Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer emphasized that accessibility compliance with federal and state laws must be a primary consideration from the outset of municipal projects, following a series of oversights for the town and business owners.
Most recently, problems
BY LIA GORBACH
with a front ramp delayed the reopening of the Abbot Library after a $10 million renovation. Earlier in the year, the newly renovated Riptide restaurant faced accessibility issues with its entrance, requiring costly
A thick fog encompassed Fort Sewall and the surrounding streets. Through the blanket of mist emerged two columns of hat-topped soldiers fitted in black-buckled shoes.
“Forward march!” someone bellowed from the line.
On Saturday, July 13, a group of men and women marched from Fort Sewall to Gas House Beach to meet the British enemy during the annual Glover’s Marblehead Regiment encampment. Glover’s Regiment is a popular group of Revolutionary reenactors honoring Gen. John Glover, a hero of Colonial Marblehead.
The day kicked off at 9 a.m. with a men-at-arms drill. Craft stands and camp tours kept visitors busy at the fort. A Colonial medicine box, cooking area and welding station were set up for demonstrations.
At 10:30 a.m., ahead of the original 11:15 a.m. call to battle, the continental units marched to Gas House Beach.
“It’s sort of minute-by-minute here. I think it’s because of the weather,” Michael Cognata said, dressed in a navy blue soldier’s uniform.
In the fog, a tactical battle played out on the beach. Soldiers fell onto the unsteady ground as they fought the Royal forces.
“The rocks were hard to go down on quickly,” Brian Ruocco laughed, commenting on the slow-motion
BARGE Bl AZE
Fireworks
BY WILL DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER
Following the cancellation of this year’s Fourth of July fireworks due to a barge fire, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer announced the $50,000 in donations will be applied to enhance next year’s celebration. The 2025 event is expected to be bigger and better, coinciding with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.
Kezer clarified that no fireworks were on the barge during the accidental fire, which destroyed only launching equipment. The town plans to carry over deposits and continue fundraising efforts to make the
Library variance
post-construction fixes. Other examples include a tutoring center on Atlantic Avenue that lacked a handicap accessible bathroom, and the Tedesco Country Club’s handicap parking area where the slope was determined to be too steep. These incidents have prompted officials to advocate for early and thorough compliance checks.
Abbot library reopened to the public on July 10 after the Massachusetts Architectural Access Board granted a variance, allowing the library to operate while the entrance is brought into full compliance by Dec. 1.
The reopening followed a postponement of the originally planned June 20 grand reopening ceremony when it
2025 fireworks display more impressive than in recent years.
Meanwhile, a bomb squad from the state Fire Marshal’s office came to Marblehead on July 8 to detonate a two-inch firework found on the Green Street playground. The firework was in a small rack with three PVC tubes.
“This was obviously unsafe, especially near a playground,”
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Current. “We notified the bomb squad and they rendered it safe,” by exploding it. First, the bomb technicians moved the device from the playground to an isolated area of the Transfer Station.
Gilliland doesn’t know who left
was discovered that the 79-foot ramp lacked necessary landings and handrails required for ramps exceeding 30 feet. A state law requires renovations exceeding $100,000 or 30% of a building’s value to meet state accessibility standards, a mandate the library renovation triggered.
A 2023 audit of public
New interim super: ‘It’s
been a whirlwind’
Robidoux comments on push to drop MCAS requirement
BY LEIGH BLANDER
In his first few days on the job, new interim Superintendent John Robidoux toured all school buildings, attended a contract strategy session, and met with several parents, administrators, staff and a leader of the teachers union.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Robidoux told the Current. “It’s a great challenge… in a positive way.”
Robidoux arrived July 1 to a district facing a civil rights lawsuit involving student restraint, antisemitism charges and heated teacher contract talks. All district union contracts expire over the summer.
“It would be ideal to have that settled before school starts,” Roxbidoux said. He said he would be actively joining all bargaining sessions moving forward.
He said he could not comment on the civil rights lawsuit and that he wasn’t sure about the status of Glover educators placed on leave after a student restraint last fall.
Robidoux has started making calls in the search for an investigator to examine antisemitism claims and counterclaims by
the firework there, but he’s not surprised.
“I expected this could happen after the (town’s July Fourth) fireworks were canceled. It brought out everybody and their brother with illegal fireworks.”
Police Chief Dennis King said he received about 10 calls on July 4
reporting illegal fireworks.
“Based on the calls, my concern is the amount of illegal fireworks and the danger they create,” King said.
“Anytime you possess, sell or use fireworks in Massachusetts you’re committing a crime and could be subject to confiscation
of the fireworks, a fine or arrest in some circumstances,” King added. “It’s totally irresponsible to light off fireworks, especially in a town where many houses are close together or in wooded areas, parks or trails. I really wish people would think it through when they are setting off an explosive in town and the consequences that could result.”
COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT
An unexploded firework was discovered in this rack at Green Street playground, according to Fire Chief Jason Gilliland.
COURTESY PHOTO / SEMPERDRONE, FRANCISCO URENA
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland said the fire on this barge, which led to the cancellation of Marblehead’s July Fourth fireworks display, was accidental.
COURTESY PHOTOS / STEVE ROOD
ADA, P. A7
Local reaction to Trump rally shooting
Massachusetts Republican Committee Chair Amy Carnevale, of Marblehead, released a statement after the shooting at a Donald Trump rally on July 13.
“Whether Democrat or Republican, despite our differences, we all desire peace
and prosperity for or nation.
Political violence is intolerable, and we must unify as a nation to condemn this horrible incident,”
she wrote.
Carnevale continued: “We expect justice for this heinous act and pray for President Trump’s
swift recovery.”
Carnevale is at the GOP convention in Milwaukee.
Congressman Seth Moulton, a Democrat who represents Marblehead, wrote on X, ““It doesn’t matter how much we might disagree in politics,
violence is never acceptable. I’m glad that the former president is okay & thankful to Secret Service & law enforcement for acting so quickly. This is a polarized time, but we’re stronger when we’re united, not divided.”
Teen arrested after police pursuit through town
BY LEIGH BLANDER
A 19-year-old Marblehead man faces more than a dozen charges — including assault with a dangerous weapon (motor vehicle), hit and run property damage, failure to stop for an officer and intimidation of a witness — after driving “at high speeds” around town and failing to stop for police.
Police were initially called to a residence for a disturbance on June 9 at around 3 p.m. When officers arrived, the suspect had already
fled in a vehicle.
“Within minutes, several responding officers attempted to stop the vehicle, but the operator refused to stop, driving at high speeds throughout the town and neighboring jurisdictions,”
according to a statement by Marblehead Police.
The suspect “operated recklessly throughout the town before being arrested inside of another residence,” Police Chief Dennis King told the Current.
“The responding officers kept their distance from the vehicle and speeds reasonable in
an attempt to follow and monitor it and ultimately come up with a plan to stop it,” King added. “The officer in charge has to evaluate the risk to the public’s safety when engaging in a vehicle pursuit. That assessment was ongoing in this incident.”
No one was injured during the incident. “I would like to recognize the work of all the officers and dispatchers involved in handling this call,” King said. “They did commendable and extraordinary work, putting themselves in harm’s way.”
Committee strategizes on MBTA zoning
BY WILL DOWD
The Fair Housing Committee convened July 9 to chart a path forward for the MBTA Communities zoning proposal, which was narrowly defeated at the recent Town Meeting by 33 votes. The Fair Housing team focused on strategies for compliance with state mandates and potential consequences of failure.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer emphasized the looming Dec. 31 deadline for compliance with state zoning requirements, painting a stark picture of potential fallout.
“If we don’t pass the zoning in order to be compliant with the state, we start losing funding for a number of programs,” Kezer warned. He explained that the impact would extend beyond immediate financial losses, potentially derailing crucial infrastructure projects.
Kezer specifically highlighted the Village Street Bridge project, estimated to cost $11 million and currently progressing through the state’s Transportation
Improvement Planning process.
He stressed that such a setback could undo years of progress, given the competitive nature of the state’s project approval process.
“It was a huge success for us to get that project number assigned and get on the TIP committee,” Kezer noted.
Faced with these high stakes, Kezer outlined steps for scheduling a special Town Meeting before the year-end deadline, explaining the process of opening the warrant and securing a venue.
“One of the challenges is place, time ... making sure a facility like the PAC (Veterans School Performing Arts Center) is available, you know, late in the season when you get into the holiday season and things like that,” Kezer said.
Critics of the zoning plan say the state does not have the right to force local communities to change zoning. Some are calling on Marblehead officials to push back against the state.
Sustainability Coordinator
Logan Casey presented a report
on public outreach and education, drawing on the town’s 2020 Housing Production Plan. He emphasized communicating the broader benefits of zoning changes to the community.
“We really need to get it out into all the different communities, talk about the various ways MBTA Communities zoning is a benefit to this community,” Casey urged. He provided concrete figures to illustrate the town’s housing challenges.
“We have a community goal of 10% of our housing stock should be affordable. We are not achieving that goal and really need at least 600 additional housing units of affordable housing specifically to reach that,” he stated.
Casey also addressed misconceptions about the zoning proposal’s origins and development process. He pointed out that even though the MBTA Communities was passed by the state, local communities have the say in how to create the new zoning.
“It really is the community members that are putting
together these plans,” he said, pushing back against narratives that portrayed the zoning changes as externally imposed.
During public comment, resident Nick Ward spoke in favor of the zoning changes, as he did on the Town Meeting floor. He framed the Town Meeting vote as a catalyst for increased community organization.
“Frankly, I think the voting down of MBTA Communities zoning was probably the best thing that could have happened to us,” Ward said. “I think it would have been really hard for us to pull together some of those folks if we hadn’t had that as a catalyst.”
Ward emphasized that supporters view the zoning changes as beneficial for Marblehead, independent of state mandates or potential funding implications.
“We don’t think this is a good idea because the state has a compliance mechanism in place in respect of grant funding,” he argued. “We think it’s a good idea because it’s good for Marblehead.”
BY LEIGH BLANDER
When retired teacher Doug Fodeman read a recent story in the Current about a woman in her 70s who was targeted by online scammers, he was upset … but not surprised.
Fodeman and his neighbor David Deutsch have been running the website TheDailyScam.com for 12 years, tracking the latest scams and teaching people how to spot them.
“This has been a passion of mine for decades,” said Fodeman, who taught computer literacy for years at the Brookwood School in Manchester.
A growing threat
About 13 years ago, Fodeman and Deutsch’s sons were each targeted by online scammers.
“We got talking about the number of people who are targeted by fraud, but there’s no website, no resource we could find online that teaches people how to recognize fraud,” Fodeman said.
So, the neighbors launched The Daily Scam website. Fodeman also writes weekly newsletters about how to protect yourself from the newest hoaxes.
The threat has grown
exponentially since then.
According to the Federal Trade Commission, consumers reported losing more than $10 billion to fraud in 2023, up 14% from the year before.
“There’s a tremendous diversity of fraud,” Fodeman said.
He has written about scams involving dating, sex and romance, jobs and hiring, customer and tech support, deceptive marketing, fake products, taxes/insurance/legal threats, awards and giveaways, real estate and rentals, and fake people and businesses.
“We’re doing this and we’re passionate about it because it’s the right thing to do,” he said. Pig butchering scam
So, what are the most prevalent schemes out there today?
“There are several,” Fodeman said. “Scammers are heavily targeting people via texting.” Fodeman said so-called pig butchering scams are prevalent. They have nothing to do with pigs or butchering.
“It always starts with the most innocent sounding ‘accidental’ texts,” he said. “I’ve gotten a
dozen of these in the last six months.”
A scammer might send a text reading, “I missed you at yoga today.”
The recipient might innocently answer, “I didn’t go to yoga. You must have the wrong number,” and the scammer will then engage them in a dialogue, ultimately leading to some kind of swindle.
“There are also texts targeting people’s phones related to fake package deliveries,” he said.
“You think you’re getting a text from UPS, and they want you to confirm something.”
Fodeman gave an example of a woman who was trying to sell a dress on Poshmark, a fashionsharing website.
“She got an email from what she thought was Poshmark.com saying, ‘We have a buyer for your dress, but before you can complete this transaction, you need to verify your bank account information.’”
The link referred back to a website — poshmark.id038. com — which is a sub-domain of Poshmark.com. It was fake.
Fodeman says scams related to Venmo are popular right now. Also, “romance scams and
ABBOT HA ll
COURTESY PHOTOS
Doug Fodeman, left, and David Deutsch are neighbors who wanted to help educate people about scams.
Summer cruise-in delights car enthusiasts
BY GREY COLLINS
Classic and exotic cars of all shapes and sizes showed up at Riverhead Beach on July 9 for the monthly Marblehead Cruise-In.
What started a few years ago as just a group of friends
Scams
From P. A2
sextortion scams are all still common and brutal,” he said.
One key piece of advice: Be especially wary of texts from banks.
“I just added the 646th fake bank to a page [on The Daily Scam] that lists all those banks,” he said.
Real banks use what’s called a “short code” when they text, and Fodeman wishes banks would educate their customers about what short code to look for to confirm a text is legit.
Fodeman says people around the world read The Daily Scam and his newsletters.
Trig Simon, who lives near Toledo, Ohio, checks out The Daily Scam every week. He first found it after getting conned by what he thought was an advertisement for a part-time job packaging merchandise, relabeling it and shipping it. It turned out the merchandise was stolen.
“It’s easy to get scammed if you’re not aware, and that’s where Doug’s newsletter is very handy,” Simon said. Still, even those in the know can get tricked. Simon said he was cheated out of $200 in a Venmo scam last week.
Fodeman said helping people like Simon is fulfilling work, even though he and Deutsch don’t make any money from their efforts.
“Every single week, David and I hear from people who we’ve helped avoid a fraud, see through a fraud or how to recover from a fraud,” he said. “This makes us feel good.”
showing off their cars has developed into a town-wide event. Last week attracted 57 cars, the most yet.
“This is our third year doing them,” said Nick Parente, one of the organizers of the Cruise-in. “It seems to get bigger every time we do it.”
This event allows Marblehead’s car community to come together in new ways. Parente says the variety is impressive.
“I think the cool thing about it is there’s just such a mix of everything,” said Parente. “We’ve got brand new stuff,
exotic cars, old muscle cars,and old four-by-fours.”
The Cruise-in showcased many types of cars from different eras of American history.
“I consider it a rolling
museum,” said Peter Iachapelle, the owner of a 1962 Ford Galaxie 500. “It’s definitely a part of our American culture.”
The next Cruise-in is scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 13, 6-8 pm.
Two Ford Model A cars display American flags.
William Tracy plays the violin next to his classic roadster.
Rick Gilberg’s vibrant red Polaris Slingshot catches the attention of young attendees
A young car enthusiast rushes towards Simon Frechette’s gleaming blue Tesla Roadster.
EDITORIA l
Opinion
Abbot Library (finally) begins an exciting new chapter
Four weeks ago, as we were preparing an editorial celebrating the Abbot Library’s scheduled June 20 reopening, we hit an unexpected speed bump: a last-minute delay due to design flaws with the front entrance ramp, which failed to comply with American Disabilities Act regulations.
Caught off guard, we pivoted to a different topic. Meanwhile, contingency plans to reopen the library as soon as possible were set in motion. Thanks to temporary occupancy permits issued by town officials, the library finally reopened July 10, while programs resumed July 15.
Last month’s postponement was unfortunate. One decision we did not make then, however, was to ignore a significant, if disheartening, news story that we felt townspeople deserved to know about. And in a timely fashion.
That seemed obvious, considering most of the $10 million project was funded by local taxpayers. Also, knowing that fleshing out the story would require further reporting to determine who knew what, and when.
Still, not everyone agreed. We heard from several readers that by immediately making the ADA issue public, we were detracting from a June 14 fundraising gala (held as planned) and, with the Festival of the Arts approaching, putting library-related events in potential jeopardy (not so).
A reminder, then. On principle, we do not “sit on” news some might find inconvenient or uncomfortable. That’s a slippery slope for any independent news organization. Other local media may feel differently. But when we pledge to report the news without fear or favor, we mean it. And we trust Current readers expect no less.
Now, as we were saying...
There is much to celebrate about the impressive library renovation and those who made it happen, beginning with the privately funded Abbot Library Foundation, which raised $1.5 million towards the total project cost.
Others include the library’s Board of Trustees and Building Renovation Committee, Second Century Fund, Shattuck Memorial Fund, Friends of the Abbot Public Library and Driftwood Garden Club.
All merit a round of applause, as does longtime board member Nancy Perkins Arata, who unfortunately passed away in May. Arata believed in public libraries as cornerstones of a healthy democracy, and the refurbished library admirably reflects her vision and values.
Let’s not forget either the effort it took to keep the library functioning during its nearly two-year relocation to the Eveleth School. Most library resources, privileges and services continued to be made available without interruption. Not an easy challenge, but to everyone who met it, well done.
So, what does a $10 million upgrade look like?
Major improvements include a much more open and lightfilled main floor plan; significant infrastructure work (HVAC, electrical, fire protection, etc.); three new meeting rooms with presentation screens; a makerspace with 3D printer and sewing machines; self-checkout kiosks; a podcasting studio; upgraded internet service; digital signage displays; and new landscaping.
Beyond expanding key resources, according to Abbot Director Kimberly Grad, the library’s core mission — to serve as an educational and cultural centerpiece where people can find trusted sources of information in a time of widespread distrust and disinformation — will only grow stronger in the repurposed facility.
That includes fostering literacy among young people while providing valuable services for teens, seniors and other community groups.
“We are a unique resource for the town and have something for everyone,” says Grad, who started her job as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Abbot’s reopening also marks a return to full service at pre-pandemic levels.
Meanwhile, across the U.S., public libraries are under attack by groups seeking to limit access to, or remove altogether, materials they find offensive. In some cases, these well-funded, mostly right-leaning groups have threatened the jobs and well-being of librarians themselves.
According to the American Library Association, book titles targeted for censorship totaled 4,240 in 2023, up 65% from 2022. Nearly half reflect the voices and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, while many others deal with racial and sexually sensitive coming-of-age themes.
These censorious campaigns should disturb anyone who believes in the freedom to choose reading materials for themselves and their families, without interference from outside forces.
According to Grad, Abbot Library has largely avoided such confrontations. Yet she’s keenly aware of the bigger picture, one reason the library co-sponsored an Introduction to Intellectual Freedom panel last October and displays an American Library Association Bill of Rights poster by the front entrance for all to read.
Against this backdrop, and at a time when towns like ours face tightening budgets, it’s heartening to see this level of support for a resource like our public library, now beginning an exciting new chapter in its nearly 150-year history.
EVERy THING WIll BE OKAy
The great beach read debate
BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM
“I want to be able to understand the novel halfdrunk on rosé. The sentences should breeze by like a handsome man on a Vespa on the Montauk Highway.”
That’s how humorist Celeste Ballard described her summer reading preferences in a 2014 New Yorker piece.
She lost me at “Vespa” and “Montauk Highway” but also got me thinking about what makes for a great summer read. And is what you pick to put in your beach bag really all that different from what lays next to your chair in front of the fire in January?
I’m not convinced. But the publishing industry sure is.
Take Elin Hilderband. The queen of so-called “beach reads” has put out her last novel based on Nantucket summers and characters. I bought “Swan Song” and devoured it in a couple days. It was fun and entertaining and as well-written as anything she has done (I’m a fan of the writing skill of this Iowa Writers’ Workshop alum.)
Would I have enjoyed the story of rich and devious summer interlopers as much if I were reading it on a snowy Sunday afternoon? In below-zero temperatures? After shoveling? Yes, I think so. I want a novel to transport me somewhere interesting, to see it with new eyes if I’ve been there, to feel as if I have been there if I haven’t. I want characters I relate to or care about. I don’t need the weather outside to match the weather-appropriate clothing worn by my current read’s protagonist.
Some authors have pushed back against — but ultimately embraced — being dubbed a beach read writer. Jennifer Weiner, author of “Good In Bed” and “Big Summer,” among others, is one.
“Fast-paced, diverting books that are by or for men are called thrillers or mysteries or sometimes just plain old books, while the ladies get every kind of label, from chick lit to women’s fiction to upmarket women’s fiction to domestic fiction to, well, beach books,” she says.
To test my hypothesis that the label “beach reads” is as made up a marketing device as Valentine’s Day, I took a look at the indie best-seller list, at my to-beread (TBR) pile and asked some discerning reader friends what their view is.
The indie hardcover fiction bestseller list seems to back up that the beach read is a myth.
Number one this past week was “The Women” by Kristin Hannah. If you haven’t read it, scoot down to Saltwater Bookstore or the newly reopened library and get a copy. You will cry, you will shoo away your family when they try to interrupt your reading, you will stay up until 3 a.m. You will be in awe of the women who served as nurses in Vietnam. You will be grateful for the great care with which the author researched and told their stories. What you won’t do is call this treasure a beach read.
I’m an impulse buyer. I read a great review and run
OPINION
out and get the book. A friend raves about the book they just finished, and I add it to my pile. The “new and notable” tables at local bookstores? I’m like a problem gambler walking by slot machines. Have to play them. New titles? Have to buy them.
I’ve written in the past about how my TBR pile threatens to tip over and take me out. That hasn’t changed. Place one more book on the tower and, boom, I’ll surely be concussed.
This summer, I’ve bought two of Hillenbrand’s, including an old one I missed but am told is great, called “Summer of ’69.” Also “Sandwich,” by Catherine Newman, about family drama on a Cape vacation.
And I am a virtual lemming when it comes to Reese Witherspoon’s recommendations. Reese says to jump off a bridge, I say “OK, and what should I read as I’m falling to my end?”
This month she says, “The Cliffs” by J. Courtney Sullivan. I should have worn a hard hat as I placed it ever so carefully atop the pile.
I know I am undermining my own case, so I’ll try to recover by arguing that I’d read any of the above at any time of year. And that these, too, are awaiting their turn to be tucked next to the watermelon and sunscreen: “Us, After,” the memoir by Rachel Zimmerman about life with her two young children after her husband committed suicide; “Lady Tan’s Circle of Women” by Lisa See, who is known for engrossing multi-generational stories about women in Asian cultures; and the nonfiction “Your Table Is Ready” by Michael Cecchi-Azzolina about this New York City maître d’s adventures. Again, all the kind of books I’m drawn to all year round.
What do some discerning reader (DR) friends have to say?
DR #1 gives a very slight nod to the beach read imprimatur, preferring “slightly less challenging but no less intelligent” summer reads.
DR #2, who is most drawn lately to “books with clever or quirky plot and characters that are easy to engage with,” says her “reading habits don’t change based on season.”
DR # 3 concurs, “I’m drawn to the same kind of books regardless of the season.”
The final word goes to the author Weiner: “The important thing to remember is that any book that you read on the beach is, by definition, a beach book. You can plow your way through that difficult Russian classic you never got around to in graduate school, or you can go for escape and entertainment, without apology. Beach books are a primal pleasure, and there should never be a reason to feel bad about feeling good.”
Dear readers, what’s your take on the great beach read debate, and what are you reading these sun-dappled days? Drop us a line a info@ marbleheadnews.org, and if we get enough responses maybe we can start our own book club — with meetings held at the beach, of course.
Marblehead resident Virginia Buckingham is the president of the Current’s board of directors.
Why I’m being falsely accused of antisemitism
BY CANDICE SLINEY
I have been a teacher since 1997, and I have committed my entire career towards fighting for justice and equality for all and analyzing global challenges. I guide children to use their critical thinking skills to scrutinize history so that they may discern fact from perspective and ultimately arrive at the truth.
For example, I teach about the “Silent Holocaust” in Guatemala and the perils of fascism through the role of Nazi Germany in the Spanish Civil War.
I also strive to give back to the community where I both work and live. For the past two years, I guided the students who spoke at the Marblehead Holocaust remembrance ceremonies.
On Saturday, May 8, 2021, I sent our former superintendent an email that I titled, “An important read for our district,” and I included a link to an article by
Meg Woolhouse, “When Teaching About the Holocaust Isn’t Enough.”
My record speaks for itself.
The slanderous accusations being spread by a coworker from another building who does not know me have been fabricated as part of a larger agenda to silence discourse on Israel and Palestine, and I have been caught in the middle. I believe that it is because of my public record of speaking up for persecuted communities that I am being targeted for a broader political agenda.
My coworker’s false and vile claims on the Israeli Civic Action Network webinar with 700 live viewers and countless others on social media have defamed our school system and community, and I do hope that the district takes action. As the ICAN webinar was shared on local Facebook
pages, I was threatened with violence, and my daughters who are recent MHS graduates suffered from the effects. It did not take me long to figure out that the accusations against me are taking place in a much larger political context. Nationally and internationally, a highly controversial definition of antisemitism is being promoted by organizations with an Israelaligned agenda. This definition, called the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance Working Definition of Antisemitism, conflates criticism of Israel and antisemitism. In other words, saying anything negative about Israel’s discriminatory laws, actions or policies is considered antisemitic according to this definition — even though Israel is
Focus on children’s space in Library
This letter was sent to the Abbot Public Library: I am writing to express a few thoughts regarding the recent renovation project at our library. I had the opportunity to visit the library this past weekend with my family during the Arts Festival. We toured the open sections of the library and were amazed by the beautiful work that has been completed. I have such fond memories of my hometown library in Michigan which was completely rebuilt when I was in preschool. While I appreciate the effort and investment put into updating various sections of the library, I believe there is more work to be done. I was saddened to see that the children’s area was not included in these renovations.
As a frequent visitor to your library with my own children, I have always valued the importance of a vibrant and engaging children’s section. It serves not only as a space for
reading but also as a place that fosters creativity and a love for learning among young minds.
A well-designed children’s area can make a significant difference in encouraging children to explore the world of books and knowledge.
Given the importance of early childhood literacy and education, I believe that enhancing the children’s area should have been a priority during the recent renovations. Many other libraries have successfully integrated modern and interactive elements into their children’s spaces, which have proven to be incredibly popular and beneficial.
While the Abbot Library was closed, we visited several libraries in the area. The Hamilton Public Library has an amazing children’s section with not only a wide variety of books but engaging toys for younger patrons to enjoy while older siblings read in comfortable seating areas. It is my understanding that the children’s area was renovated in 2016, but as (I’m sure) the most high-traffic area of the
library, the space is already in a state of disrepair. Carpets are stained and sections are missing (photos attached), and there is not enough comfortable seating for families to enjoy reading together.
I have a feeling this email may initially be reaching those who feel similarly to me — you wouldn’t work at a library unless you felt a deep passion for inspiring readers of all ages. I am wondering if a fund or plan already exists to address the children’s area? If not, I would like to be involved in an effort to do so. By creating an inviting and enriching environment for young readers, you not only support the educational development of children in our community but also secure the library’s future. Who will be using the library in 20, 40, 60 years? The same children who are in the children’s section right now. They deserve better. If we invest in creating a love for the library with these children, they may be the ones spearheading improvement projects years from now.
Thank you for considering
my feedback. I look forward to seeing even more positive changes at Abbot that will benefit our children and future generations of readers.
Respectfully, Allison Churchill Peach Highlands
A missed opportunity
To the editor:
I am writing to express my profound disappointment and outrage over the recent $10 million renovation of our library, which inexplicably left the children’s area untouched and in a state of disrepair. Last renovated in 2006, this area is almost 20 years old. The fact no one is talking about this is absolutely astounding.
As a frequent patron and a mother who values the educational and community services our library provides, I was eagerly anticipating improvements that would benefit all sections of the library, especially the children’s area. Unfortunately, the reality
is starkly different. Despite the substantial investment, the children’s area remains neglected, with worn-out furnishings, outdated resources and a general sense of neglect. This oversight is not only disheartening but also unacceptable. Our children deserve a safe, engaging and well-maintained space that fosters a love of reading and learning. The current condition of the children’s area undermines the very mission of our library and fails to support the developmental needs of our youngest patrons.
I urge the library administration and relevant authorities to address this issue immediately. Please provide a detailed explanation of why the children’s area was excluded from the renovation plans and outline the steps that will be taken to rectify this situation. Our community deserves better, and our children deserve a library that reflects the value we place on their education and well-being.
Six spots where you can contemplate life
BY SANDRA WINTER AND LINDA WELTNER
We live in an incredibly noisy world which is constantly showering us with unwanted stimulation. Even our homes, with their ever-present radios, TVs, computers, cell phones and landlines, can feel like a place with too many voices to hear ourselves think.
We have searched Marblehead for locations where one can usually sit outside in solitude. We recommend that if you go, and someone is already there, you settle in silently with a nod of the head.
1. THE RED STEPS: At the corner of Chestnut and Cliff streets, there are two benches facing the water. To their right is a set of worn red steps and halfway down on the left is a bench tucked against the rock. A great place to leave the world behind.
2. FOUNTAIN PARK: There is a long stairway that rises on the right side of Orne Street opposite Old Burial Hill. The climber arrives at a splendid view of the town and the harbor and will find several benches from which to observe land and sea. In case of rain, there’s a roof sheltering several benches
3. WATERSIDE CEMETERY: If you’re not afraid of ghosts, there’s a bench at the end of Maple Avenue at Waterside Cemetery. The view through the trees overlooks Salem Harbor and most graves are behind you and out of sight. A
Melissa Clucas Puritan Road
soulful location.
4. GERRY ISLAND: The far end of Gerry Island is probably one of the most remote spots in Marblehead
hill on the right where a bench offers
unobstructed view of the open sea. Just be mindful of the time.
5. PARKER PLACE: If you cross the causeway to Marblehead Neck and keep left, you will come to the street sign leading to a small, cozy,
one-bench park overlooking Marblehead Harbor. Open to the public, it offers lovely views of Abbot Hall and the sound of sailboat halyards tinkling in the wind.
6. GALLISON AVENUE: From Atlantic Avenue, follow
Gallison to the end. There are several benches on the grass at the end of the road perched high above Devereux Beach that offer unobstructed views of the sand and the ocean. If an angel were looking down on earth, here’s where it would sit.
Gu EST COlu MN
Waterside Cemetery
The Red Steps Gerry Island
Fountain Park
Gallison Avenue Parker Place
Sex assault services, Transfer Station top agenda
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Representatives from the YWCA North Shore Rape Crisis Center, which serves Marblehead and 28 other communities, spoke at a July 9 Board of Health meeting, explaining the agency’s educational programs and services for sexual assault survivors ages 12 and up.
The Rape Crisis Center runs a 24-hour hotline and provides free counseling for survivors and their families. Center professionals can accompany survivors to the hospital, police station and court.
Sexual Abuse Prevention
Specialist Hannah Gagne, who works at the center, already visits Marblehead High School to talk to students in grades 9-12 about consent and sexual assault.
“We talk about the cycle of abusive relationships versus the cycle of healthy relationships,” Gagne said. “We talk about how to support a friend who is in an unhealthy relationship.”
Board of Health member Tom McMahon shared that he was a victim of an attempted sexual assault when he was a teen.
“People don’t think these things happen in Marblehead,” he said. “I’ll tell you about a victim, because it was me. I worked in a store in Marblehead, and an old man came in when I was 16 and tried to sexually assault me. I was big enough that I could handle it. It sucked.
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Public input wanted on bike plan
Marblehead is developing a Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan to enhance cycling infrastructure and safety.
Toole Design Group, LLC has been commissioned to create the plan, which aims to establish a lasting bicycle transportation program. The initiative seeks to identify safe on-street and offstreet routes, including vertically separated paths, connecting key destinations.
The plan also focuses on promoting safe cycling practices and improving bicycle safety through signage and education. Public engagement is a key component of the planning process. The town hosted a tabling event at Abbot Hall on July 5 during the Festival of Arts. Two upcoming events are scheduled:
July 20: Tabling and engagement at Marblehead Farmers’ Market
» July 30: Workshop at Abbot Hall, 7-8:30 p.m.
Residents are also encouraged to provide input through an online survey available at bit.ly/ marbleheadsurvey.
Marblehead Sustainability
Coordinator Logan Casey emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the plan. The town is seeking to create convenient, attractive and safe cycling routes throughout Marblehead, with public input crucial to ensuring the plan meets community needs.
Abbot Library offers D&D workshop
Professional Dungeon Master Allan “Danger Wizard” Knowles will lead a Dungeons & Dragons 101 session on Monday, July 22, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Abbot Public Library. The workshop is open to ages 12+ and adults. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/Abbot-DnD.
I took it to every level — police, everything, there was no help.”
To learn more about the Rape Crisis Center, visit ywcansrcc. org/. The hotline is 877-509YWCA (9922).
Chair reappointed, over objection
With new member Dr. Thomas Massaro, the three-person board approved a reorganization.
Massaro made a motion to reappoint Hazlett as chair. McMahon opposed the motion.
“This past year has been very difficult for me,” McMahon read
from a prepared statement. “I completely felt unappreciated and dismissed with Helaine as chair.”
McMahon continued, “Leaders prioritize the people they represent, not silly titles or making sure they get recognition. You may dismiss what I’m saying, but if you do, what legacy are you leaving for the next generation? Before you second your motion, I’d ask you to take a moment of reflection and ask yourself, ‘Is this what’s best for Marblehead or is this what’s best for Helaine?’”
Hazlett responded, “This is a new year, and I am disappointed that we had to go back through ancient history. Most of [McMahon’s statement] I have a response to, which I have no interest in doing. That is Mr. McMahon’s viewpoint out of his rosy glasses. I have a different viewpoint.”
Massaro expressed hope that his colleagues could find a way to work together.
“Today is the first day of this board for 2024-25,” he said. “I hope we can all get beyond last year. The world of public health
For more information, contact Director Kimberly Grad at 718744-8205. Abbot Public Library is located at 235 Pleasant St.
Local lawyer elected chair of The Boston Club
Michele Liu Baillie, counsel at Sunstein LLP and a Marblehead resident, has been elected chair of The Boston Club Board of Directors.
The Boston Club is the largest membership organization for diverse women leaders in New England, with about 400 members from business, innovation and nonprofit
sectors.
Liu Baillie, who previously served as the board’s secretary, has over 25 years of experience in patent law and has held leadership positions in various legal associations.
The Boston Club focuses on advancing women to key positions in corporate and community life through networking, professional growth and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Historic portrait donated
The Select Board unanimously accepted a historic portrait donation on June 10, enriching
suffered an enormous amount of problems during the pandemic… Let’s try to go forward.”
Massaro was named vice chair of community health and McMahon vice chair of environmental protection, which includes the Transfer Station.
Other business Public Health Director
Andrew Petty gave an update on the Transfer Station and efforts to repackage the project in hopes of saving money and attracting a general contractor. No contractor applied for the job when the project was first put out to bid.
Petty hopes to put it out to bid again in October.
The board also discussed planning substance abuse education programs in the fall and a wellness fair in January.
Petty said he would need to talk to town counsel about the impact of the U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling overturning an opioid settlement with the Sackler family.
As part of that settlement, Marblehead received $110,000 for substance abuse programs, and Petty expected more money to come in. That may now be in jeopardy. The town has spent only a fraction of the money it received on Narcan boxes around town.
Petty said the first draft of the Health Department’s 2026 budget is due in September and expects big increases in costs, especially for trash removal.
Marblehead’s development. His name is inscribed on a plaque outside Abbott Hall, where he served on the building’s trust board after Benjamin Abbot donated his life’s fortune to its construction.
“He was … one of the wealthiest men in town at that time,” Sands told the Select Board. “He also donated grand pianos to Abbot Hall.”
The Florence family owned extensive property in town, including beachfront land and areas between the ocean and Ocean Avenue, she noted. The portrait, executed in pastel, remains in its original frame.
Epstein Hillel School hires new fifth grade teacher
the town’s collection with a piece of 19th-century local history.
The portrait depicts Henry Florence, a prominent Marblehead resident who lived from 1825 to 1885. Florence’s great-granddaughter, Sally Sands, presented the gift to the Select Board, which will be placed under the care of the Marblehead Historical Commission.
During his lifetime, Florence was a significant figure in
Annalisa Reno has been hired as the new fifth grade teacher at Epstein Hillel School for the 2024-2025 school year. Reno, a Marblehead resident, has worked part-time at EHS since 2022 as a learning support specialist. In her new full-time role, she will teach language arts, social studies, math and organizational skills. Reno holds degrees in elementary education and reading education from Boston University and has previously taught in Marblehead Public Schools.
PR agencies join forces Birnbach Communications, Inc. and KOGS Communication, both based in Marblehead, are merging to serve life science and biotech clients. Norman Birnbach will serve as managing partner, while KOGS founder Edna Kaplan will be a senior consultant to Birnbach Communications.
Got questions about new meals, rooms taxes?
Voters at the Town Meeting in May approved two new local taxes — a 6% local rooms tax and a .75% meals tax.
The Finance Department has been getting several questions about its implementation. Residents with questions about these new taxes can contact the state Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089 or 1-617-8876367 for more information.
Dr. Thomas Massaro, far left, participates in his first meeting as a Board of Health member along with Chair Helaine Hazlett and Tom McMahon.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Larry and Sally Sands donate a family portrait depicting Henry Florence — Sally Sands’ great-grandfather and prominent ‘Header during his day.
COURTESY PHOTO Professional Dungeon Master Allan “Danger Wizard” Knowles will teach Dungeons & Dragons 101 at the Abbot Public Library.
Epstein Hillel School recently welcomed Annalisa Reno of Marblehead as the new fifthgrade teacher for the 2024-2025 school year.
Michele Liu Baillie is the newly elected chair of The Boston Club Board of Directors.
Conservation efforts underway for town’s Fishermen’s Monument
Project aims to preserve memorial of the 1846 Great Gale victims
BY WILL DOWD
Conservation work has begun on the Fishermen’s Monument, a cherished memorial on Old Burial Hill that honors 65 local fishermen lost at sea in the Great Gale of 1846.
The 15-foot marble obelisk, erected in 1847 or 1848, stands as a testament to one of the most tragic events in Marblehead’s history. The storm claimed nearly 150 lives in a town of about 5,000 residents at the time, leaving 43 widows and 155 fatherless children.
Ivan Myjer, a conservator with Building and Monument Conservation, is overseeing the restoration project. His team began work last week.
“Today, we’re just cleaning all the biological growths off,” Myjer said. “We use a product called D2 that most people use for cleaning gravestones and monuments. It’s extra chemicals that don’t harm the stone or the surrounding trees.”
Myjer brings a wealth of experience to the project. He started his career in conservation before formal programs existed in the United States, learning from experts trained in Europe. Thirty years ago, he moved to New
England to become director of conservation for Historic New England, formerly known as the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities.
The restoration, expected to take five to six days, was funded by a $10,500 grant from the Marblehead Historical Commission. The work comes after a 2022 conditions assessment report identified the monument as a highpriority project requiring urgent attention.
Myjer, who has worked on
air delayed the result, but Katie eventually squeezed a ball of butter through a cheesecloth and garnished it with salt flakes to be served on bread.
pacing of the reenactment.
One man, playing a Loyalist, shouted, “Pay your taxes you dog!” as troops marched across the rocky shore.
Back at Fort Sewall, cannon fire shook the ground while Katie and Tim Sullivan kept busy churning butter. The cold
buildings commissioned by the town identified more than $3.6 million in required upgrades, including at newly constructed sites like elementary schools and the recently renovated Fort Sewall.
When asked to pinpoint what went wrong with the ramp compliance, the Abbot Public Library Building Renovation Committee was not ready to give a definitive answer.
“I think there’s a lot of complexities here,” said member Ken Fisher. “I’m not sure that we’re probably prepared to draw conclusions.”
‘A lesson learned’ Kezer stressed the importance of learning from these cases to prevent future complications.
“It’s a lesson learned,” he told the Current. “I’m going to keep emphasizing that ADA has to be part of the original, upfront plan for anything we do.” When asked about factors
“We joke that her butter made us join Glover’s,” Meaghan Flaherty chuckled.
Kathleen Pondelli from Somerville manned a candle station adjacent to the butter-making. In the back of the tent sat Ray Sullivan, playing Dr. John Warren.
that contributed to the library oversight, Kezer pointed to the pandemic complicating the review process.
“I think COVID had an impact. When they were originally planning the project, we were in the middle of COVID,” said Kezer. “I think it was just difficult for all the reviews and all that to happen.”
Kezer also clarified the roles of different departments in keeping an eye out for ADA issues.
While the Building Department’s primary function is to inspect for compliance at the end of a project, he noted that project managers have a responsibility earlier in the process to ensure plans meet all necessary requirements during the construction process.
“The Building Department’s role is to ensure compliance at the end,” Kezer said. “It is beneficial for project managers to sit down and meet with the Building Department to review plans in advance, but it’s not the Building Department’s function to design the plan for them.”
To improve the process
a country, not a religion. In the current political climate, the accusation of antisemitism has become a weapon used to silence defenders of Palestinians and anyone who is critical of Israeli actions towards Palestinians. And, of course, I never criticized Israel, despite the accusations leveled against me.
This IHRA definition of
antisemitism is extremely controversial and strongly disputed by many scholars of the Holocaust and antisemitism. Many Jewish leaders, including descendants of Holocaust survivors, are themselves accused of antisemitism when they speak out against Israeli policies.
In Massachusetts, a bill to codify the IHRA definition into state law had no defenders at its legislative hearing except the representative who sponsored it.
over the years. Decades of weathering, including damage from acid rain, have taken their toll on the marble structure.
Pam Peterson, chair of the Marblehead Historical Commission and a member of the Old Burial Hill Oversight Committee, emphasized the monument’s importance to the town’s identity.
“Most people knew somebody who had died in the storm, so it was considered to be a huge tragedy,” Peterson said. “The monument has all 65 names on its four sides.”
numerous historical monuments including the Shaw Memorial in Boston, noted the unusual construction of the Fishermen’s Monument.
“The fact that it commemorates all these men lost at sea is significant, but the construction is really unique,” he explained. “It’s hollow and made of slabs of stone, not a full block system. I’ve never seen a monument constructed this way.”
The monument’s exposed location on Old Burial Hill has contributed to its deterioration
Visitors sought shelter from the rain beneath another tent while perusing an array of jewelry – pieces that would’ve collected a 3,000% profit in Colonial times, according to the storekeeper.
Lindsay Guiney from Swampscott was among the shoppers.
“I’ve lived in the area my whole life but have never made it to the encampment. It’s wild,
moving forward, Kezer suggested increased communication and interaction with the town’s Disability Commission. However, he cautioned against overburdening the volunteerbased group.
“They need to be part of the process in some form,” Kezer said. “There should be communication and interaction with the disability folks. But I don’t think they have the bandwidth to sit on committees for all the projects.”
Library Trustee Deb Payson expressed regret over the misunderstanding that led to the compliance issue, admitting to
Now, however, there is a push (as evidenced at the January meeting of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education) to mandate that it be adopted in Massachusetts schools. It is my belief that my case is being used by those claiming that such a definition is necessary. Given the fact that the IHRA definition was explicitly mentioned in the ICAN webinar, at the Marblehead School Committee meeting by
The initial funding for restorations is in place, thanks to efforts by the Old Burial Hill Oversight Committee. Additional fundraising for gravestone and marker conservation is planned for the fall.
The Fishermen’s Monument restoration has garnered significant community interest.
Local residents and history enthusiasts have been closely following the project’s progress.
Myjer emphasized the delicate balance between conservation and restoration in this project.
The conservation work involves several steps beyond cleaning. Myjer’s team will remove failing sealants, repoint open joints with soft lime mortar and repair losses at the top of the band with a hydraulic lime-based repair mortar.
“We’re going to be taking out some previous repair work,” Myjer said. “Once it’s cleaned, it’s going to take us maybe a day or two or three to get to that stage.”
The project is part of a larger effort to restore and preserve Old Burial Hill. A comprehensive survey revealed numerous deteriorating and damaged monuments, grave markers and tombs throughout the historic cemetery.
I feel like I’m at Plymouth Plantation, everything is so official,” she said.
The afternoon also featured a fife and drum concert, a last man standing contest, call to assembly and canon salutes.
Fort Sewall closed to the public at 5 p.m., and a chorus of sea shanties proceeded to ring out.
“After dinner someone will just start singing. From there,
incorrect assumptions about the existing ramp’s accessibility.
“I incorrectly assumed if the front wasn’t (accessible) that someone would have let us known,” Payson said. “I just wish somehow the Disabilities Commission had been involved earlier to let us know.”
Payson emphasized that the oversight was not intentional and highlighted the library’s commitment to inclusivity in other areas of the building.
Library Trustee Chair Gary Amberik defended efforts to make the building accessible within budget constraints.
“We did everything inside the building possible to make this building fully accessible,” Amberik said. “We had a limited budget, and the front entrance was something we were trying not to disturb and work with within the building footprint.”
Building Commissioner Steve Cummings, who identified the ramp’s noncompliance, remains focused on equal access.
“It’s just about not excluding people with disabilities,” he has said. “If you’re not making
various speakers, many from out of town and by members of our School Committee, it seems to me that there is an organized effort to construct the situation in Marblehead as an example to be used in promoting it. In other words, my case is being used to further a political agenda.
I believe the accusations and lies that I have been subjected to take place in the context of national efforts to silence educators who stand up for
“Conservation accepts change over time and tries to preserve it without restoring it,” he explained. “But we do fill some of the holes and gaps to keep the water out. So there’s a small amount of restoration.”
As work continues on the monument, town officials and preservationists hope to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining these historical markers.
“When the work is completed, the commission and the Old Burial Hill Oversight Committee would like to commemorate the work and make everyone aware of the importance of preserving these monuments and markers of our past,” Peterson said.
it’s a chain reaction,” Cognata said.
Though the conditions were rather wet, that didn’t prevent the reenactors from staying at Fort Sewall overnight Friday and Saturday in tents set up in the grass, a tribute to the dedication of Glover’s soldiers centuries ago.
“We truly try to honor Glover’s men with our reenactments,” Kay O’Dwyer said.
something accessible, you’re not treating them equally. It’s as simple as that.”
Laurie Blaisdell, chair of the town’s Disabilities Commission, has said in the past that stricter enforcement by the Building Department is needed before projects break ground, not after they finish.
“It’s not really our role to issue a permit to see if it’s compliant,” Blaisdell has said. “That’s really coming from the Building Department.”
Blaisdell has suggested appointing a more authoritative accessibility coordinator to educate departments about accessibility rules and developing detailed checklists for inspectors to verify compliance. She emphasized that early consultation with the Disabilities Commission can save money by identifying issues before construction begins.
“We will have many more projects to be done,” Kezer said. “We need to make sure accessibility and safety are considered upfront for all of them.”
inclusivity. There is no zero-sum game when it comes to students: The safety of one group of students should never come at the expense of another group of students. This case will not deter me from continuing to be an ally to Jewish, Palestinian and other Arab and Muslim students and to all students who are marginalized by any form of racism.
Candice Sliney is a Spanish teacher at Marblehead High School.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Ivan Myjer, a conservator with Building and Monument Conservation, cleans the Fishermen’s Monument on Old Burial Hill in Marblehead.
CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD The ramp outside the newly renovated Abbot Public Library is not compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Encampment
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 Garden tours
Saturday, July 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
The Garden Conservancy, the only national nonprofit organization dedicated to saving and sharing outstanding American gardens, is hosting garden tours of otherwise private gardens across Essex County, including Marblehead. The landscapes range from grand, oceanfront estates to urban, postage-stamp gardens. Marblehead will have four gardens open, and Salem will have one. Registration is $10 per person, per garden, or $5 for members of the Garden Conservancy. Children 12 and under are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. All registrations must be processed through the Garden Conservancy’s website at gardenconservancy.org/open-days.
Mandala dot painting
Wednesday, July 17, 6:30-8 p.m.
Join Hestia Creations for a mandala dot painting night in its Paint Your Own Pottery studio where you can make some fabulous designs. Hestia will supply everything needed to paint and create one-of-a-kind artistic projects. Feel free to bring your own snacks and refreshments. Reservations are required. Your $20 deposit will cover the class fee of $10, and the remaining $10 will be applied to the cost of what you choose to paint during the class. More information at hestiacreations.com.
Jazz at the Arts:
Donna Byrne
Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m.
Jazz singer and entertainer Donna Bryne has performed around the world, even opening for Tony Bemett at his invitation. Now she’s coming to the Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. Tickets are $35. For more information, go to marbleheadarts.org.
Women’s History Walking Tour
Thursday, July 18, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead Museum’s Women’s History Walking Tour returns, with some brand new sites and stories. Join Jarrett Zeman for an hour-long tour of downtown Marblehead focused on trailblazing women from the 1860s to the 1920s. Learn the stories of courageous women who helped end slavery, fought for women’s rights, saw the world on their bicycles and made a few movies along the way. $15 per ticket. More info at marbleheadmuseum.org.
Chehkov in the Garden Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays at 6 p.m., July 26-Aug. 11
The Mugford Street Players announce Chekhov in the Garden, a presentation of two short comedies by Anton Chekhov — “The Marriage Proposal” and “The Dangers of Tobacco.” The free, one-hour performances will be held in the garden at the home of John and Jean Fogle.
Anton Chekhov was an acclaimed Russian playwright, author of “The Three Sisters,” “Uncle Vanya” and “The Cherry Orchard,” among others. To reserve seats, please send an email to stagefog@gmail.com indicating the date and number of seats required. A return email will confirm the reservation.
The Mugford Street Players was founded in 1975 at its original home, the Unitarian Universalist Church on Mugford Street in Marblehead. Since then, MSP has presented more than 60 productions in a variety of North Shore venues.
Summer baseball with the Seasiders
Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m.
The Seasiders are playing the Peabody Champions at Seaside Park. Bring the family!
Palance. Tickets are $20$35. Reserve your seat at earthsongherbals.com/ jazz-in-the-garden.
Sports
25th year of the Beringer Bowl Ocean Race sets off for Provincetown Friday
BY LAURIE FULLERTON
Forty-five teams will be participating in the 25th annual Beringer Bowl Ocean Race, leaving Marblehead this Friday, July 19, at 7 p.m. for a 45-mile nautical mile race to Provincetown. The excitement is building for this annual tradition and the Beringer Bowl is a race that many local offshore sailors look forward to each year.
Starting off Tinker’s Island at 7 p.m. the overnight race is a challenge as teams dash cross Massachusetts Bay and then navigate the slightly more busy waters as they approach Provincetown in the early hours of Saturday morning. Fishing boats and nighttime marine traffic, as well as other competitors, are some of the challenges, while abundant marine life and the wide-open night sky are some of the pleasures of this overnight event. Billed as the ultimate scenic ocean tour with an epic party in Provincetown, the course will take racers to Boston to Jeffery’s Ledge off the coast of Gloucester where they will turn and head toward Plymouth and then to the tip of Cape Cod. For those who do not plan to race overnight, there is an option for some sailors to start racing at
12 noon on Friday, and arrive at Provincetown around 6 p.m. Robert Bova, who is a Boston Yacht Club member and active on the race committee, will be competing on board Phoenix, his Beneateau First 40.7 in what will be his seventh Beringer Bowl.
“It is nice to get out there racing long distance.” Bova said. “Personally, I really like offshore racing and destination races. Getting to another port is fun and different,” Bova said. Bova is an avid sailor who won his division last year in the
of the Boston
committee and assists on many sailing events. Offshore, or nighttime ocean racing, has been a long-time Boston Yacht Club tradition and
many teams have gotten training and experience so they might participate in the Marblehead to Halifax Race which happens every other year. The fleet will see world champion sailor Jud
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead Youth Baseball 14-year-old all-star team came ever so close again to reaching the state Babe Ruth tournament finals, but alas they lost heartbreakingly to host Lynn in the EMass state semifinals, 6-5 at the Breed Junior High School Field in Lynn on July 11. Most of these same Marblehead players have been winning together since they were 8. They have had the same two managers — John Reardon and Mike Murphy — guiding them through the process, as well.
Two years ago, when they were 12, they went to the Cal Ripken World Series quarterfinal round before losing to Winchester.
“This is a great group of kids, who are very resilient,” said Reardon. “They all believe in each other, and they also care for each other and as a result they don’t want to let each other down, while playing the sport they love so much.”
During this year’s EMass tournament, the Marblehead boys went 3-1 in pool play. They shutout Peabody, 12-0; smothered Swampscott, 12-2; and hammered Revere, 11-1. Their only loss in pool play was against aforementioned Lynn in the tournament opener, 4-2. There were a total of 15 teams at the start of pool play. Taunton shutout Braintree in the other EMass state semifinal contest,
4-0 to advance to the regional final against Lynn on July 13 after press deadline.
In the playoffs following pool play, Marblehead first defeated Newton, 2-0 in the quarterfinals.
John Reardon pitched all seven innings to earn the win. He only allowed two Newton runners reach second base throughout the entire game, while scattering three hits and one walk. He was credited with six strikeouts.
The defense was also amazing in this game, according to John’s dad and manager. Center fielder Madden Lyons, in particular, came up with a diving catch in the second inning, and then
made a perfect relay to shortstop Jack Murphy, who fired a strike to third baseman James Machado to nail a runner trying to stretch a double into a triple. On offense, Liam Pyne singled in a run. Will DePhillips walked with the bases loaded twice to account for a couple of more runs.
The win over Newton setup a rematch versus Lynn. It turned into another tight, back and forth game.
Marblehead scored the first run of the game in the opening stanza, but Lynn tied it up in the second. The host team went ahead with two more runs in the
third. The visitors trimmed it to one in the fourth, but Lynn pulled ahead again with four in the fifth. But the never-say-die Marblehead bunch did its best to stage a miraculous comeback in the seventh, only to come up short by one slim run.
Yanzel Fuentes pitched the first 4.1 innings, giving up seven hits, one walk and five runs, but only two were earned. He fanned three. Lyons followed him to the mound going the final 1.2-innings. He yielded three hits, two walks and one run, while whiffing one.
Fuentes came through with a two-run single during the
furious seventh inning comeback effort. Holden Ferreria knocked in another run on a fielder’s choice. The visitors collected eight hits in the game, which also included a triple by Lyons. Reardon summed up his 12 all-stars with some pithy thoughts: Pitcher and first baseman Collin Allen “quiet leader;” Cole Benedetto “super utility player;” catcher Will DePhillips “heart and soul of the team;” second baseman and outfielder Holden Ferreria “our leadoff hitter;” pitcher and first baseman Yanzel Fuentes “crafty lefty pitcher;” pitcher and outfielder Madden Lyons “best athlete on the team;” third baseman and outfielder James Machado “best hitter on the team;” captain and shortstop Jack Murphy “leads by example;” outfielder Jack O'Leary “puts the team before himself;” outfielder Liam Pyne “hardest worker;” pitcher and infielder John Reardon “ace of our pitching staff;” and pitcher and infielder Marcus Waitekus “loves to win.”
The Marblehead stars might have been eliminated from the state tournament, but they are still playing baseball this summer in the Lou Tompkins League. They currently have a 3-2 record, while playing in the upper elite division against 15-year-old players. Lincoln (July 17) and Reading (July 18) are next up on the schedule.
famed Marblehead to Halifax Ocean Race. He has been a member
Yacht Club race
COURTESY PHOTO
Members of Marblehead Youth Baseball’s 14-year-old Babe Ruth all-star team are, from left, front row, James Machado, John Reardon, Yanzel Fuentes and Holden Ferreira. Second row, Liam Pyne, Will DePhillips, Cole Benedetto, manager John Reardon, Jack O’Leary, Marcus Waitekus, Jack Murphy, Madden Lyons, Collin Allen and manager Mike Murphy.
COURTESY PHOTO / BERRINGER BOWL OCEAN RACE
This boat owned by Jud Smith will compete in the Beringer Bowl Race.
SAILING, P. A10
After changing careers twice, Wheeler finds his true calling
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Kent Wheeler, who was named the new Marblehead High School athletic director succeeding Greg Ceglarski on July 1, has been a familiar face throughout the Marblehead sports community for two decades. He has been a resident of the town since 1989, when he married his wife, Kim. Together, they raised four sons – Graham, Hayden, Kyle and Clark – and he got involved in coaching when they came of age to start participating in baseball and football. He remains involved to this day.
Wheeler has been sitting on the Marblehead Youth Baseball Board of Directors since 2005. He later founded the Post 57 American Legion Mariners baseball program. He even helped out with the Boys Scouts. But his life started far from Marblehead. Wheeler lived his formative years in Northbrook, Illinois, and played football and baseball at Glenbrook North
PHOTO
Marblehead High School athletic director Kent Wheeler looks over the play sheet during a freshman football practice. Wheeler was the football program’s freshman football coach since 2015. The teacher-coach was also an assistant in Mike Giardi’s baseball program.
High School. He went on to attend Ohio State, where he graduated in 1986 with a degree in marketing. But the high-tech
boom of the 1980s brought him to Massachusetts, where he was a salesman in the electronics industry.
Wheeler eventually got into the sporting goods and sportswear industry.
“I always wanted to get back into athletics,” said Wheeler as to the reason he switched careers, something he did again in 2015, when he got into the educational field.
The new Magicians athletic director returned to school to pursue that career change. He ended up receiving a Masters from Endicott College in athletic administration. He started out as a special education teacher at the high school in 2015 after receiving his teaching credentials. He soon became an assistant coach in the football and baseball programs, and a social studies teacher.
But now he’s the high school’s athletic director. What can MHS sports fans expect from the new regime?
Right now, for the most part, he will keep the status quo.
“(Marblehead High) already has a strong sports program,” said Wheeler. “I have been
meeting with the coaches already to discuss the program’s strengths.”
But Wheeler knows he has considerable help in his new office. Mark Tarmey remains the school’s assistant athletic director after serving as a coach in its hockey program for several years starting in 2007.
“I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Mark (Tarmey),” said Wheeler. “He’s an incredible resource for me. He does so much for the athletic department. He basically schedules everything from the buses to the games, and also the rescheduled postponed games. The department has been running like clockwork, because of him.”
With Tarmey alongside him, it gives Wheeler an opportunity to build the sports community within the high school, not to mention in the town itself.
“I want to enhance our sports culture to get more involved in our teams now and in the future,” he said.
Post 57 Junior Mariners extend win streak
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead/Swampscott American Legion Post 57 Mariners picked up a couple of more wins after the Fourth of July weekend break to run their record to 9-2 in the Junior Division. They remain in second place four points behind first place North Andover (11-3-1) in the District 8 standings, 15-11.
The Mariners, authors of an eight-game winning streak, easily defeated Newburyport at Frank DeFelice Field in Swampscott on July 8, 13-6.
Jesse Swartz tied up the game at one in the home half of the first with a solo shot. The home team then flipped the game on its head in the fourth with six runs on only two hits to take a 9-4 lead. Nick Berube provided
the big hit with a two-run single.
Pitcher Nate Lee earned the win on the mound, allowing zero hits and zero runs over two innings, while striking out two and walking one. Zach Alex pitched three innings in relief, surrendering just one hit. He fanned five, walked two and yielded no runs to secure the save.
The Mariners pounded out 11 hits, led by Michael Collins, who added pop in the middle of the lineup to end up with three hits and three RBI. Cooper Correnti (single, double) and Berube (two singles, two RBI) each collected multiple hits to significantly do their part at the plate.
“We also had a strong eye at the plate after accumulating 10 walks in the game,” said coach Steve Correnti. “Alex and Lee
led the team in that department with two free passes apiece. Berube and Alex again each stole multiple bases, which added another dimension to our offense. As a team, we were credited with 10 stolen bases in this game.”
Two nights later at Lynn’s Fraser Field, the Mariners doubled up the home team, 12-6. Swartz set the tone for the game by patiently walking three times,
which affected pitch counts.
The Mariners busted out early with runs right away in the first inning. Correnti drew a walk to begin the uprising, and a short time later he scored the first run of the game. Lee followed with a single, and he too scored a run. Owen Coyne did the same to account for the third run of the game. Berube also scored a run after reaching base via a walk.
Lee extended the visitors lead to 7-0 in the top of the second with an RBI single. They tacked on four more runs in the third as a result of RBI walks to Correnti, Coyne, Alex and Berube. Swartz closed out the offense with an inside-the-park homerun in the sixth.
Berube pitched 3.2-innings in relief, giving up three hits and two runs, none earned. He
fanned three, and walked just one. David Palmer started the game on the hill, issuing four hits and four walks that resulted in four runs, three of them earned, over the first 3.1-innings. He whiffed four. Lee and Swartz each collected two hits to pace the offensive attack, while Berube and Lee drove in two runs apiece. As a team, they walked 18 times in the game, led by Correnti, Collins and Swartz with three each. Adam Sparacio, Collins, Lee and Swartz each stole multiple bases for a team that swiped 14 collectively versus Lynn. Chase Fasciano, Swartz and Lee combined for five hits and five walks that kept the offense moving throughout the game.
Smith racing on his Concordia Farr 44 in the Class A spinnaker division and Marblehead Yacht Club member Eliot Shanabrook Class B spinnaker division on board his J109. Altogether there are eight divisions, including a double-handed class, featuring four boats from as far away as Kittery, Maine.
In past years, a committee boat would be on station in Provincetown taking down winners. The race committee sometimes had to be on station starting at 4 a.m. Many sailors recall the late Mike Mentuck himself out on the line, helping to finish racers. Today, GPS trackers and the honor system allow teams to make their finishes electronically.
The Beringer Bowl is being held at the same time as the
Mike Mentuck Memorial Race and the shared resources means that for sailors who reach Provincetown and head straight back home will earn points for the Mentuck Race if they have signed up for it. Beringer Bowl participants generally favor staying the weekend in Provincetown and attending the awards in Provincetown on Saturday evening.
“We are still open to racers who wish to ‘turn and burn’ and
sail back to Marblehead on the return,” Bova said. He notes that if you choose to do this, you can be registered in the Mentuck Ocean Race Division, or it can also be recorded in the Beringer Bowl results. The club is essentially hosting two events and combining a lot of local talent and tradition for this midsummer favorite.
Junior Race Week begins Monday, July 22 In other
news, Marblehead Junior Race week is set to begin on July 22 with 119 boats on the line. There will be a total of nearly competitors in the 420-champion division and 23 entries in the 420 Green fleet. There will be nearly five Optimist dinghy boats competing in the champion division and additional boats competing in the Optimist Green division. For more information go to pleon.org.
COURTESY
COURTESY PHOTO / PLEON YACHT CLUB Junior Race Week starts June 22.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Mentuck race is named after the late “Mike” Mentuck, a past commodore of the BYC.
Farmers’ Market president to step down
Retiring after 27 years, Don Morgan says he’ll be back for the strawberries
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Don Morgan, who founded the Marblehead Farmers’ Market in 1997, has just retired as its president, handing the reins over to Sally Marcy, a local craft vendor who has been involved with the nonprofit for the last 10 years.
At 77 years old, Morgan isn’t exactly slowing down. He’ll still serve as the Farmers’ Market treasurer, and he’s heavily involved with the Marblehead Conservancy. He leads the Trails and Forestry Committee, organizing the volunteer crews that maintain the trails.
“The Farmers’ Market provides a vehicle for local farmers to sell their goods,” Morgan said. “If you can help them be profitable, they won’t have to sell their land, and you keep more open space.” There are 35 to 40 farmers in Essex County, he added.
The Farmers’ Market opened at Gatchell’s Park but moved quickly to the Village School field and then to the lot behind Veterans School.
When asked about highlights from over the years, Morgan smiled and shared a story.
“I was at Crosby’s way back when, behind two — at the time I thought they were old ladies, now they seem a lot younger — and one said to the other, ‘You’ve got to go to the Farmers’ Market. We don’t buy anything, but we all meet and talk about our
BuSINESS SPOTlIGHT
grandchildren,’” he said. “To me, that was sort of emblematic of it being a place that people enjoy gathering. They probably did buy something, but it wasn’t their primary purpose being there.”
Community fabric
Marblehead’s is one of the longest running farmers’ markets on the North Shore, Morgan said.
“There’s a tremendous community fabric here,” he said “We just had the Festival of Arts. What a wonderful thing. Volunteers make people feel alive. The museums we have here are just great, too. The
Farmers’ Market is part of that fabric.”
Morgan also loves that people can talk directly with farmers at the market.
“You can ask them what the variety is, what its advantage is compared to other varieties, how to cook it or preserve it,” he said. “You can learn a lot about the food you eat. You get none of that if you go to the grocery store.”
He added, “And I do believe in supporting our local farms and vendors. All the money goes into the local community.”
Farmers’ Market manager
A three-generation family real estate firm
BY MELISSA STACEY
The following is an interview with Jean Carlson, co-owner of the Carlson Group, conducted by Discover Marblehead. The Carlson Group is a threegeneration family real estate group working together to service Marblehead and the entire North Shore. Learn more at carlsongroupre.com.
Jean, tell us about Carlson Group and how it got started. I have been in the real estate brokerage business most of my life, over 50 years. My mother was an agent in Maine, and I married Richard Carlson who owned a real estate company, Carlson Real Estate, one of the largest in New England. My two children grew up in a real estate family. After Carlson Real Estate was sold, we formed a new,
three-generation family group (son, daughter, daughter-in-law and grandson) of experienced realtors, the Carlson Group (Jean Carlson, Sean Gildea, Jodi Gildea, Traci Howe and Wells Howe). We then joined Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty because it is the number one most profiled luxury real estate brand in the world. We all live in Marblehead and work together to service the entire North Shore. We’re proud to hold the record for closing
the highest-priced residential property in Marblehead.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? Your smile is your logo, your personality is your business card, and the way you make others feel is your trademark.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? I love the sight of Abbot Hall with its clock tower that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The hall serves as a beacon for our town and is the center of our local government. I love the original painting, “The Spirit of ‘76,” by Archibald Willard that hangs inside Abbot Hall. There is also a maritime museum and many displays of Marblehead’s unique history which I find very interesting.
Stephen Fowler said Morgan is a big reason why the market has been around for so long.
“Don’s dedication to the market is what made the market the great event that it is,” Fowler said. “If he saw a need for something, he would track down a local producer to fill it. Over the years he added more vendors and grew the market. The amount of energy and time he gave to the market was huge. “
COVID’s impact Asked how the market has changed over the years, Morgan answered, “There used to be more children’s activities. But
the biggest change was COVID. The word ‘awful’ isn’t a bad enough word to describe what happened during COVID.”
In the first year of the pandemic, the market had to be roped off with only 30 people inside at a time.
“It’s been very slow for people to come back,” he said. “Each year since COVID, we’ve done a little better. I’m hoping this year we’ll be back to breaking even.”
So, what is Morgan’s favorite thing to eat at the Farmers’ Market?
“Corn,” he answered without a pause. “Oh, and strawberries are high on the list, too — when they’re fully ripe and they’re both sweet and tart at the same time. There’s nothing like a fresh strawberry.”
The Farmers’ Market is open Saturdays, 9 a.m.-noon until Nov. 23, behind the Veterans School on Pleasant Street.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I am a member of The Mayflower Society. Although I was born in Maine, I am a direct descendant of the Mayflower pilgrim, Isaac Allerton, who started one of the first fishing enterprises in Marblehead in 1629. The street, Allerton Place, at Glover
Landing, is named after him. In researching my ancestry, I discovered that I must have a lot of distant cousins in town. I am a direct descendant of Marbleheaders’ Adams, Gatchell, Hawkes, Hooper and Peach. The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
Help cut back on electronic waste
BY STEPHEN BACH
Electronic waste, or e-waste, is a growing problem. These devices contain hazardous materials that can harm the environment and human health if not disposed of properly.
Luckily, there are steps you can take as a consumer to ensure your old electronics are dealt with ethically. When technology breaks, the default is “get a new one.” But now there’s a growing movement to cut back on the
vast amount of electronic waste produced each year.
To that end, some computer manufacturers have begun working toward giving consumers the ability to fix broken products. For instance, at The Docs, we refurbish dozens of desktops and laptops every year in our little shop that would’ve otherwise ended up being junked.
These are generally from folks upgrading to new computers who want to ethically recycle or donate them to be refurbished. These computers are then sold at a fraction of the cost of buying new. Staples also has a recycling program where you can safely turn in your
electronic devices. Something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about buying a new computer. According to one estimate, the world dumped a record 53.6 million tons of e-waste last year — equivalent to the weight of 350 cruise ships the size of
the Queen Mary 2. By recycling or refurbishing, we can all do our small part to minimize the environmental impact of our culture’s mammoth-sized addiction to new electronics. Issues to consider before turning in your devices: Before you buy new: Consider if you really need the latest gadget. Can you make your current device last longer with a new case or software update?
» Donate or sell: If a device is still functional, consider donating it to a charity or school program, or selling it second-hand.
which may dump toxic materials or use unsafe labor practices.
Data security: Before recycling, take steps to erase your personal data from the device. This may involve wiping the hard drive or using data destruction software. By following these steps, you can help reduce the environmental and social impact of e-waste. Remember, ethical e-waste disposal starts with responsible consumption! Until next time, happy recycling!
Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
COURTESY PHOTO
Jean Carlson owns the Carlson Group, a family-run real estate firm in Marblehead.
Stephen
COURTESY PHOTO In the early 2000s, a Farmers’ Market volunteer decorated Don Morgan’s hat with flowers.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Farmers’ Market founder Don Morgan looks through a scrapbook of market memories.
Renovated Abbot Public Library reopens to the patrons after delay
$10M renovation project enhances facilities
BY WILL DOWD
The newly renovated Abbot Public Library opened its doors to eager patrons on July 10, marking the near end of a $10 million renovation project that began in October 2022. Residents young and old explored the modernized space, expressing enthusiasm for its expanded facilities and improved amenities — like enclosed workspaces that patrons can reserve and a podcast record studio.
John Squires, a longtime Marblehead resident and former school administrator, was among the first visitors.
“It’s absolutely spectacular,” said Squires as he read a newspaper. “It’s beautiful, comfortable, cool and just expansive.”
Squires, who frequently visits to read newspapers and conduct research, anticipates using the new facilities regularly.
“It’s also a place to come in, get a book and just read it,” he added, highlighting the library’s appeal as a cool refuge during hot summer days.
Nanny Rebecca Decatur brought the child she cares for, Grey, to explore the updates.
“It’s beautiful, more than I expected. It’s just gorgeous,” Decatur said. “It offers something that we really needed.”
Decatur, a Marblehead native, noted the significant changes since her youth.
“Having been here as a teenager with card catalogs and just seeing how it’s such a nice place thats changed so much
Au THOR TA lKS
— to just go in and relax on a hot day,” she said. Tucked in a corner on the first floor, recent college graduates
was
particularly
happy about the new work spaces, which can be reserved for free. “When I first saw those when we walked in, I was really excited,” he said. “I would always go to a corner study [in college], so I’ll be coming here a lot.”
Arbo, a University of Massachusetts Amherst graduate pursuing a master’s in public health, appreciated the bright light throughout.
Library staff member Pam Shorr, working behind the circulation desk, observed the positive reactions from patrons throughout the day.
“It’s wonderful. It’s beautiful, it’s open,” Shorr said. “They keep saying it smells new and nice. The air feels great in the heat.” She emphasized the hard work done behind the scenes to prepare the full space for the public.
Executive Director Kimberly Grad described the reopening as “a nice reunion” between staff and patrons.
“Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves, especially given the cool temperatures,” Grad noted. She mentioned that while most services have resumed, some features are still in progress.
“We’re still getting our selfcheckout system set up, the sound booth will be set up and the makerspace will be available soon,” Grad explained.
The renovation project includes a redesigned main floor, accessible courtyard and event center. However, the library’s reopening was delayed from its original June 20 date due to accessibility issues with the front entrance ramp.
A temporary variance allows for operations to resume while work continues on the front walkway, with full compliance expected by Dec. 1. (Read the latest on the library’s compliance efforts on Page XX)
Grad also reported on the success of the recent Literary Festival, which served as a soft opening for the library. The library has resumed its regular business hours:
Monday: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
» Tuesday: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
» Wednesday: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m.
Thursday: noon-6 p.m.
Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.
» Sunday: Closed
People with mobility concerns can use the lower entrance, which provides Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant access.
Glass, Howe talk writing, careers at Literary Festival
BY WILL DOWD
Marblehead residents and authors Julia Glass and Katherine Howe shared insights into their writing processes and literary careers during a candid conversation at the Abbot Public Library on July 7. The event, moderated by Boston University journalism professor Susan Walker, served as the bookend to a four-day Literary Festival as part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts.
The author talk, held on the main floor near the library’s fireplace, was intimate and well-attended but not packed, reflecting the soft opening nature of the newly renovated Abbot Public Library.
Glass, winner of the National Book Award for “Three Junes,” began her career as a painter before transitioning to fiction writing in her 30s. She explained her unconventional path.
“I earned my bachelor’s of arts at Yale. After college, I had a fellowship to paint in Paris for a year,” she said. “Then I came back and, like all aspiring artists, I moved to New York City.”
Glass described how she stumbled into publishing work when she couldn’t secure a waitressing job due to clumsiness.
“A friend of mine who had gone to high school with me was working in publishing and she said, ‘You know what, you’re a natural writer,’” she said.
Glass spent years honing her craft, facing repeated rejections. Undeterred by the late start, she continued writing. Her persistence paid off when she published “Three Junes” at
age 46, marking her debut as a novelist.
Howe, a historian turned novelist, described her unexpected entry into writing while avoiding her graduate school dissertation — a distraction that became “The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane.” The historical novel intertwines two storylines: one set in the present day and one set in the late 17th century during the Salem witch trials. “I started writing through a trifoil pathway of gambling, procrastination and drinking to excess,” she said. “I was entranced with the surroundings of Marblehead and looking at it with the eyes of a stranger.”
The authors discussed their literary influences. Glass mentioned Andre Dubus, Tim O’Brien and Iris Murdoch as influential writers, noting how Murdoch’s style of interweaving multiple plots and characters had subconsciously influenced her own work. Howe cited historians like Mary Beth Norton and novelists such as A.S. Byatt as inspirations, emphasizing her interest in material culture and architectural history. Their contrasting approaches to research and organization provided insight into diverse writing methods. Howe uses spreadsheets to track plot elements, characters and timelines, while Glass employs a
more organic process of writing and rewriting, creating lists of character names and dates as she progresses.
“I fake it as much as possible, then I go and I interview someone or do some reading,” she said. ”My worry is that if I do the research first, I’m just going to find out so much cool stuff, and I’m not going to be able to keep it out.”
Both authors emphasized the importance of accuracy and the value of trusted readers and editors. Glass recounted an instance where an editor caught a geographical error about a non-existent bus shelter in New York City, and Howe shared an anecdote about a mistake in her first novel.
“I left one word out of the title of a historical witchcraft book in ‘The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane.’ I felt like I’d made a mistake, and it was not caught by anybody, except a guy in federal prison,” she shared to widespread laughs.
The conversation touched on their experiences with nonfiction projects. Howe discussed her collaboration with Anderson Cooper on “Vanderbilt” and “Astor,” describing the challenges of creative nonfiction.
“When you write creative nonfiction, you’re a historian first,” she said, “and it can be challenging to take a list of things that occurred and turn it into a story.”
When asked about topics they avoid, Glass jokingly mentioned “historical fiction,” while Howe expressed difficulty writing about her home state of Texas, admitting her attempt at a “great Texan historical novel”
was a failure. The authors also addressed the balance between historical accuracy and storytelling in their work.
The event concluded with readings from their latest works.
Glass shared an excerpt from “Vigil Harbor,” set in a nearfuture coastal town grappling with climate change and societal upheaval. She read a passage describing the town’s Fourth of July celebrations, highlighting the blend of tradition and uncertainty in her fictional world (she shared that scenes from Mabrlehad’s public celebrations inspired the passage).
Howe read from “A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Amongst the Pyrates, Written by Herself,” her recent historical novel about piracy. Her selection depicted a vivid scene of a pirate hanging in 1726 Boston, showcasing her attention to historical detail and atmospheric storytelling.
Throughout the talk, both authors displayed a mix of humor, candor and insight into the craft of writing. Their contrasting styles highlighted the diverse paths to literary success. Glass reflected on the evolution of her writing process.
“Along with the age of readers comes the age of dwindling mental abilities,” she said. “I have to keep more notes on many things because I can’t juggle as much.”
Howe spoke about the pressure of recent deadlines.
“I had three books come out in eight months this last year,” she said. “My brain is so fried, I don’t remember how ‘Astor’ opens right now.”
Cahill Whittier and Anna Arbo changed their work plans to visit the library on opening day. Whittier
COURTESY PHOTO / KIM GRAD
From left, Katherine Howe, Susan Walker and Julia Glass engage in a lively discussion at the Abbot Public Library, sharing their experiences and insights on writing during the Marblehead Festival of Arts.
CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD
Leah Waldo and her son, Marren, check out books on July 10.
Carole Brindamour, Wesley Sueker and Sage Frankenstein work the Abbot Public Library circulation and reference desks on July 10, the first day the library opened after a $10 million renovation.
The town’s first elephant
BY PAM PETERSON
The hardships that faced the people of Marblehead at the end of the 18th century, after the end of the American Revolution, were major. The fishing fleet was slowly coming back, but embargoes loomed, and the town looked shabby and rundown after many years of a slow economy. Despite all this, things began to perk up a bit in the 1790s. Marbleheaders are a resilient lot, and the fishermen worked hard when the season and weather allowed, and then “frolicked away their hardships during the winter, according to “The Spirit of ‘76
Lives Here.”
One of the things that livened up the local scene was an elephant. In 1796, an elephant was brought to America for the first time. It was a 2-year-old Asian elephant owned by Captain Jacob Crowninshield, who brought it from India to New York City. The animal was never given a name, nor identified as male or female, but was referred to simply as “The Elephant.”
The 3,000-pound animal was seen by Marbleheaders on its tour of New England, and caused quite a sensation. Accounts are unclear as to whether the elephant actually came across town lines, or was in nearby Salem, but he was definitely seen by the people of Marblehead. The mammoth mammal ate 130 pounds of food a day and drank 30 bottles of
ABBOT HA ll
Channeling the Spirit of ’76
A group of college students brought history to life during a recent visit to Abbott Hall, delighting visitors and staff with their impromptu reenactment of the iconic painting “Spirit of ‘76.”
Abbot Hall docent Kira Kay recounted the event that took place the Saturday before Independence Day. One of the kids in the group was a Marblehead native, showing off the beautiful community and iconic painting to out-of-town friends when Kay suggested
FORT SEWA ll
they pose like the figures in the famous painting.
One student dropped to the floor, mimicking the fallen drummer, while the others struck poses matching the triumphant musicians in Archibald M. Willard’s artwork.
“It was wonderful to see these young adults, who have gone off to college, still connected to and proud of their roots,” Kay said.
“They were so enthusiastic and brought a special energy to the hall that day.”
Cannon-firing
BY WILL DOWD
The boom of a cannon echoed across Fort Sewall on the Fourth of July, marking not only a celebration of Marblehead’s rich history but also the return of a local artillery expert from retirement.
Terry Soule, 82, a longtime Marblehead resident and licensed cannon operator, stepped in to supervise the firing of a cannon at Fort Sewall.
The call to supervise the holiday firing came just two weeks before the Fourth of July, ending a nearly two-decade hiatus from active cannon operation for Soule. A local fire safety officer was on hand to verify Soule’s qualifications before the firing could proceed.
The event, organized by Glover’s Regiment, almost faced cancellation when organizers realized they lacked properly certified personnel.
“They didn’t have what is
porter at a time. (Porter is a dark ale or beer.) He pulled the cork out of the bottle himself. The broadside advertising, “The Elephant,” reads: “He surpasses any terrestrial creature, and his intelligence, makes as near an approach to man, as matter can to spirit...” All for 25 cents for adults and 12 1/2 cents for children.
Not long after the elephant’s visit, men from Marblehead would begin to travel to the Far East themselves. Though Marblehead was not as active in the China trade as Salem was, many men from Marblehead went on Asian trade voyages, either as captains or crew.
Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.
Horribles Parade winners 2024
In our previous issue, we incorrectly published the names and winners of the Horribles parade prizes. We regret the error. Below is the accurate and complete list of awards and winners for this year’s parade, sponsored by the Gerry 5. 1st place Original in memory of Ron Champlin | Goodnight Marblehead: Ella Parker Reid 2nd place Original in memory of Stu Curtis/James Mathews/Buster Doxey | Superhero girls: Eleanor Finkle, Harper McCool, Char Dolce, Lydia Fall, Eloise Blaisdell, Catherin Greely
3rd place Original in memory of John Banks/Vi Colella/Midge Flashbart | Welcome to the USA giant pancdas: Elizabeth Quatrano, David Quatrano
1st place Current Events in memory of Paul O’Shaughnessy | “Inside Out”
All the Feels for Marblehead: Polly Read, Lily Fisher, Ruby Fisher, Paul Towler, Riley Santalucia, Grace Santalucia, Rosie Read, Alice Read
2nd place Current Events in memory of Lloyd Caswell/Bob Deliski/Cora O’Shaughnessy/ Billy Mahoney | Celtics Rolling Rally: Jackson Mentuck, Madison Mentuck, Mia Tentindo, Hunter Tentindo
3rd place Current Events in memory of Sylvia Asher/ Franny Roach/Helen St. Pierre | USA Olympics: Eloise Gummere, Juliette Gummere, Penelope Gummere, Charlotte Gummere
1st place Historic/Patriotic in memory of Michael Butler
| General George Washington vs. the Red Coat: Arlo MacLochlainn, Cameron Innis 2nd place Historic/Patriotic in memory of Wayne & David Martin | Red White and Shades of Blue: Vivienne Smith, Lilah Smith, Luca Smith 3rd place Historic/Patriotic in memory of Tusky & Ralph Dodge/Tina & Jim Foss | In My Patriotic Era: Ainsley Fuller, Lilyelle Fuller, P.K. Friend, Coralie Best theme/costume made by a child or children in memory of Jake Moore | The Great (Leaf) Blower Debate of 2024: Fionna Harrah, Henry Harrah, Josh Thompson, Haddie Binder, Kellan Binder, Emmie Coddaire, Brendan Coddaire, Nora Merin, Abbey Merin
referred to as a cannon license.
It’s really just a certificate of competency,” Soule explained, seated at a table set up in a yard for a Fourth of July cookout. His expertise proved crucial, as state regulations require licensed supervision for cannons with bores larger than one inch in diameter.
Soule’s involvement with artillery spans more than six decades, deeply intertwined with both military service and Marblehead’s history. He served one enlistment in the U.S. Army from 1960 to 1965, completing three years of active duty followed by three years in the reserves.
During his service, Soule honed his firearms skills, qualifying as an expert with the M1 Garand rifle and as a sharpshooter with the M1 carbine. This military experience laid the foundation for his later expertise with historical artillery.
expert
when Soule supervised the
“I came home from service still too young to drink in Massachusetts,” Soule recalled, noting he was only 20 years old when he completed his active duty.
“And then had finished my six year commitment and I received my honorable discharge in 1965 at the end of my inactive service in 1965,” said Soule. That was the year that President Lyndon B. Johnson started shipping companies to Vietnam.”
Marblehead Artillery Company
Soule’s interest in historical artillery blossomed after his service. He began his
involvement with the Marblehead Artillery Company reenactment group in the 1960s, separate from the well-known Glover’s Regiment.
His daughters, Kendra Barnett and Kristen Soule, shared memories of growing up in town around the artillery company.
“This was like our whole growing up,” Barnett reminisced, flipping through old photo albums showcasing the company’s activities over the years.
Soule’s experience extends beyond local reenactments. He has been involved in numerous historical events in town and throughout New England. He has fired cannons for USS Constitution demonstrations and special events on battleships.
“We fired for the Constitution twice in Boston and when she came into Marblehead,” Soule recalled, speaking to the historic vessel’s visit to Marblehead Harbor on July 20-21 in 1997.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Glover’s Regiment member Larry Sands, left, shakes hands with resident and cannon-firing
Terry Soule on the Fourth of July,
firing of a 26-pounder cannon. The left photo depicts Soule in his Marblehead Artillery Company garb in the 1970s.
COURTESY PHOTO / KIRA KAY
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
scene captured during the Horribles Parade.
Air horns, accidents and keyed vehicles
WILL DOWD
BY
COMPILED
Excerpts from the Marblehead police log June 17 -July 3. Consistent with state law, police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.
June 17
1:23 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello responded to a report of an attempted phone scam. A resident received a voicemail from someone claiming to be from Walmart about a problem with a $900 PlayStation purchase she never made. When she called back, she was given a “case number” and referred to another person claiming to be from Social Security who said she needed a new SS number to avoid money laundering charges. The resident became suspicious and stopped providing information, though she had sent a picture of her military ID and provided her bank name. She alerted her bank to monitor her account. Picariello documented the incident and advised the resident to remain vigilant.
5 p.m. — Officers responded to Atlantic Avenue for a report of a motor vehicle striking a pedestrian. Officer Tyler Bates interviewed the driver, who allegedly stated he was making a left turn from Barnard Street onto Atlantic Avenue when he struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk. Witnesses corroborated the driver’s account, estimating the vehicle’s speed at 5-10 mph. The pedestrian was attended to by emergency medical services. Bates documented the incident and gathered statements from all involved parties.
June 18
12:42 a.m. — Officer Christopher Adkerson responded to Camille Terrace for a report of an attempted break-in of a motor vehicle caught on security camera. The vehicle owner was awakened by his car alarm and reviewed footage showing someone attempting to open the locked vehicle’s doors before fleeing between nearby houses. The suspect was only described as wearing a backpack. No entry was made to any vehicles and nothing was taken.
8:53 a.m. — Officer Douglas Mills responded to Gerry Street for a disabled motor vehicle. A driver reported her front left tire had become detached as she was
driving uphill. Mills found the vehicle safely pulled over and the driver uninjured. The vehicle owner arranged for a tow. Mills documented the incident for insurance purposes if needed.
1:21 p.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney responded to Orne Street where a resident reported a cast iron garden decoration had been knocked over. It was unclear if this was intentional or an attempted theft. Sweeney helped place the item back and advised the resident to consider installing security cameras.
7:32 p.m. — Officer Nicholas Michaud responded to Riverside Drive for a report of a past road rage incident. A resident reported witnessing a landscaping company vehicle run a stop sign at an intersection, nearly causing a collision.
7:14 p.m. — Officer Dean Peralta responded to Front Street for a report of identity fraud. An elderly resident had received an email claiming her personal information was compromised. She was instructed to call a number, where someone claimed her bank account was hacked and linked to illegal activities. The scammer coached her into withdrawing $7,000 and shipping it to an address in California. Peralta attempted to stop the shipment and advised the victim on immediate steps to take, including contacting her bank and being at the shipping store first thing in the morning to try and intercept the package.
June 20
8:04 a.m. — Officer Dean Peralta responded to Stramski Way for a report of property damage. A town employee using a weed trimmer had accidentally caused a rock to strike and damage a nearby vehicle’s window. Peralta facilitated information exchange between parties and documented the incident for potential insurance purposes.
6:29 p.m. — Officer Michael Farewell responded to Atlantic Avenue for a disturbance involving a food delivery driver.
A restaurant owner showed security footage of a driver allegedly becoming verbally abusive when told an order wasn’t ready. The driver left at an unsafe speed. Farewell documented the incident and advised the owner on steps to bar the driver from future pickups.
June 21
2:15 p.m. — Officer Sean Sweeney met with a resident
at the police station regarding alleged credit card fraud. The resident reported receiving packages they didn’t order, purchased with their credit card. They also received a call from someone impersonating a U.S. Marshal attempting to get them to move money between accounts. Sweeney advised on contacting relevant financial institutions and strategies for verifying law enforcement contacts in the future. The incident remains under investigation.
5:04 p.m. — Officers Andrew DiMare and Nicholas Michaud responded to Bonad Road for a single-car accident. They found a vehicle allegedly had crashed through multiple yards before coming to rest against a tree. The elderly driver appeared confused about her destination. Officers facilitated medical evaluation, though the driver refused treatment. The vehicle was towed, and officers documented extensive property damage. The incident remains under investigation.
June 24
2:15 p.m. — Officer Sean Sweeney met with a resident at the police station regarding ongoing harassment. The resident reported a neighbor on multiple occasions blasted an air horn when their dogs barked. Sweeney explained the process for obtaining a harassment prevention order and spoke with the neighbor, who agreed to stop using the air horn. The animal control officer was notified about the barking complaints. The situation will be monitored for any further incidents.
June 25
4:57 p.m. — Officer Dean Peralta responded to Mount Vernon Street for a report of a suspicious person. A resident reported that earlier in the day, a man had entered their home through a back door, dropped some mail and quickly left when confronted by a barking dog. The suspect was described as tall and wearing a blue shirt. Peralta advised the resident to call police immediately if the man was seen again.
June 26
9:07 a.m. — Officer Sean Sweeney conducted a traffic stop on Ocean Avenue after observing a vehicle allegedly pass another car and run a red light. The driver was found to only possess a learner’s permit and was driving alone illegally. Sweeney arranged for a licensed driver
to take control of the vehicle and documented the traffic violations for follow-up action.
June 27
9:22 a.m. — Officers responded to the intersection of Tedesco Street and Leggs Hill Road for a report of a motor vehicle striking a bicyclist. Officer Sean Sweeney interviewed all parties involved and witnesses. The bicyclist, a minor, had entered a crosswalk suddenly, and the driver was unable to stop in time. No serious injuries were reported, though the bicycle was damaged. Sweeney documented the incident and advised all parties on follow-up procedures.
June 28
3:45 p.m. — Officer Andrew DiMare met with a resident at the police station regarding suspicious activity. The resident reported finding a “slow down” sign placed on their porch and a driveway reflector inside their home. DiMare advised on home security measures and documented the incident for further investigation.
7:09 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello responded to Nicholson Street where a resident reported concerns about construction scaffolding from a neighboring property allegedly encroaching on their land. Picariello advised the resident to contact the building inspector regarding permits and property lines. The incident was documented for follow-up if needed.
June 29
11:55 a.m. — Officer Samuel Rizos met with a resident at the police station regarding online fraud. The resident reported unauthorized charges made on their Facebook Marketplace account and subsequent interactions with individuals claiming to help resolve the fraud. Rizos advised on securing online accounts, reporting the incident to relevant authorities, and monitoring for any further suspicious activity. The case remains under investigation.
5:04 p.m. — Officers Andrew DiMare and Nicholas Michaud responded to Bonad Road for a single-vehicle accident. An elderly driver allegedly lost control, driving through multiple yards before coming to rest against a tree. Officers facilitated medical evaluation and arranged for the vehicle to be towed. Property damage was documented, and the incident remains under investigation.
June 30
8:09 a.m. — Officer Nicholas Michaud responded to Community Road for a report of vandalism at the Jewish Community Center. Tables and chairs at the pickleball courts had been tossed around, with one table damaged. Michaud documented and photographed the scene. The incident is under investigation.
12:10 p.m. — Officer Andrew DiMare met with a resident at the police station regarding alleged, ongoing harassment via social media. The resident reported an acquaintance creating multiple fake accounts to contact them and their friends. DiMare advised on obtaining a harassment prevention order and documenting further incidents. The case remains open for investigation.
July 2
10:45 a.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney met with a resident at the police station regarding an alleged stolen license plate. The resident had received a towing bill for a vehicle they did not own, leading them to discover their boat trailer’s plate was missing. Sweeney ran the plate number and found recent inquiries from neighboring police departments. He advised the resident to file a stolen plate report with the relevant department and to provide any additional information they discover. The investigation is ongoing.
July 3
9:30 a.m. — Officer Douglas Mills met with a resident at the police station to report vandalism to their vehicle. The car had been “keyed” in multiple locations while parked on Hawkes Street. Mills documented the damage and searched for potential security cameras in the area. The investigation is ongoing.
6:10 p.m. — Officer James Donovan met with a resident at the police station regarding ongoing neighbor disputes. The resident sought information on obtaining a harassment prevention order but had not experienced new incidents since their last report. Donovan explained the court process for obtaining a harassment order and suggested considering mediation services. The resident was advised of their options for addressing the situation through official channels.
teachers. The School Committee approved $25,000 for the investigation. Member Sarah Fox had hoped the investigation could be completed by the new school year in September, but Robidoux didn’t think that was possible, especially given that teachers who might be interviewed are on vacation.
MCAS vote this fall
On July 11, the Massachusetts Teachers Union announced it had enough signatures to get a measure on the state ballot this fall to replace the MCAS graduation requirement. Robidoux shared his feelings on MCAS.
“As an assessment tool to determine acquisition of taught material related to the Massachusetts curriculum frameworks and as an accountability tool, I see some of the merits, although I have always felt it is not created, or administered, in an equitable manner,” Robidoux wrote in an
email after a sitdown interview.
“For example, assessing students with significant disabilities or English language learners
using this tool, and attaching it to attainment of a high school diploma, does not represent fair and equitable treatment of all
“ I see some of the merits, although I have always felt it is not created, or administered, in an equitable manner. ”
New interim Superintendent John Robidoux on MCAS
students.”
He continued, “I would say, however, that until, or unless, there is an assessment that is developed that is totally free from biases and assesses all students in an equitable manner, MCAS is the tool that is available that will keep districts from potentially watering down graduation expectations and a tool for measuring accountability.”
Summer retreat
Robidoux is planning a threeday retreat later this month with his administrative team, which is made up mostly of new faces. Lisa Marie Ippolito is the new assistant superintendent of student services, and Mike Pfferifflinerg is the assistant superintendent of finance and operations. Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira is entering her second year in her position.
“We’ll be doing goal setting for the upcoming year and having good, solid conversations on how we start the new school year, focusing on areas of growth and development,” Robidoux explained.
A father of five, Robidoux lives in Barrington, Rhode Island. That makes for quite a commute.
“It’s about 90 minutes right now,” said Robidoux, who listens to Spotify on his drives.
He’s been in education now for more than 20 years and remembers his sixth-grade teacher Mr. Nolan in Barrington.
“He taught science and social studies,” Robidoux said, smiling.
“He taught us the names of all the countries in the world and their capitals, and all the U.S. states and their capitals. In science, he taught us anatomy, which I really loved. He was a big influence.”
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
New interim Superintendent John Robidoux has started work at the school district’s administration building.
Robidoux
From P. A1
Thomas K. Martin, 84
Thomas Kenneth Martin, 84, of Marblehead passed away on July 8. He was the beloved husband of Karen (Brown) Martin with whom he shared 58 years of marriage. Born in Salem, he was the son of the late Kenneth and Barbara (Ingalls) Martin.
He was the devoted father of Kenneth and his wife, Deborah, of Chesapeake, Virginia, and
Jill (May) Weber, 66
Jill (May) Weber, 66, passed away peacefully at home in Marblehead surrounded by her family on June 8, after a sevenyear battle with metastatic breast cancer. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, David Weber, daughter Erin McCarthy, son-in-law James McCarthy and grandson Everett McCarthy, all of Marblehead. In addition, she leaves behind her sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Janice Weber and husband Ted Andersen; Barbara Hull and husband Dan; Wendy Beck and husband Rick; and Tom Pirwitz; plus nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jill was born on Oct. 25, 1957 in Madison, Wisconsin, to Paul and Frances (Holte) May, who preceded her in death. Jill graduated LaFollette High School in 1975 and went on to study education at the University of Wisconsin where she met her husband, Dave. They both graduated in December, 1979, and were married on Jan. 5, 1980, taking much pride in being the first married couple in the history of the UW Marching Band.
After short stints in Virginia,
Franklin Elias Huntress, Jr., 91
Scott Martin of Marblehead; the cherished grandfather of Travis and Amanda; greatgrandfather of Zoey and Kyleigh, all of Virginia; and brother Peter
Massachusetts and Ohio, Jill and Dave returned to Massachusetts for good in 1986, where they welcomed daughter, Erin, to their Cambridge home. Along the way, Jill earned her MBA at the University of Dayton and her master’s in education at Harvard University. She taught in public schools and worked with Lexis-Nexis early in her career, followed by leadership roles as technology director in Cambridge and Salem schools. Eventually she moved into educational development and research, retiring as vice president of the Education Development Center (EDC) in Newton.
After having spent a decade sailing out of Newport, Rhode Island, they were excited to move from Cambridge to Marblehead in 1996, where they
It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Franklin Elias Huntress Jr., 91. Born in Newton, he was the son of Franklin E. Huntress and Nancy Shafer Huntress. Franklin was raised in Swampscott and Marblehead, with summers in Sandwich on
Alicia Ellen (Harkins) Canniffe, 85, former owner of Stowaway Sweets
Alicia Ellen (Harkins) Canniffe passed away on July 9 after a brief illness. She leaves her husband and best friend of 61 years, John Michael “Mike” Canniffe. They lived in Marblehead and were
Martin and his late wife Linda of Lompoc, California. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
He grew up in Marblehead and Santa Barbara, California, and graduated from Santa Barbara High School with the class of 1958 and served in the U.S. Navy, YN3, CINC PAC, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii from 1959-1961. He raised his family in Marblehead and worked as a dispatcher and clerk for Boston Gas for many years until his retirement. He was a dedicated member of the Danvers Fish and Game
continued to sail in waters north of Boston and “downeast” to Maine. Jill loved Marblehead history, especially living in General John Glover’s home for a number of years and was quick to share that love with friends and complete strangers she encountered around town.
When a “mid-life crisis” hit Jill, her love of all things equestrian came back into her life. They moved to West Newbury to enjoy riding and caring for three Friesian horses at Hunters Haven Farm where Jill loved spending time, even after her diagnosis made riding impossible. Jill’s mom (Nana) eventually moved from Wisconsin to Massachusetts in 2013, where she enjoyed being closer to her loving family for the last years of her life.
Jill was blessed to be a part of James and Erin’s wedding in 2018, as well as the birth of her only grandchild, Everett, in 2021, who lovingly called her “Gaga.” She was also proud to watch Erin run the Boston Marathon as part of the Dana Farber team to fundraise for cancer research.
After retirement, she and Dave returned to Marblehead in 2021, where they reconnected with their love of the ocean and Jill was able to realize another bucket list goal— a blue sailboat! While
Cape Cod. Educated at Governor Dummer Academy, followed by Colby College and Berkley Divinity School at Yale University.
Franklin’s academic pursuits laid the foundation for his lifelong calling as an Episcopal priest. His ministry spanned New England, New York and Great Britain, including his favorite place, Westminster Abbey. Franklin served honorably in the U.S. Army, medical branch, where his commitment to care and service was evident.
parishioners at Star of the Sea in Marblehead for the last 60 years. She leaves a brother, Thomas Harkins (Barbara), from Needham.
She prioritized her children, raising them to be independent, trustworthy and productive.
Club and volunteered for many years as an assistant Boy Scouts master for Troop 11. He enjoyed photography and was an avid reader of Naval History. Thomas cherished his time spent with family and friends on family vacations, including on annual camping trips to Papoose Pond, Maine, from 1981-2023, multiple cross -country trips on Amtrak, annual trips to various duty stations where his son, Ken, was stationed in the Navy and skiing trips to New Hampshire and Maine. Visiting hours will be held on
declining health made longer sailing cruises impossible, she enjoyed introducing Everett to sailing aboard PERSEVERANCE, aptly named for Jill’s passionate love of life and strong will. Although it didn’t quite beat daughter Erin’s first sail at six days old, she was always proud that Everett, at two months old, was part of the delivery crew to bring PERSEVERANCE from Maine to her new home in Marblehead Harbor.
In addition to sailing, horses, Norwegian heritage and being an avid fan of Wisconsin sports, Jill had many other joys in life: raising dogs, playing and watching golf, skiing, reading and hosting parties. Interior decorating was a well-developed passion, especially given the 14 homes she and Dave shared over their 44 years together, including two short stints living aboard their boat in Boston Harbor. But nothing made Jill happier than being with her family, especially around the holidays. She was the most extravagant holiday planner, whether it was spending months putting together the perfect clue-based Easter egg hunts or building larger than life advent calendars, she truly enjoyed the gift of giving. Christmas was a favorite time for decorating both inside and
In addition to his professional and military life, Franklin was deeply rooted in his community and cherished the time he spent with family and friends in Marblehead. He is survived by his younger brother, Frederick A. Huntress, and his sister-in-law, Linda Owens Huntress. He was preceded in death by his sister, Nathalie Ann Close Samulski. He is also survived by three nephews, three nieces and 19 great- and grand-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at the Parish of Christ Church
Tuesday, July 16, 10-11:30 a.m., at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., followed by a funeral service in the funeral home at 11:30 a.m. Interment will follow at Waterside Cemetery, 294 West Shore Drive. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation via firehero.org or Homes For Troops via hfotusa.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Martin family.
outside the house, most recently creating the array of seasonal decorations for a massive driftwood piece in her front yard on Cliff Street that is enjoyed by the many dog walkers, joggers and boaters who frequent the shipyard neighborhood. Please join us in remembering and celebrating Jill’s life at any of the following activities. Visitation will be held at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., on Tuesday, July 23, from 5-8 p.m. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, July 24 at Old North Church, 35 Washington St., followed by a lunch reception at the Marblehead Yacht Club, 4 Cliff St.
The family would like to share their deep appreciation for Dr. Nancy Lin and her team at Dana Farber, for their loving care over the past seven years, as well as the many colleagues at Mass General Brigham in Salem and Boston, and Care Dimensions Hospice. In lieu of flowers and gifts, the family invites donations to be made in Jill’s name to Dr. Lin’s Metastatic Breast Cancer Research Fund at Dana Farber: danafarber.jimmyfund.org/ goto/jillwebermemorial. Fond memories and condolences for Jill’s family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
in Andover on Tuesday, July 30, at 11 a.m. The family would like to thank the Beverly Hospital and the Herrick House for their kindness, care and support. Franklin leaves behind a legacy of kindness, a commitment to service and a life richly lived. His memory will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his generous spirit. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Franklin’s loved ones.
She ran and owned Stowaway Sweets, a candy business in Marblehead, for over 30 years, raised four daughters, Ann Stewart (James) of Wiscasset, Maine; Elizabeth Aurensan (Bernard) of Fort Myers, Florida; Julie Davis (Kevin) Chantilly, Virginia; and Catherine Mann (William) Marblehead;, and a son, John Canniffe (Karen) New Providence, New Jersey. She enjoyed 10 grandchildren (Gabrielle, Maeve, Alexander, Grace, Frederick, Julia, Rosalie, Neeve, Lucy and Marielle) and was blessed with two amazing and energetic greatgrandchildren (Charlotte and Colton). She leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their extended families across the
country. She knew everyone’s candy order and where most of her customer’s children went to college. In her spare time, she volunteered for Catholic Charities and helped single mothers navigate life. Yes, she was incredible.
Born in Boston on Feb. 25, 1939, to John Frederick and Alice (McCormack) Harkins, she met her husband at 14 while in Marblehead for the summer. She graduated from Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury and Emmanuel College in Boston before becoming an elementary school teacher. She enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling, especially to the warmth of
Florida, connecting people and family game night. She actually hated games but would play with her children occasionally because she loved them.
She enjoyed walking, especially the causeway to Marblehead Neck. She loved her husband, cared for her family and helped her community be a better place. Visiting hours for Alicia will be held Wednesday, July 17, from 5-7 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm Street. Her funeral mass will be celebrated July 18 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Alicia’s family.
quality to reproduce well in print. Generally, an image file created by a digital camera or smartphone will be fine; images copied from websites will not. OBIT uARy Su BMISSION POlIC y
The Marblehead Current publishes obituaries online for free and in its print edition for a flat fee of $300. Submissions or inquiries should be sent to notices@
marbleheadnews.org.
Submissions should include the name of the funeral home serving the deceased’s family, along with a daytime phone number for
a person to contact, in case we have any questions about the obituary. Photos, preferably in JPEG format, are welcome. Photos should be of high enough
Arts Association hosts annual Summer Members Show
BY BENJI BOYD
The annual Marblehead Arts Association Summer Members Show is up and open to the public at the King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St., through Aug. 4. The exhibit features all kinds of artwork. The MAA is free and open to all Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m.
The MAA hosts two member shows per year — one in the winter and one in the summer. Its summer shows are always bursting with color, variety and natural scenery. Many local artists seek to capture life in Marblehead by depicting scenes from around town and on the water. Others take inspiration from travels abroad, personal connections and even abstract imagery. From photography to oil paint to wearable art, all mediums are welcome.
The show is spread out through the three stories of the King Hooper Mansion, and organized so each piece gets its own home alongside other pieces of similar nature. The first floor features beautiful watercolors, local scenes, abstract paintings, mixed media sculptures, jewelry, portraits and even crocheted fashion.
Among the pieces receiving an honorable mention from this year’s judges is Patty Kuzbida’s 3D creation, “The Pearly Gates.”
The piece combines gold, pearls, cherubs, doves and writing to create a miniature entrance to heaven that reads “Welcome children and dogs! Come right in . . . Welcome all others! Please have your references ready.”
The show continues on the second floor, along with the “Painting the Town” Festival of Arts exhibit and a solo show of the work of rising high
school freshman Fiona Barr in the Cushman Gallery. Barr’s show, “Look Closer,” features colorful pieces of varying levels of abstraction that utilize paint, colored pencil, markers, beads, tape and more. The nature of the pieces, along with the name of the exhibit, encourage viewers to lean in to search for hidden imagery and messages, including “You’re beautiful,” “You always stare at your feet” and “This painting is not a robot.”
The third floor ballroom displays the rest of the members work, including stunning mixed media pieces, abstract
art and photography. Richard Ventre’s posed photo “Rebecca/ Bachante 1, After Tiepolo” received a judge’s choice award for its unique composition and beautiful editing. It shows a smiling woman who appears to float through the clouds while holding a bunch of grapes and a small gold cup.
Along with its member show and other exhibits, the MAA continues to hold jazz musicians on Thursday nights, the next up being Donna Byrne on July 18 at 7 p.m. Tickets for shows, as well as information about upcoming exhibits, are available at marbleheadarts.org.
MCC’sphilosophyisthatchildrenlearn best through play.Seeking enthusiastic, dedicatedprofessionalswho will engage in andupholdour mission Acollaborative &suppor tive environmentwith theopportunitytodevelop teaching skillsthrough education&training Please contact gail@marbleheadchildrenscenter.com 781-631-1954 Forinfoabout salary +benefits (includingfreechildcarefor full time employees).
CURRENT PHOTOS / BENJI BOYD
Judy Robinson-Cox’s “Phyllis A by Moonlight” depicts a moonlit night using mixed media.
Patty Kuzbida’s “Pearly Gates” received an honorable mention from the judges of this year’s member show.
Fiona Barr’s mixed media piece “Look” hangs in the Cushman Gallery at the King Hooper Mansion.
