11.29.2023 - Volume 2, Issue 2

FINAL-19 CP_MBHC_20231129_1_A01 Mon, Nov 27, 2023 3:21:45 PM

IN THIS ISSUE

IN TOWN

SPORTS

ARTS

Wild turkeys of Marblehead 2023

St. Lambert hockey players come to town

‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to Lee Mansion

Page 10

Page 15

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Pages 6 and 1o

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

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November 29, 2023

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HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

MHS extends Thanksgiving streak Christmas Walk to step off with old favorites, new events

BY LEIGH BLANDER

COURTESY PHOTOS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD

Marblehead senior defensive lineman Wilson Bullard (64) levels Swampscott quarterback Jack Spear during the Thanksgiving Day game at Swampscott’s Blocksidge Field. The Football Magicians defeated their longtime rivals for the 13 th straight year, 28-21. Teammate Drew Goldman (13) closes in on the play looking to pick up a possible fumble.

Keefe, Wales lead Magicians past the Big Blue, 28-21

BY JOE McCONNELL The Football Magicians (4-0 in the NEC Dunn Division, 5-5 overall) came into the annual Thanksgiving Day game riding a 12-game winning streak. But these games are never easy, and this one was no exception. In the end, however, visiting Marblehead withstood another Swampscott scare — remember Eli Feingold’s game-winning field on the last »Ex-governor goal play of the game helps kick off two years ago rivalry week. — to take home another Kiwanis Page 12 trophy, plus the Northeastern Conference Dunn Division crown with a 28-21 triumph over the Big Blue (2-2 in the NEC Dunn Division, 6-5 overall) at Swampscott’s Blocksidge Field on Thursday morning, Nov. 23.

There was plenty of scoring early on in this 114 th edition of the rivalry.

The Magicians got it going on an interception by Brooks Keefe on the Swampscott 47.

Sophomore quarterback Finn Gallup had the big play of that drive with a 18-yard run to the 17. He then completed a pass to Andy Palmer, and

Marblehead’s 52nd annual Christmas Walk & Holiday Stroll starts Thursday, Nov. 30, and runs through the weekend with all the traditional highlights along with some new additions.

“We’re really happy to keep this awesome event going,” said Chamber of Commerce Director Katherine Koch. “The energy is definitely there.” »Mrs. Claus Favorites from the reflects on weekend include the Christmas tree lighting, decades in Santa and Mrs. Claus Marblehead, arriving by lobster boat, Page 7 parade, Gingerbread Festival, shopping and more.

New events to look forward to? How about reindeer rides in the side parking lot at Shubie’s.

“We’re really excited,” said manager Doug Shube. “We’re having little reindeer rides with ponies from Hunters Haven Farm.” The rides, on Sunday, Dec. 3, 12-3 p.m., are free for kids. Shubie’s is also hosting tastings all weekend.

Robert Simonelli, owner of The Landing Restaurant, looks forward to the Christmas Walk every year.

“I love the tradition of Santa coming in by lobster boat. Seeing all the families, everyone getting together, the magic in the kids’ eyes.

It’s just a fun thing to see.”

WALK, P. A8

Marblehead senior captain Andy Palmer (6) congratulates classmate Brooks Keefe after one of his two touchdowns against Swampscott.

two plays later Keefe finished it off with a three-yard touchdown run at 5:46 of the first quarter. Sure-footed Greg Motorny was back on target with another successful extra point try.

But the early lead was short-lived, literally, when Jack Hazell brought the kickoff back 95-yards for six points.

Jack Marino added the extra point to

tie the score at seven.

Hazell followed up his touchdown return with an interception that thwarted the subsequent Marblehead drive, which led to a Jack Spear to Marino four-yard scoring strike. Marino again tacked FOOTBALL, P. A11

COURTESY PHOTO

After arriving by lobster boat, Santa and Mrs. Claus greet families at State Street Landing last year.

PLUG IN TO SAVINGS

Residential electric bills going down

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Marblehead Municipal Light Department has some good news for its residential customers: Most monthly bills will be going down in January.

While MMLD is raising the fixed monthly charge from $11.25 to $18.25 each month, the energy charge — or the amount per kilowatt-hour — will drop.

The average residential customer uses 662 kilowatthours a month and will now be paying $141.90, down from $155.90.

“That’s 9.1% less than a year ago,” said MMLD General

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Residential electric bills are heading down.

Manager Joe Kowalik. “Our cost of energy has gone down because

the situation in Europe has kind of stabilized, so the natural gas market has stabilized. Most electricity is generated by natural gas in New England.”

Of the energy MMLD brought into Marblehead last year, 44% was carbon-free (nuclear, hydro, wind and solar). The other 56% is mostly natural gas, Kowalik said.

Light-use customers, who use about 300 kilowatt-hours, will see a 3.3% decrease in their bills.

Heavy-use customers, at 1,100 kilowatt-hours, will see their bill drop by 11.5%.

In the black Kowalik also announced a $2

million operating surplus from January through September.

“We start with cold weather in January and end with cold weather at the end of the year, and there’s always a level of uncertainty,” he explained. “The amount of energy people use is directly related to the weather.”

Kowalik said MMLD typically has a $500,000 surplus this time of year. Any extra money at the end of the calendar year will become operating cash and can be put toward capital projects, including a new substation being built along the Rail Trail.

Two meters?

Finally, Kowalik is urging

Marblehead homeowners who have two meters to contact MMLD. “We live in this wonderful little village of Marblehead, and over the course of the last 130 years, structures you’d expect to have one meter sometimes have two, for a variety of reasons.”

Starting in January, homeowners will be charged $18.25 per meter, and if they happen to have two, they can be rebated for one. He encourages people with two meters to call the MMLD at 781-631-5600 to see if they are eligible for a credit.

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marbleheadcurrent.org

A2 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Marblehead Current

GIVING SPIRIT

SPUR launches biggest Holiday Cheer Drive yet

NeWS For PeoPLe, NoT For ProFIT.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

CO-CHAIRPERSONS

SPUR has launched its annual Holiday Cheer Drive, collecting, wrapping and delivering holiday gifts for 613 local children — as well as adults experiencing homelessness — in five communities: Marblehead, Swampscott, Salem, Beverly and Lynn.

SPUR has never sought to serve more people in a holiday drive.

How does it work? SPUR partners with school counselors, social workers, food pantry directors and other social service providers to give winter essentials

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

COURTESY PHOTOS

Getting into the holiday giving spirit at SPUR.

along with a few meaningful gifts to those in need.

Working with each individual recipient, the caseworkers and counselors submit a wish list

that includes items the individual wants, items the individual needs, items to wear and something to read. Then, people can sponsor a wish list or donate financially to support the drive.

All items must be new and

unwrapped. SPUR suggests the target value of the bundle to be around $100-150.

Monday, Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. is the last day to drop off donated items.

To learn more, visit spurholidaycheer.com.

CLEANER AIR

Armini pushes for faster rail electrification

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD State Rep. Jenny Armini, D-Marblehead, urged lawmakers last week to set aggressive deadlines for electrifying Massachusetts’ commuter rail system, arguing it would combat climate change, deliver environmental justice and remove a major pollution source burdening schoolchildren and residents near tracks.

Testifying before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Transportation on Nov. 20, Armini spoke in support of legislation she filed requiring the MBTA and its commuter rail contractor to fully electrify the system by Dec. 31, 2035.

The bill lays out a phased timeline starting with lines serving environmental justice communities, including Lynn and Salem, in 2024. It also directs the MBTA to run trains more frequently as electrification expands.

Armini said her interest in the issue traces back to visiting a school in Lynn near the commuter rail tracks while campaigning last year.

“I was distracted by the diesel trains outside — the noise, but more disturbing, the dark gray exhaust belching from the engines and polluting the air,” she told lawmakers.

That exhaust contains pollutants linked to respiratory

COURTESY PHOTO / STATE REP. JENNY ARMINI’S OFFICE

State Rep. Jenny Armini testifies before lawmakers, urging aggressive deadlines to electrify commuter rails serving environmental justice communities.

disease, cancer and other health conditions, she noted. Armini said she could not stop thinking about the impacts on students and residents constantly exposed to the fumes.

“It is the schoolchildren of Lynn and Boston and Gateway Cities around Massachusetts that I ask you to remember as you consider this bill,” she testified.

Armini elaborated on problems facing her own district, which covers Marblehead, Swampscott and parts of Lynn.

Her legislation specifically calls for running electric trains up the North Shore as far as Beverly by late 2024.

“The quality of life for people living in Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn would be greatly enhanced by electrified rail,” Armini told lawmakers. “For starters, it would offer faster and more frequent commute times,

which means more people would choose to travel via train over car. That’s great news for the environment.”

The transportation sector ranks as Massachusetts’ top contributor of greenhouse gasses, she noted.

“Massachusetts can’t make its 2050 climate goals without electrification,” Armini added.

Battery systems could eventually allow trains to operate without producing emissions using electricity, even in areas that currently lack overhead power lines, she noted.

State Sen. Brendan Crighton, D-Lynn, chairman of the Transportation Committee, is lead sponsor of a companion bill in the Senate.

Armini said her testimony represented one of her first major legislative initiatives since taking office in January. As a candidate, she expressed support for public

transit improvements and environmental justice.

The bill sets a goal for trains every 15 minutes on the North Shore line, offering “accessible public transit options to people who do not work standard 9-to-5 jobs” or need midday trips, Armini noted. That would better serve shift workers and others, she said.

Ultimately, Armini views expanded rail and ferry service as a catalyst for economic growth.

“There is great potential for Lynn to become a transportation hub with better connectivity via rail, bus and ferry,” she testified.

“New housing and offices are already going up, and improving commuter options will spark more development.”

Gov. Maura Healey has embraced a 2040 target for fully electrifying public transit, including commuter rail. The MBTA estimates the full cost to be around $29 billion.

Armini said finding money remains a hurdle but political will is growing.

“The difference between a dream and a goal is a deadline. We can talk about electrification, but without setting down in writing the when and the where, words won’t likely be replaced with action,” she said. “This bill gives the Legislature the opportunity to express a much-needed sense of urgency.”

PUBLIC SAFETY

Traffic committee holds first meeting

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD The newly formed Marblehead Traffic

Advisory Committee held its first meeting on Nov. 20 to begin implementing the town’s Complete

Site Plan Approval Public Hearing Marblehead Planning Board The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Thomas Groom/inclusive of Bessom Associates Inc, for a site plan approval special permit for the construction of a new single-family structure to replace an existing single-family structure located at 2 Nonantum Road within a Shoreline Single Residence District.

This public hearing will be held under Section 200 -37 of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 7:00 pm and can be attended either in person at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street, in the select board’s meeting room, or remotely on zoom. Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, the public can listen and/or view this meeting while in progress via the remote participation platform Zoom through this link: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85930238601?pwd=t31JYVvAvbu68ZLUL2yrTfrwTlTUkH.1 or Dial in +1 646 558 8656 US Meeting ID: 859 3023 8601, Passcode: 761248 project materials available for download at town of Marblehead website planning board page https://www.marblehead.org/planning-board under the date of meeting. Interested persons may attend the meeting or submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org or rebeccac@marblehead.org and the comments will be read aloud and entered into the record.

Robert Schaeffner, Chairman Site Plan Approval Public Hearing Marblehead Planning Board The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Groom Construction Company Inc, for a site plan approval special permit for the construction of a new single-family structure located at 29 Pinecliff Drive within a Shoreline Single Residence District. This public hearing will be held under Section 200 -37 of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at 7:00 pm and can be attended either in person at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street, in the select board’s meeting room, or remotely on zoom. Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, the public can listen and/or view this meeting while in progress via the remote participation platform Zoom through this link: https://us06web.zoom. us/j/85930238601?pwd=t31JYVvAvbu68ZLUL2yrTfrwTlTUkH.1 or Dial in +1 646 558 8656 US Meeting ID: 859 3023 8601, Passcode: 761248 project materials available for download at town of Marblehead website planning board page https://www.marblehead.org/ planning-board under the date of meeting. Interested persons may attend the meeting or submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org or rebeccac@marblehead.org and the comments will be read aloud and entered into the record.

Robert Schaeffner, Chairman

Streets policy and evaluating public safety issues on local roads.

The seven-member committee includes three residents appointed by the Select Board — David Kucharsky, Gary Hebert and Rick Smyers — as well as Police Chief Dennis King, Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, Public Works Director Amy McHughand Town Engineer Charlie Quigley.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer is an additional non-voting member.

The committee was established via a Town Meeting article, aimed at consolidating the functions of a prior Traffic Advisory Committee and Complete Streets Committee.

The committee unanimously voted Hebert as chair and McHugh as secretary.

In the three-hour meeting, Hebert said he hopes the committee can “improve overall safety and reduce crashes” in town, while Smyers proposed three broad

goals: zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries, safe walking and biking routes enabling children to get to school, and a responsive government addressing residents’ concerns.

King cautioned against “lofty” goals, urging the committee to first review crash data and existing infrastructure while ensuring its role aligns with the Select Board’s intentions.

“We have to focus on something,” King said, encouraging the group to take advantage of the group’s expertise.

McHugh noted the town recently hired a consultant to develop a transportation plan assessing intersections, sidewalks and streets. The study’s recommendations could help guide the committee’s work, she said.

Resident William Anderson urged the committee during public comments to consider preserving Marblehead’s historic character while enhancing safety.

“I think we’ve got

enough aggressive big, white-painted crosswalks in a lot of spots, maybe more than we did around some of the schools, perhaps that’s important,” Anderson said. “But I don’t think we have to go overboard on that sort of thing.”

Anderson also questioned whether Marblehead needed extensive bicycle infrastructure investments given the public’s actual riding habits. He relayed an anecdote of personally observing just one cyclist over the course of several hours along a Marblehad bike lane, “I think you ought to be careful — everybody thinks bikes are great and all that sort of thing, but are they really a reality in our transportation system?” Anderson rhetorically asked the committee.

The committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 18. Members plan to propose objectives and priorities for the coming year.

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

Intern - Benji Boyd CONTRIBUTORS

Jo Ann Augeri Silva Stephen Bach Bob Baker Linda Bassett Nicole Goodhue-Boyd Laurie Fullerton Mark Hurwitz John Lamontagne Christine McCarriston Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens Linda Werbner BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Virginia Buckingham - President Kate Haesche Thomson - Vice President of Operations Gene Arnould Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Francie King Robert Peck Donna Rice Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD

Ed Bell Virginia Buckingham Kris Olson Will Dowd Robert Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Marion Warner Greely FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Leigh Blander Will Dowd David Moran Kris Olson DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 29, 2023 A3

Artisan’s Holiday Market Place Saturday Dec 2nd 10am - 7pm Sunday Dec 3rd 10am - 5pm Abbot Hall Ballroom

2024 Calendars

New Marblehead Notecards

Arnould Gallery

& Framery 111 Washington Street Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 (781) 631-6366

WATCH THE SANTA’S PADDLE ACROSS MARBLEHEAD HARBOR STARTING AT 11:00AM

FOLLOW THE PADDLE JOIN US AT THE LANDING RESTAURANT FOR LIGHT APPETIZERS AND A CASH BAR.

SANTA PADDLE FOR MARBLEHEAD FOOD PANTRY

**A PORTION OF SALES DURING WILL BE DONATED TO THE MARBLEHEAD FOOD PANTRY** 81 Front Street Marblehead, MA 01945 • 781-639-1266

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

|

RESIDENTIAL COMMERCIAL NATIONAL RETAIL 781.592.3135 | groomco.com

FINAL-17 CP_MBHC_20231129_1_A04 Mon, Nov 27, 2023 3:21:49 PM

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A4 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

I BEG TO DIFFER

One of the best two weekends of the year How to thank local businesses

BY JO ANN AUGERI SILVA

Participate in Marblehead civic life for any length of time, and you’re bound to get your hands on one: a gift certificate — or maybe even a gift basket — provided to a fundraising auction or silent auction by a local merchant.

Marblehead is not alone in this regard. According to one study, small businesses donate 250% more than large businesses to local nonprofits and community causes.

We highlight this on the eve of this weekend’s Christmas Walk & Holiday Stroll because that annual party the business community will be throwing for the 52nd time is hardly a one-off. Our small businesses support the local community year-round, even if those contributions aren’t always accompanied by caroling, hot cocoa and festive greens.

A great way to say “thank you” is to keep your holiday gift-giving dollars at home, and gratitude is hardly the only reason to do so.

As you pop into local shops this weekend, take note of the care with which our local merchants have curated their offerings. It may seem like Jeff Bezos’ online megamall has “everything,” but inevitably in our local shops you will discover items that would be hard to find elsewhere.

(By the way, while Amazon claims to be committed to reducing its carbon footprint, all those planes, trains and delivery vans are still not exactly the most planet-friendly way to get that gift to your door.)

Perhaps more importantly, you will have a far greater assurance of an item’s quality at a small business. And on the off chance something goes awry requiring an exchange or return, you will also be far more likely to be dealing with someone who wants to make things right.

That level of customer service is just one manifestation of the passion small business owners tend to bring to their work. Like everyone, they would like to earn a living. But in addition, small business owners make the investment and take the risk to open their doors because they believe what they have to offer — whether it’s the perfect outfit, eye-catching jewelry, a satisfying meal or your next great read — is something you should be able to access without leaving your hometown.

Healthy local businesses also help foster a healthy local community. They create jobs — often the ones young people can walk or ride their bikes to, providing them valuable first work experiences that build skills for the rest of their lives.

So, by all means, cheer on Santa and Mrs. Claus as they cross the harbor by lobster boat. Enjoy the Gingerbread Festival at the Lee Mansion, the church fairs and the parade.

But consider dropping a few dollars with our local merchants as well. Doing so is playing your part in a virtuous circle that makes local jobs, unique shopping finds — and jolly lobster boat rides — possible.

Would I stay in a place I didn’t love for more than 50 years? I’m fortunate enough not to know.

We moved here when rents — and then home prices — were relatively reasonable.

Even as a single mom, I could find a fixer-upper two-family I could (barely) afford, and when my husband and I were married in 1985, we bought this house built by Barry and Lee Weed that we still live in. How long ago that seems!

We have so many reasons to stay here in Marblehead, and we hope we can stay here for years to come. We love our home, we love our neighborhood, we love our town.

Though we’re avid travelers, we’ve never returned from a trip sorry to be home. One walk downtown to look at the harbor, absorbing the history emanating from the largest concentration of 17th-century homes in the USA, and we know we’re where we need and want to be.

There are quirks, of course: the sometimes maddening town politics, the plethora of speeding cars on narrow streets, the tree roots and uneven pavement that have tripped me up numerous times (and no, despite some broken bones, I’ve never sued), the occasional stares we get when we walk with our mixed-race family, the occasional garish paint job or lighting display.

Primarily, though, Marblehead is a joy to live in, and we’ve worked as volunteers to help enliven its arts scene, interpret its history and keep town government running, if not always smoothly.

I love all the seasons here, but there

are two weekends I love best: Christmas Walk and Arts Festival weekend (known elsewhere as the Fourth of July). We’ve been involved in both as volunteers and know how much time and money goes into putting on a free party for the whole town.

Christmas Walk is this weekend. As I type this on Thanksgiving, I’m visualizing the lights on the lobster trap tree in front of Mud Puddle Toys, the tree lighting at Memorial Park, Santa and Mrs. Claus coming to town ON A LOBSTER BOAT and then taking their place of honor in the Saturday morning Christmas Walk parade. I’m thinking about the church fairs and the carolers who sing as they stroll downtown.

All our local retailers and other businesses dress up for the occasion, often offering treats to lure shoppers inside. And please, do go inside! Those businesses pay a significant amount of hard-earned money to fund the Christmas Walk, so wouldn’t it be nice to pop in to say thank you? I guarantee you will find things in those stores you won’t find anywhere else, and the people you honor with holiday gifts are sure to love your finds.

I admit, I’m a fool for Christmas. I love to change the feel of our home from eclectic to decidedly Christmassy every year. My husband is in charge of putting up lights outside and on the tree, and I’m responsible for decorating inside.

I’ve got an embarrassing amount of Christmas swag — collections of nutcrackers, folk-art Santas, Byors Carolers, German Santa “smokers,” a wooden whirligig, too many ornaments and candles galore, though in the past few years those candles have become battery operated. All that swag fills up a dozen large red storage bins, and you can

imagine the discussions that take place each time they are hauled down — and then back up — the creaky stairs to our attic.

Sure, I’ve considered downsizing, Our discussions usually head in that direction.

But when that first weekend in December rolls around, and I see and chat with folks I haven’t seen since at least the Arts Festival, I get the urge to find a nice tall fir tree for the family room.

We visit the Arts Festival-sponsored artisans marketplace at Abbot Hall, and I inevitably find yet another gorgeous handmade ornament.

We go to the Festival Chorus concert at Old North Church, and I want to dig out all our holiday CDs and fill the house with carols. I can’t wait for our youngest grandgirl to get home from college to arrange all the carolers on our little piano. (She has backstories for all of them.) I even look forward to wrapping gifts, especially when it’s a unique item I could only find here.

I always feel especially lucky at this time of year. Lucky to live here, where along with the celebrations and sales, there are people doing good by helping those who aren’t as lucky. SPUR is one of those organizations, and if you’ve never helped fulfill a less advantaged child’s wish list, do it now. Your heart will grow at least one size.

As you read this, the town’s business districts have been swagged and lit, and store windows have taken on the most festive look of the year. All we need for perfection is a little sprinkling of white Christmas fairy dust. No more than a sprinkling, please.

Join me downtown to see Santa, watch the parade, enjoy one of the most beautiful towns in the world, and shop!

Marblehead resident Jo Ann Augeri Silva,

MY MARBLEHEAD FIRST TIME

‘Private’ street guide leaves unanswered questions

BY COURT MERRIGAN I have in my possession papers titled “Private Edition of the Ancient Streets and Ways in Marblehead,” dating from 1937, expanded in 1971.

A kind and anonymous soul gave them to me.

In keeping with the aforementioned injunction to privacy, I will not quote from the document directly, even though a number of the author’s scurrilous observations are highly amusing. And I will not reveal the author’s identity.

Now, these papers call themselves fossilized fiction and explicitly promise no accuracy. Therefore, I read them with an eye toward amusement, not fact. That said, if they are even vaguely correct, then the streets of Marblehead have something of a ribald past!

The Private Edition informs me that many of Marblehead’s ancient streets and ways have vanished without a trace. This is my territory! After all, I came to Marblehead from a place full of mysterious backroads.

You see, the internet is agnostic as to whether Wyoming exists or not. In addition, Google Maps has little useful to say about Wyoming roads. Provided you have a cell service at all, the Maps app is notoriously unreliable in Wyoming backcountry, or as it is known out there, “country.” Long before ChatGPT started making things up, Maps was generating imaginary roads across gaping

COURTESY PHOTO / COURT MERRIGAN

As it turns out, Google Maps knows about Prospect Alley, but why it was once also known as ‘Liz Tibbet’s Gut’ is more of a mystery.

canons and up mountainsides while simultaneously denying the existence of the very road I was driving while I was on it.

So, I generally discovered new Wyoming routes the old-fashioned way: by driving the wrong way until I was either in the wrong county altogether or had taken enough wrong turns to right myself.

I did also use good old-fashioned paper maps, where available. But sometimes

even analog technology is no use. For instance, a rancher once told me, “Come to my house. You’ll know you’re there when you see the blue barn.”

Those directions don’t live on any app or map. You can’t tell where you’re going until you get there.

So, taking my cues from the Private Edition, I found myself wandering the neighborhood around Abbot Hall one blustery fall day, looking for Prospect Alley. If I could navigate roads in Wyoming that don’t exist, surely I could locate one of these ancient ways.

And so it proved: Prospect Alley runs right off Lookout Court, just like the Private Edition says. A tiny little walking lane, paved in asphalt, barely wide enough for two people.

Those familiar with Old Town are likely chortling as they read this: Prospect Alley actually has its own street sign on Lee Street. (*insert head slap emoji here*) Furthermore, a quick check of my phone revealed that this particular walkway does appear on Google Maps.

It sure felt like an expedition into the unknown to me, but this walkway has been used for centuries.

According to the Private Edition, a sea captain would scan the horizon with a spyglass from Lookout Court (hence the name, I suppose). When an incoming vessel was spotted, a messenger would scamper down Prospect Alley (hence the name again?) to the shipyard to MERRIGAN, P. A5

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 29, 2023 A5

THE POWER IN OUR HANDS

Direct climate action through curbside composting

BY EVANS SLEPIAN These days, I often feel powerless. In the face of accelerating climate change, apathy curls protectively around me.

Confronting ever more climate crises, it is emotionally safer to check out. It is easier to shirk responsibility onto some collective other; to convince myself that I am as powerless as I feel to change things.

Yet there is no catharsis in this. The forces behind our conundrum are as far outside our control as the tides, but I feel increasingly moved to take hold of what I can. I volunteer for causes I believe in, try to build community in town and live my values beyond lip service. In service of the latter, I am shrugging off the apathy of inaction. I am composting.

It is a small change, and unexpectedly easy. When I cook, my scraps go into a small, lined and covered bin. When the bin is full, or if I’ve got something particularly piquant to dispose

of, I take the bag out to the big bin. I add paper towels to help absorb moisture, and sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of my bins for odor control. Once a week my big bin goes out to the curb and is picked up by Black Earth Compost. I reline the bins (rinse if needed) and repeat. I am new to this process but with basic household trash hygiene, I have not run into a problem yet.

When I was growing up, composting was a faraway idea— something for farmers, hippies or people with patience and land. Now, we live in an age of rapidly developing green infrastructure, where the process flow of composting is indistinguishable from that of trash. In the past decade, Black Earth has gone from a local darling to a regional player in our waste stream. They are operating at a scale that turns the question of “Why compost?” into “Why not?” especially now that Marblehead has passed their pickup density threshold, granting us reduced rates. Black Earth even offers education and troubleshooting to help you

make the most of your bin. The resources to compost easily and responsibly are closer than ever.

According to Black Earth, since they started Marblehead pickups in 2019 we have composted an estimated 547.5 tons of organic material, averaging now three tons a week in pickups. These pickups are critical in diverting organic material from landfills and incineration. Organics take up precious space in the evershrinking landfills, and as they decompose they release methane — a greenhouse gas 28 times as potent as carbon dioxide.

When they are incinerated, the resource of their nutrients and soil-building carbon is lost.

Organics are also often the heaviest, and costliest, portion of a waste stream. With our current curbside collection contract ending in 2026, composting is a climate-friendly way to keep both taxes and town government costs down, without sacrificing critical services.

In view of all this, signing up for curbside composting was an easy choice for me. And beyond the practical benefits, redirecting

my organic waste to compost just feels good. It feels like living my values; like taking back a modicum of power. Now, every time I cook, make coffee or carve a seasonal pumpkin, I move the needle infinitesimally forward to combat climate change.

These actions are individually small, but on the scale of our community could be huge.

There are around 8,000 households in Marblehead, of which Black Earth currently services 747. In that differential we could reshape our waste management and climate impact.

According to Project Drawdown, composting reduces emissions by more than 50% compared to landfilling. In the grand scheme, that reduction as an individual, or even as 747 households, might be small potatoes. But across the whole town, that reduction would become meaningful.

It is easy to leave climate action to industry, which is unequivocally more responsible than any individual. It is easy to let apathy win. But we must stand up and exercise what power is in our hands.

Embracing curbside composting is an accessible, direct action we can take to reduce our emissions and benefit our community at large.

If you would like to get started with curbside composting, right now you can get a “Starter Pack,” courtesy of the Health Department in concert with Black Earth and Sustainable Marblehead. The Health Department is covering the cost of a curbside bin for a limited number of new Black Earth Customers, and Sustainable Marblehead is offering your first bin liners free. If you are not ready for the commitment of weekly or biweekly pickups, or don’t have the extra $12 monthly (Black Earth’s most expensive tier, about half as expensive as Netflix), there is a Black Earth collection site at the Transfer Station, accessible with a current facilities sticker. If you have questions or need assistance, email sustainablemarblehead@ gmail.com.

Evans Slepian chairs the Sustainable Mablehead’s Conservation Working Group.

ENDING THE STIGMA

On healing, hurting and gratitude

BY WENDY TAMIS ROBBINS, anxiety expert

I was waiting in the line in the post office recently, which can feel like falling into a time warp some days.

As I scrolled through my phone, I overheard a gentleman say to a female acquaintance he’d clearly not seen in a while, “You’re way too thin. I just told my wife the same thing.”

To which she replied in a shaky voice, “I’m fine. I’m fine, really.” She was clearly taken off guard and struggled to find an appropriate response.

Yet he persisted to tell her she didn’t look good and should “gain some weight back.”

She remained flustered and put off, then eventually said, “Well, I’m sorry but I feel good.”

I looked up at her, smiled and said, “Don’t apologize.” It was difficult to watch and I couldn’t let go of the interaction for hours afterward.

First, I think we can all agree that commenting on someone’s weight if you believe they have weight to lose, is not appropriate. Here is why the inverse is also not appropriate and potentially harmful to the recipient’s mental and physical health.

A statement about someone’s physical appearance presupposes the following: They are not mentally or physically ill.

That your opinion on their appearance matters to them.

That you’re open to similar judgment, because fair is fair.

If you are genuinely concerned about someone because of how they appear, I’d ask you

to consider the following replacements…

How are you feeling?

Is everything ok?

What’s new with you?

This woman could have an eating disorder, a physical ailment, a loved one in crisis or any myriad of human issues that may be causing her to lose weight. If that was the case, this comment only made it worse, not better. This was likely a misguided attempt to show concern that turned into an inappropriate and potentially harmful passing of judgment.

Alternatively, this woman may love her body at that weight.

She eats healthily and works out and wants to look exactly the way she does. In that case, your opinion does not matter.

Hard stop. We all have agency over how we choose to present ourselves to the world. And

words matter.

And this isn’t just a woman issue. I’ve seen this happen to men my entire life and it’s just as hurtful and harmful.

During this holiday season, when you see loved ones who you may have not seen for months and you are tempted to comment on their appearance, I’m not suggesting it’s all off limits.

I’d simply invite you to consider — are your words harmful or helpful and are you contributing to the hurting or the healing? And not from your perspective, from theirs.

I want to close by acknowledging this season of giving thanks. It’s a perfect time to also consider how impactful actively practicing deep gratitude is on your mental health. Research has found that anxiety and gratitude are

inconsistent emotions. It’s difficult, if not impossible, to feel both at the same time. Even when things aren’t going well, gratitude makes what you have enough.

Dr. Brene Brown’s research found that when things are going well, most people wonder “What if something bad happens?” She says, “We dress rehearse tragedy to beat vulnerability [pain] to the punch.”

Don’t wait to practice gratitude until you are full of joy and everything is perfect. It will never happen. Practice gratitude in order to feel joy even when everything is not perfect.

Wendy Tamis Robbins is an anxiety expert, bestselling author, well-being and transformational coach, attorney, speaker, cancer survivor, stepmom and wife. Learn more about her at wendytamisrobbins.com.

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES

Marblehead and the American Revolution: 1775

BY PAM PETERSON The year 1775 was a significant turning point for the Revolution in the American colonies. Events built steadily throughout the year, each step leading to the final, inevitable break with England and war.

In February, Redcoats marched through Marblehead on their way to and from what became known as Leslie’s Retreat in Salem.

In March, the city of Boston was occupied by British troops under the command of Gen. Gage. At that time, Patrick Henry gave his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech.

In April, the concerns of British officials about growing unrest and Colonial stockpiling of weapons and gunpowder resulted in the plan to march on and capture munitions stored in Lexington and Concord. News of the

Merrigan From P. A4

alert a pilot.

That fortunate fellow would row a dory out from Dirty Moon Dock (I have no “hence” here) to

COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM

The Trevett House at 65 Washington St., built by Samuel Trevett’s father.

impending action leaked to the rebels, which led to Paul Revere’s ride to warn “every village and town” that the

the new arrival, hoping to secure a fee for guiding the boat into Marblehead Harbor. The Private Edition also goes on to report that Prospect Alley was once known as “Liz Tibbet’s Gut.” “Who was this Liz Tibbet?” I wondered. “How did her guts get

Redcoats were coming.

At a meeting near Lexington that same night were Sam Adams and John Hancock, along with Elbridge Gerry, Jeremiah Lee and Azor Orne from Marblehead. It was their fear of being caught by the Redcoats that led them to hide in a cornfield overnight, leading to Lee’s subsequent death from pneumonia.

The following morning, on April 19, 1775, at Lexington and Concord, the “shot heard round the world” was fired, and the American Revolution began.

In May, Ethan Allen and the Green Mountain Boys seized the British Fort Ticonderoga. This would have great significance as the Revolutionary War continued.

The Second Continental Congress took place in Philadelphia in May, with

involved? What happened to her?

Did she know her name graced the passageway, and how did her name fall into disuse?”

The Private Edition stands mute on these questions. Perhaps a reader of The Current knows?

The Private Edition further

Elbridge Gerry in attendance. George Washington was named commander in chief of the Revolutionary Army.

In June, men from Marblehead began enlisting in the local militia. Col. John Glover was made head of the 21st regiment and was ordered to stay in Marblehead to gather men and defend the town.

On June 17, led by Capt. Samuel Trevett, another Marblehead company marched to Boston, where they fought at the Battle of Bunker Hill, and two men from Marblehead were killed.

The dramatic changes in Colonial loyalty that took place in the years leading up to the American Revolution are illustrated in the Trevett family.

Capt. Trevett’s father had served as an officer in the British Royal Navy, and his son became a Revolutionary War hero.

tells me that Marblehead is chock full of such little-used and lesser-known passages. I will continue to scout them out, and I’d be very grateful for any pointers from readers as to others I should explore.

In a town with a history of

nearly 400 years, secrets abound!

Let’s just hope it won’t take the internet another 400 years to get Wyoming on the map, too.

As always, if you’ve got an idea upon which I can embark for a Marblehead First Time, drop me a line at court.merrigan@gmail.com.

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A6 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Marblehead Current

Marblehead’s wild turkeys of 2023

Wild turkeys cheered on the MHS Powderpuff team from across Pleasant Street.

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD Wild turkeys were not just a Thanksgiving centerpiece in Marblehead; they have become a year-round spectacle.

The Marblehead Current created a local wild turkeys

CURRENT PHOTO / KRIS OLSON

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photo album featuring snapshots from our readers.

Hayley Martin captured a bold turkey named Eloise on Thanksgiving Day, on Circle Street. Elaine Leahy didn’t miss her chance, photographing turkeys outside the medical building on Widger Road.

Meanwhile, Doug Hill’s lens found the birds strutting post-Thanksgiving, preChristmas, near Redd’s Pond.

These images not only showcase the birds’ integration into Marblehead life but also

»More wild turkey photos, Page A10 reflect the success of Massachusetts’ wild turkey restoration efforts. Once extinct in the state by 1851, the wild turkey population thrives at 30,000-35,000 thanks to reintroduction programs initiated in the 1970s. Starting with just 37 New York birds, the program saw numbers rise to 1,000 by 1978, and with additional transplants, the turkeys had become widespread across the state.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 29, 2023 A7

SANTA’S PARTNER

Mrs. Claus reflects on decades in Marblehead

BY LEIGH BLANDER Mrs. Claus’ “helper,” Marblehead’s Laura Best, is getting ready for her 39th trip on board the lobster boat with Santa at the Christmas Walk.

Beginning in 1984, she has been there to greet hundreds of kids at State Street Landing and listen to their wish lists.

“The kids are absolutely amazing,” Best told the Current. “They line up for hours to see Santa and then sometimes they don’t have the courage to talk to him. That’s where I come in. I’m the grandma. I say, ‘Come see me,’ and before you know it, they’re in his face talking to him.

I’m like the ice breaker for kids.”

Best says the children arrive with all kinds of gift requests.

“Some kids have a list that’s long as your arm, and some kids say ‘I don’t care, anything is fine,’” she says.

Over the years, Best has only missed two trips on the lobster boat with Santa — when her daughter was born and a few years later when her daughter was a flower girl in a wedding.

The only one to wear the custommade Mrs. Claus outfit, she has worked with five different Santas.

“I’m an old townie,” she says. “My first boat was [with] Ben Doliber. He was a fisherman. He had a pot-bellied stove on board.”

Asked if one Christmas stands out from the 38 so far, she shared the story about the winter when she had just lost her beloved dog.

“It was really weird because a little boy waited in line and said ‘I just want to see Mrs. Claus,’” she recalls.

“When he got to me, he asked, ‘Do you know God?’ I said, ‘No, he’s farther north.’ He had a sick dog and he said, ‘I want Santa to tell God to come and get my dog.’”

Best says she’s hoping for clear skies for this year’s boat ride, after last year’s Christmas Walk washout.

“Pray for good weather,” she says.

“There’s nothing worse than seeing Mrs. Claus’ ‘helper’ Laura Best looks forward to the Christmas Walk every year.

Santa and Mrs. Claus go down.”

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD Marblehead’s 911 dispatchers have been honored with a People’s Choice award for an interactive mapping dashboard they created to improve emergency response times and coordination.

“When minutes can mean the difference between life and death, 911 dispatchers must be able to identify callers’ needs and locations rapidly to send the appropriate help,” Police Capt.

Matthew Freeman said.

The dashboard won at the 2023 InSPIRE Conference on Preparedness and Resilience in Charlotte, North Carolina. It can quickly provide first responders with location details, photos and infrastructure information.

The dashboard was created by dispatchers in their free time.

It includes hydrant locations, conservation area trails, coastal views, moorings and more.

Officials from across town contributed images and data.

Marblehead Police graduate eighth Citizen Academy class The Marblehead Police Department graduated the eighth graduating class of its Citizen Police Academy. The nine-week program provides local residents with an inside look at police operations through a variety hands-on activities. This session covered topics like department history, law, traffic enforcement, defensive tactics, mental health response, courtroom proceedings, headquarters tours and K-9 demonstrations. The free program is a collaboration of the Marblehead Council on Aging and Triad Council. Those interested in participating in the next Citizen Police Academy,

COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD POLICE DEPARTMENT

The Marblehead Police Department graduated its eighth Citizen Police Academy class. The nine-week program gives residents an inside look at department operations.

anticipated for early 2024, can contact Lt. David Ostrovitz at 781-631-1212 x19.

Climate change event The Third Essex Democratic Committee invites residents to join a conversation on climate change near Red Rock Park in Lynn on Saturday, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. Environmental scientist Sunil Gulab will lead a brief walking tour to discuss how climate change impacts local communities. State Rep. Dan Cahill, chair of the Legislature’s Joint Environment Committee, will also participate. Attendees are asked to dress for winter weather and wear comfortable shoes. Email 3rdEssexDems@ gmail.com for more information.

Holiday book sale The Friends of Abbot Public Library will host a Holiday

PROMOTING MARBLEHEAD

METCO reps encourage Boston families to send students to town Marblehead METCO Program Director Caja Johnson, right, and METCO intern MacKenzie Kane represented Marblehead schools at the METCO Showcase in Roxbury on Nov. 18.

The Showcase brings urban and suburban METCO representatives together to encourage Boston’s diverse students to apply to METCO for a chance to be referred, via lottery, to their preferred choice of suburban schools. Families enjoyed pizza and music and snapped photos with Wally the Green Monster.

METCO was founded in 1966 and has been in Marblehead since 1967. METCO’s numbers have dropped in town in recent years.

Book Sale from Thursday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 9, at the Sail Away Book Shop in the Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School. Hardcovers will be $2 and paperbacks $1, with all proceeds going to support the library’s programs and services. The sale runs 12-4 p.m. on Thursday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Friday, and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, contact the library at 781-6311481 or mar@noblenet.org.

Hazard mitigation plan input The town is seeking input through Dec. 6 on its updated hazard mitigation plan. The plan outlines ways to reduce risks from natural hazards and climate change.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency-approved plan allows the town to apply for pre-disaster mitigation grants. Residents can view the

plan on the town’s website at Marblehead.org or at Abbot Hall.

For more information, contact Rebecca Curran Cutting, town planner, rebeccac@marblehead. org.

Volunteer opportunities The following is a list of vacancies on appointed town boards, commissions and committees. Anyone interested in serving should submit a letter of interest and resume to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. or by email to wileyk@marblehead. org. Call the Select Board’s office at 781-631-0000 for more information: » One vacancy on the Finance Committee for a three-year term. » One opening on the Historical Commission for a three-year term. » Three vacancies on the Cultural Council, each for

three-year terms. » One opening on the Disabilities Commission for a three-year term. » One one-year vacancy on the Task Force Against Discrimination. » One vacancy on the Affordable Housing Trust Fund for a one-year term.

Get holiday romance book recs in virtual event On Monday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m., Booklist and Library Journal reviewer John Charles will host an online holiday romance book recommendation event.

Participants can register at tinyurl.com/Holiday-RomanceEvent to attend the free virtual event and get cozy with the best holiday romance reads this season. Call 781-631-1481 or visit abbotlibrary.org for more details.

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A8 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Marblehead Current

School St., 7:30 p.m. » Old North Festival Chorus Holiday Concert, 35 Washington St., 8 p.m.

Walk From P. A1

Sunday, Dec. 3

» Free trolley service from 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Some of the events to check out:

(Parking at Marblehead High School)

» Holiday Gift Expo at the Masonic Lodge,

62 Pleasant St., 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Thursday, Nov. 30

» Winter Artisan Marketplace at

» Ask Lizzie Live on Instagram from Mud

Puddle Toys (Tune in at @mhdcurrent), noon » Marblehead High School tenors and basses sing at TQM Wealth Partners, by Crosby’s » Holiday shopping preview: Sip, snack, shop at retailers around town, 5-8 p.m. » St. Michael’s tree lighting and carols, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

The tree lighting and music Friday evening are Christmas Walk favorites.

Friday, Dec. 1

» Gingerbread Festival at Lee Mansion, 161

Washington St., 3-6 p.m.

» MHS and Veterans School singers will

perform at TQM Wealth Partners (near Crosby’s), 4:30 p.m.-5 p.m. » Tree lighting & musical performances at National Grand parking lot across from 91 Pleasant St., 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Students will sing. » Lobster trap tree lighting with Glover’s Regiment at Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St., 7 p.m. » Family Songfest at Marblehead Little Theatre, 161 Washington St., 7:30 p.m. The MHS Jewel Tones will sing.

Saturday, Dec. 2

» Free trolley service, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

The Christmas Walk parade leaves from State Street Landing at around 11:45 a.m.

» MHS a cappella groups will carol along

(Parking at Marblehead High School)

outside Star of the Sea parish center, 80 Atlantic Ave., 12:30-2:30 p.m. » Tea in the Tavern, Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 1-4 p.m. » Old Men of Marblehead sing sea shanties outside Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St., 1-3 p.m. » Brown and Glover Schools Chorus perform at Old Town House, 2 p.m. » Greater Salem Ballet Nutcracker at Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St, 2 p.m. » The Songs of Frank Sinatra & Tony Bennett at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12

» Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by lobster

boat at State Street Landing, 9 a.m. Hot cocoa, music » Heart of Christmas Fair, St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant St., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. » Christmas Fair, Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., 9 a.m.-3 p.m. MHS a cappella singers and Veterans after-school chorus will perform 12-1 p.m. » Gingerbread Festival at the Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. » Winter Artisan Marketplace, Marblehead

Washington Street, 1:30-2:20 p.m.

» Living Nativity, come pet the animals

Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. » Holiday Artisan Marketplace, Abbot Hall, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. » Holiday Gift Expo at Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St., 10 a.m.-3 p.m. » Veterans Middle School String Ensemble performs at Old Town House, 11 am » Parade leaves from State Street Landing, 81 Front St., 11:45 a.m. The MHS Marching Band will perform. » MHS a cappella groups will carol along Atlantic Avenue, 1:15-2 p.m.

Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. » Artisans Marketplace at Abbot Hall 10 a.m.-4 p.m. » Santas Paddle Around Marblehead Harbor to raise money for Marblehead Food Pantry, State Street Landing, 11 a.m. » Gingerbread Festival at the Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., 11 a.m.-3 p.m. » Dog & Santa photos at Pawsitively Marblehead, 52 Atlantic Ave., 12-2 p.m. » Reindeer Rides at Shubie’s, 16 Atlantic Ave, noon-3p.m. » The Shooting Stars will sing at Abbot Hall, 1 p.m. » Tea in the Tavern, Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., 1-4 p.m. » Caroling and story hour, Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St., 2-4 p.m. » A Family Songfest at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St., 2 p.m. MHS a cappella groups will perform. » Lessons & carols at St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant St., 5-6 p.m. » Old North Festival Chorus Holiday Concert (featuring student singers), 35 Washington St., 7:30 p.m.

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CHRISTMAS WALK WEEKEND EVENTS!

DECEMBER 1-3

PRESENTS

a reception and movie fundraiser to continue shining a light on the Marblehead Current and local news

FRIDAY – SUNDAY

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All gifts All specialty foods Wines by the case

TONIGHT!

SUNDAY 12p - 3p** REINDEER RIDES!

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with remarks by special guest Walter Robinson, leader of the Boston Globe’s Spotlight Team, and portrayed by actor Michael Keaton in the Academy Award-winning film.

Reindeers provided by Hunters Haven Farm Rides will be given in our parking lot *sale excludes prepared foods, sandwiches, deli, baked goods, items already on sale, gift cards and gift baskets **reindeer rides are weather permitting

Enjoy an evening of great cinema and conversation, all for a worthy cause: to ensure the future of independent local news.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 29, 2023 A9

IMPRESSIVE PROJECTS

Charter’s Exhibition Night spotlights students’ skills

BY LEIGH BLANDER More than 250 people came out for Exhibition Night at the Marblehead Community Charter Public School on Nov. 20, when students showed off the projects they’ve been working on for the last several weeks.

The sixth-grade class designed tiny houses, incorporating skills learned in math, science, humanities and art. Other students created themed roller coasters using the concepts of velocity and kinetic energy.

Celebrate Christmas Walk Weekend at the Landing!

Seventh-grader Adrian Greene built this roller coaster, using his knowledge of veolocy and kinetic energy.

COURTESY PHOTOS / ANNA LORETAN

Charlotte Kuschnir and Callum Salsich stand by their tiny house model.

Saturday 12/2 - Starting at 8am Free Hot Chocolate for the Kids all day as we await the arrival of Santa by Lobster Boat at 9:30. Music and Entertainment at the Public Landing.

Sunday 12/3 - Don’t miss the Santa’s Paddle at 11:00am across the Harbor and then join us for a celebration inside the Landing.

A portion of sales that day will go towards The Marblehead Food Pantry.

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FINAL-17 CP_MBHC_20231129_1_A10 Mon, Nov 27, 2023 3:21:55 PM

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A10 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Marblehead Current

ETHICS

Faith leaders probe the morality of war

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD As global conflicts escalate, two Marblehead faith leaders sat down together on Nov. 19 before a packed audience at the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore to explore the challenging ethics of modern warfare.

Titled “The Ethics of War,” the discussion was held between Rabbi Michael Schwartz of Temple Sinai and the Rev. James Bixby of Clifton Lutheran Church, focusing on principles of just war theory as they apply to modern warfare. Schwartz has studied under ethicists in Israel, and Bixby wrote his thesis on modern just war theory, examining the Six Day War. “While we may wish to be pacifists, the world we live in sometimes necessitates difficult choices when aggression cannot be avoided,” said Schwartz.

“However, restraint and ethical laws of war are imperative, even when the enemy does not abide by them.”

Schwartz and Bixby hoped to equip attendees with vocabulary to evaluate information about conflicts. The event was held amid ongoing wars between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukraine.

“We’re not here to cheerlead for either side, justify or repudiate,” Schwartz said.

“Rather we want a conversation to help us understand these

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

JCCNS Executive Director Marty Schneer introduces Rabbi Michael Schwartz, left, of Temple Sinai and the Rev. James Bixby of Clifton Lutheran Church, before they begin their discussion, ‘The Ethics of War,’ on Nov. 19 at the Jewish Community Center of the North Shore.

complicated issues.”

The men looked the following questions: » What constitutes a just cause for war, like self-defense? » Who has the legitimate authority to declare and wage war, like democratic states? » How can combatants maintain ethical principles, like civilian distinction, amid asymmetric conflicts? » What does proportionality mean in weighing military necessity against civilian harm?

Bixby shared a sobering story about his grandfather, who narrowly avoided being part of a predicted bloodbath invading

Japan. The devastating projected casualties were forestalled by the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

“War has consequences that stretch far into the future.

They force us to ask questions not between good and good, but between bad and narrow,” Bixby said. “Think about that today. And think about how these ethical questions propel us into asking questions about the future that we’re going to live in.”

The speakers noted ethical rules of war bind all parties equally, even if the opponent violates them.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS

Create a policy that allows symbols of ‘affirmation and acceptance’

Buyer(s) Date

To the Marblehead School Committee: As a result of the recent situation with the Black Lives Matter flag at the Marblehead High School, the members of the Executive Committee of the Marblehead Racial Justice Team are writing to respectfully request you create a policy that acknowledges and allows symbols of affirmation and acceptance, including the Black Lives Matter flag.

Displaying the Black Lives Matter symbol is positively correlated to black student success; the pride flag is linked to both academic and SEL success for LGBTQIA students.

A quick search of how other districts in various states, who have enacted policies to ban or severely restrict symbols, reveals negative outcomes. Districts that have attempted policies similar to the ones discussed by your Policy Subcommittee were intended to avoid controversy. Instead, bans increase controversy.

The ACLU has filed lawsuits claiming the breach of free speech when symbols have been banned.

Furthermore, it has been difficult to draw the line at flags without also including posters, flyers, pins, clothing, banners, mascots, chants, advertising and the numerous other means that humans communicate symbolically.

Because no clear policy can be articulated about what kind of speech is categorically disallowed, confusion and unconstitutionality is practically inevitable. The upshot has been recall elections and disrupted school years. We do not wish to see this happen.

Your task to determine a sensible policy that embraces marginalized members of your student body is surely difficult. We wish to see you successfully navigate a fair and equitable procedure to a sensible conclusion. The process may include harsh words and struggle; already we have witnessed vandalism of the flag in question.

Nevertheless, we trust that you have the skills to determine how we might fairly judge flags and other symbols for admission in the schools.

That process could involve a public feedback mechanism, a committee deliberation and recommendation, and the superintendent’s final say.

What is needed is clear to us: » Transparency about the process » Protection for those who seek and deserve it » Conversation and deeper engagement » Empowerment of students to lead in cultivating and nurturing the values of their school community Signed, Members of the MRJT Executive Committee Pastor James Bixby, Susan Morrison, Lou Meyi, Cindy Loewen, Molly Blander, Lindsay Smith, Gratia Pelliciotti, Bridget Conley, Kristin duBay Horton

“Even if your adversary is breaking all the rules, that does not absolve your obligation to abide by them,” Schwartz emphasized.

Schwartz noted proportionality requires weighing military advantage against civilian harm.

“Soldiers must assess information critically in real time regarding effects on noncombatants,” he said.

Though difficult, commanders and individual troops alike bear responsibility for their judgments.

The program highlighted acute dilemmas where no option

prevents innocent deaths. Bixby said just war theory evolves and will be debated for decades.

Declaring limited, lawful goals is vital when justifying war under just war theory, Bixby explained. States must define specific, ethical aims like neutralizing a military threat, he noted. Bixby said unclear, openended goals increase escalation and hinder resolving tensions after fighting. Both morally and practically, clear goals are essential prerequisites for legitimate military action.

The speakers emphasized protecting civilians must remain the overriding priority, not mere military advantage.

“Maximizing civilian welfare and minimizing harm must govern use of force, regardless of opponents exploiting humanitarian norms,” Schwartz said.

This requires grappling with agonizing trade-offs.

Bixby invoked the harrowing hypothetical of soldiers pinned down by enemy fire from a building full of civilians.

“Such scenarios pit civilian lives against soldiers’ own — there are only terrible options,” he said. “Yet refusing to engage at all imperils troops defending the innocent.”

While acknowledging the reality of civilian casualties, both underscored minimizing harm remains an ironclad obligation.

Seller(s) Price

Address

Marblehead Phillip and Tonya Walker

Leanne Homan and Marc Leonti

35 Lincoln Ave.

Nov. 8

$660,000

Jeffrey N. Given LT and Jeffrey N. Given

Susan M. and William Lloyd

47 Orchard St.

Nov. 8

$2,400,000

195 Washington Street LLC

Anna and Michael J. Irving

195 Washington St.

Nov. 7

$867,000

Joseph Fournier and 645 Karen P. De Arce-Guzman

Humphrey St.

Nov. 7

$870,000

Swampscott Devin O’Keeffe and Mark Sylvester

More photos from the 2023 wild turkeys of Marblehead photo album

COURTESY PHOTO / DOUG HILL

Turkeys roam the neighborhood around Togan Way near Redd’s Pond in Marblehead.

COURTESY PHOTO / ELAINE LEAHY

A group of wild turkeys gather outside the medical offices on Widger Road in early November.

COURTESY PHOTO / THERESA COLLINS

Wild turkeys are spotted in Marblehead, maintaining a tradition of appearing in local neighborhoods.

COURTESY PHOTO / HAYLEY MARTIN

A solitary turkey known as Eloise struts with confidence along Circle Street.

FINAL-18 CP_MBHC_20231129_1_A11 Mon, Nov 27, 2023 3:21:57 PM

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Sports POWDERPUFF SPOTLIGHTS

Eva Walton makes her point for the defense

Marblehead High School athlete pushes teammates past Swampscott

BY JOE McCONNELL

CURRENT PHOTO / KRIS OLSON

Marblehead powderpuff flag football running back LeDaisha Williams scored the first touchdown of the game against rival Swampscott in the first quarter of the annual classic at Piper Field on Nov. 18. The Magicians went on to win the game, 21-14.

Le’Daisha Williams leads run to victory Track star helps lead teammates against rival Swampscott in annual game

BY JOE McCONNELL Le’Daisha Williams is noted as a nationallyranked track runner at Marblehead High School, but after her offensive performance in the annual powderpuff flag football game at Piper Field on Nov. 18 her fans now know she can thrive in a team sport, as well.

Williams scored the first touchdown of that game to help lead her teammates to a 21-14 win over rival

Swampscott. At 4:11 of the first quarter, she finished off the opening drive of the game with a short one- yard run to the endzone. She ran the ball three other times in that drive, compiling a big 38 yards to keep her offensive teammates moving in the right direction.

Cam Comstock, one of the coaches on team advisor Jacqui Bouchard’s staff, had high praise for Williams’ efforts against the Big Blue, and generally

as an athlete, as well.

Williams is “definitely the fastest girl I have ever seen. She’s also a national track star, who runs the 40 in 4.7 seconds,” he said.

Williams enjoyed the entire powderpuff flag football experience, starting with the practices practically every night for six weeks leading up to the Nov. 18 game.

“I truly loved powderpuff,” she said. “I WILLIAMS, P. A13

This year’s powderpuff flag football game between the Marblehead and Swampscott High senior girls at Marblehead’s Piper Field on Nov. 18 once again lived up to its billing for excitement, effort and competitiveness.

Marblehead ended up prevailing, 21-14 after dropping its last two games. The victory also came with a touch of history, because it was senior advisor Jacqui Bouchard’s last game in charge of the team after an 18-year run.

Close games are usually decided by defense, and one of the leaders of the Marblehead defensive effort was cornerback Eva Walton, who’s known for her talents on the softball field the last four years as a Magician. Her play did not go unnoticed by defensive coordinator Cam Comstock. “(Walton) held down her side of the field, to say the least,” he said.

Walton’s take on playing in this annual game that has been around for decades with her senior

COURTESY PHOTO

Eva Walton proudly smiles as the Marblehead High cheerleader and dance captain this year. Walton was a defensive standout as a cornerback on the powderpuff flag football team during the Nov. 18 game. The Magicians defeated rival Swampscott on this day, 21-14.

classmates had a sense of appreciation.

“Playing powderpuff football with the girls in my grade was one of my favorite high school experiences,” she said.

“From the first night of practice, everyone brought such a positive attitude, and was rooting for each other right off the bat.

“Over the past six weeks, we transformed from a group of classmates who knew little to nothing about football into a tightknit family of best friends who brought home the win,” Walton added. “The toughest part of practice was deciding where everyone WALTON, P. A13

Football From P. A1

on the extra point to give his teammates a 14-7 lead after one quarter.

With just 2:57 left in the second quarter, the Magicians tied it up on another three-yard Keefe touchdown run, and one more Motorny successful extra point boot. Each side still had a chance to get the go-ahead touchdown, but to no avail before the first half clock ran out.

“Brooks (Keefe) really ran hard on offense against Swampscott, and he was also a force on defense,” said coach Jim Rudloff.

“He had three receptions (on offense) and four solo tackles (on defense) in this game.”

Rudloff also praised the efforts of quarterback Colt Wales.

“I’m sure he’d like to have his interception back, but overall, he ran hard and threw the ball very well,” said the Marblehead coach.

The Marblehead defense rose to the occasion again early in the second quarter, when senior captain Jake Scogland came up with a big sack on Spear for an eight-yard loss on second down to pin the Big Blue back on their own 10 to virtually end that possession for all intents and purposes. The second half started off quite well for the Magicians. Quarterback Colt Wales picked up a big first down with a 17-yard pass to senior captain Chris DeWitt on third down to the Swampscott 46.

One play later, the Marblehead tandem hooked up again for 25 more yards to the 20. At 6:19 of

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Marblehead junior quarterback Colt Wales (2) scores one of his two touchdowns.

COURTESY PHOTOS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD

Marblehead senior captain Chris DeWitt (17) skies to make a spectacular catch.

the third quarter, Wales took it himself for a 12-yard touchdown run. Motorny, a recent University of New Hampshire commit, buried his third PAT to break the tie again, 21-14.

Wales split the quarterbacking chores with Gallup every other series throughout the season, but when Gallup had to leave the game with an apparent injury late in the first half against Swampscott, the junior signal caller took over to run the offense the rest of the way with the exception of one series.

“Finn and Colt took a ton of hits running the ball this year.

Against Swampscott, Finn didn’t want to come out, and he went back in for the next series,” said Rudloff. “I’m not sure what it all means for next year. It should be

a healthy competition between two very good friends. Both are very competitive athletes, and it should continue to bring the best out of both of them.”

The Marblehead defense almost stopped the home team deep in its own territory after Cam Quigley sacked Spear on the three. But the Swampscott sophomore quarterback miraculously got out of it by heaving it to Sam Nadworny for what turned out to be a 92-yard pass to the Marblehead five, where Nadworny took it in to trim the deficit to one, before Marino nailed the equalizer with 3:31 left in the third quarter.

The Magicians put together a fourth quarter drive to account for the game-winning score on a Wales one-yard scoot over

the goal line. Motorny followed with another good extra point on a redo after the Big Blue was called for a penalty, while he was kicking the ball well over the storage facility behind the goalpost. But never fazed, he took care of business on the second attempt with 4:56 left in the game.

On Swampscott’s final offensive possession, Scogland sacked Spear again, forcing fourth and long on the home team’s 37. It was followed by an incomplete pass, and with 1:43 left coach Jim Rudloff ’s team simply ran out the clock after getting one last first down on a nine-yard run by Wales to the 27.

Scogland had two critical sacks in this game, and his contributions certainly didn’t go unnoticed by the coaching staff.

Rudloff said of Scogland: “Jake

has been our engine all year long.

His heart and drive can carry our team at times, and against Swampscott he was simply relentless.”

But Rudloff was quick to point out that Scogland had some help on defense from the likes of Chris DeWitt, Christian Pacheco, Andy Palmer, Tommy Franklin and Wilson Bullard. “They all played well on defense,” added Rudloff.

On offense, Rudloff said that Keefe was the team’s catalyst against Swampscott. But he also mentioned the impact that senior Ryan Commoss had on the way opposing defenses defended the Magicians this fall, and that includes Thursday’s game against the Big Blue. “(Commoss) made some nice catches and runs after catches for us, which kept many drives alive,” he said.

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TRADITION

Marblehead celebrates another successful exchange tournament with St. Lambert, Quebec The 59th annual Marblehead Youth Hockey/ St. Lambert Hockey Exchange took place from Nov. 17-19 at Lynn’s Connery Rink. It brought old friends back together again.

A total of 16 teams participated throughout the weekend, competing in a total of 24 games, a skills competition and a coaches game, plus the memorable opening ceremonies.

COURTESY PHOTOS Both youth hockey The Marblehead Hollyhocks girls youth hockey program is stronger than ever, and organizations celebrated showing their American pride during the annual MYH/St. Lambert, Quebec youth hockey once again their exchange earlier this month at Lynn’s Connery Rink. camaraderie and friendships that have been built away from the rink, as the MYH families host their Goalie Shamus Laramie gears up for the skills competition “buddies” throughout the during the annual MYH/St. Lambert, Quebec youth hockey exchange on Saturday, Nov. 18. weekend.

Over three days, the young hockey players participated in a scavenger hunt and street hockey games at the Bud Orne Rink. MYH and St. Lambert hold the title as the longest running continual international exchange program of its kind between two countries.

The second half of the annual event will be in St. Lambert in February.

Marblehead Youth Hockey Association president Mike Calabrese faces off with Hollyhocks player Elizabeth Bedrossian during the ceremonial puck drop to begin the 59th edition of the Exchange with St. Lambert, Quebec program on Nov. 17 at Lynn’s Connery Rink. Brian Gray and his mom Susan, along with Peter Gray’s grandchildren — Meg, Matt and Kate Gray — also participated in the faceoff.

Veteran youth hockey exchange referee Stu Woodrow, left, who has been involved with the annual St. Lambert event for over 25 years, is with his son, Jacob, and several of the coaches from the St. Lambert, Quebec Bantam Triple-A team earlier this month at Lynn’s Connery.

CHOOSING UP SIDES

Youth basketball players meet their teams The Marblehead Youth Basketball Association hosted its first “Meet Your Team Night” Nov. 21 at Veterans Middle School.

Raptors coach Chris Bruell introduces his team at the Marblehead Youth Basketball Association’s first ‘Meet Your Team Night’ Nov. 21.

The event included 300 boys finding out which team they would be playing on, meeting their coaches and teammates, and of course receiving their

COURTESY PHOTOS/VICTORIA DOSCH

Surrounded by an anxious crowd, Suns coach John Donovan names the members of his team at the Marblehead Youth Basketball Association’s first ‘Meet Your Team Night’ at Veterans Middle School.

new team jersey.

While loud and chaotic, it was great fun for all, according to MYBA’s leadership.

Members of the newly assembled Miami Heat pose for their first official team photo at the Marblehead Youth Basketball Association’s first ‘Meet Your Team Night’ Nov. 21.

LWV OBSERVER CORPS

Former Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker, who now serves as NCAA president, speaks to alumni of the MarbleheadSwampscott football rivalry at the annual Gridiron Club Old Timers Night at the Gerry 5 on Nov. 20.

Updates from Rec & Parks Recreation & Parks Commission

» DATE: Nov. 14 (in person, not recorded) » LWVM OBSERVER: Bonnie Grenier » MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE: Matt Martin, Karin Ernst, Linda Rice-Collins, Shelly Bedrossian, Recreation Director Jaime Bloch, Superintendent Peter James.

(Absent: Rossanna Ferrante) Public comment policy At Karin Ernst’s request, the committee discussed the idea of developing a formal policy to address how they will handle public comments at future meetings.

They reviewed the Board of Health’s policy, which is two years old and needs some updating.

It was suggested that they reach out to other Marblehead boards and committees in other towns for examples of their policies.

Further discussion was tabled until the next meeting.

FY25 budget Peter James presented a first draft of the proposed 2025 budget for the Recreation and Parks Department.

The budget is generally level funded with some exceptions that were reviewed; the budget is still a work in progress.

James informed the committee that he is suggesting three capital requests: a new leaf vacuum for $8,000 to $12,000, a new boiler for the Community Center, and a new

electric walk-behind mower for $12,000.

There was no vote on the budget.

Parks update » Irrigation blowouts have been taken care of with the exception of the Stramski system. » Leaf clean up has been ongoing. » James has an order in for an infield mix to prepare the ball fields for next season. » Tarps will go down on the fields mid- to late December. » They are looking for a tree to plant behind the nursery school. » The light project at Seaside is moving along. Lights have been ordered, and the contractor has the necessary permit.

Recreation update » All fall programming has moved indoors. It’s “super busy” inside, and they are using every available room for fall activities. » Girls’ basketball had a delayed start due to a shortage of coaches. » Gingerbread house decorating will be Nov. 29. » There is a “No School Day” with indoor activities at the Community Center on Dec. 15. » The request for summer proposals and summer job postings will be going out in December. » There is a ski trip to Bradford on Jan. 27.

COURTESY PHOTO

OLD TIMERS NIGHT

Ex-governor helps kick off rivalry week About 160 attendees from the Marblehead and Swampscott Gridiron Clubs gathered at the Gerry 5 Nov. 20 to hear Charlie Baker, former Massachusetts governor and current NCAA president, share his thoughts on the power of football to forge life skills and create opportunities for student-athletes.

Baker said that his son had told him that there are two types of people in the world: those who have been in the huddle and those who have not.

Baker also talked about the crucible of football in towns like Marblehead

and Swampscott: how the traditions, history and communities shape young people to impact others, give back and succeed.

Baker also talked about the ties that bind the two rivals. They can sit down and share a meal and tell stories — not so much about the rivalry, but about their common experiences with friendship and community.

Members of the Marblehead Gridiron Club were back at the Gerry 5 the following night to feed the 75 players and coaches of the 2023 Magicians team steak and French fries.

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ARTS

Reception opens MAA’s Winter Member Show

BY BENJI BOYD The Marblehead Arts Association hosted a reception for the opening of its Winter Member Show on Nov. 10.

The King Hooper Mansion was packed with artists, MAA members and others exploring more than 175 artworks spread over three floors. The show ends Dec. 24.

This is the second of the MAA’s two annual showcases open exclusively to member artists, following the 2023 Summer Member Show in July and August. Although the member shows typically don’t have a required theme, many of the submitted artworks include fall and winter motifs, such as snowy landscapes or warm autumn tones. The pieces were judged by two MAA members representing photography and the fine arts and winners and honorable mentions are marked by ribbons.

Hanging a show of this size is a lot of work.

“We have to consider how the work is in this space,” said MAA curator Paul McMahan,

Alicia Cohen’s ‘After a While’ hangs above the mantle in the MAA’s King Hooper Mansion.

describing the process of finding the perfect spot to hang a piece.

Board President Jim Murphy agreed, stressing that it can take around 80 hours to hang such a large show. The work that goes into finding the right lighting, position and area for each piece is often felt rather than seen. For example, McMahan pointed out how he had hung a landscape so the focal point on the horizon perfectly aligned with the average-sized viewer’s line of sight.

“If we’ve done our job well, people don’t notice.”

The piece “After a While” by Alicia Cohen, hanging above the mantle on the second floor, catches the eye with dramatic placing and a bright red “Judge’s Choice” ribbon. Cohen, wellknown for her hyper-realistic painting of animals, has wowed the judges this time around with a striking composition of a small bird perched in front of a crocodile.

The Winter Show seemingly

has something for everyone, from sweeping landscapes to impressionistic portraits to stunning photography. James Murphy won an honorable mention for his close-up photo of a singer who recently performed at the Me & Thee Coffeehouse entitled “Wangari Fahari in Concert.” The photo is hung alongside many others on the first floor.

All of the works in the exhibit are available to view alongside their titles, artists and

Paula Engman’s ‘Cool Blues Hot Night’ acrylic portrait enjoys a spotlight on the third floor of the King Hooper Mansion.

listings on the MAA’s website, marbleheadarts.org.

Early next year, MAA artists and members will be preparing for the national Variations Show in April, in which three external judges will be hired to judge hundreds of submissions.

Until then, there is plenty of time to head down to the King Hooper Mansion on 8 Hooper St. anytime between noon and 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday to view the Winter Members Show.

MARBLEHEAD HIGH

MHS Performing Arts groups take the stage for Winter Concert

BY BENJI BOYD On Tuesday, Dec. 19, the performers of Marblehead High will celebrate the holiday season with their annual Winter Concert.

Starting at 7 p.m., various groups will perform classic pieces and holiday favorites in the Veterans Middle School Performing Arts Center. The community is welcome for free.

The night will begin with a prelude by the jazz band

Walton From P. A11

would succeed the most on the field, considering we had never played before. I started off on offense until I was moved to cornerback, and I’m so happy that I did.”

Walton is also certainly not downplaying the fact that she was on the last team that was headed up by Bouchard, the aforementioned team advisor.

“There are not enough good things to say about Jacqui Bouchard,” Walton said. “She created the most welcoming, enthusiastic and understanding atmosphere for our team.

“Jacqui taught us the fundamentals of powderpuff football, but just as important she taught us the values of integrity and pride in representing our town,” the star cornerback added.

“She emphasized the importance of treating everyone with respect, while fostering a sense of unity through team bonding activities.”

As always, Bouchard assembled a group of senior boys to assist her as coaches, and their knowledge of the game helped Walton and her teammates pick up the game rather quickly.

“Before this experience, I had very little knowledge about the rules and positions on the football field,” Walton said. “The coaches really taught me everything about the roles and responsibilities of each player. My defensive coaches – Cam (Comstock), Hogan (Sedky) and Charlie (Sachs) – prepared us to react to Swampscott’s offensive plays, and they also eagerly answered any questions we may have had in practice.”

After all was said and done,

as guests file in, followed by performances from the concert band, orchestra, chamber orchestra, treble and mixed choirs, and various a cappella groups. Alongside traditional favorites such as “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” the set list includes creative mash-ups of holiday tunes such as an a cappella Hanukkah medley, the orchestra’s “Rhythmic Snapshots of Christmas,” and the choirs’ 10-movement masterwork,

“Ceremony of Carols.”

“We’ve been really digging into this piece quite a bit,” said choir director Andrew Scoglio of the “Ceremony of Carols,” crediting his students for their hard work learning complicated tunes set to Middle English Christmas poems. “It’s been a fun challenge for them.”

The music department staff is hoping to attract a larger audience from the community for this year’s concert.

Walton took what she had learned from the practices to be one of the game’s stars.

“During the game, I tried my best to block out all of the distractions to really just focus on the player with the ball,” she said. “If the player moved toward my side of the field, I would either chase them to the wing in order to corner them or go straight for their flag.

“I had never played football before powderpuff, but now I really enjoy watching and playing it,” Walton added. “Cornerback is my favorite position, because chasing down the flag and lining up next to your closest friends is so much fun. I love the team camaraderie of being a defender, while celebrating like crazy with them when someone successfully grabs a flag.”

Growing up, Walton played soccer, basketball, field hockey and softball to go along with being a cheerleader. Her dad was always her biggest fan when it comes to sports. He coached her little league teams, but when he wasn’t on the sidelines, he was always in the front row at every cheerleading competition.

“My favorites are softball and cheerleading, because both sports push me to become a stronger athlete, both mentally and physically,” said Eva, who has participated in both the last three years at the high school.

She’s the cheer and dance team captain this year, who recently led her teammates to the regional competition. Softball will be in the spring. She plans to go to college somewhere down south next year to continue as a football cheerleader, while majoring in communications, so she can become a broadcast journalist someday.

“The students put in work from the first day of school to the concert date,” said orchestra teacher Julie Frias. “I think it would be really nice to have the community come to support, and also come and celebrate alongside them.”

Scoglio added that the high school students particularly benefit from community involvement since they have typically been honing their talent for many years. “They

Williams From P. A11

remember the first practice at Gatchell’s feeling really excited, but still a little nervous. That night we had drills to test our abilities like flag grabbing, as well as throwing and catching drills, and the 40-yard dash. The entire experience was very worth it. We learned and perfected all of the plays and techniques for game day, and it all paid off.

“I think the toughest part was probably getting out of the habit of running straightforward as I do in track, and also having more agility while running with the ball. But I enjoyed becoming closer with the rest of the senior girls, and branching outside my circle of friends,” added Williams.

After spending a few weeks with Bouchard, she’s now one of Williams’ favorites. “(Jacqui) is now one of my favorite staff (members) at Marblehead High School, because she is so welcoming and generous,” said Williams.

“She often called us her little sisters, and it honestly felt as though we were that. She is so easy to go to, whether it was for guidance or just to talk. Once we got into a groove, (her) coaches were really great. Our offensive coaches — Bodie Bartram and Nick Lemmond — were awesome, teaching us plays and the rules of the game.

They boosted us up on and off the field. Hogan Sedky and Cam Comstock always

cheered us on, even though they coached defense, and Charlie Sachs, the special teams coach, was there to pick us up when we had an off night in practice.”

She continued: “I’ve always watched football and loved it, but learning the plays hands-on was really eyeopening. Now, I can watch and understand football better on a higher level.”

But there’s nothing like the first anything for an athlete in any sport. Williams, however, took her own accomplishments in stride.

“Honestly, the game started, I sort of felt as though I was playing on autopilot. I mostly just thought about getting the ball as far as I could or to block and protect for whomever among our running backs had the ball. But of course, I was also very happy and thankful to score the first touchdown of the game.

Besides gym class, I haven’t played football outside of school. Football, I think, brings together communities, whether it’s playing or just watching, and that’s what I love about it,” she added.

Playing sports for Williams all started in second grade at the YMCA. She took part in basketball, competitive dance, gymnastics, taekwondo, volleyball and of course track.

“I had potential in most sports that I took part in,” Williams said. “My family has always been athletic and competitive, which, I think, I’ve inherited. I think my parents really got me involved in sports since they were also

deserve an audience to showcase their hard work.”

Leading up to the concert, the music department has a full schedule of winter activities.

The a cappella group, The Jewel Tones, will appear in Marblehead Little Theatre’s “Celebrate the Season” songfest on Dec. 1. As always, the band plans on marching in the Christmas Walk on Dec. 1-3 while the choirs sing carols up and down the streets.

great athletes in high school.”

But it’s track, where she has received her early notoriety.

“I’m ranked within my club’s 4x400 relay team that placed sixth in the nation in 2019. I plan to become nationallyranked in my individual races during the indoor and outdoor seasons this year, as well. I run the 100, 200, 300 and 400, as well as the 4x100, 4x200 and 4x400 relay races. I think I mostly succeed in the sprints, and so far, I hold school records in the 4x100 and 4x200 relay races. I won the Division 3 state championship with my 4x100 team, and last March in the 4x200 we went to the New Balance Nationals,” Williams said.

Needless to say, running track is her favorite sport.

“Track is mostly an individual sport that trains you to become more disciplined. You also learn perseverance from it, which is valuable to incorporate into my everyday life,” Williams said. “I became interested in track by attending indoor and outdoor track clinics in Marblehead in elementary school. In middle school, I joined my club team — the Cambridge Jets — leading into my Marblehead High track career.”

Williams is still looking at colleges that’s the best fit for her, including some state schools, as well as a few down south. She wants to major in either health sciences or elementary education to pursue a career in either the medical field or the teaching profession.

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6tNh UAL

AN

Holiday Gift Expo

Part of Marblehead Christmas Walk

December 2 Saturday 10 AM -3 PM

December 3 Sunday 10 AM -2 PM

Masonic Hall • 62 Pleasant St.• Marblehead Hosted by and Vendor: Christine Lucas

BDJI

BOSTON DESIGNER

JEWELRY IMPORTS The world is your jewelry

2023 Participating Vendors:

Come and shop for Handmade Jewelry, Holiday Gifts, Home Decor, Skincare Products, Accessories/Clothing, Tasty Treats, Health & Wellness, Unique Arts & Crafts, and much more! (Free entry and free parking.)

Christina Allen

Lexi Rowlands

Dawn LiVigne

Kelly Channell

Jay Walsh

Meghan McGrail Holmes Kimberly Stanfield

Fawn Choate

Steven & Heather Barnard

Solo Sea Glass Jewel ry Desig ns

Viviane Gontijo

Danielle Forcellati

Pat Barker

Pam Merkel

Sue Miller

Robin Weinberg

Lauri Stilianos

Happy Holidayss H from all of us at

165 Pleasant St. 2nd Floor Village Plaza, Marblehead www.DrBednarOrthodontics.com Free Consultations 781-502-8554 BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Tracy Finn: Staying true to her artistic vision

BY MELISSA STACEY The following is an interview with Tracy Finn, local artist and owner of Tracy Finn Fine Art & Stationery, conducted by Discover Marblehead. To see Finn’s original artwork, as well her greeting cards, invitations, prints and desktop calendars, visit her studio at 51 Atlantic Ave. (by appointment only) or go to TracyFinn.com.

Tell us about Tracy Finn Fine Art & Stationery. My art practice is more than a business for me, it’s an integral part of who I am. I started taking art lessons at the King Hooper Mansion in the second grade and have been creating ever since. I enjoyed many years as an art teacher before shifting my primary focus to my own work. I strive to make my work accessible to a broad audience by offering a wide range of prices for original work, as well as through my stationery and print line. I offer greeting cards, custom invitations and an annual calendar. The 2024 desktop calendar is now available and features some new work that I am incredibly proud of. I love that I have many customers who have never owned an original piece of art

but are now collectors of some of my paintings.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? “Sometimes no is the right answer.” Just after graduating college, I sold my first large painting to an interior design firm. After purchasing the piece, they asked me to alter some of the colors to match their showroom. I agreed to the request, and it’s a decision I still regret. No matter your business, stay true to your vision and values.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead? Marblehead has so many beautiful spots, it’s difficult to choose a favorite! I would have to say The Rocks.

Stop by the studio and maybe I’ll tell you where that is (maybe!).

What is something people

Tracy Finn has worked from Idaho to Manhattan to Atlantic Avenue.

may be surprised to learn about you? After graduating college, I lived in Idaho and worked in a local department

store doing merchandise displays. Four years later, I was in Manhattan designing windows at Bloomingdale’s.

The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.

CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets, holiday edition 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

MLT Family Songfest Friday Dec. 1, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m.

Get ready for sparkling lights, snowflakes, Christmas trees, menorahs, Santa and some holiday singing.

Marblehead Little Theatre’s “Celebrate the Season: A Family Songfest” opens during the town’s Christmas Walk weekend, just in time to kick off the holiday season with song and good cheer. Come and hear favorites like “The Christmas Song,” and “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” as well as many other Christmas and Hanukkah selections. Audience participation will be encouraged. For more info and tickets, go to MLTlive. org. 12 School St.

‘A Christmas Carol’

An Evening of Live Music

The Songs of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett

Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m.

Enjoy the fourth annual theatrical reading of Charles Dickens’ classic story about the power of love and generosity, “A Christmas Carol.” Performed by a small ensemble of actors, “A Christmas Carol” will come to life throughout the stately Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., with the use of period costumes, props, caroling and more. Guests will be treated to complimentary treats and beverages, and one lucky audience member will be chosen to perform the beloved role of Tiny Tim. Info and tickets at creativespiritma.com/ christmas-carol.

Cabaret and jazz recording artists, The Follen Angels, return to Marblehead Little Theatre to celebrate songs that tell the stories of Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett and friends. Enjoy hits like “I’ve Got You Under My Skin,” “Come Rain or Come Shine,” “I left My Heart In San Francisco,” “My Way,” “It Had To Be You”, “New York, New York” and more. More info and tickets at thefollenangels.com.

Holiday Pops

Sunday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m.

ME&Thee: Mason Daring & Jeanie Stahl Friday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.

Me&Thee Music, 28 Mugford St., concludes the first half of its 2023–2024 season with a special concert by Marblehead favorites Mason Daring & Jeanie Stahl, celebrating their 50 years of singing and collaboration.

Daring and Stahl have appeared many times over the years at the Me&Thee. More info and tickets at meandthee.org.

The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor and the Dirk Hillyer Festival Orchestra present the Holiday Pops, featuring Marblehead soloist Eliza Howells, at Abbot Hall. Howells graduated from Marblehead High and was named the 2018 winner of the Marblehead’s Got Talent contest.

She is studying music composition at Tufts University and recently returned from Italy where she appeared in Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” with the Trentino Music Festival in Trentino, Italy. More info and tickets at rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org.

STEM Around the World Wednesday, Dec. 6, 6:45-8 p.m.

The Epstein Hillel School, 6 Community Rd., is hosting its annual Community STEM Night with the theme, “STEM Around the World.” Kids can engineer a gondola like in Venice’s canals, evaluate the salinity of the Dead Sea, program a robot to go on an AFrican safari and more.

Perfect for families with children in preK through grade 6. The event is free and open to the community. RSVP to Rebecca at rkaren@epsteinhillel.org.

FINAL-19 CP_MBHC_20231129_1_A16 Mon, Nov 27, 2023 3:22:03 PM

A16 Wednesday, November 29, 2023 Marblehead Current

marbleheadcurrent.org

Delicious Homemade Authentic Greek Cuisine

New Lunch Hours

Open at 11:30 Tuesday-Sunday New Lunch Menu!

A family owned and operated Greek restaurant with the goal of providing our customers with excellent service and superior quality food

261 Washington St, Marblehead, MA 01945 Phone: (781) 499-5006 Online ordering at eliamarblehead@gmail.com, or through DoorDash and UberEats

Happy Holidays from The Mariner

The Mariner is Marblehead’s first senior living community. Here you will find secure, supportive services & the social atmosphere you need and want without giving up the traditions you cherish.

To learn about The Mariner call: 781.731.1583 Independent Living, Assisted Living & Avita Memory Care 265 Pleasant Street | Marblehead, MA | MarinerMarblehead.com

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