05.04.23 - Volume 1, Issue 23

June election takes shape

Crowded contest for School Committee

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Marblehead’s town election on June 20 will feature seven contests, including for School Committee and Select Board.

There is a five-way race for two open seats on the School Committee. Candidates include incumbent Sarah Gold, Paul Baker of Overlook Road, former Glover School principal Brian Ota of Merritt Street, Karen Tal-Makhluf of Trager Road and former School Committee member Jennifer Schaeffner of Casino Road.

Six candidates for the Select Board will battle over five seats. All five incumbents are running: Jim Nye, Moses Grader, Alexa Singer, Jackie Belf-Becker and Erin Noonan. Former Select Board member Bret Murray of Abbot Street is hoping to unseat one of them.

A Planning Board contest will not be on the June ballot after all. James Full of Cheever Avenue did not return papers before the deadline, leaving incumbent Robert Schaeffner and Marc J. Leibman of Orchard Circle uncontested for two, five-year terms.

Others races to watch:

Board of Health: Incumbent Todd Belfbecker’s three-year term expiresthis year. He tells the Current that he has decided to give up his seat after 15 years on the board, which he called “very bittersweet.” However, three non-incumbents have returned papers: Thomas McMahon of Gregory Street, Thomas Massaro of Lafayette Street and former Board of Health member David Becker (Todd’s father) of Nonantum Road. McMahon ran unsuccessfully against Helaine Hazlett in 2022.

Municipal Light Commission: The Marblehead Municipal Light Commission has a three-year term and a one-year unexpired term that voters will need to fill. Incumbent Lisa Wolf will face former light commissioner Walter Homan of Haley Road for the three-year term. Homan lost to Light Commissioners Jean-Jacques Yarmoff and

Reduced-services budget passes on first night

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Marblehead Town Meeting addressed 30 articles in four hours on Monday night, passing a $112.5 million municipal budget for the fiscal year 2024. The reduced-services spending plan includes two new positions: a sustainability coordinator and a human resources director.

Town Meeting was expected to

reconvene Tuesday night with a vote on a proposed $2.5 million override that would add $252 to the tax bill for a median home of about $800,000. The override would restore many of the cuts in the budget, including 32 school staff.

Article 30, which proposes the FY2024 budget, was just one of about two dozen financial articles that attendees cleared on Town Meeting’s

first night.

The Town Meeting convened at a time when Marblehead faces a structural deficit, with recurring costs — primarily salaries and employee health insurance — outpacing recurring revenues within the constraints of Massachusetts Proposition 2 1/2. The town is also

Community honors Dr. Elisha Story for his role in Boston Tea Party

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

On Sunday morning, the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum placed a brass marker next to the late Marblehead resident Dr. Elisha Story’s gravestone in Green Street Cemetery. The placement of the medallion was the culmination of a 30-minute ceremony attended by roughly 70 people who gathered near Story’s resting place in the rain to honor the 18th-century

patriot’s involvement in the Boston Tea Party, which took place 250 years ago on Dec. 16, 1773.

Marblehead Town Historian Don Doliber and the museum’s creative manager, Evan O’Brien, spoke about Story’s life and his broader involvement in the Revolutionary War.

“Many of us know the basic facts of the Boston Tea Party story,” O’Brien said. “But how much do we know about those who were involved in this brave

act?”

Sunday’s commemoration was the latest in the museum’s plan to place similar commemorative markers next to the graves of all the Boston Tea Party participants throughout New England’s old burial grounds. So far over 110 have been commemorated in the lead-up to a big reenactment in December.

Life coach helps kids build confidence through singing

BY CHRIS STEVENS

Molly Williams never thought she could be a musician. The gremlins in her head kept her doubting herself but when the life coach managed to conquer those gremlins and beat back her anxiety, she knew she had a bigger mission than just music.

Miss Molly’s Music Magic is a program aimed at helping young girls, ages 9 and up, find their voice, literally, and their confidence through music and live performances. It’s also about learning how to deal with anxiety, facing your gremlins head on and learning to listen to your wise old owl.

“This program might be one of the greatest things I’ve done,” said Williams, who is a professional life coach with

an adult version of her tween program but prefers to think of herself as a Stress-Reduction Crusader and Ambassador of Joy.

On a recent Monday, a handful of Shooting Stars, what Williams calls her gang of girl singers, let themselves into her apartment where mic stands were at the ready and the magic carpet was waiting. The girls were eager to sing but for Williams, the music is really just a tool.

“I’m very clear with my parents, I’m not a music teacher, I’m not a theater director, I’m a life coach,” she said. “I’m going to help your girls build selfconfidence, I’m going to help them address their anxiety and their stresses. I’m going to help them see themselves for who they are.”

The music, the singing, is merely the backdoor to the coaching, she said.

But for the girls, it’s everything.

The magic

Before the girls get to work on their signature song, the song they pick that represents them, that they will perform one day in public, “they have to do the process,” Williams said.

Her most important tools, she said, are two stuffed creatures, a “wise-old owl” and a green gremlin, which represents grief, guilt, rotten, sticky thoughts and feelings of isolation.

She calls the girls to stand on the magic carpet, a heart shaped pink shag rug in the middle

CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD Eric Berg, worshipful master of the Masonic Temple, speaks during a ceremony on April 30 at the Green Street Cemetery honoring Dr. Elisha Story of Marblehead for his participation in the Boston Tea Party.

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

St. Andrew’s rummage sale

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church invites the community to its rummage sale on Saturday, May 13 from 8 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., followed by a Stuff-a-Bag event from noon to 1 p.m. The sale will take place at St. Andrew’s Church, 135 Lafayette St. The venue is accessible to people with physical disabilities.

Available items include adults’ and children’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, electronics, small appliances, tools, linens, lamps, kitchen items, toys, games, puzzles, holiday items, gardening and sports items, artwork, vintage items and small furniture. A boutique will offer special items for sale. The event will not feature books or large furniture. Proceeds from the sale will support the missions and ministries of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church.

Jazz at the Marblehead Arts Association

The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould are presenting a performance for their Jazz Concert Series.

On Thursday, May 18, the Laszlo Gardony Trio will perform at the MAA, 8 Hooper St. Laszlo Gardony, a jazz pianist and composer from Boston, will be joined by Yoron Israel on drums and John Lockwood on bass. Tickets can be purchased online or in advance at the MAA or Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St., for $35 per adult, which includes access to a cash bar and light refreshments.

Real estate taxes

Residents of Marblehead are reminded that real estate taxes for the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023 were due on Monday, May 1.

Checks should be made payable to the “Town of Marblehead” and mailed to:

Tax Collector Town of Marblehead P.O. Box 806

Reading, MA 01867-0406

Alternatively, tax payments (checks only) can be dropped off at the revenue window or placed in the red mailbox at the Mary Alley Municipal Building, 7 Widger Road.

Online payments can be made through City Hall Systems at bit.ly/3VdzmVt or via the town’s website at marblehead.org by selecting “Pay Bills” and following the instructions for “Property & Excise Tax Payments.”

For any questions regarding tax payments, contact the Tax Collector’s Office at 781-631-0587 or email revenue@ marblehead.org.

‘MarbleShred’ open on May 13

On Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to noon, Marblehead Bank will hold its annual “MarbleShred” event, a free community shredding day for the public at its 21 Atlantic Ave. office.

According to the bank, attendees can bring a maximum of two standard or bankers-size boxes of documents. Please refrain from bringing cardboard, food waste, paper plates or paper towels.

In conjunction with the shredding event, the bank will host a food drive to benefit the Marblehead Food Pantry, accepting cash donations and essential items such as peanut butter, boxed pasta, mac and cheese, canned vegetables, rice, cereal, tuna fish, spaghetti sauce, canned chicken and soup. The event will take place rain or shine.

Celebrating spring

A new exhibit entitled “Anticipating Spring” is on display at the Marblehead Natural Healing Center. The exhibit showcases the floral paintings of local artist Linda Lea Bertrand, a plein air painter who

finds inspiration in the gardens, wildflowers and cherry trees around town.

Bertrand’s paintings will be on display at the center for three months, from April 14 to July 15.

The exhibit also includes seascapes and portraits, which can be viewed on Bertrand’s website at lindaleapainting.com. A reception with the artist will take place on Sunday, May 7, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Road Race Series returns

The Marblehead Road Race Series is set to restart in 2023, featuring four 5K road races between May 21 and Nov. 5, offering participants the opportunity to compete, win prizes and support charitable causes.

The series, launched by Marblehead resident Bill Park and active from 2013 to 2019, was paused during the pandemic.

With road races resuming in 2022, Park and three other race organizers are relaunching the series to foster collaboration, exchange ideas, and build a community among running and walking enthusiasts.

Participation in the Road Race Series is free, aside from individual race fees. Participants who register for and complete all four events will be eligible for a hooded sweatshirt, with potential prizes for overall winners.

The four 5Ks include:

May 21, Head to the Hill 5K: Sponsored by Lynch/Van Otterloo YMCA, supporting YMCA Corner Stone, a program providing support to cancer patients, survivors, and families. Register at bit.ly/3oNdxA1

» Oct. 1, Run for the Fund 5K: Sponsored by Marblehead Dollars for Scholars, supporting need-based college scholarships for local students. Register at bit.ly/3n8XmNc

Oct. 14, Miles for Mary 5K Walk/Run: Sponsored by Miles for Mary, supporting brain cancer research at Mass General Cancer Center in memory of Mary Park. Register at milesformary.com

» Nov. 5, Marblehead Rotary Club: Sponsored by

the Rotary Club of Marblehead, supporting a mindfulness program for the mental health and well-being of Marblehead youth. Register at bit.

ly/3NjgeDP

Community Golf Day rescheduled

The Marblehead Select Board invites you to participate in the Community Golf Day, which has been rescheduled to Monday, Oct. 23, at Tedesco Country Club, 154 Tedesco St. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with an 11 a.m. tee-off, rain or shine.

The $175 player fee includes a round of golf with a cart, a box lunch, a post-play celebration with awards, hors d’oeuvres and beer or wine. To learn more, visit bit. ly/3ZWr8Sm.

The event supports the Marblehead Counseling Center, which has served Marblehead, Swampscott and surrounding communities since 1969. MCC provides mental health counseling, family support services, community education and charitable assistance.

Driftwood Garden Club

On Saturday, May 13, the Driftwood Garden Club will host its annual plant sale at the Masonic Hall, located at 62 Pleasant St. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and offers a variety of perennials, annuals, ground covers and herbs, many sourced from local gardens.

Members of the Driftwood Garden Club, an all-volunteer organization, will be available to answer questions and provide assistance in selecting plants. Proceeds from the sale will be used to maintain and improve several gardens and support civic projects in town.

Cottage Gardeners’ plant sale

The annual plant sale hosted by The Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott is set to take place on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. Stephen’s Church parking lot located at 67 Cornell Road, Marblehead.

The sale will feature a variety of plants, including perennials, annuals, herbs, vegetable plants, container gardens, garden supplies/décor, and gardening books.

Knowledgeable members will be available to answer any questions you have. Proceeds from the sale will support various projects such as the maintenance of the King Hooper Gardens, Devereux Beach gardens, a scholarship to a deserving high school graduate and proposed cleanup of the Okos’ VFA property on Washington Street.

The Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott are proud members of the Garden Club Federation of Massachusetts and the National Council of State Garden Clubs (Northeastern District).

Inferno: The Great Boston Fire of 1872

Anthony Sammarco will tell the dramatic story of the Great Boston Fire of 1872 on May 11 at 7 p.m. at the J.O.J. Frost Gallery & Carolyn Lynch Education Center. This lecture is based on Anthony’s new book, “Inferno,” and will cover the biggest fire in New England history, which destroyed 776 buildings in just 15 hours. To learn more, visit bit. ly/3lRxrJj

Lee Mansion Ghost Investigation

Boston Paranormal Investigations will lead an authentic ghost hunt through the Jeremiah Lee Mansion on May 19 and May 20 at 8 p.m. Many believe this historic structure to be haunted, and the team will show you the tools they use to investigate and communicate with spirits. To learn more, visit bit. ly/3lRxrJj

Birdwatching program

Mass Audubon is hosting a free birdwatching walk at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday, May 26, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. Participants will learn about bird migration, breeding behavior and basic identification skills. Although the event is free, registration is required at bit. ly/3Mnmtpy.

The event is made possible by the Marblehead Cultural Council.

Appointed vacancies

The town is currently seeking volunteers to fill several vacancies on appointed boards, commissions and committees. Potential 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 781-631-0000.

Below is a list of open positions:

Task Force Against Discrimination, oneyear term.

» Affordable Housing Trust Fund, one-year term.

Commjnity Editor - Will Dowd  wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

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Sports ReporterJoe McConnell jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

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Frances Roberts Hill

Pam Peterson

Chris Stevens

Linda Werbner

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Virginia Buckingham - President

Gene Arnould

Jessica Barnett

Ed Bell

Francie King

Donna Rice

Kate Haesche

Thomson - Secretary

Richard Weed - Treasurer

EDITORIAL BOARD

Ed Bell

Virginia Buckingham

Kris Olson

Will Dowd

Robert Peck

Joseph P. Kahn

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Marion Warner Greely

FOUNDERS

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Officer’s hearing will now resume in mid-May

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Marblehead Police Officer Christopher Gallo’s disciplinary hearing, which had been set to resume on April 26, will now continue in mid-May, according to the Select Board Office.

The decision comes weeks after five hours of testimony was taken during the public hearing’s first day in late March.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer is serving as the hearing officer as the town weighs possible sanctions for Gallo stemming from allegations of misconduct and violations of department policies. Gallo has been on leave since June 16, 2021.

Gallo is facing discipline up to and including termination on multiple allegations, including that he spent extended periods at home when he was supposed

Interim

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

In a second case, the town alleges that Gallo exercised “poor judgment” during a domestic dispute with his

girlfriend on July 26, 2021.

Between the two alleged incidents, Marblehead Police alleges Gallo violated several

department policies, including: conduct unbecoming of an officer.

» professional image.

» devotion to duty.

» cooperation with investigations.

falsifying records.

off-duty use of alcohol.

So far, Detective Theresa Gay and Sgt. Sean Brady had given testimony, and Gay had not finished hers before Kezer concluded the hearing’s first day.

Police Chief Dennis King, Gallo and one other unidentified witness are expected to testify.

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.

building commissioner appointed

Ives steps up as official pursues overdue certification

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

The Marblehead Select Board has appointed Bob Ives as interim building commissioner effective May 1 because Marblehead’s current building commissioner, John Albright, was unable to fulfill his state-mandated certification requirements before an April 30 deadline.

Candidates

From P. A1

Michael Hull in a close race among the three candidates in 2022.

As for the one-year, unexpired term, interim Light Commissioner Adam Smith and Nathanael Burke of Mitchell Road will compete for it. The Select Board and Light Commission selected Smith to fill the vacancy created when Karl A. Johnson resigned his seat following the June election, citing health reasons.

Library Board of Trustees: Two Abbot Public Library Board of Trustees seats with threeyear terms are open in the election. Incumbent Gary Amberik returned papers, as did newcomer Katherine Barker of Locust Street and Marblehead’s perennial candidate Rose

The Select Board’s appointment comes even after Albright was granted a sixmonth extension related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Massachusetts, municipal building commissioners are responsible for overseeing and enforcing local and state building codes and regulations. Their primary duty is to ensure that

buildings within the town are safe, structurally sound, and comply with all relevant laws and regulations.

“When you hire a building commissioner, they have to already be a certified local inspector, which our building commissioner is,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said. “They also have one year to study for and complete

three exams.”

Albright is scheduled to take the state-mandated tests but has yet to complete them, Kezer informed the Select Board.

“So after April 30, he cannot serve as our building commissioner,” Kezer said.

“That’s why Bob Ives has stepped up to take on that additional duty for a period of

time as we work our way through resolving the commissioner issue.”

Ives is a familiar face, having served as Marblehead’s building commissioner from the early 2000s until his retirement in 2016.

Before his interim appointment, Ives was working as the town’s zoning official and a local inspector.

term. The Select Board and the Housing Authority unanimously appointed Tauro to fill the vacancy created after former commissioner Joan Cutler resigned in September.

Other incumbents running for reelection include Moderator Jack Attridge, Assessor John Kelley, Cemetery Commissioner Pam Peterson and Water and Sewer Commissioners Thomas Carroll and Barton Hyte.

Town Clerk Robin Michaud reminds

prospective candidates of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance’s filing requirements. All candidates must file three campaign finance reports, regardless of 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 or June 8.

» Thirty days after the election or July 30.

» End-of-year report, Jan. 20, 2024.

Ann Wheeler McCarthy of Hewitt Street. Rec and Parks Commission: Five, oneyear terms are open on the Recreation and Parks Commission. Four of the five members of the Recreation and Parks Commission — Linda Rice Collins, Matthew Martin, Karen Ernst and Rossana Ferrante — are running for

FaVORITE FELINE Community asked to pick the best adopt-a-cat logo

This June, Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals (FOMAA) has partnered with Marblehead High School students to launch the annual Adopt-a-Cat Month t-shirt contest. The public is invited to vote for their favorite design among five student finalists throughout May.

The winning t-shirt will be available for purchase in June, with proceeds benefiting the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Voting details can be found on FOMAA’s Facebook page at facebook.com/Marblehead.

Animal.Shelter. The

organization also plans to set up paper voting at the Jacobi Community Center, Abbot Public Library and a few small businesses around town. FOMAA, a non-profit organization founded in 1993, operates as a no-kill shelter that provides food, shelter, medical care and loving homes for abandoned animals. Funded by donations and adoption fees, the organization also supports animal placement in assisted living homes, low-income families and spay/neuter/ release programs.

re-election. Newcomers Shelly Bedrossian of Jersey Street and Larry Simpson of Rowland Street returned papers. Recreation and Parks Commissioner Derek Norcross is not seeking re-election.

“Though I took out papers for re-election, I will not be turning them in,” said Norcross, who

served 18 years on the commission. “I’m hopeful that by letting people know, maybe some other — hopefully younger — person will be interested in running and joining the commission.”

At the Housing Authority Board of Trustees, Thersa Taura is running for the remaining two years on an unexpired

is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this 1neeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting

Dial in+ 1

558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the 1neeting but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comn1ent. Interested persons n1ay also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

The second day of a disciplinary hearing against Christopher Gallo that had been set for April 26 has been rescheduled for mid-May.

VOID FILLED

CURRENT

PHOTO /WILLIAM J. DOWD

Marblehead’s 2023 municipal election is Tuesday, June 20.

Star Jennifer Coolidge sends video message to MHS cast of ‘Legally Blonde’

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Hollywood star Jennifer Coolidge sent a special video message to the cast and crew of the Marblehead High School musical “Legally Blonde.” The students performed three sold-out shows over the weekend.

“Hey Marblehead, it’s Jennifer Coolidge and I just want to say congratulations on doing ‘Legally Blonde’ this weekend,” the actress said in her video. “I’m so excited for you. It’s such a great show. ‘Legally Blonde’ brought me so much luck and so many great things happened to me after ‘Legally Blonde.’ I just have a good feeling about this for all of you. It’s such a great show and it might be the beginning of many careers.”

Coolidge made a name for herself in the 2001 “Legally Blonde” movie where she played the manicurist to the lead character, Elle Woods (played by Reese Witherspoon). Coolidge has gone on to earn Emmy

and Golden Globe Awards and recently starred in the popular series, “White Lotus.”

MHS student Chloe Curtis played Elle in the MHS production. Curtis has family in California who know Coolidge and invited her to the production. Unfortunately, Coolidge couldn’t make it, but sent the video message instead. Go to MarbleheadCurrent.org to watch the video.

“The cast and crew of ‘Legally

Blonde’ presented pure magic on the stage this weekend,” said MHS Performing and Applied Arts teacher Andrew Scoglio. “Their hard work and dedication were a reminder of why the arts are not a luxury, but a necessity!”

The MHS musical also starred Georgia Lloyd (playing Coolidge’s character), Grifften Collins, Brady Weed and Anya Kane.

The production team, made up of new and returning staff, included Scoglio, Tom Rash,

Elloree Jennings and Greg Dana.

“Parents from Friends of the Performing Arts, especially Dawn Weed, Katie Sullivan, Bonnie Buckley Curtis and Sylvia Kane helped publicize the show and create ‘Harvard Yard,’” Scoglio added.

May schedule at Abbot Public Library

All Abbot Public Library programs take place inside the public library’s temporary location at the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Rd. To register for programs, visit abbotlibrary.org.

New digs

The Abbot Public Library is temporarily located at the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Rd., while its Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million-dollar renovation. Library hours are the following:

» Monday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday: 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday: 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

» Thursday: Noon to 6 p.m.

» Friday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Saturday: 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

» Sunday: Closed.

Note: The Children’s Room closes at 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Returns are accepted inside the library in the blue bin near the main desk or, if the library is closed, outside its main entrance in the black Library Return bin. Book donations are only accepted on Book Donation Days.

For updates on the renovations, visit abbotlibrary. org/news/renovation-news.Sign up for the library’s newsletter at tinyurl.com/Abbot-News.

Fines no more Abbot Public Library is now fine-free. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ about/general-info to learn more about borrowing materials and to get a library card.

Tech and misc. things

The library offers Book Club Kits, Chromebooks, hotspots and more in its Library of Things. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ what-we-offer/library-of-things to learn more.

Need to use a copier?

Abbot Public Library does not charge a fee per page, but it asks that patrons contribute what they wish when copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library.

Get your museum on Visit abbotlibrary.org/whatwe-offer/get-a-museum-pass to reserve passes and promo codes for some of the best museums in the greater Boston area.Thanks to the generous support of the

Friends of Abbot Public Library, the library offers passes and promo codes to:

Boston Children’s Museum

Harvard Art Museums

The House of the Seven Gables

» The Institute of Contemporary Art Boston

Isabella Stewart Gardner

Museum

Museum of Fine Arts

» Museum of Science

» New England Aquarium (now a digital promo code)

» Peabody Essex Museum Trustees Go Pass

Zoo New England Patrons without access to the internet may reserve a pass/ promo code right at the main desk or by calling 781- 631-1481, though some passes may require an email address to be used.

Music with Dara

Abbot Public Library is hosting “Music with Dara” on Friday, May 19, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Program Room. The event is aimed at children ages 2-5 and combines music and movement. Registration is required for this program and interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481.

Story and sing along Abbot Public Library is hosting “Story & Sing-Along” with Jeana Khan on Mondays, May 8 and 22, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. The program is for children ages 3-5 years old and requires registration. Interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-631-1481. Children will have the opportunity to hear music and stories from local children’s book author Jeana Khan during the program.

Make a craft to take home Abbot Public Library is offering a “Make A Craft To Take Home” program every Thursday in May (May 4, 11, 18 and 25) from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the Children’s Room. The program provides materials for a themed craft that children and caregivers can make together. No registration is required to participate in this drop-in program.

Storytime

Abbot Public Library is hosting “Story Time A-Go-Go” on Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. This weekly story time program is led by early childhood educator Debbie Leibowitz and is for children ages 1-4 years old. No registration is required.

Storytime yoga

Abbot Public Library is hosting “Story Time Yoga” with Lindsey Kravitz on Tuesday, May 2, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Program Room. The program is designed for children ages 18 months to 4 years and their caregivers. Participants are required to bring a blanket to the program. Interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-6311481. Registration is required to attend the program.

Moving and grooving

Abbot Public Library is hosting “Moving and Grooving,” a musical program for preschoolers and their caregivers on Monday, May 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Program Room. The program is sponsored by the CFCE of the North Shore and is for children up to age 5. Interested individuals can register by calling the Children’s Room at 781-6311481. Registration is required to attend the program.

Grow it Wednesday

Abbot Public Library is offering “Grow It Wednesdays” throughout May on Wednesdays, May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31. Children ages 4-12 can drop in anytime from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Children’s Room to take home a Grow It kit with everything they need to grow their own flowers or vegetables. No registration is required to participate in this program.

Beginner’s crochet for adults

Abbot Public Library is offering a three-week program, “Beginner’s Crochet for Adults,” on Tuesdays, May 9, 16 and 23, from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Program Room. The program is designed to teach the basics of crochet, and materials will be provided by the library.

Interested individuals can register on the library’s website. Registration is required.

Adult book club

Abbot Public Library is hosting an Adult Book Club via Zoom on the third Tuesday of every month from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Book club members can log on to Zoom to discuss the latest and most highly recommended titles, led by a library staff member. April’s pick is “West with Giraffes,” a novel by Lynda Rutledge. Copies are available in the Reference Room. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the book club. Registration is required. For more information, contact Assistant Director Morgan Yeo at yeo@noblenet. org.

Who killed Beryl Atherton?

Abbot Public Library is hosting a book talk on “Murder in Marblehead: Who Killed Beryl Atherton?” by authors Harry Christensen and Richard Santeusanio on Wednesday, May 10, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Program Room. The authors will discuss their book, and copies will be available for purchase courtesy of Friends of Abbot Public Library. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the book talk. Registration is required.

Bob Dylan at the May Poetry Salon

Abbot Public Library is hosting a May Poetry Salon on Thursday, May 11, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Program Room and online via Zoom. The salon will discuss the work of singer/songwriter Bob Dylan. Interested individuals can register in advance on the library’s website to attend the salon via Zoom. No registration is required for in-person attendance. Poetry packets will be available at the library or online for the event.

Intro to Marblehead town government

Abbot Public Library, in partnership with the Marblehead League of Women Voters, is hosting an Intro to Marblehead Town Government program on Monday, May 15, from 6:30

p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Program Room and online via Zoom. The program will be the first in a new series led by the Marblehead League of Women Voters aimed at educating individuals on how individual departments work in Marblehead. The program will start with Amy McHugh, the superintendent for the Water and Sewer Commission. The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan, grassroots organization that works to protect and expand voting rights and defend democracy through education and advocacy. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the program either in person or via Zoom. Registration is required.

‘The Great Gatsby: An American Musical’

Abbot Public Library is hosting a discussion on “The Great Gatsby: An American Musical” with the creators of Marblehead Little Theatre’s production on Wednesday, May 17, from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the Program Room. The creators will discuss the process of turning a classic novel into a musical production. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend the discussion. Registration is required.

Create healthy eating habits

Abbot Public Library is hosting a talk on how to create healthy eating habits on Saturday, May 20, at 10:30 a.m. in the Program Room and online via Zoom. Sam Lebicz, a functional nutrition therapy practitioner, will lead the talk on how to eat to optimize energy, gut health and life. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to attend in person or online via Zoom. Registration is required.

Inaugural midday movie matinee

Abbot Public Library is hosting its first midday movie matinee for adults on Saturday, May 20, at 1 p.m. in the Program Room. Interested individuals can register on the library’s website to watch the popular Academy Award-nominated movie, “The Fablemans.” This program is sponsored by the Friends of Abbot Public Library.

‘I have a good feeling about this.’ Star Jennifer Coolidge sent a video message to MHS students in the spring musical.

MHS student Chloe Curtis, center, played Elle Woods in the MHS production of ‘Legally Blonde’

Marblehead mom, Celtics VP loses battle with brain cancer

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead mom and Celtics vice president Heather Walker died April 26 after a nearly two-year battle with glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. She was 52.

After her diagnosis, Walker and her family launched #Move4Heather, a campaign to raise awareness and funds for glioblastoma research at Dana Farber. They raised more than $640,000.

“Heather has let go and passed this morning at 5:43 a.m. She isn’t fighting anymore and can finally rest,” wrote Walker’s husband, Stephen, in a Facebook post. “She is with so many who have gone before her that I’m sure she was welcomed with open arms. There is so much to say, but I just can’t right now. It hurts too much. I love you so much, Heather. The girls, too. Now it’s your turn to rest and be at peace.”

Walker, who has two young daughters, worked with the Celtics as vice president of public relations for 16 years before her illness, partnering with players to promote the team. When the Celtics won the NBA championship in 2008, she grew especially close with Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce and James Posey.

The Celtics released a statement about Walker on Wednesday. “We will miss her for her energy, the joy and laughter that followed her everywhere she went, and we are grateful for everything she provided her Celtics family and the countless people that she positively impacted along the way. Our hearts and sympathy are with Heather’s loving family and friends, whom she cherished. She will remain part of our fabric for as long as the Celtics go on.”

In addition to the Celtics, the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots shared messages about Walker on Twitter today.

“We join the New England community in mourning the passing of Heather Walker. Our thoughts are with Heather’s family, friends and the entire @celtics organization during this difficult time,” read a Patriots Tweet.

Last year, the team honored Walker as a “Hero Among Us” for her work helping others. The

celebration happened at the same game when the Celtics retired Kevin Garnett’s jersey. She and her family were called down to center court.

Walker met President Joe Biden last October at a cancer event in Boston.

Biden’s son, Beau, also died of glioblastoma.

Outside of work, Walker enjoyed kayaking, paddle boarding, skiing and more. She kayaked from Boston to Provincetown as part of the Pan-Mass Challenge. Her longtime friend

Wendy Semonian shared memories of Walker with the Current.

“Heather loved

her family. She loved life,” Semonian said. “She touched so many people.”

Throughout her illness, Walker was determined to help others, encouraging people to embrace life and each other. The Move4Heather campaign asked people to do something that moved them — hiking, running, skiing, etc. — and post to social media about it with the hashtag #M4H.

“I know I’m helping people going through something terrible, and I’m not going to stop helping,” she said last year.

TR aGIC LOSS

Heather Walker skiing with her husband, Stephen, and their daughters.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Heather Walker with her Celtics ‘Heroes Among Us’ award last year.

EDITORI a L

One day at a time

With any luck, the immediate furor over the establishment of a new sober house on Humphrey Street has receded, and we are one step closer to the residents of the sober house being able to live in harmony with their neighbors.

We hope and expect that the home’s operator, Vanderburgh House, and its supervisor, Marblehead Fire Capt. Scott Murray, will follow through on their pledge to hold another public forum later this spring.

At that forum, we also hope and expect some of the volume and venom can be stripped from the dialogue, and a meeting of the minds can be reached on mutually acceptable tweaks to how the sober house operates (no, not drug-sniffing dogs, as one resident proposed).

In its worst form, that hysteria had allowed some misinformation to take root, transforming the nature of a 9-1-1 call from the sober house into something it was not.

To be fair to residents living near the sober house, this is a significant change to their neighborhood.

While under no obligation to do so legally, Vanderburgh House may have been well served to conduct more proactive outreach before opening its doors, which might have spared it a spectacle that brought Boston television news cameras to town.

If the neighbors feel strongly enough that others should be spared the surprise of waking up next door to a sober house, they may have the option of sponsoring a 2024 Town Meeting warrant article to propose amending the town’s zoning bylaws to require future sober houses to obtain special permits before opening. If legally permissible, such a change would have the effect of forcing the public airing of a sober house’s arrival that the Humphrey Street neighbors feel they were denied.

Given what we have learned about how the sober house operates, particularly its screening process, we do not think such an amendment is necessary, but it could be a public discussion worth having. In any event, the existing sober house would almost certainly be grandfathered from having to meet any new town requirement.

While the sober house public forum may have generated a bit of negative attention momentarily, some good has come from it, too, which should prove to be more enduring.

We were introduced to a courageous former Marblehead resident, Laura McKowen, the founder of a global sobriety support community. McKowen took to these pages to remind us, “Addiction is everywhere in Marblehead already.”

“Our restaurants, homes, school pick-up lines, yacht clubs, backyard parties and town gatherings are filled with people struggling with addiction, but we don’t see it,” she wrote. “It’s disguised behind privilege, productivity and wealth.”

We were also reminded that, by and large, Marblehead is a compassionate community. McKowen’s column generated heartening letters to the editor and a steady stream of supportive comments on social media.

By the end, letter writer Cynthia Nagrath’s suggestion — “let’s come together as a community to support and uplift those in recovery, and work towards a future where addiction and alcoholism are no longer stigmatized or ignored” — seemed to be where the topic of the sober house was trending. For that, we are grateful.

This will, no doubt, not be the last situation that will roil our community. Given that, there are lessons from the sober house experience that we would do well to heed. Listen with an open mind to experts and those with firsthand experience. Take a deep breath. A little bit of empathy goes a long way.

Together, we can work through these challenges — one day at a time.

LETTERS POLIC y

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

Letters must include:

1. The author’s name.

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

3. Author’s daytime/cell phone number (not for publication) for verification purposes.

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

submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org. CP_MBHC_20230503_1_A06

EVERy THING WILL BE OK ay

A book lover’s pledge

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

How many books are in your “To Be Read” (TBR) pile? I decided to count mine the other day, after the piles — yes, piles — I’ve made have crowded me out at my desk, on my nightstand and on my overflowing bookshelves.

Why am I drawn to the books I’m drawn to? Why don’t I read all the ones I buy? And why don’t I read each new one before the next one is purchased? After all, I don’t buy a second cup of coffee (another obsession) before finishing my first. I do read a lot. But I don’t keep up with my purchases.

Before I confess to my actual TBR number, I decided to seek out Laura Cooper, the owner of the soon-to-beopen Saltwater Bookstore. (Let’s pause here and shout a collective “hooray”!) If anyone has insight into book buying, it’s the person who has to fill the shelves in a 600-square- foot store in Old Town in the next few weeks.

“The most daunting task is to narrow down millions and millions of available titles to 4,000,” Cooper said.

Four thousand? I feel better about my piles already.

Cooper is working with a veteran book buyer with deep experience in the New England market. There are five major publishers, Cooper explained, each with a catalog and sales representatives. And there are two major book distributors.

Cooper’s looking for a wide selection to meet an array of interests. She’s picking “genre by genre, choosing not only bestsellers but unique offerings.”

There’ll be a local interests section, too. And plenty of books perfect for gift-giving.

Cooper’s vision: “People will feel they can take their time to browse. And there will be something for everyone.”

Her ideal customer “would come in for one thing and leave with something else altogether.”

“How do you know how many to get of each one,” I asked?

The answer: research — of trends, of websites, of bestseller lists. She’ll order three to five of each for the new and noteworthy books, for example.

And then there’s the backfilling — ordering to make up for what sold to get it back on the shelves in one or two days.

An interesting fact I didn’t know: New books are published and released on Tuesdays. So, the new-andnoteworthy table is worth checking out that day.

If Cooper doesn’t have what you’re looking for in stock, she can easily get it, and she has also set up e-ordering with the website Bookshop.org.

Pallets full of boxes of books, including children’s titles from this former second grade teacher, will be arriving at Cooper’s house soon, and she’ll start shelving one category at a time — alphabetically, of course.

Okay, my conversation with Cooper has given me the

courage to confess. There are 57 books in my TBR pile.

After I sorted through them last week, I put 20 aside to donate. I forced myself to admit they belonged in the “I’ll never read” pile. So, why did I buy them?

Part of the answer, I admit, is the ease of buying books on Amazon. I’ll see a recommendation on Facebook, or read a review, or hear a new title from a favorite author is coming out, or a friend will mention their last great read, and I’ll pull out my phone. A couple of clicks later, the book is on its way to me.

As an independent author myself, I also know Amazon is a lifeline for writers trying to get their work out in the world in an incredibly difficult publishing environment.

But Amazon doesn’t offer the kind of curation, the personal recommendation, the careful attention that independent booksellers like Cooper bring to bear on their selections. Buying a book on Amazon is quick, but ultimately it’s not nourishing, kind of like a sugar donut.

As I sorted books, my guilty gaze fell upon my stillfull bookshelves. I have a favorite memoir shelf (25 books, all read), a favorite fiction shelf, which has the very first Nancy Drew, “The Secret of the Old Clock,” and ends with my most recent favorite, “Great Circle,” a tour de force on the adventures of a woman aviator.

I don’t always remember why I loved each of the books on the shelf. The plot line of “A Prayer for Owen Meany” eludes me, but I remember I was moved to tears throughout it by the main character.

Total on my favorite fiction shelf? Twenty-two, two unread. If you ask why I have two books on my favorites shelf that I’ve never read, I’ll tell you. But then I’d have to lock you in the attic with, oh, 10 to 20 boxes of books.

My next shelf — spiritual exploration-type books — numbers 30, four not read.

Finally, my craft-of-writing books, 27, five not read.

If I were good at math, I’d confess that actually, then, my TBR pile is 68 books — but I’m not, so I won’t.

Back to Cooper. I follow Saltwater Bookstore on Instagram, which is truly a balm for a book lover.

She recently posted a picture of an old book she will display in the store called “The Illustrated Language of Flowers.” That reminded me of another favorite book I once found browsing at Spirit of ’76, a novel with a similar title by Vanessa Diffenbaugh. I don’t have it on my favorites shelf; I must have loaned it to someone.

I told Cooper it would be my first purchase when the store opens.

I won’t buy it on Amazon. In fact, right here and now I pledge to never buy another book on Amazon. I want to support efforts like Cooper’s. I want to give up sugar donuts. Will you join me? Let’s pledge together: No more books from Amazon.

If I can do it, anyone can.

Virginia Buckingham is the president of the Current’s board of directors. Her column appears weekly.

Contemplating life lessons on a trip back west

BY COURT MERRIGAN

Business took me back west recently for the first time since we moved to Marblehead. We’ve been here nearly six months now. Since almost every experience in Marblehead is a new one, I expected home would feel very familiar. I am here to report that it sure did. And also, it very much didn’t.

The first thing I noticed disembarking at Denver International (the closest reliable airport to home) was the light. Days in Marblehead have a soft gray texture, even when it’s sunny, like the sunlight is just peeking on a place it rarely visits. Out west, on the other hand,

sunlight is a glaring full-time resident. There are no clouds and no trees, nothing to diffuse the light.

I have this pair of sunglasses that I’ve used very sparingly since moving to Marblehead. A dozen

times, maybe, in six months? Well, I stepped off the plane, immediately started squinting and slapped those things on my face. The other most immediately

A home run during baseball season

BY LINDA BASSETT

Baseball season is in full swing in New England. But I don’t mean a visit to our beloved Fenway. I’m talking about the other games: at Seaside, Gatchells and assorted area high schools. Kids’ baseball has long been my joy and challenge. The joy is obvious; the challenge, my ticket price: cold, laundry, dinner, homework.

Let’s start with the cold. This corner of the country rarely hosts warm springtime breezes. The wind off the ocean makes no distinction between players and fans, boldly smacking their cheeks raw. The kids are too involved playing the game to notice. But a player’s mom must sit in the bleachers, intersecting with stone-cold aluminum. Starting at that touchpoint, the chill seeps upwards, invading sweatpants and sweatshirts, jackets, scarves and gloves until, by the end of the first inning, we’re scurrying back to the car to swap out ball caps for woolen hats. (The same might be said of soccer, but fans tend to walk along the sidelines to get a better view of the action, and stay warm.) So, baseball parents prepare for the game with a variety of solutions: stacks of blankets and baskets of bleacher cushions. When you see the contents of that open vehicle, you recognize a baseball family.

After the final high-fives, there’s the laundry bag. At some point, that favorite player is going to slide into second — or, maybe, home. And somebody’s got to erase the mud and grass stains in time for the next game.

Half the conversations in the bleachers have nothing to do with today’s lineup or an ump’s blown call. They’re about brands of detergent and stain removers, and often, a running list of coaches who mandate white uniforms.

And then, food. At the end of travel games, a team has built up a huge appetite. A hefty snack is in order. My go-to was always the “homerun sandwich.” This started when I inadvertently marked the sandwich wrappers with initials so they’d know what was inside: HC for ham and cheese, TH for turkey, dressing and cranberry sauce. And, inevitably, ham and roast beef: HR! Instantly the most popular

post-game snack.

Once home, there’s no time for meal prep. Just scrub off the dirt and visit the dinner table. I’ve rarely seen a kid turn down meatballs in any guise. (Do you understand that all this sports talk was just a lead-in to the meatballs?) Easily made ahead, even early in the season, and frozen in batches to last. Making your own keeps out the preservatives and overseasoning. When I’m too busy — or too lazy — I roll them the size of baseballs. They’re versatile: with an easy tomato sauce, plated with pasta; sliced and topped with sauce and a layer of cheese melted over the top, parmigiana-style; dropped into a pot of vegetable soup on a really chilly day or simply in meatball subs.

So, onto homework. Tomorrow, teachers won’t care who hit the winning run. That math assignment is calling.

MEATBALLS

Makes about 24 to 28 small meatballs or about 12 to 14 large ones. Double or triple the following recipes to prepare as many batches as you like. Then place them on sheet pans in the freezer. When frozen, pack them up in batches in plastic freezer bags.

` ¾ cup dried flavored bread crumbs

`

½ cup milk

`

excess egg mixture or crumbs.

Transfer meatballs to the baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the meatballs, then roll them to be sure that they (and the foil) are thinly coated with the oil.

Bake 20 minutes. Remove the baking sheet from the oven, roll the meatballs over and continue to cook 15 to 20 minutes until done.

BASIC TOMATO SAUCE

2 pounds mixed ground beef and pork

` —1 egg, beaten plus a second egg, beaten with 1 teaspoon water

`

½ cup Parmesan cheese

` ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves, minced

`

1 small onion, minced

`

Enough for a pound of pasta. The wine is optional, but the alcohol evaporates when the sauce bubbles, leaving only sweetness.

`

1 pinch crumbled dried sage salt, ground black pepper

` Olive oil, for drizzling the pan

Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. Preheat the oven to 375°F degrees. Set aside ¼ cup of the breadcrumbs and one egg for later. Soak ½ cup of the bread crumbs in milk, about 5 minutes, until they soften.

In a large bowl, mix together all the remaining ingredients with the softened breadcrumbs. Scoop the meat mixture using an ice cream scoop and form into balls of about 1-1/2 inches in diameter. Set each one aside on a plate.

Whisk together the remaining egg and water in a bowl.

Place the remaining ¼ cup breadcrumbs on a plate. Take each meatball and roll it first in the egg mixture, then the crumbs to coat, shaking off any

The instincts of Lone Eagle

BY BOB BAKER

I had a number of imaginary worlds in my friendless grammar school years, but the Big Three were football, knighthood and Indians.

In all my worlds, I’m the hero, of course. I mean, what’s the sense of creating a world-class world in the first place, if you’re just going to be a waterboy or armor polisher once the cameras start rolling? Might’s well lay on your back and count the cracks in the ceiling instead.

In football, I’m Johnny Lujack, ace quarterback for Notre Dame back then. On the receiving end, Bill Swiacki, the slippery Columbia end who single handedly beat that legendary Army team with his outasight catches.

I grab my football, stand at the foot of the back porch steps, throw a spiral straight up in the air, catch it. Next pass, couple yards farther from steps. Next, farther still. Half-hour later,

ass-over-tea-kettle grabs out there in the ruts and scrub of the field 7 yards away.

Though we (I) never had a forreal opponent, we (I) also never lost a single game — we (I) always won.

“I’m a winner” ain’t an all-bad attitude for a kid to have.

All to know about my world of knighthood is my respect for the knightly code of honor, and that my hero was Sir Galahad whose motto was, “My strength is as the strength of 10, because my heart is pure.”

I liked the sound of that, and I still shoot for it a lot. Mostly I miss.

Far and away the biggest of my Big Three was the world of Indians.

I always use the term “Native Americans” in today’s context. But my alter ego, Lone Eagle, was from the 1940s. Lone Eagle was not a Native American in the 1940s; that would be untrue to the telling. Lone Eagle was — and is — a noblest-of-the-noble Indian. On that, my heart is pure.

The name “Lone Eagle” is a

composite — it needed to be Indian-sounding. The “Lone” aspect derived from my favorite radio program, “The Lone Ranger.” I could identify like crazy with the stirring adventures of old Lone. After all, I was a lone.

But Lone was a white guy, with a Hollywood white hat, which probably went to the dry cleaners between shootouts with the Cavendish gang. I wanted to be an Indian ... but not like Tonto. Tonto was a copout, a white man’s Indian.

To arrive at the name, I simply swiped the “Lone” from the Lone Ranger and combined it with what I judged the ultimate symbol of adventure and freedom: the eagle.

There’s no record of the date I was self-christened Lone Eagle. But that’s who I was until we moved to Greenwich when I was 13 — where I soon shoved him into the deepest pinhole recess of my mind, along with all the other trappings of boyhood.

With Lone Eagle successfully out of the way, I was now able to devote the next 26 years

to becoming everything Lone Eagle was not. I tamed my imagination, joined the crowd: bowed the good bow, yessed the good yes — within the good Box. Sold out to The Man. The Woman. The Groupthink. The Lemmings. The Box.

Lone Eagle would surface now and then — for a blink. But I’d repress him back to limbo and continue on my compromised way. Not a backbone to my name.

Finally/luckily, there came the day. In 1974. Lone Eagle, in war paint. Not gonna take it anymore. I had the guts to go out in business on my own, at a time when nobody in their right mind went out on their own. Lone Eagle reclaimed me.

I returned to the essence of that boyhood me, the idea kid me — guided by a set of principles called “Instincts.” Though they were scarcely front of mind at age 13, they were there at the heart — and soul — of me even then.

Instincts

1. God has a sense of humor.

¼ cup olive oil

` 2 cloves garlic, crushed (optional)

` 2 cans (28-ounces each) chopped Italian or Roma tomatoes

` Small splash of white wine (optional)

`

Salt, pepper, to taste ` A few torn leaves of fresh basil (optional)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic, if using, stirring around the pan so it cooks to a light golden, about 3 minutes. Discard garlic.

Add tomatoes, wine, if using, salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. Using a stick blender, smooth out the sauce (most kids dislike lumpy sauce).

Add meatballs, and cook 10 minutes longer. Sprinkle in fresh basil, if using, near the last minute, keeping in mind that kids don’t like green things in their food. Add cooked pasta to the pot. Toss and serve.

It’s good to think funny.

2. You are one of a kind. “One” is a verb.

3. Life is a game — play it.

4. Simplify.

5. Dream big, live full, stay small.

6. Dare -- pounce.

7. Be sure of nothing: Surprise is everywhere.

8. Time is the only currency -spend it your way.

9. The center of the universe is between your ears.

10. Stay loose. Mind-travel: in-venture. Create worlds.

11. Help the good. Rock the smug. Smithereen bullies.

12. The only wealth is friendship. The only place is home.

13. There is always a way. Adapt.

My boyhood was off the curve, if not the planet. I thank God for that ... now. But at the time, at age 13, how prepared was I for the real world? Time would tell.

Bob Baker gives life to ideas in Marblehead. His memoir-inprogress is “Outlucking Gatsby: From Greenwich to The Green Light.”

Dr. Elisha Story and the Boston Tea Party

BY PAM PETERSON

The causes and the events leading to the American Revolution are complex, as they are for any war.

The growing wealth and success of the American colonies

was both good and bad for England. Strapped for cash from their ongoing wars with France, the British sought to harvest their colonial properties. But success had given the colonists a sense

of self-reliance and confidence. The lack of supervision from the English governmental constraint had created an attitude of independence in the American colonies.

This attitude caused colonists to react strongly against taxation and restrictions when the English crown began to crack down. They rebelled against taxation and restrictions on

freedom that they felt to be unfair.

Perhaps if the Crown had been less greedy and more willing

How to make the perfect meatball

to extend self-governing rights to the colonies, an open break might not have occurred.

Colonists were frustrated and incensed at taxes in general, and taxation without representation in particular. The Boston Tea Party is considered the culmination of a resistance movement throughout the American colonies against the Tea Act of 1773.

The actual tea taxes were not really the issue; they became the catalyst for rebellion. Ships carrying British tea came into Boston harbor, and the governor refused to allow them to leave. The situation became tense, and finally a meeting was called by protestors from the Whig party, who called themselves the Sons of Liberty. Samuel Adams was one of their leaders. When the tumultuous meeting disbanded, a group disguised

as Mohawk Indians converged on the East India Company ships and dumped their entire cargo of 362 chests of tea into

the Boston harbor. Dr. Elisha Story was a member of the Sons of Liberty, and on Dec. 16, 1773, at 30 years old, he

participated in the Boston Tea Party. He had become increasingly radicalized, frustrated with the lack of respect for the colonists’

ability to rule themselves. He went on to serve in the Revolutionary War and was a surgeon present at the battles of Lexington, Concord and Bunker Hill.

Story and his wife lived in Marblehead and had eight children. After her death, Story married Mehitable (née Pedrick), with whom he had 12 children. He lived the remainder of his life in Marblehead.

Story served as one of the town’s representatives, was chairman of the Overseers of the Poor, and chairman of the School Committee. He was the fourth worshipful master of the Philanthropic Lodge of Masons in Marblehead. He died in 1805. Story’s house still stands on Washington Street, across from the Old Town House.

Dr. Elisha Story is also remembered as the father of Joseph Story, the youngest man ever appointed a justice of the U.S. Supreme Court.

evidence-based Social-Emotional Curriculum, led by our Director of Health Services, School Counselor and Speech and Language Pathologist. We help children and teens build these four essential skills to strengthen social skills, emotional responses and academic growth:

•Social Thinking: strategies thathelp people develop skills in flexible thinking, social problem solving, and building equitable relationships as part of agroup

•Social Pragmatics: developing an awarenessofothers’ ideas and perspectives to create productiveand healthygroup dynamics—students learn thatwhatwe say, and howwesay it impacts the meaning and our relationships with others

•Unified Vocabulary Development: foridentifying and managing mental health challenges, including anxiety,focus, disappointment, worry,self-control, and more

•Understanding that supporting children’smental health is part of normal human growth

of her floor and asks them if anyone has had a gremlin, and then listens as they describe their experience.

Williams said a big part of the discussion is for the girls to be able to recognize their gremlin and where it lives, in their heads. She asked the girls to close their eyes, recognize their gremlin and make the choice to quiet it.

“You’re going to feel your toes on the carpet, take three really deep breaths through the nose and let your body relax when you exhale,” she said quietly.

“Because you’re reminding yourself that there is ‘another part of my brain where I want to be.’”

She asks the girls to listen for the farthest sound they can hear outside the room, then to zero in on some music, then their own breath. Clench their fists, tighten their bodies and release. Take another deep breath in, put two hands on their heart and allow their wise owl to swoop in.

“It’s really learning how to step into and identify the negative voices that are either saying ‘I’m not good enough, I can’t, I shouldn’t,’ all the negative feeling we all have … then teaching them the relaxation process that allows them to have self-awareness, calm, clarity — it allows them to be more loving toward themselves and others,”

Williams explained.

Williams said the process makes the girls feel safe, calm and empowered.

But does it work? The universal answer among parents and kids is simply yes.

Kid perspective

Polly was Williams’ first Shooting Star, the girl that launched the program. She joked that she and her sisters sing karaoke a lot at home and their performances used to be timid, quiet even, but not anymore. Polly said the program has also given her confidence in other areas of her life, like when it comes to giving presentations at school.

Ayla, 9, has been involved in theater yet still lacked confidence on stage. She said she tended to stand on stage wideeyed and wooden-like but after working with Williams, “I flow a bit more.” She also scored a lead in a play last winter.

Like Ayla, Elise, the newest member of the tribe, acts and needed a little help in the selfassurance department.

“I need to be more confident,” she said. “I need to sing not looking down and I need to move.”

Quinn said she didn’t really like performing at all but she has gained confidence since joining Miss Molly’s program. Camille agreed. She said the process has helped her a lot both on and off the stage, which is good because on May 5 she will perform with her mentor and sing her signature song in a public solo for the first time.

Parental perspective

Michelle Saunders Floyd has seen the Williams impact in real time.

“The first time I brought my daughter to Miss Molly, she was terrified. She was so nervous that she was crying,” Floyd said.

“After a few minutes of talking with Molly she was singing into a microphone. I was speechless and signed her up for more lessons.”

Floyd said since starting with Miss Molly, her daughter has performed on five different occasions and is now taking theater classes.

“I am confident that it is because of her time with Miss

Molly,” she said. “My only advice is to try one lesson. I think you will see a side to your kid that you didn’t know existed.”

Sarah Read said the two biggest changes she has noticed is her daughter’s willingness to try new things without overthinking them and her ability to be more open to different music, people and opportunities. Read said she’s also more open with them, which she is grateful for now that she’s approaching her teenage years.

Carolyn Dillenbeck Liggio found Williams through a local parenting Facebook page after moving to Marblehead in the fall of 2022. Her daughter Quinn was in the third grade “and learning how to navigate some tricky social situations, friendships, etc.,” she said.

“We wanted to find something that would help her connect with kids locally, while also fostering her creativity and helping to build her confidence. We were so happy to find Molly. She has given Quinn the confidence to be herself and to speak up when she feels it’s important,” Liggio

said, adding that by far her best moment as a parent was seeing Quinn on stage performing with Molly at Antique Table.

“We know Quinn is amazing but watching her perform onstage, in front of a room full of strangers without barely a glance at her family sitting nearby, was truly breathtaking.”

For Kristen Horgan, Miss Molly’s Music Magic has impacted her entire family, starting with her oldest daughter. Ten-year old Piper has significant learning disabilities and had already been through a couple of music programs before meeting Williams, Horgan said. She said they went into the program with no expectations but within less than a month, Piper was performing with Williams and the other girls at a Fourth of July showcase.

But Horgan is also quick to note that what Piper gets from the program goes far beyond voice lessons.

“The biggest thing for us was finding someone who could connect with her and teach her on her level in a way she learns and not really knowing what that is,” Horgan said.

She said Piper has taken to using the magic carpet/ gremlin/wise owl technique regularly and, in fact, it’s become a common language in their family, particularly since Williams is coaching her son as well. Horgan said her son was dealing with anxiety issues and asked if he could see Williams after using her meditation tapes at night to fall asleep by.

“He loves it, and [Molly] is so good with the kids. It’s very much transformed our house,” she said, adding that Patrick has even taught his younger sister the techniques and she and her husband have used them as well.

Next up Williams said she is hoping to expand her program to include entire families. She calls the process a gentle, light, forgiving and even fun way to approach dealing with difficult thoughts and feelings — and that can include adults.

“I have witnessed that if a child is struggling with stress or anxiety, invariably at least one or both parents are also struggling with stress or anxiety,” she said. “Neuroscience now proves what is called ‘mirror neurons’ — we feel the energy of the people around us, positive or negative.” Williams said parents might think they’re hiding the problems from their kids, but they are not.

“Parents that want their kids to overcome their anxieties who are not also doing this work on themselves is like asking their kids to climb Mount Everest without oxygen,” she said. “It can be done but it’s a lot harder.”

If you’d like to learn more about Miss Molly and her music magic check mollywill.com/ musical-magic.

Quinn said Miss Molly’s Musical Magic program has helped her gain confidence when it comes to p erforming.

Polly performs her signature song, “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.

Miss Molly plus: Miss Molly Williams with her Shooting Stars

El ise performs her signature song during a group session at Miss Molly’s Musical Magic.

Camille will perform her signature song, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” with her mentor Molly Williams at the Antique Table on May 5.

Ayla sings her signature song, during a group session at Miss Molly’s Musical Magic.

Molly

Vacation destinations included France, Disney

BY JOHN BUCKEY

Good people of Marblehead Public Schools:

“Oh, the places you’ll go…”

The title of that book from Dr. Seuss always resonates with me when we return from April vacation.

In particular, this week I enjoyed visiting Brown and Glover and seeing our youngest learners writing about and sharing their experiences from the break. The depth and details kindergarteners and first-graders are able to express in writing underscore the value of these experiences — whether here in Marblehead, across the country and, in some cases, around the world.

And, travel is not limited to pre-K to 3. Two of our high school groups — the French Club and Chorus — enjoyed content-based experiences to extend their learning over the vacation.

Mdm. Francois shared the following recap of their trip to France:

“Over April vacation, as a group of 18 MHS students and 3 World Language teachers, we traveled to France to experience the culture and practice the language.

“The group started in Nice to take in the Mediterranean sun and visit local sites like Monaco, the hilltop village of Eze and old Nice. The second half of the week was spent in Paris seeing everything the City of Lights has to offer including a trip to Versailles.

“Throughout the week we got to have unique experiences like playing pétanque with locals in Nice, having dinner in local homes in Paris and a cooking class.

“As chaperones, we were

Todd Eveleth will be Tower’s 12th head of school in its 111year history.

EDUC aTION Tower School names new head of school

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Tower School on West Shore Drive has announced Todd Eveleth as its new head of school, effective in July.

Eveleth is coming from The Nantucket New School, where he currently serves as head of school.

Eveleth has a 24-year career in education, with jobs including English teacher, English department chair, coach and dean of students.

“Todd’s depth of experience in elementary and middle school education and as a current head of school makes him uniquely well-positioned to lead Tower School at this exciting time in our school’s trajectory,” said Alethea McCormick, chair of Tower’s Board of Trustees.

Eveleth will be Tower’s 12th head of school in its 111-year history.

especially appreciative to have an amazing group of students who were engaged in the language, made it a fun experience for everyone and really made it a special trip. Travel and personal connections with people in other countries is truly the best classroom, and we’re so glad we got to share that with MHS students.”

Mr. Scoglio provided the following overview of the MHS Music Department’s trip to Disney World: “The Marblehead High School Music Department spent 5 days in the most magical place on Earth (besides Marblehead) over April vacation.

“51 students from the MHS Choir, Band & Orchestra performed at The Waterside Stage at Disney Springs and spent time in the four Disney parks. They also participated in a Performing Arts Workshop at Epcot where they worked with

professional Disney musicians and recording technicians.”

Extended learning opportunities do not end with spring break. This year, for the first time since COVID, our sixth-grade students will return for the highly acclaimed trip to Bournedale. This was a longstanding tradition in Marblehead, with some of our current parents now having students participate. Look for trip reflections in a future update.

Cultural feast

Please join Marblehead High School for our 2023 Annual Cultural Feast event on Friday, May 19 from 5-8 p.m. at MHS. There will be food, face painting, music, food trucks, performances and so much more fun! Volunteers are needed, and offers to bring food (with all ingredients labeled) are welcome.

Acappellooza XVII: May 5

Marblehead’s annual Acappellooza concert is at Marblehead High School next Friday, May 5 at 7 p.m. Please come support high school acapella groups from Marblehead, Chelmsford and Salem.

The show will also feature the MVMS After-School Chorus and a professional acappella group, Ball in the House. Tickets will be available at the door.

Save the date: May 16

We are pleased to announce that Dr. Nicholas Covino, president of William James College, will present to our families and the community on the mental health challenges facing all of us post-COVID. His program, “Understanding the Student Mental Health Crisis: Causes, Impact and Solutions” will include both prevention and intervention approaches.

MVMS assistant principal

I am pleased to announce that Joan Miller has accepted the position of interim assistant principal for next year. Principal Matt Fox announced the appointment at Wednesday’s faculty meeting.

To say the decision was well received would be an understatement. Cheers, tears of joy and thunderous applause filled the MVMS library as her colleagues heralded the decision.

While Joan had originally planned to retire at the end of the year, I am delighted she will stay and join the leadership team.

Portrait presentation

The Marblehead Racial Justice Team will present their portraits of Harriet Tubman and John Lewis to the students at Glover School next Friday, May 5 at 8:30 a.m.

They initiated this program last year at the Lucretia and Joseph Brown School. This will be the second one in the rotation of the schools. The program will be 30 minutes and with student participation.

nnn

As I end this update, I want to acknowledge that annually the last week of April is Administrative Professionals Week, with this year, Wednesday, April 26 being Administrative Professionals Day. It should surprise no one that the week ends on Friday, April 28, which is National Superhero Day.

To all of our valued MPS administrative assistants, we celebrate you and thank you for being our superheroes.

Marblehead Superintendent John Buckey sends these email updates to the school community on Friday afternoons when school is in session. The Current republishes them to share them with the entire town.

a RING THEIR VOICES Students share social justice poetry with Marblehead Racial Justice Team

SH

For National Poetry Month, the Marblehead Racial Justice Team invited local students to read aloud poems about social justice at a gathering on April 24.

“With grace and courage, our Marblehead students shared some of their favorite poems and reminded us how important it is to listen to and embrace all voices with empathy,” said MRJT member Lindsay Smith. “A desire to understand narratives that differ from our own is one of the first steps in tackling injustice.”

Damilola Olabisi read “The Black Family Pledge” by Maya Angelou, Niko Mahan read “Sympathy by Paul Laurence Dunbar, Molly Blander read “Harlem” by Langston Hughes, Grace Wolverton read “Choices” by Nikkie Giovanni and Nina Johnson read her own original poem “If the World Stopped to Listen.”

This is an excerpt from “If the World Stopped to Listen.” our generation is changing things small steps — like snowflakes — accumulate until we blanket the world in peace There will be gender equality when we feel safe when we can speak when we are seen when we can unfurl our wings and finally fly if we all raise our voices and start with the truth we will rise and lift others with us and the world will hear our stories.

Marblehead students read poems about social justice at the Marblehead Racial Justice Team on April 24. From left: Molly Blander, Niko Mahan, Damilola Olabisi, Grace Wolverton and Nina Johnson.

Over April vacation, a group of 18 Marblehead High students and three world language teachers traveled to France to experience the culture and practice the language.

The Marblehead High School Music Department spent five days in the most magical place on earth (besides Marblehead) over April vacation, the Disney theme parks in Florida.

Marblehead student Damilola Olabisi reads “The Black Family Pledge” by Maya Angelou.

MHS history teacher joins wife to celebrate Shakespeare’s 459th birthday

BY LINDA WERBNER

“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women are merely players,” William Shakespeare reflected in “As You Like It” and on April 22, Marblehead High School teacher Bryan Butters and his wife, Julie, transformed Swampscott Library into a stage to salute the bard’s 459th birthday.

The program kicked off with a lively and engaging talk delivered by Julie Butters, an actor, writer and authority on Shakespeare who co-chaired Harvard University’s Hyperion Shakespeare Company. Butters, who also works as an aide at Swampscott Library, spoke about Shakespeare’s life and times and the forces that shaped him as a playwright and poet. Her talk explored the daring women, villains and themes of cross-dressing which appear in many of his comedies.

In his relatively brief life (he died at 52), Shakespeare penned 37 plays and 154 sonnets. He was a “clever adapter” who put a unique twist on familiar stories, Butters said. She also explained iambic pentameter, the rhythm that Shakespeare used in his plays.

Butters described how Shakespeare’s works are timeless and cross cultures and languages. There is even a Klingon version of “Hamlet” and Bryan Butters, a confessed Trekkie, delivered the famous line, “To be or not to be,” in guttural Klingon — much to the amusement of the audience.

Bryan Butters also gave historical context about the Renaissance, roughly the 16th century, when Shakespeare lived. When teaching 16th century European history, Butters said he always brings a little Shakespeare to his lessons.

“It’s not hard to link his work

to things that are happening today,” he added.

The Butters also performed snippets from ”Richard III,” ”Romeo and Juliet,” and ”As You Like It” as part of the birthday celebration.

The chemistry between the couple was palpable as they descended into the murderous and scheming world of “Richard III,” the passion and tenderness of “Romeo and Juliet” and the rollicking hijinks of “As You Like It.”

“Theater is one of the joys of my life and being able to share this with the person I love feels like a blessing,” said Julie when asked what it’s like to perform Shakespeare with her spouse.

“It was very exciting for me because Julie has lots of experience,” said Bryan. “She coached me along. It gave us another thing to share.”

The Butters have performed

Shakespeare scenes together in virtual productions for Flock Theatre of New London, Connecticut, and Chill Bucket Productions of New York. They began acting together during the pandemic with a scene from ”The Tempest” for Chill Bucket in 2021.

The Swampscott program ended with the couple performing Puck’s affectionate farewell speech from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.”

“So, good night unto you all. Give me your hands, if we be

friends, and Robin shall restore amends.”

During the question and answer session following the presentation, Julie Butters explained that this was the “test drive” for the program and when an audience member asked if there was a chance they might perform Shakespeare locally this summer, she gave a wry wink suggesting that anything is possible.

To watch the Butters performing Shakespeare, visit youtu.be/lK9CpCaE3z8.

experiencing a decline in free cash, a revenue source it has leaned on heavily to balance its annual budgets for several years.

Changing of the guard

Town Moderator Jack Attridge made his debut behind the Town Meeting podium, becoming just the third moderator in 60 years. He opened the night with a moment of silence for his late predecessor, Gary Spiess, who died in November.

“I regret that he was not able to participate with us in a different way this year,” said Attridge.

The first question that prompted debate was Article 8, establishing a Revolving Transportation Fund for the schools and setting spending caps on several other funds. The school district offers busing to students who live farther than two miles of their school, for a fee.

“Last time I checked, I believe it was 31 students who are currently transported,” said Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Michelle Cresta.

Town Meeting ultimately approved a cap for the Transfer Station. Resident Allen Waller asked why the town needed a commercial waste collection fund with a $1.4 million cap when the actual cost associated with waste collection registered at $550,000 in fiscal year 2023.

Thomas McMahon, who is running for the Board of Health, characterized the same fund as a conduit to pay for the Transfer Station’s construction.

Public Health Director Andrew Petty said his department deposits fees collected from trash stickers and commercial waste into its revolving fund. That money is used to offset department costs.

Town Meeting approved several departments’ unpaid bills, a cumulative cost of $26,788, from fiscal year 2022, under Article 6.

Article 9 was approved, setting aside $373,488 to purchase equipment, including a $48,000 boiler for the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center and $47,030 to replace police radios, for several departments.

Town Meeting also approved $467,533 worth of lease purchases, from a tree chipper truck to a school bus, under Article 10 on a teller vote of 668 in favor to 17 opposed.

Article 11 set aside $302,451 for capital improvements to public buildings, including a cellar door at the Fire Department’s central headquarters to create a storage yard behind the animal shelter.

Article 13’s passage will put $50,000 toward repairs to seawalls and fences.

Article 14’s passage appropriated $400,000 from taxation to fund storm drainage construction. Likewise, Article 15 appropriated $600,000 through retained earnings from water usage fees to fund Water Department construction. And Article 16 was approved, appropriating $1 million through retained earnings from sewer fees to fund Sewer Department construction.

Town Meeting signed off on Article 17, permitting the Water and Sewer Commission to borrow $1 million through the MWRA local water system assistance program on a teller vote of 617 to 1.

Article 18 was approved, which permits the Water and Sewer Commission and the Select Board to collaborate in settling any claims or lawsuits arising from potential damages during the construction of water or sewer systems. Article 19, Article 20, and Article 21 gave 2% increases to administrative town employees, traffic supervisors and seasonal and temporary personnel. Article 22’s passage

gave Town Clerk Robin Michaud a 2% increase in her pay, bringing her annual salary to $88,342.

New human resources department

Article 24 was approved, amending general bylaws to create a human resources department and a director position to oversee it.

Marblehead has never had a human resources department within its municipal government, and Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said investing in one would save taxpayers’ money in the long run.

Kezer said the HR director addition would put a person with the necessary expertise to manage all the town employee benefits — which comes to a cumulative cost of $15 million annually.

“The need for this is critical to consolidate, to better manage HR functions,” Kezer said. Meanwhile, Article 25 was approved, authorizing the Conservation Commission to apply for public and private funding to purchase vacant land in the next fiscal year 2024. That’s if the opportunity arises.

Town Meeting OK’d an appropriation of $468,762 (about $116,000 less than last year) under Article 26 to cover the cumulative tuition costs for 26 Marblehead students in the Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School District. Mark B. Strout, Marblehead’s representative to the school district, gave a rousing speech to widespread applause. He highlighted the hands-on and practical experience that the technical school provided the town’s students.

“It sounds like we’re getting our money’s worth,” Attridge said.

Town Meeting authorized Article 28, releasing $5,260 in fees collected from ride-sharing platforms, like Uber and Lyft, to put toward transportation maintenance costs.

Article 29’s approval puts $8.3 million, including $8 million in free cash, toward balancing the fiscal year 2024 municipal budget.

“We didn’t want to use the entire balance as free cash on the decline and should maintain a reserve each year,” said Kezer.

Kezer told attendees that a plan to “get off the free cash

bandwagon” was in motion, adding that he endeavors to build a reserve of about $5 million, or 5% of the town’s annual budget. To that end, free cash came in at $9 million, $500,000 more than the town anticipated. The town intends to keep $1 million unappropriated, adding to the town’s reserves — which includes $500,000 in a stabilization fund.

“We are trying to move the town off free cash,” Kezer said, adding that it will take time. “We need to do it in a systematic approach over time.”

With regard to the debate on the budget, a handful of residents spoke against adding the human resources director and sustainability coordinator position, especially at a time when Marblehead faces a structural deficit.

‘Crystal clear’

In the most tense moment of the evening, former School Committee member Jonathan Lederman pressed for more details about cuts to the school district’s staff and services.

“The school department has voted on a list,” Buckey told Lederman.

Lederman, “But did it vote a list of cuts.”

Buckey, “They have been presented a list of cuts when they were presented a budget.”

Lederman, “They voted to accept those cuts?”

Buckey, “They voted their budget, which included these cuts.”

Lederman, “I’m not getting into semantics here.”

Buckey, “Neither am I.” Mathers stepped up to the podium.

“Mr. Lederman, Thank you for your question,” Mathers said to chuckles across the auditorium. “So, I just want to be crystal clear, the School Committee is highly aware and has approved in our budget put forth under Article 30 the list of services and proposed personnel that would be eliminated under this budget.”

Julie and Bryan Butters perform Shakespeare to celebrate the bard’s birthday.

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Voting in action at Town Meeting on May 1 at Veterans Middle School.

Police Chief Dennis King speaks during Town Meeting on May 1 at Veterans Middle School.

Tellers count votes during the annual Town Meeting on May 1 at Veterans Middle School.

positions including:

CLASSROOM TEACHERS (hiring now!)

CLASSROOM AIDS (hiring now!)

ASSISTANT CAMP SIMCHAH DIRECTOR (age 20+)

CAMP COUNSELORS (ages 16+)

positions including: positions including:

SWIM LESSON INSTRUCTORS

Looking for consistency

PERFECT SE a SON INTaCT

Laxmen slip past

rival Masco in overtime

Captain Cronin ties game in regulation, sets up clincher

After snapping losing streak, Magicians drop two

BY JOE McCONNELL

After dropping three straight games over school vacation week, the Marblehead High baseball team (2-5 in the Northeastern Conference, 4-6 overall) snapped out of it in a big way against host Manchester Essex on April 24, 15-0.

Coach Mike Giardi’s team scored in every inning until the game was halted after four frames because of the mercy rule. They scored one in the first, four in the second and seven more in the third before tacking on another one in the fourth.

Shane Keough powered the attack with a double and a triple in just three at-bats, producing four of his team’s runs. Charlie Sachs doubled in one run. Brooks Keefe came up with a huge triple to drive home a couple of more runs. Jake Scogland doubled in a run. Ian Maude was also credited with a double.

H a RD WORK Pay S OFF

Maude pitched the first three innings, allowing just two hits and no walks. He

fanned one. Matt Mahan finished up on the mound, striking out two in the fourth and final frame to go along with no hits and no walks.

But coming home to Seaside Park two days later did not help sustain the momentum, as the team dropped an 11-1 decision to non-league Bishop Fenwick.

“While both teams walked several in this game, Bishop Fenwick was able to come up with some big hits at the right time to break open this game in the fifth with six runs,” said Giardi. The Crusaders led, 2-1 after two, and they added three more in the fourth, before the fifth-inning explosion that invoked the mercy rule after the Magicians failed to score in the home half.

Bodie Bartram and Sachs were credited with the home team’s lone two hits in this game. Sachs smacked a

BASEBALL, P. A15

Wait over for girls lacrosse

Magicians explode past Salem, Saugus to break into win column

BY JOE McCONNELL

After starting the season with eight straight losses, the Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (2-5 in the Northeastern Conference, 2-8 overall) finally broke into the win column, and they did it in style, beating Salem going away, 15-2, on April 27. They shut out the Witches in the first half, 12-0.

The Marblehead girls then upended host Saugus on April 28, 16-2, to secure their second straight triumph. It was 11-1 at the break.

Earlier in the week, coach Annie Madden’s crew dropped a most competitive game to Masco, 11-9, while showing signs they were beginning to turn the corner in a positive direction.

Against Salem, Sydney Langton (3 goals, 1 assist, 1 groundball, 1 interception, 1 draw control) and Lucy Wales (3 goals, 2 assists, 1 groundball) paced the offensive attack, along with Ramona Gillett, who had four goals, one groundball, one caused turnover and six draw controls.

Gretchen Smith (1 goal, 1

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Even when they are involved in a close struggle, the Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (6-0 in the Northeastern Conference, 8-0 overall) finds a way to win.

After a narrow escape against Masconomet on April 25, the team’s perfect season is intact as the calendar flips to May and the second half of the season begins.

In the Masco game, the Magicians came roaring back from a late two-goal deficit, 10-8, to send the game into overtime. The extra period only lasted two minutes before Carter Laramie shot home the game-winner assisted by Connor Cronin.

Appropriately, Cronin figured into the winning tally after he netted the final two goals in regulation that created the exciting finish. Cronin finished up with four goals and four assists to lead the attack against the Chieftains.

Laramie was not far behind with four goals and one assist. Baxter Jennings poked two shots home. Cam Waldman chipped in with one goal and one assist. James Bickell setup two scores.

Finn Maniaci came up with 10 saves to keep things close on the scoreboard, arguably one of his best efforts this season.

“Masco always brings it when we play them every year,” said coach John Wilkens. “We didn’t play our best against them this year but still found a way to dig down and pull out another victory. We were sloppy at times, and it cost us on defense, but fortunately not enough to lose the game.”

The Marblehead boys recorded their eighth overall win two days later, when they exploded past Salem, 18-0.

Reece Moore, Jack Whipple, Nick Whitaker, Jennings, Waldman and Bickell led the way on offense with two goals apiece. Moore was also credited with an assist. Laramie chipped in with one goal and one assist in this game. Conor Sheridan tallied once, along with Brody Smith and Charlie Grenier.

Cronin was the leader in assists with five. Zander Danforth, Drew Nelson and Conor Murnane each picked up one assist.

Maniaci was in net throughout the first half, making just one stop, while backup Finn Gallup took over the goaltending chores in the second half and came up with four saves to help preserve the shutout.

With the prospects of an undefeated season still very much a reality, the Magicians went up against Beverly on Monday, May 2, after press deadline, before taking off for Danvers to face the Falcons Thursday, starting at 4:30 p.m.

CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE

Marblehead’s Carter Laramie, shown here during an April 19 game against Danvers, scored the winning goal to help Marblehead slip past Masco in overtime on April 25.

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Ian Maude, shown here pitching against Beverly, also hurled the first three innings in a 15-0 win over Beverly, allowing just two hits and no walks.

CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Marblehead’s Sydney Langton, shown making a rush in during a game against Peabody earlier this season, led the way with three goals as her team got its first win of the season April 27 against Salem. LACROSSE, P. A15

Brooks Keefe, shown here making contact in an earlier game against Beverly, drove home a couple of runs with a triple in a 15-0 win over Masconomet April 24.

MHS Va RSIT y SPORTS SCHEDULES

Wednesday, May 3

4 p.m. girls tennis vs. Gloucester at Gloucester High

4 p.m. boys tennis vs. Gloucester at Marblehead High

4:30 p.m. baseball vs. Saugus at Seaside Park

Thursday, May 4

4 p.m. softball vs. Salem at Marblehead Veterans Middle School

4:30 p.m. girls lacrosse vs. Danvers at Marblehead High Piper Field

4:30 p.m. boys lacrosse vs. Danvers at Danvers High

Friday, May 5

4 p.m. boys and girls track vs. Masconomet at Bertram Field, Salem

4 p.m. softball vs. Saugus at Belmonte School, Saugus

4 p.m. girls tennis vs. Beverly at Beverly High

4 p.m. boys tennis vs. Beverly at Marblehead High

4:30 p.m. baseball vs. Gloucester at Seaside Park

Saturday, May 6

10 a.m. boys and girls track NEC Freshman-Sophomore Meet at Peabody Veterans Memorial High School

3 p.m. softball vs. Mansfield at Marblehead Veterans Middle School

4 p.m. girls lacrosse vs. Reading at Reading Memorial High

Monday, May 8

4 p.m. softball vs. Masconomet at Marblehead Veterans Middle School

4 p.m. girls tennis vs. Danvers at Marblehead High

4:30 p.m. girls lacrosse vs. Gloucester Marblehead High Piper Field

4:30 p.m. boys lacrosse vs. Gloucester Gloucester High

Tuesday, May 9 4 p.m. boys tennis vs. Swampscott at Marblehead High 4 p.m. girls tennis vs. Swampscott at Swampscott Middle

Wednesday, May 10

p.m. baseball vs. Masconomet at Seaside Park 4 p.m. girls and boys track vs. Beverly at Village School Hopkins Field

p.m. boys lacrosse vs. Bedford, New Hampshire at Marblehead High Piper Field

MHS girls suffer first losses as boys stay undefeated

BY JOE McCONNELL

It was a week that the Marblehead High girls tennis team would rather forget. After beginning the season with four straight triumphs, the team lost two in a row to Newburyport (4-1, April 27) and Masconomet (5-0, April 28) to drop to 4-2 overall.

“Newburyport got off to a quick start with a win in first and second singles,” said coach Tracy Ackerman. “It was a great all-around match. Newburyport is obviously a tough opponent. For us, Charly (Cooper) in third singles played a super match to secure our lone win.”

Marblehead first single player Pauline Geissler lost, 6-0, 6-1, and Andrea Potvin experienced similar results in second singles, 6-1, 6-1. But Cooper was able to snag the lone Marblehead point in third singles in a very competitive match, 7-6, 2-6, (12-10 in a tiebreaker).

The first doubles team of Courtney Yoder and Aviva Bornstein put up a good battle before losing to their Newburyport counterparts in straight sets, 4-6, 2-6. In second doubles, Aoife Breshnahan and Lucia Levin lost, 3-6, 0-6.

Boys tennis wins two more

In a non-league match-up on April 25 that would make any coach proud, the Marblehead boys tennis team (5-0 in the Northeastern Conference, 5-2 overall) defeated visiting Hamilton-Wenham, 4-1.

“This was a match where both sides displayed great sportsmanship,” said coach Elisabeth Foukal. “The standout win for us was in second singles, when Jost Eggebrecht outlasted Elois Chadel in a three-set match. Jost served very well while also handling Ellis’ excellent serves with consistency and depth. It was a great win for him over an excellent player.”

Marblehead junior Mika Garber beat senior Will Gern in first singles, 6-1, 6-2.

“Mika played smart tennis to outmaneuver this good lefty player,” Foukal said.

Eggebrecht, his classmate, took down Chanel in the aforementioned second singles match, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.

Sophomore Matthew Sherf completed the singles sweep by beating junior Jada Wang, 6-4, 6-0. “Matthew overcame a 4-2 deficit in the first set to win the next 10 games in a row,” said Foukal.

Sophomores Etan Farfel and Jayden Janock topped juniors Max Clarke and Henry Stinson in first doubles, 7-5, 7-6 (13-11 in a

Spring track teams take on rival Danvers

Boys settle for rare tie; girls ground the Falcons

BY JOE McCONNELL

The Marblehead High boys spring track team (2-1-1) had the unlikeliest of results when they ended up tied with host Danvers, 68-68, on April 26, while the Marblehead girls (3-1) easily took care of the Falcons, 98-33.

Girls long jump

Despite the poor conditions, Charlie Roszell leaped to victory with a new personal best of 15-10.5. Claire Davis (15-6) was second, Elise Burchfield (15-5) third and Sadie Halpern (13-9.5) fourth.

“The pit was seemingly an upslope due to jumpers pushing the sand back and then not being raked properly,” said coach Nolan Raimo. “So for Charlie, Claire and Elise to jump mid-to-high 15s is very impressive.”

Boys long jump

Alex Hersey (19-8) took first, Harrison Curtis (186) finished third, Colin Hart (16-8.25) was fifth and Claudio Gusmao Gonzalez (16-7) seventh.

“Similar to the girl jumpers, the pit conditions were not ideal, but we still had a few quality jumps,” Raimo said.

Girls triple jump

Jumping into a headwind, Keira Sweetnam (314.5) captured first. She was followed by Claire Davis (second, 30-9), Ava Machado (third, 30-6.5) and Kate Twomey (fifth, 28-4.5).

“This was Claire’s second career triple jump, and it was remarkably successful,” Raimo said.

Boys triple jump

Errol Apostolopoulos (37-2) finished third after enduring the trek across the football field between his triple and high jumps. Gusmao Gonzalez (336.5) placed fifth and Seth Cushinsky (28-3) sixth.

enjoyed personal bests in the shot put, javelin and 100,” said Raimo.

Girls discus

Rachael Albert (103-11, personal best) finished second while also qualifying for the All-State Meet. But Cali Abbatessa (105-7) won the event. O’Brien (86-6, personal best) was third. Siena Day (59-9) ended up fourth.

Boys discus Angelo Knight (86-5) continues to improve every week, and against Danvers he was third. Tucker Crane (66-1) came in fifth, and Grady Norfleet (58-7) sixth.

Girls javelin Albert was a double winner in the throws against Danvers with a 77-1 in the javelin after beating peers in the discus. Sierra Leinberry (second, 72-8) and Adelyn Cruickshank (third, 61-2) completed the sweep. Devin Whalen (577) was fourth.

Boys javelin Oren (106-7, personal best) won the event. Phineas Jakious (100-6) finished third, followed by Knight (92-9) fourth and Colin Hart (85-9) fifth.

Girls 400-meter hurdles

Whalen (74.27) took home the victory for her teammates.

Boys 400-meter hurdles

Apostolopoulos (63.3) finished first. Marc Grazado (69.42) slipped below the 70-second barrier to come in fourth. Elian Colon (78.84), making his debut, was sixth overall.

Girls 2-mile Cat Piper (13:14.75) turned in a tremendous race to finish second.

tiebreaker).

“The second set was a nailbiter that included a marathon tiebreaker, but Etan set up Jayden well at the net in some first-rate doubles play to come out on top,” Foukal said.

Senior co-captain Jimmy King and sophomore Luke Miller lost to Keenan Maguire and Rory Taylor in second doubles, 7-5, 6-4.

“Jimmy and Luke are improving in every match, and this was a really close one,” the Marblehead coach said.

In sub-varsity play, senior co-captain Jack Wykes and sophomore Austin Bacon lost to Ben Gasser and Alex Boardman, 8-1. Sophomore Ben Zaltsman lost to Jadar Wang in a singles match, 6-0.

The JV team, under the direction of Priscilla Danforth, also defeated the Generals at Seaside Park by a close 3-2 score. Both sides agreed to play four doubles matches and one singles match in an eight-game pro set.

Luke Roth and Quinn Sullivan won their doubles set, 8-4. Nico Altonian and Evan Murtagh lost, 8-6. Graydon Waller and T.J. Kelly secured an 8-6 triumph. Connor Dunleavy and Travis Erhardt dominated their doubles opponents,

8-2. Jeffery Kucharsky lost his singles match, 8-6.

The Marblehead boys then prevailed over a well-coached Masco team, 4-1, in a match that did not end until twilight hovered over the Boxford courts on April 28.

Garber beat senior Mark Trull, 6-1, 6-0 in first singles. Eggebrecht topped Kyle Trull, 6-2, 6-1 in second singles. Sherf maintained a similar winning script in third singles against senior Steven Ralph, 6-2, 6-3.

Farfel and Janock continued their undefeated streak against conference foes in first doubles, defeating Jack Eaton and Justin Salinger, 6-3, 6-0.

Sophomores Quinn Fletcher and Austin Bacon teamed up for the first time in a second doubles varsity match, only to lose a close encounter to senior Jason Kaias and freshman Kai Hird, 6-3, 6-1.

“Quinn and Austin are gaining valuable experience by facing some good opponents with a large cheering club,” Foukal said.

In sub-varsity play, Anthony Vizy and Luke Miller lost, 7-6 (7-4). But senior co-captains King and Wykes won their doubles match, 6-2. Sophomores Leo Winocour and Ben Zaltsman did the same, 6-1.

Girls high jump

Sweetnam (5-2) continued her excellent season to secure the win. Burchfield (4-6) was second, and Campbell Crane and Machado (4-4) tied for fourth.

Girls shot put Hannah O’Brien, the lone Marblehead competitor in this event, ended up third with a throw of 21-3, improving by over a foot since her last meet.

“Although Hannah’s focus is on the discus, her selflessness to compete in this event just to score points for the team is appreciated by all,” said Raimo.

Boys shot put Hersey (36-7) was fourth. Asher Oren (32-5, personal best) was right behind him in fifth place. Grady Norfleet (24-5.5) came in seventh.

“This was Asher’s breakout meet, where he

Boys 2-mile Harrison Kee (9:57.75, personal best) took first, and Isaac Gross (9:59.41) was second.

Girls 100/110meter hurdles

Whalen (16.41) came out on top, and she was followed by Davis (second, 16.95, personal best) and Burchfield (third, 18.33).

Boys 100/110meter hurdles

Hersey (16:36, personal best) remains undefeated in the high hurdles this season. Apostolopoulos (17:54) was second. Marc Grazado (19:51) sneaked under the 20-second mark to finish fourth.

Girls 100 Cate Trautman finished first with a time of 13.10, narrowly missing her personal best of 13.08. Machado (13:24) was second. Le’Daisha Williams (13:39) came in third. Sadie Halpern ran an impressive 13.28 in the JV heat.

TENNIS

COURTESY PHOTO / LUANN GABEL

Marblehead girls tennis junior Aviva Bornstein waits to swat the ball back to her Gloucester opponent during a match on April 21.

Spring programs, classes, events for seniors

All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., unless otherwise stated. For more information or to RSVP for programs, call 781-631-6225 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

Grab-n-go lunches are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Council on Aging. Pick-up time is from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Reservations must be made the Thursday before. Traveling Chef

On Friday, May 5, at noon, there will be no grab-n-go lunch. Instead come inside to enjoy a carving station menu. RSVP by Monday, May 1. Suggested donation is $2.

Calling all veterans

Celebrate veterans at this breakfast hosted by the COA and the Masons on Friday, May 26, at 9 a.m. RSVP by Friday, May 19.

Lacrosse

From P. A13

groundball), Maddie Forbes (2 goals, 3 assists, 2 groundballs), Cassidy Lubeck (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 groundball) and Sydney Shull (1 goal) also contributed to the winning offense. Goalie Addie Lydon made three saves, and was credited with one interception.

Maple Street Bistro at Essex Tech

On Monday, May 15, 11:15 a.m. to 1 p.m., come to the Maple Street Bistro before it closes for the summer. The COA van can transport up to 12 people or you can drive on your own. Cost is $16 due Monday, May 8.

The Marblehead COA Golf League

The Golf League has started. Come to the Salem Municipal Golf Course on Thursday, May 4, at 7:55 a.m. All past and new players: if you are not registered yet, please email your contact information and availability to Maureen Horan at Mahoran@ comcast.net.

It’s Bocce season

The season begins Monday, May 8. Games will be played at the COA on Mondays and Thursdays at 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. The Friday Travel Team will play 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. Cost is $15 for the season. Sign up at the front office. Contact pbibbo@aol. com for more information.

Movie Days

On Friday, May 5, at 1 p.m., come watch “Eighty for Brady” about four best friends living life to the fullest when they take a wild trip to the 2017 Super Bowl

The Magicians carried that winning momentum over to the Saugus clash. Langton (3 goals, 3 groundballs), Wales (3 goals, 1 groundball), Gillett (2 goals, 1 assist), Caitlin Ryan (2 goals, 1 assist) and Caroline Scroope (2 goals) were the multiple goal scorers against the Sachems. Forbes (1 goal, 1 assist, 5 groundballs), Lubeck (1 goal, 1 assist, 1 groundball), Isabelle

to see their hero Tom Brady.

On May 19, at 11 a.m., see “House of Gucci,” starring Lady Gaga. RSVP.

Photographic journey with Ulrike Welsch

Join Ulrike Welsch on Friday, May 12, at 11 a.m., on a photographic journey to the country of Georgia, in Eastern Europe. Georgia is rich in art, agriculture and talent and is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. Welsch will share photos and stories from a recent visit. RSVP.

Taking and organizing photos on your iPhone KevTech returns for this special class on May 10, 11 a.m. You’ll learn abou the iPhone’s camera app and explore the different types of photos you can take. You’ll also learn ways to organize photos in favorites and albums. $15. Call to register.

Talking about grief

Join Trish Crean, the bereavement coordinator with

Ferrante (1 goal, 3 assists) and Neely Payne (1 goal) also contributed mightily to the team’s second win of the season. Lydon did her part in goal once again with three saves and one interception. The aforementioned win over Salem came on the heels of a close loss to host Masco, 11-9. The Chieftains were leading by three at halftime, 7-4.

All Care Hospice, on Friday, May 12, 10 a.m. to talk about living with grief. Call to reserve a seat.

Guess who’s coming to dinner COA Outreach Coordinator Sharon Dolober and Stacey McCarthy will lead this caregiver support group on Wednesday, May 17, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Flying Solo road trip

This group, designed for people who live alone, will be taking a road trip to Winter Island in Salem. Meet at Winter Island in the function hall on Tuesday, May 23, at 1 p.m, and learn about the history of the area. The group will then get ice cream at Salem Willows. RSVP by Friday, May 18.

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.

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 Texas Tenors concert at the Danversport Yacht Club on Tuesday, June 23; and a

Langton (3 goals, 1 groundball, 1 caused turnover, 1 interception), Wales (2 goals, 2 assists), Ferrante (1 goal, 1 assist), Smith (1 goal), Gillett (1 goal, 1 groundball), Forbes (1 goal), Kate Burns (1 assist, 1 interception) and Lubeck (1 groundball) were the contributors in the high scoring Masco game. Lydon made seven saves to keep things close.

Montreal-Quebec trip July 18-21. For more information and to sign up, call Janice at 781-631-6225.

Blood Pressure Clinic

Drop-in 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.

Tai Chi/Qigong

Tai Chi/Qigong is an excellent form of exercise for low-impact 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 is 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

COA, P. A19

As the second half of the season is getting underway, it appears that the Magicians are also turning the corner, and they hope the wins continue to come. They started this week against Beverly on May 1 after press deadline. Rival Danvers then follows the Panthers to town on Thursday, May 4, for another conference battle, starting at 4:30 p.m.

double, while Bartram’s single knocked him home in the second.

Drew Whitman went 3.1 innings, yielding five hits, four walks and four earned runs. He whiffed three.

Cody Selvais retired the final two batters in the fourth, but not before the Crusaders scored

three more times. He walked two but gave up no hits while fanning one. Mahan pitched the fifth and allowed two hits, one walk and three more runs, none earned. He struck out one.

The Marblehead boys then suffered your classic heartbreaker to Danvers on April 27, 6-5. It was a bitter defeat that definitely could have gone either way.

“Four early errors came back to haunt us as Danvers was able

Girls 4x100

to put together a late rally to win this game,” said Giardi.

The game was tied at three after three and 4-4 after four, but the Magicians were able to push across the go-ahead run in the next frame.

Unfortunately, the Falcons scored twice in the home half of the sixth to claim their first lead since the first, when they led 2-1.

Marblehead banged out 10 hits, led by Bartram with two

finish. Grace Mortensen (2:41.50) was fourth.

singles and a double, plus a stolen base. He scored one run.

Keefe was credited with two singles and an RBI. He, too, scored once. Designated hitter Stefan Shepard singled, and scored a run.

Third baseman Riley Schmitt reached base twice that included one base hit, and he scored both times. Keough chipped in with a single and a walk. Chris Cannuscio walked with the bases loaded to account for another

(28.11) ended up third to complete the sweep.

Marblehead run. Maude singled in a run. Drake Wyman singled once.

Maude pitched all six innings for the Magicians and allowed seven hits, two walks and only three earned runs. He whiffed eight Falcons. Giardi’s squad is now preparing for next Wednesday’s home game against Saugus, looking to start playing more consistent baseball as the second half of the season gets underway.

Boys 100 Harrison Curtis (11.5) ran away from the field to come in first. Jacob Bobowski (12.31) accounted for a third-place finish. Ethan Horgan (13.2) was sixth.

Girls mile

Making her debut, Marri O’Connell put away any doubts to finish first in 5:40.61, besting the entire field by a significant margin.

Maren Potter (6:18.11) was second in her return to racing after missing the last couple of meets.

Boys mile

Ryan Blestowe (5:07.96) came in third. Peter Sullivan (5:23.59, foursecond personal best), who is normally a middledistance runner, stepped up to the mile and did not disappoint.

Will Cronin (5:44.71) also made his return to the track and gave a great effort, while pushing through with a tweaked muscle in the early stages. Sullivan and Cronin finished fifth and sixth, respectively.

Cora Gerson, Burchfield, Morgan Zion and Liv Carlson cruised to a firstplace finish (54.2).

Boys 4x100 Bobowski, Slater Johnson, Horgan and Joe Proulx finished first with a time of 49.96.

Girls 400

Roszell led the way for Marblehead to finish second with a time of 64.43. Williams (65.69) was fourth, and Gabby Hendy (66.87), making her debut, came in fifth.

Boys 400

Ryan Thompson took home first with a blazing fast time of 52.5. David Di Constanzo (54.7) continues to run impressive times, this time coming in second. Hart was fifth.

Girls 800 Kate Twomey (2:31.30, five-second personal best) controlled the race from the start to finish first overall. Juliet Burchfield (2:36.62, seven-second personal best) hung in there with the pack and had a great closing leg to pick up a third-place

Boys 800

Gabe Bayramian took first in 2:09.52, beating out the entire field in convincing fashion. Henrik Adams (2:14.54, onesecond personal best) and Xavier Grazad (2:14.66, four-second personal best) pushed each other throughout the second lap to pick up fourth and fifth place, respectively.

Girls 200

Cate Trautman (26.8) finished first, which surpasses her previous best time of 26.81. Machado (27.45) was second. Halpern

Boys 200 Harrison Curtis battled Aidan Smith, one of the best sprinters in the conference, and was victorious with a time of 23.61. Johnson (25.93) was fifth.

Girls 4x400 Potter, Davis, Piper and Marrietta O’Connell ran an uncontested relay to win with a time of 4:53.87. “All of these girls doubled their times, and the fortitude to double, especially in the freezing cold, was quite impressive,” said Raimo.

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 May 11, 2023 on an application filed by Sean Kelly (owner) to construct a dry-laid stone revetment within the buffer zone at 18 Churchill Street (Map 74, Parcel 9) 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.

link to the agenda is: https://www.marblehead.org/conservation-commission

Commission

Boys 4x400 Nate Assa, Marc Grazado, Ryan Blestowe and David Alpert finished second with a time of 4:17. “This meet came down to this relay to get the tie

— which we didn’t know with the lagged scoring process — and Nate, Marc, Ryan and David all ran well while doubling up beyond their primary events,” Raimo said.

Blues guitarists return to Me&Thee

A night of blues and roots, with a tribute to Bob Dylan, will be featured at Me&Thee Music on Friday, May 5, at 8 p.m., as two of the finest New England blues artists take the stage: Peter Parcek and Danielle Miraglia.

Parcek’s unique “soul guitar” style has been compared to Eric Clapton, Buddy Guy and Peter Green for his daring, incendiary style and daredevil solos. In the words of Buddy Guy, “You’re as bad as Eric Clapton and I know Eric Clapton.”

“Premier Guitar” named his latest album, “Mississippi Suitcase,” one of the best blues albums of the year.

Danielle Miraglia straddles the folk/roots/blues lines with her strong and steady thumb “stomp box” style of playing on her old Gibson. Her shows feature spirited originals as well as a collection of covers that pay homage to influences like Big Bill

Broonzy, Janis Joplin and Bob Dylan. Danielle’s 2020 release, “Bright Shining Stars” reached #15 on the Billboard Blues charts.

She’s opened for John Mayall, Johnny Winter, Robert Cray, George Thorogood and many others.

Both Miraglia and Parcek have been named New England Music Award winners for “Blues Act of the Year” and Parcek has been nominated twice for the Blues Foundation’s “National Blues Artist of the Year.”

This show will feature individual sets by Miraglia and Parcek, a Bob Dylan Blues tribute and a the rhythm section of Dave Fox of Gravel Project and Joe Klompus of Letters to Cleo.

Tickets are $25. Students and children are always $10. Locally, tickets are available at Arnould’s Gallery on Washington Street.

Online info and no-fee tickets

are available at meandthee.org. No phone orders are accepted and no other ticket websites are authorized.

Me&Thee Music finishes its 53rd season on Friday, May 19, with a “Mardi Gras in May” album release party with The Squeezebox Stompers who shook the house last spring. The evening’s concert will celebrate the release of their new album, “What’s So Bad About Feeling Good.” High-energy cajun, zydeco, blues, folk and originals will once again prompt concertgoers to get up and move. The adjoining Stetson Hall will be festooned with party lights for dancing.

Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the music begins shortly after 8 p.m. Me&Thee Music is a non-profit, all-volunteer organization now in its 53rd season at the UU Church, 28 Mugford St. Refreshments and desserts are served.

BY BRIAN FLYNN, LVO YMCA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Spring fever has hit at the Y. The flowers are blooming, the days are longer and the Y is gearing up for more classes and activities to keep you active and engaged this spring and summer. We’re adding outdoor group exercise classes on the pool deck so you can get a fun workout outside in the fresh air.

Instructors will hold a variety of classes including spin classes, cardio dance fusion and muscle conditioning on the pool deck.

We’ve also added a new fitness space inside the Y. The new Strength Training Room will feature a multi-functional rack for strength training, additional benches, free weights and plate-loaded strength machines. In addition, the new space will feature a turf section for functional fitness and stretching. The new Strength Training Room is located in the previous Boston Ballet space on the second floor of the Y.

Keep Moving in May: Try our latest YMCA app challenge

Join us for our Keep Moving in May mobile app challenge. Download the app (search NorthShoreYMCA in

the app store) and check it out. Monthly app challenges are easy to join, easy to track and fun to finish. Walk at least 5,000 steps a day (4 km/2.5 mi) outside or on the treadmill to help

your physical and mental health. With a little activity in the fresh air, you can do a lot of good for your body and mind.

Don’t miss Head to the Hill 5K on Sunday, May 21, at 9 a.m.

This 5K will take you from the starting line at the Y through Swampscott, past Preston Beach and back up to Leggs Hill Road through Marblehead neighborhoods. In 2022, the YMCA of the North Shore reinvested $4.3 million to ensure 4,000 families and individuals in our communities, including Marblehead, had access to programming, services and resources through financial assistance and scholarships.

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 May 11, 2023 on an application filed by

vitamins. Luckily, you can ward off the stressful reactions and regain your calm with proper nutrition. Learn more in a workshop with registered dietitian Abby Sykes. For more information, contact Membership Dir. Jane Rizza at rizzaj@ northshoreymca.org.

The Y is better together, refer a friend

In 2023, participation in our road races will continue to allow our Y to say “yes” to those who need us most. Register at raceroster.com/ events/2023/66709/headto-the-hill-5k- road-race Nutrition for recovery on May 17 at 6 p.m.

We all know stress is one of the key factors that impact the vital functions of your body. Are you stressed? In recovery from a mental or physical illness? Or just dealing with change in your life that is causing you stress? Concerns such as these can accelerate your body’s need for essential nutrients like magnesium, selenium and other

Refer a friend to the Y and we will thank you with a free month of membership while your friend receives a $0 enrollment fee. Visit the welcome center or reach out to the 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 50,000 members and program participants in 25 cities and towns across the North Shore and in southern New Hampshire.

Creating a pollinators’ paradise

Conservancy helms volunteer project at Lead Mills

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Under an overcast sky Saturday, April 29, over 100 volunteers contributed to the Marblehead Conservancy’s ongoing effort to transform the Lead Mills Conservation Area into a vibrant wildflower meadow.

To that end, families, trail volunteers, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts partook in a variety of activities for three hours across the 4.5 acres of open space.

“We have piles of wood chips that were laid along the paths to make it easier to walk on,” said Maureen Ashley, who organized the day of service. “We’re doing some beach cleanup. We’ve got some strong Boy Scouts cutting up some tree limbs that we had to take down.”

She added, “We have some 250 flower plugs that we’re planting on the top of a hill.”

At the top of that hill, Nina Robertson oversaw the work of a dozen fastidious workers, who punctured evenly spaced holes for planting flower plugs. They packed soil and wood chips around each.

“We’ve chosen five flowers: world milkweed, New England aster, mountain mint, golden Alexander and goldenrod,” Robertson explained. “We’ve always selected flowers native to this area.”

The efforts will create not only a sea of vibrant colors for people to enjoy but also an oasis of pollen and nectar for pollinators: milkweed for monarch butterflies, goldenrod for ladybugs and moths, golden

“Dr. Story was born in 1743 and was 30 years old in 1773. He had already had quite the storied life in colonial Boston,” said O’Brien. “He was a doctor and a surgeon and had his own practice in Boston.”

Story was one of about 150 Sons of Liberty members who dressed as Mohawk Indians and dumped 342 chests of British tea into Boston Harbor in protest of the Tea Act of 1773, a key event leading up to the American Revolutionary War.

“There has always been an air of mystery and secrecy surrounding who was involved,” said O’Brien. “Many participants swore an oath of secrecy to never reveal the names of those involved.”

Story not only took part in the destruction of tea but also volunteered to guard The Dartmouth, the first of the East India Company ships after it arrived in Boston in November 1773. The ship was carrying about 114 chests of tea. Story’s involvement in the Revolution did not cease

Alexander for sweat bees. The variety’s bloom schedule will sustain pollinators — beetles, birds, honey bees, bumblebees — throughout the

growing season. For instance, the goldenrod blooms in late summer and early fall. Milkweed’s peak blooming period overlaps with summer

months. Wild lupine blooms from May to June.

“There are a lot of pollinators that only pollinate with a few different kinds of plants,”

Morgan said. “And most of them are being endangered because we’re planting foreign plants in our yards.”

So, the Marblehead Conservancy’s efforts are restorative, too, cultivating native habitats and mitigating biodiversity loss from humans.

Bob French was heartened to see an uptick in younger families and people getting involved in the work.

“It builds ownership and awareness,” said French. “We’re trying to build ownership of our natural open spaces.”

Although Marblehead is a mere 4.5 square miles, the town boasts five miles of woodlands, wetlands, wild meadows and tidal estuaries, French noted.

“We want people to know that the town has all these conservation lands, many within walking distance of their homes,” he said. “To know them is to build ownership.”

The Lead Mills property sits on the Salem-Marblehead line. The two communities acquired the open space in the 2010s for conservation and recreation.

Today, it abuts and links a rail trail, Forest River and Wyman Woods.

According to 2014 plans for the site, the property was once a hub of local industry, as a grist mill in 1734 and a lead manufacturing plant in 1831. The lead mills produced 6,000 tons of white lead per year, which was used for everything from paint pigments to Civil War bullets.

A 1968 fire razed the structures on the property to the ground, and the site lay dormant for decades.

before, during or after the Tea Party. Doliber noted one could find Story at several pivotal moments. “Not only was he involved in the Tea Party, he’s at Lexington. He’s at Concord. He’s at Bunker Hill,” Doliber told Sunday’s crowd. “He’s at the Jersey Campaign right through 1777.”

He was even present during the Boston Massacre trial, witnessing several testimonies.

According to his pension records, he also assisted in stealing cannons from Boston Common.

Samuel Roads, author of “The Histories and Traditions of Marblehead,” writes that Story fought in early Revolutionary War battles but was “forced to abandon duty as a soldier for that of a surgeon in removing and attending to the wounded.” After the war, he settled in

Marblehead and continued his practice, contributing to the post-war development of the community, according to O’Brien.

Story and his first wife, Ruth, had seven children, and he and his second wife, Mehitable (Pedrick), had 11 children, making him the father of 20 children. Story and Mehitable’s eldest child, Joseph Story, would become — and remains — the

youngest justice ever appointed to the United States Supreme Court at 32 years old. He served on the high court for 34 years until his death in 1845.

“Joseph Story had the opportunity to write about his father,” said Doliber. “He described him as a handsome man with auburn hair, and then later on bald, quick to observe, understanding father, dedicated to the citizens of Marblehead, supporting inoculation for smallpox — just an amazing man.”

JCCNS offers scholarships in memory of local basketball leaders

The JCC of the North Shore has announced its new MyersBloom Scholarship for two local high school seniors.

The scholarship honors the memories of Jimmy Myers and Kenny Bloom, who “had a profound impact on the JCCNS basketball program,” according to the JCCNS.

Myers was a longtime JCCNS basketball coach and mentor for children and young adults.

Bloom was an avid player and advocate for the program.

The scholarship will recognize the scholastic, athletic and leadership qualities of high school student athletes.

“We are thrilled to be able to offer this substantial scholarship

to two local deserving graduating seniors,” said Ralph Rotman, longtime JCCNS supporter and scholarship committee member.

“The JCCNS has long been a place that by its very nature fosters a love of sport and physical activity as well as lifelong friendships. The Myers-Bloom Scholarship was conceived with exactly these values and I am delighted that we are able to see it come to fruition.”

Applicants must:

» be a high school senior.

» live in the greater North Shore area including Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynn, Salem, Revere, Peabody, Beverly or Danvers. have played a varsity sport. be planning to attend a college, university or trade school following high school graduation.

The scholarship application can be found at jccns.org/ myers-bloom-scholarship/. Submit completed application to sgreenfield@jccns.com by May 20. Applicants will be notified by June 2.

CURRENT PHOTOS / WILLIAM J. DOWD

Julianna de Blij Marcy, far left, Kathy Breslin, Marisa Gwazda, and her daughter, Hazel, partake in Marblehead Conservancy’s Earth Day service event at Lead Mills on April 29.

Volunteers shovel wood chips to spread out on worn-out trails along the Lead Mills Conservation Area during the Marblehead Conservancy’s service event on Saturday.

Dr. Elisha Story of Marblehead was honored on April 30 with this marker at his grave at Green Street Cemetery for his participation in the Boston Tea Party.

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Jeffrey Bird of Cambridge, dressed as Archibald McNeil, a rope maker who participated in the Boston Tea Party, places a marker on Dr. Elisha Story ’s grave for his participation in the Boston Tea Party.

Very happy meal?

Edibles found in chicken nugget box

Wednesday, April 19

Midnight Officers assisted a citizen on Washington Street and filed a report.

2:26 p.m. An officer spoke in the lobby with a man who had recently found out someone had applied for a Small Business Administration loan in his name. He had already contacted the three credit agencies. He was told to let the police know if he had any other issues.

3:10 p.m. Officers attempted to serve a restraining order on Washington Street.

4:27 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Turner Road to speak to a woman who had ordered McDonald’s through Uber Eats. When she opened her box of chicken nuggets, inside were candy that appeared to be an edible form of marijuana, as the wrapper had the image of a marijuana leaf on it. The woman had reported the incident to Uber Eats by email and was advised to call McDonald’s and ask to speak to the manager as well.

9:40 p.m. While on patrol an officer noticed a fire with people huddled around it between the Neck Run Cafe and the pavilion on Devereux Beach. After parking, the officer observed about seven juveniles sitting around a fire, some toasting marshmallows. There was a speaker playing music at a reasonable level, which was plugged into an outlet at the Neck Run Cafe with a long extension cord. The officer spoke to the group, all of whom were very polite, cooperative and respectful, according to the officer’s report. At the officer’s instruction, one member of the

group used water in a Home Depot bucket he had brought to douse the fire. The group was advised that fires on public property were prohibited and were asked to vacate the beach after they were certain the fire was out. The officer found no evidence of any other illicit activities, and the group got back into their cars and left the area without incident.

Thursday, April 20

7:18 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Farrell Court.

7:20 a.m. An officer investigated a report of vandalism on Wyman Road.

9:10 a.m. An officer investigated a report of larceny, forgery of fraud on Kimball Street.

12:54 p.m. The loss of a bag with books was reported on Ocean Avenue.

2:55 p.m. An officer conducted a well-being check on Clifton Avenue and filed a report.

3:57 p.m. A bag was found on Pond Street.

6:16 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a sign hanging over the roadway on Green Street.

10:06 p.m. The loss of a wallet was reported on Edgemere Road.

Friday, April 21

7:48 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Tedesco Street and Brookhouse Drive to investigate the report of a motor vehicle accident, after an officer who was on a detail nearby had already responded. When the second officer approached the scene,

he observed that the vehicles involved in the accident were a small commercial truck and a town-operated street sweeper. The people involved said they were not hurt. The truck driver told the officer he was heading inbound on Tedesco Street and was attempting to make a right turn onto Brookhouse Drive when he collided with the street sweeper. The driver told the officer that he had observed the sweeper on the side of the road as he approached from behind and believed that the sweeper was going to make a right turn onto Brookhouse Drive, too, and figured he could go around the sweeper and turn alongside it. But the sweeper continued straight as he turned right, leading to the collision. The operator of the street sweeper confirmed that sequence of events.

9:23 a.m. A person on Redstone Lane reported receiving annoying phone calls.

9:52 a.m. Officers responded to the scene of a vehicle accident on Puritan Road. The log indicates that at least one person was transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries.

11:31 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Atlantic Avenue and filed a report.

1:44 p.m. A bag with laptops was found on Bessom Street.

3:03 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Atlantic Avenue and filed a report.

4:28 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Taft Street.

5:11 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Beacon Street.

6:13 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Peach Highlands and

filed a report.

8:20 p.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Green Street.

8:30 p.m. An officer met and spoke with a man at the police station who had dropped his car off for repairs on Leo Road almost six months earlier. The repairs had yet to be completed, and the man said he had gone back and forth with the person who was supposed to do the work and now just wanted help getting the vehicle back. An officer escorted the man to Leo Road, and the repair person was not present, but they spoke with his father. The father was unable to locate the keys to the vehicle and could not reach his son, but the owner had the vehicle towed off the property without incident and planned to try to get the keys back later.

Saturday, April 22

10:08 a.m. A walk-in to the police station reported finding a geocache on Wyman Road.

10:55 a.m. An officer spoke at the police station with a woman who wanted to report suspicious activity surrounding a check and retirement account opened in her name at a former employer. The woman had recently received a check from Bunker Hill Community College, where she had not worked in years. She contacted the school and sent the check back via certified mail. A short time later, she found that a retirement account had been opened up in her name at the school as well. The woman contacted the college and made them aware of the situation, and

the school said it would work to resolve the situation, which appeared to have stemmed from a computer error. Out of an abundance of caution, the officer advised the woman to monitor her credit, which she said she was already doing. The officer advised her to contact the police if any further suspicious events related to this incident occurred.

11:23 a.m. An officer assisted a walk-in to the police station and filed a report.

12:36 p.m. A caller on Tedesco Street reported smelling smoke.

1:59 p.m. A caller reported bikes in a lot on Atlantic Avenue.

Sunday, April 23

1:33 a.m. Officers responded to the scene of a vehicle accident on Lafayette Street and filed a report.

3:52 a.m. Suspicious activity was reported on Ocean Avenue. Officers could not locate it.

5:04 p.m. A bag was found on Smith Street.

7:40 p.m. Officers investigated a report of a man drinking in a BMW on Weston Road.

Monday, April 24

9:28 a.m. An officer investigated the report of a past crash on Beacon Street.

11:54 a.m. Officers responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Humphrey Street.

3:06 p.m. An issue with a light signal was reported on Humphrey and Maple streets.

7:34 p.m. Officers investigated the report of a missing person on Pinecliff Drive.

9:47 p.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Harbor and Ocean avenues.

salient feature of life on the plains is the distance. From Denver to Torrington, Wyoming, is 200 miles, a solid three hours at highway speed. You might go 10 minutes without seeing another car on those highways.

Professionally, I used to routinely drive six hours each way to visit a single property. When my daughter competed in her first Wyoming state cross-country meet, it was an eight-hour trip of 500 miles ... to witness a 20-minute race.

Now, people complain about Boston traffic, and boy do I agree. An hour and 45 minutes from Marblehead to Alewife? Madness! This has become my go-to local traffic stat, because this is my partner’s commute to work.

With interested parties, I can also segue into other fun facets of Boston-area commuting, such as the 11-way intersections paved, apparently, in the path of old ox-cart trails, as well as the rotaries with 14 exits and 700 cars backed up at each.

People back home shook their heads at my stories of Boston traffic horror.

“How can folks live that way?”

I was asked.

I answered, “Well, Dunkies.”

So sure, to traverse the 3.5 miles from my house in Marblehead to the Market Basket might take 20 minutes sometimes. But back home, it takes 40 minutes to go 33 miles to Safeway.

So there’s traffic, and then there’s windshield time. With the latter, you get the majesty of the fruited plains. With the former, you get Dunkies. A real toss-up!

Home was laced with the scent of freshly turned dirt. The spring planting season has commenced, tractors roaring across the fields

and newborn calves frolicking in the grass in the great springtime race to feed the world.

Highway traffic often slows to a crawl this time of year to allow for behemoth tractors towing gigantic pieces of equipment commuting from field to field.

It is the time of year to put your shoulder to the wheel and get to work, because Mother Nature waits for no one.

This is the agrarian rhythm I grew up with on the farm, and I instantly felt at home. And at the same time, it felt supremely strange to be so distant from these ancient cycles, as it did when I lived overseas.

My brothers and I own some land along a creek (pronounced “crick”). It’s been in my family for four generations. By Marblehead standards, that is not an impressive length, but four generations is a long time out west.

Our land isn’t just a pleasant retreat but working ground that has to earn its keep each year. I’ve been going down there since I was a child and, in turn, I often took my own children. I sometimes think the true definition of conservatism isn’t a political one, but rather taking pleasure in doing as your parents did, and teaching your own children to do the same. By this measure, I suspect most of us have a strong conservative streak. There is a certain oxbow bend where the crick meanders, slowly cutting a new course. The place where I rested by the water

from a long day working cattle as a boy with my dad and grandpa is now overgrown with grass and trees.

Should my own children work hard enough to hold this land into the fifth generation, that oxbow will surely have moved again, and what they remember as children will be unlike what they see as adults.

They are also now growing up 1,900 miles away in a whole different world in Marblehead.

I wonder what rhythms will feel like home to them, and it feels strange that I don’t know. They will seek out opportunities I never imagined growing up.

But that’s the flip side of the conservativism I mentioned, ain’t it? Setting out on a new adventure for new vistas? Making a new home in a new place?

Meanwhile, the crick flows on, wherever I happen to be. Both home to me, and not home, not anymore.

I suppose in order to make a new place home, you have to relinquish the old one. I did that when I chose to be with my partner here in Marblehead, and we’re not looking back now.

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

Court Merrigan and his family arrived in Marblehead from Wyoming not too long ago. His columns, usually titled “My Marblehead First Time,” appear regularly in the Current.

The oxbow in the Merrigan family creek

Home was laced with the scent of freshly turned dirt. The spring planting season has commenced, tractors roaring across the fields and newborn calves frolicking in the grass in the great springtime race to feed the world.

Edward Rosenthal, 89

Edward Rosenthal, beloved husband of Helen B. Rosenthal (nee Missel) for over 66 years, passed away on April 7. Loving father of Steven (Joan) Rosenthal, Joel (Patricia) Rosenthal and Mara (Gary)

Friedman.

“Papa” was the intensely proud grandfather of 8 grandchildren: Lee (Kathryn), Jon (Kayla Zerfoss) and Alex Rosenthal; Sarah (Benjamin Bronstein) and David (Eleanor) Rosenthal; Max (Sonja Eliason), Michael and Ariella Friedman. Great grandfather to Hazel, Warren and Ellis Rosenthal. He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Rosalyn (Kit) Lovin. Ed was born on May 10, 1934, to Louis and Fannie Rosenthal of Dorchester where he was

raised on Castlegate Road in a close family of aunts, uncles and cousins. He was a graduate of Boston Latin School (’52) where he was elected president of his senior class and captain of the Wolfpack football team. He was a four-year letterman in football and selected to the Massachusetts All-Scholastic Team in 1951.

never forgot the generosity and encouragement he received from his alumni sponsors. Ed very much enjoyed his years in Cambridge, playing varsity football, studying both government and pre-med, and forming close, lifelong friendships with his roommates and teammates.

After graduating from Harvard in 1956, Ed married the love of his life, Helen, whom he met at age 14 as a high school freshman. As a newlywed, Rosenthal entered Harvard Dental School to earn his DMD degree and post-doctoral training in orthodontics at Harvard. During this time, Ed and Helen welcomed their two sons while living in Allston.

about his work and his patients, and he took great pleasure in being deeply committed to community life in Salem, Marblehead and across the North Shore. In 1966, he got his wish for a daughter, born on his birthday, May 10!

Among Ed’s numerous community activities and various philanthropic endeavors were years of leadership roles and service at Harvard College, Boston Latin School, Temple Sinai, Harvard University Library Judaica Program, the Jewish Federation of the North Shore and many other local organizations in Salem and Marblehead.

Union, as well as multiple impactful family trips to Israel. In addition, they never missed a single game, recital, performance, graduation or award ceremony for any family member.

In his retirement years, Ed continued his lifelong interest in learning and reading, acquiring the full 300-volume set of the Library of America. He also learned and mastered the art of stone sculpture, producing pieces that will be treasured for years to come. While he enjoyed every moment with his growing family, nothing gave him more pleasure than walking the beaches of Naples, Florida, with his sweetheart Helen.

Services were held in April.

RELIGION

The first in his family to go to college, Ed was honored to receive a full scholarship from the Harvard Club of Boston to attend Harvard College. He

In 1962, Ed and Helen moved to Marblehead, fulfilling their dream to live by the ocean. Ed opened his orthodontic practice in Salem (later with an office in Marblehead) where he worked for 40 years. Ed was passionate

More than anything, Ed was a family man, fiercely devoted to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and taking great joy and delight in his life with Helen. Together they traveled the entire world, including adventures to Africa, Asia, Europe, the Caribbean, the Galapagos, the former Soviet

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.

» Saturday, May 6: 9:30 a.m., First Communion retreat

» Sunday, May 7: 3:30 p.m., screening and discussion of “The Letter:

A Message for Our Earth”

Monday, May 8: 3:15 p.m., Faith & Play (ages baby to 5 years)

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.

COA

From P. A15

Parkinson’s Fitness

The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m. Specifically developed for folks

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

» Saturday, May 6: 6:30 p.m., Family Movie Night, “Jonah, The Musical.” Popcorn and drinks will be served.

CONGREGATIONAL

OLD NORTH CHURCH, THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MARBLEHEAD 35 Washington St.

781-631-1244

» onchurch.org

» Wednesday, May 3: 10 a.m., staff meeting; 11 a.m., Prayer Shawl Ministry; 2 p.m., Scrabble group; 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal

Thursday, May 4: 1 p.m., Ministerial Association meeting; 7 p.m., deacons’ meeting

» Sunday, May 7: Communion

Sunday; 8 a.m., worship service; 9 a.m., choir rehearsal; 10 a.m., worship service; 11:15 a.m., Confirmation class; 4 p.m. Mary Magdalen

discussion

» Monday, May 8: 6:30 p.m., women’s AA

» Tuesday, May 9: 9 a.m., Lectio Divina; 7 p.m., Prudential Board meeting; 7:30 p.m., bell choir

» Wednesday, May 10: annual reports due; 2 p.m., Scrabble group; 7:30 p.m., dress rehearsal

» Thursday, May 11: 7 p.m., Leadership Board meeting

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW, EPISCOPAL

135 Lafayette St. » 781-631-4951

» standrewsmhd.org

» Regular Sunday services (Rite II of the Episcopal liturgy): 8 a.m., spoken service; 10 a.m., musical service

» Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Gospel

Reflections on Zoom

» Alternate Tuesdays, 11 a.m.: “This

with Parkinson’s disease but appropriate for all, this class focuses on strength, mobility and balance. The program is paid for by the Friends of the Council on Aging.

Zumba Gold

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

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

ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

26 Pleasant St. 781-631-0657 stmichaels1714.org

» Sundays: 10 a.m., Holy Eucharist, Rite II (with music), in-person and online on church’s YouTube

Channel

Mondays: 11 a.m., Prayer Shawl

Ministry

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, May 4: 6:30 p.m., St. Catherine’s Service and Fellowship

Group

Sunday, May 7: 5 p.m., Choral

Evensong

Friday, May 12: 10:30 a.m., Wisdom & Friendship

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

» Wednesday, May 3: 7 p.m., Monthly Movie Night

Friday, May 5: 5:30 p.m., Family Shabbat service

» Sunday, May 7: 10 a.m., Religious School closing celebration; 11 a.m., LGBTQIA Lilac Festival in Boston

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

» Tuesday, May 9: Lag B’Omer

Thursday, May 11: 7:30 p.m., board of trustees meeting

TEMPLE SINAI, CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE

» 1 Community Road 781-631-2762 templesinaiweb.org

Kabbalat Shabbat: Fridays, 6 p.m.

» Shabbat Service: Saturdays, 9:30 a.m.

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).

» Friday, May 5: 6 p.m., Chavurah Shabbat

Monday, May 8: 6:30 p.m., Lag

B’Omer celebration at Goldthwait

Reservation

» Tuesday, May 9: 7:30 p.m., Tuesday Book Club: “City of a Thousand Gates” by Rebecca Sacks

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.

Friday, May 5: 8:30 a.m., portrait presentation

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.

Indoor Curling

Indoor curling takes place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 2:45

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)

»

Wednesday, May 3: 7 p.m., Wednesday Evening Vespers

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, May 3: 9 a.m., Small Group Ministry; 7 p.m., Committee on Ministry

» Thursday, May 4: 7 p.m., choir rehearsal

Saturday, May 6: 9:30 a.m., Caring for the Caregivers

Sunday, May 7: 9 a.m., Sunday Seminar; 10:30 a.m., Sunday Services; 11:30 a.m., After Service Social Hour; noon, special congregational meeting; 2 p.m., Meeting House Series event on pollinators

Monday, May 8: 7 p.m., Marblehead Festival of Arts meeting

» Tuesday, May 9: 7 p.m., Pastoral Care Associates (off-site)

Wednesday, May 10: 7 p.m., choir rehearsal

Thursday, May 11: 11 a.m., ring bells for 11th hour of climate crisis; 4 p.m., UUCM serves at Lifebridge, Salem; 7 p.m., choir rehearsal

Friday, May 12: 4:30 p.m., UUCM Youth serve at Lifebridge, Salem

Saturday, May 13: 9:30 a.m., Over 60 Gang

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.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Ed to support Dr. Bradley McGregor’s cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA, 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.

Chair Yoga

Gail Perry Borden teaches Chair Yoga on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. Cost is $3.

An adorable encounter in the wild

During an early morning search for a screech owl I had heard the night before, I stumbled upon a young raccoon who curiously poked its head out from a tree stump, observing me as I passed by.

In this stunning milky way photo taken at Castle Rock during the early morning hours, I used a 24mm lens to capture a single exposure with minimal star blur caused by the motion of the night sky.

The Marblehead Current is delighted to collaborate with nature photographer Rick Cuzner, who has spent the past 15 years capturing thousands of breathtaking images of the wild animals that inhabit Marblehead.

PHOTOS AND TEXT BY RICK CUZNER