’Headers process another four years of Trump
BY WILL DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER
As Donald Trump secured his return to the presidency last week, Marblehead Democratic Town Committee Chair Kathy Hempel was in a Pennsylvania hotel room, watching returns after spending eight days canvassing in swing state neighborhoods.
“We were out until after dark, until the polls closed pretty much, trying to turn every vote,” Hempel said. “We thought it was going to be close and every vote mattered. We got back to the hotel and started watching the returns and I was just sick to my stomach.”
While Democrats processed the results in private, Trump supporters gathered at local establishments to celebrate. At the Three Cod Tavern and The Beacon Restaurant, supporters donned MAGA hats and American flag-themed attire, sharing their vision for the next four years.
The contrast between national results and Marblehead’s voting patterns couldn’t be starker. The town — which witnessed a 79.2% turnout, with 13,549 ballots cast out of 17,099 registered voters — delivered 67.4% of its votes to Vice President Kamala Harris.
“Marblehead and Massachusetts have always
BY WILL DOWD
Congressman Seth Moulton hosted his 10th annual Veterans Town Hall on Veterans Day at Marblehead’s historic Abbot Hall, capping a day of commemorative events. The milestone event highlighted the growing impact of a tradition that began in 2015 and has since spread nationwide.
“If you’re not a veteran, let’s be clear, we love you. You’re the reason why we were willing to do what we did,” Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran, told the crowd. He spoke about his own experience “as a returning Marine able to come home to a community that respected my service, even if you disagreed
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead educators and the School Committee bargaining subcommittee met with a state mediator at the high school all day Saturday and again Monday, hoping to avert a teachers strike planned for Tuesday. The Marblehead Education Association planned a press conference for Monday at 8 p.m., after the Current’s print deadline.
Visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for the very latest.
The MEA has asked for higher wages (Marblehead educators are among the lowest paid on the North Shore), better family leave and bereavement benefits and a role in setting safety policies in schools. Teachers have been working without a new contract since Aug. 31.
The School Committee’s public relations firm released a statement Monday at 4:15 p.m., reading, “Unfortunately, the 34% increase the Marblehead Education Association is proposing is not affordable. In fact, it would create a $7.5 million shortfall in our existing budget that would
require a property tax override, which voters have overwhelmingly rejected for nearly two decades. However, a failed override would result in layoff of approximately 75 staff.”
The statement continued, “Our proposal keeps all of our teachers employed and our class sizes intact with a 10.5% increase for all teachers and an additional 2% raise for teachers who are currently at the top of the pay scale, which is two-thirds of Marblehead teachers. Our offer would increase the average teacher salary to more than $100,000 and the top scale salary to $108,954 for184 working days. Our proposals for the other bargaining units are similarly based on fair, affordable increases.”
Regarding the teachers’ request
VFW Commander Ronald Knight delivered the keynote address, while Veterans Service Officer Roseann TrionfiMazzuchelli led the ceremony, which included reading names of recently deceased veterans. At 1 p.m., Moulton’s Town Hall continued a tradition that has expanded into a national movement since its launch here 10 years ago The format, designed to bridge
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS Trump supporters hold signs along Humphrey Street on Election Day.
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS VFW Commander Ronald Knight
Abbot Hall on Monday.
CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS
Marblehead students came out to support their educators, holding signs, chanting and singing.
Town’s municipal union will stage a standout before Select Board meeting
BY WILL DOWD
Marblehead Municipal Employees Union members will gather outside Abbot Hall on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 30 minutes before a scheduled grievance hearing before the Select Board at 6 p.m. The union formally filed a so-called step 3 grievance in response to the town’s decision to hire an external candidate for a grade 6 clerk position — an advanced administrative role — over a senior engineering department clerk whom the union leaders argue has more relevant experience and education. Union leaders argue that the hiring decision violates contract rules prioritizing qualified internal candidates.
The union’s contract outlines a three-step grievance resolution process before potentially reaching arbitration. First, concerns are taken to the department head for resolution. If unresolved, the issue is elevated to the town administrator. If still unresolved, it proceeds to a hearing before the Select Board.
In the current case, the union says it received no response from Town Administrator Thatcher Keze, prompting the appearance at the Select Board. Kezer, currently on vacation, typically declines comment on ongoing negotiations and personnel matters. The Current has sent questions to Kezer and Human Resources Director Thomas Howard.
‘We’re just looking for fair classifications’
The Select Board hearing will come as the town and MMEU’s collective bargaining has had trouble reaching a new contract, with nearly 100 union members working under an expired one since July.
“We have senior clerks who’ve been here for years, training new employees who are being hired
at significantly higher salaries,”
said Terri Tauro, president of the MMEU. “We’re just looking for fair classifications.”
In the case coming before the Select Board, the union seeks to have the engineering clerk position upgraded to grade 6 as a resolution to the grievance, since the town has already hired the external candidate for the Select Board clerk position.
Tauro said grievance the highlights broader challenges in ongoing contract negotiations between the town and its municipal workforce. Since January, the town has created several new administrative positions with combined salaries exceeding $790,000, including:
» Community development director ($140,000)
Town planner ($125,000)
Human resources director
($120,000)
» Senior facilities and maintenance specialist
($93,000-$107,000)
Sustainability coordinator
($80,000)
» Grant coordinator ($78,000)
» IT and communications specialist ($65,000-$70,000)
“They’ve created eight new
positions to the tune of at least $1 million a year when you factor in benefits,” Tauro said. “Yet they can’t even give a raise to the on-call phone stipend that hasn’t been changed in 20 years.”
Tauro explained that the union’s contract requires giving priority to current union members for open positions if their qualifications match those of other candidates. She also clarified that her concerns are directed at the hiring process itself, not at any individual employees involved in it.
Financial pressures
Town officials dispute claims about expanding payroll through new positions. Benjamin provided detailed context about recent staffing changes, emphasizing that many represent reorganization rather than expansion.
“We’ve been optimizing services by reorganizing and reprogramming funds,” Benjamin said. “For example, the Community Development and Planning Department was reprogrammed from the Select Board and engineering departments. The town planner which was formerly funded in Select Board is now in the
(CDPD).”
The town faces significant fiscal constraints under Massachusetts’ Proposition 2.5 law, which limits annual property tax increases. Benjamin outlined growing cost pressures, from increases in health insurance to trash collection growing by 20%.”
These financial pressures have led to service reductions, Benjamin said, noting the FY24 budget left multiple positions unfunded, including two vacant police positions, three vacant fire positions and one heavy equipment operator from the Department of Public Works. The dispute over the clerk position underscores a broader disagreement regarding position classifications.
“I’m trying not to play this up, but we need to let people know what’s been going on,” Tauro said.
Benjamin expressed concern about what she considered misrepresentations regarding town spending, explaining that for FY24, the new positions are a human resources director and sustainability coordinator, with a building inspector added in FY25 to increase permit revenue.
While specific details of ongoing negotiations are limited by legal constraints, both sides acknowledge the challenge of balancing workforce needs against fiscal limitations. Benjamin said the situation reflects growing tensions between maintaining competitive wages and managing municipal budgets. The town has maintained 2% cost-of-living adjustments to stay within Proposition 2.5 constraints, while facing inflation and rising operational costs.
“The town can only fund so much within its proposition 2.5 revenue constraint,” Benjamin said. “Without a taxpayer override, we are unable to fund all the asks and have been funding our most critical needs to operate.”
With exit on horizon, Murray highlights importance of new perspectives
BY WILL DOWD
Jim Zisson, a Town Charter Commission member and longtime fixture at municipal meetings, has announced his candidacy for Marblehead Select Board, launching an early campaign months before the June 17, 2025 election. His announcement comes on the heels of incumbent Bret Murray’s decision not to seek reelection.
Murray revealed during a recent Select Board meeting that he would not pursue another term, emphasizing the importance of bringing fresh perspectives to town government after serving multiple stints totaling eight years on the board.
“I think people should turn over on these boards and commissions on a regular basis,” Murray said. “I don’t think people should be there for 18-19 years. People should be there for two or three terms max, and rotate off. You could always come back — there’s lots of other boards and opportunities to get involved in.”
Nomination papers become available in March, but Zisson’s early announcement allows him to start engaging with voters well ahead of the official campaign season. Zisson said addressing the town’s financial challenges would be a core focus of his campaign.
“Going forward, there’s no doubt that the primary focus of the Select Board will be finances,” Zisson said. “What has amazed me over the years is that, unlike
most boards, the Select Board doesn’t receive a monthly update on operational expenses, which I find mystifying.”
The election will be the second under Marblehead’s new staggered three-year term system for Select Board members, which took effect in June 2024. Murray currently holds a one-year term under the new arrangement, a change he believes will benefit the town’s governance.
“I think this is a wonderful opportunity for someone new to come on board,” Murray said.
“You’re going to have [Select Board members] Erin [Noonan] and Alexa [Singer], who have at least another year, and Moses, who will be the senior member now because he’ll have eight years.”
Zisson brings extensive experience in both municipal and private sector governance, having served on the Brown School Building Committee and various nonprofit boards, including the
Salem YMCA. As an engineering project manager at GE’s helicopter division, he manages complex budgets and large-scale projects.
“As an engineer, I try to be very objective about things and work through problems in a systematic way,” Zisson said. “I listen to people, gather data and try to wring the emotions out of things to make decisions.”
Murray expressed optimism about the town’s direction while acknowledging the pace of change has been gradual. “We’re moving in the right direction, but it’s certainly not moving as quickly as anybody would like,” he said. “With newer people coming in who have been doing a great job cleaning house in their department, I think having that fresh set of eyes is important.”
Zisson He regularly attends meetings of various town boards, including the Select Board, Finance Committee, and Board of Assessors, often offering input on
crucial town matters.
“I go to a lot of meetings because I have interest,” Zisson explained. “For instance, on the 3A thing, I would go to the meetings just to learn and listen. I like listening to what other people have to say as well. I learn a lot from that.”
Murray noted that serving on the Select Board requires a unique perspective and ability to adapt to different roles. “You have to put on a different hat depending upon what’s in front of you,” he said.
“You have to learn when to be an advocate, when to be a judge, when to be an executive. But you can always have your opinions and always have your say.”
Zisson emphasized that his campaign isn’t driven by any single issue but rather by a desire to serve the community comprehensively.
“I don’t have a strong personal agenda that I’m trying to drive, or a single issue that I want to get through,” Zisson said. “I just want to do what’s right for the town, and particularly, one way or another, we’re going to have to figure out the finances for the town because the years of free cash management are coming to an end.”
Murray’s seat is the only position on the five-member board up for election in 2025. Under the new staggered system, Singer and Noonan’s terms expire in 2026, while Moses Grader and Daniel Fox’s terms end in 2027.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Jim Zisson, left, will run for Select Board in 2025. Meanwhile, Select Board member Bret Murray will not seek another term when his term ends next June.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Select Board is slated to hold a grievance hearing on Nov. 13 at 6 p.m.
for more paid leave, the School Committee said it added, “a new benefit of 12 days of paid parental leave followed by the use of 20 paid sick leave days for a total of 32 paid leave days. Public employees are not covered by the state’s parental leave program, but teachers are allowed 15 sick days a year and can carry over unused sick leave from year to year, capped at 180 days. We have also offered to maintain a sick leave bank for teachers and create one for tutors, paraprofessionals, permanent substitutes and custodians to create a pool for them to borrow from if they need to supplement their earned sick time.”
The School Committee’s statement ended with, “The union’s all-ornothing strategy — and their conspiring with other MTA (Massachusetts Teachers Association) unions in neighboring communities on this illegal strike — is only hurting the students. We want our school doors open, but so far the MEA is refusing to consider realistic options that are in the best interest of students.”
The MEA responded to the School Committee, telling the Current, “The School Committee continues to put out misleading information about bargaining. There are no new tentative agreements since we began mediation. Prior to mediation, the School Committee acknowledged that even its last contract offer would require an override. The MEA is crafting proposals that meet the needs of the students, are mindful of town finances and would be achievable through an override that the community can support. The School Committee is not being transparent or putting forward proposals that will end the crisis facing our schools.”
Rallies, community support Marblehead educators joined striking teachers from Gloucester and Beverly Monday afternoon at a large demonstration at Stage Fort Park in Gloucester. MHS junior Hailey Grohe spoke about her mom, a special education teacher in Marblehead.
“She works weekends, summers and nights to meet the needs of her students and our family,” Hailey said. “There are even times when I have asked, ‘Can I have Mom time?’ because she is pulled away a lot. Whether it’s emails, phone calls or helping her colleagues with understaffed situations — my mom is a superhero.”
Over the weekend, teachers, wearing red and carrying signs, rallied at popular spots around Marblehead, including outside Shubie’s and the Glover School. Many students and community members joined them.
The community launched an MEA Strike Fund for union members to help defray any courtimposed fines for the illegal strike. There was also a Feed Our Teachers sign-up to provide food to union members during
bargaining and snacks to teachers at rallies.
The MHS National Honor Society offered free babysitting to parents impacted by the work stoppage.
‘Let them play. Let them sing.’
Interim Superintendent John Robidoux announced last week that all athletics, music and other extracurriculars would be canceled during a strike. Educators, however,
offered to keep coaching
and leading rehearsals. Parents and students urged Robidoux and the School Committee to allow sports and music to continue.
Parent Cindy Schieffer wrote to Robidoux on Nov. 10, “Your School Committee lays the decision to cancel sports and other extracurriculars entirely at your feet. They blame you. That said, can you please detail for your community the obstacles behind allowing them to
proceed? We are motivated parents with time, energy and the financial means to get this done in any way possible.”
Schieffer continued, “What are the hurdles and how can we help? Parents
are in conversation with METCO representatives and every organization affected by your callous cancellation. Put the students first. Talk to us. Make it work. We can do this.”
MHS teacher and football coach Jim Rudloff told the Current that he’s trying to keep his players positive.
“Our plan right now is to prepare to win a high school playoff football game Friday night,” he said. (Read more about the Magicians’ winning streak on Page 9.)
MHS Music Director Andrew Scoglio posted to Facebook, “The MEA has been saying, ‘Let them play. Let them sing.’ The performing arts students have lots of events this week that cannot be rescheduled. Same with some other clubs. I know robotics needs to continue in order to be on track for their upcoming competition in a couple weeks.”
Late Monday, U.S. Sen. Ed Markey released a statement about the North Shore teacher negotiations.
“...our educators deserve good wages,” Markey wrote. “They deserve benefits and protections. They deserve a positive working environment that enables them to support students and communities. Beverly, Gloucester and Marblehead value their educators and believe in investing in the education of all of our students.”
To read proposals from both the School Committee and the MEA, visit their respective links at marbleheadschools. org and linktr.ee/ MarbleheadEducators.
CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS
Marblehead educators, students and families took to the streets across town over the weekend.
Quick resolution would be best Opinion
The talks between the Marblehead Education Association and the School Committee reached what has long felt like an inevitable turning point Friday, when the union voted overwhelmingly to go on strike starting Nov. 12.
While the MEA expressed hope that an 11th-hour deal might avert the need for a strike, all indications as of the Current’s press deadline pointed to at least some canceled classes and after-school activities for the town’s students. Indeed, news of the union’s strike vote was greeted almost immediately by an announcement from interim Superintendent John Robidoux that there would be no school on Tuesday, with the balance of the week very much in question as of this writing.
We would love to think that, by the time you are reading the words that follow, they will have been mooted, either by a series of contract agreements with the member units comprising the MEA or at least a temporary truce that would allow classes and activities — including postseason sports competitions — to resume.
If that does not happen, here are a few things we will be thinking about in the coming days.
1. Separate the spin from the substance.
As the two sides exchange proposals, they will also be engaging in efforts to rally the public’s support to their side. That’s what the MEA’s “standouts” — at Shubie’s, the Glover School and the Old Town House — have been about.
But in addition, as long as the negotiations remain behind closed doors — the School Committee has resisted making them public — to the extent we learn any specifics, it will be through press releases and other public statements in which information will be shared selectively, often surrounded by inflammatory rhetoric.
At the Current, we will do our best to clarify whether there is substance behind the statements or merely bombast.
For example, the superintendent and School Committee have been quick to affix the term “illegal” to the MEA’s planned strike. That is true.
A state law, G.L.c. 150E, §9A, prohibits public employees, including teachers, from going on strike, and that was the basis for the quick ruling that the School Committee was able to obtain on Nov. 8 ordering the MEA to “immediately cease and desist from engaging in or threatening to engage in a strike or work stoppage, slowdown or other withholding of services.”
When Newton teachers went on strike earlier this year, the teachers union began incurring daily fines that totaled $625,000 by the time the strike ended.
The MEA, in turn, filed an unfair labor practice charge with the state’s Department of Labor Relations, alleging that the School Committee had violated its obligation to bargain in good faith in response to the School Committee’s refusal to come to the table on Sunday, though talks were set to resume the following day.
While every day counts when it comes to averting a strike, whether the DLR agrees that the School Committee’s actions are “unconscionable,” as MEA President Jonathan Heller asserted, remains to be seen.
If official sanctions help create pressure to reach a deal, so be it. But they are ultimately a sideshow, not the main event.
2. Marblehead is unique — and not unique at all.
As you may have heard, the day before the MEA took its strike vote, teachers in Beverly and Gloucester chose to do likewise.
In addition to Newton, since 2022 there have been teacher strikes in Andover, Brookline, Haverhill, Malden and Woburn, and a last-minute deal to avoid a strike in Melrose.
Many of the issues in these communities overlap. There is the desire for fair, competitive wages, of course, but also an understandable post-COVID focus on ensuring that school communities are safe and that students are receiving the services they need.
But there are some circumstances that are unique to Marblehead as well. The town starts from a position of less wiggle room under Proposition 2 1/2 due to stagnant “new growth.” For reasons that we will not explore at length here, efforts to pass an override to support school operating expenses have failed, and the prospect is dim of gaining the necessary public support to do so in the near future, many believe.
All of that is to say that Marblehead may have a bigger challenge than other communities making the numbers work.
While the MEA offered a rebuke, it’s hard to see where former School Committee member Tom Mathers missed the mark when he wrote in the Current recently, “A new [collective bargaining agreement] will come with the reality that we cannot staff at our current levels.”
Earlier this year, Andover let go of 34 educators, tying those layoffs to the new contract that ended that town’s teacher strike.
“The school committee made very clear to the union and to the community that if the district agreed to the financial demands the union was making, there would be layoffs,” former Andover School Committee member Tracey Spruce told WGBH. “Sometimes you have to make hard decisions.”
It’s difficult to see how similar “hard decisions” aren’t lurking for Marblehead at the end of this process. 3. The longer a strike lingers, the more students and families will suffer.
As the Current was going to press, we were learning of efforts by parents to rescue the championship pursuits of Marblehead High athletic teams, along with other afterschool activities.
We tip our caps to the National Honor Society students who have stepped forward to offer childcare services for working families that might otherwise have a difficult time managing having their children at home during the strike.
The school year may need to extend deeper into June, if days need to be made up.
And these may be just the beginning of the complications a strike will create for families.
In Newton, a group of parents is pursuing a class action lawsuit — claiming $25 million in damages — against the Newton Teachers Association and the state and national unions that supported it.
The defendants may succeed in getting that suit dismissed — a motion is currently pending — but what’s undeniably true is that prolonged strikes create hard feelings that linger long after the school doors swing back open.
Here’s hoping against hope that Marblehead can avoid the worst of what some of our neighboring communities have endured.
GU eST CoLU mN
Renewal of civic life has to start by supporting local journalism
BY DAN KENNEDY
Following Donald Trump’s victory Tuesday night, I’ve seen calls on social media to support independent news organizations like ProPublica and The Guardian rather than traditional outlets. It’s a good idea, though I value the work done by mainstream journalism as well.
But let me suggest a different approach to funding media: using your subscription money or taxdeductible donations to support news at the local level. I’ve been writing about the local news crisis for a decade and a half, and during that time I’ve come to believe that one of the reasons we’re so polarized is that low-quality national news has moved in to fill the vacuum created by the decline of community journalism.
Civic life depends on reliable news and information. Without it, you have people showing up at school committee meetings to complain about phony, Fox News-driven issues like transgender sports and critical race theory rather than test scores and the cost of funding a new teachers’ contract.
Academic studies have shown that a lack of local news leads to fewer people running for local office, lower voter turnout, measurable increases in polarization and what my research partner, Ellen Clegg, and I like to call the “corruption tax” — that is, lenders demanding a higher rate of return when municipalities in news deserts seek to borrow money for such worthy causes as a new middle school or fire station.
The lenders, it seems, want a premium if no one is going to keep an eye on how their money is being spent.
Rebuilding civic life is a way of lowering temperatures and encouraging cooperation. When people learn they can work with their neighbors to solve local problems even if they hold different views about national politics, that enables them to see those neighbors as fully rounded human beings rather than as partisan Republicans or Democrats.
The news desert problem is serious and getting worse. According to the latest State of Local News report from Northwestern University’s Medill School, some 3,200 print newspapers have disappeared since 2005. Most of them were weekly papers that provided exactly the sort of coverage needed to build and maintain a sense of community.
At the same time, though, hundreds
Pass an override to fund our schools
To the editor:
Well people, we are between the proverbial rock and a hard place. To override or not to override is the question. The answer is, we need an override! No question about it.
Do you want oversized classes, fewer excellent teachers and more parents requesting outside placements, because our schools cannot meet the requirements of IEP Plans?
Do you want more legal bills? Do you want athletics to be terminated?
We can point fingers all we want for the chaos this School Committee has caused in almost 18 months, but we as stakeholders have to take the blame for not passing an override over many years. We have kicked the last can into the harbor. It’s time we step up to the plate and fund our schools. Do I want higher taxes? Absolutely not! We have a
of independent news projects have launched in recent years. Most but not all are digital-only; many are nonprofit, some are for-profit. As it happens, this is the time of year when it makes the most sense to support local news, especially nonprofits. Every year, the Institute for Nonprofit News, through its NewsMatch program, provides funds to nonprofits to match some of what they are able to raise within their communities. This year’s campaign began Nov. 1.
As INN explains: “Eighteen national and regional funders have pledged $7.5 million to NewsMatch, the largest grassroots fundraising campaign to support nonprofit news in the U.S. Since 2017, participating news organizations in the INN Network have leveraged $31 million in NewsMatch funding to help generate nearly $300 million in support from their communities. All of these newsrooms have met INN’s membership standards for financial transparency, editorial independence, and original public service reporting. Not every nonprofit news outlet meets those standards and is able to become an INN member.” Ellen and I wrote our book, “What Works in Community News,” to profile independent local and regional news organizations that are finding ways to serve the public despite the ongoing financial challenge of paying for journalism. We also talk with news entrepreneurs and thought leaders on our podcast, “What Works: The Future of Local News.” Our hope is that the people and projects we highlight will inspire others to fill the information gap in their own communities. Philanthropy will remain an important source of funding for some time to come. We should assume that long-stalled federal efforts to provide tax credits for local news aren’t suddenly going to start moving forward during the Age of Trump II. Efforts in states that include New York, New Jersey, Illinois and California are worthwhile but limited. Ultimately the news desert problem will be solved, or not, without government assistance. If your community has an independent news outlet, please support it. And if it doesn’t, I suggest you look into what it would take to get involved in starting one.
Dan Kennedy is a professor of journalism at Northeastern University. This column originally appeared as a post on his blog, Media Nation.
crisis on our hands, action needs to be taken now.
Our teachers cannot continue without support for safer schools, better benefits and better wages. We pay our babysitters more an hour than some employees that take care of our children day in and day out.
We are looking at losing some incredible teachers and staff. As a parent of a 12 year old, and someone who has been to this same rodeo many years ago in Swampscott with our other children, trust me this is not something we want. For almost 18 months I have been telling this School Committee you need to be transparent, you need to have conversations with the members of this community and you have to work with the MEA and with the Select Board for an override. You have not listened. We do not need a PR firm, you
A holiday letter to the parent trying to do it all The year I chose presence over perfect holidays
BY LIZZIE ASSA
It was Halloween 2011. My little parade of trickortreaters included a 2-yearold Paw Patrol pup, a 5-yearold unicorn and a 7-yearold pilot.
That morning, I was racing between class parties at two different schools — one for my kindergartner, one for my third grader — while trying to get my youngest home in time for a real nap. Without that nap, I knew trick-or-treating would be a disaster. Meanwhile, I had cupcakes to frost, a dog desperately
FooD 101
needing exercise, and a serious case of perfect parent syndrome. Later that afternoon, the neighbors would be coming over to our house for pre-trick-or-treat pizza and snacks. My husband had started a new job that morning and I was so worried he’d get stuck working late in the city and miss it all. All I could think about was making everything magical for my kids — as if their joy depended on my perfect execution.
Why am I still talking about Halloween in November? Because the winter holidays are coming, the same principles apply and I want you to learn from my
mistakes.
Between the overstimulated meltdowns from the kids and the impossible standards I set for myself, I was missing the point. My kids didn’t care about a perfect Halloween. They didn’t care about spider-shaped cookies and witch-hat sandwiches. They didn’t need their costume to be perfect, they needed a parent who could sympathize with
the too-itchy costume and their over-sugared brain. They didn’t need a perfectly spooky crudite platter. They needed a mom who wasn’t fluffing the pillows and rushing them along. They wanted to feel comfortable, seen and loved. A stressed-out parent, trying to get it all right, cannot possibly regulate their small child. They can’t be present and in the moment.
The next year, I said no
Italian staple sees resurgence
BY LINDA BASSETT
Lately, I’ve heard that many cooks have stopped making risotto, citing that it’s too time-consuming and requires too much “babysitting” — stirring constantly. However, on a wintry weekend night, I find standing by the stove, slowly adding fragrant stock to a pot and drawing lazy circles with a wooden spoon to be soothing, especially while watching a Hallmark movie. (This dish does require attention, though.)
After much trial and error, I’ve managed to shorten the cooking time from nearly an hour to about 30 minutes. Plus, I can briefly step away from the pot.
Risotto originated in 16th-century Milan when cooks borrowed golden saffron threads from artists’ palettes to color locally grown Arborio rice. Unlike Carolina long-grain or sticky Asian rice, Arborio kernels are short, fat and starchy, forming their own sauce while cooking. You can find Arborio rice on international or rice shelves in supermarkets.
Risotto is typically considered a first course (primi piatti), but with added extras, it can be a whole meal. The classic risotto alla Milanese uses only onion as a vegetable. By following this recipe and making substitutions and additions, cooks can create endless variations. In autumn, try adding small cubes of butternut squash that melt into the cooked rice and substitute fresh or dried sage for saffron. Other options include portobello mushrooms and thyme.
Letters From P. A4
need to take the wax out of your ears and listen!
School Committee, show good faith and turn over the two empty schools to the town. The town needs to promise any monies collected either by leasing or selling the two schools are earmarked strictly for the schools.
I reached out multiple times either by emails, letters to the editor, or in public SC meetings to open up the teacher contract
to the class parties. I didn’t volunteer to bring the cupcakes and I dropped off the paper plates and napkins ahead of time. I stayed home while my little napped and the big kids rode the school bus home. It gave me time to set up for our pizza party and relax so that I could welcome them home to a present, mostly happy mom. We still had the pizza party and the neighborhood fun, but there were fewer themed appetizers and a mess of toys in the living room. I didn’t stress over whether or not my husband would make it in time. I was relaxed enough to manage on my own.
As the holidays rush in
Crumbled sausage and greens like spinach turn the rice into a hearty winter supper. In spring, use tender greens, asparagus and chives. Prosciutto and peas or pesto are great summer options. Enhance the rice further by
negotiations to no avail. Last week a SC member reached out to meet at a coffee shop. After waiting a half hour for the person to show up, I sent an email to her and the full committee. We spoke and she apologized and I accepted her apology at the time. She stated that “her mother taught her better!” Unfortunately, her mom didn’t teach her well enough, because after trying to find a mutual time the contact stopped. I understand you are busy, but aren’t we all? What I would like to know is
swapping Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for Asiago, Fontina or mascarpone (never mozzarella).
Don’t keep risotto waiting; it’s best eaten immediately from a bowl with a spoon. Mound it in the center and spoon inward from the edges to keep the center hot.
who stopped you from meeting with me? Was it other SC members or the SC attorney?
We are six months away from Town Meeting and the elections are the following month. We need to take action now before it’s too late. We can ask the entire SC to step down or vote out whomever is up for re-election in June, but we need to take action to get monies to fund the schools properly yesterday!
Mary McCarriston Pinecliff Drive
with themed school days, hosting, shopping and class parties — don’t try to do it all. Save some of yourself for when your child has a rush of big feelings or melts down over a scratchy sweater. Leave room for the hard parts and the in-betweens. Because years from now, they won’t remember the perfect table settings or the themed snacks — they’ll remember the parent who had enough left to hold them close and be there with them through the good parts and the hard parts, too.
Lizzie Assa is founder of The Workspace for Children, a parenting strategist, play expert and mother of three who lives in Marblehead.
To shorten cooking time, add 3/4 to 1 cup of stock at a time. Use homemade or store-bought stock.
Scrape errant rice kernels into the pot during cooking. Finished risotto should appear creamy or wavy (all’onda) with sauce between grains.
Taste often to determine doneness.
Ingredients
` 1 tablespoon crushed saffron threads
` 4 1/2 to 5 cups hot chicken stock
` 5 tablespoons unsalted butter
` 1 tablespoon 100% olive oil
` 1/2 cup finely minced onion
` 2 cups Arborio rice
` 1/2 cup dry white wine
` 3/4 cup grated ParmigianoReggiano cheese
Instructions
` Combine saffron and 1/2 cup hot chicken stock in a small bowl; set aside.
` In a heavy saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter with olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onions; cook, stirring until soft and nearly colorless.
` Stir in rice; cook for 1–2 minutes. Reduce heat to medium-low; add wine.
` Cook, stirring constantly, until wine is absorbed. Add 3/4 to 1 cup stock; continue cooking until absorbed. Repeat.
` Strain saffron threads; add liquid to rice.
` Remove from heat; stir in cheese and remaining butter.
CLASSIC RISOTTO MILANESE
Makes 6 servings. This original Milanese risotto recipe allows for variations with other vegetables and herbs. Cook them gently in butter before adding to the rice halfway through cooking.
Teachers are the experts
To the editor: Teachers are the experts on quality education, not administrators, not school committee members, and certainly not their attorneys. Marblehead Public Schools thrived when we had administrators and school committee members who provided leadership and support that empowered our teachers and students to excel. The citizens of Marblehead had no
` Serve immediately in deep bowls. Linda Bassett lived in Marblehead for years and has worked as a cook, trained up-andcoming chefs, studied food history and led food tours. Her book, “From Apple Pie to Pad Thai,” is about local cooks and cooking.
problem passing overrides and funding schools when we had leaders whose behavior showed respect for teachers, students and families. As parents, we need to stand with our educators and students. Our elected school committee members, administrators and their attorneys should also remember that they work for us. Continuing to botch the oversight and administration of our schools is unacceptable. Do your job and get a fair contract done. Maggie and Jamie Slavet Kenneth Road
CURRENT PHOTO / LINDA BASSETT
The Current’s food columnist, Linda Bassett, showcases her classic Italian risotto recipe.
Moulton: Firestorm over his trans athlete remarks proves his point
To win elections, Dems must show they aren’t out of touch, congressman argues
BY KRIS OLSON
The backlash to comments he made about transgender athletes “has only served to reinforce my original point,” Congressman Seth Moulton wrote in a Facebook post Sunday night.
Two different Nov. 7 stories in the New York Times — one about the “new anxiety” transgender Americans are voicing about the Trump agenda, the other a post mortem on Vice President Kamala Harris’ failed presidential bid — used the same quote from Moulton.
“Democrats spend way too much time trying not to offend anyone rather than being brutally honest about the challenges many Americans face,” Moulton began.
He continued, “I have two little girls, I don’t want them getting run over on a playing field by a male or formerly male athlete, but as a Democrat I’m supposed to be afraid to say that.”
The response was swift.
Walter Horan, a member of Marblehead’s Democratic Board of Registrars, told the Current that Moulton’s comments about transgender women were “Trump-like, insulting and
inflammatory.”
“Trans women are not playing soccer to bowl over little girls,” he said. “They are playing because they want to participate — they want to belong. Arbitrarily saying that they are a threat to someone born female is simply flawed. The congressman is simply picking on one small marginalized group.”
Mayor Dominick Pangallo and members of the Salem Public Schools sent out a statement early Friday morning denouncing Moulton’’s comments “in the strongest terms possible.”
“We want to reassure our LGBTQ+ students that we as direct leaders will always celebrate your
identities, support your dreams and aspirations, and applaud your accomplishments,” the statement read. “Neither fear nor political whim will shake our commitment to you.”
The statewide grassroots advocacy organization MassEquality issued a statement of its own, noting that Moulton’s comments were ill-timed, coming shortly before the 25th anniversary of Transgender Day of Remembrance in Boston and as the transgender community “is grappling with both the personal and political challenges of the current moment,” including the election results and the threat
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“Unfortunately, recent comments made by Congressman Seth Moulton regarding transgender athletes have further compounded our community’s sense of vulnerability,” the statement read. “Referring to transgender athletes as ‘male or formerly male,’ the Congressman’s remarks were both harmful and factually inaccurate. These statements contribute to the ongoing stigmatization of transgender people, especially transgender women and girls, in sports.”
In addition to the stream of criticism, Moulton’s comments may have also cost him his campaign manager and director of his “Serve America” political committee. The Boston Globe reported that Matt Chilliak had resigned, but the paper was not immediately able to confirm his decision stemmed from Moulton’s remarks.
Direct feedback
MassEquality Executive Director Tanya Neslusan was among LGBTQ+ community leaders who spoke with Moulton on Zoom Friday afternoon.
In the immediate aftermath of that call, Neslusan told the Current she hoped it would be an “inflection point” and a learning opportunity for Moulton.
Among the messages Neslusan said she hoped to impart was that advocacy
organizations like MassEquality are always available as a resource to answer questions and help inform the congressman’s opinions before he speaks out.
“The (trans) community is really struggling right now; it is not the time to further ‘other’ it,” she said. “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”
However inadvertently, the words of a congressman can harm people, Neslusan added.
“It’s not just his daughters — it’s all of our daughters and all of our sons” Moulton should be thinking about, she said.
Since the election, Neslusan said her cellphones and those of other LGBTQ advocates have been “blowing up” with messages from people in crisis.
“They are really not sure if there is a place in the world for them,” she said.
Massachusetts has long been viewed as a refuge, and organizations like MassEquality will periodically be called upon to help relocate residents of red states.
“People look at Massachusetts as a bastion of safety,” Neslusan said. “When that veil is taken away, there are real repercussions that echo throughout the community nationally.”
Neslusan said the Zoom call ended with the LGBTQ advocates extending Moulton an open invitation to connect to discuss issues as they arise.
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Neslusan also said she urged Moulton to “take a beat” before speaking and consider potential harms as he weighs competing priorities, among which protecting human life should top the list.
A split among states
According to the Movement Advancement Project, the country is equally split between states that ban transgender students from participating in sports consistent with their gender identity and those that do not. Both bans and permissive laws and policies have been the subject of legal challenges.
The Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association’s policy is that a “student shall not be excluded from participation on a genderspecific sports team that is consistent with the student’s bona fide gender identity.”
Moulton told the Current he does not necessarily believe the MIAA policy should change.
“I’m not sure what exactly the right answer is, but I’ve heard from too many parents and athletes that the current rules are too liberal and there should be some restrictions,” he said in an emailed response to the Current’s questions. “Of course this shouldn’t apply to young kids who have participated in co-ed sports successfully for a long time, but as they get older and gender differences become more pronounced, this becomes an issue both of competitive fairness and of safety.”
Given how small a percentage of the population transgender people comprise, Nesulsan said she expects issues with transgender athletes to continue to be rare. There have been co-ed sports, including co-ed high school sports, forever, she noted.
“When you look at it that way, there is no reason to make transgender athletes the bogeyman,” she said. “This is not a hill to die on.” In his Facebook statement, Moulton said that he appreciated the “thoughtful, constructive feedback” of leaders like Nesulsan.
Robert A. Erbetta P.O. Box 44, Marblehead, MA 01945 (617) 293-8512 raerbetta@comcast.net
“What has resonated most with me, because I share this concern, is the genuine fear about what the next four years will bring for the rights and safety of our most vulnerable citizens,” he wrote. “I will of course continue to advocate for better access to mental and other healthcare in America, and fight for individuals’ rights and freedoms, as I always have.”
Winning is paramount
Moulton told the Current that he recognizes that transgender Americans will be at risk under a
PHOTO
Congressman Seth Moulton
been different,” said veteran political advisor and Marblehead resident Michael Goldman, pointing out Massachusetts’ sole support of McGovern in 1972.
“The question going forward is do you view America and the democratic process as something worth saving?”
Republican reaction
Marblehead resident and state GOP Chair Amy Carnevale is looking forward to attending Trump’s inauguration in January.
“The voters across the country have spoken about what they see as the failed policies coming out of the Biden/Harris administration — mainly the economy and immigration. Voters are speaking with their pocket book,” Carnevale said.
Sharon Randall, who has voted for Trump three times, expressed confidence in his leadership.
“I feel that he is a true American patriot and has America’s interests as his priority,” Randall said. “I woke up this morning never feeling safer.”
Bill Crane, who works in the stock market and as a driving
Moulton
second Trump Administration, “and it would be dangerously misleading to suggest otherwise.”
But the best way to protect the transgender community is to win at the ballot box, Moulton added.
“Republicans spent tens of millions of dollars during the campaign villainizing them, and Democrats did not effectively counter that dangerous
instructor, pointed to specific policy proposals that won his support.
“He’s proposed no taxation on Social Security,” Crane said. “And tomorrow he’s going to shut down the border. He’ll call a cement company and say, ‘Finish that wall that I started four years ago.’”
Asked what her message is to the majority of Marblehead and Massachusetts residents who voted against Trump, Carnevale said, “I would urge everyone to think back initially to 2016 and the policies that we saw coming out of the Trump
message,” he wrote. “The only way the rights of transgender Americans will truly be protected is if Democrats have these debates, come up with a winning strategy on this issue and others, since our current strategy failed terribly, and start winning elections again.”
He pointed to a survey conducted by the Democratic polling firm Blueprint in which respondents ranked the statement “Kamala Harris is focused more on cultural issues like transgender issues rather than helping the middle
administration. We saw a country that was largely at peace and economically prosperous.”
Looking ahead
For local Democratic activists processing the results, Goldman suggests embracing a familiar pattern.
“In 2016, I said ‘Today we mourn, tomorrow we go back to work.’ The job of Democrats now is to make sure that the constitutional guarantees we’ve fought for remain protected,” he said.
As volunteers like Hempel return from battleground states
class” third among reasons for not supporting her candidacy, behind inflation and illegal border crossings.
Moulton, who briefly sought the 2020 Democratic presidential nomination, denied his stance has anything to do with his political ambitions.
“If the suggestion is that finding a rational position on issues in line with the vast majority of American voters — or simply being politically courageous enough to have these debates in the face of getting canceled — is a good
eLeCTIoN
’Headers approve ending MCAS test requirement
BY LEIGH BLANDER
On Election Day, Marblehead voters overwhelmingly approved Ballot Question 1 authorizing State Auditor Diana DiZoglio to audit the Legislature. The vote was 8,916 in favor and 3,695 opposed. Statewide, voters supported Question 1 by 71%.
Question 2, on eliminating the MCAS requirement for high school graduation, was much closer in town, ultimately passing 6,699 to 6,529. Statewide, Question 2 won with 59% of the vote.
Question 3, allowing
and local leaders plan their next steps, they’re grappling with questions about America’s political future that extend far beyond Marblehead.
“Americans had a choice to make, and they made it,” said Hempel. “We gave it our all, and I have no regrets.”
“What the consequences of voters’ choice will be — we won’t know for a couple of
place to be politically, then I’ll happily take that on,” he wrote.
“The overwhelming majority of feedback I have received in the past few days has been positive, so I hope other Democrats will pay attention.”
Moulton added that, if the House ultimately stays under Republican control, Democrats will need people who have the relationships and willingness to work across the aisle to have any chance of influencing policy or moving any of their legislative priorities forward over the next few years.
ride-share drivers to unionize, lost locally, with 6,617 ‘no’ votes to 6,182 ‘yes’ votes. Statewide, Question 3 won with 54% of the vote.
Question 4, which would legalize psychedelic substances, failed locally, with 11,581 voting ‘no’ and 5,404 voting ‘yes.’ Across Massachusetts, 57% of voters rejected Question 4. Finally, Question 5, to gradually increase the minimum wage for tipped workers, lost locally with 8,977 voters opposed and 4,018 in favor. Statewide, 64% of voters rejected Question 5.
years,” Goldman said.
He added that during the night as he watched the results he was thinking about Benjamin Franklin’s famous response when asked what kind of government the Constitutional Convention had created: “A republic, if you can keep it.”
“The question going forward is have we kept it?” Goldman added.
In his Facebook post, Moulton also criticized those who went straight to social media with their criticism of him.
“They condemned not just my ideas, but denounced even having this debate — some calling on me to resign simply because I have an opinion that differs from theirs,” he wrote.
“This is the wing of our party that pushes people away and makes them fearful to speak up, and it’s why the ‘surprising’ number of people that voted for Donald Trump should be no surprise at all.”
Assessors offer early look at 2025 valuations
BY WILL DOWD
The Marblehead Assessors Office will release preliminary property valuations for fiscal year 2025 ahead of schedule as part of efforts to increase transparency following assessment errors that overcharged many residents and prompted hundreds of abatement requests.
Todd Laramie, who started as assistant assessor last week, said the preliminary valuations will be available for public review at Abbot Hall at 188 Washington St., the Assessors Office at 7 Widger Road and the Abbot Public Library at 235 Pleasant St. The documents, organized by street address, will be posted at marblehead.org, with Laramie urging residents to check it in the coming days.
“We’re confident in the values,” said Laramie, a Marblehead native who previously served as assessor in Hamilton. “The process is back to how it’s supposed to be.”
The early release covers approximately 8,400 parcels and represents a departure
Public
from typical procedure. The assessments are based on 2023 calendar year data.
The move follows a period that began in January when the Assessors Office received 334 abatement requests — the highest number since the 2008 housing crisis. The spike prompted an independent review that revealed procedural errors in the assessment process.
Jonathan Lederman, a member of the Board of Assessors,
explained the rationale for the early release.
“This gives the community a chance to look at their individual valuations before they get released as tax bills,” Lederman said. “If there are concerns, they can come into the office and sit down with Todd.”
The town contracted with Patriot Properties and brought in temporary assistance to help rectify the assessment issues. While next year marks
Marblehead’s scheduled fiveyear revaluation, officials opted to advance much of that work to address immediate concerns.
Laramie’s local knowledge has proved valuable in his new role, Lederman noted. Born and raised in Marblehead, he brings both professional expertise and familiarity with the community.
“That makes a massive difference in his ability to look at a property, know neighborhoods,” Lederman said.
“Someone says a street name, he knows where it is.”
The new assessor has begun coordinating with the building department and tax collector’s office to track new growth and property improvements.
Laramie views the reevaluations as an opportunity to restore public confidence in the assessment process.
“If I can help better explain how the process works to somebody, then I feel comfortable at the end of the day,” Laramie said.
The preliminary valuations require review by the Massachusetts Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services — which occurs after the Select Board sets the tax rates usually in mid-November or early December —before being finalized. Property owners who spot potential discrepancies are encouraged to discuss their concerns with the assessors’ office during this preview period.
“We want to make sure we get it right,” Lederman said. “We’ve been working extremely hard to basically fix the mistakes that were made last year.”
special education records
The Marblehead Public Schools Student Services Department released a public notice that it intends to destroy the records of all students who exited from any special education program prior to and during the 2016-2017 school year. Any student or former student who has reached 18 years of age may review and/or receive these records by contacting the Student Services Office at 781639-3140, ext. 10119. According to federal law, parents and guardians lose their right to review or obtain these records when their child (the student) reaches 18 years of age or starts attending a postsecondary institution, whichever occurs first. However, a parent of a child with a disability who is 18 years of age or older may retain parental rights provided a court has appointed legal guardian to the parent. Upon review, a copy of any information continued in the record will be provided to the parent/guardian of the eligible student.
Once an appointment is scheduled, the record will be held for review for 10 days after the appointment date. If no student, parent or guardian responds to this public notice, the school district will assume consent to destroy the entire record specific to the student.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Senior clerk Viktriua Babrauskaite, left, and Assistant Assessor Todd Laramie at the Assessor’s Office window in the Mary Alley Municipal Building.
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
Supporters of various Democratic candidates, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, gathered outside Abbot Hall to promote their candidates on Election Day, reflecting the town’s strong turnout and largely Democratic leanings.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
Music With Dara, 30th anniversary celebration
Friday, Nov. 15, 10:30 a.m.
Join Dara VanRemoortel for an interactive musical program designed for children ages 2-5 and their caregivers at Abbot Library, 235 Pleasant St. For 30 years, VanRemoortel has been providing joyful and educational music programs at libraries, preschools, birthday parties and more. Recently, she has loved seeing former students she had in preschool years ago now attend her programs with their own children. Refreshments will be served following
VanRemoortel’s program, from 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. Online registration is required at tinyurl.com/Dara-30-Years.
Jazz at the Arts
Thursday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present a performance by Cassandre McKinley as a part of their Jazz at the Arts concert series.
McKinley is a singer, recording artist and composer who performs a variety of genres, including soul, jazz, blues r&b, pop and country. Tickets are $35. marbleheadarts.org
Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Nov. 16, 9 a.m.-noon
Seeking Wisdom, Finding Joy
Friday, Nov. 15, to Sunday, Nov. 17
Temple Sinai, 1 Community Road, invites people for a weekend of learning, reflection and joy. “Together, we will delve into texts, enjoy uplifting music and be inspired by our speakers, all aimed at helping us focus on our life and explore the wisdom that brings joy,” according to a press release. Sinai members $54, community $72. Several meals are included. More info at templesinaiweb.org.
Frederick Douglass community reading
Monday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m.
The Marblehead Racial Justice Team will continue its Conversations on Race series of events with a community reading of Frederick Douglass’ famous speech, “What to the slave is the Fourth of July?” Community members are invited to sign up to read portions of the speech. Registration is required to attend in person or via Zoom. tinyurl.com/Douglass-Reading.
The Marblehead Farmers’ Market continues through Nov. 23. Stop by this Saturday for fall fruits, veggies and more.
Winter Artist Member Show
Now through Dec. 24
What better way to end the year than with the Marblehead Arts Association annual Winter Member Exhibit. The works of MAA artist members will be spread throughout all galleries of the King Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St.
YELLOW MAGENTA
Sports
boYS SoCCer
MHS secures first home playoff win in five years
Team then loses an OT thriller to host Wayland in Sweet 16 instant classic
BY JOE MCCONNELL
This fall, the Marblehead High boys soccer team accomplished incredible feats that surprised no one. Coming into the campaign, the Magicians had high expectations, and understood with certainty that playing to their potential would define success. With that said, they displayed tenacity, poise and unity to raise their level of play when it mattered most, while developing a culture of winning.
The Marblehead boys (11-3-6 overall, including playoffs) were seeded 10th in the Division 2 power rankings. There are 59 teams statewide in the division, and they proved without a doubt that they are among the top echelon.
Coach Elmo Magana’s team won an overtime playoff game at home for the first time in five years, and came within two ricocheted crossbar shots of winning another in a Sweet 16 matchup on Nov. 7. They notched 43 goals, and conceded only 16 throughout the past two months. Nine of their 11 wins were by shutout. Ultimately, they played with an effortless harmony that was in evidence on the pitch week after week.
On Monday, Nov. 3, Somerset-Berkley Regional (12-7), the 23rd seed, came to Piper to begin the tournament in the Round of 32.
In the early minutes, both teams exhibited a tendency to move the ball quickly, which tested the opposing defenses. Both teams were skilled in possessing the ball, while also being able to smoothly change direction at will.
But Raiders broke through for an early score, just 12 minutes into the game, when it somehow squeezed through two defenders, before hitting a slow roller toward the left side of the goal that was out of Marblehead’s reach.
Initially, Somerset-Berkley was quick to jump on Marblehead’s passing routes. They intercepted the ball frequently, before the home team could penetrate the 18-yard line. But the momentum shifted as the first half progressed.
SOCCER, P. A11
GrIDIroN
Magicians begin playoffs with dominating win
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Seven in a row, another dominating performance by the defense and an offense that knows how to move the ball steadily downfield is a definite recipe for success, and the Marblehead High football team (7-2) is hitting on all three, and as a result it’s now onto the Division 4 Elite 8 game against host Grafton (9-0) Friday night (Nov. 15), starting at 6 p.m. Grafton came into the playoffs as the third seed, while the Magicians were just a couple of notches below them in the sixth spot. The Gators defeated Bedford (5-4, 14th seed) in their Round of 16 game last Friday night, 42-8, while the Magicians were hammering Norwood (4-5, 11 th seed) in their first-round playoff game at Piper Field, 42-6. After nine games, the Marblehead boys have outscored their opponents, 276-109. In the last seven contests, they have given up just 44 points, while scoring 257. Grafton is undefeated, but with statistics like these, it’d be hard to find a hotter high school football team in the state that’s not named Marblehead.
Amid windy conditions, the Magicians started slowly, leading 7-0 after one quarter, and 14-6 midway through the second. But scoring a late first half touchdown with 49 seconds left on the clock gave the Magicians momentum heading into the second half, while also holding a double-digit lead for the first time in the game, 21-6.
Yandel Garcia scored that touchdown from the one, but the extra point had a bit more drama to it. The Mustangs tried to block sophomore Finbar Bresnahan’s kick, but the offending defender was offside on the play. But to make matters worse, he kept coming across the line, before colliding into Bresnahan. He was also called for roughing the kicker, setting off a minor
skirmish on the field. Did it fire up the home team even more so to dominate the rest of the game? It just might have. Captain Colt Wales thought it definitely did. “That definitely fired us up,” Wales said. “Seeing
BY JOE MCCONNELL
NAME: Jared Halpern
AGE: 16
FAMILY: Parents: Zach and Ali;
Sibling: twin sister Sadie
SCHOOL YEAR: Junior
SPORTS YOU PLAY: Soccer, lacrosse
FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: Soccer, because our team has a close bond MOST MEMORABLE GAME FOR
our kicker get hit like that definitely lit a fire under us. We then just kept hitting and hitting. We also loved to see our team get into it after that play to show
YOU, AND WHY: Our 2024 playoff game against Somerset-Berkley. It was great playing at home in front of our fans and getting the win.
AFTER HIGH SCHOOL PLANS: I’m looking at schools mostly in the Northeast DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE, AND IF SO WHICH ONES: I would like to play soccer in college
DESIRED CAREER: Business
Marblehead High senior running back Yandel Garcia (8) celebrates as he scores a touchdown against Norwood.
COURTESY PHOTOS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD Marblehead High senior captain Brady Selvais (33) is lifted off the ground by Declan Gibson (51) after scoring a touchdown against Norwood during the Division 2 Round of 16 game at Piper Field on Nov. 8.
COURTESY PHOTO / VICTORIA DOSCH
Marblehead High boys soccer fullback Colin White beats his Somerset-Berkley counterpart to the ball during a Division 2 Round of 32 game at Piper Field on Nov. 4.
FOOTBALL, P. A11
Magicians lose double OT heartbreaker to Northampton in playoff opener
Despite critical injuries, team still finishes the as 10th-ranked team in Division 2
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High girls soccer team (9-5-5) began the Division 2 state tournament as the 10th seed.
They hosted Northampton (142-3), the 23rd seed, in the Round of 32, and ended up losing a heartbreaker to their western Massachusetts visitors in double overtime, 2-1 on Nov. 5.
The game was tied at one at the end of regulation, and it stayed that way throughout the first 10-minute overtime period, but finally it was decided late in the second overtime. There were only 27 seconds left on the Piper Field clock, when the Blue Devils put home the game-winner.
Sophie Robinson was credited with the lone Marblehead goal from Sydney Ball. Goalie Hailey Gilmore did her job by coming up with 14 saves to keep things
ToUGH LoSS
close for almost six periods of soccer.
“One of our goals coming into this season was to host a home playoff game, and as the 10 th seed in Division 2, we met that goal,” said second-year coach Lisa Wales. “It was the
first home playoff game for our program since 2016.”
This Round of 32 game was tied at one at the end of regulation, with both teams having some excellent scoring chances, only to be denied by the respective goalies. Northampton
hit the crossbar in the first half, and the Magicians experienced the same frustrating results in the second half.
“I think at the end of regulation everyone was certain that we were heading to penalty kicks to decide this game, even with two 10-minute overtime periods coming up,” said Wales.
“Unfortunately, it didn’t quite go our way, and Northampton was able to slip one by us in the 99 th minute of the second overtime period to win the game.
“There are few words to describe how heartbreaking this is,” added Wales. “As devastating as this is, I could not be prouder of our team. They left it all out there, playing their hearts out. Thank you to everybody who came out to watch this playoff game, plus every game that we played this season.”
Wales continued, “We just
faced a season of many injuries. Our leading scorer from last year, Sadie Halpern, went down with an ACL tear 18 seconds into our fifth game of the season. We also lost our star center-back Ainsley McDonald in the 11th game of the season with the same injury. We have also had three concussions, a quad tear and two sprained ankles. Every time – and there were a lot of them — we asked the girls to step up and take on different roles for the team, and they did. I think it shows the team’s character, resiliency and commitment to each other. We as their coaches are incredibly proud of their efforts all season long.”
A total of 11 seniors are graduating from the program, and Wales would like to thank them all for their contributions and dedication to the program during the last four years.
Young Magicians drop volleyball playoff opener to host Dartmouth
BY JOE MCCONNELL
It was a long bus ride home for the Marblehead High volleyball team (12-7) after it saw its successful winning season come to a close against host Dartmouth (12-9), the 13th seed, in a Division 2 Round of 32 state tournament matchup on Nov. 4. The Indians ended up defeating the Magicians, who were seeded 20th in the final divisional power rankings, 3-0. There’s a total of 55 teams statewide in this division. Despite the loss, veteran Marblehead coach Killeen Miller couldn’t have been happier with the varsity season overall to go along with the development of the entire program in just two short months.
“This group of kids has come a long way from where we started,” Miller said. “Early in the season, we had to deal with a few tough losses in competitive matches, which could have discouraged them. But instead, they chose to dig in and work harder to focus on getting stronger and more consistent. By mid-October, we were hitting our stride, and it showed in our performance from that point on.”
Miller also had something to say about the challenges of long road trips. “Going into the playoffs, there were some challenges. Traveling over two hours to face Dartmouth, and knowing that another long journey would follow if we had won, put us in an unfamiliar situation,” the veteran coach said.
“It’s not an excuse for the outcome, but it certainly tested our resilience. For many of our players, 80% of whom were playing in their first-ever playoff game, handling those nerves was tough. Our only player with state tournament experience, senior Meg Parkman, still gave everything she had. She continued to lead us with her usual intensity and focus.”
After dropping the first set, the Marblehead girls came out strong in sets two and three, according to Miller. “We were able to build up a lead behind the likes of Greta Sachs, Lila Moniz and Sydney Faris, who each had impactful performances on offense. They put away key kills whenever they had the chance. But ultimately, the pressure of the playoffs led to some uncharacteristic, unforced errors. Those errors
cost us, especially in such a highstakes (playoff) setting where consistency is everything,” the coach added.
“Though it’s not the ending we had hoped for, I couldn’t be prouder of this team. They’ve shown dedication and determination all season long, and with only one senior — Meg Parkman — on the roster we’re already looking forward to building on this experience next year.”
The Magicians were expected to find their rhythm early on, but the opener against Masco — a 3-0 loss on Sept. 4 — served as a wake-up call for everybody.
“We knew we had the talent and
skill to compete at this level, but we weren’t playing with the competitive edge we needed,” Miller said. “Losing that match was a shock, but it sparked something in our team. From then on, our players dedicated themselves to hours of practice running through competitive drills, while learning how to thrive under pressure. By midseason, we’d built that edge, and I couldn’t be prouder of how far this team has come.”
Parkman’s legacy will live on Miller saved much of her praise for Parkman, who was her lone senior on this year’s
team. “I want to recognize the tremendous role Megan Parkman had played on the team this season,” the coach said.
“Meg stepped into the libero (defensive specialist) position last year, and this season she was a true force on the court. As our only senior captain, Meg led with passion, accountability and heart. She consistently advocated for her teammates, challenged them to grow and gave everything she had to the program. Whether in practice, games or even sideline talks, Meg was always focused on making us stronger as a team. Her leadership extended well beyond the court, and her influence will be felt by this program for years to come.
“At the end of Monday’s match in Dartmouth, I shared with Meg on how her leadership has shaped not only this season, but on how it laid a foundation for future players to follow. We will certainly miss her presence, but her legacy will always remain in the program,” added the coach
A total of 11 players are scheduled to return next year, and the coach says that she
Magicians secure the Division 2A state title
Boys cross country finishes on top; girls come in seventh to qualify for All-States
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High boys cross-country team goes to the head of the class after winning the Division 2A State Championship at Willard Field in Devens on Nov. 9. This is the second time in three years that the program has won a divisional championship. They won the Division 1C State Championship in 2022.
The top three Division 2A teams from Saturday’s state divisional meet were Marblehead with 65 points, followed by Plymouth South (67) and Boston Latin Academy (77). A total of 26 teams competed in the annual postseason event.
“The boys were led once again by the dynamic duo of Will
Cerrutti and Nate Assa, but they had company in this meet with teammate Jacob Szalewicz (joining in on the fun),” veteran coach Brian Heenan said.
“Will and Nate crossed the line together, finishing first and second in 16:15. Watching them control the race was a site to behold.
“After they put some distance on the field, they were able to run a conservative race, knowing they will face some great competition at the Division 2 State Championship Meet one week later (Nov. 16),” added Heenan.
“Jacob Szalewicz made it a 1-2-3 finish, as he once again ran a smart, tactical race. He battled
oN THe rUN
COURTESY PHOTO / VICTORIA DOSCH Marblehead High girls soccer senior captain Ava Machado serves the ball up field as teammate Cam O’Brien looks on during the Division 2 Round of 32 game against Northampton at Piper Field on Nov. 5.
COURTESY PHOTO Marblehead High junior volleyball player Mari Modrzynska goes for the kill during a regular season match against Reading this fall.
COURTESY PHOTO / MATT O’CONNELLL Marblehead High girls cross-country runners, from left, Evie Becker, Evelina Beletsky, Maren Potter, Thea Shaw, Ruby Assa, Marri O’Connell, Jesslyn Roemer, Anna Cruikshank and Abbie Goodwin after finishing seventh during last Saturday’s Division 2A State Championship Meet in Devens. As a team, they qualified for the All-States on Nov. 16.
some fight.”
Crew Monaco, also a captain, had similar sentiments, saying, “I think it lit a fire in us, and we definitely needed that. He then added, “we let the scoreboard do our talking. We think our actions speak louder than words, and that’s what we did. We held them to nothing after that.”
After the officials cleared everything up, Bresnahan ultimately made the boot, as he did with the other five Marblehead touchdowns in this game to have the last laugh.
Head Coach Jim Rudloff said he has no way of knowing if it was intentional, but he loved his team’s reaction to it. “They were protecting their teammate, but I do think it fired them up. But at the same time, you have to be careful that there’s no retaliation, and that you continue to play with class.”
While roughing up their kicker had a positive effect, Monaco doesn’t believe the weather had much to do about anything. “The game plan was the same throughout,” he said. “We run the ball a lot, and so the wind didn’t really affect us. I think we played well, despite those conditions.”
On the windy conditions, Rudloff said that they have had some experience dealing with the elements this year, and so they were familiar with “making adjustments” if necessary to compensate for it, which they
The Magicians began wearing down the Raiders, who eased up on the press and tried to merely contain the attack. The Marblehead boys just knew they had too many weapons, and knew they could outlast their worthy South Shore opponent.
James Achterhof did good work at the end of the first half, shaking off not one but two Raider defenders, before drawing a foul. But it went for naught, when the penalty kick was turned away. As a result, the Raiders remained in front at halftime, 1-0.
But Marblehead emerged from the break, stepping up its attack. They were playing more aggressively, and were determined to force mistakes and expose the weaknesses in the Raiders’ defensive line.
With 27 minutes left in the game, midfielder Ilan Druker slipped through several defenders, before getting tripped up just inches outside the penalty area. He then lined up for the free kick, and unleashed a beautiful curving ball that sailed around the wall of defenders to the right. The ball was heading just outside the frame of the goal, before it spun left to catch the top corner of the net to tie up the proceedings.
The Raiders started showing signs of fatigue midway through the second half, but by then Marblehead was running through the defense without obstruction. The home team was methodical in its approach, taking its time working the ball downfield.
Forward Miles FontelaTuttle nearly ended the game with an absolute laser from a short distance away that in any other circumstance would have generated a score, but the Somerset-Berkley goaltender was able to step up to make the save to force overtime.
At the outset of overtime, Marblehead had a great string of set plays, but the one that originated at midfield ultimately led to Somerset-Berkley’s demise.
After a hard foul, defensive back Luke Miller hit a direct kick high into the air that landed in traffic and was nicked by a Somerset-Berkley player.
did so quite well in the second half with three unanswered touchdowns.
Wales also mentioned the windy conditions. “It was definitely a lot better throwing with the wind, but it wasn’t terrible,” he said.
Garcia scored the first touchdown of the game on the opening drive. It took the Magicians 3:11 to negotiate their way downfield, before the senior running back scooted the final 24 yards to the endzone.
Junior Breydan Callahan and senior Cam Quigley stopped the first two Norwood drives. Callahan recovered a fumble, while Quigley picked off his first of two errant Norwood passes in the game, which led to another short score, this time from Garcia’s senior classmate Brady Selvais, from the one, just seconds into the second quarter.
But on a rare moment for the Marblehead defense in the last seven weeks, they actually gave up a long gainer, and Norwood’s Jack Dwyer took advantage of the lapse to scamper 85 yards down the far sidelines to get his teammates finally on the scoreboard.
Marblehead’s lead shrunk to just eight, but a determined offense coupled with an inspired defense took control of the game to outscore the Mustangs 28-0 the rest of the way.
Rylan Golden’s third quarter interception setup the offense’s fourth score of the game, a 10-yard scoring strike from Wales to Selvais.
On Norwood’s next drive, they fumbled it away, and Julius Galante was right there to pick it up on the Mustangs’ 16-yard line, where Wales took it himself to the endzone.
The third quarter came to an end, with the Magicians leading, 35-6. Marblehead then had the ball on the Norwood 19 after Sam Thompson made a diving catch from Gallup, who then took it himself for six points on a perfectly executed quarterback draw, just five seconds into the final period. With Marblehead now comfortably in front, the clock kept on running throughout the rest of the game, and when time ran out, the Marblehead boys, now authors of seven straight wins, were moving on to the Elite 8 in Division 4, again against host Grafton Friday night (Nov. 15), starting at 6 p.m.
Rudloff thought his captains really stepped up to lead the way to victory. “They (captains) had a great game on offense,” he said. “Across the board, our receivers, backs and quarterbacks played well, and
especially our offensive line. I think defensively we had a thorough team effort. Our guys matched their physicality, and they really tackled well.”
Wales had these thoughts on the Elite 8 game. “We’re just going to keep playing our game like we have done for the past seven weeks,” he said. “There’s really no need to change anything. We just have to keep moving the ball, and complement that with good defense.”
Monaco offered these thoughts on the state quarterfinal contest in Grafton. “Grafton is a great team, and I know we are all excited about the game. I mean, when we lost to them (17-6) last year, we definitely owe them this time around. It’s going to be a great game.”
Rudloff simply said that “Grafton has had an entire season of dominance.” But he also added, “we have been fortunate enough to hold opponents to under seven points in the last seven games, but Grafton has done it since Game 1. They are holding opponents to around six points, while scoring over 30. They run a multiple offense, heavy on the run, but they also have a good passing game. They are very physical, and are very athletic at every position.”
Last year, Grafton had a 6-2 regular season record, while Marblehead was only 3-4. Both teams have considerably better records to date, which should make for an even better rematch on Friday night.
Midfielder Jared Halpern then alertly created separation from the defense to get some space to go to work, where he threaded the ball toward the left side and into the goal, prompting the massive Piper Field crowd to erupt in celebration.
Magicians move onto the Sweet 16 Days later, on Nov. 7, the Marblehead boys went up against host Wayland (9-7-2), the seventh seed, in a Round of 16 game.
The Warriors’ offensive strategy became clear quickly to the visitors. Their field was wider than a typical pitch, and so they spent the opening minutes sending the ball down the lines to their wings, looking for the strikers to make angle runs through the middle. They possessed the ball well, keeping it on the ground most of the time.
But the Marblehead forwards still had success penetrating the Wayland back line. The Warriors had height, but lacked speed.
As he has done all season, midfielder Ilan Druker worked the ball well through traffic.
Miles Fontela-Tuttle, in the middle, was able to draw pressure to gain an advantage. From the right, David Magen frequently exploded past the outside back, and it was Magen who put his teammates ahead at the 23-minute mark of the first half on a counterattack that brought the Wayland goalie up high, but still too late to block
out the oncoming Marblehead striker.
Two quality shots later in the half could have buried the Warriors, but both struck the crossbar. London McDonald popped a volley high in the air from 30 yards away, but it got no lower than the crossbar.
With six minutes remaining in the half, Druker placed a corner kick into a crowd of players that connected with Halpern, who came flying into the mix for a header. It, however, was another near miss, as the ball bounced off the crossbar once again, only to sail harmlessly out of bounds.
A few minutes later, center back Adam Loughlin nearly scored on a similar play, but the shot went wide left.
Unfortunately, the referees then created drama by not following standard protocol, when Wayland would delay the game repeatedly by lying on the field minutes after contact, but they did not issue any yellow cards to warn the players. It’s a tactic that’s used on occasion, but rarely to this extent. It definitely impeded the flow of the game.
Early in the second half, Wayland notched the equalizer on a penalty kick. Goalie Rory Zampese read the approaching Warrior correctly to block the PK, only to have another player cut through to score on the rebound. Wayland was extremely patient, hoping to wear down the Marblehead attackers.
But the ploy failed, because of Marblehead’s conditioning, which enabled them to pursue consistently to disrupt Wayland.
There were significant momentum swings throughout.
Wayland had a heart-stopping fast break that was squelched by defender T.J. Kelly, who made a textbook slide tackle that likely saved a goal. It was a one-on-one play with nothing between the Warrior and Zampese, but Kelly came through in the clutch.
Mitchell Goldwater had a chance to score, putting a long ball into the box from far out.
Marc Grazado made defensive contributions at midfield to disrupt the Wayland transitional game. Eric Badrak and Bubacar Jallow bolstered the middle with their solid play off the bench.
At the end of regulation, the game was still tied at one, forcing another overtime.
Both teams started to play an aerial game by putting the ball deep, hoping to expose a mismatch or two to catch a lucky break. Eventually, Wayland was able to capitalize, when senior John Pordage sent a shot over several Marblehead defenders. It was high enough to hit the back of the net, which unfortunately eliminated the Magicians from the postseason.
In retrospect, nothing can take away from Marblehead’s memorable winning season.
The starting defensive front of Colin White, Loughlin, Kelly and Miller contained
opposing attacks methodically this season. They all played the ball well to enable the team’s transitional game to run smoothly at midfield. Quinn Fletcher, McDonald and Halpern anchored the middle, setting up the attack with precision passing and utmost patience. They let opportunities materialize laterally, before accelerating through the center to cause havoc.
The Marblehead strikers of Fontela-Tuttle, Druker and Magen leveraged speed and instinct to wear down the opposition, while outmaneuvering and confusing defenders.
Zampese, who continually brought excitement with his acrobatic highlight reel saves, led the defensive efforts.
Coach Magana and his assistant Tom Roundy helped elevate the team’s game this season. They were able to capitalize on the tremendous skills that the players brought to the pitch with their expert strategic gameplans.
NEC awards star-studded season on the pitch Goalie Rory Zampese was recently named NEC All-Conference MVP by the conference coaches. Striker Miles Fontela-Tuttle joins him on the All-Conference team, while defender Luke Miller and midfielder Ilan Druker were selected to the all-star squad. Troy Miller contributed to this report.
COURTESY PHOTO / VICTORIA DOSCH
Marblehead High boys soccer midfielder Ilan Druker (7) is swarmed by teammates after his goal tied up the Division 2 Round of 32 game against visiting Somerset-Berkley at Piper Field on Nov. 2. The Magicians ended up winning the game in overtime to advance to the Sweet 16.
COURTESY PHOTO / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD
Marblehead High head football coach Jim Rudloff checks with his staff on possible plays to run during the Division 2 Round of 16 game against Norwood.
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Museum plans dual auctions
The Marblehead Museum will hold two online auctions in November featuring holiday wreaths and local artwork. The Wonderland of Wreaths auction showcases 21 holiday-themed and year-round wreaths by local artisans, while a separate auction offers 12 exclusive paintings of historic buildings by Marblehead artist Elaine Purdy. The paintings auction begins Nov. 12, followed by the wreaths auction on Nov. 14. Both run through Dec. 5. Items are viewable at the JOJ Frost Gallery, 170 Washington St. For auction links, visit marbleheadmuseum. org.
Library launches
‘Weather Crew’ program
The Abbot Public Library will host “Weather Crew,” a twopart series for children in grades 4-6, starting Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 3:30 p.m. Participants will explore weather forecasting and receive equipment to record measurements at home.
Topics include wind speed, temperature, humidity, rainfall, cloud identification and storm types. All materials are provided. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/weather-crew. The program is sponsored by the Oliver P. Killam, Jr. Fund.
Dollars for Scholars awards advanced standing scholarships
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars has awarded 33 advanced standing scholarships to college sophomores, juniors and seniors, in addition to 14 scholarships given to high school seniors this summer. The organization provided $193,000 in total scholarship funds to 47 Marblehead students for the 2024-25 academic year.
Recipients and their named/ endowed scholarships are: Maxwell Beauchesne (Twin Towers), Emma Burbage (Patricia Kammes), Emma Cianchi (Jean Howe), Alexandra Charlotte Colinet (Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Olivia Cook
(Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Piper Crane (Helaine Hazlett), William Cunningham (Robert & Nancy Graves), Grace Cuzner (Emily Foster), Claire Davis (Russell Knight), Dylan DiPesaServen (Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Lily Echchouini (Joel Schwalbe), Christopher English (Ida & William Sevinor), Lydia Engstrom (Alex Kulevich), Williams Fehrenbach (Douglas MacLean “Go Giver”), Michael Gabaud (Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Mae Genovese (Betty & Ira Dyer), Fehr Gillett (Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Diana Gordon (Harold & Elizabeth
Shattuck), Lexie Hoffman (H. Alden Johnson, Jr.), Meryl Hollister (Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Daniel Howells (Gene & Judy Jacobi), Tamya Johnson (MHS Class of 1982), Teaghan Kay (Pam Lane), Sami Loughlin (Linda Loconte), Brogan McGorray (Bradley Sheridan), Alba Mehu-Tormo (Gabrielle & George Grader), Nica Mele (Edward Carey), Owen Murphy (Harold & Elizabeth Shattuck), Sophia Nickolas (Joe Despres), George Percy (Ron Magee),
MASSACHUSETTS Village 13 SUBSTATION SITE CONSTRUCTION RFP NO. 909614-03 November 2024 INVITATION FOR BIDS
Notice is hereby given that sealed bids from General Contractors for the Village 13 Substation Site Construction in Marblehead, Massachusetts will be received at the office of Mr Joseph Kowalik, General Manager Marblehead Municipal Light Department (“MMLD”), 80 Commercial Street, Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 until 1:00 p.m., TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3rd 2024 at which place and time said bids will be opened publicly and read aloud. Bids must be received as follows: one (1) original hard copy, two (2) copies, and one (1) electronic copy saved to a thumb drive (the thumb drive must be labeled with the Bidder ’s name and Project Contract No.). Bids must be submitted to MMLD in a SEALED envelope marked “MMLD RFP NO. 90961403, VILLAGE 13 Substation Site Construction” Copies of the Invitation for Bids may be obtained via e-mail in PDF format. Please send bid requests to Pam Colwell (PJW@ plmnet.com), and copy Joseph Kowalik (jkowalik@mhdld.com) and Mike Barrett (mcbarrett@plmnet.com). Bids will be received until December 3, 2024, at 1:00 PM Any bids received after such time will not be accepted unless this date and time has been changed by addendum. Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit that is not less than five (5%) of the greatest possible bid amount (considering all alternates) and made payable to the Marblehead Municipal Light Department in the form of a certified check, a bid bond, cash, or a treasurer ’s or cashier ’s check. Please indicate MMLD
Courtney Stone (Howard Hunter Craig), Phaedra Tirrell (Harvey Remis), and Anastasiya Ziaziulia (Fran Swain Marblehead Rotary Club).
Myers-Bloom Scholarship winners return
The JCC welcomed the winners of the 2024 MyersBloom Scholarship recently. Samantha Dormer and Isaac Gross met with members of the MeyersBloom Committee who awarded them the scholarship in June of 2024.
Dormer graduated from Bishop Fenwick (class of 2024) and plays for the Oberlin College Women’s Basketball Team while Gross graduated from Marblehead High School (class of 2024) and runs with the Marist College Men’s CrossCountry Team.
The Myers-Bloom Scholarship was established to honor the memories of Jimmy Myers and Kenny Bloom, two individuals who had a profound impact on the JCCNS basketball program. Myers was a long-time coach and mentor for children and young adults, and Bloom was an avid participant. Applications for the 2025 scholarship will open in May and will be awarded to outstanding student athletes who embody sportsmanship, leadership, and what it means to be a team player.
Holiday affects trash collection schedule
Due to the Veterans Day holiday on Monday, Nov. 11, the Transfer Station will be closed and trash collection will be delayed by one day all week. Monday’s collection moves to Tuesday, Nov. 12; Tuesday’s to Wednesday, Nov. 13; Wednesday’s to Thursday, Nov. 14; Thursday’s to Friday, Nov. 15; and Friday’s collection will take place Saturday, Nov. 16.
Rotary honors local artist On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Marblehead Harbor Rotary will honor artist Ian Sherwin as he unveils his ink pen drawing titled “Abbot Hall” that will be featured as this year’s Holiday Pops signature art and logo. A reception for Sherwin
Marblehead artist Ian Sherwin will be honored by the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. His drawing of Marblehead Harbor has been chosen as this year’s Rotary’s Holiday Pops logo.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Marblehead residents Isaac Gross and Samantha Dormer, who received the JCC’s Myers-Bloom basketball scholarship recently returned to the J.
BY MELISSA STACEY
The following is an interview with Marblehead native Curt Havens, new co-owner of The Beacon Restaurant & Bar, conducted by Discover Marblehead. To learn more about The Beacon, go to thebeaconmarblehead.com.
Tell us about the Beacon Restaurant & Bar. The new owners of the Beacon Restaurant & Bar, as well as the Warwick Cinemas, are Johnny Ray, Edgar Alleyne and his brothers (Andrew & Ken), and me, Curt Havens. Johnny and Edgar asked me to get involved about 19 months ago. We acquired the business from previous ownership officially on May 21 of this year. At The Beacon, we provide an extremely unique dining and entertainment experience. My partners have a combined 60 years of experience in the entertainment and hospitality industry. With Edgar being an executive chef most of his life and Johnny’s lifetime of experience as an entertainer, and my business acumen and attention to detail, the three of us make quite a team. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would own a restaurant. When I was a young boy, the McNulty family owned the cinemas, and I remember many times going to that theater to buy my ticket and a bag of popcorn from Tom McNulty himself. Now I actually own the theaters with great partners. I pinch myself sometimes thinking this is all a dream, but it’s a beautiful
reality. When you go to our website under the owners, you will find more detail about us as well as upcoming entertainment events, operating hours and, of course, our incredible menu by Chef Edgar.
What are some of the recent changes The Beacon has made? We’re always looking for ways to enhance our brand. Some of our recent changes include being open seven days a week. We’re open for brunch on Sundays and serve right into dinner.
The restaurant itself is capable of handling up to 150 people comfortably and when weather permits, our outdoor patio gives us the opportunity to serve at many times of the year up to 225 people. With only a few venues that can host large events in town, Marblehead needs a great place to hold celebrations like these. We’re uniquely equipped
initiatives in sustainability, conservation and technology. For more information, visit friendsofmarblehead.org.
will be held at the Masons’ Philanthropic Building, 62 Pleasant St., 5:30-7 p.m. There will be light refreshments prepared by Every Little Breeze Catering and a cash bar. This event is free and open to the public.
Every year, Marblehead Harbor Rotary invites a local artist to create a work of art to be featured on the Holiday Pops program cover and on Pops posters. Sherwin, who grew up in Marblehead and moved back recently, runs the Ian Sherwin Gallery on State Street. For more information about the reception, visit rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org.
Friends of MPS celebrates 35 years
Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools launched its 2024-25 grant season with a new online application process and longer submission period through Jan. 17. The organization, celebrating its 35th year in 2025, has raised more than $2 million and reached over 15,000 students since its founding. The group funded 22 educational programs in 2023-24, including
Marblehead Boosters launch shoe donation drive
The Marblehead Boosters have launched a Show Us the Love shoe donation campaign running through November, accepting gently used and new footwear for charitable causes. The initiative serves multiple purposes: promoting sustainability (as discarded shoes can take 30-40 years to decompose), providing employment opportunities in developing nations and helping local residents declutter their closets.
Drop-off locations:
» William Raveis Real Estate, 18 Atlantic Ave.
MHD Sport Shop, 26 Hawkes St.
» MHS Lobby, 2 Humphrey St.
» National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St. Piper Field Snack Shed (during game days)
For more information, marbleheadboosters.org.
Ballet groups begin winter clothing collection
Two local dance organizations launched their fifth annual
and qualified and have already done dozens of them since we acquired ownership. This has been very exciting and has been an important part of growing our business and our brand.
Tell us about one new event. We’re hosting our first annual toy drive with the help of the Marblehead Fire Department and, of course, the wonderful community of Marblehead. This is in honor of my brother Michael John Havens, who hosted a toy drive event at the Gerry 5 for over 15 years and collected thousands of unwrapped toys for needy children all over the North Shore. The Beacon has taken up this wonderful tradition and we’re asking people between now and Dec. 12 to drop off an unwrapped toy (or gift card for an older child to buy what they wish) which will be distributed with the help of local firefighter
winter clothing drive running through Dec. 14. The Marblehead School of Ballet and North Shore Civic Ballet are collecting new and gently used winter coats for all ages and new pajamas for children ages 6 and under. Anton’s Cleaners will clean donated coats before distribution through Coats for Kids and Families Partners Distribution Network. The network serves Massachusetts Community Action Programs, the Salvation Army and other organizations. Donated pajamas will go to Lynn Economic Opportunity, a major early education provider in Essex County. To schedule dropoff at 115 Pleasant St., call 781-631-6262.
Leaf collection
The town has announced its 2024-2025 schedule for curbside leaf and grass collection. Residents can expect collections on their regular trash and recycling days during specific weeks throughout the year. In 2024, collections are scheduled for the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 2. The schedule continues into 2025 with collections planned for the weeks of April 21, May 12 and June 2.
It’s important to note that this service is exclusively for leaves and grass. The town
What’s the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? It might sound cliché, but follow your dreams. Be persistent and don’t take no for an answer. If you truly believe and have passion for something, anything is possible. I learned that advice from a gentleman who gave me my first shot on television with my national home improvement television show I had in the early ‘90s. He said my task would be largely impossible, but I had a vision and persevered and it molded my character and made me the successful businessman I am today. That one moment being told it can’t be done and then doing it successfully taught me the biggest lesson that I will carry for the rest of my life and pass on to my children.
What is your favorite spot
emphasizes that only leaf bags should be used, and plastic bags will not be collected or emptied.
To maintain the quality of the compost generated from these collections, bags containing brush or other materials will not be.
Other volunteers wanted
The Marblehead Select Board seeks volunteers for various town committees and commissions. Current openings include:
» Cable Television Advisory Committee: Three vacancies, one-year terms.
Conservation Commission: One vacancy, three-year term.
Design Review Board: One vacancy, three-year term.
» Fair Housing Committee: One vacancy for an alternate member, three-year term.
Marblehead Cultural Council: Four vacancies, three-year terms.
» Marblehead Community Access and Media, Inc.: One vacancy, three-year term.
MBTA Advisory Board: One vacancy, one-year term.
Task Force Against Discrimination: Two vacancies, one-year terms.
The Board encourages applicants to attend a meeting of their chosen committee and contact the chair for
in Marblehead, and why?
There are so many favorite spots in town, I don’t even know where to start. Marblehead is a wonderful walking town with so many things to see and do and history to learn, as well as incredible dining. I was asked recently since I became an owner of a restaurant … do we have competition out there, and my answer was an emphatic no. I don’t consider other restaurants’ competition; I call it a coalition. We all care about one another and support one another. Every restaurant in town offers something unique. I visit them frequently as I love to dine out. Our businesses collectively are the backbone of this community, and we work together on a regular basis to build each other up so we all can be successful. The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
more information. Interested residents should submit a letter of interest and resume to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or email wileyk@marblehead.org.
Select Board seeks volunteers for capital planning committee
The Marblehead Select Board is seeking three resident volunteers to serve on the town’s Capital Planning Committee, which will oversee major municipal projects valued at over $1 million.
The committee, which was reorganized at last year’s Town Meeting, includes department heads and town employees alongside the resident volunteers. “We need to start on the town side, addressing our facilities. So this will be a perfect time to bring on a committee like this,” Kezer noted.
Interested residents can submit letters of interest and resumes to the Select Board at Town Hall, 7 Widger Road, Marblehead, or email wylie@ marblehead.org. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 5, with interviews tentatively scheduled for the Dec. 11 Select Board meeting.
Leigh Blander contributed to this article.
Tim Cronin.
COURTESY PHOTO/DISCOVER MARBLEHEAD
The Beacon’s new business partners, from left to right, Andrew Alleyne, Curt Havens, Johnny Ray and Edgar Alleyne.
Thieves nick $130 PJs, $1 lion statue and campaign signs
BY WILL DOWD
Excerpts from the Marblehead police log Oct. 24 - Nov 6. Consistent with state law, police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.
Oct. 24
8:17 a.m. — A dispute between patrons was reported at Eat Well Kitchen on Atlantic Avenue. Officer Douglas Mills responded and mediated between the parties involved, advising them about harassment prevention orders and recommending they avoid contact with each other.
11:03 a.m. — A resident visited the police station to report receiving a suspicious email attempting to blackmail them for Bitcoin. Officer Douglas Mills advised the resident this was a scam and recommended blocking the sender.
11:03 a.m. — A resident reported to Officer Douglas Mills at the police station that they received unsolicited medical supplies and a suspicious phone call from someone
impersonating their doctor’s office. The resident recognized it as a potential insurance fraud attempt and had already returned the items.
Oct. 25
6:20 p.m. — During a football game at Marblehead High School on Humphrey Street, Sgt. Eric Osattin encountered a juvenile riding an e-bike dangerously through crowds in the stadium area. The bike was impounded for two weeks under the 85-11B law after the juvenile refused to comply with safety instructions.
School Resource Officer Sean Sweeney assisted with identification.
Oct. 26
4:26 p.m. — Officers Christian Hennigar and Andrew Dimare responded to Pleasant Street for a report of a stolen lawn
civilian-military divide, provided veterans from all eras and branches a platform to share their service experiences with community members.
‘Service and impact’ Bellingham resident Debra Prudhomme shared her story of service across multiple military branches, including the Army National Guard, Air Force Reserves and Navy. She shared that she spent time in the Cold War detecting soviet submarines.
“I was lucky to serve during a time of relative peace,” Prudhomme said.
As a lesbian, she also addressed the challenges she faced during her time in service as a lesbian when “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” prohibited their military service.
“Under these punitive and antiquated laws, we served
with fear and enforced silence,”Prudhomme shared. “I’m thrilled to have the ability and the freedom to share my experience serving during the Cold War, and I’ve also learned that the military is much more open to managing LGBTQ+ members today.”
Marine Capt. Connor Flynn, the officer selection officer for Boston, shared a powerful story of service and impact, particularly about the 2021
expects “each and every one of them to take on significant roles as they move forward (without the current senior leadership of Parkman around on the roster).” Miller is looking forward to seeing this year’s sophomores — Sydney Faris, Sammy Walker
two other runners throughout the 5K course, but was able to take control in the final 400 meters, finishing third in 16:30.” The win did not come easy, however. The Marblehead boys have been relentlessly training since June, much of that training was led by the captains throughout the summer, according to Heenan. Unfortunately, as with every season, the Magicians experienced injuries and illnesses that put this current state win in jeopardy.
“Our fourth, fifth and sixth runners have not been at full strength for the better part of a month,” said Heenan. “They are still in the process of healing, but they towed the line, knowing the team needed them.” Heading into the final stretch
statue. The owner reported that the decorative lion statue, valued between $1-$20, had been taken from their front yard. No surveillance footage was available.
Oct. 27
4:45 p.m. — Officer Nicholas Michaud responded to Pequot Road for a report of a stolen political sign. The resident reported that their campaign sign had been taken within the past 24 hours, while similar signs on the street remained undisturbed.
Oct. 28
1:39 p.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney took a report of stolen packages from Creesy Street. Three sets of pajama pants valued at $130 were allegedly stolen after delivery. The resident noted similar incidents had occurred with neighbors’ packages. Sweeney suggested using secure delivery locations for future deliveries.
6:32 p.m. — Officers Christian Hennigar and Dennis DeFelice took a report of a scam on Naugus Avenue. A resident had been allegedly deceived into purchasing $600 worth of Target gift cards by someone
impersonating a work partner’s spouse. Officers provided guidance on contacting relevant agencies and monitoring credit activity.
Oct. 30
12:03 p.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney took a report of identity theft from a Crowninshield Road resident. Someone had allegedly created a fraudulent Facebook account copying the resident’s information and was attempting to sell a vehicle. Officer advised reporting the incident to Facebook.
Nov. 2
2:19 p.m. — Officer Jason McDonald responded to the Green Street bike park regarding found property. Items were secured in evidence locker #12 for processing.
5:39 p.m. — Officers responded to a report of a missing person from Elm Street. The individual was later located at South Station in Boston and arrangements were made for their return.
Nov. 3 10:14 a.m. — Officer Jason
Protesters gather outside Abbot Hall during Congressman Seth Moulton’s 10th annual Veterans Town Hall on Veterans Day, advocating for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and expressing concerns over Moulton’s recent comments on transgender athletes.
evacuation of Kabul.
“In August 2021 the bell rang. Several provinces in Afghanistan fell and the government there was about to collapse. My unit, Beirut battalion ... was called upon to conduct the evacuation operation at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan,” Flynn recalled.
He described the mission’s profound impact, noting that “our collective team evacuated
and Lila Moniz — grow even more into the role as offensive and defensive leaders. “All three played key roles this season, and I anticipate they’ll return next year with added experience and strength,” Miller added.
“Our setters, Sydney DaSilva and Erin Wilder, will also be crucial in running our offense. They both have the potential to be real impact players in 2025.”
of the state divisional race, Henrik Adams (29th , 18:00) and Will Cruikshank (30th, 18:00) had a furious finishing kick to seal the victory for the team.
“Henrik has battled back from illness this season, and Will has had a quad strain for the last five weeks,” said Heenan. “Jonah Potach (51st, 18:35) competed in his first race in over a month. He has been dealing with a stress reaction in his foot. It was great to see these three come through for the team.
David Alpert (78th, 19:19) also had a great race. He has grown so much as a runner throughout his four years with the team.
“On top of the inevitable injuries and illnesses that come with the season, they also had to overcome the anxiety of a (potential) teachers’ strike.
They have been worried about it for some time now. They had heard about the lack of progress in negotiations, and feared the
From the current junior class, Sachs was one of the top offensive players in the NEC, as well as across the state this season, according to Miller.
“She showed immense fire and skill this year, and I expect her to be a natural leader on the court next fall alongside her junior teammates Mari Modryznksa, Isabel Browning,
worst,” added Heenan. “Heading into the week, they did not know if they would be able to compete if the teachers did strike. I know this weighed heavily on them, and unfortunately may continue to do so as they now prepare for the Division 2 State Championship Meet on Nov. 16. I told them to stay focused on their goals, and hope for the best. That is all they can control right now.”
Girls finish seventh
On Saturday, Nov. 9, the Marblehead High girls crosscountry team competed in the Division 2A State Championship Meet in Devens, and they ended up finishing seventh overall as a team, thus qualifying them for the Division 2 All-State Championship Meet on Nov. 16. Despite the challenging course and Marblehead’s third runner having to leave the meet, because of an injury, the
McDonald took a report at the station regarding a bicycle theft from Orne Street. A Trek bicycle had allegedly been stolen from an unlocked shed some time on Oct. 24.
Nov. 5
9:13 a.m. — Officer Douglas Mills took a report of credit card fraud at the station. A local business owner reported that someone had made charges totaling over $1,300 on their credit card for ticket purchases.
Nov. 6
3:48 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello took a report of a political sign stolen from Pitman Road. The sign was taken between 2:45 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. A witness reported seeing a gray pickup truck in the area during that time frame.
4:03 p.m. — Officer Robert Picariello and Officer Dean Peralta responded to Green Street at West Shore Drive for a pedestrian struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was in a crosswalk when struck, allegedly by a Jeep Wrangler making a turn. The pedestrian was evaluated by Marblehead Fire and Atlantic Ambulance.
leader, because you can influence someone. Everyone in this room, you don’t know who’s following you,” Cote told the audience.
Though his mentor was ultimately denied admission due to colorblindness, his influence proved lasting.
“The enormous privilege of service is what that story reminds me of,” Cote reflected, “the enormous power of the military-civilian relationship, enormous power of mentoring.”
124,000 people in only 17 days in what became the largest humanitarian airlift in history.”
Retired from the United States Navy Construction Reserve, veteran David Cote of Acton shared a powerful message about mentorship and leadership, recalling how an upperclassman changed his life by introducing him to the possibility of attending the Naval Academy.
“Every human in this room is a
Eva Burke and Mia Bernard.
And Mari’s presence has been a gamechanger for us, whenever she was on the court this year.
But overall, this group of juniors brings a lot of experience and maturity to the varsity roster, and I’m excited about the leadership they’ll bring back next year,” the coach explained. Miller also opined on her freshman sensation Piper
Magicians were still able to do enough to secure a seventh-place team finish to earn an invitation to the All-States.
“The team is excited to have qualified for the All-State meet, and they are hopeful that they will be able to compete, despite the ongoing strike situation in Marblehead,” said girls crosscountry coach Will Herlihy. Individually, the team was led once again by Marri O’Connell (19:24.72), who, despite battling an illness, still turned in a heroic effort to finish second.
Freshman Ruby Assa (22:07.71) was Marblehead’s second runner to cross the finish line. “She ran an outstanding third mile to finish in the top 35,” said Herlihy.
Sophomores Evelina Beletsky (22:51.76) and Jesslyn Roemer (23:08.02) ran together throughout the race, and ended up 55 th and 65 th , respectively.
“Evelina’s strong kick in the
Activists rally for peace Outside Abbot Hall, members of the North Shore chapter of Veterans for Peace, Beverly Cease Fire and Mass Peace Action waved flags depicting the Palestinian flag and white doves in a demonstration calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the return of hostages to Israel.
“The United States is spending so much money sending arms to Israel, and those bombs have devastated Gaza,” Rein said. “The devastation is so awful.”
Browning, who has shown a lot of promise. “With a year of varsity experience now behind her, I’m looking forward to seeing (Browning) bring even more power to her offensive game,” said the coach. “Overall, this team is filled with potential, and I’m confident they’ll take on the challenges of next season with renewed strength and dedication.”
final 400 meters was the big difference maker in this meet,” said Herlihy.
Seniors Abbie Goodwin (24:23.31) and Maren Potter (25:47.57) finished 104 th and 126 th , respectively.
“Both seniors gave valiant efforts, despite dealing with some nagging injuries late in the season,” said Herlihy.
Freshman Evie Becker stayed close to Assa throughout the first mile, but had to drop out of the race, because of an injury.
“Ultimately, cross-country may be the one sport of attrition with injuries always happening at the tail end of a season,” said Herlihy. “Runners pile up hundreds of miles between the summer and in-season training, but overall, it was still a very encouraging showing for this young team, who will now regroup for the Division 2 State championship meet.”
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS A man salutes during Marblehead’s Veterans Day service in Abbot Hall.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Headlight
Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community
Interview with Ms. Dellisola
Benji Boyd, Editor-In-Chief, Senior
Step into room A306 in the English hallway of MHS and you’ll find yourself surrounded by paper cut-outs, festive decorations, infographics, posters, and more. All of this is the work of Olivia Dellisola, one of MHS’s newest teachers.
Although Ms. Dellisola has only been here for a quarter of a year, she’s already starting to feel at home.
Before MHS, Ms. Dellisola taught English at Masconomet High for a year, and prior to that worked as an elementary school teacher in North Reading while completing her Master's degree from Merrimack. She joked that she still uses a bit of that elementary school flair with her high school classes. Her future students can expect daily journaling activities, “words of the month,” cutouts and coloring, and projects they can hang on their fridges at home.
So far, Ms. Dellisola’s favorite part of working at MHS has been the people. “The English staff I met during my interview were so welcoming,” she commented, going on to discuss the close friendships she’s made with her fellow teachers from eating lunch in the teachers’ lounge and chatting before and after school.
In addition to the inclusive staff, Ms. Dellisola remarked on how much energy she’s seen in her sophomore and senior English classes. “I feel like I’ve developed close relationships with my students, despite only being here for a quarter so far.”
For sophomores, Ms. Dellisola has put a seasonal swing on the typical curriculum by incorporating spooky Halloween-themed poems and short stories into her classes’ studies of literary elements. Her seniors have been hard at work writing memoir pieces, which many have chosen to use as their college essays.
In her free time, Ms. Dellisola likes to read, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, and walk or run by a lake near her home. While she usually opts for fiction, romance, and contemporary reading material for leisure, Ms. Dellisola likes to broaden her horizons in the classroom by assigning dystopian and classic books.
Even when she was teaching elementary school, Ms. Dellisola still had her mind on the future. “I always knew I wanted to teach high school English.” She credits some of the great English teachers she had growing up for encouraging her to pursue teaching as a career. In the future, Ms. Dellisola hopes to guide a few people down the same path.
Questioning Question 2
Evan Eisen, Junior, William Pelliciotti, Junior
Elections are an important part of our democracy, where we elect the individuals who will represent us and vote on what we want America’s future to look like. In last Tuesday’s election, Massachusetts voters made their voices heard on a range of issues, like Question 3, where they voted 'Yes' on allowing rideshare and Uber drivers the right to form a union. Voters also voted 'No' on Question 4, which would have allowed individuals under the age of 21 to grow and use some psychedelic drugs. Question 2 was concerned with whether passing the MCAS exam should still be a high school graduation requirement. The result in Marblehead was a narrow 51–49% victory in getting rid of the graduation requirement.
As high school students, we believe that the media and our politicians are ignoring our voices and opinions being heard in this matter. The MCAS was designed as a way to measure the performances of schools and use that data to provide crucial assistance to the schools that had low
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF:
performances. The test focuses on solving problems related to high school mathematics, reading, and biology. Based on data recently collected by the state of Massachusetts, an estimated 90% of 10th grade students pass the MCAS on their first attempt, with around another 6% passing on further attempts, and 4% not meeting the necessary criteria. The students who didn’t pass the test on their first attempt were most likely stressed from taking it, which affected their scores, or they just don’t have a good understanding of the material.
Even with the heavy disagreements on this issue, most, if not all of us, can agree that MCAS is not a very enjoyable thing to do, but it is still very important. By having it as a graduation requirement, it motivates students to work hard and get good results. Think about it: if you are a boss and one of your employees fails to correctly do their work, would you overlook it or would you try to help them change for the better?
Do you think students will care or even give it their all when taking MCAS now, knowing it won’t prevent their graduation?
Personally, we would not, and that diminishes the whole purpose of collecting accurate and fair data that improves education in our schools. As students at a great school like Marblehead High, we expect to be educated in the best way possible, given the amount of time and money we commit to it. The only way this can be possible is through measurements of what works and what doesn't in teaching our students.
We find it appalling that state residents would choose to
spend this much time and use this precious opportunity to focus on a problem that only affects a small group of people. We have problems like low state funding and the need for better protective measures for our schools. Instead of having safer and better-funded schools, we are going to have students not perform accurately on the MCAS and not know what the actual academic performances of our students are. We cannot afford to be lenient and lazy when the education and success of future generations are at stake.
Marblehead's magical sculptures
Samuel Jendrysik, Senior
I work in downtown Marblehead. Every week I drive from the high school to the restaurant, and every week I pass a certain house. Most of the time, there’s nothing out of the ordinary about this house. But every year from the middle of October until early November, this house adds a sense of whimsy and magic to what is ordinarily an ordinary drive.
The house, or more accurately the garage at 32 Pleasant St. in Marblehead, is a bit of a local legend, especially during the spooky season. In past years this legendary garage has been completely transformed into amongst other things a dragon’s lair, an egyptian tomb, and a
Headlight Staff, 2024 - 2025
sleeping giant. Given the vast back catalog of sculptures seen at this location, I drove past the house with no possible idea of what I would see. What I really wasn’t expecting was a projection of a face irritatingly more attractive than my own! The setup this year was a glimpse into the year 2124. Among the aforementioned face was a sleek robot, an adorable if slightly creepy alien, and a motherboard connecting everything. This Orwellian display is perhaps my favorite of his projects so far, at least giving the dragon a run for its money. More than anything else, though, it stands as a somewhat ironic nod to the creativity and ingenuity of humans.
Benji Boyd ASSISTANT EDITORS: Grey Collins, Kathleen Hanson, Georgia Marshall FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins
REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Anna Baughman, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King, William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton, Madalyn Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas
BY BENJI BOYD
At The Mariner, Marblehead’s newest assisted living facility, new traditions are being made. On Sunday, Nov. 3, the Marblehead-based nonprofit SPUR hosted its second monthly game day. Teen and tween volunteers from the area signed up for an afternoon of cards, board games and bonding with senior community members.
Starting at 3 p.m., a Mariner rec room overlooking beautifully manicured lawns was filled with Marblehead High School students, Girl Scouts and young volunteers. As Mariner residents arrived, SPUR director Lynne Krasker discussed the project’s philosophy.
“Our goal is to make volunteering easily accessible
— for all ages.”
SPUR organizes teen and tween volunteering events, including decorating paper bags for Halloween candy donations, sewing labels onto pillowcases for holiday gift drives and volunteering at local soup
SPUR makes volunteering
kitchens like My Brother’s Table. The goal is to make volunteering appealing to teens by working with peers.
Aeton Pararas, 12, came up with the idea for game day after visiting his grandmother’s elder care facility. His mother,
Erin Pararas, praised SPUR for helping Aeton achieve his goal.
“When we first moved here, we struggled finding the right place.”
Many volunteering agencies require strict commitments, making it difficult to start
a service project. Krasker emphasized SPUR’s episodic layout, allowing involvement without fearing long-term commitments.
“It’s a different mentality.”
For young volunteers, this format pays off. New faces, like Girl Scouts, joined returning volunteers. SPUR logs service hours automatically for school requirements.
Game day repeats on the first Sunday of every month. SPUR plans to expand to North Shore facilities like Colonial Gardens and gear up for the annual Holiday Cheer drive, filling stockings for those struggling financially.
For more information, visit spurnorthshore.org/.
Volunteers at The Mariner’s monthly game day prepare to play board games with elderly residents.
CURRENT PHOTOS / BENJI BOYD Teen and tween volunteers play games with residents of The Mariner in Marblehead.