01.07.2026 - Volume 4, Issue 7

IN THIS ISSUE

HE’S BAAAACK

HAGGIS, ANYONE

ARTS

Seamus Hourihan looks ahead to 2026

A popular Scottish tradition returns to town

A milestone year for the MAA: What’s ahead

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MARBLEHEAD, MA PERMIT NO. 25

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NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

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JANUARY 7, 2026

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE NO. 7

FIRST WAVE 1

Marblehead businesses faced nearly $44K in labor fines. Page 2.

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MARBLEHEADCURRENT.ORG

Have a proposal for Town Meeting in May? What you need to know on Page 2.

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ON SOCIAL @MHDCURRENT

neighbors share cruiser is Magicians 3 Your 5 MHS 4 MPD their New Year’s involved in a crash. head into 2026 with

resolutions. Some might surprise you. Page 3.

Police log is on Page 10.

winning ways. Sports begins on Page 8.

Five facts from this week’s Marblehead Current.

A LOOK AHEAD

New year brings high-stakes choices Housing, budget top town agenda for 2026

BY LEIGH BLANDER As the calendar turns to 2026, Marblehead faces two consequential decisions that could shape its financial future and housing landscape for years to come.

The state is expected to

notify the town by Thursday, Jan. 8, whether Marblehead’s latest proposal to rezone part of Tedesco Country Club for multifamily housing satisfies the requirements of the controversial MBTA Communities Act. The revised plan, submitted to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, establishes two zoning districts.

The first — and largest — encompasses the Marblehead portion of Tedesco Country Club and its golf course, along with the existing Smart

Growth district near the Glover farmhouse.

The second district includes a parcel on Broughton Road that already contains public housing.

Combined, the two districts would provide zoning capacity for the 897 housing units required by the state.

“This parcel has many positive attributes,” Planning Board member Marc Liebman said last month of the Tedesco district.

“It’s on a main street, close to a town border, it doesn’t create congestion, and it’s close to shopping, fuel, food and public

transportation.”

The Select Board hopes to bring the proposal to Town Meeting in May. Marblehead has already lost access to millions of dollars in potential state grants because it remains out of compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.

State of the Town

Meanwhile, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer is expected to deliver his annual State of the Town address Jan. 28, when he may signal whether a property tax override will

FREEZIN’ FOR A REASON

Cold water, fresh start: Locals dive into the new year

BY LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead’s Wolfpack rang in the new year with a splash, diving into the frigid waters near the steps at Fort Sewall.

On Jan. 1, the air temperature hovered around 26 degrees, while the water measured about 38 degrees.

The cold conditions did little to deter participants, many of whom donned festive outfits before jumping in.

“Most of us dip several times a week for health benefits and community — but plunging on New Year’s Day definitely feels different,” Wolfpack member Laurie Swope said. “It’s a baptism of sorts — a new beginning — and a chance to wash off the crazy year we all had. And if we can swim in 38-degree water, it kind of feels like we can do anything with the year ahead.”

Also on New Year’s Day, swimmers gathered at Devereux Beach for a polar plunge benefiting Changing Futures, a nonprofit that raises money and awareness about gastrointestinal issues faced by people with cystic fibrosis.

“There was something truly special about starting the new year surrounded by so many people willing to show up, support one another and quite literally leave the past behind in the ocean before stepping out renewed,” the group wrote on Facebook. “The conditions were not easy this year — strong winds, snow on the ground and frigid water — but the spirit and determination of this community made the experience just as rewarding as it was challenging.”

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

appear on the ballot this spring.

Marblehead voters have not approved a general override in two decades.

Town officials have spent months warning of a deepening fiscal crisis. A recently updated three-year revenue and expense forecast projects a $7 million deficit in fiscal year 2027, ballooning to $11 million in FY28 and $15 million by FY29 if current trends continue.

At a Dec. 10 Select Board meeting, Finance Committee CHOICES, P. 2

WORLD VIEW

Residents watch closely as U.S. detains Venezuela’s president

BY LEIGH BLANDER

COURTESY PHOTO / FRANCISCO URENA

Wolfpack members Judy Doane, left, and Laurie Swope brave the 38-degree water on New Year’s Day.

Looking ahead, about 50 Wolfpack members are expected to travel to Winter Island in Salem on Saturday, Jan. 31, for another plunge benefiting

the nonprofit Mental Makeover. More information and registration details are available at mentalmakeovertoday.org.

More photos, Page 6

A Marblehead family with ties to Venezuela watched closely last weekend as American forces attacked Caracas and seized President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro, accused of narcoterrorism, is now being held in a Brooklyn jail.

Paul Hare, a Marblehead resident who served as a British deputy ambassador to Venezuela in the 1990s, said he has been following the situation closely.

“Venezuelan society has undoubtedly been taken over by criminal elements,” Hare told the Current on Saturday, adding that Maduro has grown more authoritarian, taking control of the military, judiciary, police and election commission.

Maduro clearly lost Venezuela’s most recent presidential election and has allowed cocaine trafficking, gold smuggling and money laundering through cryptocurrency, Hare said.

Of the U.S. military action, Hare said, “It’s a difficult case. The lawyers are saying it’s a breach of international law, a breach of the U.N. charter and, of course, not respecting the sovereignty of another country. And we don’t know if there is a plan for the day after.”

Hare’s daughter, Victoria Dosch, also lives in Marblehead with her family and teaches Spanish at Tower School. She lived with her parents in Caracas from seventh through 11th grade.

VENEZUELA, P. 6

marbleheadcurrent.org

2 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Marblehead Current

LABOR PAINS

Labor law violations cost employers in town nearly $44,000 in state fines

BY NICOLE ABRAMS, LEA TRAN, ISAIRA ALVAREZ AND ELLA MCDONNELL The Attorney General’s office fined seven Marblehead employers for 17 state labor law violations between March 9, 2022 and Feb. 20, 2025, the Current has learned.

More than 80% of all employer violations — including failing to pay minimum wage or provide earned sick time, keeping inaccurate records and child labor infractions — were issued in the past two years. Since March 9, 2022, Marblehead employers have paid nearly $44,000 in fines, records show.

The attorney general fined the Marblehead restaurant Caffé Italia more than $14,000 in 2024 for state labor law violations that included failing to keep accurate payroll records, pay minimum wage and allow the earning and use of sick time, as well as child labor infractions.

Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s Fair Labor Division found the restaurant owner acted “without specific intent” to violate the law, and the fines included restitution to employees, the records show. In response to a public records request, Campbell’s office provided redacted complaints with the names, addresses and specifics blacked out.

Caffé Italia owner Donna Oliviero declined a request for an interview, but in a statement sent by email on Nov. 13, she stated she was unaware the restaurant had not been in compliance with the law.

Caffé Italia, the email states, “has administratively resolved

all outstanding issues with the Attorney General’s office, made financial restitution as appropriate and is now fully compliant.” The restaurant paid all fines, the largest of which was $10,000 for failing to pay minimum wages, according to state data.

Employers can be fined as much as $25,000 for wage violations and also potentially face prison time, according to state law. In fiscal year 2025, the attorney general’s office issued 1,562 citations and assessments against employers in Massachusetts for state labor law violations, amounting to $197 million in penalties and restitution, according to its 2025 Labor Day report.

Caffé Italia employee Tahlia Jacques said she was surprised the restaurant was fined for violating child labor laws. Jacques said she has worked at the restaurant for more than a decade and described the owners’ relationship with young workers as “so great and so positive.”

“Some of these kids started here at 14,” she said. “They work their way up from bussers to servers to barbacks to bartenders.”

Ruiz Fine Carpentry, owned by Michael Ruiz, received the highest total fine of any Marblehead employer in the past four years, nearly $19,000, records show.

The attorney general found the employer also acted “without specific intent” for the three violations of the state law, including misclassification of a worker as an independent contractor, failure to furnish records, and failure to pay overtime compensation. The fines include restitution to employees,

the records show. Ruiz declined a request for an interview.

In one redacted complaint against Ruiz submitted to the attorney general’s office in 2023, the complainant stated he had been categorized as an independent contractor for over a year and had not received any “benefits, overtime, mandatory holiday pay or workers comp(ensation) for injuries” and was not permitted to take breaks.

At least 69 complaints alleging non-payment of wages and other state labor law violations against Marblehead employers have been filed with the attorney general over the past five years.

Nearly 33% of the complaints are lodged against the Marblehead Bank, and all were filed on Jan. 31, 2024, the records show.

Nearly 79% of complaints against Marblehead employers were for non-payment of wages, the records show. That category, according to state law, could include a failure to pay minimum wage, overtime, sick pay or withholding a final paycheck. The Marblehead Bank was founded in 1871 and has three locations on the North Shore.

Despite nearly two years since the complaints against the bank were submitted to the attorney general, they remain open matters. The attorney general’s office denied a public records request for the complaints, stating in a Dec. 9 letter that “they are investigatory materials related to open matters and which, if disclosed at this time, would reveal confidential investigative techniques, procedures, and/or sources of information and would

so prejudice the possibility of effective law enforcement that such disclosure would not be in the public.”

Mark Llewellyn, president of the Marblehead Bank, declined multiple requests for an interview. In response to questions about the complaints, he sent the following email on Dec. 8: “Marblehead Bank cannot comment publicly on personnel matters. The Bank takes all employment-related matters seriously and is fully committed to complying with federal and state employment laws. The Bank values its employees and the trust of the communities we serve. We remain focused on transparency, fairness, and maintaining the highest standards of compliance. We will provide a public statement if appropriate at a future date.”

Over 36,810 complaints have been filed against employers statewide since January 2020, according to state data.

“Massachusetts is home to nation-leading labor laws,” Campbell said in a statement. “My office is committed to enforcing these safeguards to ensure workers’ rights are protected and Massachusetts has a level playing field for all employers.

My office will continue to protect our workforce through robust enforcement and education, so that every employee can work in a safe, fair, and dignified environment.”

This story was produced in Boston University Professor Maggie Mulvihill’s Data Journalism class as part of an ongoing collaboration with the Marblehead Current.

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Lizzie Assa Stephen Bach Linda Bassett Virginia Buckingham Julie Flynn Laurie Fullerton James (Seamus) Hourihan Dr. Tom Massaro Christine McCarriston Maggie Mulvihill Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Emily Promise Chris Stevens FREELANCE REPORTERS

Grey Collins Luca Tedesco Akanksha Goyal Bella Travaglini

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Gene Arnould Brian Birke Cheryl Byrne Bob Peck Donna Rice Mark Schwartz Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD

Brian Birke Peter Fallon Kris Olson Bob Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

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NEWS IN BRIEF

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Current welcomes 150200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@ marbleheadnews.org.

2026 Youth Winter Exhibit

The Marblehead Arts Association Youth Council is inviting young artists, both MAA members and non-members, to participate in an open exhibit of 2D and 3D artwork. All mediums are welcome. The show will be judged for awards. Artists aged 18 and under are encouraged to partake in the exhibition and can submit multiple pieces. All work must be framed, wired or ready to display.

The deadline for online submission is Monday, Jan. 12, 5

p.m. Works must be dropped off at the MAA, 8 Hooper St., no later than Jan. 13, 4:30 p.m.

valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

BLOOM for mental health

Two-plus weeks left to submit citizens petitions Residents can submit citizens petitions for the annual Town Meeting warrant until Friday, Jan. 23, at noon. Town officials have until Friday, Jan. 30, at noon, to submit articles. To submit a citizen petition, pick up a form at the Town Clerk’s Office at Abbot Hall and collect a minimum of 10 registered voter signatures.

The clerk will then verify the signatures.

Facilities stickers

Facility stickers for access to the Transfer Station and Devereux Beach residential

parking lot are now available here: marbleheadma.gov/ resident-facility-sticker/. » Cost is $100 for the primary permit. » $40 for additional household permits. » Vehicles must be registered to the same address. » Credit cards only. » Proof of residency/vehicle registration required.

Veterans qualify for one free sticker with proof of past service, current registration and utility bill. The facility stickers will be

Choices From P. 1

Chair Alec Goolsby, Vice Chair Molly Teets and Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin presented the updated model, calling it the second phase of budget season and a continuation of long-termplanning efforts. Goolsby said the figures reflect the cost of running the town next year if current operations, staffing levels, contracts and services remain unchanged.

Benjamin said health insurance continues to be the town’s greatest financial pressure.

Marblehead participates in the state’s Group Insurance Commission, and early projections suggest another steep increase next year.

“I’m hearing 15% to 17%,” Benjamin said, adding that insurance experts expect “doubledigit increases for the next two to three years.”

About 80% of the town’s budget is tied to personnel costs,

COURTESY PHOTO

“This is the fiscal cliff.” The town’s finance director delivered dire predictions to the Select Board at a Dec. 10 meeting.

including active employees and retirees. The forecast shows the sharpest growth in salaries, health insurance and pensions.

“It’s really the health care that’s burning cities and towns right now,” Benjamin said.

Trash collection costs are also expected to rise significantly.

Public Health Director Andrew Petty told the board the town’s expiring 10-year contracts could result in a 51% increase in FY27, followed by annual increases of

about 3.5%.

Benjamin said she and Kezer are meeting with each department as they work to produce the staterequired balanced budget.

“There will be a balanced budget, but there will be some pretty big reductions to achieve that,” she said.

School override?

The School Committee faces similar pressures and must decide whether to seek its own property

The town of Marblehead is partnering with BLOOM, which offers free, confidential and personalized support for the following: » Mental health therapy, psychiatry and substance use » Parenting and eldercare » Personal well-being “With BLOOM, you get fast, easy access to expert care — saving you time, money, and stress. From coaching and therapy to live events and on-demand resources, support is available anytime you need it,” according to a town press release.

To activate your account, visit marbleheadma.gov.

tax override.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Pfifferling has said contract obligations and other salary increases would add $1.54 million to the district’s FY27 budget if no cuts are made. The Marblehead Public Schools’ FY26 budget stands at $49.1 million, a 5% increase over the previous year.

Rising costs for utilities, transportation and other expenses would push the total increase for salaries, services and supplies to $2.4 million, Pfifferling said.

During the Dec. 10 meeting, Select Board member Erin Noonan asked how the board could best support staff as budget season intensifies.

Benjamin’s response was blunt.

“I think having the Select Board members support an override because of these doubledigit increases … it’s just near impossible,” she said. “We’ve been able to make it the past few years, but this is the fiscal cliff.

We’ve hit it, and we’re there.”

Marblehead Current P.O. Box 102 Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 617-545-5445 info@marbleheadnews.org www.marbleheadCurrent.org Marblehead Current is published every Wednesday by Marblehead News Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is mailed to all homes and businesses in Marblehead, MA 01945.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, January 7, 2026 3

LOOKING AHEAD

New year, new goals: Headers share their 2026 resolutions

BY LEIGH BLANDER The holiday celebrations may be over, but the spirit of renewal is just beginning in Marblehead.

As 2026 unfolds, the Current spoke with town leaders, educators, artists and community members about the resolutions guiding their work, families and passions in the year ahead. Here is a sampling of the responses received. To read additional, more in-depth resolutions, visit MarbleheadCurrent.org.

Town Moderator and real estate agent Jack Attridge said he resolves to find “balance outside of work and other commitments” in 2026. A new empty nester, Attridge said he and his wife, Jill, are looking forward to “adventures ahead.”

Marblehead Arts Festival President Cynda Rohmer said her goals include getting back to the gym consistently and spending time with her new grandson. She also hopes to travel to Italy with her daughter.

Sustainable Marblehead Executive

Director Elaine Leahy said she resolves to “get outside and hike every month.” She is also looking forward to drawing and painting more and is excited about Sustainable Marblehead’s free Energy Coach program, which helps residents learn more about making their homes greener.

Marblehead High School senior Will Cruikshank said his main goal is “consistently getting enough sleep and showing up to school and practice with time to spare.” He is looking forward to starting at Middlebury College in the fall.

Documentary filmmaker James Maroney said he is looking forward to the Salem Film Festival and listening to more live music in 2026. Mostly, he said, he is excited about his upcoming Crocker Park wedding to Michelle Brown.

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General Manager and partner Robert Simonelli said he is “vowing to lose weight” this year and start playing pickleball. “I’m a tennis player, but everyone seems to like pickle, and now I find myself in a pickle trying to find someone to play tennis with,” he said.

Local musician Matthew Arnold said he will focus on his health. “I am down about 80 pounds and would like to shave off about 40 more this year.” He also said he will “try listening to my wife the first time around a bit more. She’s always right.”

Board of Health member Tom McMahon said he resolves to spend “more time with my kids. My son should start walking any day. I want to help my daughter learn how to ride a bike and improve her swimming.”

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4 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Marblehead Current

Opinion EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

An outbreak of optimism

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM Something’s going around and it’s not just the flu. Everywhere I turned last week, there were lists and columns and stories of things to be optimistic about in 2026. That’s the one bandwagon I’m happy to jump on.

What were some of the upcoming developments inspiring hope? They ranged from the very personal to the global economy to everything in between.

Starting with health, several observers singled out mRNA technology as the probable answer to new, more effective treatments for all kinds of cancer.

According to the National Library of Medicine, “With over 60 treatments in development and first commercial approvals expected by 2029, RNA cancer vaccines represent a significant advancement in personalized cancer care, offering new hope for patients.” Amen to that.

Central to advancements in human health, such as unlocking the cure for Alzheimer’s, as well as aiding all manner of human endeavors, artificial intelligence also topped optimists’ lists as one technology to cheer. Naysayers abound too of course, but this take from one expert seemed spot on: “A year from now, answering questions will be the least useful thing AI can do. (And it will be excellent at answering questions!),” Fidji Simo, OpenAI CEO of applications,

told the newsletter Axios. “Instead, we’ll have proactive AI assistants constantly running in the background, getting things done for us across the web and the real world,” she said. “It will anticipate our needs, and we’ll be able to trust it to make decisions and take action on our behalf.” Will there be job displacement?

Of course, there already is, but I like the take that advancements in AI will not only enhance human health but free us to focus on imaginative, creative, fulfilling work.

Meanwhile, American students will spend less time on their smart phones in 2026, which seems just in time. According to Reviews.org’s latest cell phone usage report.

Americans check their phones 186 times per day, or about once every five minutes while awake. Eeek, that’s a lot of wasted time. Some 14 states have enacted policies regarding “bell to bell” cellphone use and other restrictions in schools and Massachusetts seems to be on the verge of doing so in the coming legislative session.

Will adults follow suit with some self-imposed better phone habits? This optimist thinks yes. And a New York Times prediction that “dumb phones” will be a 2026 status symbol supports that view.

Moving from technology to more enriching fare, 2026 will be the National Year of Reading in the UK, and we sure could benefit from that on this side of the pond.

According to government statistics, just 16% of Americans in 2023 read for pleasure, down from 28% in 2004.

Yet there are signs reading is making a comeback. The American Booksellers Association reported a 24% increase in new independent bookstore openings in 2025 compared to 2024 and Barnes and Noble is planning a big expansion this year. Saltwater Bookstore here in town always has the best and latest as well as carefully curated works so let’s do our best to keep our finger from clicking that Amazon button and shop there.

Hollywood will also keep us entertained in 2026. Fans of “Dune,” “Spider Man” and the “Avengers” will get their latest infusion and “Practical Magic” and the “Devil Wears Prada” make a comeback as well. Movies and TV programs are collective cultural experiences and some have pointed to the massive audiences for the Super Bowl and the Macy’s Day parade in 2025 as evidence we are seeking more connection. How hopeful is that?

Speaking of movies, don’t forget to frequent the Warwick. We are so lucky to have a local cinema in town, and while I love Netflix and all the streaming channels, there’s nothing like sharing a big screen experience.

Will we have enough pocket money to frequent bookstores and movie theatres?

“Yes, but,” say those steeped in economic trends. Affordability will remain a huge concern on everything from energy costs to groceries, but big picture the American

economy is growing, inflation is coming down and the jobs outlook is improving.

Ipsos, a data analysis company, summed up the state of optimism in the U.S. in 2026 this way: “The fatigue Americans have with the economic and political systems they live in is real. They are feeling true economic pain, and the feelings of angst about the nation’s divided politics are just as real. By a 2-1 margin, Americans feel that the country is headed on the wrong track and not in the right direction.

BUT (emphasis mine) the vast majority of Americans live outside of Washington D.C. That is to say, Americans are not unconcerned with the dramatics of D.C. politicking, but most are able to separate what happens in the media with what is happening at home. People feel better about themselves and the ones they care about.”

Finally, an end-of-year Gallup global survey found a worldwide “hope score” of +11, indicating “optimism continues to outweigh pessimism at the global level.” In other words, maybe hope is as contagious as the flu. Spread it widely with your friends and neighbors. Happy, hopeful new year, all.

Virginia Buckingham is a former president of the Marblehead Current board of directors, a frequent commentator on WCVB’s On the Record and author of “On My Watch A Memoir.” She is working on a second memoir, “As This Mountain” and writes a biweekly column for the Current.

MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS

Slip sliding into 2026

BY SEAMUS HOURIHAN As the town slides into 2026, many of the issues facing the town government in 2025 have slipped into 2026 with a lot of talk but no action, no resolution. These issues include 3A; our fiscal crisis; school district dysfunction, performance and student exodus; social hosting; personal transport vehicles; alleged antisemitism in the schools; the future of the Coffin school property; and the Reynolds playground rink. We need to put many of our existing issues behind us. There will be others that arise.

Tedesco Country Club and 3A zoning proposal — creative but a blatantly obvious dodge With their Harvard and Princeton degrees, our governor and AG are not country bumpkins that just fell off a pumpkin wagon. You can bet their staffs are working overtime to find grounds to disqualify Marblehead’s latest 3A proposal. We will know on Jan. 8, about the same time this column is published.

Or perhaps they defer their decision to buy more time to disqualify Marblehead’s latest plan. An acceptance would be precedent setting and a number or other towns would seek to amend their plan around a privately owned country club.

Then what? Does the town have another proposal in their back pocket? In any case, reread my Nov. 5 column for some scenarios. You can expect me to again sponsor an amendment to move any 3A warrant article to the beginning of Town Meeting.

Social hosting — the party needs to end Sometimes facts have very specific implications. Tom McMahon’s exposure that no social hosting law has been enforced since 2017 is undisputed. It’s a fact confirmed by Town Clerk Robin Michaud. Where, from 2009 to 2017, 160 citations were written to parents whose kids were drinking. Some other facts — the police department is directly responsible for law enforcement, and the Select Board is responsible for managing the police department.

To be expected, the response by Select Board Chair Dan Fox to McMahon’s exposure was just a bunch of excuses protecting the police and the Select Board.

Chief Dennis King explained that “many situations require careful investigation, documentation, parental engagement and, whenever it is appropriate, an arrest or diversion may occur. When enforcement is warranted, we pursue it through criminal complaints or local bylaw citations. When education and redirection will more effectively prevent future harm, we use those tools as well.” OK, but what has changed since 2017 that no citations have been issued? It should be noted that King was only hired in 2021, so the lack of enforcement pre-dates him.

King is clearly an “education first” policing professional. That approach has its place and time. But at some point, when social hosting law education doesn’t work, the laws need to be enforced, penalties issued and violators exposed. That would send a clear message — the party is over.

Select Board — not relentless in pursuing incremental revenue In a prior column, I stated “the town

needs to be relentless in pursuing and protecting each and every revenue source available.” In spite of much talk, the Select Board failed in capturing “new growth” revenue from all the house gutting and renovations that have occurred over the last several years and are still occurring today albeit at a slower pace.

Relative to 2017 and alcohol, I stumbled upon the fact that Marblehead’s alcohol license fees set by the Select Board have not changed since Dec. 13, 2017. The state establishes the framework and types of alcohol licenses. The actual fees are determined locally by each town’s licensing board — our Select Board.

I am sure the price of whatever you drink has not remained the same since 2017. Some stats: Visual Capitalist reported a 43% jump in Boston beer prices since 2020, putting it among the highest globally. A study found popular brands like Sam Adams Summer Ale jumped nearly 71% from 2015 to 2025, says Cheapism. Nationally, prices for alcoholic beverages away from home have experienced a general average inflation rate of nearly 4% per year between 1977 and 2025.

Select Board, get relentless in capturing more money from alcohol licenses!

Student exodus should not be surprising The Current’s article “Why is Marblehead’s public school enrollment dropping? Superintendent offers more data” doesn’t tell you why. It just tells you how much Marblehead’s public school enrollment has declined. In the 2024/25 school year, 215 students, 8.2%, transferred out of district with 2,395

students remaining in district. Over the last five years, 1,050 students have transferred.

Given the chaos in the schools over two years (summer 2023 to summer 2025), it is not that surprising that students have been driven away by their parents from the district in droves. The district had a DEI (dysfunctional, enfeebled and incompetent) School Committee, revolving superintendent doors, principal resignations, a teachers strike and teacher walk-aways.

Some questions: Has the district reached its nadir? Was a turning point the election of two new School Committee members last June and the appointment of John Robidoux as permanent super?

Does the district have the right team top to bottom from School Committee to teachers to lead a district turn around? I have one big doubt — the inability of SC to define and assign goals for recovery.

Time will tell.

The only good news with this exodus is that the 2026 school budget should be lower than otherwise for “level services,” except Robidoux claims otherwise.

Prop 2 ½ workaround - more ‘friends’ groups needed In Marblehead, we have numerous “Friends of” groups. They have provided significant funding for July 4 fireworks (started by my father), Fort Sewall, Village Street track, high school turf field, Elm Street playground, elders (Council on Aging), high school students (Dollars for Scholars), football team (Gridiron Club), etc. With the town’s dismal financial forecasts, one way around HOURIHAN, P. 5

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, January 7, 2026 5

A WISH FOR 2026

‘We all need this kind of pure joy’

BY CHRISTINE MCCARRISTON

I have often said there are fewer greater feelings than someone speaking highly of your child(ren). It’s easy to like those people a little more, maybe a lot more, because they noticed in your kids what you notice and were kind enough to share it. I suppose the children should get credit for impressing or being extra kind, too, of course, but I always reflect on the messenger, and they become extra special to me.

Lucky me, I have had this occur many times in my girls’ lives. We are a family who holds children in the highest regard. My grandmother said: Children decorate our lives. I love that saying. My mom owned a family daycare and many of her “children” are considered family decades later. Both my girls babysit as so many do but once you’re in our family, well, it’s not easy to get out! Let’s just say that although I have no grandchildren, there will be six little people in my Shanna’s wedding whom she has nannied for since they were babies. Two volunteered, which was adorable, but yes, they were going to be asked regardless.

Because my girls spend so much time helping so many parents with their children and because those kiddos love mine so much, I hear a lot of positive feedback. It is an incredible

feeling to listen to someone speak so kindly of my daughters.

The most fun and kind things I hear often come from the children themselves. Most recently, eight-year-old Stefanos went to his school holiday shop where he was allowed to buy for four family members. He chose his parents, sister and my Shanna, who has cared for him and his sister for years. He was very excited to pick something for all of them. But then the school limited it to people living in the home and that was very disappointing to him. How could they think Shanna wasn’t as important because she didn’t live with them?

Stefanos and Melina’s mother Christina said Shanna “gets excited over Stefanos’ creations and comes in ready to help Melina with her spelling words.”

She is there in difficult times, too, like when Christina’s dad died and Shanna immediately jumped in to babysit or do whatever was needed. “She just fell into the groove of our family.”

Jenna started taking care of Samara when she was only months old. When Jenna moved to another state and had to leave that job, Samara’s mother, Anna, wrote her the most beautiful letter saying when she was choosing childcare she had challenging moments choosing who she trusted to care for “her most precious person.” In the end, she said Jenna saved her. “She showed up for us

Hourihan From P. 4

the limitations of Prop 2 1/2 is to create more friends groups. I am sure many would contribute to “Friends of” the harbor, beaches — Devereux, Gracie Oliver, Gas House, etc. — and other playgrounds and parks.

With the performance of Transfer Station employees during the 82-day trash strike, many might contribute to “Friends of the Dump.” For certain contribution levels, there would be an exclusive lane for trash and recyclables drop-off. For even higher contributions, a concierge service would empty your trunk, tailgate or doors.

Given the third-world state of our streets and electric poles, I am not sure that “Friends of” the DPW, water, sewer and light departments would be viable right now.

But that could change.

E! E! E! — Personal Electric Transporter education E! E! E! That’s what I scream when I see some dopey kid riding an e-bike, e-scooter or e-skateboard in the middle of the street, on the sidewalk or speeding the wrong way on downtown, one-way streets. And most without helmets. These personal electric transporters (PETs) are a problem. According to Chief King, “the department has documented about 300 accidents annually in recent years.” According to my 13-yearold great-nephew, it’s not cool to have a pedal bike anymore. And as technology reduces costs and increases speeds, the problem will only get worse. Actually, it’s not the PETs that are the problem, it’s their young and increasingly older riders. They have no clue on the basic rules of the road and PET regulations. And then there are the parents who buy these vehicles and let their kids loose.

At this time and place, I agree with King for “emphasizing education over enforcement” To start, how about requiring all junior and high school students to attend one classroom session at the beginning of each school year and at the end of each school year before they are unleashed for the summer to raise havoc. I don’t know how to require older rider education. Just last night I was confronted by two “adults” riding the wrong way on Front Street without lights. And educating the parents, who knows???

We can be thankful that we haven’t entered the George Jetson era yet. If you think PETs and drones are a problem, just wait until we have both young and old flying around with their jet packs everywhere without the constraints of two-dimensional streets.

James (Seamus) Hourihan was born in Marblehead and is a MHS graduate. For 35 years, he worked in finance, marketing and executive management roles at high-tech companies. He has lived here full-time since 2009. He currently sits on the Town Charter Committee.

Zoey and Juniper under the Christmas tree.

(15 minutes early everyday) with an open heart that left me at peace.” She called Jenna a rock of a human: reliable, trustworthy, honest, humble.

“She was such an anchor for me and I am forever indebted.”

Hearing people share such beautiful feelings about my children truly brings me love and warms my heart.

The other day I was lucky enough to get another similar feeling: when your children are extra kind to each other. Again, this has happened many, many times over their sisterhood, but this time my youngest made me shed a tear over her plan to make her sister happy. The plan is a secret (but you’d love it!). Happy tears are the best kind.

We raise our children to do the

COURTESY PHOTO

right thing, be kind, be honest.

We hope they are always happy, knowing that is impossible. We pray they are healthy. Again, not in our control but parents do whatever we can to ensure they are anyway. But when we step back and see them as littles or adults being kind to each other, it just might be the very best feeling.

We have a new baby in our family. Juniper Rae, the daughter of one of my mom’s daycare babies. Juniper’s mom, Stacy Jean, is named after my mom. I told you we get close. We love hard. It’s tremendous. Stacy’s sister, Ericka, was the first baby in my mom’s daycare 35 years ago. Her daughter Zoey is eight years old and watching her love “her” Juniper is another one of

those greatest feelings. Zoey adored my mom, her Auntie Nan, and keeps her memory alive constantly. She feels her around her, helping her and guiding her. It’s an incredible thing to see.

But seeing Zoey love Juniper is another level of love. We all see my mom in Zoey as she reads to her, talks in a sweet voice, makes up loving and silly songs for her and loves her out loud. I wish it for everyone because it changes you. Seeing such love regularly makes you continue to believe there is good in the world. That we will be okay despite the negative things that happen around the world on a daily basis. We all need this kind of pure joy.

I guess my point is that the greatest feeling, the one we need more of, the one we need to share and shout out loud about is love. In my family, we look to the littlest ones, the purest ones, the most honest ones (even when we wish they weren’t so honest; you know how kids can be!)

Maybe I’m reflecting on all this given the start of a new year. But I promise, none of it is new to us and I highly recommend it.

I hope 2026 brings you lots of compliments shared aloud about the children in your life and mostly love: Zoey and Juniper kind of love.

Christine McCarriston is a Marblehead resident and contributes regularly to the Current.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

The best resistance is ‘kindness, caring, thoughtfulness and love’ To the editor: “We the People of the United States…to form a more perfect union…establish justice, insure domestic tranquility…promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty…”

These founding aspirations inscribed in the Constitution feel painfully distant. For many Americans, 2025 has been a terrible year, marked by a cascade of crises that demand renewed commitment to our constitutional ideals.

We face a refusal to confront systemic racism; escalating attacks on racial, gender and immigrant communities; and the troubling rise of authoritarian impulses that expose the fragility of our democratic institutions. Women’s access to essential health care continues to erode, while science and public health are too often dismissed. Economic inequality deepens, and food and housing insecurity grow. Ongoing cruelty and lies in speech and conduct continues to undermine civic trust.

We have witnessed the misuse of military and police power for domestic control, the spread of misinformation and threats against a free press, and the weakening of international alliances. Mass deportations have generated fear while destabilizing industries and communities that rely on immigrant labor and participation.

Meanwhile, executive overreach — abetted by a compliant and corrupt Congress and Supreme Court — has expanded beyond anything the founders intended, including pardons for those who sought to overturn a lawful election and the unprecedented use of the Department of Justice for partisan political ends.

Aside from voting out the

COURTESY PHOTO SCOTT SNYDER

Trash collected after a windy day on Washington Street.

miscreant party responsible for these misdeeds, perhaps the best resistance and New Year’s resolutions with long-term effects are to act toward each other with kindness, caring, thoughtfulness and love.

Sincerely, Robert Shuman Tufts Street

Trash talk To the editor: My family has been Marblehead residents for six years, living on Washington Street, downhill from Abbot Hall toward town. During that time, there have been more than a dozen Tuesday mornings when we’ve woken up to trash scattered down our street after a windy night.

This past Tuesday was a perfect storm. High winds overnight sent exposed trash — especially open recycling bins — into the roadway.

It was also the first pickup after Christmas, so there was more waste than usual: cardboard boxes, cans and bottles from holiday gatherings. To make matters worse, a pipe burst at a house near the top of the hill, sending water

down Washington Street that froze overnight. Paper and cardboard became embedded in the ice, along with the salt the town had to apply to make the road passable.

I understand that not everyone can bring their trash to the curb the morning of pickup. The first truck comes down our street around 7:20 a.m., and for some, that’s simply not realistic. But when severe weather is forecast overnight — especially high winds — I think it’s reasonable to ask residents to make an exception.

Leaving trash out the night before, particularly loose recycling, too often results in debris blowing through our streets and into the harbor.

Marblehead is a beautiful town, and this happens frequently. I spent part of Tuesday cleaning up Washington Street, knowing many neighbors were out of town for the holidays. A small shift in timing — bringing trash out in the morning when possible during windy weather — could make a meaningful difference for all of us.

I’ve attached a picture of the trash collected.

Respectfully, Scott Snyder Washington Street

marbleheadcurrent.org

6 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Marblehead Current

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Visit Bedrock Pilates Studio

BY MELISSA STACEY The following is an interview with Angie Hill Yu, owner of Bedrock Pilates Studio, conducted by Discover Marblehead.

Located at 40 Tioga Way, Bedrock Pilates Studio offers group classes and private sessions at the studio or virtually. Angie customizes each session with safe and challenging exercises for her clients so they can reach their personal goals.

To learn more about Bedrock Pilates Studio and their services, go to bedrockpilatesstudio.com.

Tell us about Bedrock Pilates Studio. Bedrock Pilates Studio is a fully equipped pilates boutique where I offer group classes and private sessions.

I work with a wide range of clients, but my true specialty is supporting women ages 35–65 through prenatal, postpartum, perimenopause and menopause.

One of the most important areas I focus on is the deepest abdominal muscle, which works like a natural corset to support and stabilize the spine.

When this muscle is strong and

functioning well, everything feels better — balance improves, posture becomes more natural, recovery is easier and back pain is often reduced or prevented altogether. My goal is to help my clients feel strong, supported, and confident in their bodies, no matter what stage of life they’re in.

I’m very excited to invite people to my ribbon cutting ceremony and open house on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 5 p.m.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best business advice that I’ve received is to keep learning and always think of ways you can improve your practice.

What is your favorite spot

Angie Hill Yu has opened Bedrock Pilates Studio on Tioga Way.

in Marblehead, and why?

Philbrook Fish & Meat Market is my favorite part of Marblehead.

I’m a native of Gloucester and can’t live without fresh fish.

What is something people would be surprised to learn

about you? Something that may surprise people is that although I can’t live without fresh fish, I don’t like shellfish.

The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead.

Discover Marblehead is dedicated

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to the promotion of the town.

Our mission is to highlight local businesses, tourism, community events and attractions through social media, email marketing and community outreach. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.

Locals dive into the new year

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People braved the cold water and strong winds at Devereux Beach for a polar plunge raising money for the nonprofit Changing Futures.

Resolutions From P. 3

happened to the money” on the troubled Transfer Station project and push for agreement among town leadership that “social hosting laws need to be enforced” to reduce teen drinking.

Kim Crowley, owner of Lighthouse Fitness, said she

is entering 2026 with a new outlook. “I am stepping into 2026 with a new perspective of what is important. I spent half of 2025 battling through cancer.

Today, I am strong and healthy and forever grateful for the people who carried me through.”

Her goals for the year include “reading a book a month, getting back to church more often, working on some sewing and beading projects and getting my

running shoes back on.”

Police Chief Dennis King said he is also focusing on health. “As you get older, it’s harder to stay in shape, so I will try to focus on physical wellness and healthy eating.” He is also looking forward to new movies related to “Star Wars.”

Johnny Ray, co-owner of the Beacon Restaurant and Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium, said his resolution

Venezuela

From P. 1 “My thoughts are of continual and increasing concern for my many friends from Venezuela, their families, my teachers and other loved ones in the area that are impacted by this escalation,” Dosch said.

She added, “Life in Caracas has been excruciating for decades.

Even when we lived there in the 1990s, the violent crime and inflation levels were the source of ongoing real-life nightmares each and every day for my five siblings and me. What we lived through, alongside our Venezuelan best friends, is one of the primary reasons I chose a place like Marblehead to raise my children. I take not one second of the freedom and security we feel here for

COURTESY PHOTO

President Donald Trump shares a photo of a captured Nicolás Maduro on X.

granted.”

Dosch continued, “My family and I have always been hoping

for freedom and reprieve for these hardworking, resilient people.”

COURTESY PHOTO / FRANCISCO URENA

Members of the Marblehead Wolfpack start the new year with an icy dip.

involves finding “ways to make music lessons available for every kid in town.”

School Committee Chair Al Williams said his resolution is to learn how to play an instrument. “This will be tough, given I have no musical talent!” he said.

Teachers and union co-presidents Jonathan Heller and Sally Shevory also shared their resolutions. Heller

said he wants to spend more time with his family, including teaching his oldest daughter how to drive and going to the movies with his youngest daughter. Shevory said she will celebrate her youngest child graduating from college. “I also hope to explore new hobbies,” she said, “even if I don’t yet know what they are. [I’m] staying open to curiosity and growth in the year ahead.”

Dosch said she and the students in her Spanish class study and reflect upon the Venezuela reality weekly.

“The situation today has escalated, without a doubt, and I do not have a crystal ball,” she said. “There is hope that this dramatic turn of events could lead to peace and stability in Venezuela, but that is simply a wish.”

Many things need to happen in the coming weeks to make that wish a reality, Dosch said.

“My thoughts are with the people who survive day to day in this uncertain time, not just in Venezuela, but nearby, wondering what this means for their own realities, having access to basic necessities like water, electricity and food, and how much worse this will get before, we pray, we see the long-awaited

path to justice and liberty appear,” she said. “The optimist in me wants to believe it will.

The realist in me knows that this is far more complicated than we can ever understand.”

Saturday morning, Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents Massachusetts’ 6th District, including Marblehead, responded to the Trump administration’s actions in Venezuela.

“Congress did not authorize this war,” Moulton wrote on X. “Venezuela posed no imminent threat to the United States.

This is reckless, elective regime change risking American lives (Iraq 2.0) with no plan for the day after. Wars cost more than trophies.”

Moulton served in Iraq as a Marine.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, January 7, 2026 7

MILESTONE YEAR FOR MAA

Inside a year of art, music and history at the Marblehead Arts Association

BY AKANKSHA GOYAL New exhibitions opening Jan. 17 will mark the start of another busy year at the Marblehead Arts Association, where contemporary works fill several galleries housed in the historic King Hooper Mansion, which is set to celebrate its tricentennial in 2028. The setting is as much a part of the experience as the art itself.

“You have the sort of juxtaposition of new art and old building,” said Executive Director Xhazzie Kindle. “So, whether you’re an art lover or an architect lover, we meet both needs.” The association operates seven galleries across the colonial mansion, with exhibitions changing roughly every six weeks, giving visitors multiple opportunities each year to see new work. While the organization maintains a full calendar of member and solo exhibitions, programs and a national juried show, Kindle emphasized that the MAA has “two separate but equal missions. One is to promote the arts and support our artists and the other is to preserve the King Hooper Mansion.”

January exhibitions

January marks the first exhibition cycle of the year, beginning with the annual “New Member Exhibition” in the ballroom gallery. The show introduces artists who were juried into the association in 2025.

Alongside the group show, several solo exhibitions will open across the mansion’s galleries highlighting a wide range of styles and media.

Among the January solo shows: » “Images of Italy” by oil painter Peter Ziegler, whose work focuses on architectural » subjects » “Color Spectrum” by abstract artist Deborah Baye, featuring lots of color and texture » “The Angle of No Repose” by landscape artist Connie Glore » “Forever With You” by Francois-Xavier DeCosterd, an animation and digital artist whose screen-based work will include video and projections

COURTESY PHOTOS

ABOVE: “Dancing in the Snow”

by Eiko Fazio will be part of the MAA’s New Member Exhibition.

RIGHT: “Aurora at Chandler Hovey” by Nina Taggart.

The variety is intentional, Kindle said.

“One of our goals for each cycle is that we have a variety of different arts,” she said. “Each artist … will be very distinct and quite unique and very different from their neighbor.”

The MAA will also host a special invited exhibition by the New England Sculptors Association in the ground-floor dining room gallery, featuring small-scale works limited to a 12-by-12-inch footprint.

“We really enjoy having the artists from New England Sculptors Association just because it adds something fresh to us in a new dimension,” Kindle said.

President Jim Murphy said the collaboration offers both artistic and community benefits.

“It opens the door for people who may not have been to the Art Association to come in … that gives our whole program and our artists whose work is on the walls exposure that they may not have gotten,” he said.

Looking ahead

While January’s exhibitions highlight members and invited artists, Kindle pointed to “Variations,” the association’s

annual national juried exhibition which runs from April through June, as a standout experience, particularly for first-time visitors.

“It’s so exciting to us to see new artists, new techniques, people from all over the country … international too,” she said.

Each year, roughly 800 submissions are whittled down to about 175 works, chosen by independent jurors, including museum curators and faculty members from across the country.

A themed member exhibition,

“Through the Looking Glass,” will open in February and tie directly into the Spring Gala.

During its six-week run, the MAA plans a series of related events which will include shamanic journeys and a fascinator-making workshop for gala attendees.

Programming beyond exhibitions Music also remains a key part of the association’s cultural presence. The popular “Jazz at the Arts” series returns earlier than usual this year, opening

Thursday, Feb. 19, featuring local favorites Debbie Larkin and Jeff Stout.

Murphy said the series reflects the MAA’s broader mission to support and promote arts and culture in town, highlighting other standout musicians in the lineup, including Marblehead resident drummer Dave Mattacks and folk artist Jeanie Stahl.

The concert series is one of many programs the association offers throughout the year, with additional events still in development. %Big birthday Looking further ahead, the organization is laying the groundwork for the King Hooper Mansion’s 300th anniversary in 2028, Kindle said, with plans for a year-long slate of exhibitions, programs and events to highlight the building as a community asset.

“We’re really the stewards for the next generation,” she said. “It’s in amazing shape because of the people that came before us, and we really want to leave that kind of legacy for the next generation.”

As Marblehead prepares for the broader Revolution 250 commemorations beginning in 2026, the mansion is expected to play a role as a featured historic site — an opportunity, Murphy said, for new audiences to discover that the building is not only historic, but alive with contemporary art.

Ultimately, they both hope visitors leave with a deeper appreciation for local creativity.

“What we hope people will take with them is an appreciation of the amount of artistic talent that this small town has,” Kindle said.

“We want people to understand the importance of art.” Murphy echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the value of creating a personal, welcoming experience that draws visitors back.

“This is a place to come and visit and it’s a place to come and revisit,” he said.

For schedules, events and exhibition details, the MAA encourages visitors to check its website and attend opening receptions, held on the first Sunday of each exhibition cycle.

GOT HAGGIS?

Burns Night tradition lives on in Marblehead

BY LEIGH BLANDER A Marblehead tradition for the last 18 years and a Scottish one since 1801, Burns Night will be celebrated again at The Landing Restaurant on Thursday, Jan. 15.

Robert Burns, the Scottish poet, songwriter and music collector, lived in the second half of the 18th century and wrote more than 700 poems and songs in his short life.

The first Burns Supper, an informal affair, was held in 1801 by nine of the poet’s closest friends in the same cottage in Alloway, Ayrshire, where he was born on Jan. 25, 1759. Burns had been dead for fewer than five years, but that small start led to a sort of immortality for “Scotland’s national bard,” as hundreds of such events are now held each year across the world.

The Marblehead Burns Night is once again being organized by Rhod Sharp and his wife, Vicki Staveacre, who introduced Burns Suppers at Old North Church.

Jeremy Bell (left), Shauna Martin and Rhod Sharp at last year’s Burns Supper.

For three years starting in 2018, they took over Marblehead Little Theatre for the original and highly successful “Love Scotland” shows.

After COVID, Sharp teamed up with his original Burns Supper collaborators, Jeremy Bell and local soprano Julianne Gearhart, for a traditional Burns Night celebration with the enthusiastic

help of Robert Simonelli and the staff of The Landing.

“We’re looking forward to celebrating the life and work of Burns, who I consider Scotland’s poet of revolution, with a three-course dinner, stories and songs,” Sharp said.

Burns Night 2026 will feature some of the classic Burns Supper traditions, including the Address

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Brayan Medina, chef at The Landing, presents the haggis — a traditional dish of sheep heart, liver and lungs — at last year’s Burns Night.

to the Haggis (a traditional dish of sheep heart, liver and lungs), the Selkirk Grace and the Immortal Memory together with a selection of Burns music and song presented by Bell and Gearhart.

The three-course dinner will feature Chef Brayan Medina’s exotic haggis appetizer, a choice of entree and dessert. The cost of the evening is $70 plus gratuity. For reservations, call Staveacre at 202-679-3356.

marbleheadcurrent.org

8 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Marblehead Current

WINTER WONDERLAND

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

It’s a classic Marblehead scene — people lace up to skate on Redd’s Pond Saturday, Jan. 3.

NO PLANS? NO PROBLEM.

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Special Event Thursday, January 15th The Bobby Burns Supper (sold out) Yes, there is Haggis

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marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, January 7, 2026 9

Sports GIRLS BASKETBALL

Magicians build up winning momentum

BY JOE MCCONNELL Coach Paul Moran’s girls basketball team went into the holiday break looking good and loving life after extending its winning streak to four games with home triumphs over nonleague Revere (49-22, Dec. 22) and Shawsheen Tech (41-28, Dec. 23). On the season, these Magicians are 4-1 overall. They are 2-1 in the Northeastern Conference.

The Marblehead girls dominated the Greater Boston League Patriots throughout, leading at halftime, 26-10.

For the record, Tessa Andriano was the team’s leading scorer in this game with 15 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Greta Sachs accounted for 10 points. Carys Moran and Ainsley McDonald were next in line with seven apiece. Nora Mahan chipped in with four. Hailey Schmitt,

Lucy McDonald and Eliza Bland tallied two each.

“We played well against probably the best team in the GBL this year. They are outstanding in all phases of the game,” said Moran. “For us, Ainsley McDonald played her best game of the year so far.”

It was more of the same the very next night against the Rams. The home team jumped all over them early to lead at

halftime, 23-12.

Moran was particularly impressed with his younger players that included Maia Fiore, Anna Cannuscio (2 points) and Bland (2 points).

He also singled out Lucy McDonald (2 points) and Ainsley McDonald, no relation, for their solid play.

But it was Andriano, who once again paced the offensive attack with 20 points. Sachs was credited with eight. Schmitt was

close behind with seven.

Sammy Walker is an example of this year’s team approach, as she did her job exceptionally well on the defensive side of the court in both these games, according to Moran.

“We have been hustling all over the court, getting in the passing lanes to disrupt opposing offenses, while making great passes ourselves, when it was our turn to go on the attack,” Moran added.

ROUNDUP

First Magicians sports weekly notebook for 2026

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Future track stars take on peers in annual NEC Freshman/ Sophomore Meet The Marblehead High indoor track teams kept their underclassmen busy over the holidays competing at the annual Northeastern Conference Freshman/Sophomore Meet in Gloucester on Dec. 29. The Marblehead boys finished fourth after accumulating 47.5 points, while the girls were fifth with 32 points. The electronic timing system didn’t work for many of the races, but overall, it was a competitive, fun day, according to coach Nolan Raimo.

Girls high jump Freshman Addison Matulewicz (3-10) began her scholastic high jump career with a seventh-place finish against her conference peers.

Boys high jump Sophomore Clark Roszell (6-0) tied the meet record after beating out Julian Capece of Danvers for first place, because he had fewer misses. Freshman Dexter Wynn cleared 4-10 in his debut as a high jumper to land on the podium after coming in sixth.

Boys shot put Freshman Noah Duarte (271.5) set a new personal best mark to lead his teammates in this event, while finishing 12th overall. His classmate Giorgio Bottari (23-3.5, personal best) was close behind in 16th place.

Girls mile Sophomore Norah Walsh (5:51.6) set a new personal best to take home the silver medal.

Sophomore Ruby Assa (6:00.6, personal best) was close behind in fourth place. Freshman Nadia Siragusa (6:27.3) was fifth.

Freshman Ginny Donato (6:54) came in seventh.

Girls 1,000 As the lone Marblehead runner participating in this event, freshman Elisabeth Greely, in only her second time running it, finished 10th.

Boys 1,000 In one of the most competitive races of the day, freshman Isaac Durand took home the bronze in a personal best time of 3:01.30.

Freshman Owen Meunier (3:33.73, personal best) was

close behind, coming in seventh overall.

Girls 300 Making her debut, freshman Charlotte Hodgkinson (47.52) landed on the podium in fifth place. Her classmate Julia Thomson (50.93) was 13th.

Sophomore Emmy Dolce (51.62) was right behind her, finishing 14th, and her classmates Sophie Bacon (54.40, 21st) and Sophia Fargo (1:05.34, 22nd) also completed the course.

Boys 300 Freshman Nic Epstein (33.26, personal best) ended up seventh, while his classmates Jack Brousse (47.26, personal best) and Owen Casale (47.60, personal best) secured 11th and 13th place finishes. Nate Moran (54.33, personal best) was 18th.

Girls 55-meter dash Sophomore Keira White (9.4, personal best) finished 24th, and freshman Addison Matulewicz (9.9) was 29th.

Boys 55-meter dash Sophomore Voeuncenzo Vorn (7.2, hand time) came in fourth in the preliminary round, and did the same after running a 7.30 electronic finish. Freshman Dexter Wynn (7.5, personal best) missed the finals by .1 second, while settling for a close seventh.

Girls 55-meter hurdles Freshmen Nina Badzak (11.2, fifth) and Charlotte Greten (11.2, fifth, personal best) qualified for the finals by matching each other step for step. Sophomore Faith Apostolopoulos (11.3) narrowly missed the finals with a seventhplace finish.

Boys 55-meter hurdles In a field of all sophomores, Theo Benning (10.9) captured the bronze.

Girls long jump Charlotte Greten (14-6) leaped to a seventh-place finish.

Making her debut in this event, Apostolopoulos (13-3) came in ninth.

Boys long jump Vorn (17-5, personal best) carried over the momentum from a successful dash to come in third, followed by Epstein (17-3.5, personal best, fourth), Brousse (16-5, seventh) and Casale (15-10.5, eighth).

Girls 4x200 relay The team of Hodgkinson, Dolce, Bacon and Thomson

MHS VARSITY SCHEDULES Wednesday, Jan. 7 6 p.m.: girls hockey vs.

Gloucester at O’MaleyTalbot Rink, Gloucester 7 p.m.: boys wrestling vs.

Saugus at MHS gym 7:30 p.m.: boys hockey vs.

Beverly at Salem State Rockett Arena Thursday, Jan. 8 4:30 p.m.: boys and girls indoor track vs. Peabody at Swampscott High gym

7 p.m.: boys basketball vs.

Peabody at Peabody High gym 7:30 p.m.: girls gymnastics vs. Hamilton-Wenham at Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA Saturday, Jan. 10 7:30 a.m.: boys wrestling vs.

Pelham at Pelham High gym Sunday, Jan. 11 1 p.m.: co-ed swimming at NEC Dive Meet at

MHS high jump specialist Clark Roszell

(2:04.34) captured the silver.

Boys 4x200 relay Brousse, Epstein, Casale and Wynn (1:55.62) teamed up to come in fourth.

Girls 4x400 relay Assa, Walsh, Donato and Siragusa (5:03.55) were credited with a fourth-place finish. It was a long day for all four runners after also taking part in either the 1,000 or mile.

Boys 4x400 relay Meunier, Duran, Benning and Vorn (4:20.44) stepped up to take the bronze. “Owen and Isaac had to double back after running the 1,000, which is an immense challenge,” said Raimo, “while Theo and Voeuncenzo volunteered to run the relay, which was also their first 400 of the year, but, despite all of that, Voeuncenzo still ran the fastest leg.”

Wrestlers keep busy over the holidays The holiday season was anything, but quiet for the Marblehead/Swampscott Black & Blue wrestling team.

On Saturday, Dec. 20, at Mt. Hope High School’s Sharon Lombardo Memorial Tournament in Bristol, Rhode Island, there were many individual achievements. As a team, the Black & Blue kids finished ninth out of 12 squads.

Individually, it was another big day for senior captain Liam O’Brien, who not only captured another title at 138-pounds, but also netted his 150th alltime win. He was already the program’s all-time leader in wins, but now with every win it gets even tougher to fathom the

Peabody YMCA Monday, Jan. 12 6 p.m.: girls basketball vs.

Notre Dame AcademyHingham at MHS gym Tuesday, Jan. 13 5:30 p.m.: co-ed ski at Blue Hill Ski Area, Canton 7 p.m.: girls basketball vs.

Swampscott at MHS gym 7 p.m.: boys basketball vs. Swampscott at Swampscott High gym Wednesday, Jan. 14 5:30 p.m.: boys wrestling vs.

COURTESY PHOTO

possibility of anybody catching him. On this day, O’Brien was so dominant that by the end of the invitational he had an aggregate record of 43-3 in his four matches.

Senior captain Colin Hart won his bracket (190-pounds) for the first time in his career after a dominant 4-0 performance. Two pins and a decision propelled him to the finals, where he bottled up his opponent from the host Huskies to secure a 13-3 decision.

Senior Xavier Tejeda had his first-ever podium finish after coming in fifth with a 3-1 record.

All three of his wins were by pin.

Junior Colin Homan, a firstyear wrestler, came up with his first varsity win, before finishing up with a 1-2 record. Freshman Platon Danshyn duplicated Homan’s efforts.

Junior Jaymes Carey bounced back from a tough semifinal loss to take home third place after going 4-1. All four wins were by pin.

In the girls division, junior Eva Goodman won her round robin event, while junior Maya Alix finished second in hers.

Sophomore Anna Cruikshank came out on top in her first-ever match, before taking second in the round robin.

Kristian and Kenny Drolette, Dylan Soule, Ilan Hod, sophomore Phil Duclos, Andrew Delisle, Ollie Dion and freshman Nolan Glass also participated in the invitational, and they all gained considerable experience from it.

One week later, it was onto the annual Pentucket Holiday

Danvers at Danvers High gym 5:55 p.m.: girls hockey vs.

Masconomet at Valley Forum, Haverhill 7:30 p.m.: boys hockey vs.

Peabody at Salem State Rockett Arena Thursday, Jan. 15 4:30 p.m.: boys and girls indoor track vs.

Gloucester, Masconomet and Salem at Gloucester High gym 5:30 p.m.: co-ed ski at Blue

Tournament. The match took place on Dec. 27. The Black & Blue crew ended up 16th out of 21 teams. “We were shorthanded coming into this invitational, (manning) only nine of 14 weight classes,” said coach Mike Stamison.

Hart had to settle for fifth place, because of a technicality in the bracket format, despite winning four matches by pin, while losing just once.

O’Brien ended up fourth after cruising through the first two rounds with an 18-0 technical fall and a pin. He then, however, ran into a tough opponent from Roxbury Latin, who beat him narrowly, 3-2. In the match for third place, there was controversy that led to an unfortunate 5-3 loss as time expired. “We must learn from these setbacks, and leave no doubt in future matches against these tough opponents,” said Stamison.

At 150-pounds, Glass put together his best tournament yet, going 2-2. At 157, junior Andrew Delisle went 1-2 that included a pin, which accounted for his win. Freshman Ryker Genest got his first varsity win with a pin over his Salem, New Hampshire counterpart.

Seventh graders Elliot Donato and Dion got more experience competing in this annual holiday tournament, along with senior Xavier Tejeda and Duclos.

Basketball Magicians cruise past Fenwick to secure fourth win The Marblehead High boys basketball team went into the Christmas break with a 4-1 overall record – 2-1 in the Northeastern Conference – after beating non-league host Bishop Fenwick, 57-36 on Dec. 21. Their next game was set to be Jan. 5.

Go to MarbleheadCurrent.org for details.

The Magicians pretty much led from beginning to end, including at halftime, 34-13. “We used our defense to create offense, particularly in the first half,” said coach Mike Giardi.

Junior captain Finn Baron poured in 16 of his 22 points in that first half to help lead his teammates to victory. A total of nine Marblehead players scored at least one point in this game.

Hill Ski Area, Canton 7 p.m.: co-ed swimming vs.

Masconomet at Lynchvan Otterloo YMCA 7 p.m.: boys wrestling vs.

Lynn Tech at MHS gym 7:45 p.m.: girls gymnastics vs. Beverly at Sterling YMCA, Beverly Friday, Jan. 16 6 p.m.: girls basketball vs.

Everett at Everett High gym 7 p.m.: boys basketball vs.

Salem Academy Charter

at MHS gym Saturday, Jan. 17 9 a.m.: boys and girls indoor track at Reggie Lewis Center, Boston 10 a.m.: boys wrestling vs.

Billerica at Billerica High gym 7 p.m.: boys hockey vs.

Danvers at Salem State Rockett Arena Sunday, Jan. 18 10:30 a.m.: girls hockey vs.

Medford at Salem State Rockett Arena

marbleheadcurrent.org

10 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Marblehead Current

OBITUARIES

Judith Lee (Goodwin) O’Leary Judith Lee (Goodwin) O’Leary passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her family on Dec. 24, 2025. Judy leaves behind her daughter, Tara O’Leary MacCarthy and her husband, Kenny; her grandchildren, Dr. Keira (O’Donovan) Martinez and her

wife, Dr. Jennifer Martinez, Connor O’Leary

and his wife Katherine. Judy is also survived by her two beloved great-granddaughters, Eve Martinez and Saoirse O’Leary, and her loving extended family and dear, life-long friends. Judy was predeceased by many loved ones, including her husband, Capt. Douglas M. O’Leary, son, Captain Brendan M. O’Leary, grandson, Seamus M. O’Leary, parents, Webster and Betty Goodwin, and her brother, Capt.

Steven W. Goodwin.

Devoted to the town she loved, Judy worked in the town

Stephen Wright Ware, 71 Stephen Wright Ware, passed away Dec. 31, 2025 after a lengthy illness.

He leaves his mother, Amy Lockerbie Smith; his brother Brian L. Ware

SUBMISSION POLICY

The Marblehead Current publishes obituaries online for free and in its print edition for a flat fee of $300.

Submissions or inquiries should be sent to notices@marbleheadnews.org.

Submissions should include the

offices for over 25 years in both the Light Department and the Tax Collector office and took great pride in being a multigenerational Marbleheader. A clever and skilled artist with impeccable taste, Judy poured her love and creative talents into decorating her home, designing and crafting handmade quilts to welcome new babies, and knitting beautiful items that will be cherished by those she has left behind for many years to come. Judy’s quick wit and kindness were among her many

and his sister-in-law Rebecca Ware. He was pre-deceased by his sister Sharon Ware Kellum, pre-deceased.

Steve loved Marblehead and spent a good part of his working life in Abbot Hall. He was a lover of music and photography.

There will be a private memorial service at a later date. If you would

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

Photos, preferably in JPEG format,

qualities that drew others to her and her loving nature, curious spirit and resilience will be remembered always.

Services for Judy will be held on Friday, Jan. 9, at Murphy Funeral Home, 85 Federal St., Salem, including visiting hours 9-11 a.m., a memorial service at 11 a.m., followed immediately by a memorial luncheon. For more information and online guestbook, please call the Murphy Funeral Home at 978-744-0497 or visit murphyfuneralhome.com.

care to make donations in Steve’s memory, please do so to the Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org) or The Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject. org).

To leave a condolence to the family please visit berubefuneralhome.com.

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

POLICE LOG

Speaker theft disrupts video prank; police cruiser involved in crash Wednesday, Dec. 24

» Alarms: 1 » 911 hang-ups: 1 » Building/property checks: 10 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 1:42 a.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Front Street and filed a report.

11:27 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pond Street and filed a report.

11:31 a.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a minor vehicle crash on Clifton Avenue and Brook Road.

1:05 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Pond Street and filed a report.

Thursday, Dec. 25

» Alarms: 0 » 911 hang-ups: 0 » Building/property checks: 7 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 12:11 a.m. An officer rendered services after a general complaint on Angenica Terrace.

5:49 a.m. An officer investigated a disturbance reported on Pleasant Street but could not locate its source.

3:15 p.m. Officers checked and secured a building on Selman Street after a general complaint.

Friday, Dec. 26

» Alarms: 0 » 911 hang-ups: 1 » Property/building checks: 8

» Vehicle stops, citations: 1 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2 10:09 a.m. An officer took a report over the phone from a Bennett Road resident who had discovered upon opening packages on Christmas morning that one of three boxes in which a set of pots

and pans she had ordered was missing and had presumably been stolen.

She estimated the value of the stolen package at $300 — half of the $599 she had paid for the set — though she noted it would be considerably more expensive to replace the missing pans now that they were no longer on sale. The

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 8:15 PM on the request of Patrick and Leslie Rousseau to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a one-story addition to existing non-conforming single-family home with less than the required Lot Area, Lot Frontage, Front & Side Yard Setbacks located on a newly combined lot at 46 Cloutmans Lane within the Shoreline Single Residence District. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning ByLaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/zoning-boardof-appeals/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 8:15 PM on the request of Peter A. Pereyra and Taylor A. Pereyra to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a third floor addition with exterior deck, an extension of existing exterior deck on the first floor, and re-construction of an existing front entry way on a pre-existing non-conforming single-family dwelling having less than the required Front Yard Setback on a non-conforming Lot located at 99 Clifton Avenue in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18.

This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information

by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/zoning-board-of-appeals/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM on the request of Donald and Helena Dowling to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a covered porch on a pre-existing non-conforming single-family home with less than the required Lot Area, Lot Width, Frontage, Front & Side Yard Setbacks, and Parking located at 7 Conant Road in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning ByLaw, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/zoning-boardof-appeals/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 8:15 PM on the request of Maple Circle Marblehead LLC to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit or Variance for the division of the property at 9 Maple Circle into two building lots; the creation of Lot 1, which will have less that the require Lot Width, and the creation of Lot 2, which will have less than the required Frontage and Lot Width, and the construction of a single-family dwelling on Lot 2. The existing dwelling on Lot 1 has less than required Front and Side Yard Setbacks and is located at 9 MAPLE CIRCLE in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18.

This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information

by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/zoning-board-of-appeals/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

home itself did not have any security cameras, and the officer said he would check the area for cameras and apprise detectives of the situation.

10:36 a.m. An officer rendered services after responding to a general complaint on Pond Street.

1:34 p.m. Officers investigated a report of suspicious activity on Pilgrim Road but could not find it.

1:42 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Broughton Road and filed a report.

2:31 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man who had been filming a prank video at Abbot Public Library with the permission of library staff. While he and his friend were filming their video, a man walked up to them and took the man’s JBL Flip 7 portable speaker, which was being used in the shoot. The alleged speaker thief then walked out of the library, and the two pranksters lost sight of him, though the speaker’s owner had snapped his photo, which he shared with police.

The speaker’s owner had discussed the incident with library staff, but they did not know the identity of the speaker thief. The whole time the man was speaking with the officer, his friend was filming

the interaction with a professional camera.

7:51 p.m. Officers investigated a report of suspicious activity on Everett Paine Boulevard.

Saturday, Dec. 27

» Alarms: 1 » 911 hang-ups: 2 » Property/building checks: 16 » Vehicle stops, citations: 1 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2 12:20 a.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Guernsey Street and filed a report.

9:49 a.m. An officer was dispatched to speak to a man who had been involved in a minor vehicle crash in front of his Pleasant Street home.

The man explained he had been backing out of his driveway when his vehicle was struck by another vehicle driven by a man who had been unable to produce his driver’s license but who had said he would go get it and return. However, he had not returned. He had been able to determine that the vehicle was owned by a local businesswoman, who had been in the front passenger seat at the time of the crash. The officer went to the business and spoke with the owner, who POLICE, P. 11

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 at 8:00 PM on the request of Page and Patrick Harrington to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a two story addition and attached garage on a pre-existing non-conforming lot with less than the required Lot Area, Front & Side yard Setbacks that is located at 29 West Street in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.

30A, §18. This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https:// marbleheadma.gov/zoning-board-of-appeals/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, January 7, 2026 11

OBITUARIES different mediums and changing landscapes and subjects. Her whimsical work featured shells, boats, planes and scenes inspired by the out-islands of the Bahamas and of course Marblehead. She was a signature member of the American Society of Marine Artists.

Joan grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, and attended Northfield Mt. Herman and Tufts University. It was there, on the sailing team, that she met her adoring husband, John B. Hooper, who predeceased

Joan (Colt) Hooper, 96 Joan (Colt) Hooper was imposing — in stature, in talent and in grace, a woman of gentle good humor. For all of her 96 years she enthusiastically loved her family, her friends and her dogs. She was an energetic artist who shared her skills with others and continued to challenge herself by frequently using

Joseph E Homan Jr., 86 Joseph E. Homan Jr., 86, died peacefully on Dec. 25, at the Kaplan house in Danvers.

He was a lifelong Marbleheader, who was educated in the Marblehead public school system. Joe, also known as Skip by childhood friends, served as a Marblehead

Stephen Decatur, 96 Stephen Decatur, 96, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on Dec. 21, at The Kaplan House in Danvers.

Born in 1929, Steve was the youngest of three children born to Stephen and Winifred Rogers Decatur of Garden City, New York, and Kittery Point, Maine. He was educated at the University of Virginia where he served as a member of the Naval R.O.T.C. A proud historian and storyteller, Steve was a direct descendant of John Pine Decatur, the brother of the

celebrated War of 1812 naval hero, Stephen Decatur.

In 1956, Steve married Marcia Finn and moved to Marblehead, the town he would call home for

Rosalyn E. Weinstein, 91 Date of Birth: May 9, 1934 Date of Death: December 30, 2025 Rosalyn Weinstein of Marblehead entered into rest on Dec. 30, 2025, at the age of 91.

She was the beloved wife of Saul Weinstein (deceased) and

Police From P. 10

explained that the driver had lost his license, possibly at the post office, and was searching for it. Soon thereafter, the driver returned to the business but had failed to locate his license. The officer then asked him to explain the circumstances of the crash, and he said the vehicle backing out of the driveway had been the striking vehicle in the crash.

Sunday, Dec. 28

» Alarms: 1 » 911 hang-ups: 0 » Property/building checks: 5 » Vehicle stops, citations: 1 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2 1:59 p.m. At least one person was transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries after a vehicle crash on West Shore Drive and Cornell Road.

2:11 p.m. An officer rendered services after a complaint about a moving vehicle on West Shore Drive and Cornell Road.

9:53 p.m. An officer rendered services after general information was provided on Intrepid Circle.

Monday, Dec. 29

» Alarms: 2 » 911 hang-ups: 1 » Property/building checks: 4

» Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 1:15 p.m. Traffic signals were set to flash on Atlantic and Ocean avenues.

4:45 p.m. Officers could not locate a moving vehicle about which a complaint had been made on Ocean and Harbor avenues.

5:49 p.m. While out on patrol, an officer observed a Mercedes SUV stopped in the middle of Humphrey Street with its hazard lights on and trunk open. The officer activated his cruiser’s emergency blue lights and positioned his cruiser behind the disabled vehicle. After exiting his cruiser, the officer was met by the driver, who stated that his car had broken down and that he was waiting for a tow truck. While the driver was on the phone, the officer called in his license plate to dispatch and learned of an issue with the registration. The police had the vehicle towed, and the driver had a friend pick him up and follow the tow truck to the repair shop.

5:55 p.m. An officer rendered services after a general complaint on Pleasant Street.

Tuesday, Dec. 30

» Alarms: 3 » 911 hang-ups: 0 » Property/building checks: 9 » Vehicle stops, citations: 1

her in 2009. The couple sailed and cruised on their 35’ sloop, Ingomar, throughout their 58-year marriage. They each also had their private pilot’s license and flew often to the Bahamas and across the country.

Joan will be deeply missed by those who love her, including her sister Katharine T. Boden; her beloved children Sarah, George and his wife Jane, and Jefferson and his wife Susan; and her treasured grandchildren Jennifer Lee-Hooper, Caroline,

police officer for over 30 years. In retirement, he worked part time for the Marblehead Harbormaster.

Joe was an avid golfer who played in Scotland, England, South Carolina etc. with his golf buddies. He was also a member of the Gerry 5 and Masons and was a marine reservist in his younger years. He enjoyed traveling with his wife Mary Marlene, whom he was married to for 63 years and who predeceased

James, Abigail and John Hooper.

Joan was preceded in death by her daughter Lucy Hooper Favaloro; her sister Sarah Colt and brother Leonard B. Colt and her parents Leonard Colt Sr. and Joan (Borden) Colt of Little Compton, Rhode Island.

A memorial service will be held on Jan. 16, 11 a.m., at Saint Andrews Church, Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, Joan asked instead for donations to be made to the Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St., Marblehead, MA 01945.

him.

Joe is survived by his son Joseph E Homan III and his daughter Lisa Potorski; and his two grandsons Michael J Potorski and Jake A Potorski. He is also survived by his many nephews and cousins. Services will be held at the Gerry 5 in Marblehead, 210 Beacon St. , on Thursday Jan. 8, at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, family request be made to Care Dimensions in Danvers.

the rest of his life. He began his career in the radio broadcasting industry in Cambridge and Boston before founding his own advertising agency, Decatur Associates, in Marblehead.

Deeply involved in his community, Steve served on the board of trustees for the Abbot Public Library. He was also a gifted artist; several of his creations were featured in Marblehead Festival of Arts exhibits. He was a fixture on Gregory Street for over 60 years.

Affectionately known as “Pop” to his family, he was a man of many talents and passions. He was an ace at the New York Times crossword puzzle, a lover of classical music and

opera, and an avid sports fan, with a particular devotion to baseball. In his spare time, he meticulously crafted ship models from scratch and delighted in giving his family daily “history lessons.”

Pop and Muffin (as Marcia was known) shared a love for the water, purchasing a Swedish sailboat named Whisper in Minnesota. Together, they cruised the Great Lakes, the waterways of Canada,and the length of the East Coast.

Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife, Muffin and his son, James Rogers Decatur. He is survived by: His children: Stephen Decatur Jr. (Carolyn) of Marblehead;

Mary “Molly” Precopio (John) of Wakefield, Rhode Island; and Thomas Macy Decatur (Rhoda) of Shrewsbury His daughter-in-law: Rebecca Decatur of Swampscott His legacy: Eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Services were private. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Stephen’s family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen’s name to the Friends of Abbot Public Library or to Strawberry Banke in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

a devoted mother to Steven (Linda) Weinstein and Susan Bean (Thomas Sheehey).

Rosalyn was a loving grandmother to Katie (Mark) O’Shea, Timothy Weinstein, Samantha (Zachary) Weiss, Mik Bean and Bekka Bean, and a cherished great-grandmother to Will, Scotty and Emmie O’Shea, as well as J.J., Lukey and Ellie Weiss.

Roz grew up in Malden and later moved to Marblehead, where she and Saul raised their

family. She loved to read and enjoyed playing canasta and mah-jongg.

Funeral services will be held at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel, 10 Vinnin St., Salem, on Sun. at 10 a.m., Jan. 4.

Following the service, interment will take place at Temple Sinai Cemetery, 51 Buxton Road, Peabody. A gathering for friends and family will be held following the interment at The Clubhouse at

the Village at Vinnin, 200 Loring Ave.,Salem, until 4 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Roz Weinstein to support the Cure AT/RT Now Fund for pediatric medulloblastoma research.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, Massachusetts 02284 Donations may also be made online at dana-farber.org/gift by selecting “Family-chosen area.”

» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 9:04 a.m. Officers could not locate a moving vehicle about which a complaint had been made on Humphrey Street.

10:11 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Woodfin Terrace and filed a report.

3:33 p.m. An officer rendered services after a general complaint on Lafayette Street.

4:26 p.m. A complaint about a moving vehicle on Ocean Avenue and Flint Street proved to be unfounded.

4:51 p.m. Officers rendered services after a general complaint on Ocean Avenue.

5:03 p.m. No action was required after a general complaint on West Shore Drive and Waterside Road.

a disturbance on Lincoln Avenue but could not locate its source.

the CRV running the red light, and the CRV’s driver, who had been speaking to someone on the phone using Airpods, redirected his attention to the officer and vehemently denied he had run the light. The CRV’s driver appeared to have access to dashcam video on his phone, and the officer requested a copy.

The driver promised to send the officer the video, but it had not arrived as of two hours after the crash. The driver also eventually claimed he had leg and back pain, and another officer called out an ambulance, which transported him to Salem Hospital. Another licensed driver retrieved his vehicle from the scene of the crash.

1:11 a.m. An officer could not locate the source of a general complaint on Maple Street.

1:59 a.m. Officers rendered services after a general complaint on Naugus Avenue and Green Street.

3:14 p.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Lafayette Street, and an accident report was filed.

6:04 p.m. A general complaint on Ocean Avenue proved to be unfounded.

6:58 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Prince Street and filed a report.

Wednesday, Dec. 31

» Alarms: 0 » 911 hang-ups: 2 » Property/building checks: 11 » Vehicle stops, citations: 2 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 2:09 p.m. An officer rendered services and filed a report after a general complaint on Devereux Street.

3:30 p.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle on Devereux Street.

7:55 p.m. Officers investigated

Thursday, Jan. 1

» Alarms: 3 » 911 hang-ups: 0 » Property/building checks: 7 » Vehicle stops, citations: 2 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 12:32 a.m. An officer in her cruiser was involved in a vehicle crash. According to her report, a Honda CR-V ran a red light coming inbound on Atlantic Avenue as she was taking a left outbound towards Swampscott from Ocean Avenue onto Atlantic. She reported the crash to dispatch, noting that neither she nor the other driver were hurt. As two other officers were dispatched to the scene, the officer involved in the accident tried to speak with the other driver, but there was a language barrier. Once the other officers arrived on scene, they noted that the CRV had sustained damage to the passenger-rear bumper and quarter panel. A rear light housing was lying on the ground at the apparent point of impact. The cruiser had only sustained smudge markings on the passenger-side portion of the push bar on the front of the vehicle. The driver of the CRV was standing in close proximity to the officer as he was relaying what he had been told about

marbleheadcurrent.org

12 Wednesday, January 7, 2026 Marblehead Current

PAWS & CLAWS

Hen needs new nest to settle into For over 200 years, Marblehead Female Humane Society has remained faithful to its original mission of quietly and respectfully helping Marblehead residents in need.

If you’re struggling to pay your bills or are experiencing a sudden and unexpected financial hardship, we’re here to help.

Individual requests for financial assistance must be referred through a third party for consideration.

Breed: Domestic Shorthair Size: Medium Age: Adult Sex: Female Hen, also known as The Boss, was a wonderful mom to her kittens, according to volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Her foster mom reported that she was quiet at first and a little opinionated but became very sweet and playful once she settled in.

“She just needed time,” the foster mom said.

After getting so comfortable in her foster home, Hen is a little confused as to why she is back at the shelter, according to volunteers, who say she prefers being one on one with another and being spoken to in a quiet manner.

“Shelter life is a little too stressful

COURTESY PHOTO

Shelter volunteers believe Hen — a.k.a. The Boss — will blossom once she settles into a permanent home.

for her, and she is not getting the oneon-one time that she needs to make her personality shine again,” one volunteer explained.

Hen is up to date with routine shots, house trained and spayed.

If you are interested in meeting Hen or any of the animals at the shelter, you must fill out an adoption application online at marblehead-animal-shelter.org. Shelter volunteers do not respond to inquiries.

We urge you to contact our partners listed below, or speak to your local clergy to request assistance from Marblehead Female Humane Society: Marblehead Counseling Center 781-631-8273

HOME • AUTO • YACHT • BUSINESS

Marblehead Housing Authority 781-631-2580

Loraine Roussin loraine@burkeins.com

Marblehead Council on Aging 781-631-6225

18 Brown Street Salem, MA 01970-3830

Marblehead Food Pantry 781-631-8340

www.marbleheadfemalehumanesociety.com

T: 978-741-7800 F: 978-741-7805

Find home this holiday season... and all year long At The Mariner residents enjoy fresh and local dining, regular exercise classes, engaging programs and quality care - all while keeping the traditions and independence you love.

Discover life at The Mariner, call Stacy: 781.731.1583 or scan the QR code >> Discover Marblehead’s first and only Senior Living Community!

Independent Living, Assisted Living & Avita Memory Care 265 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA

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