04.05.23 - Volume 1, Issue 19

First day of hearing for suspended officer concludes

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

More than five hours of testimony was taken during the first day of a disciplinary hearing related to allegations of misconduct and violations of department policies against Officer Christopher Gallo, who has been on paid leave since June 16, 2021.

The hearing is set to resume on April 26 at 10 a.m. in the Select Board Room in Abbot Hall with Marblehead

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer presiding.

Attorneys Gary Nolan and Peter Perroni of the firm Nolan Perroni in North Chelmsford are representing Gallo, while Town Counsel Jane Friedman of the Newburyport firm Mead, Talerman & Costa is representing the town of Marblehead. Gallo is facing discipline up to and including termination on multiple allegations, including that he spent extended periods at home when he

SCHOOlS

was supposed to be on patrol, as documented in photographs showing his police cruiser parked in his driveway.

On June 21, 2021, the Massachusetts Office of the Inspector General issued a report of a preliminary review, which prompted Marblehead’s former police chief, Bob Picariello, to put Gallo on paid leave and request that the Select Board convene a disciplinary hearing.

Fire Truck Egg Drop proves popular with kids

Familiar faces tapped for top jobs

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Schools Superintendent John Buckey announced that Marblehead High School Assistant Principal Michele Carlson will become the new principal at MHS, replacing Dan Bauer, who is leaving this summer to become superintendent in Danvers. Buckey also recommended Julia Ferreira, the assistant principal at Veterans Middle School, to become Marblehead’s new assistant superintendent, replacing Nan Murphy, who is leaving to become superintendent in Dedham.

Buckey said he was pleased to promote two internal candidates, “both of whom were highly recommended by the search committees and by their current principals.”

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Popcorn, cardboard boxes, marshmallows, cotton balls, Rice Krispy treats, balloons and a teddy bear—these were just a few of the inventive materials employed by young participants in the Marblehead Recreation Department’s Fire Truck

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Marblehead siblings Joe and Camilla Cross pulled up in a Subaru Forester to the Swampscott Fire Station to make a special delivery on March 30. The pair exited the SUV as a bay door rolled up to reveal

Egg Drop event. Held at the Jacobi Community Center parking lot on Sunday afternoon, the event attracted 78 eager children, who accepted the challenge of protecting a raw egg from a significant fall.

“This is the first time we’ve organized this event for the

a half­dozen firefighters eager to meet the fire company’s newest addition, an 8­week­old, 14­pound chocolate Labrador retriever whom they purchased for the fire station.

Camilla, 10, cradled the puppy as she stepped up to the bay area before Swampscott Fire Chief Graham Archer bent down so

public,” said Kala Strobel, the Recreation Department’s events and communications coordinator. “We sold out, as we had limited spots available for the hour we had with the firefighters.”

she could hand Ryan over to him.

“He just loves attention,” said Joe, 12.

The puppy is named after the late Swampscott Fire Capt. Mark Ryan, who died last September. The fire station will be his new home.

From the moment Ryan’s

“We are thrilled to see the investment in mentoring has resulted in these two internal candidates advancing within our district,” Buckey added. “Both educators will have an opportunity to work closely with their predecessors over the next three months to learn even more about these roles before taking the positions on July 1. Their knowledge of the district

mother, Pearl, gave birth to him and his six brothers and sisters, Joe, 12, and Camilla, 10, cared for and raised them. Caring for another living creature — let alone seven puppies — marked a first for the young Marbleheaders. They took their puppy duties seriously, from playtime and socialization to

feeding and potty breaks.

“It was a big responsibility,” Camilla offered.

Taking care of a litter taught the pair the importance of sacrifices. Joe spent less time playing video games and Camilla gave up a few gymnastics

Marblehead Firefighter Joe Gray

Kids deliver newest member of Swampscott fire company ‘Ryan’ will provide emotional support to area firefighters

Michele Carlson will succeed Dan Bauer as MHS principal.

Julia Ferreira will be Marblehead’s new assistant superintendent

CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

GALLO, P. A5 CP_MBHC_20230405_1_A01

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CO-CHAIRPERSONS

Satori Sailing offers sailing charters, lessons

BY MELISSA STACEY

The following is an interview with Captain James Ashton, owner of Satori Sailing, conducted by Discover Marblehead. To book your sailing charter or lesson in Salem Sound, go to sailsatori.com.

Tell us about Satori Sailing and why you started it. We started Satori Sailing five years ago because we saw a need for a high­quality, public­access, adult sailing school to help people achieve their sailing dreams. We

also saw an opportunity to share the beauty of Salem Sound with residents and visitors through day sailing charters and other innovative sailing adventures.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? Know your mission and why you do what you do. Be as impeccable and kind as you can and expect the same from your employees. Finally, don’t bite off more that you can chew in terms of growing the business.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why?

That’s a tough one as there are so many. If I had to choose, I would say the northeast bench on Fort Sewall where I can look over Salem Sound and dream of another sailing season.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I’m an ordained interfaith minister, which allows me to officiate ceremonies and volunteer part­time as a spiritual care provider. Perhaps one of

these days, I’ll marry someone on board one of my boats!

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

Marblehead Chamber scholarship deadline nears

The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce invites eligible Marblehead High School graduating seniors to apply for its 2023 scholarship.

The 2023 scholarship is a one­time award in the amount of $1,250, which will be given to two qualified Marblehead High School seniors who plan to further their education by attending a two­ or four­year college program. This scholarship is based on merit and financial need. The award is open (but not limited)

NEWS iN BriEF

The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to News in Brief. Send yours to info@ marbleheadnews.org.

to students who are interested in pursuing a career in business or commerce.

Applicants will be considered based on their GPA, a personal statement or essay, and any appropriate letters of

include a variety of articles, encompassing both the proposed budget and additional changes with significant financial and governing implications.

recommendation. The 250­to­500word essay should describe the student’s educational, career and life goals, provide insight to their character and include how their degree or major will help them achieve their goals.

The cutoff to return signatures is Monday, May 1, at 5 p.m.

Students can apply with the MHS general scholarship application form and submit with their transcript, cover letter, essay and any supporting documents by April 6. Submit via email to Katherine Koch at katherine@ maarbleheadchamber.org.

Put “Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Scholarship” in the subject line. Applications must be submitted by email by April 6. Awards winners will be notified at the end of May 2023.

Staff Reporter - Leigh Blander lblander@marbleheadnews.org Sports ReporterJoe McConnell jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Ashlock

Bach Linda Bassett

Goodhue-Boyd Scot Cooper

Fullerton

Roberts

Arnould

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Whorf DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Marion Warner Greely

FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett

Ed Bell

Leigh Blander

Will Dowd

David Moran

Kris Olson

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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VOLUNTEER

FinCom public hearing for 2023 Town

Warrant

On April 10 at 7 p.m. in the Select Board Room of Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., the Marblehead Finance Committee will discuss and offer recommendations for the Town Meeting warrant articles with financial implications. View the public hearing’s agenda here: https://bit.ly/3G5zQH6

Preview of 2023 Town Meeting

The Marblehead Speaker Series will host a preview of the 2023 Town Meeting at the Council on Aging at the Jacobi Community Center on April 19 at 12:30 p.m. Admission is free, but attendees are encouraged to sign up to save a seat. 781­631­6225

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer and Town Moderator Jack Attridge will present an overview of the annual Town Meeting scheduled for May 1. The meeting’s warrant will

Kezer and Attridge will offer insights into the articles and explain how the meeting is conducted.

Nomination papers available

Nomination papers are now available for voters interested in running for local office in the Tuesday, June 20 municipal election.

Prospective candidates must submit a formal request in writing to pull nomination papers in person. Access the application at https://bit. ly/3yIIWFG.

“After receiving nomination papers, you will need to put your name and address (as registered to vote) on each nomination paper before obtaining the required 50 signatures from Marblehead registered voters,” according to the town clerk’s office. “You should obtain more than 50 to ensure you have enough.”

“If you are submitting papers on May 1, make sure to have extra signatures,” the Town Clerk’s office writes. “You will not be able to submit more papers after the deadline.”

Town Clerk Robin Michaud also reminds prospective candidates of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance’s filing requirements. All candidates must file three campaign finance reports, notwithstanding the election’s outcome or the amount of personal money spent.

Critical dates to file campaign finance reports are as follows:

» Eight days before the election, June 8

Thirty days after the election, July 30

» End­of­year report, Jan. 20, 2024

Animal shelter accepting volunteers

Volunteers are always needed to help feed and care for abandoned animals housed at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, 44

of Marblehead Abandoned Animals was formed for this purpose. To volunteer, call 781­631­8664.

Comments sought on Harbor Plan

The town began a planning process for Marblehead Harbor and the west shore about a year ago. After several public meetings and research by the consultant team, the draft plan is now available for public comment.

On the town’s website, you can review the plan and answer a survey, which should take fewer than 10 minutes to complete: bit. ly/3nkHw1C.

Volunteer at Health Department

Residents may volunteer to serve on the Marblehead Recycling Committee, appointed by the Board of Health.

The Swap Shed is another place where volunteers can help.

Volunteers must also sell facility stickers and check cars for up­todate stickers as they enter the

Join us. We invite you to help support our effort to establish and maintain a free press for a strong community. To get involved, visit www.marbleheadCurrent org/volunteer.

REACT

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.

Jessica Barnett     Ed Bell

James Ashton: ‘Be as impeccable and kind as you can’

BUSiNESS SpOTliGHT

From County Cork to Marblehead

INTERVIEW BY LEIGH BLANDER

Name: Dan Shea

Age: 87 Place of birth: Arlington, MA

What is your fondest childhood memory?

Playing tag football in my backyard, which adjoined my neighbor’s backyard and that gave us a pretty good run of things.

How long have you lived in Marblehead?

I’ve lived inMarblehead since we took over this old house and moved into it about 20 years ago. In a way, I’ve never left the town. My mother was a Marbleheader, her parents were Marbleheaders and her parents were Marbleheaders. My greatgrandfather William Ward came here from Ireland during the Civil War. He was a fisherman in County Cork and he became a fisherman in Marblehead. His son, named William, took over and raised his own family after starting a business in Marblehead. One of the children of that marriage was my mother. She studied at the Normal School where Salem State University is now. She started teaching in Arlington where my dad was building a medical practice.

What jobs have you had and what was your favorite? I’ve had a lot of jobs. I had been deferred from the draft and after I graduated from law school I became a JAG (Judge Advocate General) with the U.S. Navy. I went to OCS (Officer Candidate School) in Newport, RI, and served at naval stations in Newport and Florida. Then I served for a year and a half on the U.S.S Saratoga as the ship’s legal officer for 5,000 men. We spent a year in the Mediterranean, fending off the Soviets who liked the buzz the ship. I spent six years on active duty.

After the military I worked in employment law. I worked with large corporations in Cambridge, Chicago, New York City and New Jersey. That sent my wife and I and our growing family around the country for a period of time. I enjoyed that work a great deal.

What is the biggest change you’ve seen in the world? To some degree it seems that the world has, perhaps out of fear if nothing else, particularly with the availability of nuclear weapons in great numbers, managed to avoid extended open warfare for the last couple of decades. It costs a lot of money, time, effort and danger to make that happen. So far, thank God, it seems to have worked reasonably well.

What is your biggest accomplishment?

Marrying the right woman in 1963 and raising a family that so far — and I have no reason to think things are going to change — has developed very very

Dan Shea: ‘Keep

beautifully.

Who is the most famous person you’ve met? When I was a member of the Union League Club of Chicago, I met and spoke with President George H.W. Bush at a small reception. On a similar occasion, I met and spoke with author and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin. I have also met a couple of famous admirals and some very good judges. (He declined to name the admirals and judges.)

What moment in history is most vivid in your memory? Certainly the most significant would be the advent of World War II, which came along when I was old enough to understand what was happening. In terms of recent experience, being able to keep the peace in the east and the western part of the world has been a very significant development.

What piece of advice do you have for young people today? Keep your nose clean and study hard. You’ve got one chance to really learn what it takes to be an adult. Don’t blow it. Study hard in whatever field you are going to look to achieve. Obviously, stay out of trouble and look to bring some peace and advantage and success to the way in which you conduct yourself in your life.

What are your secrets to living a long life?

Everything in moderation is probably a secret to as long a life as you’re likely to have, given your background. That doesn’t mean you don’t strive for excellence, but you don’t strive for excellence to the point of making yourself ill or driving other people crazy.

BY PAM PETERSON

In 1675, the northeast Algonquin Native American tribes staged a final defense of their land in what is known as King Philip’s War. Fighting took place in central Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut but had repercussions for all New England colonies and native tribes.

As colonists advanced further and further west, indigenous people saw their land, trees and food supplies being taken away.

Metacomet, known as King Philip, organized tribes to fight back. The war was bloody and brutal on both sides. Many captured Native Americans were sold into slavery in the West Indies after the defeat of Metacomet and his army.

After the war, English magistrates and officials

began to consider the legality of the possession of lands they had taken from Native Americans in the name of the Crown. They decided that they needed to obtain signed deeds for proof of ownership and that Native American tribes should be compensated for their lands, at least enough to make it official. All towns and villages were ordered to procure a legal document from the original owners of their land.

The Marblehead’s parchment deed, which still hangs in Abbot Hall, was signed on July 18, 1684, by the wife and descendants of Nanepashemet, chief and intertribal leader of the Naumkeag Indians. Members of a committee of Marblehead selectmen and others investigated their claims on the land and

then negotiated the sale of the land. The Native Americans, led by James Quanophkonat, known as James Rumney Marsh, agreed to a sale price of approximately 20 pounds (accounts vary) and signed the deed. Each of their signatures are symbols made on a ribbon, attached to the deed with a red wax seal. From left to right they are:

» — James Quanapohkonat, alias James Rummney Marshe, with a Lion

Rampant.

» — Joane Quanophkonat with a Pelican in its Piety.

— Name unreadable with a Raven.

— Jone Ahawayetsquaine with

a Lion Rampant. » — Susanah Wenepawweekin with a seal with an “H” and a cross. — Sarah Wanapawequin with a Pelican in its Piety. » — Israell Quanapahomatt with a Raven.

— Name unreadable with a Lion Rampant. The original deed is on display in the Select Board Room. The Marblehead deed of sale was restored in June 2004 with funds raised by Marblehead fourth­grade students.

In the same room is a painting of the signing of the deed of sale by Marblehead folk artist J.O.J. Frost, inspired by colonial accounts of the story.

A week of conflicting emotions

BY JOHN BUCKEY

Good people of Marblehead Public Schools:

What a week of conflicting emotions. We began the week on Monday with news of yet another tragic school shooting, this time at Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. Our deepest sympathies go out to the families and the Covenant School community who are dealing with the loss of three students and three staff members. We also want to reassure our staff, students and families that safety is our top priority. We work closely with the Marblehead Police and Fire Departments, our school resource officer and our District Safety Committee to review our

security measures to ensure that we are doing everything we can to protect our students and staff. We end the week with celebrating the promotions of two MPS employees. In the official announcement yesterday, I reported that Michele Carlson, current assistant principal at MHS, has been tapped to be the next principal of MHS, and Julia Ferreira will become the next assistant superintendent for teaching and learning. Congratulations again to both of these outstanding educators!

Finance Committee budget hearing

Speaking of things to celebrate, our presentation of the school budgets was very well received. I am forwarding a two­minute clip a member of the community sent me of some of the comments and feedback from the hearing. We are all proud of the collective hard work we have done to respond

to the feedback we received from the community through the development process for the FY24 budget.

We have more work to do as we head toward Town Meeting on May 1 and the town elections on June 20, but it is affirming to hear members of the Finance Committee acknowledge the progress our administration has made in collaboration and transparency. As a reminder, you can find many documents related to our proposed FY24 budgets on our website.

Passover

To our families who will observe Passover, chag Pesach sameach. Passover conveys five concepts: memory, optimism, faith, family and responsibility.

As we acknowledge one of the major Jewish holidays of the year, I hope we can each take a moment to recognize the collective work we have all been doing this year that incorporates these concepts.

Holy Week Pope Francis said, “Holy Week is a good occasion to … take up the right path again.”

As Christians all over the world prepare to observe Holy Week and celebrate Easter, it is a good opportunity for us all to reflect on where we are and to consider our own path.

Music in Our Schools Month and musicals to come

Congratulations to the MPS music students, faculty and families for their performances during the past month.

Numerous students and staff performed each morning at Brown School to celebrate Music in Our Schools month.

It was a joy to see the Brown School students begin their mornings by watching inspiring performances. This past week, hundreds of music students performed at our All ­ Choral, All ­ Bands

and All ­ Strings concert at the PAC. Each concert was a fantastic celebration of student learning, dedication and collaboration.

This spring, we look forward to many more inspiring concerts and performances, including “Legally Blonde” (April 28, 29 and 30 at MHS) and “Willy Wonka” (May 4, 5 and 6 at Village).

Transgender Day of Visibility March 31

Friday was the 14th annual International Transgender Day of Visibility. The day is dedicated to celebrating the accomplishments and victories of trans and gendernonconforming people while raising awareness of the work still needed to save trans lives. No update next week

Friday, April 7, is a half­day. We will dismiss at noon. There will not be an update.

Choosing a new laptop computer

STEPHEN BACH

Choosing a new laptop computer can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure what to look for. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making your decision:

What will you be using your laptop for? If you’re just going to be using it for basic tasks like browsing the internet and checking email, then you won’t need a high­end model. But if you’re going to be using it for more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, then you’ll need a more powerful machine. If your computer use is minimal, you might want to consider a tablet, such as an iPad. You can even add an accessory keyboard.

It’s all about budget: Laptops can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It’s important to set a budget before you start shopping so you don’t overspend. Except for Apple’s line of laptops (which are all excellent), a very inexpensive PC is generally not a good

Schools

From P. A1

enables them to hit the ground running and to continue the good work being done in curriculum, instruction and assessment at MHS and across MPS.” School Committee Chair

Sarah Fox told the Current Thursday afternoon, “I’m excited to see how both people

investment. The Doc always recommends checking for sales where a laptop had a list price of at least $700+ and is being offered for 10­30% off. There’s a reason a new laptop can be offered for $250­$400: the components used are just not as good as a laptop costing more.

What size laptop do you want?

Laptops come in a variety of sizes, from 11 inches to 17 inches.

If you’re going to be using your laptop on the go, then you’ll want a smaller model that’s easy to carry. But if you’re going to be using it primarily at home, then you can get away with a larger model.

What operating system do you want? Laptops come with

can grow into their new roles and serve our students.”

Fox served on the assistant superintendent search committee and said, “I’m very excited that she is Dr. Buckey’s recommendation.”

Carlson has been assistant principal at MHS for the past nine years. She previously worked as a classroom teacher and department coordinator at Wakefield Memorial High School. Carlson

a variety of operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows and Chrome OS. Choose the operating system that you’re most comfortable with and that has the capability to install the software you want.

What the heck is “memory?”

Memory is not storage. RAM (Random Access Memory) is a critical component of a computer’s performance. The more RAM a computer has, the faster it can access data. That means that a computer with more RAM will be able to run more programs at the same time and will be able to open files faster. Most laptops come with a minimum of 8GB, but we recommend at least 16GB if you can get it. RAM can usually be added after purchase if you find an 8GG model that you love. However, 8GB is usually quite good in Apple laptops, as their new M1 and M2 processors make up for a lower amount of RAM.

Once you’ve considered these factors, you can start shopping for a new laptop. Be sure to

is currently completing a Doctor of Education degree in leadership from New England University and is expected to graduate in May. The focus of her dissertation is student engagement after the COVID­19 pandemic.

Ferreira has been at the Veterans School since 2020 and previously served as assistant principal in California at Freedom High School, where she also worked as an English

compare prices and read reviews before you make your final decision. With so many great laptops on the market, you’re sure to find the perfect one for your needs. Here are some additional tips for choosing a new laptop: Consider the display.

The display is one of the most important features of a laptop. Make sure you choose a laptop with a highquality display that’s easy to see.

How important is processor speed? The processor is the brains of the laptop, but unless you are doing highend photo or video editing, the processor specs are not something you need to agonize over. They are measured in GHZ (gigahertz).

If you’re doing demanding work, such as video, then make sure you choose a powerful processor that can handle the tasks you need to do.

How important is storage? Laptops come with a variety

teacher and team leader. Before that, she was an English teacher and department chair at Oakland Military Institute College Preparatory Academy for six years.

“I am very excited to have the opportunity to serve as assistant superintendent and further the incredible work our team is doing to educate our students, support our staff and collaborate with our families,” Ferreira said.

“My goal is to continue to build

of storage options, from traditional hard drives to solid­state drives (SSDs). SSDs are faster than traditional hard drives, and the price has come down so low that they are the preferred choice. We recommend at least a 500GB hard drive.

Don’t forget about battery life. Laptops with long battery life are ideal for students and people who are always on the go. But remember: Do not leave your laptop plugged in and charging 24/7, as it reduces battery life. Laptop batteries are designed to charge and recharge, and have an estimated life of about 500­600 charge/recharge cycles.

Read reviews. Before you buy a laptop, be sure to read reviews from other users. This will help you get an idea of what other people think of the laptop. By following these tips, you’ll be sure to choose the perfect laptop for your needs.

relationships with our talented educators and work together to achieve our district goals. Our best work is when it is done together.”

The School Committee approves the contracts for both positions and has final say on the assistant superintendent hire. It will review Buckey’s recommendation and contracts (if they are ready) at its meeting on Thursday, April 6.

Marblehead’s Louro teaches from New Delhi

Michele Louro of Marblehead, a history professor at Salem State University, is teaching and conducting research in New Delhi, India, this semester after receiving a grant through the Fulbright Scholars Program.

Louro is researching a trial linked to the Red Scare for her next book while also co­teaching a class that is virtual for her students in the U.S. and in­person for classmates at Jawaharlal Nehru University in New Delhi.

“One of my goals is to not only teach history, but to teach students to be global citizens of the world,” Louro said. “I’m

especially excited for students in the U.S. and India to collaborate and learn from one another.”

Co­taught with her JNU colleague, the class, titled “Colonialism and the Making of the Modern World,” will allow Salem State and JNU students to engage in class discussions together and collaborate on analyzing historical documents.

The Fulbright­Nehru Senior Scholar Flex grant allows Louro to grow her expertise on anticommunism in colonial India by examining archives related to a 1920s trial and studying the transimperial networks

of anti­communism and its applications in colonial India.

Louro is the author of “Comrades Against Imperialism: Nehru, India and Interwar Internationalism” (Cambridge University Press, 2018) and co­editor and contributor of “League Against Imperialism: Lives and Afterlives.” (Leiden Press, 2020). At Salem State, Louro teaches graduate and undergraduate courses on modern world history, South Asia and the British Empire. She is the faculty fellow for open education resources and just finished her

role as president of the Society for Advancing the History of South Asia, an American Historical Association affiliate.

Louro is among three Salem State University faculty members taking part in Fulbrights during the 2022­2023 academic year. She is joined by Zoe Kessler, a professor of social work, who is researching the de­institutionalization of social care in Latvia; and Bertolon School of Business Professor John McArdle, who traveled to Kosovo to help a university strengthen its economics program.

FU lBriGHT SCHOl A rS prOGr AM

Michele Louro

Former Glover principal among those announcing runs

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Several candidates for the June 20 town election have pulled papers and announced their intentions to run, including former Glover School Principal Brian Ota, who wants to join the School Committee.

“I’m retired now, and there are two openings on the School Committee. I’m interested in looking at running for one of those two spots,” said Ota, who was let go from the Glover School last June after five years as principal there. Previously, he worked as assistant principal at the Village School and the dean of students in the DennisYarmouth School District.

“One of my goals is to continue building a collaborative working environment within the School Committee, school administration, Select Board and Finance Committee to ensure our students receive the very best education,” Ota wrote in a statement.

Gallo

The OIG’s report indicated that its office had received an external complaint, including four months of surveillance photographs showing a police cruiser parked at Officer Gallo’s home during his shifts.

“Based on the information that they obtained through statements and our photographs, their analysis of the evidence revealed that the Marblehead police cruiser was observed in Officer Gallo’s driveway 104 times in photographs provided for 91 of those times,” said Friedman. “On 19 days, there was evidence of multiple checks in the same night, demonstrating that the cruiser remained at his home for several hours.”

She added the Inspector General’s Office also found evidence of 14 occasions of Gallo working an overnight shift where he appeared to be home for some duration.

“In one instance, a cruiser was observed in his driveway for over five hours; in another instance, for over 12 hours well into his morning overtime shift,” Friedman said. “The Office of the Inspector General confirmed with the Marblehead Police Department that Officer Gallo was working patrol on each of the dates at issue. On each of these dates, Officer Gallo had attested on his timesheet that he worked a full regular shift.”

Gallo was placed on paid leave, and a hearing that Picariello requested did not occur before Picariello’s retirement. When Chief Dennis King succeeded Picariello in February 2021, he ordered Sgt. Sean Brady to conduct an internal investigation. Brady was questioned for three hours during the March 29 hearing.

In Gallo’s defense, Nolan questioned the authenticity of the photographs, suggesting that they could have easily been modified, offering a demonstration of how to modify dates and times on an iPhone.

Nolan contended that Brady had conducted a thorough investigation into the OIG’s complaint documents, noting that he had failed to identify the source of the photographs or cross­verify the mileage on Gallo’s cruiser.

Nolan suggested that former officer Tim Tufts may have supplied the photographs in retribution for setting off the chain of events that had led to Tufts’ resignation from the Marblehead Police Department.

On leave for a May 19, 2020, incident in Miller Plaza in which he was initially accused of using excessive force, Gallo

Also running for the School Committee is Karen TalMakhluf, a mother of three children ages 10 and younger.

“Like many other families, we moved to Marblehead to enjoy the seaside living and the excellent public schools,” TalMakhluf wrote in a press release.

“Over the past several years, it has become painstakingly clear that Marblehead Public Schools

need to refocus their priorities on recovering from student learning loss and promoting academic achievement. For this reason, I have decided to run for School Committee.”

Tal­Makhluf started a petition in June 2021 to remove the Black Lives Matter banner at Marblehead High School, accusing BLM of being antisemitic. Superintendent

John Buckey declined to take down the banner.

“If we are truly committed to becoming an antiracist school district, our students, families and staff must know that we recognize and are committed to eradicating racial injustice in our community,” Buckey said at the time. “There have been conversations with our local rabbis and with the Anti­Defamation League, and there is no support for removing the BLM banner.”

Other candidates who have taken out papers for the June election include:

Select Board: Incumbents

Moses Grader, Alexa Singer and Erin Noonan, and former Select Board member Bret Murray. All five Select Board seats are up for re­election.

» Recreation and Parks: Incumbents Derek Norcross, Matthew Martin, Karin Ernst and Linda Rice Collins, and Shelly Bedrossian. All five seats are up for grabs.

» Board of Health: Tom McMahon, Thomas Massaro and David Belf­Becker. There is one open seat.

Water and Sewer: Incumbents Barton Hyte, Thomas Carroll. There are two open seats.

» Moderator: Incumbent Jack Attridge

Housing Authority: Incumbent Theresa Tauro

» Assessor: Incumbent John P. Kelley

» Library Trustees: Incumbent Gary Amberik Light Commission: Adam Robert Smith

used the ruse of having Officer Andrew Dimare retrieve a bag from his locker to confirm a rumor that Tufts had used an empty, flattened can to scratch a swastika in the hood of Dimare’s car.

In an email to then­town counsel, attorney Nolan referenced the swastika incident to raise questions about the credibility of Tufts’ and another officer’s accounts of the Miller Plaza incident.

Not only did Gallo raising the swastika incident lead to Tufts’ resignation, but it also prompted the Police Department to supplement its initial report on the Miller Park incident to “exonerate” Gallo of the allegations of using excessive force and being untruthful. He was still reprimanded for failing to respond to multiple radio dispatches for his assistance.

During his testimony, Brady acknowledged that many in the police department suspected that Tufts filed the OIG complaint against Gallo. Still, Brady underscored several times that he was not tasked with determining the source of the photographs, as that was irrelevant.

Nolan also found fault with the town for waiting nearly two years before convening a disciplinary hearing. He argued the town had a due process obligation to conduct the internal investigation within a

30­day window.

“Nine months [passed] before they did anything about it,” he said. “The department didn’t investigate this case like they would a criminal case.”

When Detective Theresa Gay testified, the hearing pivoted to a second case in which the town alleges that Gallo exercised “poor judgment” during a domestic dispute with his girlfriend on July 26, 2021.

“Officer Gallo’s girlfriend made allegations that he had assaulted her, her children and her dog,” said Friedman. “Officer Gallo’s children were present during the incident as well as the events leading up to the incident.”

As a result of the incident, Gay — as a mandated reporter — filed a report with the Department of Children and Families so that it could investigate, Friedman explained.

During the Marblehead Police Department’s investigation into the incident involving Gallo and his girlfriend, “it became evident that his girlfriend, who at the time was residing with Officer Gallo, suffered from substance abuse disorder and that Officer Gallo’s children were uncomfortable being around her while she was under the influence of alcohol,” Friedman explained.

The department’s investigation did not find evidence of an assault but determined that Gallo used poor

judgment when he drank alcohol with his girlfriend and allowed her to operate a boat with his children in it while knowing his girlfriend was drinking alcohol and had possibly taken an antialcohol medicine, Friedman said.

On the day in question, the couple took the boat to Gloucester, where they consumed more alcohol before returning home, “thus exposing his children to her erratic and intoxicated behavior,” Friedman continued.

During the investigation, Gallo left out important details and downplayed the severity of the situation, as well as his own role in the events that led to the police being called to his home, according to Friedman.

Between the two alleged incidents, Marblehead Police allege that Gallo violated several department policies, including:

» Conduct unbecoming of an officer.

» Professional image.

» Devotion to duty. Cooperation with investigations. Falsifying records.

» Off­duty use of alcohol.

Nolan depicted Gallo as a model police officer who has acted with honesty and integrity. The lawyer held up a stack of 700 police log entries, illustrating that Gallo had consistently responded to calls within two to three minutes. He mentioned a time when Gallo

helped a woman bury her dead dog in the middle of winter.

Through a public records request, the Marblehead Current received a history of disciplinary actions taken against officers in the Marblehead Police Department, which the town was required to submit to the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission, as part of the state’s new certification process for law enforcement.

The document showed that Gallo had, by far, more “sustained” complaints against him — 11 — than any other Marblehead officer. In addition to seven suspensions, Gallo has received four reprimands during his 22­plus­year career on the Marblehead force.

Gay was questioned for about 45 minutes, and her testimony had not finished before Kezer concluded the first day of testimony. King, Gallo and one other unidentified witness are expected to testify.

If the process mirrors the one used in 2010 with allegations of misconduct against then­Sgt. Marion Keating, Kezer will make findings of facts and propose possible sanctions, but it will be up to the Select Board whether to adopt both those findings and the recommended penalty.

Kris Olson, who wrote in depth about this case in February, contributed reporting and writing to this story.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Officer Christopher Gallo is facing discipline up to and including termination on multiple charges. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer convened the first day of the suspended officer’s disciplinary hearing in Abbot Hall on March 29.

COURTESY PHOTO

Karen Tal-Makhluf is running for one of two open seats on the School Committee.

Then-Principal Brian Ota is shown at the Glover School in 2018 with teachers Sally Shevory, left, and Emily Perez. The flag they are holding had been hoisted on the USS Constitution.

Opinion

EDiTOri A l

Getting on the same page

Presuming the articles on this year’s Town Meeting warrant are taken in order, the final proposal to be taken up, Article 54, would require the town to create “standard operating procedures manuals” for four elected boards and commissions — the Select Board, Board of Health, Harbors & Waters Board and Recreation & Parks Commission.

On paper, the subject may sound dry. But we would encourage voters to resist the urge to flee for the exits.

Article 54 is a revised version of a proposal that failed by only seven votes at last year’s Town Meeting. Lead sponsor Megan Sweeney says that almost immediately after that vote, she and the other sponsors were “inundated” by people asking them to bring it back.

This year’s iteration appears to address some of the main issues that prompted Select Board Chair Moses Grader to speak against last year’s article. No longer does the proposal direct the town administrator to impose vague “procedures” and “structures” on duly elected executive bodies, which Grader felt could have led to improper interference with those boards’ prerogatives.

Nor is it as aggressive in creating the type of unenforceable recommendation Grader believed was embodied in last year’s article. Massachusetts law instructs that a municipality’s legislative branch — in this case, Town Meeting — should not direct or interfere with the decision­making of the executive branch.

Especially with those concerns mitigated, there is much to recommend the mandatory creation of policy manuals for local boards and commissions.

As Sweeney explains, the measure should foster civic participation, as those with relevant experience will be able to get a better understanding of just what they would be committing to when deciding to put their name on the ballot.

This year’s proposal was scaled back to target solely the boards overseeing enterprise funds, which seems like a wise choice. As money regularly passes through a board or commission — be it from user fees, grants or tax dollars — the importance of that body not being a “black box” grows.

Sweeney says the hope would be that once the four specified boards created their manuals, it would serve as a catalyst to prompt other boards and commissions to create their own manuals, once they see that it is not so burdensome.

Perhaps one of the more compelling pieces of evidence that this is doable is that the School Committee — like its counterparts around the state — already has quite a comprehensive and dynamic policy manual. You can go online now and click through each of the 12 major categories of policies organized using a classification system developed by the National School Boards Association. Within some of those categories are dozens of individual policy statements. As the School Committee notes, it adds to and revises the policy manual as new problems, issues and needs arise.

Granted, the four boards selected for inclusion in Article 54 — especially smaller departments like Harbors and Waters or Rec and Parks — will not be able to replicate overnight a manual that has taken years to evolve with the School Committee.

But the perfect should not be the enemy of the good. By their nature, policy manuals are living documents that can begin modestly and be built out over time.

Grader says that he suspects that when a vote is taken on Article 54, it will be in the form of a “recommendation to the executive.”

If Town Meeting cannot, as a practical matter, effectively bind the executive branch to take a certain action, we would at least hope that its recommendation would be as precise as possible, offering a timetable to get this important process underway.

lETTErS

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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.

EVErYTHiNG W ill BE OKAY

Home state advantage

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

May we dwell for a minute on Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Don’t worry, I’m not going to talk politics in this column. I’m not promising not to ever, just not today It’s not DeSantis’ politics or policies per se that have my attention, but his promise to make every state just like his.

If you missed DeSantis’s book tour kickoff — in that literary capital also known as Des Moines, Iowa — the backdrop was a big sign that said, “The Florida Blueprint.” OK, it actually said “The Freedom Blueprint,” but his point in his speeches there and in the title of his new book, “The Courage to be Free — Florida’s Blueprint for America’s Revival,” was basically, “Elect me, and I will make the rest of America just like Florida.”

Given I was writing this column poolside in 85­degree weather, I had a pretty open mind when it came to making the rest of the country like the Sunshine State. After all, how many times in that gray month of March did you ask yourself, “Why do I live here?”

Without comment on issues like a school getting in trouble because students were exposed to Michelangelo’s “The David” — see what I did there — I decided to compare Massachusetts and Florida on issues less thorny, and more personal: one’s own comfort and enjoyment. My list of comparators is not comprehensive — feel free to play at home and add your own.

Sitting poolside

Florida’s pool season is much longer than our measly 12 or so weeks. “Let’s open the pool, honey; it’s Memorial Day” reaching in warp speed “It’s time to close the pool, honey; it’s Labor Day.”

However, from my lounge chair in the sunny south, time moved slower, but not everything did. A snake moved from the edge of the pool to the bushes just beyond it

pl

at a speed that belied the meaning of the word “slithered.” It curled its body back on itself just out of reach if someone came near to catch it, plotting its next move like Voldemort versus Harry Potter. Was it 4 feet long? Six feet? Ten? Not sure, I was busy throwing my book in my bag and skedaddling at warp speed to the safety of the condo. A neighbor that evening even said she kept her toilet seat down lest she meet HE WHO MUST NOT BE NAMED at 3 a.m.

Length of season versus slithering snakes, not only by the pool, but in the toilet?

Advantage: Massachusetts.

Traffic

At home when we’re stuck at a particularly long light, we quip “It’s Donald Ross” — a test of patience at an intersection with Route 1 in DeSantis Land. Traffic in this part of Florida has definitely gotten heavier, at least according to our Uber driver who has had to build in more time to get his customers to the airport.

Then there are the bridges over the intercoastal waterway. You’ve done something deserving of bad karma if you get stuck when one of those is going up. They are meticulously timed so you can plan around them. And soon there will be train service all the way from Orlando to Miami. Also, that bridge to Sanibel Island destroyed in the recent hurricane? Replaced in a month. Hear that, Cape Cod travelers dreading the Bourne and Sagamore years­long replacement?

Other than the Donald Ross delay, on all other counts, transportation there is more reliable than the MBTA.

Advantage: Florida

Bad hair days

If you, like me, welcome everything about the warmer months but the humidity, the clear winner is the state where nine months out of the year you don’t have to wear a) a hat, b) your sunglasses as a hair ornament, or c) give up and accept your hairstyle is going to resemble Gilda Radner’s back in her SNL

What the hell’s a ...

You know the expression, “Thinking outside the box.” The “box” referred to is straight­on yawn­yawn linear­assed conventional logic.

Mathematically expressed, the box is — watch this — 1 + 1 = 2!

Oh, wow. Whoopee do ... thud. The ingenious Brit Henry Ernest Dudeney came to the rescue with his concept of thinking outside the “box” of conventional logic in the early 1900s, opening veritable galaxies of possibility for us creative cuckoos.

Quite simply, go beyond the usual: Free your mind to think theoretically, express things creatively. As an example, that

same 1 + 1 could also = ... 7! Like so: 1 (Tom Brady) + 1 (football) = 7 (Super Bowls).

A verbal example of thinking outside the box: In the late 1970s, the I (heart emoji) NY started a stampede of “I Love This­es” and “I Love Thats.” Driving up to Montpelier to meet with Vermont Director of Tourism client Don Lyons in 1980, the fact that there’s a “ve” in “love” and a “ve” in “Vermont” combined in beatific vision as “I LOVERMONT” in my mind. Sold in a heartbeat to the Vermont Chamber of Commerce that day, it appears on T­shirts, bumper stickers, coffee mugs and what­have­you tchotchkes to this day.

A graphic example of thinking outside the box is the idea I came up with when I was concept

heydays.

Advantage: Massachusetts

Sea bird watching

As readers of this column know, I have a new appreciation for seagulls. However, have you ever watched a flock of pelicans, flying in formation, their heads, gullets and bills seemingly too big for their bodies but somehow perfectly balanced just the same? They skim the surface of the water or they dive bomb for fish from as high as 60 to 70 feet. Pelicans are cooler than seagulls.

Advantage: Florida

Farmers’ markets

Again, that determined foe, winter, keeps our pilgrimages to the fonts of fresh fruit and vegetables confined to the warm weather. I recently visited what they call a “green market” in Florida, which operates yearround. There were over 120 vendors. One offered spectacular orchids. There were tacos. And artisan cheeses. Fish mongers and sustainable meats. And this — a cart selling fresh Maine lobster rolls, from, you know, Maine, some 1,600 miles away. It would be like the Marblehead Farmers Market selling Florida conch fritters.

Advantage: Massachusetts

Beach scene

Ubiquitous topless bathers who make it perilous to bring your children for a day of innocent sandy fun? Rambunctious South Beach? Nope. While some hotels allow it poolside, there’s a specially designated beach for nude sunbathing in Miami. It’s Nantucket that recently voted to allow topless bathing everywhere, even at Children’s Beach.

Advantage: Florida. Or Advantage: Massachusetts. Pick your porn, I mean, poison, so long as it wasn’t sculpted by Michelangelo!

Virginia Buckingham is a member of the Current’s board of directors. Her column appears weekly — at least when she isn’t on a Florida holiday.

director at Harold Cabot ad agency, guest­teaching the Boston Ad Club’s creative course for young people trying to put together a sample portfolio to get a startup job in advertising.

The class’ previous week’s assignment had been to come up with billboards or posters for the Red Cross blood drive, which I was to critique before launching into my subject matter.

It being the Vietnam war era, many of the ideas were rough layouts of guys on a battlefield with IVs in their arms and headlines along the lines of: “He needs it more than you! Please give.”

All of a sudden, it just popped into my head. “Y’know, the ideal poster is graphic ... no words at all,

BY LINDA BASSETT

Recently, I found a recipe for a toasted cheese sandwich spread over two pages of a highly regarded food publication. Really?

Satire? Poking fun at new cooks?

Culinary snobbery?

Every American has grown up watching their mom make a toasted cheese sandwich.

For my part, I’d rather know the secrets of The Landing’s feather­light tempura fried green beans. Or how The Beacon gets lemon chicken to taste so knockout lemon­y. I’d like to peek into The Three Cod’s and The Barnicle’s kitchens to see how they keep baked fish flaky. Or how Maria’s muffins consistently crown so high? Or what flavors go on the steak frites at Five Corners Kitchen?

Not that I’m going to run home to cook any of them. I reserve my right to make reservations and enjoy favorites on their home turf.

Marbleheaders like to dine out, but there’s something to be said for peeking behind the curtain. We like our favorite fare, eating or watching, but with a conscience. We are not a town that tortures chefs into dreaming up wild techniques for stewing moose brains or tweezing flower petals onto dabs of olive oil. We don’t approve of the inhumane practices of employing stagiares (unpaid interns) or dishwashers working for untenably low wages.

For centuries, not much was expected of underpaid kitchen help. When George Washington — yes, the president! — advertised for a cook back in the day, his only requirement was sobriety.

Times change. Many chefs are under tremendous pressure to do it all — fast. So fast they skip the basics. I once worked with a chef who climbed the ladder so quickly that he’d never scrambled an egg. When the breakfast cook called out sick, chaos prevailed! At least it wasn’t like the kitchen in “The Menu.” This film (too self­important to be called a movie) has been sold as

a satire. A group of food hipsters — wealthy patrons, celebrities, finance bros, critics — pay a ridiculous ticket price to be whisked to a private island for the ultimate dining experience. The event turns, instead, into a horror flick. Slashers, crashers, blood and guts. No one has any fun. Or (spoiler alert) gets out alive. Contrast that with the cult film “Big Night,” lovingly streamed and copied by food professionals. Two brothers, one played by Stanley Tucci, attempt to bring authentic Italian food to a neighborhood that craves glitz. The movie’s main meal is

delicious to watch.

More recently, “Burnt,” with Bradley Cooper, turns the spotlight on a tortured chef who rose too high, too fast, crashing and burning as he reached for that third Michelin star. This is a love story of finding a better way with the help from some friends.

In both films, the sun rises, literally, on preparing a simple dish of eggs. Two brothers in one and two rival chefs in the second, vast empty kitchens in both. Barely dialogued, lifeaffirming scenes.

Just a note here: Julia Child introduced herself by cooking an omelet on public television.

A BASIC ROLLED OMELET SERVES 1

Omelets are made individually, two to three eggs each. They take a little practice. The first one invariably tears. Don’t throw it out. Just roll it over until the torn side faces downward.

Use a non­stick pan and a heatresistant spatula.

` 3 large eggs

`

1 teaspoon water

`

Salt, pepper, to taste

`

1 tablespoon unsalted butter

2 tablespoons shredded swiss

`

or cheddar cheese, or chopped fresh herbs, e.g. chives, flat chopped flat-leaf parsley » Crack eggs into a bowl with tablespoon of water, herbs, salt and pepper. Whisk together until well blended, even slightly bubbly. Heat the pan over mediumhigh heat. Add butter; lower the heat to medium. When the butter foams, tip the pan and swirl to coat the bottom. (Don’t let the butter brown.) When the foam subsides, pour eggs into the pan. Swirl while stirring the center gently. When the eggs look softly scrambled in the center, run the spatula around the edges, lifting them to let the runny center portion slide underneath. Shake the pan gently to keep eggs from sticking. » Sprinkle the cheese or herbs (or both) across one half. » Use the spatula to push the eggs over until a third is covered with the other third. Tip the pan, pushing the eggs toward the edge. Push again to roll over the rest of the way, sliding the eggs onto a plate by tipping the pan. The seam will be on the bottom.

Caring for Marblehead’s great outdoors

BY ELAINE LEAHY

Maybe it’s because I’m a fan of author Nevada Barr’s mystery novels featuring national park ranger extraordinaire Anna Pigeon that I came to volunteer with the Marblehead Conservancy. Over the years I’ve enjoyed living vicariously through Anna as she explores beautiful parks around the country. So when I learned that the Marblehead Conservancy had a Trails Crew Committee, I decided to give it a try. I was going to be an “amateur ranger” right here in Marblehead, just like Anna! (Minus the mystery and crime

Baker

From P. A6

y’know. What if ... what if the Red Cross didn’t have a lot of red in it? Just a thin band of red at the bottom.”

Art director Russ Veduccio designed a grabber: Against a dramatic black background, the cross shape all emptiness­white ... save a thin band of red at the bottom. The agency donated thousands of blood drive posters to the American Cross, I was awarded Best of Show in the Boston Art Directors Show, and the idea won national acclaim.

nnn

Outside the box has been my operative M.O., from the getgo and throughout my abundantly creative freewheeling life. In the lifestyle sense, I’ve mostly managed to avoid or escape confining corporate, societal and behavioral boxes.

In the realm of ideas, I’ve had the fun of creating from an inspirational vantage point somewhere between left field and da Vinci, along with the occasional perspective of Mark Twain

fighting, of course.)

Founded in 2001, the mission of the Marblehead Conservancy is to protect, acquire and enhance Marblehead’s natural resources for the benefit and enjoyment of the public. With five miles of trails on 165 acres of land, its focus involves maintenance and improvement of trails and keeping areas accessible and safe, both now and in the future.

My first day on the volunteer job I was greeted warmly by Conservancy President Bob French, Trail Committee Chair Don Morgan and a group

and street savvy old pal Killer Kane departing Maddie’s chapel of spirits together at 1:37 a.m.

You’d think that the anti ­ Catholic prejudice that assured my spending the first 13 years of my life without an after(parochial) ­ school friend to my name would’ve cramped my style plenty much. To the contrary, compadres.

The 1940s was what I call The Golden Age of the Imagination — the amazing confluence of three idea ­ charged golden ages: The Golden Age of Comic Books, The Golden Age of Hollywood Movies, and the goldenest of the golden, The Golden Age of Radio, the “theater of the mind” — wellspring via powerhouse dramas, true crime programs, westerns and soap operas when I was home sick of a thousand voices, a thousand personas, 10,000 insights into the way people think and what moves them.

Needless to say, in a sense, I was missing out on a lot. Other kids were happily being kids in organized after­school activities, sports, scouts, lessons.

of dedicated men and women, all with smiles and a very welcoming attitude. Every Wednesday and Saturday, the group meets in front of their tool shed at Robinson Farm to discuss what areas need

But in the grand scheme of things, they were prepping for life in the “box,” while I was storing up a color­dazzled confetti of ideas for my future career as ... guess what ... an idea guy.

Better yet, make that, “a

attention, and who would like to volunteer for each task.

Jobs might include planting new shrubs and trees, spreading wood chips, clearing invasive species, cutting back and

happily ever after, outsidethe­box idea guy.”

(To be continued.)

Bob Baker is a creative resource in Marblehead whose memoir-in-progress is “Outlucking Gatsby: From Greenwich to The Green Light.”

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 P.M. on April 13, 2023 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of Ralph M. and Frances M. Roberto, Trustees of The Cliff Nominee Trust (owner), for repairs to a portion of an existing seawall, site work/landscaping at 22 Cliff Street (Map 112, Parcel 21) 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 emailing: 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

pulling weeds, mowing lawns, removing trash and debris, building stone steps and sealing and repairing wooden bridges and boardwalks. Being a member of this group has pushed me outside of my comfort zone in many ways. For

example, before joining the trails committee, I had never operated a lawn mower! Knowing a boy when I was young who had an unfortunate accident with his toe and a lawn mower really had made an

was responsible for dropping the eggs, as families gathered around a chalked ­ out bullseye on the parking lot pavement.

Gray released the eggs one

by one from atop the town’s ladder engine, which reached approximately 35 feet in height.

“It’s a fantastic way to bring the community together and encourage children to think creatively,” said Gabriella Pardy, who attended the event with

her husband, Chris, and their children, Lorenzo and Luca. “We had a blast.”

Spectators watched intently as some eggs splattered on the ground, while others remained intact.

“Participants whose eggs survived received a medal and an

‘eggcellent’ certificate,” Strobel explained. “All participants were awarded an egg­drop medal.”

Cara Crandals, 10, proudly holding her certificate, stood next to her younger brother, Fletcher, 7, after the event concluded.

“I placed the egg in a

cardboard box and covered it with popcorn,” Cara described, adding that she also modified small Polar Spring bottles to provide additional cushioning for her egg. Fletcher’s egg sadly did not survive the fall, but he resolved to return next year with a new strategy.

Four-year-old Skylar Bane reacts with excitement.

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Firefighters dropped eggs from the town’s ladder engine.

Firefighter Joe Gray drops eggs from a height of 35 feet during the Fire Truck Egg Drop challenge.

Jean, Matt and Will Jacobus keep their eyes on the egg drop.

Sports

Man behind the mic

Marblehead’s Gus Baylow ascends to the pro broadcasting booth

BY CHAD KONECKY

Already a year removed from calling the NCAA Final Four for University of Kansas student radio, Gus Baylow has since traveled with the Kansas baseball team and has handled the on­air play­by­play for most of its games the past two months.

The Marblehead native has a lot on his plate, especially for a guy who is still weeks away from wrapping up the academic year. But Baylow, a junior at KU’s William Allen White School of Journalism, is no ordinary collegian, and his career pursuit is no easy get.

In point of fact, working the bulk of this spring’s 55­game Big 12 baseball campaign actually represents a downshift from last summer, when he shared a 72­game schedule of radio and TV play­by­play and color analyst duties for the Green Bay Rockers in the independent, Midwest­based Northwoods League.

That came on the heels of calling almost two dozen KU softball games streamed on kuathletics.com last April and May. Suffice it to say, the Rockaway Avenue resident is learning a lot, so much so that he will be back in Green Bay this summer for a second tour.

“This past summer was a great, great opportunity, and I’m incredibly fortunate to have had it,” says the St. John’s Prep graduate, who cut his teeth calling some 200 streamed broadcasts of Eagles’ sporting events during his high school years.

Baylow continued, “It’s a lot of games. It’s a lot of work. I

SEASON prEV iEW

knew that going in, and I wanted that — I wanted that experience. The Northwoods League is as much a place for broadcasters to improve as it is for players

to improve. When you do this many games, you’re not going to have your best stuff every night, either on the field or in the booth. It’s mainly just a

way to get reps. It’s a way to get practice. It’s a way to get motivated. When I got back to school last fall, I had a different level of broadcast experience

Hoping to pick up where they left off

After strong finish in ’22, Magicians begin ’23 campaign

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Last year, the Marblehead High baseball team got off to a rough start but rallied to win 14 of 16 games to finish with a 14­8 record. In the Division 2 state tournament, the team fell to the third seed in a Round of 16 game, 5­1. Before that, the 14th­seeded Magicians had defeated Canton, the 19th seed, in the Round of 32, 6­2.

“The (players) did a great job, especially after losing five out of their first six games,” said coach Mike Giardi.

Turning the page, Giardi welcomed 53 hopefuls to practice on March 20, with 18 of them freshmen. The rather large turnout also included eight seniors, 13 juniors and 14 sophomores.

This year’s goals should be quite familiar to the program’s veterans.

“We want to go at least .500 and make the tournament,” Giardi said. “But ultimately, we want to win the (Northeastern) conference before going as far as we can in the postseason.”

Giardi continued, “We lost six starters from last year to graduation, including three all­stars, so we have some big holes to fill, especially up the middle at catcher, middle infield and centerfield. We really need some young guys to step up.” But so far, Giardi is happy with the enthusiasm.

“The energy by everyone has been great,” he said. “We already scrimmaged Salem, and everybody on the roster got at least one at­bat. I saw some really good things out there. We didn’t really keep score because I

just wanted to see pitchers pitch and hitters hit.”

Senior Shane Keough, who was an all­star outfielder last year, joins classmates Drew Whitman (starting pitcher), Ian Maude (starting pitcher and a 2022 all­star) and veteran hurler Cody Selvais as the 2023 captains.

The starting lineup was far from set as

Wednesday

under my belt, because a (10week) summer schedule is a real grind.”

Baylow actually got the gig online. In the fall of 2021, he saw the Green Bay listing on a job website called Teamwork Online Sports Jobs. He applied electronically and attached his resume. Within an hour, the club asked for demo clips.

A few emails and phone calls later, he was the voice of the Rockers, along with eventual broadcast partner R.J. Taylor, who will graduate from the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute in May. It was a big step for a sophomore. Then again, the stepping stone of calling KU’s run to the 2022 NCAA men’s basketball championship loomed large in helping him adapt.

Utter madness

Baylow called a couple of

COURTESY PHOTO/LUANN GABLE Marblehead High School senior captains Charly Cooper,

SEASON prEV iEW

Magicians get ready for another season on courts

BY JOE MCCONNELL

of press time, but Giardi had one more scrimmage left on the preseason schedule to hopefully clear up who will play where before the home opener against Danvers later April 5, starting at 4 p.m.

“Danvers should be one of the top teams in the NEC this year, so it should be a good test for us right away,” the veteran Marblehead coach said.

With a record 56 girls coming out for the Marblehead High School girls tennis team, coach Tracy Ackerman’s program is certainly robust with talent from top to bottom. German exchange student Pauline Geissler is currently vying for the first singles spot, while Andrea Potvin has also had a great tryout, according to Ackerman.

COURTESY PHOTO

Veteran Marblehead High School baseball coach Mike Giardi, shown talking to the media after a game last year, is getting the 2023 team ready for the season, which begins Wednesday, April 5 at home against Danvers.

A junior in the William Allen White School of Journalism, Marblehead’s Gus Baylow surveys the field in Lawrence, Kansas as fans start to file in for one of the University of Kansas football games that he has broadcast throughout the last couple of years.

COURTESY PHOTO

BAYLOW, P. A10

Baylow

football games in the fall of his sophomore year but transitioned to men’s and women’s basketball games in early November. Shortly before the Big 12 Tournament, his producers told him he would be part of the broadcast team to go to New Orleans if No. 3 Kansas reached the Final Four. Baylow tried to stay level­headed.

“I told myself a lot of things would have to happen, so let’s pump the brakes a little bit. Don’t get your hopes up,” he said.

Three weeks later, he got the call after the Jayhawks crushed the University of Miami, 76­50, in the Elite Eight. Five days later, Baylow was in a rental car heading south the night before a semifinal matchup against Villanova. The next night, he was calling a game in the Superdome in front of a crowd of 75,000.

“I definitely felt jitters,” recalls Baylow. “It’s hard not to, on that big of a stage. When you’re calling one of the biggest sporting events on the calendar, no matter how many people are listening to your broadcast (on 90.7 FM Lawrence, KU student radio), it’s an event that millions of people from all across the world are watching. And it’s a big deal for a lot of people. You’re there representing your school. The school is supplying the money for us to make the trip. You’re also representing your own personal brand, your friends, your colleagues and all that kind of stuff.

He continued, “I think the biggest thing that I promised myself, especially in that first game, was not to let the crowd or the moment get away. It was a three­man booth, and all of us tried our best not to let the moment get away from us. I honestly think we did a really good job, for the most part.”

Two nights later, Kansas outlasted North Carolina, 72­69, and Baylow was headed north on I­55 back to Lawrence the next day. It was a fortnight he will never forget.

Far from Cheeseheads

More than 300 Northwoods

League alumni have gone on to play in the big leagues, including 2016 Roberto Clemente Award winner Curtis Granderson, threetime Cy Young Award winner and Mets righthander Max Scherzer, two­time World Series champion Ben Zobrist, Giants shortstop Brandon Crawford, seven­time All­Star and Red Sox lefty Chris Sale and Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who led the National League in RBI in 2022.

The independent league, a 24­team affiliation spread across four divisions, is also well­known for its robust commitment to high­quality broadcasts of games. Every Rockers game can be heard on 95.9 FM Green Bay and WDUZ 1400 AM The Fan (Green Bay), and is also webcast on Northwoods League TV. Some of Baylow’s games last summer made it to ESPN+.

“The league is one of the best, if not the best for broadcasters to come through, because of the resources they put into the broadcasts and the equipment that we have,” explained Baylow. “When you watch the Northwoods League, it’s a fourcamera set­up with graphics, replays and a lot of bells and whistles, so it’s very much like

a minor league or even a major league game.”

So, did Baylow hold his own?

“Gus does a really, really great job,” says his 2022 booth partner, Taylor, who broadcasts Georgia Bulldogs games on SEC Network+, accessible using the ESPN app.

“When it comes to sports knowledge, I mean, the guy is a savant,” Taylor said. “But with the nuts­and­bolts broadcasting, he paints a really good picture for the radio audience. From what I could tell, he had less experience on the TV, but I think he adjusted really nicely. Obviously, he has a tremendous voice. His voice is a phenomenon.”

Baylow rates the quality of play and the talent level throughout the league as “generally similar to the North Shore Navigators summer team in Lynn and the rest of the New England College Baseball League.” He would know.

In the summer of 2021, Baylow called 47 games in 70 days for the Navs’ streaming broadcasts, and he handled the Fraser Field PA duties for the team during the three seasons before that.

For his part, Baylow is grateful that broadcasters for rival teams

in the Northwoods League provide resources about their players and the latest team news to help his broadcast team cram in preparing for the games.

“We have other responsibilities besides calling the games,” he explains. “We make the game programs, and we help out with roster management. In summer ball, you have so many players who come and go. It’s tough to keep track of everybody. Those things take time, so we don’t have time to sit down and look at stats for five hours. In return, we try to prepare as much as we can to give other teams’ broadcasters the scouting report we create.”

There’s no doubt Baylow’s is a summer pastime that lacks glitz and glamor, what with road trips to exurbs like Wausau and Fond du Lac in Wisconsin, Rockford, Illinois, and Traverse City or Kalamazoo, Michigan, particularly when doing games for a team that went 30­42 and finished 27 games out of first place in its division.

Be that as it may, Rockers Vice President and General Manager John Fanta says that what Baylow calls “the grind” did not impact his performance.

“Gus came with the same energy

every day,” he said. “He’s very regimented. Regardless of what time we expected certain people to be in here for certain duties, he always showed up at the same time every day, went through his daily routine with writing our pregame notes, and he did a very nice job at putting a comprehensive packet together for the visiting media and our fans.”

Fanta continued, “After all of his pregame and postgame prep, which includes doing the pregame show for TV in the afternoons, swinging by the batting cages to check on any updates that were happening with the team throughout the day or working throughout the evening on the broadcast in addition to writing a pregame and postgame story for the press release we send out to the media. His great work really encompasses a lot of things.” Baylow will make his return engagement to Green Bay in time for the Rockers’ season­opener on May 29. To get a feel for Baylow’s broadcasting chops, stream KU sports audio on demand by visiting bit.ly/3KlDRtw.

Chad Konecky is a communication specialist for St. John’s

of Baylow’s scorebook from Game 70 of the Green Bay Rockers season last summer

1914 flood

The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer and historian Dan Dixey, who regularly shares photos of Marblehead from his extensive collection, along with information about each shot.

“This is a flood at Central and Chestnut Streets on March 1, 1914. The image is from the original Fred Kitchman glass negative,” Dixey explained.

Litchman was a photographer in Marblehead in the early and mid 1900s.

“He started down on State Street, where Maddie’s is now on the second floor. Then he bought the building next to the Lee Mansion. He took fantastic photographs — a mixture of street scenes, people, groups, baseball teams, soldiers going off to war.”

Ryan

lessons.

The siblings shared that Ryan has already shown an independent disposition.

“He was the first one born of the litter,” said Camilla.

They said Pearl walked into the kitchen, laid down on a couch, and Ryan popped out.

With an air of amazement, Joe chimed in, “He got born all by himself on the couch with no people around to help.”

The siblings expressed mixed emotions when they dropped Ryan off.

“We are happy we don’t have to take care of seven puppies anymore,” said Joe. “We are happy they’re going to good homes. But we’ll miss them.”

Swampscott firefighters are the beneficiaries of their hard work and sacrifice.

“He’s going to be a great distraction after tough calls to come back to this little guy,” said Firefighter Connor Barton. “I could definitely see him inadvertently becoming a therapy dog.”

Archer said Ryan would inherently be a stress reliever for many of Swampscott’s firefighters.

“He’s honestly just going to hang out,” Archer said. “His presence will be a good thing for the firefighters.”

The chief said the past three years have been difficult for Swampscott’s firefighters due to the loss of a fellow firefighter and COVID­19.

“It’s been shown that having a dog around has a lot of positive physical and emotional benefits for people,” said Archer. “If having a dog around sends our firefighters home in a better frame of mind, it’s

Leaf and grass collection

The town has announced the schedule for its 2023 curbside collection of leaves and grass.

This year’s collection will take place on residents’ regular scheduled trash and recycling days during the weeks of April 24, May 15 and June 5.

Residents are reminded that only leaf bags will be accepted during the collection, and plastic bags will not be collected or emptied.

Additionally, bags containing brush or other materials will not be collected, as this can affect the quality of the compost generated from leaves.

No collections will occur on legal holidays, so residents should plan accordingly.

good for everyone.”

Nearby, Ryan was already casting a spell over the on­duty firefighters

standing in the bay area. They beamed as they took turns cradling the content puppy.

Swampscott Fire Chief Graham Archer cuddles Ryan, a chocolate Labrador retriever, who was dropped off at the fire station by Marblehead siblings Camilla Cross, 10, and Joe Cross, 12, on March 30.

Rep. Armani seeks to amend Constitution to include women, nonbinary titles

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Representative Jenny Armini of Marblehead wants to amend the state Constitution to add “her” and “their” as options when using the Governor’s Excellency title and the Lieutenant Governor’s Honor title.

“History has blown by the Massachusetts Constitution. It is well past time to catch up,” said Armini, who testified for her bills before the Judiciary Committee on March 28.

“According to our foundational document, Governor Maura Healey is referred to as ‘His Excellency.’ Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll is referred to as ‘His Honor.’ This legislation would correct those anachronisms by beginning the process of amending the Constitution.”

Specifically, H.30 and H.31, would add “her” and “their” to the existing “his” pronoun preceding the two honorifics.

“Words matter,” said Armini, who is a former speechwriter, including chief speechwriter to then­Acting Governor Jane

Environment

From P. A7

Swift. “Language is how we communicate our values, and it’s a tool by which citizens learn who and what is important.

impression. But I eventually conquered my fear and gained the confidence to use a mower — and many other tools — with the expert guidance of the group leaders and members. Loppers, hedge trimmers and pitchforks? No problem. I still haven’t tackled a Pulaski ax, but maybe someday!

Volunteering in the town’s green spaces is enjoyable for many reasons. It’s a way to get fresh air and exercise in beautiful locales, to socialize with a group of volunteers with diverse career backgrounds and interests, to meet community members out on the trails, to learn new skills and to discover a lot about plants and their care. I’ve also gained confidence as a woman that I can handle many of the tools that I previously found intimidating and dangerous.

Since I never know which nature preserve we will be visiting, or what new job we will be undertaking, each time I volunteer it’s new and exciting. I have discovered new trail entrances and visited green spaces in town that I used to just drive by, unaware of the treasures that were in my midst.

For example, though I’d been to the Village School countless times, I had never explored Robinson Farm, which lies directly behind. While we were clearing both litter and invasive bittersweet from Robinson Farm, I learned a great deal about the history of

LEGAL NOTICE

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

Actions often follow accordingly. “The original exclusion of Her speaks to the mores of a different time in our nation’s

Volunteering in the town’s green spaces is a way to get fresh air and exercise in beautiful locales and to socialize with a group of volunteers.

the farm and the land.

It might be surprising to hear that if you’re a history buff, this is also a great group for you. The team members are quite knowledgeable about the history of the open spaces in town and are very happy to share what they know. Just visit marbleheadconservancy.org and you’ll get a sense of what I mean. You’ll find a wealth of maps, information and history about the land and its usage, and much more.

Even though I can’t commit to trail work every week, I am greeted enthusiastically each time I can attend. Their motto is to come and work when you can, with no pressure. Being a busy mom with even busier kids, this flexibility has been very welcome.

I am humbled to volunteer with a group who has been dedicated to the green spaces in Marblehead for decades. I consider myself fortunate to learn from them and help preserve natural areas in town for the enjoyment of all. I encourage Marblehead adults young and old, men and women alike, to give it a try. We may not be Anna Pigeon in Yellowstone National Park, but we can certainly make a big contribution right here on our own preserved land.

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on April 13, 2023 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of Daniel J. Riccio, Trustee of the Daniel J. Riccio Qualified Personal Residence Trust (owner) for the proposed house addition, site work/landscaping and stormwater management at 10 Coolidge Road (Map 47, Parcel 36) 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

history. By including both Her and Their, we capture the progress made, and we ensure that all people are respected and reflected in our most important document,” explained Armini.

Explaining inclusion of “their” pronouns in her amendments, Armini called for lawmakers to look toward a future day when “someone unencumbered by gender, or gender assigned at birth, sits in the corner office.”

She referred to Rep. Sam Montano, another first­term House member who uses both female and nonbinary pronouns, as one politician who is “full of promise.”

First­term Rep. Dawne Shand of Newburyport recalled, as a high school student in Alabama, her teacher saying that male pronouns in government documents were appropriately “encompassing” of all.

Shand disagreed, as did Rep. Mindy Domb, who spoke in favor of the Armini amendments and her own proposal (H 32) which would replace the word “he” with the phrase “the person” everywhere it appears in the

document.

“‘He’ is not an inclusive term. ‘He’ is a gendered term,” said Domb.

Gov. Maura Healey told reporters that she hadn’t heard about the proposals.

“I think people know how to refer to me, they refer to me in a lot of different ways,” Healey said.

The governor also made light of the 18th century language.

“I guess Abigail didn’t have a hand in that,” said Healey, apparently referring to Abigail Adams, who famously implored her husband John to “remember the ladies” in his public policy work.

“Where was she? She wasn’t at home that day,” Healey quipped.

The Judiciary Committee has until April 26 to issue positive or negative reports on the various bills it heard Tuesday. Lawmakers then face a May 10 deadline to call up any of those proposals to feature on the Constitutional Convention calendar for this session.

The State House News Service contributed to this report.

Shoot smarter with your smartphone

LEGAL NOTICE TO WN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVAT ION COMMISSION

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on April 13, 2023 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of Eric and Katherine Walker (owner) for open porch addition (1st floor), maintenance re-pointing repairs to an existing seawall/house foundation, site work/landscaping at 19 Goodwins Court (Map 166, Parcel 68) 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

Do you have a bunch of photos on your phone that you’re not sure what to do with? Learn how to take photographs and video with your smartphone or tablet in an interactive class with photographer and videographer Bob Michelson Wednesday, April 12, 6­8 p.m. in the program room at Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School.

Participants will learn how to take better composed pictures by using the “Rule of Thirds” of photography, as well as how to hold their device for steadier, blur­free photos while using the volume control as a shutter button.

During this workshop, you will learn why and how we take photos and how the type of phone we use can affect how we choose to edit and store them. Whether you plan to print, create digital slideshows, publish photo books or post to social media, you still need to download, backup and organize your photos, according to Michelson. Each student will leave class with a personal photo management plan.

Michelson’s work has been published in local, regional and national magazines and newspapers. Space is limited, and registration is required at tinyurl.com/Abbot­Photography­Class.

This program is generously sponsored by the Friends of the Abbot Public Library.

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

pHOTOGr A pHY Cl ASS

Rep. Jenny Armini of Marblehead: ‘History has blown by the Massachusetts Constitution.’

Charter board to discuss fate of suspended head of school

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Board of Trustees at the Marblehead Community Public Charter School has scheduled an executive meeting (closed to the public) for Wednesday evening, April 5, where it is expected to discuss a misconduct allegation against Head of School Peter Cohen. Cohen has been suspended with pay since March 27.

Board President Tim Wadlow declined to discuss details of the allegation, except to emphasize that it involved Cohen and a staff member, and that “no students were directly involved.”

Small fire closes Shubie’s for one day

BY LEIGH BLANDER

A small fire broke out at Shubie’s Marketplace on Atlantic Avenue the morning of March 30, when the motor in a beverage cooler overheated. No one was injured. The fire closed the popular store for a day.

“[Manager] Doug Shube used an extinguisher on it and knocked it down,” Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Marblehead Current.

“When we arrived, there was just smoke.

“There was still heat in the wall, so as a precautionary measure we opened up the wall,”

he added. The Board of Health was also called in.

The emergency call came in at 9:12 a.m. and the fire department sent two engines and a ladder truckwhich had not opened yet for the day.

Fire crews cleared the scene at 10:02 a.m.

The next day, Shubie’s posted a message to Facebook thanking Marblehead firefighters and the community.

“And a giant shoutout to our team for yet again going above and beyond and being by our side. We can get through anything with them next to us.”

Diaper drive underway

In recognition of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Marblehead Health Department will be sponsoring a diaper drive in April to benefit families in need.

The Health Department will be accepting only new and unopened packages of diapers in all sizes from newborn to size 6, though the larger sizes (5 and 6) are a greater need. Donations of baby wipes will also be gratefully accepted.

In addition, the Current has learned that former Charter employee Robert Erbetta of Marblehead has filed a complaint against Cohen with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination after being fired last June.

Erbetta had been affiliated with the school for 27 years, serving as a board member at one point. He most recently worked as the facilities director, overseeing construction projects.

“I believe I was unfairly terminated by Mr. Cohen on June 30, 2022, based on my age alone,” Erbetta, who is 80 years old, wrote to the MCAD.

Cohen did not respond to requests for comment.

Wadlow said he understands his fellow parents’ anxiety as the board conducts its internal investigation

into the initial allegation, but he added that learning is continuing at Charter.

“I’ve been in the school the last few days, and I’ve seen a tremendous team effort from the teachers and staff to do what they’ve always done, which is to make Charter special,” Wadlow told the Marblehead Current. “They are inspired to keep things going.”

Assistant Head of School Stephanie Brant assumed Cohen’s responsibilities during his paid suspension.

Cohen became Charter’s head of school in 2019, after working as a principal in Nantucket and Westford. MCCPS, at 17 Lime St., opened in 1995 and serves about 215 children in fourth through eighth grade.

At a Charter Board meeting March 28, several parents expressed concern about the allegation and the way the school was handling communication.

“Why do you tell the community about the allegation and the investigation without any specifics?” asked one mother. “It may have to do with allaying the fears of people, but I think at this moment it has kind of lit them. And so we’re all left with speculation with respect to the wording. I have an eighth­grader. I have a fifth­grader. I feel like the school needs to address it with them

because they need to feel like they’re in a safe space.”

Charter psychologist Melissa DeLeo tried to assure parents that their children are in good hands.

“I just want to make sure that all the parents on this call know that their kids will be supported and they will be taken care of,” she said. “I have the utmost faith in my colleagues. They are hardworking, amazing teachers. And we’re going to do everything that we can to continue to have a safe and happy and healthy learning environment for your kids.”

School counselor Sarah Biltcliffe added, “I’m more than happy to remind the children that every single adult in this building cares about them and that school is safe. And we want them to feel safe. So if kids have questions, encourage them to come see me, and we can talk through their concerns.”

The school recently sent out acceptance letters for the 20232024 academic year to prospective families.

“To new parents, we understand the anxiety and uncertainty that this might create,” Wadlow said. “While the timing isn’t great, we’re doing the best we can to support the school. We hope to wrap this up as soon as we can.”

The investigation was being handled by three members of the Charter Board: Paul Baker and Ian Hunt, whose children are MCCPS alumni, and current MCCPS parent Lindsay Smith.

Marblehead Museum’s April programs

Women’s history

walking tour

» Saturday, April 15 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.

» Saturday, April 22 at 10 a.m.

The Marblehead Museum’s annual Women’s History Walking Tour returns for its second year, with five brand­new historic sites.

This hour­ long tour of downtown Marblehead focuses on Victorian women from the 1860s to the 1920s. Discover the stories of courageous women who helped end slavery, fought for women’s rights, saw the world on their bicycles and made a few movies along the way. Learn more: https:// bit.ly/3lRxrJj.

Annual meeting

» Thursday, April 27 at 6:30 p.m.

Briefs

From P. A2

Appointed vacancies

The town is currently seeking volunteers to fill several vacancies on appointed boards, commissions and committees. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or via email at wileyk@ marblehead.org.

For more information, contact the Select Board’s Office at 781­631­0000.

Below is a list of open positions:

» MBTA Advisory Board

» One­year term

Marblehead Disabilities Commission

» Three­year term

» One unexpired vacancy (term to expire

in 2024)

» One unexpired vacancy (term to expire in 2025)

Task Force Against Discrimination

» One­year term

The collection will run during regular business hours from April 3 to April 28. Drop off donations of diapers or wipes to the Marblehead Health Department in the Mary Alley Building at 7 Widger Road. transfer station. Contact the Public Health Department at 781­631­0212 for additional volunteer information.

» Affordable Housing Trust Fund

» One­year term

Entrepreneur fair

On May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.,

Marblehead Community Charter Public School will host an entrepreneur fair.

This event will feature student businesses ranging from homemade dog treats, soup kits, jewelry, and sea glass pictures among other booths.

Young entrepreneurs between the ages of 8 and 16 who would like to sell their items can sign up at bit.ly/40O4n4a. Students from all over the North Shore are participating in this event. The Charter School will have between 30 and 40 vendors, and the public is invited to come and support the students.

The Marblehead Museum will hold its annual meeting on April

LEGAL NOTICE

27. Members of the Marblehead Museum Board of Directors will update the public on the year’s museum business and, afterward, enjoy a talk with architectural historian Myron O. Stachiw, who

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVATION COMMISSION

The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on April 13, 2023 on an application filed by Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of Janet

A. Himmel, Trustee, 35 Foster Street Realty Trust (owner) for maintenance re-pointing repairs to an existing seawall, site work/ landscaping at 102 Harbor Avenue (Map 918, Parcel 11 & 11A) 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

will discuss his investigations of Jeremiah Lee’s brick kitchen. The annual meeting is free, but registration is required. It can be viewed in­person or via Zoom. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3lRxrJj.

FirE CrEWS rESpOND

MCCPS Head of School Peter Cohen

Programs, classes, events for seniors in April

All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., unless otherwise stated. Questions? Call 781­6316225 or email councilonaging@ marblehead.org.

Lunch at the COA

Lunch is offered on Tuesdays at noon for $3. The meals are prepared in the Council on Aging’s commercial kitchen. These lunches are supported by The Friends of the Council on Aging.

Grab-n-go lunches

Grab­n­go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. Pick­up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made the Thursday before by calling 781­631­6225.

Traveling Chef

On Friday, April 14, at noon, enjoy lunch prepared by the Traveling Chef. There will be no grab­n­go lunch this day. Friends of the Council on Aging

fundraiser

Save the date: This fundraiser will be Thursday, April 27, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Landing Restaurant. More details to follow.

Visit with your state representative

Chat with State Rep. Jenny Armini at the COA on Friday, April 14, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

COA Speaker Series

Preview to Town Meeting: Hear from Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer and Town Moderator Jack Attridge as they discuss the May 1 Town Meeting. Wednesday, April 19, at 12:30 p.m. To RSVP, call 781­631­6225.

Sing-along

Come sing to golden oldies, show tunes, hymns, folk tunes, sea shanties and more. Wednesday, April 18, 11 a.m. to noon. If you play a musical instrument, bring that along.

(Triangles and kazoos count!)

Movie Days

Come watch “Jerry & Marge’’ on Friday, April 14 at 1 p.m. When retiree Jerry Selbee discovers a mathematical loophole in the Massachusetts lottery, he and his wife go on an exciting, multi­million dollar winning spree with the goal of reviving their small Michigan town.

Then on Friday, April 28, at 1 p.m., watch “To Catch a Thief.” American expatriate John Robie, living in high style on the Riviera, is a retired cat burglar. He must track down a copycat thief to keep a new wave of jewel thefts from being pinned on him. RSVP at 781­631­6225.

Trips & Tours

The COA is planning several trips and tours this spring and summer, including a luncheon and Bee Gees tribute concert at the Danversport Yacht Club on Tuesday, May 23; a luncheon and The Texas Tenors concert at the Danversport Yacht Club on Tuesday, June 23; and a Montreal­Quebec trip July 18­21. For more information and to sign up, call Janice at 781­631­6225.

Coffee with a Cop

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

Drop­in blood pressure clinic on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon.

Fitness Center is open Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Passes can be purchased for $10

for five visits.

Tap is Back at the COA

If you’ve always wanted to try tap dancing, or if you took classes as a kid and want to start again, check out this introductory class on Thursday, April 13, at 9:30 a.m. Taught by Debi Cocco, the class will keep you moving and cover all the basic tap steps.

Tai Chi/Qigong

Tai Chi/Qigong is an excellent form of exercise for low­impact strengthening, stress relief, balance and flexibility. Qigong is an ancient Chinese system that combines breathing, movement and meditation to cultivate health and wellbeing. Thursdays at 1 p.m. $5.

Chair Volleyball

Chair Volleyball is now at the COA on Wednesdays and Fridays, 1 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.

Muscle Conditioning

Senior Muscle Conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3.

Stay Active

North Shore Physical Therapy runs an osteo class on 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.

Zumba Gold

Zumba Gold classes are held on Wednesdays at noon. It is a lower intensity dance class inspired by Latin and world music.

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.

No experience is necessary for this indoor sport. Instructions on how to play the game will be available at every session. Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol. com with questions.

Stretch & Strength

The Council on Aging offers a Strength & Stretch class on Mondays at 11:30 a.m. and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.

Step it Up

Karen Jancsy leads this lowimpact movement and muscle conditioning class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m.

Weight Training

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

Yoga with Evie

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

Chair Yoga

Gail Perry Borden teaches Chair Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays 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.

Quilting

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

Knitting Group

Drop­in knitting is Thursdays at 9 a.m.

Cribbage

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

Mahjong

Play mahjong Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

I Love Bridge

This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Drop­in bridge is on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Canasta

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

Get a senior Charlie Card

People who are 65 years or older are eligible for reduced MBTA fares with a senior Charlie Card. These cards are valid for eight years. Call Nadine Lepick at 781­631­6225 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. Want a lift?

The COA offers transportation services to both in­town and outof­town medical appointments and in­town 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 781­631­6225.

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. Also, free fire alarms, carbon monoxide detectors and lock boxes can be installed. To learn more, contact Sharon Doliber at 781­631­6225.

Y welcomes LEAP Fitness members after Marblehead club closes

BY BRIAN FLYNN, LVO YMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Our entire team at the Lynch/ van Otterloo YMCA is excited to welcome our friends and neighbors from LEAP Fitness to become part of our YMCA community. Although we are always saddened when a thriving business in our community must close its doors, we are thrilled to be able to support LEAP Fitness and its members as they determine what works best for them going forward.

As an organization dedicated to health and wellness, the Y appreciates LEAP Fitness’s contribution to the community and is honored to have been chosen as the main option for its members to join for a seamless transition to our YMCA family.

The YMCA has state­of­the art equipment, functional training spaces, hundreds of today’s most popular group exercise activities, indoor and outdoor pools, personal training and so much more. In addition, membership at the YMCA gives you access to each of our six other YMCA locations across the North Shore, including Beverly, Salem, Gloucester, Ipswich, Haverhill and Plaistow, NH.

Laurie­Sue Rodrigues, YMCA director of

Association Health

& Wellness Operations said, “We join the leadership team at LEAP Fitness in wanting to provide the smoothest transition for all LEAP Fitness members so they can stay on their health and wellness track. We understand that a change like this can impact vital health and wellness routines. As a way to try to minimize any disruptions to these routines, our YMCA invites any member of LEAP Fitness to join our Y with one month at no charge; we will also waive the joiner fee. We are here to support all LEAP Fitness members in any way we can.”

We know there are so many choices for health and wellness places in the Marblehead area, however the YMCA offers some things that typical gyms do not.

The YMCA is different — it provides a variety of offerings beyond general fitness. In addition to healthy living, it is focused on youth development and social responsibility. Youth programming including child care, swim lessons, gymnastics and sports support the Y’s commitment to helping young people learn, grow and thrive.

The Corner Stone program, which provides free membership for people coping with a cancer diagnosis, as well as affordable housing across the North Shore are just two examples of the YMCA’s dedication to meeting the community’s need and furthering its focus on social responsibility.

General Steve Males said, “We care deeply about our

LEAP community and have subsequently joined forces with an organization that shares our values. The Y is meeting all of our amazing team members to ideally place them and invites all LEAP members to join. The Y’s mission is to strengthen communities by connecting people to their potential, purpose and each other. Their mission is to make a positive impact on individuals and communities.”

The Y is really so much more than a place to work out, it is a place and a purpose where membership is meaningful. For decades, the Y has been a fixture in Marblehead offering a community space for all to feel welcome and connected. Through membership,

generous donors, corporate sponsorships, community partnerships and now this LEAP Fitness collaboration, the YMCA will continue to be a resource to our community for years to come. To learn more about our YMCA and all that it offers, visit northshoreymca.org/joinymca reach out to Membership Dir. Jane Rizza at rizzaj@ northshoreymca.org.

The Y is better together, refer a friend

Refer a friend to the Y and we’ll thank you with a free month of membership while your friend receives a $0 enrollment fee. Visit the welcome center or reach out to Membership Director Jane Rizza at rizzaj@northshoreymca.org.

About the YMCA of the North Shore

The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. For more than 160 years, the YMCA of the North Shore has been the foundation of the community. It serves more than 45,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.

lYNCH/VAN OTTErlOO YMCA

Lynn Goodchild, 77

Lynn Wilson Goodchild, a beloved wife, mother, and friend, passed away on Feb. 20, 2023, in Annapolis, Maryland.

She was born on Feb. 9, 1946, in Pasadena, California, to Dr. John and Berenice Wilson. Lynn spent her childhood in Ohio before attending the University of Kentucky and later The Ohio State University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree

rEliGiON

in dental hygiene. Lynn worked as a dental hygienist, and it was during this

time that she met her future husband, Anthony “Tony” Goodchild, on a blind date in Boston.

They were married on Sept. 4, 1971, and lived in Newbury, Hamilton and Marblehead while raising their two daughters, Paige (Doug) Hamilton and Brooke (Rush) McCloy.

After retirement, Lynn and Tony lived in several locations, including Florida, Maine, South Carolina and Virginia before finally settling in Annapolis, Maryland, to be close to family.

Lynn was passionate about maintaining clean teeth and

promoting a bright smile, gardening, skiing, spending time in the warm ocean, her dogs, and playing playful pranks wherever and whenever she could. Her curiosity to explore the world stimulated her, her family and her friends to explore various countries and cultures.

Lynn touched the lives of many people, including her husband, daughters, five grandchildren — Reid, Cole and Myles Hamilton; and Porter and Tate McCloy — her brother, Steve (Karen) Wilson; her brother­in­law, Sargent (Susan) Goodchild; and her dear friends who brought her immense joy throughout her life.

Lynn is survived by her husband, Tony, and her two daughters. A small memorial service for family will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023, in Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Lynn’s memory to The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust — an organization that works to address the sustainability of wildlife conservation in Kenya, with a notable focus on the protection of elephants.

Lynn will be deeply missed, and her memory will be cherished by all who knew her.

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.

» Confessions: 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Saturday

» Rosary Group: Thursdays, following the 9 a.m. Mass (approximately 10 a.m.).

Adult choir rehearsals: Thursdays, 7 p.m., organ loft

» Children’s choir rehearsals: Sunday, 8:15 a.m., organ loft

» Centering Prayer group: Mondays, after 9 a.m. Mass until 11 a.m.

As the season of Lent continues, the sacrament of Reconciliation will also be offered on Wednesdays, 6-7 p.m.

» Thursday, April 5: Holy Thursday, no 9 a.m. Mass; 7 p.m., Mass of the Lord’s Supper; 8 p.m. to midnight, Eucharistic Adoration

» Friday, April 6: Good Friday, 9 a.m., morning prayers (no Mass); 12:30 p.m., Stations of the Cross; 3 p.m., Stations of the Cross; no 4 p.m. Mass; 7 p.m., solemn service

Saturday, April 7: 11 a.m., confessions; 2:30 p.m., confessions; 8 p.m., Easter Vigil Mass

» Sunday, April 8: Easter Masses at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m. (church and garden)

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST

» 134 Elm St. 781-631-3868 fccsmarbleheadma.wordpress. com

» Sunday Church Service: 10-11 a.m.

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

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

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

»

A link to watch a replay of the recent free online lecture on Christian Science, “How to Make Change for the Better,” is available on the church website.

COMMUNITY CHURCH

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

» 17 Pleasant St.

» 781-631-9343 gracemarblehead.org

» Discipleship Class: 9:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship Gatherings: 10:30 a.m.

Sunday » Grace Kids (Grades K-5): 4:30 p.m. Wednesday Youth Group: 7 p.m. Wednesday

» Women’s Bible Study: 10 a.m.

Thursday Prayer Gatherings: 1 p.m.

Thursday » Men’s Bible Study: 6 a.m. Friday

Thursday, April 6: 7 p.m., Passover Seder

Sunday, April 9: 6 a.m., SonRise Service at Devereux Beach

»

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, 2:153:30 p.m., Parish Hall open for exercise

» Wednesday, noon: Eucharist

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

» Cloister Gallery will be closed during Holy Week (April 2-9).

Thursday, April 6: Maundy Thursday, 6 p.m., simple supper followed by Eucharist

» Friday, April 7: Good Friday, noon, solemn liturgy; 7 p.m., organ concert with Thomas Mellan

» Sunday, April 9: 8 a.m., Holy Eucharist with music; 9:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist with music, followed by egg hunt; 11:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist with music

» CONGREGATIONAL

Old North Church, The First Church of Christ in Marblehead

» 35 Washington St. 781-631-1244 onchurch.org

» Wednesday, April 5: 10 a.m., staff meeting; 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal

Thursday, April 6: Maundy Thursday, 8 p.m., Service of Tenebrae in sanctuary

Saturday, April 8: 10 a.m., choir

rehearsal

» Sunday, April 9: Easter Sunday; 5:45 a.m., sunrise worship at Old Burial Hill; 9 a.m., worship service; 10 a.m., choir breakfast; 11 a.m., worship service

Monday, April 10: 6:30 p.m.,

Women’s AA in Parish Hall

» Tuesday, April 11: 9 a.m., Lectio Divina; 7:30 p.m., Bell Choir

EPISCOPAL

CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW, EPISCOPAL

» 135 Lafayette St.

» 781-631-4951 standrewsmhd.org

» Regular Sunday services (Rite II

UU Church to display self-taught artist’s jewelry

Amy Ringer will be displaying her unique homemade jewelry in the Stetson Gallery at the UnitarianUniversalist Church in Marblehead during the month of April.

A self­taught artist, Ringer uses Swarovski crystals, pink and white freshwater pearls, furnace­blown glass, sodalite, Murano glass hearts, garnets, puka shells and mother­ofpearl in sterling silver to create her necklaces and bracelets.

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; 11:30 a.m., Lenten Study

» Wednesdays: 9:30 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II; 10:15 a.m., Bible study

Thursdays: 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal

» First Sundays: 5 p.m., Choral Evensong (September through May), in-person only

» Thursday, April 6: 7:30 p.m., Maundy Thursday Eucharist

Friday, April 7: 7:30 p.m., Good Friday liturgy

» Saturday, April 8: 7:30 p.m., Great Vigil of Easter

Sunday, April 9: 10 a.m., Easter

Sunday, Festival Eucharist

» Monday, April 10: 11 a.m., Prayer Shawl Ministry

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

» Chai Baby: 9:30 a.m. Fridays

Thursday, April 6: 10:30 a.m., Festival Service

» Wednesday, April 12: 10:30 a.m.,

Festival/Yizkor Service

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. North Shore Minyan: Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott and Temple Sinai unite to provide a joint daily morning and evening North Shore Minyan. The schedule is as follows:

» Sunday, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Temple Sinai, Zoom only).

Monday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Temple Sinai, in person and Zoom)

» Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. (Congregation Shirat Hayam, online only).

Thursday, 7:30 a.m. (Congregation Shirat Hayam, Swampscott, in person and online).

» Thursday, 7 p.m. (Congregation Shirat Hayam, online only).

Friday, 7:30 a.m. (Congregation Shirat Hayam, online only).

» Thursday, April 6: 6 p.m., Passover Second Night Seder

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 » www.marblehead.church

» St. Stephen’s is open for Sunday morning worship. Every Sunday, they have traditional worship at 10:30 a.m. with a time of refreshments and fellowship afterward. Worship may also be attended via Zoom.

» Tuesday mornings: Conversation and prayer on Facebook Live with Pastor Isaac (see facebook.com/ marblehead.church)

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, April 5: 9 a.m., Small Group Ministry; 7 p.m., Committee on Ministry

» Thursday, April 6: 5:30 p.m., Brown Bag Dinner (hosted by the PCA); 7 p.m., choir rehearsal

Saturday, April 8: 9:30 a.m., Over 60 Gang

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

» Tuesday, April 11: 11 a.m., ring bells for the 11th hour of climate crisis; 7 p.m., Pastoral Care Associates (off-site)

» Thursday, April 13: 4 p.m., UUCM serves at Lifebridge, Salem; 7 p.m., choir rehearsal

Friday, April 14: 4:30 p.m., UUCM Youth serve at Lifebridge, Salem

Amy Ringer

All will be for sale at reasonable prices at 28 Mugford St., Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m.

The public is invited to attend the League of Women Voters’ Warrant Night on Tuesday, April 18 at 7 p.m. in the Marblehead High School library.

Sponsors of citizens’ articles (Articles 44 ­ 54) on the Town

Meeting warrant have been invited to briefly present each article, followed by a short opportunity for questions. League member Sue Harris will moderate the program. Doors open at 6:30

Auditions open for MLT’s ‘Gatsby’ musical

Marblehead Little Theatre

is thrilled to announce nonEquity auditions for the world premiere of “The Great Gatsby: An American Musical.” This all­new musical, with book and lyrics by Fred Anthony Marco and music by Frank Schiro, brings F. Scott Fitzgerald’s beloved classic to life on stage.

For more information on the work, visit gatsbyamericanmusical.com. This premiere will be produced by Andrew Barnett, Steve Black and Doug Hill, and directed by Alexandra Dietrich. It will run June 23 through July 2.

Auditions will be held Sunday,

‘Legally Blonde’ fundraiser

At 7 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, the Warwick Cinema will be hosting a “Legally Blonde” fundraiser to benefit the Friends of the Performing Arts and Marblehead High School’s spring musical.

The Reese Witherspoon classic film with be screened, and members of the Marblehead High School cast will be there with a “pink carpet.”

Tickets ($15) are available online at eventbrite.com/e/ legally­blond­movie­fundraisertickets­602784082417. A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and dinner at The Beacon Restaurant on April 12 will be donated to FOMPS.

April 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. and Monday, April 17 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Actors should sign up for a singing time slot and be prepared to attend a dance call only if asked to attend callbacks. For the dance call, actors should bring appropriate shoes and attire. A short combination in the style of the show will be taught. Those auditioning are asked to prepare a verse and a chorus of a song in the style of the show. Sheet music should be brought to the audition, and an accompanist will be provided. Callbacks will be held the evening of April 18 starting at 7 p.m. A more specific time window will be announced if a

callback is offered. Auditions and callbacks will take place at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12

School St.

Marblehead Little Theatre is committed to creating a

welcoming environment. Marblehead Little Theatre does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, neurodiversity, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. It encourages individuals of all backgrounds to audition.

It is the policy of Marblehead Little Theatre that all auditioners and staff must be fully vaccinated for COVID19. Those auditioning should be prepared to present their vaccination card at the auditions. For more information about MLT and “The Great Gatsby: An American Musical,” visit mltlive. org.

Award-winning singer to perform Friday

Minnesotan singer­songwriter Rachael

Kilgour will be featured at Me&Thee Music on Friday, April 7 to kick off the venue’s spring season of live music.

Kilgour’s plain­spoken, lyric­driven work and intimate performances have endeared her to listeners, artists and LGBTQ communities across the country.

Kilgour is the 2015 grand­prize winner of the International NewSong Music Performance & Songwriting Competition and winner of the 2017 Kerrville New Folk Contest. She has been featured at the Lincoln Center in New York City, the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. and at the Sundance Film Festival.

Married in her early 20s, Kilgour devoted her young adulthood to parenting her stepchild and building family and community. Her work from that time — “Self­Titled,” “Will You Marry Me?”, “Whistleblower’s Manifesto” — chronicled her life as a young parent in a same­sex partnership and addressed sociopolitical issues from government corruption to income inequality and religious hypocrisy.

Later, Kilgour followed up with the release of her new EP, “Game Changer.” The aptly titled work examines the complicated nature of romance and relationship with a stunning defense of

queer love while examining her priorities as a citizen of a changing wider world.

Rolling Stone magazine chose Kilgour’s “Holy Are We” as one of the 10 best Americana songs.

Kilgour was awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant in 2020 to focus on a songwriting project about the life and recent death of her father. The delicately crafted songs, which explore identity, inheritance and grief in the wake of a parent’s death, will become her newest album to be released later this year.

Tickets are $20, students and children $10. Locally, tickets are available at Arnould’s Gallery, Washington Street, Marblehead. Find online info and no­fee tickets at meandthee.org. No phone orders are accepted, and no other ticket websites are authorized.

Doors will open at 7:15 p.m., and the music will begin shortly after 8 p.m. Me&Thee Music is a non­profit, allvolunteer organization now in its 53rd season at the UU Church, 28 Mugford St., Marblehead. Refreshments will be served.

ME&THEE MUSiC

Rachel Kilgour, who will perform in the Unitarian Universalist Church on April 7, was awarded a Minnesota State Arts Board Grant in 2020 to focus on a songwriting project about the life and recent death of her father.