Special Town Meeting set for November
BY WILL DOWD
Marblehead will stage a special Town Meeting in November to reconsider the MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal that narrowly failed at the annual Town Meeting in May.
Select Board member Dan Fox revealed the news during a joint public meeting of the Fair Housing Committee and the Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee.
“We are planning to go in November for a special town meeting,” Fox said. “We are
trying to figure out an exact time ... whether that’s Monday, Thursday or Saturday.”
The Select Board is expected to officially vote on the special Town Meeting in September.
Marblehead has not convened a special Town Meeting since 2020. The one before that was in 2005. While Fox highlighted the 3A issue, he indicated that additional articles could potentially be included on the warrant as well.
Once the Select Board officially opens the warrant, residents will also have the opportunity to submit citizen
petitions for consideration.
The MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal, which would create three, multifamily housing districts in town, failed by 33 votes at the May Town Meeting. The defeat puts Marblehead at risk of losing state funding for various programs if it does not comply with the Act’s requirements by Dec. 31.
Fox emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue before the end of the year, citing potential impacts on crucial infrastructure projects.
“If we don’t pass the zoning in
We asked interim Superintendent John Robixous and all five principals about their back-to-school traditions.
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux
What is your goal for this school year?
My goal is to start the year with our new team of administrators and educators on a positive note and ensure that everyone has a sense of belonging within our Marblehead school community!
Do you still get first-day jitters?
order to be compliant with the state, we start losing funding for a number of programs,” Fox said.
He specifically mentioned an $11 million Village Street Bridge project as being at risk.
Posting to X on Aug. 9, Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell called the MBTA Communities law “a critical tool in solving our state’s housing crisis.”
She added, “Compliance with our laws isn’t optional,” noting that “the majority of communities are taking steps to come into compliance.”
Campbell’s post linked to a
story on the Commonwealth Beacon website, which describes Marblehead’s neighbor to the south, Winthrop, as the “latest front in MBTA Communities fight.”
The Fair Housing and Housing Production Plan Implementation committees discussed strategies to improve messaging and build support for the zoning proposal ahead of the special town meeting. Officials said they believed misinformation played a role in the town’s initial rejection and stressed the need
Back to school
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Students in Marblehead head back to school Sept. 3 with several new district leaders at the helm, including interim Superintendent John Robidoux, who started July 1.
Custodians have been working all summer to prepare school buildings, and teachers have spent days in their classrooms getting ready to welcome students. Administrators have worked through the summer on schedules, trainings, agendas, goals and plans.
The district faces several challenges, too, including educators and custodians working without a contract, lawsuits, an antisemitism investigation and 39 unfilled positions (as of Aug. 23), including classroom teachers and special education staff. Teachers’ contracts are set to expire Aug. 31. The custodians have been working without a deal since June 30. Negotiations over the spring and summer have
ZONINg CON tROVERs Y
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux: “An exciting time.”
Marblehead High School, Principal Michele Carlson’s favorite tradition is “welcoming the freshman students.”
School teacher
Town runs out of free COVID tests in three days
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Amid a surge in COVID cases nationally and locally, Marblehead residents picked up 1,000 free COVID test kits from the Health Department last week.
Public Health Director Andrew Petty tells the Current that he is
asking the state for more.
“We are seeing an increase [in cases], but this follows the regular trend of COVID at this time,” Petty said. Typically, COVID rates start to steadily increase beginning in November through late January, he added.
Residents were allowed one COVID test box, containing two tests, per household.
For people who do test positive for COVID, Petty shared guidance from the state about how to prevent spread of the virus. You can find that info at https://loom.
ly/A5IqRZg.
Polls to open for state primary on Sept. 3
underway at Abbot
Hall
BY WILL DOWD
While many races on Marblehead’s Sept. 3 state primary ballot are uncontested, voters face choices in the Essex County clerk of courts and register of deeds contests. These often-overlooked positions play critical roles in the county’s judicial and administrative systems.
In the Democratic primary for Essex County clerk of courts, incumbent Thomas H. Driscoll Jr., who has held the position since 2001, faces a challenge from James FX Doherty, an attorney and former Beverly city councilor. Driscoll, of Swampscott, brings extensive legal and public service experience to the role. His background includes work as an assistant district attorney for Essex County and positions at several law firms in the area. He has also been active in various community organizations and retirement boards.
Doherty advocates for making the clerk of courts position appointed rather than elected and supports implementing term limits. The clerk of courts is responsible for maintaining court records and overseeing court operations.
The race for register of deeds in the Essex Southern District features two Democratic candidates with diverse backgrounds. Eileen R. Duff, the current governor’s councilor for the 5th District, brings extensive experience in public service and real estate. Her opponent is Joseph Michael Gentleman III, a veteran with over 20 years of experience working at the Southern Essex District Registry of Deeds.
Duff, a Peabody native, has served six terms on the Governor’s Council since 2012. She holds a master’s degree in management and a doctoral degree in ministry. Her campaign emphasizes her experience working at the intersection of housing, courts and public policy.
“I’m proud of what I have been able to accomplish while a member of the Governor’s Council,” Duff said. “I worked across the aisle with Democratic and Republican administrations to bring fairness and common sense into the Massachusetts justice system.” Duff has pledged herself to focus on customer service, communication and leveraging technology to improve the registry’s operations. She aims to expand education and outreach efforts to help residents protect their property titles and deeds.
Gentleman, a Lynn native and current Peabody resident, brings experience from within the registry itself. He worked under long-time Register of Deeds John O’Brien and has experience in all departments, including registered land. Gentleman is a U.S. Navy veteran and has held leadership roles in
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce has announced its 2024 Community Award winners. They are: Rey Moulton Person of the Year: Retired veterans agent Dave Rodgers Business of the Year: Harbor Light Inn Frank Regan Community Service Award: Marblehead dispatcher and Wreaths Across America Marblehead founder Teresa Collins
various community organizations, including serving as the current president of the Lynn Lions Club.
Gentleman said he is running to help fight fraud and protect home ownership, to follow the indexing standards required in all Massachusetts registries, and to lead one of the best run registries in the state. He emphasizes the importance of enhancing online security and ensuring accessibility of registry services.
Both candidates highlight their commitment to protecting homeowners and improving registry operations, offering voters a choice between external governance experience and internal operational knowledge.
The register of deeds oversees the recording and maintenance of all property records and real estate transactions for the southern district of Essex County. This office plays a crucial role in protecting property rights and facilitating real estate business in the region.
Voters in Marblehead will join the rest of Massachusetts in casting their ballots in the state primary election on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The primary will determine the candidates for each party who will appear on the ballot in the Nov. 5 general election.
Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. at three locations in Marblehead:
Precinct 1: Old Town House, One Market Square
Precincts 2 and 3: Abbot Hall Auditorium, 188 Washington St.
» Precincts 4, 5 and 6: Judy & Gene Jacobi
Community Center, 10 Humphrey St.
Voters must cast their ballots at their designated polling precinct, which can be found on the Massachusetts Election Division’s website bit.ly/3VcIOsW.
In addition to the county-level races, Marblehead voters will choose candidates for the following offices:
Nonprofit Organization of the Year: Abbot Library Foundation, which supported the library’s $10 million renovation Harbor Award: Jordan’s Launch Special recognition: Bette Hunt, Marblehead historian
The recipients will be celebrated at the Chamber’s 72nd annual meeting and celebration on Thursday, Sept. 26, 5:30 p.m., at the Corinthian Yacht Club.
For more information, visit marbleheadchamber.org.
» U.S. senator: Democratic incumbent Elizabeth Warren faces no primary opposition. The Republican ballot features a three-way race between Robert J. Antonellis, Ian Cain and John Deaton.
U.S. representative (6th District): Democratic incumbent Seth Moulton is unopposed in the primary.
» State senator (3rd Essex District): Democratic incumbent Brendan Crighton is unopposed in the primary. State representative (8th Essex District): Democratic incumbent Jenny Armini faces no primary challengers.
» Governor’s councilor (6th District): Democratic incumbent Terrence W. Kennedy, an attorney who has served on the council since 2010, is running unopposed. The Governor’s Council provides advice and consent on gubernatorial appointments, pardons, commutations and treasury warrants.
Voters will receive one of three party ballots — Democratic, Republican or Libertarian — based on their registered party affiliation. Unaffiliated voters can choose a party ballot at their polling place or indicate their preference in their vote-bymail application.
The deadline to register to vote in the primary was Aug. 24. The last day to apply for a mail-in ballot was Aug. 26. But if you already have a mail-in ballot, it just needs to be returned to the town clerk’s office by the time the polls close on Sept. 3.
Mail-in ballots may also be returned by hand during early voting hours at the town clerk’s office at Abbot Hall, which began Aug. 24. Remaining early voting hours are as follows:
» Wednesday, Aug. 28, 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
» Thursday, Aug. 29, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
» Friday, Aug. 30, 8:30 a.m.-noon.
CURRENT ILLUSTRATION / WILL DOWD
A collage of candidates featured on Marblehead’s ballots for the state primary election on Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Opinion
EDItORIAL
The future of civic engagement is evolving
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift towards offering both in-person and remote access to public meetings across the state. A 2023 survey revealed that over half of city councils, select boards and school committees in Massachusetts now hold hybrid or fully remote meetings. This trend reflects a growing recognition of the need for flexible participation options.
However, some Marblehead boards, including the Board of Assessors, Cemetery Commission and Water and Sewer Commission, continue to conduct business exclusively in person. Proponents of this traditional approach argue that face-to-face meetings foster better communication, maintain decorum and are more productive. They also cite concerns about technological challenges and the costs associated with upgrading infrastructure.
On the other hand, accessibility advocates emphasize the importance of virtual options in ensuring inclusive participation. They argue that remote access is crucial for residents with disabilities, limited transportation or caregiving responsibilities that make physical attendance difficult.
The Marblehead League of Women Voters has voiced support for this broader push towards hybrid meetings, believing they remove barriers to civic engagement.
The debate extends beyond Marblehead, with state lawmakers considering bills that would require public bodies to provide hybrid access by 2030. These proposals include provisions for hardship waivers and the creation of a grant fund to assist communities with technology upgrades. However, organizations like the Massachusetts Municipal Association caution against a statewide mandate, arguing that communities need flexibility to determine the best format for their needs and resources.
Still, the success of remote participation during the pandemic proved that Marbleheaders are ready and willing to engage virtually when given the opportunity. It’s important to acknowledge the efforts of Marblehead officials in adapting to new technologies and prioritizing public safety. The Select Board’s swift move to a more secure webinar format following the Zoom bombing incidents demonstrates their commitment to maintaining open government while protecting meeting participants.
Arguments about the superiority of in-person interactions, while wellintentioned, fail to recognize the evolving nature of communication in our digital age.
In Marblehead, efforts to study and implement hybrid meetings have faced both support and resistance. An Article 44 Committee spent months examining the issue, recommending hybrid meetings at several municipal buildings and assessing technology needs. However, some officials and board members remain skeptical about the necessity and practicality of such changes.
The Article 44 Committee’s recommendation to conduct hybrid meetings in key municipal buildings is a sensible starting point. Yes, there will be costs involved in upgrading spaces like the Jacobi Community Center, but we must view this as an investment in our town’s democratic future, not an unnecessary expense.
Ultimately, the goal should be to create a more inclusive local government that serves all residents, regardless of their physical ability to attend meetings in person. As the debate continues, one thing is clear: the future of civic participation is evolving, and communities that adapt will be better equipped to engage all their citizens in the important work of local government.
Read more about Marblehead’s approach to hybrid meetings on Page 7.
EVERY tHINg WILL BE OKAY
Freed
BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM
The wildfire smoke from Canada that dimmed some of the August sunshine seemed aptly timed. Isn’t our late summer mindset supposed to be somewhat hazy and a bit lazy? Lazy. To me, the daughter of a milkman, that word is the ultimate disapprobation. Even as a young person dreaming about my future spouse, “hard worker” outstripped most other desired characteristics. And now, when my hardworking husband asks how my day was, I typically have two answers: “productive” or “not productive.”
This binary labeling is not unique to me. Several women I’ve talked to recently agreed that they, too, judge their days — and themselves — on a black-and-white productivity scale. Yet, the more my end-of-day answer is “not productive,” the more I sense this way of judging my use of time is, well, not productive. Can you guess how many weeks of life the average person has? If you live to the age of 80, the answer is about 4,000. If you want to make your heart pound irretrievably, take out a calculator and figure how many weeks you might have left. For me, it’s slightly less than one thousand. Holy moly, I better get cracking on that “to do” list.
Not so fast — literally — suggests author of the book “Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for
NEX t gENERAtION
Mortals,” Oliver Burkeman. He argues that overstuffing our days and lives actually leads to greater unhappiness and stress. He calls it a “productivity trap”: The more you do, the more you think you need to do more. And given human mortality, we will never, ever get it all done.
Burkeman commiserates that, “The average human lifespan is absurdly, terrifyingly, insultingly, short” and points to ancient and modern philosophers also citing the “brevity of life as the defining problem of human existence; we’ve been granted the mental capacity to make almost infinitely ambitious plans, yet practically no time at all to put them in to action.”
Thus, Burkeman suggests, arose the time management gurus and gadgets and gimmickry that aimed to give us some semblance of sanity and control, but instead are a “depressingly narrow-minded affair.”
Indeed, “the world is bursting with wonder,” he writes, “and yet it’s the rare productivity guru who seems to have considered the possibility that the ultimate point of all our frenetic doing might be to experience more of that wonder.”
I have bag-fulls of notepads and notebooks with agendas and to-do lists, some with color coding, some with numbered tabs, some leatherbound from the extravagantly priced Franklin Covey store, all filled to their last pages with all my frenetic doing.
Sometimes I write something down on my to-do list just so I can cross it off. If that’s not a warning sign I am firmly stuck in the productivity trap, I don’t know what is..
To get out of the trap, Burkeman offers a few tips:
1. Limit the number of goals we pursue at any one time.
2. Reframe the daily to-do list approach with a “have done” list. In other words, focus on your accomplishments, not what you haven’t achieved.
3. Acknowledge your reality as a limited human with limited time. The last one is hard to swallow, but Burkeman argues it’s actually liberating. “Working within the limits of your moment in history and your finite time and talents, you actually got around to doing — and made life more luminous for the rest of us by doing — whatever magnificent task or weird little thing it was that you came here for.”
I think I get it. The productivity trap — all the endless completing of tasks — is keeping us from our purpose, however big or small. Put the magnificent thing or the weird little thing — or just taking time to enjoy the wonders — at the top of our to-do lists, and they are more likely to end up on our “have done” lists — and result in our weeks being well and joyfully lived. Freed at last from the trap of our own making.
Virginia Buckingham is the president of the Current’s board of directors.
Current intern reflects on summer experience, future in journalism
BY LIA GORBACH
When I reached out to Leigh Blander in the late spring inquiring about a summer internship with the Current, I didn’t know what to expect.
This would be my first internship, my first “realworld” job in journalism, the major I am pursuing at the University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism.
An internship would break my streak of holding onto my student status and returning to my summer job at The Beach Club in Swampscott, a position I’ve held for five summers.
I decided to double up and work two jobs when Leigh officially offered me an internship position.
My first meeting with Leigh and Will Dowd at Mookie’s at Mugford Cafe was intimidating. I nervously waited on a red couch until they showed up with smiling faces and a contagious passion for journalism.
I immediately caught on to the fact that Leigh and Will operate as a strong team with one goal in common: report the news, and do it properly. I am grateful for their commitment to teaching me how to do the same.
This summer, I got to apply my skills from class to stories written about my hometown. I got to meet some amazing people and learn about nooks and crannies around town I previously had no idea existed.
The biggest takeaway from this summer was that the people in our town care, and they care a lot. Stephen Cooper’s dedication to the maintenance of the dog park is admirable. Jonathan Sherman’s appreciation for his craft is something that sticks with me. I commend Lisa Ginivisian’s commitment to volunteering for the Festival of the Arts and inspiring kids to create.
Another thing I’ve learned this summer is people don’t always like to hear the news. Reality is scary sometimes. We don’t want to believe the world is as dark as it is. We tend to take our worries and stresses out on the people who are breaking the facade of peace we so badly want to believe in. We resort to criticizing “another genius reporter” for writing about sharks in local waters. We roll our eyes when the latest article on an ongoing controversy reveals new information, insisting it’s “fake news.”
We forget that, in reality, there are reporters making
countless phone calls, scouring through public records and attending meetings to make sure everyone in town knows what’s going on.
In school, I’ve been taught a code of ethics written by the Society of Professional Journalists. The code instructs journalists to work on four principles: seek truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable and transparent. I think most people would agree these principles are valid.
Yet, when we seek the truth and discover it, some get mad at us. When we choose not to publish the name of a juvenile involved in a crime, we are chastised. When we report a significant story, some donors threaten to end their support.
Though we attribute the facts and quotes in our stories, the blame for any unhappiness with an article’s content falls on the reporter.
As I wrap up my time with the Current, I want to remind you that without the news, we don’t have a democracy. Imagine a world without the news. Imagine Marblehead
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Lia Gorbach at Mookie’s, where her summer internship with the Current began
‘Witnessing history’ as delegate at DNC
BY DIANN SLAVIT BAYLIS
I ran to represent our Congressional district at the Democratic National Convention as a committed delegate for Joe Biden. Instead, I ended up being a witness to history, as the Democratic Party nominated the first woman of color to ever represent a major political party in the United States as their candidate for president. It was an inspirational moment that speaks to who we are as a nation, and how far we have come.
The convention spanned four straight days, and every day reinformed for me how important this election is to our personal freedoms, democracy and the future. The Democratic ticket that is emerging from the convention exemplifies our need to “not go back” on our personal freedoms on issues such as reproductive rights, civil rights, voting rights and the right to live our lives free from gun violence. They are also focusing on economic growth, the cost of living and the preservation of democracy itself. The convention delivered this message
not just to the people who were in the room where it happened, but to the entire nation.
The first night featured a tribute to and speech by Joe Biden, whom history will record as one of our nation’s most effective and productive presidents.
Tuesday night featured a terrific address from former President Barack Obama, and an even better one by former First Lady Michelle Obama, who spoke eloquently about what is at stake in this election. Night three featured the acceptance speech of Vice Presidential Nominee and Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz, a guy who, as Barack Obama said, wears flannel shirts, not because some political consultant told him to, but because that is what’s in his closet, and those shirts have been through some stuff. One of my favorite moments was when Walz’s son pointed to the stage and said, “That’s my dad!”
He clearly takes pride in having a father who has spent his life focusing on the needs of others, not only himself.
On the final night, the convention hit its highest
‘This isn’t about NIMBY’
To the editor:
I am writing in support of an editorial letter recently submitted to your paper by Attorney John DiPiano.
I’m also concerned that last May’s Town Meeting vote rejecting Article 36 and the MBTA Communities Housing Act may come under consideration for a new vote later in the year.
Shopping for a different outcome on a vote fairly decided at Town Meeting seems disrespectful to the will of the public — the assumption appears to be that the public was poorly informed but the voters I saw attending Town Meeting seemed very aware of the implications of Article 36 and chose to reject it.
Town administrators may have forgotten Marblehead’s historic roots — this town was founded by people who opposed the laws of Britain. The ‘It’s the law” argument is unconvincing. Bad laws are often rejected.
But there are other aspects of this housing mandate that bother me and as a lifelong liberal Democrat this isn’t about NIMBY (Not in my backyard).
For starters, the bill was passed with the intent of building housing near public transportation. However the cookie-cutter housing formula passed by the Legislature does not work equally well for all towns serviced by the MBTA in the Commonwealth.
Marblehead is geographically unique and bottlenecked at both ends — it is difficult to navigate traffic now as anyone who has tried to drive West Shore Drive on a weekday morning can attest. The same is true of Atlantic Avenue almost any time of day. It is often a clogged parking lot.
As a remedy to our limited public transit access, the Marblehead housing proposal provides two car parking per unit. With the potential of 600 new housing units, that
notes, and Massachusetts was well-represented on the dance card. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark gave an important speech about the role that child care plays in our economy and in the lives of parents. Senator Elizabeth Warren spoke of Kamala Harris’ leadership in protecting families from bank fraud. And Governor (and former professional
represents a possible increase of 1200 cars in town.
Adding an additional 1200 cars to Marblehead seems like an environmental nightmare. Where is concern for air quality and the health of the environment?
The Chapter 40B state statute was also partly intended to reduce reliance on cars — the Marblehead housing proposal exacerbates it.
No one seems to be addressing this issue and it IS an issue.
Town administrators seem to unanimously favor this plan — more growth would appear to be a future fix-it for our financial woes.
But building a broader tax base to fill coffers depleted by lawsuits, poor decision-making, endless squabbling and sloppy fiscal management is a lousy way to run a town.
Another concern largely undiscussed in this rosecolored proposal is increased infrastructure costs; more police, more firefighters, expanded schools and a greater demand for other costly community services.
Additionally, the fact that Marblehead is densely settled is not an argument for MORE settlement (because we will barely notice the increase in population and cars). It’s an argument to protect what surviving open space remains.
Multiple towns have rejected the MBTA Communities Housing Ac. It seems poorly conceived and riddled with contradictions — less like a genuine remedy for today’s housing crisis and more like a sweetheart developers’ dream wrapped up in the sheeps clothing of enhanced public welfare.
Voters made their choice in May and irrespective of the opinions of town leaders and the bias of this newspaper the will of the people should be respected.
Any voting on this issue should remain suspended until after October when the State Supreme court makes its decision regarding Milton’s
backward. Because, as this convention has made clear, we’re not going back.
When I watched Kamala Harris’ speech I felt such pride that this country has an opportunity again to be a country for everyone.
Kamala Harris is a strong, principled candidate who, as president, will take us in a very different and more positive direction than the Project 2025 right wing agenda put forward by the other party. As an immigration attorney, I felt the urgency in her speech of how important it is to protect our nation’s future, not just for me, my kids, my family and my community, but for the ones that need to be protected most from the bullies of the right wing.
basketball player) Maura Healey spoke about the importance of staying on offense in the election.
And then, the big moment, Kamala Harris’ acceptance speech. The hall was packed, and the atmosphere was electric. The theme for that night was “For Our Future’, because this is a ticket that is focused on moving our country forward, not
challenge to the directive.
In the meantime, I agree with Milton. This 40B mandate seems to be excessive state overreach and an unconstitutional squelching of the long-held right of towns to self-determine expansion and quality of life for themselves.
Alicia Hart Pond Street
Zoning for a stronger Marblehead
To the editor:
Making Marblehead more accessible for young families is one of the many reasons to invest in and diversify the town’s housing stock. More housing means more economic activity and resulting revenues from a broader base of people, and therefore, less pressure on funding and more opportunities to invest in public goods like schools.
The debate over 3A zoning in Marblehead has sparked significant concern, particularly regarding its potential impact on public education. Opponents argue that new housing construction will lead to increased school enrollment, further stretching limited resources. However, this argument rests on several unproven assumptions and overlooks critical data.
Recent research from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council shows there is no direct correlation between housing construction and increased school enrollment. This is due to a statewide decline in the under-18 population, which fell by nearly 17% between 2010 and 2020. The declining schoolage population across the state means housing production is no longer a predictor of increased school enrollment.
Communities like Hopkinton and Lexington have increased their housing stock and resulting revenue collections while maintaining their status as top school districts in the state. Marblehead, by contrast,
future for all, a sharp contrast to the other party’s message of anger, retribution and division. This convention has put the Harris-Walz ticket on the right track, but now it’s up to all of us to get the hard work done. So put on your canvassing shoes, because it’s time to head to a swing state and knock on some doors, and to contribute to the campaign as generously as you can. As Michele Obama said on Tuesday night, don’t wait for someone to reach out and ask you to help – we all know what must be done.
This convention celebrated an important and historic moment in the history of our nation, in the fight to protect democracy, and in the never-ending struggle to build a fairer, more just society and a more perfect union. This convention displayed civility and the great diversity of this nation, with a message of hope that this country can unify and provide a better
has lagged in its utilization of new growth taxation, which may partially explain ongoing struggles with school funding.
The potential benefits of 3A zoning, including a broader tax base and stabilization of declining school enrollment, should be carefully weighed against largely speculative concerns about schools being too full. It’s time for Marblehead to consider how controlled growth could enhance, rather than hinder, the education system.
To learn more about the relationship between 3A zoning and school funding, visit the Marblehead Housing Coalition website: marbleheadhousingcoalition. com.
Brian Rooney Pilgrim Road
Setting the record straight on 3A
To the editor:
In response to Mr. John DiPiano’s letter, “Select Board is ‘hostile to democracy,’” published Aug. 11, bemoaning that democracy is being thwarted in Marblehead because the Select Board may convene a special town meeting to try to pass the comprehensive plan that was developed to comply with 3A by the Dec. 31 deadline, a few points in the letter are inaccurate.
— There was a lot of misinformation about the impact of 3A on the town, particularly on all of the “No” lawn signs around town prior to Town Meeting. 3A is a plan, not a requirement to build. Period.
— 3A does not allow towns to “opt out of compliance.” Once again, that is asking voters to break the law. 3A specifically requires towns to be in compliance and outlines sanctions, including being sued by the state for noncompliance. Why should Marblehead have to risk all of that because a few people don’t like the plan or don’t like the state enforcing the
As former football coach Tim Walz said in his acceptance speech, it’s time to do the blocking and tackling, and to get this team over the goal line. Just two months to go — let’s dig in and make it happen.
Diann Slavit Baylis of Marblehead was a delegate to the 2024 Democratic National Convention representing the sixth Congressional district. Slavit Baylis is a mom, an immigration attorney and a member of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee.
law?
— There are over 16,000 registered voters in Marblehead. Thirty-three more votes of roughly 800 voters is hardly a majority. Perhaps Town Meeting is not “pure democracy” in 2024, and a new way to vote should be considered.
And for those who say anyone can go to Town Meeting and vote, we don’t have the ability to accommodate 16,000 voters in person!
Pat Fried Hillside Avenue
A chance to get it right
To the editor:
I read with dismay the enmity expressed toward the Marblehead Housing Coalition by the author of the recent letter entitled “Select Board is ‘hostile to democracy.’” A group of Marbleheaders advocating for a positive vision of the town’s future through our cherished democratic process seems like something to be celebrated. But I suppose you can’t please everyone.
It was not just the Marblehead Housing Coalition that drew the author’s ire. He also targeted the Current, the Select Board and the very voters of Marblehead. The author accuses a Select Board member of supporting 3A zoning for professional reasons. Marblehead’s voters elected the Select Board in June of this year, well after Town Meeting. Does the author believe that Marblehead’s voters are so naive that they would elect representatives incapable of balancing their private careers with their public service?
But what appears to have the author most rattled now is the prospect of a special Town Meeting at which Article 36 and Marblehead’s 3A zoning plan would be reconsidered. Another vote in light of more information on the pros and cons of such a plan seems entirely appropriate, and indeed the civic duty of
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead attorney Diann Slavit Baylis served as a delegate at the Democratic Convention last week. LEttERs
without a newspaper. We always take the most important things for granted without realizing it. I remind you to separate facts from opinions and emotions. If you have an adverse reaction to something you read, pursue it. I guarantee no one at the Current hears one thing and writes another. Maybe it’s worth considering you may not like what you’re reading because you wish it didn’t happen. Maybe it’s naivety. Maybe it’s optimism. But don’t insist the truth is false just because you wish it was.
Some of the national news we see can be biased and shapes our opinions and perspectives. Don’t get caught in a media bubble. I remind you to watch different outlets.
Compare the differences between Fox News and CNN, then visit AllSides. com to further examine how left, center and right headlines can tell an entirely different story. Seek the truth and put aside personal opinions. Stay open-minded. After all, we’re all on the same team here. We are all people trying to navigate a rocky reality. We, as journalists, report about our communities and the world to empower people to make the best choices. We especially enjoy writing about positive changes in the world. I implore you to take action so we can do more of that.
Lia Gorbach, a Marblehead resident, served as the Current’s summer intern. She is pursuing degrees in journalism and business at the University of Maryland.
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Temple
After pushback, Marblehead School Committee tables flag policy discussion
BY WILL DOWD
The School Committee faced intense scrutiny on Aug. 14, leading to the tabling of a discussion on a controversial draft flag policy. This decision followed impassioned pleas from students and residents during a public comment period added to the agenda of the committee’s annual workshop.
Students Nina Johnson and Maren Potter criticized the lack of student input in developing the policy.
“You told us five months ago during the student listening sessions that you wanted to include student voices in this process, but by speeding up this process, you’re trying to pass this policy before school starts. You are actively trying to avoid student input,” Potter said.
The School Committee’s draft flag policy would allow only Marblehead, Massachusetts, U.S. and POW flags on school property. The committee is required to discuss the policy three times before voting on it.
The retreat was to have been the second discussion.
The School Committee’s chair, Jenn Schaeffner, had previously said she hoped the policy would be approved before school starts on Sept. 3. If the new policy is approved before Sept. 3, the Pride flag in the high school cafeteria, along with the
voicing concerns about the proposed flag policy and urging for greater student input in the decision-making process.
Black Lives Matter banner and Juneteenth flag, will be gone when students return.
Resident Cameron Wolfsen spoke about the personal impact of the proposed policy.
As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Wolfsen expressed concern about the message the policy would send to students like her own children.
“My wife and I recently made the difficult decision to leave our home, our family and our friends in South Carolina to move to Marblehead, the town where I proudly grew up,” said Wolfsen.
“We did this because we wanted to raise our children in a town that shares our values, values of inclusivity, kindness and civic responsibility, a place where the school district lists ‘school culture’ among its core values and promises.”
Jordan Caress-Wheelwright,
DEMOCRACY & tECHNOLOgY
a parent of a Glover School student and employee at GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD), raised legal concerns about the policy’s language potentially infringing on constitutional rights.
“They called attention to the phrase ‘banners, and similar symbolic displays,’ noting that it is vague and open to interpretation and/or enforcement that could infringe on the constitutional rights of teachers and students,” CaressWheelwright said.
Caress-Wheelwright also emphasized the importance of an inclusive school climate, citing research showing its positive impact on student engagement and academic outcomes.
“Studies have consistently found that positive inclusive school climates, in which
schools appreciate students for who they are and acknowledge different students’ backgrounds —including racial, cultural, immigration status-based, and LGBTQ+ status leads to greater student engagement in school and better academic outcomes,”
Caress-Wheelwright said, quoting from a GLAD brief. Resident Renee Ramirez Keaney, drawing from her 40-year experience as a clinical social worker, stressed the significance of symbols of acceptance in schools.
“I know for them — any symbol of acceptance, any sense of welcome can matter,” Keaney said.
Educator and former candidate for Congress Angus McQuilken raised concerns about unintended consequences. As he spoke, he held up printed copies of flags for events like Earth Day, the Olympics and Juneteenth as examples of banners that could be banned.
“I strongly oppose this policy; I don’t think we need one at all,” McQuilken stated.
Kira Becker Kay suggested the policy was influenced by outside groups and criticized the meeting’s timing.
“Are you a School Committee or a cruelty committee?” Kay asked.
Following public comments, board member Alison Taylor provided clarification on the policy’s status and the process
behind its development.
“It is a policy. It’s not banning anything,” Taylor said. “The reason that we’re doing this is not because we decided one day that we wanted to have this policy. We’ve never had a flag policy, and that has been fine, and it could have continued to be fine, except that administration asked us, and by law when administration asks for policy, we do have to develop one.”
Taylor addressed concerns about student input and explained the policy development process.
“I would like to have another listening session for sure,” she said, “if it’s the will of the committee.”
And it was its will. Members voted to postpone the discussion until September, with members Brian Ota, Taylor and Schaeffner voting yes and Al Williams and Sarah Fox voting no.
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux, meanwhile, acknowledged his stance on the policy.
“I would agree with the committee that tabling this discussion to have a larger, more inclusive input from the community makes sense,” Robidoux said. “As an educator, as an administrator, my sole focus is making sure students are heard and students are a part of their learning communities.”
Town weighs virtual access to board sessions
BY WILL DOWD
As Massachusetts municipalities increasingly embrace hybrid public meetings, several regulatory boards in Marblehead have yet to follow suit, raising important questions about accessibility and inclusivity in local government.
According to a survey conducted in the spring of 2023 by a coalition of Massachusetts organizations advocating for more open government, more than half of city councils, select boards and school committees in Massachusetts are already holding hybrid or fully remote meetings:
45% of Massachusetts city council and select board meetings are fully hybrid, and an additional 17% are livestreamed, totaling 62% that offer some form of virtual access.
35% of Massachusetts school committee meetings are fully hybrid, and another 25% are live-streamed, meaning 60% provide remote viewing options. However, some boards in Marblehead, including the Board of Assessors, Cemetery Commission, Harbors and
Members of the Article 44 Committee convened meetings throughout
hybrid technology.
Waters, and Water and Sewer Commission still conduct business exclusively in person.
The Recreation and Parks Commission posted its first hybrid meeting this week.
“If you really want to be heard, you have an interest, you can attend our meetings,” said John Kelley, chair of the Board of Assessors — which convenes meetings at the Mary Alley Municipal Building. Kelley said no one has ever contacted him about wanting to attend a meeting remotely.
a time in his 19 years working in Marblehead when teachers started a new school year without a contract.
been contentious, with both sides filing grievances. The School Committee’s bargaining subgroup has called in a state mediator to take over the custodians’ negotiations.
On Aug. 19, members of the MEA walked out of teacher contract talks.
Asked if a strike is possible this fall, MEA Co-president Jonathan Heller said, “I would hope the School Committee doesn’t want that to happen and will come to the table to talk about solutions.”
Heller said he can’t remember
The MEA is asking for salary increases, more paid family leave and a role in setting policies to increase safety in schools.
Serious safety concerns in Marblehead schools came to light after a student restraint crisis last fall that led to two administrators stepping down and other educators being fired or asked to resign.
The family of the student involved in the restraint crisis has filed a civil rights lawsuit against the district and the School Committee, and one of the fired teachers has filed a
But accessibility advocates argue that virtual options are essential for ensuring inclusive participation, especially for residents with disabilities, limited transportation or caregiving duties that make physical attendance challenging.
Lynn Nadeau, who has advocated for hybrid meetings, expressed strong concerns about boards that she feels are refusing to offer remote access options.
“It’s so wrong because it eliminates the possibility of people participating with varying
wrongful termination lawsuit and is demanding a jury trial.
At the Aug. 20 bargaining session, the MEA proposed a task force, which would include classroom teachers, to create safety policies. The plan would not have a cost. Heller said the School Committee members rejected the idea.
“The committee prefers to maintain business as usual and not include frontline educators in the decision-making process,” Heller said. “We are very disheartened at their position regarding this task force, as it is an eminently reasonable, proactive step towards keeping our students safe, and it would have no budgetary impact
needs and responsibilities,” Nadeau said.
Nadeau sponsored successful citizens’ petitions at the 2022 and 2023 town meetings aimed at increasing transparency and accessibility. Her most recent proposals urged boards to record and post meeting minutes and hold hybrid sessions.
Reflecting on the lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic, Nadeau emphasized the importance of embracing technology for civic engagement.
“COVID taught us that we
whatsoever.”
School Committee Chair Sarah Fox and Robidoux did not answer questions about the proposed task force.
Fox did release a statement reading, “The Marblehead School Committee deeply values all of its employees, students and community and will continue to commit the time necessary to reach a fair contract.”
On Aug. 22, more than a dozen Marblehead educators attended a meeting in Beverly with other North Shore teachers and leaders to talk about challenges facing the districts.
“Our schools, not just in Marblehead but throughout the region, are in crisis,” Marblehead
can participate in meetings in our democratic system fully without endangering ourselves and others, and that we can save energy by leaving our bodies in one place and letting our brains do the participating,” she said.
The League of Women Voters of Marblehead has voiced support for the broader push for hybrid meetings. The organization believes remote access is crucial for removing barriers and increasing public engagement.
State lawmakers are considering bills which would require public bodies to provide hybrid access by 2030. The legislation, backed by groups such as the League of Women Voters, allows for hardship waivers and creates a grant fund to help communities upgrade their technology.
In Marblehead, an Article 44 Committee — formed from Nadeau’s citizen petition after the 2022 Town Meeting — spent months studying the issue. The group recommended conducting hybrid meetings at a halfdozen municipal buildings and assessing technology needs.
High School teacher and coach
Mike Giardi said at the meeting. “Educators are at their wit’s end. Our colleagues are being asked to do more with less. The safety issues are untenable for both students and staff. We now have countless vacancies a week before school starts. We have been committed to addressing these problems with a sense of urgency before these crises become catastrophes, yet our schools’ management teams refuse to work collaboratively with educators to solve the problems we’ve identified.” Giardi continued, “We need safe and healthy schools for our students. We need a safe and healthy school for ourselves.”
WILL DOWD /CURRENT PHOTO
Marblehead High School students Nina Johnson, left, and Maren Potter address the School Committee on Wednesday,
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
2022, studying costs associated with
School
From P. A1
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Me&Thee Music begins its 55th season with renowned singersongwriter Cheryl Wheeler on Friday, Sept. 6, at 8 p.m.
Me&Thee founder and board member Anthony Silva says he’s looking forward to “welcoming folks back to this acoustically and historically significant place to share music and friendship. Families are returning here.
Folks travel from all over New England to share these experiences with musicians who bring their artistic talent but also bring their hearts and souls to the stage.”
Wheeler, who is starting
her fall tour in Marblehead, is praised for her voice and story-telling.
“Cheryl’s concerts are more like what you would expect to find at a comedy club rather
P.O. Box 44, Marblehead, MA 01945 (617) 293-8512 raerbetta@comcast.net
than at a folk music concert,” according to a Me&Thee press release. “She will tell a story that has you rolling in the aisles, and then sing a song that leaves you wiping tears from your eyes.
She will talk about some serious current event, and then sing a song that will have you howling with laughter.”
Other upcoming concerts include: Sept. 20: Joe Jencks explores Irish heritage, immigration and identity through his music.
Oct. 4: Albertan singersongwriter Scott Cook and Pamela Mae share songs and stories in the spirit of Woody Guthrie.
Oct. 18: Montreal-based indie-folk band Little Misty will perform multi-lingual music.
Nov. 8: Up-and-coming New England natives Erin Ash Sullivan and Sam Robbins will
MCC’sphilosophyisthatchildrenlearn best through play.Seeking enthusiastic,dedicated professionalswho will engage in andupholdour mission Acollaborative &suppor tive environmentwith theoppor tunitytodevelop teaching skillsthrough education&training
Please contact gail@marbleheadchildrenscenter.com 781-631-1954
Forinfoabout salary +benefits (includingfreechildcare forfull time employees).
play.
Nov. 22: Renowned acoustic artist Patty Larkin will perform.
“No one ever expected the Me&Thee to become the longest running, all-volunteer, acoustic music venue in the country but, in fact, it has because time and again, folks have stepped up and decided ‘we don’t want to let it go,’” said Silva. “It feels heart warming to know that with all of the changes we have seen over the decades, folks still want to support live music and the courageous musicians who travel from afar to bring their music to our stage. Learn more and get tickets at meandthee.org.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Renowned acoustic performer Patty Larkin is coming to Me&Thee
Singer-songwriter Cheryl Wheeler opens Me&Thee’s 55th season on Sept. 6.
Sports
FAN tA s Y FOOtBALL
Thanksgiving game headed to Fenway
scene from last
BY LEIGH BLANDER AND JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High School Football Magicians are headed to Fenway Park. MHS will take on rival Swampscott at their Thanksgiving game on Wednesday, Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., at the legendary ballpark.
The Marblehead/ Swampscott game will be one
of four matchups played at Fenway that week.
On Tuesday, Nov. 26, Nantucket will play Martha’s Vineyard at 5 p.m. and Stoneham will take on Reading at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, Lawrence will play Central Catholic at 4 p.m., before the Marblehead/ Swampscott game.
“I love it,” MHS Football Coach Jim Rudloff said. “It will be something these
seniors will have that is something so few kids around the state will have. I think everyone will feel like that, and it’s also a great feeling to know that we have Thanksgiving day off.”
General admission tickets are available for purchase at redsox.com/highschoolfootball starting at $20 for each day. Fenway is giving back 25% of each ticket sold to the school being supported.
2024 Football Magicians early outlook
Marblehead will kick off the regular season at Bishop Fenwick on Sept. 6
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Marblehead High School football fans know the season opener is a little more than a week away. On Friday night, Sept. 6, the football Magicians will take on the Bishop Fenwick Crusaders in Peabody to begin the 2024 campaign. They will then be going up against powerhouse King Philip in Norfolk the following Friday night, Sept. 13. Both games will begin at 7 p.m. They will finally return home to play on the new Piper Field turf against Shepherd Hill, another non-league foe, on Sept. 20, also at 7 p.m.
After one more non-league tilt at North Andover on Sept. 27, the Magicians will start the Northeastern Conference (NEC) Lynch Division season versus visiting Beverly on Oct. 10 at 7 p.m.
Last year, coach Jim Rudloff’s team lost its first four games against three of the four teams mentioned above. They ended up 5-5 overall in 2023, but were 4-0 in the NEC Lynch Division to take home the title.
What does it all mean this fall?
Coach Rudloff gives his early thoughts on what lies ahead with plenty of detail on a team that might surprise many throughout the next three months.
Rudloff’s program is more popular than ever with 65 players showing up for the first day of practice on Aug. 16.
“We are very happy with the numbers,” he said.
Of course, it’s difficult to gauge the compete level until the scrimmage season gets underway against an actual opponent. They had their first one against Lynn English last weekend after press deadline, but from just the practices alone, Rudloff says everybody “looks great, but the scrimmages will give us a chance
Wednesday, Aug. 28
4 p.m., girls soccer, vs. HamiltonWenham (scrimmage), Iron Rail Field, Wenham
4:30 p.m., boys soccer, vs. Burlington (scrimmage), MHS Piper Field
Thursday, Aug. 29
1:30 p.m., golf, vs. Malden Catholic, Mount Hood GC, Melrose
4 p.m., boys soccer, vs. Lynnfield (scrimmage), Lynnfield High
5 p.m., volleyball, vs. Melrose (scrimmage), Melrose High
Friday, Aug. 30
to evaluate the players better. Those results will probably change our depth chart at every position.”
The veteran coach added that it’s still very early in the process to determine who will start, but a couple of more scrimmages will answer that question more definitively. After the scrimmage against the Bulldogs, they took on West Springfield Aug. 27, before Billerica comes to town three days later on Friday at 5 p.m. The freshman squad will go up against the Indians prior
10 a.m., volleyball, vs. Essex Tech (scrimmage), Marblehead High
2:30 p.m., girls soccer, vs. Lynnfield (scrimmage), Lynnfield High
5 p.m., football, vs. Billerica, MHS Piper Field
Monday, Sept. 2
4:30 p.m., boys soccer, vs. Andover, at MHS Piper Field
Tuesday, Sept. 3
4 p.m., golf, vs. Gloucester, Bass Rocks GC, Gloucester
Wednesday, Sept. 4
4 p.m., boys and girls cross country, vs. Salem, Winter Island,
to that exhibition. The rookie encounter will kick off at 3:30 p.m.
Another indication that they should be competitive once again is the simple fact that the players are willing to put the work in all year long.
“We had about 25 players participate in different 7-v-7 leagues over the summer, and we had 99% of the team at summer conditioning and strength training camps,” said Rudloff.
“The work those kids put in should pay off for us as we move
Salem
4 p.m., girls soccer, vs. Masconomet, MHS Piper Field
4 p.m., boys soccer, vs. Masconomet, Masconomet High, Boxford
5:30 p.m., volleyball, vs. Masconomet, Masconomet High, Boxford
Thursday, Sept. 5
3:30 p.m., golf, vs. Austin Prep, Hillview GC, Reading
5:30 p.m., field hockey, vs. Danvers, Danvers High Friday, Sept. 6
forward.”
Senior leadership is another good indication of teams that win, and the Magicians have that covered, once again. Rudloff is particularly pleased with the seniors that did not play all that much on the varsity last year when they were juniors. They include running back Yandel Garcia, offensive lineman Jadon Janock, wide receiver Kiernan Moss, linebacker Thomas Tedesse and Ben Zamanski.
“All of these players have been making tremendous strides
4 p.m., girls soccer, vs. Waltham, MHS Piper Field
4:30 p.m., boys soccer, vs. Waltham, Waltham High
6 p.m., volleyball, vs. North Andover, Marblehead High
7 p.m., football, vs. Bishop Fenwick, Bishop Fenwick, Peabody
7 p.m., cheerleading, vs. Bishop Fenwick, Bishop Fenwick, Peabody
Saturday, Sept. 7
9:15 a.m., girls cross country relay, vs. TBA, Maudsley State Park,
during the first full-week of practice,” the coach said. After playing the Thanksgiving Classic against Swampscott the night before Thanksgiving, the Magicians, with any luck, could be playing at Gillette Stadium the following week in the Division 3 Super Bowl game. But first things first, they are just concentrating on getting ready for the Bishop Fenwick Crusaders in the season opener on Sept. 6, as they will be looking for revenge after last year’s loss to the Peabody school.
Newburyport
10:30 a.m., boys cross country relay, vs. TBA, Maudsley State Park, Newburyport
Monday, Sept. 9
4:30 p.m., girls soccer, vs. Swampscott, Blocksidge Field, Swampscott
4:30 p.m., boys soccer, vs. Swampscott, MHS Piper Field
6 p.m., volleyball, vs. Woburn, Marblehead High
A
year’s Thanksgiving day football game against Swampscott. This year’s holiday matchup will be played at Fenway Park.
COURTESY PHOTO
FILE PHOTO
Marblehead High senior running back Yandel Garcia competes against Lynn English during a scrimmage last year, when he was a junior. So far in practice this year, Garcia has been impressive, according to his coach Jim Rudloff.
New boys soccer season centers on ‘Senior Strong’ theme
Magicians prep to contend for top spot in the NEC with 13 returning seniors
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High boys soccer team returns to the pitch this fall focused intently on surpassing last year’s deceiving record.
Though the team’s 2023 record of 5-9-4 did not turn heads, the team’s play against perennial powerhouses certainly did. They had to endure the 10 th toughest schedule among 59 teams in Division 2, but their resilience and tenacity were continually on display against multiple Division 1 opponents, such as Concord-Carlisle, Beverly and Peabody, along with Division 2 juggernauts Melrose and Masconomet.
Northeastern Conference 2023 all-stars Riley Schmitt and Jack Burke, who graduated in June, will certainly be missed, but their senior successors will provide depth and experience that can propel the varsity squad to a higher level of play throughout the next three months.
Head Coach Elmer Magaña, who is starting his fifth season, along with assistant coach Tom Roundy, is optimistic for a winning campaign.
“We are blessed to have many players back, who have lots of experience and a big appetite to compete in the playoffs,” said Magana. “Our three captains — Rory Zampese, Quinn Fletcher and Colin White — bring great leadership, great skills and a hunger for success to the team.”
The veteran Marblehead coach recognizes that the path to a playoff berth will be a tough test, but is confident that this group is equal to the task ahead.
“We have the pieces in place to challenge some of the best teams around, and if you want to be the best, you must face the best.”
Fletcher brings discipline to the defensive midfield, and he says in this season preview, “by having a lot of seniors on the roster means that many of us know it’s our last opportunity to show what we can do,” while also adding, “we’re looking for intensity,” to get where we want to go.
Depth on the back line will
help the Magicians navigate a schedule that, on paper, appears to be as formidable as last fall.
They will play Masco, Peabody, Danvers and Beverly twice this year, while rivals Swampscott and Salem are scheduled to play the Magicians, led by their 13 seniors, once on the new turf at Piper Field.
Zampese, a fourth-year varsity stalwart and NEC AllConference selection, will once again lead the defense as its captain with his aggressive, opportunistic style of play in net. Oliver Murtagh, Luke Miller, Dylan Gilmore, Leo Burdge and Captain White, will form a
dominating back line that should frustrate opposing attackers.
Kyle Hart, Stefan Shepherd, James Achterhof, Yuri Volkov, Max Dressel, Marc Grazado and Fletcher, who rounds out the tricaptains, will anchor the team at midfield and the attacking positions. They will bring versatility and speed to the roster.
A seasoned, battletested junior class of Adam Loughlin, Ilan Druker, Jared Halpern, T.J. Kelly, London McDonald, Bubacar Jallow and Miles Fontela-Tuttle will see considerable playing time, because of their overall exceptional skills.
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead Softball Little League (MSLL) held its first-ever clinic fundraiser on July 23 in memory of Todd Norman, the longtime Marblehead High School (MHS) assistant softball coach, who passed away suddenly on April 8.
The MHS varsity team and its coaches conducted the clinic that taught the future Magicians the proper hitting, pitching, catching and sliding techniques.
“It was an incredible and special day for the younger girls to learn from their role models,” said MSLL president Katie Cole. “I want to thank (MHS head softball coach) Johnny Gold and his (state high school) Final Four championship team for all they do for our league, while also making this fundraiser clinic possible.”
Zampese offered these thoughts on the upcoming season: “We have gone through a significant mindset growth this offseason. We are putting a large emphasis on the little details that should come together to create our team’s standard (for success). It’s evident that this is the most seasoned and focused squad we have put together to date.”
The Magicians had a preseason road matchup against Rockport last Friday, Aug. 23, before they returned home to go up against the St. John’s Prep Eagles three days later, both after press deadline.
Burlington and Lynnfield will close out the exhibition season. They will begin the regular season campaign on Labor Day (Sept. 2) at home against Andover, starting at 4:30 p.m. White, who has been a consistent force inside the defensive third of the pitch throughout the past two years, had these thoughts on his team’s approach for this season. He said, “our standards are high, but we’re just focused on taking it one game at a time.”
Troy Miller contributed to this article.
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead High boys soccer coach Elmer Magana, seen speaking to the team after a game last year, returns to the pitch for the 2024 campaign to begin his fifth season in charge of the Magicians.
FILE PHOTOS
Marblehead High boys soccer senior captain Colin White, right, celebrates a goal with teammate Luke Miller, left, during a game against Manchester, when they were sophomores two years ago.
Marblehead High boys soccer senior goalie Rory Zampese is one of three captains on this year’s team, along with Quinn Fletcher and Colin White.
Marblehead High boys soccer senior Quinn Fletcher is one of three captains on this year’s team, along with Rory Zampese and Colin White.
Marblehead Softball Little League players Addy Torrance, Logan Iacovo and McKinley Cole of the lower minor division, from left, at the first-ever clinic fundraiser put on by the MHS varsity softball team late last month.
Marblehead High shortstop Hailey Schmitt shows the next generation of players in the Marblehead Softball Little League the proper sliding technique.
PHOTOS / CHRIS BULGER
Marblehead Softball Little League player Zoe Martel flexes with her bat. She plays in the lower minor division.
Marblehead High varsity softball coach Johnny Gold, left, lines up with members of his family —
Cole, who’s
Marblehead Softball Little League president.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email
editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
Motifs reception
Thursday, Aug. 29, 5-7 p.m.
This is the last event at the ARTI Gallery, so come by and celebrate ARTI and the closing of “Motifs,” works by Steve McClure. It’s also the last chance to see the installation “Johnny Appleseed and Fall of the Troy”— otherwise known as the cardboard ship in a room. There will be light refreshments. Kids are welcome. After taking over the gallery in July, Steve McClure has decided to change the name to The Willie Shaker Gallery.
Secret Revolution Tour
Friday, Sept. 6, 5:30 p.m., and Saturday, Sept. 7, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Judy Anderson will lead a new walking tour in partnership with the Marblehead Museum. The program, titled Jeremiah Lee’s Secret Revolution, will explore Lee’s risky, covert and ultimately fatal activities during a
tumultuous year from June 1774 until his death in May 1775. Rebel American colonists, including Lee,
Meet the Marquis de Lafayette
Saturday, Aug. 31, noon
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of Lafayette’s tour of the U.S. and his visit to Marblehead and the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, Marblehead Museum will host a gathering in the Lee Mansion Gardens.
A Lafayette reenactor will arrive in a carriage and address the crowd. You can also hear a reenactment of the honors presented to Lafayette by the citizens of Marblehead, and mingle with members of Glover’s Regiment. Refreshments will be served. This program is free. For more information, visit marbleheadmuseum.org.
Jazz concert
Sunday, Sept. 1, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy an outdoor concert with Allen Chase and jazz impressions of Brazil at 10 Central St. There is shaded seating and chairs are supplied.
Donations for musicians are $20-$35 per person. Kids are $10 or free. Leave a note in the mailbox at 10 Central with the number of people in your party, with check or cash. Also, email that you’re attending at margiflint@mac.com.
began taking daring and dangerous actions toward their revolutionary separation from England. Any of Lee’s actions could have sent him to prison, or worse. Soon after, the fateful Battle of Lexington and Concord sparked the Revolution and caused his death just three weeks later.
Tickets are $15 per person. Call 781-631-1768 or marbleheadmuseum. org.
building on the first day of school. It’s a wonderful opportunity to kick off the new year with enthusiasm and positivity.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
I enjoy the salad bar because it offers many options.
Veterans School
Principal Matt Fox
What is your goal for this school year?
One of our goals is to formalize all of the great interventions that we have always done to support the growth of our students. Using data-based discussions and decisions, we are going to be providing many of our students with an increased chance to receive some focused instruction and review to assist them in their growth.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Just like all of our students, I am both a little excited and a little nervous at the start of every school year. The thing that helps me get over those nerves is to be in the halls and classrooms as students adjust back to school. As I get to know our students, my nerves tend to fade away.
What’s your favorite back-toschool tradition or ritual?
I love when we read off all of our advisories when students arrive. Similar to the Harry Potter sorting hat ritual, seeing students smiling and excited to start the year as they head off with their advisor is a great way to start the school year.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
Fish sticks. They are made from locally sourced fish from Gloucester!
Village School Principal Scott Williams
What is your goal this school year?
My goal for this school year is to build relationships and partnerships with the Village community: students, staff members and parents!
Do you still get first-day jitters?
I handle all jitters in life with hitting the gym — CrossFit,
sports conditioning, weight training, boot camps. You name it, I’ve done it!
What’s your favorite back-toschool tradition or ritual?
As a child, I have memories of going back-to-school shopping with my grandmother. She would take us out to buy one new back-to-school outfit and then we would go out to a “fancy lunch” somewhere in the city. It felt very grown up!
What’s your favorite school lunch?
My favorite school lunch
‘Keep the Art-Beat Strong’
Friday, Sept. 13, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead Arts Association is hosting a fundraiser, “Help Keep the MAA’s Art-Beat Strong.” The evening, at the MAA, 8 Hooper St., will include a performance by the improv comedy troupe, Accidentally on Purpose, along with a silent auction featuring items donated by the Peabody Essex Museum, BLICK Art Materials, Mai Tai Lounge and more. For more info, go to marbleheadarts.org.
always was (and probably still is) chicken nuggets and tater tots!
Glover School interim Principal Frank Kowalski
What is your goal this school year?
My goal is to create a happy school culture where the teachers are empowered to do what they do best.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Being an administrator for over 25 years still brings a sleepless night the eve of the school year. I like to work really late at school the day before to make sure I am ready and then go for a long walk to clear my mind.
What’s your favorite back-toschool tradition or ritual?
I get to work early to see the sunrise and have a cup of coffee outside my building. I find it so peaceful. I look forward to the Marblehead sunrise. Anyone can join me.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
Hands down... pizza!
What is your goal for this school year?
Same as always…. to provide support, guidance and connection for all teachers, staff members, families and children so, together, we can continue to provide high quality instruction in a safe and respectful learning environment....and to make sure we are laughing and having some fun everyday while doing this.
Do you still get first-day jitters?
Not really jitters, but I would say there is considerable headspace taken up by the neverending checklist to make sure everything is in place for kids, teachers, staff and families to be ready on day one.
What’s your favorite back-toschool tradition or ritual?
Walking through all the classrooms and learning spaces the night before school begins, after everyone has left the building.
What’s your favorite school lunch?
Fish sticks and tater tots.
Brown School Principal Mary Maxfield
Veterans School Principal Matt Fox: Favorite school lunch is fish sticks.
Brown School Principal Mary Maxfield: “Make sure we are laughing and having some fun everyday” while teaching and learning.
Glover School interim Principal Frank Kowalski: The eve of the school year is still a sleepless night.
Tucker out your pup at Marblehead Mutts
BY MELISSA STACEY
The following is an interview with Emily Spell, co-owner of Marblehead Mutts, conducted by Discover Marblehead. Marblehead Mutts opened their doors on Aug. 5 at 35 Tioga Way. It offers a variety of services to meet the needs of dog and owner, including all day socialization, enrichment and training. To learn more or take a tour of their space, go to marbleheadmutts.com
Tell us about Marblehead Mutts and why you started it. I’ve been in animal health for over 20 years and loved every minute. Now that I have a family, an active, adorable 2-year-old and three awesome stepchildren, I started to consider opportunities closer to home. I know so many people who are driving their precious furry family members several towns away because there is simply not enough space to meet the demands, so Hannah (Fuccione) and I started discussing the possibilities and looking for available space. Hannah saw the listing for our current location at 35 Tioga Way and we jumped at the opportunity.
We’ve made the commitment at Marblehead Mutts to be a training and enrichment center for your pampered pooch. It’s our goal that your dog goes home tuckered out from a full active day of play but also learns basic training and socialization
BY WILL DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.
org.
Slap tag suspect identified
Marblehead Police Chief
Dennis King tells the Current the department has identified a suspect in two so-called slap tag incidents in Marblehead.
A slap tag is a postal label decorated with graffiti. The slap tags, discovered at the JCC and the bike path near the high school, included antisemitic language.
“We are working with the DA on final charges,” King said.
Police Academy
Marblehead Police and the Council on Aging are hosting their 10th Citizen Police Academy Sept. 10 through Oct. 29. The class
skills with our trained staff, enrichment puzzles and obstacle courses.
Marblehead Mutts has 5,500 square feet of indoor play space, as well as 2,000 square feet of fenced outdoor play space. We would love for you to visit us. Stop by our open house on Saturday, Sept. 21, noon-4 p.m. with the whole family. It will be a fun day with Mad-Dogz hot dog cart serving lunch, a bounce house for the kids and our staff on hand to play with your pooch.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? My parents have always worked for themselves, so I grew up sitting around the family dinner table talking about business. What I’ve learned from their success is that you must always be present in your business, never ask your staff to do something you wouldn’t do yourself and strive to be consistent.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? I had the pleasure of living in the
Barnegat neighborhood for a long time. My best moments were waking up early on summer mornings and paddling out to Brown’s Island with my Rhodesian ridgeback, Charlie. It’s magical down there when the water is calm, and you get to enjoy the island all to yourself.
PHOTO
The League of Women Voters of Marblehead hopes to encourage people to go to the polls with new lawn signs, which are available for purchase.
meets Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m. at the Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. The academy includes class trips to Marblehead Police Headquarters and the Michael Ruane Judicial Center in Salem. The class is limited to Marblehead residents who are 18 and older. To learn more, contact Lt. David Ostrovitz at dostrovitz@ marblehead.org or the COA’s Janice SalisburyBeal at salisburybealj@ marblehead.org.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Docket No. ES24P2501EA Essex Division
INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE
Estate of: Norbert F. Robertie Date of Death: July 11 2023
To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Norbert Robertie of Rumney NH and Christine L. Robertie of Rumney NH A Will has been admitted to informal probate. Norbert Robertie of Rumney NH and Christine L. Robertie of Rumney NH has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner
LWV promotes voting with lawn signs
The League of Women Voters of Marblehead is distributing lawn signs to encourage voter participation in upcoming elections.
The signs read “Vote! Democracy is Counting on You.” They include a QR code linking to the LWVM’s Defending Democracy webpage with voting and election information.
“Your vote is your voice,” said Bonnie Grenier, a representative of LWVM.
The Massachusetts primary is set for Tuesday, Sept. 3, and the presidential election for Tuesday, Nov. 5.
Signs are available for $10 each. Interested individuals can email lwvmarblehead@gmail. com for more information.
The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, promotes political responsibility through informed citizen participation in government. Membership is open to all. 9/11 ceremony to mark 23rd anniversary Marblehead firefighters and police officers will host a remembrance
It’s worth the early wake-up.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? My family is originally from the North Shore, but we moved away when I was 10 years old. I was raised in the Virgin Islands and still have deep
connections to St. Thomas. My work brought me back to this area and I could not be happier living in our beautiful seaside town.
The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
ceremony on September 11 at 10 a.m. in Memorial Park to mark the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The event, part of a nationwide salute, will honor fallen firefighters, police officers and civilians affected by the attacks on the World Trade Center, Pentagon and in Pennsylvania.
Local leaders and residents are encouraged to attend. For more information, contact at 781-639-3427.
A new challenge coin
The Select Board has granted permission for VFW Post 2005 to use the town’s iconic Spirit of ‘76 image on challenge coins. Commander Ronny Knight’s request was met with enthusiasm from board members.
“I think this is a beautiful point,” said Select Board Chair Erin Noonan, praising Knight’s “great start as commander of VFW 2005” and his “engagement and more.” Knight, a veteran of Operations Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom and Desert Shield/ Storm, said the coins are for “recognizing both townspeople and people outside of our community
that have gone above and beyond for their support of Chaplin Lyman Rollins Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2005.”
The plan involves printing 600 coins — 300 featuring the Spirit of ‘76 and 300 with the town Seal of Marblehead. Each will have the VFW logo on the reverse side.
“We would like to utilize both imprints for this venture,” Knight stated.
“The coins will be made available for sale at the Post for future printings to the public.”
Patriot Spirit 5K
Marblehead VFW Post 2005 will host the Patriot Spirit 5K walk, run and ruck on Saturday, Sept. 14, at 321 West Shore Drive.
The event, which begins at 10 a.m., welcomes participants of all ages, including friends, families and dogs.
Early registration is $30 and includes a free T-shirt. A post-race lunch will be provided. Proceeds will benefit Company 2 Heroes, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans and service dogs. For more information or to sign up, visit company2heroes.org or contact Marblehead VFW
Post 2005 at rknightaf85@ verizon.net.
Household hazardous waste collection
The Health Department has announced its next Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4-7 p.m. at the Transfer Station. Marblehead and Swampscott residents are welcome to bring items including paint, lighter fluid, motor oil, antifreeze, furniture polish, swimming pool chemicals and propane tanks. For a full list, call the Health Department at 781-6310212 or visit marblehead. org.
Cub Scouts open recruitment for new year
The Marblehead Cub Scouts are welcoming boys and girls in kindergarten through fifth grade to join their program this September. An in-person sign-up event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 7, from 9-11 a.m. at Clifton Lutheran Church, 150 Humphrey St. The yearlong program includes activities such as the Pinewood Derby, pack hikes, a Fenway Park baseball game and trips to New England Base Camp. The organization aims to develop character, leadership and community service through outdoor activities and skill-building exercises.
Families unable to attend the September event can find information about Marblehead’s two Cub Scout packs at mhdscouting.org. Joining is possible throughout the year by attending a pack meeting. Need more information? Contact info@marbleheadscouting. org.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Emily Spell, far left, and Hannah Fuccione co-own Marblehead Mutts.
COURTESY
COURTESY PHOTO Marblehead Cub Scouts are looking for new members.
Teens earn dough in diverse ways
BY GREY COLLINS
All around Marblehead, high school students spent their summer working a variety of jobs. Whether selling flowers, scooping ice cream, teaching theater or refueling boats on the harbor, many Marblehead teens have been busy fattening their wallets.
“Floral design is an art form,” said Dante Genovesi, a senior at MHS who works at the flower shop Roses and Thistle. “It just adds so much color to a place. A wedding, a dance, a house — whatever it may be, flowers just add to the environment.”
Dante spent his summer setting up weddings and making bouquets for the flower shop. He also had a second job teaching theater at the JCC summer day camp.
“It’s a lot of fun for the kids,” said Genovesi. “They get an opportunity to dip their toes into theater, and it’s good to introduce something to them that they’ve never interacted with at all.”
Junior Sophia Siden worked at Hip Baby Gear all summer and learned a lot about marketing and customer service.
“I like helping my customers because it’s fun to get to know them and support them through an exciting time in their lives,” Siden said.
Other students are working out on the water this summer.
“I just love being out on the
According to the committee’s findings, some meeting spaces like the Jacobi Community Center would require upgrades costing approximately $6,000. Staffing and scheduling needs pose additional hurdles.
Nadeau expressed frustration with what she perceived as unnecessary obstacles raised during the study process.
“During the study group, there were roadblocks thrown in the way, similar to the way roadblocks were thrown in the way about the ADA,” she said. “Compliance with the ADA, it’ll cost too much.”
She also questioned some of the cost estimates presented.
“There was a lot of finger on the scale in terms of cost,” Nadeau said. “When it seems so obvious that every building in town should have robust Wi-Fi that works for everyone. Why were they adding the cost of robust Wi-Fi as an issue for participation?”
However, some local officials maintain that in-person meetings are more productive and better serve their constituents. They cite concerns about technology glitches, digital distractions and the challenge
for a more effective campaign.
Dirk Isbrandtsen, a Fair Housing Committee member, emphasized the importance of addressing public concerns head on.
“It’s very important for advocates presenting to have a sales pitch oriented, highly organized presentation that not only addresses the benefits of [the MBTA zoning] but also addresses the criticisms and concerns that people have,” Isbrandtsen said. The meeting also highlighted the formation of a new grassroots organization, the Marblehead Housing Coalition, which aims to advocate for increased housing diversity in the town.
water,” said Jack Morgan, a 16-year-old who works for the Boston Yacht club refueling boats and driving the race committee boats for local
of facilitating group discussions over Zoom.
“Hybrid meetings present unique challenges in managing group discussions,” said Gary Gregory, chair of the Harbors and Waters Board. “In person, you can pick up on subtle cues that indicate when it’s appropriate to speak. But in a hybrid format, especially with larger groups of more than five or ten people, those cues are often lost.”
Gregory said his board has decided against hybrid meetings multiple times because they don’t believe it would add value to their operations. He argued that in-person meetings allow for a more dynamic exchange that gets lost in a virtual setting.
“I personally don’t like hybrid meetings. They’re a distraction,” said Planning Board Chair Robert Schaeffner, whose virtual meetings have been lauded for their efficiency. “Decorum is different when people face each other, face to face, as humans.”
Schaeffner argued that meeting in person “dignifies the proceedings” and encourages better behavior than virtual settings. He worried that fully remote sessions could lead to people acting “snarky” and “nasty” in ways they wouldn’t dare in person.
Nick Ward and Trevor Moore, founding members of the coalition, outlined their approach to building support for the zoning proposal.
“Our focus is on sort of playing out ... what is the intellectual and rhetorical foundation?” Ward explained. “What is persuasive to us and the members of the Marblehead Housing Coalition is that 3A zoning is good for our town, good for residents of our town.”
The coalition plans to engage in various outreach activities, including phone/text banking and attending community events, to promote their message.
Logan Casey, Marblehead’s sustainability coordinator, provided insight into the town’s efforts to strengthen its planning
regattas. “So being down on the dock and interacting with people on their boats is great.”
Sixteen-year-old Tyler Dana is also on the water. But instead
Rosanna Ferrante, vice chair of the Water and Sewer Commission, said her board believes meeting in person makes business run most effectively. She noted that people feel free to attend whenever there are hot-button issues on the agenda.
“People will show up,” Ferrante said. “We welcome participation and we’re very open ... I don’t think we’re inhibiting engagement.”
She noted they are not opposed to hybrids, but she said moving to a hybrid model isn’t a top priority for the commission compared to other projects, especially since it isn’t required by the town.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said retrofitting older buildings with cameras, microphones and broadband equipment can be costly.
“We also have somewhere around 51 committees of all different kinds of members that may or may not be skilled in using the computers to do the Zoom and manage it,” he said.
Before making hybrid meetings mandatory, town officials wanted to focus instead on upgrading infrastructure and training before considering such a requirement.
The Massachusetts Municipal
capabilities. Rejecting 3A puts them in jeopardy, he said.
“We’re hiring a town planner in the next two weeks,” Casey said. “We’ll have a grant writer ... and then we’ll have a directorlevel position as well. We’re really building the staff and the professional support that’s needed to do this long-term planning.”
Officials and advocates alike stressed the importance of presenting concrete information about the potential benefits and impacts of the zoning changes. They plan to showcase specific projects and funding opportunities that could be affected by non-compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.
Kurt James, a member of both committees, offered additional insights on the challenges and
clean and safe for humans and wildlife.
“I think that keeping our waters safe is really important,” said Dana. “That’s personally why I do it.”
of refueling boats, he spends his time pumping out the human waste from boats around Marblehead and Salem Harbor for the harbormaster. This service keeps Marblehead waters
Association cautioned against imposing a statewide hybrid meeting mandate. The organization argues that communities need flexibility to determine the best format for their needs and resources.
“Mandating [hybrid meetings] now is extraordinarily premature because the vast majority of communities couldn’t implement it,” said Geoffrey Beckwith, executive director of the MMA, in a letter to the Legislature.
However, some advocates question whether arguments about technology challenges and costs mask deeper resistance to change. They argue that virtual access should be seen as a fundamental feature of modern governance rather than an amenity.
Gov. Maura Healey signed a law extending pandemicera rules that allow fully remote sessions until March 2025. However, her proposed Municipal Empowerment Act would give towns the option of hybrid meetings without requiring them, a stance critics fear could slow adoption.
Nadeau emphasized the importance of making public meetings accessible to all residents, regardless of their circumstances.
“We need to wrestle with the
potential strategies for passing the MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal.
“Certainly, it’s important to make the presentation a good one,” James said. “Frankly, I thought we did say all the words we needed to say — we had the finance director, really experienced people talking and a PowerPoint. We said all the great things [we needed to say at the Town Meeting]. We just didn’t say it before.”
James emphasized the importance of proactive community outreach and education well in advance of the special town meeting.
“I think as individuals, we need to work with the... Housing Coalition to prep people well in advance, just like the opposition did,” he said. “Because if we
After dropping dramatically in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the percentage of high schoolers with summer jobs is increasing again. By 2021, it was up to 36.6% from 20.5% in 2020. In July 2023, it was found that 55% of people aged 16-24 were employed. The biggest employer of teens in Marblehead is the Parks and Recreation Department, with over 40 high schoolers employed at Marblehead beaches and summer camps. Down at Goldthwait Reservation, Colin Hart and others are busy in the hot sun working as parking attendants. They also sell passes to enter the conservation area, weedwhack, repair fences, paint, and do anything else to keep the conservation area running well. Hart, an amateur photographer, also finds time to photograph the diverse wildlife found in the marsh. But Hart is the first to admit his job isn’t quite so demanding all the time. Sometimes it still feels like a lazy summer.
“You can just sit back and read a book when you are finished with the tasks,” said Hart. “Just being in a beautiful area, and sitting back and reading a book is livin’ the life.”
technology to better include everyone of all abilities,” she said. “So that people can safely and fully participate in our glorious democracy in Marblehead.”
She also expressed frustration with boards that continue to meet in locations that may be difficult for some residents to access.
“I don’t understand why you have to meet in the middle of Waterside Cemetery,” Nadeau said, referring to the Cemetery Commission’s meeting location. Nadeau stressed that the push for hybrid meetings is not about exposing wrongdoing but rather about ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to stay informed and engaged.
“I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with the way Harbors and Waters is run,” she clarified. “I’m saying we need to know what’s going on without having to get a babysitter or get transported by Uber or whatever.”
As the debate continues, Nadeau remains committed to advocating for greater accessibility and transparency in local government.
“To have a robust democracy, people have to know what’s going on, and then they can participate,” she said.
don’t do that kind of prepping before, then we’re just going to end up in the same position.”
Opponents call 3A state government overreach and say another 600 units of housing will adversely affect the quality of life in town.
“The Select Board’s plan to force a new vote after the multiple votes taken in May on this issue — and without their support for my motion to postpone to a date certain, which failed — is an appalling and parisian departure from Marblehead’s longstanding principals of democracy,” resident and attorney John DiPiano wrote in an email to the Current.
“The majority has spoken. The Select Board should abandon this plan and respect the vote!”
Tyler Dana operates a boat for the Boston Yacht Club, navigating through the harbor.
COURTESY PHOTO / DYLAN HAARER
MHS senior Dante Genovesi leads Sage Flaherty at the JCC’s Drama Camp. Genovesi also worked at a flower shop.
CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS
Jack Morgan works at the Boston Yacht Club, preparing a boat for departure.
Dorothy Lawrence Stephens, author/ teacher, 100
Dorothy Lawrence Stephens died peacefully with her daughter Laurie at her side, on Aug. 8 in her apartment at Brooksby Retirement Community. She was a remarkable 100 years old. Dorothy was born on February 9, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, an only child to Grace Dunham Lawrence and Edgar Parvin Lawrence. Dorothy grew up in Maplewood, New Jersey, spent summers in Island Heights, New Jersey, graduated from Columbia High School, and then New Jersey College for Women (Douglass College) where she earned her degree in history and political science. She met her future husband, Robert Fyfe Stephens at a USO dance, and they married on March 23, 1946, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Dorothy and Bob began their lives together as a conventional couple, Dorothy as a stay-at-home mother and Bob as a student finishing his
Jonathan H. Alexander, 83
Jonathan H. Alexander (Jon, Jonny, J. Harrington or “Pal”) of Marblehead passed away suddenly of congestive heart failure on Aug. 6 at MetroWest Medical Center Emergency in Framingham.
Born in Boston, Jon grew up in West Newton, the son of Dr. Leo Alexander and Phyllis (Harrington) Alexander. He graduated from Lawrence Academy in 1960 and attended Cornell University. Most of his professional life was spent as a systems analyst and manager at NCR Corporation. After his
Diana
Mason Isbrandtsen, 81
My bright, beautiful and sparkling wife of 46 years has faded away. She gave me only a week or two to say my goodbyes and nurse her with the help of the hospice care team. That brief time gave me the opportunity to care for her as lovingly as I could. She passed away Monday afternoon, Aug. 12. There is nothing anyone can do for now. We will hold a celebration of her life at Marblehead’s Church of Saint Andrew (our church since 1980) at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 4, followed by a reception at the Corinthian Yacht Club.
Last January, Diana was diagnosed with multiple
bachelor’s degree. They moved to Ann Arbor so that Bob could pursue a graduate degree in political science. Dorothy later wrote a loosely biographical novel, “Willow Run,” about this experience raising two small children in rather grim conditions in Michigan State’s graduate student housing. Bob landed a job with the U.S. State Department as a foreign affairs officer and they were posted to Nairobi, Kenya, in 1957 where Bob served as vice consul and cultural affairs officer. They loved their two years in Kenya, mingling with African leaders and educators and exploring the African bush on safari. Dorothy described these fascinating years in Africa in her first memoir, “Kwa Heri Means Goodbye.”
The family moved to Syracuse, New York, 1963 when Bob got a job at The Maxwell School of
retirement, Jon remained a “computer geek,” and for the balance of his life, family and friends sought his advice and help on all things computer, from make, model and price to troubleshooting. He saved several people from sure technical disasters!
myeloma, a cancer that originates in the bone marrow and then spreads throughout the body. This is a form of cancer that doctors told us is treatable, but not curable. For most of the past seven months, she has been undergoing
Marilyn J. Briggs, 94
Marilyn J. (Bryson) Briggs, 94, of Marblehead, passed away on Friday, August 16.
Marilyn was born on September 5, 1929, in Mamaroneck, New York, the daughter of William V. and Hazel (Rutherford) Bryson. She grew up in Mamaroneck and graduated from F.E. Bellows
Citizenship and Public Affairs at Syracuse University and Dorothy began her teaching career. In 1967, they were off to another adventure in East Africa, this time in Tanzania, where Bob did research for Syracuse University and Dorothy taught fifth grade at the International School in Dar Es Salaam. After returning briefly to Syracuse, the family moved again to Marblehead where Dorothy taught at Bell Elementary School and Bob held a faculty position at Tuft’s Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy. Dorothy also earned a master’s in teaching at Salem State University. The couple remained in Marblehead until making one last move in 2012 to Brooksby Village Senior Living in Peabody.
Dorothy had a passion for writing and for nature, and travel as well. She added biking to that list when, at the age of 70, she began bike touring. She published numerous travel articles, as well as other essays, in a variety of national newspapers and magazines, including The Boston Globe, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The San Jose Mercury News, The Miami Herald, Cruising World and Adventure Cyclist. In 1997, Dorothy was selected as a Breadloaf
Jon loved to swim at Preston Beach near his home. For many years, he served the community as a board member, parking lot supervisor and treasurer for the Clifton Improvement Association whose mission it is to preserve and improve Preston Beach, Beach Bluff Park and other natural open spaces in the community.
Jon was also a passionate fan of “the ponies.” He went to a variety of horse races including the Kentucky Derby, with his wife, and closely followed horse racing online when he was no longer able to travel. Politics was another of Jon’s passions. He seldom missed reading the Boston Globe cover-to-cover or watching two or three newscasts daily and was ready to share his
chemotherapy treatments. Unfortunately, this treatment reduced her mental capabilities and left her in a weakened state without improving her health or well-being.
Last week after consulting her oncologist and our primary care physician, we accepted their recommendation that she stop the chemotherapy and commence hospice care. Little did any of us know how rapidly her life would come to an end.
Diana was born in London on March 21, 1943. A true Aquarius. Her father, David Glyn (DG) Williams was in the British army, stationed in North Africa. Her mother, who became the head toy designer at Chad Valley Toys, evacuated their home to live with DG’s parents until the end of World War II. Diana grew up to be an energetic and athletic (tennis, skiing, a little
High School in Rye Neck. She was a graduate of St. Lawrence University where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta. Marilyn was married to the late Raymond E. Briggs for 68 years and was a resident of Marblehead since 1966. For 15 years she was employed as an underwriter for Holyoke Mutual Insurance Co.
Marilyn enjoyed gardening, bridge, bowling and golf and was a longtime member of Tedesco Country Club. Marilyn lived her
Scholar and was co-winner of their prestigious Bakeless Prize in nonfiction writing. She also wrote a second memoir (“Africa Calling Me Back”) and two more novels, “A Door Just Opened” and “The Emancipation of Emily” which was published just one week before her death. She co-wrote the book “Discovering Marblehead: A Guide to Open Spaces and Historic Places.”
Dorothy’s optimism and resilience can be seen in her determination to find joy even after the loss of two daughters.
Kelly Elizabeth Stephens died in 1993 at age 37 and Cathleen Stephens Ellis died in 2008 at the age of 62. These losses did not stop her from leading a full and meaningful life.
So many people loved Dorothy. She was kind and gracious to everyone she met and was remembered by others after just the briefest of encounters.
Dorothy sang in the choir at the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead until age 97, and was an active member of several organizations at Brooksby Village, including the Diversity Committee, The Resident’s Advisory Committee, The Climate Change Committee and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Robert Fyfe Stephens, and her daughters
strong opinions with anyone in earshot. No one ever doubted where he stood on the issues!
Alcoholics Anonymous was a major force in Jon’s life. An active member for 25 years, in AA he found unfailing support, lasting friendships and a treasured community. He was inspired by the life stories of countless courageous people and grateful both for the help he received from them and the help he gave as a sponsor.
Jon was predeceased by his two siblings — Gustav Alexander and Cecily Grable — and leaves his wife, Jill (Pennucci) Alexander, his son, Jonathan P. Alexander, daughter-in-law Janinne, two grandchildren, Gavin and Ethan, a nephew and niece, their families and cousins.
golf later) Welsh woman who, having learned to speak French and Spanish, was recruited by TWA Airlines in 1964 to become an international flight attendant. During that period, flying was a privileged experience and being in such a capacity was one of the most exciting and glamorous professions in the world. Diana often wondered with her coworkers: “What would you like for dinner tomorrow? Shall we fly to London, Paris, Madrid or Cairo?” It was a good life and she lived it to the fullest.
Diana married me, Dirk, in 1978. I was the lucky one! We moved to Marblehead in 1978 where we raised our son Erik. Erik was my son from my first marriage. He learned to love Diana as much as he loved his birth mother. Among the three of us parents, we raised one of the finest young men
last few years at the Bertram House of Swampscott, where she enjoyed getting to know the residents and staff. She leaves two daughters, Joanne Steadman (Kenneth) and Suzanne Briggs of Marblehead. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond E. Briggs, and her son, Raymond (Chip) E. Briggs III. She also leaves two grandchildren, Kelly Steadman (Jeremiah Dezan) of Warren, Vermont, and James G. Steadman (Lauren) of North
Kelly Elizabeth Stephens and Cathleen Stephens Ellis. She is survived by son Robert Fyfe Stephens, Jr., of St. Kitts, West Indies; and daughter Laurie Ellen Stephens of Hood River, Oregon; grandchildren Kerry Ann Carey, Robert Thomas Tate, Ryan Alexander Ward, Casey Lawrence Ward, Grace Margaret Stephens and Marina Elizabeth Stephens; seven great grandchildren; and, to her delight and amazement, two great-great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life will be scheduled and announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Kelly E. Stephens Memorial Scholarship Fund,
Boston University Development Gift Processing, JPMorgan Chase & Co., P.O. Box 22605, New York, NY, 10087-2605. Please mail gifts made payable to Trustees of Boston University to the address above. Please designate “The Kelly E. Stephens Memorial Scholarship Fund” in the memo line of the check. All of Dorothy Stephens’ books can be purchased on Amazon.com, and proceeds will be donated to the Brooksby Scholarship Fund for college students.
Jon’s life will be celebrated on Saturday, Sept. 21, 3:30 p.m. at Mission on the Bay, 141 Humphrey St., Swampscott. Please email gampa01@ gmail.com by Saturday, Sept. 14, if you intend to join us. Contributions in his name may be made to any of the organizations and initiatives he generously supported: St Jude’s Children’s Hospital, American Indian College Fund, The Salem Pantry and Pine Street Inn.
Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals –Celebrations, 84 Washington Square, (at Salem Common) Salem. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com.
you could ever hope to meet. Diana continued to be an avid tennis player, a budding golfer and a great companion as she and I sailed to Bermuda, the Caribbean, the Bahamas and the east coast of our great country. Never not the caring hostess, Diana was the mainstay of our restaurant in Salem from 2004 through 2014. Her caring extended to unhoused and underprivileged people at My Brother’s Table in Lynn, LifeBridge in Salem, The Inn Between & Inn Transition in Peabody, among other nonprofits for whom she collected and distributed hotel toiletries collected from St. Andrew’s parishioners.
If she could, Diana would join me in sending our love and thanks to all of you who have sent, these last few days, your loving thoughts and prayers.
Andover, as well as four greatgrandchildren Griffin, Bryson, James and Dominic. No services are planned at this time and a celebration of her life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Marilyn’s memory to Care Dimensions Hospice, 75 Sylvan St., Danvers, MA 01923. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Marilyn’s family.
COURTESY PHOTO / CHRISTINE TODD
Diana Isbrandsten and her husband, Dirk, at Riviera Beach Restaurant in Riviera Beach, Florida.
Lillian Ann (Gillis) Till, 88
Lillian Ann (Gillis) Till, age 88, died peacefully surrounded by family on August 21. Lillian is survived by her daughter Brenda (Till) Dumais and husband David Dumais of Marblehead and their three children Derek, Ryan and Mandy Dumais; her daughter Susan Till and husband Gilbert Brennan and their son Teddy Brennan of Cape Elizabeth, Maine; and her sister Katherine Gillis of Marblehead. She is predeceased by her loving husband Robert Wellington Till, her parents William A. Gillis and Katherine (Uhlar) Gillis, brothers William Gillis and Robert Gillis all of Marblehead. Lillian was born on February
Sun ‘Sam’ Hon
Kwong, 88
On June 15, Sun “Sam” Hon Kwong of Marblehead passed away peacefully in his home, just over a year following the prolonged illness and death of his beloved wife Kim Kuei Lim
7, 1936 in Marblehead at the old Mary Alley Hospital. A standout basketball player and majorette, Lillian graduated from Marblehead High School in 1954 and attended Boston University and Salem State College for her nursing degree. Throughout her career she worked in various care positions including private practice with Dr. Bessom of Swampscott, the Visiting Nurse
Kwong in May 2023. Sam lovingly and dutifully cared for Kim throughout her illness, and after remembering her first birthday they spent apart on June 13, he joined her at rest with their creator in paradise.
Born in Canton, China, Sam was the son of Kong Jock Kwong and Mei Deck Lee and they provided Sam inspiration to pursue business success in
Association, and discharge planning at Salem Hospital. After her dad’s early passing, as the eldest of four children, she played a vital role in supporting the family business known at the time as Mandy’s on Elm Street. Many Marbleheaders will remember the penny candy counter and quick dashes into the store after finishing school down the road at Gerry. The family also at that time traveled to Pine Island, Florida, which was the special homestead of her grandparents. There they shared the magic of farming and fishing in the rustic and beautiful Florida seaside.
She was a loving mother, devoting herself to her children and grandchildren’s many activities. Whether it was time at the football fields, tennis courts, running venues or concert halls, the family could count on Lillian to be rooting for the home team.
America, achieved when he emigrated to Boston in the 70s establishing an import/export business, working closely with restaurateurs of the North Shore. As a restaurant owner, he met Kim at one of his establishments in Gloucester in 1982 and after months of courtship, they were married in St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church in Marblehead on May 21, 1983, in front of parishioners
There were more than a few memorable parties in the back yard for high school sporting teams. A true Marbleheader, Lillian was dedicated to the town she loved and shared her time with the Girl Scouts during her daughters’ youth, the Red Cross, class reunion committees and charitable giving with the Female Humane Society.
Lillian was an active member with her late husband of the Rockland, Maine, Golf Club for more than 25 years and spent many a summer day at the Swampscott Beach Club. Lillian was never far from the sea and enjoyed vacationing in Sanibel Island, Florida; Spruce Head, Maine; and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. Neighbors cherished their chats on the porch and across the fence. Her family and friends will always remember her generosity, strong will and donation of time
and close friends that became Sam’s unofficial adopted family. They celebrated 40 years of marriage last year that included professional successes, world travel adventures, small business ownership, academic study and family joy.
Sam is survived by good friend, Rebecca Tantama of Orange County, California, and her son, Mathew; many surrogate family members that affectionately
and care to many. Marblehead forever!
The family would like to thank the Jeffrey & Susan Brudnick Center for Living for their care and compassion. Arrangements are under the care of Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead. A service of remembrance will be on Tuesday, September 17, 11 a.m., at Waterside Cemetery, 294 West Shore Drive, followed by a reception for friends and family at noon at The Landing, 81 Front St.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Robert W. Till Scholarship Fund through the Magicians Gridiron Club at P.O. Box 505, Marblehead, MA 01945 or the Female Humane Society Inc. at P.O. Box 425, Marblehead MA 01945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Lillian’s family.
refer to him as “Uncle Sam” –sons, daughters and grandkids of close friends the Blood family of Wrentham and the Dever family of Marblehead.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Sun “Sam” Hon Kwong’s name to St. Stephen’s United Methodist Church, 67 Cornell Rd., Marblehead, MA 01945. For an online guestbook, please visit ccbfuneral.com.
town leaders to convene. Why all the fear of a bit more of the “pure democracy” the author hails in his letter?
Is it any surprise that the elected stewards of the town would want to revisit a vote that came down to just 0.2 percent of the town’s registered voters? That they’d continue to support something they thought was a good policy three months ago, especially when the outcome may have been influenced by a mass-mail flier replete with lies about the plan, the source and funding for which is still unknown? Why is the author so afraid of another vote?
The Marblehead Housing Coalition believes the democratic adoption of 3A zoning would benefit the town by creating more housing options for seniors, young families and people working in our community. It is difficult to discern what the previous letter’s author believes in, other than yelling “NO!”
Those interested in a positive vision for Marblehead’s future are invited to join us at marbleheadhousingcoalition. com.
Trevor Moore Redstone Lane
Flags for inclusion, not division
To the editor: The recent proposal by the Marblehead School Committee to ban the display of flags and banners (other than U.S., Marblehead, Massachusetts and POW/MIA flags) in our public schools is deeply concerning. As a parent and professor of education at Boston University’s Wheelock College, I feel compelled to speak out against this policy, which I believe threatens the inclusive and supportive environment that all students deserve.
My professional work focuses on creating learning environments where every student feels they belong, regardless of their background. Research consistently shows that when students have access to caring educators and supportive peers, they are more motivated
to attend school, perform better academically and are better prepared to transition into adulthood. Flags and banners are not mere decorations; they are powerful symbols that signal to students from historically underrepresented and marginalized groups that their school is a welcoming, safe space that values their identity and culture.
Empirical studies have long demonstrated the positive impact of identity symbols on marginalized communities. For instance, research on the Pride flag highlights its role in fostering a positive social identity among LGBTQ+ individuals. Theories such as Social Identity Theory and Minority Stress Theory provide a strong foundation for understanding how these symbols enhance well-being by reducing the stress associated with discrimination.
These identity symbols, such as Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ flags, are crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and community among marginalized groups. They serve as tools of validation and support, which are essential for mental health and overall wellbeing. The visibility of these symbols in schools provides affirmation for LGBTQ+ individuals and acknowledges the struggles faced by Black students, reinforcing their sense of worth and the school community’s commitment to justice.
Moreover, positive identity development is vital for all students. Public displays of identity symbols help affirm students’ identities and instill pride, boosting self-esteem and mental health, particularly during the vulnerable years of adolescence. Such affirmations are essential in helping students build resilience, set and pursue goals, and navigate challenges in pursuit of their future aspirations.
Exposing students to positive identity symbols also builds resilience against stigma and discrimination. These symbols counteract the negative societal messages that many students from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, as well as students with disabilities, face daily. By creating environments of psychological safety, we allow
students to express themselves authentically and prepare them to cope with the biases they may encounter throughout their lives.
Furthermore, identity banners and flags serve a broader social and political purpose. They raise awareness about social justice issues, promote advocacy, and enhance visibility and representation, leading to systemic changes that benefit the entire school community. These symbols also draw support from allies and deepen the understanding of the challenges faced by marginalized communities.
Banning BLM and LGBTQ+ flags and banners from our schools would disregard the extensive body of research demonstrating their positive impact and send a harmful message to our students. Such a policy would undermine our commitment to valuing each student and creating an environment where everyone is respected and supported. I strongly urge the School Committee to reject this proposal and instead support policies that affirm and celebrate the diverse identities of all Marblehead students.
Our schools should be a place where every student feels seen, heard and valued. Let’s ensure that the flags we raise are not just symbols of inclusion but beacons of hope for every young person who walks through our doors.
Scott H. Solberg Ramsay Road
Make your voice heard: Vote
To the editor:
My letter concerns voting. For most of my adult life, I have been a member of the League of Women Voters because I had been taught in school that voting was important, and when I grew up, I discovered that many people didn’t register to vote, and the League helped do this. More recently, I have discovered that of the many people who register to vote, many don’t. In many Marblehead elections, sometimes 80% of registered voters do not vote. Why?
Since town elections elect our local government officials and members of our many boards, committees, and commissions
who set the policies and plan the financial outlays of our town, this hasn’t made sense to me. Sometimes people say, “My vote won’t make a difference.” But we once had a selectman’s election decided by one vote!
I’d like to hear from you voters who do not vote. And if the paper gets a lot of letters, perhaps the paper could do a little research into this. We have a presidential election coming up, and while the percentage of voters goes up during those elections, it goes back down in the next town election. I challenge each voter who votes in the presidential election to vote in the next town election. We have a primary election Sept. 3 and the presidential election Nov. 5. Make your voices heard by voting. Lee Mondale Guernsey Street
Project 2025 doesn’t defend democracy
To the editor:
“Defend democracy with your vote on Nov. 5.” Today we are hearing this from both Republicans and Democrats in our divided country. How can both sides claim to be defending democracy when they are saying opposite things?
What is bothering me the most is Project 2025 which is now emerging as the new Republican plan for the country. Even though Trump claims to know nothing about it, it is a worrisome document.
Specifically, it gives the president unprecedented power, which the Supreme Court has already handed him with their decision on presidential immunity.
It could lead to purging the federal workforce of seasoned employees.
It could allow government offices and federal law enforcement to be turned against U.S. citizens by having the Department of Justice report to the president. It seeks to replace our democracy with a system run by Christian Nationalists. What will this do to our Constitutionally guaranteed right of freedom of religion?
It would force work requirements for people who receive public assistance and create more barriers to
eligibility. This may include our Social Security benefits.
It would criminalize abortion nationwide. They want to take away a woman’s choice about having a child while offering nothing to support women and children’s health and well-being.
It diminishes the Department of Education and would take away money from public schools and provide funding for private, religious schools.
It dismantles privacy and freedom for minority groups such as LGBTQ and will punish institutions that support diversity, equity and inclusion. It plans to deport millions of immigrants and would allow law enforcement to radically profile and require states to share information with federal authorities.
This Project 2025 would change many of the rights, privileges and customs we value in our country.
This election is a big test for our democracy. This is OUR time to defend democracy. Your vote is important. We are making history.
Debra Duxbur Ware Lane
Museum says thank you
To the editor: On behalf of the Marblehead Museum, I would like to thank the many community members who attended and who generously donated to the museum’s fifth annual Treasure Sale, held on August 17. All of the hundreds of vintage, collectible and antique goods we offered were donated specifically for the sale. We are grateful that, in the midst of stressful life events, such as moving or clearing out a loved one’s estate, residents took the time to reach out to the museum and bring us donations for the sale.
The museum, a private nonprofit, receives no funding from the town of Marblehead, so these fundraisers are essential for keeping the lights on and supporting the work we do at our four sites in town to preserve Marblehead’s history and provide programmatic and educational opportunities throughout the year.
We are sincerely grateful.
Lauren McCormack, Marblehead Museum executive director
