SWEET
BUDDING
Students show ingenuity at STEAM Fair Page 6
SWIMMING MHS is perfect in the pool Page 9
FIRST WAVE
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Massachusetts Attorney
General Andrea Joy Campbell filed a lawsuit Jan. 29 against the town of Marblehead (and eight other communities) for its noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Law, which requires communities to zone for more multifamily housing. The other eight communities are: Dracut, East Bridgewater, Halifax, Holden, Middleton, Tewksbury, Wilmington and
SPIRIT OF ‘76
Winthrop.
“Massachusetts has a housing crisis, and our Commonwealth is unaffordable. The vast majority of MBTA Communities deeply understand that developing more multifamily housing will improve our ability to attract businesses, retain our families and residents and ensure that Massachusetts remains the greatest state in the country to live, start a family and work,” said Campbell. “While bringing a lawsuit is never my first choice,
courts have consistently ruled that compliance with this law is mandatory, and the urgency of our housing shortage compels me to act to ensure that all MBTA Communities meet their legal responsibilities. My office remains ready to assist any town working to come into compliance with the law.”
Just days earlier, Marblehead had submitted a new 3A plan that rezones the Tedesco Country Club and golf course for multifamily housing, along
with Broughton Road, which is already zoned as multifamily.
The town has been working with a state-funded consultant on the new plan. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities flagged six “technical” elements of the plan, which the town has since addressed.
“My hope is that they’ll work with us,” said Select Board Chair Dan Fox about the AG’s Office.
“When the majority of the town decided not to pass 3A (in a July
MONEY
referendum) the leaders of the town knew this was coming.” Residents will vote on the new 3A plan at Town Meeting this May.
“It’s in everyone’s best interests for Marblehead to pass its own plan,” Fox said. The AG is “filing this suit so that if we don’t pass it, they have the availability to enforce a plan on us. I would much rather that Marbleheaders chose how this
BY GREY COLLINS
Just as ice and snow couldn’t stop Glover’s Regiment from crossing the Delaware and capturing Trenton 250 years ago, the frigid 15-degree temperatures and deep snow couldn’t stop more than 80 Marbleheaders from honoring Gen. John Glover’s memory on Saturday evening. Glover’s Regiment, followed by dozens of residents, marched down Washington Street to Old Burial Hill to the sound of drums
Erin Pararas, holding a lantern, leads the procession down Washington Street toward Old Burial Hill.
MATTERS Town reveals $8.4M budget deficit, predicts 50+ layoffs if no override
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer announced a $8.4 million budget deficit for fiscal 2027 due to soaring expenses and declining revenues. Without a Proposition 2 1/2 override, that gap could lead to 50 municipal layoffs in addition to program cuts, according to Kezer. That does not include cuts expected in the schools.
“We will need to limit the services that we do fund to only the most critical services — those critical to life, property and so forth,” Kezer said at his annual State of the Town Jan. 28. “All those quality-of-life services that make Marblehead Marblehead will be significantly reduced and probably shut down. It’s that drastic.”
Marblehead voters have not approved a general tax override in 20 years.
At Town Meeting in 2025, voters approved a $119 million budget for fiscal 2026. Kezer is projecting an increase in $2.1 million in property tax revenues for fiscal ‘27.
Beyond property taxes, town revenues are expected to drop by $2.2 million. According to Kezer, three of the most significant decreases include:
Interest income, $784,677
Motor vehicle excise taxes, $620,628 (Fewer people are buying new cars, Kezer speculated.)
» Permit fees, $359,881 (Fewer people are doing home improvement projects.)
CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS
Glover’s Regiment fires a musket volley at Gen. John Glover’s tomb at Old Burial Hill on Saturday evening to honor Glover’s life and contribution to the American Revolution.
School leaders outline deeper cuts, including 5 teachers, to level fund budget
BY AKANKSHA GOYAL
After multiple rounds of reductions, Marblehead Public Schools officials said they are within $806 of a level-funded fiscal year 2027 budget at the School Committee’s Budget Subcommittee meeting on Jan. 29.
The meeting included School Committee members Melissa Clucas and Jenn Schaeffner, Superintendent John Robidoux, Assistant Superintendent of Finance Mike Pfifferling, and Finance Committee liaisons Molly Teets and Pat Franklin.
Pfifferling walked the subcommittee through a detailed breakdown of the district’s full budget, including grant and revolving fund sources, saying the goal was to show “how much we actually spend and not just the town appropriation amount.”
For FY27, Pfifferling said a levelservices budget would increase total spending by about $2.6 million. Roughly $1 million of that gap has already been addressed through state funding and expanded use of the kindergarten and pre-K revolving account, leaving about $1.7 million to close — a figure the district has been working to reduce in recent weeks.
At a Jan. 5 meeting, administrators outlined a first round of adjustments amounting to about $720,000 focused on “efficiencies,” including keeping vacant positions unfilled, shifting salaries to grants and revolving accounts, and trimming supply and contracted service lines.
Pfifferling said those options have largely been exhausted.
“These are the cuts that are going to hurt,” Pfifferling said as he introduced the second round of proposed adjustments.
“These are the reductions … that’s going to affect, in some ways, our educational core, in some ways our special education programming, in some ways facilities.”
Eliminating five teaching positions
Second-round proposals trim an additional $965,000 from the budget and include the elimination of five teaching positions districtwide (one teacher at the elementary level, one at Veterans Middle School and three at the high school) and a reduction of a general education instructional assistant at the elementary level.
The plan also includes leaving certain special education and administrative positions unfilled, reducing a maintenance position, lowering the amount prepaid for special education tuition, and adjusting utilities and
transportation budgets.
“We’re hoping it’s zero teachers,” Pfifferling said, noting that retirements and resignations could offset layoffs. “But there are five positions that are identified.”
Robidoux said administrators intentionally prioritized minimizing impacts on classroom instruction, particularly in the early grades.
“The plan here is to make the least impact on classroom sizes,” he said. “We’re looking not to do that unless we have to.”
He explained that reductions at the secondary level often have less effect on class size than comparable cuts in elementary grades, a factor considered during the second-round review.
In response to the latest round of proposed cuts, the Marblehead Education Association released this statement: “Our schools and students are already feeling the strain of prior staffing and programmatic cuts in classrooms and student support services. Before reductions are discussed, the School Committee should present both a fully funded budget and a level-services budget
so residents can decide whether to support the funding required to maintain services or accept reduced services for students.”
One second-round adjustment increased the budget line for out-of-district special education tuition and transportation by about $81,000, after Pfifferling said the original projection did not fully account for escalating transportation costs.
Robidoux added that if additional funding becomes available, restoring the five teaching positions identified in the second round would be the district’s top priority.
“If something doesn’t give, we’re looking at substantial work to make our budget work … disastrous to the core and facilities and transportation and technology,” Pfifferling said of fiscal year 2028. “Every department will suffer.” Finance Committee Vice Chair Molly Teets said she believes a longterm approach should be taken as the town considers a potential override to account for future costs.
Despite the challenges, Robidoux said the district has positioned itself as well as possible under the constraints of a level-funded budget.
“I think we feel as good as we’re going to feel about it,” he said.
Officials emphasized that both rounds of adjustments are likely to fluctuate ahead of the Feb. 5 meeting, when the proposed FY27 budget — including narrative explanations and charts — is expected to be presented to the full School Committee.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The town is updating residents on a “significant national cybersecurity incident” that disrupted its CodeRED emergency alert system, which is now being run by the affiliated company Crisis24. CodeRED had about 13,000 subscribers in Marblehead, according to Fire Chief Jason Gilliland.
The cyberattack happened last November.
“The town is currently working closely with Crisis24 about ongoing notifications and updates,” according to a statement from the town Thursday morning. “The town is also considering options for notification systems to ensure
Marblehead has reliable, secure emergency notification capability moving forward.”
The data breach has “exposed user data, including phone numbers, email addresses and passwords,” according to the statement.
According to Gilliland, CodeRED never said that passwords were at risk. Gilliland learned that they were at risk on Jan. 28.
“We were under the impression that the transition from CodeRED to Crisis24 would be seamless, but it’s been a complete debacle,” Gilliland told the Current.
Because the investigation remains ongoing, the town said residents should remain cautious and follow these steps:
If you previously created a
CodeRED profile/password, change any passwords that were reused across other personal or business accounts.
Be alert for phishing or scam messages that may impersonate the town, public safety agencies or notification vendors.
Confirm Wireless Emergency Alerts are enabled on your mobile
device. (WEA is separate from CodeRED and continues to operate during vendor outages.)
Monitor your accounts and personal information for suspicious activity and report suspected fraud through appropriate channels.
The town is interviewing two new emergency alert companies and hopes to get out of its contract with CodeRED at soon as possible. Moving forward, Gilliland said the town would rely on text and email alerts, as well as social media and electric billboards.
Anyone with questions is encouraged to visit marbleheadma.gov or contact Gilliland at gillilandj@ marbleheadma.gov.
BY LUCA TEDESCO
Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents the 6th District including Marblehead, traveled to Minneapolis earlier this week following the killing of Alex Pretti, a 37-year old ICU nurse, by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents on Saturday morning.
“I’m trying to learn a lot of lessons for Massachusetts about how to get organized and prepare for this onslaught of statesponsored terror,” said Moulton in a video posted to his Instagram account Wednesday afternoon.
“That’s what’s going on here in Minneapolis: state-sponsored terror.” Moulton, who is running for U.S. Senate, has been an outspoken critic of the Trump administration’s ramping up of immigration enforcement during
his second term, stating in an interview with CNN’s Anderson Cooper on Tuesday night: “I don’t think that the comparisons with
Nazi Germany are extreme.”
In the video posted to Instagram, Moulton recalled a story told to him by a volunteer regarding ICE’s treatment of protesters and civilians.
“One of these volunteers was just saying that he had his car surrounded by ICE cars,” said Moulton. “ICE cars roll up to him, roll down the window and blast “‘Ice Ice Baby’ at him. ICE officers come up and surround him and yell at him, threaten him. They say they’re going to arrest him. They’re going to track him. ‘We’ve got your license plate. We’re going to know where you’re going to go.’ All intimidation tactics that you would expect to see in a place like Iran or North Korea.”
Moulton added: “But I also heard the incredible inspiration. The way that people are so proud of the city for standing up, for
fighting for freedom, for fighting for the rule of law, fighting for the U.S. Constitution. The people of Minnesota are standing on the ramparts of freedom in America, just the way that revolutionaries stood on those ramparts of freedom in Massachusetts against the king.”
Speaking to Fox News Digital, Assistant Secretary of Public Affairs for the Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin said that Moulton “is intentionally stoking the flames and turning up the temperature with this rhetoric. From comparisons to the modern-day Nazi Gestapo to glorifying rioters, the vilification of ICE must stop.” McLaughlin added that the Congressman should be “thanking ICE for removing these worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens from his state.”
Part of the presentation at Thursday’s School Committee Budget Subcommittee meeting outlining deep cuts to next year’s budget.
Rep. Moulton posted a video to his Instagram account on Wednesday recounting his time in Minneapolis following the shooting of Alex Pretti on Jan. 24.
‘The world needs more Nikolays.’ People bid farewell to beloved Header
BY LEIGH BLANDER
It was the best of Marblehead on display Saturday morning as residents from across town gathered to wish a fond farewell to community member Nikolay Kuzmina, who has moved to Florida after the death of his mother in January.
“He has a special place in my heart,” said retired police officer Cabot Dodge, who served as school resource officer at Marblehead High when Kuzmina attended in the early 2000s. “He is loved by so many.” Dodge was among scores of people who filled the Warwick Theater for a special morning organized by Kuzmina’s friend Dave Aldrich. Select Board member Jim Zisson read a proclamation honoring Kuzmina.
“As Nikolay embarks on his new chapter in sunny, warm Florida, we send our sincere best wishes for happiness and continued success in his next adventure,” Zisson read. “While we wish him well in the warm weather, he will always remain a cherished part of the Marblehead community, and we hope he returns often to visit, especially when the temperatures rise.”
Kuzmina chimed in, “I will, Jim. I will.” Kuzmina, 40, lived with his mother, who died last month in a single-car crash near their home. He is now moving to Miami to live with his sister, Olga Golinder, and her husband
and children. “I was devastated when my mom died,” Kuzmina said Saturday. “I’ve lived here my whole life. Marblehead is such a great town. I feel like a rock star today, except I have
moves forward. We’ll continue to work towards Town Meeting.”
Under the MBTA Communities Law, Marblehead is required to zone for 897 housing units. The law does not require that those units actually be built.
At a Jan. 29 press conference, the Current asked Campbell if her office will take into account that Marblehead is actively working on a new plan.
“We will continue even as this lawsuit moves forward, to work with communities to bring them into compliance,” Campbell answered. “We did the same with Milton that is now in compliance, even as the lawsuit was proceeding. We just must make it crystal clear to every municipality that is out of compliance that not only is MBTA Communities mandatory and they have to come into compliance, but that it is enforceable by my office.” Campbell declined to say specifically what the court might do to compel Marblehead to comply. Options include appointing a special master to develop a compliant zoning plan or assign financial penalties. Marblehead is already ineligible for millions of dollars in state grants due to its noncompliance.
shorter hair.” Kuzmina was beloved around town and known especially for riding his blue trike around Marblehead High School.
Last spring, after his cycle hit a pot hole and broke,
Nikolay is. He’s an angel.” Golinder said her brother is settling into life in Florida well.
“He loves the weather and the palm trees,” she said.
Golinder’s in-laws live in the area, so the family will be back to visit.
chipped in to buy him a new one. The story was covered by Boston TV stations.
On Saturday, several people presented Kuzmina with gifts, including a Marblehead Police Department shirt bearing his name and the title “Honorary Officer.”
“This is amazing,” Golinder said about the event. “It shows what kind of community Marblehead is — and how special
Kuzmina’s old prom date, Emily Gawrys, came to say goodbye. The two have known each other since middle school and spent time together at Anchors to Windward, a day program in town for adults with disabilities.
“We’ll stay in contact,” Gawrys said, giving Kuzmina a big hug. “We have FaceTime.”
Aldrich also read a message from Kuzmina’s boss at Stop & Shop, where Kuzmina worked for 10 years. It highlighted Nikolay’s warmth, kindness and gentleness.
““The world needs more Nikolays,” Aldrich read.
the MHS track teams
COURTESY PHOTO Nikolay Kuzmina enjoys spending time with his nephew, Max, in Florida.
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
Select Board member Jim Zisson, right, reads a town proclamation honoring Nikolay Kuzmina on Saturday.
COURTESY PHOTO
Nikolay Kuzmina loved riding his trike around Marblehead High School.
Emily Gawrys of Marblehead stands with Nikolay Kuzmina while holding a photo from their prom years ago.
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Collision
course
No one should have been surprised by last week’s news that the Attorney General’s Office had sued Marblehead and eight other towns in Suffolk Superior Court over their failure to comply with the MBTA Communities Act.
As readers no doubt know by now, the five-year-old MBTA Communities Act, passed towards the end of Gov. Charlie Baker’s second and final term, aims to address the state’s housing shortage by requiring communities served by the MBTA to adopt a zoning district or districts in which multifamily housing is permitted as of right.
Marblehead is subject to the law because it is considered an “adjacent community” under the law due to the commuter rail stations in Salem and Swampscott.
At Town Meeting last May, voters passed a zoning plan to comply with the law, only to have that vote undone in a townwide referendum.
Once its compliance deadline passed last July, Marblehead became a fugitive from the multifamily-zoning law, losing access to millions of dollars in grant funding.
In an advisory last July, AG Andrea Campbell allowed towns in Marblehead’s situation some grace.
But she warned, “By January 2026, however, five years will have passed since the Act was signed into law. By that point, every MBTA Community will have had ample time — and considerable state support — to establish the legally mandated zoning.”
Now, that second shoe has dropped, just as Campbell had promised.
Throughout the lengthy debate over the MBTA Communities Act here, opposition to compliance has taken a couple of forms.
One argument went that the town should not comply until every last legal option was exhausted. Then, in the context of an unsuccessful appeal by the town of Milton, the Supreme Judicial Court confirmed the AG’s power to enforce the act. In a separate suit, other communities — including several of those now being sued by the AG — also failed to convince a Superior Court judge that the law was an unfunded mandate. In September, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities rejected the town’s request for a compliance exemption.
In other words, it has become increasingly clear from a legal perspective that Marblehead’s compliance obligation is not going away. The proposition that the state officials do not have the authority to tell Marbleheaders what to do with their zoning laws or property rights has been rejected at every turn.
Perhaps that realization, along with the desire to remain eligible for state grants, explains why 93% of the communities subject to the law (165 out of 177) — including one-time lead objector Milton — have come into compliance.
The other strain of arguments against compliance has been built on a shaky foundation of misinformation and hysteria. Lawn signs last spring warned of Marblehead becoming “Wonderland” — even though nothing like those monstrous Revere Beach complexes could have been built under Marblehead’s compliance plan. Indeed, as town officials have repeatedly stressed, adopting an MBTA Communities Act compliance plan would not require anything to be built at all.
We can now see the truth of that statement in other communities. The research firm Boston Indicators recently released a study, which notes that the rate of development spurred by the MBTA Communities Act has been all over the map (pardon the pun). While there are now roughly 7,000 homes in the “permitting pipeline,” roughly 80 percent of permitted units are concentrated in just 10 of the 177 communities subject to the law. More than 1,200 of those 7,000 units are in Lexington alone. In other words, where communities have prioritized preserving the character of their communities in their compliance plans, they have succeeded in slowing — and even stopping — the number of shovels that have hit the ground.
Now that its focus has shifted to land occupied by Tedesco Country Club, Marblehead’s new compliance plan is very much of that nature. Never say never, we suppose, but the idea that ownership of the club is going to fall into the hands of a developer seeking to build multifamily housing seems remote at best. If opponents have grossly overstated the number of new units that would be built once Marblehead complies with the MBTA Communities Act, they have also exaggerated the impact of compliance on the town’s budget. No additional police, firefighters or teachers should need to be hired, especially with school enrollment on the decline.
Frankly, Marblehead’s new compliance plan is so contrary to the spirit of each of the MBTA Communities doing its “fair share” to alleviate the state’s housing shortage, it is somewhat surprising that the state seems inclined to sign off on it. But if the state gives its blessing to what would be a “sweetheart deal” for those looking to thwart development, the town may want to grab it and not look back.
Upon learning of the AG’s lawsuit, Select Board Chair Dan Fox said, “It’s in everyone’s best interests for Marblehead to pass its own plan.”
As Fox noted, one way that lawsuit could end is that a judge will order an outsider to draft a compliant local zoning bylaw and then impose it on the town. And that is just one of the potential legal consequences that await Marblehead, if it does not get on the right side of the law.
Marblehead has been playing a game of chicken with the state over complying with the MBTA Communities Act for quite some time. But in all games of chicken, one party eventually needs to swerve to avert disaster.
The attorney general now has her foot on the gas and is driving ahead, with the horsepower of the courts behind her. It’s your move, Marblehead.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Resident is ‘ready to accept Trump supporter’s apologies’
To the editor:
The recent brouhaha about whether the Current should have published Mark Ferrante’s letters made me curious, so I went back and read them all. They were well written, and he is clearly a fervent supporter of the Trump administration (and loathes “the left”).
Although I disagreed with many of his characterizations, I finished the exercise feeling optimistic that Mr. Ferrante should now be willing to follow his own advice ... apologizing for being wrong!
In his Aug. 19 letter, after belittling “the left” for not knowing what fascism really looks like, he proceeded to explain the components of fascism, and stated that, “These fascist actions have all been committed by liberal/ progressive Democrats. Not Trump, not MAGA, not Republicans.”
He correctly listed many of the attributes of a fascist regime, including:
Attacks on the 1st Amendment: What Mr. Ferrante didn’t realize would come since he wrote his letter is that the Trump administration has arrested reporters (Don Lemon), seized electronic devices of reporters (Washington Post reporter Hannah Natanson) and terrorized citizens for exercising their 1st amendment right to protest and speak out against the administration. Further, Trump aligned social media companies (X and TikTok) have restricted the use of the word “Epstein” from posts, and pro-democracy creators and investigative journalists have had their accounts suspended. It appears that the first steps of Mr. Ferrante’s definition of fascism are underway.
Attacks on the 2nd Amendment: Since Mr. Ferrante wrote his letter, President Trump has said “You can’t have guns. You can’t walk in with guns,” speaking about a U.S. citizen killed, essentially for legally carrying a gun. The FBI director and DHS secretary made similar statements. The NRA and GOAL (Gun Owners Action League) responded with harsh words and concern. Clearly, this attack on the 2nd amendment must represent fascism in Mr. Ferrante’s definition?
Arresting/retaliating against your political opposition: In terms of retaliatory use of arrests, prosecutions and investigations, may I present: Mark Kelly, Jerome Powell, John Bolton, Lisa Cook, Adam Schiff, James Comey, John Brennan, Alex Padilla, Letitia James, Chris Krebs, Miles Taylor (and MANY more). All are experiencing retaliatory actions by the Trump administration because they opposed his policies, lies and/or actions. This, as Mr. Ferrante pointed out, is a trademark of Fascism. Classifying citizens who object to government policies as “domestic terrorists”: Honestly … Mr. Ferrante actually brought up this point. You don’t need to look very far to see the administration using the
term “domestic terrorists” to describe all sorts of everyday citizens invoking their right to free speech and other rights. The administration lying about the president’s health: Is there anyone who believes the Trump administration has been open and transparent about the president’s health struggles (three cognitive tests in 12 months, rapidly advancing forgetfulness, numerous signs of cognitive decline, etc.)? This is yet another of the examples of fascism Mr. Ferrante specifically pointed to.
Attempted control of the media: The Trump administration has sued reporters & networks (ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, BBC, too many to list here), in order to squash views in opposition to his. He has used the power of his office to have shows he is threatened by removed from the air (Jimmy Kimmel). Attempted control of the media is, indeed, an integral component of fascism.
Weaponizing government agencies against American citizens: ICE is just one of the agencies being weaponized against American citizens.
ProPublica found that more than 170 U.S. citizens have recently been held by immigration agents. They have been kicked, dragged, and detained for days. Mr. Ferrante clearly stated that this is another hallmark of fascism.
So it turns out that Mr. Ferrante was quite astute when outlining the components of a fascist regime, and all of his components are currently unfolding. The silver lining in all of this is that in his May 10 letter, Mr. Ferrante made it very clear that it was OK to be wrong and to apologize … “apologizing doesn’t represent some awful character flaw inside of you.” He went on to say “Apologize. Apologize because you’re wrong. Apologize for the violence, chaos, hypocrisy and lies. Denounce your leaders” and that you could “join us to make the foundation of our country so strong it can never be infected ... ever again.”
So, it is with baited breath that I wait to see if Mr. Ferrante has the courage to live by his words and apologize for being wrong.
Randy Sigler Peabody Lane
A monumental task ahead
To the editor: I am writing regarding the recent letter of Margaret Bacon regarding a previous letter, “New Year’s resolutions for Democrats.” I did not see this previous letter but, from the content of Ms. Bacon’s letter, I would assume this previous letter was not very constructive but, rather, caustic and destructive. At least, not conducive to any mutual exchange of ideas. I laud Ms. Bacon for her balanced and erudite retort.
The current state of politics and societal behavior in our country is certainly something that needs a lot of what Ms.Bacon prescribed. But what a monumental task to define and administer the needed prescription.
Perhaps I can refer to the current ailments (discord, alienation, fear) in our
country today as “the human condition.” We humans are a very fragile species. What we are experiencing now is not unusual. History is replete with examples of our current illnesses.
Personally, I fear for the future of our democracy. The divides and distortions permeating our USA society today seem almost insurmountable. Most likely these divides and distortions have been here all along but not so focused, widespread and permeating as now. And the powers that feed this division seem to be in ascendance. And these powers are being amplified via social media, fake news and AI.
I am unenrolled politically but I certainly know how I will vote in the midterms this year. If we are still able to vote come the next presidential election, I again know how I will vote. I will vote for inclusion and compassion. I wish I could offer some magic solution to bridge this monstrous gap in our politics and society. I can’t. I can only pray and hope some miracle will happen and each of us will realize we need each other and none of us has all the answers. A little compromise and willingness to listen?
In the meantime, thank you, Ms. Bacon for your constructive and hopeful letter.
Very truly yours,
Walter Haug Highland Terrace
Start paving, stop patching
To the editor: It is time to address the quality of the roads in Marblehead. As residents, our town taxes should be used to provide essential services, including proper road maintenance. However, the roads are unacceptably bad and some of the worst in the entire country. The town does not appear to have a long-term strategy for maintaining the roads. They patch rather than pave the roads. Patching leaves the roads very bumpy with undulations, seams and ridges that make driving unsafe and miserable.
We all have to pay for the wear, tear and damage being done to our vehicles caused by the poor quality roads. Our tax dollars should be used to pave the roads, not patch. The Town needs to understand that when you patch the roads it costs more than paving the whole road. It’s analogous to a leaky roof.
When you patch a hole in the roof, it tends to leak again and next thing you know there are more holes, and damage to your hardwood floors and an electric short. Had you found a way to replace the roof when it was needed, you would have spent less overall and been far more comfortable and safer.
Paving the entire road means that the crews will not have to come back for road repairs for years to come; there are up-front costs to paving but the Town would save in the long run and provide the residents a quality service that is necessary and expected.
There are many excuses that have been thrown around as to why the road quality in
Debunking money myths: Why financial progress doesn’t start on a calendar
BY EMILY PROMISE
January arrives each year with a sense of possibility. It’s the month of clean slates, ambitious resolutions and renewed motivation, especially when it comes to money.
Advertisements urge us to “start fresh,” social media celebrates dramatic financial transformations and many people feel an unspoken pressure to fix everything at once.
While the energy of a new year can be helpful, many of the ideas surrounding January money moves are rooted in myths. These misconceptions can lead to rushed decisions, unrealistic expectations and frustration when progress fades by February. Sustainable financial success rarely comes from sweeping changes tied to a single month. Instead, it’s built through consistent, thoughtful decisions made over time.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common money myths, and what actually supports lasting financial progress.
Myth #1: January is the best time to overhaul everything.
The start of a new year is
Marblehead head is so bad. The town may claim that they simply do not have the money to properly pave the roads. When it comes time to pay our taxes, can the residents claim that they simply don’t have the money?
Just like with personal budgets, the town needs to plan for unexpected costs and manage our tax dollars in a way that allows for basic, quality services. The variable weather is another excuse. This doesn’t stand up at all since there are communities all over this country with highly variable weather who have excellent quality roads.
We take pride in our community, but we should be ashamed of our roads. We have a beautiful, new assisted living facility with a road in front of it that is appalling. We have a beautifully renovated library with a terrible access road. The police and fire crews have to drive on unacceptably bad roads to enter and exit their facilities. Kids and families going in and out of the middle and high school have to bump along on knotty, undulating pavement to get to school. Many of the roads in Marblehead are no longer roads but rather crumbling islands of black top. The residents of Marblehead need to stand up and say enough is enough. Please tell the Director of Public Works to start paving now, stop patching.
Susan Alford Dennett Road
Moulton represents the next chapter
To the editor:
The Senate primary between incumbent Ed Markey and challenger Seth Moulton is a choice between two different visions of Democratic politics. Sen. Markey has served Massachusetts with distinction for 50 years. But he entered public life when politics
often treated as a financial reboot: new budget, new investments, new goals, all at once. While enthusiasm is understandable, attempting to overhaul every aspect of your financial life in a single month can be overwhelming and counterproductive.
Major changes made too quickly may lead to rushed decisions, overlooked details, or burnout. Financial planning works best when it’s intentional and adaptive. Life doesn’t pause in January, and neither should your planning process.
A more effective approach is steady progress throughout the year. Financial planning works best when changes are made thoughtfully, allowing time to evaluate priorities, adjust strategies and respond to life events as they arise. Making thoughtful adjustments as priorities evolve allows for better decision-making and reduces the pressure to “get it all right” immediately.
Myth #2: You need to max out everything on January 1
There’s a popular belief that fully funding retirement accounts at the start of the year is always the smartest move. While front-loading contributions can make sense for some individuals, it’s not a universal strategy.
hardened around organized groups and issue scorecards that rewarded ideological purity.
Markey thrived under that model. He even boasts on his website that, as a state legislator, he refused to compromise on judicial reform — and lost his committee assignment.
But times have changed. Americans are exhausted. Prices are too high. Masked federal agents use lethal force against Americans with impunity. America is abandoning allies who fought and died on its behalf.
Restoring the normalcy Americans crave requires something Democrats have struggled to build at the national level: durable majorities that can govern decisively, hold agencies accountable and confirm judges.
Markey’s recent record fits a pattern. He opposed Sen. Joe Manchin’s 2022 permitting reforms — needed to connect renewables to the grid — because they also eased some natural-gas infrastructure. In 2024, he was one of only two “no” votes on the ADVANCE Act, a pro–next-generation nuclear package that passed the Senate 88–2. This is a politics of maximal demands and a refusal to compromise. Even when the goals are worthy, prioritizing purity makes it harder for Democrats to hold the center, win the country and keep power long enough to deliver results.
Moulton represents the next chapter: a politics aimed at building governing majorities. He founded Serve America to recruit Democrats capable of winning in purple states and districts; Arizona senators Mark Kelly and Ruben Gallego are alumni. And Moulton is aligned with the pro-growth New Democrats Coalition which focuses on compromise to achieve outcomes.
If you’ve supported Markey because you care about liberal ends, then the question is how we secure those ends in an era when MAGA is pulling the country toward chaos.
The answer is majorities.
A well-designed financial strategy balances long-term goals with present-day life.
Contribution timing should align with broader considerations such as income consistency, tax planning, liquidity needs, and other financial goals. For many people, spreading contributions evenly throughout the year provides flexibility and helps balance competing priorities.
The most important factor isn’t when contributions are made, it’s that they’re made intentionally and in alignment with an overall plan.
Myth #3: A new budget automatically fixes old spending habits.
January is prime time for new budgets. Spreadsheets are refreshed, apps are downloaded and spending limits are set with good intentions. But a budget alone doesn’t change behavior. Without understanding the habits, emotions and values behind spending decisions, even the most detailed budget can fall short. When budgets feel overly restrictive or disconnected from real life, they’re often abandoned quickly.
Effective financial planning starts with awareness, understanding where money
Markey is built for the groups. Moulton is built for majorities. Registered Massachusetts Democrats and unaffiliated voters should vote for Seth Moulton in the primary on Sept. 1.
Nick Ward Rolleston Road
Mary Jo McConnell: So much more to tell
To the editor:
Reading of Mary Jo McConnell’s death in last week’s Current was devastating, especially as I had just had dinner with her a month or so ago. Her obituary related a great deal about her, but there was so much more to tell. Mary Jo McConnell was by turns brilliant, talented beyond words in so many areas, scientifically curious, a mesmerizing storyteller, a fascinating conversationalist and a most extraordinary human being. With the blessing of the Smithsonian’s secretary, S. Dillon Ripley, she spent over 20 years traveling to a remote and inaccessible area of Papua, New Guinea’s cloud forest where the Soughb tribal people helped her find the rare and elusive wild bower birds and document their habits and nest-building artistry. Her paintings depicted the birds and their habitat, something scientists knew nothing about for they were banned from entering the country.
As an artist, Mary Jo was able to do what they couldn’t, relaying her observations to grateful scientists at Harvard and the Smithsonian, and bringing back valuable samples for study.
As a recognized naturalist, she had permission to bring rare and environmentally threatened birds of all kinds back from her travels, and this she did, breeding them and studying their habits at her home in Marblehead, many of them housed in room-sized cages. Giant macaws that talked; a
is going and why. Cash flow strategies that reflect personal priorities tend to be more sustainable than rigid rules. When spending aligns with values, people are more likely to stick with their plans.
Myth #4: If you didn’t start in January, you’re already behind.
One of the most discouraging myths is the idea that missing a January “reset” means missing your chance altogether.
Financial progress isn’t tied to a calendar date, and meaningful improvements can begin at any point in the year.
What matters most is consistency, not timing. Regular check-ins, small adjustments and proactive decisions throughout the year are far more impactful than a single burst of motivation in January.
Progress made in March, July or October is no less valuable than progress made in January.
Myth #5: Financial discipline means cutting out all enjoyment.
Some people believe that successful financial planning requires eliminating discretionary spending entirely. In reality, plans that leave no room for enjoyment are rarely
symphony of parrot cries; the deep booms, roars, hoots and cackles of her silvery-cheeked hornbill; and the sweet trilling of canaries and various finches, were the backdrop symphony to any visit with Mary Jo. At one time she had close to 50; needless to say, it was difficult finding a house sitter when she went away!
Working with the natives, she convinced them to stop seeing her beloved bower birds as food, but rather as a source of low-impact eco tourism for naturalists and bird watchers. Oh, and along the way, she developed a project to bring clean water to Hungku. There are too few people like Mary Jo, and I already miss her greatly.
Margo W. R. Steiner Washington Street
If taxpayerfunded public services are socialism…
To the editor:
“Join the OKOs,” my friend urged me some years ago. I worked on their hand tub at a muster. It’s hard work! And watch out — that bar might hit your head. Firefighting in Marblehead and all around here has a fascinating history that I learned from senior members. There was no fire department for a long time in the hand tub days, just private firefighting companies. They’d race each other to get to a fire first so they’d get the business. Sometimes they sabotaged each other so they could get there first. Got me thinking.
Dr. Eric Reines Green Street
My family’s experience at Epstein Hillel School
To the editor:
I wanted to share what Epstein Hillel School has meant to me
sustainable.
A well-designed financial strategy balances long-term goals with present-day life. Allowing room for experiences and spending that matter to you can actually support better outcomes by reducing burnout and increasing commitment.
Financial success isn’t about deprivation, it’s about alignment. When money is used intentionally, both future goals and current enjoyment can coexist.
January can be a helpful checkpoint, but it’s only one moment in a much larger financial journey. True progress doesn’t come from chasing perfection at the start of the year. It comes from thoughtful decisions, revisited and refined over time.
Whether you’re reviewing goals in January or reassessing them later in the year, the most important step is moving forward with clarity and confidence. Financial planning isn’t about a perfect beginning, it’s about building momentum that lasts.
Emily Promise, CEO and financial advisor at ShorePoint Advisory Group (formerly Blakely Financial) is a Marblehead native and the financial columnist for the Current.
and my family. My son has been at EHS since kindergarten and is now finishing sixth grade. It’s heartbreaking to think that this may be his last year here, because the school has been such a steady and meaningful part of our lives from the very beginning.
As a single parent, I’ve found EHS to be a place of warmth, respect and understanding.
The teachers and staff have supported not just my son, but me as well, in ways that go far beyond academics. When the school learned that my younger son, who has autism, couldn’t attend because of his specialized needs, they still embraced him as part of our story. That thoughtful gesture showed how deeply EHS values every child and family.
One of the greatest strengths of EHS is its small class sizes. Coming from a similar school environment myself, I’ve always appreciated the advantage of personal attention.
My son isn’t just another student— he’s known, understood, and appreciated. The environment fosters genuine connection, not separation. Students interact across grade levels, forming lasting friendships and mentorships. My son has a kindergarten “buddy,” and their bond perfectly reflects the inclusive, caring atmosphere that defines this school.
That sense of inclusion extends beyond the classroom. My son’s grandparents, who come from different backgrounds, were warmly welcomed at every event. They’ve since become proud supporters — sharing EHS photos online and spreading the word to others who might never have known about this special community. That kind of bridgebuilding embodies what EHS stands for.
The school’s leadership and compassion also shine in challenging times. During COVID, opinions differed about
Volcanoes, bath bombs and big curiosity at Brown STEAM Fair
BY LEIGH BLANDER
A record number of young scientists filled Brown School with bubbling experiments and big ideas during the school’s fourth annual STEAM Fair on Jan. 29. More than 250 students in kindergarten through third grade took part.
Teachers in white lab coats roamed the fair as “judges,” asking students questions about their projects and what they discovered.
Classic volcano experiments shared the spotlight with more unusual projects, including “The Germiest Places,” “The Science of Bath Bombs” and “How Much Salt Does It Take to Make an Egg Float?” There were also several candy-themed projects, including “How to Make Rock Candy” and “Which Candy Makes a Better Rainbow?”
and fifes, and the light of lanterns, to hold the annual ceremony honoring Glover.
Families watched in wonder through their frosty windows as the group, bundled up against the cold, participated in the Regiment’s annual March to Glover’s tomb on the 229th anniversary of his death in 1797.
Glover’s Regiment met at the Old Town House at 5 p.m. and marched to Glover’s tomb. The Regiment’s Larry Sands gave a brief speech about Glover’s invaluable contribution to the Revolution.
“His story is one of quiet heroism, steady leadership and a kind of practical brilliance that helped keep the Revolution alive at its most fragile moment,” Sands said. Sands believes that telling the story of Glover’s Regiment is essential to understanding the history and enduring spirit of the town, and that it captures the courage and grit that defines Marbleheaders.
“Glover was not a man of privilege or aristocratic military training. He was a cord-wainer, a fisherman, a merchant and a community leader,” said Sands. “Yet when the colonies called for resistance, he stepped forward with a resolve that defined the seafaring people of Marblehead.”
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
Carlie Morales shows off her Chair Swing Ride project, powered by a battery.
Anna Nellson, left, and Vivie Emden handed out rock candy to passersby at the Brown STEAM Fair.
LEFT: Superintendent John Robidoux asks students questions about their projects at the Brown School STEAM Fair.
RIGHT: Brown School Principal Mary Maxwell stands with the kindergarten team behind the “How Cars Go Down Ramps” project.
Glover’s Regiment Capt. Larry Sands stands at the tomb of Gen. John Glover Saturday night.
CURRENT PHOTSO / GREY COLLINS Marbleheaders, some carrying American flags and lanterns, walk through Old Burial Hill at twilight on Saturday evening to watch the annual ceremony at Glover’s tomb to commemorate his life.
Student shares family’s Holocaust survival stories at remembrance ceremony
BY LEIGH BLANDER
On Friday, Marblehead High School senior Sasha Ganezer shared stories she heard from her Holocaust survivor greatgrandparents, reflecting on how their strength helped shape the young woman she is today.
“Through his life, my zaide (grandfather) taught me bravery, the importance of family and gave me my Jewish pride,” she said.
Ganezer spoke at Marblehead’s fourth annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at Abbot Hall Jan. 30. The program was led by Temple Sinai Rabbi Michael Schwartz and Helaine Hazlett, co-chair of the town’s Task Force Against Discrimination.
“Grandma witnessed the Nazi invasion first hand,” Ganezer continued. “She watched as her synagogue burned on Kristallnacht. Her father was arrested, and her own home was attacked in the middle of the night.”
Ganezer continued, “She was transported to Auschwitz. Upon her arrival, she along with many other girls were forced to shave their heads and strip their bodies to the point where each and every one of them became unrecognizable… Grandma learned that a portion
of the group she had arrived at Auschwitz with had been sent to the gas chambers where they were killed. She didn’t know how much longer she would make it.”
Hazlett read from the memoir of North Shore Holocaust survivor Sonia Weitz, who died in 2010. It described the night Weitz, then a young girl, watched as Nazis took her mother away.
“My mother was lying on the
the best approach, yet EHS kept everyone safe, respected and united. That balance of empathy and clarity is something I deeply admire.
One standout memory was chaperoning a community service trip to Revere. On the drive, students engaged in a lively political debate — thoughtful, respectful and full of laughter. It was a perfect example of what EHS teaches: critical thinking, empathy and kindness in every interaction.
When my family faced a personal loss, the EHS community surrounded us with support.
Natalie, the school counselor, guided me in helping my son through grief and continued checking in afterward. Every visit to school still brings comfort, encouragement and compassion.
EHS has also made it possible for my son to receive
a meaningful Jewish education through generous scholarships. We have always been treated with dignity and never made to feel different for needing assistance — a reflection of EHS’ integrity and respect for every family.
Now, with antisemitism on the rise, schools like EHS are more vital than ever. They nurture identity, resilience and pride while reinforcing the importance of empathy and connection. Through programs such as penpal exchanges and meetings with families affected by the Oct. 7 attacks in Israel, EHS fosters understanding and solidarity that extend far beyond the classroom.
For us, Epstein Hillel isn’t just a school — it’s a community of compassion and light. It has touched every corner of our family’s life, strengthened our connection to Judaism and showed us what it means to truly belong. I’ll forever be grateful for the love and guidance we’ve found at EHS.
floor. She had fainted. I heard my father cry. By now, my mother had stood up. She began getting dressed. Slowly, deliberately. As if she were getting ready to go to the cinema. She put her arms around me and whispered, ‘I love you.’ I heard her last words, ‘And remember to tell the world.’”
Schwartz drew connections between the inhumanity of the Holocaust and actions seen
Ode to Pam
To the editor:
All I had known about PAM is it’s a cookware spray.
Now I live in a neighborhood where not one, but two, ladies are called Pam. From the huge universe, they are both here and particularly benevolent human beings. They raised their adopted children.
One lucky young daughter was from the Soviet Union and the other three brothers were from an island. Now they’re all adult citizens.
Certainly love is the special gift we’re talking about. I was blessed with raising four of my own. I had a cousin — one of three triplets, one girl and two overprotective boys. She tried and tried to have a child and finally adopted and then immediately was also expecting. She has now raised two boys
in the United States today, emphasizing the importance of speaking out for those who are targeted. He read a famous quote by Holocaust survivor and Nobel Peace Prize winner Elie Wiesel.
“The opposite of love is not hate; it’s indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness; it’s indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy; it’s indifference. And the
simultaneously.
I ask myself if I could be as wholehearted, competent and caring as those ladies. As an elderly widow, what would I do without the attention of “Pam” and my local offspring?
The “Pam impetus” is what makes the world go around. Carol Ann Pereski Green Street
Concerns about road salt and the harbor
To the editor:
With the concern of road salt being used, a couple of questions and maybe some ideas to consider if possible. Can you desalinate the ocean water and use natural salt for the roads? Can the catch basins flow into a holding area to be filtered out before returning to the ocean or to be saved in ponds that supply water for the fire department?
I know that it may not be ready this year, but there has to be a way to keep most of the run
opposite of life is not death; it’s indifference.”
Schwartz continued, quoting Wiesel, “There may be a time when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.”
Ganezer emphasized that compassion and education are key.
“It is so important that there are people out there who are educated, aware and eager to prevent hate, so that we never have to see something like this happen again,” she said. “These are the reasons we are still talking about the Holocaust today. We will never forget. Never again.”
off of the streets controllable. Thanks for reading.
Ric Kelly Randolph
Thank you, Seamus Hourihan
To the editor:
To Seamus Hourihan
We thank you for contributing articles to the Current.
Your insights no doubt are a function of your age, education, interests, diligence and devotion to being a giving citizen. Your timeconsuming efforts searching out, and then broadcasting, important Marblehead matters, provides clear data and factual information to help us form opinions.
Thank you again, please carry on.
Perky and Jody Magee Guernsey Road
The amount of free cash (money left over from the previous year’s budget) is also projected to drop.
“We are projecting having about $5 million in free cash available for operating and capital needs, down from $8 million last year,” Kezer said. Expenses climbing At the same time, expenses are expected to climb by more than $5.9 million. Leading cost drivers include: A new trash contract that will add $844,575. Pension costs, which are expected to increase by $462,735. Health insurance costs are projected to increase by $1.9 million.
Possible cuts Kezer warned that without an override the following may be needed: Staff reductions in the town’s schools. (The Marblehead School Department is already in the process of cutting $2.7 million to level fund its budget.) Elimination of more than 50 town positions (15% of the municipal workforce) Limits on services to only the most critical public safety and operational functions Significant reductions or elimination of “quality of life” services relied upon by residents Deferred maintenance of town-owned and historic
buildings
Additional budget cuts to absorb unemployment benefit costs resulting from layoffs
Asked why the town is looking at 50+ layoffs while the schools are projecting five, Select Board Chair Dan Fox explained that the town is facing much higher fixed costs, including teacher insurance and pension payments. (The school district does not pay teacher insurance and pension costs.)
Select Board member Jim Zisson seemed taken aback by the dismal projections.
“The magnitude of these numbers are staggering and somewhat unexpected,” Zisson said. “I do feel that as a board we need to up our game a little bit.
This won’t be business as usual.”
Zisson suggested adding the budget to every Select Board meeting agenda moving forward.
One question facing the Select
Board, which decides whether to ask voters to increase taxes, will be whether to push for a “super-size” override this spring to cover the full $8.4 million, or attempt to make a series of smaller investments to address portions of the deficit over each of the next several years.
Kezer said that if the Select Board decides to move forward with an override request, the town can debate: Which services and positions should be restored or protected?
» What level of service
Marblehead wants to sustain — reduced, level of enhanced?
» How should the override be structured to provide meaningful choices and transparency?
» How should affordability be balanced with community priorities?
“Ultimately, it’s a community conversation about values,” Kezer said, wrapping up his presentation. “What does the Marblehead we want look like, and how are we willing to support it?”
Stacey Roller, Epstein Hillel School parent, Lynn resident
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
Sasha Ganezer and family members light a candle at Marblehead’s Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony Friday.
Marblehead High senior Sasha Ganezer shares her family’s Holocaust survival stories at Marblehead’s fourth annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony on Friday.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer delivers his State of the Town Address on Jan. 28, projecting $8.4 million budget deficit for fiscal 2027.
BY RICK CUZNER
Rick Cuzner’s snowflake setup in his Marblehead backyard
Sports
Magicians fall to Masconomet, 65-35
BY LUCA TEDESCO
The Marblehead Magicians boy’s basketball team lost to the Masconomet Chieftains 65-35 in Boxboro on Friday night.
“We got blasted,” said Marblehead head coach, Mike Giardi. “We did not do the things that we needed to do in order to stay in a competitive game like we did the first time with them. It wasn’t from lack of effort. It was more of, a little bit of ‘I’ve got to take over and do a little too much individually.’ We didn’t play good team basketball.”
After Finn Gallup opened the Magician’s scoring with a deep 3-pointer, the Chieftains sprung out to an 13-5 lead, forcing Marblehead to call a time out in an attempt to stem a seven point run with under two minutes to play in the first. Masco would score a single free throw before the buzzer to finish with a ninepoint lead after a physical eight minutes of basketball.
IN THE POOL
The frontcourt battle opened up in the second quarter, with both teams finishing around the rim. Gallup knocked down his second 3-ball of the game and Tommy McGovern scored four points in the quarter. Masconomet’s nine-point lead held into halftime, with the
Chieftains heading to the locker room up 30-21. Marblehead’s defensive woes continued into the second half, with Giardi calling a timeout less than two minutes into the third to attempt to slow a rapid five-point Masconomet run. The buckets would continue to flow
for the Chieftains, knocking down 24 points to Marblehead’s five to finish the third quarter up 54-26.
The fourth quarter would see the teams put their backups in early. The scoring slowed as the clock wound down as Masconomet cruised their way to a 65-35 victory. Marblehead’s second 30-point loss in a row sees them fall to 8-5 on the season with six games remaining. The Magicians were expected travel to Salem to take on the 10-1 Witches on Tuesday night.
MHS swimmers complete the perfect regular season with another NEC Meet championship
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High swim team (6-0) completed the regular season undefeated the only way they know how with a 92-75 win over archrival Swampscott at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA on Senior Night, Jan. 29. Senior captains Brady Leveroni, Cale Nelson, Monica Pechhold, Lucas Rosen and Ian Chemel were honored before the meet for their contributions to the program the last four years. Previously, the Magicians were in Salem on Jan. 27 where they edged the Witches, 84-79. They also blew away visiting Gloucester on Jan. 22, 97-79, and just last weekend at the annual Northeastern Conference (NEC) Meet in Beverly both the boys and girls teams came out on top, and were also the best in combined scoring against their NEC counterparts.
As a program, the Magicians have won the conference title every year since 2006 with the exception of 2009. They started winning in the 1990s with six titles. All of these triumphs mean that coach Sue Guertin keeps on adding to her legacy of successes, which began way back in 1989. But coaches like Guertin understand that they can’t do it by themselves, and she’s quick to credit her assistants for another perfect season. “First and foremost, I want to thank my assistant coaches Jen Brehob, Drew Martin Ryan and diving coach Brendon Graffum. Their insight on the placement of the swimmers and record-keeping is what makes this team so successful. I also want to thank the parents, who support their student-athletes and this great sport (all the time).”
Countdown to the NEC championship
The Marblehead swimmers secured win number four over
aforementioned Gloucester on Jan. 22.
In the 200-yard medley relay, Chemel, Rosen, Orion Lewis and Phillip Gaber (1:53.38), and Hazel Wright, Grace Ladouceur, Macy Ladouceur and Winnie Waddington (1:58.34, state cut) took home the top two spots. Leveroni (1:54.65, state cut) and Omar Elnabarawy (1:59.46) topped the ticket in the 200yard freestyle. Lorelai Mosher (2:23.24) was fifth. Chemel (2:17.58), Grace Ladouceur (2:19.58, state cut) and Paxton Swanson swept the 200-yard IM. Waddington (25.68, state cut) bested the entire field in the 50-yard freestyle. Rosen (26.42) and Gaber (26.82) came in third and fourth. Claire Burke (169.60 points), Hailey Gilmore (161.765) and Ivan Monin (160.35) were the meet’s top three divers. Leveroni (1:00.67) and Macy Ladouceur (1:06.52, state cut) set the pace in the 100-yard butterfly with first and second place finishes. Rowan Sullivan (1:19.64) came in fourth. Lewis
(52.83, sectional cut), Grace Ladouceur (57.40, state cut) and Paxton Swanson (1:01.68) did the same in the 100-yard freestyle. Chemel (5:29.03), Abby Moore (6:06.53) and Lorelai Mosher (6:15.10) were the top three swimmers in the 500-yard freestyle.
In the 200-yard freestyle relay, Elnabarawy, Rosen, Leveroni and Lewis (1:40.12, sectional cut),
and Mosher, Pechhold, Abby Moore and Shaelyn Callahan (1:57.04, sectional cut) secured the top two spots.
Elnabarawy (1:03.74) was No. 1 in the 100-yard backstroke. Callahan (1:13.41) and Meredith Kreevoy (1:24.78) finished fourth and fifth, respectively. Waddington (1:14.70, state cut), Callahan (1:20.84) and Pechhold (1:22.60) made it a clean sweep in the 100-yard breaststroke.
Leveroni, Garber, Elnabarawy and Lewis (3:47.68) came out on top in the 400-yard freestyle. Wright, Macy Ladouceur, Grace Ladouceur and Waddington (3:57.80, state cut) accounted for second place.
It was then Senior Night in Salem, where the Witches seniors took center stage after four years of hard work, and in the spirit of sportsmanship they invited the five Marblehead captains to also participate in the pregame festivities.
Once the meet began, the top times belonged to Callahan (2:26.78, 200 IM), Lewis (22.66,
50-yard freestyle), Elnabarawy (53.22, 100-yard freestyle), Grace Lacouceur (56.25, 100-yard freestyle), Nelson (59.75, 100yard backstroke), Chemel (59.78, 100-yard backstroke), Wright (1:05.9, 100-yard backstroke) and Waddington (1:15.47, 100-yard breaststroke).
Two nights later on Jan. 29, it was time for the Marblehead seniors – Chemel, Leveroni, Nelson, Rosen and Pechhold – to be honored before the Swampscott meet at the Lynch / vanOtterloo YMCA.
“(Beyond the pool), it’s so impressive to know their participation in so many volunteer activities around the school and in the community (at-large), plus they are all National Honor Society members,” said Guertin.
The meet highlights against their rivals were turned in by Nelson (2:10.67, 200-yard IM), Grace Ladouceur (2:21.58, 200yard IM), divers Ivan Monin (first), Elizabeth Hayes (second) and Callie Gilmore (third), Macy Ladouceur (1:05.58, 100-yard butterfly), Lewis (52.80, 100yard freestyle), Waddington (5:38.70, 500-yard freestyle), Elnabarawy (1:03.71, 100-yard backstroke; and 100-yard freestyle, 51.99, state cut) and Callahan (1:16.43, 100-yard breaststroke).
Northeastern Conference champs again
The conference championship meet was held at Beverly’s Sterling YMCA on Jan. 31, and the excitement was “unbelievable,” said Guertin, but she added, “I was nervous, because we were missing an (injured) swimmer, but the team, however, was still very confident.”
While the complete results are not available as of press deadline,
CURRENT PHOTO / LUCA TEDESCO
Marblehead’s Rylan Golden (11) rises up to take a shot in the opening seconds of a game against Masconomet in Boxford on Jan. 30.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Marblehead High swim captains Brady Leveroni, Monica Pechhold and Cale Nelson, from left, pose for a photo before the home meet against rival Swampscott on Senior Night, Jan. 29, at the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA. Missing from photo, Lucas Rosen and Ian Chemel.
Marblehead High freshman swimmer Lina Peters-Abbadi is all smiles after competing in a recent meet.
Marblehead Magicians weekly sports notebook
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Hockey Headers fall to Beverly to snap winning streak
The Marblehead High boys hockey team (3-9-1) saw their three-game winning streak come to an end against host Beverly at Endicott College’s Bourque Arena on Jan. 31, 5-1.
The lone goal by the Hockey Headers was scored by Ryan Frary on a breakaway late in the third period.
First-year coach Brendan Locke said that goaltender Bowden Laramie was his star of the game after he came up with an extraordinary total of 38 saves against a relentless Beverly attack.
Earlier in the week on Jan. 28, the Headers defeated Gloucester in overtime at Salem State’s Rockett Arena, 2-1.
“We earned this dramatic 2–1 overtime victory over Gloucester, thanks to our resilient special teams play and timely scoring,” said Locke.
Gloucester led after one, 1-0. It was a period filled with backand-forth action, but the second frame belonged to Marblehead’s penalty kill. The Fishermen had three power plays, but could not cash-in on any of them.
“We stood tall, shutting down every opportunity they had, which shifted momentum our way,” said Locke.
While still shorthanded, Jimmy Ryan scored his first varsity goal on a second period rush up ice, before beating the Gloucester netminder to the far side of the net. Kellan Laramie was credited with an assist on
Swimming
From P. 9
here are the amazing highlights, including the combined (boys and girls) team score, which was over 1,000 points:
Boys results: Leveroni (1:51.11, 200-yard freestyle), Nelson (2:07.64, 200-yard IM; 1:05.55, 100-yard breaststroke), Monin (diving, second), Lewis (51.31, 100-yard freestyle), Chemel (5:14.91, 500-yard freestyle; 57.57, 100yard backstroke), Elnabarawy (56.02, 100-yard butterfly) and Leveroni, Nelson, Elnabarawy and Lewis (3:25.68, 400-yard freestyle).
Girls results: Wright (1:58.10, 200-yard freestyle), Grace Ladouceur
Monday, Jan. 26
Boys hockey: Marblehead vs. Hopkinton (ppd, snow)
Tuesday, Jan. 27
Girls basketball: Marblehead 51, Beverly 46
Boys basketball: Beverly 61, Marblehead 28
Co-ed swimming: Marblehead 50, Salem 45
Wednesday, Jan. 28
Boys indoor track: Marblehead 43, Swampscott 36
Boys indoor track: Marblehead 45, Danvers 37
Girls indoor track: Marblehead 45, Swampscott 24
Girls indoor track: Marblehead 39, Danvers 32
Boys hockey: Marblehead 2, Gloucester 1
Thursday, Jan. 29
Co-ed swimming: Marblehead 92, Swampscott 75
Boys wrestling: Marblehead 42, Beverly 42
Gymnastics: Essex North Shore Agricultural 123, Marblehead 129
Friday, Jan. 30
Boys basketball: Masconomet 65, Marblehead 35
Girls basketball: Masconomet 52,
the scoring play.
The game remained tied throughout the third period to force overtime. In one of his best performances of the year, according to Locke, Laramie stopped 23 shots, specifically several that frustrated the Fishermen forwards.
Just 29 seconds into the extra frame, the game was over, thanks to Hayden Gallo, who buried the rebound that came off the stick of Max King. Both King and Kellan Laramie picked up the helpers on the game-winner.
“Our aggressive forecheck and strong neutral zone presence were keys in this win, which allowed us to control the tempo of the game,” said Locke.
Track teams face the state in annual relays
The Marblehead High girls indoor track team finished eighth after accumulating 17 points during the annual Division 3 state relays at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury on Jan. 24, while the boys were 11th. They ended up with 14 points. Both teams are currently 4-1-1 in the Northeastern Conference after beating Danvers and Swampscott in a tri-meet at home on Jan. 28.
Boys high jump relay
Clark Roszell, who is currently ranked seventh in the nation among sophomores, Colin Burke and Owen Coyne teamed up as the favorites, and they followed through with the victory after a combined jump of 17-6. Roszell (6-0), Burke (5-10) and Coyne (5-8) also competed in multiple running events, which took a toll
on their legs, but nonetheless they still cleared the bar each time.
Boys shotput relay
Graham Firestone, Logan McRae-Hughes and Alex Humphreys combined to finish seventh with a distance of 33.92 meters, which is approximately 112.25 feet.
Boys long jump relay
Elian Colon, Nate Selby and Burke snatched medals after coming in seventh overall with a combined jump of 16.87 meters.
Girls 4x50 relay
Lucy Flynn, Cora Gerson, Sadie Halpern and Charlotte Hodgkinson secured a fourthplace finish with a combined time of 25.65, which is the second fastest time in school history. Lillian Reddy, Avery Barbeau, Lilah Greten and Lidia Jasmine Tiedra came in 17th with a combined time of 26.93, which places them in the Top 10 in school history.
Boys 4x50 relay
Owen Coyne, Voeuncenzo Vorn, Burke and Selby hopped onto the podium as the seventhplace team after running a combined time of 22.87, the third fastest in school history. Dylan Glass, Dexter Wynn, Ethan Harwood and Miles FontellaTuttle (24.45) sprinted to a 33rd place finish.
Girls 4x50 hurdle relay
Faith Apostolopoulos, Addison Rotigliano, Charlotte Greten and Naomi Goodwin (37.33) battled among the top tier of runners, because of a computing error, but still finished 15th.
Boys 4x50 hurdle relay
The track officials disqualified the team of Noah Jackson, Nate Jendrysik, Colon and
Firestone after a hurdler “hooked” a hurdle. Without the disqualification, they were positioned to finish fourth.
Girls 4x200 relay
Liv Carlson, Gerson, Julia Thomson and Greten (1:57.15) finished 17th. Charlotte St. George, Madelyn Terry, Meghan O’Leary and Izzy Anaya Lanzillo (1:59.64) battled it out to win their heat, and were 22nd overall.
Boys 4x200 relay
Grady Becker, Fontella-Tuttle, Slater Johnson and Humphreys (1:41.05) finished 24th. Dylan Glass, Chafik Khelladi, Chakib Khelladi and Quinn Scheib (1:48.07) ended up 38th.
Girls sprint medley relay Halpern, Hodgkinson, Flynn and Marri O’Connell accounted for a third-place finish. Grace Rowe, Camryn O’Brien, Sophie Bacon and Sophia Letwin (5:13.14) came in 33rd overall.
Boys sprint medley relay Coyne, Selby, Eben Weed and Henrik Adams (3:47.25) were among the Top 10, coming in eighth overall.
Girls distance medley relay
The distance medley relay consists of a 1200-meter leg, 400-meter leg, 800-meter leg and 1600-meter leg. The Marblehead girls of Sarah Munroe, Flynn, Norah Walsh and O’Connell (12:54.19) turned in a fine effort to finish third.
Boys distance medley relay Zach Pike, Nate Jendrysik, freshman Isaac Durand, Filip Grubor (11:56.69) were credited with a 16th place finish.
Girls 4x800 Norah Walsh, Ruby Assa, Nadia Sirgusa and Munroe
points, easily outdistancing their conference
(2:14.26, 200-yard IM), Waddington (24.83, 50-yard freestyle), Claire Burke (third, diving), Hailey Gilmore (fourth,
Marblehead 41
Saturday, Jan. 31
Boys hockey: Beverly 5, Marblehead 1
Girls hockey: Beverly 6, Marblehead 2 Sunday, Feb. 1
Boys hockey: Methuen 5, Marblehead 2 TEAM RECORDS, MIAA POWER RATINGS (THROUGH FEB. 1)
Girls gymnastics, 2-3 (No. 21 in North)
» Co-ed swimming, 6-0
» Boys basketball, 8-5 (No. 22 in Div. 2)
» Girls basketball, 7-6 (No. 42 in Div. 2)
Boys hockey, 3-10-1 (No. 33 in Div. 3)
» Girls hockey, 3-9-1 (No. 28 in Div. 2)
» Boys indoor track, 4-1-1
» Girls indoor track, 4-1-1
Boys wrestling, 3-7-1
In hockey and basketball, top 32
power rated teams qualify for the MIAA tournament, regardless of record.
Teams 33 and below qualify for a play-in game with a .500 or better record.
diving), Callie Gilmore (sixth, diving), Waddington (1:00.44, 100-yard butterfly), Macy Ladouceur (1:02.27, 100-yard
Wednesday, Feb. 4
4:30 p.m.: boys and girls indoor track vs. Winthrop and Salem at MHS gym
7 p.m.: boys wrestling vs. Winchester at Swampscott High gym
7:30 p.m.: girls hockey vs. Gloucester at Salem State Rockett Arena
Thursday, Feb. 5
5:30 p.m.: co-ed ski at Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton Friday, Feb. 6
7 p.m.: girls basketball vs. Peabody at Peabody High gym
7 p.m.: boys basketball vs. Peabody at MHS gym Saturday, Feb. 7
9 a.m.: boys wrestling at Greater Lawrence Tech at Greater Lawrence Tech small gym, Andover
4 p.m.: boys hockey vs. Peabody at Peabody High baseball diamond
7:30 p.m.: girls gymnastics vs. Beverly at Sterling YMCA, Beverly Sunday, Feb. 8
10:30 a.m.: girls hockey vs. Winthrop at Salem State Rockett Arena Monday, Feb. 9
(10:35.47) were one of the elite quartets, coming in 10th.
Boys 4x800
Isaac Durand, Owen Harrison, Victor Pechhold and Pike (9:27.60) finished 19th.
Girls 4x400
Olivia Vanden Heuvel, Hodgkinson, Carlson and Apostolopoulos (4:45.16) finished 15th overall. Ginny Donato, Letwin, Elisabeth Greely and Nadia Siragusa (5:02.59) stepped down from their traditional distance races, and as a result ended up 24th overall.
Boys 4x400 Weed, Jackson, Vorn and Johnson (3:41.76) sprinted to an 11th place finish, narrowly missing the podium stand. Their time was the fifth fastest in school’s history. Beckett Foley, Pike, Owen Meunier and Harrison were disqualified for a lane infraction near the end of their race.
Wrestlers battle Beverly to a hard-fought tie
The Marblehead Black & Blue wrestlers (3-7-1) tied the visiting Beverly Panthers, 42-42 on Jan. 29.
Sophomore Ilan Hod, senior captain Liam O’Brien, junior Andrew Delisle, freshman Max Letwin and senior captain Colin Hart all won their matches by pin. Freshmen Kenny Drolette and Platon Danshyn recorded wins by forfeit.
The Black & Blue grapplers went 3-1 in exhibition matches. Freshmen Dylan Soule and Ryker Genest, and seventh grader Ollie Dion topped their opponents by pin. It was Dion’s first varsity win.
butterfly), Grace Ladouceur (54.16, 100-yard freestyle), Callahan (5:35.57, 500-yard freestyle), Macy Ladouceur
3:30 p.m.: girls hockey vs. co-op w/Barnstable, UCT & CCT at Hyannis Youth & Community Center Kennedy Rink, Barnstable
5:30 p.m.: co-ed ski at Blue Hills Ski Area, Canton
5:30 p.m.: girls basketball vs. Shawsheen Valley Tech at Shawsheen Tech gym, Billerica
7 p.m.: boys basketball vs. Bishop Fenwick at MHS gym
7:30 p.m.: boys hockey vs. Hopkinton at Salem State Rockett
Arena Tuesday, Feb. 10
5:30 p.m.: co-ed ski at Ski Ward Ski Area, Shrewsbury
7:30 p.m.: boys hockey vs. Danvers at Endicott College Bourque Arena, Beverly Wednesday, Feb. 11
7 p.m.: boys wrestling vs. Essex North Shore Agricultural at MHS gym
7:30 p.m.: girls hockey vs. Masconomet at Salem State Rockett Arena Thursday, Feb. 12
5:30 p.m.: co-ed ski at Blue Hill Ski Area Ski, Canton
6 p.m.: girls basketball vs.
(5:47.23, 500-yard freestyle), Wright (1:00.65, 100-yard backstroke), Waddington, Grace Ladouceur, Callahan and Wright (3:43.42, 400-yard freestyle relay, personal best), Callahan (1:14.14, 100-yard breaststroke) and Monica Pechhold (1:16.52, 100-yard breaststroke, state cut). Guertin singled out Pechhold for what she accomplished in this annual meet with these words of appreciation: “(Molly) has worked hard all four years to go to the state championship meet, and now she’ll represent the team in her final season.” Next up for these swimmers will be the North Sectionals. The girls will compete on Friday, Feb. 6, at the Boston Sports Institute Pool in Wellesley, while the boys will face their northern counterparts two days later on Sunday, Feb.8, at MIT.
Gloucester at Gloucester High gym
7 p.m.: boys basketball vs. Gloucester at MHS gym
Saturday, Feb. 14
7 p.m.: boys hockey vs. Shawsheen Valley Tech at Salem State University Rockett Arena
Sunday, Feb. 15
4:15 p.m.: girls basketball vs. Peabody at MHS gym
6 p.m.: boys basketball vs. Bedford at MHS gym
Monday, Feb. 16
4:15 p.m.: girls basketball vs. TBD at MHS gym
5 p.m.: boys hockey vs. Algonquin Regional High School at Graf Rink, Newburyport
6 p.m.: boys basketball vs. TBD at MHS gym
Wednesday, Feb. 18
TBA: boys hockey vs. TBD at Graf Rink, Newburyport
1:30 p.m.: girls hockey vs. Leominster at Wallace Civic Center, Fitchburg
5 p.m.: boys basketball vs. Swampscott at MHS gym
5 p.m.: girls basketball vs. Swampscott at Swampscott High gym
COURTESY PHOTO / NOAH LUCAS
The Marblehead High swim team celebrates in Beverly’s Sterling YMCA pool after they completed the perfect season with another championship in the annual NEC Meet on Jan. 31. Combined, they scored over 1,000
foes.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights notable happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
WinterFest
a.m.-4 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 7, 10
Abbot Public Library will host WinterFest with a variety of programs for all ages. Activities include Imagination Playground blocks for
children under 5, seasonal crafts and games, a children’s book swap, STEAM programs for kids and teens, puzzles, games and warm beverages. For more information and to register, visit tinyurl.com/ Abbot-WinterFest.
Teen DIY: Community Valentines
Tuesday, Feb. 10, 3-4 p.m.
Is there a local center, shop or person who always makes your day? Teens are invited to create valentines for favorite sandwich spots, sports coaches or anyone else deserving a little appreciation. Participants can make personalized cards or work on items to be donated within the community. The event will be held at Abbot Public Library.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@ marbleheadnews.org.
Immigration forum rescheduled
A regional forum on immigration enforcement — postponed due to snow — is now scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 6:30 p.m. at Old North Church.
The event will feature a panel including Marblehead immigration attorneys Diann Slavit Baylis and Nancy Norman and policy expert Dr. Alexandra Piñeros-Shields of Brandeis University. The discussion will focus on the latest developments in immigration enforcement, and roles that concerned citizens can play in helping immigrant families.
Abbot Library’s Kimberly Grad helps students ‘explore the book’ Kimberly Grad, director of Abbot Public Library and member of the national 2026
Valentine’s Day Big Band Bash (and dance lesson)
Saturday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.
Celebrate Valentine’s Day at Abbot Hall with an evening of live music and dancing as Matthew Arnold and Holly Cameron present a Valentine’s Day Dance featuring their 19-piece big
Teresa Ines and Her Quartet at Me&Thee
Friday, Feb. 6, 8 p.m.
Me&Thee Music’s Friday night live music tradition continues with the hot jazz sounds of Brazil as Teresa Ines and Her Quartet take the stage. Ines’ music draws from a wide range of Brazilian styles, bridging cultures and genres including acoustic fusion, MPB, bossa nova, samba and baião.
Tickets and information are available at meandthee.org.
Music, dance, art and more
Saturday, Feb. 7, and Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 p.m.
Presented by J2RC Dances, “Rigor & Risk” offers a winter afternoon salon experience inspired by French salons of the 17th and 18th centuries. The program features music, literature, art and dance, with opportunities for audience members to engage in discussion with artists. The salon explores two parallel elements of the creative process:
band, the New England Yankees.
Special guest vocalists Johnny Ray and Marblehead High School senior Eldar Yahorau will join the band for a night of lush arrangements, irresistible rhythms and classic dancehall energy.
Professional dancers Charisse and Mark Nocera, a father-daughter duo, will offer an optional pre-show dance
Caldecott selection committee, visited Marblehead classrooms in the fall to teach students about evaluating picture book art. Grad met with third-grade classes at Brown and Glover schools, as well as K–4 students at Tower School, providing an insider look at visual storytelling months. Last month, students
voted on their pick for the Caldecott winner At Glover Elementary School, students correctly identified and voted for “Fireworks,” illustrated by Cátia Chien and written by Matthew Burgess, which was later named the winner of the 2026 Caldecott Medal by the American Library
discipline and labor (rigor). National Book Award winner Julia Glass will read from a novel in progress and share passages from other works. Pianist Eleanor Ruggiero Gilbert will perform Bela Bartok’s demanding “Six Dances in Bulgarian Rhythm,” while visual artist Rhonda Miller paints live. The event is free, with a suggested $25 donation. It will be held at Walter Jacob Architects, 89 Front St. To register, visit j2rc.org.
lesson at 6:30 p.m., welcoming guests of all experience levels.
“Whether you come dressed to the nines or just ready to have a great night out, this is the kind of Valentine’s celebration that feels like stepping into a golden-age ballroom,” Arnold said.
Tickets are available at newenglandyankees.ludus.com.
Association on Jan. 26. Tower School students joined a “musical books” evaluation session, where they crowned “Don’t Trust Fish,” written by Neil Sharpson and illustrated by Dan Santat, as their 2026 favorite.
“Mock Caldecott votes are always a highlight because students have such a keen eye for detail and storytelling,” Grad said. “It was incredibly rewarding to see them participate so thoughtfully in the process and to treat this like a ‘red carpet’ moment for children’s literature.”
2026-27 school year
calendar approved
The School Committee approved the district’s 2026-27 calendar, which starts Monday, Aug. 31 and ends with a half-day on June 16. Find the calendar at https://bit.ly/4k6zsuN.
New boating rules
The town is reminding local boaters about new safety education requirements that will take effect for some people on April 1.
The Hanson Milone Act mandates that motorboat operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, must complete a boating safety course to operate motorized vessels or personal watercraft (like jet skis). Anyone born before Jan. 1, 1989, will have until April 1, 2028, to get their boater safety certification. The course can be taken online or in person and covers essential safety rules, boat operation and how to avoid accidents. After completing the course, boaters will receive a boating safety certificate, which must be available for display while operating a boat. Also, to operate motorboats, people must be at least 12 years old and hold a valid boater safety certificate unless accompanied on board and directly supervised by a capable adult with the certificate. Personal watercraft users must be at least 16 years old with a valid boater safety certificate.
To learn more, visit malegislature.gov/Laws/ SessionLaws/Acts/2924/ Chapter350.
COURTESY PHOTO
Abbot Public Library Director Kimberly Grad talks with Marblehead students about picture book art.
Marblehead tradition reborn as ‘Side Launch’ sails worldwide
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Laurie Fullerton, the Current’s sailing reporter, published her first novel, “Side Launch,” last summer — little knowing it would become an international sensation of sorts.
The book follows a journalist who moves to the fictional Maine town of Clydebank to write for a local newspaper. There, she stumbles upon a ramshackle shipyard and meets a local man determined to build a 70-foot wooden schooner using traditional shipbuilding techniques long forgotten by most.
Since the novel’s release, Fullerton’s friends, neighbors and even her Marblehead High School Class of 1978 classmates have been carrying the book with them on trips abroad, snapping photos of “Side Launch” in farflung locations.
For Fullerton, it’s a modern twist on a familiar hometown tradition.
“Many of us from those days growing up in Marblehead seemed to instinctively remember that throughout our lives, when the Marblehead Messenger (newspaper) was still in print, if anyone took a trip somewhere, especially overseas, they would be sure and carry a copy of the Marblehead Messenger with them and take a photo of themselves holding up the newspaper,” Fullerton said. “I remember back then that exotic, faraway places were usually Bermuda, or perhaps the Matterhorn or in front of Big Ben, but I do not think that we could have anticipated back then how world travel would change.”
Now, it’s “Side Launch” that’s circling the globe.
“The idea started with Marblehead resident and fellow sailor Jim DaSilva who sent
a picture of him reading the novel on a lake in Maine, with a sailboat in the distance,” Fullerton said. Others soon followed. Diane Jackson sent a photo of herself reading “Side Launch” outside the newly reopened NotreDame Cathedral of Paris. Jane
Goldstein shared a snapshot from a train in South Africa.
Additional photos have arrived from Bainbridge Island, Washington; the Cayman Islands; Quebec; Bermuda; Hong Kong; and the Philippines. Friends have even promised to send a photo of the book from in front of the pyramids in Egypt.
“Because of this immense outpouring of support and the fact that I do suffer from wanderlust, my novel has had the best time traveling,” Fullerton said.
Because it has been far and wide, Fullerton jokes that she considers her book an “international bestseller.”
“I can’t wait to see where ‘Side Launch’ will go next,” she added.
“Side Launch” is available at Saltwater Books and the Arnould Gallery on Washington Street, as well as on Goodreads.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Kathleen Waslov, chair of the board of trustees at the Marblehead Public Library, sent this photo while in Washington state this past fall.
Carmen Fortier of Newburyport was visiting Kelley’s Island, which is about 4 miles away from Marblehead, Ohio.
Theresa Milewski of Marblehead is pictured in Quebec City last summer.
Chaz Nicols, originally from Reading, Massachusetts, reads “Side Launch” on Lamma Island, Hong Kong this past summer.
Class of 1978 alumna Dianne Jackson sent this photo in front of NotreDame Cathedral of Paris not long after it reopened.
Mark R. Collins, 62
Mark R. Collins of Derry, New Hampshire, died unexpectedly Jan. 19 at his home.
Mark was born in Chicago May 12, 1963 — Mother’s Day — the youngest of the Collins children and the only boy. Mark and his family moved to Marblehead in the 1970s where he quickly made lifelong friends. He attended Star of the Sea Elementary School,
Norma R. (Silva) Dugan, 90
Norma R. (Silva) Dugan, age 90, a longtime resident of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on Jan. 26, following complications from pneumonia. She was the beloved wife of the late George R. Dugan, Jr. Born in Peabody, Norma was a proud graduate of Peabody High School, Class of 1952. She
dedicated over three decades of her life to the National Grand Bank, where she worked for
Helen Marie Simard MacLaughin, 82
Coffin School and Marblehead Junior High and High School. He graduated from North Shore Community College and began his career in sales. Over the years, he transitioned to become a recruiter for technology companies. He also worked on the side as a DJ and refereed basketball and girls’ softball. He was the loving father of Joey Roy and Payton Collins and is survived by his sisters Marietta Collins and her husband Roger Cowles and their children Evan and Bella Cowles; and Nanette Collins and her
approximately 34 years, retiring at the age of 74.
Norma is survived by her four loving children: Stephen Dugan of North Reading and his wife, Kate; Kathleen Martin of Peabody; Mark Dugan of Peabody and his wife, Anna; and Lauri Stilianos of Peabody and her husband, Jonathan. She was a deeply proud grandmother to six and a greatgrandmother to nine, with her 10th great-granddaughter expected to arrive in March. Her grandchildren and greatgrandchildren brought her
Helen Marie Simard MacLaughin, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Jan. 31 at the age of 82. Helen was a light to all who knew her, and she will be remembered for her love of family, her dedication to helping others and her unmatched generosity of spirit that warmed and welcomed everyone she met. Helen met her beloved husband, Lester S. MacLaughin of Everett, while in high school and they were married for 62 years. Helen and Lester built a life together that included lots of children, laughter, chaos, adventure and always an abundance of love. With seven children of her own to raise, Helen’s heart and home were always open to family, friends and anyone who needed a meal, a bed, someone to listen or a soft place to land. She was never happier than when her home was full of commotion and people she loved. Helen was born in Everett, the daughter of Marguerite (Lewis) Simard and Joseph P. Simard. She attended Girls Catholic High School, where she graduated as valedictorian of her class. She was the first woman in her family to attend college, earning her bachelor’s degree from Emmanuel College as well as her master’s in social work and a master’s in education from Cambridge College. With her degree in social work, Helen worked in elder care and was a past president with the Everett Foundation for the Aged. Moving from social work to education, Helen worked for many years
Robert W. Osgood, 98
Robert Ward Osgood 3rd passed away peacefully on Feb. 1, his 98th birthday, in Portsmouth, New Hampshire.
He was born in Salem, Massachusetts, on Feb. 1, 1928, to parents Robert W. Osgood Jr. and Eunice H. Osgood.
Bob was a lifelong resident of Marblehead, a town he dearly loved. He attended Marblehead schools, Kimball Union Academy and went on to graduate from Bowdoin College.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Joan Pryor, in 1949.
They were married for 68 years until her death in 2017.
He served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1955 attaining the rank of lieutenant. He served as chief engineer on the destroyer USS Dashiell, participating in the Korean conflict and traveling
husband Anthony Jachyra. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Peter Neiman, nephew Andrew Nieman — who shares his birthday — and his wife Katie and son Axel, niece Heather Nieman and several cousins. Mark was predeceased by his parents Nancy and Richard Collins and sister Adrienne Nieman.
Mark loved going to live music events and was a huge sports enthusiast as well as a prankster and a connoisseur of bad dad jokes. Mostly, Mark will be remembered by his family and
immeasurable joy.
Above all, Norma cherished time spent with her family. She also found happiness in baking, reading and walking along Lynn Shore Drive with a Dunkin’ coffee in hand. Those walks often included conversation and laughter with her dear friend, Betsy, along with a stop at the neighborhood little free libraries on her way home to Marblehead. And, of course, she tried to never miss her favorite soap opera, “The Young and the Restless,” which she watched for over 50 years!
as a teacher in the Everett Public Schools and as the principal of the Whittier School in Everett until she retired. She was dedicated to her students and always went above and beyond to help them learn and succeed, even spending her own time and money to create an after-school computer lab for students who otherwise did not have access to technology.
In retirement, Helen and Lester moved to their beloved cottage in Marblehead and enjoyed being a part of the Marblehead community, where Helen was member of the Marblehead Rotary Club. She cherished watching the sunset over Salem Harbor with Lester, Sunday family breakfast and cheering on her grandchildren in hockey and all of their other endeavors.
Helen was preceded in death by her brothers Richard Simard, Joseph Simard and James Simard. Her memory will be treasured by her husband, Lester, her children James MacLaughin and his partner Linda Cabecca of Salem, Joseph MacLaughin and his wife Janet of Sandown, New Hampshire, Helen (MacLaughlin) Enriquez and her husband Mark of Woolwich, Maine, Philip MacLaughin and his wife Lynn of Gloucester, Marguerite
the world.
Bob joined State Street Bank in 1957, which began a successful banking career lasting 40 years.
At State Street, Bob held a variety of positions culminating in leading the bank’s insurance industry lending group.
Bob maintained the bank’s relationships with the country’s largest insurance companies for nearly 20 years.
Bob lived a full life. He loved the outdoors. He spent much of his time with his family at their lake cabin in New Hampshire and was an accomplished hiker and mountain climber. He hiked many areas of the West including summits of Mt. Rainier and Mt. Shasta.
countless friends for his outgoing personality, good humor, kindness and, above all, loyalty. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Saturday, Feb. 7, at 1 p.m., at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Prior to Mass, visitation will take place at Star of the Sea church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Interment will be held at Waterside Cemetery at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for Mark’s family at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, Feb. 5, 4-7 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, Feb. 6, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave. Interment will be private at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Norma’s memory to a charity of one’s choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Norma’s family.
(MacLaughlin) Polos and her husband Chris of Santa Barbara, California, Kathryn (MacLaughlin) Dedieu and her husband Laurent of Marblehead and Robie MacLaughlin and his wife Meghan of Gloucester. She also leaves brother William Simard and his wife Dorothy of Saugus, grandchildren Benjamin MacLaughlin and his wife Liza, Nathaniel MacLaughlin, Jesse MacLaughlin, Julia MacLaughlin, JJ MacLaughlin, Jack MacLaughlin, Henry Martin, Eloise (Martin) Hendrickson and her husband John, Theodore Polos, Robie Polos, Matthew Polos, Ryan MacLaughlin and Callie MacLaughlin; and great grandchildren Bo MacLaughlin, Peter MacLaughlin and Miles MacLaughlin.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, Feb. 9, with visiting hours at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., from 8-10 a.m., followed by a funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. at Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Doctors Without Borders, the Salvation Army or the Thomas E. Smith Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Helen’s family may be made at eusitisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
Bob loved being on the water.
He enjoyed lobstering and sailing with his family.
He was an accomplished woodworker. His projects included wooden boat building,completing four small boats in his basement workshop.
He was an avid reader, particularly of history and a frequent visitor to the Abbot Library.
Bob felt a great connection with Marblehead and its people.
He loved walking the town and talking with people, both those he knew and those he met.
Bob’s biggest love was his family. He was a devoted father and grandfather. He developed close relationships with his daughters-in-law and his four
grandsons.
Bob was predeceased by his wife, Joan Pryor Osgood. He leaves behind his son R. Ward Osgood, his wife Emily, of Marblehead and their sons: Robert Osgood, his wife Catherine and their daughter Ivy, and Alexander Osgood and his wife Hannah. He leaves behind his son Scott P. Osgood, his wife Francie, of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and their sons: Matthew Osgood and Luke Osgood.
A service will be held Feb. 17, at Saint Andrew’s Church, Marblehead beginning at 10:30 a.m. with a reception following. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Abbot Public Library.
Jack N. Meltzer, M.D.,
89
Jack N. Meltzer, M.D., of Bangor, Maine and Marblehead, Massachusetts, passed away on January 28, 2026, at the age of 89.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 26 years, Joanne Meltzer; his daughter Judy Goldman (Josh) and son Marc Meltzer (Amy); stepsons Michael (Katrina) and Tony (Miranda); stepdaughter Maria Lees; and grandchildren Jeremy, Jessica, Yosef, Rachel, Shoshana, Spencer, Kenna, Peter, Adeline, Nathaniel, Henry, Charlie, and Sophia. He was predeceased by his sister, Shirley Katz. Jack was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and
son—an energetic and vibrant presence, a dedicated physician, and a role model for living life fully and with purpose.
Jack was born on February 4, 1936, to Rose and Joseph Meltzer and raised in Bangor, Maine. He graduated from Bangor High School in 1954, the University of Maine at Orono, and Tufts University School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital and
a fellowship in cardiology at University Hospital in Boston. Upon completing his medical training, Jack wanted to return to Bangor to practice medicine in his hometown and raise a family. Board-certified in internal medicine, and a leader in the medical community, Dr. Meltzer developed and operated Bangor’s first coronary intensive care unit for 18 years. He served as Chief of Medicine, Chief of Cardiology, President of the Medical Staff, and President of the Bangor Medical Society. Known for bringing the latest medical advances to Maine, he was deeply respected and beloved by his patients for his bravery, dedication and care. Jack was a member of Congregation Beth Abraham in Bangor.
Jack served in the Maine Air National Guard for 21 years, retiring with the rank of
lieutenant colonel.
After relocating to Massachusetts in 1986, Dr. Meltzer opened a practice in Danvers and spent the next 33 years on staff with the Harvard Medical Association and Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates in Peabody. He was a mentor to many and greatly respected by his colleagues for his experience and wisdom. He retired from medicine at age 83.
In 2000, Jack married JoAnne Martel, with whom he shared more than twenty-five years of love, companionship, and adventure, on land and sea, surrounded by family and many of their grandchildren.
Jack’s happiest hours were spent on the water. He enjoyed decades of boating from Marblehead Harbor, Mount Desert Island, and Northeast Harbor in Maine, as well as time cruising the Caribbean with dear
friends. He was a member of the Penobscot Power Squadron and the Boston Yacht Club. Whether sailing, cruising, or resting at anchor, he felt most at home on his boat. He also loved nautical art, model ships, and oil painting. Jack lived life at full speed—skiing mountains, driving his signature sports cars, and inspiring everyone around him to pursue life with energy and enthusiasm. He will be deeply loved and forever missed.
The funeral will be held Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at 11:30 a.m. at Stanetsky Memorial Chapel, Salem, Massachusetts, with burial to follow at Maple Hill Cemetery, Peabody. A shiva gathering will be held after the burial at the Jack Meltzer home in Marblehead.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Jack’s memory may be made to the Marblehead Council on Aging.
Men’s talk about World War III, boasts about arterial bleeding concern caller
Friday, Jan. 9
» Alarms: 2
» Building/property checks: 6
» Abandoned 911 calls: 1
» Vehicle stops, citations: 0
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 3
8 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Selman and Front streets.
11:09 a.m. A no-trespass order was served on Ocean Avenue.
3:07 p.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a vehicle crash on Higgins Road.
6:08 p.m. Officers were unable to locate suspicious activity reported on Franklin and Front streets.
Saturday, Jan. 10
» Alarms: 1
» Building/property checks: 9
» Abandoned 911 calls: 2
» Vehicle stops, citations: 2
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
7:39 a.m. A disabled vehicle was reported on Barnard Street.
2:05 p.m. An officer investigated a report of larceny, forgery or fraud on Laurel Court.
2:10 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint related to a moving vehicle on Village Street.
3:40 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Broughton Road.
6:29 p.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Ocean Avenue.
9:03 p.m. An officer rendered services after general information was provided on Lee Street.
9:06 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Intrepid Circle.
11:04 p.m. A general complaint proved to be unfounded on Knight Avenue.
Sunday, Jan. 11
» Alarms: 4
» Building/property checks: 5
» Abandoned 911 calls: 2
» Vehicle stops, citations: 0
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0
10:44 a.m. An officer rendered assistance to a citizen on Gerry Street.
12:03 p.m. Officers and an ambulance crew assisted a citizen on Community Road.
1:09 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Fort Sewall Lane.
5:18 p.m. An officer assisted with an utility issue on Baldwin Road.
7:42 p.m. An utility issue was reported on Ocean and Atlantic avenues.
9:46 p.m. Officers and an
ambulance crew responded to the scene of suspicious activity on Humphrey Street.
10:10 p.m. A complaint about a moving vehicle on Atlantic Avenue and Gerald Road proved to be unfounded.
Monday, Jan. 12
» Alarms: 3 » Building/property checks: 2
» Abandoned 911 calls: 1
» Vehicle stops, citations: 0
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0
8:15 a.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Evans Road. At least one person was transported to the hospital with unspecified injuries.
10:53 a.m. Officers assisted at the scene of a vehicle crash on Ocean and Atlantic avenues.
11:03 a.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Merritt Street.
12:01 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man who discovered while at Village Liquors on Bessom Street that his black debit card was missing from his wallet, so he paid for his transaction in cash. Later, he discovered that the black debit card was used at the liquor store to make a $21.18 purchase. The man surmised that he must have dropped the card while in the store. He had since canceled the card before any other fraudulent transactions were made. He provided the officer with both receipts, the one showing his cash purchase and the other showing the fraudulent transaction using his debit card.
12:37 p.m. An officer spoke by cell phone with a man who had just learned that someone had been trying to take out a $2,000 loan in his name using an old email address he had not used in years. The officer advised him to notify the credit agencies as well as his bank about the situation.
12:59 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Broughton Road and filed a report.
3:07 p.m. An officer spoke at the police station with a Salem police officer who had just been involved with a dangerous incident in which the vehicle in which the Salem officer and his wife were riding was heading inbound on Pleasant Street in the left lane, approaching the intersection of Smith and Pleasant streets. As the Salem officer was continuing inbound, a vehicle attempted to pass him at a high rate of speed then cut in front of him, forcing him into the oncoming traffic lane. The Salem officer said that the only
way he could avoid collision was to veer into oncoming traffic. The officer said that he honked repeatedly at the other driver, and she responded by rolling down the window and flipping him the bird repeatedly, and then forming her hands in the shape of a heart. As the vehicles reached the intersection of Pleasant Street and Ocean Avenue, the Salem officer pulled alongside the woman’s vehicle and informed her that he would be calling the police. The man did not identify himself as a Salem officer but was wearing a Salem Police jacket. He asked that the incident be documented.
3:41 p.m. A general complaint was made on Bessom and Pleasant streets.
6:24 p.m. An officer went to Schooner Ridge to speak to a woman who feared she had been scammed by a person who had called her, posing as a Medicare employee selling Medicare plans. Earlier in the day, she had received a legitimate Medicare pamphlet, which left her vulnerable to the scam. She had provided the man her Social Security number but had become suspicious after he asked her to send him a saliva sample via UPS. The officer advised her on the different ways she could help protect her identity and also recommended contacting her bank and freezing her credit using the three major credit bureaus.
Tuesday, Jan. 13
» Alarms: 0
» Building/property checks:
13 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2
» Vehicle stops, citations: 1
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
8:29 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Smith Street on the report of a hitand-run accident that had just occurred. The driver of one of the vehicles involved reported that he had been driving on Atlantic Avenue and was turning left onto Smith Street when another vehicle took a left turn off Smith Street onto Atlantic Avenue and struck the left side
of his vehicle. The front end of the unknown vehicle struck the left side of the man’s vehicle, causing significant damage to the rear passenger’s door on that side. The man described the other vehicle as a tan or gold Infiniti coupe driven by an older woman. He had been unable to get a license plate number on the vehicle but thought that “33” might have been part of the number. The man stated that after the vehicle struck his, it took off without stopping and was last seen headed inbound on Atlantic Avenue. Because the vehicle struck his square on, he believed it should have damage to the center front or left front portion of the vehicle. The officer then made his way down Atlantic Avenue inbound to search for the suspect vehicle, while another officer began to search the Neck and beaches as another possible direction of travel. Neither officer was able to locate the suspect vehicle.
11:31 a.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Washington Street and filed a report.
2:44 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Humphrey Street.
7:49 p.m. Officers investigated suspicious activity reported on Washington Street.
9:56 p.m. Officers could not locate a moving vehicle about which a complaint had been made on Atlantic and Rockaway avenues.
11:38 p.m. Assistance was rendered to a citizen on Mugford Street.
Wednesday, Jan. 14
» Alarms: 0
» Building/property checks: 17 » Abandoned 911 calls: 0
» Vehicle stops, citations: 2
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2
11:32 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Shetland Road and Humphrey Street.
12:59 p.m. A lost purse and wallet was reported on Brown Street.
5:20 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Countryside Lane.
9:53 p.m. An officer went to Farrell Court to speak with a man whose Amazon package, which had been delivered earlier in the night, had apparently been stolen. The package contained some shelves and USB port cables. The man had checked with his neighbors to no avail. The officer advised the man to contact Amazon and noted that,
if the company wanted a police report, it would be on file. 11:51 p.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to a disturbance on Fairview Road. A report was filed.
Thursday, Jan. 15
» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 9 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
10:39 a.m. A downed wire was reported on Gerry Street.
10:39 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man who had been contacted by an apparent scammer while trying to sell his car on Autotrader. The man had been exchanging email with a woman who had indicated an interest in purchasing the vehicle when suddenly the person’s email was deleted by the Autotrader website. The man then reached out to the alleged buyer through an alternate email address they had been using. The woman told the man that she wanted him to pay $39.99 for a report from a website. Only after paying for the report did the man realize it was a scam. The man had set up a time to meet the would-be purchaser in the Star of the Sea Church parking lot, but the woman did not show up to look at the vehicle. While they were waiting, the officer had the man check to see if there had been any fraudulent charges made to the credit card he had used on the website, and he did not find any. The officer advised him to notify his credit card company, the credit agencies and his banks.
8:39 p.m. An officer spoke in the lobby of the police station with a woman who had been the victim of credit card fraud. The woman explained that she had been alerted by her credit card company that her Social Security number had been flagged, and her address had been changed. The woman then discovered that a Capital One credit card had been opened using her Social Security number but another person’s name and address out of Florida. The woman alerted Capital One, and it had requested that she file a police report. The officer also advised the woman to use the Social Security Administration’s website to report that her Social Security number had been stolen.
Friday, Jan. 16 » Alarms: 2 » Building/property checks: 13
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Headlight
Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community
Drama Fest at MHS
Anna Baughman, Social Media Manager, Junior
Every year, high school theater students from across Massachusetts come together for Drama Fest, a statewide theater competition run by the Massachusetts Educational High School Theater Guild. Held during the first weekend of March, Drama Fest brings together dozens of schools, each performing a 40 minute play at a designated host site. Schools arrive with their full cast and crew, along with sets, costumes, and technical elements, turning the event into a full day dedicated entirely to student theater.
Drama Fest is judged by adjudicators from a wide range of backgrounds, including theater educators, college professors, professional actors, and directors. Schools are grouped with seven to eight others during the preliminary round, and only three advance. There are three rounds total. Performances are evaluated on overall quality, but judges also look closely at elements that are driven by students, such as acting, set design, lighting, and costuming. Individual actors can also earn recognition for their performances.
This year, Marblehead High is competing with an original production titled The Mender, written by English teacher and director Ms. Skeffington. The Drama Club originally planned to perform John Proctor Is the Villain, which is about the Salem Witch Trials. Unfortunately, though, they lost the rights unexpectedly when the show was sold for a movie adaptation. With limited time, Ms. Skeffington expanded a short play she had written years ago into a full-length piece. “She has made truly unbelievable progress developing the play," says
actor Max Kane, who plays Teddy. He shares, “It’s really come together.”
Ms. Skeffington adds that this process was a collaborative effort between her and students. For example, actors have improvised scenes that were put into the final script. Ms. Skeffington goes on to say, “There have been so many things they [the students] have suggested in the rehearsal room that have worked so beautifully.”
Set during both the Vietnam War and the early 2000s, The Mender tells a story of family and generational trauma. Though the play is set in the past, the themes reflect issues that are still relevant today, particularly the idea of division in American society. “I think in many ways, it's something that people can still relate to,” Ms. Skeffington shares.
Though ownership issues forced the club to make an unexpected pivot, everyone involved in the production came together to overcome the challenge. Additionally, many actors expressed their enthusiasm at being a part of the development of their character. Others are excited to learn about the historical setting of the play and explore sound and set design. Actor Charlie Seliger, who plays June, tells us that she’s “super excited to see this come together with all its moving parts. I think it’s a really cool show and I’m so proud of us already.”
The coming together of this play is going to be a memorable experience for production members, regardless of the outcome of the competition.
The Class of 2027's Junior Auction
Maximilian Kane, Junior
Every year, the junior class at MHS hosts an online auction. Over the past few years, each class has made from $30,000 to over $50,000. Now, it's the class of 2027’s turn!
My name is Max Kane, and I have been the Class of 2027 president for three years now. The other class officers and I have been hard at work on this year's auction. Now, we need the entire Marblehead community's help.
A Google Form has been created and sent out to the community via email, social media, and flyers spread around the school and around town. If you are interested in donating, scanning the QR code
included here will take you to the form. Donation items can be almost anything, things like tickets to sporting events, concerts, theater shows; experiences, like a round of golf, a fishing trip, a cooking class; getaways, like a weekend stay at a secondary home, a night at a local hotel; items like a new household item, a signed sports jersey, arts and crafts; and services like dog walking, personal training, spa and salon treatments, and home improvement. If you're not sure if your donation is eligible, submit anyway! In the Google Form, a few questions will be presented, including contact information, the item being donated, the approximate value of the item,
Headlight Staff 2025 - 2026
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Grey Collins
SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Anna Baughman
ASSISTANT
and more. The due date for these forms is February 15th, so please submit as soon as possible! In the last few weeks of February, we will contact you about picking up the item. This will be in any way that is most convenient for you. The auction will be live from March 1st to March 13th. Keep an eye on social media, emails, Headlight, and around town for the website when it is released!
Businesses and individuals who donate will be recognized for their generosity. We will proudly acknowledge all supporters in our online auction materials, which will be shared widely with the Marblehead community when the auction goes live. This is a great opportunity to showcase your business while making a positive impact on our class!
In addition to the auction, our monetary donation/sponsorship site will open up in February. Families are encouraged to donate at any level. If your child is a junior, please donate. Our goal is to have 100% class participation, and to raise $40,000. Every bit helps, and we are so grateful for your support in any way you can contribute!
If you're having trouble with the Google Form, or have any questions whatsoever, email us at juniorclassauction@gmail.com. The proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards every event the Class of 2027 hosts for the rest of our high school career, including Junior Prom, Senior Prom, graduation, and the class gift. It even goes towards our high school reunion! If you choose to donate or sponsor, from the bottom of our hearts, thank you so much!
Crime is down... So why are our nerves up?
Evan Eisen, Assistant Editor, Senior
If you have been watching the news or looking online recently, you’d probably think that crime is high and that things will continue to get worse. As it turns out, that is far from the case. Recent data from the Council of Criminal Justice found that the U.S. homicide rate has fallen 21% from last year in 35 large U.S. cities, which makes it one of the biggest one year drops ever and the lowest rate since 1900. In addition, criminal offenses like aggravated assaults have fallen by 9%, gun assaults have fallen by 22%, and robberies have fallen by 23%. The only category that saw an increase were drugrelated crimes which rose by 7% from last year. Now, many people will try to place blame on one politician and praise another for this dramatic drop in crime, however, the greater issue we should be focusing on is why do so many people feel unsafe when crime is going down?
The answer to this can be linked back to the relationship numbers and emotions. Data tells us what is happening, but they do not tell us how people are feeling about what is happening. Currently, people's feelings are much louder.
It’s evident in a lot of conversations with people talking about how cautious they are at night or in a certain area. People carry guns, knives, and pepper spray, and they are also very superstitious about checking their locks. If you were to tell some of these people that crime is
is dropping, you would probably be met with skepticism, which isn’t because they don’t believe the data, but due to their feelings of being unsafe and allowing emotion to rule over the facts.
It’s actually very common to have these feelings, as many psychologists have long known that humans tend to be more wired to bad news and threats rather than good news, which is seen as not as interesting. Our brains are wired to overreact to small things like the wind making a bush rustle than just ignore a threat. Social media and the news certainly heighten these feelings of tension by constantly sharing videos of terrifying events that make people think a rare occurrence will happen to them. When crime goes down, media coverage of it continues to go up. There is also the issue of proximity. Despite the fall in national crime, it only takes for one crime to happen close to home to overshadow this trend. People act and believe in the stories they hear going on around them and not in the distant numbers they see in graphs and statistics.
Therefore, it is vital to understand the mismatch between perception and reality and what is really going on in our world. The real issue isn’t stopping crime, but rather to navigate the information that travels faster than we could process. The next time you see a headline about some sort of crime occurring, make sure to ask yourself if the world is truly scary, or if it just appears that way.
EDITORS: Evan Eisen, Anna Cruikshank, Georgia Marshall
REPORTERS: Maya Berman, Piper Browning, Jack Buckley, Nathanial Carper-Young, Madeline Duffy, Teagan Freedman, Maximilian Kane, Sophie Li, Eve Magen, London Perlow, Mary Prindiville
FACULTY ADVISOR: Mr. Higgins
