03.13.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 16

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Dozens of Marblehead teachers, carrying signs that read “We Stand Together,” packed a School Committee meeting on March 7 to support four Glover School educators placed on paid leave in December after a student restraint crisis.

The day before, interim Superintendent Theresa McGuinness had announced that two reports on a Nov. 20 restraint identified “wrongdoing” and “neglect of the student” by educators.

During the School Committee meeting, the teachers union released an online letter and petition, which charges the Marblehead Public Schools leadership with “failing to provide our students and educators with a safe learning and working environment” and

suggests that the administration “seems poised to use our colleagues as scapegoats rather than taking responsibility for its own failures.”

The petition , signed by more than 875 people by March 11, makes four demands:

“1. Immediate reinstatement of the four Glover educators

2. Transparency with families and community members regarding the number of disruptions to student learning caused by restraints

and “holds-in-place” of other students due to student dysregulation in the schools.

3. A fully-funded budget that provides the level of services and resources our students and staff need to learn and work safely.

4. A partnership with leadership and the MEA to develop the systems and protocols necessary to ensure safety for everyone in our school community.”

“Educators and staff have been injured, students are at risk, and learning is routinely disrupted,” MEA Co-president Jonathan Heller said at the School Committee meeting. “Too often, our educators and staff are asked to bring student behavior under control without the needed support. Currently, our schools lack sufficient staffing and best

Four years later, leaders reflect on COVID’s impact

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Four years ago today, on March 13, 2020, Marblehead students left school as a deadly pandemic began to shut down the world and change lives forever. They didn’t return to classrooms for months.

On this anniversary, the Current spoke with education, service, business and faith leaders around town, asking them to reflect on how COVID affected Marblehead and whether those effects are still being felt today.

“The impact on our town was huge, first adjusting to

the lockdown and the closing of schools,” said Board of Health Chair Helaine Hazlett.

“The businesses which were determined non-essential were closed for several months. The markets and pharmacies were essential and had to conduct their business while protecting their employees and customers.”

The BOH moved its monthly meetings to weekly ones to deal with the ever-changing information coming from the Centers for Disease Control and National Institutes of Health.

“The Board of Health was learning in real time, continually sharing the information with the citizens of Marblehead as decisions were received regarding masking, vaccines and other precautions to protect against the virus,” Hazlett said.

Hazlett added the town also did its best to address the mental health crisis triggered by the pandemic, creating the Mental Health Task Force in early

2021. The group of volunteer therapists, psychologists, nurses and educators still holds programs and workshops, and its website (marbleheadcares.org) lists resources.

Education

Arguably, COVID’s biggest impact was on the town’s schools, including staff, more than 2,500 students and their families.

“Our students and staff had to adjust in so many ways,” said Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira. “From hybrid and virtual learning to coming back into schools staying 6 feet apart and wearing masks. Safety is

always a number one priority for us.”

When asked what lessons the district learned during COVID, Ferreira answered, “The pandemic forced us to educate students through new methods. I am so grateful for our amazing teachers who learned new ways to engage our learners to help prevent significant learning loss.” School Committee Chair Sarah Fox emphasized other important lessons.

“COVID really woke everyone up to how important socialemotional health is,” she said.

League: Send us your questions for the School Committee

The League of Women Voters of Marblehead will host a public forum with the School Committee, moderated by the president of the state League, Elizabeth Foster-Nolan, on Wednesday, March 27, 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. The program will be live at the Marblehead High School library, and on Zoom and MHTV.

The LWVM offered to host a

practices as they apply to current safety procedures.”

Then, teachers rose to speak to the committee — some alone, some in small groups, all repeating the same thing:

“I stand with my colleagues at Glover School who are being unjustly disciplined for the failed safety policies and protocols of the Marblehead Public Schools.”

McGuinness responded to the teachers.

“I appreciate and understand you all,” she said. “Undeniably, the School Committee and we are experiencing challenging and frankly, bad times, and it is tough. As I shared with individuals today, our focus during this time, even though it’s difficult, is to stay centered on supporting our students and each other.”

McGuinness said she would distribute a plan to staff next week with additional measures related to restraints. She also said she would release a redacted report by the firm Comprehensive Investigations and Consulting.

The night before, McGuinness had sent an email to parents about two reports, one by CIC and the other by the Department of Children and Families.

“The CIC report and the DCF findings confirm what the video of the restraints showed, which is that certain educators implemented restraints that were not authorized by law or district policy when they restrained a student on Nov. 20, 2023,” she wrote. “The educators have been on administrative leave since Dec. 5, and the interim superintendent will be taking appropriate action

forum after a letter to the School Committee signed by more than 800 people gave the committee failing grades and demanded more transparency. The committee held what it called a “conversation” with the community last week, answering questions about the schools’ budget crisis, possible tax override, controversial draft flag policy, special education

programs and vacant school buildings.

People interested in submitting a question to the League for the forum should email LWVMarblehead@gmail.com by Friday, March 22. Write the word “forum” in the subject line. All questions will be sorted by the LWVM and posed by the moderator.

consistent with law.”

School Committee Chair

Sarah Fox said the report offered several recommendations, including mandating debriefs with educators and administrators after each restraint incident.

Member Alison Taylor expressed support for teachers, saying, “My concern is we are never going to get anybody who wants to be a safety advocate or take these classes literally ever again. You could not pay me enough to want to do this, literally ever.”

Member Brian Ota spoke in support of teachers and McGuinness.

“As members of the School Committee, we have very limited information about what actually happened,” he said. “Everyone knows how invested I am at Glover. I know the superintendent and she has done the right kind of work. I have to trust in the process, and the process is to wait until the superintendent makes a decision based on the information she was given. I really believe the teachers

did their best, and I don’t know what will come out of that.”

Fees increase

Also at the School Committee meeting, McGuinness, Athletics Director Greg Ceglarski and School Accountant Emma Puglisi presented three options for increasing fees next year.

Right now, fees for athletics and extracurriculars cover 50% of the stipends for coaches and staff. Under the reduced-services budget, fees would increase to cover 100% of those stipends.

At MHS, the annual fee for athletics and performing arts activities is $495, with a family cap of $800.

The three new options outlined are:

The same fee structure, with an increased family cap of $1,340.

A flat fee for activities and a per-season cost for athletics, with a family cap of $2,980. This option is recommended by McGuinness.

A flat fee for activities and a separate per-sport cost for athletics, with a family cap of

$3,768. School Committee members had several follow-up questions, which they said they would share with Ceglarski and Puglisi before discussing the options again at a March 21 meeting.

MHS roof repair McGuinness announced that a request for proposals will be going out soon for a new roof at the high school. She said the work would not be completed until the summer of 2025.

Next steps

The School Committee is set to begin contract talks with the teachers union on March 14. Then on March 21, the committee will host a public budget hearing at the Veterans School Performing Arts Center and on Zoom.

The Finance Committee is expected to vote on the School Committee’s proposed budget on April 1. The committee has not decided whether to ask voters to raise their taxes in an override to fill a budget gap of more than $2 million.

Kindergarten registration now open

The Marblehead Public Schools encourages the parents/guardians of all children who will be turning 5 years old on or before Aug. 31 to register for kindergarten. Registration happens online at Marbleheadschools.org. There is a fee for full-day kindergarten, while half-day kindergarten is

free. There will be a kindergarten orientation on Thursday, April 4, 6 p.m., at the Brown and Glover schools. Once your child is registered, you will receive a school assignment.

MPS holds kindergarten screenings. All families with

newly enrolled kindergarten students will receive an email the week of April 26 with screening dates and related information. All MPS preschool students currently enrolled in preschool still must register for kindergarten and then will be screened for kindergarten in the spring by their classroom

teachers. For more information, contact Brown Principal Mary Maxfield at maxfield.mary@ marbleheadschools.org or Glover Principal Dan Richards at richards.dan@marbleheadschools. org.

NEWS FOr PEOPLE, NOT FOr PrOFIT.

CO-CHAIRPERSONS

Jessica Barnett     Ed Bell

sustainable local journalism. Please consider supporting the Marblehead Current by making a tax-deductible donation at marbleheadcurrent.org/donate. For stock transfer donations, please contact: Kathryn Whorf at kwhorf@marbleheadnews.org.

ADVERTISE Advertising is available on our website and in our weekly printed newspaper. To learn more, visit www.marbleheadCurrent.org/ads.

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

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

Help us keep the lights on so we can keep shining a light. Support the Current by using this QR code.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The School Committee spoke about the findings of an investigation into a student restraint

BY WILL DOWD

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

Merry Dip a chilly success

More than 60 people signed up for the Merry Mixers’ first annual “Merry Dip” plunge at Devereux Beach on March 3. The money raised will go directly to support pediatrics at Salem Hospital.

Immigration attorney joins House of Seven Gables board

The House of the Seven Gables has announced that Marblehead resident Diann Slavit Baylis, an immigration attorney, has joined the organization’s Board of Trustees. Slavit Baylis, a full-time staff attorney at Catholic Charities, has been a guest speaker at the annual naturalization ceremony held at the House of the Seven Gables for the past two years.

Rotary scholarships

Rotary Club of Marblehead is offering five scholarships for graduating high school seniors and college undergraduates.

The scholarships include the Randolph E. and Barbara K. Goodwin Memorial Scholarship ($7,000), the Donald Humphreys Veterans Memorial Scholarship ($6,000), two Rotary Club of Marblehead Scholarships ($5,000 each), and a new scholarship for college undergrads ($5,000). The deadline to apply is April 7 at 11:59 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit tinyurl. com/34whfpy5 or email Nancy Gwin at gwinnancy@gmail.com.

The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is accepting scholarship applications from graduating seniors of Marblehead High School or Marblehead residents attending out-of-town high schools. The club offers several one-year and enhanced scholarships, including the new Lee and Barry Weed Scholarship, a four-year scholarship totaling $20,000 for a student demonstrating exemplary service to the community, school or family. The deadline to apply is April 7 at 11:59 p.m. To apply, visit marbleheadscholarship.org/ enhanced-scholarships/.

Theater scholarship

The Friends of Performing Arts (FOPA) is offering a theater scholarship in memory of Jeff Scogland. Applicants should submit a letter describing their contributions to Marblehead High School theater/drama programs, how the arts have impacted their life and how they will contribute to the arts after high school. Applications should include the MHS general application form, resume, cover letter and an unofficial transcript. Submit materials via email to Andrew Scoglio at scoglio.andrew@ marbleheadschools.org with “FOPA Theater Scholarship in Memory of Jeff Scogland” in the subject line. The deadline is April 7, at 11:59 p.m.

Chamber cuts ribbon at The Power of Speech

The Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member The Power of Speech with a ribboncutting ceremony on Feb. 17. The speech therapy practice is located at 40 South St.

Hazardous waste collection

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day is Saturday, April 27, from 9 a.m.- noon at the Transfer Station. This event allows Marblehead and Swampscott residents to safely dispose of household hazardous materials from homes, garages

Moulton to discuss G.I. Bill Restoration Act with MRJT

The Marblehead Racial Justice Team is hosting a virtual program on Wednesday, March 20, 4 p.m., to discuss the G.I. Bill Restoration Act, which aims to provide long-overdue benefits to Black World War II veterans and their descendants. Congressman Seth Moulton (who represents Marblehead) will join the conversation to discuss the legislation. Interested

and yards. Certain items, such as empty containers, commercial waste and prescription medicines, will not be accepted.

The cost for disposal is $24 for zero-to-10 gallons or pounds, and $44 for 10-to-25 gallons or pounds, with additional amounts priced accordingly.

Grill-size propane tanks can be disposed of for $25, while small, torch-size tanks cost $5. For more information on what to bring, how to transport these materials safely, event details and a complete list of costs, visit tinyurl.com/4utu8wts or contact the Board of Health at 781-631-0212.

Nominations open for teacher recognition award

Nominations are being accepted for the Margaret Voss Howard Teacher Recognition Award, a fund of the Essex County Community Foundation. The annual award honors one teacher each from the Salem and Marblehead school districts with a $500 unrestricted award.

Teachers, school employees, parents, students and citizens may nominate a teacher by submitting a detailed letter to howardteacheraward@yahoo. com explaining why the teacher should be honored. Nominations are due by April 21 and should include the nominator’s full contact information or a nomination form. Honorees are selected by a committee of local educators. For more information and a nomination form, email howardteacheraward@yahoo. com.

Local Dollars for Scholars chapter launches giftcard fundraiser

Marblehead Dollars for Scholars, a local nonprofit organization that provides need-based scholarships to college students, has announced its fourth annual Gift Card Fundraiser, “Let’s Eat!”

Contact Sue MacInnis at 781244-0712 or suem97@gmail.com with any questions.

Upcoming Marblehead Museum programs

» Lecture on the Intolerable Acts: Robert Allison, professor of history at Suffolk University, will speak at the Marblehead Museum on Thursday, March 21, at 7 p.m., about how the Intolerable Acts propelled Massachusetts toward revolution. Sponsored by the Marblehead Museum and the Revolution 250 Marblehead Committee, the lecture is available in-person and via Zoom. For tickets, visit the museum’s website or call 781-631-1768.

Marblehead businesses will donate 10% of all online or in-person gift card purchases to the organization. Participating vendors include Shubie’s, The Landing, Sea Salt, Maria’s Gourmet, Caffe’ Italia Trattoria & Bar, The Barrelman and Soall Viet Kitchen. In 2023, the organization awarded 57 scholarships totaling $184,000 to college students who graduated from Marblehead High School or live in town.

Learn to sail

Satori Sailing, an adult sailing school in Marblehead, is offering a one-day Coastal Navigation Fundamentals class on March 16, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club. Join other local sailors and boaters in learning about coastal navigation skills with paper charts, ensuring you know where you are with or without electronics. An optional U.S. Sailing Certification is available with follow-up classes during the week of March 19. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit sailsatori. com/coastal-navigation.

Attention Marblehead boaters

Susan Cairns Fischer is inviting Marblehead boaters to share the unique stories behind their boat names for the upcoming third edition of “Marblehead Boat Names,” set to be released this summer. A decade has passed since the second edition, and with many new or updated boats and names in Marblehead’s waters, Fischer aims to include as many stories as possible in this edition. Boaters interested in submitting their stories can visit MarbleheadBoatNames.com.

Lecture on coastal resiliency in Salem Sound

The Abbot Public Library will host the third lecture in the Underwater in Salem Sound series on Wednesday, March 20, 6:45 p.m.-8 p.m.

at its temporary location, 3 Brook Rd. Barbara Warren, Salem Sound Coastwatch’s executive director, will discuss how the Commonwealth and Salem Sound municipalities are addressing coastal damage caused by storms, including the new ResilientCoasts initiative, and share progress on local resilience-building projects. The lecture is free and open to the public. Attendees may register for in-person or virtual attendance via Zoom at abbotlibrary.org/events or by emailing info@salemsound.org.

Shrink your financial footprint

The Council on Aging and the League of Women Voters will host a program titled “Hidden Gems: Town Resources to Shrink your Financial Footprint” on Wednesday, March 20, at 1 p.m. at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. The in-person program will feature presentations by Town Finance Director/CFO Aleesha Benjamin, COA Director Lisa Hooper and COA Outreach Coordinator Sharon Doliber. Attendees will learn about programs and services available to residents, including the town tax work-off program and tax abatement. To register, call the COA at 781-631-6225.

Animal Shelter to Hold Fundraiser at The Landing Restaurant

The Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals, a 501(c)3 organization that operates the no-kill animal shelter at 44 Village St., will hold its annual charity dinner fundraiser at The Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St., on March 26. A portion of all in-person dinner proceeds will be donated to support the shelter. Silent auction items will be available for bidding. To make a reservation, call 781-639-1266. For more information, visit marblehead-animal-shelter.org

Annual meeting and archaeological talk: The Marblehead Museum’s annual meeting is set for Thursday, March 28, at 6:30 p.m., featuring updates on the museum’s 2023 achievements and future plans. Following the meeting, at 7 p.m., Christa Beranek of the Fiske Center for Archaeology at UMass Boston will discuss the 2023 archaeological findings at the Lee Mansion. The meeting is free, but registration is required. Visit the museum’s website or call 781-631-1768 to register.

Mother’s co-op to hold pop-up shop

The Marblehead Mother’s Co-op will host its ninth annual Pop-up Shops event at The Boston Yacht Club April 5-6. This year’s vendor lineup includes over 20 primarily women-owned local businesses selling apparel, jewelry, home goods and more.

Notable guests include Emmy Award-winning TV broadcaster Maria Sansone, who will sign copies of her best-selling cookbook, “Oh $#!% What’s For Dinner?” and medical aesthetics practice RN Esthetics.

Proceeds benefit Friends of Marblehead Public Schools, a nonprofit supporting local education. Tickets are $20. The pop-up runs April 5, 6-10 p.m., and April 6, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Learn more at mhdpopupshops. com.

Volunteer opportunities

The town has openings on several municipal boards and commissions:

» Cable Television Advisory Committee (four vacancies, one-year terms, deadline March 8)

Marblehead Cultural Council (three vacancies, three-year terms)

» Marblehead Disabilities Commission (one vacancy, three-year term)

Interested residents should submit letters of interest and resumes to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or email wileyk@marblehead. org. Details on each group are at marblehead.org.

Abbot Library offers tax counseling service Registration is open for the Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program offered by AARP at the Abbot Library. The free tax preparation service will be held on Mondays through April 8. Appointments are required. Call the library at 781-631-1481 during open hours to sign up. Tax forms are now available in the Reference Room.

The TCE program provides basic tax return preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers, with a focus on seniors. Participants do not need to be AARP members or meet an age requirement.

For more information, visit abbotlibrary.org/tax-prepprogram or email the library at mar@noblenet.org.

participants can join the event via Zoom at tinyurl.com/2bf2mh82.

COURTESY PHOTO

The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce welcomed new member The Power of Speech with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 17.

COURTESY PHOTO / SEMPER DRONE

The Merry Mixers’ first annual plunge at Devereux Beach raised money for a good cause.

COURTESY PHOTO Marblehead resident Diann Slavit Baylis speaks at a naturalization ceremony at the House of the Seven Gables in Salem.

COURTESY PHOTO / JOHNNIE FILECIA VIA LIBRARY OF CONGRESS

Staff Sgt. Herbert Ellison explains the G.I. Bill of Rights to Air Force soldiers in Italy in 1945.

Opinion

How about a little patience?

We Marbleheaders can be an impatient lot. We love our Town Meeting form of government. As the town’s legislative body, the open Town Meeting format is the purest form of democracy, we say, and it dates back to 1649.

But we’ve noticed a trend that, in our opinion, borders on disrespect for the decisions made by our legislative body. Those decisions are too often subject to reconsideration before they are given a chance to succeed.

A case in point: the 2023 Town Meeting vote to have staggered, three-year Select Board terms via the home-rule petition process. With the ink hardly dry on the new bylaw, a citizens’ petition on the 2024 warrant calls for its repeal. As yet, the homerule petition that the 2023 Town Meeting approved has neither landed on Gov. Maura Healey’s desk nor passed the Legislature, though it is advancing. On March 7, the House approved on a voice vote S. 2652, the bill to change the Select Board term, which the Senate had already approved.

One more vote of approval in the House and one in the Senate, and the bill will be ready for Healey’s signature.

In an editorial before the 2023 Town Meeting, we urged voters to support staggered three-year terms, and our opinion has not changed. We previously advocated for extending Marblehead Select Board members’ terms because this change would allow them to dedicate their full attention to the town’s affairs without the constant distraction of annual reelection campaigns. Moreover, implementing staggered three-year terms would enable voters to assess each Select Board member’s individual performance more effectively rather than simply evaluating the board’s collective efforts.

This year, Article 49 calls on the town to rescind the staggered three-year terms and reinstate oneyear terms. We think that would be a mistake.

Another case in point: Leaf blowers. Last year, the Town Meeting approved a summertime moratorium on gas-powered leaf blowers from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with fines being levied against homeowners, not landscapers. We believe it contributed to a quiet, relaxing summer.

But this year, leaf blowers are back. A trio of citizens’ petitions enshrined in Articles 43-45 ask Town Meeting to expand the prohibition to yearround, remove an exemption for town employees, and up fines to $300 for both homeowners and landscapers caught in violation.

We believe the seasonal ban was a hard-fought compromise over several years, and we hope with the rejection of Articles 43-45, it will be the last we’ve heard of leaf blowers.

LETTErS POLIc Y

We want to hear from you

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.

EVErYThING WILL BE OK aY Signs

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

Every year around this time I take a walk to Flint Street on the Neck. There’s a spot there by an old stone wall where purple crocuses come up, and I look for my first annual sign of spring. None was in sight when I checked in February, but by last week they had emerged. My Merlin bird identification app indicated a yellow goldfinch was in or near my yard on a recent morning. They don’t all migrate, but I haven’t seen any since the fall, so I’m calling their return another welcome sign of spring, along with exhibition baseball on TV and the reopening of Sullivan’s at Castle Island. I’ve never gone to the famed hot dog stand for opening day, but reading about it in the paper is a reassuring sign that the calendar’s rhythms continue to move on undeterred.

I’ve read and shared the concern about some signs of spring arriving too early, more evidence of our warming planet. Yet I appreciate the advice of author Margaret Renkl, who has quickly become my personal Yoda, who writes, “The world is burning, and there is no time to put down the water buckets.” Yet, “for an hour put down the water buckets anyway.”

Isn’t that irresponsible? Mustn’t we always be head down, worried and working to fix all that is wrong and unjust around us? If we aren’t resisting and raging, toiling and trying, aren’t we accepting the unacceptable? To the contrary, Renkl suggests, “Take your cue from the bluebirds, who have no faith in the future, but build the future nevertheless, leaf by leaf and straw by straw, shaping them into the roundness of the world.”

I’ve referenced her a lot of late in these columns. I think that is partly because her book, “The Comfort of Crows,” is written to be read in small chunks, structured as a week-by-week call of attention to the beauty around us. And I read it typically over the weekend as I am thinking about what I am going to write in the coming week. Writing under the umbrella of “Everything will be okay” when things seem very much not okay at all is sometimes challenging. Yet, Renkl’s faith in the future and belief that “we are creatures built for joy” resonate.

WE arE W hO WE arE

What are some of the signs of spring that bring you joy? It’s worth taking a moment to list them. Tulips and pussy willows. Red buds on a maple tree. A teasingly warm sunny morning.

Another sign of mine is quite distinct from these natural ones. And I don’t mean Cadbury Mini Eggs, though they are pure joy in a candy crust. I mean those little toy yellow chicks that clatter around when you wind them up. I first saw them at Crosby’s last spring when an impish clerk was delighting customers by racing them along the floor.

I promptly bought two and challenged my family to race them at the Easter dinner table. They thought I was ridiculous. So, this year, I have bought two more and if need be, I’ll entertain myself by pitting teams of chicks against each other in a race over the edge of my coffee table. I guess you have to be farther removed from childhood for such antics to be seen as joyful not just silly.

Last March, I also sought signs of a more mystical kind. I had just finished a book called “Signs, the Secret Language of the Universe” by Laura Lynne Jackson. In it, she argues that, if you ask, loved ones who have passed will send you a sign from the other side. So, I gave it a try and asked my mother to send me signs of Ferris wheels to recall a particularly fond experience we once shared together. My mother was a stubborn one, and rather than what I asked for, that March I saw signs of Christmas everywhere, her favorite holiday. Were those signs from her? Who knows? I like to think so. This March I’m asking for Ferris wheels again. I can be stubborn, too.

I’ll be literally putting the water buckets down and taking a couple week break from this column. When I return, spring will have officially arrived and its signs will be all around us. Or there will be a foot of snow on the ground. Either way, I have faith in the future. Everything will be okay.

Virginia Buckingham, a member of The Marblehead Current’s Board of Directors, is the former chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, chief of staff to two Massachusetts governors, deputy editorial page editor for the Boston Herald and author of “On My Watch: A Memoir.”

We can’t run from grief because we’re not supposed to

LISA SUGARMAN

BY

I make no secret of the fact that I’ve spent most of my life accompanied by grief. Because I have, since I was 9 years old. That was when I was introduced — all too personally — to loss when my 18-year-old cousin died by suicide. And grief and I have been together, whether I’ve liked it or not, ever since.

Surprising as it may sound, though, I’ve come to appreciate grief for the unexpected gifts it gives us, despite it being one of the hardest human emotions to allow ourselves to feel.

As a three-time survivor of suicide loss, losing my father, my cousin and one of my closest childhood friends to suicide, and, having lost more family and friends to other causes than I can count on both hands, I have way more lived experience navigating grief and loss than I wish I had on my personal resume. And not all that experience is as traumatic and depressing as you may think. Because what I’ve come to realize, after decades of resenting it for occupying too much of my head and heart space, is that there’s actually great comfort to be found in the midst of grief because those raw feelings of pain, as hard as they are to stomach, keep us

Loss is one of those inevitabilities we just can’t escape, no matter how hard we try.

tethered to the people we’ve lost. It just took me a while to realize it.

Now I know that not everyone has the capacity to stare grief in the face and acknowledge it head on, and that’s OK. The feelings attached to losing someone we love are among the hardest and most painful feelings we can experience as humans, not to mention the accepting-our-own-mortality part, so it’s only natural that we’d want to keep grief as far away from our psyche as possible.

But here’s the thing … we can’t run from grief, no matter how badly we want to, because loss is ultimately going to affect all of us at some point in our lives. It’s one of those inevitabilities we just can’t escape, no matter how hard we try.

For me, I’ve found that when I run toward the things that scare me — like losing the people I love the most — those toxic thoughts inevitably become less scary. Even by just a little bit. Because when I give those fears an actual invitation into my brain, I get to choose how I process and think about them. I do it on my terms and at my pace. So,

I stay somewhat in control. I mean, we don’t want to spend all our time thinking about (or dwelling on) the hard things because that can hijack our day-to-day headspace and consume us. We also can’t ignore them either. That’s why it becomes important to dedicate some time and space to our feelings when things come up as a way of ensuring that we address our emotions before they become problematic. It’s all about balance, right?

Here’s a reminder that really helped change the grief game for me …

Grief is one of those constants in life that comes with both the capacity to hurt us and to heal us. Because it’s when we embrace the idea that moving through our loss by allowing ourselves to experience all the emotions that we can arrive at a place of hope. See, the heartache that comes with losing someone close to us is responsible for creating more than just pain. It’s not just all bad. Heartache or sorrow is also another form of love. Those intense feelings of sadness we feel when we’ve lost someone are a sign of the love we feel for that person and of the love they felt for us. And that’s a beautiful thing. Grieving is also one of the

Open letter

To interim Superintendent

Theresa McGuinness, Human Resources Manager Kelley Ferretti and members of the Marblehead School Committee:

We, the members of the Marblehead Education Association and our supporters, are dismayed that our Glover School colleagues remain on paid administrative leave. This is a direct result of the administration’s failed practices around student safety protocols. The culture of mismanagement and toxicity in the Marblehead Public Schools is harmful to our students and staff. Our colleagues’ unjust removal from their school community stems from leadership failing to address student safety time and time again.

Addressing the issue of school safety is long overdue. Well before our members were removed from their classrooms, the MEA raised alarms about school safety. Now, months later, and with no meaningful action to address educator concerns, the administration seems poised to scapegoat our colleagues.

The crisis in the Marblehead Public School rests solely on MPS leadership and its mismanagement of student safety. Our young people, staff and families deserve better.

We the undersigned demand: Immediate reinstatement of the educators on leave from the Glover School; 2) Transparency with families and community members regarding the number of disruptions to student learning caused by restraints and “holds-in-place” of other students due to student dysregulation in the Marblehead Public Schools; 3) A fully-funded budget which provides the level of services and resources our students and staff need to learn and work safely; and 4) A partnership with leadership and the Marblehead Education Association to develop the systems and protocols necessary to ensure safety for everyone in our school community.

Marblehead Education Association

Former School Committee members question superintendent search process

To the editor:

We sent a letter to the School Committee on Thursday, March 7, including questions about the superintendent search we hoped would be addressed during that evening’s meeting. Rather than giving any pertinent answers, the

School Committee chair instead focused on how we submitted the questions. The community deserves better. As elected officials, School Committee members should be answering thoughtful questions from the public, whether or not they like the questions or the way in which they are posed.

Having both been involved in prior superintendent searches, our questions to the School Committee on Thursday, March 7, were as follows:

1) What is the status and scope of work with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees to conduct a transitional superintendent search?

The executive director of the MASC issued a strongly worded memo to the SC on Feb. 15 recommending that the SC table its permanent search and instead hire a “transitional team” (with a one-to-twoyear superintendent). MASC submitted a proposal to assist the SC with this search at no cost, and there has been some interaction between the parties since, but what is MASC’s specific scope of work, which pieces will the SC handle, and will the SC heed MASC’s guidance about the search process?

2) Why has the SC chosen to eliminate using a screening committee for the initial phase of the superintendent search?

The SC’s current plan calls for superintendent candidates to apply and be evaluated in public. Make no mistake: The search for a transitional superintendent benefits from a screening committee. Only a screening committee, composed of community members and up to two SC members, can maintain confidentiality for applicants and provide an opportunity for candid discussion about candidates. The SC’s nod to “transparency” by holding this initial phase in open session endangers the process if qualified candidates do not apply.

3) If the SC values community input, how and when will it commit to engaging constituency groups (school administrators, staff, parents/ PTOs, community, SEPAC, METCO) in the superintendent search process?

Focus groups and surveys soliciting community input are basic first steps and results should be made publicly available to help reestablish trust with the community. Ideally, a diverse screening committee would then use these tools to evaluate candidates. As the process moves along, communications like those issued by the Weston School Committee would help the

Marblehead community stay informed.

Amy Drinker, a Gregory Street resident, served on the School Committee from 2004-10, including three years as chair. David Harris, a Waldron Street resident, served on the School Committee from 2000 to 2012, including four years as chair and from 2015 to 2022.

Board of Assessors ‘shares every taxpayer’s concerns’

To the editor:

Regarding your editorial on March 6, “Time for change,” I am not in the habit of writing letters to the editor. However, in this instance I believe that it is necessary as the facts, as you portray them, are misleading.

A little history is in order:

When I became an assessor in 1983, the Board of Assessors was an elected board as it is today. What has changed from then to now is the addition of a full-time hired assessor. I led the transformation of the Marblehead Board of Assessors that same year from a group of three paid ($2500) working assessors essentially revaluating the town every 10 years to what it is in place today. We have a full-time professional assessor in charge of valuation supported by a Board comprised of three individuals duly elected by the townspeople of Marblehead.

What appears to be the crux of the editorial centers around the State of the Town address held on January 24. At this meeting, residents sought information regarding the recent assessments and property tax increases. Neither the Town Assessor nor the Board spoke at this meeting. Thus residents left the meeting frustrated by the lack of information they received, and the Current’s editorial suggests it was due to a lack of transparency by the Board of Assessors. The Board has always been represented at the State of the Town meeting by the full-time assessor. Apparently, she made the decision not to speak.

The Board and the full-time assessor are two definitive bodies and to lump them into one is inaccurate.

The Board is comprised of elected officials and the full-time assessor applied for, interviewed for, and was awarded the position of Town Assessor.

Some residents appear to have a perception that the Board has taken a hands-off approach to the reaction to the new property values. Nothing could be further from the truth. Since the tax bills were sent, I have driven through neighborhoods checking

2023 valuations versus the 2022 arms-length sales, as it is these arms-length sales that form the basis for the 2023 assessments. My fellow Board members have done the same. If anyone has asked me about the valuation increase from 2022 to 2023, and several have, I have told them that I have numerous concerns. However, I believe that the abatement process needs to be completed in its entirety before any specific comments are made. My fellow Board members and I are aiming for application decisions by April 15, before tax bills are due May 1. When all abatements are finished, I will candidly tell people (my opinion of) what went right or wrong with the process, but not until the process is completed.

The Current’s editorial discusses the passage of Article 38 as if the passage of the Article would prevent a reoccurring incident similar to this at some point in the future. It would not. All assessing offices in the state of Massachusetts operate under the auspices of Chapter 59 from the Department of Revenue.

Therefore, the passage of Article 38 would not change the way assessing is performed. So, what would change with the passage of Article 38? If Article 38 were to pass, the Board members would be appointed by the Select Board. Right now residents of Marblehead are able to elect their Board members. The question is, do you want your Board members to be appointed or elected? There are vast differences between the two. I believe the latter, elected, is what keeps us a more responsive community. To blame the elected Board of Assessors for not addressing residents’ concerns at the State of the Town Address is unwarranted when the town has a full-time assessor who made the decision not to speak that evening.

I assure you that the Board is aware of and shares every taxpayer’s concerns.

Regards, John Kelley Chair, Board of Assessors

‘One of the truly endangered North Atlantic mammals’

To the editor: I am writing in response to “Marbleheader Rhod Sharp weighs in: The aftermath of recent right whale tragedies. His BBC podcast presentation on the subject was basically even-handed.

I have been a commercial lobsterman for the past 38 years and a commercial diver for over 50 years in the local waters of the North Shore. Since

Making most of spring playtime

BY LIZZIE ASSA

Dear Lizzie,

As a full-time working parent, I love the weekends for outdoor adventures with my toddler and preschooler. They enjoy the playground and the beach, but weekdays are a challenge. Can you suggest some simple, engaging outdoor activities we can enjoy together in the limited time we have after work and before bedtime?

Dear reader, Getting outside is not only a fantastic way to release their pent-up energy but also an

excellent opportunity for your kids to soak up the much-needed vitamin D after a long, dreary winter. Plus, the natural light of the late afternoon could improve their sleep quality, potentially making bedtime easier. Here are five quick, no-mess spring activities for active kids and tired parents: Paint the house: Arm your kids with giant paint brushes or spray bottles filled with water and let their creativity loose on the house, deck or sidewalk. This is a perfect chance for you to kick back and relax while they’re at it. Water the plants: Hand over some spray bottles filled with water and take a leisurely stroll, encouraging your children to

water the plants you pass by. If that seems like a bit too much after a long day, let them tend to the plants in your own yard.

Trim the grass: With a pair of scissors, your kids can help “trim” the grass. They can gather the clippings to create “rabbit food” or just enjoy the act of cutting. Animal hunt: Hide their

the 1960s, I have been an acute observer of all marine life above and below its waters.

I believe in climate change and have witnessed various marine life such as sea urchins, starfish and cunner retreating to deeper, cooler waters.

As to the right whale controversy, there’s one word that won’t be spoken about by the leading marine biologists: it’s genetics. The real problem with the right whale is its population. Its gene pool is too small to support further escalation in its numbers.

Approximately 50 breeding females are mating with a small adult male population. Sisters are mating with brothers. Ask a biologist how many miscarriages the females are having, and you will get blank stares. The probable threshold population of 1,000 whales might support growth, but that level was lost over 150 years ago.

As a commercial lobsterman, I have installed breakaway plastic clips under the buoys, spliced weak link ropes on my down lines and eliminated all float lines in my gear. We now have whale-safe gear.

This new buoy-less system will destroy our fragile industry. The capital cost is $6,000 for each unit. I will need $400,000 to outfit my string.

Two other serious problems exist. One, the dragger fleet won’t be able to spot where our (buoy-less) gear is and will tear through our trap lines. This has already happened with boats out there now experimenting with buoy-less gear.

Also, we won’t be able to see where our fellow fishermen are setting their trawls of lobster pots. Off Marblehead, we set NW-SE in straight lines. I fish 20 pot trawls with 100 feet of line in between each trap. We will be constantly crossing each other, creating a potentially deadly scenario.

With approximately 650 full-time lobstermen left in Massachusetts — down from 1,500 in the 1980s with 80% of us over 50 years of age, the future looks bleak. As small businessmen, we are currently shut down for five months for the fourth year in a row — with no compensation. To what other Massachusetts business does this happen?

In conclusion, I realize this “right whale crisis” is big business for various multimillion-dollar nonprofit organizations, but a larger threat is looming for one of New England’s most iconic industries. With us gone, you’ll be losing more than just that summertime lobster dinner.

Ray Bates Cherry Street

for kids to play with water and take pride in cleaning their rides.

favorite animal figurines (or any small toys, really) around the yard and let them go on a treasure hunt. It’s a simple yet effective way to spark their imagination and get them moving. Bike and scooter wash: Set up a mini car wash for bikes and scooters using sponges and soapy water. It’s a fun way

Incorporating these simple activities into your weekdays can make every day feel a little more playful. And remember, you don’t have to come up with new ideas every night. Young children thrive on repetition. Knowing what to expect will make them feel more in control and lead to better behavior and deeper connections.

Happy spring!

The Current is proud to partner with columnist Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children, a parenting strategist, play expert and mother of three who lives in Marblehead.

BY RICK CUZNER

I ran into a couple of coyotes while on a walk through Steer Swamp this week. They kept their distance, but certainly kept an eye on me. I was able to capture a few photos, though the light was not so good. Very goodlooking animals.

In early March in Massachusetts, Eastern coyotes wrap up their breeding season and prepare for their pups’ spring arrival, according to MassWildlife. They roam more actively, scouting for food and dens. You’re likely to hear them, too, as they howl to communicate

with mates and mark territory.

As the weather warms, these coyotes start to eat more plants and berries along with the small mammals they hunt.

They’re quick to adapt, so don’t be surprised to see them closer to towns, drawn to easy meals like unsecured garbage or outdoor pet food. It’s a busy time for coyotes, reminding residents to secure trash and watch pets outdoors.

The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner. For the past 16 years, he has taken thousands of nature photographs.

COURTESY PHOTO / RICK CUZNER

A coyote spotted recently in Steer Swamp

Town backs Haley, Biden in primaries

FIrST a MENDMENT

BY WILL DOWD

Former U.N. Ambassador Nikki Haley emerged as the top choice among Republican voters in the Marblehead presidential primary on Super Tuesday, outpacing former President Donald J. Trump. On the Democratic side, President Joseph R. Biden secured a decisive victory over his challengers. The primary saw a turnout of 5,479 voters, constituting 32.9% of Marblehead’s 16,648 registered voters. The Republican primary drew 2,494 voters, while the Democratic contest attracted 2,950. The Libertarian primary had a

modest turnout of 35 voters.

Haley received 1,347 votes, accounting for 54% of the Republican ballots cast, while Trump garnered 1,056 votes or 42.3%. Twenty-one people voted “no preference.” In the Democratic race, Biden won a commanding 81.4% of the vote with 2,400 ballots cast in his favor, while 139 people voted “no preference.” Minnesota Congressman Dean Phillips secured 101 votes or 3.4%, while author and spiritual leader Marianne Williamson finished third with 51 votes, representing 1.7% of the Democratic vote.

Marblehead resident Amy

Carnavale, who chairs the Massachusetts GOP, survived a challenge from the party’s former chair, Jim Lyons.

The turnout in Marblehead (32.9%) was significantly lower than both the 2016 (53.1%) and 2020 (49.3%) primaries.

The presidential primary began a busy voting season, including four elections scheduled throughout the year. Town Meeting will be held on May 6, the municipal election on June 11, the statewide primary for U.S. and state senate and representative seats on Sept. 3, and the national election on Nov. 5.

Select Board passes new flag policy

BY WILL DOWD

The Select Board unanimously approved a town flag policy on Feb. 28 after just minutes of discussion. Prompted by a 2022 Supreme Court decision, the policy emphasizes that flags on town property are government speech and not a public forum for free expression.

In contrast to the Select Board’s quick vote, there have been months of protest and controversy over the School Committee’s efforts to establish a flag policy in the wake of a mother removing a Black Lives

Matter flag from the high school without permission. A draft plan would allow only U.S., state and Marblehead flags on school property by right. People could ask the School Committee for permission to hang other flags and banners for a 30-day period.

The Marblehead Housing Authority is also considering a flag policy allowing only U.S., state and Marblehead flags.

The town’s new policy does not apply to the schools, the Marblehead Housing Authority or privately held cemetery plots.

The Supreme Court case, Shurtleff v. City of Boston,

centered around the city of Boston’s refusal to allow a private group, Camp Constitution, to raise a Christian flag on one of the city’s flagpoles. Despite approving 284 flag-raising requests over 12 years, Boston denied Camp Constitution’s request, citing the flag’s religious symbolism.

In a unanimous decision, the Supreme Court ruled that Boston had violated the First Amendment by engaging in viewpoint discrimination.

According to the Free Speech Center, viewpoint discrimination occurs when the government

restricts speech on a given subject matter by singling out a particular opinion or perspective for different treatment than other viewpoints.

“Based on that decision, Lisa Mead, our legal counsel for us and all of her clients, has provided an updated flag policy that brings our policy to be consistent with that court decision,” said Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer. “It puts us on the right side of that decision.”

Under the new policy, the Select Board will delegate the responsibility of managing

flag requests to the town administrator. That is different from the School Committee’s draft plan, which gives the committee the power to decide.

The School Committee’s draft policy has sparked concern among students who feel that their voices are being ignored in the decision-making process. Many students have expressed their desire to keep Black Lives Matter and pride flags in the high school, saying that their removal could hurt underrepresented communities within the school.

The Y Welcomes new health & wellness director

SUBMITTED BY THE LYNCH/VAN

OTTERLOO YMCA

Justin Cammarata joined the membership team at the YMCA of the North Shore two years ago and has been instrumental in growing membership at all seven Y locations across the North Shore, including Marblehead. He managed membership support for the financial assistance program that in 2023 provided nearly 4,500 families with approximately $4.3 million in vital aid and scholarships.

Transitioning to the health & wellness director at the Marblehead Y was a natural move for Cammarata. With 15+ years in the health and wellness industry, fitness has always been his passion, and as a certified personal trainer, he has helped more than 100 clients meet their

Covid

From P. A1

“If students are not emotionally well, they can not access the curriculum and learn. We have a lot of work to do still but at least the conversation has started in a meaningful way.”

Fox added, “... I saw firsthand how deferred maintenance and investments in our technology infrastructure really put us at a disadvantage. Because of the continued budget constraints our schools have faced for over a decade, investments in technology were often the thing cut from budgets to keep staff in front of kids, which is always vital. When COVID hit, many districts were able to use the ESSER and other COVID-related funds to combat learning loss and add other programs whereas we needed to use the majority of the funds to update our technology infrastructure and devices so we could even allow students and staff to have access to each other and curriculum.

fitness goals. While in personal training, he taught various group exercise classes including muscle conditioning, cycling and a yoga/ tai chi/pilates fusion class.

Cammarata understands the importance of staying active, and as the new health and wellness director, he is committed to supporting the overall well-being of members and the community.

If you’d like to learn more about health and wellness at the Y, including the Corner Stone program for cancer survivors and their families, personal training, healthy weight loss and more, Cammarata can be reached at cammarataj@ northshoreymca.org.

Fun for teens this spring

Are you looking for activities for your teenager? The Y has always been a safe, welcoming environment for teens.

First responders

Police Chief Dennis King, who was with the Salem police at the height of COVID, said officers didn’t have the benefit of remote work.

“Police officers still came to work every day, every shift, and provided services to their communities,” he said.

According to King, the pandemic didn’t necessarily change any protocols or policies.

“Policies and protocols were already in place regarding infectious disease; it was just a matter of adapting to the magnitude of cases,” he said. The elderly

The elderly were hit especially hard by the pandemic, with isolation and food insecurity being two of the biggest challenges, according to Council on Aging Director Lisa Hooper.

“Many seniors living alone, or even in an assisted living facility, nursing home or attending an adult day program, were unable to see each other and socialize for a very long period of time,” she said. “The lack of

From basketball, gymnastics, swimming and fitness training, teens can find something to do at the Y.

Teen leadership

Teens can join the Y’s Teen Leadership program on Thursdays at 3:30 p.m. Registration for the spring session is now open at

stimulation negatively impacts any at any age and caused those with early dementia to decline more rapidly. Seniors who lived alone had no support system.”

Businesses

Of course, COVID deeply impacted local businesses, and some restaurants closed during those early years.

Still, Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Katherine Koch is proud of the local business community.

“I think most of our Marblehead businesses pivoted well, offering takeout and curbside pickup options, getting more creative with marketing and promotion, offering buy-now, use-later type of strategies,” she said.

Koch added, “I think what kept many of our businesses alive is the strong support that our community shows in their commitment to shopping local, being mindful of the smaller businesses, and maintaining those relationships.”

Community spirit

As with many tragedies,

northshoreymca.org/programs.

This winter, teen leadership focused on job skills including resume building and interview tools and skills. This spring, we will focus on self-care, interpersonal skills and confidence building. This program is the perfect lead-up to our counselor-in-training program at Children’s Island day camp this summer Questions? Reach out to Sarah Dowd dowds@northshoreymca.org.

Youth and teen kickboxing class

— ages 12-17

This class is a whole-body explosive workout. It is designed to teach the fundamentals of striking (punches, kicks, knees and elbows), emphasizing proper technique for safety and ultimately for a greater workout. Kickboxing can help to improve

COVID often brought out the best in Marblehead residents and leaders.

“While the world and national news was distressing and highlighted our fractures, this town grabbed an N95 and marched for George Floyd, amassing the largest single gathering in Marblehead history,” remembered Rev. Jim Bixby, leader of the Marblehead Ministerial Association and Marblehead Racial Justice Team. He continued, “Inclusion and community bundling became way harder, but our motivation to do so also grew. Many churches, businesses and small groups built infrastructure for online communication, commerce, even worship. Our choir learned how to record four-part choral songs through emailing and mixing them on a MacBook.”

Bixby added, “That’s one of the things I take away now: how to be more proactive and imaginative.”

That community spirit was especially powerful at the COA, Hooper said.

coordination, balance, flexibility, agility, power and cardio, all in an exciting and unique form that shakes up the monotony of a traditional workout plan. The class will include strength and conditioning work, shadow boxing, heavy rounds and pad work with the trainer to cover all the bases needed to become a solid kickboxer. Gloves are required and hand wraps are encouraged. There are a few gloves available.

Strong Girls – age 13

Strong Girls will inspire an appreciation of fitness, increase self-confidence, and build habits that lead to a lifetime of health. The program will include a fitness program led by a personal trainer that will be catered to the participants. Mindfulness and yoga may also be incorporated.

“It’s always amazing that no matter how dire the circumstance is, most people will jump in and do whatever it takes to help their neighbor,” she said.

Hooper offered several examples:

The COA did not have supplies of masks, gloves or hand sanitizer to offer volunteers grocery shopping for seniors, but each week, more than 30 people would go to Crosby’s.

Veterans Agent Dave Rodgers drove many veterans to Bedford and Gloucester for vaccines.

From March 2020 through July 2021, the COA served 7,750 graband-go meals, delivered 1,177 food pantry bags, 435 boxes of produce supplied by the Marblehead Community Charter Public School, 551 Boston Food Bank bags of groceries, more than 200 shelf-stable food bags donated by the Marblehead Female Humane Society and many holiday gifs, wreaths and meals.

“If you ask anyone here, they would say ‘We’d do it all over again,’” Hooper said.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

In the rotunda of Abbot Hall, Town Clerk Robin Michaud, left, and her assistant, Jennifer Glavin, post results from Super Tuesday’s presidential primary.

COURTESY PHOTO

Justin Cammarata is the Y’s new health and wellness director.

MHS students immerse themselves in culture, history on Spain trip

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Twenty-three Marblehead High School students traveled across Spain over February break,

visiting World Heritage sites and museums, cycling, shopping in bazaars and even dancing Flamenco.

“My number one goal is to create global citizens

who value other cultures and value multiple perspectives,” said MHS Spanish teacher Candice Sliney, who led the trip. “I chose this particular itinerary because of its rich historic value, and topics we teach at MHS appeared in multiple cities we visited.”

Sophomore Sydney Berman said the trip “opened my eyes to culture” and “showed me how vital it can be to step out of my comfort zone.”

“This trip has changed the way I see the world,” she said.

The students spent three nights in Madrid and visited nearby Toledo, a World Heritage site known as “the city of three cultures” for its Christian, Muslim and Jewish influences.

They also spent time at the Prado and Reina Sofia museums, where they viewed Pablo Picasso’s anti-war masterpiece, “Guernica.”

“Sophomores learn about the Spanish Civil War and the most important social protest masterpiece of the 20th century, so seeing it in person was impactful,” Sliney said.

Next, the teens traveled by coach bus through the plains of La Mancha, land of Don Quixote, en route to Córdoba.

“Then we traveled to Seville with its rich history, and we strolled through the whitewashed Santa Cruz neighborhood to enjoy the Jewish quarter,” Sliney said. “We also got some exercise with a bike tour through Seville to see the Plaza de España.”

In Granada, the former seat of Spain’s Moorish kingdom, the group visited the Alhambra palace and bought souvenirs in the Alcaicería, a former Muslim silk bazaar.

The trip ended in Mijas, a beach town on the Costa del Sol.

“To be fully immersed in the Spanish culture, language, cities and traditions was truly an incredible experience to have,” said sophomore William Pelliciotti. “It was truly a magical trip, and I will cherish the memories and the knowledge and lessons I’ve learned from it forever.”

MHS students wrap up a whirlwind trip to Spain in Mijas, on the Costa del Sol.

PHOTOS

The students get a lesson in flamenco dancing.

MHS students make a stop while cycling through Seville

TD G arDEN ParTY

Sports

After surviving a semifinals thriller, Headers are poised to bring home title

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Through the first two periods in the Division 3 state semifinal game against Shawsheen (222, second seed) at a packed Stoneham Arena (estimated to be around 2,000 fans) on March 9, the Marblehead Hockey Headers (16-9-1, sixth seed) led in shots, 17-10, and had a 2-1 lead to boot.

While the game ultimately ended up that way, Shawsheen was all over the Headers in the third period and also outshot the Marblehead boys, 8-2. But junior goalie Leo Burdge and defensemen like freshman Will Sullivan were equal to the task to preserve the one-goal victory to send their teammates onto the TD Garden to play for the Division 3 state title for the first time in 13 years on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17.

“There are no words to describe it,” said coach Mark Marfione afterward. “We knew Shawsheen would be a hurdle for us to jump over. We would have to play pretty much a perfect game in order to do so.”

But that’s what his team did to now get that chance to win the program’s second-ever state title, with the first one coming 13 years ago in 2011.

Junior Kyle Hart scored the first goal of the game in the opening stanza on the power play assisted by senior captain Hogan Sedky and junior James Caeran.

The Rams then scored the equalizer early on in the second, before sophomore London McDonald put one home on a breakaway from Sedky with just over two minutes to go in the frame, which turned out to be the game-winner.

The Headers had to kill off two late penalties to seal the deal after they were caught with too many men on the ice, followed by a tripping violation. But Burdge and company were ready for the Shawsheen barrage that was compounded by the Rams pulling their goalie for an extra skater.

“I trust (goalie) Leo (Burdge) and our defensemen to get the job done,” Marfione said. “(Sophomore) Toby Grenier made a tremendous diving stop to prevent a sure late goal. He just loves to sacrifice his body to block shots. I also have complete trust in freshman Will Sullivan to get the job done back there, and he was right there again for us in this game.”

Marfione never had a doubt that this team could recover from starting the season losing six straight games.

“Everything’s fixable,” he said. “I always knew we had a chance to recover from it.”

It’s now on to the Garden on St. Patrick’s Day, where the Headers will face Nauset (22-11, top seed) after the Cape Cod team defeated Somerset-Berkley Regional (18-3-2, 12th seed), 6-0 in the other state semifinal game on March 10.

After the last two months, these Headers are on a roll, and Marfione knows it. “We are not the underdogs anymore. We should be the team to win it,” he said after the thriller against the

Rams at Stoneham.

Marfione’s captain also never lost confidence in the team.

“We never thought about giving up after losing our first six games, because many of those games were one-goal losses,”

Sedky said. “And that was all right because you have to take those losses as opportunities. We responded to them with hard work and the right mindset. We started capitalizing (on that approach). We were

working together. It was almost incredible to watch.

“I never thought my last high school (hockey) game would be at the TD Garden, but after looking at this team earlier in the year, I knew we had a chance

to get there. But now, we just don’t want to be there, we want to bring the (championship) hardware home.”

Beating Scituate

Noah Feingold and Charlie Grenier scored first-period goals, 62 seconds apart, to give the Headers the early lead they would never relinquish. Ben Wales was credited with an assist on Feingold’s goal.

James Mackenzie set up Grenier’s lamplighter. Overall, the Headers were credited with 23 shots on net.

Scituate’s James Sullivan netted a power play goal in the third period to trim the deficit in half with six minutes left in the game. But junior goalie Leo Burdge and his teammates stymied the Sailors the rest of the way to secure the Elite 8 triumph. Burdge came up with 25 saves in this game to frustrate the Sailor shooters.

“This was a big team win for us,” said coach Mark Marfione afterward. “Our freshmen,Noah Feingold and Will Sullivan, really stepped up in this game.”

Marfione has been critical about the team’s attention to details in some games this year, but he was really pleased with that aspect of the game against Scituate.

Shawsheen junior Larry Cullity and Marblehead junior James Caeran congratulate each other at the conclusion of the Division 3 ice hockey Final

game at Stoneham Arena, Saturday. Marblehead defeated Shawsheen, 2-1.

Marblehead sophomore Avin Rodovsky takes the face-off with Shawsheen senior captain Chase Darcey.

Girls basketball seniors Burns, Pyne reflect on life as athletes in Marblehead

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Marblehead High girls basketball senior captains Kate Burns and Katie Pyne played their last scholastic game on Feb. 27 against host Westboro (13-9, 33rd seed) in a Division 2 preliminary round game. They led this year’s youthful squad to a 14-8 regular season record, and were the 33rd seed, only to lose a close game to Westboro on the road, 57-49. Westboro went on to lose to Medfield, the top seed, in the Round of 32. Medfield remains in the championship hunt as an Elite 8 team.

But it’s never easy for a high school senior on any team to take off the uniform one last time, especially in their own hometown. In the ensuing text, both Burns and Pyne provide insight on what it was like to grow up in Marblehead playing sports from the youth leagues to the Magicians.

Burns begins athletic career early

Kate Burns started playing sports at a really young age, participating in lacrosse, basketball and soccer.

“I played (those sports) in youth town leagues, and continued to play (them) throughout middle school and high school,” she said. “My parents never pushed me to participate in sports, but when it became an interest of mine, they always supported me.”

Her parents, Kim and Chris, also had an athletic background. Mom was a field hockey player, while dad played lacrosse and soccer, and was also a skier. She also has an older brother, Will, 20.

While not laced with championship moments, Kate says the youth sports journey still contained valuable experiences and lessons for her.

Burns credits some of her coaches for much of her success.

“One coach who has had a significant influence on me is Annie Madden, who coaches my (high school) lacrosse team,” she said. “She has played a big role in my development both as a player on the field and as a person off the field. Her coaching style and guidance have helped me improve my skills and grow as a player. I play defense, and as a defender we often don’t receive as much recognition as those

who score goals and get assists, but coach Madden has made me feel valued and appreciated for my contributions to the team.

“In my junior year, she named me as an unsung hero, which meant a lot to me,” Burns added. “Her ability to instill a strong work ethic and make every player feel valued has made her a favorite coach of mine.”

Burns has been on the varsity lacrosse team since freshman year. She has been playing varsity soccer since sophomore year. “I am also a captain for both of those teams, and being a three-sport athlete, it allows me to compete throughout the year and pursue my passion for sports,” she said.

She has been on the girls basketball team all four years.

“Katie and I got called up to participate in varsity practices during our freshman year, but were officially on varsity in our sophomore year,” Burns said.

MHS girls basketball coach Paul Moran has also meant a lot to Burns.

“He is a great coach, who has been a huge influence on me as a basketball player. He has pushed me to work my hardest to become the best player I could possibly be,” she said. “He taught me valuable lessons about perseverance and determination,

which extend beyond the basketball court.”

As she winds down her life as a high school student-athlete, Burns is plotting her next chapter.

“I plan to major in business in college. I’ve been accepted to Indiana University, Penn State, Ohio State and Chapman University. I’m also waiting to hear back from Villanova, University of Southern California, Wisconsin, UCLA, UCSB (University of California at Santa Barbara), UCSD (University of California at San Diego) and University of California at Davis. While I won’t be playing varsity-level sports in college, I anticipate trying out for club teams to continue my passion for athletics,” she said. Sports is a family affair for Pyne

Katie Pyne’s first introduction to sports was on a soccer pitch in preschool. She didn’t start playing basketball until middle school. She also enjoys skiing, tennis, running and weightlifting.

“Everyone in my family — parents Matt and Kim, and younger brother Liam (baseball, football, golf), 14 — likes sports and being active, so it has always been a part of my life,” Pyne

added. “My grandparents — Alan and Marie Petersen — who live in town, also love sports, and they didn’t miss a single basketball game this season.”

Katie enjoyed early success in sports. “I will never forget winning a club soccer tournament in a shootout in the eighth grade,” she said. “Back then, I was a goalie, so it was a lot of pressure. Luckily, we won, and I will never forget my teammates running at me in goal to celebrate after making the final save.”

To be successful in sports, an athlete still needs good coaching, and Pyne has had that over the years. “I have been lucky to have great coaches my whole life. They have motivated me, while also helping shape me into the person I am today,” she added.

“Recently, the coach who has impacted me the most is Mimi O’Connell. Not only do I look up to her as a basketball player — she was a 1,000-point scorer in Division 1 — but I also look up to her off the court.

She has improved my selfconfidence, as well as our team camaraderie. (She) helped improve my skills so much in the offseason, and is always willing to shoot and give us extra drills. She truly loves the game, and we appreciate all the time she

has dedicated to us. We would not have had such a successful season without her help.”

Pyne played soccer and basketball all four years at MHS. She was on the tennis team as a freshman, but then gave it up to concentrate on club soccer and AAU basketball in the spring.

“Although my freshman basketball season was shortened, because of COVID, I have been on the varsity for three full seasons since sophomore year,” said Pyne. “The biggest highlight on the court was definitely beating Peabody this season. Our team has always been intimidated by Peabody, and until this year they were undefeated in the NEC for multiple consecutive seasons. The first time we played them this year we lost by a lot. The second time we played them, we won by five, which shows how much our team improved and how much we wanted to win. Off the court, we went on memorable trips to Florida and Springfield, and got to play at the Garden, all experiences that helped with team bonding. We were very lucky to have these opportunities.”

She has also enjoyed playing for coach Moran all four years, saying, “although tough, he always has our best interests at heart. He sees the hidden potential in players before they see it themselves, and pushes everyone to be the best players they can be. He knows so much about the game and has years of coaching experience, so (we are) fortunate to have him. The biggest thing I have learned from him this year is that embracing change is important. Coach Moran has been coaching for many years, and has always had success doing things the same way. Halfway through this season, during a losing streak, he realized that he needed to switch things up. Even though it created more work for him, it worked, and we ended up being one of the only teams in the (Northeastern) conference to make the tournament.”

Pyne will attend Wake Forest University in North Carolina in the fall, where she plans to major in biology and environmental science. She hopes to play club soccer and basketball, while continuing to run and lift on the next level.

MYBA crowns championship teams after historic season

BY JOE MCCONNELL

As the final buzzer sounded Thursday night, March 7, the Marblehead Youth Basketball Association’s town season came to a thrilling close. It served up a wild ride of upsets, heart-stopping games and showdowns that had fans on the edge of their seats.

“It was an outstanding season of fun,” said MYBA President Bob Lemmond. “We played over 400 games, with 300 players. But here’s the best news of all: more kids in Marblehead played basketball this season than ever before. And, our playoff tournament did not disappoint.”

The 2023-24 season concluded with an anything can happen, double-elimination tournament that crowned a champion for each of MYBA’s three town divisions.

The College League Championship (grades 3-4) featured a matchup between the first-place Bruins going up against the Hoosiers after both teams advanced through the playoffs with impressive wins over other top-seeded opponents.

The Bruins prevailed in the finals, 28-17 after pulling away in the second half with tight defense and fast-break conversions.

Zachary Weisman paced the Bruins attack with 12 points.

Grayson Whyman and Charlie Ainlay chipped in with seven and five points, respectively.

Teddy Dwyer (8 points) and August DiCicco (6) kept the Hoosiers within striking distance.

“We asked our boys to give everything they had, and they responded with a tremendous

effort,” Bruins head coach Eric Weisman said. “It’s a group of boys with a lot of heart, and they showed their resilience and poise, just like they had all season long.”

The Junior Varsity League (grades 5-6) champions were determined after the Spurs and Pelicans needed two games to decide a winner.

The Spurs took the opening contest, 62-46, while the Pelicans prevailed in the final, 50-33.

After scoring 29 points in game one, the Spurs’ David Korede led all scorers with 17 points in the

finals. But overall, the Pelicans proved to be too much. Myles Olmstead finished up with 15 points. Oliver Velluto was next in line with 10 to help secure the Pelicans’ championship.

The Varsity League (grades 7-8) championship also needed two games to decide a champion.

The Magic defeated the Raptors, 50-46 in the first game. But the Raptors then stormed back to win the championship, 44-37.

These were two great matchups played by two highly skilled teams.

Tommy McGovern led the Raptors with 18 points and 4 blocks in the finale. He also affected countless other shots on defense. Rylan Bruell was credited with 12 critical points for the victors.

The Magic made an impressive, late-game run that trimmed the deficit to two points. Trent Brown was the team leader with 14 points. Madden Lyons accounted for 12 points.

Lemmond offered these final comments on the season.

“Each and every team in the MYBA this year should be proud. All of our players improved their skills, played in some great games and most important of all had fun with their friends,” he said.

“MYBA is also so fortunate to have an incredible group of volunteers, board members, coaches and wonderful partners like the Marblehead Public Schools, Tower School and Fred Forsgard and his exceptional team of officials. None of this would be possible without all of their support. We can’t wait to do it all over again next season.”

COURTESY PHOTOS / ROSE RAYMOND

Marblehead High senior captain Kate Burns (22) shoots over her opponent during a game this year.

Marblehead High senior captain Katie Pyne (4) brings the ball up court looking to make a play during a game this year.

The Bruins’ Zachary Weisman goes hard to the basket for two points against the Hoosiers during the College League title game.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Magic’s Madden Lyons goes up for a score, with the Raptors’

Tommy McGovern closely defending him during the Varsity League finale last week.

Best bets coming up in Marblehead

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander

Spring fever

Tuesday, March 19, 6:45 a.m.

Welcome spring at the sun circle at Preston Beach. The annual vernal equinox ceremony will begin with the blowing of a conch shell as the sun rises. All are welcome to bring metal instruments such as Tibetan bowls and chimes. There will be remarks, intentions and a gong sound bath. Community members are invited to share a poem, song or message.

Five Glover Houses in Marblehead

Monday, March 18, 6:30

p.m.-8 p.m.

Dive into Marblehead’s architectural heritage at a talk about five Glover family homes from the mid-1700s, with photos, beginning with Gen. John Glover’s handsome Georgian-style home located on today’s Glover Square, near the public town landing on Front Street. Glover’s heroism in the American Revolution is well known, but this talk will feature stories about the homes, lives and families of Glover and his three brothers. The program, at Abbot Library and on Zoom, will be led by Judy Anderson, a social and cultural historian with a focus on architecture, daily life and women’s and family history. Register at abbotlibrary.org.

Spring celebrations continue

Tuesday, March 19, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.

Join Abbot Library’s adult services librarian Wesley Sueker in welcoming spring on the equinox. Sueker will share a presentation on the history and science of the equinox and common equinox practices around the world. Stay for a seedplanting activity. The event is free and limited to 10 people. More info at abbotlibrary.org.

A ‘pyrates’ tale

Sunday, March 17, 2 p.m.

Come to Old North Church for a reading of New York Times bestselling author Katherine Howe’s new book, “A True Account: Hannah Masury’s Sojourn Among the Pyrates, Written by Herself.”

Howe, who lives in Marblehead, partnered with newsman Anderson Cooper on their bestseller “Vanderbilt and Astor.”

Saving Our Shoreline

Wednesday, March 20, 6:45 p.m.- 8 p.m.

Salem Sound Coast Watch Executive Director Barbara Warren will share how Massachusetts and Salem Sound communities in particular are grappling with climate change and storm surges. She’ll also discuss new resilience-building projects.

BY MELISSA STACEY

The following is an interview with Ashley O’Shea, owner of Relux Décor Interior Styling & Home Staging, conducted by Discover Marblehead. To learn more about O’Shea’s design services, go to reluxdecor.com.

Tell us about Relux Décor and why you started it. I established Relux Décor in 2015 after providing personal, interior styling consulting to friends and family for years. I believe interior design should be accessible to people with any project scope and budget. I’m also passionate about getting homeowners the most amount of money for their home when they want to sell. I specialize in home preparation consultations for sellers to help get their photographs MLS- ready, resulting in higher traffic, more offers and increased financial outcome.

What is the best piece

of business advice you’ve ever received? “Believe in yourself.” Although it seems straightforward, sometimes as a business owner it’s difficult. When faced with obstacles or failures, it’s easy to start doubting oneself. I discovered that being successful as an entrepreneur requires having a

strong sense of self belief.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? My little home near Redd’s Pond. I’m reminded every day how far I’ve come and how lucky I am to be surrounded by such history and beauty. Spending time with my son, Elliot, and my dog,

Finnegan, fulfills me the most. I also happen to have the best neighbors in all of Marblehead (including the ducks).

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I come from a family with a remarkable entrepreneurial spirit. My family

boasts a legacy of successful businesswomen, with ventures like Jambu, Ocean House Surf, Lomac Designs and Yoga Bodhi, which were created and owned by my aunts and cousins.

The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.

Abbot Public Library renovation nears finish line

BY WILL DOWD

The $10 million renovation of the Abbot Public Library is nearing completion, with plans to reopen the facility in June, the library’s executive director, Kimberly Grad, told the Marblehead Current.

Construction crews are finishing interior and exterior work on the building at 235 Pleasant St., which closed in October 2022. Once reopened, patrons can expect major improvements like a redesigned main floor, an accessible courtyard, small meeting rooms, a makerspace and more.

“I’m so excited to welcome the community of Marblehead to the renovated library,” Grad said. “It’s bright and airy with a classic design. It will be the perfect place to meet friends or colleagues, attend a program or a gallery exhibit, work on a project, find your next great read or speak with our friendly staff for recommendations.”

The project has been years in the making, with planning starting in late 2017. The town approved funding in June 2021, which included an $8.5 million override plus $1.5 million from the library’s nonprofit fundraising arm, the Abbot Public Library Foundation.

Gary Amberik, chair of the library’s board of trustees as well as the renovation oversight committee, said accessing that funding and community support has been a major success.

“The fact that we were able to raise $1 million in private

funding towards the renovation is amazing,” Amberik said.

So far, costs have remained on budget without any major changes, he said. With price spikes due to inflation, the project did use up its full contingency fund but will still finish within the original $10 million goal.

One of Amberik’s favorite new features include the maker space, which will feature technology like a laser cutter, 3D printer and podcast studio.

Since its closure in the fall of 2022, the library has been operating out of the former Eveleth Elementary School at 3 Brook Road — a temporary relocation that Grad said has worked well. Attendance and circulation saw double-digit percentage increases in 2023

even in the smaller interim space.

“We have been welcomed by the neighborhood around 3 Brook Road,” she said.

“Patrons especially enjoyed the convenience and the large parking lot. We attracted a small group of teen volunteers and the children’s room was busier than ever, likely boosted by the proximity of the recently spruced-up neighboring Hobbs Playground.”

With the Pleasant Street building soon ready for its longawaited re-debut, Grad’s team is now planning the transition back. That will include shifting utilities, IT infrastructure and internet access back to the permanent library ahead of new furniture and shelving deliveries.

“Contractors are currently

working on finishing the interior and exterior of the library, and later on this spring, landscapers will be tending to the library grounds,” said Grad. “Meanwhile, I am working on a detailed move-in plan in which we will be accepting deliveries of furniture, shelving and equipment and items that we have stored during the renovation.”

Both locations of the library will be closed for a few weeks later this spring.

“During the first phase of the move, staff will only be available by email while we shift phone and internet service back to Pleasant Street,” Grad said.

The library maintained full operations with no layoffs during construction by adapting programs and services. Now

Grad looks forward to enhanced offerings enabled by the renovation.

Upgrades like new selfcheckout kiosks, digital signs, stronger Wi-Fi, a video conferencing-ready event center and more will improve access and better position the library to serve Marblehead for years to come, Grad said.

An official ribbon cutting and grand opening event will be announced in May. For now, finishing touches continue both inside and out as the building enters its final months of revitalization.

“We’ve come a long way but still have a lot to finish ahead of the reopening of the library, but we are still on track for a late spring grand opening,” Amberik said.

Board approves $208K in ARPA grants

To date, 29 projects worth $5.5M have been funded

BY WILL DOWD

The Marblehead Select Board recently approved $208,100 in American Rescue Plan Act grants to enhance public infrastructure and support education initiatives across town.

The latest round of funding focuses on three areas: upgrading the playground at the former Gerry School site, providing professional development for the public schools’ literacy program, and replacing windows at the Marblehead Counseling Center.

“The town sold the old former Gerry School and the areas behind it and retained the playground area. The playground served the now-closed school and was designed as such,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told the Select Board. “The current structures there are past their lifetime.”

The $100,000 allocation for the Gerry School playground aims to create an inclusive and accessible neighborhood park that caters to the needs of families and residents.

“In addition, we expect to improve accessibility and inclusive features and provide an area for families and residents to gather,” said Kezer.

The ARPA funds will

Sugarman

From P. A4

most powerful ways that we can honor our person. Because it’s through remembering them and celebrating how they impacted our life that we extend and preserve their legacy. And probably one of the most profound ways grief benefits us is by acting as a bridge to

OBITUarY

Judith White, 102

Judith White of Peabody passed away peacefully in her sleep on Feb. 29, 2024, following a short period of declining health.

Less than four months shy of her 103rd birthday, she presented more like an 83-yearold than her chronological age.

She was predeceased by her husband of 72 years, Oscar White, and was the loving mother of two daughters, Roberta (Bobbi) Smith of Marblehead and Joanne White of Arlington, Massachusetts.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Judy was the daughter of Celia (Newman) and Solomon Sack. She grew up in Coney Island and Brighton Beach together with her parents and sister, Boomie, surrounded by the large extended Newman family.

Following her graduation from Brooklyn College, she pursued her master’s degree in chemistry at Brooklyn Polytech.

During World War II, she

supplement a $10,000 donation from the former school’s developers and neighborhood fundraising efforts.

The Select Board also approved $63,100 to support the second year of the Marblehead Public Schools’ Wit & Wisdom literacy program for grades K-6.

The funds will enable teachers, instructional coaches and administrators to enhance literacy instruction, target student needs and improve instructional observation tools.

Meanwhile, the Marblehead Counseling Center, housed in the Hobbs House, will benefit from a $45,000 allocation for window replacement.

“This funding will continue the efforts to make necessary improvements to the condition of the Hobbs House building,

healing. Because if we can’t find a way to grieve, we also can’t fully heal. So even though, on the surface, it seems like there can’t possibly be any value in grief, there is when you dig a little bit.

So, while I know that it’s hard to imagine being able to find happiness again while you’re in the thick of grieving, life has a funny way of allowing space for both joy and sadness to coexist.

worked for the Signal Corp. and then, together with her sister (who also had an advanced degree in chemistry!) worked as a chemist at General Aniline and Film.

When her children were older, she went back to work as assistant manager in a credit union.

Judy and Oscar were introduced by a mutual friend in 1947, and within a year they were married. They initially lived in a tiny one-room apartment in Greenwich Village.

From there, they moved to Yonkers and Queens, until they settled in their forever home in Pearl River, New York in 1957.

currently being utilized by the Marblehead Counseling Center,” Kezer said. “(The Counseling Center) is making internal improvements to the building by redesigning their office space to suit their needs.”

This investment will address weather damage, improve energy efficiency and complement the center’s ongoing interior renovations.

To date, Marblehead has approved 29 projects worth $5,567,127 out of the total $6,144,030 ARPA fund allocation, with $576,903 remaining for future projects. The majority of the funds, 55.47%, have been directed towards infrastructure projects. Education and academic support initiatives have received the second-largest share of ARPA

And once we gift ourselves permission to feel both of those things, that’s where healing is usually found.

If you or someone you know is struggling with grief, please call the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and a trained lifeline counselor will be there to help. You can also bookmark my Grief & Loss Resources on my Mental Health Resources page at lisasugarman. com/resources, so you’ll always

Judy and Oscar were best friends. It was rare that you saw one without the other, and together they shared numerous interests. They were passionate about early music and devoted considerable time to playing, performing and studying recorder, viola de gamba, and other Elizabethan instruments.

They traveled extensively internationally and were active participants at Elder Hostels (now Road Scholar).

Their weekly rituals included a team approach to the New York Times crossword puzzles (always in ink!), regular early morning walks through the mall and Sunday cooking events where they prepared multiple entrees for their ever-full freezer. They didn’t dwell on being old and were always ready for the next adventure.

When Oscar died suddenly just prior to the pandemic, Judy knew she wanted to be closer to her daughters. At the age of 99, she sold the home she had lived in for 64 years and moved 250 miles away into an apartment at Brooksby Village, a community

funds at 16.57%, totaling $922,814.50. Economic development and COVID-19 recovery efforts have been allocated 14.27% of the funds, while nonschool technology and digital initiatives have received 5.93%.

Public health initiatives have been granted 5.90% of the ARPA funds, and recreational infrastructure has received 1.80%.

A list of projects so far

approved by the Select Board:

» — Rail Trail-Lead Mills: $1,426,200 DPW Refueling Tanks: $972,010

Replenishing reserve ARPA formula: $584,142

» Replace fiber connection: $500,000

» School literacy lesson plan study: $400,000 School/town financial software upgrade: $231,902

» School/town financial software upgrade: $231,901.50

» Mental health treatment, resources, support: $200,000 Administrative ARPA implementation staffing support: $150,000

» Redds Pond renovation (design/engineering): $100,000

Gerry School Playground and Park Improvement:

have the resources you need when you need them most.

Lisa Sugarman is an author, nationally syndicated columnist, three-time survivor of suicide loss, mental health advocate and crisis counselor with The Trevor Project. She’s also a storyteller with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and the host of The Suicide Survivor Series on YouTube. Lisa is also

where she knew no one.

Fiercely independent, it didn’t take long for her to embrace the community and for them to embrace her. She was game to try just about everything. She found a group of recorder players and began playing and performing with them, she became a regular at Improv, she volunteered at the thrift shop and the library, she joined two book clubs and a knitting group, and was a regular Scrabble and Skip-Bo player.

Judy enthusiastically attended lectures and cultural events and, up until the last several months, she was walking (proudly unassisted) close to a quartermile a day. She formed many incredible friendships at Brooksby, and it was the support of these wonderful devoted friends that kept her going until the very end.

Judy was frequently asked about her secrets to longevity. She would say “chocolate.” We think it was also her openness, her positive attitude, her inquisitive nature and her commitment to continuous learning. She was a role model to

$100,000

» COVID-19 public health response-IHealth Labs Inc.: $76,600

After-school programming: $75,000

Schools-technology 1: $67,200

» School professional development: $63,100

Information booth and plaza upgrade: $60,311

Computer replacement for connectivity upgrades-Valley Communications: $53,845.17

» Equip meeting spaces with hybrid technology: $50,611

Hobbs House windows replacement: $45,000

Chart of accounts: $32,600

» Chart of accounts: $32,600

» Rail Trail-project grant match: $28,000

» Schools-classroom equipment: $27,313

Summer learning program: $20,000

» Computer equipment for connectivity: $15,086.29

» Rail Trail-construction management: $8,000

COVID-19 public health response-Kittredge Equipment Co.: $7,008

» Equip meeting spaces with hybrid technology: $5,700

» Audit firms consulting assistance with ARPA: $2,996.88

a Survivor of Suicide Loss Grief Group facilitator for Samaritans Inc. and she’s the author of “How To Raise Perfectly Imperfect Kids And Be OK With It,” “Untying Parent Anxiety” and “LIFE: It Is What It Is.” Her work has appeared on Healthline Parenthood, Grown and Flown, TODAY.com Parents, Thrive Global, The Washington Post, LittleThings and More Content Now.

so many who knew her.

In addition to her daughters, Bobbi and Joanne (Ted Friedman), she is survived by grandchildren, Zach Smith of Brooklyn, New York, Doron (Helen) Erez of Godalming, U.K., and Ilan Erez of Arlington, Massachusetts; greatgranddaughter, Aria Erez, of Godalming, U.K.; and sister, Boomie Cahn of Pearl River, New York.

She was predeceased by her husband, Oscar, sons-in-law, Dan Smith and Zvi Erez, and brotherin-law, Arno Cahn.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Monday, March 25 at 1 p.m. at the Windsor Restaurant at Brooksby Village, located at 101 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody.

Donations in Judy’s memory can be made to Brooksby Village Resident Care Fund, 300 Brooksby Village Drive, Attn. Philanthropy Office – Hope Moore, Peabody, MA 01960. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the White family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

Kathy (Kelley) Herald, 70

Mary Kathleen (Kelley) Herald, affectionately known as Kathy, passed away on Feb. 29, 2024, with her loving husband and immediate family by her side in Belleair Bluffs, Florida, after bravely facing cancer. Born in Salem, Massachusetts, on March 17, 1953, Kathy lived a vibrant and fulfilling life that touched the hearts of many. She is survived by her devoted husband of 30 years, William Scott Herald, and their children,

Richard P. Marrs, 95

Beloved husband, father and grandfather, Richard P. Marrs, 95, died after many months of declining health.

Dick was born on January 18, 1929, to Gertrude (McGlone) and John Marrs in Salem. He graduated from Salem High School in 1946 and enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a corporal stationed in the Philippine Islands. He earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations and communications from Boston University in 1951 and a master’s degree in education from Salem State College in 1961.

During Dick’s early career, he pursued a variety of

William H. Goodwin Jr., 90

William H. Goodwin Jr., 90, of Lyman, Maine, and formerly Marblehead, died at the Gosnell Hospice House in Scarborough, Maine, on Jan. 6. He was “born, bread and buttered” in Marblehead, where he was active in the community and served on town boards and committees. He was a varsity football coach at Marblehead High School. He was one of the co-founders of Marblehead Youth Football, and its first president. He was instrumental in bringing the Boston Patriots to Marblehead in 1961 for an intrasquad game as a fundraiser to purchase equipment and uniforms for the league. He was a corporator at the Marblehead Savings Bank

Ryan DeRoo of Danvers, Massachusetts; Kelley DeRoo of Largo, Florida; Mathew Herald (Emily) of Derry, New Hampshire; and Jennifer Herald McIntire of Brunswick, Maine.

Karen A.

Landry, 64

Karen A. Landry, 64, of Marblehead passed away on March 6 after battling Alzheimer’s the past six years.

Karen was born on Dec. 12, 1959, in Lynn. She was the beloved daughter of the late Norman and Arline Landry.

She was the devoted mother

positions in communications, human resources and business operations, working for CBS Electronics, Star Market Company, the United Cerebral Palsy Association, Associated Industries of Massachusetts and the General Electric Company. He entered the field of higher education when he became the assistant to the president

Robert W. Sides Jr., 80

Robert Whittemore Sides, Jr., 80, of Marblehead died peacefully, surrounded by family, on March 1, 2024, in Marblehead. Son of the late Robert W. and Kate Boyce Sides, he was born in Boston on March 25, 1943. He grew up in Andover and graduated from Phillips Academy Andover, Class of 1961, and the University of Denver, Class of 1966.

for many years. Goodwin was a 32-degree Mason and Proud Brother of the Philanthropic Lodge of Marblehead for 47 years until his passing.

Bill graduated from Marblehead High School in 1951, where he was an excellent twosport athlete. Following a year at Cushing Academy, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Upon being honorably discharged from the service, he enrolled at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst,

Kathy was also a cherished aunt and grandmother of five. She was predeceased by her parents, Charles E. Kelley Jr. and Mary C. Kelley, and her brother Charles E. Kelley III (Chucky).

Kathy is warmly remembered by her siblings, Christine A. Kelley (Donald Bottaro) of Edgewater, Maryland, and Michael J. Kelley of Wells, Maine, along with numerous cousins and a wide circle of friends.

She graduated from Marblehead High School and Salem State College with a bachelor’s degree in nursing. Kathy’s successful career as a registered nurse included service at University/Boston City Hospital and West Bay Surgery

of Ashley, Joe and Noel; the treasured guardian of Megan; the cherished grandmother of Declan; and the dearest older sister of Colleen and Charlene. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Karen was a dedicated, loving, caring, hard-working mother and also friend to many. Her smile would light up the room, and her caring demeanor will always be remembered. Her helping hand,

of Massachusetts College of Art, followed by a long and distinguished career at Salem State College, where he was the director of planning and development, the first dean of administration and the vice president of administration and finance.

After retiring in 1989, Dick worked briefly as the acting city auditor for the city of Salem, serving under then-mayor Neil Harrington. Married to his wife Diane (Kelley) for 61 years, Dick was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who put family first and took great pride in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren. In the late 1990s and beyond, he and Diane took on part-time caregiver roles for their three young grandchildren, and Dick said it was the best job he ever had. He

Bucky, as he was known, was a financial advisor in Boston for over 30 years, mainly at Smith Barney, where he mentored many young people into productive careers.

A member of the Eastern Yacht Club in Marblehead and the Hillsboro Club in Hillsboro Beach, Florida, he was a competitive sailor and tennis player as well as a passionate hockey player and proud Marblehead Youth Hockey coach.

Bucky is survived by his

where he played hockey and excelled on the gridiron.

Goodwin was a co-captain of the UMASS Redmen Football Team for the 1958 campaign. He was one of only three UMASS players to be named to the first team All Yankee Conference during the entire 1950s decade. He received his bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1959. Bill’s desire to explore the great outdoors allowed him to travel to Mexico and then most of Alaska, during his younger years while working for the US Fish & Wildlife Service.

In his professional career Goodwin worked in the petroleum industries for over 20 years. His knowledge of wholesale and retail products, as well as marketing and operations, allowed him a unique opportunity to work for both large corporations and smaller companies. Goodwin’s hands-on approach to systems,

Center in Florida.

Having spent most of her life in her beloved Marblehead, Kathy later embraced the warmth of Florida’s Gulf Coast. She had a passion for family vacations in Mexico and Grand Cayman Island, enjoying the sun, sea and sand. An avid boater, Kathy found happiness on the water and cultivated beautiful gardens at home. Her love for reading, spending time with family and friends, and irrepressible zest for life defined her character.

Kathy’s contagious laugh was legendary, making any gathering so much brighter. She was known for her lively spirit, which could turn even the most solemn moments into occasions

kind heart and loving soul will be missed by many.

Karen was a Lynn native who graduated from Lynn Classical High School, Class of 1977. She raised her family in Swampscott and worked at GE for 40 years.

Karen enjoyed going to the beach, bowling, watching her soap operas and cooking new recipes! You could always catch her at Dunkin’ getting her daily coffee and chocolate munchkin

loved attending their activities and sports events, taking them on trips and being an important influence in their lives.

A great joy for Dick was summers spent with family and friends at the cottage he bought for his family in 1969 on beautiful Sunset Lake in Hampstead, New Hampshire. Proud of his Irish heritage and a lifelong Boston sports fan, he greatly valued friendships made throughout his lifetime and particularly maintained many close friends from his childhood in Salem. Dick was a man of great faith and a communicant at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead. In addition to his wife, Diane, he is survived by his daughter Nancy of Marblehead, son Neil (Noel Chhut) of Greenport, New York, and

wife of 48 years, Margaret S. Sides of Marblehead, and his two children, Parker W. Sides and his wife Lori M. Sides of Marblehead, and Rebecca S. Capellan and her husband Henry Capellan of New York City. He is survived by his four sisters, Kate S. Flather, Sophie S. Cowan, Lucie S. Bourdon and Natalie S. Miller; two stepsons, Paul D. Chesterton and David S. Chesterton; and three grandchildren, Robert W. Sides III, Andrew D. Sides and Wesley J. Capellan.

installations, and service was an asset to both customers and corporations. Goodwin relocated to southern Maine, where he started the “Up the Creek” Farm in Lyman, Maine. For many years, he planted, harvested and sold fresh produce and vegetables from his roadside farmstand. Goodwin was an avid outdoorsman. He trained and bred hunting dogs. He was an experienced mariner and yachtsman. He was an accomplished builder and woodworker. In his spare time, he wrote poetry and enjoyed drawing. In recent years, he was thrilled to be associated with the “Forever Marblehead” group, recalling events and stories of Marblehead people and historical events, growing up in town from the early 1930s to present. Goodwin is survived by his longtime partner Angie Josjar of Lyman, Maine, daughter Lori A. Goodwin, of Amesbury,

of shared laughter. Her radiant personality and natural love of life were gifts that endeared her to all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held in the spring in Marblehead. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Moffitt Cancer Center (give.moffitt.org), Suncoast Hospice Foundation (tinyurl. com/3jh2feec) or a charity of your choice, honoring Kathy’s memory and the resilience she demonstrated throughout her life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Kathy’s family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

fix.

Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, March 13, from 4-8 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., followed by a funeral service to be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 14 at the funeral home. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Landry family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

daughter Gail Morrison (Jeffrey) of Marblehead, his three grandchildren Jack, Peter and Kelly Morrison, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brothers Edward and Albert Marrs and his sister Joan Mason, all of Salem. A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, March 12, at Star of the Sea Church.

The Marrs Family is grateful for the services and care provided by the staff of All Care in Lynn. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name may be directed to Marblehead Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 4, Marblehead, MA 01945 (note Richard Marrs Scholarship on the check’s memo line). For more information or an online guestbook, please visit MurphFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

His memorial celebration will be held at noon Friday, March 15 at the Eastern Yacht Club, preceded by a funeral at Church of St. Andrew in Marblehead at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be private at the Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Sides family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org.

son W. Hooper Goodwin III, and daughter-in-law Jody R. Goodwin of Salem. He also leaves behind grandchildren

Cassidy R. Goodwin and husband Zaid Al Khaled of Kuwait; Stanford R. Goodwin of Salem; Athena R. Goodwin and husband James Webb of Jackson, Wyoming; great grandchildren Najla Zaid Al Khaled and Yacoub Zaid Al Khaled; sister Janis Goodwin Gallagher and her husband Daniel, sister Linda Goodwin Balser and her husband Donald; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents William H. Goodwin Sr. and Hattie Louise (Horne) Goodwin; sister Margery Goodwin Brown and her husband Frank Brown; and brother Edward H. Goodwin and his wife Norma (Price) Goodwin. A graveside service and celebration of life is scheduled for July 11 at 11 a.m at Waterside Cemetery, on West Shore Drive.

Shining a light on the news you care about!

Headlight

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

www.mhsheadlight.com

Busting the myth of the (Math) person

Georgia Marshall, Freshman

Everybody has that one class. You know, the one you just can’t seem to wrap your head around. You tell yourself that it’s okay and not as hard as you’re making it out to be. Just ask for help, right? First, you beg your friend who seems to know what’s going on to grant you their wisdom. They try to explain it, but it won’t click. So you turn to your teacher. As they describe the process of unlocking this knowledge, it makes sense. But when you sit down to do the work, the words/ numbers/scientific jargon float around in front of your eyes, and you’re just as confused as before. Maybe you ask for help from a parent or meet with your tutor a couple of times, but eventually, you come to a realization that sets you free. The answer is clear: this class just isn’t for you. You aren’t a (math/English/science/history) person. Your brain isn’t wired to understand it. So why keep trying? Putting your energy into things that aren’t for you is a waste of time. Right?

Wrong. Believe it or not, this class that you seemingly can’t crack the code for is more accessible than you realize. Each person has a unique perspective, but that doesn’t erase the importance of having a broader one - an understanding of things beyond what we find comfortable. I know, I know what you’re thinking. There’s no way that I’ll have to understand Punnett squares to be a lawyer. Worrying about how important each class is to your future isn’t going to do any good, because it doesn’t erase the fact that you have to take them to graduate. The trick is to work through whatever is confusing you. But I’ve tried to work through it! The truth is, there might not be a quick, allencompassing fix. If a certain class is challenging for you, it's not necessarily guaranteed that one day it will all fall into place. You might need extra help or extra time occasionally. But that doesn’t mean you have to write it off immediately. Nothing is completely out of your grasp. The key to understanding the class is to change your mindset. It’s all about using your mind to control your reality, rather than letting it warp your perspective.

By sixth grade, I had concluded that I wasn’t “a math person.” I made this illinformed decision in fourth grade while watching everyone around me zip through multiplication tables like lightning while I sat and tried to make my brain register the number “3.” I had nothing against people who could somehow understand the

indecipherable language of numbers. However, I was (and still am) much more comfortable with words and books than I am with numbers and formulas. So, at eleven years old and about to start online school for the first time, I immediately wrote math off as a waste of time. “Just sit through forty-five minutes, ask for help on the homework, and be done with it” was my motto. And I felt pretty good about my stance.

I logged into that Zoom meeting with a pretty clear picture of how the class would be conducted. The teacher introduced herself and had us do a few icebreakers.

When she began talking about the course outline for the year, I let words like ratios and fractions and numerical expressions float over my head like water over sand. Then my teacher said something that caught my attention.

“I’ve had a lot of people say to me, ‘I’m not a math person,’” she explained. I had to fight the urge to raise my hand (scratch that; I fought the urge to hit the ‘raise hand’ button - this was during the pandemic, after all). She went on to say, “There is no such thing as “a math person.” Nobody is designed specifically for one class and not for another. I hope that you all can come out of this class not necessarily as a math wizard, but with a new perspective on math. I want you to know that you can do and understand math without being a math person.”

This statement struck me. Math, like any other subject, isn’t black and white. It isn’t You Get It or You Don’t Get It. It is simply You Have To Put In The Work To Understand It.

Oftentimes, when I’m working on something that feels out of my depth, I want to give up. But just as I’m about to tear up my homework and binge Netflix, I remind myself of what my teacher said in sixth grade, and I try again. As clichéd as it sounds, the only thing you can do when a subject confuses you is change how you think about it. It might not naturally “click,” and it might make you want to scream sometimes, but that doesn’t make your brain any less capable of understanding it. The only thing truly holding you back is the idea that you aren’t equipped to understand it. By realizing that you don’t have to be a master of math (or English, or whatever class is confusing you), but instead just have to put in the effort to do your best, you are saving yourself a whole lot of headaches.

Maybe you’re reading this because you’re supposed to be working on an English essay/math worksheet/post-lab assessment/ history paper, but you just couldn’t

Headlight Staff 2023-2024

March 13, 2024 understand it, so upon seeing the newspaper on the kitchen table, you grabbed it, even though the newspaper is only there because your parents read it before work in the morning, and you never even touch it. This is a sign to put the newspaper (or whatever procrastination device you have)

down and apply yourself. This English essay/math worksheet/ post-lab assessment/history paper probably feels impossible at this moment. But if you put in some time and effort and refrain from telling yourself you just aren’t the person for it, it just might feel a little more possible.

The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial: A master class in small-budget cinema

Nathaniel Carper-Young, Sophomore

The final William Friedkin (The Exorcist, The French Connection) film, The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, is a fitting testament to the director’s eclectic talents: it is at once riveting, economical, and profoundly restrained. The film (whose text originates from a celebrated 1951 Herman Wouk stage play of the same name) engages in a sort of eternal poetry of ugly dramatics, finding its moments of climax in the ridges of a searing scowl from Lance Reddick, or perhaps in the twinkling eyes of a disgruntled Jason Clark. This is why the film is so immediately impressive — Friedkin is able to pull so much out of his camera and his actors, even (especially) in the context of a narrative throughline as minimal as people in a courtroom arguing over the significance of a broken coffeemaker.

With this final project, Friedkin’s resources were tight. He had a 2 million dollar budget to work with (as opposed to, say, The Exorcist, which cost around 64 million, adjusted for inflation), and it shows. There are no grand set-pieces, no extravagant locations, nor are there even any flashbacks, and therefore no moments of on-screen action — a lesser filmmaker might be inclined to fill something so heavy in dialogue and legal jargon to the brim with numerous juxtapositional scenes of calamity, panic, violence, what-have-you. However, not Friedkin; his cinema was often one of formal restraint (Bug is unbelievable), and his mastery of the smaller movie is plainly apparent here — The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial, being perhaps the smallest project Friedkin ever made, is one of the most thoroughly gripping films of the last year. The courtroom is made an explicitly modern site of murder and hurt, and it is surprisingly effective.

The actual narrative of the film is of little importance; the film tells the story of Lieutenant Steve Maryk (Jake Lacy) and his (alleged) mutiny against Naval Commander Queeg (Kiefer Sutherland). This mutiny took the form of Maryk relieving Queeg in a time of great stress (a cyclone) on the grounds that Queeg was not mentally capable of performing

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert

his duties. In the film, Maryk is being court-martialed for his misconduct, and his defense is ostensibly meager — Lieutenant Greenwald (Jason Clarke) is Maryk’s attorney, and at the beginning of the film, Greenwald informs Maryk that he thinks he’s guilty. On the prosecution is Lieutenant Commander Challee (Monica Raymund, who truly owns the screen), an experienced, prepared naval attorney (Greenwald, in turn, had four days to prepare his case). This sets the tone for the film and its drama; one is presented with a given underdog and a given villain (because if there is an underdog, there must be a villain), and who wants to root for a villain? This is what drives the film, this conflict — you are always hoping the best for Maryk and Greenwald, and the worst for Queeg and Challee. And so, the film runs with this fabricated, archetypal heroversus-villain conceit for about 100 of its 110 minutes, making every sensible step — at the end of the trial, Goliath seems to fall, and David emerges looking triumphant. Those 100 minutes are fascinating because of how straight they are played; they are very entertaining and unbelievably well-acted, but nothing really comes as a surprise. However, in those final 10 minutes, after all of the relationships have been established and the movie has seemingly concluded, the camaraderie collapses. Greenwald, drunk at a party, essentially tells Maryk that he is guilty, but also that Maryk’s writer friend (previously a near non-character) is even guiltier. He ineffectually waxes inebriated about America and terrorism and whatever-else, but this final scene works as the skeleton key for the entire film: all of the drama, all of the entertainment, all of the archetypal shadow-boxing — it meant nothing. There is no happy ending, and there is no justice. It was all a sham; lost in the wind.

EDITOR: Kate Twomey

REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Grey Collins, Tucker Crane, Aislin Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Anya Kane, Nina Lees, Georgia Marshall, Charlie Seliger, Livia Weiss

FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

MHS performs student-written play at state Drama Festival semifinals

BY CURRENT INTERN BENJI BOYD

Boyd was a member of the “It’s About Pirates and Nothing Else” cast.

On Saturday, March 9, the Marblehead High School cast and crew of the student-written play “It’s About Pirates and Nothing Else” traveled to Framingham for the semifinal round of the Massachusetts High School Drama Festival. Although MHS will not advance to the final round, the actors and crew agree that Saturday afternoon was one of our best performances yet. The journey of putting on this play has been a long one, with rehearsals starting back in midDecember and extending to our final dress rehearsal on Friday night. However, on Saturday we

were recognized for our hard work, and happy that we gave it our best shot.

Several MHS students were honored for their excellence during the awards ceremony at the end of the night. Acting awards were given to Jacob Piascik for the role of Randolphus Von Goop, a German chef and crew member of The Phoenix; Isabel Scogland for the role of Jillian, the ship’s resident poet and occasional lookout; and Anya Kane for the role of the hilariously unreliable narrator of the play. Co-authors of the play Luke Menslage and Brady Weed were recognized for their role as directors, highlighting the many hours spent at rehearsals, making cuts to the script and brainstorming how to make the show the best it could be.

COURTESY PHOTO / ASHLEY SKEFFINGTON

MHS Drama Club students, left to right, Brady Weed, Luke Menslage, Jacob Piascik, Anya Kane and Isabel Scogland display their Drama Festival All-Star awards.