School of Natural Resources at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor in 1980. His professional life began shortly thereafter when he joined the family business: Wells & Coverly, a men’s clothing store in Troy and Syracuse, New York — the start of his signature bow

Her professional journey led her to work in the accounting offices of New England

to open Maddie’s Sail Loft kitchen, working there for two years. Asked to help open for the season for a week or two, Goodwin soon became general manager at the Eastern Yacht Club, remaining for 14 years. He was a loyal Mason, Shriner, life member of the New England Veterans Firemen’s Association and Gerry 5, serving as 1966 board chair, as well as on two building committees. His Friday or Saturday night feeds at the Gerry served unimaginable quantities of delicious fried shrimp and haddock. Thousands of volunteer hours were spent teaching and feeding folks. He served on the board of directors for the Gerry 5 from 19691979 and was chairman of the Marblehead Muster Committee,

ties and pocket squares. He later transitioned into a very successful 35-year career in financial planning — first with American Express Financial Advisors and then, inspired by his entrepreneurial and adventurous spirit, his own firm, Dowley & Company. He was a leader in the field, constantly studying ways of advancing his knowledge and skills to help his clients. His many clients in the Marblehead and Albany, New York, area and beyond greatly benefitted from his financial advice as well as his life coaching. He sold his business a few years ago but within a short period of time decided to get back out into the work world. His love of cycling led him to a job at Marblehead Cycle.

Telephone and B&M Railroad’s passenger traffic department. During this time, she found love and companionship with her late husband, Donald E. Bartlett, and together they raised two sons, Gary and Richard, in their beloved Marblehead.

A devoted member of the community, Jeanne found joy in being an active participant at the Council on Aging and was a cherished member of the Oko VFA. Among her close-knit circle of friends, she was a proud member of “The Club” alongside Liz Ball, Ginny Boggis, Jean

which planned grand parades for the country’s 1976 and town’s 1979 birthdays. He was a member and 1967 board president of the Market Squares Association.

He and his brother Fred purchased Barnegat Seafoods at Little Harbor sometime in 1976. Sadly, their dreams of expansion on the North Shore were cut short by the Blizzard of ‘78. It was a loss with no return.

A move to Connecticut meant returning to his vocation as the executive chef at the Farmington Country Club.

After moving to New Smyrna Beach, Florida, in 1985 and while serving as executive chef at the Conch House in St. Augustine, Goodwin challenged the owner, famous for his conch chowder, to a chowder contest with other restaurants invited to participate. lt continues to be a top fundraiser for Florida Shrine hospitals.

The Southern Volusia County Chowder Contest, which he also began in New Smyrna Beach 28 years ago and continues, has raised over $200,000 for the Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch, which houses and educates children found living on the streets.

He achieved hero status there in a very short time with his organizational skills and, as one coworker wrote, his insistence on both “vision and focus.”

Like so many seasonal Vineyarders, sailing became one of Chris’ lifelong passions. His father taught him to sail in a dinghy on Crystal Lake. Outgrowing the small boat and the lake, he transitioned to East Chop Yacht Club and then on to the Vineyard Haven Yacht Club. He was a keen strategist with an adventurous spirit in all things. That combined with a competitive streak made him a much sought after crew by fellow sailors. He graduated from Tabor Academy where he raced 420s and won the nationals in 1976. He had the memorable experience of crewing for Captain Bob Douglas on the Shenandoah for several summers and then in adulthood back on the Shenandoah with his son. He and his family often chartered a Hinckley Pilot named Sally and sailed for weeks through Vineyard waters, to Block Island, Newport or Shelter Island and explored much of coastal Maine. He met the love of his life, Laura Freysinger in 1993. They became partners in great

Shepard, Mary Symonds, Barbara Hansen, Gloria Breeden and Phyllis Lane. Jeanne Bartlett is survived by her son Gary Bartlett and his partner Gloria Ledbury, son Richard Bartlett and his wife Deara, granddaughter Kelly Dalferro and her husband Jamie, Karen Bartlett and her fiancé Jay Garee, grandson Paul Bartlett, and great-grandchildren Cooper Dalferro, Finn Dalferro, Wyatt Dalferro, Callan Dalferro, Logan Kingston, Haley Kingston, Tyler Kingston, Lola Bartlett-DeSantis, Lucy Bartlett and Gary Bartlett.

Goodwin was invited to join the local New Smyrna Beach Moose lodge, serving twice as governor. During many years as administrator he encouraged members to raise funds in order to enlarge the lodge for family and public use and functions, support Moose Charities, Moosehaven and Mooseheart, a permanent home for children in need.

After serving at local, district and national levels, he was raised to the highest degree as a Moose Pilgrim for his years of meritorious service. Invited to work as an auditor by Moose International allowed him to travel throughout Ohio, Illinois and Michigan resolving problems and improving systems. It was a new role he truly enjoyed. He often noted large wellappointed Moose lodges with significant memberships, yet unused kitchens. Unable to resist, he volunteered to teach, organize and share recipes; especially his famous fried shrimp. Moose “Saturday Night Feeds” quickly became fully attended events. While living at Moosehaven, never one to sit still (unless it’s for a cribbage game), Goodwin

adventures including heli-skiing in British Columbia, biking the Boston-to-New York AIDS rides in the ‘90s, and more recently, hiking in New Zealand. Whenever they were on Island, if he wasn’t reading on the terrace, no day went by without a sail, a swim, a bike ride or a walk on one of its many trails. Their adored son Gavin, born in 2001, expanded the couple’s lives and became part of the adventurous duo joining them in sailing, skiing and hiking. Gavin also came to be an avid hockey player and fan like his Dad, honing his skating skills with his dad beside their home on Redds Pond. Gavin attended the Waldorf School at Moraine Farm where Chris acted as treasurer for the board over many years, bringing his financial expertise to an organization he loved.

True to his spirit, Chris (and Laura) opened their hearts, home and adventures to two beautiful sisters when they needed it. Laetitia and Raissa joined the family and enriched their lives in countless ways. He was the happiest and proudest Grandpa Chris to Laetitia and Lolo’s daughters, Joanna and Julia.

Chris requested his ashes be scattered in Vineyard Sound

The funeral service for Jeanne Bartlett will be held on Wednesday June 5 beginning at 10:30 AM at the Murphy Funeral Home, located at 85 Federal St. Salem. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 4-7 p.m. at the Murphy Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Aleppo Transportation Fund 99 Fordham Rd. Wilmington, MA. For more information or online guestbook, please visit MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

quickly saw a need. As one of 60 veterans, he received permission to form monthly meetings, plan trips and develop a proper Memorial Day Service. They created a Veterans Museum of memorabilia which also continues to be a vital part of Moosehaven. Writing as “The Bard of Moosehaven,” he delighted in sharing, online, unique memories of his Marblehead in story and verse. Goodwin’s beliefs in responding to a need, sharing strengths and time, protecting the vulnerable, appreciating life, and his notorious “Uncle Bub mystery rides,” are a legacy his family will remember and cherish.

He is survived by brother Leslie Adams Goodwin (Margaret), sister Joan Doliber Cutler, eight deeply loved nieces and nephews, and many great- and great-great nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be held on Monday, June 17, 11 a.m. at the Veterans Lot in Waterside Cemetery. A gathering to celebrate his life will follow at the Gerry 5 VFA, 210 Beacon St. Memorial donations may be made to moosecharities.org or a charity of your choice.

and a marker placed in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Tisbury near his grandparents, parents and older brother, Brian. Chris is survived by his wife Laura Freysinger, son Gavin Dowley, their daughters Raissa Mulombe (Boston) and Laetitia Mvuezolo (Lolo Bokanga) and two grandchildren Joanna and Julia (Atlanta, Georgia) as well as his sisters: Jennifer Dowley (Millerton, New York) and Gillian Dowley McNamee (Chicago, Illinois); and his brother Craig (Mary) Dowley (Ireland and East Chop). His nieces and nephews will greatly miss him: Addison and Marion (Millerton, New York), Malcolm (Boston), Luke (Santa Monica, California), Nico and James (Chicago, Illinois), and Turlough (Castlebellingham, Ireland). A service to celebrate Chris’ life will be held in the late summer.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Chris’ name may be made to Waldorf School at Moraine Farm, Beverly,, Pleon Yacht Club or Marblehead Youth Hockey, PO Box 1426 Marblehead, MA 01945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Chris’ family.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Taylor Osborne has known since he was a student at Marblehead High School that he wanted to be a teacher. After only a few years on the job, he has been honored as the

2024 Outstanding Teacher of American History in New Hampshire by the Daughters of the American Revolution.

“It feels great to get that validation for doing something I’ve always felt was my calling,” Osborne

told the Current. Osborne, 28, teaches at Laconia High School. He’s been fascinated by history since growing up in Marblehead.

“The Osborne family is entrenched in Marblehead history,” he said. “I grew up learning about the rich history of the town and its connection to the Revolution.”

The Osbornes go back even earlier than the Revolutionary War. Taylor is a descendent of Rebecca Nurse, who was hanged during the Salem Witch Trials in 1692.

Inspiration

Osborne, who graduated from MHS in 2013, was first inspired to be a

teacher by Matt Alling, who taught Latin at the Veterans School and MHS.

“Latin is a dead language and he was able to bring it

to life,” Osborne said. “He taught us ancient myths and turned them into plays, having kids act out the gods and goddesses. That’s something I do now in a mythology class I teach.”

Alling, who passed away suddenly in 2017, would host jousting matches for his MHS students.

“He knew how kids learn,” Osborne said. Osborne caught the attention of the Laconia chapter of the DAR when he had his students interview local Vietnam veterans and create a website about their experiences.

Asked what he likes most about teaching, Osborne didn’t hesitate. “It’s the feeling of the immediate waves you make in a community and the impact you have on kids. There aren’t many professions where you make a different impact every day. There are some jobs where you can go your whole career without really making an impact.”

He knows he’ll never get rich teaching, but that doesn’t matter to Osborne.

“I will tell every high school student ever to pursue their passions. Money should always come second.”

Taylor Osborne, seen here dressing up like Abraham Lincoln, grew up in Marblehead and always loved history.

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

Learn to light your portraits like a master

Thursday, June 6, 7-9 p.m.

Join Marblehead Arts Association member and professional photographer Fil Nenna for a hands-on introduction to portrait lighting that will be useful for painters, photographers and anyone who wants to take better pictures of family and friends on their phones. MAA members: $15, non-members $20. Register at marbleheadarts.org. 8 Hooper St.

‘Left for Dead’ book talk

Thursday, June 13, 7 p.m.

Eric Jay Dolin returns to the Marblehead Museum to discuss his newest book, “Left For Dead: Shipwreck, Treachery, and Survival at the Edge of the World.” Dolan will tell the true story of five castaways abandoned on the Falkland Islands during the War of 1812, and their desperate existence during their 18-month ordeal. Publishers Weekly calls the book “an edge-of-your-seat adventure.” Register at marbleheadmuseum.org.

Town Wide Sidewalk Sales

Saturday, June 8, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce invites you to shop along Atlantic Avenue, Pleasant Street and in the historic district during these spring sidewalk sales.

MHD Cruise-in

Tuesday, June 11, 6-8 p.m.

This monthly cruise-in is held at the Riverhead Beach parking lot off Ocean Avenue. Car enthusiasts are welcome to come and appreciate many makes and models. Learn more at mhdcruisein.com.

Sean Stellato book signing

Thursday, June 13, 4:30 p.m.

Visit The Landing Restaurant for a book signing with sports agent Sean Stellato. His book “No Backing Down” is the story of the 1994 Salem High School football team.

Marblehead Farmers’ Market

Saturdays, 9 a.m,-noon

Wander through the Farmers’ Market to shop local produce, flowers, gifts and more. Veterans Middle School, 217 Pleasant St.

Library reopening gala

Friday, June 14, 6-9 p.m.

The Abbot Public Library Foundation will celebrate the library’s reopening and $10 million renovation with a gala. Be one of the first to see the building’s transformation. For more information and tickets, go to abbotlibrary.org.

Summer Soiree

Saturday, June 15, 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Boys mile

Junior Will Cerrutti (4:19.65, personal best) went to the head of the class among his divisional peers.

“Hands-down the most electric race of the season,” said assistant coach Will Herlihy. “I included a Prefontaine quote on his pre-meet notecard. It read: ‘I don’t just go out there and run. I like to give people watching something exciting.’ And that’s exactly what he did. Will knew going in that he had a shot to win if he stayed close to the top two seeds for the first 75% of the race. He wanted to win, but he also wanted a fast race, so he tried to keep the pace honest in the opening lap, but apparently the Oliver Ames and Billerica runners were content to sit back. That was a big mistake, because Will hit the afterburners to steal it with a blistering 57.4-second final lap.”

Girls mile

O’Connell (5:10.60, personal best) secured a third-place finish. “Every race is an opportunity to learn, and Marri took what she learned in the two-mile to run the best race of her already impressive career. Her mile time puts her in second place all-time in school history behind only Olympian Shalane Flanagan,” said Herlihy.

Boys 800 Cerrutti (2:01.2, fifth) and sophomore Henrik Adams (2:03.95, 20th, personal best) turned in solid running efforts. Adams’ time ranks him eighth all-time in school history.

Girls 800 Senior Kate Twomey (2:23.47, eighth, personal best) closed out her scholastic career as an individual runner with her best race ever in terms of time. Kate’s final individual race as an MHS athlete was also her best.

Girls 4x800

The girls quartet (10:51.90) of Maggie Miller, Gabby Hendy, Maren Potter and Piper finished 15 th overall.

Boys 4x800

Gross, sophomore Will Cruikshank, Adams and Cerrutti (4x800, 8:16.84, season best) finished fourth.

Their time is only three seconds shy of the school record, and with only one senior (Gross) on the squad these boys will look to take that record down next year,” said Herlihy.

Girls 100

Ava Machado (13.4) finished 16th in a field of 31 sprinters.

Boys 100

Thomas Carlson (11.25) was the runner-up in this sprint. Jacob Bobowski (11.90) ended up 28th.

“Jake and Tommy are both juniors, who will look to compete and score at the conference and state level as seniors next year,” said head coach Nolan Raimo. “Jake had a breakout spring season with impressive personal bests of 11.59 and 23.3 in the 100 and 200, respectively.”

Girls 200

Sadie Halpern (26.65, 12th ), Machado (27.18, 18th ) and Manuela Puente (27.86, 27th) continued to run well as a team.

Boys 200 Carlson (22.74) finished fifth in a field of 48.

“Tommy ran 22.74 in both the preliminaries and finals, and ended up scoring the second most points here in the divisional meet with a second in the 100 and fifth in the 200. He only trailed Cerrutti (first in the mile, fifth in the 800) in points,” said Raimo.

Girls 400

Halpern (60.13, personal best) finished sixth to land on the podium.

Girls 400-meter hurdles

Grace Mortenson (1:15.13) came in 29th.

“With tough, muggy conditions, Grace still ran a great race to cap her track career,” said Raimo. “She was an 800-meter runner, who dropped down to the hurdles this spring, and in about 10 weeks she evolved into an exceptional hurdler. Beyond her performance on the track, Grace was resolute in showing up to practice and

Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools is hosting its largest fundraiser of the year, the Summer Soiree. Held each year at a private home, the event is open to the community and 100% of the proceeds fund educational enrichment grants. This year, the event is hosted by the Teets family, who have two children in Marblehead schools. Tickets are $75. For more info, visit friendsofmarblehead.org/soiree.

working hard. At times, it felt like I had to slow her down.”

Girls 100-meter hurdles

Paige Tredwell (16.22) finished third, and Elise Burchfield (17.17, personal best) was 13th .

Girls long jump

Tredwell (15-11.5) came in seventh, and Elise Burchfield (14-11.25) accounted for 15 th place. “Paige medaled in all three of her events — third in the 100meter hurdles, seventh in the long jump and seventh in the high jump,” said Raimo.

Boys long jump

Carlson finished 20th with a leap of 18-3.75.

Girls high jump

Tredwell and Philine Heuerrman (5-0) tied for seventh, and Elise Burchfield (4-10) ended up 16th.

“To have three girls jumping at least 4-10 is a testament to them pushing one another in practice,” said Raimo. “Philine is a German exchange student, who like Manuela, had a great track career in a single year. She had cleared 5-0 in both indoor and outdoor track.”

Girls 4x100

Cora Gerson, Puente, Lidia Jasmine Tiedra, and Lucy Flynn (52.37) sprinted to a 13th place finish.

Girls 4x400

Machado, O’Connell, Twomey and Halpern (4:13.2) battled to a fourth-place finish.

“With tired legs and competing in their second or third event in three days, this group willed themselves to a fourth-place finish,” said Raimo.

COURTESY PHOTOS / ANGIE FISCHER

Marblehead High boys spring track senior captain Isaac Gross takes long strides while running the opening leg of the 4x800 relays during the State Division 3 Meet at Bridgewater State University late last month.

Marblehead High boys spring track junior Will Cerrutti is running third behind two of the best milers in the state.

Track

From P. A10

Local artist unveils work five years in the making

BY WILL DOWD

Marblehead artist

Jonathan Sherman

unveiled his anticipated new painting, “The World of Light,” before an enthusiastic crowd at his Washington Street studio on May 30.

The 48-by-60 inch oil on canvas, which took Sherman over five years to complete, depicts a central female figure saturated in light, surrounded by mysterious symbols and figures. The luminous, multi-layered work explores themes of human connection with the divine, according to Sherman.

“This painting is really about a moment when

an individual sees for the first time, and is able to connect with that magnificence, or the divine,” Sherman told the packed studio. “It’s the moment where a human being has the opportunity to see beyond the veil of the physical world into what underlies it — the world of light.”

Sherman, a painter, sculptor and draftsman known for imaginative, large-scale works in the spirit of Old Masters like Rembrandt, called the painting a “culmination of two decades of exploration and growth.” He described it as his “first painting of this nature” after considerable effort, failure and some successes.

“From the beginning, I knew I was going to be making large-scale, multi-figure, imaginative paintings,” said the artist, whose works are housed in private collections across the U.S., Europe and

Australia. “Having seen this within myself, I set an unwavering course on cultivating the ability to do so.”

Attendees studied the painting’s threedimensional quality, with

areas of built-up paint creating the illusion of figures protruding from the canvas. Sherman explained how he meticulously layers translucent and opaque paint to guide the viewer’s eye and create a glowing effect.

“The magic of painting is balancing the opacity and the translucent,” he said.

“When you make your own paint, you can have better control.”

Sherman grinds his pigments by hand on a marble slab, suspending the pulverized minerals in oil to give the colors their radiant quality. He also prepares his own canvases, a painstaking process he said allows

him to “connect with the material.”

The artist remained tight-lipped about the symbolic meaning behind certain elements of the composition, preferring to let viewers find their own interpretations.

“I’m genuinely doing somebody a disservice if I tell the story,” he said. “I want to give enough pieces so that they can tell their own story ... and that’s a beautiful thing.”

“The World of Light” is not for sale and will remain on view at Sherman’s studio at 112 Washington St. Anyone interested in viewing it, should contact iquiry@ studiojonathansherman. com.

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‘THe WORLD OF LIGHT’

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

People examine the intricate details of “The World of Light,” a new painting by Marblehead artist Jonathan Sherman, during its unveiling at his studio on Thursday.