Volume 2, Issue 5

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IN THIS ISSUE

ATHLETICS

MEMORIES

JOLLY VISITOR

The top 10 sports stories of 2023

Dan Dixey shares scenes from holidays past

Santa sightings around town

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NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

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December 20, 2023

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VOLUME 2, ISSUE NO. 5

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RESTRAINT CONTROVERSY

Teachers union, superintendent at odds

BY LEIGH BLANDER

After several meetings since four Glover School educators were placed on leave, the Marblehead teachers union said it was “extremely disappointed in the inadequate response” from interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness to concerns about the leadership

of the district’s student services department, which supports children with challenges.

“It is disturbing that an interim superintendent would prioritize maintaining the incompetent leadership she inherited over supporting the rank-and-file educators she purports to value and hopes to lead,” the Marblehead Education

Association wrote in a statement sent to the Current Monday, Dec. 18.

The MEA added that it “stands firm” in its demand that Student Services Director Paula Donnelly and Associate Student Services Director Emily Dean be removed from their positions “to prevent continued harm to our members and students.”

After recent incidents at Glover involving student restraints, McGuinness announced that the district would bring in an outside attorney to review its policies. During that process, McGuinness placed four Glover educators on paid leave.

The MEA sent an email to McGuinness and the School

YEAR IN REVIEW

A look at 2023’s top stories

Committee Dec. 14 announcing that 97% of its teachers, paraprofessionals and tutors had voted “no confidence” in Donnelly and Dean.

“We believe that working conditions are unacceptable for all of us and that members of our union are being unfairly

GLOVER, P. A7

‘YOU ARE WORTHY’

Mission for Afghan women takes ambitious turn McNulty finds silver lining in long effort of U.S. troops

BY KRIS OLSON

BY LEIGH BLANDER AND WILL DOWD From School Committee controversies to a budget deficit, Marblehead faced several thorny issues in 2023 that stirred debate and exposed divisions within the community. Yet residents also rallied around feel-good moments, from the preservation of a popular watering hole to an amazing sight at an Abbot Hall wedding.

These were the top stories that captured Marblehead at a crossroads in 2023, grappling with change, exclusion and identity while still celebrating the close-knit joys of community.

School Committee ousts super, some members delete text messages After the June town election changed the balance of power on the School Committee, efforts began

almost immediately to jettison Superintendent John Buckey.

The new committee held executive sessions in July and declined to publicly say why it wanted to invoke the “dismissal without cause” clause in his contract. The two sides signed a separation agreement on Aug. 2 that gave Buckey nearly $200,000 in compensation.

In an effort to illuminate the School Committee’s reasons, the Current filed public records requests for members’ texts and emails. Text messages between School Committee Chair Sarah Fox, member Alison Taylor and Assistant Superintendent Michelle Cresta, who replaced Buckey on an interim basis, were among those deleted.

Voters reject $2.5M general override

continuing a nearly two-decade trend of turning down permanent tax increases beyond the state-mandated annual cap.

The override, which failed 3,399 to 2,992, was aimed at addressing a structural deficit in the municipal budget for fiscal 2024. The proposed tax increase was primarily intended to reinstate services cut from the $112.5 million fiscal 2024 budget, affecting schools, public safety and public works.

Marblehead’s reliance on free cash — unspent money from previous fiscal years — to balance budgets has been a traditional approach.

However, this pool of resources has been dwindling. The town’s escalating employee health insurance costs and contractual obligations contributed significantly to the $2.5 million deficit.

Voters rejected a $2.5 million general override on June 20,

2023, P. A7

After 20 years and $2 trillion, the last American troops left Afghanistan in August 2021, and the Taliban reclaimed control of the country’s government shortly thereafter.

But embers of an idea those troops helped instill — that education could unlock the full potential of young women as human beings — continues to smolder, ‘Z,’ a 17-year-old even after the Afghan woman, is part Taliban shuttered of the first class of students in the virtual schoolhouse doors underground school to girls beyond being run by Robert the sixth grade, McNulty of Marblehead Marblehead’s Bob and his Pax Populi McNulty says. colleagues.

Since October, McNulty and his Pax Populi associates have been bringing oxygen to that flame by operating a virtual underground school for 10 Afghan McNULTY, P. A12 The Marblehead Current will not be publishing next Wednesday, Dec. 27, but our newsroom will be working so visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for news and more.

Happy holidays, all!

COMPANIONS

Mysterious canine illness baffles local vets Alert pet owners are key to ensuring care for affected dogs

BY WILL DOWD

COURTESY PHOTO

Cases of a mysterious illness affecting dogs have puzzled veterinarians.

The dogs show symptoms including unusual coughs and fatigue.

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Marblehead veterinarian clinics are treating cases of a mysterious and concerning respiratory illness affecting dogs across the nation.

Called “canine infectious respiratory disease complex” by experts, the sickness starts out looking like a case of kennel cough but then develops into a serious, life-threatening illness. The main symptom is a dry, honking cough, with dogs otherwise still active and maintaining their appetite and energy levels.

But in some dogs, the illness

progresses to more dangerous territory of pneumonia and fatigue, prompting vets to determine the cause and best treatment options.

“It’s one of those things where this, whatever this upper respiratory disease is, it’s actually been around for over a year now in other parts of the country,” said Dr. Kate Latshaw of Marblehead’s Atlantic Veterinary Hospital. “We still don’t know exactly what is causing it.”

The root cause remains a mystery because testing has yet to pinpoint what pathogen is making dogs sick, Latshaw

said. Identifying the culprit would likely require sedating dogs to take deep lung samples, an expensive and invasive procedure most general-practice veterinarians don’t perform, Latshaw explained.

With the pathogen still unknown, local vets focus on treating the symptoms. Latshaw said she regularly prescribes Doxycycline, an antibiotic, plus cough medicine to treat dogs in the early stages.

“Anyone that was having a wet cough, trying to hack up something, any nasal discharge, ILLNESS, P. A7

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A2 Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Marblehead Current

UNCHARTED TERRITORY

Select Board mulls town charter study THE PATHWAYS TO ADOPTION

BY WILL DOWD The Select Board is considering a comprehensive, first-of-itskind review of Marblehead’s municipal government that could lead to the town’s first charter, a significant undertaking potentially culminating in a townwide vote to restructure the local government.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said creating a town charter would clarify who is responsible for different roles in municipal government.

A town charter acts like a federal or state constitution, only on a local level, setting basic rules for how a town is run. It codifies how elected officials, departments and the public interact and work together.

Since 1649, the Marblehead government has operated under an amalgamation of state laws and local bylaws, with piecemeal revisions and additionswhen needed. As such, the town possesses a decentralized government with power distributed across dozens of elected and appointed entities. No single body or official can easily accumulate or exert excessive power.

“We lack a centralized charter document that comprehensively outlines how the town runs,” said Kezer.

In a Dec. 13 meeting, the Select Board directed Kezer to reach out to the University of Massachusetts-Boston’s Collins Center for Public Management, a think tank that specializes in helping cities and towns undertake charter reviews. Kezer plans to set up a public meeting for the Select Board to hear an overview presentation from the charter specialists.

Select Board member Bret

WILL DOWD / CURRENT PHOTO

The Select Board discussed looking into adopting a town charter that could significantly reshape local government.

Murray noted a charter-review study is a marathon process, not a sprint.

“What I’ve been able to read and understand, this is not … going to happen in six months, eight months, it’s a multi-year process,” said Murray. “Don’t think that you do this in a year.”

Select Board Chair Erin Noonan, in a statement, said creating a town charter is one reason she sought office.

“Our board has been committed to working in conjunction with professional staff to modernize town operations and efficiencies.

It makes sense to me that we should explore the idea of a charter,” said Noonan. “It is possible that going through the process could help Marblehead streamline operations and improve service delivery through the type of organizational review that a charter study would undertake.”

Consolidation?

A proposed charter could consider consolidating certain functions under unified management. For example, the public health director — or other department heads — might report to the town administrator while still supporting policies

set by the elected board of health policies. Currently, most department heads report only to elected boards.

Select Board member Moses Grader emphasized that any new charter would be crafted deliberately with ample public input to preserve Marblehead’s traditions.

“We will handle the charter as we do with any initiative that needs to be integrated and discussed broadly,” said Grader.

“For me, a main driver for this initiative now is the need to become more operationally efficient to keep our taxes low.”

The current form of government does provide a robust number of access points for residents to directly participate in local government, something Grader wants to preserve.

“I am interested in stoutly defending our distributed volunteer board and committee structures so vital to a vibrant participatory town government,” said Grader.

‘So many flavors’ Kezer has previously been involved in charter reforms. He noted rather than a one-size-fitsall approach, a locally drafted charter allows Marblehead to

There are three pathways for Marblehead to adopt a municipal charter: » The first is through a Charter Commission, which would require 15% of registered voters to petition to establish an elected commission to study the issue and draft a proposal before voters make the final decision at the ballot box. » The second option is through special municipal legislation where the Select Board and Town Meeting approve seeking a special act from the State Legislature and governor to enact a charter. That would require additional approval from local voters. » The third pathway is through a home rule charter amendment initiated by a two-thirds vote of the Select Board and Town Meeting, holding a public hearing within three months, submitting changes to the state and then adopting amendments through a local referendum.

tailor organizational structures and policy frameworks addressing its culture and needs.

“There are so many flavors to how you do a charter,” said Kezer.

“You can custom design it to fit your community.”

Select Board member Alexa Singer considers a charter review study as a conduit to openly discuss potential improvements.

“This is a mechanism to have a discussion, and that is what’s important, right?” she said to the Current after the public meeting.

“We should always be welcome to have discussions about what are the current opportunities.”

NeWS FOr PeOPLe, NOT FOr PrOFIT. CO-CHAIRPERSONS

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

Intern - Benji Boyd CONTRIBUTORS

Jo Ann Augeri Silva Stephen Bach Bob Baker Linda Bassett Nicole Goodhue-Boyd Laurie Fullerton Mark Hurwitz John Lamontagne Christine McCarriston Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens Linda Werbner BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Virginia Buckingham - President Gene Arnould Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Francie King Robert Peck Donna Rice Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD

Ed Bell Virginia Buckingham Kris Olson Will Dowd Robert Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS

Marion Warner Greely FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Leigh Blander Will Dowd David Moran Kris Olson DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

SURVIVORS

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BY LEIGH BLANDER

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

Author learns life-changing secret, finds new purpose Marblehead author Lisa Sugarman lost her father when she was just 10 years old. On Aug. 1, 1975, she came home from day camp to hear that he had died of a heart attack earlier that day.

It wasn’t for another 35 years that Sugarman learned the Lisa Sugarman has truth — that found her purpose: her dad had talking about actually suicide, survivors ended his and prevention. own life in their home that day. Her mom had spared her that extra heartache, and Sugarman is grateful for that to this day.

Since learning the truth about her dad’s death 10 years ago, Sugarman has made it her mission to talk about it — about suicide, the loved ones left behind and the mental health crisis in America.

“It has permeated all the areas of my life,” Sugarman told the Current. “It revealed itself as my purpose, what I am meant to do in this world. I need to talk about mental illness and dilute the stigma of suicide to that point where it isn’t happening at the rate it’s happening now.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control, more people died by suicide in the United States last year than any other year on record. Close to 50,000 lives were lost due to intentional self-harm.That’s 14.9 deaths for every 100,000 Americans.

“The ripple effect of the family and friends impacted by each loss is incalculable,” Sugarman said.

After writing mainly about parenting for most of her career, Sugarman relaunched her website as a support for survivors of suicide loss and a resource for people

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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COURTESY PHOTOS

Lisa Sugarman with her dad, Jim.

struggling with mental health issues. She is a crisis counselor with The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ young people.

“I’ve been doing that just over a year,” she said. “I’ve only had the experience of being just so grateful whenever I pick up the phone and an overwhelming sense of gratitude when I hang up the phone. I’ve experienced the full range of what you can imagine… someone with a loaded gun in their hand, and I’m on for four hours de-escalating them, or people stressed out about tell their parents that they’re gay.”

She is also a storyteller with the National Alliance for Mental Illness, speaking to schools, police groups, religious organizations and emergency responders. She plans to reach out to interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness about possibly speaking with Marblehead middle and high school students.

“As survivors of suicide loss, it’s our responsibility to help end the stigma of suicide and connect those who are struggling with the

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To get involved, visit www. marbleheadCurrent.org/volunteer.

Lisa Sugarman with her parents, before her father’s suicide.

resources and support they need to give them hope,” she said.

Sugarman says teens are being hit especially hard by depression and anxiety right now.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death among teens and young adults ages 10-34, according to the Centers for Disease Control. That means parents need to be hyper-vigilant about checking in with their kids about their mental health, Sugarman said. The way they do that is by creating a safe, non-judgmental space for their teens to talk openly and honestly about what’s going on inside their heads.

“It means being direct and asking the hard questions like, ‘Are you OK?’ or ‘Are you thinking of killing yourself?’ if you notice your child is withdrawn or struggling,” Sugarman said. “We need to be encouraging our kids

to do the talking, and we need to get comfortable with listening to what’s on their minds.”

She continued, “I couldn’t save my dad. I was 10 and nobody knew, including my mom, what he was going through. I want to reach people before they make the decision to take their life by reminding them of organizations like the Samaritans or Trevor Project, Trans Lifeline.”

Sugarman creates short videos on her YouTube channel and TikTok (@thelisasugarman), and she is working on her latest book, a memoir about her father and his death.

“I want his story to be the vehicle for other people to share their stories,” she said.

To learn more about Sugarman’s work and for her list of resources, visit LisaSugarman. com.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, December 20, 2023 A3

‘YOUTHFUL ENERGY’

MHS students play, dance and scrapbook with seniors

BY LEIGH BLANDER If you happened to be at the Council on Aging on a recent Wednesday, you might have done a double take as you walked by the gym.

On one side, a dozen or so teenagers were playing a lively game of chair volleyball with senior citizens, smacking a beach ball back and forth over the net. On the other side of the gym were several more teens dancing in a Zumba class with seniors.

“It’s awesome,” COA regular Judith Rotiroti said about having the younger

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Members of the MHS Students & Seniors Club play chair volleyball at the Council on Aging.

dancers in class. “They add a youthful energy. I had chills most of the class.”

Her friend Maggie Smith added, “We need that young blood here.”

Frances Amato chimed in, “They couldn’t keep up with us, though!”

About 24 Marblehead High students, part of the Students & Seniors

Club, visit the COA twice a month to play games, dance and scrapbook with seniors.

“The kids infuse a lot of energy here, plus it gives them an appreciation of the aging process,” COA Program Director Janice Beal said. “They don’t realize that most seniors are very active and ready to laugh.”

The project started with MHS sophomores Sydney Berman, Sadie Halpern and Maren Rowe, who wanted to create a scrapbooking club. Their faculty advisor, MHS English teacher Jenn

Owners of harborfront home get green light for new construction

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Marblehead couple that wants to raze a century-old home on Marblehead Harbor and build a 27% larger one on the same lot — stirring controversy in town and on social media — has won approval from the Planning Board for the new construction.

Holly and Jerome O’Neill purchased 84 Harbor Ave., not far from the Eastern Yacht Club, in April for $3.65 million. They currently live on Orchard Street.

“For what was in front of us tonight and considering all the comments of the public, I am inclined to support this,” said Planning Board Chair Bob Schaeffner at the Dec. 12 meeting.

The Planning Board was not allowed to consider the couple’s plans to knock down the original house.

“The property owners have a right to demolish the home,” said Paul Feldman, representing the O’Neills. “I hope that doesn’t become a distraction.”

Hundreds of people have taken to social media to lament the plan to tear down the original property, which is recognizable from Marblehead Harbor for its copper roof, octagonal tower and stone archway.

“It is very sad to see this lovely house go — it’s representative of the early mansions built on the Neck in the late 19th and early 20th century,” said Pam Peterson, chair of the Marblehead Historical Commission, last month.

“It was built by the same architect who built the Corinthian Yacht Club.”

Planning Board member Steve Leverone asked if the O’Neills might consider keeping some of the original house and the archway.

“I wonder if the existing house could be retained as an accessory structure.

Has any thought been given to keeping the arch, the full stone wall and perhaps having something that would … create a memory piece for the harbor?” he asked.

Feldman said the owners do plan to keep the seawall but not the archway.

Photographer Rick Dodge, who led the social media campaign to preserve the house, spoke at the meeting.

“It’s one of my favorite houses on Marblehead

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COURTESY PHOTO / RICK DODGE

The owners of this centuryold house on Marblehead Harbor have permission to build a new property on the site, which will likely lead to demolishing the original property.

Harbor,” he said. “I did hear from over 400 architects and architectural historians.”

The O’Neills’ architect, Tobin Shulman, displayed several drone photos and renderings, which show the new home would not significantly impact neighbors’ views or change the nature of the neighborhood, he said.

“Its scale fits right into the neighborhood; it’s not as big as some of the adjacent homes,” he said.

“By preserving the sea wall and creating the open space, it’s also consistent with what we have on the abutting properties.”

The O’Neills attended the meeting via Zoom but did not speak.

In a statement to the Current last month, Jerry O’Neill wrote, “We have lived in Marblehead for over 21 years and value its unique history. The existing house is in poor condition and is located on top of the coastal bank above the harbor.

In consultation with environmental specialists and considering factors such as climate change expectations, building a new home away from the coastal bank is the only reasonable option to address this situation.”

O’Neill continued, “We have designed a home in full compliance with all zoning requirements and are not seeking any exceptions or relief from those requirements.”

Attorney Kenneth Shutzer spoke against the plan for neighbors Erin Pararas and George Pararas-Carayannis, who live at 89 Harbor Ave. He claimed the O’Neills’ plans are illegitimate because they include square footage from a right-of-way next to the property that does not belong to them.

Feldman denied that, saying the O’Neills have a stamped land survey that shows the land belongs to them.

Schaeffner told Shutzer he could appeal when the plan goes to the Zoning Board of Appeals, which is the next step.

Neighbor Meredith Tedford spoke in favor of the O’Neills’ plans.

“The complainant’s attorney used the same tactic of a last-minute kind of red herring” when she was trying to build a dock on her property, she said, referring to Shutzman’s

claims about the right-ofway. “The reality is, as a neighbor and an abutter, I’ve looked at these plans, and they seem completely in line with the neighborhood.”

Town Planner Becky Cutting said the O’Neills’ ZBA hearing will likely happen in January or February. She also said the O’Neills would need to get a demolition permit from the Building Department.

Legal Notice Site Plan Approval Public Hearing Marblehead Planning Board The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Richard Jordan for a site plan approval special permit for the construction of a new single-family structure located at 8 Roydon Road within a Shoreline Single Residence District. This public hearing will be held under Section 200 -37 of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 7:30 p.m., and can be attended either in person at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street, in the select board’s meeting room, or remotely on Zoom. Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, the public can listen and or view this meeting while in progress via the remote participation platform Zoom https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85295668870?pwd=TcbA65vuPi2NpaI0FkXPBWLXoR7eaA.1 or Dial in +1 646 558 8656, US Meeting ID: 852 9566 8870, Passcode: 949199. Project materials available for download at Town of Marblehead website planning board page https://www.marblehead.org/planning-board under the date of meeting. Interested persons may attend the meeting or may submit comment in writing electronically and send to lyonsl@marblehead. org or rebeccac@marblehead.org and the comments will be read aloud and entered into the record.

Robert Schaeffner Chairman

Billings, suggested they include seniors at the COA. And it grew from there.

“This is a great way for students to learn about the COA,” said Rowe.

Halpern added, “Yeah, most kids thought all the people here were in wheelchairs.”

Some students especially enjoy scrapbooking with the seniors and hearing stories about their lives.

“It’s a dream to see our students venture beyond the walls of the high school,” Billings said.

“Just down the hill from us is a vibrant community

center filled with the older residents of our town, eager to stay connected, and all of our kids are game.”

Pat Bibbo served as volleyball referee last week, blowing his whistle when the beach ball went out of bounds.

“This is a lot of fun for everybody,” he said.

Rowe, Berman and Halpern hope to grow the Students & Seniors club, adding new activities.

To raise funds, they are planning a pickleball tournament at the high school in March, with student and senior players.

Peace!

Original artworks with a North Shore flair by local and regional artists since 1978. paintings | prints | fine crafts custom framing | and more Gift Certificates Available 111 Washington Street | Marblehead | (781) 631-6366 | genearnould@verizon.net LEGAL NOTICE MARBLEHEAD MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPT. UTILITY RATE UPDATES - EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2024 The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), in accordance with M.G.L. c. 164, § 58, is publicly posting the following updates to the following five existing rate classes, to take effect with the January 2024 billing cycle.

Rate A - Residential Rate: Base Charge-$18.50/month; All Energy usage$0.1895/kilowatt-hour (kwh).

Rate B - Small Commercial Rate: Base Charge-$32.25/month; All Energy usage$0.1812/kilowatt-hour (kwh).

Rate C - Large Commercial Rate: Base Charge-$113.50/month; Monthly Demand Charge- $ 6.30 per kilowatt, where Demand is defined as the highest 15-minute kilowatt registration recorded in the billing period; All Energy usage- $ 0.1722/kilowatt-hour. The Monthly Minimum Charge is $151.75 per installation.

Rate G – Off Peak Hot Water Heating (Existing Customers only – No New Installations): Base Charge-$12.00/month; All Energy usage-$0.1351/kilowatt-hour (kwh).

Rate S - Electric Thermal Storage Heating (Existing Customers only – No New Installations): Base Charge-$17.75/month; All Energy usage-$0.1560/kilowatt-hour (kwh).

For all rates above, the Energy usage (kilowatt-hours) is subject to the MMLD Purchase Power Adjustment Clause in effect.

Other terms apply. Complete rate terms can be found on the individual rate documents filed at the Mass DPU. The individual rate documents are also available for review by visiting the MMLD office at 80 Commercial St., by calling the MMLD office at 781-631-5600, or by visiting the MMLD website at marbleheadelectric.com.

Respectfully, Marblehead Municipal Light Department 80 Commercial Street Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945

Giving Thanks this Holiday Season Wendy S. Webber REALTOR® GRI, CBR, ASP

781-576-9414 cell/text

Wendy.Webber@CBRealty.com www.WendySWebber.com

2 Atlantic Avenue | Marblehead, MA 01945

Give Great Gifts A Marblehead Tradition Since 1938 F.L.WOODS - 76 Washington St www.flwoods.com Construction Management Services Residential & Commercial Inspections

MANAGEMENT DESIGN ASSOCIATES

Robert A. Erbetta

P.O. Box 44, Marblehead, MA 01945 (617) 293-8512 raerbetta@comcast.net

218 Beacon Street Marblehead, MA 01945 781-631-2218 Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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A4 Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

‘Yes, Virginia, Untangling traditions there is a Santa Claus’

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

While not a novel idea, the Current today joins a cherished holiday tradition of publishing an editorial that originally appeared in the New York newspaper The Sun on Sept. 21, 1897. The editorial, originally titled “Is There a Santa Claus?”, initially appeared anonymously, its author revealed as Francis Pharcellus Church upon his death in 1906.

The Sun itself republished the editorial every year from 1924 to 1950, when it ceased publication.

Dear editor: I am 8 years old.

Some of my little friends say that there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth: Is there a Santa Claus?

Virginia, Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds.

All minds, Virginia, whether they be men’s or children’s, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?

Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.

Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn?

Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond.

Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else as real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God, he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

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

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

Letters must include: 1. The author’s name.

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

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

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

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.

I saw a funny cartoon the other day with two panels.

In one, the person is un-decorating the Christmas tree and putting the lights away in a big tangled pile. In the other, the same person is cursing as he is preparing to decorate the tree the following year and opens the box to find, you guessed it, a big tangled pile of lights.

That will be me, this year, next year, every year. It’s a tradition!

As a kid, we kept our ornaments in a wooden cabinet in our very creepy basement. My younger brother and I were sent to retrieve them most years and it is such an interesting memory — evoking fear (read: creepy basement) and excitement (read: upcoming decorating). I keep mine in my own creepy basement now and, believe me, that’s a tradition I’m eager to stop observing.

In fact, after this season is done, I plan to pack and store the decorations in a newly created storage space that is decidedly less creepy and retrieving them next year will be a pleasant, not slightly scary experience (read: no mice and spiders).

Other traditions are changing, too. For the first time in 25 years, the Christmas tree is in a different room, and about a half-a-foot taller than in the past. For the last couple of seasons including this one, I’ve also gone out and selected the tree myself, foregoing the forced family fun of making an event out of it. There is so much less frustration (from them — how long is this going to take?) and exasperation (from me — don’t just pick the first tree you see), that the family tree outing is a tradition well worth letting go of.

I’ll decorate most of it myself, leaving a special ornament or two for the returning college and grad school students. Is it terrible I just want to get it done, and am willing to give up the haranguing of “Which night will you both be home so we can have a special dinner and decorate the tree?” I think I answered

my own question — if I have to harangue, then it’s a tradition truly not worth keeping.

What else am I letting go of and why? If I had to sum it up, I’m letting go of my expectations.

Christmas is such a hyper-positive memory of my childhood, that I have had sky-high expectations in adulthood. I get overly focused on making everything perfect. The perfect presents for the kids and David — thoughtful mostly, useful often. “See, I know you and got you what you desire or will truly cherish so that means I really love you” — is the not-so-subtle psychology underlying the love language of my childhood — a perfect Christmas morning.

And it was perfect then, through the lens of my childhood-eyes. Piles of presents, somehow getting exactly what we wanted – a bike, an organ, a new Barbie. I didn’t know my mother went into steep credit card debt every year just to make it happen. I did learn later in life that she, raised by her grandmother and unmarried aunts, similarly had the memory of feeling completely loved in that one season, told it was so in the language of Christmas.

I don’t need to do that, though, I have belatedly come to understand. My family knows I love them not because of a perfect Christmas, but because I show them in small and big ways every day. And them me.

What traditions will we continue? It turns out not even the Christmas breakfast I make every year, which I don’t even enjoy because it means extracting myself from the room where everyone is gathered so I can start cooking. My daughter wants to do bagels, cream cheese and lox this year. “Let’s have Jewish food this Christmas, mom!” And in our mixed-religious-tradition family, that seems just perfect. Letting go of traditions we no longer want or need is our new tradition. It’s one I think we’ll keep.

Merry Christmas.

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

ASK LIZZIE

Avoiding embarrassing holiday moments with your little ones

BY LIZZIE ASSA

The Current is proud to partner with Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children, a parenting strategist, play expert and mother of three who lives in Marblehead. Send your questions for Lizzie to AskLizzie@marbleheadnews. org.

Dear Lizzie, Last holiday season, we had an uncomfortable moment when my three-year-old loudly said, “I already have that!” upon opening a present from my sister. The incident left everyone upset: my child in tears, me mortified and my sister visibly hurt. As we approach this year’s family gathering, I’m anxious to avoid a repeat of this situation. Could you offer some advice on how to handle such moments better this year?

Dear reader, We’ve all been there: Your child rips open a gift, and the look on their face says it all — it’s not what they were hoping for.

Kids are like little truth bombs. They say exactly what they feel, no filter.

Here are a few strategies that should help: Before the big event, try role-playing. We call it “The Gift Game!” For preschoolers, role-playing can work wonders. Kids learn so much through play. Try this: Have your little one wrap up some of their toys with play silks or bags (trust me, the wrapping is half the fun for them) and pretend to exchange gifts.

Playfully overreact to a gift you “don’t like” and see their reaction. Use this game as a springboard for discussions about feelings, gift-giving and gracious receiving. Then, have them help you brainstorm some things that you CAN say!

Create a ‘thank you’ mantra with your child: Before attending any event where gifts will be received, sit down with your little one and come up with a gracious

Expect the unexpected and adjust your expectations. Remember that it is normal for children to say how they really feel and not to censor their feelings. ‘thank you’ response. It can be as simple as, “Thank you for thinking of me!” This planned phrase can serve as a go-to reaction for any gift.

Expect the unexpected and adjust your expectations.

Remember that it is normal for children to say how they really feel and not to censor their feelings. It might feel embarrassing to you and to the other adults, but let the moment pass. It doesn’t mean your child is spoiled or that you did anything wrong as a parent.

They’re still learning. Keeping that in mind, avoid shaming your child for ‘bad behavior.’ (“Sam, that was rude!”) Instead, try saying: “Aunt Mary, you know Noah so well! Thanks for this.” Or “Adam is still learning about receiving gifts graciously. Thank you so much for the thoughtful present.”

Opening a mountain of gifts in front of expectant adults might be too much for your child, and that’s okay. Try spacing gifts out, or allowing your child to open their gifts privately. If your family members don’t want to miss out, you could video your child opening their gift at home and send it via text.

When you inevitably find yourself in a child-related embarrassing moment this holiday season, remember that your child is looking to you for unconditional love and support as they learn to navigate holiday gatherings.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, December 20, 2023 A5

MARBLEHEAD CARES

Keeping spirits bright

BY JOANNE MILLER AND SUSAN STELK, LICSW, OF THE MARBLEHEAD MENTAL HEALTH TASK FORCE

The lights, the music and the merriment of the season are upon us, and in our Currier and Ives town, we welcomed the Christmas Walk and the menorah lighting with great aplomb. For many of us though, this season can evoke feelings of loneliness, stress or sadness, which can exacerbate depression.

Carols blaring from every sound system tell us “There’s no place like home for the holidays,” to feel “Joy to the World” and that “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

But sometimes these sentiments can amplify feelings in stark contrast to the mantra of the

month. Inflated expectations that conjure up joyful festivities may contrast sharply with the realities many face, such as financial stress, social isolation or grief and loss. Understanding and managing these feelings is crucial for mental well-being during this time.

There are some helpful ways to help cope and find a balance to maintain wellness and prioritize

mental health. Firstly, it is important to acknowledge and accept your feelings of sadness or loneliness without judgment.

You are not the only one who might feel these emotions. It is also helpful to prioritize selfcare, even as daylight hours dwindle, to stay active and get outdoors or to the gym when you can. Prioritizing sleep and restorative rest, and saying no

before overextending yourself are strategies to minimize feeling overwhelmed.

When feelings of loneliness arise, it’s important and okay to reach out for support and companionship with others.

Volunteering your time to help others can be a good way to lift your spirits and broaden your friendships. There are many local agencies that welcome volunteers to engage in support of others, including: Lifebridge, SPUR, Marblehead Animal Shelter, Food Pantry, My Brother’s Table, Council on Aging.

Embracing realistic exceptions is a worthwhile endeavor. As families grow and change,

traditions and rituals may shift as well. Choosing a few to hold on to and being open to creating new ones can help reset attainable expectations.

And lastly, reaching out for professional help is always an option. If you are persistently anxious, depressed or unable to complete your daily chores, you may benefit from care.

Prioritizing your mental health is key to making it through difficult times. Ultimately, the challenge is finding a balance in your life by choosing strategies that are meaningful and keep you healthy. Please visit the MarbleheadCares.org website for local resources and support.

Don’t rub, as this can spread the liquid and push it further inside.

Do not turn it on: Resist the urge to power it on, even if it seems dry. This is where a lot more damage can actually happen.

Seek professional help: Take your laptop to a qualified repair technician. They have the tools and expertise to diagnose the issue and attempt a safe repair. They will completely disassemble the laptop and immerse everything into a dry desiccant “bath” for at least 24 hours.

Depending on how much liquid and how much damage has happened, there is a better than

50/50 chance of a full recovery.

At the very worst, the docs have found that even if the laptop has stopped working, there is a very good chance that data can be recovered from the internal hard drive.

Remember, the faster you act and the less you tamper, the higher the chances of salvaging your laptop.

And here’s a final tip: Try to keep any beverage far away from your laptop when working on it to save a trip to the digital hospital.

DOC IN A BOX

Liquid spill on your laptop?

BY STEPHEN BACH Acting fast is crucial when you spill liquid onto your laptop computer. Here’s what you should do immediately: 1. Turn off your laptop. Hold the power button down for a full 10 seconds. This is the most important step to prevent electrical shorts and further damage. Don’t wait for it to shut down on its own, as even a few extra seconds can cause corrosion and/or electrical

shorts.

2. Disconnect everything: Unplug the power cord, external hard drives, USB drives and any other connected devices. This minimizes the risk of electrical shock and damage to other peripherals.

3. Remove the battery (if possible): This cuts off the power source completely and prevents further liquid interaction with internal components. Not all laptops have removable batteries, so consult your manual if unsure.

4. Drain the liquid: Hold the laptop upside down and gently pat or shake it to drain as much liquid as possible. Don’t swing it

around wildly, as this can force liquid deeper into the machine.

After drainage Dry the surface: Use a clean, absorbent cloth (microfiber or lint-free) to dab up any remaining liquid on the keyboard, screen and ports.

Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.

FOOD 101

Cozy, buzzy food

BY LINDA BASSETT

Buzzwords come in all shapes, colors and flavors. They slip into sentences, then paragraphs, unnoticed, infiltrating spoken, then written phrases. And one day, like love in that song, they are all around us. Eventually they imbed in everyday language patterns, fading back just appearing as a bright spot here, a highlight there.

This season, the buzzword is “cozy,” once applied to winter hats and mittens, slippers and sweaters. They buzz around fleece vests and down vests. And wool socks. Cozy is a roaring fire in the fireplace after skiing or walking in the snow. A deeply cushioned chair — maybe beside that fireplace. A color, a deep jewel tone like plum and teal, but not icy pastel blue or lilac. Toys join the fun: a teddy bear is cozy; never a box of Legos.

This week I found the term in a crossword puzzle, then in a wine journal. A glass of red — at room temperature, maybe.

Paired with roasted meats and veggies. The word has such warm connotations. It makes me feel downright, well... you know, cozy.

Can food be cozy, too? Meatloaf is recognizably so. As is a bubbling lasagna just pulled from the oven.

Pizza is not. Neither is a hot fudge sundae. But dense chocolate brownies qualify. So does a basket of warm muffins. Not a bagel.

Cozy is Dad’s Sunday morning pancakes. For that matter, watching Dad, in his bathrobe,

flipping them, gives one that feeling. Omelets, on the other hand, need to be surrounded by heaping piles of nicely browned, made-from-scratch home fries to fit the bill. My imperfect American omelets acquire a tan blush as they cook, and I maintain, qualify. An authentic French version slips out of the pan uniformly pale, and does not impart that warmth.

The cinnamon toast that mothers once brought — still bring — to children as they snuggled under a comforter nursing a head cold is certainly of that caliber. That toast, transformed into a casserole, shines as a great make-ahead dessert easily put together a day or night in advance. A batch of cinnamon toast this large — a whole loaf of bread — is best started on a sheet pan in a 300 degree oven, after lightly buttering the bread. Keep an eye on it until lightly colored. (You can do this a day in advance.) Cut the toast into imperfect triangles or cubes, layer with apples, and douse in an eggy custard to make a hearty bread pudding to top with a dollop of whipped cream.

Save the leftovers for tomorrow’s breakfast.

APPLE-CINNAMON TOAST BREAD PUDDING Makes 8 to 10 servings. ` 5-6 tart (e.g. granny smith) apples ` 1⁄2 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for buttering the baking dish ` 3⁄4 cup granulated sugar ` 11⁄2 teaspoon cinnamon ` 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg ` 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice ` 1⁄2 cup granulated brown sugar

Red apple slices are layered between cinnamon toast and an egg custard to create a bread pudding dessert.

The apples soften but retain their color when baked, providing pockets of sweet-tart flavor contrasting the custard’s richness. ` 1⁄4 cup water ` 4 large eggs ` 21⁄4 cups whole milk, or halfand-half (reduced fat milk works, too) ` 1⁄4 teaspoon salt

Start this with the cinnamon toast above.

Now, quarter, core and cut the apples into thin slices. No need to be finicky about paring unless you object to the peel. Toss them in a bowl with lemon juice so they don’t discolor. In a skillet on medium high heat, melt the 1⁄2 stick butter with brown sugar. Add the apples and water.

Cook, stirring, 15 minutes, until the apples are just tender and liquid nearly evaporated.

Butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Arrange a layer of the cinnamon toast on the bottom. Spoon half the apple mixture evenly over it.

Add a second layer of cinnamon toast and another of the apples.

Whisk together eggs, the granulated sugar, milk and salt. Pour this evenly over the

contents of the baking dish.

Cover tightly and refrigerate long enough so that the bread absorbs the custard ingredients.

Two hours should be enough, but it will hold for up to 24 hours.

To finish the pudding, take it out of the fridge and bring to room temperature. Then bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes on the center rack of the oven. It should be golden brown on top.

If it still looks too pale, brush it with some melted butter and put it back in for about 5 to 7 minutes.

To slide this whole thing into the savory column, skip the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Instead add a bit of salt and pepper, to taste. Layer about 3⁄4 cup of grated cheddar cheese between layers of bread and apples. (The apples should be cooked somewhat drier for this version. Or skip them altogether and add a layer of sauteed onion instead.)

Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from the oven; sprinkle more cheddar over the top. Put it back in the oven to bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is all melty. This creates a cozy side dish comparable to poultry dressing (stuffing cooked on the outside). Substitute it for any other starch.

One more thought: To turn this whole concoction (the one with the onions instead of apples) into hearty individual appetizers, refrigerate the batch until firm, from 2 to 4 hours.

Then, cut into 1-inch cubes. Top each with a small cherry tomato and skewer with a toothpick.

A caution about arranging them on a festive bed of greens.

I found this to be a disadvantage: the greens stick to the bread cubes and end up on the floor or ground into the rug. Sprigs of parsley or around the nibbles or a colorful platter are better ideas.

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A6 Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Marblehead Current

THE DIXEY COLLECTION

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

The Landing Restaurant on State Street Wharf, December 23, 1975. Slide taken by Harry Wilkinson.

Nursery school children in the 1930s. Photo taken by Fred Litchman Company.

A snow scene with Volkswagen bug on Washington Street in 1969. Slide taken by Dave Moynihan.

Christmas Eve Reservations available 11:30 - 5:00

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2023 From P. A1

Costly delays in deciding police officer’s fate

Several delays in the disciplinary case against police officer Chris Gallo cost the town thousands more dollars in 2023.

Gallo is accused of spending more than 100 hours at home when he was supposed to be working. He has been on paid leave since June 2021, earning approximately $5,000 a month.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has delayed his recommendation on Gallo’s fate several times. It is now expected in late December or January.

The Select Board will then make the final decision. Police Chief Dennis King has recommended firing Gallo.

Charges dropped against shrine leaders Federal charges against Shrine of St. Nicholas leaders Rev. Andrew Bushell and attorney Tracey Stockton were dropped in November, a little over a year

Glover From P. A1

punished all because of the inability of Dr. Paula Donnelly and Emily Dean to do their jobs,” wrote teachers Jonathan Heller and Sally Shevory, MEA co-presidents.

McGuinness and the School Committee said they would launch an investigation into Donnelly and Dean’s performance. But the MEA wants action sooner.

‘Support into action’

“Our meetings with interim Superintendent McGuinness thus far have not moved us closer to identifying acceptable solutions,” the MEA wrote Dec. 18. “The district’s independent investigation must not be used as an excuse to delay any actions which should be taken immediately to protect staff and student safety. Dr. Donnelly and Ms. Dean are solely responsible for the

Marblehead Current Wednesday, December 20, 2023 A7

after prosecutors alleged they improperly secured $3.6 million in federal COVID-19 relief loans for several affiliated entities, then diverted the money for personal expenses.

Prosecutors cited “the interests of justice” in their decision to drop charges against the pair.

Separate from that news, disputes continue over taxes and construction delays for their planned Orthodox monastic complex for worship and events on Pleasant Street.

Body discovered on beach On Jan. 25, local resident Ellie Tomlinson was walking her dog along a quiet beach at the end of Edgemere Road when she discovered skeletal human remains.

Police indicated the deceased middle-aged man had likely been in the water for some time before washing up after a winter storm.

Sober house controversy A sober house opened in

crisis in faith that led to a 98% vote of no confidence in their abilities. We disagree with the superintendent’s assessment that removing Dr. Donnelly and Ms. Dean from their posts at this time would be destabilizing.”

The MEA told the Current that it is still optimistic that a delegation of its members can meet with McGuiness to “further the conversation about what we need to ensure a safe working and learning environment for all. Until that time, we look forward to the interim superintendent turning her words of support into action.”

New student restraint data The state released updated data on student restraints on Dec. 14. For the 2022-23 school year, Glover, Brown and Village schools each reported fewer than six students restrained, or the number of injuries to staff

March on Humphrey Street, prompting an angry community meeting where neighbors expressed concerns about safety.

“I empathize with these people, but I don’t want them in my backyard,” said one neighbor at the meeting. “What are you going to do about our property values?”

Marblehead Fire Capt. Scott Murray, who is also an addiction counselor and social worker, is the supervisor at the house.

Coverage of the meeting prompted many letters to the editor supporting the sober house and its residents.

Historic Rip Tide Lounge closes but will return In June, the Rip Tide Lounge, Marblehead’s crown jewel of dives, shuttered its doors after six decades of operation.

But in August, its new owners unveiled ambitious renovation plans to restore the building’s vintage exterior and interior while incorporating presentday upgrades. They announced the iconic watering hole would

or students as between one and five.

In 2021-22, six Glover School students were restrained a total of 42 times resulting in 12 injuries. At the Brown School that year, seven students were restrained a total of 35 times, resulting in seven injuries.

What is a restraint?

The state’s Department of Education regulations define physical restraint as “direct physical contact that prevents or significantly restricts a student’s freedom of movement.”

The definition does not include “brief physical contact to promote student safety, providing physical guidance or prompting when teaching a skill, redirecting attention or providing comfort.”

The regulations outline what types of restraints are prohibited (mechanical restraints, medication restraints and, in most cases, prone restraints),

relaunch with a whole new facade and expanded menus.

Blue lobster surfaces

Local lobstering veterans Dave and Anne Rodgers made a serendipitous catch while moving traps ahead of Hurricane Lee’s arrival in September: a one-in-two-million ceruleanhued crustacean.

Anne Rodgers described the lobster’s brilliant periwinkle shell as the color of blue rubber gloves.

The couple decided not to tempt fate by keeping or profiting from their extraordinary find as Lee churned up the coast behind them. They swiftly returned the lobster back to Marblehead waters.

Parent takes down BLM banner In November, a mother admitted to removing a Black Lives Matter banner hanging in the high school cafeteria, prompting the administration to ask the School Committee to

but the regulations do not list the types of restraints that may be used.

Marblehead’s student restraint policy on the School Committee’s website dates to 2018 and reads that restraint “shall be used only in emergency situations of last resort after other lawful and less intrusive alternatives have failed or been deemed inappropriate, and with extreme caution.”

The two-page policy states that the use of “mechanical restraint, medical restraint and seclusion is prohibited.”

“Policy JKAA” states that the superintendent will develop procedures identifying: Appropriate responses to student behavior that may require immediate intervention.

Methods of preventing student violence Descriptions and explanations of alternatives to physical restraint, as well as the school’s method of physical restraint for

look into adopting a flag policy.

Several students and community members have spoken out in support of keeping the BLM banner up, as a message to students of color that they are welcome. Some parents have said that the school should only hang the American and state flags.

The School Committee will vote on a policy.

Abbot Hall wedding for local hero After surviving three paralyzing accidents and years of grueling physical therapy, Thomas Smith of Marblehead wanted to walk his mother down the aisle at his Crocker Park wedding this fall. Then, Hurricane Lee churned up the East Coast, forcing Smith and his bride-to-be Rachel Cox to find another location. The couple appealed to the Select Board to hold their nuptials inside Abbot Hall. The board approved, and Smith got his wish — marrying his love and walking down the aisle.

use in emergency situations.

The district’s policy requires each building principal to identify staff members to serve as a school-wide resource to assist in ensuring proper administration of physical restraint.

The policy requires each staff member to be trained regarding the school’s physical restraint policy, with the principal arranging training to occur in the first month of each school year.

The policy also states, “Physical restraint is prohibited when it is medically contraindicated for reasons, including, but not limited to, asthma, seizures, a cardiac condition, obesity, bronchitis, communicationrelated disabilities or risk of vomiting.”

McGuinness has declined to answer questions about Marblehead’s restraint policies and if they have been followed.

NEWS IN BRIEF

BY WILLIAM J. DOWD The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.

Suspended officer decision might not come until January The disciplinary case against Marblehead Police Officer Christopher Gallo, who has been on paid leave for 2.5 years for allegedly spending over 100 hours at home during shifts, may extend into the new year.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, the hearing officer in the case, told the Marblehead Current he is “pushing hard to have it done for December,” but added, “the reality is it may slip because of managing everything else.” He said he was still working on his recommendation, but “fires keep popping up” during his work days. Kezer plans to present his recommendation to the Select Board in a closed or public meeting.

The board can either agree with Kezer’s decision or take a different path regarding Gallo’s fate. Gallo,

Illness From P. A1

or if their appetite or energy was down, those dogs needed to come back in for us to recheck their temperature, re-listen to their breathing and potentially take some X-rays,” she said.

In more advanced cases where pneumonia develops,

who has accumulated the most complaints of any Marblehead officer over his 22-year career, has continued collecting his approximately $5,400 monthly salary while on leave.

Christmas tree bonfire set for Jan. 6 Marblehead’s Christmas tree bonfire will take place Jan. 6 at 6 p.m. on Riverhead Beach.

Trees will be collected curbside Dec. 27-Jan. 5 for the event.

Pickup will continue until Jan. 12; afterward trees must be taken to the Transfer Station.

All decorations and stands must be removed beforehand and trees cannot be in plastic bags.

Wreaths, roping and garland will not be collected.

closure notices.

Municipal holiday office hours Abbot Hall and Mary Alley Municipal Building holiday business hours are as follows: open regular hours Dec. 18-20 and 26-27, closing at 12:30 p.m.

Dec. 21 and 28. Closed all day Dec. 22, 25 and 29, as well as Jan. 1 in observance of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Regular hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Wednesdays.

Tax work-off program

Trash and recycling collection run on a normal schedule this week. Next week, Dec. 25-30, collection will be delayed by one day, with Monday’s pickup on Tuesday etc., through Saturday.

A similar one-day delay will occur Jan. 1-5, with Monday’s pickup on Tuesday. The Transfer Station has separate holiday

The town is accepting applications through Jan. 19 for the 2024 Senior Tax Work-Off Program, which allows residents age 60 and older to volunteer for the town in exchange for a property tax reduction up to $750. There are 30 openings for seniors whose income is under $51,528 (single) or $69,824 (twoperson household). Participants will complete up to 50 volunteer hours with town departments by Oct. 15 to receive an abatement credited at the 2024 minimum wage rate of $15 per hour.

Applicants must pass a CORI

Latshaw puts dogs on stronger antibiotics like Enrofloxacin and Clavamox.

Over at Marblehead Animal Hospital, owner Dr. Suzanne Maher said she has treated a couple local cases. She said experts still aren’t sure whether this represents a new pathogen or just an especially potent variation of known diseases like kennel cough or canine

influenza.

“We haven’t seen any severe cases of late,” she said. “Still dog owners should be cautious.”

To protect pets, Maher advises skipping what she called “highrisk locations” like doggie daycares and boarding facilities where the disease spreads readily. She also recommends owners ensure dogs stay current on all vaccine recommendations

Trash and recycling collection

background check and conflict of interest training. Placements consider skills, availability, location and physical limitations.

Applications are at the Council on Aging at 10 Humphrey St.

Holiday help The nonprofit Making Ends Meet has been supporting Marblehead families in need for nearly 40 years. It’s looking for sponsors to help with its Adopt a Family holiday program.

This season, MEM received requests to help 187 children, the most in many years.

To sponsor a child or learn more visit makingendsmeet. squarespace.com.

Buckey update Former Marblehead Superintendent John Buckey was a finalist to become the head of schools in Melrose, but ultimately the School Committee there chose Chelsea Deputy Superintendent Adam Deleidi for the position.

MAA invites artists to apply for Variations 2024 The Marblehead Arts Association is inviting artists to

from their vet.

According to Latshaw, the wave of sickness seemed to peak over the summer and early fall months locally. She worries about the changing seasons bringing a surge in illness.

The key for dog owners is to remain alert, take preventative measures and monitor their pets for worsening symptoms.

apply for Variations 2024, an eightweek juried exhibition this spring showcasing 2D and 3D works across artistic styles/mediums.

The jurors for Variations 2024 include Lydia Peabody, curatorat-large at the Peabody Essex Museum; Karen Haas, curator of photographs at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston; and Ariel Zaccheo, curatorial director at the Museum of Craft and Design in San Francisco. The application deadline is Feb. 15.

More info at bit.ly/3NkFCbh

Marblehead Museum selling book of historic photos The Marblehead Museum recently published “Marblehead Snapshots: The World of Fred Litchman,” a book of 140 turnof-the-century photos of the town. Many are published for the first time.

“These aren’t the austere, serious photos of Victorians you’re used to seeing… These are casual photos of ‘Headers having fun at many of the same sites we love today,” said Jarett Zeman, assistant director at the museum.

More serious cases require swift veterinary intervention, but mild cases may be managed at home with rest and medication under a vet’s supervision.

“It’s just like the flu. You may get a virus, you may feel crummy for a week, but then you’ll usually have to get put on antibiotics until you’re, you know, developing other infections,” Latshaw said.

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A8 Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Marblehead Current

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, December 20, 2023 A9

Sports HIGHLIGHT REEL

Top sports moments for 2023

BY JOE MCCONNELL Looking back at the top sports stories of the year is always an exercise that can create angst among editors. You’re looking back at 365 days and 52 weeks, and inevitably there’s going to be something that’s going to be unintentionally overlooked. But this year, we at The Current are going to open up the process to our readers. If you think we left some team’s or somebody’s accomplishment out, email us at jmcconnell@marbleheadnews. org and we will publish your suggestions in subsequent editions. Call it interactive readership, but as your source for local news we want to make sure everything and everybody that deserves to be recognized for their 2023 accomplishments are rightfully mentioned in print and online.

In the meantime, here’s our Top 10 list of Marblehead sports highlights for 2023 in chronological order: Girls swim team wins the program’s third state title The Marblehead High girls swim/dive team captured the state championship on Feb. 18 at MIT. Said legendary MHS swim coach Sue Guertin after this conquest: The girls “worked hard to get here. We were down before the 500-yard freestyle, but thanks to Clementine Robins, who won the event, we were up by four points.”

The Marblehead girls were credited with 241 points, easily outdistancing second-place Amherst-Pelham, who ended up with 196.5 points.

Graham Tips, Sean Heenan, Wes Goldberg, Zachary Chipman, Alec Griffin and manager Brian Heenan.

Marblehead harriers Gross, O’Connell run away with state championships COURTESY PHOTOS

The boys lacrosse team proudly poses with the Division 2 Final Four banner and trophy after beating host Nauset, 13-9 on June 12.

Freshman running sensation Marri O’Connell is shown alongside her New Balance swag bag during its national spring high school track meet in Philadelphia in June. O’Connell finished ninth in the freshman twomile race.

Game of the year

Miles O’Neill had one of those state tournament moments that most high school boys basketball players only dream about, and it propelled his Marblehead teammates to the Elite 8 as the 10th seed in Division 2. O’Neill alertly rebounded a missed three-point attempt by Nick Lemmond, and promptly banked it off the glass to beat host Pope Francis in a March Sweet 16 game, 59-57.

After the game, O’Neill had this to say about the winning play. “I trusted my teammate Nick Lemmond to hit the shot, because he had an amazing game," he said. "But I stayed ready just in case I needed to make a play. The ball went up and I crashed to the lane, and luckily my good positioning led to the buzzer beater.”

The Magicians opened up the postseason with a home Round of 32 win over Pembroke, 60-57.

And after the thriller over host Pope Francis in Springfield, they dropped a 77-50 decision to Mansfield, the second seed, in an Elite 8 game.

Ski teams finish second in state The Marblehead High boys and girls ski teams concluded another extraordinary season under the direction of head coach John Thompson.

The girls team secured the top spot in the Mass. Bay Ski League East, before ending up second to Mohawk Trail (5:13.54) in the state finals, which took place at Berkshire East on March 1. They finished with a time of 5:16.61.

The boys were also second

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Golf coach Bob Green, left, the NEC Golf Coach of the Year, with Matt Mahan,NEC All-Star Simon Quicken, NEC All-Scholastic Charlie Grenier, NEC All-Star James Bickel, NEC All-Scholastic Marty Ryan and NEC AllStar Jacob Hershfield after winning the Division 2 North state sectional title in November, the program’s first-ever state championship.

against their state peers after finishing third in the league.

But they were No. 1 in the sportsmanship department after discovering a timing error that originally awarded the state title to them. St. John’s Prep of Danvers (5:02.91 1) were eventually crowned champions after the error was cleared up.

The Magicians (5:13.71) took second.

O’Connell completes successful freshman year at the nationals Marblehead High freshman running star Marri O’Connell represented the Magicians quite well during the annual New Balance National spring high school track meet at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field on June 16. O’Connell ended up running her second fastest twomile ever to finish ninth overall in 11:19.25. The three-day event was hosted by the University of Pennsylvania from June 15-18.

According to MHS coach Will Herlihy, O’Connell got to historic Franklin Field on Friday morning, June 16, the day of the race, with some nerves, but after her normal warmups she transformed those nerves into excitement.

“Marri eventually took the lead on the first lap, as she’s done nearly all season long,” added Herlihy, “but it was not that easy. It took her a couple of laps to settle into a rhythm,

but when she found her stride, she was credited with a 5:33 first mile split. She then held on as best as she could in the second mile, before closing out the final lap in 80 seconds to come in ninth. But in the end, Marri rose to the occasion to prove that she belonged on this stage with the other elite freshmen in the country.”

Baseball Magicians upset Hopkinton in Round of 32 game After upsetting fourth-seeded Hopkinton in the Division 2 Round of 32 state tournament, 8-4, the Marblehead Baseball Magicians (7-6 in the Northeastern Conference, 12-8 overall in the regular season, 2-1 in the postseason) went a little bit further west to play a Sweet 16 game against the Westfield Bombers (13-8, 20th seed) at Bullens Field on June 8, only to lose the close battle, 4-1.

The Marblehead boys started the Division 2 state tournament as the 29th seed. They first outlasted visiting Somerville, 13-11 in a preliminary round game, before the Hopkinton upset.

Laxmen reach Final Four in the state to make history The Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (21-1, seventh seed) saw enough of the South

Shore after two long bus rides in a space of just three days during the Division 2 state tournament.

They first defeated host Nauset Regional (17-4, second seed), 13-9 to secure the Division 2 Final Four trophy and banner on June 12.

After a very brief celebration, it was time to get back to work in order to get ready for the third-seeded Duxbury Dragons (20-3) in a state semifinal game at Weymouth just two nights later. However, they ended up losing to the Dragons, 12-4 after a two-hour rain delay. The game was close at halftime, 5-2, before those long bus rides and the weather caught up with them.

Coach John Wilkens said that the season as a whole was a very pleasant surprise. “It’s a difficult thing to do to go undefeated after 18 straight regular season wins, and two more in the state tournament,” he added.

“They were a cast of characters, starting with the seniors who set an excellent example since the first day of practice for the underclassmen who really improved this year. The future definitely looks bright for this program, with many other players ready to come up to the varsity to make their mark.”

But for those 12 seniors, their run will long be remembered for so many successes and very few losses.

Summer heroes on the softball, baseball diamonds The Marblehead Little League Softball senior division 15-16-year-old all-star team were at it again this past summer.

They ended up in the East Regionals in Worcester, where they hooked up with nine other state title teams from the MidAtlantic and New England states, plus the host team Worcester for the right to go to the Little League Senior Division World Series in Sussex, Delaware.

Two years ago, as 13-year-olds, they advanced to this very same round in Bristol, Connecticut.

The 2023 team that won two games in the East Regionals after conquering the state for the second straight year was made up of Lucy Rogers, Chloe Mahoney, Nora Mahan, Ashley Mortensen, Isabel Mortensen, Kate Andriano, Tess Andriano, Hailey Schmitt, Tessa Francis, Ruby Calienes, Lyla McGovern, Lillian Reddy and Sophia Hallesey.

The Marblehead Babe Ruth Angels, comprised of 13-15-yearold players, won the 2023 championship after beating their Swampscott counterparts, 8-7 in July. The team was comprised of coaches Tom McGovern and Tom Griffin, Charles Conlon, Landon Dosch, Collin Allen, Andrew DellaCamera, Quinn Maguire, Joseph Gerace, Tommy McGovern, Carter Sahagian,

Marblehead High sophomore Marri O’Connell (18:11) and senior Isaac Gross (15:35) made history after finishing first in their respective Division 2A State Cross-Country Meets at the Wrentham Developmental Center in November. They both then went on to the All-State Meet at Fort Devens in Ayer, where O’Connell (18:43) finished second, and Gross (16:04.50) did the same in the boys race.

On Nov. 29, they participated in the Foot Locker Northeast Regional Championships at Franklin Park in Dorchester.

Gross (16:36) finished 63rd , while O’Connell (18:36) ended up 18th.

Powderpuff flag football seniors send the team’s longtime advisor off triumphantly The 2023 Marblehead High powderpuff flag football squad sent Jacqui Bouchard, the team’s senior class advisor, off in style after an 18-year run along the sidelines with a 21-14 win over their Swampscott counterparts at Piper Field on Nov. 18. Bouchard knows something about playing in this game, having suited up for it in 1993. And now to win it after Swampscott won the last two made this experience even sweeter for her and her current players.

Football team makes it 13th straight over Thanksgiving rival The Football Magicians (4-0 in the NEC Dunn Division, 5-5 overall) came into the annual Thanksgiving Day game riding a 12-game winning streak, and in the end visiting Marblehead was able to withstand another Swampscott scare to take home another Kiwanis trophy, plus the Northeastern Conference (NEC) Dunn Division crown with a 28-21 triumph over the Big Blue (2-2 in the NEC Dunn Division, 6-5 overall) at Swampscott’s Blocksidge Field on Nov. 23.

Quarterback Colt Wales and running back Brooks Keefe led the way to victory with two touchdowns apiece.

Golfers honored after historic season Marblehead High golf coach Bob Green, the NEC Golf Coach of the Year, guided his team to the program’s firstever Division 2 North state title with a combined score of 311 in November. But he wasn’t alone on the team in getting recognized by his peers.

He had NEC All-Stars Simon Quicken, James Bickel and Jacob Hershfield, and NEC AllScholastics Charlie Grenier and Marty Ryan to carry the load on the links this past fall. They were complemented nicely by sophomores Toby Grenier and Joy Meshulan, and seniors Matt Mahan, Adrian Baron and Cam Comstock. The Magicians also won the NEC Lynch Division regular season title with a 14-1 record.

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RUNNING

NEC Invite to get track teams ready for the season Many Magicians appear to be in midseason form with personal bests against their conference peers

BY JOE MCCONNELL The Northeastern Conference Invite, designed for its member indoor track teams, took place at the state-of-the-art Track at New Balance facility in Allston on Dec. 9 to kick off a brand-new campaign.

Marblehead coach Nolan Raimo brought his boys and girls squads to the preseason event to properly prep for the regular season, while also getting an advance look at their rivals.

There were no official team results, but if there were, the Marblehead girls would have won it, while the boys would have ended up fourth.

Boys high jump Graham Tips opened up the season with a new personal best leap of 5-8, which is an impressive feat for the few practices he has had to date this year in a technical event, according to Raimo. Tips surpassed his previous best by four inches to finish fourth overall behind three seniors.

Girls high jump Making her debut in this event, Philine Heuermann was able to clear 4-8 to finish fourth.

Elise Burchfield (4-4) was sixth.

Campbell Crane (4-12) ended up 12th .

Boys shotput “It’s rare to see poor footing be an issue for indoor shotput, but the throwing circle at New Balance has perhaps the worst traction I’ve ever encountered,” said assistant coach Danny Plunkett. “Every athlete either slipped or was forced to throw more conservatively to keep their feet in place. But all our throwers adapted admirably, and had a great start to the season, despite how tough it was to adjust to something like this, especially with limited warm-up throws.”

Riley Schmitt (40-4) was flirting with the 40-foot line all last winter, and finally hit it on his final throw last Saturday, an 11-inch personal best that was good enough for third place.

Dylan Gilmore was perhaps the most affected by the poor footing, but still finished 18th with a throw of 31-3, an improvement of nearly threefeet. Tucker Crane was right behind him, finishing 19 th with a throw of 29-11.5, a whopping 5.5-feet farther than last winter.

“It’s not hard to predict big personal bests in the coming weeks for these two under better conditions,” said Plunkett.

Girls shotput Rachael Albert finished fourth with a toss of 27-11. “She’s

COURTESY PHOTOS / CAT PIPER

Marblehead sophomore Will Cerrutti has the early lead in the two-mile during the NEC Invite at the state-of-the-art Track at New Balance facility in Allston on Dec. 9. Cerrutti’s teammate Isaac Gross (1) is shown catching up to him. He eventually surpassed Cerrutti and everybody else to win the race.

still learning the rotational technique, but gutsily stuck with it, even though she was tempted to revert to standing throws, due to the slippery circle,” said Plunkett.

Lillian Reddy had a tough time with her glide footing, as well as the long wait between throws, but still managed to throw 26-7 to secure a sixth-place finish.

Hannah O’Brien threw 23-8, a 10-inch personal best that was good for 13th place.

Boys long jump Alex Hersey jumped 19-11 to finish third. Ralph Pierre came in 14 th after jumping 16-2.5.

“Unfortunately, we have no long jump pit to practice indoors, so without much practice landing quality jumps is a great start for all these jumpers,” said Raimo.

Girls long jump Ava Machado leaped 15-feet to finish third. Elise finished (149) was fourth. “Ava and Elise approached the long jump with different strengths,” said Raimo.

“Ava is a power jumper with speed, while Elise is a technical jumper. They’ll both find a lot of success in this event this season.”

Boys 55-meters Thomas Carlson (6.70, personal best) sprinted to a second-place finish. His time placed him third on the alltime MHS list. Jacob Bobowski also made headway since last year, when he ran a 7.62. Last Saturday, he was credited with a 7.01 to finish seventh. Matt Mahan improved from a 7.33 to a 7.22 to finish 15t .

Girls 55-meters Ava Machado won the Invitational with a new school record of 7.46. Sadie Halpern ended up second with a time of 7.58. Lidia Jasmine Tiedra started her high school track career with an 8.44 to finish 13th.

Boys 55-meter hurdles Hersey (8.02) finished second.

His time was fourth all-time among MHS hurdlers. Marc Grazado (9:32) finished sixth.

His time was a remarkable 0.7 improvement from his first meet last season. Nate Jendrysik (10:39) ended up 10 th .

Girls 55-meter hurdles Burchfield (9.74) was second.

Paige Treadwell (10.61), starting her third hurdling session, made the finals, and was on pace to put up a great time before catching the final hurdle with a toe to finish eighth.

Morgan Zion barely missed the finals by three-tenths of a second with a ninth-place finish.

Girls mile Maren Potter was the first MHS runner to finish this race, but after an official review both her and the Masco runner that she was jostling with down the stretch were disqualified for interference. Her unofficial time of 6:17 is still a great starting off point. Freshmen Jesslyn Roemer (6:28, a 42-second personal best) and Thea Shaw (7:41, a 40-second improvement from her time trials) were ninth and 13th, respectively.

Boys mile Ryan Blestowe (5:08) went to the head of the class, with Will Cronin (5:11) right on his heels to come in second. Freshman Filip Grubor (5:54) ran by himself for the majority of the race, but it didn’t deter him from coming up with a good effort.

Boys 300 Newcomer Isaias Aguasvivas Pena (39.52) led the way for Marblehead with a sixth-place finish. “Isaias is a baseball player, who has had a remarkably successful first couple of weeks in track,” said Raimo. Ethan Horgan (39.99) cracked the 40-second mark to finish 11th.

Marblehead senior Isaac Gross, fresh off a state cross-country championship season, is shown running in the two-mile during the NEC Invite at the state-of-the-art Track at New Balance facility in Allston on Dec. 9.

Seamus Crowley (40.41) was 15th.

Girls 300 LeDaisha Williams, following an impressive powderpuff flag football game, sprinted away from the pack in 42.16, which is the third best time in school history. Gabrielle Hendy picked up where she left off last spring to finish eighth with a time of 46.34. Treadwell (49.79) was 18th.

Girls 600 Juliet Burchfield (1:51.78) and Grace Mortensen (1:51.80) worked together to push through the finish line to end up second and third, respectively, only separated by two-hundredths of a second.

Boys 600 Henrik Adams (1:32, an eightsecond personal best) broke the tape first. Xavier Grazado (1:33) was right on his heels. Sean Heenan (1:43, 11-second personal best) was a little apprehensive about his seed time, but he competed hard in all three laps to prove he was worthy of his seed time with an impressive 11-second personal best.

Girls 1,000 Kate Twomey (3:22, personal best), the reigning NEC 800 spring champion, didn’t fail to impress in her first real indoor track race. Last season, she only ran a handful of indoor races due to a collarbone injury, but even with minimal experience at this distance she still took one of the top mid-distance runners in the NEC to the final 30-meters in a very exciting race, according to Raimo.

Abbie Goodwin (3:53, 10-second personal best) and Savannah Caruso (4:00) rounded out the Marblehead runners in this event, finishing ninth and 13th, respectively.

Girls 4 by 400 Lidia Jasmine Tiedra, Lucy Flynn, Morgan Zion and Isabel Mortenson finished third with a time of 4:56.35. Lidia and Lucy are both only freshmen, and they had the responsibility of leading off this relay.

Morgan Zion kept it close in her 400-meter leg, along with Isabel Mortenson, who was running the 800. Together, they finished right behind Peabody.

Boys 4 by 400 Dylan Glass, Matt Mahan, Quentin Fletcher and Marc Grazado finished fourth with a time of 4:25.01.

Girls two-mile Veteran mainstay Cat Piper (13:32) led the way with a second-place finish, while newcomer Shannon Hitscherich (14:37) came in sixth.

Boys two-mile Once again, Isaac Gross (9:46) was a man on a mission. Gross had his sights set on running a solid time to secure a good seed for the more competitive meets later in the season, and his blazing time of 9:46 did just that. Will Cerrutti (10:23), who is a distance veteran, but new to indoor track, also had a very good race. With their times, both have already hit the qualifying standard of 10:27.66 to secure a spot in the Division 3 State Championship Meet in mid-February.

Boys 4 by 200 This relay was changed about 25 minutes before it started due to lingering tightness and injuries. But Thomas Carlson, Ethan Horgan, Dylan Glass and Matt Mahan still finished second with a time of 1:41.05.

Girls 4 by 200 Ava Machado, Sadie Halpern, Gabrielle Hendy and LeDaisha Williams (1:48.23) sprinted away from the pack to secure a firstplace finish. Their time was the second best in school history.

Boys 4 by 800 Jack Conley (2:49), Gavin Birke (3:13), Felix Regnault (2:40) and Jonah Potach (2:23) finished fourth with a combined time of 11:05.

Girls 4 by 800 Olivia Niles (3:13), Grace Rowe (3:20), Ivana Nguyen (3:22) and Campbell Crane (3:38) also came in fourth with a time of 13:33.

Boys 4 by 400 Graydon Waller, Julius Galante, Slater Johnson and Isaias Aguasvivas Pena (3:54.89) battled to a third-place finish.

Girls 4 by 400 Ariella Kahn, Cora Gerson, Liv Carlson and Maneula Puente finished third with a time of 3:41.75.

IN THE POOL

Swimmers start season with win over Peabody Magicians, under the direction of coach Sue Guertin, close in on two decades of championship success

BY JOE MCCONNELL Marblehead High School swim and dive team coach Sue Guertin is beginning her 34th season at poolside. She has already taught several generations of Magicians the necessary skills in order to keep on winning conference championships, and another one just might be in the cards sometime in February.

Guertin’s current squad appears to be on its way to maintain that history after beating host Peabody in the opener on Dec. 7, 96-82.

Guertin took over for Don LeClerc in 1989 after serving as his assistant for three years. Since 2006, her teams 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 NEC title streak started 17 years ago. Plus, don’t forget, the program has won three state championships under Guertin’s guidance, including the last two in 2016 and just last winter in 2023 by the respective girls teams during those campaigns.

The Tanners knew all about that history, and they couldn’t do anything about it to upset them in the opener.

“This meet against Peabody was impressive, because we had many swimmers making postseason cuts so early on in the season,” said Guertin.

The visitors began by owning the top two spots in the 200yard medley relay. The team of Ian Chemel, Nate Rosen,

Gary Podstrelov and Logan Doody (1:50.25, sectional cut) captured first. Sophia Weiner, Song Waitekus, Finn Bergquist and Bella Takata (2:00.44, state cut) were close behind in second.

The Marblehead swimmers then swept the first three places in the 200-yard freestyle, with Brady Leveroni (2:02.32), Ian Chemel (2:06.49) and Zoe Stachera (2:31.44) doing the honors.

It was more of the same in the 200-yard Individual Medley.

Cale Nelson (2:11.16, state cut), Waitekus (2:21.50, state cut) and Bergquist (2:28.15, sectional cut) were the top three finishers in this event.

Owen Tortenson (24.36) went to the head of the class in the 50-yard freestyle. Yuri Volkov (25.78) came in third.

Caroline Crosby (137.50 points) and Maxine Hall (119.95) were fourth and fifth in diving.

Gary Podstrelov (58.45, sectional cut) came out on top in the 100yard butterfly. Bergquist (1:04.23, state cut) was third.

In the 100-yard freestyle, Doody (51.46, state cut), Nate Rosen (54.47) and Simon Quicken (57.50) took home the top three places. Nelson (5:17.27, state cut), Brinleigh Callahan (5:48.59, sectional cut) and Weiner (5:52.37, sectional cut) experienced similar results in the 500-yard freestyle.

In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Volkov, Quicken, Tortenson and Leveroni (1:42.09) came out on top. Stephen DoRosario, Leo DiConstanzo, Lucas Rosen and Quinn Sullivan (1:5972) ended up third.

Marblehead swept Peabody

again, this time in the 100-yard backstroke, with the likes of Chemel (1:01.44), Leveroni (1:01.59) and Weiner (1:01.67, state cut) picking up nine more points to help secure the victory.

Takata (1:11.42, state cut) and Waitekus (1:13.71, state cut) topped the ticket in the 100-yard breaststroke. Monica Pechhold (1:23) finished fifth.

It was more of the same dominance in the 400-yard freestyle relay. Greg Podstrelov, Nelson, Chemel and Doody (3:43.59) were credited with a first-place finish. Weiner, Bergquist, Waitekus and Takata (4:08.53, sectional cut) were right behind them in second.

The Magicians will stay on the road to face Danvers on Dec. 20, before coming home to host Beverly the next day.

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CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets Dec. 20-Dec. 31 Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org.

—Leigh Blander

Holiday Sing-along Wednesday, Dec. 20, 3:30 p.m.

COURTESY PHOTO

Join Recreation & Parks and the Village School chorus and sing at this holiday concert at the Marblehead Community Center. The event is free and open to all. Enjoy cocoa, cookies and candy canes. Register at https://loom.ly/s7pJtTs.

Wayne George, Mary Melilli and Kristen Nyberg hold the 2024 logo finalists.

FESTIVAL OF ARTS

MFoA announces finalists in 2024 Renewal: A Winter logo contest Solstice Gathering Now voters will choose winner

BY LEIGH BLANDER And then there were three.

Judges have chosen three finalists in the 2024 Marblehead Festival of Arts logo contest, and voting is now open to the community to pick the winner.

More than 40 artists submitted logos. Voting is open through Dec. 28.

Marblehead Festival of Arts The winning logo 2022 2024 Logo Contest will appear on all Vote Your Your Choice Choice -- One One Vote VotePer PerPerson Person Voting Ends December 28th, 27th, 2023 2021 Voting Ends materials for the 1 3 2 58th Marblehead Festival of Arts, celebrated July 4-7.

The winning artist and logo will be introduced at a celebration in January.

The judges for the 2024 contest were Mary Melilli, graphic artist and professor of media and communication at Salem State University; Wayne George, owner of F. L. Woods Nautical Merchants; and Kristen Nyberg, fine artist and former graphic designer. Nyberg was also the 2019 logo winning artist.

The public can vote at these locations in Marblehead: Abbot Public Library, Arnould Gallery & Framery, Blue Canoe, F.L. Woods Nautical Merchants, JCC, Maria’s Java Sun Coffee, Marblehead Arts Association, Marblehead Bank, the Community Center, YMCA, Mud Puddle, National Grand Bank, Plus Cafe, Shubie’s Marketplace and The Landing Restaurant. There will also be voting at the Salem and Swampscott Public Libraries.

Visit MarbleheadFestival.org for more information.

and Guided Practice Wednesday, Dec. 20, 7:30-9 p.m.

If the holidays have you frazzled, join Gurdeep and Rachael for a community gathering and guided experience in honor of the winter solstice. The winter solstice is the longest and darkest day of the year. There will be an opening ceremony, mudra meditation, movement, restoration, mantra and deep rest. More info at theyogaloftofmarblehead.com

Make-it, Take-it Craft Thursday, Dec. 21, 3:30-4:40 p.m.

Looking for a holiday activity? Bring the kids to the Abbot Library, 3 Brooks Rd., where they can make a craft to bring home. Caregivers must accompany children.

Discover the Future of Cycling!

ELECTRIC BICYCLES

Ring in the new year Sunday, Dec. 31

The Beacon Restaurant is celebrating New Year’s Eve with a Broadway night. Come for dinner or buy a ticket for after 9 p.m. The Monte Carlo-style casino opens at 8 p.m. Music by DJ George. Dress code: cabaret or your favorite Broadway character. More info and tickets at thebeaconrestaurant.com.

at Marblehead Cycle Effortless Commutes • Eco-Friendly Travel • Unleash the Power!

Experience the thrill of electric biking. Say goodbye to hills and headwinds. Cruise in style, save on fuel, and reduce your carbon footprint.

J in the e-bike revolution today!

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Visit Marblehead Cycle or call (781)631-1570 now for electrifying deals!

HOLIDAY HOURS FRIDAY, DEC 22 • 10a-6p SATURDAY, DEC 23 • 10a-6p SUNDAY, DEC 24 • 10a-5p DEC 25–DEC 26 • Closed SUNDAY, DEC 31 • 10a-5p MONDAY, JAN 1 • Closed

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McNulty From P. A1

women beneath the Taliban’s radar, McNulty now feels safe sharing.

Education has long been at the core of Pax Populi, the “people-to-people peacemaking” program of McNulty’s nonprofit organization, Applied Ethics, Inc., which has operated in Afghanistan since 2007.

But McNulty acknowledges that the underground school is the organization’s most ambitious — and potentially risky — initiative.

Families who are allowing their daughters to participate in the school were first briefed on the security precautions that have been put in place and affirmed that they would help ensure the confidentiality of the effort.

“Each of these families is taking a very significant bet: that this is worth it for them that they do not want to see their daughters languish away, losing all their hope and their intellectual development, and becoming essentially household servants,” McNulty says.

In a strange way, McNulty believes this should be considered a successful aspect of America’s prolonged presence in Afghanistan.

“The legacy that we have is that there are still families that really want their kids — their daughters — to continue and get an education, despite the fact that the Taliban are not in favor of this,” he says.

Pax Populi’s curriculum roughly approximates that of a junior in high school in the U.S., according to McNulty.

The history classes are based on a curriculum taught in Afghanistan prior to the resumption of Taliban rule.

There are classes in precalculus, biology, an introduction to computer science and a bit more of an emphasis on learning the English language than in a typical Afghan school.

“The girls are finding it challenging, but they’re working really hard and making progress,” McNulty says.

COURTESY PHOTOS

A different time: Girls participate in a high school graduation ceremony in Kandahar, Afghanistan in 2015.

Lara Chuppe, associate director of Pax Populi, is shown with Hamid, a student in the Pax Populi program who entered Cornell University in September 2022.

Robert McNulty Marblehead’s Robert McNulty gives a talk to the female students at a school in Kandahar, Afghanistan in November 2015.

For about a decade, when the presence of coalition forces made such a program safe to operate, Applied Ethics, then based at Bentley University, offered Afghan students oneon-one online instruction through the Pax Populi Academy.

Bentley students liked it because it aligned more closely with their body clocks than a typical service learning opportunity, McNulty says.

“They get on their computer at 11 [p.m.] or midnight and would be having lessons with students in Afghanistan,” he says. “Both sides really really loved it.”

The Taliban reassuming control of the country forced such activities to pause, and McNulty says his organization’s mission initially shifted to trying to help Afghan refugees coming to the United States.

But by the fall of 2022, McNulty and Pax Populi’s associate director, Lara Chuppe, were ready to take a cautious

first step back into the realm of online education to benefit young Afghan women.

Working with Charlotte Yeung, a National Youth Poet Laureate finalist who is now a sophomore at Purdue University, they offered an online poetry workshop.

“It gave them an unusual opportunity to engage in selfexpression, because everything about their lives was trying to crush that,” McNulty says.

The next semester, Pax Populi started a program of intensive English learning to prepare students to take the Duolingo English test. Certifying their proficiency in the language stood to open the door to college in the U.S. or elsewhere.

Like a proud father, McNulty rattles off the program’s success stories — a young woman who enrolled this fall at Oberlin College; a young man, Hamid, who began his studies at Cornell University in September 2022; and another young man who

learned about a month ago that he had been accepted to a business school in Leipzig, Germany.

In addition expanding the underground school to accommodate more Afghan women — 50 would be a reasonable goal for the fall of 2024, he says — McNulty is hoping to build out other aspects of the school’s infrastructure.

One day, he hopes it can have the equivalent of the placement center found on college campuses, connecting students with work and further educational opportunities.

McNulty has not lost all hope that the Taliban might one day lift the ban on young Afghan women attending college.

“We’ve got to hope that the kids — they’re going to have to wake up,” McNulty says. “And when they do, they are going to have this massive deficit of people that were forced into institutionalized ignorance, and

they’re going to need students who can actually do stuff,” McNulty says. “We’re preparing for the day when the Taliban wake up and change.”

If that doesn’t happen, the students at Pax Populi’s underground school still can aspire to attend college elsewhere and are also acquiring skills that may allow them to participate in the workforce virtually, McNulty says.

But perhaps the most important lesson being instilled in the Afghan women relates to their own self-worth, he adds.

“Everything about what is happening there is such a profound denigration of the value of women,” McNulty says. “And we are clearly and emphatically saying, ‘Do not believe that. You are worthy, and you have worth and dignity and value.’ We want them to have that assessment for themselves.”

To learn more about Pax Populi’s efforts or to donate to support its work, see paxpopuli. org.

BOARD OF HEALTH

Transfer Station construction remains in limbo

BY WILL DOWD The long-delayed Transfer Station reconstruction is stalled as the Board of Health awaits environmental permitting to break ground on the $1.6 million project.

“The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection has asked for information from the engineers and architects,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty said, adding the request deals with additional details and schematic drawings. “Once they complete that review, we hope the MassDEP grants a permit.”

The waiting comes after the Planning Board approved site plans in August.

Petty had hoped to put the project out to bid in the fall and start construction before winter.

“Technically, the MassDEP takes a long time to review these permits, and so we went and met with them during the summertime to ask them to try to expedite,” he told the Current.

Yet, four months later, the MassDEP still has not granted the appropriate permit. Petty said the town anticipates having the permit in hand before year’s end.

“We plan to put the project out for bids in January,” Petty said.

What if bids come in too high?

In order to stay within budget constraints, Petty said they may have to break out project elements, deferring certain aspects until additional funding is secured.

The proposal involves

charges $35 to dispose of mattresses and box springs regardless of residency. He recommended keeping the $35 rate for residents with valid facility stickers while doubling it to $75 for nonresidents, bringing Marblehead in line with nearby communities.

Promoting health, wellness

The Transfer Station project is stalled while the town waits for state permits.

enhancing the current Transfer Station by revamping its structure, substituting the old compactor with a new one, refining the site’s grading, shifting the scale to a different location, constructing a new scale house to replace the old one, updating the swap shed and introducing a new transaction shed at the residential drop-off zone.

Mattress fees going up

The Board voted to adopt a new fee schedule for disposing of mattresses after Petty proposed hiking rates for nonresidents.

Petty outlined current monthly totals for mattress disposal to highlight usage volume, including 260 units in September and 204 in October.

Petty said the town currently

The board discussed an initiative to steer residents wanting to improve their physical and mental well-being to an array of local fitness centers, nutritionists, counselors and support groups.

“We have resources in this town,” said member Tom McMahon, who suggested linking the town’s website to health and wellness resources.

“I think we should promote both mental and physical health.”

Chair Helaine Hazlett agreed that diet, stress relief and medical care are also crucial pieces of the health puzzle.

“You have a lot of enthusiasm, but there’s a lot that goes into it other than physical education,” she told McMahon. “I think we need to expand your thoughts on other areas.”

Ex-NBA player talk

Petty reminded residents about an upcoming talk by former basketball player Chris Herren about his journey with drug addiction and road to recovery.

Herren will share his story with Marblehead students during school on Jan. 10.

That evening at 6:30 p.m., he will deliver a presentation for families and community members in the high school auditorium.

Petty said Herren’s visit is being organized by Marblehead Public Schools and the Parent Council Organization.

“Chris had a successful professional basketball career when he lost it all to the disease of addiction,” Petty explained.

“Chris has now been sober for 15 years and assists others with this goal of having a positive impact on them.”

Trash, recycling reminders Marblehead provides curbside trash and recycling collection Monday through Friday, except holidays, using three collection trucks for all routes. All waste receptacles must be placed at the curb by 7 a.m. on pickup days or crews may not return if collection is missed. Residents are permitted to set bins curbside after 6 p.m. the evening before pickup.

The town has fielded complaints from residents missing collections. Republic Services, the contracted waste hauler, can verify what time trucks were down each street.

Petty reminds residents to adhere to recycling rules like rinsing and flattening boxes, with full guidelines found at RecycleSmartMA.org. If crews cannot collect overflow materials, they will affix yellow notification stickers to the uncollected bins.

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TOP PICKS

2023 favorites in town MOST PURCHASED BOOKS AT SALTWATER BOOKS: For adults, “The Wager” by David Grann and for kids, “Hello Lighthouse” by Sophie Blackall, according to owner Laura Cooper.

BY LEIGH BLADER As 2023 winds down, we thought we’d check in to find out some of Marblehead’s favorites this past year. Check out the list below to see if you missed out on anything this year.

MOST FREQUENTLY PURCHASED ITEM AT SHUBIE’S: “Easy,” said General Manager Doug Shube. “Chicken tenders and pasta with peas.”

FAVORITE BREAKFAST AT THE DRIFTWOOD: Omelets and corned beef hash, according to waitress Jan Frost who has worked at the Driftwood since 1970. Also popular: The Masterpiece, which is poached eggs on an English muffin with him under the eggs and cheese on top.

FAVORITE MUFFIN AT THE MUFFIN SHOP: Blueberry, according to owner Luisa Capasso

MOST PURCHASED ITEM AT MUD PUDDLE: The book “M is for Marblehead” by Garrett Callahan, followed by Barbies, according to owner Cassie Watt.

MOST POPULAR BRUNCH COCKTAIL AT THE LANDING: “Our Bloody Mary was far and above our number one seller,” said co-owner Robert Simonelli.

MOST FREQUENTLY ORDERED DRINK AT THREE COD: Espresso martinis, according to Gus Percy. “We brew our own espresso and use a splash of locally made maple cream liqueur.”

MOST POPULAR SEAFOOD DISH AT THE BARNACLE IN 2023: It’s a tie – the lobster roll and fish & chips, according to owner Jay Sahagian

MOST POPULAR FLAVOR AT TERRY’S ICE CREAM: Traditional chocolate and vanilla were the two favorites in 2023.

MOST POPULAR MOVIE AT THE WARWICK: “Barbie. No other movie was even close,” said co-owner Johnny Ray. Popcorn was the favorite concession.

WILD WONDERS

MOST FREQUENTLY ORDERED COFFEE AT MOOKIE’S: Cafe macchiato, according to Kathleen Rosenberg and Nina Stinson, from behind the counter.

MOST POPULAR PURCHASE AT STOWAWAY SWEETS: “Meltaways, of course,” said co-owner Don DeWitt. “Stowaway has been making them for more than 100 years.”

2023 through nature photographer Rick Cuzner’s lens

BY WILL DOWD

From the shimmering droplets on a seal’s whiskers to the majesty of a snowy owl, Rick Cuzner’s lens has captured the essence of Marblehead’s natural beauty throughout 2023.

In each frame, Cuzner reveals the wild inhabitants of our community: whether it’s a coyote, fox, hummingbird or snowy owl.

Cuzner selected these photos as his best of 2023. Each serves as a reminder of Marblehead’s biodiversity.

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OBITUARY

Robert ‘Stick’ Stickland, 75 Robert John “Stick” Stickland, 75, passed away Dec. 10, 2023.

He was the cherished and loving husband of Susan Tournas.

A Renaissance man with a wonderful wit of the kindest sort, he was a talented chef, an enthusiastic gardener, orchid grower and a gifted

carpenter who also made many musical instruments.

His knowledge on any subject, from history to science to literature, could be called upon at any time and generously given.

He will be profoundly missed by his dear brother, Bill, and sister-in-law, Nivea; his beloved nieces, nephews and extended family; and by all his loving friends.

There was no one quite as special as him.

IN MEMORIAM

Notable deaths of 2023

BY WILL DOWD From the town’s longestconsecutively serving Select Board member to the creator of the iconic golden cods adorning local homes, several influential community leaders passed away this year after dedicating their lives to bettering the town through civic service, leadership and philanthropic endeavors.

These obituaries, a sampling of many published in the Marblehead Current, offer an opportunity to remember headers who shared a common endeavor: A profound commitment to bettering Marblehead.

David Cameron, 57, was a lifelong Marblehead resident who worked over 20 years serving the public in the town’s Water and Sewer and Tree departments.

He passed away on Jan. 21 after a battle with cancer.

Teacher and coach F. Parker Caswell passed away peacefully on Feb. 4 at age 91. Caswell spent 35 dedicated years as a math teacher at Marblehead High School. The 1950 MHS graduate also coached football, baseball and basketball at his alma mater.

On Feb. 26, Amy R. Saltz died at age 62 after surviving a suicide attempt in her youth and devoting her life to healing work. The published author counseled clients and volunteered extensively, including at Marblehead Counseling Center, Anchor to Windward, Marblehead AIDS Awareness and Abbot Public Library.

On April 3, Sylvia Swain passed away at age 88. Swain made history as Marblehead Rotary’s first female president and Paul Harris Fellow. She also served as chair of the Mary Alley Hospital board of trustees and later directed health services at Lafayette Convalescent Home.

Raymond C. Abbott, 93, creator of the iconic Marblehead golden codfish carvings, died April 20.

Alongside his wife Jean, Abbott hand-carved and gold-leafed the codfish synonymous with Marblehead’s fishing history.

Philanthropist and businessman Arthur Joseph Epstein died

Wreaths honor veterans

RIGHT: Volunteers placed holiday wreaths on more than 2,000 Marblehead graves to honor deceased veterans on Saturday, as part of the national Wreaths Across America Day. BELOW: A veteran salutes after laying a wreath

CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD

May 21 at age 86 after residing in Marblehead for 50 years. Epstein’s $5 million donation renamed Cohen Hillel Academy to Arthur J. Epstein Hillel School. He also contributed $5 million to Salem Hospital, the largest gift in its history, benefitting mental health services.

Longtime public servant Rufus Leonard Titus Jr., 89, passed away on May 31. Titus served the community through various roles, including his time on the Board of Assessors, as past president of the Marblehead Visiting Nurses Association, a director of Marblehead Saving Bank and an elected member of the Cemetery Commission. He also worked as a crossing guard and owned the popular guest house Golden Cod for over 30 years.

Arnold W. Alexander, 92, passed away on Sept. 19. He served on the Select Board for 23 terms from 1969-1992, frequently as its chair for the most consecutive terms in town history. He was the longest consecutively serving Selectman in the history of Marblehead since 1648. He was also the past director of the JCC, former director of the Lone Tree Council for the Boy Scouts of America, chair of the Tower School Board of Trustees. He was also named the Chamber of Commerce’s Man of the Year.

Karl A. Johnston, 80, was a longtime local builder and owner of KA Johnson Builders for over 50 years. He passed away on Nov. 5. Johnston specialized

in remodeling Marblehead’s historic houses over his career.

He served as an elected official on Marblehead’s Planning Board and Municipal Light Commission.

On Nov. 6, retired Sgt. Det. Glover “Peter” Preble Jr. died at age 89 after serving for many years in the Marblehead Police Department. Preble also owned Salem Harley Davidson for over 25 years and worked various local jobs following his decades of law enforcement.

Lee Bartlett Weed, 83, former general manager of the Mary Alley Walk-In Center for 25 years, died Nov. 15. Lee took tremendous pride in her hometown of Marblehead and loved to be in “service to others.” She was a long-serving vestry member, as well as a senior warden at St. Michael’s Church. She was also a long-serving member, director and director emeritus of The Marblehead Female Humane Society, and a founding member and officer of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor. She and her husband Barry took special pride in organizing the Holiday Pops for many years.

On Nov. 25, longtime psychiatrist and activist Jack Weltner died at age 89. He founded Marblehead Community Counseling Center and contributed to progressive causes. The Unitarian Universalist Church member also provided free healthcare services through Lynn Community Health Center for decades.

LETTERS

Study costs, impact of the MBTA zoning law To the editor: The new state law the “MBTA Communities Zoning Law” will impose zoning changes on Marblehead that could result in allowing as many as 900-plus multifamily dwellings. The law requires rezoning of a minimum of 27 acres with a minimum size of five-acre parcels. The zoning will be family-friendly “as-ofright” multifamily buildings.

It is not clear at this point what zoning restrictions will be applicable as part of the review of proposed projects.

The definition of which is an essential aspect of the new zoning laws.

The impact on our town will be major in a number of areas. It could result in as many as 3,000 new residents, a 15% increase in our population. The impact costs need to be considered by those drafting the zoning articles and be conveyed in detail so that Marblehead voters are fully informed before acting on the proposals to be presented at the May 2024 town meeting.

The impacted areas include: Marblehead school system: Since the state requirements include accommodating family-friendly multibedroom housing units, as many as several hundred school-age children will need to be accommodated in our schools. The School Committee needs to assess the impact on the school system including the possibility of construction of a new school near the proposed zoning areas.

Marblehead traffic: The state has used access to the MBTA as one of the criteria for including Marblehead in its law and designating Marblehead as an “Adjacent Community” to Salem and Swampscott, which have railway stations. However, the MBTA’s services to Marblehead consist of limited bus service with essentially one primary bus route through the town.

Some locations currently proposed for the new development are not close to a bus stop and are up to five miles away from both the Salem and Swampscott train stations. Further, there is no bus service to Salem.

Marblehead schools could be over a mile away.

Electrical infrastructure: The new green electrical code will require the multifamily housing to be all electric. Marblehead Municipal Electric should be tasked with estimating the impact on its infrastructure with the resulting increase in electrical rates.

Water and sewer: There will be a major impact on Marblehead’s water and sewer system. The Marblehead Water and Sewer Department should be tasked with estimating the updates that will be needed to accommodate the new housing units.

Marblehead fire and police: It appears that the new housing could include high rise buildings. The Marblehead Fire Department should be tasked with estimating if a new fire truck will be needed to support the higher structures and the overall impact on other related fire department services, including medical response. Likewise, the Marblehead Police

Department needs to assess staffing and other impacts.

Neighborhood and abutters: One of the proposed areas, east of Peach Highlands, consists mostly of single-family houses, many on small lots. It will be possible for a developer to construct large multi-floor buildings with a minimum setback right next door.

Likewise for residents of nearby neighborhoods. The nearby residents need to be fully informed of the implications of this law. The Planning Board and other advocates of the law need to work with abutters so that they fully understand the full impact on the character of their neighborhoods.

A comprehensive and objective assessment of Marblehead’s costs to taxpayers and the impact on our residents’ quality of life needs to be understood and clearly communicated in order for Town Meeting voters to make informed decisions on the proposed zoning changes, especially the initial and future funding requirements.

Gregg Thibodeau Nonantum Road

Holiday Pops ‘a wonderful success’ To the editor: On behalf of the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor I would like to express a very big thank you to the following for their help in making The Holiday Pops of 2023 a wonderful success: All of our terrific volunteers from the Rotary Club, Elderact and Interact for their time and efforts; Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Orchestra for another marvelous event; Eliza Howells, our talented soloist; our very special artist Mark Shasha for the donation of his painting along with his singing talent; ADI Print Solutions for once again printing our program; MHTV and The Current for help with our publicity along with the Marblehead Chamber; Abbot Hall personnel and the Select Board; Gene Arnould Gallery & Framery for willingly selling balcony tickets; of course all of our sponsors; and last but not least all who attended this very special evening. My apologies if I have forgotten anyone.

The Holiday Pops is our biggest fundraising event of the year and all monies raised are given back to charities in the area and in scholarships.

Wishing all a very happy, healthy and peaceful holiday season.

Diane Barbourk, Holiday Pops chair

More reporting on ADA issues needed To the editor: The Current’s Dec. 13 editorial focused on “ADA issues” in the town. The surprise to this former Finance Committee member was this: “Schools led the list of public properties in need of access improvements.” Over the past 20-plus years, Marblehead has completely rebuilt its school facilities.

So it seems quite strange that these relatively new facilities are not ADA compliant. I hope the Current will enlighten us with a list of the improvements they think the School Committee should include in their capital budget.

Charles H. Gessner Gregory Street

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Headlight

Shining a light on the news you care about!

Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community 2023 - 2024 Issue

www.mhsheadlight.com

Marblehead’s 52nd annual Christmas Walk

Ode to Old North Ila Bumagin, Senior, Editor-in-Chief

There's a lot that comes to mind when we think of our quaint town of Marblehead. Festive lighthouses, rocky beaches, Abbot Hall above the harbor, or our beloved storefronts. While this rings true for us all, I will always associate my hometown with Old North Church, with that tall white spire peeking above the townhouses. Although I'm not particularly religious, it has been my home most Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings since I was seven years old.

From 1999-2018 my mother was the youth choir director there. There were two youth choirs: the Cecilia choir for ages 7-10 and the Parish choir for ages 10-15. I, of course, was in both of them and loved every second. Some of my best friends were made in that little parish hall beneath the sanctuary, as was my love for choral music.

I would help my mother set up, give out candy, and rehearse diligently (or goof off with my fellow sopranos - don't tell her).

Christmas, of course, was the best time of year. A Festival Chorus was set up, and kids who didn't usually do choir joined us for the holiday season.

We would practice from October to December, preparing for our concert with the adult choir.

The day would come, and the 350 year old sanctuary and 100 adult choristers loomed large in my mind - this was exhilarating to little Ila. So much anticipation and Christmas joy was crammed into the twenty-five minutes we had on stage, and the final act, "O Come All Ye Faithful," never failed to make me cry.

Of course, all musical things halted during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the youth choir unfortunately lost many members. Busy with high school, sports, musicals, and friends, I forgot about my time

December 20, 2023

at Old North.

This year, my senior year at Marblehead High school, was off to a rocky start. College applications, AP classes, shifting friend groups, other extenuating circumstances, etc. At the beginning of October, I got an email from an old newsletter telling me about Festival Choir - it had been three years since I thought about it. Although I probably didn't really have time for it, I immediately signed up, and I told my mother and grandmother to do the same. Once again, I was in a pew every Wednesday night, Harking the Heralds and singing Mendelssohn. It was perfect.

About half-way through November, it hit me why I'd decided to join so quickly. I'm leaving next year. I'm going to college somewhere far, far, away, and I needed something to hold on to from my childhood, my hometown, and my family. The multi-generational trio, my mother, grandmother, and I, connected me back to my family after years of being closer to my friends. Being in my childhood church made me feel like myself, and like I had a place somewhere. And what better place than a church founded basically when Marblehead was, sitting so perfectly on Washington Street.

Our final concert came this year, just a couple weeks ago, and it went exactly as planned.

The choir and orchestra sounded beautiful, and our director, Maria Van Kalken, is the best. My mom and I cried to "O Come All Ye Faithful." Just like it was when I was little.

Now, when I think back on my favorite memories of Marblehead, yes, I will think of all the times at Devereux and Chandler Hovey and Old Town. But above it all, a beautiful white church stands, ready to hear me sing.

Marblehead's Old North Church

Georgia Marshall, Freshman

It is December, and the holiday season has officially begun, bringing with it a plethora of traditions and festivities to make all spirits bright. As per every year, my household is in full Christmas mode, ambushed by holly and baubles the moment Thanksgiving was over.

The Christmas tree can be seen sparkling from our living room window; our driveway is aglow with twinkling lights and festive garlands; stockings hang above the fireplace; and plates of freshly baked cookies somehow emerge from the chaos that is our kitchen this time of year. It is December, and it’s hard not to be taken with feelings of warmth and good tidings when we step inside one another’s homes, no matter what holiday is celebrated inside.

The festivity doesn’t stop at individual houses. It is spread throughout the streets and neighborhoods of our small corner of New England. The 52nd annual Christmas Walk took place on the first weekend of December, and served, as it does every year, as the ultimate spreader of holiday cheer in Marblehead.

This year, in addition to giving me a boost of holiday spirit, the Christmas Walk afforded me the opportunity to spread it to others through singing.

It is my first year at Marblehead High School, and, as such, my first year participating in the MHS music department as a member of the choir and alltreble acapella group Luminescence. As a true Christmas lover, I’ve always reveled in the idea of marching through town, serenading everyone with Yuletide carols. This year, I got to do just that.

The festivities started on Thursday, November 30th. The Jewel Tones (MHS’s co-ed acapella group) and some members

of Luminescence performed a holiday showcase at Marblehead Little Theater, with musical numbers including "Santa Is Coming to Town" (Pentatonix arrangement), the Hanukkah! medley, and more.

The MLT performances continued on Friday and Saturday. On Friday afternoon (the first official day of the Christmas Walk), after many rehearsals and much preparation, both groups spread more cheer by caroling at Crosby’s, before performing at the Christmas tree lighting, despite the gray, rainy weather.

On Saturday, both groups, along with the Grizzlies (MHS’s all-male acapella group), performed at the Star of the Sea Christmas Fair. I, as a devoted craft fair enthusiast, was pleasantly surprised by the fair, one which I had never been to before.

It was located in the parish center and offered a delightful mish-mash of household goods, Christmas decorations, crocheted animals, and baked goods. After three rounds of performing in the center, the remaining carolers headed for the streets. Donning our Santa hats, with sheet music in hand, we paraded up and down Atlantic Avenue and beyond, popping into stores and giddily chanting holiday tunes.

For the MHS music department, the weekend culminated with two performances by several LumiTones members, along with Andrew Scoglio, the head of the choir and acapella programs, at the Old North Festival Chorus Holiday Concert.

Now that the weekend is over, I cannot help but think of it as my favorite Christmas Walk yet.

Getting to be a part of the celebrations and spreading the joy to others are great catalysts for holiday spirit, for music can bring a smile to anyone’s face. I know how important that is in a way I didn’t before now that I am in acapella.

I hope everyone has a happy holiday season, and that, if given the chance, they pass on the cheer in whatever way they can.

Marblehead High School's marching band at the 52nd annual Christmas Walk

Headlight Staff 2023-2024 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert

TECHNOLOGY EDITOR: Kate Twomey

REPORTERS: Cole Barbeau, John Bender, Grey Collins, Tucker Crane, Aislin Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Anya Kane, Nina Lees, Georgia Marshall, Charlie Seliger, Livia Weiss FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

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Santa sightings Santa Claus has been a busy guy around Marblehead these days. Here are a few shots of him around town. Feel free to share your favorite Santa snapshots on the Current’s social media pages @MHDCurrrent.

Lots of would-be Santas take a dip at Devereux.

COURTESY PHOTO

Santa and Mrs. Claus at Devereux Beach

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COURTESY PHOTO

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Madisson, 11, and Michaela, 8, McNamara caught Santa outside Mud Puddle Toys recently.

More would-be Santas at the paddle board event raising money for the Marblehead Food Pantry.

COURTESY PHOTO / BILL DURKEE