02.18.2026 - Volume 4, Issue 13

IN THIS ISSUE

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NONPROFIT ORG PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS

PAID

With town leaders warning of a fiscal cliff and possible overrides, the Current has launched a series examining various aspects of the town’s finances.

Read part one: Municipal employees’ salaries, on page 2.

MARBLEHEAD, MA PERMIT NO. 25

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

TM

FEBRUARY 18, 2026

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE NO. 13

FIRST WAVE 1

. How to balance Marblehead’s budget? Layoffs, cuts, overrides all on the table. Page 1.

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MARBLEHEADCURRENT.ORG

. Epstein payments, crypto talks involve former Marblehead man. Page 7.

Where do 3 .Marblehead

Police report to most often? Page 14.

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ON SOCIAL @MHDCURRENT

Concerns that new was in the 5 .airLove— and 4 .Broughton Road on the

housing won’t always put Headers first. Page 6.

dance floor — at Abbot Hall. Page 3.

Five facts from this week’s Marblehead Current.

REAL ESTATE

‘We’re not going anywhere’: Beloved businesses say they’ll stay after $9.6M deal

BY LEIGH BLANDER At least two of Marblehead’s favorite businesses say they are staying put, despite a $9.6 million real estate deal involving several buildings along Washington Street.

The Crosby’s family has sold its properties in Marblehead to The Goldberg Brothers Real Estate LLC. “We’re not going anywhere,” said Mike Bosse, who manages Crosby’s in Marblehead. “Nothing is going to change. We’re happy to stay part of the Marblehead community. Now, instead of owning the property, we’ll be renting.”

The Muffin Shop has been at 126 Washington St. for nearly 40 years. » “Absolutely we’re staying,” said owner Luisa Caposso. » “They’re very nice,” she added, referring to her new landlords. » Hip Baby Gear at 118 Washington St. hopes to stay in its space. Owner Jamie Reyes told the Current, “We would love to stay. We just don’t have any information at this point.” » Reyes said she believes Hip Baby Gear is now a tenant-at-will. » The Marblehead sale includes the following properties:

» 118-120 Washington (Hip

Baby Gear, Eastern Bank and Crosby’s) » 122 Washington St (Garrity Insurance) » 126 Washington St. (The Muffin Shop) » 128 Washington St. (Marblehead Knits) » 10R Darling St. » 11 State St. (Whitney Law Group) Andrew Goldberg at Goldberg Real Estate told the Current there are no plans to make any big changes.

“There’s no plan to knock anything down,” he said. “We’re invested in several communities.

We love Marblehead.”

CURRENT PHOTO / JULIE FLYNN

Luisa Capasso owns the Muffin Shop at 126 Washington St.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

New snow shoveling site encourages residents to take safety into own hands

DOLLARS & SENSE

Kezer to present balanced budget, override options

BY LEIGH BLANDER

rather than complain about things being wrong,” Lewis said. “People need to understand that, if you’re the person who notices it, you can take some action yourself.”

Lewis shared a link to the app on a

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer will present a balanced town budget and possible override requests to the Select Board at a public meeting Wednesday, Feb. 25.

At his State of the Town address in January, Kezer projected an $8.6 million budget gap, driven largely by rising employee health insurance and pension costs. Without an override, Kezer predicted several service cuts and 50 layoffs or more.

Select Board member Erin Noonan asked Kezer to prepare several override scenarios.

“What would it look like to preserve our status quo for the next three years?” Noonan asked. “Also, to restore our service delivery to where we were five years ago. We have asked our departments to go without for so long.”

Noonan asked her board colleagues where they stand on a possible override — and whether it should be structured as a singleyear or multiyear increase.

“Personally, I’m looking for a multiyear plan,” she said.

Chair Dan Fox agreed, adding that a threeyear override should include “a commitment that we won’t come back” to seek additional increases.

Select Board member Moses Grader expressed skepticism about voter support.

“I don’t think Marbleheaders are going to vote on a multiyear override,” he said. “I think that’s a heavy ask.”

Noonan suggested reviving “municipal boot camps” — programs where residents can meet department heads and learn

SNOW, P. 8

BUDGET, P. 7

CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS

A Marblehead dad has launched a web app that connects people who need help shoveling to volunteers. It’s called Snow Patrol.

BY ALEKA KROITZSH A couple weeks ago, Marblehead resident Ed Lewis noticed three children standing in the street, traffic whizzing past, while they waited for an MBTA bus to the high school.

After storms dumped more than 2 feet of snow on the town, Lewis said he regularly saw kids walking in the street to avoid snow-covered sidewalks. He also noticed hazardous crosswalks and intersections.

So he picked up his shovel and, according to Lewis, did the “bare minimum” to clear several bus stops and sidewalks.

That effort sparked an idea. Using his expertise as a front-end web engineer, Lewis designed Snow Patrol (snowpatrol.xyz), a web app that allows users to anonymously flag areas in town that need shoveling.

Locations can be marked “resolved” once snow is cleared.

Using his expertise as a front-end web engineer, Lewis designed Snow Patrol, a web app that allows users

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Ed Lewis has launched Snow Patrol, a web app to help neighbors clear the streets.

to anonymously flag areas in town that need shoveling. Locations can be marked “resolved” once snow is cleared.

The app was created Feb. 8, and since then at least 11 people have used it (as of Monday afternoon).

“It’s better to see what we can do

marbleheadcurrent.org

2 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

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OVERRIDING CONSIDERATIONS

Behind Marblehead’s $65 million payroll in 2025

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT. CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

Bob Peck NEWSROOM

Schools, public safety and how pay adds up

Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Editor’s note: With town leaders warning of a “fiscal cliff,” an $8.6 million budget deficit and more than 50 municipal layoffs, voters will likely be asked to approve Marblehead’s first general override in a generation.

Given that, the Current is launching a series, “Overriding Considerations,” to examine various aspects of the town’s finances. This is part one, on municipal employees’ salaries.

BY AKANKSHA GOYAL Marblehead spent $65.24 million on employee compensation in 2025, according to town payroll records, with schools and public safety accounting for the largest shares of spending across 1,185 municipal employees.

The data shows wide variation in how payroll dollars are distributed across departments, reflecting differences in staffing size, job functions and labor contracts. While public safety drives most of the town’s overtime spending, the bulk of overall payroll is concentrated in the school system, which employs more than half the town’s municipal workforce.

The highest-paid employees were largely in public safety, with seven of the 10 top earners working in the Police Department, according to the payroll data. The remaining top earners included senior administrators and supervisory roles, whose total compensation reflected higher base salaries rather than overtime.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said payroll figures reflect a formal classification system rather than discretionary pay decisions.

“For every position, there are job descriptions that lay out the scope of responsibility, supervision, educational requirements — sort of all the criteria,” Kezer said. “That is then used through an evaluation process ... provided to us by HR consultants to score each of the positions as to what pay grade they belong to.”

He said union contracts, step increases tied to experience and job classifications determine how salaries progress, with pay grades reviewed through the town’s compensation committee.

While police officers dominated the top of the earnings list by total pay, administrative and management categories reported the highest average pay per employee overall, though those categories account for a small number of positions townwide.

Across all departments, the average total pay was $55,056, with a median of $46,053.

Townwide overtime totaled about $3.22 million, or 4.9% of total payroll.

Schools account for the largest share of payroll By total payroll, the town’s largest departments are in the school system, amounting to about $39 million, or over half of the town’s total payroll. Of that amount, roughly $1.7 million was paid through school revolving and grant funds.

Marblehead High School alone accounted for $9.6 million in payroll across 147 employees.

Village School and Brown School followed with $6.47 million and $5.42 million, respectively.

Most school departments reported little to no overtime, with the exception of school custodial, maintenance and

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

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

Grey Collins Aleka Kroitzsh Luca Tedesco Akanksha Goyal

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HOW WE’RE REPORTING MUNICIPAL PAY DATA Each year, the town of Marblehead releases salary information for municipal employees, including police officers, firefighters, teachers and other town workers. This information is public under Massachusetts law and is intended to give residents transparency into how public funds are spent.

At the same time, most municipal employees are not public figures.

They are local residents or neighbors who work under schedules, staffing levels and labor contracts largely set by policy decisions beyond their individual control.

With that in mind, the Marblehead Current adopted the following approach in reporting 2025 municipal compensation data: » We focus on systems, not individuals.

Our reporting emphasizes department-wide trends, staffing levels and budget impacts rather than singling out rank-and-file employees.

We name senior officials and decision-makers.

Department heads and senior officials are named because they play a role in staffing, scheduling and policy choices. » We rely on aggregation wherever possible.

Most employee pay is reported in totals, medians, ranges and distributions rather than as individual listings. » We name individuals only when there is a clear public-interest reason.

This includes extreme outliers that illustrate broader policy or budget issues — not simply high earnings alone. » We explain how pay works before presenting figures.

Overtime, paid details, longevity pay and specialty compensation are governed by collective bargaining agreements and state law. High earnings do not necessarily indicate misuse or wrongdoing. » We avoid implying misconduct without evidence.

Compensation figures reflect staffing levels, contractual rules and operational needs, not individual behavior in isolation.

Our goal is to provide residents with a clear, fair picture of how municipal compensation works in Marblehead — and what it says about staffing, budgets and town services — while treating town employees with respect.

— Leigh Blander

READING THE NUMBERS Payroll totals reflect total compensation paid over the calendar year, including overtime and other forms of pay in addition to base salary. The data capture what was paid, not how many hours employees worked or which portions were reimbursed by outside parties. transportation staff, where overtime totaled about $330,000 across 39 employees.

Public safety departments, by contrast, employ far fewer people but account for some of the highest individual compensation figures.

A ‘perfect storm’ at the Fire Department The Fire Department, which employs 42 people, paid roughly $1.63 million in overtime last year, accounting for about 31% of its $5.27 million total payroll. On average, overtime added nearly $39,000 per employee, with 10 staff members earning more in overtime than in base pay.

Fire Chief Jason Gilliland said the department’s overtime levels reflect staffing pressures rather than discretionary scheduling.

“None of it’s voluntary,” Gilliland told the Current. “With four firefighters out with cancer, two firefighters out on military

leave and normal vacation time, every single day I am below the minimum (staffing levels), and I’m forced to hire somebody or order somebody.”

He said the department is required to maintain a minimum of nine firefighters on each shift.

When staffing falls below that level due to illness, military leave or other absences, the department uses overtime to meet safety requirements.

“I have an obligation as the chief of the department to make sure that staffing is at a safe level not only for the firefighters but for the town,” he said.

Gilliland described the current situation as “the perfect storm,” noting that the department has also lost four firefighter positions over the past three budget cycles and is currently operating with fewer on-duty staff as a result.

He said many of the factors driving overtime are outside his control, but restoring the four eliminated positions, if approved by voters, could help ease the overtime burden.

“Would it be nice to have the four positions back? Yeah, that may help things,” he said. “But overtime, because of contractual obligations of vacation, sick time and holiday time, is always going to be an issue with the fire department.”

Gilliland said the department has stayed within its overtime

EARNINGS OF DEPARTMENT HEADS, SENIOR OFFICIALS Marblehead department heads and senior officials earned the following amounts in 2025: » Light Department General Manager Joseph Kowalik, $403,989* » Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, $219,951 » School Superintendent John Robidoux, $216,750 » Police Chief Dennis King, $191,632 » Finance Director Aleesha Nunley Benjamin, $166,759 » Health Director Andrew Petty, $159,987 » Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, $156,183 » Building Commissioner Stephen Cummings, $130,027 » Harbormaster Mark Souza, $118,445 » Assistant Assessor Todd Laramie, $118,027 » HR Director Thomas Howard, $118,027 » Water and Sewer Superintendent Amy McHugh, $117,847 » Superintendent of Parks Peter James, $117,549 » Council on Aging Director Lisa Hooper, $117,149 » Library Director Kimberly Grad, $115,616 » Town Engineer Maggie Wheeler, $114,125 » Cemetery Superintendent Catherine Kobialka, $112,709 » Director of Community Planning and Development Brendan Callahan, $110,931 » Superintendent of Recreation Jaime Bloch, $101,822 » Town Clerk Robin Michaud, $97,905 » Town Planner Alex Eitler, $90,418 » Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey, $78,885 » Veterans Agent Roseann Trionfi-Mazzuchelli, $77,421 *Amount includes a retention bonus approved by Marblehead Municipal Light Commission after deciding not to renew Kowalik’s contract. The compensation package included a $150,000 retention bonus and potential performance bonuses totaling an additional $50,000.

budget despite the pressures.

“We’ve never gone over budget — not once,” he said. “As a matter of fact, we usually give back money at the end of the year.”

Overtime, he said, is “just the PAYROLL, P. 3

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

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

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 3

ROMANCE

Love, swing and song fill Abbot Hall for Valentine’s dance

BY GREY COLLINS Love was in the air Saturday night at a Valentine’s Day Dance featuring lovebirds Holly Cameron and Matthew Arnold — and their 19-piece big band, the New England Yankees. People filled Abbot Hall — many dressed festively in red — for the show.

Professional dancers Charisse and Mark Nocera even offered dance lessons.

Special guest vocalists included Johnny Ray and Marblehead High School senior Eldar Yahorau. An up-and-coming crooner, Yaorau belted out Sinatra classics like “New York, New York” and “My Way.”

ABOVE:Eric and Kim Nothnagel laugh and dance together at the Abbot Hall Valentine’s Day dance.

LEFT: Charisse and Mark Nocera, a father-daughter duo of professional dancers who gave a dance lesson to the guests, perform a salsa dance for the audience at the Valentine’s Day Dance.

CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS

Co-host Matthew Arnold sings with his 19-piece big band, The New England Yankees.

Payroll From P. 2

cost of doing business,” particularly when combined with mutual aid responses to neighboring communities and the need to backfill positions when firefighters are sent out of town.

Kezer said overtime in public safety is built into the town’s budgeting assumptions because of how shift-based staffing works.

A study he conducted in Amesbury found that typical vacation and sick time meant a firefighter was available for about 85% of scheduled shifts in a given year.

While the town budgets for what he described as “normal overtime” tied to those routine absences, longer-term injuries and military leave can significantly increase costs.

“It is the extended absences for various reasons that have the most profound impact,” Kezer said.

He said the town weighs whether to add positions or rely on overtime by calculating the full cost of hiring additional firefighters, including salary, stipends and the town’s share of health insurance.

“You have to do that calculation as to what is

the full cost to add those positions … as compared to taking an existing firefighter, where you’re already covering those costs, and paying them at an overtime rate,” he said.

“It’s close enough to be a wash.”

A closer look at police pay The Police Department recorded about $6.67 million in total compensation for 73 employees, including emergency dispatchers.

Overtime totaled roughly $565,000, or about 8.5% of department payroll, while more than $2 million was categorized as “other” compensation, according to the payroll data.

Two of the seven police officers among the town’s highest-paid employees had “other” compensation that nearly doubled their base salary.

Police Chief Dennis King said that category includes paid details and other work performed outside regular shifts.

“The people that are making the highest end are almost working double the amount of what a normal person works, almost like they have a second job,” King said.

He said paid details, such as traffic control for construction projects and utility work, make up a significant share of some officers’ total earnings, but

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BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

said most of that money does not come from taxpayers.

“I would estimate that $1 million to $1.1 million is likely what we had in the calendar year” for details, King said, adding that “about 95% of our details are private and about 5% are town details.”

Because detail pay flows through the town’s payroll system, it appears alongside regular wages in the data, even when the cost is reimbursed by private parties.

King said police overtime levels have remained relatively consistent in recent years and are driven primarily by minimum staffing requirements, training mandates and community events. He said most overtime is funded through the operating budget, with roughly $50,000 coming from outside grants.

“The majority of what the overtime comes from is staffing,” he said. “When the shifts go below the minimum, we have to hire.”

King said Marblehead operates with lean staffing relative to its population, with 31 officers serving a town of about 20,000 residents — roughly 1.5 officers per 1,000 people, which he said is about half the national average.

He said adding officers could reduce overtime at

a certain point but said the department is not currently at that threshold.

“There’s a breaking point where … it will cost more to pay overtime than to (hire),” he said. “We’re not at that point.”

King said payroll figures can be misleading without context.

“There are hours behind every one of that extra dollar that you see … that are being worked by officers at the sacrifice of their free time,” he said.

“Nobody is giving them money they didn’t earn.”

Beyond schools and public safety Outside of schools and public safety, payroll data show a wide range of department sizes and compensation levels across town operations, including public works, water and sewer, waste collection and administrative offices.

Utilities and public works departments account for a smaller share of total payroll than schools or public safety but employ crews responsible for core town services.

about 2%.

“Obviously, that’s going to increase our salary costs,” he said, adding that the town must also remain competitive to recruit and retain employees.

A consulting firm reviewing pay scales outside public safety found some Marblehead positions lag behind comparable communities.

“In the analysis, we’re behind,” he said. “We need to make adjustments to our pay scales to stay in the marketplace. At the same time, we’re faced with a pretty significant budget challenge.”

Kezer said public perception of payroll growth can overlook longer-term staffing shifts.

“There have been reductions in overall staffing over the years,” he said, noting that some newer roles were created

by reallocating resources or phasing out outdated positions rather than expanding the overall budget.

He said the town is also investing in technology to reduce administrative workload over time.

“We’re trying to transform the organization where the software does the processing and the people are managing and doing the quality control,” he said. “Ultimately, we won’t need as many people for processing.”

Kezer said the town is working to improve how payroll data are presented publicly to avoid misinterpretation.

“We want to make that information available and transparent,” he said, adding that the goal is to ensure salary reports “accurately represent what is going on.”

Payroll growth and competitiveness Kezer said the town has negotiated new collective bargaining agreements in recent years, with union contracts averaging about 3% cost growth and nonunion pay increasing

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4 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

Happy anniversaries We are celebrating two Black history anniversaries this month: the 100th anniversary of Negro History Week, established by Dr. Carter Woodson in 1926, and the 50th anniversary of Black History Month, established by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

Woodson, known as the “Father of Black History,” created Negro History Week to ensure the contributions of Black people were celebrated and included in American history, believing that education was key to fighting racism.

President Ford urged all Americans to “seize the opportunity to honor too-often neglected accomplishments of Black Americans in every endeavor throughout our history” during Black History Month.

Coincidentally, both anniversaries occur in 2026, which is the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding and the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which asserts that “all men are created equal.”

Comparing the inclusive visions of Dr. Woodson and President Ford to President Trump’s recent statements and actions highlights how their words and values differ sharply on the role Black people have played in our history.

When President Trump proclaimed February as National Black History Month, he stated, “Black history is not distinct from American history; rather, the history of Black Americans is an indispensable chapter in our grand American story,” reframing Black history as merely part of a larger narrative.

This diminishes hard-fought victories of Blacks and the unique significance of their roles in our democracy.

Trump has said that some Black history lessons may teach negative views of America. He also believes the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture focuses too much on slavery. He has ordered that references to slavery and Black history be removed from national parks and government buildings, erasing essential American narratives.

Trump has also refused to apologize for a now-deleted racist social media post featuring former President Barack Obama and his wife, Michelle Obama, as primates in a jungle.

Though the White House blamed a staffer for the post, Trump insisted, “I didn’t make a mistake,” yet another contrast to Woodson and Ford, who worked to ensure not only that Black history was honored but that racism was confronted.

Fortunately, we live in a town that celebrates and embraces Black history every year. Some of the local Black history activities happening this month include: Marblehead High School has daily morning announcements that highlight different historical figures, as well as a “Name That Tune” challenge that features prominent Black artists.

Marblehead School of Ballet held an AfroBeats Workshop with Victoria Adinkra. The event featured dance styles from Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, along with fun choreography inspired by the latest Afrobeat trends.

The Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination has organized a community book club to read and discuss Percival Everett’s “James.” The novel, published in 2024, retells the story of Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of the enslaved character Jim, called “James” in the novel.

The Task Force invites book clubs in Marblehead and nearby communities to join their discussion at the Abbot Library on March 25 at 7 p.m.

The Marblehead Racial Justice Team presented students at the Veterans School with portraits of two African-American heroes: Congressman John Lewis and Harriet Tubman. The event included a performance by the Veterans School chorus, who sang “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” often called the Black national anthem. Afterward, students read prepared passages about Lewis and Tubman and their significant contributions to U.S. history.

The Marblehead Museum, led by Lauren McCormack, is a tremendous resource for the town on Black history.

McCormack and her staff have researched and published information about Black, Indigenous and people of color who lived, worked and were enslaved in town. This includes Lucretia and Joseph Brown, in whose honor the Brown Elementary School is named. Their findings are available in the Free and Enslaved People of Color in Marblehead Online Database on the museum’s web page. It contains information on more than 150 people of African and Indigenous descent who resided in Marblehead until the end of the 19th century.

In June, the Museum plans to open its inaugural exhibit, “Resistance and Resilience: Slavery and Freedom in Marblehead,” in the Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen & Slave Quarters. The exhibit will focus on the experiences of free and enslaved people of African descent in Colonial Marblehead.

We should recognize Marblehead’s ongoing support of the METCO (Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity) program. The program was started almost 70 years ago by parents in Boston and suburban towns. Its goal is to give children from racially segregated schools in Boston and racially isolated schools in the suburbs the opportunity to learn together in integrated public schools. Marblehead has hosted METCO students since 1967.

We are lucky to live in a town that preserves history rather than rewrites it. We are fortunate to live in a town that celebrates everyone’s contributions, past and present. May this year’s anniversaries remind us of who we are, where we came from, how we got here, and how Black history has helped make Marblehead so special.

COURTESY PHOTO

Flooded garages on Moorchewary Lane in March 2018. It was the third highest storm surge recorded in Boston behind January of 2018 and the Blizzard of ’78.

SUSTAINABLE MARBLEHEAD

A generational perspective on historic preservation

BY CHRIS RANDALL

Marblehead is special. Our town has contributed so much to American history that it’s nearly impossible to come up with all of the superlatives that we hold.

Birthplace of the American Navy, marine aviation, Gerrymandering, the list goes on. That history is palpable when you take a walk downtown (old town, if you prefer) and can be heard in the voice of nearly any ‘Header of whom you ask a history question. Town pride is thick. As a community, we have done an excellent job of preserving the historical character of our streets.

But whether we like it or not, things do change. I grew up on Orne Street and spent countless summer days in the ‘80s and ‘90s at Gas House Beach. After many years away, I moved back to Orne Street and I now spend summer days playing on the very same rocks with my daughter, Charlie. I speak from experience when I tell you that change has occurred. In one generation, Brown’s Island has lost its mussel bed. Starfish and sea urchins have disappeared from the rocks. I’m not sure if there are still clams and seaworms hiding under the rocks on Brown’s, but they’re gone from Gas House. My daughter will grow up to remember an occasional putrid smell in our kitchen at low tide from the seaweed that wasn’t there when I was a kid. She will remember far fewer species in the tide pools. I wonder what will be different in the 2060s?

My father told me that our garage building on Moorchwary Lane flooded in the Blizzard of ‘78 and I believe him, but flooding wasn’t a frequent problem when I was a kid otherwise. That parking area out back has flooded at least a dozen times since I moved home and it’s happened bad enough to flood the garages three or four times. I’m afraid my daughter will remember that. Last year, Charlie went to school for the first time.

There were several days that fall when the kids were not allowed to go outside for recess because the smoke from the fires in Lynn Woods was so thick that it posed a serious health concern. Thankfully, that did not happen this year. But the trend lines of drought and wildfires are not looking great.

I wonder if some day I’ll have a

grandchild that goes to school in town and what Charlie will remember about her first weeks and months of school.

Perhaps you think this is all just confirmation bias and unfounded alarmism? Maybe you believe that the global scientific consensus that climate change is real, manmade, and extremely problematic is just part of some scheme the elites dreamed up to sell more wind turbines? Seems unlikely. My life experience has shown me that climate science is real. It seems obvious to me that we have more change in store for Marblehead and we might not like it. More frequent and severe storms will be damaging for harborside businesses or for the wall at Fort Beach that we just repaired in 2018, not to mention our increasing insurance bills. Who knows, by the time I’m a grandfather, maybe every basement on Franklin Street will be flooding regularly. I sure hope not.

Perhaps we could start to adapt to the impending threat of climate change? As a resident of the historic district, I am not asked to use lead-based paint on my house, even though it would be more historically accurate. I also use electricity to light my front porch instead of lanterns that burn whale oil. I gladly ignore the unsightly fire hydrants and have almost forgotten that the roads were once dirt. As time goes on and science advances, we change our habitat to stay healthy and safe. Maybe EV chargers and heat pumps weren’t around when my father moved to town, but neither was that stinky seaweed. Nobody would question if solar panels on Elbridge Gerry’s house were original, any more than they wonder the same thing about the storm windows on the Old North Church. The double pane windows that are being installed around the neighborhood are far

less offensive to me than the lack of sea urchins.

I don’t share a last name with any streets or landmarks in town.

I’m a relatively new Marbleheader since my father moved here from Swampscott in the ‘60s. It turns out, though, that my ancestors have been on the North Shore since the mid 1600s; my 10th great-grandmother was accused of witchcraft. When I think about historic preservation, my concern is less about the details of the houses on Washington Street and more about how future Marbleheaders will talk about the town long after I’m gone. To maintain our town’s character for the long haul, I believe it’s in our best interest to take a generational perspective on preservation by mitigating climate change. I hope it’s clear that I care deeply about the historic character of my neighborhood. I sincerely believe that the best way of preserving our town’s pride is to take small steps to ensure that all of our historic streets remain above sea level in the year 2100 and beyond. When future generations look at the artifacts of our time, I want them to know that we took their wellbeing seriously, not just our own. Energy efficiency is not diametrically opposed to historic preservation. Rather, it is a critical piece of it. Marblehead is a special place and what makes me lose sleep at night is not that it might change; it has always changed. My worry is about how many future generations will have the chance to enjoy it the way we do. Even if you do not accept the premise that climate change is likely to harm the historic district, reducing our carbon footprint by electrifying our transportation and choosing energy efficient systems and appliances can also lower our energy bills and improve local air quality. Regardless of how you prioritize reducing your carbon footprint, saving money, preventing childhood asthma or protecting Marblehead’s unique history, making the right choices supports all of these worthy goals and future generations.

Chris Randall is a member of the Sustainable Marblehead board and its Clean Energy and Public Policy Working Group.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 5

The people in our neighborhood

BY STEPHEN BACH

» A State Supreme Court

The Digital Docs have fascinating customers. Today I’m taking a short detour from my regular “Doc in a Box” column to talk about the incredible community we have. I get to meet an amazing number of interesting people from all walks of life and countries of origin, with an incredible range of occupations and experiences. It’s a reminder of how much we all contribute to one another.

Here are just a few of the many people I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with over the years:

judge » Head of the prosecutor’s office in Boston » Local and network TV consulting doctor » Bureau chief at the CIA » The 12th person hired to work on John Kerry’s campaign » Well-known radio, TV and podcast host » Lawyer for the EPA » Entertainment reporter for an LA-based newspaper » Best-selling authors » Marine Corps lieutenant colonel who served in Vietnam » Silver Star and Purple Heart pilot from the 1st Cavalry Division in Vietnam » Marketing VP from the early

» A customer whose mother

days of Lotus » The first doctor to diagnose

my heart condition in 1968, who later became a customer of The Docs » Selectmen (and selectwomen) » Founders of successful nonprofits » Executive directors of nonprofits

took movie footage of Adolf Hitler » Lawyers, dentists, doctors, accountants, photographers, architects, musicians, dance teachers, plumbers, electricians, builders, piano tuners, active-duty service members, storytellers, psychiatrists, psychologists, real estate agents and stay-athome moms and dads And customers from Sweden, Italy, Poland, England, Russia, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Belize, Aruba, Colombia, Switzerland, Denmark, Finland, Germany (including one who lived through the bombing of Berlin as a little girl), Greece and others that I can even remember.

The best part is the

five- or 10-minute conversations (sometimes longer!) when people drop off or pick up their computers. I love hearing their stories, the places they’ve been, and the people they’ve met. Whether it’s a well-known “celebrity,” a mom who bakes brownies for her daughter’s class, town officials, FedEx and UPS drivers or heavy construction workers, everyone is unique and has a story worth hearing.

And I love hearing them.

Until next time, stay safe out there, and let’s celebrate the diverse community of amazing people we interact with every day.

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

We should follow the ‘Homer Simpson School of Plowing’ etiquette To the editor: I am writing to express my frustration regarding a recent incident involving a private plow operator. I’d like to offer a kind reminder about basic plow etiquette from the Homer Simpson School of Plowing. On Wednesday morning (Feb. 11), I woke to find our neighbor’s driveway and our stairway to the street, sidewalk and driveway were completely blocked in.

A plow operator clearing a private residence across the street pushed fresh snow, ice and slush through our existing five-foot snow wall (left from the previous two storms) and directly onto our property, effectively barricading access in and out of our home.

While I appreciate the effort required to keep Marblehead’s streets/residences clear and daily routines moving, there appears to be a disconnect or lack of common sense when it comes to where that snow is placed.

Blocking driveways and home entrances is not only frustrating for homeowners, but it can also create serious safety risks if emergency access is needed.

Plowing snow into someone else’s driveway is widely recognized as a private nuisance and may constitute trespassing.

Depositing snow onto a sidewalk or public way may also violate local regulations. Beyond the legal implications, there is a practical reality ... what takes a plow operator seconds to move can take a homeowner hours of strenuous labor and considerable physical strain to undo.

After contacting the Marblehead Department of Public Works, the Police Department and the Current, I learned that this has occurred in multiple neighborhoods across town. We may be facing an extraordinary amount of snow this season, but blocking key entrances to someone else’s home should not be the solution. My hope is that, as a community, we can manage snow more thoughtfully and avoid shifting the burden and the pain onto our neighbors. Thank you in advance for greater mindfulness in the future.

Kristen Young Pond Street

There is real happiness to be found locally To the editor: Some people say that good fences make for great neighbors.

If you’ve had a bad neighbor, you understand that sentiment well.

A private plow driver blocks in a driveway, after residents shoveled it out.

But in reality, the best neighbors are, well, neighbors.

My family and I had the privilege of being Christine McCarriston’s neighbor. You may have known her personally, or you may have known her through her thoughtful and touching articles for the Current.

But knowing Chris as a neighbor was such a special way to know her.

My family moved to our house on Village Street over 13 years ago. Chris immediately welcomed us into “The Village People,” an intergenerational group of friends who all lived on the same part of the long street. Chris was the leader of the group, no question.

She was relentlessly inclusive.

My Jewish kids were always invited to their Easter egg hunt.

And if we had friends or family over, they were invited too.

Chris always came to Tashlich, the ceremonial casting away of sins on Rosh Hashanah, when we throw bread into the ocean. It was as if she asked, “Why should we hoard these traditions to ourselves when it would be so fun to share them together?”

And Chris treated you as part of the family. Her daughters, Shanna and Jenna, babysat and nannied our kids when they were younger. They always showed up like Chris did: with positive energy, humor, and care. And her husband, Rick, was always ready with a steady stream of discussion topics, and an entirely too large payment to our sons for walking the dog.

Chris’s passing was devastating for all The Village People. She fiercely battled cancer, knowing the inevitable outcome for years. She simply wouldn’t resign herself to the fact that the cancer was ever winning. She worked, she played, she traveled. Through sheer force of will she adhered to her motto “Celebrate Everything.” It is a lesson for us all.

But maybe the most valuable lesson from Chris is this: In a

COURTESY PHOTO / KRISTEN YOUNG

LETTERS POLICY The Current welcomes letters to the editor and strives to represent a range of viewpoints on our opinion pages.

Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. Letters over the word limit may be returned to the writer for editing.

Writers may be given more leeway to criticize national political candidates and other public figures. However, in all cases, letter writers should refrain from name calling and personal attacks and instead focus on the substance of matters of public concern.

Letter writers may be asked to substantiate claims that do not relate to information previously published in the Current.

While we will make every effort to let writers have their say, we reserve the right not to publish letters.

Letters must include: » The author’s name. Unsigned letters and form letters will not be published. » The name of the street on which the author lives in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next to the author’s name – not their full address. » The author’s daytime/cell phone number for verification purposes (not publication).

Letters must be received by our newsroom directly from their writers (for special circumstances, contact the newsroom). Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org or use the submission form found at marbleheadcurrent.org/letters.

Some letters may be shared to social media. We will share a wide array of viewpoints.

Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition. time when so much of our attention is focused nationally and globally, there is real happiness to be found locally.

Not by putting up fences, but by taking them down.

Jason Sidman Village Street

What is virtue?

To the editor: This is a question that animates a great many Democratic primary voters: Which candidate is the morally righteous choice?

When I contemplate this question I think of Sarah McBride and Jared Golden.

They are Democrats who represent Delaware’s at-large congressional district and Maine’s second respectively.

Delaware elected Sarah McBride to Congress in 2024, running a point ahead of Kamala Harris by focusing on

affordability and access to healthcare.

She is also the first and only transgender member of Congress. On joining the House, Republicans led by Speaker Mike Johnson and South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace tried to make a spectacle out of McBride over which bathroom she would use.

She did not take the bait and simply focused on her job: representing Delaware with dignity and integrity.

This is virtue.

Jared Golden represents the most pro-Trump district held by a Democrat in the current Congress. First elected in 2018, Golden won re-election in 2024 by less than a point in a district Trump carried by nine. No elected Democrat is as skilled at persuading Trump voters as Jared Golden.

Golden’s mix of issue positions is unorthodox. He is pro-gun

rights, but also pro-choice and pro-same sex marriage.

He voted for continuing government funding that included money for ICE, but he also voted to protect the Dreamers.

And when Sarah McBride eventually wrote to Speaker Johnson to highlight the rise of anti-trans hate in America, Jared Golden stood by her and co-signed her letter.

The price paid by Jared Golden for his views has been death threats against his family by the far-right, and relentless attacks against his character from the far-left. Despite all of this, he has held that seat down for Democrats for six years.

This, also, is virtue.

Republicans won the House 220 to 215 at the last election.

A few more Jared Goldens and Hakeem Jeffries becomes speaker and Sarah McBride enters the chamber not as a target, but as a member with the dignity to choose for herself.

There is no virtue in Democrats demonizing Jared Goldens so that Republicans can demonize Sarah McBrides.

Massachusetts Democrats should take this to heart. When we select leaders who demand maximum ideological purity over electoral realism, we rarely pay the heaviest price. It is people like the mothers and fathers of Minneapolis who have to stand in the cold at their children’s schools on the lookout for masked government agents who pay that price for us.

This isn’t a call for moderation, but for toleration.

The tolerance required to build a big tent and establish durable majorities.

Any reasonable examination of the platforms of Ed Markey and Seth Moulton will show they are both significantly more progressive than the rest of the country. But Ed Markey is aligned to the wing of the Democratic party fixated on purity. His counterpart in the Senate, Elizabeth Warren, called for Democrats to reject supplyside liberals like me earlier this year. And Markey’s Senate ally, Bernie Sanders (who isn’t even a registered Democrat!), recently said at a rally that as important as defeating Republicans is preventing the election of moderate Democrats. No more Jared Goldens.

What of the alternative to Markey, Seth Moulton? He is the one who recruited Jared Golden to run for Congress in the first place, flipping a seat from red to blue and putting Democrats closer to delivering decency for more Sarah McBrides.

This is virtue.

Nick Ward Rolleston Road

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6 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

HOUSING

MHA reviews new plans for Broughton Road senior housing, townhouse upgrades

BY LEIGH BLANDER Housing Authority reviews updated plans for Broughton Road redevelopment The Marblehead Housing Authority reviewed updated plans for a major redevelopment project at Broughton Road, featuring a new senior

housing building, upgraded townhouses and expanded community amenities.

A representative from WinnDevelopment, Sam Randel, told MHA members that the design has made “significant progress” since the last public update, though it remains in the schematic phase. The proposal

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includes construction of a four-story, 60-unit, agerestricted senior building near Humphrey Street, along with rehabilitation and replacement of existing family townhouses.

“We’ve tried to incorporate the feedback we’ve received from the board, residents and the community,” Randel said.

“The design has evolved, but the overall goals remain the same.”

COURTESY WINNDEVELOPMENT

WinnDevelopment’s schematic drawing for a four-story senior housing mid-rise at Broughton Road.

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Senior housing and site layout The new mid-rise building would contain 60 units for residents age 55 and older and feature a community room, kitchenette and conference space.

Designers said the building’s traditional-style exterior, gabled rooflines and porches are intended to help it blend with surrounding structures, including the nearby Senior Center.

The building would include 61 parking spaces for residents, along with visitor parking. Additional spaces are planned for townhouse residents and guests, while maintaining two-way traffic along Broughton Road.

Outdoor amenities would be concentrated in the existing turnaround area, which would be redesigned to include community gardens, green space and play areas.

In the rear of the site, new townhouses would surround a central lawn and gazebo.

Fire and police officials have also pushed for an expanded turnaround area to improve emergency access, which designers said has been incorporated into the plan.

Townhouse improvements The project includes rehabilitating 42 of the existing 62 family housing units and demolishing and rebuilding 20 units on a one-to-one basis.

Officials said some of the older buildings are in poor condition and would be more cost-effective to replace.

Future upgrades may include additional bathrooms, dishwashers, garbage disposals and exterior improvements, though designers said detailed work on the townhouses is still ahead.

Board members asked to see more detailed renderings of the renovated buildings at future meetings, noting that longtime residents want assurance that older structures will receive meaningful upgrades.

Commu nity feedback and funding Designers emphasized that the project reflects input from residents and town officials, though they acknowledged that architectural style remains subjective.

“There are tradeoffs with every option,” said the project’s design consultant. “But keeping BROUGHTON, P. 7

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 7

LOCAL CONNECTION

New Epstein records show payments, crypto talks with former Marblehead resident

BY AKANKSHA GOYAL A former Marblehead resident and Bitcoin developer appears more than 700 times in the newest release of records tied to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to a review of the materials by the Current.

The developer, Jeremy Rubin, lived in Marblehead during his youth and attended Marblehead High School in 2009 before graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy in 2012. He later enrolled at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where his communication with Epstein began while he was studying electrical engineering and computer science.

Emails released through court proceedings show Rubin corresponded with Epstein and his staff primarily between 2014 and 2018. A search of the Epstein document library for Rubin’s name returns 726 results, including emails and financial documents, though some entries are duplicative.

The correspondence ranges from routine scheduling and logistics to discussions about cryptocurrency ventures and potential investments, with many meetings and Skype calls coordinated through Epstein’s longtime assistant, Lesley Groff.

During his time at MIT, Rubin helped organize the MIT Bitcoin Project, an initiative designed to expand student engagement with cryptocurrency. He also conducted research at the MIT Media Lab and participated in student hackathons, according to biographical information contained in the archive.

Linda Stone, a former Microsoft executive and technology researcher affiliated with the MIT Media Lab, introduced Rubin to Epstein in 2014, according to the records. Early exchanges centered on introductions and arranging calls, but by late 2015 the discussions had shifted to Rubin’s career plans and potential financing for cryptocurrency research.

PHOTO / LINKED IN

Crypto developer and former Marblehead resident Jeremy Rubin

In a Dec. 27, 2015 email, Rubin wrote to Epstein: “I was wondering if you would be interested in financing my continued research in this space, or if there are any projects you’d want to push forward that I might play a role in. I’d also love to learn more from you about how financial markets really work and build some of my own ‘exploits’ at some point.”

Epstein responded the same day outlining possible arrangements: “1 you can merely work for me .

salary… 2 start a co. hire others.

I make an investment= ( more paperwork ). 3. do research. ? tax advantages but restricted. I can easily pay your tuition… or some combo of the above” Financial documents within the archive show three $25,000 checks issued to Rubin, dated Feb. 3, April 19 and Aug. 1, 2016. Two of the checks include memo lines reading “2nd quarterly payment” and “3rd quarterly payment of 4.” The records do not specify the underlying agreement tied to the payments. Rubin instructed one or more checks to be sent to his address in Marblehead.

A substantial portion of the 2016 emails centers on cryptocurrency investment discussions and reference pitch materials, potential financing and coordination of meetings.

In June 2018, court documents show Epstein explored creating an investment vehicle associated with Rubin. Records indicate “Deploy Capital” was registered July 6, 2018, in the U.S. Virgin Islands as a trade name of

Southern Trust Company, Inc., a company Epstein used to manage his assets.

The archive also contains logistical exchanges referencing mailing addresses in Cambridge and Marblehead, travel coordination and efforts to schedule in-person meetings, including one at Epstein’s Manhattan residence in 2018.

The records do not indicate that Rubin has been accused of criminal wrongdoing related to Epstein’s crimes. Many individuals named in the broader archive appear due to business, academic or social contact rather than alleged misconduct.

In a post on X following the release of the documents, Rubin wrote Feb. 2 that he was “glad the emails are being released” and acknowledged “some professional engagement” with Epstein through his Bitcoin work. He added that he had not spoken extensively on this topic in the past because he “realized how little I actually knew” and did not want to speculate.

HOUSING

Town continues to tweak latest MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal

BY LEIGH BLANDER With Town Meeting less than three months away and facing a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General’s Office, the Planning Board discussed next steps for its latest plan to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. On Feb. 5, the town received “pre-adoption approval” from the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.

The new proposal includes the following changes: Allowing two parking spaces

per unit with no guest parking Removing the General Glover property, which does not meet frontage requirements Slightly increasing density in the Tedesco zone and on Broughton Road. The new total number of possible units would be about 900, according to Select Board Chair Dan Fox. Removing landscaping rules “Our legal counsel may have to make some tweaks,” said Brendan Callahan, director of Marblehead’s Planning and Community Development Department. “That will probably

be what we present. We will present it at a public hearing and ultimately put it on the Town Meeting warrant.”

The Current reached out to John DiPiano, one of the leaders of the No on 3 campaign who gathered signatures for the July referendum that undid Marblehead’s compliance. We asked if he would support this new, amended plan.

“Although I remain fundamentally opposed to 3A, and how the EOHLC has, in my opinion, grotesquely expanded through regulations the breadth

Budget From P. 1

more about local government operations.

Next budget steps

Following the Feb. 25 presentation, the Finance Committee will meet with town departments throughout March.

In April, the committee will hold hearings on warrant articles with financial impacts.

Town Meeting is scheduled for May 4, when residents will vote on a balanced budget and a possible override. If approved, the override would appear on the June ballot for final voter approval.

Select Board articles Kezer reviewed roughly a dozen warrant articles

Broughton From P. 6

the senior building near Humphrey Street and the Senior Center makes the most sense.”

Concerns remain about the building’s height and density, particularly the four-story structure. Consultants said they are working to break up the building’s massing with rooflines and architectural details to reduce its visual impact.

The project team also announced plans to hold meetings with abutters on Feb. 23 and 24, marking the first time

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, far right, talks with the Select Board. He will present a balanced budget and several override scenarios at a Feb. 25 meeting.

sponsored by the Select Board that will appear at Town Meeting. The most significant is the town’s updated MBTA Communities Act zoning proposal.

Another article would ban bitcoin ATMs in Marblehead because of concerns about fraud. The remaining articles involve mostly technical or housekeeping changes.

neighboring property owners will be formally consulted.

Invitations were sent within a 500-foot radius, and Spanishlanguage materials are being distributed.

A previous resident meeting drew no attendees, which officials attributed to cold weather and location, but they pledged to continue outreach.

The Housing Authority has submitted a preliminary application for state funding under a recent Notice of Funding Availability and is awaiting a response. Officials are also seeking updated letters of support from state legislators

and town leaders.

Local preference and eligibility Much of the discussion centered on how residents will be selected for the new senior units.

Under state and federal fair housing rules tied to funding, up to 70% of the units — or about 42 — may be reserved for local residents during the initial lottery. After that, vacancies would be filled through an income-based waitlist without local preference.

Several MHA members expressed frustration with the

and scope of what was initially a fairly balanced statute, that I am unlikely to seek a referendum vote in the event that a majority of voters approve the Tedesco overly proposal at our 2026 Town Meeting,” DiPiano wrote in an email.

Meanwhile, the Select Board met in executive session Feb. 11 to discuss the Attorney General’s lawsuit against Marblehead over its 3A noncompliance.

Planning Board member Bob Schaeffner referenced the lawsuit during a Feb 10 meeting.

“The state’s aware that we’re

making every reasonable effort to get this in front of Town Meeting,” he said.

The Planning Board is also making changes to the town’s bylaw on accessory dwelling units. Marblehead must make minor revisions to comply with the state’s updated ADU regulations.

Voters will decide whether to approve the changes at Town Meeting. If the town’s ADU bylaw does not meet state requirements, state rules will supersede local regulations.

Coffin School reuse

Program to lead community engagement and develop site renderings this spring.

Brendan Callahan, director of planning and community development, presented an update on the Coffin School reuse project.

The town recently completed a hazardous materials assessment to evaluate potential asbestos and lead-based paint risks. The study outlined two main options: » Abatement and demolition of the 1963 annex, with minor renovations to the remaining building, estimated at $340,000 to $460,000. » Complete demolition of all site buildings, estimated at $930,000 to $1.8 million.

The town has discussed several possible options for the property on Turner Road, including senior/affordable housing, open green space and more.

The town is partnering with the UConn TAB Municipal

limits, saying residents hope the building will primarily serve longtime Marblehead seniors.

“People I’ve talked to in this town and it’s, ‘We want this project for people from Marblehead. I want somewhere for my parents to go in another 15 years,’” said MHA member Bill Kuker.

Project officials said they must follow fair housing regulations and funding requirements, but noted that many applicants are likely to have local ties.

Next steps

Over the coming months, Winn plans to finalize

Upcoming milestones include: » March-April: Establish

a Coffin School reuse committee. » March-May: UConn to lead community engagement, provide a report » June: Recommendation to the Select Board on the property’s future

Snow removal

The Select Board also voted to allow Kezer to declare snow emergencies and permit the Department of Public Works to dump snow in the harbor.

So far this winter, crews have disposed of snow in the harbor on six nights.

agreements with the Housing Authority, begin the formal permitting process and continue refining designs.

Officials said public feedback could still lead to changes in the size or layout of the development.

“This is still evolving,” Sands said. “We’ve seen projects grow and shrink based on community input. Our goal is to get this right for Marblehead.”

More detailed designs, including construction timelines and additional renderings, are expected to be presented later this year.

marbleheadcurrent.org

8 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

Snow From P. 1

Marblehead Facebook page, where it received positive feedback, with one woman calling it an “awesome” idea.

He also encouraged community members to be “nice” when asking for help, noting that many have “perfectly valid” reasons for being unable to shovel.

Unlike many neighboring communities, Marblehead has no bylaw requiring residents or business owners to clear snow from sidewalks.

The town uses its snow removal equipment to clear streets, but much of that snow is pushed onto sidewalks.

The Current has previously reported that schools are responsible for clearing sidewalks on their own property, though where those responsibilities begin and end can be unclear. As a result, many sidewalks remain buried.

School Superintendent John Robidoux expressed appreciation for Snow Patrol.

“It takes a village, and any way we can collaborate for the safety of our students, staff and community partners is always appreciated,” Robidoux said.

Snow Patrol allows users to rate the difficulty of a job from 1 to 4, helping volunteers determine whether a shovel, snowblower or plow may be needed. Lewis said the feature could also help the town identify areas that may need touchups from snowplows.

The app does not generate revenue, and Lewis said he has no plans to charge for shoveling jobs.

Instead, it is meant to organize community efforts and keep pedestrians safe, he said.

As the snow melts, Lewis said the app could continue serving as a tool for community reporting and repurposed for other tasks.

CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS

Recent snow storms have kept plow drivers busy on the streets of Marblehead.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 9

Sports HOOPS

Basketball Magicians beat defending champs in first round game of annual McIntire Classic

BY JOE MCCONNELL AND LUCA TEDESCO The Basketball Magicians (12-6) defeated Bedford in the opening round of the annual Larry McIntire IAABO Board 130 Classic Sunday night at home, 62-50. The Magicians led by three at halftime, 30-27.

Senior Yamil Gil Duran made a back door cut for a quick two that extended the Marblehead lead to 10 late in the game.

His shot was followed by a big defensive stand that sealed the deal for the home team.

Junior captain Finn Baron (21 points) and senior Cam Weaver (15) paced the offensive attack against the Buccaneers, who had won this tournament the last two years.

The Marblehead boys were scheduled to face rival Gloucester in the McIntire Classic championship game Monday night again at home after press deadline. The Fishermen defeated Cathedral in its opening round game.

Senior Night

On Monday night, Feb. 9, the Marblehead boys defeated the Bishop Fenwick Crusaders, 70-40.

Prior to the game, the team honored its 10 seniors and team manager for their contributions

CURRENT PHOTO / LUCA TEDESCO

The Marblehead High boys basketball team celebrates Senior Night, before the game against Bishop Fenwick on Feb. 9. A total of 10 members of the team, as well as the team manager, were honored prior to the game for their contributions to the program the last four years.

to the program the last four years.

“It was a big win for us,” said coach Mike Giardi afterwards.

“That’s our 10th win, so we’ve now qualified for the state tournament, which is a big thing to do, (especially) on Senior Night.”

The Magicians sprinted out to

an 11-0 lead, highlighted by three quick buckets from Cam Weaver and a three-pointer by GilDuran. Declan Gibson and Baron contributed scores of their own as the first quarter clock was winding down. The Magicians were comfortably in front after one, 18-2.

Bishop Fenwick was able to get some points on the board in the second quarter, but a seven-point quarter from Marblehead’s Blake Golden kept his teammates in front at halftime, 31-13.

The points continued to flow for Marblehead in the second half. The lead ballooned to 30

points by game’s end.

Giardi emptied his bench in the final quarter, giving all 15 players on the roster a chance to see some playing time. Senior Will Fitzgerald put on a show in the final minutes, posting seven points, plus a flashy assist, which sealed the deal on another win.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Marblehead High girls 400-yard freestyle relay team of Grace Ladouceur, Macy Ladouceur, Hazell Wright and Shaelyn Callahan, from left, is together after finishing fourth in the state during the Division 1 state championship meet at MIT last Saturday, Feb. 14.

SWIMMING

COURTESY PHOTO / KATE WALSH

Marblehead High boys indoor track senior captain Henrik Adams leads the pack of runners in the mile, followed by teammates Zach Pike, also a senior captain, and junior Filip Grubor in that order during the annual Northeastern Conference Meet at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury on Jan. 31.

MHS girls finish third at state MHS boys best foes in NEC championships; Meet; girls finish second boys take ninth INDOOR TRACK

BY JOE MCCONNELL

BY JOE MCCONNELL It’s a weekend that all high school winter sports athletes circle on their calendars and hope they are one of the few who are there, when practices began the Monday after Thanksgiving.

For the swimmers, that date is earlier than every other sport, but competing for a state championship never gets old.

It’s a truest measurement of testing their skills on a larger scale. The Marblehead High girls were at the MIT pool on Saturday, Feb. 14, to begin state championship weekend, and by the end of the day they finished third in Division 1, their best outcome since 2023. For the third year in a row, the Concord-Carlisle girls took home the state title.

“The girls finished a strong third overall, and it was their best finish since 2023, and for more good news, this is a very young team with only one graduating senior,” said coach Sue SWIMMING, P. 10

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

The annual Northeastern Championship Meet at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury marks the beginning of the postseason. By the meet’s end on Jan. 31, the Peabody girls finished first with 121 points. The Magicians accounted for second with 85, followed by Masconomet (76), Gloucester (53), Beverly (52), Danvers (43), Saugus (29) and Swampscott (28). Both Salem and Winthrop failed to score a single point.

Turning to the boys portion of the conference meet, Marblehead zoomed to the top with 93 points, and was followed by Masconomet (81), Peabody (78), Beverly (69),

Swampscott (67), Gloucester (54), Danvers (34), Salem (9), Winthrop (8) and Saugus (4).

Both Marblehead teams followed a familiar script. During the regular season, the boys ended up 8-0-1 to win the title, while the girls were 7-1-1 to finish second.

Girls high jump Maggie Miller (3-11) continued to find success in this event, but decided to leap only once in order to focus on the long jump, where she took home a medal.

Boys high jump Clark Roszell (6-2) captured the crown, as the conference’s best high jumper in the 2025-26 season, despite missing most of the practices leading up to the

conference meet, because he was sick.

Owen Coyne (6-0) came in second with no misses after equaling his personal best jump.

Colin Burke (6-0) finished fourth, due to a tiebreaker based on misses. Dexter Wynn (5-2, personal best by four inches) ended up 15th overall, the best among all freshmen.

Girls shotput Lillian Reddy (33-1) is a conference champ, as she continues to dominate the event.

Naomi Goodwin (25-1, personal best) was 17th.

Boys shotput Graham Firestone (36-8) led TRACK, P. 13

marbleheadcurrent.org

10 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

ROUNDUP

Girls basketball clinches tourney berth highlights this week’s Magicians notebook

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Girls basketball clinches postseason berth With still a couple of games left on the regular season schedule, the Marblehead High girls basketball team (118) clinched a Division 2 state tournament berth with wins over non-league Shawsheen (5421) and Gloucester (50-37). They then lost to visiting Peabody on Sunday afternoon, 44-36.

“We’re so happy with these two wins that got us into the state tournament,” said coach Paul Moran. “The seniors have been awesome, as they continue to show great leadership on and off the court.”

In the game against host Shawsheen on Feb. 9, the Magicians led by 10 at halftime, 24-14. But in the second half, the defense really picked it up to limit the home team to just seven points.

Nora Mahan was on target with her long-range shooting, sinking five of them for 15 points. Anna Cannuscio chipped in with 11. Greta Sachs was close behind with 10. Tessa Andriano and Ainsley McDonald scored five apiece. Carys Moran and Teagen Shaw contributed two points each to the winning cause, along with Eleanor Morgan. Hailey Schmitt and Lucy McDonald buried one free throw apiece.

Still on the road three nights later in Fishermen country, the Marblehead girls made a statement in a venue that’s always difficult for the visiting team to come away with a win.

Marblehead led at the half, 28-17, and was able to maintain that pace to secure another satisfying win on the road.

Andriano was the top gun against Gloucester with 20 points. She had 10 in the first quarter alone. Schmitt was next in line with 10. Sachs poured in eight. Mahan was credited with six. Ainsley McDonald and Moran each sank two free

throws. Cannuscio nailed one from the floor for another two Marblehead points.

Hockey Headers win two close contests After dropping a 7-1 decision to non-league Hopkinton on Feb. 9, the Marblehead High boys hockey team (5-12-1) won two straight against Danvers (4-3, Feb. 10) and the Peabody co-op (2-1, Feb. 12), before losing to non-league Shawsheen last Saturday night, Feb. 14, at Salem State, 6-0.

In the opening stanza against Danvers at Endicott College’s Bourque Arena, the Hockey Headers opened up the scoring at the halfway mark of the period on a power play goal by senior captain Hayden Gallo from junior assistant captain Kellan Laramie and Max King.

But the host Falcons scored the next two to close out the frame with the lead. Sophomore Teddy Dulac, however, returned the favor with two goals of his own to start the second period.

Both goals were “beautifully” set up by Dulac’s classmate Holden Ferreira and Gallo, according to first-year head coach Brendan Locke.

Senior captain E.J. Wyman then delivered what turned out to be the game‑winning goal early on in the third period.

Wyman initially made a slick move at the blue line to create space, before finishing it off with a smooth deke past the Danvers goalie.

Senior goalie Bowden Laramie was credited with 30 saves to secure the close win, and Locke said after the game, “(Bowden) had a busy night anchoring our defense.”

The Marblehead boys then headed to Peabody, where they defeated the Tanners co-op in another close game.

“This game featured strong goaltending and timely scoring,” said Locke afterwards.

The home team opened up the scoring at the 6:45 mark of

the first period, but the Headers responded late in the period on a goal by first‑year varsity player Tyler Machado. A crisp give‑and‑go with Kellan Laramie ignited the tying marker, which was Tyler’s first with the big club.

The visitors then scored the game-winner early on in the second period, while shorthanded, when Gallo stole the puck at center ice, and broke in alone, before calmly putting it past the Peabody netminder.

Bowden Laramie once again did his part to collect the two points. In this game, he made 28 saves, and every one of them counted to seal the deal.

Wrestlers end league season with a win on Senior Night The Marblehead / Swampscott Black & Blue co-op wrestling team celebrated Senior Night on Feb. 11 the only way it knows how with a big 41-40 win over the Essex Tech / Masconomet co-op. It also marked the end of another regular season.

“Both squads were down starters, so several kids were called on from both squads to step up, which created an exciting atmosphere,” said coach Mike Stamison.

At 106 pounds, seventh grader Kristian Drolette fought through to the second period, before ultimately getting pinned.

At 113, Elliot Donato, another seventh grader who filled-in admirably for one of Marblehead’s starters, took on the talented veteran Mat Xiao.

At 120, freshman Kenny Drolette continued his late season surge with a pin.

At 126, Dylan Soule, also a freshman, stepped up big-time to secure a 15-0 technical fall win. “This was his biggest win of the year,” said Stamison.

At 132, sophomore Ilan Hod ended his season with a tough loss, but still managed to earn a point for his teammates by

Swimming

From P. 9 Guertin.

The boys competed the next day at the same venue, and they too ended up in the Top 10 in the state, or ninth overall out of 40 Division 2 teams. Wayland finished on top in their division.

“The (boys) team did amazingly well. It was their second-best finish in recent years,” said Guertin.

and Jakious and their families for their contributions to the program the last four years.

“They are all great people, who will be sorely missed,” he said.

in the 100-yard breaststroke.

Wright, Macy Ladouceur, Callahan and Grace Ladouceur (2:44.46) were fourth as a team in the 400-yard freestyle relay.

breaststroke. The 400-yard freestyle relay team of Leveroni, Elnabarawy, Chemel and Nelson (3:26.64) was the fifth best in the state.

It takes a collective effort for any team to succeed on the varsity level, and Guertin is quick to point out the contributions of her assistant coaches Drew Martin-Ryan, Jen Brehob and Brendon Graffum, the diving mentor, not to mention the support of the parents, who helped out at every meet.

The veteran Marblehead coach, who just completed her 36th season at poolside, is already looking ahead to next year with the goal of getting some divers to qualify for the postseason.

This is what makes this program one of the best in the state every year. From Guertin on down, they are never satisfied with past accomplishments, always looking to get better.

Boys results

COURTESY PHOTO

Marblehead High swim coach Sue Guertin, second row, right, poses with this year’s team that ultimately ended up in the Top 10 statewide during last weekend’s state championship meet at MIT. The girls were third, while the boys came in ninth.

Girls results

The 200-yard medley relay of Hazell Wright, Shaelyn Callahan, Macy Ladouceur and Winnie Waddington (1:54.04) were second in the state. Wright (1:56.46, personal best) returned to come in fourth in the 200yard freestyle.

In the 200-yard IM, Grace Ladouceur (2:14.21) was fourth, and Macy Ladouceur (2:21.36, personal best) 15th. Waddington

refusing to be pinned. Later on, Hod went on to win an exhibition bout, 10-3. “We are looking for big things from this sophomore in the future,” said Stamison. “He’ll be one of the most senior members of the team next season.”

At 138, senior captain Liam O’Brien closed out his final regular season on the high school circuit with a decisive win. He built up a 12-1 lead, before pinning his opponent early on in the third period.

At 144, sophomore Phil Duclos nearly caught his opponent for the win.

At 150, freshman Nolan Glass turned his opponent around in time to earn a tie.

At 157, junior Andrew Delisle wrestled tough, and kept from being pinned, losing via technical fall.

At 165, seventh grader Ollie Dion picked up his first-ever varsity win in a forfeit.

At 175, freshman Max Letwin stepped up big time to earn a pin in the first period, while filling in for injured senior captain Colin Hart.

At 190, junior Colin Homan wrestled well, before getting pinned.

At 215, the coaching staff elected to go with freshman Ryker Genest, who had to face Essex’s captain Trevor Purcell.

Genest gave Purcell a good match, before getting pinned.

At 285, senior Xavier Tejeda took a seat to give teammate Phineas Jakious a chance to wrestle in the heavyweight class, and Jakious didn’t disappoint.

He got the pin that secured the team’s fourth win of the year. “It was a huge win on the edge of the mat,” said Stamison. “This was a great way to end the steady senior’s high school career. It was also his 40th career (high school varsity) win overall.”

In exhibition matches, Hod and Tejeda picked up the wins.

During the Senior Night ceremony, Stamison thanked his two graduating seniors Hart

(24.66, personal best) secured a fourth-place finish in the 50-yard freestyle, and was eighth in the 100-yard butterfly with a time of 1:00.94.

Grace Ladouceur (54.31) was credited with a third-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle.

Wright (5:13, personal best)

MHS VARSITY SCHEDULES 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 Tuesday, Feb. 24 7:30 a.m.: co-ed ski at Berkshire East Ski Resort, Charlemont

accounted for fourth in the 500yard freestyle. Callahan (5:34.93, personal best) was 13th.

In the 200-yard freestyle relay, the quartet of Grace Ladouceur, Abigail Moore, Monica Pechhold and Waddington (1:46.80) finished 10th.

Callahan (1:13.12) came in 12th

Starting with the 200-yard medley relay, the foursome of Ian Chemel, Cale Nelson, Brady Leveroni and Lucas Rosen (1:45.73) picked up an eighthplace finish. Leveroni (1:49.52, personal best) also finished eighth in the 200-yard freestyle.

Nelson (2:05.65) was 10th in the 200-yard IM. Omar Elnabarawy (56.27) finished 15th in the 100-yard butterfly.

Leveroni (50.84) came in 16th in the 100-yard freestyle. Ian Chemel (5:15,26) ended up 13th in the 500-yard freestyle, and was 12th in the 100-yard backstroke (57.98).

Nelson (1:05, personal best) chipped in with a 14th place finish in the 100-yard

VARSITY SCOREBOARD Monday, Feb. 9 Girls hockey: Marblehead 4, Co-Op w/Barnstable, UCT & CCT 3 Girls basketball: Marblehead 54, Shawsheen Valley Vocational Tech 21 Boys basketball: Marblehead 70, Bishop Fenwick 40 Boys hockey: Hopkinton 7, Marblehead 1 Tuesday, Feb. 10 Boys hockey: Marblehead 4,

Danvers 3 Wednesday, Feb. 11 Boys wrestling: Marblehead 41, Essex North Shore Agricultural 40 Girls hockey: Masconomet 3, Marblehead 2 Thursday, Feb. 12 Boys hockey: Marblehead 2, Peabody 1 Girls basketball: Marblehead 50, Gloucester 37 Boys basketball: Marblehead 92, Gloucester 53

Saturday, Feb. 14 Boys hockey: Shawsheen Valley Vocational Tech 6, Marblehead 0 Sunday, Feb. 15 Girls basketball: Peabody 44, Marblehead 36 Boys basketball: Marblehead 62, Bedford 50 TEAM RECORDS, MIAA POWER RANKINGS (AS OF FEB. 15) Girls gymnastics, 3-3 Co-ed swimming, 6-0 Boys basketball, 12-6 (No. 23 in Div. 2)

Time for the awards

It’s the end of another wrestling season in the Northeastern Conference/Cape Ann League, and you know what that means, it’s time to hand out the awards.

Liam O’Brien (138) is the Black & Blue co-op representative on the all-conference team. Liam is joined by Beverly’s Ethan Skaza (106), Brayden Pouliot (113), Charlie Frost (190) and Joao Reis (285); Gloucester’s Jayden Chadwick (120) and Max Thomas (215); Salem / HamiltonWenham co-op’s Kevin Spoon (126) and Justice Bower (144); and Saugus / Peabody co-op’s Jackson Deleidi (132), Michael Maraio (150), Justin Bremberg (157), Cesar Cruz (165) and Jaden Ceac (175).

Colin Hart made the all-star team from the Black & Blue crew. Beverly’s Carter Lang, Enzo Gois, Brody Lehmann and Kasey Nako; Danvers’ Logan Jacques; Gloucester’s Aiden DeCoste and Anthony Murawski; Salem / HamiltonWenham’s Chase Bower and Connor Buckley; and Saugus/ Peabody’s Camdyn Lanning, Jake Murray, Lukas Fondulis, J.J. Figueroa and Matthew Dresser are also on that elite squad.

Coach Mike Stamison’s Black & Blue team were also given the sportsmanship award, voted on by the league coaches, who also picked the aforementioned conference and all-star teams.

The Saugus/Peabody co-op is this year’s regular season champion, and then backed it up by also winning the league’s postseason tournament.

Gloucester’s Max Thomas is the Wrestler of the Year.

The Coach of the Year Award belongs to Saugus/Peabody’s Wayne Moda.

Girls basketball, 11-8 (No. 44 in Div. 2) Boys hockey, 5-12-1 (No. 33 in Div. 3) Girls hockey, 5-12-1 (No. 29 in Div. 2) Boys indoor track, 4-1-1 Girls indoor track, 4-1-1 Boys wrestling, 4-8-1 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

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 11

DRAMA

From setback to spotlight: Students turn loss into powerful festival performance

BY LEIGH BLANDER After losing the rights to their Massachusetts Educational Theater Guild DramaFest play just weeks before competition, Marblehead High School’s theater students regrouped, rewrote and refocused — transforming an unexpected setback into a deeply personal production.

Director and MHS English teacher Ashley Skeffington had written a 10-minute play, “The Mender,” five years ago for a festival but never developed it further.

“Back then, it was just two characters in a diner,” she said.

“Over the last three months, we expanded that story to incorporate a full arc and ensemble.”

The production now features a cast and crew of nearly 30 students.

“The play spans across two generations,” Skeffington explained. “It begins as a story about three siblings trying to find their place in a deeply divided society set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War. Years later, their children work to break the cycles of trauma and conflict that ultimately tore their family apart.”

Skeffington continued, “It was heavily inspired by the stories of nurses in Vietnam, whose contributions often went overlooked. It’s also about sacrifice, the many different ways we define patriotism and the bond between brothers and sisters.”

MHS senior Charlie Seliger plays June Hansen, who has two brothers, Neil and Teddy.

“Neil goes off to serve in the war, and Teddy dodges the draft,” Seliger said. “Their whole relationship falls apart, and she’s kind of left alone. She decides to be a nurse in Saigon because she thinks if her brother were hurt, she’d want someone to take care of him. That’s her whole life philosophy — to be a mender.”

Seliger said the role has resonated as she prepares to leave for college.

“The role definitely has had me thinking a lot more about how I fit into my own family and the dynamics of it,” she said.

“I would definitely like to be like June and bring people back together.”

Senior Lucas Rosen serves as the show’s lighting designer and student technical director. He said “The Mender” presents fun challenges.

“There are a lot of unique elements that allow for some unique lighting choices,” Rosen said. “You can play with colors to show the different time periods — the Vietnam War era and the early 2000s.”

MHS is scheduled to perform in the preliminary round of DramaFest at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 28 at Norwood High School. If selected to advance, Marblehead will compete in the DramaFest semifinals on March 14 and potentially the finals on March 28.

After the DramaFest returned from its COVID-19 hiatus, Marblehead High School advanced to the semifinals in 2022 with its production of “Macbeth,” in 2023 with “Beowulf,” and in 2024 with “The Life of the Phoenix,” with members of the cast and crew earning individual honors. Last year’s “The Sleepwalker” did not emerge from the preliminary round.

“The Mender” seems to hold special meaning for everyone involved.

“This play is about people questioning their role and

Niko King-Mahan, playing Holly, delivers a powerful soliloquy at the end of “The Mender.”

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead High School students rehearse for Drama Festival. They are, left to right, Max Kane, Daphne Seliger, Theo Hains, Lilya Gurevich, Arabella Pelekoudas and Niko King-Mahan.

A SOLILOQUY FROM “THE MENDER” BY ASHLEY SKEFFINGTON

Lucas Rosen uses his light board to create different atmospheres for different time periods throughout the show.

identity as Americans against the backdrop of a deeply divided society … which is something I think many of us can relate to on some level,” Skeffington said.

“It reinforces the idea that love of a country can mean different things to different people. It’s also about family dynamics and the courage it takes to break

cycles of silence and anger.”

Seliger added, “This has been crafted with so much love.

Everyone really showed up, and I think it’s going to be super evident when you see it on stage.”

The public is invited to a sneak preview of “The Mender” on Friday, Feb. 27, at the Veterans School PAC. Tickets are $10.

“John Steinbeck once wrote that the American Dream is a vague yearning toward what we hope we may be: wise, just, compassionate and noble.

Sometimes easier said than done.

The legacy of that war, and I think of any war, is one of pain and loss and separation. It is one of ordinary people forced to do things that were decidedly not ordinary. But if I have learned anything from this project, it is that we are defined by what we build from our pain. My father taught me that we can face the future with a commitment to not repeat the mistakes of older generations. My Uncle Teddy taught me that choosing not to fight can be in itself, an act of great courage. And my Aunt June taught me that in a world that seems so determined to make people suffer, there will always be those who choose instead to heal broken bodies and hearts. Given the choice, I would want to be a mender like her. Not a saint. Not a hero. Just someone willing to stay in the room when things get messy. Because I’ve learned that the world isn’t saved by big speeches or clean victories. It’s held together by small, stubborn acts of care. By people who show up, even when they’re tired, even when it hurts, even when the damage feels permanent. This dream, if there is one, isn’t perfection. It’s decency. It’s the decision to do a little good with the time you’re given. To listen more than you talk.

To leave fewer scars behind you than the ones you inherited. I don’t know if this country will ever get it right. But I know this; choosing to mend is choosing to believe that people are worth the trouble.”

marbleheadcurrent.org

12 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

CURRENT EVENTS

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

Writers and Readers Open Mic

The Guy Ford Dance Party Saturday, Feb. 21, 8 p.m.

Join The Guy Ford Band for a fun night of live music and dancing at The Beacon. 123 Pleasant St.

Monday, Feb. 23, 7-8:30 p.m.

Abbot Library continues its Open Mic series, inviting the community to share writings. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting out, you can prepare a short story or a nonfiction prose piece.

This open mic event will be hosted by Claire Keyes, a poet and professor emerita at Salem State University.

Register at tinyurl.com/ Feb-2026-Open-Mic.

Violin, oboe and cello recital Sunday, Feb. 22, 4:30 p.m.

St. Michael’s Episcopal Church will present a 30-minute concert with a trio of musicians prior to an Evensong, with music in the style of the monastery at Taize, France. Brief, repetitive chants intended to be sung by all will mark the beginning of the holy season of Lent. A free-will offering will be taken at the door. 26 Pleasant St. For more information about Taize,visit taize.fr/en/.

Jazz at the Arts: Debby Larkin & the Jeff Stout Quintet Thursday, Feb. 19, 7 p.m.

The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present a special performance by Debby Larkin & the Jeff Stout Quintet as a part of their Jazz at the Arts concert series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Cash bar.

Tickets: $35. Tickets at marbleheadarts.org.

Me&Thee Music Friday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.

Hangout Hub: Labubus Tuesday, Feb. 24, 3:30-4 p.m.

Join Kevin from The Power of Speech for an interestbased hangout and social group for kids ages 9-13.

The topic for this month will be: Labubus. Come hang out and talk about all things related to Labubus. Don’t have one? No worries! Bringing one is not needed to enjoy the group, but feel free to bring one if you want.

Space is limited. Register at tinyurl.com/Labubus-Hub. Caregivers are welcome to stay and support/observe or drop off and browse the library during their child’s class.

Acclaimed Americana blues raconteur Ray Bonneville and award-winning singer-songwriter Kevin Connolly will share the stage for a night of great music and compelling poetry reflecting hard living and deep feeling.

Bonneville has received the International Folk Alliance Song of the Year Award, and Connolly has toured internationally while writing music for numerous major motion pictures and films. More info and tickets at meandtheemusic.org.

Current Trivia Night Tuesday, Feb. 24, 6 p.m.

Come join the Marblehead Current at The Landing Restaurant for a fun night of food, drinks and best of all trivia!

We look forward to seeing you there. Teams of up to six people are welcome. Reserve your spot at MarbleheadCurrent.org.

NEWS IN BRIEF

COURTESY IMAGE

The town has signed an agreement with Regroup to provide emergency messaging.

Emergency notification system Marblehead will switch to a new emergency notification system March 1, following a national cyberattack that compromised its current provider, CodeRed. The town has contracted with Regroup for a one-year agreement at a cost of $6,500.

“Regroup will provide reliable, rapid emergency messaging capabilities, as well as enhanced outreach tools that will allow us to broaden and improve our communication with residents beyond emergency notifications,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.

Kezer encouraged residents to sign up for the new service at marbleheadma.gov.

Introducing Capt. Lunt

The Select Board approved the

promotion of Lt. Jonathan Lunt to captain, filling the vacancy left

by Matt Freeman’s retirement last year.

“He has served as the acting captain for the last 11 months, filling a vital role within the department’s organization in our time of need,” Police Chief Dennis King wrote about Lunt.

Lunt joined the department as a full-time patrol officer in 1998 and later earned promotions to sergeant and lieutenant.

Sally Sands joins Cemetery Commission The Select Board appointed Sally Sands to an open seat on the Marblehead Cemetery Commission.

Sands, a lifelong Marblehead resident “with ancestors dating back to the late 1600s,” said she has volunteered with the Old and Historic Districts Commission, owned and operated a preschool in town, and served as a trustee at Old North Church.

Age Well program focuses on hospital advocacy Abbot Public Library will present a recorded program from

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Marblehead Police Capt. Jonathan Lunt, far right, celebrates his promotion with his wife, Jennifer, and Chief Dennis King at a Select Board meeting Feb. 12.

Lectures with a Road Scholar titled “Advocating for Loved Ones in the Hospital and Beyond.”

The program features Erin Galyean — author, patient advocate and founder of The Empowered Advocate Community — who shares

practical communication strategies to help families feel more confident and informed during medical appointments.

Topics include crafting openended questions, clarifying medical language, maximizing limited appointment time,

strengthening teamwork and preparation, and understanding the benefits of palliative care throughout the patient’s journey.

Registration is available at tinyurl.com/Age-Well-Hospital.

The recording will be emailed Feb. 27.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 13

NEWSMAN & VOLUNTEER

Community to honor journalist Bell’s legacy

BY LEIGH BLANDER

» Outstanding Student

Community members and journalists will gather next month to honor the life and legacy of Ed Bell, a longtime journalist and dedicated Marblehead volunteer.

Bell, who died in 2025, will be remembered at a tribute event Thursday, March 5, at the Boston Yacht Club. Tickets are available at MarbleheadCurrent. org.

An award-winning newsman and devoted civic leader, Bell built a distinguished 50-year career in newspapers, broadcasting and wire services, covering some of the most significant stories of the late 20th century. His reporting took him around the world and earned him widespread respect in the profession.

Bell was also deeply committed to his hometown.

Journalist: Grey Collins » Community Service: Teri McDonough » Philanthropic Community Leadership: The Marblehead Philanthropic Lodge (Masons)

Honoring community service

COURTESY PHOTOS

Ed Bell, an award-winning journalist who traveled the world covering major news events, was a co-founder of the Marblehead Current.

He co-founded Marblehead News Group Inc., publisher of the weekly Marblehead Current, and served as its co-chair and editorial board chairman.

Social worker Teri McDonough will receive the Ed Bell Community Service award.

The evening will be co-hosted by award-winning journalist and television personality Susan Wornick and Bell’s daughter, Andrea Bell Bergeron.

Community recognition awards reflecting Bell’s values will be presented during the program:

One of the evening’s honorees, Teri McDonough, knew Bell for more than 25 years and worked closely with him at the Marblehead Council on Aging, where Bell served as president of the board.

“Ed truly cared about the staff and clients at the COA,” McDonough said. “He spent time understanding every part of the organization and getting to know the people who made it special.”

A longtime social worker and advocate, McDonough served as

Track

From P. 9 the way for Marblehead with an 11th place finish.

Alex Humphreys (357.25) finished 13th. Logan McRae-Hughes (33-5.5) was 19th.

Girls two-mile Ruby Assa (12:34.08, a four second personal best) accounted for a third-place finish after competing in the mile. Senior captain Marri O’Connell, who also participated in the mile, was right behind her in fourth place. The freshmen trio of Nadia Sirgusa (13:12.40), Sophia Letwin (13:19.42) and Finny Donato (13:37.31) all ran personal bests.

Boys two-mile Zach Pike (11:09.23) ended up 11th overall, a remarkable time and finish considering he had just completed the mile.

Girls mile O’Connell (5:16.95, second best time in Division 3 this year) put on a clinic, while running against Swampscott’s top runner Annabelle Averett.

Assa came in second after running her best indoor time of 5:54.52, just two seconds shy of an overall personal best.

Boys mile Pike (4:45.95, a five second personal best) finished fourth, while Henrik Adams (4:46.33) was close behind in fifth. Filip Grubor (4:51.05) rounded out the Marblehead milers with an eighth-place finish to secure the final podium spot.

Girls 1,000 Marblehead’s top two runners Sarah Munroe (3:13.27) and Norah Walsh (3:16.24, a one second personal best) did their best to maintain the pace set by Peabody, only to come in second and fourth, respectively.

Elisabeth Greely (14th) and Maddie Gelb (24th)

Marblehead High girls indoor track junior captain Maggie Miller soars to a winning leap in the long jump.

COURTESY PHOTOS / KATE WALSH

Marblehead High girls indoor track sophomore Norah Walsh, left, and junior captain Sarah Munroe compete in the 1,000 during the annual Northeastern Conference Meet at the Reggie Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury on Jan. 31.

continued their excellent seasons with individual personal bests of 3:44.26 and 4:32.22.

Boys 1,000 Will Cruikshank (2:44.70, a four second personal best) came home with the silver medal after running a beautiful tactical race, according to coach Will Herlihy.

Felix Regnault (2:57.61, a three second personal best) finished under three minutes for the first time to come in 10th. Isaac Durand (3:00.24) also ran well to finish just behind him in 11th place.

Girls 600 Evie Becker (1:51.14, a three second personal best) was credited with an eighth-place finish to earn a medal.

Boys 600 It took a photo finish with a Gloucester runner to keep Victor Pechhold (1:33.89, a four second personal best) off the podium stand, settling for ninth. “It was still a great race by the promising sophomore,” said Herlihy.

Girls 300 Lucy Flynn (42.51) remained undefeated in this event to secure the title. Liv Carlson (46.03, personal best) came in 15th. Freshman Charlotte Hodgkinson (46.35,

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD PLANNING BOARD The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM on the application of Joseph Rydzewski for an Accessory Delling Unit Site Plan Approval Special Permit for the construction of an Accessory Dwelling Unit located on a dimensionally conforming Lot located at 50 HUMPHREY STREET in a SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Town of Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will be held in hybrid format with remote participation available and in person at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street Marblehead. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma. gov Project materials are available at the Town of Marblehead’s Community Development and Planning Office located at 7 Widger Road Marblehead. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. Zoom link to the hybrid meeting can be found on the Town’s home page at www.marbleheadma.gov Robert Schaeffner Chairman

personal best) continues to impress to account for 17th place.

Boys 300 Eben Weed cracked the 37-second barrier to finish second with a personal best time of 36.93.

Sophomore Voeuncenzo Vorn (38.80. personal best) finished sixth. Slater Johnson (39.15) narrowly missed the podium stand with a ninth-place finish.

Girls 55-meter dash Flynn (7:42) came in second after breaking the school record set just last year by Ava Machado (7.44). The new school record ranks 25th in

state history. Zoe Dwyer (7.88, personal best) was seventh, and Cora Gerson (8.10) 16th.

Boys 55-meter dash Owen Coyne (6.81) finished with the bronze medal. After setting a personal best in a preliminary heat, Burke (6.93) proceeded to finish eighth overall. Nate Selby (7.01) narrowly missed the finals with a ninth-place finish. Johnson (7.17), who began participating in more short sprints this year, came in 13th.

Girls 55-meter hurdles Isabella Anaya Lanzillo (11.10) was the first Marblehead runner to cross the finish line in 19th place. Faith Apostolopoulos (11.51) was 23rd, and Addison Rotigliano (12:22) 24th. All

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD PLANNING BOARD The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM on the application of Richard C. Spenceley III, and Elaine B. Spenceley, Trustees of the OTR Realty Trust for an Accessory Dwelling Unit Site Plan Approval Special Permit for the construction of a detached garage with an Accessory Dwelling Unit located on the second floor of a dimensionally conforming Lot located at 6 BROADMERE WAY in a SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Town of Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.

30A, §18. This hearing will be held in hybrid format with remote participation available and in person at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington Street Marblehead. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov Project materials are available at the Town of Marblehead’s Community Development and Planning Office located at 7 Widger Road Marblehead. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. Zoom link to the hybrid meeting can be found on the Town’s home page at www. marbleheadma.gov

executive director of the Council on Aging for many years and has helped countless families access vital services and support.

Since 2015, she has been director of social services at the Marblehead Counseling Center.

She also coordinates the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Family Self-Sufficiency program for the Salem Housing Authority and worked as resident services coordinator at the Marblehead Housing Authority from 2014 to 2023.

McDonough has served on numerous Marblehead committees and initiatives, including the Opioid Working Group, Marblehead Ministerial Association, Racial Justice Team, Fair Housing Committee and Mental Health Task Force.

She and her husband live in Marblehead, where they raised their three children.

three are young hurdlers, who will see much success in the future, according to head coach Nolan Raimo.

Boys 55-meter hurdles Junior Noah Jackson (7.95) shocked the high school track world with a sub-eight race that resulted in a second-place finish. He’s now ranked 24th in the state.

Nate Jendrysik (8.46) finished sixth. Firestone (9.84) volunteered to run the hurdles, and ended up scoring a few points for the team, despite a block malfunction. Theo Bening (10:17, personal best) continues to make progress, and is now second among conference sophomores this year.

Girls 4x200 Dwyer, Julia Thomson, Gerson and Meghan O’Leary (1:55.94), running together for the first time, sprinted to a fourth-place finish.

Boys 4x200 Wynn, Humphreys, Johnson and Jackson (1:40.77) finished sixth.

“With a couple of injuries and event timing, we were scrambling to put together a relay team, but Dexter, Alex and Noah volunteered to step up (for the team),” said Raimo.

“Noah had to come back

after running in the 4x400 just 20 minutes earlier; Dexter was running in his first 200 in over a month; and Alex continued to be a Renaissance Man after already participating in the sprints, hurdles, jumps and throws, while Slater has been an anchor of our relays this season.”

Girls 4x800 This was a battle between Marblehead and Peabody, but Walsh, Munroe, Assa and O’Connell stood up to beat the Tanners on the heels of the senior captain breaking the logjam in the final lap as the team’s anchor. “It was a great run by the entire quartet,” said Herlihy.

Boys 4x800 Grubor, Pechhold, Regnault and Adams (9:07.89) combined to finish third, just one second behind second place Masco.

Girls 4x400 Lanzillo, Flynn, Carlson and Hodgkinson (4:32.06) finished fifth among their conference peers.

Boys 4x400 Jackson, Vorn, Weed and Cruikshank (3:39.07) sprinted to a season best time that resulted in a second-place finish.

Site Plan Approval Public Hearing Marblehead Planning Board The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of Jeffrey B. Whitmore and Jenifer T. Whitmore, Trustees for a site plan approval special permit for the construction of a second-floor addition located at 6 Woodfin Terrace in the Unrestricted District. This public hearing will be held under Section 200-38 of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM in Abbot Hall at 188 Washington Street, Marblehead. This meeting will be in hybrid format. Project materials are available for download at the Town of Marblehead website Planning Board page https://www.marblehead.org/ planning-board under the date of meeting link. Interested persons may attend and participate at the meeting or submit comments in writing electronically and sent to lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov.

Comments will be read aloud and entered into the record. Zoom link to the hybrid meeting can be found on the Town’s home page at www.marbleheadma.gov Robert Schaeffner Chairman

Robert Schaeffner Chairman

Marblehead Public Schools 9 Widger Road, Marblehead Massachusetts 01945

Marblehead Planning Board Public Hearing

School Committee Public Hearing Notice

The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on ALL ZONING AMENDMENTS PROPOSED FOR THE 2026 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING in accordance with MGL chapter 40A Sec. 5. This hearing will be held on Tuesday March 10, 2026 at 7:00 PM both in person at Abbot Hall 188 Washington Street in the Select Board meeting room and remotely on Zoom. Join Zoom meeting through www.marbleheadma.gov or link below:

In accordance with MGL Chapter 71, Section 38N, a public hearing for the proposed Fiscal Year 2027 school budget will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 6:00 PM during the scheduled School Committee meeting.

The meeting will be held at the Marblehead High School Library at 2 Humphrey Street Marblehead MA 01945 or you can join virtually at: Zoom Conference: https://marbleheadschools-org.zoom. us/j/97886762817?pwd=5hT6kswajICtbJVaC2uYOn1pdiv7fE.1 Meeting ID: 978 8676 2817 Password: 610612 Dial in Phone +1 646 931 3860 US This notice will also be available on the Marblehead Public Schools website: https://www.marbleheadschools.org.

A line-item detail of the proposed FY27 budget is available in the Marblehead Public Schools Department (9 Widger Road, Marblehead, MA) for community members who may wish to review it. It is also posted on the District website (please click on the Budget Documents link).

Join Zoom Meeting h t t p s : / / u s 0 6 w e b . z o o m . u s / j / 8 9 3 2 4 5 0 4 9 0 2 ? p w d =U 5 P 9 J J F2aH8NAA33OM6kMToap7cyge.1 Meeting ID: 893 2450 4902 Pass code: 343784 Dial by your location: +1 646 931 3860 US Interested persons shall be given an opportunity to be heard on proposed amendments to amend the zoning bylaw including: • Amending the town’s accessory dwelling units zoning bylaw Article IX Section 42 to bring the bylaw section in conformance with new state laws and associated amendments to sections related to the provision.

• Introducing a new provision and map changes to adopt 3A MBTA Communities zoning overlay districts that would allow construction of multi family housing as a matter of right in two areas; Tedesco District and Broughton Road District.

Text may be inspected at www.marbleheadma.gov or the Select Board office at Abbot Hall 188 Washington Street or at the Community Development and Planning Office at the Mary Alley Building, 7 Widger Road.

All interested persons are invited to attend.

Robert Schaeffner Chairman

marbleheadcurrent.org

14 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

PUBLIC SAFETY

One of Marblehead’s tiniest streets draws second highest police activity

BY SANA MUNEER AND MATTHEW WUSCHKE Police patrolled one of Marblehead’s shortest streets more than twice as much as any other road in town over the past four years.

Community Road, which is only a quarter mile long, is a hotspot for police patrols and property checks. An analysis of police logs by Boston University journalism students found that the road had the second highest number of entries of any Marblehead street from 2022 to 2025.

Nearly all of the activity was property checks on a road that is home to several Jewish institutions. Most were initiated by police rather than the result of calls from citizens.

Police Chief Dennis King told the Marblehead Current that officers have been patrolling that area more often because of a national rise in antisemitism.

“We, unfortunately, like everybody else in the Commonwealth, have been victims of hateful reporting, of hoax bombs, swatting incidents, vandalism, slap tagging, and so we spend time up there on a shift to do checks, just for deterrence effect, presence and the like,” King said. “And so that is something that unfortunately has been dictated by a national and state increase in antisemitism and in hate-related activity.”

Most property checks throughout Marblehead are “self-initiated” by police as proactive measures, King said.

Police either did proactive checks or responded to calls on Community Road at a 132% higher rate than the average of all other roads in Marblehead from Jan. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2025, the records show.

Community Road is home to several Jewish institutions, including Temple Sinai, the private Jewish Epstein Hillel School and the Jewish Community Center of the

North Shore — buildings that are typically closed at night but remain frequent stops for police patrols.

Over 91% of the police activity on Community Road was for building or property checks.

“In a nutshell, you have a Jewish school, a temple and a Jewish community center that have some incidents in and around hate crime, and the overall picture of the rise of antisemitism has gone there,” King said. “Most notably, the attention that we have done as a response is usually because of hate crimes or hateful stuff that’s happening throughout our country.”

Atlantic Avenue, a 2.1-mile long road that runs near Marblehead’s shoreline, had the most log entries with over 5,400.

The examination of more than 40,800 records represents the first detailed analysis of Marblehead Police Department logs, revealing where officers are most frequently dispatched and the resources devoted to repeated calls for help — including numerous false alarms, building checks and motor vehicle stops.

The logs also include 911 calls and checks on homes, businesses and organizations that the police conduct routinely.

Property and building checks accounted for the majority of police activity, with nearly 12,400 entries logged during the almost-four-year period, followed by motor vehicles stops and over 2,700 citizen complaints.

The same log entries that track overnight patrols are

also littered with mundane complaints about town life: missing phones and backpacks, fellow citizens giving others the finger, accidental 911 dials from Apple Watches, and noisy leafblowers.

The entries also reveal requests to rescue a cherry picker, a “seventh grader defying traffic” and an earthquake.

The entries show that Marblehead Police have responded to scores of more serious complaints and 911 calls, including 14 for opioid overdoses, hundreds of complaints about fraud, nearly 1,000 motor vehicle crashes, a dozen about individuals suspected of being drunk, and 45 reports of missing individuals, including children, road rage and harassment.

Out of over 40,800 log entries, 81 resulted in arrests for alleged crimes including drunk driving, bar fights, harassment, shoplifting, trespassing and vandalism.

While there were no arrests on Community Road in that fouryear period, the frequent police activity there occurred at all hours of the day and night.

The logs show that police activity on Community Road peaks at the early and late hours of the night.

From 6 p.m. to midnight, police logged 1,130 visits to Community Road. Another 955 checks occurred between midnight and 6 a.m.

“In the cover of darkness, like in an overnight, a lot of times that’s an opportunity for people if they want to vandalize or do something,” King said. “We’re

doing those checks just to coincide with both the inactivity, which means everything is closed, the darkness, the overnight, the little bit of cover for people if they do want to vandalize or do some bad stuff.”

Temple Sinai Rabbi Michael Schwartz said in an interview with the Current he has seen police officers’ presence on Community Road as they patrol.

He noted there is a correlation with a rise of antisemitism globally in the past two years.

An official with Epstein Hillel School said he appreciates the patrols.

“Because all these organizations are Jewish, even though Marblehead is a very, very safe community, the police try extra hard to make sure that we don’t have any kinds of challenges or difficulties,” said Michael Slater, the school’s director of finances and operations. “When things like that do happen, the police take it super seriously, and they come up here and patrol on a regular basis, not because it’s a response to a crime, but just because they want to keep track of how things are going to make sure that we’re safe and not needing any kind of help.”

Police have investigated several alleged antisemitic incidents in Marblehead in the past decade. In 2016, the message “Jews did 9/11” was etched onto Marblehead High School’s softball field. In 2019, Holocaust denier flyers were posted outside Temple Emanu-El. And in October 2025, a 15-year-old student was charged after antisemitic symbols and hateful graffiti were found on Marblehead High School property. The student was arraigned in Lynn Juvenile Court on counts of vandalism, tagging property, and a civil rights violation, The Boston Globe reported.

While the most current U.S. Census data does not indicate the number of Jewish residents among the 20,296 individuals

PAWS & CLAWS

To find police calls to your neighborhood, visit https://bit. ly/4rvqNVt and type in the name of your street.

The Three Amigos — Dusty Bottoms, Harry Flugleman and Carmen — are ready for adoption at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, ideally either paired with another member of their trio or into a home with another playful cat.

‘Three Amigos’ rescued from under shed The Three Amigos — Dusty Bottoms, a black neutered male; Harry Flugleman, a white-andblack neutered male; and Carmen, a black-and-white spayed female — are sweet, approximately 6-monthold domestic short-haired kittens.

Like all kittens, they love to eat, play and sleep, according to volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter. They were found with their mother living under a shed. Thankfully, they were rescued before winter set in by one of the shelter’s volunteers.

living in Marblehead, a 2023 Brandeis University report estimated roughly 6% are Jewish.

“If there is an event that is affecting Jewish communal spaces that may be in another state, or even in the Commonwealth, I may, before we even get the request, have already asked for some [police] presence up there and some checks as a kind of proactive way,” King said.

“Synagogues around the country have all had to beef up security to ensure safety,” Schwartz said. “That’s reality.”

In 2023, the state awarded the department nearly $50,000 as a part of the Edward J. Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant, which aims to support communities in combating crime based on specific needs, according to the Office of Grants and Research.

The grant allows police to identify hateful acts, including “including graffiti on Jewish communal spaces and public property” in Marblehead and surrounding areas, according to King. He added that the department purchased a mobile surveillance camera system.

“This is used to monitor specific locations where activity has or may occur, as well as providing live feeds during larger community events like parades,” King said.

An official with the Jewish Community Center declined to speak with the Current.

Susan Weiner, executive director of Temple Sinai, said the synagogue’s experiences with the Marblehead Police have been “exceptional.”

“When we’ve needed them, they’ve been there,” she said.

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

The shelter would love to adopt two of the kittens in a pair or with another playful cat in the home.

Dusty Bottoms, Harry Flugleman and Carmen are up to date with routine shots, house trained and neutered or spayed.

If you are interested in meeting any of the animals at the shelter, you must fill out an adoption application online at marbleheadanimal-shelter.org. The shelter does not respond to inquiries.

You must also be registered with a veterinarian.

COURTESY PHOTO

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS Buyer(s)

Seller(s)

Address

Date

Price

Camille Goodby T and Camille Goodby

8 Follett St.

Jan. 30

$2,200,000

Marblehead Gokce Sheehy RET and Sibel Gokce Blake and Laura Forman

Christine Morgani

24 Maple St.

Jan. 29

$737,624

Matthew S. Lawerence and Sasha Vliet

24 Russell St.

Jan. 27

$780,000

Elizabeth T. Ayer

29 High St.

Jan. 30

$1,480,000

Ralph G. Boyce LT and Ralph G. Boyce

30 Amherst Road

Jan. 30

$815,000

Bridget L. and John H. Thebeau

51 Lincoln Ave.

Jan. 27

$875,000

Anna and Joseph Peppe

Buena Vista Street RT and Donna M. Balboni

13 Buena Vista St.

Jan. 29

$675,000

Gary and Randi Tanguay

KJN RT and John E. Nugent

179 Beach Bluff Ave.

Jan. 30

$2,295,000

Melanie Andrews Larissa and Robert Cartwright Elena Nellson Youngjoo Jeon and Samantha Levinson Swampscott

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, February 18, 2026 15

Christie-Ann Jannell Jones Christie-Ann Jannell Jones, a lifelong resident of Marblehead, died peacefully on Jan. 26, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. She was 88.

Christie was predeceased by her beloved husband Stephen Decatur Jones and by her sister Gretchen Jannell.

Born April 28, 1937, to Arthur and Jean (Anderson) Jannell, Christie was raised in Marblehead. She was a graduate of Marblehead High School, Vermont College for Women and the University of Florence

in Italy, where she pursued her love of art and Italian culture. A gifted painter, she continued to

create throughout her life.

Christie and Steve raised their four sons in New Hampshire and later divided their time between Machiasport, Maine, and Loro Ciuffenna, Italy. Christie spoke fluent Italian and formed many lasting friendships there. After Steve’s death, she continued living in Italy overseeing the home and its olive grove.

An intuitive cook, Christie seemed to effortlessly conjure delicious meals, whether from her ancient cucina in Tuscany or the imposing cookstove in Machiasport. Convivial by nature, she delighted in a wide range of people and places and was as comfortable in simple settings as she was in more

refined ones. Christie also believed deeply in giving back and devoted herself thoughtfully to community causes.

Known for her wry humor, Christie delighted in a welltimed quip and was especially fond of a good practical joke, often delivered with a perfectly straight face.

Above all else, Christie will be remembered as a devoted mother and stepmother, a doting grandmother and a loving sister.

Though she traveled widely and embraced the world, she remained fiercely proud to call Marblehead home, ultimately bringing her life full circle to the place where it began.

She is survived by her four

sons: Eric Jones (Mary Macleod) of Buxton, Maine; Reid Jones of Salem, Massachusetts; Ian Jones (Amy Nicolo) and grandchildren Cosima and Diego of Lauderdale-by-theSea, Florida; and Graeme Jones of Marblehead; as well as her stepchildren Andrea, Jeffrey, Stephen and Kimberly, and an extended family of eight grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Holly Jannell of Marblehead, along with many cousins and dear friends.

Christie loved life and lived it to the hilt. She will be deeply missed. Ciao bella.

A private family service will be held in the spring.

POLICE LOG

Loyalty points used for lavish purchases; backhoe strikes cruiser during storm cleanup Sunday, Jan. 25

» Alarms: 4 » Building/property checks: 4 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 1 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 7:57 a.m. An officer investigated a report of a disabled vehicle on Humphrey and Laurel streets.

2:17 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a disabled vehicle on Prospect and Pleasant streets.

2:30 p.m. Vehicles were towed on Pleasant Street and on Front Street for violating the snow emergency parking ban.

5:16 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on State and Washington streets.

7:37 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Devereux Street and filed a report.

8:37 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Gingerbread Hill Road and filed a report.

9:42 p.m. Services were rendered after a utilities issue was reported on Gingerbread Hill Road.

9:43 p.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle on Santry Road and West Shore Drive.

9:57 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Anderson Street.

10:35 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Farrell Court and filed a report.

11:35 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Lee Street and filed a report.

Monday, Jan. 26

» Alarms: 3 » Building/property checks: 0 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 12:02 a.m. A stuck vehicle was reported on Bayview Road.

2:53 a.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Carol and Higgins roads and filed a report.

5:24 a.m. A Humphrey Street resident was rendered assistance.

6:53 a.m. A caller on Arthur Avenue reported a driveway blocked in by snow.

11:08 a.m. A Brown Street resident was given assistance.

11:46 a.m. Officers and an ambulance crew rendered assistance on Village Street, and a report was filed.

12:32 p.m. A past vehicle crash was reported on Cloutmans

Lane.

12:50 p.m. Services were rendered after a general complaint on Broughton Road.

2:27 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Washington Street.

3:31 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Broughton Road and filed a report.

4:56 p.m. Services were rendered after a general complaint on Bass Rock Lane.

5:33 p.m. A citizen was given assistance on Weston Road.

6:01 p.m. An officer helped oversee the towing of a disabled vehicle from Front and Franklin streets.

7:09 p.m. Services were rendered after a general complaint on Liberty Lane.

7:40 p.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle on Ferry Lane and Front Street.

9:07 p.m. A citizen on Shepard Street was provided assistance.

Tuesday, Jan. 27

» Alarms: 2 » Building/property checks: 7 » Abandoned 911 calls: 0 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 6:31 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Lafayette and Maple streets.

7:13 a.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle in Market Square.

7:16 a.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle on Green Street and Arnold Terrace.

9:29 a.m. Services were rendered after suspicious activity was reported on Beacon Street.

1:03 p.m. Assistance was provided to a citizen on Mechanic Square.

1:55 p.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle on State Street.

2:42 p.m. Annoying phone calls were reported on Gerald Road.

10:50 p.m. An officer assisted with snow removal on Washington and Pleasant streets.

Wednesday, Jan. 28

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 2 » Abandoned 911 calls: 0 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 12:24 a.m. An officer’s cruiser was struck by the rear bucket of a backhoe during overnight

snow removal on Washington and Pleasant streets. The cruiser with its blue lights illuminated had been parked behind a vehicle that was set to be towed from the left-hand side of the one-way stretch of Washington Street due to the snow emergency parking ban. The backhoe stopped immediately after striking the cruiser. The cruiser’s passenger-side mirror was completely dislodged, as was the rear taillight, and there was a large scrape down the entire side of the cruiser. The officer retrieved the mirror and other parts of the cruiser that had fallen on the street and placed them on the passenger side floor board. The backhoe did not appear to have suffered any damage. A sergeant photographed the scene and completed an accident report.

The tow truck then arrived and towed the illegally parked vehicle.

6:23 a.m. Officers investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Orne Street.

8:03 a.m. A caller reported snow still covering the sidewalk on Homestead Road and Maple Street.

8:30 a.m. An officer provided assistance with a utilities issue on Tedesco and Maple streets.

9:11 a.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Ocean Avenue.

9:23 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Beacon Street.

9:45 a.m. A past vehicle accident was reported on Pleasant and Humphrey streets.

9:48 a.m. An officer rendered services after a complaint about a moving vehicle on Follett Street.

10:50 a.m. Services were rendered after a complaint about a moving vehicle on Flint Street.

11:40 a.m. A utilities issue reported on Tedesco and Maple streets proved to be unfounded.

1:47 p.m. Larceny, forgery or fraud was reported on Village Street.

2 p.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Ocean Avenue.

Thursday, Jan. 29

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property

checks: 3 » Abandoned 911 calls: 0 » Vehicle stops, citations: 2 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 1:19 a.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Pleasant and School streets.

8:04 a.m. An officer conducted an investigation on Mugford and Green streets and filed a report.

8:20 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Lincoln Avenue.

9:05 a.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Beach Street.

10:32 a.m. Annoying phone calls were reported on Circle Street.

11:50 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a woman who was having an ongoing issue with someone making fraudulent purchases using her Bloomingdale’s customer loyalty account, which in turn was tied to an American Express credit account that the woman had closed. The woman said that when there were not enough points in the loyalty account, the person had been able to use the old American Express card information to complete the fraudulent purchases.

Until recently, the woman believed that the issue had been resolved, with both Bloomingdale’s and American Express aware that she was not the one making the purchases.

However, even though she had told American Express not to authorize any charges to the old card, a customer service representative told her that the company had been letting the charges go through because of her good status with the company. The woman believed that she personally was not out any money, though she had been deprived of the loyalty points that had helped fund the fraudulent purchases.

The Bloomingdale’s account had last been used over the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend to order a PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Portal Remote Player, which were shipped to New Bedford.

A previous order, for a pair of low-top men’s Bottega Veneta Orbit Sneakers retailing for over $1,000, were shipped to the same address over the New Year’s holiday. The woman surmised that the scammer was ordering items over holiday weekends to allow the fraudulent activity to go undetected until after the items were shipped. The officer said he would share the information the woman had provided with detectives.

Friday, Jan. 30

» Alarms: 4 » Building/property checks: 3 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 1:45 a.m. An officer assisted another agency on Margin Street in Salem.

10:28 a.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Elm Street and Evans Road.

11:27 a.m. A utilities issue was reported on Lincoln Avenue and Green Street.

2:05 p.m. Officers assisted with a disabled vehicle on West Shore Drive and Green Street.

The vehicle was towed.

Saturday, Jan. 31

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 4 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 2:57 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Stramski Way. 5:02 a.m. An officer and firefighters assisted another agency on Rowland Street.

1:34 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Devereux Street and filed a report.

4:54 p.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a vehicle crash on School Street.

6:54 p.m. A citizen was given assistance on Front Street.

7:43 p.m. Officers investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Atlantic and Ocean avenues.

Sunday, Feb. 1

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 7 » Abandoned 911 calls: 0 » Vehicle stops, citations: 1 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 5 8:42 a.m. An officer assisted at the scene of a vehicle crash on Pleasant Street.

5:13 p.m. Officers assisted with a utilities issue on Cornell Road.

9:18 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a past hit-and-run on Atlantic Avenue.

The officer observed damage to the front bumper of a white minivan. He did not find any parts of the striking vehicle strewn about the scene, and the driver of the other vehicle had not left a note. The officer theorized that the driver of the striking vehicle may have been unaware of any damage.

marbleheadcurrent.org

16 Wednesday, February 18, 2026 Marblehead Current

MARBLEHEAD COMMUNITY CHARTER PUBLIC SCHOOL

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for outstanding student growth & achievement on the 2025 MCAS

We urge you to contact our partners listed below, or speak to your local clergy to request assistance from Marblehead Female Humane Society:

Marblehead Counseling Center 781-631-8273 Marblehead Housing Authority 781-631-2580 Marblehead Council on Aging 781-631-6225

NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR GRADES 4 - 8

Marblehead Food Pantry For more information call 781-631-0777 marbleheadcharter.org

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

www.marbleheadfemalehumanesociety.com

IS YOUR RISING 4TH GRADER CURIOUS BUT A LITTLE UNSURE ABOUT A NEW SCHOOL? We invite students to join us for special classroom visits held on district early release days. Spend time learning, connecting, and getting comfortable in our welcoming, small school environment.

Marblehead Visit January 28th 1-2:45 pm

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Swampscott/Nahant Visit February 4th 1-2:45 pm

I still enjoy Winter by the coast... with the added benefits of community, comfort and care!

At The Mariner residents enjoy fresh and local dining, regular exercise classes, engaging programs and quality care - all while keeping the traditions and independence you love.

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

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

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