02.08.23 - Volume 1, Issue 11

Hitting the ‘free cash wall’

You are not alone

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

Even as I write this, I feel it. The shame. The fear. The heart-wrenching anxiety of admitting that I worried I would hurt my baby. My preciousbeloved-piece-of-my-soul baby. That I would drop him down the stairs, morphing to worry I would throw him down the stairs. That I would accidentally kick him if I left him on the play mat, morphing into visions of intentionally kicking him. Fear that I would accidentally smother him if we fell asleep in bed together morphing into intrusive thoughts of intentionally doing so.

In State of Town, officials say general override needed

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

During his State of Town Address

Feb. 1, Marblehead Town Administrator

Thatcher Kezer did not attach a dollar amount for a proposal of a general override of Proposition 2 1/2, which is expected to come before Town Meeting in May.

“The big question is an override, and it is purposefully put as a question,” Kezer told a standing-room-only crowd in the Select Board’s Meeting Room in Abbot Hall.

Kezer said he would be overseeing the development of a budget that would be balanced, in the absence of town support for an override.

“I cannot assume the will of the voters,” he said. “I have to have a real budget that we build with the revenues we have.”

Kezer outlined three possible scenarios: No override is passed, limiting revenue to that which can be raised under Proposition 2 1/2.

» A general override is passed to plug only the budget’s structural deficit, an amount to be determined.

HAy

A general override is passed to both repair the structural deficit and fund additional priority services.

The basic reason that Marblehead needs a general override is that the rise in the cost of providing town services is

outpacing revenues. To this point, the town has managed to avoid requesting an override by identifying other sources of funding, most notably what is known as

With Europe on pause, Reardon returns to write album, play Me&Thee

BY KRIS OLSON

Folk pop singer-songwriter Hayley

Reardon is home again, and this time she will be staying put — at least for a little while.

In addition to her show at Marblehead’s Me&Thee Music on Friday, Feb. 17 and other local gigs, she has rented a house in Gloucester, where she plans to spend a few months writing her first full-length album in years.

But if the past is prologue, where Reardon’s music might take her after that is anyone’s guess.

The Current recently caught up with Reardon to hear a bit about her travels, which have included recording sessions in Barcelona, a residency in Dachau, Germany; and a particularly harrowing horseback ride in Scandinavia.

Now 26, Reardon acknowledges that she is in a “gap year moment of my

life.” The nature of her music means that Ticketmaster will probably never crash from the demand for tickets to her stadium tour.

“For a lot of people, what I do is boring,” she says, drawing a raised eyebrow from her interviewer. Reardon rephrases, giving herself the benefit of the same innate kindness that led her to become a peer spokesperson for PACER’s National Bullying Prevention Center when she was a student at Marblehead High School.

“It’s very contained, and it’s intimate,” she says of her music. “There’s a certain type of person that feels things deeply and connects in that way, and those have been the people that I have resonated with.”

Now, staring at an unyielding need to do some “adulting,” Reardon recognizes the importance of financial security, if only to extend the journey she has been on.

“But I feel very successful in my heart,”

Oh, if there had been stories in the media 24 years ago about postpartum issues affecting new moms, what a difference it would have made. If only someone could have stuck a newspaper article under my nose while I rocked my baby and sobbed in all-encompassing fear. If only someone said, “Read this. This is what is happening. It is pretty common, and no, you do not have the exceedingly rare form of postpartum called psychosis. You are not going to hurt your baby. Everything will be okay.”

I am at once heartened and devastated by the media coverage of the recent tragedy in Duxbury. There a young mom of three was likely so deep into psychosis that she must have thought killing her babies and

Schools see value in comms work

Increasingly, districts budget for consultant services

BY KRIS OLSON

Towards the end of the Dec. 15 School Committee meeting, Chair Sarah Fox dug up an old bone of contention with some of her colleagues and Superintendent John Buckey.

Fox noted that she had recently learned that Buckey had resumed his practice of paying $2,000 a month for the services of Milton-based Horan Communications, founded by the first chief communications officer for the Boston Public Schools, Chris Horan. Marblehead is one of dozens of districts in Massachusetts and beyond with whom the firm has worked, according to Horan Communications’ website.

Invoices Horan has submitted — $26,000 worth dating back to August 2021 — describe the firm’s

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

Marblehead Select Board members Jackie Belf-Becker, Moses Grader and Jim Nye listen to the State of the Town in Abbot Hall on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

‘We’ve known there was this shortfall coming,’ Marblehead Select Board member Alexa Singer tells her colleagues during the State of the Town.

LE y ’S HOMECOMING

COURTESY PHOTO / JULIA LIEBISCH Marblehead native Hayley Reardon, scheduled to perform at Me&Thee Music Feb. 17, returns to town after her music took her on some European adventures.

LF Personal Style

The following is an interview with Lindsey Foley, owner of LF Personal Style, conducted by Discover Marblehead. To learn more about LF Personal Style, visit lfpersonalstyle. com.

Tell us about LF Personal Style. LF Personal Style is a bespoke wardrobe service where each client is treated based on their unique personal needs, budgets and goals. Before we get started, I have my clients fill out a questionnaire where I can get a thorough understanding of who they are — and together, we create a plan that is focused on exactly what they need. This often involves a closet consult, where we go through their entire wardrobe, followed by a personalized shopping experience.

What made you decide to start your business? LF Personal Style was started 16 years ago, after I had my first son and wanted to start a new business based on my passion for personal style. Having come from an advertising and fashion background, I saw a particular need in the market. So many people have overstuffed closets and dressers, with clothing and accessories that, in many cases, aren’t being worn anymore. But they don’t know how to

navigate through everything — get rid of what they don’t need and update their wardrobes. That’s where I come in.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? The old saying, “If you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life” applies to me. I love

what I do, and I feel like it’s infectious. If I can make a client feel great, it brings me joy.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Fort Sewall is my happy place. It’s near my house in Old Town and is a regular walking destination for me and my family. It incorporates

everything that is great about this town: history, the ocean and spectacular views!

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? People may be surprised to know that I traveled around the world on a boat and jumped out of a plane twice!

Old Marblehead Improvement Association hears from chief, bestows awards

Police Chief Dennis King was the featured speaker as the Old Marblehead Improvement Association held its annual meeting Sunday, Jan. 29 at the Old Town House.

After a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the OMIA also resumed its practice of bestowing awards on local businesses, residents who improved and preserved properties in the historic district, and to individuals that the OMIA Board felt had gone above and beyond in their efforts to support Marblehead.

The first annual Judy Jacobi Award was made to longstanding Fort Sewall Oversight Committee Chairman Larry Sands. He presided over the effort to renovate and preserve Fort Sewall over the past 25 years, and his leadership culminated in the recently completed $1.5 million renovation effort that made the fort completely accessible and even rebuilt the restrooms. A Special Award was

given to Charles Gessner for his fundraising to support the Fort Sewall effort as well as his fundraising for the Marblehead Little Theatre, Marblehead Arts Association and Marblehead Museum.

Amy Drinker also received a Special Award for her writing and production of the Fort Sewall commemorative book that followed her work producing celebratory books about

and will have less than the required side and front yard setback, frontage, lot area and lot width. The other lot a new single-family structure is proposed and the lot will have less than the required frontage. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended, and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom. us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09. Dial in +1 646 558 8656, Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282, Passcode: 404568. Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments, if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments will be included in the record. Alan Lipkind, Secretary

the Old Town House and Abbot Hall.

Jay Sahagian, representing the family owners of the Barnacle

restaurant that is celebrating its 75th year, received an award honoring the long-standing success of the seashore

TO WN OF MA RB LEHE AD BOA RD OF APP EAL S

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 8:15 PM on the request of Denis and Carla Whelan to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct additions to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area, frontage, front yard setback and exceeds maximum height located at 172 Atlantic Ave in the single residence district. The new construction will be in the side setback and exceed the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting ht tps:/ /us 06 we b.z oom .us /j/ 87 87 83 472 82 ?p wd =e nl -

wRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in + 1 646

558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568

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

Alan Lipkind Secretary

Jessica Barnett     Ed Bell

NEWSROOM

Managing Editor - Will Dowd  wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Staff Reporter - Leigh Blander lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Sports ReporterJoe McConnell jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Tristan Ashlock

Linda Bassett

Nicole Goodhue-Boyd

Scot Cooper

Laurie Fullerton

Mark Hurwitz

John Lamontagne

Christine McCarriston

Eyal Oren

Frances Roberts Hill

Pam Peterson

Chris Stevens

Linda Werbner

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gene Arnould

Jessica Barnett

Ed Bell

James Bryant - President

Virginia Buckingham - Secretary

Donna Rice

Kate Haesche Thomson

Richard Weed - Treasurer

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf

DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Marion Warner Greely

FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett

Ed Bell

Leigh Blander

Will Dowd

David Moran

Kris Olson

ADVISORS

Francie King

Donna Rice

Marblehead News

217 Humphrey St.  Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 781.910.8658 info@marbleheadnews.org

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Marblehead Current is published every Wednesday by Marblehead News Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is mailed to all homes and businesses in Marblehead, MA 01945.

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establishment that “serves seafood at its best.”

The Landing was honored on its 50th anniversary, where for the past 20 years Robert Simonelli and his crew have been offering hospitality, local food and a chef-inspired menu.

Brook Lane was present to receive the Homeowners Award for the preservation and sensitive renovation of the Hearth and Eagle House, one of old town’s oldest homes.

The Virginia Gamage Award was given to Bette Hunt for her many years of service on the board of OMIA.

OMIA’s mission statement is threepronged: to enhance old Marblehead’s quality of life, preserve its heritage and remain alert to current issues in the town.

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

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

Charles Gessner looks on as Larry Sands reads his Special Award from OMIA.

Homeowner Award recipient Brook Lane poses with OMIA President Larry Sands.

Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King speaks to the Old Marblehead Improvement Association meeting Jan. 29 in the Town House.

Recipient Amy Drinker smiles as OMIA President Larry Sands reads the inscription on her Special Award.

COURTESY PHOTO

Lindsey Foley with LF Personal Style

Carnevale elected new state GOP chair

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead resident Amy Carnevale was elected to lead the state’s Republican party on Jan. 31 and is promising to make the Massachusetts GOP more inclusive.

“We need to get the party back on track,” Carnevale told the Marblehead Current on Feb. 1, the first day of her twoyear term. She spoke about her immediate goals for the MassGOP. “We have some financial and legal challenges. We are in debt. We’re trying to determine how much the party owes to vendors.”

Carnevale said she will also need to deal with accusations that her predecessor, Jim Lyons, violated campaign finance rules by communicating directly with an outside political action committee to do opposition research on Gov. Maura Healey during the November election.

Carnevale ousted Lyons, a former state representative and conservative hard-liner, in a vote of 37-34. She hopes to reinvigorate the MassGOP, especially after big losses in November. Fewer than 30 of the 200 Massachusetts state legislators are Republicans. All

nine members of the state’s congressional delegation are Democrats.

“We want to reach out to the unenrolled voters and be competitive in elections again,”

she said.

Carnevale has been a Republican state committee

member for more than a decade and was a delegate to the Republican National Convention in 2016 and 2020. She supported former President Donald Trump and campaigned for him in 2016. Carnevale condemned the violent Jan. 6, 2021 attack at the U.S. Capitol by Trump supporters seeking to overturn President Joe Biden’s election, calling it “a serious crime” and arguing that Trump “should have made absolutely clear that he was committed to the orderly transfer of power.”

While in college, Carnevale worked at the White House and the Office of National Drug Control Policy. She then moved to Capitol Hill where she served as chief of staff for a Republican congressman from Washington state. She has worked as a lobbyigst for K&L Gates in Boston and Washington, D.C. for nearly 20 years.

Charlie Baker appointed Carnevale to the Governor’s Commisison on Intellectual Disability in 2017. In Marblehead, she served on the town’s Special Education Parent Advisory Council from 2014 to 2018.

Material from the State House News Service was used in this report.

Lights, camera, community service

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead resident

Janice Walker is a mini celebrity these days after appearing in a recent episode of the popular PBS show, “Ask This Old House.” Walker runs the nonprofit Rebuilding Together Boston, which was featured on the program.

“It was extremely fun,” Walker told the Marblehead Current. “The ‘Ask This Old House’ talent and team are as much fun off camera as they are on camera. They tell the corniest jokes. You laugh so hard. And they’re so inclusive. They want so much to give back to the community.”

“Ask This Old House” is a spinoff of the PBS classic “This Old House” and is produced here in Boston. A crew from the show spent four days in September working and filming at the Dorchester home of Rosalind “Roz” Pendleton.

The house was built in 1884 and is in need of serious repairs. Pendleton, who is 75 years old, has lived there for 21 years. She has deep roots in her community and worked as a life coach at the local Welfare Transition Center, helping people make the move from welfare to work. She also served as an election poll worker.

Rebuilding Together reached out to “Ask This Old House” to help make repairs so Pendleton could stay in her home. The crew built a new deck with stairs and a backyard patio with lighting. All the materials were donated, and several volunteers joined the “Ask This Old House” crew to make the repairs. You can watch the episode here.

Walker attended a special showing of the episode with Pendleton and community leaders on Feb. 1.

“It was really all about Roz and watching her reaction,” Walker said. “It was very emotional.”

Walker has worked with Rebuilding Together for about 30 years, running its Boston chapter for the last year. The organization renovates homes for people who are unable to pay for essential repairs and updates.

Since its founding in 1991, Rebuilding Together Boston has completed more than 520 renovation projects.

“We are repairing homes, we’re revitalizing communities,” Walker said. “I see us as neighbors helping neighbors.”

Walker, who has lived in Marblehead for about 20 years, is passionate about helping seniors stay in their homes.

“Repairing people’s existing homes provides for intergenerational wealth when people live in their home and stay in their home and invest in their home and can pass that equity on to their children,” she said. “It’s

taken for granted in many communities, but it’s huge.”

Walker continued, “Also, many people want to age in place, but you have to keep their homes safe by making sure they’re handicapped accessible and have things

like grab bars [and] smoke detectors.”

Rebuilding Boston has started two new projects. Crews are repairing water damage at the Hyde Park home of a veteran and renovating the home of

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 8:00 PM on the request of Matthew & Stephanie Cady to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct additions to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area lot width, frontage, front yard setback and side yard setback located at 22 Ticehurst Lane in the single residence district The new construction will be in the front yard and side yard setbacks.

This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of

a Mattapan family with a child with cerebral palsy.

The response to the “Ask

This Old House” episode has been overwhelming, Walker said.

“It’s been terrific, and the best part is that

everyone who sees it is sharing it with their own family and friends,” she said. “We’re bringing so much awareness to the needs of the community and also Rebuilding Together.”

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 8:15 PM on the request of Richard and Christina Gable to vary the application of the present Zoning Bylaw by allowing a Special Permit to construct additions to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area and side yard setback located at 6 Cleveland Road in the single residence district. The new construction will be in the side yard setback and exceed the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker's Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=en1wRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92Sk1TU1BTUT09 Dial in+ 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.1narblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record. Alan Lipkind Secretary

Marblehead resident Amy Carnevale now leads the state GOP.

Recaps of Harbors & Waters, Disabilities, Fair Housing boards

Harbors & Waters Board

DATE: Jan. 9

LWVM Observer: Kathy Breslin

Seawall material analysis

Ryan McCoy, assistant regional manager for Collins Engineering, presented a summary of the progress to date for the seawalls for Hammond Park, Municipal Light Department, Marblehead Yacht Club, Commercial Street Pier and Parker’s Boatyard in collaboration with the Woods Hole Group, Coastal Zone Management, Marblehead Municipal Light Department and Salem Sound Coast Watch.

Phase I occurred from 2019 to 2021 with an assessment of existing conditions. Analysis was conducted from 2021 to 2022 with some short-term solutions such as MMLD installing flood barriers to protect their basement. The conceptual plan for 2050 was completed with 25 percent of the design estimates accomplished so far.

Phase 2 will occur from 2023-2024. There is a $692,000 budget, partially covered by a $530,000 grant and $200,000 available from town American Rescue Plan Act funds dedicated specifically for design.

From January to June, the design will advance to be 75-percent complete.

Design objectives for July to December are:

Mitigate long-term risks from sea-level rise, storm surge and waves, by raising seawalls, installing waveattenuating floats, and relocating and raising buildings and equipment.

Enhance waterfront public access and recreation, a waterfront parkway, a possible new lift for community boating at Parker’s and a conveyer at Commercial Street pier. Raise the seawall and the park itself at Hammond Park. » Restore and raise the seawall at Parker’s, raise the boatyard.

Pros and cons of two most popular seawall replacements — steel sheet pile wall and stacked granite block wall — were discussed. Projected costs of construction were similar, although maintenance costs of stacked granite were somewhat higher. The existing seawalls are stacked granite.

The board voted on using stacked granite block walls given the similar cost and to maintain the character of the harbor.

At Hammond Park/MMLD, in addition to raising the seawall there will be a reinforced concrete wall around the perimeter of the MMLD parking lot.

The next phase is permitting. Planned datelines:

Jan. 19: Massachusetts

then herself was the only answer to the horror that gripped her.

I am heartened because almost every piece of reporting I have read about Lindsay Clancy has been accompanied by thoughtful pieces about postpartum depression and access to resources, and reassurance that the extreme version she experienced is rare.

We should hail the progress that this recognition represents, and shoulder the sorrow that this young loving mother will possibly rot in prison the rest of her life rather than receive the compassionate mental health services she deserves. Today’s response is a sharp departure from the media coverage a young Texas mother, Andrea Yates, received more than two decades ago. Back then, the country was shocked by the drowning of five young children

Environmental Protection Agency pre-filing meeting.

March 4: Environmental justice outreach process begins.

» May 1: 75 percent design completion, Environmental Notification Form draft.

May 31: File MEPA and ENF forms.

MMLD will also weigh in the choice of material for the new seawalls. Work will likely be done in phases.

Funding sources can be explored after the environmental impact evaluation is completed.

Budget discussion and updates

The town Finance Department is working on closing out the current fiscal year. Thatcher Kezer, town administrator, recommended using the figure the board used last year in the interim. He mentioned that the town’s new budgeting format is “Clear Gov,” which is much more robust than the current format.

The Harbors and Waters Board plans their budget discussion at their February meeting.

Harbormaster report

The Village dock broke away and was found in Kettle Cove in Magnolia. Dave Haley of Marblehead Marine brought the dock back and will get it back into position.

The harbormaster’s building has had the boiler replaced after it failed.

The leaking roof at the Marblehead Yacht Club will be getting a temporary repair; it will be replaced in the spring. There have been a few glitches with the harbormaster’s new software, but overall it is very efficient, processing payments for 500 permits in five days, which used to take weeks.

Disabilities Commission

DATE: Jan. 12

LWVM OBSERVER: Nancy Powell Collins Institute Survey

At the Dec. 22 Disabilities Commission meeting, representatives from the Collins Center, a state entity located at UMass-Boston, presented an overview of a grant-funded ADA Transition Plan they are partnering with the town of Marblehead to develop.

The plan includes getting public comment via a survey tool that was launched Jan. 23 to look at problematic access issues in town.

Commission members expressed concern that survey questions seek input only from those who are disabled

at her hands. I can still recall the photos of her in custody that flooded the media — the long brown hair, the round glasses, the blank stare. Prosecutors initially sought the death penalty.

Back to my small, painful story. My pregnancy was pretty unremarkable, albeit I had a high-stress job as chief of staff to a Massachusetts governor.

My labor was long and tedious until after several hours of little progress it became clear the baby was in distress, his heart rate dropping. An emergency cesarean section was scheduled.

It turned out the umbilical cord was wrapped around the baby’s neck, but the surgical delivery went well. I said, “Hi Jack” when a nurse finally laid him in my arms, and his huge blue eyes snapped open at the sound of my voice. My boy, my baby, my being.

The next days at home featured the abnormal normal

or are providing direct care for someone with a disability, thereby overlooking input from members of the community at large and possibly skewing results.

Members of the commission will review the survey and provide feedback to the Collins Institute as needed.

Sidewalk parking

Amy Hirschkron raised concern about pedestrians having to move onto the street because of drivers who frequently park their cars on sidewalks around town. She noted this is especially dangerous for those with auditory, vision and mobility impairments. The police, when called, will ticket illegally parked cars, but this does not seem to be a routine procedure they follow.

Chair Laurie Blaisdell proposed inviting the police chief to a future meeting to discuss this issue and in addition seek more robust enforcement of handicap parking violations and ensure that cars are parked at least 20 feet from an intersection due to visibility concerns for pedestrians when crossing streets. Hirschkron proposed increasing public and law enforcement awareness regarding this issue. Blaisdell will contact local news outlets to see if a friendly reminder could be published that would highlight the sidewalk parking problem.

Future projects

An open discussion brought forth the following ideas for the Commission to undertake in the coming year:

Create enhanced access to the harbor, including a kayak launch and improved access for community members who would like to swim.

Provide remote access to Town Meeting as is in the works in several other municipalities in Massachusetts that seek to offer voting via biometrics/ vetted remote voting companies.

—Increase the Commission’s visibility by doing such things as tabling at Farmers’ Market, reinstituting MDC’s “Accessibility Awards” for town businesses, and creating a more active Facebook page. Revisit the map of accessible locations around town and ensure there is an » ample supply available. Suggest the Post Office install a push button door opener outside of the building. The interior door has recently been made accessible.

» Increase awareness of Council on Aging wheelchairaccessible busing program for

trips in town and to venues/ appointments in neighboring communities.

Invite Thatcher Kezer (town administrator) and Jenny Armini (state rep) to future meetings.

Fair Housing Committee

DATE: Jan. 26

OBSERVER: Bonnie Grenier

MEMBERS PRESENT: Thatcher Kezer (chair and town administrator), Becky Cutting (town planner), Erin Noonan (Select Board), Debra Larkin, Mimi Hollister, Teri McDonough, Deacon John Whipple, Katie Farrell

MEMBER ABSENT: Dirk Isbrandsten

Vice chair, secretary elected

This was the first meeting of the reconstituted Fair Housing Committee with Kezer, Cutting and Noonan having been voted in as new members.

The first order of business was to vote in a vice chairperson and secretary. Larkin, having chaired the previous committee, was voted in as vice chairperson. Hollister was voted in as secretary.

Goals discussion

The next agenda item was discussion of existing goals of the FHC.

One of the main goals is to educate the board and the community on affordable housing. What is it? What would that look like in Marblehead? Where can people turn to get more information? Who is eligible and what assistance is available for those seeking affordable housing?

Updating the FHC website is critical for providing general and timely information. Public forums and listening sessions are other avenues for community education. Reaching out to other communities to learn what they are doing could also be very helpful.

McDonough mentioned that Harbor Homes (formerly Harborlight) has a series of educational videos on affordable housing available.

Another goal would be to sort out the responsibilities of and relationship between the Fair Housing Committee, Housing Production Plan Implementation Committee and the Affordable Housing Trust Fund.

(The last meeting of the HPPIC was Oct. 28, 2021. Their next meeting is Jan. 31. The AHTF has yet to meet.)

Kezer mentioned that housing is a priority in the Healey administration and given the state’s strong financial position there will likely be significant funds available to build housing across the state.

For this reason, staying on top of housing grants and other

Those “normal” high-anxiety moments of being responsible for a new baby descended into something more over the next couple of weeks, including the intrusive images of hurting him.

of a newborn routine. Perhaps a hint of my obsessive nature peeked out as I ordered my adoring in-laws to sleep on the couch and chair in the family room near Jack’s port-a-crib when they were giving us a respite. I deemed the baby too little to sleep in his crib upstairs near the guest room and too small to even have an extra blanket covering him lest it creep up over his tiny mouth and nose.

The following week was my mother’s turn to help, and she, the mother of eight herself, nodded along as I gave the “sleep in the family room” instruction. The next morning, I found Jack upstairs asleep in his crib, under a blanket, and my mother asleep in the guest room. It’s a story

funding sources is critical.

McDonough mentioned that the North Shore Housing Consortium has a significant amount of ARPA funding available for the creation of affordable housing. However, with the specific criteria and timelines that come with many of these grants, the town must be ready with projects and proposals to take advantage of these opportunities as they come along.

There was discussion of the Coffin School property and its availability for development for affordable housing. (This project was one of the main recommendations of the Housing Production Plan.) The School Department would have to declare the Coffin School surplus property before turning it over to the town, which they tabled for this year’s town warrant and hopefully will happen next year.

In the meantime, the next step would be to develop an RFI (request for information) from developers for their ideas as to how they would develop affordable housing at that location.

An RFP (request for proposal) would follow the RFI in preparation for moving quickly on this property when/if it becomes available, likely 2024.

In the meantime, the focus is on the 40R property soon to be developed at Vinnin Square with 11 units of affordable rentals and the 40B Sailmaker Place Condominiums that will have 12 affordable units.

The Planning Board is working on a warrant article for this year’s Town Meeting about permitting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by right in hopes of creating more affordable housing.

The bike park at the corner of Beacon Street and West Shore Drive, and the Eveleth School are both possibilities for affordable housing in the distant future.

Public comment

Renee Keaney informed the committee that the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee will be having a forum on affordable housing on March 27. She asked for recommendations/ volunteers from the FHC for panelists to participate in the forum. Cutting, McDonough and Cathy Hoog from the Salem Housing Authority were suggested panelists.

These reports are compiled by volunteers from the Marblehead League of Women Voters’ Observer Corps. To see the full catalog of Observer Corps reports and learn more about the nonpartisan political organization, see my.lwv. org/massachusetts/marblehead.

that amuses me now, but back then, not so much.

Those “normal” high-anxiety moments of being responsible for a new baby descended into something more over the next couple of weeks, including the intrusive images of hurting him.

I finally sought help and was referred to a therapist who gave me the gift of not only compassion but education. What I had was referred to as Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

It was pretty common, she said, particularly with Type A women, women who were successful in every other part of their life.

“You’re not going to hurt your baby,” she said. “Everything will be okay.”

A prescription antidepressant resolved the postpartum issues, but not the shame I had around experiencing them. This is the first time I have ever publicly acknowledged them. I rarely if ever have talked about them to family and friends, even as I have very publicly described my experience of post-traumatic stress after the 9/11 attacks.

That’s how much stigma postpartum depression had but perhaps now that is finally receding.

If you are struggling, please know now what I wish I had known then — you are not alone.

Need help? Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline 833-943-5746 or Postpartum Support International, at 800-944-4773.

Virginia Buckingham is a weekly columnist and a member of the board of the directors of the Current.

Reardon says.

Reardon still defines success as continuing to make intimate connections with people through her music.

“I can’t lose the intensity, or it will make me lose some of what makes it work for me,” she says.

Hayley’s travels

After graduating from Marblehead High School, Reardon headed off to Belmont University in Nashville, enrolling in its contemporary music program. But halfway through the four-year program, Reardon left school.

Reardon arrived on campus having already developed her own method for writing songs, and now she was being forced in a different direction — one more geared to the commercial country music scene.

“I was meeting with publishers in Nashville, and it wasn’t inspiring to me at all,” she says.

Still, for about a year and a half, Reardon used Nashville as her “home base” from which she would set off to perform shows. But she eventually grew weary of Music City.

Some of her friends from school — including the one who crashed with her parents after playing at the Boston Garden a few months ago — have found “success” in the traditional sense.

“But for me to be in a place that people come to specifically to ‘make it’ is not the right energy,” Reardon says. “Beneath everything, there was this ambition machine that freaked me out.”

There was a brief interregnum during which Reardon came home and took some odd jobs, including on a flower farm in Essex and at a Boston restaurant.

But then, quite unexpectedly, Reardon says she “randomly” started to field offers to go to Europe.

For about three years, Reardon and her guitar would cross the Atlantic Ocean for three months and then come home for three months. She developed a love for German culture in particular, and was thrilled to receive an invitation to do a six-month artist residency in Dachau, Germany.

Residents of Dachau accept that they may

never escape the city’s immediate association with Nazi Germany’s first concentration camp. But it would like the world to think of it in other ways, too.

“Apparently, before World War II, it was known as an arts colony, and people would come from all over Germany to create it there,” Reardon says. The artist-in-residence program is part of the city’s effort to reclaim that history. An artist bequeathed the city a beautiful villa, and every year, the city invites one person to live in a flat and just create.

Reardon got the nod after she played a tiny venue where a city official just happened to be moonlighting as the booking agent.

“He said, ‘Would you like to live here and create? It’s very open; you can do what you want,’” Reardon says.

Reardon jumped at the opportunity.

“I was very excited; I came home and got myself together and saved money,” she says.

Then, COVID intervened.

The Dachau residency would still happen, just not on its original timetable or as Reardon

had initially envisioned it.

But as that door was closing temporarily, another one was opening.

Soul sister across the ocean

A self-described “very nervous person,” Reardon did not particularly enjoy the quarantine period of COVID-19 — and for good reason. Her father had just survived cancer and was at higher risk for developing serious complications from the disease. Reardon became terrified of bringing it home.

Part of what settled her jangled nerves was a song performed by a Barcelonabased singer from the Catalan music scene.

“I listened to it every night, and her voice was so calming to me,” Reardon says.

It did not matter a bit that Reardon could not understand a word the singer was saying.

As it turned out, Reardon knew the singer’s engineer, Aniol Bestit Collellmir. A fan of Reardon’s work, Collellmir would tease her on Instagram about coming to Spain anytime her travels brought her vaguely nearby.

As quarantine dragged on, Reardon sent Collellmir a song

embodying her reflections on the craziness of COVID. The lyrics include “I walked the streets in my little town,” a reference to Marblehead.

Reardon asked Collellmir if he would be willing to work his magic on the track. He agreed but added, “Let me call my best friend first.”

Turns out that “friend” was Pau Figueres, one of Spain’s most revered guitarists.

Alone, Reardon says she has struggled to find a recorded sound that matches the energy of her creations. But the transcontinental collaboration with Collellmir and Figueres cured that problem.

“I was like, ‘Oh my God, these people know me somehow,’” she says.

Figueres surprised her by adding a Flamenco solo to her song.

“But it didn’t feel detached; it felt right,” Reardon says.

Reardon’s travel itinerary in the summer of 2021 got a quick revision. Before heading to Dachau, she would take a monthlong detour to Barcelona.

“Although I’d never met them, I just got on the plane and said, ‘You’ll pick me up at the airport,’” she recalls.

After a month in the studio with Collellmir and Figueres, Reardon had produced her latest EP, “In the Good Light.”

“It was like we were old friends … and musically so connected,” Reardon says.

That detour to Spain also allowed Reardon to solve the mystery of the lyrics of that song that had gotten her through her pandemic anxiety. As it turned out, the singer was saying, “I Come From a Town by the Sea.”

Even better, Collellmir and Figueres planned a surprise dinner on the beach with the singer, who then gave Reardon a tour of the town, pointing out the sites referenced in her lyrics along the way.

“It was like my soul sister from across the ocean, in her little town by the sea,” Reardon says.

Immersed in Dachau

The COVID-19 pandemic scuttled many best laid plans, and Reardon’s time in Dachau was no different.

Even though she had been told she could do whatever she wanted once she arrived, Reardon had devised a very specific plan. With the help of a translator, she would interview residents and then retell their stories in song, which would be recorded as an EP.

But the pandemic scrambled those plans, in part because Reardon had a backlog of postponed shows to clear off her calendar.

In between tour stops, Reardon managed to immerse herself in the local culture, even learning some songs in German to perform with the mayor’s band.

“I would go to their rehearsals in this little basement room of a local elementary school, and then we’d go for Greek food,” she says.

Reardon also played solo multiple times, including at an outdoor festival and at the local hangout Café Gramsci.

She also regularly walked the streets and visited a castle, from which one can gaze at the outline of the Alps.

Dachau also proved to be

a useful hub for Reardon’s tour stops, where other connections were made and other adventures ensued, like the harrowing ride on horseback through the dark woods in Sweden.

When Reardon expressed concern about setting out given the conditions, she was told, “Just follow the horses. The horses know the way.”

It turns out Reardon’s host had been a renowned trainer of Icelandic horses until one day she suffered a medical emergency during a ride. The everfaithful steed interpreted what was happening to the trainer as a command to run over a cliff and dutifully complied. By some miracle, both survived, though the woman was permanently disabled.

It was only after Reardon dismounted from her white-knuckle ride that she found out that she had been on the very same horse that had gone over the cliff. If she had known, there was no chance she would have gotten in the saddle, she says.

“Sweden is not for the faint of heart,” she says.

Return to Me&Thee

As with many of her most recent shows, Reardon’s appearance at the Me&Thee is a “makeup” for a concert originally scheduled for March 2020, just as the pandemic was starting.

Though there is still time for the plan to change, Reardon believes that it will be just her and her guitar up on the stage at the Unitarian Universalist Church.

“When that happens, I tend to like to tell stories,” she says.

Consider that fair warning, concertgoers. By daring to venture far from her “town by the sea,” Reardon has collected no shortage of source material.

Tickets for Reardon’s Feb. 17 show at the Me&Thee ($25 general admission, $10 students) are available online at meandthee.org or at the Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the performance will begin at 8 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO / DANIELA MARCHIONE

Reardon’s travels took her to Spain, where she had a surprise encounter with her ‘soul sister across the ocean.’

Opinion

Passing the gavel

Jack Attridge is our new town moderator, and what a year to start a new job.

For the first time in almost 20 years, voters will likely be asked to pass a general override to enable the town to maintain its current level of services.

We are living in challenging times right now with various strong and vocal disagreements on so many issues. It is not unreasonable to believe that this current climate may permeate our Town Meeting when controversial articles are being debated. It is more important than ever that our moderator is able to maintain order and civility, ensuring that proponents of differing points of view are given the opportunity to present their arguments while preventing emotional outbursts and personal attacks. These are fundamental requirements for a civilized society to conduct its business.

We heard from Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer in last week’s State of the Town report that current employee contractual obligations and rising costs, including but not limited to anticipated escalation of health insurance premiums, coupled with declining levels of free cash will prevent a continuation of our basic services absent such an override. Many in town are questioning both the need for such an override and the impact it will have on many of our residents, particularly those who are on fixed incomes.

For decades, Marblehead has been fortunate to have Town Meeting managed by skilled moderators, Steve Howe and Gary Spiess, both of whom were attorneys who brought their legal skills onto the stage each year, smoothly guiding the proceedings from start to finish.

Attridge, while not an attorney, exhibits a level of enthusiasm with an earnest desire to continue the leadership we have come to expect from our town moderators. He has been studying

Keeping the town ticking

“Town Meeting Time,” a publication of the Massachusetts Moderators Association, and he has been watching countless YouTube videos of Town Meetings from other Massachusetts municipalities, all in an effort to ensure that he is well prepared for the procedural aspects of running Town Meeting and to get a sense of how other moderators have conducted themselves in this role.

Further, Attridge has been meeting with private citizens who have sponsored articles for this upcoming town warrant, often referring them back to town departments affected by their proposed articles in an effort to see if proposed actions can be accomplished without the need for Town Meeting approval.

While undertaking all of these actions in preparation for his first Town Meeting as moderator, Attridge has also been exploring ways to improve and modernize the mechanics of future meetings, such as considering whether the satellite sites might be set up differently and whether, down the road, there might be the ability to have votes recorded by electronic devices, which would remove the “peer pressure” inherent in having to raise one’s hand in full view of one’s friends and neighbors.

We wish Attridge great success in carrying forth the longstanding tradition of excellence exhibited by his predecessors. By all accounts, he appears to be up to these tasks.

Marblehead deserves nothing less.

The members of the Current’s editorial board are Ed Bell, who serves as chairman, and Virginia Buckingham, both members of the Current’s board of directors; Kris Olson and Will Dowd, members of the Current’s editorial staff; and Robert Peck and Joseph P. Kahn. Peck is an attorney, former chairman of Marblehead’s Finance Committee and a former Select Board member. Kahn is a retired Boston Globe journalist.

BY COURT MERRIGAN

Hello, there. Court Merrigan, here back with another Marblehead First Time. I am very gratified by the positive response to my first effort. Thank you for reading and catching up with me on the Current Facebook page! Today’s topic: Abbot Hall.

A detour to get there, if I may.

I attended elementary school in a little six-room country school half a mile up a gravel road from the farmhouse where I grew up. The schoolhouse was built in 1919, a veritable Egyptian pyramid by local standards — and now it no longer exists. Change is the only real constant, I suppose. Still, I always felt like a part of the old school should have been preserved — some kind of memorial to a now-vanished slice of rural life. Here in Marblehead, we have Abbot Hall. The excellent caretaker Bruce Hamilton showed me a fine collection of historical items in storage, including a captured Spanish cannon and a piece of the USS Constitution.

But it was the more homespun items that really captured my eye, such as the collection of signs from old Marblehead businesses. Some are still with us (the Barnacle!) some not (E.R. Butler, Boatwrights and Woodworkers). Butler’s billboard advertised “Bookcases, Standard & Custom-Made.”

I take books seriously, and I like to see them stored well. I hauled very few home furnishings here — a couch is just a couch, after all — but my U-Haul did contain a custom-made bookshelf. A carpenter friend of mine built it out of reclaimed, century-old barnwood.

Out on the arid high plains, a century is a long time, and the wind and snow age the boards into beautiful shades of gray. Some long ago-ranchers tore their gloves building a barn, my friend sweated it into a bookshelf, I hauled it 2,000 miles, and then we Houdini-ed it into the house to make it a part of my new history here. I believe E.R. Butler would approve.

I’ll note also that, according to the plaque, back in 1876 Abbot Hall was built on time and under budget. Thrifty New Englanders! With $111,850 in the fund, $75,000 was budgeted for construction — and the completed project ran $75,000. There was enough left over to spend another $20,000 on a library. I love that Marblehead was so proud of this accomplishment they recorded it in … marble.

I appreciate the fiscal restraint. Back in Wyoming, I know farmers and ranchers who own Rhode Islandsized properties and drive beat-up pickup trucks and wear holes in their work gloves. Thrift and hard work make a combo that can’t be beat anywhere! Perhaps our current political leaders should take a field trip to Abbot Hall for a lesson in fiscal responsibility?

Now, here in Marblehead we have what I’m told is called a “town meeting,” a political get- together where everyone has a voice and all are equal. Although town meetings are no longer held in Abbot Hall, as I stood in the bleachers on the third floor amongst the numbered seats, I could see how the downward-sloped stage and the raised rear seats encourage everyone to participate. I, for one, am very much looking forward to participating at the Middle School later this year.

I also visited Abbot Hall’s Select Board meeting room, where I saw “The Spirit of ’76.” Like every

schoolkid in America, textbooks have imprinted on my mind this image of Washington crossing the Delaware.

And then I learned that the men rowing Washington across that icy river were Marbleheaders! Here I am, living in a town that gave the men that helped save the Revolution. Made me feel a bit like I did gazing at Stonehenge, or touching the walls of Angkor Wat, or standing in the sanctum of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. A bit awestruck and a lot unsure how I fit into it all.

But last week, I was ushered into a small portion of history. As everyone in Marblehead knows, the bells in Abbot Hall ring every hour on the hour. This doesn’t happen by magic. No, the public time is kept thanks to the efforts of a merry band known as the Cranks. Members of this group of volunteers crank the clock (get it?), and last week I did, too.

Up the steps we ventured — 139 in all — to the belltower, where I caught a 360-degree view of town. I can report, friends, that Marblehead is just as lovely from above as it is down below.

I also took a few turns at the crank myself. So if you happened to notice the bell in Abbot Hall ringing recently, that was the Cranks (and me!), participating in the democratic process.

Afterwards, I repaired with the Cranks to the Blue Canoe Coffee Shop where the talk was wideranging and Marblehead-centric, and I learned a great deal about some of the community groups who do so much to keep this town special, such as the Marblehead Arts Association and the Marblehead Historical Society. I plan on joining in. Sitting there in the shadow of Abbot Hall, how could you not want to do your part to keep this town ticking?

Thank you for reading, and I’ll be back soon with another Marblehead First Time.

Wyoming transplant Court Merrigan is a new Marblehead resident. His column “My Marblehead First Time” appears regularly in the Current.

LETTErS POLIC y

Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words and must include:

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

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

ways: Join Zoom Meeting https:// us0 6w eb.z oo m. us/j /8787 83472 82?p wd =e nl wR Xd 3V2x mdHE 3c

y92Sk1TU1BTUT09 Dial in+ 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834

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

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

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

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

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

Among Abbot Hall’s treasures is a collection of signs from old Marblehead businesses.

‘The Roots of Evil’

BY EVAN LONGIN

The title of my new book, “The Roots of Evil — A Postmodern Exploration of the Unintended Consequences of Civilization,” is much more daunting than the actual text.

The original intended audience for the book was those who practice psychotherapy; however, it quickly became apparent that the ideas expressed in the book might be important for the public as well.

I originally conceived the book 15 years ago, during the George W. Bush administration.

My interest at the time was why some psychotherapy had failed to assist those needing help with their problems of life. My colleagues and I at the Salem Center began to take on cases that were considered untreatable. However, we had much success. We noticed that traditional definitions of the problem were flawed. We, along with colleagues from around the world — including Harlene Anderson of Texas, Ken Gergen from Philadelphia, Tom Andersen from Norway and Michael White from Australia — recognized problems with traditional modernist thinking.

We saw that four basic propositions were at the

’HEADErS HISTOry

source of much of the failure of modernist thinking:

» binary thinking (us vs. them)

control of information

simplistic solutions to complex problems

» power over behavior

In my book, I demonstrate how these issues interfere with successful treatment.

Take the idea of binary thinking. With most therapies, there is a large power differential between the patient or client and the therapist.

We attempted to include the clients in the dialogue with the treatment team, fostering a true conversation by listening carefully, reducing the difference in power, and — perhaps most importantly — always treating the client with utmost respect and unconditional positive regard.

At the time of the Iraq War, I began to recognize that these four factors, which led to failure in the therapy room, were at the heart of failure in the community as well. In fact, these factors could be seen repeatedly as leading to evil in the community.

One doesn’t have to be a scholar to recognize all these factors were at play in George Bush’s invasion of Iraq. For that matter, we can see these factors playing out in many of the wars we have engaged in, certainly the Vietnam War and the Civil War.

It is extraordinarily important to understand what forces around us are stoking the flames of evil. For a democracy to work, there must be a free exchange of ideas.

As I began to research the history of Western Civilization, I saw these factors repeat themselves. In every instance, it was because the powers that be did not trust the general population to be able to make these determinations for themselves.

Today, our country is going through a difficult time. It is extraordinarily important to understand what forces around us are stoking the flames of evil. For a democracy to work, there must be a free exchange of ideas. I do not wish to argue the merits of different solutions to

problems, such as immigration and the border. The solution to that problem and other problems should come from informed people dialoguing with one another.

However, today this discussion is not taking place because a large group in the country is spewing hate. In the name of patriotism, these people are arming themselves to protect themselves from what they believe is a corrupt government.

We are heading into the darkness of winter. Even though the last election is over and we temporarily escaped catastrophe, Donald Trump is still menacing and at the forefront of the violence in this country. He led an armed insurrection to maintain his power; he distorted information as to the efficacy of the election and attempted through lying to get others to believe his assertions.

Having differences of opinion is the good and natural state of any diffuse community. However, when we speak falsehoods even when we know the truth; develop simplistic answers especially to complex concerns and project our shortcomings onto others and then use violence to get our ends met, we have created evil.

We must rebuff these actions. How are we to deal with crazy ideas like QAnon? How are we to deal with the rise of

Capt. Orne and the HMS Guerriere

BY MARK HURWITZ

On Aug. 19, 1812, the crew of the USS Constitution saw a vessel in the distance. It was the HMS Guerriere. The Guerriere had been stopping American merchant vessels at sea and impressing their sailors.

The USS Constitution was the larger of the two vessels, boasting a larger crew, a thicker hull and six more guns. Even if the commander of Guerriere, Capt. James Dacres, knew he was outgunned and outmanned, he was still eager for a fight, telling others on board that if he became the first British captain to capture an American vessel, he would “be made for life!”

Considering it unjust to compel Americans to fire on their own countrymen, Dacres granted the 10 impressed American sailors aboard the Guerriere permission to stay below deck during the sea battle.

One of these Americans was Marblehead resident Capt. William Orne. Orne was in command of the brig Betsey when it was captured by the HMS Guerriere.

Constitution vs. HMS

Guerriere

It was during this sea battle that the USS Constitution got its nickname, “Old Ironsides.”

To the amazement of Dacres and his crew, the 18-pound iron cannonballs launched from the Guerriere bounced off the USS Constitution’s 24-inch, triple-layered hull, which was made of white

oak and live oak sheathed in copper forged by Paul Revere.

A British sailor aboard the Guerriere supposedly yelled out during the sea battle, “Huzzah! Her sides are made of iron!”

Thus, the Constitution was christened “Old Ironsides.”

After several minutes of intense bombardment, the mizzenmast fell over the starboard side of the Guerriere and impaired its ability to maneuver.

Within minutes, Guerriere’s bowsprit became entangled with Constitution’s mizzen rigging, and the two interlocked ships rotated clockwise. As both ships prepared boarding parties, sharpshooters in the mast tops rained down musket fire on each other.

Dacres was wounded during the battle, and on

the deck of Constitution, Lt. William Bush was shot. He later became the first U.S. Marine Corps officer

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 8:30 PM on the request of Janet and Adam Sogoloff to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit to construct an addition to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area, lot width, near and side yard setback, open and parking located at 10 Orne Street in the Central Residence District. The new construction will be in the side yard setback, further reduce open area and exceed the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c. 30.A, §18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https:// us06web.zoorn.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92Sk1TU1BTUT09. Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www.marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record. Alan Lipkind, Secretary

anti-Semitism?

Will we ever treat people of color the same as the white plurality? How are we to confront the proliferation of military-style weapons in the community? How do we protect women’s rights? How do we stop making the divisions within this country larger? The solution to a complex set of problems facing our society must include responsible dialogue.

In my book, I propose that through love and curiosity we can once again restore normalcy to our society. It is my belief that love and curiosity are programmed into our genes. Society could not have advanced without these factors being prevalent.

Love is the single factor that keeps us together; love of a mother for a child, love of one adult for another, love of community and the love of God.

Albert Einstein said, “We are in awe of the mysteries of the universe.” Without curiosity, we would remain stagnant. We must attempt to listen to one another if our country is to prevail. If we are to restore order, we must hear each other’s pain and commit ourselves to solving problems together, and once again treat each other with respect.

Evan Longin is a Marblehead resident and author of “The Roots of Evil: A Postmodern Exploration of the Unintended Consequences of Civilization.”

the ships tore free of each other. Fifteen minutes after Guerriere’s mizzenmast fell, its foremast snapped and carried the mainmast with it.

The HMS Guerriere was now a crippled vessel full of splintered wood and dying men.

Realizing the hopelessness of the situation, the captain of the HMS Guerriere surrendered to the crew of the USS Constitution.

to die in combat. During the battle,

After discovering several feet of water in the hold of the Guerriere, the crew of the Constitution realized it could not be salvaged as a prize. That afternoon, the crew of the Constitution set the ship on fire, and it disappeared beneath the waves.

TO WN OF MA RB LEHE AD BOA RD OF APP EAL S

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on

as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting ht tps:// us 06 we b.z oom .us /j/ 87 87 83 472 82 ?p wd =e nlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in + 1 646 558 8656 Meeting ID: 878 7834 7282 Passcode: 404568 Those only dialing in will not have access to the visual presentation at the meeting, but can follow along with the project materials available for download at https://www marblehead.org under the zoning board of appeals page and the date of meeting. Members of the public attending this meeting virtually will be allowed to make comments if they wish to do so, during the portion of the hearing designated for public comment. Interested persons may also submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead.org and the comments, will be included in the record. Alan Lipkind Secretary

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

A painting donated by the Speiss family to the town depicts the battle between the USS Constitution and the HMS Guerriere. The painting hangs in Abbot Hall’s auditorium.

“free cash.”

Free cash is a revenue source that results from the calculation, as of July 1, of a community’s remaining unrestricted funds from its operations of the previous fiscal year based on the balance sheet as of June 30, a fact sheet from the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services explains. It typically includes

actual receipts of revenue that has exceeded estimates, along with unspent amounts in departmental budget line items for the year just ending, plus unexpended free cash from the previous year.

The DLS notes that free cash is offset by property tax receivables and certain deficits and, as a result, can be a negative number.

Free cash is not available for use until after a municipality’s accountant, auditor or

comptroller submits a prior-year balance sheet to DLS and the director of accounts certifies the free cash, which protects communities from relying on free cash that might not materialize due to inaccurate local estimates.

“Free cash [in Marblehead] has been an upward trend for five, six, seven years,” Kezer said. “At some point in the near future, we will have a significant decrease in free cash flow.”

The town estimates free cash to come in at $8.5 million, a $1.6 million decrease over the $10.6 million used to balance the fiscal year 2023 budget.

Overall, the town anticipates capturing an estimated $105.2 million in revenue to fund services in fiscal year 2024, which is an increase of $1.3 million from fiscal year 2023.

According to Kezer, the town can reliably project the following source of revenue:

$82 million from property taxes and new growth, the upper limit of what is allowed under Proposition 2 1/2, absent an override

» $5.5 million in local receipts

$8.5 million in free cash

» $8.2 million in state

aid

“Usually, the governor’s number [for state aid] is the first indication for municipalities as to whether it’s going in an upward or downward trend,” Kezer said. “My view is optimistic, given the commonwealth is flush with cash.”

He said he expects Gov. Maura Healey will release her state number in early March.

Regarding spending, Kezer said it is harder to project expenditures. He assembled three different budgets, premised on hypothetical increases of 3 percent, 4.5 percent and 6 percent in expenditures.

In each case, given projected revenues, a deficit would result:

» $1.3 million, if expenses increase by 3 percent $3.1 million, at a 4.5 percent increase

» $4.4 million, at a 6 percent increase

Breaking down the projections using the 4.5 percent middle ground, Kezer projected that $94.2 million would be needed to fund the combined budgets of the schools and the rest of town government and $10.7 million to service the town’s debts.

Kezer noted that there

day was coming.

are still some unknowns, including how much the cost of insurance for town employees will increase, obligations of the town under its collective bargaining agreements, how much the town will receive in state aid and have to pay to dispose of recycling.

Under their collective bargaining agreements, town employees are due 2-percent raises in the upcoming fiscal year.

The agreements with the police, fire and municipal employee unions are set to expire on June 30, 2024.

In the 2022 municipal election, the Marblehead Public Schools attempted to raise $3 million via a general override to address their portion of the structural deficit, plus fund a number of the district’s other needs. But the proposal failed to gain the support of town voters.

The projections Kezer offered incorporate the combined structural deficit of the town and school sides of government, but nothing beyond that.

Select Board member Alexa Singer expressed frustration that the town does not have a better grip on the impending deficit. She argued the town has known for a while that this

“We keep talking about a balanced budget and what that means,” she said. “But we’ve known there was this shortfall coming.”

Kezer said another public meeting would be planned to discuss the budget, including the need for a general override.

However, former Select Board member Bret Murray noted, “Today is Feb. 1, and Town Meeting is May 1.”

He added, “We knew we were going to hit that free cash wall for years. Time is not on our side.”

Kezer and Select Board member Moses Grader pointed to the turnover in the leadership of Marblehead Finance Department, which had left critical positions open for months. The town is in a much better position today, they noted.

Marblehead’s incoming finance director, Aleesa Nunley-Benjamin, was on hand for the State of the Town, sitting in the front row. The Select Board hired Rachel Blaisdell as treasurer and tax collector in early December.

Kezer said Marblehead has received accolades for its financial reporting and retained its AAA bond rating, even with a likely deficit in the near future.

CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

A standing-room-only crowd fills the Select Board Room at Abbot Hall during the State of the Town on Wednesday, Feb. 1.

BY BOB KATZEN

THE HOUSE AND SENATE: Beacon Hill

Roll Call records local representatives’ votes on roll calls from the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 3, 2023. There were no roll calls in the Senate last week.

HOUSE ADOPTS RULES FOR 20232024 SESSION

House 153-0, approved a package of rules under which the House will operate during the new 2023-2024 session. A key section would eliminate a COVID-19-era policy that allowed representatives to debate, offer amendments and vote remotely from their Statehouse offices or home. Another change would institute a new hybrid committee hearing structure that will allow for both in-person and remote participation from legislators and the public. Before the pandemic, hearings were conducted only in person while after the pandemic they were held remotely.

“We’re gonna keep a segmented remote voting on the committee hearings, which allows greater participation from our constituents and the members,” said House Speaker Ron Mariano (D-Quincy). “But we will not have an in-session remote component any longer.” He noted that it is time to revive the in-person session in which members are in the chamber to debate, vote and have face-toface contact with their colleagues.

A key and controversial amendment proposed by Rep. Erika Uyterhoeven (D-Somerville) was rejected on a voice vote without debate and without a roll call vote. Her amendment would require that committees make public how each legislator on a House committee voted on bills including whether or not to recommend a favorable report, adverse report or send the bill to a study committee. This would replace an existing rule that requires the committee to only post the names of legislators who voted against the bill and list the aggregate vote tally without names of members voting in the affirmative or not voting.

Beacon Hill Roll Call asked Uyterhoeven why she didn’t speak on the floor in favor of her amendment and why she didn’t ask for a roll call vote on it.

“I believe [the] amendment … is an improvement that would make the legislative process more accessible, and I will continue to fight for changes like this to increase public accessibility

and engagement of the legislative process,” Uyterhoeven responded via email. “Unfortunately, today we didn’t have enough support on the proposed changes.”

(A “Yes” vote is for the rules package.)

Rep. Jennifer Armini Yes

ALLOW ONE HOUR TO READ CONSOLIDATED BUDGET AMENDMENTS (H 2023)

House 23-130, rejected a Republican proposal that would increase from 30 minutes to one hour the period given to legislators to read any proposed consolidated amendment to the House budget prior to debate and a vote on it.

The consolidated amendment system works as follows: Individual representatives file dozens of amendments on the same general subject matters including local aid, social services and public safety. They are then invited to “subject meetings” in Room 348 where they pitch their amendments to Democratic leaders who then draft lengthy, consolidated amendments that include some of the individual representatives’ amendments while excluding others. The House then considers and votes on each consolidated amendment.

“This proposed rule change was filed to provide members with more time to read through what are often very lengthy and sometimes complicated amendments,” said sponsor GOP House Minority Leader Rep. Brad Jones (R-North Reading). “Allowing for additional time to review consolidated amendments would help members gain a better understanding of what is actually included in the amendment so they can make a more informed decision when casting their vote.”

Opponents of the onehour rule said the current 30-minute rule has worked well and argued that adding additional time will simply drag out what are already long, often late-at-night budget sessions. They also noted that technology has made it easy for each member to discern whether their individual amendment is included in the consolidated amendment.

(A “Yes” vote is for allowing one hour. A “No” vote is against allowing it.)

Rep. Jennifer Armini No

ADOPT LOCAL AID RESOLUTIONS BY MARCH 31 (H 2025)

House 23-130, rejected a GOP proposal that would require the House and

Public meetings

The following public meetings were posted to marblehead.org as of press time. All public meetings are subject to change, so check the town’s website before heading out the door.

Thursday, Feb. 9

» Noon, Finance Committee Liaisons

Joint with Marblehead School Committee - Budget Subcommittee

Noon, Marblehead School Committee

» Noon, Marblehead School Committee

- Budget Subcommittee Joint with Town

Senate to annually adopt by March 31 resolutions stating the minimum amount of local aid the state will give each city and town for that fiscal year.

“Due to the timing of the state budget process, cities and towns must often craft their own municipal budgets without knowing how much local aid they will be receiving,” said sponsor Rep. Brad Jones. “By establishing a minimum baseline for local aid each year before the state budget is finalized, we can give municipal leaders a solid starting point on which to base their budgets.”

Opponents of the new rule said the Legislature should inform cities and towns as soon as possible but should not have its hands tied by some arbitrary date. They noted that things often change in a matter of days and argued that the Legislature does not know in March what the state’s financial situation will be when a budget is finally approved in May or June.

(A “Yes” vote is for the March deadline. A “No” vote is against it.)

Rep. Jennifer Armini No

HOUSE VOTES TO SEAT DEMOCRAT KRISTIN KASSNER IN 2ND ESSEX DISTRICT

House 129-22, voted to seat Democrat Kristin Kassner as the state representative from the 2nd Essex District, which covers the North Shore towns of Georgetown, Hamilton, Ipswich, Newbury and Rowley, and one precincts in Topsfield. In a contested recount, she beat incumbent Republican Rep. Lenny Mirra by a single vote.

The Democratic-led special committee looking at the matter chose not to review any of the ballots Mirra contested, and its two Democrat members argued that Mirra ceded his ability to subject individual votes to scrutiny by waiting until after the Governor’s Council certified the recount results to file his lawsuit.

(A “Yes” vote is for seating Krassner. A “No” vote is against seating her.)

Rep. Jennifer Armini Yes

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

More freshly filed bills that have been proposed for consideration in the 2023-2024 session include:

MARIJUANA AND FIRST RESPONDERS (SD 2230) – Would require the Cannabis Control Commission and the Executive Office of Public

Finance Committee Liaisons

7 p.m., Conservation Commission

7:30 p.m., Task Force Against Discrimination Meeting

The State of the Town presentation

Read the State of the Town presentation offered by Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer on Feb. 1 at bit.ly/3x1sxLD

Got volunteerism?

The following is a list of appointed town boards, commissions and committees with vacancies. Anyone interested in

Safety and Security to study and report to the Legislature on the barriers that first responders face about their legal right to use cannabis.

“As we move away from cannabis prohibition, we should ensure we do not hold on to pre-existing, bias-driven bans,” said sponsor Sen. Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “I filed [the bill] to investigate the existing barriers to first responders’ legal right to use cannabis … The bill would also explore the effectiveness of cannabis in treating anxiety, depression, stress, PTSD and other traumas.”

AIR CONDITIONER USE (SD 2214) – Would prevent a landlord from restricting a tenant’s right to install or use a portable air conditioner so long as the unit is properly installed and does not violate building codes or state or federal law; violate the device manufacturer’s written safety guideline; damage the premises; and does not require amperage to power the device that cannot be accommodated by the power service to the building. The bill also directs the Department of Housing and Community Development to analyze whether the state could apply for federal funding to provide cooling assistance for low-income households vulnerable to heat-related illness.

“Climate change is altering seasonal temperatures to a point where last summer we experienced one of the worst heat waves in recent memory,” said sponsor Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “At that time, too many residents struggling to keep up with basic cost-of-living expenses lacked access to proper cooling services, thereby threatening the wellbeing of senior citizens, residents with chronic health conditions, and many others. This bill would diminish barriers currently preventing access to cooling services and hopefully reduce preventable heat-related illnesses.”

MUSLIM COMMISSION (S 2376) – Would create an 11-member permanent Commission on the Status of People who Practice Islam to serve as a resource on issues affecting American Muslim communities in the Bay State.

The duties of the commission include informing the public and leaders of business, education, human services, health care, state and local governments and the communications media of the unique cultural, social, ethnic, economic and educational issues

affecting American Muslims; fostering unity among the American Muslim community and organizations by promoting cooperation and sharing of information and encouraging collaboration and joint activities; identifying and recommending qualified American Muslims for appointive positions at all levels of government; and assessing programs and practices in all state agencies as they affect American Muslims.

“Massachusetts is home to many Muslim Americans, and it is long overdue that we look at our inclusion practices and take a step further,” said Senate sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough).

“This bill promotes the civil rights and inclusion of American Muslims in the commonwealth, and I am confident that the commission will do an excellent job researching and identifying existing issues, and seeking new opportunities as they safeguard the civil rights of American Muslims.”

FREE COLLEGE EDUCATION (SD 1946)

– Would guarantee free public higher education as a right for all students who have attended a high school in Massachusetts for three or more years and graduated from a Bay State high school.

The measure creates a grant program to cover tuition and mandatory fees for Massachusetts residents attending a state public university. For students who meet certain low-income eligibility, the legislation gives additional aid in grants to cover the additional costs of attending the school including room and board, books and supplies, transportation and personal expenses.

“This bill matters because state funding for public higher education in Massachusetts has been cut drastically in the past 20 years resulting in significant tuition and fee increases and one of the fastest-growing student debt burdens in the nation,” said sponsor Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough).

QUOTABLE QUOTES

“With nuclear power, we have the technology to provide an abundant source of power to our homes in a cheap, clean and efficient manner. Our politicians have failed us by enacting policies that lead to nuclear power plant closures without any plans for replacement.”

—Paul Craney, spokesman for the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance.

“Ollie’s Law is crucial animal protection

serving on one should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or email wileyk@marblehead.org. Call the Select Board’s Office at 781-631-0000 for more information.

» One-year term, Housing Trust Fund

» One three-year term, Design Review Board

One-year term, MBTA Advisory Board

» Five, three-year terms, Marblehead Cultural Council

» One-year term, Marblehead Forever

legislation that our commonwealth urgently needs. We care for and love our animals like we do any other family member. The fact that there are no regulations or oversight for an industry that we place so much trust in should be a concern for every citizen.”

—Rep. Brian Ashe (D-Longmeadow) on his legislation creating regulations designed to protect pets in the entire dog daycare and kennel industry.

The bill is named in memory of Ollie, a 7-month-old labradoodle puppy who was mauled by a group of dogs at a daycare facility in East Longmeadow and passed away in November 2020 from those injuries.

“The data really tells a story about the direct and downstream impacts COVID has had on students. The ongoing trauma of living through a pandemic has led to more students missing school. The financial insecurity many families have faced in the last few years has contributed to increasing student mobility. Those are just a few examples of how this unprecedented time has led to unforeseen challenges. But we are also seeing schools adapting to the changing needs of students with thoughtfulness and innovation. And, with COVID relief money to spend, many districts are at a pivotal moment for change.”

—Chad d’Entremont, executive director of the Rennie Center which released its annual status report on public education, analyzing trends among students, educators and schools nearly three years after the start of the pandemic.

HOW LONG WAS LAST WEEK’S SESSION?

During the week of Jan. 30-Feb. 3, the House met for a total of six hours and 55 minutes while the Senate met for a total of 34 minutes.

Monday, Jan. 30 House, 11:03 a.m. to 11:14 a.m. Senate, 11:07 a.m. to 11:21 a.m.

Tuesday, Jan. 31 House, 11 a.m. to 12:29 p.m. No Senate session

Wednesday, Feb. 1 House, 11:02 a.m. to 4:14 p.m. No Senate session

Thursday, Feb. 2 House, 11 a.m. to 11:03 a.m. Senate, 11:09 a.m. to 11:29 a.m.

Friday, Feb. 3 No House session No Senate session

Bob Katzen welcomes feedback at bob@ beaconhillrollcall.com.

Committee One-year term, Task Force Against Discrimination

Animal shelter accepting volunteers

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

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

work as “consulting support and professional development for Superintendent John Buckey and the Marblehead Public Schools in strategic communication with families, staff and the community.”

Prior to engaging Horan’s services, Buckey had similarly paid Marblehead resident Kate Thomson $2,000 a month for two-plus months of “marketing services” under the terms of a contract dated Aug. 12, 2020.

Thomson was also given a one-time payment of $10,000 for work that predated that contract, which entailed building and maintaining a standalone website focused on reopening the schools and launching the district’s Twitter feed; and drafting surveys, email and slide decks for School Committee meetings, among other duties.

Thomson, a member of the Current’s board of directors, was paid a total of $15,225.80, records show.

At the Dec. 15 School Committee meeting, Fox noted that a debate over whether to include a full-time communications director in the district’s FY22 budget had resulted in a decision that such a position was a lower priority than more “student focused” needs.

Fox added she was also worried about “transparency.”

“I thought that if we didn’t bring it up, this would come back to bite us later,” Fox said.

But two of Fox’s colleagues, Sarah Gold and Meagan Taylor, said that Buckey had been forthright with them about Horan’s hiring during their regular check-ins with him.

Taylor added “this feels operational to me,” meaning a matter that would be under the superintendent’s purview, rather than the board.

Gold agreed.

“I think we are wading into dangerous territory if we are going to start micromanaging,” she said.

Gold added, “As we well know, just because something

gets pulled off a list to be funded, that doesn’t mean that the need goes away.”

She noted that a full-time director would have cost the district “multiples” of the payments to Horan, particularly when the cost of insurance and benefits is factored in.

Resistance to spending money for this purpose is by no means unique to Marblehead, the Current has found. But by making something less than a firm commitment to giving its superintendent communications support, Marblehead seems to be part of a shrinking category of districts across the state.

What the superintendents say

Thomas A. Scott, executive director of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents, said that while the association lacks hard data on the subject, “there is an unquestionable increase in budgeting for communications expertise in school budgets.”

That is usually taking the form of hiring consultants, he added.

“We are seeing this as incremental each year as superintendents see the effective use of the position and sharing those benefits with colleagues,” Scott said.

He added that MASS has also seen a rise in the number of district communications staff attending some of its events.

“This is something every school district in Massachusetts is starting to reevaluate,” agreed Michael Welch, the recently retired superintendent in Dedham, who is leaving behind for his successor, Marblehead Assistant Superintendent Nan Murphy, a staff communications director.

Between the decline of traditional media and the rise of social media, “the landscape has changed dramatically” over the last 20 years, Welch said.

Facebook and community websites have given a platform to what Welch calls “nonauthoritative sources.” He somewhat wistfully notes the demise of the days when a parent would just pick up the phone to get the definitive answer to a question.

SUPErINTENDENT’S UPDATE

‘It takes a village’

BY SUPERINTENDENT JOHN BUCKEY

Good people of Marblehead:

The African proverb “it takes a village” has really been resonating with me this week as I reflect on all the support and collaboration we have with the town of Marblehead.

At a recent cabinet meeting with town colleagues, I outlined a number of examples where various departments support our Marblehead Public Schools. I would like to share them with our families who might not be aware.

Marblehead Fire Department — We have had a recent goose problem at the playground at the Brown Elementary School. Chief Gilliland quickly stepped up and brought some equipment on site to clean the playground. He has since monitored and worked to deter our avian visitors.

Additionally, the chief has offered to support an adult CPR course for parents in the district. After NFL player Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest on the field, some families have reached out to me to see what the district does for CPR training.

We provide it in PE and health classes at both MVMS and MHS

Nowadays, that parent will float a question out on Facebook — maybe one as simple as “when is the next early release day?” — and inevitably get responses of varying quality, he said.

Prior to hiring his communications director, it had not been uncommon for Welch to come into work on a Monday morning and have to catch up with a conversation that had raged on social media on Sunday night.

Facing a mandate from his school committee to get his arms around the situation, Welch said he made the case to hire someone whose sole focus would be messaging and communication. Dedham initially hired its communications director for 20 hours a week. The School Committee saw such immediate benefits, they quickly began discussing adding 10 hours to her work week.

“I cannot speak highly enough of the return on investment,” Welch said. “I think in 10 years, you will see this in every single district.”

In addition to maintaining the district’s website and conducting training sessions in the district, Dedham’s communications director has streamlined the process of translating into multiple languages notices being sent by the district’s principals, Welch noted.

Gloucester Superintendent Ben Lummis has had a similar experience with a $60,000-a-year, full-time position he is funding through a grant, having seen the value in such a position in his previous role in Brookline.

“Schools and districts have a history of bad communication, and the reason for that is they do not have staff dedicated to doing it,” he said.

Lummis acknowledged that he still hears occasional grumbling about whether the money being spent on a communications director would be better spent addressing the district’s other needs. But Lummis is convinced of the value.

“School committees and superintendents really need to help educate people about the need to communicate effectively, and what that takes to do,” he

said. “It is not something that can be done on top of other people’s jobs. It can only be done well if it is somebody’s primary responsibility.”

The consultants’ view

Horan told the Current that his work with Buckey started during the pandemic, when districts across the state were facing increased demand on school administrators to make sense of the various edicts from the state.

Since then, Horan said he has been primarily working one-on-one with Buckey, “in part because he is the district’s primary communicator, he is new to the superintendent position and wants to develop his skills.”

Horan said he has also been on call for advice for situations demanding an immediate response, whether that might be a graffiti incident or the devastating loss of Marblehead High senior James Galante last year.

John Guilfoil, principal of John Guilfoil Public Relations, said resistance to hiring firms like his tends to come from a misunderstanding about what PR professionals do. It is not to concoct “spin” or cover-ups, he said.

“A public school district is essentially a mid-sized corporation, and every other mid-sized corporation has both internal and external public relations professionals, and no one argues with it,” he said.

Like Welch, Guilfoil noted how much the communications landscape had changed over the last 15 years.

Marblehead is an “exception,” in that it has local reporters covering the town, Guilfoil noted. Elsewhere, the local paper has either been regionalized “or it’s gone,” Guilfoil said.

The COVID-19 pandemic has only heightened the community’s demand for more information from its public schools, he added. No longer will a simple letter home to parents suffice, Guilfoil said.

Guilfoil and others noted that school superintendents tend to be one of the highest paid municipal employees in their community.

“You don’t pay $250,000 to a superintendent to have him write press releases,” Guilfoil said.

The value of a communications consultant comes to the fore when there is a crisis in the district, Guilfoil noted.

He pointed to a situation about 18 months ago when students at King Philip Regional Middle School in Norfolk found a gun on a seat in the back of the school bus that had fallen out of the driver’s pocket while he was cleaning up the bus after dropping off Norfolk elementary school students.

Guilfoil coordinated a joint press conference and joint press release with the Norfolk Police so there would be no miscommunication and a unified message coming from the officials.

“It gave people peace of mind,” he said.

Welch used the same phrase, citing the example of how someone monitoring a police scanner might hear that an ambulance had been dispatched to one of the town’s schools.

A communications person can get out a quick message to the community that it is related to a student with a peanut allergy who had eaten something shared by a classmate before the rumor mill gets rolling.

Horan believes that there is unquestionably a connection between his work and the success of the district.

He noted that, if communication is handled poorly, it can distract district leaders, taking their focus away from student outcomes.

“I wouldn’t do what I do if it did not serve the district’s bottom line, which is student achievement,” he said.

Guilfoil agreed, “Effective communication is part of a district’s path to excellence.”

A good PR professional will not put a false veneer on a district’s efforts but will find ways to highlight success stories that might otherwise go untold, he said.

That is all the more vital given the competition to retain students public schools face from private, vocational and parochial schools, Guilfoil said.

and ensure that our coaches are trained. We have provided classes for staff, but we have not recently offered one for families. The time is right; thank you, chief. Stay tuned for additional details on this.

Marblehead Police Department

— Chief King has been an avid supporter of Safe Routes to School and helped to explore grant opportunities to keep our walkers and bike riders safe.

The chief has brought back a full school resource officer to the district — Sean Sweeney Jr. — and is a regular contributor to our District Safety Committee.

The collaboration to keep our students and staff safe is invaluable.

Department of Public Works

— While we are grateful for our collaboration with DPW all year, at this time of year with snow and ice we are reminded of how important their support is.

Recreation & Parks

Department — We have a great working relationship with Rec & Park as they maintain our playing fields and attend to our mowing in the summer months while we provide spaces in various schools for their programming. We are updating our current MOU with them to detail further the specifics of our

mutually beneficial work.

Abbot Public Library — We are currently hosting the Abbot Public Library in the Eveleth School as they undergo the renovation project at their 3 Brook Road location. They host a number of programs and events that support our students and staff. We are grateful for their ongoing support and collaboration. I feel like I could go on and on. After Wednesday’s State of the Town, I felt it is as important as ever to appreciate, understand and value the need for unity and collaboration. Our students and staff deserve that.

Search updates

This week, we issued a series of surveys for students, staff and families at Marblehead High School regarding the search for a new principal. We solicited interest from students and parents who might be interested in being on the Search Committee. The Marblehead Educators Association, by contract, selects four teacher representatives for the search. Additionally, on Wednesday, Feb. 1, we posted the position and are accepting applications.

We also posted the assistant superintendent for teaching

and learning position. We will provide additional details about this position in a future update.

The composition of the Search Committee will be similar, and the timeline should have the successful candidate announced by the first of May.

National School Counselor Week

During the first full week of February (Feb. 6-10), schools throughout the country will celebrate National School Counseling Week. Coming out of the pandemic, school counselors have been invaluable in supporting students and families struggling with academic, social, emotional and mental health challenges.

National School Counseling Week is a great way to promote awareness, appreciate our counseling faculty and staff, and recognize the school counselors across MPS.

Throughout the week, we invite you to let your school’s counselors know that you appreciate their work.

Black History Month

“This month allows us to reflect, remember and acknowledge the achievements of those who went before us.

We have placed Black History

Month banners throughout each of our school buildings. Students have been celebrating Black influential leaders in many ways. Our high school students have been leading morning announcements, elementary school students have been doing activities, and our middle school students have been reading poems. Thank you to the Marblehead community for celebrating our shared history this month and always.”

— Caja Johnson, METCO director

As I end this week’s update, I noticed today is 2-3-23. A quick search on the Googler found this is a lucky day for numerologists.

“According to numerology, this date has a special energy encouraging us to think more about our goals and go after them.”

Happy 2-3-23, and have a great weekend.

Marblehead Superintendent

John Buckey sends email updates to the school community on Friday afternoons, which the Current republishes to share with the wider community. In some instances, the update will be lightly edited, primarily to remove items that will be dated by the time the newspaper is delivered.

EVEryONE HAS A STOry

Neighbors for life

Lifelong friends had unlikely Village Street reunion as adults

BY CHRISTINE McCARRISTON

Paul O’Shaughnessy and Stefan Louisos know the true meaning of a “small town.” They grew up next door to each other and later spent their adulthood living next door to each other. It is a good thing they have liked being neighbors because they basically have been neighbors for life.

The two friends have more in common than their choice of Marblehead addresses. They were born in Lynn and lived there until they were each 8 years old, when they moved to 151 and 153 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead.

Both are second-generation Americans. Louisos’ father came from Greece, and O’Shaughnessy’s dad arrived from Ireland.

They each met their wives in town, Louisos at work as a machinist at Burke Products Inc. on Green Street, and O’Shaughnessy at the former Marblehead High School on Pleasant Street. Their wives, Kerry O’Shaughnessy and Gayle Louisos, both worked for the Marblehead School Department.

Their parents also owned popular businesses in town for many years, and both sons worked at the family shops. Dorothy and Arthur Louisos owned and operated Baldwin’s Market from 1957 to 1976.

“They had that fresh hamburg,” O’Shaughnessy recalled.

Louisos agreed, “Yes, people went there for the hamburg.”

He described his parents’ store as the epitome of “mom and pop” shop, carrying everything from chips and bread to the famous fresh hamburg.

Louisos started working at the

store when he was 11 years old and happily recalled working the cash register near the large window facing Atlantic Avenue.

“I would see Paul and his brother throwing the shot put; I tried and couldn’t even lift it,” Louisos said with a laugh.

In his defense, he is four years younger than O’Shaughnessy.

“I remember seeing Paul walking with Kerry while they were dating,” he added.

Little did he know the couple would be his future neighbors.

O’Shaughnessy’s mother, Cora, was the talented designer behind the Artcraft Curtain Shoppe, which operated out of the basement of 151 Atlantic Ave. with about nine sewing machines and lights filling the ceilings.

Cora’s business was open for 54 years. Her son began hanging

curtains and draperies when he was 14 years old and made a successful career following in his mother’s footsteps. Louisos’ parents used Cora’s services and commented on the beautiful, detailed and professional work Cora and Paul did.

Louisos has fond memories of O’Shaughnessy’s mother, calling her an “angel.” O’Shaughnessy said he always got a kick out of Louisos’ dad. The neighbors never had any issues with each other — in either neighborhood, both said.

O’Shaughnessy married his high school sweetheart and later bought a house on Village Street around 1971 or 1972. Two decades later, Louisos was married to Gayle, the woman he met at the machine shop, and moved into the Village Street house her parents had built.

Looking at O’Shaughnessy with a smile, Louisos recalled, “When I first saw you were my next-door neighbor, I thought, ‘You gotta be kidding me. We used to be neighbors and now we are neighbors again.’”

O’Shaughnessy agreed.

“I was just like, ‘What?’” he said. “It’s always amazing to me.”

I can vouch for the incredible neighbors O’Shaughnessy and Louisos are, as I have lived across the street from them for almost 25 years. I remember hearing their story and, like O’Shaughnessy, always thought it was a great, small-town anecdote.

In fact, I first heard the story at the patio table the O’Shaughnessys put on their front lawn heralding the start of the warmer weather. It’s an invitation to anyone in our village who wants to come and talk for a while.

When I see that table out front each year, it brings a big smile to my face (and usually a cry of “Kerry and Paul’s table is out front!” to my family) because it means sunny days, longer nights and impromptu time with our great neighbors.

During the pandemic lockdown, the neighbors rallied to celebrate O’Shaughnessy’s big

birthday as well as my daughters’ 21st and 25th. While none of us could celebrate as usual, our village came through for all of us.

O’Shaughnessy and Louisos are grateful for the bond they share and also know they are lucky to have found the right people to live next door to — twice.

“If you needed something, we tried to help you out,” O’Shaughnessy said. “It was good. We could talk to each other,” adding that he knows that’s not always the case with neighbors.

Louisos agreed, “It’s a no-brainer. He’s a good man, always respectful — even as a young man.”

In the poem “Mending Wall,” Robert Frost wrote “good fences make good neighbors.” O’Shaughnessy and Louisos did not have a fence between them on Village Street, but they did not need one. They already had lots of practice at being the very best kind of neighbors.

Let us tell your story

At the Marblehead Current, we believe everyone has a story to tell. Maybe you do not believe yours is that special, but we beg to differ. Perhaps you have a special connection to the town, have a unique or strange collection, explored many destinations, had incredible encounters or experienced something most others have not. We believe these stories make up the fabric of our town, and we want to share them in an effort to connect our readers to their neighbors. If you or someone you know has an interesting story to tell, email us at info@ marbleheadnews.org. We will get to the heart of the story — and the heart of our town.

Town marks International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Observance recognizes Auschwitz liberation

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Dozens of community members gathered outside Abbot Hall on Jan. 27 to observe International Holocaust Remembrance Day. The United Nations designated the day of remembrance in 2005, and it commemorates the systematic mass murder of 6 million Jews and millions of other minorities by the Nazi regime.

“The date recognizes when the Auschwitz concentration camp was liberated in 1945,” said Helaine Hazlett, who co-chairs the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination.

“It is critical to honor the memory of all those whose lives were lost during the time of these unimaginable, inexplicable murders.”

The candle-lighting ceremony did not transpire as planned, but organizers sent people home with special candles to light in the evening.

“We remember the more than 13 million souls destroyed in the nightmare of the Shoah, the Nazi Holocaust,” Meyer said. “Today, Jews and people of faith all around the world remember how hatred and bigotry come together with modern technology to create a machinery of death that

Hall during the town’s first International Holocaust Remembrance Day observance on Jan. 27.

had never been witnessed in human history.”

From Auschwitz and Birkenau to Dachau and Treblinka, Meyer said these names and so many others are forever etched into our consciousness.

The observance happened a couple of weeks after the Marblehead Select Board passed a proclamation officially declaring Jan. 21 International Holocaust Remembrance Day in Marblehead.

Reading from the proclamation, Select Board Chair Moses Grader said, “This anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on the progress we have made confronting the terrible chapter in human history, and on our continuing efforts to end genocide.”

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 7:30 PM on the request of Lawrence Schall & Betty Ann Londergan to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law and previous special permit conditions by allowing a Special Permit to construct an addition to an existing single-family dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property with less than the required lot area, rear and side yard setbacks, open area and parking located at 33 Lee Street in the shoreline central residence district The new construction will be in the rear yard setback and further reduce the open space ratio. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting ht tp s://u

co-chair of the Marblehead Taskforce Against Discrimination, share a moment during the International Holocaust Remembrance Day outside Abbot Hall on Jan. 27. COURTESY PHOTOS / JAMES MURPHY

TO WN OF MAR BL EHEAD BOA RD OF APPEAL S

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday February 28, 2023 at 7:30 PM on the request of Tanis Yannetti to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law and previous special pe1mit conditions by allowing a Special Permit to construct a detached garage as an accessory to an existing single-family dwelling on a conforming property located at 45 Pleasant Street in the central residence district. The new construction will reduce the open space ratio to less than required. This hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker ’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, § 18, this public hearing of the Board is being conducted via remote participation. The public can attend this meeting via the remote participation platform through the following ways: Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87878347282?pwd=enlwRXd3V2xmdHE3cy92SklTU1BTUT09 Dial in + 1 646 558 8656

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

Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King and Helaine Hazlett,

Rabbi David Meyer of Temple Emanu-El speaks outside Abbot

Paul O’Shaughnessy and Stefan Louisos moved with their families to 151 and 153 Atlantic Ave. when they were 8 years old and then were stunned to find that they had unexpectedly become neighbors again on Village Street as adults.

Stefan Louisos’ parents, Dorothy and Arthur, owned and operated Baldwin’s Market, known for its fresh hamburg, from 1957 to 1976.

Fire Department history finds place to rest

Vintage helmets, ladder dog, big ball of string among collectibles

BY CHRIS STEVENS

An old glass-fronted bookcase has been given a new life holding antique objects at Marblehead Fire Headquarters.

“We’ve always wanted to start making a place where we could collect historical stuff,” said Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, showing off his latest acquisitions.

“It’s only been here a couple of months, and I’ve already had people send stuff in.”

The huge piece of furniture has sat in the Building Commissioner’s office in the Mary Alley Municipal Building for decades until recently, when the current commissioner said he had no use for it. Gilliland said he put in a call to the Historical Society, but they had no room for it, so he asked if he could have it. Everyone said yes.

A relic itself, the threesection-cabinet is original to the Mary Alley from its days as a hospital, Gilliland said. Now it holds old fire helmets, several made of leather, as well as a chief’s hat of wool and leather, which Gilliland called a rare find. There is also an all-service mask that’s more than a little scary looking.

“Could you imagine wearing that thing,” Gilliland said of the awkward-looking mask connected to a small metal tank. “You used to have to have 1-percent oxygen to make it work, and those things would get really hot against your chest. That’s what they used to wear instead of the air tanks. It’s got activated charcoal in there, which heats up.”

Gilliland said they also found a “ladder dog,” a chain with a hook and a spike on the end. The chain would wrap around the ladder, anchored with the hook, and the spike would then be tapped into a wall to keep the ladder

from falling away from the building, he said. But perhaps the most

unusual thing in the bookcase thus far is a ginormous ball of string.

“It’s heavy,” Gilliland said of the volleyballsized mass.

According to Gilliland, back in the day, the laundry service, used for linens and other items, delivered fresh laundry wrapped in brown paper tied with string. When firefighter Nathaniel Rodgers, who served from

1942 to 1971, started with the department, he also began a habit of collecting the string and winding it into a ball.

“The laundry stopped using string, probably in the late ’90s, but this ball got passed from firefighter to firefighter,” Gilliland said. “Scott Murray, Captain Murray, saved it, which is why we still have it.”

Gilliland has also acquired a large portrait of William Atkins, who served with the department from 1920 to 1928 and was interim chief for a short while. That came along after he received a call from Atkins’ granddaughter, asking Gilliland if he would like the portrait for the collection.

“They said no one wanted it, so I said yes,” he said.

They also have a pair of his turnout boots sitting high on a shelf.

Gilliland said eventually he will make cards to explain the history of each item.

“I have a huge appreciation for history; I want this stuff,” he said. “And as we continue to find stuff, we’ll continue to put it in there.”

CU rrENT rECOMMENDATIONS

In “Current Recommendations,” roving reporter Frances Hill pops into local business to ask people about their media recommendations.

O’RAMAS, 148 Washington St. INTERVIEWEE:

Suzi Noble, owner LISTENING (music, podcasts): “I’m an NPR listener in general.”

STREAMING (watching on TV):

“I’m rewatching ‘The Borgias’ and am taken by the history, politics, setting and costuming. Also watching the last season of ‘The Crown’ and am taken by the same things. And watching ‘Wednesday’ [by] Tim Burton. I watch anything he directs.”

READING (or Audible): “Recently, I moved after 37 years in the same place. I moved many many books and decided to start reading them: Henry James’ ] Goodbye Sweetwater’ and Alice Munro’s ‘Dear Life.’”

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR CAREER: “I was a bicycle messenger in Boston — pre-fax machine!”

SHUBIE’S

INTERVIEWEE:

Doug Shube, general manager LISTENING

(music, podcasts): “Lizzo, the new Beyonce album, big fan of Greyson Chance — actually saw Lizzo and Greyson live — oh, and Rüfüs Du Sol (more house music).”

STREAMING (watching on TV): “Really into ‘Yellowstone.’ Just finished Wednesday. Waiting for (season two of) ‘Heartstopper’!”

READING (or Audible): “Just started ‘Trust Exercise’ by Susan Choi. My goal is to read a little more this year.”

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR CAREER: “I literally wanted to be a farmer growing up (thus my love of ‘Yellowstone’!) I searched the Yellow Pages for tractors. But now, instead of a farm, I got a store!”

ARNOULD GALLERY

INTERVIEWEE: Gene Arnould, owner

BUSINESS: Arnould Gallery

LISTENING (music, podcasts): “Jazz all the time, and here are a couple of new ones: Brian Auger, ‘Full Circle’ and Esperanza Spalding, ‘Alive at the Village.’ Esperanza is the best new artist of the year in every genre. Had her two times at the Marblehead Summer Jazz Festival.” STREAMING (watching on TV): “‘PBS NewsHour’ and ‘Masterpiece Theatre’”

READING (or Audible): “I’m reading ‘All Quiet on the Western Front.’ I’d seen it on one of the streaming networks. Also reading Steve Martin’s ‘Number One is Walking: My Life in the Movies and Other Diversions.’”

SOMETHING PEOPLE MAY NOT KNOW ABOUT YOU OR YOUR CAREER: “Keith Richards and his wife stayed at my B&B, Brimblecomb Hill, in 2001. And he was very well behaved!”

— Compiled by Frances Hill

How To Win

Day

Portrait of Chief William Atkins, who served as Marblehead fire chief from 1920-28.

CURRENT PHOTO / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD

A large ball of twine sits in an antique cabinet. The twine accompanied deliveries of fresh laundry, which firefighter Nathaniel Rodgers, who served from 1942 to 1971, started collecting and winding into a ball.

Sports

A dynasty with no end in sight

coach Guertin

BY JOE McCONNELL

The swimming dynasty continues at Marblehead High School under the direction of the team’s legendary coach Sue Guertin, who took over in 1989 after three years as Don LeClerc’s assistant.

Since 2006, the Magicians have owned the Northeastern Conference with the exception of the COVID year in 2020, when no scores were kept at the meets. They also won in 1992, and five more times in the early stages of the new millennium, before the current streak started 16 years ago.

But ever so humble, Guertin deflects any credit for the sustained success.

“It is not me; it’s the kids who learned how to swim in this town at a very young age, and it’s where they developed their love for the sport,” she said.

The 2022-2023 edition of the Magicians maintained that tradition after beating rival Swampscott at the Jewish Community Center on Jan. 26, 99-66. They ended the regular season with a perfect 7-0 record, making their predecessors proud.

Some of the highlights against the Big Blue included first-place finishes for Owen Torstenson

(25.19) in the 50-yard freestyle, Cole Brooks (54.05) in the 100yard butterfly, Cale Nelson (59.66, state meet qualifier) in the 100-yard backstroke and Bella Takata (1:12.12) in the 100yard breaststroke.

NEC meet championship rerun

On Saturday, Jan. 28, the Marblehead swimmers validated their regular season championship during the annual NEC Meet at the Beverly YMCA,

where they crushed their rivals once again.

The girls compiled 570 points to win their portion of the meet, while the boys produced 584 points. The top 16 finishers in each event were credited with points for the team.

“It’s the first time that I can remember the boys beat the girls in the conference meet” (by one point after the diving event was calculated), Guertin said.

“As a team, they accumulated 1,154 points, not counting the

PHOTO

diving competition that was held the next day at the Peabody YMCA. But on the way home from Beverly, the team was triumphantly singing ‘We are the Champions.’”

Singing the song was something generations of Marblehead swimmers have earned the right to do throughout the past four decades.

“This ends an amazing season for our swim and dive team, with many now going

on to the sectional and state championships,” Guertin added. Both teams finished third in diving. The girls picked up 27 more points for a total of 597, while the boys added 14 more to their total to finish with 598. The Masco girls (370) and boys (345.50) swam a distant second.

Clementine Robbins, Song Waitekus, Finn Bergquist and Anna Coleman (1:55.81) and Sophia Weiner, Bella Takata, Madeleine Auerbach and Lucy Sabin (2:01.4) topped the ticket in the girls medley relay.

Jack Grady, Cale Nelson, Cole Brooks and Logan Doody (1:42.60, new MHS record) finished first in the boys medley relay. Ian Chemel, Gary Podstrelov, Gregory Podstrelov and Nate Rosen (1:51.79) ended up third.

Clementine Robbins (1:59.34, best time) and Weiner (2:04.29, best time) were the top two swimmers in the girls 200-yard freestyle. Brinleigh Callahan (2:07.66, best time) was fourth. Brooks (1:46.51, best time) was No. 1 in the 200-yard freestyle. Nelson (1:58.43, best time) and Chemel (2:03, best time) and William Wade (2:20.36, best time) accounted for fourth through sixth place.

BY JOE MCCONNELL

At the Massachusetts State Track Coaches Association Invitational

Small Schools Meet at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury on Jan. 28, members of Marblehead coach Nolan Raimo’s boys and girls squads measured their individual skills against their Division 3-5 peers from across the state.

“It was an awesome meet for so many,” Raimo said. “It was essentially an all-state championship meet against half of the state, which means many placings should be higher at the Division 3 state meet (on Feb. 19).”

Girls 55-meter hurdles

Devin Whalen finished fourth with a new season best time of 9.18 in the finals after a 9.29 preliminary time. Claire Davis was 10th with a time of 9.54. Elise Burchfield ended up 30th with a time of 10.15.

Girls 55-meter dash

Cate Trautman broke the school record in the dash with a final time of 7.653. She ended up 10th overall. Ava Machado was close behind in 14th place with a time of 7.73, followed by Sadie Halpern (7.86) 32nd.

“It was a very fast field this year, with only .04 separating the fourth and 10th place finishers

in the dash,” Raimo said.

“It was unfortunate that Cate and Ava missed the finals with impressive

times, but they’ll have another chance at the NEC Championship Meet.”

Boys 55-meter dash

Harrison Curtis led the way in the dash for his Marblehead teammates with a 12th place finish after securing a new

personal best time of 6.94 that officially qualified him for the state championship meet. He was followed by Thomas Carlson (29th, 7.03) and Jacob Bobowski (62nd, 7.23).

Girls shot put Lillian Reddy continued

her incredible rookie campaign with a throw of 29-10.25, finishing 19th overall.

“This throw positions Lillian fifth all-time in indoor shot put throws at MHS,” Raimo said.

COURTESY

The Marblehead High School swim foursome of Cole Brooks, Logan Doody, Jack Grady and Cale Nelson, from left, set a new school record (1:42.60) while finishing first in the boys medley relay at the annual NEC Meet on Jan. 29.

classes during the Daniel Gionet Memorial Tournament last month. Shown in the

photo are, from left, head coach Mike Stamison, Graham Firestone, O’Brien, Hinshaw, captain Angelo Knight, DiBarri, Ben O’Brien and captain Nicolai Tarason. COURTESY PHOTO

girls indoor track sophomore sprinter Ava Machado participates in the 55-meter dash during

at the Track at New Balance facility in Brighton.

MHS VA rSIT y SCHEDULE

Wednesday, Feb. 8

6:10 p.m. Girls ice hockey vs. Winthrop at Larsen Arena, Winthrop

7:30 p.m. Boys ice hockey vs. Swampscott at Salem State O’Keefe Center

Thursday, Feb. 9

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

4:45 p.m. Girls ice hockey (scrimmage) vs. Gloucester at Talbot Rink, Gloucester

Friday, Feb. 10

7 p.m. Girls basketball vs. Masconomet at Marblehead High

7 p.m. Boys basketball vs. Masconomet at Masconomet High

7 p.m. Gymnastics vs. Salem at Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA

7:30 p.m. Girls ice hockey vs. Shawsheen at Edge Ice Arena, Bedford

Saturday, Feb. 11

TBD

Girls swimming/diving Varsity sectional tournament at YMCA Sterling Center, Beverly

TBD Wrestling Varsity state sectionals at Methuen High

6:20 p.m. Boys ice hockey vs. Danvers at Essex Sports Center, Middleton

6:30 p.m. Gymnastics Girls varsity NEC League at YMCA Sterling Center, Beverly

Sunday, Feb. 12

TBD Boys swimming/diving Varsity sectional tournament at YMCA Sterling Center, Beverly

Monday, Feb. 13

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

7 p.m. Boys ice hockey vs. Gloucester at Salem State O’Keefe Center

Tuesday, Feb. 14

7 p.m. Girls basketball vs. Gloucester at Marblehead High

7 p.m. Boys basketball vs. Gloucester at Gloucester High

Thursday, Feb. 16

7 p.m. Girls basketball vs. Swampscott at Marblehead High

7 p.m. Boys basketball vs. Swampscott at Swampscott High

7:10 p.m. Boys ice hockey vs. Shawsheen at Billerica Memorial High

Friday, Feb. 17

TBD Wrestling Varsity state finals at Methuen High

7:30 p.m. Girls ice hockey vs. Peabody at Salem State O’Keefe Center

Prep ruggers under new management Team likely

BY CHAD KONECKY

This spring, the St. John’s Prep rugby team, which includes two likely returnees from Marblehead, will be taking direction from a new head coach after the Prep appointed Tom Clark to take over the school’s varsity program.

A native of the Youngstown, Ohio area, the 52-year-old will lead a program that won backto-back state titles in 2010 and 2011. Clark served as the Eagles’ assistant head coach last spring and has been a varsity assistant at the Prep since 2012.

“Tom owns a quarter century

of experience as a player-coach in the sport, and he’s been a huge component of our coaching staff for the past 11 seasons,” said St. John’s Prep Athletic Director Jameson Pelkey. “An accomplished attorney in his professional life with a rich background of interpersonal skills, he believes strongly in a team sport’s unique ability to empower young people. We’re excited for him to take the helm of a program that’s been a perennial postseason threat for more than a decade.”

In Clark, Marblehead juniors Wells Gillett of Rose Avenue, who recently helped the Prep

second), Cecelia Robbins (57.19, best time, new state cut, third) and Anna Coleman (59.93, fifth) swam for the Magicians.

to a state title in football, and Samuel Tucker of Atlantic Avenue, also a member of the Eagles’ varsity ski team, will see a familiar face this April, but one who is playing a different role. St. John’s Prep reached the Division 1 semifinals in 2022, finishing with a record of 5-2.

The Eagles were also a state semifinalist in 2019 and last reached the state final in 2017 — the first season interscholastic rugby became a MIAAsanctioned state championship sport.

The Prep’s earlier state titles came under the aegis of the Massachusetts Youth Rugby

finish, and Castillo, Lucas Rosen, Sullivan and Steven DeRosario (1:58.42) ninth.

Waitekus (2:15.39, best time) topped the field in the 200 IM. Bergquist (2:23.91, best time) was third, Maddy Auerbach (2:39.14, best time) fifth and Monica Pechhold (2:46.52) eighth.

Brady Leveroni (2:13.99, best time) and Podstrelov (2:15.48) were third and fourth in the boys 200 IM. Ezra Reid (2:32.57, best time) came in eighth.

Anna Coleman (26.56, second), Lucy Sabin (29,29, best time, ninth) and Rebecca Vaynshteyn (31:39, 13th) participated in the 50-yard freestyle. Doody (22.89, first), Torstenson (25.92, sixth), Yuri Volkov (26.37, seventh), Steven DoRosario (27.00, best time, ninth) and Armani Baez Castillo (29.70, best time, 14th) scored points in the boys 50-yard freestyle.

Waitekus (1:02.02, best time, first), Bergquist (1:02.17, best time, third), Emiyah Setalsingh (1:14.25, best time, seventh) and Auerbach (1:15, eighth) took part in the girls 100-yard butterfly. Brooks (53.20, best time, first), Podstrelov (57.19, best time, new state cut, fourth), Chemel (1:03.03, best time, fifth) and Quinn Sullivan (1:22.25, ninth) accumulated points in the 100-yard butterfly.

In the girls 100-yard freestyle, Takata (56.90, best time,

Doody (51.41, best time) and Rosen (55.29) went to the head of the class in the boys 100-yard freestyle. Torstenson (58.11) was fourth, and Volkov (58.97, best time) fifth.

Clementine Robbins (5:21.20) touched the end of the pool first in the girls 500-yard freestyle. Callahan (5:37.45, best time, new state cut, third) and Pechhold (6:24.41, best time, eighth) wrapped up top-10 finishes.

In the boys 500-yard freestyle, the Marblehead leaders were Greg Podstrelov (5:26.72, best time, third), Ezra Reid (6:07.21, best time, fourth) and Lucas Rosen (7:18.67, best time, ninth).

In the girls 200-yard freestyle relay, the team of Cecelia Robbins, Bergquist, Callahan and Waitekus (1:47.61, best time) came out on top.

Pechhold, Auerbach, Emiyah Setalsingh and Lucy Sabin (1:59.39) were fourth; and Aeryn Vizy, Olivia Hoover, Summer Genovese and Olivia Bloodgood (2:19.40) came in 10th.

In the boys 200 freestyle relay, the quartet of Torstenson, Gary Podstrelov, Greg Podstrelov and Nate Rosen (1:42.21, best time) accounted for second place. Volkov, Reid, Wade and Leveroni (1:48.93) chipped in with a fourth-place

Weiner (1:03.43, best time) set the pace in the girls 100yard backstroke to account for a first-place finish. Setalsingh (1:13.47, best time) was sixth, and Rebecca Vaynshteyn (1:17.33) ninth.

Grady (55.49, best time) was alone on top in the boys 100-yard backstroke. Nelson (59.28, best time) ended up fourth, Leveroni (1:01.02) fifth and Wade (1:20.03, best time) eighth.

Takata (1:08.48, best time) recorded a first-place finish in the girls 100-yard breaststroke. Cecelia Robbins (1:14.55, best time, new state cut) was third, and Sabin (1:31.68) 13th.

Greg Podstrelov (1:08.02, best time) and Nate Rosen (1:10.82, best time) occupied the top two spots in the boys 100-yard breaststroke. Sullivan (1:26.17) was eighth, and Lucas Rosen (1:29.28, best time) 10th.

The foursome of Coleman, Weiner, Takata and Clementine Robbins (3:52.67, best time) finished on top in the girls 400yard freestyle relay. Cecelia Robbins, Vaynshteyn, Pechhold and Callahan (4:09.99) were fourth.

Doody, Nelson, Grady and Brooks (3:37.70) teamed up to come out on top in the boys 400-yard freestyle relay. Leveroni, Chemel, Wade and Torstenson (3:53.72) took home a second-place finish.

lacrosse team’s captains for 2023.

LAX LEADEr

Former Magician to captain Skidmore team

The Skidmore College Thoroughbreds men’s lacrosse team is getting ready for the start of the regular season on Monday, Feb. 20 against host Kean University. They will be led by senior captain Paul Heffernan of Marblehead, as well as junior captains J.J. Jablonowski and Charlie McFadden.

Heffernan, a long stick midfielder, was an All-Liberty League Honorable Mention recipient in 2022. He led the team in caused turnovers with 20, while also collecting 42 ground balls to go along with scoring two goals on the season.

Organization, in conjunction with USA Rugby.

“Anyone who’s coached alongside me can attest to my commitment to helping young people achieve their fullest potential in both rugby and life,” said Clark, of Acton. “I believe it’s extremely important to leave a lasting and meaningful impression on those we serve. Throughout my tenure as a varsity assistant at St. John’s,

MAGICIANS NOTEbOOK

I’ve always sought to engage and inspire students on and off the field. It’s my deep desire to help student-athletes become the best version of themselves.”

St. John’s Prep rugby owns a combined record of 17-13 over the past five years, including 11-3 since the start of the 2019 season (no games were played during the spring of 2020 due to the pandemic). The 2023 campaign is scheduled to kick off in April.

Boys basketball falls to Salem at buzzer

BY JOE McCONNELL

The boys basketball Magicians (7-3 in the Northeastern Conference, 9-5 overall) had a week off to ponder their heartbreaking loss to Salem on the road on Jan. 27, 58-57. To compound matters, they also had to cope with being sick.

But they bounced back nicely on Feb. 3 at Danvers, when they exploded past the Falcons to the tune of 81-47.

In the Salem game, the Marblehead boys led at halftime, 29-25, but then they were outscored, 23-12 in the third quarter to put the Witches on top. The home team was able to withstand a Marblehead recovery in the final period to hang on for the victory. The visitors won the quarter, 16-10, but lost the game at the buzzer.

“We came out soft to start the second half and let Salem take a 10-point lead,” said coach Mike Giardi. “We fought our way back and actually took the lead with a minute left but just couldn’t close it out. We ended up missing a runner at the buzzer.”

Tryone Countrymon led his teammates on offense against Salem with 16 points. Isaiah Makor and Nick Lemmond were next in line with 11 apiece. Ryan Commoss accounted for 10. Miles

O’Neill chipped in with five. Scott Campbell ended up with four. Girls basketball slows down Salem

The Marblehead High girls basketball team (5-5 in the Northeastern Conference, 7-6 overall) stymied the Salem offense on Senior Night, Jan. 27, to win the game going away at home, 41-15. After a week off, the Magicians got back to work to beat visiting Danvers, 44-23.

“We played a hard, stifling defense that created problems for the Salem offense,” said coach Paul Moran. “We hustled all over the place and chased after loose balls to disrupt their offense while setting up our own to help turn this game into a rout.”

The Marblehead seniors figured prominently in the offense. Captain Isabella Ferrante paced the offensive attack against Salem with eight points. Carla McGowan produced six points. Sarah Bosio tallied three. Captain Stella Monaco sank one bucket for two points, along with Giorgia Dalla Valle.

“It was a great night for our seniors, and I couldn’t be happier for them,” Moran said.

Paul Heffernan,left, of Marblehead is one of the Skidmore men’s

Longtime St. John’s Prep varsity assistant and assistant head coach Tom Clark will take the reins of the school’s rugby program this spring.

to have two Marblehead returnees

Q&A about town’s tax rate, abatement process

BY ANDREW OLIVER

The FY 2023 (July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023) tax rate has been set at $10, compared with $10.52 in FY 2022.

While the median single family assessment increased 9.4 percent, or $69,400, to $807,400, the median SFH tax bill increased by less than half that — 4 percent, or $310 — to $8,074. The commercial rate has once again been set at the same level as the residential rate.

Note that the tax rate includes the cost of debt exclusions voted by residents. Debt service accounts for $1.25 of the 2023 tax rate, similar to the $1.27 in 2022. Excluding the cost of debt service, the tax rate fell from $9.25 to $8.75.

Marblehead’s 2023 tax rate is the fifth lowest of the 34 cities and towns in Essex County. The highest rate in Essex County belongs to Wenham at $17.35, the lowest Newbury at $8.67, and the median is $11.72.

Approximately 75 percent of Marblehead’s revenue comes from property taxes.

Real-estate assessments for Fiscal Year 2023 were mailed at the end of last year.

Q. What is the time frame upon which assessments are based?

A. For FY 2023, assessments are based upon values as of January 2022, using sales data for calendar year 2021. Sales that took place in calendar year 2022, therefore, will be the basis for the assessment for FY 2024.

Q. Is there a minimum requirement for assessment purposes?

A. The assessment process requirement is 2 percent for each property class, or a minimum of 20 units. Where there are fewer than 20 sales, as in categories such as multifamilies and commercial, data for 24 months is used. For FY 2023, that period is July 2020 to

Track

From P. A13

“The shot put and dash are often dominated by juniors and seniors due to their sheer power, but yet Lillian was still able to put together an awesome season as a freshman.”

Rachael Albert continued to work on her spin, while being unable to throw the extraordinarily difficult minimum qualifying distance of 28 feet, according to Raimo.

Girls long jump

Claire Davis finished 22nd with a leap of 15-1.5.

“Claire’s consistency this season in this event is spectacular, considering we are not able to practice jumping at our track,” Raimo said. “Running 80-plus feet to jump off a 10-inch board at top end speed daily is simply unimaginable, but yet Claire continues to impress with 15-plus-foot jumps.”

Boys long jump

Errol Apostolopoulos finished 23rd with a leap of 17-7.25.

“Errol was alternating between the high jump and long jump in a very short time frame,” Raimo said. “It was a job well done, considering the circumstances.”

Girls high jump

Keira Sweetnam finished

From P. A14

The Marblehead High

June 2022.

Q. Can I appeal my assessment?

A. Yes, provided the appeal is based upon data for the relevant year (2021 to appeal this year’s assessment). More information and directions for filing an application are available at marblehead.org/assessors-office.

Q. What is the process for appealing my assessment?

A. An appeal for abatement can be made after receipt of the third quarter tax bill mailed in December and no later than Feb. 1. The appeal, which must be based upon valuation during the relevant period (i.e., 2021 calendar year sales for the current assessment), must specify the reason for the complaint. A current appraisal is not relevant. The assessor’s office will analyze the property and the information provided. If the data is incorrect or there is evidence provided that the valuation is wrong, the assessor’s office will change the valuation.

Q. Does the assessment process include all transactions that occur?

A. The process includes all arms-length transactions. Excluded are non-armslength transactions, such as those involving foreclosure, bankruptcy, estate sales, divorce and the purchase and sale following remodeling.

Q. What is the authority under which assessments are made?

A. Chapter 59 of the Massachusetts General Laws. The process is overseen by the Department of Revenue.

Q. How does Prop 2 1/2 affect assessments?

A. The tax levy on all property in Marblehead in aggregate (not on individual properties) can be increased by no more than 2 1/2

second with a clearance of 5-0.

“Keira had two well-executed jumps at 5-2 and narrowly missed first after the winning jumper cleared 5-2 on her final jump,” Raimo reported.

Boys high jump

Apostolopoulos finished 18th with a leap of 5-6.

“Errol is a jack-of-alltrades, competing in three of the most technical events in track (hurdles, long jump and high jump), and his solid performances at the meet are testaments to his dedication to the sport and the team,” said the coach.

Boys mile Isaac Gross (4:35.75, seventh) switched from his usual twomile to run the open mile. He set the pace early and ran a very impressive time. He had a terrific season and will now look to continue his unbeaten two-mile streak at the NEC Championship Meet, according to the coach.

Girls 600

Grace Mortensen finished 29th in 1:49.18, which matches her best time of the season, said coach William Herlihy.

“Grace will now face a very competitive field at the NEC Championships,” the coach added.

percent per annum. To this total is added the tax on new growth (such as new construction, condo conversions, any improvements/parcels taxed for first time) and any overrides or debt exclusions, to calculate the new tax levy.

Q. What are the measurements used in the assessment process?

A. An assessment-sales ratio is calculated for each property sold by dividing the current assessed valuation by the sales price. A property assessed at $100,000 that sold for $100,000 would have an ASR of 100 percent. If that property sold for $110,000, the ASR would be 91 percent ($100,000/110,000). If the property sold for $90,000, the ASR would be 111 percent ($110,000/90,000).

A second factor is the “coefficient of dispersion,” which indicates how tightly the ratios are clustered around the median ratio. The lower the COD, the greater the uniformity in appraised values. With a COD of 10 percent, for example, the range of ASRs should be 90-100 percent.

Remember that the assessment is based upon data from earlier years, not the current year. A property that sells in 2023, for example, will be assessed based upon data for the year 2021. As the market has risen in the last two years, it would be reasonable to expect that the current market price would be higher than that on which the assessment was based.

Q. What are the state requirements for assessment values?

A. Assessments by law in Massachusetts are 100 percent of full and fair cash value, more commonly referenced as market value.

The ASR for residential property must be in a range of 90-100 percent, and the COD must be no more than

Boys 1,000

Ryan Thompson had his best race of the season and one of the best of his career to come in third after leading throughout the race. His time of 2:36.61 was a twosecond personal best, which puts him third on the all-time MHS list.

“Ryan has had tremendous success in the 1,000 this season, but he will be switching back to the 600 for the remainder of the season as he looks to break the school record of 1:24.69,” Herlihy said.

Girls 300

The momentum from this event started in the last meet at The Track at New Balance with huge personal bests from Cate Trautman, Le’Daisha Williams and Cora Gerson, and last weekend it was Trautman, Williams and Sadie Halpern doing the honors.

Trautman finished 11th with a time of 42.90 (1.1-second personal best), Williams ended up 21st with a time of 44.23 (0.4 second personal best) and Halpern came in 25th with a time of 44.45 in her first official 300.

Boys 300

Curtis just missed the podium with a time of 37.34 to finish eighth (.66 personal best).

Sebastian Pantzer had a tough second lane assignment, but he

10 percent. The ASR must be consistent throughout town for all types of property, both by classification — e.g., residential or commercial — and by price range. The purpose is to prevent one class of property subsidizing others.

Q. What happens when property changes hands — what does the assessor’s office do?

A. The assessor’s office receives data on all sales and sends out a questionnaire to the new owner. This data provides background information and is taken into account for subsequent assessments.

Q. What happens when improvements are made?

A. The assessor’s office receives copies of all building permits and visits every site for which a permit is pulled. The assessor’s office determines the progress of work as of July 1, regardless of the status at the building department.

Q. Which improvements have the greatest/least impact on assessed values?

A. The greatest: new construction, additions, bathrooms and kitchens. The least, those that minimize deferred maintenance: siding/ roofing/windows — items that are expected and integral to functionality and habitation.

Q. How does Marblehead tax commercial property?

A. Each year, the assessor’s office presents to the Select Board a schedule showing the impact of implementing a commercial rate that is allowed, by law, to be higher than the residential rate. In Marblehead, 95 percent of property is residential, so the imposition of a separate, higher commercial rate would have a disproportionate impact on commercial taxes.

Indeed, if the share of the tax

still finished with a personal best time of 37.70 to account for 16th place.

“Harrison and Sebby are the favorites in the conference championship meet,” Raimo said.

Girls 4 by 200 Cate Trautman, Ava Machado, Devin Whalen and Claire Davis finished second with a schoolrecord-breaking time of 1:48.43, which surpassed the previous best by .07.

“They have been battling for this record for over a year now and have now taken it,” Raimo said. “This relay team is poised for a late postseason run after already qualifying for nationals, and this time will also be competitive in the New England Regional Meet as well.”

Boys 4 by 200

Curtis, Pantzer, Thomas Carlson and Thompson teamed up to win with a time of 1:34.17, which is 16 seconds away from the school record and 17 away from the qualifier for nationals.

“It was an exciting race right to the finish, but Ryan was able to hold off the surge to secure the victory,” Raimo said.

bill paid by commercial owners were increased by the maximum 50 percent, the reduction in the tax paid by the median homeowner in FY 2023 would be just $202 per annum, while the increase on a similarly assessed commercial property would be $4,037.

Q. Are there exemptions available?

A. Statutory exemptions, for which the town is reimbursed by the state, are available for eligible taxpayers and include exemptions for the elderly, veterans, the blind and widows. More information on exemptions is available from the assessor’s office, 781-631-0236, or e-mail, assessors@marblehead. org. Please take advantage of those for which you are eligible.

Q. How does the Senior Work-Off Program work?

A. Opportunities for duties such as filing, phone coverage and light clerical work are available for senior citizens through the Senior WorkOff Program. Seniors over 60 who meet certain income guidelines can earn a rebate on their taxes of up to $750. Applications for this program go through the Council on Aging office in the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center on Humphrey Street, 781-631-6737.

Q. What is the outlook for FY 2024 assessments and tax rates?

A. The FY 2024 assessments will be based upon sales in 2022, when the median price of SFH sales reported in MLS increased 10.4 percent to $938,000.

It is likely, therefore, that residential assessed values will be going up again in FY 2024, and that the tax rate itself will fall.

Andrew Oliver is the market analyst for Team Harborside, and author of OliverReportsMA.com, a real estate blog covering real estate and real estate-related topics in Essex County and beyond.

Merrigan ran the leadoff leg in 2:47. Maya Mahoney was then able to match her efforts as the second runner. Sofia Grubor split a 2:53 while running her first 800. Juliet Burchfield then anchored the group by running a 2:43.

“This group was running all alone throughout the race but still raced hard to finish with quality times,” Herlihy said.

Boys 4 by 800

Gabe Bayramian ran a perfect opening leg, splitting a 2:06, which was an eight-second jump from his best 800 time. He handed the baton off to Ryan Blestowe, who finished his leg in 2:17. Nate Assa split a 2:16, and Will Cruikshank ran a 2:14 as the anchor.

“This was a great race from this group. They finished sixth in 8:53.21, which qualifies them for the Division 3 Championship Meet in a couple of weeks,” Herlihy said.

Girls 4 by 400

The foursome of Halpern, Charlie Roszell, Gerson and Williams finished sixth with a time of 3:18.21, which is the third fastest in school history.

Girls 4 by 800

The Marblehead girls finished ninth with a time of 11:10.16. Ada

boys hockey team (4-2 in the Northeastern Conference, 8-3-3 overall) defeated non-league Medford, 4-1, to close out January in a winning frame of mind, and then began February the same way, edging Masco in a

comeback effort, 4-3. With only 29.8 seconds left in the Masco game at the Valley Forum in Haverhill, senior captain Carter Laramie lit the lamp from Christopher Locke, who scored just two minutes into the third

period assisted by Hogan Sedky to trim the deficit to 3-2 at the time.

Freshman forward Avin Rodovsky then netted the equalizer from defenseman Ben Wales. Forward Cam Waldman accounted for the first

“They ran a remarkable race to put them in contention as a top-25 team in the entire state, and their four-second personal best solidifies that position,” Herlihy said.

Marblehead goal of the game. The second-period marker that tied up the proceedings at one was assisted by Locke. Sophomore goalie Leo Burdge helped secure the win with many clutch saves.

February schedule at Abbot Public Library

New digs

The Abbot Public Library has temporarily moved into the Eveleth School, 3 Brook Road, as their Pleasant Street building undergoes a multi-million-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 will close 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 does ask that patrons contribute what they wish at the time of copying. Funds will be donated to The Friends of Abbot Public Library. Get your museum on Visit abbotlibrary.org/

All programs are held at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center unless otherwise stated. Questions? Call 781-631-6225 or email councilonaging@ marblehead.org.

Lunching at the COA

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

Grab-n-go lunches

Grab-n-go lunches are offered on Wednesdays,

what-we-offer/get-a-museumpass 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 (coming soon).

» 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* (new!).

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

Tax counseling program

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

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

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

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

Reservations for this program are being taken during regular library hours. To reserve a spot, call the Reference Desk at 781631-1481. Please be aware that you will need your last year’s tax returns and 2022 paperwork.

Open lab

Mondays, Feb. 13 and 27, drop-in 2:30-4 p.m.

Do you have a question about your computer, smartphone, or tech gadget? Do you want time to practice where someone can help if you get stuck?

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 by calling 781-631-6225.

The Traveling Chef Returns

Friday, Feb. 24, noon. There is no Grab-n-go this day. Enjoy a seated lunch indoors instead. Register by Feb. 17. Suggested donation is $2.

Forensic Science Roadshow

Venture into the world of CSI with forensic scientist Paul Zambella, who worked

Every Monday, join a staff member for one-on-one help with your device. Windows laptops will be available for attendees who cannot transport their device.

Drop by the Reference Room anytime between 2:30-4 p.m.

Registration is not required.

Basket-weaving lesson

Wednesday, Feb. 8, 1:30-3 p.m.

Due to popular demand, on Wednesday, Feb. 8, from 1:30-3 p.m., Abbot Public Library will host a second basket-weaving lesson!

This Adult Crafternoon event is to demonstrate how to weave a small basket with materials provided by the library. This event is free and limited to 10 people.

To register, visit tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Adult-Crafternoon.

Adult book club

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10-11 a.m.

On the third Tuesday of every month from 10-11 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.

February’s pick is “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman. Copies are available in the Reference Room. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Zoom-Book-Club. For more information, contact Head of Public Services Librarian Morgan Yeo at yeo@ noblenet.org.

Mystery book group

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 10:30 a.m.

On Tuesday, Feb. 21, at 10:30 a.m., the mystery book group will meet to begin their book discussion. The title of February’s book will be decided at the January meeting. Registration is required. Visit tinyurl.com/Feb-2023Mystery-Book-Club. Contact Adult Services Librarian Rachael Meneades for more information at rmeneades@noblenet.org.

in the Massachusetts State Police crime lab for 36 years. Learn about DNA, fingerprints, crime light and more. Thursday, Feb. 16, 12:30 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.

‘Murder in Marblehead’

Harry Christensen and Richard Santeusanio will be back to discuss their book, “Murder in Marblehead.” Friday, Feb. 17, at 1 p.m. Register at 781-631-6225.

A Tour of English Gardens

Join Ginny Von Rueden, president of the Driftwood

Community craft and chat

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1-3 p.m.

Are you an adult who loves crocheting, knitting, embroidery or other contained crafts? Come to Community Craft & Chat!

Bring your project to the Abbot Public Library Program Room from 1-3 p.m.

This program is for adults. Registration is recommended. Register at tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Craft-and-Chat.

Origami for teens

Tuesday, Feb. 14, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Teen Room, Abbot Public Library at Eveleth School

Up for a creative challenge?

Learn to make several small origami sculptures and projects, or spend time practicing one design! Take-home instructions will be provided; no registration is required for ages 15-18.

Zine workshop for teens

Tuesday, Feb. 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

If you still need to get familiar with zines, don’t worry! Easy to create and fun to share, zines are small folded paper booklets bursting with creativity. Master the art of the zine fold during this program and produce your material to share with others.

Story Time A-Go-Go

Wednesdays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22, 10:30-11 a.m.

Children are invited to the library’s weekly Wednesday program with stories and creative movement led by early childhood educator Debbie Leibowitz. The program is for ages 1-4 in the Program Room.

Chess players group

Wednesdays, Feb. 8, 15 and 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Students of chess in grades 4-6 are invited to play against each other after school on Wednesdays. Boards, pieces and chess clocks will be provided, but instruction is optional.

Children who already know the game and some moves

Garden Club, as she discusses some of the best gardens in England. Wednesday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $3.

Marblehead Citizens Police Academy

The academy is launching a new class in March. Applications are available online at www. marbehead.org/policedepartment or www. marblehead.org/councilon-aging-department. You can also sign up at the COA or police station. Call Janice at 781-631-6225 with questions.

may play against each other. Competing pairs have a onehalf hour to play. Caregivers are invited.

The maximum number of participants is eight. Registration is required. Visit abbotlibrary.org/events/category/ childrens to register.

3D printing

Mondays, Feb. 13 and 27, 6-7 p.m.

Children in grades 5-6 are invited to learn to code and laser print objects using 3D technology. The printer and library Chromebooks are supplied to work on the coding steps during the program. Registration is required. Visit abbotlibrary.org/ events/category/childrens.

Books and brushes

Tuesdays, Feb. 14, 21 and 28, 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Children in grades 1-3 are invited to come and explore painting materials and styles while listening to a story or recording. The emphasis will be on having fun with the process; painting experience is not required.

All materials will be provided. Bring an old shirt or T-shirt to help keep clothing clean during class.

Registration is required as space is limited to eight. Visit abbotlibrary.org/events/category/ childrens.

The schedule will be as follows:

» Feb. 14, watercolors.

» Feb. 21, acrylics.

» Feb. 28, painting on fabric.

Music with Dara

Friday, Feb. 17, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Join Dara for a monthly musical program you can enjoy in person! With keyboard and other engaging visual props, Dara incorporates old favorites and new songs, finger plays, rhythmic activities, creative movement and instrumental playing.

This program is for kids ages 2-5 years old. Registration is required. Visit tinyurl.com/ Feb-2023-Dara.

Movie Days Come watch the period comedy/thriller “Amsterdam’’ on Friday, Jan. 10, 1 p.m. Then, on Feb. 24, at 1 p.m., watch “The Banshees of Inisherin.” RSVP at 781-631-6225.

Drop-in Songs and Music

Enjoy this sing-along featuring golden oldies, 60s hits, show tunes, hymns, folk songs and sea shanties. Wed., Feb. 15, 11 a.m. to noon.

Book Club

February’s book is “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell. Wednesdays Feb. 8 and 22, 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Flying Solo

Joan Cutler leads this group designed specifically for people who live alone. Tuesday, Feb. 28, 1: 30 p.m.

Caregiver Support Group

Amy Gilliland, Marblehead police dispatch supervisor, is the featured speaker this month. Wednesday, Feb.

15, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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

Blood Pressure Clinic

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

Muscle Conditioning

Senior Muscle

Conditioning with Kim on Mondays and Fridays at 9 a.m and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Cost is $3. (No class Feb. 20.)

Stay Active North Shore Physical Therapy runs an osteo class on Mondays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. There’s also Balance and Mobility with Mary Manning on Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Each class is $3. (No classes Monday, Feb. 20.)

Zumba Gold Zumba Gold classes

POLICE Police issue new scam alert

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead police are issuing a new scam alert after a resident reported losing $60,000 in a computer hoax.

“Literally everyone relies on Microsoft and Apple, so they (perpetrators) are creating a scam that makes you feel as if information from your computer has been compromised,” Police Chief Dennis King told the Marblehead Current.”

The victim’s money “was

withdrawn on multiple occasions and converted into bitcoin,” Marblehead Police wrote on Facebook. “The scammers told the victim that their accounts were compromised by Russian and Chinese websites.”

There’s been a significant uptick in scams like this in Marblehead and surrounding communities.

The scammers are “making their presence known on the North Shore,” King said. And he warned that it’s not just senior

citizens who are falling victim.

“Everybody is vulnerable to the sophistication of these scams.”

In another recent case, scammers called a local resident saying that their gas was about to be shut off, if a payment wasn’t made.

Police are working with local banks, encouraging them to contact them if they suspect a customer is being conned.

“If they do flag something, we want them to feel comfortable to

bring it to us and we’ll respond to help immediately.”

King has two pieces of advice for residents.

“Never commit to giving money or taking out money and depositing it into someone’s account or into cryptocurrency,” he said. “If you’re worried about the security of your computer or your gas line, call the number that’s listed on your bill, or call Microsoft. Always make sure you go through legal authorities.”

King urges residents to call the

MHTV Program Schedule

MHTV can be seen on

Comcast Channel 8 and Verizon

Channel 28 (2128 in HD). Visit MHTV at marbleheadtv.

org.

WEDNESDAY, Feb. 8

8 a.m., Democracy Now!

9 a.m., ‘Headliner — The News of

Marblehead

9:30 a.m., You Gotta Love

Marblehead!

10 a.m., Yoga For Health & Joy

10:30 a.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life

11 a.m., MHTV Community

Partners Noon, ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

12:30 p.m., You Gotta Love

Marblehead!

1 p.m., Groovy Glass

1:30 p.m., MHTV Community

Partners

3 p.m., Portrait Presentation to the Lucretia and Joseph Brown School

4:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

5 p.m., What’s Cookin’

5:30 p.m., Eat Well Be Happy

6 p.m., Battleship Cove: Inside the History

6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

7

‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

Feb. 10

a.m., Tai Chi Through the

a.m., Delicious & Nutritious

Noon, ‘Headliner — The News of

p.m., MHTV Community Partners

3 p.m., Portrait Presentation to the Lucretia and Joseph Brown School

4:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

5 p.m., Get Healthy with Holly

5:30 p.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life

6 p.m., IMAGINATION Artist Profiles

6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

7 p.m., Up For Discussion

7:30 p.m., MHS Sports on MHTV Boys Basketball vs. Peabody

9 p.m., ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

9:30 p.m., Salem League of Women Voters Presents “Offshore Wind in Salem Harbor”

10:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners TUESDAY, Feb. 14

8 a.m., Democracy Now!

9 a.m., ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

9:30 a.m., Public Safety Roundtable

10 a.m., Knowledgeable Aging

10:30 a.m., Ooma’s Cookie Jar

11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners

Noon, ‘Headliner —

police if they have any questions. “We can tell you, there’s a Microsoft scam going around.” Also, don’t be embarrassed if you do get conned. “These people are so sophisticated, don’t feel shame if you fall for something. It’s unfortunate that they’ve gotten so good.”

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

Parkinson’s Fitness

The Parkinson’s Fitness class is free on Wednesdays at 11 a.m.

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

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

No experience is necessary for this indoor sport. Instructions on how to play the game will be available at every session. Yearly fee is $15. Contact pbibbo@aol. com with questions. (No class Feb. 20.)

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. (No class Feb. 20.)

Step it Up

Karen Jancsy leads this low-impact movement and muscle conditioning class on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Weight Training

Training

class is held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:45 a.m.

Cost is $3.

Yoga with Evie

This yoga class is held on Mondays at 9 a.m., Wednesdays at 8:30 a.m. and Thursdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

Chair Yoga

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

Line Dancing

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

Quilting

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

Knitting Group

Drop-in knitting is Thursdays at 9 a.m. Cribbage

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

Mahjong

Play mahjong Mondays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

I Love Bridge

This advanced bridge instruction class meets Mondays, 12:30 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5. Drop-in bridge is on Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to noon, and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (No class Feb. 20.)

“Overlooked

Yoga For Health & Joy

10:30 a.m., Valda’s Seeds of Life

11 a.m., MHTV Community Partners

Noon, ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

12:30 p.m., You Gotta Love Marblehead!

1 p.m., Groovy Glass

1:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

3 p.m., Marblehead League of Women Voters Presents “Greening Our Community: Update on Town Projects and Initiatives”

4:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners

5 p.m., What’s Cookin’

5:30 p.m., Eat Well Be Happy

6 p.m., Battleship Cove: Inside the History

6:30 p.m., ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

7 p.m., IMAGINATION Artist PRofile

7:30 p.m., Abbot Public Library Presents Salem Sound Coastwatch “Saving our Shoreline 2023 Building Resilience”

9 p.m., ‘Headliner — The News of Marblehead

9:30 p.m., Marblehead Coalition Presents “Lucretia and Joseph Brown — The Real Story”

10:30 p.m., MHTV Community Partners **MHTV program schedule subject to change without notice**

Abbot Public Library’s weekly Courageous Aging support group for older adults will continue on Fridays, Feb. 10, 17 and 24 from 3 p.m.-4:15 p.m., weather permitting.

Are you getting older and need a place to process what really matters to you, who matters to you, what has given you purpose and meaning in life, what you feel good about having accomplished, what you feel grateful for, what you regret, what you feel

passionate about, and what you would you like to be doing going forward?

If so, join facilitator Carol O’Brien for this program

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

LIbr A ry Courageous Aging support group continues in February

Whistle blown on youth basketball parent’s poorly worded email

Excerpts from the Marblehead police log of Wednesday, Jan. 25 through Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2023. Consistent with state law, Marblehead Police have adopted a policy of not providing to media outlets reports related to incidents related to domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.

Wednesday, Jan. 25

2:18 a.m. Officers investigated a 911 hang-up call on Prospect Court and filed a report.

2:43 a.m. Officer investigated a report of a missing person on Maverick Street and filed a report.

8:55 a.m. Police received a report from the Marblehead Youth Basketball Association expressing concern about what it said was the erratic behavior of a parent of one of its players. In an email, the parent had used language that the organization felt was threatening. One statement read, “I am going to shoot you straight, the MYBA needs new blood.” Another stated, “I don’t care what you guys think about me. My gun is ‘off-safety’ and I will tell you exactly what I think.” The officer reviewed the rest of the email and found no reference to any specific threat or any other language that would suggest an act of violence was imminent. The email concluded with the parent saying that he was fine if the league did not want to be associated with him and that he would be happy to use his time elsewhere. Officer spoke with board members, who told them that the parent had been sending them email at all hours of the day and night and that last season he needed to be suspended from coaching because of an altercation with a referee. They added that they also wanted to address his behavior at games, to which he had been bringing a boombox to play before the game and during halftime. The board members wanted the constant emails to stop and for the parent to bring his son to the games and just watch and cheer alongside other parents. The officer advised the board members about their rights to

seek harassment prevention orders and suggested that they should put their concerns in writing to the parent, outlining any consequences for violating the league rules. Before the officer spoke to the parent, the officer did a search and found that the man did not have any weapons registered to him and that he had never held a firearms license. After the officer reached the man by cell phone, he came to the station to speak with the officer. The man acknowledged writing the email and said that he never intended to put anyone in fear and that he had chosen his words poorly. He said he does not own a gun or intend to cause anyone harm. As the discussion continued, the man noted the success he has had coaching other town sports. He acknowledged playing music on the boombox but said that he always gets permission from the teams’ coaches before he does so. The man defended the volume of his email, suggesting that it was just how his generation communicates, and explained the timing of the email as well. He added that he disagreed with the decision to suspend him from coaching and wanted it noted that he had come right down to the police station when asked and is always willing to cooperate and work through things respectfully and openly. The officer reiterated the league’s wishes to the man and suggested that he devote his time and efforts to the youth sports where he had experienced no conflict. The officer then updated the MYBA board on his conversation with the parent and advised the board to report any future concerns to the police.

10:08 a.m. Officer investigated the report of a possibly stolen prop on Jersey Street and filed a report.

2:26 p.m. An officer spoke in the station with a woman who had filed for Social Security several days earlier and then a day later noticed that she had received a change of address from the post office. She was advised to contact the credit agencies and let the police know if anything else out of the

ordinary happened.

2:48 p.m. Officers responded to the scene of a head-on collision on Humphrey Street at Brookhouse Drive. There were no injuries reported, but both vehicles had to be towed.

8:36 p.m. Officers investigated a report of suspicious activity on Orchard Street.

9:14 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street and filed a report.

Thursday, Jan. 26

1:11 a.m. Officers investigated a hit-and-run on Pleasant Street and filed a report.

10:07 a.m. An officer responded to the scene of a minor crash on Atlantic Avenue and filed a report.

10:12 a.m. A dead skunk was reported on West Shore Drive and Shorewood Road.

12:37 p.m. The school resource officer assisted staff at the Village School.

1:42 p.m. Officers assisted the driver of a tractor-trailer on Front Street.

5:07 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Farrell Court to speak with a resident about her identity possibly having been stolen. The resident told the officer that someone had tried opening a bank account and a phone line with AT&T using her Social Security number. Resident then told officer she had a caretaker coming over daily a few months ago to help around the house whom she had to fire because there had been a few incidents where the resident had caught the caretaker stealing money out of her wallet and also stealing the drugs prescribed to her. The resident also had her Social Security card inside her wallet both times she had caught the caretaker stealing money from her. The officer then asked the resident what made her so sure that the caretaker was the person opening the accounts in her name, and resident said the bank and AT&T had told her the person opening the accounts was from Salem, which is where the caretaker is currently living. The officer made sure the resident called Social Security to have her number flagged and also told

her to call the station anytime someone tried opening another account using her Social Security number. The officer also said that police would investigate the matter further.

5:53 p.m. Officer investigated a report of a person who might have been intoxicated on Russell and Cowell streets. The person could not be located.

Friday, Jan. 27

12:19 a.m. An officer investigated a report that a Creesy Street resident had received annoying phone calls and filed a report.

12:21 a.m. Officers investigated a report of a person out of control on School Street and filed a report.

7:40 a.m. Officers responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Pleasant Street and Bubier Road.

10:29 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Washington Street and filed a report.

11:14 a.m. A past hit-and-run was reported on Lafayette Street.

1:09 p.m. Harassing calls were reported on Field Street.

1:22 p.m. An officer assisted with property destruction on Woodfin Terrace.

1:40 p.m. An officer assisted with a syringe found on Ocean Avenue.

4:45 p.m. Officers assisted with a report of harassment on Ocean Avenue.

7:47 p.m. Officers assisted a Creesy Street resident and filed a report.

8:32 p.m. An officer investigated a report of ice in the area of Shepard and Jersey streets.

9:24 p.m. An officer investigated a report of larceny, forgery or fraud on Lincoln Park and filed a report.

Saturday, Jan. 28

1:02 a.m. A 47-year-old Norwood man was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol, driving with a suspended license and negligent driving on Beacon Street at Bradlee Road.

3:23 a.m. Officers investigated a noise complaint on Creesy Street.

9:27 a.m. A wallet was found on Lafayette Street.

12:10 p.m. An officer investigated the report of an object in the road on Pleasant and Smith streets.

2:06 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Humphrey Street and filed a report.

5:54 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Edgemere Road and filed a report.

Sunday, Jan. 29

10:18 a.m. An officer investigated a report of an open gate on Pleasant Street.

12:25 p.m. Officers investigated a report that a ring had been stolen on Humphrey Street and filed a report.

2:41 p.m. An officer investigated a possible violation of a no-trespass order on Sewall Street and filed a report.

4:30 p.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Humphrey Street.

9:30 p.m. Officers assisted in the response to a chimney fire reported on Bassett Street.

Monday, Jan. 30

4:26 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Creesy Street and filed a report.

9:17 a.m. An officer investigated after a caller reported an inability to access a crosswalk button on Village Street.

9:25 a.m. An historian taking photographs was reported on Bubier and Wyman roads.

10:11 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Humphrey Street and filed a report.

2:34 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Atlantic Avenue and filed a report.

3:30 p.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Longview Drive and filed a report.

4:36 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a sinkhole on Turner Road.

7:36 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Atlantic Avenue and filed a report.

Marblehead gathers to mourn Tyre Nichols

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD

Members of the Marblehead community converged Sunday afternoon for a Seaside Park vigil to grieve the police killing of Tyre Nichols last month in Memphis, Tennessee.

On Jan. 7, five Memphis Police Department officers beat Nichols, a 29-year-old Black man, following a traffic stop. He died three days later. Nichols’ death is another incident of longstanding police brutality against Black men in the United States. The officers have since been fired and charged with second-degree murder.

“Why is it that we continue to gather again and again in the same fashion? Why do Black and Brown people always seem to be the victims of violence in the society that we live in? Why is it that this persists?” asked the Rev. James Bixby, the Clifton Lutheran Church’s pastor, when he opened the vigil. “There’s no easy answer, but It seems to happen again and again, and we gather again and again.”

He added, “And if something’s

changing, I’m not seeing it.”

The vigil included a moment of silence. Organizers handed out candles for people to light at home. Some held signs that read, “Tyre. We cry out. We lament. We demand justice.”

Among the gathered community members were Marblehead Police Cheif Dennis King, Select Board members Jackie Belf-Becker and Jim Nye, Rabbi David Meyer of Temple Emanu-El,

the Rev. Jenna Crawford of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead and state Rep. Jenny Armini.

“The idea that some lives matter less is at the root of all that is wrong,” said Armini, quoting the late public health advocate Dr. Paul Farmer. “I want us to just sit with that idea.”

On Jan. 27, Memphis officials released video footage of the traffic stop, showing officers

allegedly tasing, pepper spraying, beating and restraining Nichols. Just before the video concludes, Nichols called out to his mother, whose home was 80 yards from where officers pulled her son over.

King urged his Marblehead police officers to watch the video. He said he found police officers perpetrating violence against somebody in the community whom they swore to protect disturbing.

“There’s nothing in my 28 years of law enforcement that I could ever imagine seeing,” he told the crowd, referring to the video. After the video was released, King joined other local law enforcement officials in condemning what transpired on Jan. 7.

“We stand proudly with our community leaders to guarantee MPD officers are trained in the applications of force, the duty to intervene, the duty to render care and the sanctity of human life,” King wrote. “In addition, we promote a department culture based on compassion, understanding individuals’

frailties and treating everyone equally, with respect. This is our approach every day, on every call, and we work tirelessly to provide this level of service.”

Marblehead residents Jessica’ Little Feather’ Penn and Sherry ‘Smiling Otter’ Gagne attend Sunday’s vigil. The couple said the gathering put community members’ character on display.

“I think the vigil shows that the community cares so much,” said Penn. “It sends a message, so it’s really nice that they did this today.”

“We’re done with the empty thoughts and prayers. We’re beyond the what-are-we-goingto-do-about-it stage?” said Bixby as he closed out the 20-minute vigil. “We’re on the we-canmake-a-difference [stage].”

Think about the ways to get involved, he told attendees.

“Are there policies that we can enact? Are there things we can do in Congress? Is there somebody I can vote for?” he said. “We’ve got to be asking ourselves these questions because this is enough. Enough is enough.”

CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD

The Rev. James Bixby of Clifton Lutheran Church hands out candles at an afternoon vigil for Tyre Nichols on Sunday, Feb. 5.

The Rev. James Bixby: ‘Why is it that we continue to gather again and again?’

Anne Johnson Davis, 92 Active at St. Michael’s

Anne Johnson Davis, 92, of Swampscott passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, Jan. 29, 2023. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Samuel L. Davis, with whom she shared 62 years of marriage.

Anne was the daughter of the late Katharine (Berry) and Howard Martin Johnson. She grew up in Swampscott and graduated from Dana Hall in Wellesley. She attended the Katherine Gibbs Secretarial school.

Anne and Sam raised their

William ‘Leo’ Kiely III, 75

William “Leo” Kiely III, 75, of Palos Verdes Estates, California, died peacefully at his home on Jan. 6, 2023. He was born in Marblehead on Jan. 16, 1947. He met Susan Burkhardt in Philadelphia, where they were married on May 16, 1970. Together, they shared their deep faith in Jesus Christ and were blessed with two children, four grandchildren and a lifelong, long marriage.

Leo graduated from Harvard College with a bachelor’s degree in economics in 1969 and from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania with an MBA. in 1970.

Leo’s remarkable business

three children in Acton, making lifelong friends before moving to Marblehead in the 1970s. Anne had a passion for giving back and helping others which motivated her to earn an associate’s degree in social work from Middlesex Community College.

Anne volunteered with the Catholic Family Service in Lynn. She served on the state board for foster children for several years.

In addition to her charitable activities, she and Sam traveled all over the world.

At home, Anne’s love for her garden could be seen by anyone who passed by their home on Orne Street. Anne was a member of the Swampscott Beach Club and the Corinthian Yacht Club.

Anne was devoted to her faith and in Acton was an active member of the Church of the Good Shepherd, where she was co-chair of The Fish Program,

career started at Procter and Gamble. He worked at Wilson Sporting Goods, Ventura Coastal Corp. and at Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo.

In 1993, he became president of the Coors Brewing Company. He led the acquisition of Carling in the U.K. in 2001 and the merger of Molson (Canada) and Coors in 2005. He also led the merger of the second and third largest beer companies in the U.S., forming MillerCoors in 2008 and was CEO until 2011. Leo served on several corporate and philanthropic boards, including the Altria Group Inc. and the Denver Center of Performing Arts.

In retirement, Leo and Susan enjoyed time with their children’s families in Denver, Colorado, and Hermosa Beach,

which provided services for people in need.

When she moved back to Marblehead, Anne joined St. Michael’s where she became the first female senior warden in 1984. Anne was a lay eucharistic minister, member of Parish Aid, St. Catherine’s Guild, volunteered at the Thrift Shop and founded the Wisdom and

Friendship group.

She was the delegate to the Episcopal Church Women triennial conventions in New Orleans and Indianapolis. Anne was an active member of the Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross since 1977. She served as AC-in-C of the Boston Chapter as well as supervising the Adelynrood gardens for many years. She loved her weekly Bible study.

She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Davis Russell of Danvers and Jennifer Newhall Davis Oliveira, and her husband Jose Carlos Oliveira of Swampscott; three granddaughters, Kate Russell of New York City, Emily Russell of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Livvy Oliveira of Swampscott; her sister, Elizabeth Mentuck of Marblehead; and many nieces and nephews. She

projects via Windowseat Pictures with his son Bill.

He sailed the BVIs and the Pacific Coast with family and friends, rode a Harley with his buddies in the Colorado Rockies, and shared his passion for sports and music with many, including Whitney and his cherished grandchildren, Leo V, Tegan, Margot and Marshall.

was predeceased by her son, Lawrence E. Davis, and her sister, Katharine Cruger.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Feb. 11, 2023, at 11 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church, 26 Pleasant St., Marblehead. The service will be live streamed via St. Michael’s YouTube channel. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. Michael’s Flower Fund, 26 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945; or The Society of the Companions of the Holy Cross, Adelynrood, 46A Elm St., Byfield, MA 01922-2812; or adelynrood. org/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Anne’s family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

The Marblehead

California, and eventually settled in Palos Verdes. Leo adored his wife, Susan, an ordained minister, and eagerly supported her charitable activities, including a foundation centered on women’s empowerment. He partnered with both of his children in many ventures, including numerous film

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

Submissions should include the name of the funeral home serving the deceased’s family, along with a daytime

The family is grateful for all prayers and sympathy as they celebrate Leo, a man who lived life to the fullest. His powerful intellect, great heart and uplifting spirit will live on in the memory of his loved ones, his faithful friends and all those who were fortunate to know him.

William “Leo” Kiely Ill is survived by Susan Burkhardt Kiely, his loving wife of 52 years; his children, William Leo Kiely

phone number for a person to contact, in case we have any questions about the obituary.

Photos, preferably in JPEG format, are welcome. Photos should be of high

IV and wife Gail Chalmers Kiely; Whitney Kiely Moehle and husband Doug Moehle; his grandchildren, William “Leo” Kiely V, Tegan Kiely, Margot Moehle, and Marshall Moehle; his brothers, Graves M. Kiely and Frank N. Kiely; and sister, Katherine E. Kiely. He was predeceased by his brother, Joseph H. Kiely Sr.; and parents, William Leo Kiely II and Judith Graves Kiely. Family and friends will be invited to gather in Denver and Marblehead at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family would so appreciate your consideration in donating to the Kiely Moehle Family Foundation Fund: denverfoundation.org/fund/ kiely-moehle-family-foundationfund.

enough quality to reproduce well in print. Generally, an image file created by a digital camera or smartphone will be fine; images copied from websites will not.

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 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.

Sunday, Feb. 12: 1 p.m., Lenten

Meals Cooking Demonstration & Tasting Workshop, Parish Center Conference Room

» Monday, Feb. 13: 3:15-4 p.m., Faith & Play (0-5 years)

» Annual food drive is ongoing through Feb. 26. Donations may be dropped off at the church on weekends or at the Parish Center from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Wednesday

CHRISTIAN SCIENCE

FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST, SCIENTIST

134 Elm St. 781-631-3868

» fccsmarbleheadma.wordpress. com

» Sunday Church Service: 10-11 a.m.

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

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

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

testimony meetings

COMMUNITY CHURCH

GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH

» 17 Pleasant St. 781-631-9343 gracemarblehead.org

Discipleship Class: 9:15 a.m.

Sunday

» Worship Gatherings: 10:30 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

CONGREGATIONAL

OLD NORTH CHURCH, THE FIRST CHURCH OF CHRIST IN MARBLEHEAD

» 35 Washington St.

» 781-631-1244

» onchurch.org

Wednesday, Feb. 8: 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal

Sunday, Feb. 12: Bell Choir, 8 a.m., worship service; 10 a.m., worship service; 11:15 a.m., Confirmation class

» Monday, Feb. 13: 6:30 p.m., Women’s AA in Parish Hall

Tuesday, Feb. 14: 9 a.m., Lectio Divinia; 7:30 p.m., Bell Choir

» Wednesday, Feb. 15: 10 a.m., worship planning meeting; 7:30 p.m., choir rehearsal

EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF ST. ANDREW, EPISCOPAL

» 135 Lafayette St.

» 781-631-4951

of the Episcopal liturgy): 8 a.m., spoken service; 10 a.m., musical service

Tuesdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m.: Gospel Reflections on Zoom

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

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

» Wednesday, noon: Eucharist

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

Sunday, Feb. 12: 3 p.m., Family Valentine’s event (ages 5 and up) ST. MICHAEL’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH

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

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

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

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

JEWISH TEMPLE EMANU-EL, REFORM CONGREGATION

» 393 Atlantic Ave.

» 781-631-9300

» emanu-el.org

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

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

» Religious School: 9 a.m. Sundays

» Senior Connection: 11 a.m.

Tuesdays Mah Jongg: 7 p.m. Tuesdays

» Wednesday, Feb. 8: 5:45 p.m.,

Pre-Confirmation

» Thursday, Feb. 9: 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees

Sunday, Feb. 12: 11:30 a.m., SMARTY Bingo

» Monday, Feb. 13: 7 p.m., Temple Book Club, “The Matchmakers

Gift” by Lynda Cohen Loigman

» Wednesday, Feb. 15: 5 p.m., PreConfirmation bowling at Metro Bowl, Peabody; 7 p.m., Jewish Music Neighborhood

» Thursday, Feb. 16: 7 p.m., Brotherhood/Sisterhood Monthly

Cooking TEMPLE SINAI, CONTEMPORARY CONSERVATIVE SYNAGOGUE

» 1 Community Road

» 781-631-2762

» templesinaiweb.org

» Kabbalat Shabbat: Fridays, 6 p.m.

Shabbat Service: Saturdays, 9:30

a.m.

Minyans: Saturday, 9 a.m. and 7 p.m.; Monday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m.;

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. (at Congregation Shirat Hayam, Swampscott)

Thursday, Feb. 9: 11:30 a.m., Jewish Prayer Workshop with Rabbi

Michael Schwartz

LUTHERAN CLIFTON LUTHERAN CHURCH

» 150 Humphrey St.

» 781-631-4379

» cliftonlutheran.org

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

Sunday School: Sundays, 9 a.m.

» Coffee Hour: Sunday, 11 a.m.

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

» Midweek Fellowship: Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Bible Study: Wednesday, 7:30

p.m.

METHODIST

ST. STEPHEN’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

» 67 Cornell Road 781-631-2756 www.marblehead.church

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

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

UNITARIAN UNIVERSALIST

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

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

Thursday, Feb. 9: 4 p.m., UUCM at Lifebridge

» Friday, Feb. 10: 4:30 p.m., UUCM Youth at Lifebridge

» Saturday, Feb. 11: 9:30 a.m., Over60 Gang; 11 a.m., ring bells for “11th hour” of the climate crisis

Sunday, Feb. 12: 9 a.m., Sunday Seminar; 10:30 a.m., Sunday Services; 11:30 a.m., After Service

Social Hour

» Tuesday, Feb. 14: 7 p.m., Pastoral Care Associates (off-site)

Thursday, Feb. 16: 7:30 p.m., Board of Trustees meeting

Sabin top finisher in Frostbite Racing event

Warmer temps following cold blast bodes well for sailors

BY LAURIE FULLERTON

Marblehead’s frostbiting fleet got back out on the water Feb. 5, and while racers had to chip away at some ice in the boats before launching, the fleet benefited from the end of an Arctic blast and had far warmer temperatures and a steady southwest breeze for sailing on Sunday.

Doug Sabin of Marblehead was the top finisher on Sunday after seven races. He has been sailing consistently at the top of the fleet all season.

“I went to M.I.T., so I started sailing Tech dinghies as a student,” he said. “They are a great boat and are very evenly matched.”

Sabin added that the Tech dinghy at M.I.T. goes through a developmental change every seven or eight years.

The Tech dinghies the Marblehead fleet purchased are about 10 years old and were used to teach up to 2,600 M.I.T. students how to sail. The hulls are the same, but certain configurations change.

They are built to take a beating, however, and are sailed hard both by students and by the current frostbiting fleet here.

The fleet features a great mix of some of our country’s most decorated sailors along with homegrown talent from the MHS sailing team who are encouraged to come and race.

Sailing greats like Moose McClintock of Newport, R.I., former Olympian Ben Richardson of Gloucester, former Tufts University sailing coach Joe Berkeley from the South Shore and worldclass sailor Tomas Hornos of Marblehead are among the fleet’s regulars.

For students and locals, this means that although the learning curve is steep, it is an opportunity to compete at the highest level of the sport and have fun — an opportunity that most sailing towns do not have in winter. The series is run by the Boston Yacht Club and continues through April.

The Tech dinghy’s owners also loan out their boat to encourage participation, as is the case with the Marblehead High School sailing team. Over the course of the past three seasons, everyone from junior sailors to past and present U.S. Sailing Team members and Olympic hopefuls Nevin Snow and Chris Barnard joined the fleet for a day.

“The ‘Techs’ are really fun, and I got interested in them recently through Ted Moore of Marblehead,” said McClintock, who placed third on Sunday. “It is worthwhile for me to drive up on Sundays to race here and we

have some great sailors in this fleet.”

McClintock can humbly count himself among those greats as he is not only a highly regarded sailing coach but has won six J24 World Championships, three J24 North American Championships, three J24 National Championships, a J-22 World Championship, a Swan World Championship and competed in several America’s Cups over his long career.

The fleet also has a deep reserve of sailing knowledge as Berkeley is a regular here after buying Jud Smith’s Tech dinghy last year. He travels up from the South Shore each week and has helped the fleet grow.

Hornos, too, has had a big role in making the Tech dinghies more accessible to high school sailors and local racers, helping people rig the boats and encouraging those new to the fleet.

When asked about the Tech’s stability on the water, Berkeley said that he does wear a dry suit

because the boats can capsize. There are, however, support boats on the water during racing.

Ben Richardson of Gloucester also competes and is on hand to mentor sailors. In 2012, he was the chairman of the Olympic Sailing Committee, and he has competed in four Olympic Trials, is a Laser Masters World Champion and represented the U.S. at the Pan-American Games.

Richardson noted that, although the boats are not communally owned, if you can’t get here on a Sunday, it is quite straightforward to find someone else with experience to sail them. That kind of behind-thescenes organization is helpful to keep a fleet active, he noted.

The responsibility to keep the racing going, especially among such high-caliber sailors, falls on the Boston Yacht Club Race Committee members and other volunteers who huddle around the little house on a float in the middle of the harbor during racing.

This week, the task of running

the races went to Town Clerk Robin Michaud, who volunteers along with her husband. Karen Tenenbaum has also been instrumental in keeping the winter racing going as a Race Committee member.

“It is a fun group of people to work with, and I love that, in winter, there is absolutely no boat traffic in the harbor when we are running races,” said Michaud, principal race officer for the day.

This week, the committee kept an eye on boat No. 13, which was helmed by MHS sophomore Nicolas Regnault, who is a member of the high school sailing team, who was sailing a Tech dinghy for the first time.

Regnault is also a Laser sailor in the spring, summer and fall. After racing, Regnault said he learned a lot and would be back again.

Chip Terry, who placed second on Sunday, is an avid sailor who has been involved with the Courageous Sailing Center for many years. He lives

FINAL RESULTS

1. Doug Sabin, USA 28 “Miss Clara,” CYC/EYC

2. Chip Terry, USA 14 “Coach Ed Reed,” Castine Yacht Club

3. Moose McClintock USA 27 “Ruthie B,” BYC

4. Ben Richardson, USA 1 “Wildcat,” EP/E/NY

5. Joe Berkeley, USA 10 “Bermudiana,” Hull Yacht Club

6. Stephen Uhl, USA 52 “Jerry Milgram,” CYC

7. UIf Westhoven, USA 2 “Dan the Man,” EYC

8. Nicolas Regnault, USA 13 “White Pepper,” CYC

9. Garrett Hamilton, USA 12 “Seabury,” BYC

in Winchester, and the drive to Marblehead on a Sunday morning to race against sailing greats is a rare and important learning experience. “I love getting out on the water in winter,” Terry said. “Especially when the caliber of sailors is so amazing. We have a depth in this fleet and when there are 15 boats out there, we really can have some intense competition. Also, the Boston Yacht Club and Marblehead sailors are committed to making this accessible. What is great is that you have this nice, protected spot to sail. The Tech is a great fleet boat, and they are very even and pretty much bullet proof.”

The fleet races every Sunday, and there are always boats available to borrow and slots on Race Committee boats. All are welcome. Anyone interested can message @marbleheadfrostbiting on Instagram.

COURTESY PHOTOS / BRUCE DURKEE

Sailors head upwind after rounding a mark off the Corinthian Yacht Club.

A group shot of Marblehead’s winter sailors taken on Jan. 31.