12.14.22 - Volume 1, Issue 4

Chief: Body-worn police cameras coming

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead Police officers may begin wearing body cameras within a year, joining police in Swampscott who started using the devices on December 2. Most Salem Police officers have been wearing the cameras since October 1st after a pilot program launched in January.

“I think that body-worn cameras are a great use of technology with a benefit to police and the public,”

Marblehead Police Chief Dennis Kin told the Marblehead Current “I’m in support of them. It’s just a process of the timeline and implementation.”

In Swampscott, all 32 officers and Chief Ruben Quesada are now wearing cameras.

“Honestly, we’re all really excited about it,” Quesada said. “We’re moving toward 21st century police transparency and accountability. This will enhance public safety and safety for our officers. There’s been no

negative reception to it.”

In Marblehead, King is starting to look into the cameras and all they entail. “There are a lot of things you need to account for before you bring them into operation,” he said.

Those considerations include cost. King estimates it will cost the town about $45,000 a year to lease and operate the cameras. “We need to identify where the funding sources are coming from,” he said.

Then, there’s staffing. “Who

do we get to administer it?” King asked. “How do we handle the upkeep of the cameras, which is quite significant. In Marblehead, we’re running lean, staffing wise. How do we share those tasks because it’s quite a bit.”

There’s also the question of who will handle requests for camera footage and any redacting or editing that may be involved.

In Salem, those administrative

A family that hurts … and helps

BY KRIS OLSON

Marblehead native Rob Delaney can now add “New York Times bestselling author” to a resume that already included co-creating and starring in an award-winning television series (“Catastrophe”), and dozens of other credits on the big and small screen.

But Delaney wishes this latest accomplishment never came to be. That goes doubly for his mother.

Delaney’s book, “A Heart That Works”—No. 9 on the Times’ combined print and e-book nonfiction list in its first week of release—offers at-times brutal insights into the pain and heartbreak Delaney and his family continue to endure from the death of his son, Henry.

Delaney and his wife Leah’s third child, Henry was diagnosed with a brain tumor at age 1 and spent much of his life in the hospital. Surgery removed the tumor, but Henry lost the ability to swallow and required a tracheostomy to help him breathe. Henry spent the last several months of his life at

DELANEY, P. A4

‘TIS THe Se ASON

Students shine in holiday concerts all month

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead students are performing holiday concerts and entertaining audiences around town throughout the month of December.

“This is a special time for many, including our young artists,” said Andrew Scoglio, the Marblehead High School choral director and lead teacher

for performing and applied arts. “Parents can look forward to seeing their children shine.”

Elementary through high school students performed at several venues during the Christmas Walk weekend. Here’s a look at what’s ahead. All performances take place at the Veterans School unless otherwise noted.

» Village School Winter Band Concert, Wednesday, Dec. 14, 6:30 p.m.

Village Grade 4 Chorus, Thursday, Dec 15, 2 p.m., at the Community Center for the Rec and Parks “Elves in Training” program

» High School Winter Concert,

m UNIcIPAL m ATTerS

Marblehead migrates to cloud-based budgeting software

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

From debt-service to operational budgets, Marblehead’s fiscal year 2023 municipal budget registered around $110 million. Officials project a $114.5 million municipal budget for 2024, and $117 million for 2025.

As Marblehead’s budget balloons and becomes more complex, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer believes the town should not only modernize how it assembles budgets but also open municipal finances to the public.

Enter ClearGov. Marblehead recently bought a subscription to the cloud-based budget and performance management software - and its implementation is underway. Kezer has characterized the town’s shift to ClearGov as significant because the town has spent years compiling the municipal budget in Excel spreadsheets.

“Rather than relying on traditional Microsoft products, such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint, ClearGov provides a centralized tool to manage the inputting of requests, facilitate running scenarios based on the financial choices we make and effectively present this information for the internal users, decision makers and the pubic,” Kezer told the Select Board. “The software avoids the hassles of collecting and collating various spreadsheets and maintaining version control through the budget process.”

Town and school officials and staff and Finance Committee members investigated a number of different software packages before settling on ClearGov.

“It was a clear consensus that though there were similarities [among] ClearGov and other like services, ClearGov was the more user-friendly option for all various participants that will use the software,” Kezer

Heather, Michael & Phil

Marblehead native Rob Delaney nibbles on the ear of his son, Henry. Rob writes about Henry’s death before the age of 3 and his family’s grief in his new book, ‘A Heart That Works.’

Delaney’s new book ‘doing what it is supposed to do’

COURTESY/ TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT Swampscott Police Chief Ruben Quesada wears his camera, along with 31 officers in his department. CAMERAS, P. A3

Holiday closures

Municipal offices and buildings will be closed in observance of the following holidays: Saturday, Dec. 24: Christmas Eve

» Sunday, Dec. 25: Christmas Day

» Monday, Dec. 26 Monday, Jan. 2: New Year’s Day

2023 Town Warrant open

Marblehead Select Board voted on Nov. 16, 2022, to opeN the town warrant for the 2023 Town Meeting to be convened on Monday, May 1, 2023. Deadline to submit citizen’s petitions is Friday, Jan. 27 at noon. For a citizens petition form, visit: https://bit. ly/3Fwi9k1. Deadline for boards and committees to submit articleS is Friday, Jan. 20 at noon.

Got volunteerism?

The following is a list of vacancies on appointed town boards, commissions and committees. Anyone interested in serving on one of these boards or committees should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. or email to wileyk@marblehead.org. Please call Select Board’s office, 781631-0000 for more information.

» Two, one-year vacancies, Marblehead Old Burial Hill

Oversight Committee

» One-year vacancy, Marblehead Affordable Housing Trust Fund

Three-year vacancy, Marblehead Design Review

» One-year term, Marblehead MBTA Advisory Board

» One-year term, Marblehead Advisory Board

Five three-year, staggard terms Marblehead Cultural Council

» One-year vacancy, Marblehead Forever Committee

One-year term, Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination

Marblehead employment opportunities

Application deadline: Until filled

Finance director, the Marblehead Finance Department

» Senior clerk, the Marblehead Assessors Office

Local inspector, Marblehead Building Department

Speical laborer 1, Marblehad Water Deparmtent

» Mechanic, Marblehead Department of Public Works

Special laborer 1, Marblehead Department of Public Works

Heavy equipment operator, Marblehead Public Health Department

re AL eSTATe Tr ANSFerS

BUYER(S) SELLER(S)

Marblehead

Charles P. and Michele L. Floeckher

» Treasurer, tax collector, Marblehead Finance Department

Assistant harbormaster, Marblehead Harbormaster Office

» Application deadline: Thursday, Dec. 1

» Children’s library assistant, Abbot Public Library Library page, Abbot Public Library,

» Two volunteer positions at, Marblehead Historical Commission

For an employment application, visit: bit.ly/3i9ct6j. Return the completed form to the department with the job opening or per instructions on the job description. To read job descriptions, visit: bit.ly/3EukHxr

Animal shelter accepting volunteers

Volunteers are always needed to help with the feeding and caring of abandoned animals housed at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44 Village St. Friends of Marblehead Abandoned Animals (FOMAA), a nonprofit organization, was formed for this purpose. To volunteer, call 781.631.8664.

MassDEP Mattress and textile waste bans

Beginning Nov. 1, landfills, transfer stations and waste-toenergy facilities across the

Commonwealth no longer accepts mattresses and textiles for disposal. Mattresses must be recycled and textiles must be donated for reuse or other secondary uses. The fee to recycle a mattress and box spring at the Marblehead Transfer Station: $25. “Textiles” include clothes, shoes, linens, towels, curtains, and cloth accessories. At the Marblehead Transfer Station (residents with facility stickers, textiles can be recycled in the clothing collection bins for no fee. Items must be dry and in trash bags, and drop off textiles at designated collection bins or donate them to your favorite charity or thrift store: Magic Hat, Good Will, Paradise Plaza, Clifton Lutheran Church.

Volunteer at the Public Health Dept.

Residents may volunteer to serve on the Marblehead Recycling Committee, which is appointed by the Board of Health. The committee promotes recycling through articles in local media. The Swap Shed is another place where volunteers can help. Volunteers are also needed to sell facility stickers and to check cars for up-to-date stickers as they enter the transfer station.

Contact the Health Department for additional volunteer information: 781-631-0212

ADDRESS PRICE

Barry Kelly and the Barry Kelly Real Estate Trust

5 Mount Vernon St. $1.3 million Jessica and Thomas. W. Finnegan J&T Realty Trust and Jennifer Schaeffner 28 Ticehurst Lane $1.6 million

Erin and Charles J. Kace III Ethan M. Rasiel and Rosa Rasiel Real Estate Trust 34 Gallison Ave. $2 million

Edward Cainan and Erin Hegarty

Patrick M. Barry 61 Atlantic Ave. $460,000 Worcester Services LLC Karen E. Tehan and Wastler RT 187 Humphrey St. $950,000

Swampscott Patrick J. Mcgregor-Gavin and Catherine A. Roberts

Jane E. Dagnese 15 Nantucket Ave. $639,900 Carrie and Gregory Deterding Marguerite A. Bartolo 86 Puritan Road $790,000

‘Discovering Marblehead’ available again

Discovering Marblehead, a book known and loved by many, is once again available through a limited printing by the Marblehead Conservancy. This unique and comprehensive guide is for people of all ages who wish to explore Marblehead’s out-of-doors. It will take

you to places you might not otherwise have known, and show you things you might not otherwise have seen, from deep woods and hidden ponds to seashore, saltmarsh, and tidepools. Created in 2001 by a small group of volunteers, this book has helped hundreds find their

Academy Mortgage to hold holiday raffle

In the spirit of the holiday season, Academy Mortgage Marblehead will be raffling off $3,000 in gifts and gift cards to support local businesses and as a thank you to the community.

Thirty winners will choose from $100 gift cards from local restaurants, or if

you like opening presents, try your luck with wrapped gifts ranging in value from $50 to $300.

The winners will be selected by the end of the day on Wednesday, Dec. 21.

To enter, drop off a business card at the Academy Mortgage office, 10 Atlantic Ave.

favorite Marblehead open spaces and historic places for over two decades. True to its aim, it has helped inspire readers to savor and protect these special places. Discovering Marblehead is available in limited quantities from Shubie’s Marketplace.

FeSTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Hanukkah celebrations planned starting Sunday

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 18, and is being celebrated across Marblehead. Here are some of the events.

At Temple Emanu-El, 393 Atlantic Ave, the public is invited to an illuminated public art installation called Brighter Ignited on Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4:30-6 p.m. Brighter Ignited is a traveling art exhibit celebrating Hanukkah. Learn more at jccns.org/ event/j-arts-presents-brighter-ignitedan-illuminated-public-art-experience/.

Temple Emanu-El is also hosting a community menorah lighting on Sunday, Dec. 18, 5-6 p.m. There will be dreidel games, jelly donuts, potato

SeND US YOU r N e WS

The Marblehead Current welcomes submissions from the community.

latkes, a Hanukkah sing-along and a magic show with award-winning magician George Saterial. Details at emanu-el.org/community-candlelighting.html.

At Temple Sinai, 1 Community Road, Rabbi Michael Schwartz will lead the second in a series of breakfast talks called Eight Spiritual Gifts of Hanukkah, exploring how to create a more meaningful holiday on Sunday, Dec. 18, 9:30 a.m. Learn more at templesinaiweb.org/event/ eight-spiritual-gifts-of-chanukah-2.

At the JCC of the North Shore, 4 Community Road, kids celebrated at a Glow in the Dark Festival of Lights dance party on Dec. 11. The JCC’s preschool will light the menorah each day of the eight-day celebration.

Corrections

In the Dec. 7 edition of the Current, the first name of one of the 10 candidates for the vacancy on the School Committee was incorrect. The correct name is Paul Baker.

In addition, a caption to a photo associated with the story on the Day of Service misidentified the person and circumstances of the photo (reproduced above). The photo depicts Ava Yannetti handing out towels for the welcome-home baskets for Lifebridge.

Email is strongly preferred to info@ marbleheadnews.com, but press releases, letters to the editor and other announcements can also be mailed to 217 Humphrey St., Marblehead, MA 01945.

Photos are encouraged, but care must be taken to ensure the images are good enough quality to reproduce in print. Generally, the original .JPG file produced by a smartphone or digital camera will be fine, but photos copied down from websites will not.

Submissions should include a daytime phone number, in case our editors have any questions.

The deadline for submissions for publication in our print edition is 5 p.m. on Wednesday, one week before the edition in which you hope to see them appear.

If submissions arrive after that deadline, the Current will make every effort to post time-sensitive announcements to our website, marbleheadCurrent.org, as soon as possible.

NEWSROOM

Managing Editor - Will Dowd  wdowd@marbleheadnews.org Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org Staff Reporter - Leigh Blander lblander@marbleheadnews.org Sports ReporterJoe McConnell jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristan Ashlock Linda Bassett Scot Cooper Laurie Fullerton Mark Hurwitz Brenda Kelley Kim John Lamontagne Pam Peterson Chris Stevens Linda Werbner

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gene Arnould Jessica Barnett Ed Bell James Bryant - President Virginia Buckingham - Secretary Kate Haesche Thomson

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

ADVISORS

Francie King Donna Rice

Marblehead News 217 Humphrey St.  Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 781.910.8658 info@marbleheadnews.org www.marbleheadCurrent.org  Marblehead Current is published every Wednesday by Marblehead News Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is mailed to all homes and businesses in Marblehead, MA 01945.

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cONSerVANc Y cLASSIc

told Select Board members.

“One of the key components of the software is its ability to produce a GFOA compliant budget document, allowing staff to focus on the content to be provided with the software handling the formatting and professional-looking presentation.”

Vinny Petracca from ClearGov told the Select Board the software aims to help the government build better budgets.

“We really do believe that every community desires and deserves a government that is employed to work as effectively and efficiently as possible,” he said. “We are trying to have our software have all the bells and whistles but still have a pretty familiar and easy-to-use user experience that doesn’t have too much of a learning curve.”

An onboarding process is playing out. Petracca said ClearGov is uploading about five years’ worth of Marblehead’s fiscal history into the cloud.

Kezer has asked for budgetary and capital requests from department heads about a month earlier than usual for the next fiscal year, setting a Dec. 22 deadline.

“I’m hoping to use that information to get a sense of where things stand because we want to be able to be ready to present a good picture in January,” said Kezer. “We are moving forward on the onboarding for ClearGov.”

He added, “The responses back will help us load data into the ClearGov system. That will at least get us using the system and start training and learning on the system.”

He hopes to identify what he called superusers who can train other staff members.

“When department heads or others curse me for bringing in this new system and they are struggling, we’ll have our response team fly in and help,” Kezer said.

ClearGov will cost the town $23,433.33 initially, which includes a $7,200 onboarding fee for setting up the system. The subscription fee will be $36,400 annually and included as an annual line item in the municipal budget.

A breakdown of service fees:

ClearGov operational budgeting: $17,650

» ClearGov personnel budgeting: $16,800

ClearGov capital budgeting: $11,500

» ClearGov digital budget book: $10,500

» ClearGov transparency: $9,650

The transparency function will allow the public to break down, interact and engage with the town budgets on a granular level;

look at past spending, export graphs and charts among other capabilities. ClearGov should be in place before May’s Town Meeting, and the transparency feature may come in handy.

On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the Select Board opened the 2023 town warrant, an indicator that the slow march to Town Meeting

has begun. The next Town Meeting will be a consequential one, as the warrant is expected to feature a permanent Proposition 2 1/2 override.

“The software solves a problem that we have: We have missing staff. We got people that are just overwhelmed,” said Kezer. “Though there is

an investment in a learning curve to get into it, it will give us capabilities that will help us internally for decision making and for informing the public at large.”

Some 700 communities nationwide, including 75 cities and towns in Massachusetts, have adopted ClearGov systems.

tasks have not been overwhelming.

“The redactions for public records can be time consuming, but so far we’ve been able to handle the amount of requests we’ve received,” said Salem Police Captain John Burke. “Right now, we’re doing okay.”

The cameras are already having a positive impact, according to Burke.

“When we’ve had complaints about officer rudeness or inappropriate language by an officer, we’ve been able to look at that camera and exonerate officers in a couple of minutes. That’s huge for us.”

About 30% of Massachusetts police departments are either already using body-worn cameras or in the process of deploying them, according to Tim McGuirk with the state’s Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Departments develop

policies for camera use and can turn to the state for guidance. The Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission POST has issued recommended regulations . (You can see the state recommendations at www.mass.gov/doc/

law-enforcement-bodycamera-final-report/ download.)

“We looked at a number of existing policies,” said Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald. “We looked at best practices and pulled out all the pieces that made sense.”

There are several different options for cameras and software programs, King said. Swampscott is using the Axon system with signal alert software that automatically starts the camera when an officer pulls their firearm or taser out of the holster.

“There was a total of six to eight hours of training for officers,” Quesada said. “You just have to learn the intricacies of using the system. Once you get used to it, it’s second nature.”

Burke said the cameras took a little bit of getting used to.

“Like any new technology, it’s different and there are challenges when you get used to having something like this on your best and you have to get used to hitting the start and making sure you’re downloading the video at the end of your shift. We’re seeing less and less problems as people get more familiar.”

Back in Marblehead, King said a police body-worn camera

pilot program could be launched within the year with full implementation in two years.

“As we go into next budget season, we’re trying to figure out priorities and then extras come after that. At some

point, sooner than later, we’ll be able to say okay this is our plan. Let’s get our grant money in order. But we run lean and administratively it’s quite a task, so I want to make sure we have everything ready.”

COURTESY PHOTO / TOWN OF SWAMPSCOTT

The Axon 3 police body-worn camera.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Marblehead is transitioning to a cloud-based budgeting software system.

home but died before his third birthday.

In the first chapter of “A Heart That Works,” Delaney explains that, since Henry’s death, he has been tempted “to ask people I know and like to imagine a specific child of theirs dead in their arms.”

At this point, readers might be hoping that Delaney will grant them a swift release from the unsettling thought experiment. Not quite.

But in a typically darkly humorous turn, Delaney soon assures acquaintances that he won’t inflict the exercise on them in real life. After all, where would such a grilling take place? In the kitchen?

“Would I make them a cup of tea first?” he writes.

The point is not whether Delaney would actually follow through but just that he has pondered it, he explains.

“That is one thing that grief does to me,” Delaney writes. “It makes me want to make you understand. It makes me want you to understand. I want you to understand.”

With that, Delaney sets up a challenge for himself that he goes on to meet over the balance of the book.

Back home in London after wrapping up his American book tour, Delaney tells the Marblehead Current he also wrote the book for people who already “understand” all too well.

“I first got the inkling to maybe write something when we were in the cancer wards,” Delaney says. “After we’d been there for a while, I would see other parents come in with newly diagnosed children or children beginning treatment and just see how just destroyed they were.”

But most did not write for a living, he knew. Instead, he was uniquely positioned to “make other grieving people feel less alone and less lonely,” he says.

Meanwhile, for the statistically larger percentage of the population who will never know such pain, the book offers some semblance of a substitute for such experience.

“I thought the best thing I can do is look at how horrible it is, and honestly,” Delaney says.

“If I can and then they get a picture of it, then they’re better equipped to help people.”

Deliberately brutal Delaney’s main tool is not maudlin or florid language but rather simple detail deployed to devastating effect.

The last solid food Henry ate in his short life? A chocolate

croissant from the hospital cafeteria. Henry’s favorite item to tote around in his final days? A Lego Duplo ice cream cone.

Delaney credits short story writers Lucia Berlin and Alice Ann Munro, who “unlocked some secret drawers for me” by introducing him to the power of simple prose.

“They’ve kind of ruined other writers for me now, because I just can’t stand to see somebody trying to be impressive or flowery with their language,” Delaney says.

Delaney’s chapters–including the one in which Henry dies–also end abruptly, and not in a comforting Forrest Gump “that’s all I have to say about that” way.

Given its subject matter, Delaney knew that he did not want the book to have the quality of prestige television, where the most important developments happen in the second-to-last episode, and the final episode sews up loose ends.

“I wanted [Henry’s death] to happen and have it hurt the reader,” Delaney says. “Then they would have to clean up afterwards, not me. I did it deliberately to be brutal.”

Yet to call the book “unsparing” would be inaccurate, says Delaney’s mother, Nancy Gwin.

“It is only a fraction of how awful it was,” Gwin says of watching “that little angel suffer.”

As she has with all of her grandchildren, Gwin was there when Henry was born, and she was also there the day he died.

In between, Gwin made regular trips between Marblehead and London to help Rob and Leah manage the care of Henry and his two older brothers.

On one such trip, Gwin arrived late one night and sat down in the hospital hallway with Henry’s oldest brother, Eugene, then about 5 years old.

“Grammy, I prayed to God to please take Henry’s tumor away, but he is not answering,” the child said.

Gwin says she could only reply, “I know, I feel the same way.”

In response to the book’s success, the most Gwin can muster is that it is “doing what it is supposed to do.”

“There is nothing good about what happened to Henry,” she says.

‘Beautiful response’

“A Heart That Works” was released Nov. 29, and Delaney says he has already heard from bereaved parents and siblings, and young widows or widowers suddenly raising young children alone.

“It’s been a very beautiful response,” Delaney says.

Delaney says it was his editor who first suggested that the world might be ready for the book now, given all the loss people have been dealing with due to the pandemic.

Delaney suggests his book “doesn’t break any new ground” and is just a small part of a larger healthy trend towards talking more openly about grief.

But the book does more than just ruminate on and offer comfort to those who have experienced loss.

The reader is left with an indelible impression of what a “happy kid,” in Delaney’s words, Henry was, experiencing much joy and happiness in his all-tooshort life.

Lest anyone think Henry’s death brought any relief to him and his family, Delaney is quick to dispel that notion. He calls it a privilege to have rendered care that demanded such skill and physical intimacy.

“Now, it’s like, what do I do with all that energy?” Delaney says. “I desperately wish that he was still here, with his disabilities. I wish I was changing tracheostomy tubes. I wish I was setting up a nighttime feed with his feed pump. I wish I still had the calluses on my fingers from operating the suction machine.”

While not the main purpose of the book, Delaney also occasionally notes how different his family’s experience might have been had Henry’s diagnosis come in the United States, rather than England.

“He would have died no matter where we were,” Delaney says.

“But at least we got to spend more time with him because we weren’t on the phone with some functionary who had no medical background in an office tower in a suburb of Tucson, saying no, we can’t have the MRI that the doctor ordered.”

This fall also saw Delaney appear on the silver screen alongside Kevin Kline and Sigourney Weaver in “The Good

House.” The film is based on a novel by Ann Leary, herself a former Marbleheader.

Delaney says that once he read the script, he lobbied hard for the role of Peter Newbold, having recognized a lot of his hometown in it.

“It was like a stenographer had walked around Marblehead and just written down the things that are happening every day,” he says. “I felt like I had lived a large percentage of the story. Luckily, the producers and directors agreed with me.”

Family time

The last few weeks, however, have been about promoting “A Heart That Hurts” around its American release.

Delaney’s whirlwind press tour included appearances on “Late Night With Stephen Colbert” and “CBS This Morning” and feature stories in the New York Times, New Yorker and Boston Globe, among other major publications.

The tour also afforded him a brief stop in Marblehead, coinciding with a Dec. 1 reading and discussion hosted by the Harvard Book Store at First Church Cambridge.

Delaney acknowledges that it has been difficult to do press about such a personal book.

“But if it gets the book to people who can use it, then it’s worth it,” Delaney said. “It’s an occupational hazard that I anticipated.”

Gwin, too, says she is glad that the book tour is over, allowing Delaney to settle back into life with his family.

“They all went through hell, and they are a tight little group,” Gwin says.

Gwin will soon see her son again, and this time Leah and their children–Oscar, Eugene and Teddy–will be with him, for a Christmas visit she anticipates will be “total, wonderful bedlam.”

If there was ever any doubt, Henry will be there, too.

“Henry is still with us,” Gwin says. “He is part of our family and always will be.”

Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.

Village School Orchestra Concert, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7 p.m.

» High School Choral

Performance, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 1:45 p.m. at the Community Center for the Council on Aging’s Living Alone group

“For many of our music students, the winter concerts are their first performances of the

year,” Scoglio explained.

“In the program I direct, the High School Choral and Acapella program, the acapella students prepare each fall for competitions in January or Februrary. Taking a break in November and December to

learn some holiday songs is always something the students enjoy,” he added.

There’s one event Scoglio is especially looking forward to this month.

“Last year, I found our December performance at

the Council on Aging to be particularly poignant. The seniors were touched and some were moved to tears by the students singing. The impact the students’ performance made on the audience was incredible. It was very special.”

COURTESY PHOTO / LAURIE SWOPE

Marblehead High School Winter Concert in 2021.

Rob Delaney sits on the laundry room floor with his infant son, Henry, who would soon be diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Older brothers Oscar and Eugene show Henry some love.

The cover of ‘A Heart That Works’ by Rob Delaney

Epiphany burning

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Marblehead Select Board signed off on the annual tree burning that the Marblehead Fire Department will stage on Riverhead Beach on Friday, Jan. 6.

“The Christmas tree pile will be set alight at 6 p.m.,” wrote Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland and Marblehead Department of Public Works Director Amy McHugh in a joint letter. “Residents are invited to attend this community event.”

Marblehead’s Epiphany Tree Burning goes back decades, but Gilliland reinstated the tradition in 2015 after an eight-year hiatus.

“Trees will be picked at the curbside from Tuesday, Dec. 27 and Friday, Jan. 6 will be placed at Riverhead Beach for the community bonfire,” the pair wrote.

Households opting into curbside pickup must strip trees down, removing lights,

tinsel and ornaments. Do not slip trees in plastic bags before putting them curbside. Holiday decorations like wreaths, roping and garland will not be picked up if placed curbside. Trees that don’t comply with the rules will be skipped over.

“Christmas trees will continue to be picked up curbside after Jan. 6 until Jan. 13,” Gilliland and McHugh wrote. “After Jan. 13, residents should bring trees to the town’s transfer station for proper disposal.”

The massive blaze - once firefighters ignite it - will emanate a blistering yet comfortable heat (at a safe distance) as hundreds encircle the bonfire on the winter night.

Christians embraced the pagan tradition as a way to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ. Evergreens - which do not shed their pine needles unlike deciduous tree leaves - symbolize the significance of having a faith that is unwavering and eternal.

The Marblehead Fire Department will stage the annual tree burning on Riverhead Beach on Friday, Jan. 6. The entire town is invited to attend.

COURTESY PHOTO/ CHRIS STEVENS

Opinion

ANcHOrS AND SAILS

Find your holiday

BY BRENDA KELLEY KIM

“A holiday is an opportunity to journey within.” —-Prabhas

Honestly, at this point, I would take a ticket to ride anywhere because, so far, this holiday season’s “journey” has been one of cleaning out closets, mopping floors, and organizing way too much stuff. In our house, we celebrate Christmas, but you’d never know it since the tree is not up, there are no lights, no décor, and not a single bit of holly or other seasonal plants. I’m just not there yet. While I miss the days of visiting Santa, making lists, and staying up late to wrap gifts that the jolly old elf left at my house (I try to be a helper), it’s kind of neat not to have to worry about all of that. Christmas looks a little different now with all three of my children over 21. My middle boy was born about a week before Christmas, and I named him George Bailey, so there’s always a little built-in holiday cheer. The rule was that no decorations could go up, and we would not get a tree until after George’s birthday, lest it get lost in the Christmas shuffle.

So now I’m left with adjusting to a smaller tree, fewer ornaments, and a low-key holiday, and I am loving it. It’s a different experience, but it’s not bad different; it’s good different. I was chatting with a friend, and she was reminiscing about bringing up her kids, how she did the holidays, and how she experienced them as a child.

I saw some pictures online of another friend who is going retro and found a perfect mid-century modern silver Christmas tree with pom-pom branches. It’s a gorgeous classic, and it took me back to when I was little and we had the same kind of tree. Of course, we also had the colored disc that spun around and turned the tree into a glowing aluminum rainbow. My Christmas memories are of that tree, mercury glass ornaments (which are now highly collectible, and I shudder to think how many I dropped and broke), and a styrofoam Santa face that hung on our door.

A college classmate in Vermont was from the state and remembered going to a neighbor’s farm and picking out a tree. The concept of a store-bought or silver tree was foreign to her. Someone else I know is Jewish, and while Hanukkah is not “Jewish Christmas” and should not be referred to as some kind of pseudo-Christmas, she remembered going caroling with friends who celebrate Christmas because she liked to sing. She also sang at temple services, and I attended one that was flat-out amazing. That’s when the little lightbulb in my head went off, and I realized that we all find our holiday at this time of year.

For some, it’s a tree farm, Buffalo plaid pajamas, hot cocoa bombs, and midnight mass. For others, it’s building a gingerbread house, putting candles in the window, and leaving carrots out for reindeer. Here’s a tip; if you throw some oats on your lawn and add some of that colored sugar that goes on the cookies, maybe in red or green? The reindeer will see your house first because it will sparkle. That’s what I did when my kids were little, and it always worked. Back then, I found my holiday in making cookies and always being the one under the tree guiding it into the stand. I was nine months pregnant and still under that tree, with needles up my nose, because that was how it worked out. That was where I found my Christmas, my holiday. At this time of year, a lot is going on. Whether your house is figuring out Christmas or Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Saturnalia, or some holiday I don’t know about, we are all just trying to find our way through what can be a chaotic time. I like that there’s a good amount of reflection, gratitude, and goodwill happening in the space of about thirty-seven days between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. We might not understand everyone’s holiday experience, but what we have in common is much more important. At this time of year, the common thread I see is that we are all trying to be a little nicer, a little more welcoming, and a little more aware of what those around us need. Sometimes it’s a silver tree; sometimes it’s a meal with family; maybe it’s collecting warm coats for others or having Chinese food and watching a movie. I will be making an effort this month to concentrate on something other than traditional holiday ideas. I’m going to work on figuring out how to find my new holiday now that the kids are older and the game has changed. I also hope everyone else finds their holiday, their celebration, their special time, whatever it looks like. Life is good, no matter how you choose to celebrate this time.

Brenda Kelley Kim is a regular Marblehead Current columnist.

e V erYTHING WILL be OKAY

It’s time for a healthier media diet

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

Biased media consumption –or filtering – is one of the more challenging byproducts, some would say a cause, of our country’s cultural and political divide.

If you consume your news online, as 50 percent of American adults do at least sometimes according to Pew Research Center, then it’s even more probable you are reading, watching or listening to only one side of the story, living in a news “filter bubble”. Algorithms that follow your clicks and tastes are designed to serve you up more of the same.

It takes an effort to diversify your media diet. Yet, if we truly want to understand diverse perspectives, and therefore both broaden and deepen our own, it’s critical.

When I used to interview people for jobs, one of my first questions was “where do you get your news?”

I was looking for intellectual curiosity and an open mind, which, to me, underpins creativity. If someone said, for instance, they listen to The Daily podcast from the New York Times and read the Wall Street Journal editorial page, I’d immediately offer them a job. Kidding. Mostly. But that kind of deliberate exposure to different points of view says something important about one’s approach to the world.

Bias is a dirty word these days but a wise newspaper editor of mine once noted that journalism is, by its nature, biased — how could it not be, when the reporting is coming from a human mind? That doesn’t mean reporters don’t strive to be objective, most do. With this in mind, I came across a fascinating platform recently called AllSides (www.allsides.com). Its premise is to use a proprietary “multi-partisan” research method, as well as public feedback, to rate media outlets which publish online on a scale of “left,” “lean left,” “center,” “lean right” and “right.” Their goal is to burst “filter bubbles” which “occur when people are only exposed to news, ideas and people that confirm their existing beliefs.” They rate only legitimate news outlets, not those blogging from their basements, and there’s no hierarchy in the ratings. It’s no better to “lean left” or “lean right” in their presentation, it just is.

For example, AllSides pegs ABC News, Bloomberg and Politico as “lean left” and the Wall Street Journal opinion section, Fox Business and the New York Post as “lean right.” They place Axios, the BBC, Wall Street Journal news coverage and Real Clear Politics down the center. Regularly, the site features headlines of the same major news story from across that spectrum of coverage. For example, last week when the Georgia United States Senate run-off was settled, they featured this headline from their “left” scale– Warnock defeats Walker, giving Democrats 51-49 majority in Senate (Atlanta Journal-Constitution); this from the center “Warnock wins Georgia Senate runoff, expanding

LeTTerS POLIc Y

Bias is a dirty word these days but a wise newspaper editor of mine once noted that journalism is, by its nature, biased — how could it not be, when the reporting is coming from a human mind? That doesn’t mean reporters don’t strive to be objective, most do.

Democratic majority (The Hill); and from the right “Warnock fends off Republican Herschel Walker in Georgia, handing Democrats outright majority in Senate (Washington Examiner). The tonal difference is subtle but marked.

When I used to write editorials for a daily newspaper, I marveled that I was paid to read five newspapers a day – what a dream! Most people, though, don’t have the time to do the same.

Which brings me to the platform Twitter. The trending #RIPTwitter hashtag which rose in the aftermath of Elon Musk’s takeover is fading. Musk doesn’t need defending in this space – or in space, he might add! I don’t care who owns Twitter, any more than I care who owns Facebook, the Washington Post or the Boston Globe. Each are owned by a multibillionaire and if you’re going to succeed in the forprofit media business, it helps to have deep pockets.

I’m not talking about important and local non-profit efforts like the one you are reading here. I’m talking about regional, national and international news. And on those grounds, I believe Twitter can be a foundation, as Musk does, for vibrant public debate.

I share the concern about hate speech that has caused some to flee Twitter. I’m not a free speech absolutist like Musk when it comes to content moderation. However, with appropriate oversight, Twitter is an excellent source of diverse news. Sign up and try it if you aren’t yet a user. For instance, try looking at the AllSides media menu and select one outlet from each category. I follow MSNBC, the BBC, the New York Times, the New York Post, Wall Street Journal opinion and writers and politicians across the political spectrum. (I recently added the UK Daily Mail and Cher - don’t ask.) A quick check of my feed throughout the day ensures I am on top of breaking news. A diversity of perspectives ensures I get more than one point of view.

AllSides notes, “We believe diversity in thought and relationships heals divides. Less polarization allows us to appreciate others and engage in productive problem solving — and ultimately, heal our democracy.”

Like making sure your dinner plate has foods of many colors, a diverse media consumption habit is a healthier diet we all should adopt.

Virginia Buckingham is a regular columnist for the Marblehead Current and a member of its board of directors.

We want to hear from you

The Marblehead Current loves to get letters to the editor. There are just a few rules you need to know.

Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. The Marblehead Current reserves the right not to publish submissions over the word limit and may instead return the letter to the writer for editing.

Letters must include:

1. The author’s name. Unsigned letters and form letters will not be published.

2. The name of the street the author lives on in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next to the author’s name — not their full address.

3. For every letter, we will need an author’s daytime/ cell phone number (not for publication) for verification purposes.

4. If letters seek to introduce into a discussion purported facts that are not commonly known, writers may be asked to provide the source for those purported facts.

5. Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday to be published in the following Wednesday’s print edition of the Marblehead Current. Letters will be published to our website at the earliest opportunity, after verification.

Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org.

While the Marblehead Current will make every effort to let writers have their say, it reserves the right not to publish letters.

Is My Computer Worth Fixing?

a new one instead…

BY STEPHEN BACH

Here’s a question that is often asked: “Is my computer worth fixing?”

It’s the first thing to figure out. There are few factors to think about, the most important being AGE — of your device, we mean! All manufacturers have a “warranty lookup” section, so, let’s say you have an HP laptop. Find the serial number (usually in tiny type on the BOTTOM), Google “HP Warranty”, and put in your serial number. It will tell you EXACTLY when it shipped!

(On a desktop computer, serial numbers are usually on the back or the side.)

As a general rule, if your computer is 4 years old or less, it’s often worth repairing, depending on what the issue is.

5-7 years old, it’s touch and go. You have a decision to make, but a reputable service center can help you make the right one!

7+ years old, this tech writer ADAMANTLY discourages you from repairing it! (Unless it can be done for a reasonable price, and you’re not doing a lot of “heavy lifting” with it!)

A 7+ year old computer is like a 25-year-old used car; if a mechanic quoted you $10,000 to fix it, but couldn’t guarantee it would stay road-worthy much longer, you’d probably think twice! Same goes for your “old” computer; if you decide to repair it, you’ll be going against “doctor’s advice”!

Instead, buy a new one, and transfer the data (or have it done) .

Please stay safe, warm (if possible) and computer-happy this holiday season.

LeTTerS TO THe eDITOr

An end of the year appeal

To the editor: The Marblehead Select Board has set up donation accounts for various committees within the Town of Marblehead for citizens to make charitable contributions. One of the committees is the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination (MTFAD) which was founded in 1989 by the Select Board after a series of hate crimes in our community. For over 30 years, the Task Force has provided programs combating bigotry and promoting respect while seeking to support those affected by discrimination in Marblehead.

As part of its ongoing

Another chance to lead the way

BY GEORGE DERRINGER

It could be a very good thing that Marblehead lost its “community newspaper” earlier this year. This new paper, the Current can succeed in many ways.

I was a reporter and editor of the Marblehead and/or Swampscott Reporters from 1987 to 2011, a Golden Age for both publications.

There were six writers on the Marblehead staff in 1987 but mostly just one editorial person per paper at the end.

What happened? That’s easy, but I don’t believe the common wisdom that the internet killed the Reporters. The truth is that greedy people took over with disastrous results.

Before the giant corporations arrived, staff members wrote stories and covered – you might even say “blanketed” — the town. We took pictures of everything. We attended meetings of the Municipal Light Commission, wrote police, fire and harbor logs, pictured the dedication of almost everything, and attended not only the Finance Committee but the SUBCOMMITTEES of the Finance Committee! You get the idea.

We wrote features galore, ran Fraffie Welch’s Wooden Spoon column and even lots of things I wrote. There was the 350th, the USS Constitution visit.

The Marblehead Reporter was free, delivered every Thursday to every dwelling unit in town. (Swampscott wasn’t so lucky, but that had to do with the people who started the Reporter and bought the Marblehead Messenger.)

But the big companies and investment firms arrived; gradually, positions went away. Our corporate owners included the Fortress Group, Fidelity Investments, the Boston

efforts to raise awareness, the MTFAD requires funding to hold events and programs. The showing of pertinent films, engaging speakers and holding a book read for middle schoolers have been recent events held. The Task Force collaborates each year with other community groups to financially support Pride Day, Indigenous Peoples Day and Juneteenth.

As the year 2022 draws to a close and prejudice relating to race, religion, sexual orientation and gender identity are at an all-time high, the MTFAD would like to kindly ask residents to make a contribution to the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination addressed to Marblehead Select Board, Abbot

Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, Massachusetts.

You will be helping to ensure that our Town is a welcoming and inclusive community.

Sincerely, Diane Gora, co-chair Helaine Hazlett, co-chair Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination

Herald and more before Gannett gobbled up the Reporters. Each new owner said the papers’ excellence would continue. The reverse was true. Each buyer used a similar strategy like this: Buy the papers, cut the staff, maximize revenue, then sell the papers and whatever property they owned. There is a price for the public to pay. As with many subjects today, it’s related to democracy. People have little idea how local government works. Corruption will slowly creep in because nobody’s watching. It’s human nature.

I am confident the Current will work hard to keep a critical eye on things. I hope it will honor the town’s past of 373 years of direct democracy and even expand citizen involvement and understanding. Who gave the Current this chance? Well …

It was none other than …. the executioner of the Reporter.

Thanks, Gannett! You have given Marblehead another chance to lead the way, to be “first in Revolution and first in Sixty-one.”

Marblehead must not lose its LOCAL newspaper, a major but often overlooked component of the town’s life and culture. Oh, in the short run, nearby dailies will pretend to cover Marblehead and other communities in the same boat, but we all know better.

And TV? Well, TV might even show up for major events, but that’s it. The internet? It does well in publishing news quickly but is hardly comprehensive to the town.

Bottom line: Only a truly independent local newspaper can work. It requires a committed staff that is aware of their contribution to the community. (Honest: Every community journalist is paid well below the minimum wage, if you count the hours they actually work.)

So, welcome to the Current, a community non-profit newspaper. Can it work? If people care, there is an

by 2040. These goals, while ambitious are also risky.

The energy supplied by fossil fuels has supported an ever-increasing standard of living and life expectancy since the late 1800s. Alternatives must be affordable and reliable if we move away from fossil fuels. Otherwise, our standard of living will be degraded.

To the editor:

A column entitled “Local actions have global consequences” in the Nov. 23 issue of the Marblehead Current sets out goals for the town to reach Net Zero

Acting locally makes sense, but we are dependent on resources outside the town and even the country. A battery can contain three to eight minerals depending on the type of battery. Just like fossil fuels, these are not in unlimited supply. According to a study by Prof. of Geometallurgy Simon Michaux (https:// www.youtube.com / watch? v=MBVmnKuBocc&t=193s)

Marblehead man wins big lottery prize

Humberto Bernabe of Marblehead won a prize of $25,000 a year for life in the multi-state Lucky for Life game after the first five numbers on his ticket matched those selected in the drawing Nov. 22.

Bernabe, whose winning numbers were ones that he’s been playing in multiple games over the last two-and-a-half years, claimed his

Lottery headquarters in Dorchester.

He chose the cash option on his prize and received a one-time payment of $390,000 (before taxes). He plans on putting his winnings toward buying a house, according to the Lottery.

He purchased his winning ticket at Stop & Shop in Swampscott, which will receive a $5,000 bonus for its sale of the ticket.

What if community journalism fails? You will watch the Dear Old Towne slowly turn into “a nice Boston suburb” instead of the unique community it is.

example, though flawed: public radio and television. Will people support the Marblehead Current like they support Channel 2? Marbleheaders now have the perfect opportunity to find out. What if community journalism fails? You will watch the Dear Old Towne slowly turn into “a nice Boston suburb” instead of the unique community it is. I can’t imagine anything more horrible than seeing Marblehead history forgotten, landmarks forsaken for the latest business or architectural trend, and the intense involvement of the people in decision-making turned into “official announcements” from government officials.

They’re all non-biased, right? Of course not.

Instead, Marblehead must maintain deep respect for its past and carry the signs of its noble ancestry far into the future. Supporting the Marblehead Current will be a good start. We long to see the cooking column return, all the logs come back and settle down to read the letters to the editor from both happy and unhappy people.

Be fearless, old and new friends at the Current!

George Derringer spent 24 years in a Reporter newsroom and retired in 2011. He now lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where he has been known to write a story or two for a local newspaper. He especially likes seeing the stories in local newspapers covered the next day on TV newscasts. Oh, there is no prize for identifying all Marblehead song lyrics in this essay.

the world has only 19% of the copper needed for alternatives to replace fossil fuels. And at the highest production rate, it would take 189 years to produce it. For lithium, the figures are worse: 2.3% and 9,920 years. What happens when something in high demand is short in supply?

Prices go up. According to the Wall Street Journal, lithium has already gone up 240% this year.

And where does most of this production occur? China. See Europe for what can happen when you are dependent on an adversary for a critical resource.

Resource shortages aside, what does Marblehead Municipal Light Department need to do to support electric vehicles? What will it cost and how high will electricity rates go? What if there were 2,500 or 5,000 EVs in

Marblehead? What if people don’t have offstreet parking to charge an EV? Lots of people in Marblehead do not have a place where they can charge a car overnight.

EVs also present a fire hazard that is quite different from gaspowered cars. What must the fire department do to in case there’s an EV on fire in Old Town?

Energy transitions take decades. And we’ve gone to something new because it’s better, cheaper, and more reliable. Now we are being rushed into something that requires a complex supply chain to deliver affordable and reliable energy. Net Zero by 2040 is a laudable goal but if can’t provide affordable and reliable energy, then we need more time and Plan B.

Richard Smith Washington Street

Net Zero goal is laudable, but transition demands more time

Why you may want to buy

prize Dec. 1 at Massachusetts State

LUcKY NU mberS

COURTESY PHOTO

Humberto Bernabe of Marblehead plans to put his winnings in the multi-state Lucky for Life game towards buying a house.

HarborMoor presents gifts to sailing charities

John Howie, chief executive officer of HarborMoor (recently rebranded as Admiral), presents checks totaling more than $2,000 to Betsy Fermano, left, chair of Sail Beyond Cancer, and Paul McLaughlin, president of Sail Salem. The gifts represent 100 percent of the proceeds from the annual Marblehead 2022 HarborMoor Harborfest marine fair. Admiral is a technology company with a simple mission: return the time, money, and energy that boat maintenance can take from your life. The company was founded in Marblehead as a network of boat owners and now boasts over 40,000 members.

children

town’s history, landmarks

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

A new picture book takes children on a history tour of Marblehead through the letters of the alphabet.

Marblehead resident Garrett Callahan illustrated the pictures and penned the rhymes in “M is for Marblehead,” a children’s book that deploys amusing, fun rhymes and pictures to teach children the ABCs while exploring the town’s history, traditions and landmarks.

From Old Burial Hill and the Lighthouse to Fort Sewall and Abbot Hall, Callahan captures the major landmarks as well as the changing seasons. His rhymes accompany each letter and represent something special to Marblehead, and each page

has an interesting fact about the town as well.

“I wanted to create a very accessible, all in one way to learn about Marblehead for kids,” Callahan told the Marblehead Current. “I figured this could be a good addition to how you do it.”

He attributed his motivation behind creating the picture book to his affinity not only for the town’s history but also for his family.

“I love teaching my nephew and nieces and my daughter (well she doesn’t quite understand it as much yet) about stuff in Marblehead,” Callahan said.

He got the idea for “M is for Marblehead” from a picture book created for Boston.

“I was actually reading a book with my niece about Boston, ‘B is for Boston,’” Callahan recalled. “I started thinking like this would be pretty neat to have for Marblehead.”

With the exception of a small break to care for his newborn daughter, Catherine, Callahan spent about two years writing the book’s rhymes and illustrations as a side project. He has a background in journalism and copy editing.

“Reading the book to Catherine has probably been my favorite part of this experience,” he said. “She’s still a bit too young to recognize all of the places, but I’m really excited to teach her about Marblehead and for her to explore this town.”

Folks can find the children’s book at the following locations:

Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St.

» Marblehead Mercantile, 132 Washington St. Sweetwater Trading Co., 33 Atlantic Ave.

The Abbot Hall Gift Shop,

188 Washington St. Shubie’s Marketplace, 16 Atlantic Ave.

“The book is also available online for Marbleheaders that no longer live in town,” Callahan said, “but I would love to direct as many people as possible to the local stores.”

Marblehead resident Garrett Callahan holds up his new children’s book, ‘M is for Marblehead.’

Everett casino gets first sports betting license

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll call votes in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the percentage of times local senators voted with their party’s leadership in the 2022 session.

Beacon Hill Roll Call uses 102 votes from the 2022 Senate session as the basis for this report. This includes all roll calls that were not on local issues.

The votes of the 34 Democrats were compared to Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem (D-Newton), secondin-command in the Senate. We could not compare the Democrats’ votes to those of Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) because, by tradition, the Senate president rarely votes.

None of the senators voted with Creem 100 percent of the time in 2022. Last year, in 2021, 11 senators voted with Creem 100 percent of the time.

The senator who voted with Creem the least percentage of times is Sen. Marc Pacheco (D-Taunton) who voted with her only 79 times (77.4 percent). Rounding out the top four who voted with Creem the least percentage of times are Sens. Walter Timilty (D-Milton) who voted with her 80 times (78.4 percent); and Anne Gobi (D-Spencer) and John Velis (D-Westfield) who both voted with her 85 times (83.3 percent). Overall, 29 of the 34 Democrats (82.8 percent) voted with Creem 90 percent or more of the time.

The votes of the two Republican senators were compared with those of GOP Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). None of the two voted with Tarr 100 percent of the time. The Republican senator who voted the lowest percentage of times with Tarr was Sen. Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) who voted with Tarr 92 times (92 percent). Sen. Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) voted with Tarr 97 times (95.0 percent).

SENATORS’ SUPPORT OF THEIR PARTY’S LEADERSHIP IN 2022

The percentage next to the senator’s name represents the percentage of times the senator supported his or her party’s leadership in 2022. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the senator opposed his or her

party’s leadership.

Some senators voted on all 102 roll call votes. Others missed one or more roll calls. The percentage for each senator is calculated based on the number of roll calls on which he or she voted.

Sen. Brendan Crighton 98.0 percent (2)

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL GALVIN CERTIFIES

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT HIKING TAXES ON MILLIONAIRES

- Secretary of State Bill Galvin signed the final certification of the new constitutional amendment, approved by voters as Question 1 in November. The amendment would allow a graduated income tax in Massachusetts and impose an additional 4 percent income tax, in addition to the Current flat 5 percent one, on taxpayers’ earnings of more than $1 million annually. Language in the change requires that “subject to appropriation, the revenue will go to fund quality public education, affordable public colleges and universities, and for the repair and maintenance of roads, bridges and public transportation.”

GALVIN CERTIFIES LAW

REGULATING DENTAL INSURANCE RATES – Galvin also certified Question 2 which voters handily approved on the November ballot. The new law regulates dental insurance rates, requiring companies to spend at least 83 percent of premiums on member dental expenses and quality improvements, instead of administrative expenses.

HONOR MERCY OTIS WARREN (H 4281) – The House gave initial approval to a bill that would call for renowned Cape Cod artist and sculptor David Lewis to construct, at no expense to the state, a memorial display in the likeness of Mercy Otis Warren, an important and underrepresented historical woman of the American Revolution from Barnstable. The bust would be displayed in the Massachusetts Statehouse.

HISTORIC FIRST SPORTS BETTING LICENSE GOES TO ENCORE BOSTON HARBOR — The Massachusetts Gaming Commission voted unanimously to award

Everett’s casino, Encore Boston Harbor, the first sports wagering operator license in the state’s history. “Next on the agenda is that the Everett casino now must obtain a certificate of operations and meet additional conditions before bets can actually be accepted.

“I think that this is great for the commonwealth,” said Gaming Commissioner Jordan Maynard. Earlier this week the commission deferred its vote on the applications from Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville and Springfield’s MGM.

Gov. Charlie Baker had signed the law after a four-year effort by proponents to legalize sports betting on professional and college sports for Massachusetts residents over 21 years old at the state’s casinos, slots parlors, simulcast centers and through mobile platforms. Betting on Massachusetts colleges and universities would not be allowed unless the school is playing in a tournament like March Madness.

DEMOCRAT CHALLENGER WINS BY ONE VOTE – Following a recount in the 2nd Essex Representative District, challenger Democrat Kristin now leads 10-year Republican incumbent Rep. Lenny Mirra (R-Georgetown) by a single vote. Mirra originally had led Krassner by 10 votes out of more than 23,000 cast in the Nov. 8 election. Mirra has indicated he will challenge the outcome in court.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“My wife is really looking forward to having me around a little more, so I don’t think I’ll be a candidate in ‘24 for anything. I will certainly try to be involved in a positive way.”

—-Gov. Charlie Baker when asked if he plans to run for president in 2024.

“As a former student athlete and coach, I know that sports can be a powerful unifier. Today, we brought together coaches, athletic directors and educators who are committed to ensuring that young people can participate in school sports in a safe and inclusive environment.”

—-Governor-elect Maura Healey at a conference of Education Leaders and Boston

Sports Teams at TD Garden on preventing and addressing hate in school sports.

“Our first responders are the heart of our communities. They help keep residents and communities safe, and we owe them a debt of gratitude. These grants are an investment in public safety.”

—-Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announcing $4.8 million in funding to support municipal police and fire staffing in several communities.

“Over the last decade, our approach as a commonwealth toward addressing the needs of children and families has evolved. A growing body of research has helped us better understand the negative impact that court involvement and out-of-home placement of any kind can have on youth, and our state has increasingly focused on building our system of school and community-based supports for children and families.”

—- Maria Mossaides, Director of the Office of the Child Advocate, on a major policy report with recommendations for improving the way the state provides support to families who are struggling with their child’s behaviors, such as truancy or repeatedly running away from home.

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION?

During the week of Dec. 5-9, the House met for a total of one hour and 14 minutes and the Senate met for a total of 32 minutes.

Mon. Dec. 5

House 11:02 a.m. to 11:31 a.m. Senate 11:22 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Tues. Dec. 6 No House session

No Senate session Wed. Dec. 8 No House session No Senate session

Thurs. Dec. 9

House 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:34 a.m. Fri. Dec. 2 No House session

No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@ beaconhillrollcall.com.

m A rbLHe AD memOrIeS

The women of Fort Sewall

BY MARK HURWITZ

To begin, did you know that two Marblehead women were given the responsibility of looking after Fort Sewall in the 19th century?

But first, a little history: The property now called Fort Sewall was originally known to 17th century Marbleheaders as Mavericks Head. Named for Marblehead resident Moses Maverick who originally owned the oceanside property.

The original earthwork fort was built in 1644 and equipped with cannons to protect the town from possible attacks by the Dutch and the French.

By the 1670’s, the land on which the fort was built became known as Gales Head. Named for it ‘s next owner, Ambrose Gale.

In the 1790’s, the U.S. Government took charge of the property and by the year 1800, it received its new and Current name, Fort Sewall. named for Judge Samuel Sewall.

Samuel Sewall was a judge best known for his involvement in the Salem witch trials. Sewall was perhaps most remarkable among the judges involved in the trials in that he later regretted his role, going as far as to call for a public day of prayer, fasting, and reparations in the year 1697.

In 1700, he also wrote and published The Selling of Joseph, a tract which argued that slavery was morally wrong. It was the first anti-slavery document ever published in North America.

He served for many years as the chief justice of the Massachusetts

Superior Court of Judicature, the province’s high court.

The War of 1812 (1812-1815)

The presence of British sloops in Salem Sound prompted Col. Stephen Ranney to muster a company at Fort Sewall under the command of Captain John Bailey, who was Fort Sewall’s company commander.

In 1814, during the war of 1812, the citizens of Marblehead came to the rescue of the USS Constitution. Two British frigates gave chase to her near Cape Ann, but the Constitution found refuge in Marblehead Harbor. Many of the Constitutions crew were from Marblehead, so they knew the harbor well. They dropped anchor below the forts guns for several hours before sailing to Salem Harbor later that evening.

Speaking of the USS Constitution, who remembers the Summer of 1997! What a proud moment for Marbleheaders!

The women of Fort Sewall

tIn 1835, while Mary Bailey was still alive, another woman took up residence at Fort Sewall by the name of Maria Twist Perkins. She later became the “U.S. Agent in charge of the property.” -which was perhaps a more official appointment than Mary Bailey’s was (but perhaps not, since we do not know the official designation or appointment of either woman.)

She resided in the Commandants house (no longer standing) for the next two decades.

COURTESY PHOTO / MASSMATT VIA FLICKR

Barracks at Fort Sewall.

COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM

Photo slugged sewall2. An 1860 watercolor painting of Fort Sewall depicting where the commander’s quarters once stood.

Trading the sleigh for paddleboards

Head-turning annual event raises funds for Food Pantry

BY KRIS OLSON

“It started in a bar, like all good ideas do.”

Thus begins the origin story of a spectacle known as the “Santa Paddle,” which for the past two years has brought a bit of only-inMarblehead merriment to the holiday season while raising funds for a good cause, according to lead organizer Bill Kane.

“For the group involved, it checks all the boxes,” Kane said. “It raises money for the Marblehead Food Pantry, it’s a fun way to celebrate the holiday, and it’s an incredibly effective way to embarrass our teenage children.”

Once the seed was planted, the idea for the Santa Paddle “was further developed in the woods by a group of mountain bikers, and then solidified by the genius of Robert Simonelli of the Landing Restaurant,” Kane added.

The concept is straightforward, even if the result is a bit unusual. Paddlers commit to donating what they can, and a few of the participants underwrite the post-paddle festivities at The Landing, so that 100 percent of every participant’s donation fully supports the Food Pantry.

Participants then don full Santa garb and reconnoiter near the Eastern Yacht Club and launch into the water for a loop around Marblehead Harbor on their watercraft, mostly stand-up paddleboards.

The group heads past Riverhead Beach and past the Dolphin Yacht Club, from which they drew cheers. The Santas responded by waving and chanting “Ho, Ho, Ho” in unison.

“This year, we found more people recognizing us and mentioning us on social media,” Kane said.

The launch occurs around 11 a.m., and by around 11:45 a.m., the participants are welcomed back to shore at the town landing by family and friends and then head into The Landing to settle in for a celebration, but not before parading through the restaurant to the surprise of the early lunch crowd.

There were 14 participants this year, about the same number as last year, according to Kane. And while this was just the second Paddle, “we called it the 12th annual, just to sound legit and keep the number of participants up,” Kane said.

For the third–or 13th?–Paddle in 2023, additional Santas would be welcome, with a caveat, according to Kane.

“We encourage others to join if–but only if–they’re willing to be safe,” Kane said. “All Santa Paddlers are experienced with their respective watercraft, dress appropriately for the cold water and air, and wear the appropriate personal flotation devices.”

He added, “We also have a safety boat looking out for us and have an alternative date if the weather or wind are not ideal.”

Ready to set out: Shown at the start are this year’s Santa Paddle are, front row, from left, Tim Guy, Jim Clifford and Darrin Stuart; back row, Sean Gildea, Daan Goedkoop, Alexander Regnault, Dave Weist, Bill Kane, John Scola, Norm Sherwood, Patrick Andreasen, Dave Bracken, Zach Keenan and Bob Rieckelman.

Posing with The Landing’s Robert Simonelli, at left, after completing their row are, from left, John Scola, Norm Sherwood, Alexander Regnault, Zach Keenan, Tim Guy, Daan Goedkoop, Jim Clifford, Patrick Andreasen, Dave Weist, Bob Rieckelman, Dave Bracken Bill Kane and Darrin Stuart.

PHOTOS BY BRUCE DURKEE

Five of this year’s paddling Santas are, from left, Dave Bracken, Sean Gildea, Darrin Stuart, Tim Guy and Daan Goedkoop. The event raises funds for the Marblehead Food Pantry.

Lost at Sea Monument in rough shape

Iconic memorial requires over $10K in restoration, conservation work

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

The “Lost at Sea” monument, one of Marblehead’s most iconic and important memorials, requires about $10,500 worth of conservation and restoration work.

The 15-foot-high obelisk sits atop Old Burial Hill. A recent conditions assessment of grave markers, tombs and monuments in the historic cemetery places the marble-and-granite memorial’s restoration among the highest priorities packaged in the 2022 report.

“Broken grave markers generally are the highest priority in a historic cemetery, but in Old Buril Hill, [the Lost at Sea] monument requires urgent attention,” Ivan Myjer from the Arlington-based Building and Monuments Conservation writes in the report’s executive summary.

For 174 years, the monument has honored the”multiple [fisher]men who have no other marker.” The report attributed the monument’s ailing condition to the following two reasons: The brick interior around which the monument’s marble slabs are built as well as its location on the burial grounds.

“The two factors make it especially vulnerable to accelerated weathering. The monument’s exposure at the top of the hill has resulted in greater erosion on the windward side,” the report reads. “There is a thick layer of biological growths on the marble. Cracks have developed at the band and gaps are opening at the joints between the marble slabs –particularly where the slabs are let into reveals.”

The assessment plan calls for the following corrective measures:

Clean the monument to remove biological growths.

Remove failing sealants

Re-point open joints with a soft lime mortar

Grout gaps where slabs are let into horizontal units with a soft lime mortar Repair losses at the top of the band with a hydraulic lime-based repair mortar Grout all cracks and fissures with a soft lime mortar

‘The death-blow’ to Marblehead’s fishing industry

One would be hard-pressed to find a more consequential and tragic day for Marblehead than Sept. 19, 1846. The events that transpired on this day were the impetus behind erecting the Lost at Sea monument.

“One of the most terrible gales ever known took place on the

Grand Banks of Newfoundland,” writes Samuel Roads in “The Histories and Traditions of Marblehead.” “Ten vessels belonging in Marblehead, containing 65 men and boys, were lost.”

On that mid-September day, a dark sky crept in around 9 a.m., and by 3 p.m., a hurricane arrived with violence and fury, according to Pam Peterson, the chairman of the Marblehead Historical Commission member and the former Marblehead Museum executive director.

“Each vessel was at the mercy of the sea. The men on board couldn’t help themselves, and they couldn’t help each other,” writes Peterson.

Roads characterized the Great Gale of 1846 as the “death-blow”

to Marblehead’s fishing industry. It never fully recovered.

“Gradually, as the years have passed, one vessel after another has dropped from the rolls of ‘Bankers,’” wrote Roads in the late 19th century. “Only one remains as a silent reminder of the greatness of the industry in former years.”

Two years after the gale swept through, the Marblehead Seamen’s Charitable Society erected the “Seamen’s Monument” – now called the Lost at Sea monument – atop Old Burial Hill. Roads noted it could be seen 15 miles at sea.

J.O.J Frost’s painting depicts the tragedy that unfolded during the Great Gale of 1846.

A calmness settled in around midnight as the hurricane

swirled away. When day broke, Marbleheaders’ worse fear laid before their eyes.

Peterson cited a Marblehead Messenger story printed on the 50th anniversary of Great Gale of 1846: “Wreckage was everywhere, whole fields of it, telling more than we had dared to fear, the fearful havoc that had been done by the gale we had come through so, fortunately.”

Most every Marbleheader in this close-knit, fishing town, Peterson writes, was affected by the tradgedy. In but nine hours, the storm produced 43 widows and 155 fatherless children.

J.O.J Frost, the Marblehead resident who painted the town’s history at the turn of the century, immortalized the events that transpired from the Great Gale of 1846 in an ominous painting that captures the tragedy in a horrific but understated detail. It’s a centerpiece in the Marblehead Museum ‘s J.O.J Frost collection.

BY WILLIAM J DOWD

Through song and dance, “Newsies The Musical” chronicles an 1899 strike (with a creative license) led largely by a scrappy group of immigrant and middle-class boys who peddled newspapers in New York Streets. Their actions inspired thousands of “newsies” across the country to follow their lead, protesting unfair wages handed down by media titans Joseph Pulitzer and William Randolph Hearst.

Unlike its 1992 movie counterpart, “Newsies The Musical” was a Broadway sensation in 2012. However, the movie, which starred a young Christian Bale, earned a cult following through the late 1990s and early 2000s.

North Shore Children’s Theatre Executive Director Nicole Poirier counts herself among the Disney movie’s diehards. She brought the musical to the Marblehead-based company about five years ago and directed an upcoming redux of it that debuts next week.

“I was obsessed with the movie as a kid,” she said. “So now what’s interesting is a bunch of kids who were like little kids, little tiny newsies when we did before came back for our upcoming show.”

“Newsies The Musical” opens at the Peabody Black Box, 22 Foster St., in Peabody on Dec. 15 - 17 at 7 p.m. The show features nearly two dozen young

thespians from Marblehead; since September, they have been practicing two times a week.

Admission is $15 per person.

“It was a really challenging time to be a kid,” said Poirier.

“These kids had a lot of responsibility. They had to care for their family and make money that their families needed.”

She added, “The fact that they were unionizing is kind of amazing.”

Brady Weed and Luke Menslage play the musical’s lead, Jack Kelley, the brave and older newsie who unifies the younger ones alongside Davey, the brains behind executing the citywide strike.

“He is confident yet sensitive, and I like that about him,” said Weed. “ I did a lot of work, thinking about, in every scene, where is the character’s head at. I think that’s really going to show in my performance.”

He is unhappy with long working hours and dreams of moving to Santa Fe for a better life.

“People can expect some very heart wrenching performances,” said Priorer. “Our kids really are putting their hearts and souls into telling the story, and making sure that the strife that the newsboys went through is communicated to the audience.”

Several actors outside the Old Town House on Thursday called out “Seize the Day,” “Carrying the Banner” and ``King of New York” among their favorite

numbers. They have been dubbed the show’s anthems of solidarity.

The young actors said they appreciate the themes scattered throughout the musical: Having a positive outlook in life, not just dreaming big but going after one’s dreams, speaking out against injustices and the importance of family. The show’s ability to give voice to those who might often be denied one also resonates with them.

“I think just being able to band together for a cause that you really believe in, fighting against the people who are bigger than you,” said Menslage. “That’s an important message for kids who can often feel voiceless.”

To learn more, visit https:// www.nsctheatre.org/events/ newsies.

For 174 years, the monument has honored the“multiple [fisher]men who have no other marker.”

Brady Weed and Luke Menslage outside the Old Town House play Jack Kelley in the North Shore Children’s Theatre upcoming rendition of ‘Newsies the Musical.’

THe ATre

COURTESY PHOTOS/ KIM PIVER

Members of ‘Newsies The Musical’ outside the Old Town House in Marblehead.

The “Lost at Sea” monument, one of Marblehead’s most iconic and important memorials, requires about $10,500 worth of conservation and restoration work.

»

»

Flossy is an all black short hair and has a very thick soft coat. She is a cute little gal, who was a stray. She does not know what to make of being in the shelter.

Flossy is in excellent health, tested negative for FIV and FeLV, is up to date on shots, and has been spayed. The shelter considers her a young adult.

Flossy needs a quiet home. A home with another cat who will let her alone to be who she wants to be. What this playful, smart, curious little gal needs is a forever home, where there are no threats and she can live a peaceful life. She is not a kitty that likes to be doted on but prefers her space and will come to you for attention when she wants it. It will take time for her to adjust to a home so offering her own space in the beginning will help her with this adjustment period. Flossy loves to play with her toys and enjoys running around the shelter checking out all the happenings.

Flossy is up to date with routine shots, house trained and spayed. Iinterested in Flossy? Fill out an adoption application at bit.ly/3h3LR6u and you will be contacted.

photo credit: Hayley Martin Photo

Boys hoop ready to show off talents

Season begins against Beverly and Salem, then moves to Florida

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Marblehead High School boys basketball coach Mike Giardi is ready to begin another season against host Beverly on Dec. 13, and then Salem three nights later in the home opener. The Magicians ended the regular season last year with a 13-7 record, before dropping a Division 2 preliminary round game to visiting Newburyport, 75-61.

Giardi welcomed 60 to tryouts a couple of weeks ago and has since whittled the roster down to 16 to account for this year’s varsity squad, four of whom will be swing players also honing their skills up on the JV team. The veteran coach will once again have two sub-varsity clubs to keep that winning tradition intact for the foreseeable future.

The varsity roster is made up of seniors Lupo Cabassi, an exchange student from Italy; point guard Tyrone Countrymon, the only returning starter; Aven Denbow, another returnee, who has been injured the last two years; and Isaiah Makor, a part-time starter last year.

It also includes juniors Adrian Baron, an off guard who played on the JV team last year; Scott Campbell, a returning forward; Ryan Commoss, a returning swing man; Cameron Comstock, another returning swing man; Nicholas Lemmond, a St. John’s Prep transfer; and Miles O’Neill, a returning forward.

Rounding out the roster are Matthew Sherf, a returning varsity guard, Christian Weston and sophomores Cody

Se ASON Pre VIe W

» TIP-OFF NIGHT: Lucky the Leprechaun, Celtics trophy highlight basketball celebration. Photos, Page A14.

Bouchard, Carson Brooks, Jordan McFarlane and Cameron Quigley, all JV players last year.

“We are carrying a large number of players this year on the varsity,” said Giardi, who hopes that depth will give him many options during the next three months.

“We have a solid group of juniors, including Nick Lemmond, who is returning from St. John’s,” added the veteran coach. “Many on this year’s varsity play interchangeable positions, being led of course by our returning senior guard Tyrone Countrymon.”

The expectations are high for this group, according to Giardi.

“We need to keep working on defense, but we are getting

there,” he said.

The Magicians have already scrimmaged Danvers to get ready for the season.

“It was a little rough, but it showed what we needed to work on,” said Giardi after the Danvers scrimmage.

After opening the regular season again against host Beverly on Dec. 13, the Marblehead boys will then take on Salem Friday night, Dec. 16, in the home opener, beginning at 7 p.m., before taking off for Florida for a preChristmas tournament. They are scheduled to face a team from Alabama (Cullman, Dec. 20) and Pennsylvania (New Castle, Dec. 21).

“It should be an exciting year,” said Giardi.

Led by new coach, boys hockey set to hit ice Marfione era begins in Gloucester Dec.

BY JOE MCCONNELL

As of his first official practice the Monday after Thanksgiving, the Coach Mark Marfione era had officially begun for the Marblehead High School boys hockey program, and the Magicians have been going full tilt since to get ready for the Northeastern Conference season with their new mentor.

Marfione grew up in Reading, where he played defense in the Reading Youth Hockey program and then as a Rocket in high school. He then suited up for Brewster Academy after completing his scholastic career in his hometown. He also played club hockey before attending Marist College.

Needless to say, hockey has been a major piece of Marfione’s life.

“Hockey has always been fun for me, and I still play it to this day,” said the new Marblehead coach. “I have developed so many lasting memories and friendships in the sport.”

Marfione got his start in

coaching as an assistant for his brother Peter at both Bedford and North Andover high schools. He was also an assistant on Chuck Allen’s Norwood staff. He also coached at Bishop Fenwick.

Marfione finally got his chance to head up his own program in 2017 with the Cambridge Rindge & Latin Falcons. His teams made the postseason three times, and went to the North finals in both 2019 and 2020, the furthest the Cambridge program had made it in over 60 years. The Falcons won the league title during the 2017-2018 season with a 10-1-1 record.

The Reading native knows he’s coming into a hockey hotbed that’s proud of its high school program, but it won’t affect his

approach as a coach.

“We are going to work hard and get better every day,” he said. “I expect them to be coachable, while also having some fun. I want them to be respectful on and off the ice in order to represent the entire team in a positive way. But first and foremost, they have to be ready to learn the game on this level and get better. I expect us to work hard and compete in every game.”

The Magicians had their first scrimmage on Saturday, Dec. 3 against Concord-Carlisle. Hogan Sedke, Chris Locke and Carter Laramie are set to lead the team on the ice as captains this year.

Over 40 prospective players

signed up to play in the program this year, and from Day 1 they saw some familiar faces behind Marfione’s bench. Tim Kalinowski, Liam Gillis and Kyle Koopman will serve as his assistants after starring as Marblehead players throughout the past decade.

Just last winter, Koopman was a Providence College defenseman, while his former Magician teammate Kalinowski suited up for Syracuse University as a forward. Gillis was a football player at St. Anselm before graduating in 2018.

The Magicians will begin the season against host Gloucester on Dec. 14, starting at 6 p.m. Their first home game at Salem

State University’s O’Keefe Center is scheduled to take place three days later on Dec. 17 versus Masco, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

New Marblehead High School boys hockey coach Mark Marfione

Marblehead High School boys hockey assistant coach and former player Liam Gillis. Gillis graduated in 2018 from St. Anselm, where he played on its football team.

Marblehead High School boys hockey assistant coach and former player Tim Kalinowski. Kalinowski was a Syracuse University senior forward just last year.

Marblehead High School boys hockey assistant coach and former player Kyle Koopman. Koopman was a Providence College senior defenseman just last year.

Current PHOTOS/NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Members of the 2022-2023 Marblehead boys and girls varsity basketball teams stretch with Tim DiFrancesco of TD Athletes Edge, a local strength and conditioning coach, at the first Marblehead Basketball Tip Off Night, Friday, Dec. 9 at Marblehead High School.

Parker Leighton, 10, plays some one-on-one basketball with Marblehead High varsity basketball member Nick Lemmond.

mHS VA rSITY ATHLeTIcS ScHeDULe

Wednesday, Dec. 14

4 p.m.

girls ice hockey vs. Gloucester at Talbot Rink, Gloucester

5:30 p.m. wrestling vs. Danvers at Marblehead High

6 p.m. boys ice hockey vs. Gloucester at Talbot Rink, Gloucester Thursday, Dec. 15

5:15 p.m.

girls basketball vs. Ipswich at Ipswich High Friday, Dec. 16

7 p.m.

girls basketball vs. Salem at Salem High

7 p.m. boys basketball vs. Salem at Marblehead High \Saturday, Dec. 17

7:30 a.m. wrestling vs. Wakefield at Wakefield Memorial High 4:30 p.m. boys ice hockey vs. Masconomet Regional at Salem State O’Keefe Center 6:30 p.m. girls ice hockey vs. Beverly at Salem State O’Keefe Center Monday, Dec. 19

4 p.m.

boys and girls indoor track vs. Danvers, Salem at Marblehead High Tuesday, Dec. 20

boys basketball vs. Cullman at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida

10 a.m.

1 p.m. girls basketball vs. Affton at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida

7:30 p.m. girls ice hockey vs. Winthrop at Salem State O’Keefe Center Wednesday, Dec. 21

TBD girls basketball vs. TBA at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida 4 p.m. boys basketball vs. New Castle Red Hurricanes at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida 5:30 p.m. wrestling vs. Salem at Salem High School 6:30 p.m. boys ice hockey vs. Essex Tech at Essex Sports Center Thursday, Dec. 22

TBD girls basketball vs. TBA at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida 1 p.m. boys basketball vs. Tennessee at Gaylord Palms Resort, Kissimmee, Florida 6:30 p.m. swimming/diving vs. Danvers at Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA Friday, Dec. 23

6:30 p.m. girls ice hockey vs. Gloucester

NIGHT

Their ‘Lucky’ day

at

compete

Attendees also got to meet and play with the boys’ and girls’ varsity basketball teams, challenge their teachers to shooting contests and

Dr. Timothy DiFrancesco, owner and operator of TD Athletes Edge, former trainer of the Los Angeles Lakers, also hosted an interactive session on

Salem State O’Keefe Center

conditioning and nutrition.

Co-sponsors of the event were the Marblehead Girls Travel Basketball League, Marblehead Youth Basketball Association and Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department.

Lucky the Leprechaun, along with the Boston Celtics’ 1981 NBA Championship trophy, were the star attractions as the Friends of Marblehead Basketball hosted the first annual Tip-Off Night in the gym

Marblehead High School on Friday, Dec. 9.

for the coveted title of “Best Foul-Shooter of Marblehead.”

Lucky’s signature is displayed on Nick Butler’s shoe.

Current PHOTOS/ NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Members of the 2022-2023 Marblehead boys and girls varsity basketball teams get psyched up as Tim DiFrancesco, a local strength and conditioning coach, starts a team cheer.

Marblehead girls basketball team members Jo Dalla Valle and Maddie Forbes share a laugh as they workout at the first Marblehead Basketball Tip Off Night.

McKenna O’Connell, 12, reacts after she became a finalist in the free throw contest.

Aviva Bornstein, 16, takes a selfie with Lucky and her friend Katie Pine, a member of the Marblehead High girls basketball team.

Lucky spins his basketball as he poses with Nick Butler, 10, and his brother Drew, 9, at the first Marblehead Basketball Tip Off Night.

Lucky signs an autograph for Luke Nicolas, 9, center.

TIP-OFF

December schedule at Abbot Public Library

All events and programs take place at the library unless specified otherwise in the briefs below.

New digs

The Abbot Public Library has temporarily moved into the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Road, as their Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million renovation. Library hours are the following:

Monday: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

Tuesday: 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

» Wednesday*: 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

» Thursday: 12 p.m.-6 p.m.

» Friday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: Closed

*Please note: the Children’s Room will close at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays.

Returns are accepted inside the library in the blue Library Return bin near the main desk or, if the library is closed, outside our main entrance in the black Library Return bin. Book donations are only accepted on Book Donation Days.

For updates on the Renovations, please visit abbotlibrary.org/news/ renovation-news.

Sign up for the library’s newsletter at tinyurl.com/ Abbot-News.

Fines no more

Abbot Public Library is now fine free. Visit https:// abbotlibrary.org/about/generalinfo/ to find out more about borrowing materials and getting a library card.

Tech and misc. things

The library offers Book

Club Kits, Chromebooks, Hotspots, and more in our Library of Things. Visit https:// abbotlibrary.org/what-we-offer/ library-of-things/ to learn more.

Need to use a copier?

Abbot Public Library doesn’t charge a fee per page, but it does ask that patrons contribute what they wish at the time of copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library.

Get your museum on Visit abbotlibrary.org/whatwe-offer/get-a-museum-pass to reserve passes and promo codes for the following regional museums:

Boston Children’s Museum

Harvard Art Museums (coming soon)

» The House of the Seven Gables*

» The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston*

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum* (new!)

Museum of Fine Arts

» Museum of Science

» New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code)

Peabody Essex Museum Trustees Go Pass* (new)

Zoo New England*

Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/ promo code right at the main desk or by calling (781) 631-1481, though some passes may require an email address in order to be used. Passes with an asterisk must be picked up at the library.

Courageous aging: a support group for older adults

Friday on Dec. 16, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

“Are you getting older and

need a place to process what really matters to you, who matters to you, what has given you purpose and meaning in life, what you feel good about having accomplished, what you feel grateful for, what you regret, what you feel passionate about, and what you would you like to be doing going forward?” writes library staff. “If so, please join us for this 5-week program facilitated by Dr. Mark Nickolas, a licensed mental health counselor, and Carol O’Brien, MSW.”

Open Lab

On Monday, Dec. 19, Drop-in 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m., the library will have open lab hours.

“Do you have a question about your computer, smartphone, or tech gadget? Do you want time to practice where someone can help if you get stuck? Every Monday, join a staff member for one-on-one help with your device. For attendees who are unable to transport their device, there will be Windows laptops available. Drop by the Program

Room anytime between 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.,” writes the library. Registration is not required.

The Fascinating Stories Behind Our Favorite Christmas

On Monday, Dec. 19 at 7 p.m., the Abbot Public Library will partner with the Tewksbury Public Library for a virtual presentation led by Brial Early, the author and podcaster of “Christmas Past,” on the evolution of ancient and modern Christmas traditions and their origins from happy accidents, cultural histories, criminal capers (including tomb raiders and con artists), and their generations-old narratives. To attend via Zoom, please register in advance for this meeting here: tinyurl.com/APLChristmas-Traditions. After registering, patrons will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Abbot Public Library.

Apply to become a library volunteer

Abbot Public Library application period: Tuesday, Nov. 15 - Thursday, Dec. 15 Online at abbotlibrary.org/ about/volunteer for youths ages 12-18. Youth interested in volunteering at Abbot Public Library? Applications for Volunteer Opportunities will be available Nov. 15 at https:// abbotlibrary.org and will be open through Thursday, Dec. 15. Opportunities include providing tech help and supporting staff in children’s and teen programs.

Make-It, Take-It Craft

On Thursdays, Dec. 15, 22, and 29, children can come to the Children’s Room anytime between 3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. and make a craft to take home.

Story Time A-Go-Go

Wednesdays, Dec. 14, 21, and 28, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m.

Children are invited to Abbot Public Library’s weekly Wednesday program from 10:30 to 11 a.m. with stories and movements led by early childhood educator Debbie Leibowitz.

Music with Dara

“Join Dara for a monthly musical program you can enjoy in-person! With keyboard and other engaging visual props, Dara incorporates old favorites and new songs, finger plays, rhythmic activities, creative movement, and instrumental playing. Friday, Dec. 16, 10:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. For kids aged 2 to 5 years old. Registration is required; call the Children’s Room at (781) 631-1481

Abbot Public Library’s top 10 adult fiction books of 2022

BY MORGAN YEO Head of Public Services at Abbot Public Library

Morgan Yeo recommends this list of fiction titles. She has worked at the Abbot Public Library for years and has been responsible for curating the library’s fiction collection since she started. Many titles on this list, such as “The Lincoln Highway,” “Cloud Cuckoo Land” and “The Maid” have been chosen and enjoyed by the library’s Adult Fiction Book Club. “It Ends with Us” is a personal favorite of Morgan’s as her favorite genre is romance.

“Apples Never Fall” by

Liane Moriarty

A family of tennis stars debate whether or not to report their mother as missing because it would implicate their father in this novel that looks at marriage, sibling rivalry, and the lies we tell others and ourselves.

“Cloud Cuckoo Land” by Anthony Doer

Anna, Omeir, Seymour, Zeno, and Konstance are dreamers and outsiders whose lives are gloriously intertwined. In the besieged city of Constantinople in 1453, in a public library in Lakeport, Idaho, today, and on a spaceship bound for a distant exoplanet decades from now, an ancient text

provides solace and the most profound human connection to characters in peril.

“The Four Winds” by Kristin Hannah

Texas, 1934. Millions are out of work and a drought has broken the Great Plains. Farmers are fighting to keep their land and their livelihoods as the crops are failing, the water is drying up, and dust threatens to bury them all.

One of the darkest periods of the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl era, has arrived with a vengeance.

In this uncertain and dangerous time, Elsa Martinelli-like so many of her neighbors-must make an agonizing choice: fight for the land she loves or go west, to California, in search of a better life.

“It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover

When Lily feels a spark with a gorgeous neurosurgeon named Ryle

Kincaid, everything in her life suddenly seems almost too good to be true. Ryle is assertive, stubborn, maybe even a little arrogant. He’s also sensitive, brilliant, and has a total soft spot for Lily. But Ryle’s complete aversion to relationships is disturbing. As questions about her new relationship overwhelm her, so do thoughts of Atlas Corrigan--her first love and a link to the past she left behind. He was her kindred spirit, her protector. When Atlas suddenly reappears, everything Lily has built with Ryle is threatened.

“The Invisible

“The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave

When her husband of a year disappears, Hannah quickly learns he is not who he said he was and is left to sort out the truth with just one allyher husband’s teenage daughter, who hates her.

“The Lincoln Highway” by Amor Towles

Emmett discovers that two friends from the work farm have hidden themselves in the trunk of the warden’s car. Together, they have hatched an altogether different plan for Emmett’s future, one that will take them all on a fateful journey in the opposite direction-to the City of New York.

“The Maid” by Nita Prose

Life

of Addie LaRue” by Victoria Schwab Making a Faustian bargain to live forever but never be remembered, a woman from early eighteenthcentury France endures unacknowledged centuries before meeting a man who remembers her name.

In June, 1954, eighteenyear-old Emmett Watson is driven home to Nebraska by the warden of the juvenile work farm where he has just served fifteen months for involuntary manslaughter. His mother long gone, his father recently deceased, and the family farm foreclosed upon by the bank, Emmett’s intention is to pick up his eightyear-old brother, Billy, and head to California where they can start their lives anew. But when the warden drives away,

Molly is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and interprets people literally. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, but she died a few months ago leaving Molly to navigate life’s complexities all by herself. No matter--she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. But Molly’s life is then turned on its head when she finds the infamous and wealthy Charles Black dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s odd demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect and she finds herself in a web of subtext and nuance she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, a medley of friends she didn’t realize she had refuses to let her be charged with murder-but will they be able to discover the real killer before it’s too late?

“Oh William!” By Elizabeth Strout

Lucy Barton is a writer,

but her ex-husband, William, remains a hard man to read. William, she confesses, has always been a mystery to me. Another mystery is why the two have remained connected after all these years. They just are. So Lucy is both surprised and not surprised when William asks her to join him on a trip to investigate a recently uncovered family secret—one of those secrets that rearrange everything we think we know about the people closest to us.

“The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley

Jess needs a fresh start. She’s broke and alone, and she’s just left her job under less than ideal circumstances. Her half-brother Ben didn’t sound thrilled when she asked if she could crash with him for a bit, but he didn’t say no, and surely everything will look better from Paris. Only when she shows up - to find a very nice apartment, could Ben really have afforded this? - he’s not there. The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question.

Current ILLUSTRATION / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Houses of worship service schedule

CATHOLIC

OUR LADY STAR OF THE SEA

» 85 Atlantic Ave. 781-631-0086

sosmarblehead.org

Regular Mass Schedule

» Saturday Vigil: 4 p.m.

» Sunday: 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m.

» Every weekday (Monday-Saturday): 9 a.m.

Advent Reconciliation: Wednesdays, 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 2:30 p.m.

» Sunday, Dec. 18: Advent Scripture Study in Center, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST 134 Elm St.

» 781-631-3868

» fccsmarbleheadma.wordpress.

com

Sunday Church Service: 10-11 a.m.

Sunday School (open to children and young people under the age of 20): 10-11 a.m.

» Wednesday Testimony Meeting: 7:30-8:30 p.m.

Reading Room (in church building): Open just after Sunday service and before Wednesday testimony meetings

COMMUNITY CHURCH

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 17 Pleasant St.

» 781-631-9343

» gracemarblehead.org

» Discipleship Class: 9:15 a.m. Sunday Worship Gatherings: 10 a.m.

Sunday

» Grace Kids (Grades K-5): 4:30 p.m. Wednesday

» Prayer Gatherings: 1 p.m. Thursday

Men’s Bible Study: 6 a.m. Friday Monday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m.: Crafts & Fellowship in Fellowship Hall

CONGREGATIONAL

OLD NORTH CHURCH, THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MARBLEHEAD 35 Washington St. 781-631-1244

» onchurch.org

» Sunday, Dec. 18: 8 a.m., worship service; 9 a.m., choir rehearsal; 10 a.m., worship service; 11:15 a.m., Confirmation class; 4 p.m., caroling at Parish Hall; 5:30 p.m. Advent candle lighting in sanctuary

» Monday, Dec. 19: 5:30 p.m., Outreach Ministry; 6:30 p.m., Women’s AA in Parish Hall

Tuesday, Dec. 20: 9 a.m., Lectio Divinia; 7:30 p.m., Bell Choir in sanctuary

» Wednesday, Dec. 21: 10 a.m., worship planning meeting; 7 p.m., Longest Night worship in sanctuary; 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal in music room

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW, EPISCOPAL

» 135 Lafayette St. 781-631-4951 standrewsmhd.org

Regular Sunday services (Rite II of the Episcopal liturgy): 8 a.m., spoken service; 10 a.m., musical service Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Gospel

Reflections on Zoom

» Alternate Tuesdays, 11 a.m.: “This Magic Moment” Memory Café on Zoom, a judgment-free zone for those with memory loss and their caregivers

Second Saturday, 8:30-9:30 a.m.: Coffee Cups informal conversation and fellowship

» St. Michael’s Episcopal Church 26 Pleasant St. 781-631-0657 stmichaels1714.org

» Sundays: Holy Eucharist, Rite II, 10 a.m.; in-person and online on church’s YouTube Channel

» Wednesdays: Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. on Facebook Live

First Sundays: Choral Evensong (September through May), 5 p.m.; in-person and online on church’s YouTube Channel

JEWISH TEMPLE EMANU-EL, REFORM CONGREGATION 393 Atlantic Ave.

» 781-631-9300

» emanu-el.org

» Shabbat: Friday, 6 p.m., in person and on Facebook Live

Torah Study: First and second Saturdays of month, 10 a.m. on Zoom

» Religious School: 9 a.m. Sundays

» Senior Connection: 11 a.m. Tuesdays

» Mah Jongg: 7 p.m. Tuesdays Wednesday, Dec. 14: 4:30 p.m., Brighter United Hanukkah Art Installation; 7 p.m., Jewish Music Neighborhood

» Thursday, Dec. 15: 7 p.m., Brotherhood/Sisterhood Monthly Cooking

» Sunday, Dec. 18 (first night of Hanukkah): 5 p.m., community candle lighting

TEMPLE SINAI, CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE

1 Community Road

» 781-631-2762 » templesinaiweb.org

» Kabbalat Shabbat: Fridays, 6 p.m. Shabbat Service: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.

Minyans: Saturday, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Monday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. (at Congregation Shirat Hayam, Swampscott) Saturday, Dec. 17: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., New Member Shabbat Sunday, Dec. 18: 9:30 a.m., Eight Spiritual Gifts of Chanukah program

» Tuesday, Dec. 20: 1:30 p.m., Sisterhood Book Club Thursday, Dec. 22: 11:30 a.m., Lunch & Learn Friday, Dec. 23: 6 p.m., Freilach Friday service with dinner following

» Saturday, Dec. 24: 5 p.m., Havdalah, Chinese food and a movie

LUTHERAN CLIFTON LUTHERAN CHURCH

» 150 Humphrey St. » 781-631-4379 cliftonlutheran.org

Weekly worship service: Sunday, 10 a.m., live stream on Zoom

» Sunday School: Sundays, 9 a.m.

» Coffee Hour: Sunday, 11 a.m.

» Choir Chat: Tuesday, 4:45 p.m. over Zoom

Midweek Fellowship: Wednesday,

7 p.m.

» Bible Study: Wednesday, 7:30 p.m.

» Thursday, Dec. 15: 5 p.m., Serve at Lifebridge; 7:30 p.m., Council Meeting Sunday, Dec. 18: 4 p.m., MRJT Executive Committee meeting

METHODIST

ST. STEPHEN’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 67 Cornell Road 781-631-2756

» St. Stephen’s is open for Sunday morning worship. Every Sunday, they have traditional worship at 10:30 a.m. with Sunday School for all ages at 9:15 a.m. On first Sundays, the congregation has a community breakfast at 8:30 a.m., a family worship service at 9:15 a.m. and traditional worship at 10:30 a.m.

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST CHURCH OF MARBLEHEAD 28 Mugford St. 781-631-1215

uumarblehead.org

» Sunday service is at 10:30 a.m. and on Zoom: bit.ly/3EIRKiF All persons attending a regular Sunday Service in person are asked to wear masks in the sanctuary.

Thursday, Dec. 15: 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees meeting

» Sunday, Dec. 18: 9 a.m., Sunday Seminar; 10:30 a.m., Sunday Services; 11:30 a.m., After Service Social Hour; Social Action Committee meeting

Holiday spirit comes to the Jacobi Community Center

All programs and events are held in the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center unless otherwise stated in the individual briefs below.

Questions should be directed to 781- 631-6225 or email: councilonaging@marblehead.org

‘Enjoy coffee with a cop’

Enjoy coffee with a cop Tuesday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.

“While it is Chief Dennis King’s priority to join, be assured someone from the Marblehead Police Department,” writes COA staff, “there will be a cop here to discuss community concerns or just life in Marblehead.”

Blood pressure clinic

Drop-in blood pressure clinic on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Muscle conditioning

Senior muscle conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays. Cost: $3

Zumba classes

Zumba gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. “A lower intensity, Latin and world-music inspired dance fitness class for all abilities.”

Parkinson’s fitness

Parkinson’s fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. “Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s Disease, but appropriate and beneficial for all. Class combines focus on strength, mobility and balance. This program is paid for by the generosity of the Friends of the Council on Aging.”

Indoor curling

Indoor curling began Monday, Nov. 14. The activity takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 to 2:45 p.m.

“Come and enjoy an indoor sport with a mixed group of fun, friendly men and women. Experience is not necessary. Instructions on how to play the game and learn the rules will be available at every session.” Yearly fee: $15. Contact pbibbo@

aol.com with questions.

Line dancing Kate Hoffman teaches line dancing on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The first hour is focused on beginners; however, all are welcome and encouraged to participate. Cost: $5

Chair yoga

Gail Perry Borden teaches chair yoga on Tuesdays at 11 a.m. Cost: $3.

Strength and stretch session

The Council on Aging offers a strength and stretch session on Mondays at 11:3o a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost: $3.

Weight training class

A weight training class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m. Cost: $3

Yoga class

A yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:3o a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m.

Quilting class

Learn how to quilt class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost: $5 per class.

Cribbage

Cribbage is held on Tuesdays. Doors close at 9: 30 a.m.

Get a senior Charlie Card

People who are 65 years or older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a senior Charlie Card.

These cards are valid for 8 years. Call Nadine Lepick, 781.631-6225, Tuesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. to ask questions or make an appointment to process an application. Cards can also be reloaded with cash on any bus.

The COA book club

The COA book club convenes on Wednesday, Dec. 28 from 2 - 3 p.m. Meredith Reardon is the book club’s volunteer coordinator and will be keeping everyone updated with schedule changes.

Lunching at the COA

Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. This program is prepared at the Council on Aging in the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center’s commercial kitchen. The generosity of the Friends of the Council on Aging offsets the cost of lunch.

Grab-n-Go lunches

Grab-n-Go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. This program is offered through “AgeSpan,” formerly known as Elder Services of Merrimack Valley & North Shore. Pick up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations for both programs must be made the Thursday before by calling 781-631-6225.

Upcoming day trips

The following upcoming day trips are planned as follows: Dec 16-19 Country Christmas in Nashville, Tenn.

All day trips must be paid for in full at time of registration. Deposits are required on all overnight trips at the time of registration. Checks payable to Best of Times. Because most of the COA’s trips require a great deal of walking and staffing is limited, all travelers must be able to attend to their own needs independently or bring their own escort for assistance. Call Janice, 781-631-6225, for more details.

Need help with heating costs?

The Home Energy Assistance Program at North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc. helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating bills even if the cost of heat is included in their rent. If their gross household income falls within certain limits, they may qualify for payment towards their winter heating bills. In addition, eligible National Grid customers may qualify for a discount of up to 32 percent off their electric and gas bills, too. For more information

about Home Energy Assistance, call 978-531-8810 or email fuelassistance@nscap.org.

Need a lift?

The COA offers transportation services to both in-town and outof-town medical appointments and in-town errands such as the hairdresser, bank, to vote or to the COA for programs and/or lunch. Weekly grocery shopping trips to Crosby’s & Market Basket and bimonthly trips to the North Shore Mall are also available. Transportation runs Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To schedule a ride, call us at 781-631-6225

Movie days

The Council on Aging will screen “White Christmas,” a 1954 classic starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera Allen, on Friday, Dec. 16. Movie starts at 10 a.m. Hot chocolate and pastries to be served.

At 1 p.m., the COA will screen the 2022 version of “A Christmas Story,” in which Ralphie returns as a grown-up. Movie gets underway at 1 p.m. Cookies and eggnog to be served. RSVP by Dec. 13 by calling 781-631-6225.

On Friday, Dec. 30, the COA will screen “When Harry Met Sally,” a romantic comedy starring Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. Movie starts at 10 a.m., with coffee and donuts served.

At 1 p.m., the COA will screen “See How They Run,” a mystery-crime movie starring Sam Rockwell and Adrien Brody. Popcorn and drinks will be served. RSVP by Tuesday, Dec. 27 by calling 781-631-6225.

Flying Solo

The COA’s social worker, Sharon Doliber, has formed “Flying Solo,” a group designed specifically for people who live alone. The next group meetup is Tuesday, Dec. 20 at 1:30 p.m. The event will include a scrambled chef’s appetizer/recipe swap. Can be an appetizer, dessert, side dish, or something from your holiday memories. Doliber

will supply drinks, paper goods and doggie bags.

Participants are encouraged to bring a memory from the holidays. To RSVP, call 781-631-6225.

Senior work-off program

The town of Marblehead is accepting applications for the senior work-off program from Jan. 6-31, 2023. The purpose of this program is to allow participating senior taxpayers to volunteer their services to the town in exchange for a reduction of up to $750 on their fiscal year 2024 property tax bills. Marblehead services will be enhanced by utilizing the skills of the town senior citizens.

ELIGIBILITY:

Must be 60 years or older

Must be owner (or spouse of owner) and occupy the Marblehead residence for which the abatement will apply Income must not exceed $51,528 for a senior household of one person or $69,824 for a senior household of two; only one volunteer abatement per household per year

There will be 30 openings for 2023. Applicants must complete conflict-of-interest training and pass a CORI check. The town department head, the Council on Aging director and the applicant must agree on placement.

Placement is also based on qualification, availability, location and physical limitation. If there are more applicants than openings, acceptance will be based on both financial need and the suitability of an available placement. 2023 volunteer hours must be completed by Oct. 13, 2023.

The rate will be credited at the $15 per hour state minimum wage. The town will issue a W2 form for federal income tax purposes. Applications will be available starting in December on the Council on Aging website at marblehead.org and at the Council on Aging. Please address questions to Lisa Hooper, the executive director of the Council on Aging, at 781-631-6225.

cOA HAPPeNINGS

MLT brings the joy of improv to preteens

BY LINDA WERBNER

“I’m a big believer in improv especially for kids,” says Bruce Whear, the charismatic and warm co-director, producer and long-time Board member of Marblehead Little Theater. “Their minds are like sponges. We all do improv every day of our lives. It’s a skill that teaches kids to dance when the music changes,” he adds, his eyes sweeping thoughtfully over the semi-darkened 87-seat theater on this evening in late November. Strewn on the stage floor are sets and props for the MLT’s upcoming shows Plaza Suite and Tuck Everlasting.

Whear instructs the MLT’s Beginning Improv Class for Preteens & Teens, a four-session introduction to improv. Geared towards learners ages 9 to 14, the class offer inclusive improv games that translate to useful life skills like listening, creativity, patience and collaboration. Participants create characters and are invited to “step outside of who they are, as he explains. Each session concludes with a performance for family and friends.

“Improv teaches positivity,” Whear stresses. “The kids can come here and be themselves. If you can learn while you are playing how cool is that!”

It is truly an affirming art, he notes pointing to improv’s rule-ofthumb: the phrase ‘yes, and…’ that dictates an improviser should accept what another improviser has said (“yes”) and then elaborate on that line of thinking (“and”). “So if I say to another actor ‘You’re an elephant! She

will respond with ‘Yes, and I always bring my trunk with me wherever I go!”

“The thing to keep in mind about improv is that you don’t try to be funny,” he explains. “Just do the scene and the funny will fall into place.”

Improv comedy has long been a staple on television, says Whear. “I love crossreferencing improv to the Carol Burnett Show. They would do two versions of a skit. They’d always start with a script and then they’d film a second version that included improv.” The funnier version would be the one that would run and very often that was the improv version, he adds.

The improve workshop was long sold out,but Whear intends to offer the course again in the spring as well as an improv class for adults. The idea for an

improv workshop geared to preteens and teens came about when Whear noticed a gap.

“The MLT has a children’s program geared toward learners ages seven to 12. But there was nothing for older children who were not quite teenagers,” he said. “We are sort of a farm league to the middle school and high school theater departments in town.”

Whear proudly boasts that three kids who have been connected with the MLT have gone on to Broadway. “One even sang on the Emmys,” he said.

Affiliated with the MLT in one way or another since 1972, the Marblehead native has been performing since he was 12. The way he tells it, his life was saved by theater which explains the passion

and enthusiasm he has when he speaks about it.

“I was the shyest kid at the Coffin School,” he recalls shaking his head. “But they gave me the lead role in Aladdin.” After that transforming experience he was bitten by the proverbial theater bug and was given the role of Little Jake in the Irving Berlin musical Annie Get Your Gun at the MLT.

“Acting teaches communication and words are the tools of an actor. My son is a CFO for a software company and he did musical theater when he was a child. While he no longer does theater, the skills he learned have been helpful in his field,” Whear said. “ He isable to explain some fairly complicated language to the CEO and make it accessible and understandable.”

He added, “The great thing about theater is that it has always been a welcoming place for people who don’t fit in. For the gay or trans kid, theater has always been there.”

Performance and comedy enrich every aspect of his life. Even Whear’s business card which reads ‘Laughter is life’s lubricant.’ In addition to his work at the MLT, he is a founding member, performer and producer of the popular improv comedy troupe ‘Accidentally on Purpose.’

Of the ten members, “I’m the only retired guy in the troupe,” he says proudly. Surprisingly, Whear has led a double life as an electrician. Until a year and a half ago when he sold the company, he was the owner of Wire 4

Hire, Inc., a successful electrical contracting company on the North Shore.

For many people in the entertainment world, having a day job is something that they long to shed once they experience fame. Not so for Whear, who readily admits that he always loved working as an electrician. “I loved business.”

“A long time ago when I was getting started, I was rushing off to an audition or something like that. My boss at the time told me that I would have to choose one or the other: being an electrician or an actor. I told him I’m going to do both.”

The Marblehead Little Theater is located at 12 School Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 www.mltlive.com

Current ’ holiday recommendations

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

This is the first installment of a regular series called “Current Recommendations,”

What is your favorite holiday movie? “A Christmas Carol” with George C. Scott (1984). I love this movie because it reminds us all to be charitable and thankful during the holidays.

What is your favorite holiday song? “What Child is This,” Andrea Bocelli duet with Mary J Blige & Marco Frisina. Bocelli’s voice is pure joy in every song and every season. His duets are unique, exhilarating and holiday perfection.

What is your favorite holiday book? “Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Tradition”. This book “arrived” in our house in 2017 with our very own Elf, who flew up to the North Pole every night to report back to Santa. The magic of the Elf in our house will always be a favorite holiday tradition, as was the reading of the book!

What is your favorite holiday movie? The 1951 version of “A Christmas Carol” with Alastair Sim. It’s just a great Christmas classic that expresses the true meaning of Christmas and not the commercialism of most of the newer movies.

What is your favorite holiday song? “Let It Be Christmas” by Alan Jackson. I love both country and Christmas music, and it’s a great combination of both. What is your favorite holiday book? “Twas the Night Before Christmas” As a child, it was a Christmas story that my mother read to me every year and was my first introduction to Santa Claus.

What is your favorite Holiday movie?

“National Lampoons: Christmas Vacation.” It’s iconic. Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold is a comedic genius. My sister and I could quote this entire movie and still laugh ourselves to tears even though we have seen it a zillion times.

What is your favorite holiday song? Easy. “Oh Holy Night,” all the versions - Mariah, Jennifer Hudson, Celine, Patti LaBelle, Josh Groban. If you could bottle the spirit of Christmas for me it’s sitting in the pew on Christmas Eve worship listening to a church soloist sing the story. It’s like the entire congregation can literally feel the Holy Spirit when the singer hits the high C.

What is your favorite holiday book? “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.” “Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn’t before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn’t come from a store. What if Christmas…perhaps…means a little bit more!” Dr. Seuss.

asking folks about their media consumption and recommendations.

Marblehead Little Theatre’s improve group ‘Accidently On Purpose’ with their leader, Bruce Whear, on the far right.

‘

Abbot Public Library Board of Trustee Deb Payson

Fire Chief Jason R. Gilliland

Select Board member Erin Noonan

Students lead charge for greener Marblehead

BY LEIGH BLANDER

In a bright, third-floor classroom at Marblehead High School, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs are growing in five-foot-tall tower gardens - produce that will go to feed students in the cafeteria and cooking classes. Some students even bring it home for dinner.

“We have rainbow chard and Swiss chard, arugula, lettuces, basil, endive,” said Connor Ryan, MHS English teacher and advisor for the local National Green Schools Society chapter.

The four aquaponic gardens, which use only water and artificial sunlight to grow, are just one of many initiatives run by NGSS, which has about 140 student members at Marblehead High. The teens are committed to the environment and sustainability. Many plan to keep up their work after they graduate.

“Our mission is to combat climate change and make Marblehead High a greener place,” said senior Samantha Clock, who is NGSS co-president along with Samantha Genovese, also a senior.

Cleanups, compostable trays and more

NGSS leads several cleanups around Marblehead each month, typically on Thursdays and Saturdays. “The cleanups bring together different groups of people,” Genovese said. “There are sports kids and drama kids. We pick up trash along the bike path, at Seaside and Gatchell’s.”

The students fill four to six large trash bags at each outing and often come across some surprising items.

“We’ve found a garbage disposal, headboard, porch

umbrella and old Gatorade bottles dating back to 2006,” Genovese said with a laugh.

NGSS led the campaign for compostable (rather than styrofoam) lunch trays in the MHS cafeteria, which were adopted in 2019.

“We used to fill 12-13 contractor bags of trash per day at lunch,” said Ryan. “Now it’s down to two bags because we compost the rest.”

NSGG members visited the Veterans School to help students there launch a composting program, too. Veterans, Village and Glover now all use compostable lunch trays, according to Schools Supt. Dr. John Buckey. Brown has washable and reusable trays.

“Everybody’s on board theoretically with composting,” Ryan added. “But it is expensive.”

NGSS students taught Village fourth graders how to make ecobricks, which are 12-ounce

plastic bottles stuffed with other types of soft plastic, like product wrappers. Ecoblocks can be used as building materials. Here in Marblehead, ecobricks can be dropped off at the transfer station and MacRae’s Sustainable Goods.

NGSS also planned an antiidling campaign at MHS, with students standing outside the

Genovese and Clock

Looking ahead, Ryan hopes the NGSS will play a big role in an

upcoming construction project.

“Marblehead High needs a new roof and it should have solar panels on it,” Ryan said. Students want a voice in that process.

‘Don’t discount our voice’ What motivates these students to dedicate so much time and effort to NGSS and green campaigns here in town?

For Genovese, a childhood trip changed her perspective.

“In China, I remember the sky being super hazy from smog. In Myanmar, I remember seeing other kids my age playing with a ball next to a pile of trash, with a murky river nearby.

While I couldn’t help those communities directly, I knew that I could make our corner of the world a little better and hopefully inspire other students to continue lifelong eco-friendly habits.”

Clock hopes to study environmental science in college “and focus more on politics and legislation and how the average person can make their voice truly heard through environmental legislation.”

She has a message to adults here in Marblehead. “Listen to young people, don’t discount our voice. It’s our future and we care just as much. And, you know, support grassroots candidates financially if you are able. But most important, vote!”

Ryan is impressed by the teens’ dedication to making positive change.

“These students are becoming better informed, more involved community members; most will grow to be more responsible consumers; some will one day shape environmental policy.”

To learn more about the MHS chapter of NGSS, visit it on Instagram at @marbleheadngss.

League of Women Voters Observer Reports

The Marblehead Current is pleased to supplement its coverage of public meetings with Observer Reports provided by volunteers from the Marblehead League of Women Voters. To learn more about the League and its activities, see my.lwv.org/massachusetts/ marblehead.

Marblehead Board of Health, Nov. 29

TRANSFER STATION DESIGN REVIEW

Andrew Petty, the Marblehead public health director, opened the meeting with a review of the transfer station design, utilizing four enlarged graphics: MTS (Marblehead Transfer Station)

- Conceptual Site Plan, MTSConceptual Site Plan, Enlarged, MTS - Staff and Scale House and a rendering of a compactor facility. (These graphics can be seen at https://bit.ly/3Pg8OQL).

During the presentation, Petty went back and forth between the various graphics.

He reminded the board that residential traffic would enter from Green Street. Here an electronic gate would open at 7:00 a.m. so that traffic could queue inside the transfer station away from Arnold Terrace. A gate further up the entrance road would open at 7:30 a.m. when the transfer station opens. A new staff kiosk would be located at the intersection of the recycling bin and road to the composting area. (Note: all traffic, commercial and residential, will exit onto Woodfin Terrace and West Shore Drive.)

The presentation then moved to the commercial entrance, in particular the location of the Staff and Scale House. Petty reviewed the layout of this building in more detail, which

includes the scale house office, an adjoining restroom, airlock lockers, staff break room and bathroom with shower. The air locker would allow for heating and air conditioning with little escape. The staff break room would have cubbies for each employee. The roof of the building would be solar panel ready. There is ongoing discussion about the siding for this building to give it some character.

Much discussion ensued about the flow of commercial trucks in this area, including site lines for the scale house operator and site lines for oncoming vehicles – the trucks going forward over the scale, then back to the compactor, and then forward.

Petty discussed the compactor building. This would have two sides that are metal and two sides that are translucent for the sides not getting the sunlight. On the translucent side would be two exhaust fans for accumulating dust.

The swap shed would be located in the Current location but perhaps rotated facing the entering driveway. The new design will have an overhang for rain and the roof will be solar panel ready. Ample parking will still be available. There is a discussion about even more parking for high-volume days located along the drive to the left of the Current recycling containers.

Other aspects of the design, such as location of an oil recycling container, light bulbs, etc. were indicated. Petty said five attendants would be needed, two up front and three in back.

Board members asked about other design elements: a sliding window for the scale house attendant and an automated

light when the trucks exit. At this meeting the board was voting on the design concept. A motion was made to accept the proposal, seconded and passed unanimously. Thomas Krueger

Marblehead Municipal Light Commission, Nov. 29

Marblehead Municipal Light Department expenses will exceed revenue by $75,000. There is no need to adjust this .09 PPA in December. With the closing of the books, MMLD needs to consider two charges to budget – employee benefits and pension contribution. These figures haven’t come in yet. The budget includes a $330 pilot payment. Should the board discuss using this for the Rate Stabilization Fund? If MMLD does this, it should be communicated to the Select Board. In the past, if MMLD had a surplus it went back to town. MMLD won’t have it this year.

There are also capital improvements that need funding. There was a lengthy discussion of the financial situation and communicating with the town about the status as of this date. The decision did not need to be made that night since there are items that MMLD is waiting to have come in before year-end. MMLD operating cash remains solid at $5.4 million.

Discussion of 2023 budget There is a 17 percent increase in the budget due to rate changes. There was a discussion of adding a line item for the rate stabilization fund. There was a discussion of the cost of energy with environmental attributes such as wind, solar and batteries. There was a discussion about benefits and downsides of retiring requisitions. There was a discussion of rate restructuring

with a PPA of .025 for 2023. The board also discussed its Current communication plan and how it should continue in the light of rate increases.

Winter electric service reliability

Marblehead may have supply risks this winter, per ISO New England. There is a “minor” chance of rolling blackouts with a higher probability this year than other years. Under extreme conditions, ISO will load-shed (automatically reduce customers demand).

This will be more likely to happen likely happen if we have a sustained a multi-day cold spell. There was extensive discussion of how loadshedding works. An example of a load-shed plan was reviewed. Customers should sign up for ‘Code Red’ since this is the best way to get information out securely. Customers will need to know which ‘circuit’ they are on.

Low-income residential rate reduction

MMLD uses Neighbors Helping Neighbors and there was a discussion of the program and allocation of money to the fund.

Certificate of Excellence In Reliability

MMLD received this award in 2022. It is an award for reliable electric service given by the American Public Power Association.

Sustainability Committee update

No updates for this meeting. Need to set goals for 2023. Looking at setting an executive session for 12/20. - Maggie Smist

Marblehead Harbors and Waters Board, Nov. 14

FY 2024 Capital Outlays Discussion

Marblehead Yacht Club roof feplacement is a priority. It will cost $15,000 to $20,000 for full replacement. Water is coming in now. We are still trying to get someone to do a temporary repair but have been unsuccessful. The timeframe for replacement is after the Town Meeting. Stripping of the roof requires that all debris be collected. A roofer with experience at that height along the waterfront is hard to find. If the roof is stripped all debris needs to be collected. A more costly option is installing a marine metal roof over the existing roof, and it would be noisy. One contractor was located but the cost was $60,000. The harbormaster will continue to try to find a contractor. The possibility of starting an emergency fund transfer before the finance committee was discussed.

Ferry Lane seawall railing replacements will cost $10,000 to $18,000. They are corroded, old, galvanized railings which have suffered damage from snow plows over the years. The town engineer has been consulted. Jersey barriers were suggested, as well as the possibility of bollards. An ADA ramp needs to be installed from Ferry Lane to the State Street Landing, preferably of concrete. The estimate is $10,000. Excavation will be necessary. A width of 48” is required for wheelchair access as well as a side handrail.

Tucker’s Wharf power pedestals (3) replacement with a $9,000 estimate. Need 50 amp power. Water hydrant at the base of the gangway and water outlets after the grounding system would eliminate attachment from the gangway. Electrocution can occur if someone is swimming.

school carrying posters of polar bears on melting glaciers. They asked parents to shut off their cars while they wait to pick up their kids.

coordinate student trips to local thrift shops and clothing swaps to reduce consumption.

National Green Schools Society advisor MHS teacher Connor Ryan with Summer Genovese (middle) and Samantha Clock.

National Green Schools Society members Summer Genovese (left) and Samantha Clock sort compostable lunch trays at MHS.

Thursday, Dec. 1

12:26 a.m. Investigated report of tree on wires on Humphrey Street.

12:42 a.m. Disabled vehicle was towed from Pleasant Street and Mohawk Road.

8:15 a.m. Inoperable pedestrian light reported on Pleasant Street.

10:01 a.m. Officer was dispatched to the Ocean Breeze School on Cornell Road to investigate a report of past vandalism: A plastic storage container valued at approximately $300 in the school’s playground had been forcibly ripped apart overnight. School did not have security cameras, and directors were advised to purchase some. Officer confirmed that the storage container appeared to have been torn apart past the point of repair.

11:20 a.m. Investigated report of debris in road on West Shore Drive and Village Street.

Friday, Dec. 2

7:41 a.m. Caller reported a stop sign hanging on Clifton Avenue and Brook Road.

9:50 a.m. Officer assisted at the scene of a minor accident on Atlantic Avenue involving a dump truck and a pickup truck.

10 a.m. Caller on Carlton Road reported having received a grandparent scam phone call.

3:23 p.m. Walk-in reported an accident on Pleasant and Watson streets involving a 2022 Lexus SE and 2022 Chevrolet Equinox.

9:10 p.m. Peace restored after loud music was reported on Sandie Lane.

Saturday, Dec. 3

2:04 a.m. Suspicious phone call reported on Humphrey Street.

4:22 a.m. Report filed after disturbance on Creesy Street.

6:02 a.m. Apparent hitand-run of parked Jeep Cherokee reported on Commercial Street. 12:27 p.m. Investigated

report of larceny, forgery or fraud on Creesy Street.

3:16 p.m. Officer went to Creesy Street to take a report of a larceny. Before he knocked on the door, the officer could hear a woman inside screaming, according to his report. Officer then spoke to “hysterical” woman who reported that she suspected her roommate had stolen her deceased mother’s charm bracelet. The fact that an officer to whom she had spoken earlier did not respond to the call added to her frustration. Woman explained that she had been having an ongoing issue with man after she had allowed him to live in her spare bedroom after meeting him at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. Woman stated he had been “playing games” with her because he knew all the laws about squatting that she did not know and was refusing to leave what he claimed was his residence. Woman continued that, all of a sudden, the man had decided to pack up his room and leave over the weekend, and she had avoided the apartment to give him space while he was moving out. However, she had returned to find that a jewelry box that had been inside her nightstand, which contained her mother’s charm bracelet, had been moved to the top of the nightstand, where she would have never left it. She then discovered that the bracelet, valued at $1,000 and four loose charms, on which she had spent $150, were missing. Woman claimed to know for certain that her roommate had stolen the bracelet. She also discussed with the officer a dispute that had arisen over her reading her roommate’s mail, something she said she would not do purposefully but might have done inadvertently, as it is her practice just to grab

it without looking at it and stacking it on her nightstand until the bills start to come due. Officer planned to have detectives follow up on alleged bracelet theft. She was advised to do her best to steer clear of her roommate until he had moved out fully and call police if she needed further assistance.

9:31 p.m. Walk-in reported tree partially down on Smith Street.

Sunday, Dec. 4

8:12 a.m. Larceny, forgery or fraud investigated on Creesy Street.

8:49 a.m. Landscapers using leaf blowers reported on Hawthorn Road.

11:25 a.m. Assisted with Old Car Club parade on Front Street.

2:35 p.m. Officer went to Maverick Street to investigate a disturbance, where he spoke to a resident about a confrontation that had just occurred with a man with whom he had worked 10 years earlier at the Department of Revenue. The resident said the man had shown up unannounced and was irate. Resident said he tried to talk to his former co-worker but was met with a “completely assaultive and unruly attitude,” so he shut the door and dialed 911. The man continued to scream obscenities and challenge him to come outside before leaving in a grey vehicle. Resident told the officer that he had heard from others that the man had a history of making threats and calls. Based on that information, the officer spoke to a sergeant with the Tewksbury Police Department who reported that the same man had shown up at the home of a resident of that town ,upset about a fantasy football league incident that had occurred over five years earlier.

4:08 p.m. A gold chain

was found and turned over to officer while he was working a detail at the Marblehead Veterans Middle School. Another officer picked up the chain and brought it back to the station.

5:28 p.m. Assisted with disabled vehicle on West Shore Drive and Cornell Road.

Monday, Dec. 5

9:58 a.m. Investigated neighbor issue on Gallison Avenue.

10:13 a.m. Investigated vehicle crash reported on Beacon Street.

12:07 p.m. Investigated report of trash and parking issues on Marion Road Extension.

2:59 p.m. Investigated report of fraudulent activity on Macy’s account of a resident of Pequot Road. Resident reported that her account had apparently been hacked and used to purchase two items that were then shipped to a man in Kansas City: two cookware sets, one valued at $60.15 and the other $85.93. The resident reported that Macy’s had been able to cancel the orders and that she was not out any money at this time. Officer advised the resident to monitor her bank account and credit reports for any additional fraudulent activity and gave her the information for reporting identity fraud to the FTC.

5:46 p.m. Officer met a man in the lobby who wished to file a police report regarding a resident of Harborview Lane, whom the man in the lobby said is a problem for most of his neighbors. The man in the lobby reported that, earlier in the day, the problematic neighbor had driven up to his driveway and began yelling and swearing at him, an incident that another neighbor had witnessed. Officer explained the process of obtaining a harassment prevention order, and the

man said that for now he just wanted the incident documented.

Tuesday, Dec. 6

9:10 a.m. Low-hanging wires reported on Birch Street.

1:02 p.m. Officer responded to Broughton Road to take a report from a resident who was being harassed by a person using the apparent pseudonym “Tatiana Smacks” on Facebook. The resident believed the person behind the account to be a woman from Boston known to her. Resident said that she had decided to send “Tatiana” a message through Facebook, telling her that she had a lot of animosity towards her sister. “Tatiana” responded by threatening to post pictures of the resident’s 9-month-old son on Facebook and had followed through, changing her profile picture on Facebook to the child’s, which is when she decided to contact police, as she feared the woman would also post the photo elsewhere. Officer advised the resident not to engage “Tatiana” further and instead block her on Facebook.

1:06 p.m. Officer filed a report after a parked car was struck on Atlantic Avenue.

5:48 p.m. Vehicle towed after crash on Maple Street and Old Salem Road.

9:36 p.m. Larceny, forgery or fraud reported on Washington Street.

Wednesday, Dec. 7

9:25 a.m. Assisted with a vehicle that had struck a curb on West Shore Drive, suffering two flat tires.

10:04 a.m. Officer assisted at scene of vehicle crash on West Shore Drive.

10:48 a.m. Road debris reported on Green Street and West Shore Drive.

10:59 a.m. Investigated report of an inside odor that was causing unspecified “symptoms” on Crestwood Road.

1:15 p.m. Report filed after vehicle crash on West Shore Drive.

2:43 p.m. Services rendered after report of disobedient kids on Gerry and Pleasant streets.

4:35 p.m. Investigated report that car hit bump out on West Shore Drive, ruining tires.

5:28 p.m. Investigated report of an accident that had occurred on Oct. 28 on Atlantic Avenue.

8:31 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance reported on Pleasant Street behind the Riptide. Report was that a man was yelling at and had possibly struck a child about 7 years old. After the man was identified, he admitted having taken his stepchild to the smoking area behind the Riptide to yell at him for screaming inside the establishment.

Man was asked about a witness’ report of having heard someone yell at the man to stop hitting the boy. Man said he could not explain what the witness thought they heard and denied hitting his stepson.

Officer checked the boy for signs of physical abuse and found none. Officer asked the child if his stepfather had hit him, and he said no. Officer asked the child if he felt safe at home, and he said yes. Officer then spoke to a witness, who reported that the man had been screaming expletives at his stepson and had also said, “I know you didn’t want to come here anyway; stop saying that I hit you.” The witness said that the young child, who was crying the whole time, replied, “But you did, but you did.” Officer then interviewed the man again, who denied the witness’ account. Man acknowledged having had two vodka shots earlier in the evening, but the officer reported that the man did not appear to be intoxicated. Officers reported the incident to the Department of Children and Families.

Y staff spotlights: Cass Souza and Heather Saxe

The Y would not be what it is without the incredible staff committed to making sure that members and those in the community we serve have the best experience at our Y. The most recent recipients of our Staff Spotlight Awards are Heather Saxe and Cassandra Souza.

Heather Saxe is a group fitness instructor who is known for going above and beyond to make members feel comfortable in class. She ensures that members are focusing on form and sustainability so that they can continue to come to classes and avoid injury. Heather also donates to the Y with her creative side-business Happy Joy Balloons, providing balloon animals and decorative spreads for events that our members and staff enjoy. We celebrate Heather and encourage our community members to join her in class.

Cassandra Souza is our assistant director of early learning. With her leadership, our teachers, families and students can all be sure they are part of a high-quality, creative, and engaging curriculum. Cass always greets our community with a warm smile and a willingness to help, going above and beyond to support our teachers and ensure success for

our youngest participants. It is clear that Cass loves her work and is committed to making a positive impact in our early education program each and every day.

Congratulations to Heather and Cassandra!

Don’t miss these upcoming events, new classes and activities at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA, 40 Leggs Hill Road: 12 Days of Fitmas through the Month of December

A fun total-body workout based on the “12 Days of Christmas” song. Participants will work out at their own pace and fitness level while enjoying the sounds of the holidays. All levels welcome!

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 3 p.m.-6 pm

Holiday Sale Event

Join local businesses, artists and crafty folks and discover unique gift ideas. Our Lynch/van Otterloo Connectors group will be on hand for complimentary gift wrapping. For more information, please contact Membership Director Jane Rizza, rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 4 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Holidays with the family: Finding the True Gifts of the Season

Special Parent Support Sessions

Join special guest and parenting coach Avery Russell of Stellamaris Coaching for two free sessions where she will share tools and strategies to help you navigate the holiday season with family.

Saturday, Dec. 17, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m.

Winter family party

Don’t miss our annual winter event celebrating the season! Bring the kids and join the fun with activities, entertainment

and holiday cheer.

Cookie decorating & hot cocoa

Sing-along & live music with Sam and Chaz

Face painting by Boston Facepaint Fantasy “Snowball Fight” in the Gymnastics Studio Open Swim with slide (1p.m.3:30 p.m.)

New classes beginning in January

Youth/teen kickboxing

Thursdays and Fridays at 5 p.m.

Row and strength small group training

Sundays at 8 a.m. and Mondays at 5:30 a.m.

Small group circuit-style class utilizing the rowing machine, TRX, weights and more. This total-body workout will burn fat and build both strength and endurance.

Healthy mind & body for you

As the new year approaches, it’s the perfect time to join the Y, to feel connected, to stay active and enjoy winter at the Y. Sign up from December 15 - January 15, and you’ll be entered to win one year of free membership, plus we’ll waive the joiner fee or if you decide to pay the joiner fee we’ll donate it to our annual campaign which supports our mission and helps us continue to make a positive impact in our community.

The Y offers meaningful membership where you can share in a mission to strengthen the community, every single day. The Y provides lifesaving swim lessons, affordable housing, childcare and camp, and a reduced senior membership for active older adults. Not a member? Take a tour and see all the wonderful things available at your Y. Reach out to Jane Rizza rizzaj@ northshoreymca.org.

New Year membership offer at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA

LYNcH/VAN OTTerLOO Y mc A UPDATe

Isa Drown Smith

Isa Drown (Davidson) Smith of Marblehead, Massachusetts left on October 28, 2022 to continue her “wander-itis”. Never one to sit still for long as she would get “antsy,” Isa D had a passion for travel and explored many corners of the earth.

On June 14, 1930 - Flag Day as she always proudly noted - Isa was born in Roxbury, Massachusetts to John and Harriet Davidson, and sister to Virginia. Smart as a whip, Isa graduated as the valedictorian of her class, quite an achievement for a woman of her time. It was one summer that Isa met her only love, Howard “Cappy” Smith of Marblehead. At 18 years old, they married and settled in his family home in Barnegat where they created their family and spent their life. Isa was mother to Stephen (Paula) Smith, Deborah (Stephen) Mooney, Clifford Smith; grandmother to Jennifer (Kevin) Snow, Abigail (David) Gillespie, and Jeremy (Joan) Smith; and three great-grandchildren - all of whom loved her dearly.

Isa enjoyed summers with her family on the Songo River in Naples, Maine, and chatting on the beloved front porch of “Tern Inn” on Tinkers Island with the Davies Clan and many others. Isa always surrounded herself with those she loved, especially her best friend and confidant Betsy Davies. The self-proclaimed “Mayor of Barnegat,” Isa could be found at Little Harbor tending to her flowerpots, sitting on the bench with her nightly “martooni” (straight up with two olives), and in the days

gone by playing her accordion for everyone’s delight. She loved her neighborhood dearly and it is where she met some of her closest friends including Arlene Willard and Betty Breuhaus.

“Wander-itis” always kept Isa going. As a widow for the second half of her life, Isa was independent, brave, and open to adventure. She was perpetually “running away” to discover the world around her: from riding elephants in Thailand, exploring the pyramids of Egypt, and visiting Australia, New Zealand, China, India, Europe (especially Italy), and beyond, Isa never let a year pass without a trip being planned. In fact, that was her favorite topic of conversation. As an avid reader, when her physical body was not in motion, she was happiest in her corner chair, surrounded by books, nose deep in anything she could get her hands on. Those who knew and loved Isa D will remember her vibrant smile, happy disposition, and desire to enjoy life’s adventures wherever they may be. She lived a full life, and for that we are grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family has created the “Isa D. Smith Memorial Fund” at the National Grand Bank; donors

Marrie C. Campbell, 76

Marrie C. Campbell, 76, formerly of Marblehead for decades, died at Brookdale Memory Care in Hamilton, NJ. on Nov. 13.

She was born in Plainfield, New Jersey on Dec. 21, 1945, daughter of the late Donald P. and late Charlotte Joyce Campbell. She was educated at Edison High School, Edison, NJ and received a bachelor’s degree from Elmira College, Elmira, NY.

Her professional career began with a secretarial position at Marathon Oil in NYC in 1967. In 1969, she moved to London, UK, and worked for William Collins Publishing . She returned home in the early 1970s, and worked at WNET in NYC for the “Bill Moyers Journal” as Mr. Moyer’s assistant. Her wanderlust next took her to Seattle, Washington. where she worked for the PBS station KCTS for six years on documentaries.

She then made her final career move to Boston, working from 1983 to her retirement in 2011 at WGBH . She joined in the first year of the award winning “Frontline” PBS documentary series starting as editorial director and then in 1995 becoming director of Frontline’s new, innovative website.

She loved to travel, and visited Kenya, Israel, Latin America, and countries throughout Europe.

Her hobbies included reading

SU bmISSION POLIc Y

, the theater, the symphony, gardening, playing her piano, walking, and days-long European hiking excursions. Her love of animals included four dogs and six cats at various times of her life. All were rescued shelter animals.

She is survived by a sister, Charlotte Brandenburg of Pine Beach, NJ and her husband, Paul, two brothers, Kenneth Campbell of Aiken, SC , and Donald Campbell of Milford, NJ and his wife, Lori; two nieces, Melissa Vaughn and Lauren Campbell ; and three nephews, Paul, Stephen, and Donald Brandenburg.

Surviving also are her close friends, Susan and son Colin of NYC; Lyn and Bill of NYC; MaryAnne and Stewart of Princeton, NJ; Tessa of London, UK; Vera of London, UK; Jean of Seattle, WA.; Candi of Salem, MA; David and Renata of Marblehead, MA ; and Louis of Marblehead, MA.

Her remains will be interred in the Columbarium at the University of Virginia Cemetery in a private ceremony.

How to place an obituary

The Marblehead Current publishes obituaries online for free and in its print edition for a flat fee of $200.

Submissions or inquiries should be sent to notices@marbleheadnews.org.

Edith M. Orenberg

Edith M. (Lourie)

Orenberg, of Sarasota, Florida, formerly of Mashpee and Newton, entered peacefully into rest on Dec. 3, 2022 at the age of 92.

Born in Boston, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Annette (Platt) Lourie.

Beloved wife of the late Martin Paul Orenberg. Loving mother of William B. Orenberg and wife Joanne, Michael S. Orenberg and wife Karen, and the late Diane Fernandez; and mother-in-law of Ramiro Fernandez.

Cherished grandmother of Ashley (Orenberg) Waterberg and husband Rhian, Andrew Orenberg and wife Rachel, Jennifer Fernandez, Grace Fernandez, and greatgrandmother of Cameron Waterberg, Autumn Waterberg, Maya Orenberg and Kaden Orenberg.

Funeral services and burial will be private.

Expressions of sympathy in memory of Edith may be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or online at www.stjude.org.

Submissions should include the name of the funeral home serving the deceased’s family, along with a daytime phone number for a person to contact, in case we have any questions about the obituary. Photos, preferably in JPEG format, are welcome.