1.4.23 - Volume 1, Issue 6

FINDING REFUGE

From Kyiv to Marblehead: A mother and son find a safe haven

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Artem is 5 years old and a ball of energy. He jumps on his mother’s lap as she sits on a couch in the living room of their Gregory Street home. She half cradles him, and he brings his face really close to Oxana’s for a nose-to-nose kiss. He is Oxana’s entire world, and the tender exchange showed the strong maternal bond that the two have forged together - one that has perhaps intensified under

extraordinary and harrowing circumstances.

No place for children

Roughly 10 months ago, the pair was surviving in a war-torn Ukraine, living in and out of overcrowded Kyiv basements that doubled as makeshift bomb shelters as Russia attacked their country. Artem’s father stayed behind to fight.

“It was no place for anyone, especially children,” said Oxana.

“We made our way to the train station because I heard they were taking people to Western Ukraine.”

They needed to get to Lviv, the largest city in the western part of Ukraine, before they crossed the border into Poland. The pair arrived at a Kyiv station platform to find a panicked mass of shoulderto-shoulder refugees rushing to board an evacuation train.

“There was so many people. Artem was crying,” Oxana said. “Everyone wanted to save their lives.”

Oxana and Artem were briefly

Never a dull moment

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

From a municipal election ballot shortage and the death of a longtime town moderator to a purported monk allegedly conspiring to commit fraud and the election of the successor to former state Rep. Lori Ehrlich, there was no dearth of Marblehead news stories in 2022. And so the Marblehead Current’s top stories in 2022 are a wide-ranging mix.

Bike park agreement signed

After two years of heated public meetings and setbacks, it appears a bike park will finally open this spring in the Green Street woods across from the transfer station.

The New England Mountain Bike

the site.

Su PErIn TEn DEn T SE arCHES

Bauer, Murphy named finalists

District may need to replace two top school administrators

By Kris Olson

Marblehead Public Schools may need to replace two top administrators who are finalists for superintendent jobs across three Massachusetts communities.

Nan Murphy, Marblehead assistant superintendent, is one of three finalists vying for Milton Public Schools’ top job. Dedham Public Schools has also named her one of five finalists for its district’s corner office.

Meanwhile, Marblehead High School Principal Dan Bauer is one of three finalists for the position of superintendent of schools in Danvers, the Danvers School Committee announced at a special meeting on Dec. 20. Candidates will be brought to Danvers for daylong site visits on different days the week of Jan. 9, during which they will meet with school staff and administrators.

Milton School Committee plans next to interview its finalists in a Jan. 4 meeting, the committee’s vice chair, Ada Rosmarin, said on Dec. 21.

“The School Committee will meet on Zoom at 7:30 a.m.

2023

New Year’s resolutions, Marblehead style

Local leaders share professional, personal goals

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead Current reached out to leaders across town to ask about their New Year’s resolutions for 2023, both for their service to Marblehead and in their personal lives. Here are the responses we received.

Jenny Armini, 8th Distrct state representative, Marblehead resident

Professional: “Apply the determination of General Glover and the heart of the Spirit of ’76 to the 21st century challenges of state government.”

Personal: “Eat more Meltaways from Stowaway Sweets. Eat fewer Meltaways from Stowaway Sweets. Clearly, I’m conflicted here.”

Thatcher Kezer, Marblehead town administrator

Professional: “To put in place the tools necessary to increase our capacity of managing the town’s resources.”

Personal: “Be fit and trim for this summer’s high school reunion.”

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Ukrainian refugees Oxana and Artem in the stairwell leading to their third-floor apartment in a Gregory Street home.

Association has signed a five-year agreement with the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department to build and maintain bike trails on

“We are incredibly grateful to our friends at NEMBA for their support in getting the Marblehead off-road

CURRENT PHOTO/ LEIGH BLANDER

Teens ride their mountain bikes at Lead Mills in January 2021 but would later be banned from the property by the Conservation Commission.

Business spotlight: Harbor Light Inn

BY MELISSA STACEY

The following is an interview with Carolyn Pyburn of Harbor Light Inn, 58 Washingotn St., conducted by Discover Marblehead. To learn more about the Marblehead business, email carolyn@harborlightinn. com, call 781-631-2186 or visit harborlightinn.com/.

Tell us about the Harbor Light Inn.

The Harbor Light Inn is a 20-room boutique hotel located in the heart of the historic district of Marblehead. We have a dining room where we serve breakfast to our guests every morning, an outdoor pool and an intimate tavern that is open to the public. We also have a separate house that holds five furnished apartments (perfect for rentals between two weeks and three months). My parents (Peter and Suzanne Conway) opened the inn in 1986 and I moved back to town in 2015 to take over. Hospitality is in my blood, and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else!

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve

PaWS & CL aWS

ever received?

I received some wonderful training from my days working at Four Seasons so it’s hard to pick the best, but one that always rings true (in many different scenarios) is to put yourself in the other person’s shoes. For me in a hotel, if I have a guest upset about something, I always put myself in their shoes before I react to whatever the situation may be. It could be something as minor as the guest can’t get their TV to work and I may first think “This isn’t that big of the deal…why are they

so upset?” but then I realize, “What if I had a long day of travel and am paying a lot of money to stay at a hotel and right after checking-in, I can’t get the TV to work and have to call the front desk.” I might be annoyed! By thinking that way, I can better adjust my reaction. The same can be done in a proactive measure. For instance, if I know someone is coming to stay with us for an anniversary, what are some different things we could do for them that would enhance their stay?

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why?

This might be the hardest question yet! I love anywhere on the water. The lighthouse, Fort Sewall, Crocker Park, Riverhead and Devereux beach. They are all fantastic spots, but I think a picnic out at Chandler Hovey is hard to beat.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?

Well, to think of something surprising that ties in with Marblehead – I was one of the lucky few that was aboard the USS Constitution back in 1997 when it

sailed out of Marblehead Harbor. I was just a kid at the time so sadly the magnitude of how special the event was, was lost on me in the moment. But I do remember my dad dressed in uniform (he was the commodore of the BYC at the time) and all the Navy sailors in line to talk to Walter Cronkite and, of course, the Blue Angels flying overhead. Shortly after that, my family was invited to Walter Cronkite’s house on Martha’s Vineyard for lunch. I had no idea who he was at the time, but I remember my dad telling me after we left, “One day you’re going to realize how insane it is that you were running around, rummaging through Walter Cronkite’s house.” Now I get it…

The business spotlight is a new weekly feature, published in a partnership with Discover Marblehead. Discover Marblehead is “dedicated to the promotion of our majestic seaside town of Marblehead, Massachusetts. Our mission is to highlight local businesses, tourism, community events and attractions through social media, email marketing and community outreach.” To learn more, visit https://discovermhd.com/.

Elton, Stevie a rockin’ pair

BREED:

SIZE: medium

AGE: adult and senior

SEX: male and female

Elton John and Stevie Nicks came to the Marblehead Animal Shelter when their owner passed away. They were left in their owner’s apartment and were going to literally be put out on the streets, as none of the larger shelters in the area offered to help.

Luckily, a Marblehead Animal Shelter volunteer heard about their plight, and they were rescued.

Elton John is approximately 8 years old, orange and white, and loves attention. Stevie

The Marblehead Current news in brief is a compilation of need-to-know, general and short news items culled from various sources and published at marbleheadcurrent.org on Mondays. Marblehead residents, governmental entities and nonprofits can email 150-200word news items for inclusion in the weekly list to wdowd@ marbleheadnews.org.

Upcoming public meetings

The following public meetings were posted to marblehead.org as of press time.

Wednesday, Jan. 4 7 p.m., Planning Board Meeting

is 15 1/2 years old and also loves to receive attention.

According to shelter volunteers, they are trying to figure out how their world turned upside

down, what happened to their owner who loved them and how they ended up at the shelter.

Stevie was originally rescued from a shelter in her younger years. They presently are not in the same cage, as Stevie prefers her own space right now.

Shelter volunteers are hoping to keep them together and get them in a home for the New Year

Elton John and Stevie Nicks are up to date with routine shots, house trained and spayed and neutered.

If you are interested in Elton John and Stevie Nicks, fill out an adoption application at marblehead-animal-shelter.org, and you will be contacted.

Thursday, Jan. 5

3 p.m., Green Marblehead Committee Meeting Tuesday, Jan. 10

7:30 p.m., Marblehead Planning Board Wednesday, Jan. 11

8:30 a.m., Marblehead Harbor Plan Working Group Wednesday, Jan. 18 9:15 a.m., Article 44 Committee

All public meetings are subject to change, so be sure to check the town’s website before heading out the door.

Trash, recycling collection

In observance of the New Year’s Day holiday trash & recycling will

TO WN OF MARBLE HEAD

BOARD OF APPEA LS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday 24, 2023 at 7:45 PM on the request of Hugh & Brenda Greville to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit to allow the construction of a shed as an accessory to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area, lot width, frontage, front & side yard setbacks located at 31 Jersey Street in the single Residence District. The new construction will be located within the side yard setback. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor ’s Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L.c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom. us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SkITUIBTUT09 Dial in +1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282

Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of the meeting. Members of the public attending the meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyons@marblehead. org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

be picked up one day late on the following days: Tuesday trash and recycling will be collected on Wednesday, Jan. 4 Wednesday trash and recycling will be collected on Thursday, Jan. 5

Thursday trash and recycling will be collected on Friday, Jan. 6 Friday trash & recycling will be collected on Saturday, Jan. 7

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 citizens’ petitions

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

is Friday, Jan. 27 at noon. For a citizen’s petition form, visit: https://bit.ly/3Fwi9k1. Deadline for boards and committees to submit an article 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 should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. or email wileyk@ marblehead.org. Please call the Select Board’s Office, 781-6310000 for more information.

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

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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REACT

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on January 12, 2023 on an application filed by Kevin and Holly Crosby (owner) in response to an enforcement order issued due to unpermitted alterations at 6 Harborview Lane (Map 112, Parcel 2) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: engineers@marblehead.org. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is: https://www.marblehead.org/conservation-commission

Brian LeClair, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

One-year vacancy, Marblehead Affordable Housing Trust Fund

» Three-year vacancy, Marblehead Design Review Board

One-year term, Marblehead MBTA Advisory Board

» One-year term, Marblehead Advisory Board

Five three-year, staggered terms Marblehead Cultural Council

» One-year vacancy, Marblehead Forever Committee

One-year term, Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination

We’re standing by to listen to your ideas. Please drop us a line and let us know what you would like to see in your community newspaper. Send your thoughts to info@marbleheadnews.org.

In DEX Business 2 Education 4, 10 Government 11, 18

History 20 Library 15, 17 News 3, 5, 8-9, 12

Obituaries 19 Opinion 7, 9

Public safety 8, 17, 18 Recreation 14, 16 Religion 19 Seniors 8, 16 Sports 13-14

n EWS In BrIEF

NAMES: Elton John and Stevie Nicks

domestic short hair and tiger mix

Carolyn Pyburn of Harbor Light Inn.

Elton Stevie

bike park officially underway,” said Pat Milner with Bike MOR (Marblehead Off-Road). Milner has been leading the campaign to build the park.

Hopes for a bike park began during COVID when a group of teenagers started searching for places to ride their mountain bikes. In January 2021, they built small bike jumps at Lead Mills, which is conservation land.

Longtime Marblehead tailor retires at 96

One of Marblehead’s longestrunning businesses closed in 2022, and its owner reluctantly retired at 96 years old.

“What am I going to do now?” asked Charles Katsoulakos, who opened his tailor shop more than 55 years ago. “Maybe I’ll sleep a little later.”

Katsoulakos said he has served “hundreds and hundreds” of customers over the decades. He’s seen dramatic swings in fashion, but doesn’t have a favorite. He did retire in style, though, as his story went viral.

Abbot Public Library staff settles into new digs

Abbot Public Library staff swung open the front doors to their new home and welcomed patrons into the former Eveleth Elementary School, 3 Brook Road, after a five-week, Herculean relocation.

From this interim space, library staff will serve Marblehead residents and patrons for roughly the next 18 months as a multi-million dollar renovation to the Pleasant Street location plays out.

A notable municipal election

Before the 8th Essex District became the talk of the town, there was the town election on June 21.

Jean-Jacques Yarmoff unseated incumbent Walter Homan for a seat on the Marblehead Light Commission in a municipal election that saw a townwide ballot shortage. A recount held July 11 at Marblehead High School expanded the margin by 19 votes.

Voters elected Jack Attridge to succeed longtime town moderator Gary Spiess, who held the post for 16 years and has since passed away. Meanwhile, ‘Headers backed a Proposition 2 1/2 debt-exclusion override to finance a $24.3 million smorgasbord of capital improvement projects over the next five years. Voters rejected a $3 million general override to fund what school officials billed as “unmet needs.” The matter remains unresolved, and it may resurface in the march to Town Meeting.

point.”

Grader said Spiess worked to create a welcoming Town Meeting where citizens could feel free to weigh in.

“Running a good Town Meeting was very important,” said Grader. “But I will tell you he really respected the whole process, including the importance and courage that it takes for people to stand up and speak, and he certainly encouraged that.”

The Barron vacancy

A Marblehead vacancy earned much attention after former School Committee member Emily Barron submitted her resignation in late October. In that action’s wake, 10 people submitted their names to fill the vacancy until the June election. The Select Board intervened in the filling-the-vacancy process following a split vote among the remaining four School Committee members. The Select Board and School Committee members will come together in a joint meeting to appoint a temporary successor to Barron in the new year.

The Marblehead Community Store shutters

A throng cleared Marblehead Community Store shelves in late August after the Beacon Street’s business owner posted on Facebook, “Please come and grab whatever you need.”

Folks jammed aisles, grabbing what they could.

streamed into Fort Sewall to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the federal government turning the fort over to the town — and the completion of a $1.8 renovation project. The renovation started in 2018 with planning and fundraising. Town Meeting approved $750,000 in 2019 and supporters raised more than $1 million.

Select Board hires new TA

The Marblehead Select Board hired former Amesbury mayor Thatcher Kezer in the spring, filling a vacancy created after Jason Silva’s abrupt resignation roughly six months prior. Kezer took over from John McGinn, who served as interim town administrator. He came out of retirement to help during the transition period.

FBI arrests purported monk on fraud charges

Marblehead was captivated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s arrest of two residents in midOctober.

The transfer station fire Marblehead was on edge Aug. 1 as firefighters battled a suspicious blaze at the transfer station.

The late-afternoon fire erupted in a yard-waste section of the Woodfin Terrace property and spread to multiple brush piles, threatening abutting homes and an industrial complex. While no one was injured, the fire’s intensity broke nearby windows. It also spread to the dry grass near the yard-waste area. Smoke engulfed Marblehead’s west side and billowed across Salem Sound.

at 82

Jenny Armini wins

Marbleheaders’ appetite for the 8th Essex District race was quite voracious as six candidates vied for the Democratic party’s nomination through the summer months. And Jenny Armini’s victory in the September primary positioned her as the successor to former state rep.

Lori Ehrlich, who served as the district’s representative for 14 years. Armini had no Republican challengers.

Armini’s swearing in this January restores the district’s representation after nearly a yearlong vacancy. She steps into the state representative post with extensive political acumen. She has worked as a senior advisor and legislative aid, speechwriter and policy expert. She co-founded Elect Blue, a grassroots political group dedicated to electing Democrats in 2018, and served as head of communication for MassINC, a leading nonpartisan policy think tank in the state.

Armini’s election extended Marblehead’s decades-long monopoly on the 8th Essex seat, following not only Ehrlich but her predecessor Douglas W. Petersen, and his predecessor, Larry Alexander.

Gary Spiess’s death came months after he decided not to run for a 17th term as town moderator, opening an elected office that for nearly 60 years had been held by only two men, Spiess and Steve Howe.

Select Board Chair Moses Grader said Spiess had an ability to read the direction of Town Meeting debate. He understood that Marbleheaders valued brevity, and when debate became redundant, Spiess would say, “I think we’re getting to that point where everything has been said, but not everyone has said it yet.”

“He kind of was that classic Marbleheader in the sense that he didn’t beat around the bush,” Grader said. “He told you what he thought, but he was also very generous and caring.”

Select Board member Jackie BelfBecker agreed. “His town meetings were tight and to the

It was the final act for a truly local business, which subsequently closed. For more than 50 years, it filled a smalltown niche. It sold regular market wares, but also garnered a reputation for making sandwiches and employed an on-site butcher.

The Fort Sewall renovation wraps

More than 3,000 people

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

Once firefighters got the blaze under control, the response transitioned to monitoring hot spots, putting water on small fires as they broke out and separated piles. Workers from the Marblehead Department of Public Works were called in to assist by breaking up the yard-waste piles using front-end loaders.

Public safety officials and law enforcement opened an arson investigation into the summertime incident.

Brian Andrew Bushell, 47, and Tracey M.A. Stockton, 64, were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and unlawful monetary transactions of some $3.6 million in federal aid earmarked for COVID benefits, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office District of Massachusetts.

Bushell and Stockton allegedly used their various for-profit and nonprofit outfits (they founded and ran the Marblehead Salt Company and the Marblehead Brewing Company) as vehicles to funnel COVID funds into their pockets.

Bushell, a purported monk who took a vow of poverty, was the executive director behind the St. Paul’s Foundation, a reported monastic religious organization of the monks of Mount Athos in Greece.

Kris Olson and Leigh Blander contributed to this writing and reporting.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

yard setback and exceeds the 10% expansion limits for nonconforming buildings. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker's Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=en1wRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92Sk1TU1BTUT09 Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282

Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

sion of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via re1note participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoon1 Meeting https://us06wcb.zo om.us/j/8 787834 7282?pwd=cn lwRXd3 V2 xmd HE3c y92Sk lTUI BTUT 09 Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282

Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead. org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind, Secretary

Garry Spiess, longtime town moderator, dies

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Joann Curtis and her son, Brayden, 9, peruse books in the Abbot Public Library’s interim space, the shuttered Eveleth Elementary School.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD Gary Spiess, who served as town moderator for 16 years, died on Nov. 25. He was 82.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD Marblehead firefighters battle fires at the transfer station on Monday, Aug. 1.

Marblehead resident Brian Andrew Bushell, 47.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Celebrating the completion of a $1.8 million renovation at Fort Sewall

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD Folks canvass outside the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center on June 21.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

A throng of people gathers inside the Marblehead Community Store after the business’s owners posted over Facebook that they were giving their inventory away for free.

COURTESY PHOTO / VICTORIA DOSCH

State Rep. Jenny Armini with her dog, Wallace, a Scottish terrier mix.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Tailor Charles Katsoulakos closed up his shop in the fall after more than 55 years.

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 24, 2023 at 7 :30 PM on the request of Mary Rockett & Peter Reuter to vary the application of the present Zoning Bylaw by

Teens to travel the world, lead service-learning projects

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Fifty Marblehead teenagers will be heading across Europe this summer on service-learning trips with the local nonprofit Stone & Compass. They’ll be volunteering at a Sicilian orphanage, planting trees in the Scottish Highlands and running a summer camp in Bulgaria.

“The thing about Stone & Compass that I find extraordinary is that it’s built around making global connections,” said Clara Donovan, a Marblehead High School junior and Stone & Compass intern. “In all of these trips, yes, I’ve been doing service and volunteering. But the main point is I’m working with people from those areas. It’s really about partnering with them and working with them to create a better environment.”

Rob Goodwin and his wife, Julie Kiernan, of Marblehead, launched Stone & Compass eight years ago as a way to engage teens in environmental and sustainability projects around the world. To fund those projects and youth service trips, Goodwin runs a travel and tour company.

“We run tours to raise money to build projects for communities in need and then

tag youth to those projects,” Goodwin explained. “I really feel like we’ve got something special.”

Stone & Compass is different from many other servicelearning organizations in that it’s largely run by the students themselves. The teens identify and research projects and then develop and implement plans, including service-learning trips.

“Being an intern, we speak to project leaders in many different countries to help build their businesses,” said MHS junior and intern Maeve McIlroy. “It’s really rewarding.”

Interns have addressed the United Nations and, recently, Donovan spoke to the U.S. Strategic Command in Washington D.C. about Stone & Compass’ global mission and impact.

The interns also support local causes, including the Edith Dodge Fund here in Marblehead.

‘Everybody is drinking the Kool-Aid’

Since COVID, Stone & Compass has expanded exponentially. “We’ve grown in size five times in the last seven months. Everybody is drinking the Kool-Aid,” Goodwin laughed. Since launching, it has partnered in more than 40 international projects, including

a new hospital in Uganda that is opening in January.

“It is 30 miles from the capital of Kampala. It’s going to serve a 50-mile radius of local communities,” Goodwin said.

There’s also a project on a small dairy farm in the Azores, where Stone & Compass is helping to introduce new

From P. A1

Dennis King, Marblehead police chief

Professional: “Among many, I would say that I’d like to bring our department’s technology to another level of efficiency and reliability.”

Personal: “Continue to improve the work and family life balance that results in neither one being neglected.”

Jason Gilliland, Marblehead fire chief

Professional: “The fire department is committed to its goal of achieving a level one ISO classifcation for the town. An ISO fire rating is a score provided to fire departments and insurance compnies by the Insurance Services Office. The score reflects how prepared a community and area is for fires. The lower the score, the better the insurance rating is for residents and businesses. In 2018, we were able to bring the ISO rating from a four classification to a three classification, which is extremely hard to achieve. In the coming year, we wll strive to reach a level two or one classification.”

Personal: “My personal goal is to be more physically fit in the new year.”

Jackie Belf-Becker, Marblehead Select Board member

Professional: “To continue to serve the town to the best of my ability.”

Personal: “To continue to enjoy and treasure my family and friends and our wonderful town.”

Sarah Fox, Marblehead School Committee chair

Professional: “To manage meetings in a way that stays student focused.”

Personal: “I’m going to hit pause, and I’m going to put my family first.”

John Buckey, Marblehead Public Schools superintendent

Professional: “In 2023, my resolution in my role as superintendent of schools is to better communicate the priorities and needs of our district to the community.”

Personal: “Personally, in 2023, my resolution is to attempt to pursue the elusive work/life balance. As educators— teachers, administrators—our jobs can be all consuming. Balance is important.”

Marblehead Council on Aging Dir. Lisa Hooper and sfaff

Professional: “Staff training on the game of Bocce so we can challenge the

players and possibly win a game! Also, end each Tuesday luncheon with a conga line, start an herb garden out back, throw on some Grateful Dead music and get our groove on, and sled down the hill from MHS during school vacation. PS: We swear we’ll never again offer fruit cocktail for dessert as it could start a revolution.”

Personal: “Not to have one. It’s easier to keep.”

Brian Flynn, Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA executive director

Professional: ”To integrate the YMCA more into the community of Marblehead to ensure everyone understands the Lynch/van Otterloo is their Y - a place for them to build social connections, be more active with friends and family, and ensure everyone is welcome regardless of their ability to pay.”

Personal: ”To be more present and in the moment and ensure I have balance in my life.”

Professional: ”My MRJT resolution is a double: for us to get back to doing large-scale gatherings like the ones we used to pre-pandemic. There are some great presenters out there and plenty of opportunity. Secondly, there are some incredible opportunities for youth here at MRJT. I want to make sure that we’re doing

sustainable farming methods.

“We’ve had tons of Marblehead students go there,” Goodwin said. “The entire project was thought up, developed and run by Marblehead High School students. They raised the money.”

Stone & Compass has a center in Bulgaria, which also

hosts several service learning trips. “They typically focus on the environment and climate change, potable water and all those problems we face,” Goodwin said.

Other international projects include:

Kenya: Building a cultural center to spotlight the Maasai culture. Local Maasai women will sell their crafts there.

Serbia: Supporting a sustainable organic hazelnut farm north of Belgrade. The farmers hope to build better infrastructure in their village, stimulate the local economy and protect local natural resources.

Mexico: Partnering with the Green Go Solar Project to train people and businesses in Baja to reuse cosmetically defective solar cells.

Looking ahead, Goodwin has set some pretty big goals for Stone & Compass.

“In the next five years, we want to change the world via youth empowerment. It’s not a cliche, we believe it.”

To learn more about Stone & Compass, visit www. stoneandcompass.com.

we have built there.”

all we can to center those young leaders and voices at the core of our 2023 mission.”

Personal: ”My son is starting music lessons and I’d like to learn along with him. We might both learn guitar together, if that’s the instrument he chooses. If I’m going to play at a 5-year-old’s talent level, I might as well play with a 5 year old!”

Katherine Koch, Marblehead Chamber of Commerce executive director

Professional: ”To continue promoting and supporting our local businesses and organizations, and to welcome new ideas and initiatives to further community engagement.”

Personal: ”To listen more, enjoy the moment and remind my friends and loved ones how much they mean to me.”

Andrew Petty, Marblehead public health director

Professional: ”Completing the next phase of the transfer station construction project.”

Personal: ”Spending as much time outside as possible to benefit my mental and physical health while enjoying the beauty of nature.”

Joann Miller, member of the Marblehead Board of Health and its Mental Health Task Force

Professional: ”To connect residents to our Marblehead Cares initiative and engage residents with the resources that

Personal: ”My personal resolution is to join the Wolf Pack, jumping in the ocean throughout the year.”

Helaine Hazlett, member of Marblehead Board of Health and Marblehead Task Force

Against Discrimination

Professional: ”As we move away from the pandemic, my resolution for the town I hold dear is to continue to assist the residents to regain and strengthen their mental health and physical wellbeing. This includes my efforts as a member of the Board of Health with the support of the Board’s Mental Health Task Force and the Marblehead Counseling Center.”

Personal: ”My personal resolution is to do my very best to reach my stated professional goals while maintaining my own good health. In this new year of 2023, I will aim to be in bed before 1 a.m. No more midnight chats and texts for me anymore.”

Kimberly Grad, Abbot Public Library director

Professional: ”To increase the number of library card holders through school and community outreach.”

Personal: ”I’m going to get outside and explore the North Shore; a little sailing and a lot of hiking along rocky beaches and nature preserves. Maybe, I’ll also work in a 25-plus mile bike ride.”

The Rev. Jim Bixby, Marblehead Racial Justice Team member, Clifton Lutheran Church pastor

Marblehead leaders gave their professional and personal goals in the new year.

Stone & Compass interns Clara Donovan (left) and Maeve McIlroy, both MHS students, on a dairy farm in the Azore.

Stone & Compass volunteers on a beach cleanup in Bulgaria.

separated from each other, and she said she will always remember the young man who grabbed her son and reunited them.

Kyiv to Lviv was a halfday’s journey. Conditions aboard the evacuation train were stifling, cramped and tight. People stood in aisles, sat in every available seat and squeezed into vestibules. No one slept, Oxana said, as the train chugged along, often at a snail’s pace to protect passengers from Russian shelling or firing.

“There was 13 of us in a space [usually reserved] for four people,” she said. The train inched along under the cover of night.

“It was awful,” she said. On top of it all, Artem had COVID — and Oxana was coming down with a case herself.

‘Truly a worldwide effort’ Ukraine’s population stood at 44 million prior to Russia’s invasion. Since February, 7.8 million have fled Ukraine and 7 million have been displaced inside the country, according to the United Nations.

A cumulative total of 200,000 soldiers have been killed, 100,000 from Ukraine and 100,000 from Russia. These numbers do not include the 40,000 civilian casualties.

“This is a war that’s pretty black and white,” Congressman Seth Moulton told the Marblehead Current “It’s pretty black and white between right and wrong, between freedom and oppression, between democracy and autocracy.”

He added, “There are a lot of people in Ukraine who are comparing [Russian President Vladimir] Putin to Hitler, and I think that’s a very apt comparison.”

Moulton’s office has helped pair several Ukrainian refugees with 6th Congressional District families, including Oxana and Artem in Marblehead, working with Uniting for Ukraine as well as The New American Association of Massachusetts.

“This is truly a worldwide effort,” said Moulton, who visited Poland and Ukraine with a congressional delegation in early December.

“Support that we see here at home is the same support that we see in places like Poland, where frankly, they’re doing a lot more than even we are to house Ukrainians.”

He described the stream of refugees entering Poland as “constant.” Poland has accepted 2.5 million Ukrainian refugees compared to roughly 25,500 in the United States in 2022, according to the office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

A birthday present Oxana and Artem stayed with a friend for a night when the train arrived in Lviv. The next day they caught a bus from Lviv to Warsaw. When they crossed the UkrainianPolish border, relief washed over Oxana.

“When we get to Warsaw, I just got a hotel,” she said, adding they were absolutely exhausted after weeks of not knowing what their future

would hold and living unrelentingly in harm’s way. “We feel safe, but I got sick. My temperature goes up.”

Their hotel stay lasted two weeks before Oxana, seeing the growing refugee crisis in Poland, charted out a plan to get to the United States. They flew from Warsaw to Spain and Spain to Mexico, and then they entered the United States via a port near California. Oxana had their JetBlue tickets for a flight from San Diego to Boston, but her credit card stopped working. The company waived their carry-on and luggage fees.

Once in Boston, Artem met his paternal grandparents for the first time, but they reside in a one-bedroom apartment

in Lynn. A Gregory Street family wishing to remain unnamed adopted the two refugees, giving them the entire third floor of their home.

“We arrived on April 20,” said Oxana. “April 21 is his birthday, so it is like coming here was his birthday present.”

A hearty ‘ta-da’

Like Afghanistan refugees over the years, Marblehead embraced Oxana and Artem. The YMCA has provided free gym membership, and Artem takes gymnastics there on the weekend. Marblehead Children’s Center has provided Artem with free tuition and language support since they arrived. The National Grand Bank opened a checking account

for Oxana. Artem has come home to find boxes teeming with toys and books waiting for him at the front door.

Gregory Street neighbor Kim Barrows supplied rides to Stop-&-Shop and the Y, where Artem enrolled in what Oxana called “American daycare.” Once a week, he attends a Swampscott daycare where the kids speak Russian and Ukrainian.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know them,” Barrows said, adding their presence made the war, in some ways, more tangible. “It’s been interesting just kind of seeing in person the whole situation that you see on the news and, you know, feeling so sorry for these people.”

She spoiled Artem for a

period when she learned he liked chocolate muffins.

“Everytime, I went to a Stop & Shop, I would buy them and then bring them over,” she said.

Another neighbor, Alexia Kearney, and her family put up a huge Ukrainian flag and blue and yellow bunting on their home before Oxana and Arten arrived. They positioned it so the mother and son could see it from their apartment window, and Oxana reports that Artem would look at it every night before bed.

“We couldn’t fathom how challenging it would be to leave your homeland and come here,” said Kearney. “We wanted to show support but give them privacy. Slowly but surely we built a relationship, and they would come over here during the summer.”

She added, “We brought toys and a gym set to them because we didn’t know how comfortable they’d be leaving the house.”

Barrows and Kearney called Oxana a strong, resilient mom. Artem, who is learning English, is quite gregarious. A language barrier exists, but that doesn’t get in his way. He has a zest for life, and he remains resolute in striking up friendships.

He loves showing off his artistic creations. Whether it’s the colored-in letters of his name taped to the door to his room or his handmade ornaments populating the Christmas tree, he introduces each with a hearty “ta-da.”

For their requested privacy, the Marblehead Current is withholding Oxana and Artem’s last names.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Ukrainian refugees Oxana and Artem share a moment on the living room couch in their Gregory Stret home.

Opinion

EVEry THInG WILL BE OK ay

New Year, New You?

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

If you’re looking for one of those columns which provides you tips and tricks for making this the year you become a heathier, better version of yourself, skip on to the next article. This space is a New Year’s resolution safe zone.

I play along every year on Jan. 1 when my husband eagerly leans forward (he does everything in life enthusiastically, argghh) and asks over morning coffee to discuss our resolutions. I try to dodge with a mumbled, “I didn’t think of any yet,” but he won’t be deterred. He does give me the grace of telling me his list, which is many, many resolutions long, not because he needs that much improvement, but see earlier point about enthusiasm. By the time he’s finished, I’ve come up with one or two modest goals before I suggest we go back to reading the morning newspaper.

It’s a cultural canard that the beginning of the calendar year requires personal renewal. Yet, in case you find comfort in the once-a-year opportunity to reset, I have some bad news. Reinvention is

Reinvention is not a revolution but an evolution. Its timeframe has a mind, and a calendar, of its own, a product of both fate and focus. The chance for change or doubling down on your current chapter happens all year, not just the turn of the new year.

not a revolution but an evolution. Its timeframe has a mind, and a calendar, of its own, a product of both fate and focus. The chance for change or doubling down on your current chapter happens all year, not just the turn of the new year.

A few years ago, in 2019 BC (Before COVID), I made a move after 12 years at my company to its headquarters in New York City. It was a more challenging job and we thought of the opportunity as an adventure. I leased a 600-square foot apartment in Gramercy Park and started a blog chronicling the time period called “Fourth Act.” I know three or five acts are more appropriate when writing a play, but I was writing a life. When I counted the other iterations I had had professionally — government, media, private sector — this one landed at fourth. What would it mean, how would I grow, would David, when he visited, and I become cool

denizens of East Village coffee shops and poetry slams (Answer? No.).

I led my new team, endured colleagues in their pinstripes heading off to Opening Day, navigated C-Suite demands and crammed sidewalks. Then on March 10, 2020, headquarters closed and we were all sent home, for a week, a month, we did not know. I had driven to New York that week, fearing the airlines would shut down in the face of this terrifying, unknown illness. And I remember the surprise in the parking attendant’s voice, when I retrieved my car days early, that I was, in a sense, being evacuated from Manhattan. Tense news reports on the radio accompanied me as I headed north on the Merritt Parkway.

Like many of yours, Zoom and Microsoft Teams, school from home, lines at grocery stores, heart-crushing anxiety inform the rest of my Covid story. And

this. A company reorganization offered me, at 55, the chance to retire early.

What, then, would be my fifth act? I’ve had to start again before, not by choice, and in the course of reflecting on my story, wrote about what I learned about the process. You can check it out here in case it’s helpful bit.ly/3VlgX7L to your own career journey.

My youngest leaving for college coincided with this latest retrenchment, which brought its own reflections.

Over the last 18 or so months, I’ve participated in online certification programs, hired a coach, started a business, and as an unlikely introvert, networked my way seemingly to the moon and back. I notice a difference this time from past reinventions, perhaps a product of age and experience. I’m being much more intentional about the choices I make, and much more open to the unplanned detours.

My only resolution shared over coffee this year? I will trust these paths of choice and chance are unfolding as they should.

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

Marblehead nonprofit keeps up its work with Afghanistan

BY ROBERT E. MCNULTY

For almost 15 years, Applied Ethics, Inc. (AE), a Marbleheadbased nonprofit has been working with Afghanistan through its people-to-people peacebuilding program called Pax Populi, which is Latin for “the People’s Peace.” In 2010, we began collaborating with universities to offer one-onone English tutoring programs via Skype or Zoom. Working with individual volunteers and institutional partners in the US and overseas, we developed a network of educational partners in several major cities in Afghanistan never doubting that student by student, we had a role in supporting those people who would help turn Afghanistan into a peaceful, prosperous country. Everything changed in August 2021 when the US withdrew its forces from the country and the Taliban took control of the government. Three words come to mind when assessing the impact of these events: Devastation, Resilience and Return.

The return of the Taliban to power was devastating for Afghanistan and our work.

In August, we suspended our work in Afghanistan and turned our focus to supporting those seeking to leave the country and some of the thousands of refugees who came to settle here in the United States. Despite the trauma of having fled their homes with little more than the clothes on their backs, the resiliency of the Afghans inspired Pax Populi volunteers from California to Massachusetts to demonstrate a similar resiliency. However, as the months passed, the news from Afghanistan grew increasingly dire. We at AE/Pax Populi also received an increasing number of requests from former contacts still in Afghanistan not to forget them. Although we could no longer operate openly in Afghanistan as before, in August, Pax Populi returned to Afghanistan. This time, however, we are limiting our online educational services to the young women denied

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 24, 2023 at 8:00 PM on the request of Matthew DiFrancesco to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to allow the construction of additions to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area, front and side yard setback located at 31 Shetland Road in the Single Residence District. The new construction will be located within the side yard setback and exceeds the 10% expansion limits for nonconforming buildings. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom. us/j /878 7834 72 82? pwd =eu lwRX d3V 2xmd HE3cy 92Sk1TU1BTUT09. Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https:/ /www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the co1uments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

education under Taliban rule. Here are a few other highlights from the year.

Hamid’s Journey to Cornell: During the spring 2021 semester, Lara, a Purdue University senior and Pax Populi teacher began tutoring Hamid, an Afghan student from Mazar-e Sharif who hoped to study at an American university. Their focus was to prepare Hamid for the SAT exam.

That goal was dashed when the SAT was no longer offered

LEG AL NOTIC E TO WN OF MA RB LEHE AD CO NSERVAT ION CO MM ISSIO N

in Afghanistan following the Taliban takeover. Rather than giving up, Lara and Hamid worked on college applications. Then, last spring, as Hamid and his family joined the exodus of Afghans crossing the mountains into Pakistan, Hamid learned that he had been accepted to Cornell University. He is now completing his first semester as a Cornell freshman focusing on computer science and entrepreneurship. He just

POLIC

celebrated his first Thanksgiving in the United States with Lara and her family in Indiana.

Helping Afghan Women Find Their Voice through Poetry: Charlotte Yeung is the Indiana Youth Poet Laureate who served as a Pax Populi tutor last spring. This inspired her to work with Pax Populi to offer a workshop in poetry for a group of women in Afghanistan who have been denied access to formal education due to Taliban social strictures. Charlotte is planning to create online and print collections of their poems that will be displayed in the Kurt Vonnegut Museum in 2023. One student described her experience with these words: “This workshop has been like a candle in the darkness. It has helped me deepen my understanding of poetry and become a better poet. Through it, I have also been introduced to some kind people. I am grateful for this

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on January 12, 2023 on an application filed by Scott Patrowitz, P.E., Patrowitz L and Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of 84 Harbor Avenue Realty Trust (owner) for a proposed fixed pier seasonal gangway seasonal floating dock and site work at 84 Harbor Avenue (Map 918, Parcels 3 & 3A) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw

This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: engineers@marblehead.org For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529.

Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is: https://www.marblehead.org/conservationcommission

Brian LeClair Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

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.

LETTErS

y We want to hear from you

COURTESY PHOTOS

From refugee to Ivy League: On break from Cornell, Hamid celebrates Thanksgiving with Lara

Preparing for the winter months

BY JEAN-JACQUES YARMOFF

Energy reliability in the Northeast has been in the headlines, with talks about possible blackouts in our region.

Some Marblehead residents have asked:

Has our energy situation really become so bad?

Is Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) really contemplating rolling blackouts this winter?

What can we do to prepare if this is the case?

What is going on?

We get our electricity from “the grid,” which brings electricity from the production facilities (run mainly on gas and oil) to our houses through the wires along our streets. ISO-New England oversees this system and has stated that it may have to take emergency actions if a severe, prolonged cold snap hits the region this winter. ISO-NE is publicly asking MMLD, and every entity that delivers power to customers, to plan for “load shedding,” the ability to quickly lower electricity consumption by 10 percent or more, as may be necessary to keep the grid stable.

We have experienced severe winters before, though, and they have never caused blackouts, so what has changed?

The answer to that question is that local conditions have not changed.

We can produce as much electricity in the region as last year.

The pipelines that bring in gas and oil have the same capacity as last year.

Our electric consumption has not grown much.

But external factors, such as extreme weather events and the war in Europe, could put pressure on energy supplies. This is why ISO-NE is preparing more intensely for worst-case scenarios.

First, ISO-NE is taking into account extreme weather events. Climate change is

Marblehead’s energy transition will take a village

To the editor: Richard Smith raises some important issues regarding the energy transition Marblehead and other communities are currently facing (“Net zero goal is laudable, but transition demands more time,” Dec. 14, 2022). As members of Sustainable Marblehead’s Clean Energy Working Group, we are encouraged by his and others’ interest and offer the following additional information.

Because of the urgency of the climate crisis and its impact on our seaside town, the Marblehead Select Board voted unanimously in November 2020 to adopt a goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2040. The town’s Green Marblehead Committee is now working on a plan to reach that goal, which is expected to be released early next year. As has been the case throughout this process, residents will have an opportunity to comment on all aspects of the plan.

With respect to the cars we drive, which represent nearly a third of our carbon emissions, Gov. Charlie Baker signed into law in August 2022 legislation requiring that

making weather more volatile and harder to predict, while stimulating more severe weather. For example, in February 2021, much of Texas lost power for five days in storm Uri, causing several deaths and over $10 billion in damages. The issues in Texas were caused by a lack of preparation of the utilities, which were unable to produce electricity under extreme cold conditions, and a market structure that amplified the issues. Our New England utilities are used to frigid conditions, and the capacity markets organized by ISO-NE provide safeguards that Texas did not have. But it is true that a period of very cold temperatures would stress — although not break — our production facilities. In the scenarios that the grid regulators are now using, more weight is placed on very extreme weather.

Second, the war in Europe is affecting our energy supplies. The war has caused fossil fuel prices to rise – impacting our own electricity price. Countries are scrambling for supplies of

Liquid Natural Gas (LNG). Here in New England, if we had a prolonged period of very cold temperatures lasting a week or so, all the gas-burning and oil-burning generators would be working flat-out, and gas and oil supplies would need to be replenished. In normal situations, LNG tankers would supplement the gas pipeline supply, delivering their cargo into our ports. With the sabotage of the undersea gas pipelines in Europe and Russia’s halt of overland supplies, however, Europe has been importing all the LNG that can be found. So, it is not certain that, in an emergency, we would be able secure the same shipments we would have been able to get last year.

While LNG is our first source of resupply, a second line of defense comes from oil. The oil-burning generators stock oil onsite. However, the high price of oil caused by the war is not inducing operators of oil-burning generators to keep large stocks because if there is no cold spell, this high-priced

inventory would lose value. Filling the tanks to full capacity is an economic gamble: if they are not full now it could be hard to replenish stocks during a long cold spell, when everybody is suddenly rushing to buy oil. ISO-NE is highlighting these issues to ensure better preparation by all for a worstcase scenario. We do not want to, and we will not, lose power for five days as Texas did.

MMLD and Marblehead are prepared

Every year, MMLD receives alerts from ISO-NE about possible “load-shedding” orders. While we will know (and feel the cold!) in advance that an extreme situation is possible, if the order ever comes, we will have just a few minutes to react. We do not have, in Marblehead, a big manufacturing plant that could very quickly stop operations and lower overall electricity use. To respond to an order to drop electricity consumption, we will have to stop service to some residents. For most, this would only be an

inconvenience that would last two to three hours in a small fraction of town. If the stress on the grid continues, a different town section might then not have power for another two to three hours. In the unlikely situation where we have to respond to an order, MMLD will alert the residents using the Code Red system.

What can you do to prepare? Those who live in earthquakeprone areas are frequently encouraged to be ready for “the big one” that might disrupt services. Authorities ask, “Are your flashlights ready? Do you have extra water?” In New England, we don’t have large earthquakes, but it is still a good idea to be prepared for emergencies. Everybody’s situation will be different, but working flashlights are a good start.

Register to receive Code Red alerts. Register your phone number, enable texts and emails: you will not want to miss the alerts. You will find the Code Red registration logo at the bottom right of MMLD web site, or on the town website at https://www. marblehead.org/subscribe.

Learn your circuit number. In case of an emergency, MMLD will send a Code Red message specifying which circuits will be shut off. You will need to know the number of your circuit (look at your bill or call MMLD (781) 631-5600 to learn your circuit number).

If you depend on a life-saving medical device and do not have your own back-up system, please call MMLD to discuss how MMLD can help you prepare for emergencies.

While a rolling blackout is a very unlikely event, it is best to prepare. Now is a good time to start.

Jean-Jacques Yarmoff is

no internal combustion vehicles be sold in the commonwealth after Jan. 1, 2035. This is no longer a hypothetical question; it is a reality for which we need to prepare in a careful and deliberative manner.

The amount of electricity that will be consumed in town is very likely going to increase, because of the growing number of electric vehicles and a new building code which will require greater building electrification. To ensure that we are prepared to meet this growing demand, the Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) and the Marblehead Light Commission are putting in place a long-term strategic plan which will outline these challenges and provide a path forward. In the meantime, MMLD is rebuilding and upgrading our main substation to handle this higher electric load. This is one of the largest, if not the largest, investments in our infrastructure that MMLD has ever made, and we applaud MMLD and the Light Commission for taking this decisive action.

But let us also be very clear: the unprecedented rate increases that we are seeing are being caused exclusively by increases in the price of fossil fuels. The more we can wean ourselves

from gas and oil, the better off we will be, economically. The reason that our rate increases are less than what neighboring towns are experiencing is that we have a higher percentage of electricity generated by non-carbon emitting sources. This is good for our pocketbooks and the planet.

MMLD will not – by itself – resolve all the issues that this energy transition will require. We will need every resident and ratepayer to be engaged on issues like electric vehicle parking and charging and the

transition to building electrification – but also willing to conserve energy if we have an extreme weather event this winter that stretches the resources of our Light Department.

You can get involved by attending Light Commission meetings (see the town website for meeting dates and times), signing up for Code Red on the town’s website to receive important weather-related information (see icon on lower left of the page), and visiting Sustainable Marblehead’s website to

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday

learn what more you can do to help. See the “Take Action” tab at the top of the page.

Lynn Bryant, Gregory Street

Petra Langer, Prospect Court

Eileen Haley Mathieu, Longview Drive

Taking Buckingham’s advice to heart

To the editor: I’ve decided that in 2023, I’m going to take your recommendations (Re:

Patience Bingo) to heart, especially the one about deleting the first email response?

Admittedly, it’s been soul-satisfying to fire off a clever, witty, slightly insulting reply to an especially irritating email, an electronic letter full of egregious spelling errors, or an implausible response from a vendor to whom I had sent a patient and sensible message requesting a further explanation of “lifetime warranty.” The keystrokes are heavy and the prose

is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker's Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting htt ps: //u s06we b.z oom. us/ j/878783 472 82?pwd=e nlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

a member of the Marblehead Municipal Light Commission.

COURTESY PHOTO / BRUCE DURKEE

A Dec. 23, 2022 storm batters Front Street buildings.

BEEn THErE, DOn E TH aT

Senior spotlight: Janice Rand

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Name: Janice Rand

Age: 89 Place of birth: Mary Alley Hospital,

Marblehead

How long have you lived in Marblehead?

About 75 years all together. We moved away for a few years for my husband’s job, but we always moved back again. What is your fondest childhood memory? Sailing or skiing with my dad. When I was little we had a small boat like a Town Class. Then we had a Lightning, a 210 and then we got a cruising sailboat. For skiing, we’d go to Cranmore and Wildcat and Cannon and sometimes over to Laconia. I just absolutely loved skiing. It’s so quiet. I loved the feel of my feet in the snow, in the skis.

What jobs have you had and what was your favorite?

I taught special education for years and really loved it. I worked for the North Shore Special Education Consortium in Peabody and at Beverly High School. I also worked in Huntington Beach, California. Oh my goodness, I loved all the kids. When I started, I thought to myself, ‘This is it. I’ve found home.”

Who is the most famous person you’ve met?

In college, I worked summers at the Molly Waldo restaurant where Cafe Italia is now. Marblehead had a summer theater program that brought in Hollywood stars. I waited on many of them, including Zsa Zsa Gabor and Basil Rathbone. Rathbone brought his little

dog into the restaurant and sometimes ordered a steak for him. He often sent the steak back, saying it wasn’t prepared properly.

What’s the biggest change you’ve seen in the world?

Technology. I try to keep up with the times. I have a laptop and a cell phone and smart watch. Every once in a while when I have a problem with my computer I call my grandkids.”

What moment in history is most vivid in your memory?

The bombing of Pearl Harbor. I was at home with my parents and grandparents. I remember being terrified that the Japanese were going to bomb us that night.

What’s your biggest accomplishment?

My four daughters. They are marvelous. I am so pleased they all wound up with careers that weren’t available to me. They work in computers, manufacturing, the military and one is a chef.

Another accomplishment, I suppose, is getting involved in things and enjoying what I get involved with. I’ve always volunteered. When my kids were younger, I volunteered at the YMCA. I was in the League of Women Voters and I work at the Food Pantry. I volunteer here at the COA, monitoring the exercise room. When people come in, I show them the machines. It’s for safety purposes. I still work out, but not as often as I did before. My favorite machine is the rower.

What piece of advice do you have for young people today?

Work hard and you can get to where you want to go. Have a goal and then work towards it.

Marblehead crews battle two house fires

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER

It was a busy couple of days for Marblehead firefighters last week, as they battled blazes in two homes.

On Tuesday, Dec. 27, crews responded to a single-alarm fire in the attic at 247 Atlantic Ave. No one was hurt, but the fire did displace two people.

“It originated above a bathroom light or ceiling fan and rolled across the attic for a while,” Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Marblehead Current “Somebody passing by spotted the flames and knocked on their door.”

Then on Thursday, Dec. 29, crews responded to a chimney fire at a home at 28 Orne St.

“There were pretty heavy sparks and embers coming out of the chimney,” Gilliland said. “We went in and put a couple extinguishers up the chimney, dry powder extinguishers. That didn’t work, so we put a ladder up to the chimney, pulled the chimney cap off and put a chimney snuffer down.”

A chimney snuffer is similar to a mini-sprinkler

with a torpedo-shaped head that shoots out a controlled amount of water.

“It was still burning pretty good so we resorted to old-style chimney chains to knock down the creosote. We got it taken care of.” Creosote is a black, tar-like substance that forms inside chimneys when smoke doesn’t entirely escape.

This is the third chimney

fire so far this season, Gilliland said. He had a message for people living in homes with chimneys.

“We encourage people to make sure before they use their fireplaces and wood stoves to get their chimneys cleaned and, if they’re not lined, they should get them lined.”

The Orne Street resident had a lined chimney which had been cleaned this fall, Gilliland said.

Janice Rand works out on the Marblehead Council on Aging rowing machine.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

COURTESY PHOTO / TYLER MERULLO

Marblehead firefighters knock out an attic fire on Atlantic Avenue.

BY FRANCES HILL

CROSBY’S MARKET

READING: Mostly the news on FOX

classic rock and pop STREAMING: Love old reruns of ‘New Girl.’ It’s mindless TV, but it makes me fall asleep.

READING: Mostly I am working, but I have a stack of books that I want to get into.

and also the news that Google News offers READING: Been on my bedside for a long time… work by war photojournalist Lynsey Addario

STREAMING: ‘The Terminal List,’ ‘Rings of Power,’ ‘The Outlaws’ and, of course, a ‘Downton Abbey’ rerun is always a good one for me

Nonprofit

opportunity.”

THE MUFFIN SHOP

NAME: Luisa Capasso LISTENING: Any Christmas music STREAMING: ‘My 90 Day Fiance’

MARBLEHEAD

KNITS

NAME: Kate Dailey

LISTENING: Country music… Jordan Davis STREAMING: ‘The English Patient’—again READING: ‘The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society’ by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

ROSES AND THISTLE BY LAUREN LUMIERE

NAME: Lauren Genovesi

LISTENING: Anything

From P. A7

is—okay—fist-pumpingly direct. My irritation eases once the words are out and on the page, but the fire is still hot and too often I’ve hit “send” before considering that the recipient—if there really is a human one—might be a lunch-skipped, hunchedover-with-fatigue, working-overtime soul with no stake whatsoever in my problem and a mind full of worry about the traffic going home, the hoped-for raise by year’s end, and the promised but inconvenient stop at SevenEleven for hot dog buns. I’m going to start counting to ten first.

Thank you, F.B. King, Chestnut Street

No more damaged tires

To the editor:

I agree the bumpouts will slow traffic and prevent passing on the right side of a standing auto. Perhaps permanent standing poles along the narrowing curbs would help to alert drivers of the upcoming bumpouts. Also, a white stripe on the road to signal the narrowing of the road. No more damaged tires! Go for it.

I am not so happy regarding the exits from the Post Office on to Smith Street or from Village Street onto Pleasant Street. Rather than facilitating exits to the right from these stop lines, I find it impossible to turn right without going over into the opposite lane of Smith Street or Pleasant Street. If traffic is coming in that opposite lane, this condition becomes more problematical (dare I say, dangerous}. Already, drivers have ridden over the grass areas attempting to negotiate this very narrow Village StreetPleasant Street right turn. Would not more gentle

curbs have allowed for a more gentle entry at these intersections? Ah, but that life were more gentle.

Very truly yours, Walter Haug, Highland Terrace

A toast to a quieter New Year

To the editor:

My husband was born in Marblehead. An accident of birth, he says with great pride. My roots are less glamorous as my family goes back to southern, midwest farmers. However, I have been won over by the support of this community in my ten year battle to bring a little peace to this beautiful seaside town.

Marblehead is indeed special as she takes her place as one of 170 communities across the United States taking a stand for the environment and health. This summer we will see a break from the noise and pollution of one small tool but the implications are far greater. Maybe this brief respite will provide other benefits:

» An increase in pollinator plants in local gardens for insects and butterflies.

A few leaves are left under bushes and trees for birds to forage for food.

A few leaves left to decompose around plants to compost as food for the soil and help retain » moisture for the plants.

Cleaner air for our children to breathe as they ride bikes or play outside.

» Quiet mornings where you can hear the sounds of birds or the ocean Neighbors feeling kindness toward each other rather than being divided by noise.

» Workers enjoy a

MARBLEHEAD CYCLE

NAME: David McCarthy LISTENING: Spotify news podcasts in the a.m.

much needed break from excessive loud noise that will eventually cause hearing loss.

Our all right town has an amazing group of dedicated environmentalists in Sustainable Marblehead. They are working hard to reduce carbon emissions which is why this group supports our brief respite this summer.

Marblehead is indeed an incredibly beautiful town but the people who make her a leader in our fight to save the planet are the real heroes.

Thank you for all you have done and all you do.

Beth Grader, Mill Pond

Task force condemns Club Q shooting

To the editor:

On Nov 19, 2022 a deadly shooting occurred that left five dead and more than 19 injured at Club in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The Marblehead Select Board Task Force Against Discrimination condemns this and all other acts

MARIA’S GOURMET

NAME: Maria Torres

LISTENING: I listen to Lalo Rodriguez, a Latin singer who recently died, and I have all his songs stuck in my brain.

READING: ‘The E-Myth/Why Most Small Businesses Don’t Work and What to Do About It’ STREAMING: I don’t stream. I’m not a good person to answer this question as I don’t own a TV.

of violence against the LGBTQ community.

The Club Q shooting took place on the eve of National Transgender Day of Remembrance, which is a day set aside to reflect and honor the transgender individuals who have lost their lives due to violence.

We condemn the increase of hateful antitransgender rhetoric and legislation that is sweeping the country, including bomb threats that continue to terrorize staff and patients at Boston Children’s Hospital for providing affirmative care to transgender patients.

The members of TFAD stand beside and offer our love, strength and support to the LGBTQ community of Marblehead and beyond. We appreciate and acknowledge the brave heroes that emerged to protect the fellow patrons during the Club Q shooting. These Allies and community members jumped into action and bravely saved lives.

TFAD firmly believes that everyone deserves dignity, respect, safety and the right to exist in the world without fear of violence. TFAD will

TO WN OF MARBL EHEAD CONSERVAT ION COMMI SSION

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on January 12, 2023 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz

ment Engineering (applicant)

Holding Trust (owner) for proposed general house improvements/repairs/renovations, site work/landscaping and also in response to an enforcement order issued due to un-permitted alterations in the buffer zone to a resource area at 4 Ft. Sewall Terrace (Map 168, Parcel 3) subject to protection per the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: engineers@marblehead.org. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is: https://www marblehead.org/conservation-commission

Brian LeClair Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

Returning to Afghanistan: During the summer we began getting requests to resume our tutoring services from young women living in Afghanistan. Pax Populi heard the call, and in August, we began offering a group class led by our long-time ESL teacher, Maria Chatziangelidou. The course has been meeting twice weekly and has demonstrated that while operating under the radar, Pax a can offer valuable online educational services to young women in Afghanistan. Maria described this work in this way: “By helping these young women to learn English, we are giving them the most powerful weapon—the ability to communicate with the rest of the world. Although Afghanistan is no longer the center of global attention, we must not forget the women living there who need our help.”

As we look ahead to 2023, we plan to continue working with Afghans both in the United States and in Afghanistan. We hope to expand the number of people we serve, and we

continue to strive to help create a community in Marblehead where all are welcome and celebrated.

Signed, Task Force Against Discrimination members

Helaine Hazlett, co-chair Diane Gora, co-chair Deacon John E. Whipple

Christopher Bruell

Candice Sliney

Reece Dahlberg Scott Marcus Mabel Sliney Saria Miller

Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King, ex officio member

Re: Bumpouts get mixed reception

To the editor: The article on bumpouts suggests that “drivers” are unhappy but “pedestrians,” according to town officials, are happy. As one who sometimes drives a truck, sometimes walks and sometimes rides a bicycle, I’m not sure which category you would put me in. But I am decidedly unhappy with Marblehead’s bumpouts. They are poorly thought

are looking into offering other classes for Afghan women that might provide them with skills that could be used to generate income from home beyond Taliban restrictions on female employment.

If you believe there is a role for ordinary people to be a force for peace, please support Pax Populi by working as a volunteer or by providing a taxdeductible donation to Applied Ethics, Inc., the 501c3 nonprofit parent organization of Pax Populi. For more information please visit our websites www.appliedtethics.org/ donate or www.paxpopuli. org/donate/.

We have been devastated by the events in Afghanistan, but we still believe in the people of Afghanistan, their hope for a peaceful, prosperous country, and that every person can contribute to making the world a little more peaceful and loving.

One of the young women in the photo above held a paper on which she wrote, “Please give us our right to get education. We will never give up.” If she won’t give up, nor should we.

Robert E. McNulty, PhD is the founder and director of Applied Ethics, Inc. and its Pax Populi program.

out and improperly implemented.

Consider the bump outs on West Shore Drive at the Tower School and Bike Path. The posted speed limit is 20 miles an hour. The Bike Path sees large volumes of scooter, bicycle and foot traffic at that spot. A raised crosswalk (known as a table crossing) should therefore have been installed along with the bump outs at that location. Engineers should also have eliminated the two parking lot entrances/ exits that abut either side of the path at the school. The same conditions exist at Smith Street, a 20 mph road with a post office parking lot exit that jogs right to converge with the Bike Path. Worse still, Smith Street is a school crossing, heavily traveled by students going to Marblehead High School, Marblehead Veterans Middle School and Marblehead Village Elementary School.

Dan Albert, Leicester Road

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 24, 2023 at 8:15 PM on the request of Don & Andrea Souter to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law

accordance

Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker's Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom. us/j /878 7834 72 82? pwd =en lwRX d3V 2xmd HE3cy92 Sk1TU1BTUT09. Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind, Secretary

Luisa Capasso

Maria Torres

Kate Dailey CURRENT PHOTOS / FRANCES HILL

Hanna Lowe

David McCarthy

Lauren Genovesi

Land Develop-

on behalf of Walker

Survey says: What are parents’ top budget priorities for Marblehead schools?

BY LEIGH BLANDER

At the Marblehead School Committee meeting on Jan. 5, Superintendent Dr. John Buckey will present the results of a recent ThoughtExchange survey that asked residents to rank their budget priorities for the schools. The top three responses: better staff compensation, updated curriculum and tuition-free kindergarten.

“I’m not at all surprised by the results,” Buckey told the Marblehead Current

Nearly 340 residents took the online survey, which ran the first two weeks of December.

Respondents offered 172 different “thoughts” about priorities and then offered 12,202 “ratings” on those thoughts.

“Hands down, compensation was the top priority,” Buckey said. “We are currently doing a compensation analysis for the next round of collective bargaining that starts January 24. We have good data for how we compare to comparable districts, in particular on the North Shore.”

According to the Massachusetts Department of Education, the average salary for Marblehead teachers was $83,051 in 2020, the most recent year available. The state average was $84,638. You can view average salaries from all districts at bit. ly/3hNx4NA.

The ThoughtExchange survey revealed that issues that often spark heated commentary on Marblehead social media pages — like bussing, recess and a longer school day — did not rate

high as a priority.

“Extending the school day, which would cost $1.3 million, didn’t rank very high in this ThoughtExchange survey,” said Buckey. “You’d think that people would’ve said that bussing is very much a priority here, but they didn’t. Providing transportation ranked 150 out of 172.”

Asked if the survey will help district leaders build the next school budget, Buckey answered, “100 percent.”

School Committee Chair Sarah Fox also wasn’t surprised by the survey results.

“People want the basics,” she told the Marblehead Current “They want our teachers paid well. They want us investing

in good curriculum. And until we can do those two things regularly, they don’t want us to focus on anything else.”

Next steps

Buckey said he and Michelle Cresta, assistant superintendent for finance and operations, are meeting with principals and directors to go over their proposed budgets, “sharing the priorities from the survey to make sure they align with what they’re bringing in their requests.”

In mid-January, principals and directors will present their budgets in two workshops with the school committee, where committee members can ask

questions and offer feedback.

Fox has asked that the school committee vote on the FY 2024 budget before it goes to the finance committee for review.

The spending plan should be completed by February and will go to Town Meeting in May.

The FY 2023 school budget was $43,982,000.

Buckey said the district will prepare two budgets. The first will maintain the current level of services and the second will reflect “the actual needs of the district to continue to provide a quality education. We need to increase our budget at the school department level beyond contractual obligations.” In June 2022, voters soundly

rejected a $3 million override to supplement the school budget.

Fox is looking forward to public meetings and hearing from principals and directors advocating for budget items.

“We’ll hear from the people making the asks and why they’re important,” she said.

She predicts the School Committee will submit a “place holder for a debt exclusion override as well as an override on the Town Meeting warrant,” which closes at the end of January.

“In my opinion, we’ve needed an override every single year,” she said. “We’re not adequately funding what the community is asking for.”

on Jan. 6 to deliberate about the candidates and make a decision about who to select for our next superintendent,” Rosmarin said.

The five Dedham finalists are expected to visit the district in early January. Those visits will include in-person, public interviews with School Committee members in the evening.

Murphy’s career

After spending a year working for the Department of Education, Murphy arrived in Marblehead in the summer of 2020, hired by then incoming Superintendent John Buckey and former interim Superintendent William McAlduff.

Prior to working at the Department of Education, Murphy spent eight and a half

years in Lowell, the first six and a half years as principal of the McAuliffe School. Under Murphy’s leadership, the school made strong academic gains, transitioning from being an urban “high needs level 3” school to “level 1” in just three years.

She then went on to become the district’s director of accountability and school improvement.

This past spring, Murphy was also a finalist for superintendent’s jobs in Tewksbury and Marlborough, but in each of those cases, the school committees in those communities decided to stay “in house” and promote someone already working in their districts to the top job.

However, Murphy did garner the lone dissenting vote in Marlborough, from the school board’s chair.

Milton is in the final stages of what the town’s school board described as an “expedited”

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD

CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on January 12, 2023 on an application filed by William Nutt (owner) to reconstruct a pier at 1 Parker Lane (Map 908, Parcel 2) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: engineers@marblehead.org. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is: https://www.marblehead.org/conservation-commission

Brian LeClair, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

search for new leadership after the resignation in November of former Superintendent James Jette.

Jette had been on paid administrative leave since July following his arrest on a domestic violence charge, which was later dropped.

Dedham has seen its share of drama in its schools recently as well, centering on the high school’s football coach, David Flynn, who lost his job after he raised questions about lessons on race and bias that were being taught to his daughter in her seventh-grade social studies class.

As part of the settlement of Flynn’s subsequent lawsuit, outgoing Superintendent Michael J. Welch wrote Flynn a letter “acknowledg[ing] and validat[ing]” his concerns. The letter noted that the episode between Flynn and the district had resulted in the creation of a curriculum advisory committee as well as a new rule: Teachers would no longer be able to use a Black Lives Matter t-shirt emoji virtually or wear Black Lives Matter T-shirts in the classroom.

“[W]hat happens next will be someone else’s headache,” Boston Globe columnist Joan Vennochi wrote in a September

essay recounting the saga.

Bauer’s career

Bauer has been the principal at MHS since 2016. Before coming to Marblehead, Bauer had served as an assistant principal in Beverly.

School Committee Chair Sarah Fox said she was happy for Bauer to have made the group of finalists and understands his desire to take the logical next step in his career.

“At the same time, if he ends up leaving, he will leave gigantic shoes to fill,” she said. “He is not just a wonderful administrator but a wonderful presence and a wonderful mentor in our community who is cherished by everyone.”

As for how Marblehead would find its next high school principal if Bauer moves on, Fox noted that the town has a “process that has served us well in the past,” which is to have a search committee composed of a “good cross section” of teachers, parents and other administrators.

But she acknowledged that the position is ultimately a “superintendent hire,” and that it would be up to Buckey to decide what shape the search

took.

When asked about Bauer’s possible departure, Buckey told the Current he “wouldn’t want to offer a comment while [Bauer] was active in the search.”

The Danvers superintendent job has been vacant since the spring. Lisa Dana initially went on medical leave about a year ago after coming under fire for her administration’s handling of alleged violent racist, homophobic, and antisemitic behavior by members of the Danvers High 2019-20 boys’ varsity hockey team, which prompted an investigation by the state attorney general’s office.

In April, Dana made the decision to retire effective Aug. 31, 2022, “after a great deal of reflection while out on medical leave,” according to a prepared statement issued by the Danvers School Committee.

Danvers School Committee Chairman Eric Crane suggested that the district may be moving quickly due to anticipated intense cooperation for top superintendent candidates throughout the state.

William J. Dowd and Leigh Blander contributed reporting and writing.

A recent survey will help MPS determine budget priorities

COURTESY PHOTOS / NAN MURPHY’S TWITTER ACCOUNT / BEVERLY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Marblehead Assistant Superintendent Nan Murphy, left, is a finalist for superintendent positions in Milton and Dedham. Marblehead High School Principal Dan Bauer, right, is a finalist for the position of superintendent of schools in Danvers.

Election changes among 2022’s new laws

BY BOB KATZEN

Through the Beacon Hill Roll Call, Bob Katzen covers the State House for The Marblehead Current. This iconic feature is a clear and concise compilation of the voting records of local state representatives and state senators.

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call continues a series on highlighting the bills that were approved by the Legislature in 2022 and signed into law by Gov. Charlie Baker.

$350 MILLION FOR ROADS AND BRIDGES AND MORE (H 4638): House 155-0, Senate 38-0, approved and Gov. Baker signed into law a $350 million package that includes authorizing $200 million in one-time funding for the maintenance and repair of local roads and bridges in cities and towns across the state to be distributed under the Chapter 90 program formula. The package, a bond bill under which the funding would be borrowed by the state through the sale of bonds, also includes $150 million to pay for bus lanes, improvement of public transit, electric vehicles and other state transportation projects.

“Chapter 90 provides vital road improvement funding to our communities,” said Sen. John Keenan, the Senate vice-chair of the Transportation Committee. “It is my hope that we will get to the point where we can provide a greater amount in a multi-year appropriation so that municipalities, big and small, will be able to more effectively plan.”

Many local officials across the state continue to advocate for additional money to increase the funding and argue that the cost of repairing roads has increased by up to 40 percent while the state has kept this funding flat at $200 million for the past 11 years.(A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) State Rep. Ehrlich had resigned; Sen. Brendan Crighton: Yes

ELECTION LAW CHANGES (S 2924): House 126-29, Senate 37-3, approved and Gov. Baker signed into law a bill making permanent the mail-in and early voting options used in Massachusetts in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The measure requires the secretary of state to send out mail-in ballot applications, with return postage guaranteed, to registered voters before each presidential primary, state primary and biennial state election. It also allows registered voters to request a mail-in ballot for all elections in a single calendar year. Other provisions include reducing the registration blackout period from 20 days prior to an election to 10 days; electronic voting options for voters with disabilities and military service members; allowing a voter with disabilities to request accommodations including an accessible electronic ballot application, ballot and voter affidavit that can be submitted electronically; ensuring that non-felons who are incarcerated and are currently eligible to vote are provided with voting information and materials to exercise their right to vote; and requiring the secretary of state to conduct a comprehensive public awareness campaign to publicize the new voting and registration options.

“I’m proud to see the [bill] pass in the House and make its way to the governor’s desk,” said Sen. Barry Finegold (D-Andover), Senate Chair of the Committee on Election Laws and the co-sponsor of the bill. “When more people participate in voting, democracy wins.”

“As a general rule, we should be promoting voting in person and on Election Day,” said Paul Craney, spokesperson for the Mass Fiscal Alliance. “Anytime a voter loses control of their ballot before it’s given to an election official, it’s possible it could be lost or altered. The Postal Service cannot guarantee a 100 percent delivery rate.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill. A “No” vote is against it.) Ehrlich had resigned; Crighton: Yes

$11.3 BILLION

$20 million for municipalities under the Complete Streets Funding Program; $25.5 million for the Mobility Assistance Program; mandating the MBTA to establish a 3-year safety improvement plan with measurable safety objectives; and directing the MBTA to contract with an independent third-party auditor to conduct annual safety audits. (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Ehrlich had resigned; Crighton: Yes

SOLDIERS’ HOMES OVERSIGHT (H 5106): House 153-0, Senate 40-0, approved and Gov. Baker signed a bill that would make major changes to the oversight and governance structure of the state’s veterans’ homes in Holyoke and Chelsea. The proposal follows the deaths of 77 veteran residents in 2020 as a result of a COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke facility. A key provision would elevate the Department of Veterans Services to a cabinet-level executive office with direct reporting to the governor and the ability to hire and fire the homes’ superintendents. Other provisions include requiring superintendents of the two soldiers’ homes to be licensed as nursing home administrators and that they oversee day-to-day management and operation of the homes; requiring two annual home inspections by the Department of Health; creating an independent Office of the Veteran Advocate; maintaining local Board of Trustees and creating a statewide advisory Veterans’ Home Council.

“This legislation contains important improvements that will benefit the men and women who have served our nation and will reside at our commonwealth’s Veterans’ Homes for the years to come,” said Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “At the same time, we know that this work must continue. The working group established will allow us to have oversight over this implementation, to identify what we need to improve on further, and to continue to work to ensure that the tragedy that took place at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home never happens again.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.)

Ehrlich had resigned; Crighton: Yes BENEFITS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES (S 3075): House 153-0, Senate 39-0, approved and Gov. Baker signed legislation that would support military families who relocate to the Bay State by providing career stability for the spouses of service members and education for their children.

Provisions include making it easier for military personnel and their spouses who move to the Bay State to get a Massachusetts professional license, if their job requires one, so that they can continue their civilian careers and provide for their families without interruption; requiring the Commissioner of Education to issue a military spouse a valid certificate for teaching if he or she holds a valid teaching license from another state; allowing children of military members to register and enroll in a school district at the same time it is open to the general population by waiving the proof of residency requirement until the student actually begins school; creating a purplestar campus designation for certain schools that are military-kid friendly and show a major commitment to students and families connected to the nation’s military; and requiring that a child or spouse of an active-duty service member in Massachusetts continue to pay the in-state, less expensive tuition rate at state universities even if the service member is assigned to move out of the state.

The sponsoring representative of each bill did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on why they sponsored the measure, how they feel about their proposal essentially being defeated and whether they plan to refile the bill in 2023.

HATE CRIME (H 2443): Adds an “attack on a police officer which results in serious injury or death” to the definition of a hate crime in Massachusetts.

Current law defines a hate crime as any criminal act “coupled with overt actions motivated by bigotry and bias including, but not limited to, a threatened, attempted or completed overt act motivated at least in part by racial, religious, ethnic, handicap, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation prejudice, or which otherwise deprives another person of his constitutional rights by threats, intimidation or coercion, or which seeks to interfere with or disrupt a person’s exercise of constitutional rights through harassment or intimidation.”

Supporters say that the recent increase in attacks on police officers across the nation is outrageous and that attacks on police officers who risk their lives every day should be a special protected class under the state’s hate crime law.

Sponsor Rep. David DeCoste (R-Norwell) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his bill.

FALSE MARINE DISTRESS CALLS (H 2458): Requires the Massachusetts Secretary of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Homeland Security and the Attorney General to establish regulations setting a penalty schedule for individuals making false marine distress calls. The penalties must include reimbursements by individuals making the false call of the costs incurred by the responding state agencies.

Supporters say that these false calls can cost the state thousands of dollars and also tie up emergency response teams that could be responding to real distress calls.

Sponsor Rep. Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on her bill.

LICENSING OF SECURITY GUARDS (H 3798): Requires security guards and watchmen to be licensed by the state. Supporters say under current state law, there is no such thing as a security guard or watchman license. They note that guards and watchmen are regulated through their Massachusetts security employer which is officially called a Watch Guard Patrol Agency. Sponsor Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa (D-Northampton) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on her bill.

EMERGENCY THERMAL BLANKETS (H 3885): Requires all emergency response vehicles, including ambulances, fire apparatus, police vehicles and disaster vehicles, to be equipped with emergency thermal blankets—an aluminum film blanket typically used to treat shock or hypothermia by retaining body warmth and preventing heat loss. Supporters say that these blankets are invaluable and have saved many lives.

Sponsor Rep. Gerard Cassidy (D-Brockton) did not respond to repeated requests by Beacon Hill Roll Call to comment on his bill.

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“The Hanover High School girls’ soccer team outnumbered the representatives present in Monday morning’s House session, as the House churned through mostly local matters.”

owners. See the list and possibly claim your money at www.findmassmoney.com or call 888-344-MASS (6277).

“This comprehensive support of clean energy solutions in transportation and our existing buildings will lead to a healthier and more sustainable future for the commonwealth. Delivering the reliable benefits of clean energy to Massachusetts residents has been the impetus behind our decarbonization work, and I’m thrilled we can make this lasting investment.”

- Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito announcing funding totaling over $100 million to state entities for programs focused on climate readiness and reaching the state’s 2030 and 2050 decarbonization goals.

“Homeowners need to be able to count on mortgage companies to provide them with accurate information and take required steps to help prevent foreclosures. Our office is committed to protecting consumers and helping people stay in their homes.”

-Attorney General/Governor-elect Maura Healey on her office’s success in requiring RoundPoint Mortgage Servicing Corporation to pay $975,000 and change its business practices to resolve allegations that the company failed to make required efforts to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and engaged in other unfair debt collection and mortgage servicing practices.

HOW LONG WAS THE DEC. 19-23, 2022

LEGISLATIVE SESSION?

Beacon Hill Roll Call tracks the length of time that the House and Senate were in session each week. Many legislators say that legislative sessions are only one aspect of the Legislature’s job and that a lot of important work is done outside of the House and Senate chambers. They note that their jobs also involve committee work, research, constituent work and other matters that are important to their districts. Critics say that the Legislature does not meet regularly or long enough to debate and vote in public view on the thousands of pieces of legislation that have been filed. They note that the infrequency and brief length of sessions are misguided and lead to irresponsible late-night sessions and a mad rush to act on dozens of bills in the days immediately preceding the end of an annual session.

During the week of Dec. 19-23, the House met for a total of 49 minutes and the Senate met for a total of one hour and five minutes.

Monday, Dec. 19

House 11:01 a.m. to 11:25 a.m. Senate 11:15 a.m. to 11:42 a.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 20

No House session No Senate session

Wednesday, Dec. 21

No House session

No Senate session

Thursday, Dec. 22

House 11:03 a.m. to 11:28 a.m. Senate 11:25 a.m. to 12:03 p.m. Friday, Dec. 23

No House session No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@ beaconhillrollcall.com

Bob founded Beacon Hill Roll Call in 1975 and was inducted into the New England Newspaper and Press Association (NENPA) Hall of Fame in 2019.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

TRANSPORTATION

AND INFRASTRUCTURE PACKAGE

(H 5151): House 153-0, Senate 39-0, approved and the governor signed an $11.3 billion transportation and infrastructure package that includes $1.375 billion for the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) modernization and $1.27 billion for non-federally aided roads and bridges.

Other provisions include $114 million for airport improvements; $25 million for municipal road pavement improvements;

“The Legislature has made veterans’ issues a priority from the start of the session,” said Rep. Paul McMurtry (D-Dedham), House Chair of the Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs. “It’s a great honor to chair the Veterans Committee and bring a great deal of pride to the House as we continue the commonwealth’s long history of recognizing veterans and their families.” (A “Yes” vote is for the bill.) Ehrlich had resigned; Crighton: Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

SEVERAL LEGISLATORS DECLINE TO COMMENT ON THEIR BILLS SHIPPED OF TO STUDY COMMITTEES AND ESSENTIALLY DEFEATED.

Here are five bills that were shipped off to a study committee where bills are rarely actually studied and are essentially defeated. It is a way to kill a proposal without holding a vote on the bill itself.

-From the State House News Service on the very light attendance at a recent House session. The Hanover soccer team was being honored as Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA) Division 3 Girls’ Soccer Champions.

“All we want this holiday season is to return what is rightfully yours. You better watch out; you better not cry. You better not pout; we’re telling you why. Just give us a call today.”- State Treasurer Deb Goldberg announcing the release of the latest group of names that have been added to the state’s list of unclaimed property

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 24, 2023 at 8:00 PM on the request of Michel Appellis to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law and a previously issued Special permit by allowing a new Special Permit to allow the construction of additions to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required side yard setback located at 7 Blueberry Road in the Single Residence District. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Gove1nor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30.A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoorn. us/j /878 7834 72 82? pwd =en lwRX d3V 2xmd HE3cy 92Sk1TU1BTUT09. Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

Alan Lipkind Secretary

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

“And then there was another one and another one and another one.”

That’s how Marblehead resident Chicki Curtis, in part, tells the story behind her sprawling miniature replica of Marblehead, depicting the town blanketed in white powder during the holiday season. It features several local landmarks and hundreds of little pieces — trees, animals, children, cars — to capture Marblehead at the turn of the 20th century.

“We lost several pieces the last couple of years somehow, but if you count everything there

is somewhere between 1,500 and 2,000 individual pieces,” said Curtis. “If you count the buildings themselves, it’s close to 100.”

And they are all here: Abbot

Hall, the Old Town House, the Marblehead Light, Old Burial Hill, the Driftwood, Old North Church around a model train.

“It takes four or five days to set up and a couple more to take

down,” said Curtis.

Curtis and her late husband, Stu Curtis, built the miniature village over many, many years. Stu Curtis, who owned Curtis Fence Co., did the wiring, so they could illuminate their miniature streets and buildings’ windows.

“It started with like one building back in the mid 70s. The kids gave it to me as a birthday gift,”said Chicki Curtis. “And so it started: Every Christmas or birthday, it was like I got another building. And then I painted trees and streets to put on it, and so it just gradually grew and grew.”

The village scene captures little stories: A fisherman wrangling in a stubborn fish. Skaters on Redd’s pond. ‘Headers trudging through the winter snow, walking their dogs. When the couple moved to

Englewood, Florida, they set the village up during the holiday season. It drew crowds, and the press even wrote about it.

“When [Stu] fell and broke his neck, we came back up here in 2011,” Curtis said. “We donated it to the Gerry 5 because he’d been a member there forever.”

Since that donation, the Marblehead club has set up the miniature village annually to coincide with a toy drive.

“It’s become a great annual tradition,” said the club’s manager, Arthur Dodge, in a phone interview. “We open the Gerry 5 for it, and the kiddos love it.”

Dodge said the public is invited to see the Marblehead village into the new year. The Gerry 5 is located at 210 Beacon St.; check gerry5.com/ before heading out the front door.

YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN BLACK

Chicki Curtis stands next to her mini Marblehead village depicting the town during winter.

Getting his foot in the door In national

punting competition, MHS’ Motorny has no peer

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Among the hallmarks of Jim Rudloff’s 13-year tenure as Marblehead High football coach is the continuing tradition of developing kickers able to lead the squad’s special teams units with confidence.

No Marblehead sports fan will forget senior Eli Feingold’s clinching last-second field goal in the annual Thanksgiving Day game that beat host Swampscott, 31-28, during the team’s Super Bowl-winning year in 2021.

The kicking game can be overlooked, but without a strong one, it could spell the difference between winning and losing games. At the high school level, the same kickers who convert those crucial extra points often also provide a potent leg on punts and kickoffs that can pin the opposition deep in its own territory, changing the complexion of games.

Heading into this past season, the Magicians were in good shape filling Feingold’s shoes with junior Greg Motorny manning that critical position, and Rudloff knows it.

“Greg has a strong leg, and is a good athlete,” the coach said. “But what has been surprising is his success as a punter. He was pretty much forced into being our punter because we had no one else, but he learned that role and slowly made gains to become very good at it.

Rudloff added, “This past season, Greg’s kickoffs were his specialty with that big leg, but as he continues to work on his craft in the off-season, we hope to have him kicking field goals next year too.”

Fitting right in with tradition

While Marblehead didn’t attempt any field goals in 2022, Motorny still handled all the extra points capping his team’s touchdowns in what wound up being a 7-2 overall season, which ended with a 24-20 close decision to Milton in a Division 3 quarterfinal round game.

Since then, Motorny has taken his talented leg national, where he was one of 74 kickers from 25 states to participate in the ninth annual invitation-only Kicking World National Showcase at Austin, Texas on Dec. 3-4.

With the encouragement of his parents, Motorny signed up for Kicking World’s local one-day camp in Chelsea on May 1. He was there with approximately 45 other kickers throughout the state and ended up as one of the two best punters to get that invite to Texas.

Marblehead senior Baxter Jennings also participated in the local showcase and finished second in field goals after grading out at 71 percent, while Motorny ended up at 60 percent with one of his kicks going through the uprights from 50 yards away.

“We first kicked field goals and extra points and then it was time for the punting competition,” Motorny explained. “My best punt was 45 yards with a hang time of 4.6 seconds.”

Austin-bound to compete with his peers

On Day 1 of the national tournament, Motorny came in sixth, averaging 41.8 yards on five punting attempts with a hang time average of 4.34 seconds. His longest punt was 51 yards with a 4.63 hang time.

He then improved his punting by more than 4 yards on average (46) during the second day of competition with an average hang time of 4.56 seconds. He graded out at 89.54 percent to win it all.

“What makes the Day 2 Kickoff and Punt wins so impressive is the nature of how the elimination competitions work,” Kicking World owner Brent Grablachoff said of the national competition.

On Day 1, students get a chance to kick five balls mostly in a row, and later punt five balls also mostly in a row. But on Day 2, students get two attempts to reach a minimum distance/hang time metric, and if they meet it, they might not kick or punt again for 20 to 30 minutes.

Not until most of the field is eliminated will they get to string

together a few more kickoffs or punts in a row.

Participants finishing at or near the top on Day 2 means they had the wherewithal, focus and consistency to outlast 70-plus students over a nearly two-hour battle.

“This is so important to convey to college recruiting coaches and special teams coaches as our camps closely mimic an actual in-game environment where kicks and punts may be quarters apart,” Grablachoff said. “Another very important point to note is that at every National Showcase we use brand new footballs, so students don’t get a chance to work in the ball, which keeps the competitions and statistics equitable for all.”

Only the top four continued onto the fifth and final round (44 yard/4.4 seconds metric), and Motorny was the only participant to hit his fifth-round metric to win the competition.

Season reflections

At the start of the 2022 high school football season, Motorny missed four extra points and had two of those blocked.

But after that, he said, “I was

more relaxed, and made my kicks.”

Motorny started playing the sport as a fourth-grader in the Marblehead Youth Football League. He was a lineman on both sides of the ball before also becoming a kicker in the seventh grade.

He stopped playing soccer in the sixth grade because, as he put it, “football was more fun, plus I like the physicality of the sport.”

Motorny played baseball until his freshman year and then quit playing basketball this year to get ready for lacrosse. It will be his second year on the team as an attacker.

But football remains No. 1 for him. He practiced with Feingold, his predecessor, last year, and the veteran clutch kicker also offered him some advice.

“You have to learn how to block out all the noise and just concentrate on making your kick,” Feingold told Motorny last year.

In the national tournament, however, winning was less important than simply competing, according to Motorny.

“I just wanted to do my best down there against the most insane group of talented kickers I’ve ever seen,” Motorny said. Those same kickers are probably saying the same thing about him. But they might be seeing each other again in college. Motorny said he would love to kick for a Division 1 school, and after coming out on top in Kicking World’s punting competition, college coaches are now more aware of his extraordinary skills.

Roster depth comes through to keep Marblehead swimmers undefeated

Magicians beat Danvers with the reserves stepping up for starters bitten by flu bug

BY JOE McCONNELL

The Marblehead swim and dive team (2-0), coached by Sue Guertin, hosted Danvers at the Lynch/Van Otterloo YMCA on Thursday, Dec. 22, and proceeded to defeat the Falcons rather easily, 108-67 to close out the 2022 portion of the schedule.

“While a number of Marblehead swimmers were out with the flu, the team was still able to pull off a win against Danvers,” said Guertin. “The team has a lot of depth this season with the addition of the freshmen boys, and as a result

it was able to keep on winning. They are all trying to make cuts for the upcoming state sectionals and state finals in February.”

In the 200-yard medley relay against Danvers, Cale Nelson, Nate Rosen, Jack Grady and Logan Doody )1:50.95, sectional cut) teamed up to finish on top.

Sophia Weiner, Bella Takata, Finn Bergquist and Anna Coleman (2:00.53, state cut) ended up third.

The Magicians swept the 200yard freestyle, with Cale Nelson (2:02.73), Ian Chemel (2:09.68) and Bella Takata (2:12-53) doing

the honors. In the 200 IM, Song Waitekus (2:19.25, state cut), Finn Bergquist (2:25.49, sectional cut) and Cecelia Robbins (2:32.97) experienced similar results.

Jack Grady (23.55, state cut) bested the entire field in the 50-yard freestyle. Owen Tortenson (25.65) and Yuri Volkov (26.56) were third and fourth, respectively. Grady (172.40 points) also came out on top in the diving competition. Aeryn Vizy (126.00) and Cait Mullins (116.45) completed the sweep in this event.

Brady Leveroni (1:03.21)

and Bergquist (1:04.08, state cut) topped the ticket on the 100-yard butterfly. Madeline Auerbach (1:14.11) was fourth.

Doody (52.55), Nate Rosen (54.31) and Coleman (57.29, state cut) dominated the 100-yard freestyle, as did Will Cerrutti (5:35.31), Weiner (5:40.72, state cut) and Brinleigh Callahan (5:42.73, sectional cut) in the 500-yard freestyle.

In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Leveroni, Rosen, Chemel and Tortenson (1:43.93) topped the competition, while Luke Rosen, Ezra Reid, Quinn Sullivan, William Wade (1:58.79) came in

third.

Doody (59.44, state cut), Nelson (1:00.63) and Chemel (1:03.00) took the top three spots in the 100-yard backstroke. Waitekus (1:14.03, state cut), Takata (1:14.31, state cut) and Robbins (1:19.41) did the same in the 100-yard breaststroke.

In the 400-yard freestyle relay, Nelson, Grady, Tortenson and Doody (3:49.18) bested the entire field. William Wade, Leveroni, Cerrutti and Chemel (3:59.21) accounted for second place.

The Marblehead swimmers will begin the new year against visiting Masco on Jan. 5 at 7 p.m.

Making it official: The invitationonly Kicking World National Showcase, which was held Dec. 3-4 in Austin, Texas, recognizes Greg Motorny of Marblehead as its 2022 punting champion.

Big leg: Junior Greg Motorny initially served as a placekicker for Marblehead High football coach Jim Rudloff, but he has since taken to punting in a big way, recently winning a national competition in Austin, Texas.

Wednesday, Jan. 4

4:30 p.m. Boys and Girls Indoor Track

vs. Gloucester, Masco at Gloucester HS 5:30 p.m. Wrestling vs. Beverly at Beverly HS Thursday, Jan. 5

5:30 p.m. Wrestling

vs. Pentucket at Pentucket Reg. HS 6:30 p.m. Boys and Girls Swimming/Diving vs. Masco at Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA 7:30 p.m. Girls Ice Hockey vs. Shawsheen at Salem State O’Keefe Center Friday, Jan. 6

5:30 p.m. Girls Basketball vs. Ipswich at Marblehead HS Saturday, Jan. 7

9 a.m. Wrestling Quad vs. multiple schools at Bridgewater-Raynham Reg. HS 1:30 p.m. Boys Ice Hockey vs. Winthrop at Larsen Arena, Winthrop 4 p.m. Girls Ice Hockey vs. Peabody at McVann/O’Keefe Memorial Rink, Peabody Monday, Jan. 9

4 p.m. Girls Ice Hockey vs. Medford at LaConte Rink, Medford Tuesday, Jan. 10

3:30 p.m. Alpine Ski Racing vs. TBA at Ski Ward Ski Area, Tewksbury 7 p.m. Girls Basketball vs. Peabody at Marblehead HS 7 p.m. Boys Basketball vs. Peabody at Peabody Veterans Mem. HS 7:30 p.m. Boys and Girls Swimming/Diving vs. Beverly at YMCA Sterling Center, Beverly Wednesday, Jan. 11

5:30 p.m. Wrestling vs. Triton Regional at Marblehead HS 7:30 p.m. Boys Ice Hockey vs. Danvers at Salem State O’Keefe Center Thursday, Jan. 12

3:30 p.m. Alpine Ski Racing vs. TBA at Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton

4 p.m. Boys and Girls Indoor Track vs. Beverly at Beverly HS

4 p.m. Wrestling vs. Josiah Quincy at Josiah Quincy HS, Boston Friday, Jan. 13

7 p.m. Boys Basketball vs. Swampscott at Marblehead HS

7 p.m. Girls Basketball vs. Swampscott at Swampscott HS Saturday, Jan. 14

8 a.m. Wrestling vs. TBA at Pelham HS 5:30 p.m. Girls Ice Hockey vs. Newburyport at Salem State O’Keefe Center

7:30 p.m. Gymnastics vs. Hamilton-WenhamIron Rail Gymnastics Academy, Wenham Monday, Jan. 16

2 p.m. Boys Ice Hockey vs. Medford at LaConte Rink, Medford

MHTV PrOGra M SCHEDu LE

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 4

8 a.m., Democracy Now! 9 a.m., ‘Headliner—The Year in Review

9:30 a.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead! 10 a.m., Yoga For Health & Joy 10:30 a.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life 11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners Noon, ‘Headliner—The Year in Review

12:30 p.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead! 1 p.m., Groovy Glass 1:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 3 p.m., Marblehead Council on Aging Speaker Series “How Do You Get Your News?”

4:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 5 p.m., What’s Cookin’ 5:30 p.m., Eat Well Be

Happy 6 p.m., Battleship Cove: Inside the History 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The Year in Review 7 p.m., IMAGINATION Artist Profile

7:30 p.m., Marblehead Council on Aging presents “AARP Talk - The Essentials of Caregiving” 9 p.m., ‘Headliner—The Year in Review

9:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

THURSDAY, Jan. 5 8 a.m., Democracy Now! 9 a.m., ‘Headliner—The Year in Review

9:30 a.m., Mass COA

Connect 10 a.m., Let’s Visit 10:30 a.m., Eat Well Be Happy 11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners

Noon, ‘Headliner—The Year in Review

12:30 p.m., Thomas Crane

Library Presents “Aging Strong and Falls Prevention: Mindset, Reset”

1 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

1:30 p.m., Community Bulletin Board 3 p.m., Marblehead Council on Aging Presents “AARP Talk - The Essentials on Caregiving” 4 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 4:30 p.m., Community Bulletin Board 5 p.m., Knowledgeable Aging 5:30 p.m., Mass COA Connect

6 p.m., Up For Discussion 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The Year in Review 7 p.m., Marblehead School Committee Meeting **LIVE**

FRIDAY, Jan. 6 8 a.m., Democracy Now! 9 a.m., ‘Headliner—The Year

in Review

9:30 a.m., Tai Chi Through the Seasons 10 a.m., Marblehead COA Bulletin Board 10:30 a.m., Delicious & Nutritious 11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners Noon, ‘Headliner—The Year in Review

12:30 p.m., What’s Cookin’ 1 p.m., SKYDIVE 1:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 3 p.m., Marblehead School Committee Meeting recorded 1/5/23 4:30 p.m., Community Bulletin Board 5 p.m., Off the Shelf 5:30 p.m., New England Authors 6 p.m., The Garage with Steve Butler 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead **NEW EDITION** 7 p.m., Public Safety Round Table 7:30 p.m., Thomas Crane Library Presents “Staying Healthy Through Winter” 9 p.m., ‘Headliner – The News of Marblehead 9:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

Saturday, Jan. 7 8 a.m., Community Bulletin Board 8:30 a.m., Saturday Morning Cartooning, “The Grinch” 9 a.m., Mike Paige Doodle Club 9:30 a.m., What’s Cookin’ 10 a.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life 10:30 a.m., Battleship Cove: Inside the History 11:30 a.m., Smart Boating Noon, ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 12:30 p.m., MHTV Commun ity Partners 5 p.m., In the Toybox 5:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 6 p.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead! 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 7 p.m., Thomas Crane Library Presents “Heat Pumps” 8 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 9 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30 p.m., 502 Sessions 10:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 11 p.m., Paltrocast with Darren Paltrowitz 11:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

Sunday, Jan. 8 8 a.m., Groovy Glass 8:30 a.m., Mass COA Connect 9 a.m., Off the Shelf 9:30 a.m., New England Authors

10 a.m., Up For Discussion 10:30 a.m., In the Toybox 11 a.m., Saturday Morning Cartooning Noon, ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 12:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 1 p.m., IMAGINATION Artist Profile 1:30 p.m., Public Safety Roundtable 2 p.m., Two Grannies on the Road 2:30 p.m., Let’s Visit 3 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 7 p.m., Thomas Crane Library Presents “Aging Strong and Falls Prevention: Mindset, Reset” 8 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 9 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30 p.m., 502 Sessions 10:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 11 p.m., Paltrocast with Darren Paltrowitz 11:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

MONDAY, Jan. 9 8 a.m., Democracy Now! 9 a.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30a.m., Up For Discussion 10 a.m., Two Grannies on the Road 10:30 a.m., A Culinary Journey 11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners Noon, ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 2:30 p.m., Delicious and Nutritious 1 p.m., Eat Well Be Happy 1:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 3 p.m., Thomas Crane Library Presents “Aging Strong and Falls Prevention: Mindset, Reset” 4:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 5 p.m., Get Healthy with Holly 5:30 p.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life 6 p.m., IMAGINATION Artist Profiles 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 7 p.m., Up For Discussion 7:30 p.m., MHS Sports on MHTV Girls Basketball vs Saugus 9 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

TUESDAY, Jan. 10 8 a.m., Democracy Now! 9 a.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30 a.m., Public Safety Roundtable 10 a.m., Knowledgeable

Aging 10:30 a.m., Ooma’s Cookie Jar 11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners Noon, ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 12:30 p.m., IMAGINATION Artist Profile 1 p.m., Off the Shelf 1:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners 3 p.m., Thomas Crane Library Presents “Staying Healthy Through Winter” 4:30 p.m., Community Bulletin Board 5 p.m., Two Grannies on the Road 5:30 p.m., Let’s Visit 6 p.m., Public Safety Round Table 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 7 p.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life 7:30 p.m., Marblehead Council on Aging Presents “AARP Talk - The Essentials of Caregiving” 9 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30 p.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead! 10 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

WEDNESDAY, Jan. 11 8 a.m., Democracy Now! 9 a.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 9:30 a.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead!

10 a.m., Yoga For Health & Joy

10:30 a.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life 11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners

Noon, ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 12:30 p.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead!

1 p.m., Groovy Glass

1:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

3 p.m., Marblehead Council on Aging Presents “AARP Talk - The Essentials of Caregiving”

4:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

5 p.m., What’s Cookin’ 5:30 p.m., Eat Well Be Happy

6 p.m., Battleship Cove: Inside the History 6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner—The News of Marblehead 7 p.m., Marblehead Select Board Meeting **LIVE**

**MHTV program schedule subject to change without notice**

**MHTV can be seen on Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon Channel 28 (2128 in HD)** **Visit MHTV at marbleheadtv.org**

OTTErLOO y MC a u PDaTE

LynCH/Van

Start the New Year with health, connection and support at the Y

BY BRIAN FLYNN, LVO YMCA DIRECTOR

In 2023, we know you’ll see so many ‘New Year, New You’ messages and we want you to know that at the Y we understand not everyone is the same and not everyone needs a ‘New You.’ Some of us just need new options, more support and genuine encouragement to start or stay on a path to health and wellness. The fact is, everyone’s health goals are different and the Y has many options for you to find what works for you, your busy schedule and, perhaps most important, what motivates you to focus on what is best for you.

The Y is here to help with hundreds of group exercise classes, Yoga, strength training, cycle and Zumba. There are also aqua fitness classes with new innovative equipment in our pools to ease impact on joints and muscles. Our virtual platform YMCA360 offers options brought to you from Ys across the country, providing virtual classes for you in the comfort of your own home. Our membership team, health and wellness instructors and personal trainers can help you find what works for you—from exercise and mindfulness classes to nutrition support.

Our YMCA has a state-of-the-art fitness floor with top-of-the-line cardio equipment, strength and conditioning areas as well as functional training space to meet your fitness needs.

Check out some exciting things we have planned for 2023.

Family activities

Daily options for open and family swim in our pools. On the weekends, we have our water slide and Wibit (water obstacle course) open for kids to enjoy fun water activities.

Daily options for open gymnastics times.

Opportunities for children to run around, jump, roll and flip on the mats to get their energy out in a safe way

Our gymnasium is for open basketball or to get the young ones’ energy out in our bounce house.

Weekly options for children of all ages including Zumbini, Kids Kickboxing and parent/child classes in each of our program areas

Need a night out or time to run an errand? Each week, our Y offers Parent Friday Night Out and Weekends at the Y (on Saturday) when you can drop off your school-age children and our staff will keep them safe while engaging in fun activities, including gymnastics, swimming and games.

We hold special events throughout the year for our members, like our Winter Family Party, Fall Festival and ‘Head to the Hill 5k Road Race.

Adult activities

Open Pickleball play for members in advanced, beginner & all-play levels

Aqua fitness classes (with Liquid Gym equipment like underwater trampolines, glide boards, weights and more)

Small group fitness classes (Strictly Strength, Cardio Fusion, Cycling, Yoga and more)

Additional group exercise classes are added monthly as we keep a fresh, rotating schedule of member favorites

New adult dance classes in our dance-ready fitness studios

Squash courts are open and available to members with “Adult Hit Nights” for beginners to learn in a safe and supportive environment.

Visit www.northshoreymca.org/schedules for details. Healthy mind and body for you, stronger community for everyone

Join the Y between now and Jan. 15 and you’ll be entered to win one year of free membership. To help you get started, we’ll waive your joiner fee (savings of $30-$50) OR you can support our mission and your local community by donating your joiner fee to our annual campaign.

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, camp and reduced senior memberships. Not a member? Take a tour and see all the wonderful things available at your Y. Reach out to Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

Check out the Y’s offerings for 2023.

January schedule at Abbot Public Library

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-ofthings/ 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 some of the best museums in the Greater Boston area. Thanks to the generous support of the Friends of Abbot Public Library, we offer passes and promo codes to:

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.

Courageous Aging: a Support Group for Older Adults

Fridays, Jan. 6, 13, 20, and 27, 3 p.m. - 4:15 p.m.

Program room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

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? If so, please join us for this program facilitated by Carol O’Brien, MSW.

Open Lab Mondays, Jan. 9, 23, and 30, Drop-in 2:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

» Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

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 pm - 4 pm. Registration is not required.

Adult Crafternoon Basket Weaving Lesson Wednesday, Jan. 11, 1:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.

» Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

Abbot Public Library will host an Adult Crafternoon event to demonstrate how to weave a small basket with materials provided by the library. This event is free and limited to ten people. To register please visit tinyurl.com/ Jan-2023-Adult-Craft.

Saving our Shoreline 2023: Building Resilience across Salem Sound Communities

Wednesday, Jan. 18, 6:45 p.m. - 7:45 p.m.

» Part of the 2023 “Underwater in Salem Sound” Lecture Series

Commitment to building resilience continues to grow in our communities. This Jan. , Barbara Warren, SSCW’s Executive Director, will kick off the 2023 “Underwater in Salem Sound” Lecture Series with updates on these projects. She will also share new projects that have goals of reducing stormwater flooding, restoring riverbanks and wetlands, and increasing public access to the shoreline. To attend via Zoom, please register in advance for this meeting here: tinyurl.com/ Jan-2023-Salem-Sound-Zoom. No registration is required for in-person attendance. For the past eleven years, Underwater in Salem Sound has been jointly sponsored by Salem Sound Coastwatch and the Abbot Public Library.

Community Craft & Chat

» Tuesday, Jan. 24, 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.

Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

» Registration Recommended - please visit tinyurl.com/ Jan-2023-Craft-and-Chat

Are you an adult who loves crocheting, knitting, embroidery, or other contained fiber crafts? Come to Community Craft & Chat! Bring your project to the Abbot Public Library Program Room from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. This program is for adults.

Registration is recommendedplease register at tinyurl.com/ Jan-2023-Craft-and-Chat.

Mystery Book Group

» Tuesday, Jan. 31, 10:30 a.m.

» Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

On Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 10:30 am, Abbot Public Library will host an introductory session for its upcoming Mystery Book Group. Stop by and meet Adult Services Librarian Rachael Meneades to discuss if you are interested in joining and what you would like to read. This group will meet on the last Tuesday of every month, and is open to adults.

Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program

Mondays, Feb. 6, 13, and 27, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Mondays, March 6, 13, 20, and 27, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Mondays, April 3 and 10, 11:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Abbot Library will host the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program on Mondays starting Feb. 6 through April 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. .

Reservations for this program will begin on Tuesday, Jan. 17 during regular library hours. To reserve a spot, please call the Reference Desk at 781-631-1481. Please be aware that you will need your last year’s tax returns and 2022 paperwork.

This program is sponsored by the IRS and supported by the AARP Foundation. Its mission is to provide free, basic tax return preparation for low to moderate income taxpayers, with a special emphasis on the elderly. You do not have to belong to AARP to use the service, nor is there an age requirement. The TCE program adheres to the strict ethical standards of the Department of the Treasury and does not discriminate against taxpayers on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, sex, age, or reprisal. Registration Requiredcall the Reference Desk at 781-6311481 beginning Tuesday, Jan. 17

Teen Craft: Duct Tape Creations

» Tuesday, Jan. 10, 3:30 p.m.4:30 p.m. Program Room, Abbot

Public Library at Eveleth School

As versatile as it is colorful, sturdy duct tape is an awesome crafting material! Try out a simple craft like making a bracelet, or challenge yourself and make a pouch or wallet. No registration required. This program is for teens ages 15-18.

Job Readiness Tips for Teens

Tuesday, Jan. 24, 3:30 p.m .- 4:30 p.m.

Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

Searching for a job can feel overwhelming, writing a resume can get frustrating, and the idea of an interview can get stressful. In this Teen Info Session, get tips on how to prepare yourself (and your resume) for entering the workforce. No registration required. This program is for teens ages 15-18.

Story Time Yoga with Lindsey Kravitz

» Tuesday, Jan. 3, 10:30 a.m.11:30 a.m.

Program Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

Children and caregivers are invited to join Lindsey for Story Time Yoga. Don’t forget to bring a small blanket or mat! Story Time Yoga will be held in the Program Room. This program is intended for children ages 18 months - 4 years. Registration is required - please call the Children’s Room at (781) 6311481. This program is supported by the Oliver P. Killam, Jr. Fund.

Tuesday Textiles: Basic Crochet

Tuesdays, Jan. 3, 17, and 31, 3:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

Children’s Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

Children ages seven and up are invited to this weekly workshop to learn how to create a foundation chain, make a single-crochet stitch, and finish a small square/rectangle. They will produce a piece of fabric that could be a coaster, potholder, etc. We provide the materials and registration is required. Registration is required - please call the Children’s Room at (781) 631-1481.

Public Library’s top nonfiction books of 2022

BY RACHAEL MENEADES

Rachael Meneades, adult services librarian at Abbot Public Library recommends this list of nonfiction books. Rachael has been working in libraries since 2008, and she is new to the Abbot Public Library. She is excited to work on adult programming and to meet the Marblehead patrons.

“A Hearty Book of Veggie Sandwiches: Vegan and Vegetarian Paninis, Wraps, Rolls, and More”

By Jackie Freeman

This book is here to help you learn how to make the perfect sandwich, with tasty recipes for any time of the day (or night) and any type of mood

“Chasing History: A Kid in the Newsroom”

By Carl Bernstein

Carl Bernstein, the Pulitzer Prize winning co-author of “All the President’s Men”, recalls his beginnings as an audacious teenage newspaper reporter in the nation’s capital-a winning tale of scrapes, gumshoeing, and American bedlam.

“The Zen of Therapy: Uncovering a Hidden Kindness in Life”

By Mark Epstein

A remarkable exploration of the therapeutic relationship, Dr. Mark Epstein reflects on one year’s worth of therapy sessions during which he brought together his years of experience with Western psychotherapy and his equally long investigation into Buddhism.

“Healthy Air Fryer: 75 Feel-Good Recipes, Any Meal, Any Air Fryer”

By America’s Test Kitchen

Provides seventy-five recipes with whole grains, lean proteins, good fats and vegetables that can be made in any air fryer

including overnight breakfast three-grain bowl, shrimp with curry noodles, and crispy barbecue chickpeas

“Betrayal: The Final Act of the Trump Show”

By Jonathan Karl Reporter Jonathan Karl tells the story of Trump’s downfall, during the final weeks and months of the Trump’s presidency, complete with riveting behind-the-scenes accounts of some of the darkest days in the history of the American presidency and packed with original reporting and

on-the-record interviews with central figures

“True: The Four Seasons of Jackie Robinson”

By Kostya Kennedy

True is a probing, richlydetailed, unique biography of Jackie Robinson, one of baseball’s-and America’s-most significant figures.

“Don’t Worry: 48 Lessons on Relieving Anxiety From a Zen Buddhist Monk”

By Shunmyo Masuno

Put yourself at ease with this highly practical,

internationally bestselling guide to reducing anxiety and living worry-free by the renowned Zen Buddhist author of The Art of Simple Living.

“Ways and Means: Lincoln and His Cabinet and the Financing of the Civil War”

By Roger Lowenstein

Journalist Roger Lowenstein reveals the unlikely story of how Abraham Lincoln used the urgency of financing the Civil War to transform a union of states into one united nation.

“A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us About the Destiny of the Human Species”

By Rob Dunn

A leading ecologist argues that if humankind is to survive on a fragile planet, we must understand and obey its iron laws

“Money Magic: An Economist’s Secrets to More Money, Less Risk, and a Better Life”

By Laurence J. Kotlikoff

Premier personal finance expert Laurence Kotlikoff discusses how to harnesses the power of economics and advanced computation to deliver a host of spellbinding but simple money magic tricks that will transform your financial future.

Programs, classes, events set for seniors

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 councilonaging@marblehead.org.

Lunching at the COA

Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. The meals are prepared in the Council on Aging’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 must be made the Thursday before by calling 781-631-6225.

The Traveling Chef returns

On Friday, Jan. 27, at noon, Grab-n-go is replaced with a seated meal at the COA. RSVP at 781-631-6225. Suggested donation is $2.

Caregiver Support Group

Everyone’s welcome at this dinner and conversation on Wed., Jan. 18, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. RSVP by Jan. 16 at 781-631-6225.

Flying Solo

with Sharon

COA Outreach Coordinator Sharon Doliber leads this group specifically for people who live alone. Tues., Jan. 24, 1:30 p.m. RSVP at 781-631-6225.

Elder Survival Skill Basics

“Police Chief Dennis King will share personal safety techniques to use when out and about or at home, as well as ways to handle those relentless scam artists,” says COA staff. Thursday, Jan. 12, 10 a.m.

Coffee with a Cop, now on Fridays

Join Chief Dennis King or someone else from the Marblehead Police Department to discuss community concerns. Fridays at 8:30 a.m.

Blood pressure clinic

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

Fitness Center closed

The COA Fitness Center is being refloored and will be closed the week of Jan. 2. It is scheduled to reopen on Monday, Jan. 9.

Muscle Conditioning

Senior Muscle Conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and

SCHOOL STrEET

Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3.

Stay Active

This osteo class with North Shore Physical Therapy runs Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. There’s also Balance and Mobility with Mary Manning on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Each class is $3. (No classes on Jan. 16)

Zumba Gold

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

The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. “Specifically developed for folks with Parkinson’s disease but appropriate for all, this class focuses on strength, mobility and balance. This program is paid for by the Friends of the Council on Aging.”

Indoor curling

Indoor curling takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. 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 is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol.com with questions.

Strength & Stretch

The Council on Aging offers a Strength & Stretch class on Mondays at 11:3o a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.

Step it Up

Karen Jancsy leads this low-impact movement and muscle conditioning class. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. (No class on Jan. 2 or 16.)

Weight training

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

Yoga with Evie

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.

Chair yoga

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

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 is $5.

Drop-in Songs & Music

Enjoy this sing-along to golden oldies,

show tunes, sea shanties and more. If you play an instrument, bring it along. Wednesdays, Jan. 4 and 18, 11 a.m. to noon.

Movie days

The COA is hosting two Friday movie screenings in January: “The Good Nurse” on Jan. 6, at 1:15 p.m., and “Endangered” on Jan. 20, 11 a.m. Popcorn and drinks will be served. RSVP by calling 781-631-6225.

Quilting

Learn how to quilt in this class on Thursdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $5 per class. The Quilt Guild will meet Tues., Jan. 17, at 6:30 p.m.

Cribbage

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

Mahjong

Play Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (No Mahjong on Jan. 16.)

I Love Bridge

This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. (No class on Jan. 16.) Drop-in bridge is on Tuesdsays 10 a.m. to noon and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Canasta

Canasta is now at the COA on Thursdays 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.

Book Club

In January, the book club will meet Wednesday, Jan. 11, and Friday, Jan. 27, 2 p.m. - 3 p.m. Call Sharon for the book title at 781-631-6225.

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 eight years. Call Nadine Lepick at 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.

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 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. 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 out-of-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 and 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 781-631-6225

Home-safety audits

The town offers home safety audits to local residents. A representative from both the Marblehead Fire Department and the Council on Aging will schedule a time to meet seniors at their homes and review and discuss home safety options with you. Also, free fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and lock boxes can be installed. To learn more, contact Sharon Doliber, 781-631-6225.

Senior work-off program

The town of Marblehead is accepting applications for the senior work-off program 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. On one volunteer abatement per household is available per year

There will be 30 openings for 2023. Applicants must complete conflict-ofinterest 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 limitations. 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 are available on the Council on Aging website at marblehead.org and at the Council on Aging. Please address questions to Lisa Hooper, executive director of the Council on Aging, at 781-631-6225.

BY ELAINE LEAHY

“I’m fit! I’m fun! I’m fascinating!” Aaron declares confidently while admiring himself in the mirror at the beginning of Marblehead Little Theater’s new play, “Party?” Following the advice of his favorite self-help guru, Dr. Stang, Aaron’s affirmations are proving to be instrumental in putting him on a path to make some big decisions during a mid-life crisis.

“Party?” has been called “A Doll’s House meets Neil Simon” because it deals with the ups and downs of marriage in three different generations, all with witty flair. In “Party?” we spend an evening with a New York City family in comic turmoil. Felix and Esther show the wisdom resulting from a long-lasting marriage, Aaron and Diana deal with aging and major life decisions, while Jason and Caitlyn are deciding what kind of marriage could work for them.

Writer Anne Marilyn Lucas, a veteran MLT member, says in “Party?” she addresses the issue of narcissism and offers a subtle warning to women who

fall for egotistical men like the character Aaron.

“These women are compassionate, heart-centered and generous,” says Lucas. “The kind who keep forgiving unacceptable behavior thinking people will change.”

Starting as a 10-minute piece, “Party?” became a full-length production after Lucas’ graduate studies professor encouraged her to expand it. This is Lucas’ first comedy, having tackled intergenerational trauma in the Holocaust survivor drama,

“From Silence,” and drug addiction and family healing in “Recovery.”

“Comedy is truth pushed to extremes,” director Myriam Cyr told the actors during rehearsal. “We’ll create an extreme of what is true in life.”

This is Cyr’s first foray at the MLT, though she is president of production company Punctuate4. She also directs, writes and performs internationally.

Veteran MLT member Dayle Persons produces this play and has also stage managed, acted and sung in many productions.

“There is just a wonderful group of dedicated folks involved with “Party?” including the cast, author, director and the many people it really takes to put together a show,” said Persons. “I hope that folks enjoy seeing it as much as I am enjoying producing it.”

MLT is delighted to welcome talented new and veteran cast members Betty Lautner, James DeSantis, Sharon Mason, Ed Siegal, Victoria Berube and Michael Mazzone. Look for actors’ comments on their characters in a series of social media posts on MLT’s Facebook and Instagram pages.

“Party?” show dates are Jan. 20, 21, 22, 27 and 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Jan. 22 and 29 at 2 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at MLTLive.com.

The cast of the new Marblehead Little Theatre production ‘Party?’ features Betty Lautner, James DeSantis, Sharon Mason, Ed Siegal, Victoria Berube and Michael Mazzone.

Marblehead police issue scam alert

The Marblehead police posted the following community notice to Facebook on Dec. 30.

The Marblehead Police are seeking help from our local financial and shipping institutions.

For many years now, people of all ages (but mostly senior citizens) from around the country, in Massachusetts and right here at home, have fallen prey to scam artists. We have been receiving intelligence from around the commonwealth that these so-called “child/grandchild in jail schemes” are occurring with greater and alarming intensity than usual over the last two months.

These creative thieves convince the victim that a family member has been arrested on a serious charge, usually out

of state, and need bail/bond money to be released from custody “right away.” In some instances, the criminals are posing as the distraught family member in trouble and in other cases, they are posing as a bail bondsman, an attorney, a court official and even members of law enforcement. Oftentimes, the victims are told that a judge has imposed a gag-order and that they may not speak about the situation with anyone.

In all cases, the victim ends up going to their local banking institution and withdrawing large amounts of cash in a hurry so they can provide it to a “courier” who comes to their home, picks up the cash and who will convey the money to their loved one in need. In other cases, they are directed to send

the money via UPS or FedEx.

In every case, the caller was not who they purported to be, a loved one was not in jail and the money is never seen again. Please remember, everyone has a right to use the telephone when they have been arrested. Time is not of the essence. Slow down. Think with reason and purpose, not emotion. Ask the caller for the name of the arresting law enforcement agency, then look

HISTOry

up the number yourself (don’t accept a number from the scammer or believe what you see on your caller ID). Call to verify that your family member is really in custody. Better yet, call your family and find out where the loved one in question really is.

Staggering amounts of money have been stolen from decent, unsuspecting people trying to do what they believe is right. Often, the money is not able to be recovered.

The Marblehead police are urging all financial institutions in the community to share this information with their employees in the event a customer (especially a senior citizen) is requesting to withdraw a sudden, large sum of cash. We have requested they

post this flyer in the banks and at their ATM locations.

We realize there is a fine line between people’s banking privacy and intrusiveness but if someone who rarely, if ever, is asking to withdraw a large amount of cash, a few cursory questions from a caring, local bank official could prevent someone from becoming a crime victim.

As always, if in doubt, a call to police headquarters may be in order. We can assist, both in speaking with the customer, making calls to the alleged detention facility or even to the scammer. In all cases, these incidents should be reported to law enforcement.

We are all in this together—we need to be wary, and to keep each other from falling victim.

Glover’s Regiment commemorates the Delaware River crossing

With a volley salute on Friday night at the State Street landing, Glover’s Marblehead Regiment commemorated a turning point in the American Revolutionary War: Gen. George Washington’s crossing of the Delaware River, which allowed the Continental Army to launch a sneak attack against Hessian soldiers and secure its first major victory in 1776.

Marblehead’s Gen. John Glover

and his men, many also from town, were instrumental in carrying out the mission.

The National Park Service writes of Glover’s leadership and the historic moment: “Following the American retreat across New Jersey, Glover rejoined Washington’s forces on the Pennsylvania side of the Delaware River in early December. There, 10 miles below Trenton, on the

night of Dec. 25, Glover and his “Marbleheaders” ferried 2,400 troops—again with horses, artillery and wagons—across the Delaware River under extreme weather conditions. After marching several miles, they fought in the Battle of Trenton, and then transported the army and about 1,000 Hessian prisoners back across the river, all on the same day.”

LIBrary

Salon to feature poetry of Pablo Neruda

On Tuesday, Jan. 17, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m., the Poetry Salon will convene at the Abbot Public Library to explore the poetry of Pablo Neruda, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1971. Poetry packets are available near the library’s main desk or online at tinyurl.com/ Jan-2023-Poems.

Born in southern Chile in 1904, Pablo Neruda led a life charged with poetic and political activity. In 1923, he sold all of his possessions to finance the publication of his first book under the pseudonym “Pablo Neruda’’ to avoid conflict with his family, who disapproved of his occupation. The following year, he found a publisher for ”Veinte Poemas de Amor y Una Canción Desesperada (Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair)”. The book made a celebrity of Neruda, who gave up his studies at the age of 20 to devote himself to his craft. In 1927, Neruda began his long career as a diplomat in the Latin American tradition of honoring poets with diplomatic assignments.

The outbreak of the Spanish Civil War in 1936 interrupted Neruda’s poetic and political development. He chronicled the horrendous years which included the execution of Federico García Lorca in Espana en el Corazon (1937), published from the war front. For the remaining years of his life, he continued a career that integrated private and public concerns and became known as the “people’s poet.”

Diagnosed with cancer while serving a two-year term as ambassador to France, Neruda resigned his position, ending his diplomatic career. On Sept. 23, 1973, just twelve days after the defeat of Chile’s democratic regime, the man widely regarded as the greatest Latin American poet since Ruben Darío died in Santiago, Chile.

Please join Claire Keyes, professor emerita at Salem State University, for a discussion of Pablo Neruda’s poems. Folks will meet at Abbot Public Library’s interim location on Brook Road on Tuesday, Jan. 17 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. or via Zoom. To attend via Zoom, please register in advance for this meeting here: tinyurl.com/ Jan-2023-Poetry-Salon-Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. All are welcome.

For additional information, please visit www. abbotlibrary.org, email mar@noblenet.org, or call 781-631-1481.

Glover’s Marblehead Regiment commemorated the 1776 Crossing of the Delaware River, a turning point in the American Revolutionary War, with a volley salute on Friday evening. The ceremony included a State Street procession.

COURTESY PHOTOS/ BRUCE DURKEE

Pablo Neruda.

Excerpts from the Marblehead police log of Wednesday, Dec. 14 through Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2022. Consistent with state law, Marblehead Police have adopted a policy of not providing to media outlets reports related to incidents related to domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.

Wednesday, Dec. 14 10:21 a.m. Investigated report of bike rack in the water off Lafayette Street. 11:33 a.m. Officer went to Reed Street to speak to a resident about an issue he was having with a contractor. Resident told the officer he paid a contractor for work on his house, which had been left unfinished and not up to code. Officer explained to the resident that this was a civil issue, and if the contractor violated their contract, he would need to take the contractor to civil court. Resident said there was no contract and that he had also contacted the Marblehead building inspector. Officer advised the resident to get a report from the building inspector and file a civil complaint in court. The resident also complained about the contractor harassing him and his wife. Officer advised the resident on the process for obtaining a harassment prevention order and tried to encourage him to come to a peaceful resolution with the contractor.

2:01 p.m. Walk-in to the police station brought in keys that had been found on Nanepashemet Street.

2:06 p.m. Assisted with towing a disabled vehicle

on Lafayette and Maple streets.

2:54 p.m. Officer assisted at the scene of a twovehicle crash on Pleasant Street and filed a report.

Thursday, Dec. 15 10:54 a.m. Caller reported a tire in the street on Atlantic Avenue.

2:06 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a truck leaking fluid on Clifton Heights Lane.

Friday, Dec. 16 10:14 a.m. An officer investigated a report of a driver possibly in distress on Maple Street. The driver could not be found.

10:27 a.m. An officer went to Broughton Road to speak to a resident about a PlayStation 5 gaming system she had ordered from Wal-Mart that shipping receipts from FedEx showed had been left on a bench adjacent to the resident’s front porch at around 3:30 p.m. on Dec. 13. When the resident got home about two hours later, the package was nowhere to be found. The resident had contacted Wal-Mart and FedEx but reached out to police because days had passed without the issue being resolved.

1:09 p.m. Officers assisted with a disabled vehicle on Village and Pleasant streets.

2:26 p.m. A walk-in to police station reported that signs were missing from Cliff and Chestnut streets.

5:04 p.m. An officer investigated a report of larceny, forgery or fraud on Pleasant Street and filed a report.

Saturday, Dec. 17 8:58 a.m. An officer was

LOC a L GOVErn MEn T

dispatched to Nicholson Street for the report of a car window that had been smashed. Officer met with a woman whose daughter’s vehicle had been parked on Washington Street overnight and was discovered to have had its rear window broken in the morning. They had brought the vehicle to Nicholson Street to safeguard it while the daughter was at work.

Officer could not locate any evidence that the window had been broken intentionally. Officer walked up and down Washington Street to examine other vehicles but did not find any other damaged vehicles in the area. Vehicle’s owner said she would contact the police if she noticed anything missing from her vehicle.

12:58 p.m. Assisted with a car lockout on Beacon Street.

5:49 p.m. Investigated report of two people to the left of a house on Peter Circle.

9:02 p.m. Assisted the fire department with investigating a report of an oven fire on Cottage Street.

11:04 p.m. An officer spoke to a man who had come to the police station to report having received a letter in the mail from Bank of America about a credit application he had supposedly requested, which he had not done. Resident had called the number provided on the letter but was met with an answering service indicating that help would not be available until Monday morning. He also used Google to verify that the number that he had

called was valid. Man’s wife had recently been the victim of fraud on her bank account, which increased the man’s concern about the Bank of America letter. However, he had nothing else out of the ordinary to report, like unknown charges on his credit cards. Officer suggested trying another Bank of America number listed online and also to call the number provided on Monday. The resident was also advised to continue to keep an eye on his current accounts.

Sunday, Dec. 18

9:21 a.m. An officer spoke with a resident of Creesy Street about “false accusations.”

7:41 p.m. An elderly resident was transported to the hospital after officers assisted with a well-being check on Frost Lane.

7:53 p.m. An officer investigated after a 911 caller reported a disturbance on Washington Street.

8:01 p.m. A walk-in to the police station dropped off an ATM card that had been found on Atlantic Avenue.

11:19 p.m. Officers investigated a report of a loud party on Clifton Avenue.

Monday, Dec. 19

8:23 a.m. A wallet containing fake IDs was found on Commercial and Cliff streets.

9:38 a.m. An officer went to Elizabeth Road to take a report of a break-in to a vehicle and the theft of items from it. The resident told the officer that he had parked his vehicle in his driveway around 8:30 p.m. the night before and

had awakened to find that someone had entered the unlocked vehicle and taken a Dell laptop valued at $1,000, an antler-handle knife valued at $100, a lottery scratch ticket, on which he had won $100, and miscellaneous loose change of an unknown total amount. The resident added that he had heard a vehicle door close outside his home at around 4 a.m. The resident did have security cameras around his home but had thus far been unable to upload the video. He planned to contact the service provider for assistance. He was advised to contact the police if the video revealed any suspicious activity and also to ask his employer whether the laptop could be tracked.

9:56 a.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Lafayette Street and filed a report.

11:55 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on West Shore Drive and Turner Road.

12:12 p.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a single-vehicle crash on Lafayette Street and filed a report.

1:35 p.m. Officers assisted in response to the report of a student in distress at Glover School.

2:55 p.m. Officers assisted at the scene of a two-vehicle crash on Lafayette Street and West Shore Drive and filed a report.

7:29 p.m. Caller reported larceny, forgery or fraud on Longview Drive. No action was required.

7:43 p.m. A walk-in to police station dropped off ATM card that had been found on Atlantic Avenue.

Tuesday, Dec. 20 10:11 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the Star of the Sea Cemetery off Lafayette Street to investigate a report that gravestones may have been knocked over. The officer found the gravestones in question near the Old Salem Road entrance, approximately 30 yards towards Lafayette Street. The officer said he was unable to determine whether the damage was the result of vandalism or the high winds the town had been experiencing recently.

11:18 a.m. Officer assisted the driver of a tractor trailer who was having difficulty navigating Front Street.

11:48 a.m. An officer was dispatched to Farrell Court to conduct a well-being check at the request of the Marblehead Housing Authority’s housing manager, who said the Housing Authority had received reports from neighbors that the resident in question had been yelling. Upon the officer’s arrival, another Housing Authority employee explained that the last time he had done an apartment check at the residence, the unit was in squalor and the resident had become angry with him. Officer knocked on the door of the home, and a care provider answered. Care provider explained that he had been yelling at the resident upstairs to stop stomping her feet, as he felt it was disturbing his patient. The Housing Authority staff member informed him that he was doing a “residence check”

POLICE, P. A19

Marblehead Observer Corps 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.

Task Force Against Discrimination, Dec. 15, 2022

Members present: Diane Gora (co-chair), Helaine Hazlett (co-chair), Police Chief Dennis King (ex-officio), Sarai Miller, Candice Sliney, Reece Dahlberg, Celia Sliney (student rep.) and Deacon John (Joe) Whipple. Liaison to the Marblehead Racial Justice Team Louis Meyi

1. Hazlett introduced Sarai Miller, the newest member of TFAD. Sarai was born in Mexico City and has worked internationally as a technology consultant. She was motivated to apply for membership on TFAD by an incident outside at Vinnin Square. She was with her one-year-old child and her mother when the occupants of a vehicle yelled a hateful slur at her and flashed a white supremacy gesture. The incident was reported to police. Sarai returned to Vinnin Square later that day, telling the task force that she refused to be intimidated.

2. King reported that no hate/ bias incidents have been reported locally, though there has been a rise in antisemitic and LGBTQ hate crimes both nationally and internationally. He and the Marblehead Police Department have been in communication and increased patrols that may be

targeted, such as synagogues

Every MPD officer, with some from other towns, attended what King called a “great” Combined Jewish Philanthropies (CJP) training session at the end of October at Temple Emanuel; the police department also works closely with the ADL

King also noted that 213 police officers have been killed in the line of duty this year in the United States, 60 by gunfire; in the Colorado Springs shooting, he suggested that if not for one officer, the death toll could have been much higher

3. Reece noted the shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs took place on the eve of Transgender Remembrance Day. She and Chris Buell will work on a statement to be approved by TFAD members and submitted for publication in local media outlets

4. Helaine reported that International Holocaust Remembrance Day will be observed at Temple Emanuel at their Shabbat evening service on Friday evening, January 27, 2023 at 6:00pm. Select Board member Moses Grader will be a guest speaker. The Ministerial Association will be notified and the public is invited.

5. Celia and Diane reported that no incidents have been reported at the schools.

After vacation, seminars will be presented on LGBTQ+, Antisemitism, and Black

Resistance, including the four levels of racism

On November 14, Students commemorated then-six-year-old Ruby Bridges, the first African American child to desegregate an all-white elementary school in New Orleans. Barbara Henry, who is now ninety and lives in the Boston area, was her white teacher and the only person willing to remain in the building and be Ruby’s teacher. Helaine suggested contacting Ms. Henry to speak at next year’s commemoration.

6. A decision on a book choice for February vacation was postponed.

7. TFAD was created by the Select Board but receives no funding from the town. Joe and Candice will submit a proposal to members of TFAD, and if approved, to Finance Committee for an appropriation to cover the costs of Pride Day, Juneteenth, Holocaust Remembrance Day and Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

8. Publicity for the two open seats as student representatives to TFAD will begin in January.

9. Louis Meyi reported the Racial Justice Team’s monthly “Conversations on Race” series, formerly at Abbot Library, are now held at the Marblehead Museum at least until the renovations at the library are completed. The January speaker will be the director of the Lynn Museum. He also reported that “Information Boards” will be posted at selected historic locations in Marblehead

The next Task Force Against Discrimination is scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. Shari Pressman

Disabilities Commission, Dec. 15, 2022

Members present: Laurie Blaisdell, Katie Farrell, Amy Hirschcron , Ed Lang , Samantha Marino , Andrea Mountain, Cheryl LaLonde

1. Representatives from the Collins Center, a state entity located at UMASS/Boston, presented an overview of a grant-funded Amercans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Transition Plan they are partnering with Marblehead to develop.

The Collins Center will collaborate with a Boston-based architectural firm to look at problematic access issues in town and prioritize areas of need to determine what can be addressed with the limited resources available.

Key components of this project will include:

Public input: A survey tool will be launched the first week of January to get public comment on ease of access to public buildings, outdoor facilities, pedestrian pathways/sidewalks, programs, communications, and public meetings. The survey will be disseminated through direct contact with various stakeholders and as many community members as possible throughout town. There will be a public comment period twice during the process-- once the plan is drafted and again on the final document.

Self-evaluation of programs and services: Departments in town received a questionnaire in November to inventory their programs, services, policies, and practices. Areas to be reviewed include: review of Title II administrative requirements

including public notice, ADA Coordinator, grievance procedures, and self-evaluation.

Website Audit: The project will include an audit of the town website, its related pages, social media and public communications.

Facilities Audit: The town provided a list of approximately 30 town facilities that will be audited. cmmission members noted the list appeared to exclude the Brown School.

Draft final document process and next steps: All audits will be combined into a “findings report” and will identify problem areas. The Collins Center will then work with the town, engage in the capital planning process to address the needed remedies going forward.

2. Fair housing: The commission will take up the issue of Accessory Dwelling Units in its next meeting and will suggest to appropriate stakeholders that accessory dwelling units when built are ADA compliant. If an ADU cannot be made compliant, as is the case with many buildings in Old Town, it should not be excluded from participating in the ADU amendment.

3. Memorial for Rich Ramos: Commission members were saddened to learn of the recent death of fellow member, Rich Ramos. Ideas were brought forward regarding how to honor him for his love of sailing and his strong drive to make our waterfront accessible. Ideas, including planting a tree or having projects related to the waterfront be named after him, will be researched and discussed at a later date. — Nancy Powell

rE

Marblehead

Buyer(s)

Christopher Thompson

84

Elizabeth Campbell Heide,

Elizabeth “Betsy” Campbell Heide, who for decades served Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts in a variety of volunteer capacities, died Dec. 19 at her home in Marblehead.

Heide’s lifelong passion for literature and the arts began during her time as a student at the Bancroft School and at Radcliffe where she majored in English as a member of the class of 1960. Upon graduation from Radcliffe, Heide took a management course at Filene’s with the goal of a career in marketing. She soon discovered, however, that her real passion was the world of arts and letters. Heide’s first job was for Boston’s Houghton Mifflin Company where she served as a copy editor and met many of the publisher’s well-known authors. Subsequently, she worked for Walter Muir Whitehall who was director and librarian of the Boston Athenaeum.

In 1957, Heide met her future husband, Ulf Backer Heide, when she was at Radcliffe and he was at MIT. They were married in 1961 and eventually settled in Marblehead during the period when Mr. Heide, an inventor and businessman, was establishing his manufacturing company. Their daughter Elizabeth was born in 1967.

Heide began volunteering at Boston’s MFA during the early 1980s. Her various positions over the years were very important to her. She became a member of the Ladies Committee, and later a docent guiding visitors. Among her favorite activities at the museum was presenting slide shows to Boston school children to introduce them to the world of art and history. “Education was always important for her,” said her husband. “Besides her work with Boston school kids, she volunteered for the Junior League. She also conducted alumnae interviews for Radcliffe for over 30 years. She was very good at reporting on the students she interviewed, and was honored by Harvard for her efforts.”

Heide also served as an MFA board member and was a member of the visiting committee for the Arts of the Americas department and of the Conservation and Collections Management committee. A descendant of 18th-century pewter maker Roswell Gleason, Heide, together with her husband, assisted in preserving and installing two original, ornate rooms of Gleason’s Dorchester mansion at the MFA.

In addition to her work with the MFA, Heide was also involved with the Peabody Essex Museum (PEM) in Salem where she served on the visiting committee for American Decorative Arts. Together with her husband, she was also a long-time member of the PEM’s Maritime Committee and of the East India Maritime Associates.

Betsy was a member of three clubs including the Eastern Yacht Club, the Tedesco Country Club, and the Chilton Club where she was on the Board of Governors.

Married to a sailor, Betsy enjoyed many cruises with the Eastern Yacht Club and Caribbean charters. “What she really liked,” said her daughter Elizabeth, “was the beauty of the places they sailed, swimming in the warm waters of the Caribbean, and dining in fine restaurants. She herself was an accomplished cook.”

The Heide’s traveled widely, often visiting Mr. Heide’s native Norway and Europe. They also visited Africa, Japan, Russia, and China, usually traveling on their own but also with MFA, Harvard and PEM.

Heide was born in Boston in 1938 to Charles Bryden Campbell and Beatrice Hall Campbell. She chose to battle cancer privately for two years while efforts continued with gene therapy. She is survived by her husband Ulf Backer Heide of Marblehead, daughter Elizabeth Hall Heide of Boston, and two brothers: Charles B. “Chad” Campbell and Alexander Campbell II, both of Chatham.

The Funeral Service was held at the Old North Church, 35 Washington St., Marblehead at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 29 followed by a reception at Eastern Yacht Club, 47 Foster St., Marblehead. Interment in Waterside Cemetery will be private. Donations in Betsy’s honor could be made to the MFA, PEM or to the Radcliffe Institute. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com for Betsy’s family.

Seller(s)

Address Date Price

Alice P. Arena 7 Franklin St., Lot G6 Dec. 5 $140,000

Hanna K. Kvaavik and K. Kvaavik T 2022 Amy E. and John J. Doherty III 7 Ruby Terrace Dec. 5 $857,500

Diane Jackson-Gow and Phoebe Magee 14 Cowell St. Dec. 5 $1,170,000

Glenn & Diane Gow RET and Aaron A. Windsor

Swampscott

Doug and Maura Sutherland

Kelly A. Summers

rELIGIOn

Cheryl Yung-Rousseau and 1 Lincoln Circle Dec. 9 $1,229,500 Conrad E. Rousseau III

Jennifer and Jesse Despo 57 Bellevue Road Dec. 8 $1,817,500

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. Masses of Jan. 7 and 8 will celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany (12th Day of Christmas)

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: 7:308:30 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 » Youth Group: 7 p.m. Wednesday Prayer Gatherings: 1 p.m. Thursday Men’s Bible Study: 6 a.m. Friday Friday, Jan. 6: 6 p.m., Pizza Party and Gift Exchange

CONGREGATIONAL

OLD NORTH CHURCH, THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MARBLEHEAD

» 35 Washington St.

» 781-631-1244

» onchurch.org

» Sunday, Jan. 8: 8 a.m., worship service; 9 a.m., choir rehearsal; 10 a.m., worship service; 11:15 a.m., Confirmation class Monday, Jan. 9: 6:30 p.m., Women’s AA in Parish Hall Tuesday, Jan. 10: 9 a.m., Lectio Divinia

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 Tuesdays and Thursdays, 2:15-3:30 p.m., Parish Hall open for exercise

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

» Sunday, Jan. 15: 5 p.m., Organ Concert Series with international concert organist Gail Archer. Program will feature the works of Ukrainian composers.

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, Jan. 4: 7 p.m., Monthly Movie Night

Thursday, Jan. 5: 7:30 p.m., Executive Committee meeting Friday, Jan. 6: 5:30 p.m., Family Shabbat Service Wednesday, Jan. 11: 6:30 p.m. Sisterhood cooking class Thursday, Jan. 12: 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees meeting

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)

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.

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.

» Wednesday, Jan. 4: 9 a.m., Small Group Ministry; 7 p.m., Committee on Ministry

» Thursday, Jan. 5: 1 p.m., Marblehead Ministerial Association clergy meeting Saturday, Jan. 7: 9:30 a.m., Caring for the Caregivers

» Sunday, Jan. 8: 9 a.m., Sunday Seminar; 10:30 a.m., Sunday Services; 11:30 a.m., After Service Social Hour

» Monday, Jan. 9: 2 p.m., Aging, Decaying, Dying, and Divinity Tuesday, Jan. 10: 7 p.m., Pastoral Care Associates (off-site)

» Wednesday, Jan. 11: 11 a.m., Ring Bells: 11th hour of the climate crisis

» Thursday, Jan. 12: 4 p.m., UUCM at Lifebridge

Friday, Jan. 13: 4:30 p.m., UUCM Youth at Lifebridge

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.

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

Photos, preferably in JPEG format, are welcome. Photos should be of high enough quality to reproduce well in print. Generally, an image file created by a digital camera or smartphone will be fine; images copied from websites will not.

as well, and the care provider invited him in.

The care provider brought up all of the “checks” that the Housing Authority had been conducting

with the police and stated that he believed it was harrassment. The officer informed the care provider that he was only there for a well-being check on the resident and not for the Housing Authority’s “resident check.” Care provider

stated that he wanted to file a complaint about the Housing Authority. Officer then left the unit, as it appeared to him that the resident was being properly cared for. The Housing Authority staff member stated that the condition of the unit had

improved since his last check. After leaving the residence, the Housing Authority staff member called the housing manager and handed the phone to the officer so the housing manager could speak with him. The housing manager asked

whether the officer had asked to see any of the caretaker’s credentials, and the officer informed her that the man was living there, and if she had an issue with a resident in her units, it would be for the Housing Authority to take action, not police.

2:58 p.m. A walk-in to the police station brought in an iPhone that had been found on Front Street.

7:42 p.m. An Orne Street resident reported a case of identity theft.

8:30 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Creesy Street.

OBIT uary Su BMISSIOn POLIC y

Joseph Dixon and the graphite pencil

BY MARK HURWITZ

Most Marbleheaders know that their town is famous for many things, including having the original copy of the Spirit of ‘76 painting by artist Archibald Willard on display inside the Marblehead Select Board room in Abbot Hall. But many may not realize that every time they pick up a pencil, they are writing with an instrument which owes its popularity to Joseph Dixon, a 19th century Marblehead resident.

Dixon was born in Marblehead in 1799 on Darling Street. He was an inventor and manufacturer who pioneered in the industrial use of graphite.

The son of a ship captain, Dixon was expected to carry on the family tradition and go to sea. Instead, he chose a different career route—the study of petrology (rocks) and minerology (minerals).

Seeking a cheaper alternative to European pencils

Graphite came into widespread use following its discovery in England in the 15th century. The mineral proved so soft and brittle that it required a holder. The graphite was inserted into hollowed-out wooden sticks, and thus, the wood-cased pencil was born.

Because pencils were manufactured overseas and

imported to the United States, they were expensive to purchase.

When Dixon was a teenager, he learned that sea captains used graphite from Sri Lanka as ballast aboard their ships.

Working in his family’s kitchen, he mixed graphite powder with clay, baked the hand-formed tubes in the oven and then inserted them into wood casings.

He went door-to-door selling his homemade graphite pencils with little success.

While working in the family kitchen, he accidentally spilled a box of powdered graphite all over a rusty cast iron stove.

Attempting to clean the powder off the stove, he quickly discovered that it worked wonders as a polish. He learned that his neighbors found the stove polish more useful than his pencil.

Dixon, an avid inventor,

supported his losses in the pencil trade with numerous innovations. He invented colorfast tanning dyes, pioneered photolithography, created color inks to prevent currency counterfeiting, improved galvanic batteries and refined metal casting crucibles. Thomas Edison said that he owed much to Dixon for the graphite filament in his incandescent bulbs.

In the 19th century, Dixon traveled to Sri Lanka to purchase graphite that he had first found in the cargo holds of Marblehead vessels returning from foreign ports.

In the 1820s he began the manufacture of lead pencils, stove polish and lubricants in Salem, later moving his business to Jersey City, New Jersey, and starting the DixonTiconderoga Pencil Company and then the Dixon Crucible Company.

Dixon discovered the merits of graphite as a stove polish and an additive in lubricants, foundry facings, brake linings, oil-less bearings and non-corrosive paints.

Dixon and the American Civil War

In 1861, Dixon sent a donation of $100 to the town of Marblehead to assist the men

who volunteered to fight in the American Civil War.

“To The Selectman of Marblehead: Gentleman, claiming the privilege by birth, to bear a part in the noble rally of my fellow-townsmen, in their quick response to the call of our country for her defense, you are at liberty to draw on me for one hundred dollars, which you will please add to the subscriptions for the support of the volunteers. Be assured gentleman that the proudest moment of my life was first in the field where duty calls; The same spirit that manned with Marblehead men the boats at Trenton which carried George Washington across the Delaware in 1776, is still manifest in the Son’s of those Noble Fathers whose history is interwoven with that of the United States.

Yours with much respect, Joseph Dixon”

Dixon also wrote to his mother, in response to her letter to him, asking his opinion about the Civil War.

“Dear mother you anxiously ask my opinion of the end of this unnatural and before unheard of southern insanity. I will give you an outline of a meeting which I attended in this place on Saturday evening last, by which you can judge a little of my opinions. To say that it was enthusiastic,

would be nothing, it was beyond anything I think, that your life has ever dreamed of. You may imagine the feelings of the people here when I tell you every man woman and child are filled with the patriotic feeling of “liberty or death.” I will not try to describe my feelings when people spoke of my native state as being the first to give their blood for freedom they are now the first to sprinkle its sacred altar again with their blood in its perpetuity what a singular coincidence on the anniversary of the battles of Lexington and concord that Massachusetts should now seal that contract with blood in Baltimore in 1861.

Yours with much respect, Joseph Dixon”

The Dixon legacy

At the time of Dixon’s death in 1869, the Joseph Dixon Crucible Company was the largest manufacturer of graphite products in the world. By 1870, it was the world’s largest dealer and consumer of graphite. By 1872, the Dixon company was making 86,000 pencils a day.

A noted New York newspaper ended his obituary: “Many prominent men are forgotten in a year, but Mr. Dixon will live on in his works and will be best known a half century hence.” He is buried in the Green-Wood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.

Joseph Dixon