04.17.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 21

Both sides have their say at final public hearing

BY WILL DOWD

Division among residents over a state mandate that the town zone pockets of Marblehead for multifamily housing came through loud and clear during a Planning Board public hearing on April 9. The hearing came nearly a month before the Town Meeting will vote on the matter under Article 36, exposing the community’s concerns and differing perspectives on the zoning plan, which seeks to bring Marblehead into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act.

The Planning Board voted 4-1

to recommend the proposed zoning changes at Town Meeting. Board members Andrew Christensen, Barton Hyte, Edward O. Nilsson and Chair Robert J. Schaeffner voted favorably. Member Marc Liebman voted no and stressed his “desire for every Marblehead resident to vote how they feel best” in a follow-up interview. “I’m indifferent. I want people to do what they want to do. I don’t have a recommendation,” he said. “I think people should

make whatever decision they want to make.”

The MBTA Communities Act

Passed in 2021, the MBTA Communities Act mandates that towns like Marblehead, which are adjacent to communities with MBTA commuter rail stations, establish zoning districts that allow for multifamily housing at a minimum density of 15 units per acre. The public hearing served

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Outside the Village School on Thursday morning, teachers stood outside waving to passing cars while the song “We Are Family” played from loudspeakers. Around town, hundreds of educators staged “walkins,” entering their schools as part of North Shore-wide action by 5,000 teachers demanding “fair and just parental leave.” Village School fifth-grade teacher Taryn Stockwell has two toddlers and had to “bank,” or save, sick days for years to use toward her maternity leaves. Teachers

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Transfer Station renovation did not receive a single bid from general contractors, delaying the $1.6 million project once again.

“Obviously, this is a disappointment,” Public Health Director Andrew Petty said at a Board of Health meeting April 9.

A handful of bids came in for roofing, painting, electrical and more, but there is no

general contractor interested in coordinating the project.

Board of Health member Joanne Miller asked why.

“There’s a lot of work out there,” Petty answered. “This isn’t a big money job. We do live in Marblehead. It’s hard to get to. It’s hard to get everything here. That all factors in.”

After consulting with attorneys, Petty said he would reach out to some general contractors in town, including

Groom Construction and GVW Construction, to ask why they did not bid and if they might consider taking on the Transfer Station project.

“The best thing to do is to speak with these (general contractors) and see what’s going on as quickly as possible and depending on what they have to say get this back out on the street as quickly as possible to hopefully have a successful bid,” Petty said.

as a microcosm of the broader debate unfolding in Bay State communities as they grapple with the implications of the MBTA Communities Act.

The Planning Board introduced a zoning compliance model that they argue aims to meet the state’s requirements. The proposal seeks to create zoning that would allow for approximately 897 units across three districts:

TODD NOrMAN

MHS sports community mourns the passing of coach

BY JOE McCONNELL

For the past 18 years, Todd Norman was Marblehead High head coach Johnny Gold’s right hand man on the softball diamond. Norman, who took care of the third base coaching duties on offense for Gold, while also calling the pitches for his pitching staff, was more of a friend to him than anything else throughout the past two decades. When news broke of his sudden passing early Monday morning (April 8) at the age of 61, it naturally shook Gold, as well as the entire Marblehead High sports community.

“(Todd) was not just a coach, he was also a close friend,” Gold told the Current just minutes after the emotional win over

During public comment, local engineer Allen Waller criticized the bid process. “To receive zero bids on a general contractor is remarkable,” Waller said. “You can’t do that unless you have a seriously flawed solicitation. And you, the board, is responsible for this. This failure is to you.” Waller continued, “I keep watching incompetence. It’s time for this Board of Health to stand up and do what’s right.

This is your job to make this happen.”

Petty’s biggest concern about the delay is the functionality of the current compactor.

“The brand new compactor is on site, so if something happens, we can bring someone in to install that, but it’s not in the order we want,” he said.

Petty and Board of Health member Tom McMahon plan

Courtesy photos

Educators demanding more paid parental leave stage walk-ins at Marblehead schools on April 11.

Town Meeting voters get their say next

BY LEIGH BLANDER

After months of budget discussions that at one point included drastic staff and program cuts, the School Committee on April 8 approved a $46,759,110 budget for next school year that restores many of those reductions. The Finance Committee voted to recommend the budget at Town Meeting on May 6.

The schools’ spending plan represents a $1 million, or 2.2%, increase over last year’s budget.

After initially projecting 36 staff

Zoning From

» Tioga Way (29.8 acres, 483 units at 17.3 units per acre). Pleasant Street (20.6 acres, 295 units at 14.3 units per acre).

» Broughton Road (8.0 acres, 119 units at 14.9 units per acre).

» Together, the districts total 58.4 acres and allow 15.9 dwellings per acre on average, surpassing the state law’s requirement for Marblehead to rezone at least 27 acres.

In a follow-up interview, Nilsson explained that the board decided to zone for roughly 58 acres rather than the minimum required because spreading future housing development over a wider area would create a less noticeable impact and allow development to blend more easily into the existing neighborhoods.

While proponents argue that the plan is a reasonable approach to ensure compliance and provide housing opportunities, opponents fear the potential strain on town resources and the erosion of Marblehead’s character, calling for studies to determine the impact on traffic, utilities and the schools. Opponents like resident Claudette Mason voiced their apprehension.

“You keep mentioning minimal impact — no impact on our town,” Mason told the Planning Board. “But we’re talking about another 3,000-plus people in town. Those streets are already parking lots, so there is an impact on our streets.”

Other concerns, like losing local control, have fueled passionate resistance to the zoning plan.

Resident John DiPiano articulated his firm stance against Article 36. “I am unapologetically and totally committed to defeating this proposal,” he told the Planning Board. “I began a petition two weeks ago, and that petition in two weeks has garnered ... 265 signatures as of right now.”

Marblehead’s housing needs

A study conducted as part of developing the Marblehead Housing Production Plan shows that the percentage of the town’s household led by older adults is on the rise. The number of households led by someone 55 or older increased by 21% in seven years, from 6,597 households in 2010 to 7,978 households in 2017. Meanwhile, the number of residents between the ages of 25 to 44 shrunk by 63% during the same period, the study found. These demographic shifts conflict with Marblehead’s current housing stock, which is predominantly composed of single-family homes. Singlefamily homes account for 77% of the housing stock here, a higher percentage than in the rest of

eliminations, along with program and supply cuts, the district did a “deep dive” into its reserve and revolving funds, and received an additional $250,000, from the town, totalling $1.4 million in restorations, according to

McGuinness. Rather than 36, the budget now cuts 13 positions. Of those, five are currently filled and would result in layoffs, and one is an anticipated resignation.

Massachusetts.

More than three-quarters of Marblehead’s housing stock consists of single-family homes, with very few multi-family units permitted in the last decade, according to the housing production plan. This, coupled with Marblehead’s geographical and regulatory constraints, limits opportunities for new housing development.

Supporter Nick Ward viewed the proposal as a balanced approach that ensures Marblehead’s compliance with the law while providing opportunities for young families.

“This is an eminently reasonable plan that ensures that Marblehead is both in compliance with the law but also is giving young families in this town and in this state a fair shake — to be able to find a home, to be able to find a place to live, to be able to find a place to raise their children,” Ward said.

A diverse range of housing options will be necessary to allow aging residents looking to downsize to remain in Marblehead and attract young professionals and families, which the housing production plan says is crucial to Marblehead’s future.

Multifamily housing developments could be built in these districts by right, without

special permits. However, they would need site plan approval from the Planning Board examining issues like parking and traffic flow. The zoning proposal requires 10% of the units to be deed-restricted as affordable housing for any new developments in MBTA zones . Christy Staples strongly supported the plan, emphasizing what she saw as the significance of affordable housing fostering economic vitality and maintaining a thriving community.

“Doing affordable housing work across the country, I know how important it is,” she said, noting the town’s desire to foster economic vitality. “I really, really appreciate your thoughtfulness.”

Nilsson said the housing production plan, which was shaped by extensive community input, sets forth goals to create senior housing, expand affordable options for various households and strengthen community ties, with strategies including leveraging public assets for mixed-income housing.

“This plan is in accordance with the goals and strategies of the Marblehead Housing Production Plan, which was adopted by the Select Board and the Planning Board,” said Nilsson. “The Housing Production Plan was created in large part by the people of Marblehead.”

Zoning of this caliber, he noted, is “not a sudden development.”

“This has been in the works in principle for quite some time,” he said.

Noncompliance consequences

Many town leaders emphasize that this zoning proposal does not equate to a development project.

“This proposal — it’s not imperative to build; it’s to permit the barriers of multifamily housing to be lowered,” Nilsson said. “That’s basically its purpose.”

Officials further argue changes would not lead to unchecked development. But not everyone is persuaded.

“I just have this basic idea that once you let the state trample all over town laws — I don’t know where it stops,” said resident Jonathan Klopman. “It comes down to [the Planning Board saying], ‘Trust us,’ and I don’t have any reason to trust anybody about this.”

A point of contention is whether the state would really take away discretionary grants if Marblehead doesn’t comply. Hyte, who also serves on the Water and Sewer Commission, highlighted that Marblehead could lose millions in state grants. He noted that Marblehead is vying for two major grants: a MassWorks grant for $3 million for a water pipe replacement and $11 million or more to replace the Village Street bridge. Marblehead is not alone in wrestling with the MBTA Communities Act. In February, Milton rejected its zoning plan, arguing against state interference in local matters. The Attorney General’s lawsuit to enforce compliance has reached the state Supreme Judicial Court, with arguments set for October. Meanwhile, Milton faces penalties, including disqualification from a $140,800 state grant.

The Kolackovsky et al. v. Town of Rockport et al. case, currently pending in Essex County Superior Court, is another example of ongoing litigation related to the MBTA Communities Act.

In this case, the plaintiffs have filed a complaint against the town of Rockport, challenging its compliance with the act. The Attorney General’s Office has filed a motion to dismiss the plaintiff’s complaint, arguing that they lack standing and have failed to state a claim for relief.

The decision ultimately lies in the hands of Marblehead’s residents after months of public meetings and input.

“The town gets to decide. It’s not for the Planning Board to make this decision,” Schaeffner said. “However, we are asked to support it and vote in favor of it to get to Town Meeting — and then to present it to the town.”

Essex County, the North Shore and

A map shows three proposed MBTA zoning districts totaling over 58.4 acres, with a density of more than 15 units per acre to allow approximately 897 housing units.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD Stretching along Pleasant Street, this 20.6-acre area is a focal point of the proposal to comply with the zoning requirements of the MBTA Communities Act.

A 29.8-acre area on Tioga Way is part of the town’s zoning effort to meet state-imposed housing density goals.

paid parental leave in its new contract.

‘Broken system’

The state passed the Paid Family Medical Leave Act in 2018 but allowed municipalities to opt out. Marblehead did.

“The broken system forces expecting families to navigate a convoluted system of planning childbirth, cobbling together accrued sick leave and resorting to using unpaid time to build their families,” according to an MEA press release.

Laura Geelan is a special education teacher at Village. “As a Marblehead educator of eight years, I used the majority of my sick days to keep my pay to care for my newborn,” she is quoted in

to give an update on the Transfer Station project at Town Meeting on May 6.

Substance abuse education

The Board of Health discussed several programs to address mental health and substance abuse issues in town.

Petty planned to reach out to the nonprofit Learn to Cope (learn2cope.org) to see if it might hold meetings in Marblehead. The group provides support for parents and loved ones of people suffering from substance abuse disorder.

Petty and Board of Health Chair Helaine Hazlett also discussed partnering with the Marblehead Counseling Center for substance abuse education and support programs.

Miller encouraged McMahon, who hopes to hold speaker events featuring Marblehead residents who have struggled with addiction, to work with the Mental Health Task Force.

“There is a very supportive group that can offer resources and a professional perspective,” she said. “We do have a Mental Health Task Force that is rich with professional expertise to help support your program.”

Miller also said the Task Force would be

the press release. Geelan continued, “I had to ‘prepare’ and ‘save my sick days’ in order to start a family. What happens when I am out of sick days and my daughter or family has appointments? It is imperative that we change our policies around maternity leave in order to create a more humane and fair contract for educators.”

MaryAnn Levine, a special education teacher at the Brown School who is pregnant, added, “Like me, many of my colleagues have had to choose between family and profession. If MPS wants to recruit and retain professional teachers like me, paid parental leave is not a luxury; it’s a necessity.” When asked how much paid leave might cost the district, Heller said he did not know

but emphasized that not many teachers need family leave each year, and he doubted it would have a big impact on the budget.

The MEA is expected to meet with the School Committee for contract talks again May 1. Heller confirmed that the current fiscal year 2025 budget includes a placeholder for a 2% pay raise for teachers. Heller did not disclose what type of increase the teachers are asking for.

Heller said the MEA and Massachusetts Teachers Association would be at Town Meeting on May 6 to advocate for a “fully funded” schools budget, including paid parental leave. “We are going to make a full economic proposal in the next few weeks that will detail out what that means,” he wrote in an email.

meeting with Assistant Superintendent Julia Ferreira to talk about bringing the NAN Project to Marblehead High School. The NAN Project works to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention programs for young people using a peer-to-peer model.

The Task Force also plans to explore bringing the Red Watch Band program back to the high school. The student-led initiative teaches students to identify dangerous levels of intoxication and to ask for help if their friends have had too much

to drink.

At the beginning of the meeting, Hazlett read a statement emphasizing the board’s commitment to the substance abuse issue.

“The Board of Health is committed to working with the community to try to alleviate and prevent the agony many Marbleheaders are experiencing,” Hazlett said. “We look forward to collaborating with the Counseling Center, the public schools and our citizens.

She added, “I sincerely hope that this statement has alleviated much confusion and discussion from members of our community, and know

that your Board of Health is and has been doing everything possible to stem the tide of substance use in our town.”

Motor oil mess

Petty also announced that two months ago the company that removes used motor oil from a 500-gallon, double-walled tank at the Transfer Station discovered a “chlorine hit,” meaning someone illegally dumped chlorine in the container.

“So now we’re going to have to pay $4,000 to get it pumped out and cleaned and get rid of the material,” Petty said.

The tank will now remain locked. If anyone wants to access it, they will need to speak with an attendant.

Hazardous Waste Day

The board also discussed the upcoming Hazardous Waste Disposal Day at the Transfer Station on Saturday, April 27, 9 a.m.-noon. Residents are permitted to bring items including oil-based paint, antifreeze, weed killers, propane tanks and more. For a complete list, visit Marblehead.org or call the Health Department at 781-631-0212.

The cost for gallons or pounds: 0-3, $30. 3-10, $40. » 10-25, $60.

Additional amounts will be priced accordingly.

Wellness event

The Board of Health discussed hosting a

wellness event in early January 2025. The community would be invited to meet and explore local fitness centers and other healthfocused businesses. The event will likely be held at the Community Center.

Diaper drive

The Health Department is collecting diapers and wipes for families in need. According to the National Diaper Bank Network, half of all families in America struggle to afford diapers. New and unopened diaper packages for all sizes, along with wipes, can be dropped off at the Health Department, 7 Widger Road, during regular business hours:

YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN BLACK

COURTESY PHOTO

Teachers across the region participated in the walk-in.

EDiTOri A l

Opinion

Thank you, Becky

For 35 years, Becky Cutting has been a mainstay at the center of so many important town functions, having been initially hired to be our town planner and later taking on the additional official title of chief procurement officer. But those two titles only begin to scratch the surface of all the official and unofficial tasks so ably performed by Becky.

So many departments and boards came to rely on Becky for diverse projects as the need would arise. Questions regarding land use planning? Call Becky. Housing policy? Call Becky. Historic preservation? Call Becky. And the list goes on and on.

And now Becky has retired, leaving an amazing void to be filled. Toward that end, the Select Board is sponsoring Article 34 on the May Town Meeting warrant, seeking to add a new department, the Community Development and Planning Department, modeled in large part on a combination of the many tasks that Becky would routinely perform “including but not limited to land use planning, housing policy, transportation projects, historic preservation, community development, sustainability efforts, open space conservation programs, administration of regulatory boards and neighborhood improvement efforts.”

To carry out these many tasks, Article 34, if passed, will empower the Select Board to appoint a director of community development and planning who, in turn, will have the authority to appoint additional employees, subject to the approval of the Select Board.

The job responsibilities envisioned under Article 34 clearly illustrate, on the one hand, how much we are going to miss Becky Cutting and, on the other hand, how supremely talented Becky had been during her three-and-a-half decades of dedicated service to the town. The fact that this new department will likely require more than one person to carry out all of these tasks speaks volumes about how fortunate we have been these past many years to have been able to rely on one person, Becky, to perform most if not all of these functions.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has assured us that the creation of this new department will be funded through retirements, vacancies and other personnel changes. It remains to be seen if this can be accomplished without additional stressors being placed on our increasingly challenged annual budget. Nevertheless, it underscores how big the shoes of Becky Cutting had become that now need to be filled somehow.

We wish Becky much happiness and good fortune as she enters the next chapter of her life’s journey, and we thank you, Becky, for all that you have done for our seaside town.

You will be missed!

Civil war nonsense

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

Very few things make my blood boil these days, I’m trying to incorporate a zen-like outlook in life as much as possible. But any intentional effort to increase political antagonism and paranoia, like a movie released last Friday, takes me from zen to 10 on the inner-rage meter, with 10 being the highest.

Leave it to Hollywood to try to capitalize on the country’s polarized zeitgeist. Don’t take your history-interested teenager to the movies this weekend to learn about the events leading to the attack on Fort Sumter in 1861. Nope, “Civil War” is about an armed conflict in this country in the “not-too-distant” future according to write-ups. Like after November 2024, oh movie-pushing public relations mavens? Subtle.

And those willing to fan the flames of the outlandish fear that we are destined for armed conflict in their coverage and commentary like The Boston Globe’s movie critic Mark Feeney who called the premise “grotesque” but not “fantastical or exploitative”? Shame on them, too. Hats off to NPR’s Justin Chang who rightly deemed “Civil War” an “empty stunt” and “a thought experiment that hasn’t been especially well thought out.”

To Chang’s point, that the movie’s script aligns California and Texas as states which have seceded and formed a “Western Force” alliance may be laughable on its face — think San Francisco and Houston marshaling a common militia. But the flag with two stars instead of 50? A Florida Alliance attacking the Carolinas? An Antifa massacre? A last stand starting in Charlottesville? A “New People’s Army” which would be more honestly named the Proud Boys. Yes, all the “democracy is finished if you-know-who-gets-elected” tropes are here.

Paranoid thinking is all I can ascribe to those who have suggested with real anxiety a scenario in which Donald Trump gets re-elected and refuses to leave office four years later. “Civil War” neatly pours gas on that fire by imagining a world in which the Constitution gets shredded by featuring a president in his third term and the elimination of the FBI.

It gets worse. Scenes from America’s main streets and city centers aflame, children screaming as military helicopters and rockets rain down on leafy boulevards.

i BEG TO DiFFEr

Stuff happens

BY JO ANN AUGERI SILVA

Have you ever made a mistake?

Forget a date or a birthday, call someone by the wrong name, slip up on a fact, show up in the wrong place at the wrong time, blurt out something you thought you were only thinking?

Of course. Even the most punctilious of us gets the occasional thing wrong. Stuff happens. And then, what to do about it?

We’ve had some bad role models about this in the past several years — people who are so thin-skinned and/or so overweeningly sure of themselves that they try to bluff their way out of mistakes or, worse, lie about them.

In most cases, though, there’s one proven three-step way to deal with a mistake we’ve made: admit it, apologize and promise not to do it again. The old saw applies: if you’re in a hole, stop digging.

Simple, eh?

If it were simple, there wouldn’t need to be highly paid crisis management specialists whose main job is to dig people, large and small corporations, and even wellmeaning nonprofits, out of holes they’ve dug themselves.

Starts With Us, an organization focused on reducing political polarization sent an email out coinciding with this movie’s release which put some needed expertise and facts on the table.

And these merely in the trailer.

What twisted plot aiming to twist minds doesn’t end with an attack on Washington, D.C., this time on the White House, not on the Capitol? Yes, Jan. 6 was an attack on the Capitol — by a mob, not an army. And its perpetrators are being held to account in a country organized under a “government of laws, not men.” But such a democratic state of affairs doesn’t sell at the box office, or on cable news.

Starts With Us, an organization focused on reducing political polarization sent an email out coinciding with this movie’s release which put some needed expertise and facts on the table.

They asked Thomas Zeitzoff, an American University professor who specializes in political violence and extremism. for his perspective. “A full-scale civil war is pretty remote. Between civil war and peaceful coexistence, there’s a large swath of outcomes. I think the more realistic worries for U.S. democracy are the legalese maneuverings that use the law and politics to break democracy,” he said.

In other words, yes there are real threats to our democracy we ought to pay attention to. The prospect of a civil war is not among them.

Also for Starts With Us, political violence researcher Sean J. Westwood noted, “Americans are increasingly divided along partisan lines, but it’s important to recognize that we have no evidence for substantial support for partisan violence among either party in the general public. There are factions outside of general society who support partisan violence, but they haven’t polluted the minds of typical Americans. There are deep cracks in American democratic life, but our democratic foundation is stronger than many in the media and academia suggest.”

I hope the public votes with their wallets and avoids seeing this pathetic attempt at mass manipulation. After all, filling in those deep cracks in American democratic life does indeed start with us.

Virginia Buckingham is the president of The Marblehead Current’s Board of Directors.

No matter how small the mistake, it’s interesting to see the wide variation in ways other humans deal with concerns about an error.

For a few years, I was one of those specialists (if you omit the “highly paid” part.) The hardest part of my job was convincing people in high places that owning up to an error is the necessary first step in addressing a crisis. It’s part of human nature, apparently, to hide from the truth, deflect, shift blame and even deny responsibility when something goes wrong.

But in case after case, that simple approach of admission, apology and a promise to do better always smooths the waters, even in what feels like a tsunami.

There’s another part of this equation: What if you’re the “injured” party? How do you handle a mistake that affects you directly?

In a worst-case scenario, if you or someone you care about is injured by a mistake in care, judgment or attention to rules or detail, horror is the natural reaction. Grief is expressed in many different ways, and a desire for recompense

accompanies injury and grief more often than not. Corporations have systems built into their structure to alleviate financial loss due to injury, once they’ve taken those first three steps.

But what if it’s something less drastic? What if the mistake is an irritant, but not the end of the world? What do we do then?

In my time as a human being, I’ve made many mistakes (particularly since, as I’ve been told time and again, my voice “carries”) and my memory is not improving as the years pass. In my time as a full-time journalist, both reporter and editor, I made my fair share of mistakes as well. Both kinds of mistakes are humbling, and I hope I’ve perfected the rapid application of that threestep method above.

But it doesn’t always work. No matter how small the mistake, it’s interesting to see the wide variation in ways other humans deal with concerns about an error.

I’ve had friends show their hurt about unintentional slights in a variety of ways, whether by an amused shake of the head or by a cool silence that lasts a while. I’ve had readers react more vehemently — either by making

lETTErS TO THE EDiTOr Zoning debate sparks calls for respectful engagement

To the editor:

Two letters to the Current addressing the MBTA zoning legislation, published on April 4 and April 8, besmirch the authors and the town with their personal attacks against town officials and journalists trying to cover important issues.

One letter refers to farts, the other to the Founding Fathers.

I believe that when John and Samuel Adams, Elbridge Gerry, John Hancock and Robert Paine signed the Declaration of Independence, they had something better than toilet humor in mind.

The letter writers central grievance is that a Current journalist, Will Dowd, did not interview one of the letters’ authors in relation to a public petition that person initiated in opposition to the gentle upzoning the town has proposed to comply with state law. Apparently, the searing insight that this denied Mr. Dowd was the Planning Board’s uncertainty about how much state funding Marblehead’s failure to upzone might put at risk.

But there’s nothing revelatory about this. As the Planning Board, Finance Committee and Select Board have explained repeatedly at multiple meetings I have attended, the reason this figure cannot be determined with certainty is because the state continues to add to the list of grants it is willing to withhold. We know the floor is millions of dollars, but we can’t yet see the ceiling.

More broadly, one of the authors, both in his letter to the Current and in a separate letter to another masthead, argues that we should await the outcome of a lawsuit filed by a Rockport resident against the state law requiring gentle upzoning. Readers should be aware the individual who filed the suit, John Kolackovsky, has donated to Donald Trump and Ted Cruz’s campaigns multiple times since 2016. FEC individual contribution data shows he has donated to MAGA causes 21 times to the tune of nearly $2,000. This town voted for Joe Biden by 45 points in 2020. Are we certain the lawsuit from the MAGA donor is the lawsuit we want to rally around?

Ultimately, however, all this is a sideshow from the core issue which is should Marblehead

comply with a state mandate supported by Marblehead’s then-state representative and a governor we also voted for by 45 points? On the merits, yes.

Young families are being forced out of this state because there is nowhere for them to live. The state’s mandate requires towns and cities served by the MBTA to gently increase their zoning to enable the construction of market-rate housing. Because the requirement is divided among 177 cities and towns in proportion to their existing housing stock, the impact on any single city or town is negligible in terms of the total potential increase in housing.

If every community in the Commonwealth does its part, we will build a few more houses and apartments, there will be a little more laughter from kids in the streets, some grandparents will get to keep their grandchildren close, our budgets will be stronger for town services and schools and most importantly, we will leave the Bay State in better condition for the generations that follow.

A final word. This issue has aroused passionate debate. That is good, our country needs more civic engagement. But incivility and ad hominem attacks are bad. To anyone in Marblehead considering speaking up on this issue in a respectful way, I will be by your shoulder, whatever you have to say.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Ward Rolleston Road

Vote no on

Article 49

To the editor: Town Meeting Article 49 proposes returning to the one-year Select Board term. Proponents say, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Well, with all the financial challenges the town is facing, it is hard to say nothing needs fixing. As just one example, look no further than the January State of the Town meeting when a standingroom crowd of upset residents “lambasted” the Select Board for quarterly tax bills that went up 50% and more. When told that there was nothing the Select Board could do, residents demanded action, accountability and executive leadership. Simply put, with a one-year term, it didn’t and won’t happen. The Cresap report of 35 years ago predicted this very outcome, stating the Select Board will be ignored by other boards that have the advantage of a threeyear term. The three-year term

allows the Select Board to build relationships and long-term plans with other boards and, if needed, lean into them. If you want accountability, leadership and stable taxes, vote no on Article 49.

Proponents also point to the one-year term, saying it gives an opportunity to “throw the bums out.” To the contrary, with the one-year term, the third-, fourth- and fifth-place finishers get a trophy, which greatly increases the risk of electing a “bum” or, worse yet, a board full of “bums” all at once. With the three-year term, only the top one or two finishers take office. If you are still concerned, then consider voting for the separate recall article (Article 50), which is the proper way to address this concern. Vote no on Article 49.

Lastly, the three-year term has been approved by the legislature and signed by the governor and will happen in June regardless of what the vote is at Town Meeting. Once elected, those terms cannot be simply taken away. It would take years of confusing election formats with mixed terms to unwind and go back to the one-year term. This senseless chaos is the absolute last thing the town needs given our financial crisis. The sun has set on the one-year term. Vote no on Article 49.

Jim Zisson Mound Road

MHD School Board: A path to improvement

To the editor: I wish to outline a leadership approach, proven to be effective for guiding organizations towards improvement and eventually, excellence. Effective leaders steer their teams toward a well-defined objective. For high-performing organizations, this involves establishing clear, measurable performance metrics that reflect stakeholders’ expectations. If the Marblehead School Board has these metrics, I would suggest they become more transparent.

Admittedly, the challenge lies in selecting these parameters. While 10 may be excessive, three would be ideal, striking a balance between comprehensiveness and simplicity. During my review of the Massachusetts State Board’s website, I encountered numerous metrics. However, it’s crucial to distill these into the most representative ones that align with the Marblehead community’s consensus. Achieving unanimity on our school system’s goals is imperative. Without it,

reaching our desired outcomes is improbable. Once there is agreement on the performance metrics, identify school systems that have already attained the desired level of performance. While aspiring to match the best performers is natural, setting such a benchmark as the initial target is neither practical nor attainable in the near future. Instead, I propose aiming for the top third percentile, aligning with the chosen performance metrics. This goal is ambitious yet realistic, providing our system with a clear direction for improvement.

The subsequent step involves pinpointing school systems within the lower echelon of the top third and the upper tier of the middle third in Massachusetts. These institutions will serve as benchmarks for comparison and learning. Engaging with a few of these systems could offer valuable insights into their success strategies, while understanding performance metrics such as budget allocation per student, teacher-to-student ratios, and administrative support structures to name just a few.

Understanding the operational differences between our school system and those we aspire to emulate is the first step towards progress. It allows us to craft actionable plans that drive our system toward the performance levels we seek. Should these plans necessitate a revised budget, the changes can be justified to the stakeholders by presenting data from more successful systems, demonstrating that improvement isn’t solely about increased spending—it’s also about the willingness to embrace new methodologies.

The journey to improvement is not swift — it may span five years or more. Yet, once the initial target is reached, we must ask ourselves: Are we prepared to strive for the top 20%? Organizations committed to continuous improvement never stagnate; they become beacons that attract the best talent.

To those familiar with benchmarking, this strategy will resonate. The adage “We will steal shamelessly from those who are doing it better than us” encapsulates the approach. I do not expect our elected officials to possess specialized educational expertise. However, I do hope you possess the humility to learn from those achieving measurable success. My grandchildren are depending on it.

Charlie Pihokken Pinecliff Drive

Urging School Committee to think creatively, act decisively

To the editor:

Thinking of the three monkeys with hands over their eyes, ears and mouth. See nothing, hear nothing, do nothing. When it comes to creative thinking, that’s what the School Committee machinations seem like to this local observer.

Whether regarding the disposition of the long-vacant Coffin School to unburden the school budget of its carrying costs or thinking creatively regarding the school budget to minimally affect students, parents or teachers.

A thoughtful letter to the editor of one of the two very good local papers of a few days ago decimated the committee’s argument that they might need extra school building capacity “someday,” using the bogus argument that the MBTA Zoning bylaw proposal would miraculously generate 900 plus family housing units in Marblehead in the blink of an eye or even in the foreseeable future.

We moved to Marblehead in 1979. There have been any number of housing developments over that 40 plus years where residents thought that the sky would fall in if they were built. Our town officials, particularly the Planning Board and the Zoning Board of Appeals, while not perfect, have managed to permit such development to take place and those developments have enhanced our town. They will do the same with regard to the MBTA zoning requirements.

Come on, School Committee. Take your hands away from your eyes and look for creative options. Take your hands away from your ears and listen to feedback from multiple sources. Take your hands away from your mouths and speak thoughtfully, not with closed minds.

Holding on to the Coffin School property at substantial unnecessary expense to our school system may inhibit the development of much needed more affordable housing in town resulting in fewer homes being made affordable to the very teachers and local employees you claim to protect. Let’s get your A game on.

Dirk Isbrandtsen Everett Paine Boulevard

Why two-factor authentication matters

BY STEPHEN BACH

In the last several weeks, The Docs have seen a number of computers come to the Digital Hospital that did NOT have two-factor authentication turned on. In today’s digital world, cyber threats are more prevalent than ever. From data breaches exposing personal information to hackers stealing log-in credentials, the consequences of a compromised account can be devastating.

That’s where two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in as an essential security measure to protect your online accounts.

What is two-factor authentication?

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security on top of your regular username and password. It requires a second

form of verification, such as a one-time code sent to your phone, before granting access to your account. This additional step makes it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized entry, even if they manage to obtain your password.

Why does two-factor authentication matter?

» Stronger account protection passwords alone are no longer sufficient to safeguard your accounts. With sophisticated hacking techniques and the proliferation of data breaches, your credentials can end up in the wrong hands. Two-factor authentication significantly reduces the risk of account takeovers by requiring something you have (like a mobile device) in addition to something you know (your password).

» Deterrent against phishing and credential stuffing: Phishing attacks and credential

stuffing (using leaked credentials from one service to attempt access to others) are common tactics employed by cybercriminals. Even if you fall victim to these attacks, 2FA acts as a powerful barrier, preventing unauthorized access to your accounts.

» Compliance and industry standards: Many organizations and industries, such as financial institutions and health care providers, mandate the use of 2FA to meet regulatory compliance and security standards. Enabling

2FA demonstrates your commitment to protecting sensitive data and adhering to best practices.

Peace of mind: In the event of a data breach or your credentials being compromised, having 2FA enabled can provide peace of mind knowing that your accounts are still secure. It gives you an extra layer of protection against potential identity theft or financial losses.

How to enable twofactor authentication:

Most major online services and platforms, including email providers, social media networks and financial institutions, offer 2FA as an optional or mandatory security feature. Setting it up typically involves the following steps: Locate the 2FA or “two-step verification” option in your account settings.

Conclusion

In today’s digital landscape, enabling two-factor authentication is no longer an option — it’s a necessity. By adding this extra layer of security, you can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts and protect your personal and financial information from cyber threats. Prioritize your online safety by enabling 2FA on all your important accounts today.

If you have any trouble figuring out how to make your accounts secure, contact a tech pro. (Or ask a family member or friend born after 1995).

Until next time, stay safe out there.

Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at Marblehead-

Choose your preferred 2FA method, such as SMS codes, authenticator apps or physical security keys. Follow the prompts to enable and configure 2FA for your account.

Digital Docs.

BY WILL DOWD

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

Select Board contest shaping up

The June 11 town election will see 23 seats across a dozen different boards, commissions and committees up for grabs. These include the following:

» Select Board: Five seats Board of Assessors: One seat (three-year term)

School Committee: One seat (three-year term)

» Board of Health: One seat (three-year term)

» Moderator: One seat (oneyear term) Cemetery Commission: One seat (three-year term)

» Housing Authority: One seat (five-year term)

» Trustees of Abbot Public Library: Two seats (threeyear terms)

Planning Board: Two seats (three-year terms)

» Recreation and Park Commission: Five seats (oneyear terms)

Water and Sewer Commission: One seat (threeyear term)

» Marblehead Municipal Light Commission: Two seats (three-year terms)

» Here is a list of those who had pulled papers as of Friday, April 12:

Select Board: Dan Albert, David Harris and Daniel Fox, and incumbents Erin Noonan, Moses Grader, Alexa Singer and Bret Murray. Town moderator: Incumbent Jack Attridge. Cemetery Commission: Incumbent Janet Merrill

» School Committee: John G. DiPiano and incumbent Alfred Williams. DiPiano subsequently announced on social media that he would not be seeking a seat on the board, however.

selection adheres to best practices. This comprehensive approach will help develop a charter that clearly outlines the town’s governmental structure, replacing the fragmented bylaws accumulated over nearly four centuries.

AAPI Heritage Month celebration

Celebrate Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month on Saturday, May 4, 11:30 a.m.1:30 p.m. at Marblehead High School Field House, 2 Humphrey St. The event features cultural performances, a Bon Me food truck and free raffle tickets for the first 100 guests. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at tinyurl.com/2uu54zur.

Ribbon cutting for Brooke Michele Designs

Join the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce in welcoming Brooke Michele Designs as a member with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, April 26, from 5-7 p.m. at 59 Atlantic Ave.

Green Homes Tour

» Planning Board: Incumbents Andrew Christensen and Barton Hyte. Recreation and Parks Commission: Linda Rice Collins, Shelly Bedrossian, Rossana Ferrante, Karin Ernst and Matthew Martin, all incumbents. Candidates must submit a written request and obtain 50 signatures from registered Marblehead voters by April 22 at 5 p.m. To learn more, visit: tinyurl.com/mr3pwm78

To register to vote or change party enrollment, complete a voter registration form in person, by mail or online at RegisterToVoteMA.com.

Local tenor reaches semifinals in international competition

» Library Board of Trustees: David F. Ross Jr. and John G. Williams, both incumbents. Light Commission: Incumbents Adam Robert Smith and Simon Frechette. Board of Health: Dr. Thomas A. Massaro.

Marblehead tenor Matthew Arnold, also the music director at Star of the Sea Church,

advanced to the semifinals of the Lauritz Melchior International Singing Competition in Denmark last week. Although he did not proceed to the finals, Arnold remained positive, stating on Facebook, “To be considered one of the top 10 young Wagnerian singers in the world is a tremendous accomplishment and I look forward to all the opportunities and journeys that await me in the future.”

Town Meeting preview at COA

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer and Town Moderator Jack Attridge will present a Q&A session on Town Meeting warrant articles on Wednesday, April 24, at 1 p.m. at the Council on Aging 10 Humphre St., Residents interested in attending are encouraged to RSVP by calling the COA at 781-631-6225 or registering at marblehead.org/ council-aging-department.

Town Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 6, at 7 p.m. at the Veterans School 20 apply for charter review committee

Marblehead is performing its first formal charter review in its 370-year history, aiming to streamline government operations. To achieve this, the Select Board is in the process of appointing a charter committee, with plans to select nine members by April 24 from a pool of 20 candidates.

Each board member will rank the applicants by April 19. The selection process may include narrowing the candidates to 12 or 15 finalists, followed by interviews. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer mentioned that the target number for the committee is nine.

The Select Board will also consult with the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management to ensure the

Sustainable Marblehead is inviting residents to its Green Homes Tour on May 4, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., to explore local homes equipped with energyefficient technologies. The tour will showcase air-source heat pumps, solar panels, electric vehicle chargers and more. Tickets are $10 and prior registration is required. Interested participants can register and view homes at sustainablemarblehead.org/ greenhomestour. The event promotes energy savings, cost reduction and environmental protection.

Sports and Leisure Walking Tour

The Marblehead Museum will host its new Sports and Leisure Walking Tour on April 27 and May 4, at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., highlighting the town’s historical engagement with popular sports and leisure activities. The tour, $15 for museum members and $20 for the public, will explore the origins of activities ranging

King looks to future with promotions, new hire

BY WILL DOWD

In unanimous votes, the Select Board recently approved the promotion of two veteran police officers and extended a conditional job offer to a new recruit, acting on the recommendations of Police Chief Dennis King.

In a milestone for King, who started in Marblehead in 2021, these promotions mark the first made during his tenure. The candidates were evaluated using an assessment center for the first time in the department’s history, in addition to written exams and other criteria.

“It pulls out a lot of different skills that might not come out on a written exam,” King said of the assessment center. “It really does show attributes that you want to be able to assess to make these recommendations.”

Officer Tim Morley, a 12-year veteran of the force, will be promoted to the rank of sergeant effective May 1. Officer Jason Conrad, who has served with the Marblehead Police Department since 2001 and was promoted to sergeant in 2007, will now take on the role of lieutenant.

Both Morley and Conrad are lifelong Marblehead residents. King praised their dedication, skills and leadership abilities.

“I come forward with two candidates that at the end of the process, ended up number

one,” King told the Select Board. “It’s always an exciting time for us because everybody that participated, I really do appreciate that. And I would say that this is a really, really good group, and [I’m] fortunate to have that kind of talent in the department.”

Morley, a 2000 graduate of St. John’s Prep, earned his bachelor’s degree from Norwich University in 2005 and later received a master’s in homeland security from Endicott College. He served in the U.S. Army infantry, completing a deployment to Afghanistan during Operation Enduring

Freedom and earning the rank of second lieutenant before joining the Marblehead Police in 2012.

As a patrolman, Morley has worked a variety of shifts and taken an active role in community engagement through programs like the citizen police academy and “coffee with a cop” events, which King called “a great trait.” Morley is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in geospatial information science from Salem State University. “Tim’s going through [the program] and it’s going to help a lot as it relates to our new endeavor with our GIS

(Geographic Information System) mapping and different things like that,” King noted.

Conrad, a 1994 Marblehead High School graduate, earned his bachelor’s from UMass Amherst in 1998 and a master’s degree from Salem State in 2013. He became a full-time Marblehead officer in 2001.

As the midnight shift commander since his promotion to sergeant in 2007, Conrad has overseen patrol operations and the department’s civilian dispatchers. He has also served in several specialized roles outside of his regular duties,

including on a regional drug task force and a youth violence prevention program.

Conrad is certified as a breathalyzer operator and has experience in liquor law enforcement and marine unit operations. He previously served as the department’s community impact officer focusing on the local opioid epidemic.

“Sergeant Conrad was somebody that I had worked cases with,” said King, referencing his own law enforcement experience prior to coming to Marblehead. “For those reasons, and topping the Civil Service list, I’m recommending that Jason Conrad be promoted to the rank of lieutenant.”

In addition to the promotions, the Select Board approved a conditional offer of employment to Christian Haniger as a new fulltime patrol officer. Haniger, also a lifelong Marblehead resident and high school graduate, is currently finishing his bachelor’s degree at Norwich College.

He recently completed a sixmonth stint with the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, which King called “unique and valuable experience” for a new officer. Haniger’s hiring is conditional upon passing required physical, psychological and other screenings and graduating from the Massachusetts Police Academy.

pUBliC

BY WILL DOWD

This article is part of a series looking at warrant articles leading up to the Town Meeting on May 6. The Finance Committee met for over four hours April 8 to review and vote on its recommendations for the 53 articles appearing on the Town Meeting warrant.

Following a several-month review process involving numerous subcommittee meetings with town departments and officials, the nine volunteer Finance Committee members discussed each article in depth and heard public comments before voting whether to recommend, indefinitely postpone, table a decision until Town Meeting or make no recommendation on the articles with financial implications for the town.

Chair Alec Goolsby emphasized that while the FinCom hopes its recommendations benefit Town Meeting, it is ultimately up to voters to “review what the proponents of the articles have presented, to weigh the arguments for and against each article and to vote the most beneficial course of action for our town as a whole.”

Among the key articles considered was Article 26, the town’s $115 million balanced budget for fiscal year 2025.

Goolsby explained that the budget is “balanced” in the sense that projected revenues match expenses as required by state law, but required significant work to achieve given rising costs outpacing limited revenue growth. He noted the failure of Prop 2 1/2 overrides the past two years means the structural challenges continue to compound. The FY25 budget forecasts only

$1.5 million in new revenues, representing a 1.5% increase over the prior year.

To balance the budget, the town is relying on the 2.5% tax levy increase allowed under Prop 2 1/2, totalling $1.8 million in additional taxes. It is also using $5.5 million of certified free cash, which is $2.5 million less than the $8 million used last year and leaves $2.2 million in reserves. The town is also budgeting $400,000 in new revenues from proposed local meals and room taxes, if those warrant articles pass.

Goolsby explained that the town’s available revenues for FY25 were split evenly between the school department and municipal departments. Both had to make budget reductions to stay within that allotment.

“Budgets town wide are very tight right now,” Goolsby cautioned. “The majority of services are still being maintained at a level we have been receiving, but the financial trends and data indicate that services will be significantly impacted in future years absent an increase in revenues soon.”

The Finance Committee unanimously voted to recommend the budget.

Other articles of note included:

» Article 19, which the FinCom recommended, would appropriate $5.5 million from free cash and $330,000 from the municipal electric department to reduce the tax rate.

» Articles 24 and 25 to adopt a 0.75% local meals tax and up to 6% local room occupancy tax. These articles, if passed, would generate an estimated $400,000 to $800,000 in new annual revenues for the town. The Finance Committee recommended both, seeing them as a way to raise needed revenues without relying solely on property taxes.

» Article 30 to transfer and re-appropriate $353,877 in unused funds from previously approved capital articles to cover current capital needs.

Article 36 to amend zoning bylaws to adopt a statemandated multifamily zoning overlay district based on Marblehead being an “MBTA adjacent community.” Members voted no recommendation, saying the article doesn’t have financial implications for the town.

» Article 41 regarding an

easement on a resident’s property at Fishing Point Lane to allow the town to repair a damaged drainage pipe. This generated significant discussion about legal issues, property rights and potential litigation costs. The impacted homeowner’s attorney argued the town has no rights to the property and purchasing an easement could cost seven figures. Ultimately, the Finance Committee voted to recommend indefinite postponement citing lack of clear financial information. Articles 43-45 related to gaspowered leaf blowers, an issue that has been vigorously debated in Marblehead for over a decade. These citizen petition articles aim to extend current seasonal restrictions to a year-round ban. Proponents cited environmental and health concerns, while the town DPW said it could increase landscaping costs. The Finance Committee made no recommendation due to uncertainty around the cost impact. Goolsby noted the difficult budget situation means many worthy funding requests could not be supported this year. He

commended the hard work by the town administrator, finance director, department heads and Finance Committee liaisons to thoroughly review budgets and maintain services with limited resources.

However, Goolsby stressed that the FinCom believes current trends are unsustainable without a long-term plan to address the structural deficit. “A longer term plan is in the works and will continue to be developed by our leaders in the coming months to address Marblehead’s budget challenges,” Goolsby said. “From the Finance Committee’s perspective, it’s not feasible to continue entering budget seasons year after year needing to reduce budgets just to be able to balance. The time is now for a reasonable long term plan to be finalized.”

Other Finance Committee decisions:

Recommended to Adopt

Articles 3-17 — These articles cover town financial housekeeping matters, budgets and appropriations.

Articles 19, 22-26 — These

BY WILL DOWD

Marblehead High School

senior Max Arbo brings a passion for storytelling and an impressive writing resume to his role as the first-ever MHS senior project intern at the Marblehead Current. As part of the school’s senior project, Arbo will spend eight weeks, from April 8 to May 23, immersed in the world of community journalism. Arbo’s writing talents have already earned him recognition. He won Best in Show and Best Student Nonfiction in the Marblehead Literary Festival’s writing contest in 2023. He received an honorable mention in the New York Times’ 100word narrative contest in 2022. Now, the award-winning writer says he is eager to apply his skills to journalism. Arbo joins the Current’s newsroom alongside arts and culture intern Benji Boyd, ready to explore the power of local storytelling and contribute to the newspaper. While classroom learning provides a foundation, Arbo understands the importance of real-world experience. He sees journalism as a way to combine his love for creative writing with his desire to connect with people and make information more accessible.

The Current sat down with Arbo to discuss his goals, inspirations and hopes for his internship experience.

WILL DOWD: Reflecting on your Marblehead High journey, how have experiences shaped your interests and goals?

MAX ARBO: It’s helped me figure out what I am and am not interested in. I’ve learned that I want to do something more free and creative… I like a lot of my English teachers, and the arts electives are great because they’re more laid back.

DOWD: As a senior, what activities or subjects relate to your journalism interest?

ARBO: I don’t actually do a lot of extracurriculars because I am bad at managing my time. But I do write a lot on my own. Sometimes I’ll draw too — I’m always doodling and erasing stuff.

DOWD: What sparked your journalism interest, and why did you choose the Current?

ARBO: I’m interested in making information more accessible. Part of that is figuring out what kinds of media people consume and how to write things that people will remember. Journalism seems like a fun

way to combine my interests in writing and connecting with people. I chose the Current because I want to get better at nonfiction writing.

DOWD: In your email pitch to perform your senior project with the Current, you wrote you want to connect deeper with Marblehead. How do you think you’ll accomplish this?

ARBO: The Current gets sent out to every house and is online, so it provides a great connection to local news. Especially with everything happening globally, Marblehead news can get lost. The Current helps build community by keeping that local connection and helping people feel less isolated.

DOWD: What stories or issues interest you, and how will you approach them?

ARBO: I’m somewhat interested in government, but more broad government rather than just Marblehead. I think I’d go for less ordinary, day-to-day stories. I don’t have a specific

preference yet, but I’m drawn to unique topics.

DOWD: How will you navigate the fiction-to-nonfiction transition?

ARBO: I’m not a huge nonfiction person, which is another reason I want to get better at nonfiction writing through this internship. I’ve always been a storyteller, so journalism seems like a good way to apply that to real-world writing. I’m interested in the idea of making information more accessible.

DOWD: Why is local journalism important, and how do you hope to contribute?

ARBO: Local journalism, like the Current, is important because it provides news that directly affects the community. I hope to contribute by adding my perspective on what I observe and experience.

DOWD: Which journalists/ authors inspire you and how?

ARBO: I’m more inspired by fiction authors than journalists. I really enjoyed “Catcher in the Rye” and its first-person narrative style. In general, I’m drawn to fantasy and literary fiction with extensive worldbuilding, where you can expand on the universe and come up with your own interpretations.

DOWD: Looking ahead, how does this internship align with future journalism/writing goals? ARBO: I’m planning to study psychology in college, either at Bard or the University of Vermont. Journalism relates to psychology because

Summer favorite Champagne Reception is scheduled

CU rrENT EVENTS

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead Festival of Arts has announced its annual Champagne Reception at Fort Sewall will be held Sunday, June 30, 5-7 p.m.

The Champagne Reception is the unofficial start to the Festival, which runs July 3-7.

Under a large tent, people sample a selection of fine champagnes and tastings from local

restaurants and caterers.

“The Champagne Reception is not just a celebration, it’s a cornerstone of our community’s artistic vitality,” said Gayle Dublin, chair of the reception and member of the Festival’s board.

Local band True North will perform. For more information and tickets ($60 in advance and $70 at the event), visit marbleheadfestival.org.

Check out the 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

Jazz at the Arts

Thursday, April 18, 7 p.m.

The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present Jazz at the Arts, a concert series at the Marblehead Arts Association, featuring Henley Douglas Jr. and The Jorgon Trio. 8 Hooper St. marbleheadarts.org.

More jazz … at Me&Thee

Friday, April 19, 8 p.m.

For over 50 years, from Symphony Hall to Singapore, the New Black Eagle Jazz Band has delighted audiences worldwide with its soulful and uplifting style of traditional New Orleans jazz. Widely recognized as one of the premier traditional jazz bands in the world, the Black Eagles are coming to Me & Thee Music, 28 Mugford St. More info and tickets at meandthee.org.

Earth Day beach and park clean-up

Saturday, April 20, 10-11 a.m.

SPUR is celebrating Earth Day two days early with beach and park clean-ups around Marblehead, Swampscott, Beverly, Lynn and Salem. Grab some friends, and a bucket, and join the fun. More info at spurnorthshore.org.

Colonial Craft Fair

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of Colonial New England at Marblehead Museum’s Colonial Craft Fair. Stroll in the Lee Mansion gardens and meet skilled artisans and historic reenactors as they demonstrate crafts from a time gone by. Learn how shoes were made by a master shoemaker, or try your hand at copperplate printing with an accomplished printmaker. Chat with members of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment or see 18th-century food being prepared by a culinary historian. Members are $10 per person, $25 per family; non-members $15 per person, $40 per family; kids under 3 are free. More info at marbleheadmuseum.org.

Variations exhibit opening reception

Sunday, April 21, 2-5 p.m.

Come to the opening reception of the MAA’s annual national exhibit, Variations, featuring the work of artists from across the country. The exhibit runs April 20-June 16. More info at marbleheadarts.org.

YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN BLACK

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER Julie Colella and Janet Spurr at last year’s Champagne Reception.

The Festival of Arts Champagne Reception is a highlight of the summer in Marblehead.

Sports

Magicians begin season on the slow track

Girls lacrosse drops first three games, but the schedule favors them with many games still ahead

BY JOE MCCONNELL

The Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (0-3) has gotten out of the gate slowly, while also dealing with the whims of Mother Nature. Beverly and Swampscott were the latest teams to defeat the Magicians, but the good news is that there’s still plenty of time to turn the regular season around in a positive direction.

The host Panthers beat the Marblehead girls on April 8, 17-9. They took control of the game early, holding an 11-4 lead at halftime.

Maddie Forbes (1 assist, 2 goals, 3 draws), Ramona Gillett (3 goals, 5 draws), Kathryn Commoss (2 goals), Gretchen Smith (1 goal) and Caitlin Ryan (1 goal) were the team’s offensive scoring leaders. Goalie Molly Bullard tried to do her part after coming up with nine saves.

Coach Annie Madden’s squad finally came back to Piper to host rival Swampscott in the home opener on April 11. But the Big Blue spoiled the homecoming to the tune of 16-9. The game was definitely close at halftime, with the visitors leading by just two, 7-5.

Bullard was kept busy again in the net, making 16 saves to keep

Coach

Reading on Monday afternoon.

“He was somebody who always cared about the kids of Marblehead. He’d teach them life lessons, and give them the shirt off his back.”

Norman was at practice the Friday before Monday’s Reading opener to help Gold prepare the team for the game. He probably repeated his favorite expression to the players that day to get them ready for the usual ups and downs of a season. He’d simply say, “Excuses are the foundation for the house of failure.”

“There wasn’t a year that went by that those words were heard and memorized by the entire team,” said Gold. Norman was perhaps the most unheralded coach throughout the Marblehead athletic department. He was also a member of coach Jim Rudloff’s football staff at one time.

“Todd was a varsity assistant coach for us from 2010-2016,” Rudloff said. “At some point, I think we all have been on a softball, flag football or bags (a slang expression for a cornhole fundraiser he ran annually) team with Todd. He was a good friend to me, as well as all the other coaches he worked with. He was very giving to his friends, and would have your back no matter what the situation. The kids who played for him loved him, and he will be missed very much. He was and will always be a part of Marblehead’s fabric.”

MHS athletic director Greg Ceglarski offered these thoughts on behalf of the entire sports program. “It was a very sad

things close for a while. Forbes (2 goals, 1 assist, 7 draws, 1 caused turnover, 3 ground balls), Gillett (1 goal, 2 assists, 5 draws, 2 ground balls), Gretchen Smith (4 goals, 1 assist, 1 interception, 1 ground ball), Commoss (2 goals, 1 assist, 1 ground ball) and Courtney Hoguet (2 caused turnovers, 2 ground balls) were the home team’s offensive contributors.

The Magicians had games scheduled against Danvers (April 13) and Peabody (April 15) after press deadline, but then they are off for five days before resuming the regular season schedule on Saturday (April 20) at home against the Masconomet Chieftains, beginning at 10 a.m.

MHS boys upend host Danvers in second half comeback effort

BY JOE MCCONNELL

It’s been a season of adjustments so far for the Marblehead High boys lacrosse team. These Magicians have had to deal with several injuries that have affected them both on offense and defense. But nonetheless after Saturday’s 18-10 win against host Danvers, they are at least .500 on the season with a 2-2 record.

But that game wasn’t easy either. The Falcons scored the first three goals of the game, and held an 8-6 advantage at halftime.

“We worked on a lot of stuff at halftime, and the players were ready to play to get the comeback win. That’s why we were successful in this game,” said coach John Wilkens. Junior Reece Moore led the way against Danvers with four goals, along with Cam Waldman, who also had four goals to go along with one assist. Freshman Will Sullivan accounted for three goals and four assists. Greg Motorny had the hat trick, plus one assist. Jack Whipple came through with two goals and one assist. Hogan Sedky chipped in with one goal and two assists. Drew Nelson netted one.

Sophomore goalie Finn Gallup only had to make four saves to help register the triumph.

Of the injuries, Toby Grenier is the most serious. He’s currently recovering from a broken ankle, and will probably be out five to six weeks. His brother Charlie and Eliot Pluss have shoulder issues, but should be back in about a week.

“We are searching for the right chemistry right now at both ends of the field as we work through these injuries,” said Wilkens.

The Marblehead boys also beat Beverly in a low scoring affair, 6-5. But lost a close encounter to rival Swampscott, 10-9. They began the season with an 11-3 loss to perennial powerhouse Winchester. After going up against Peabody on Patriots Day after press deadline, the Magicians will go to Boxford to face Masco today (April 17) at 10 a.m. to close out the week.

Monday in Marblehead athletics. Todd was the definition of what you want a coach to be — extremely knowledgeable, always willing to lend a hand, passionate, dedicated, just to name a few of his (outstanding) qualities,” he said. “Above all of that, and probably most important, Todd was loved by the student-athletes, coaching staffs and colleagues he worked with each season.

“I worked with him for seven softball seasons as the school’s athletic director, but he was also involved with other programs before I started here,” Ceglarski added. “Everyone who I have spoken with says it was an absolute pleasure to have him on staff. Todd was also heavily involved with youth sports, which set the tone for athletes (before) they go to the high school. He was a rock to those programs, and will be sorely missed for many years to come.”

Todd has two children — Samantha, an MHS Sports Hall of Famer, and Joshua, who is a Marblehead firefighter. Samantha, who graduated in 2009, is remembered by Gold as “the most prolific hitter that I’;ve ever coached.” She was a three-year varsity starter and a two-time NEC all-star. She batted .550 in her senior campaign, and had a .433 career average, both school records.

In her three seasons with the Magicians, she only struck out six times. She went on to play softball at the University of New Hampshire, and is currently the assistant athletic director and main office administrative assistant at Bishop Fenwick after spending seven years as Salem High’s athletic trainer.

BY JOE MCCONNELL

There’s no doubt that this year’s Marblehead High softball team is going to be a resilient bunch. Even before the season got underway, these Magicians had to cope with adversity when they heard the news of the passing of the program’s longtime assistant coach Todd Norman early Monday morning, April 8.

That afternoon, they went up against host Reading, a perennial powerhouse, and proceeded to dominate the Rockets to the tune of 9-3.

Sophomore pitcher Tessa Francis pitched a complete game, while facing only 25 batters in the seven-inning game. Francis scattered two hits, and fanned 12 to secure this masterpiece effort.

Reading simply had trouble getting the Marblehead girls out on offense, when they scored in each of the first four out of five innings that included two in the first, three in the second, one in the fourth and three more in the fifth.

Right-fielder Isabel Mortenson powered the attack with a threerun homer. Shortstop Hailey Schmitt went a perfect threefor-three. She also scored twice, and stole two bases. Catcher Luka Bornhorst chipped in with two singles and one RBI. Third baseman Tessa Andriano was credited with a hit in the fourth that knocked in a run.

Second baseman Ruby Calienes accounted for one base hit. Left

fielder Sophia Hailsey scored two runs and stole two bases, while also producing a hit. Center fielder Ashley Mortensen singled in the second, and also had a stolen base.

Coach Johnny Gold’s team then headed to Saugus the very next day, and went on to beat the Sachems, 6-1. Fransis pitched six innings of two-hit ball to go along with 11 strikeouts. She issued no earned runs.

Calienes followed her to the circle, recording one strikeout in the final frame.

The Marblehead offense scored two in the first, three in the third and one in the fifth, led by Isabel Mortenson with a double and triple and one RBI. Schmitt singled in the first, before scoring on Andriano’s sacrifice fly to left. Andriano also tripled in the third, and scored one run. Bornhorst had one single and a stolen base. Calienes singled home a run.

Lyla Mcgovern was the defensive star of the game after making several difficult plays, while also tcontributing one hit to the winning cause. She scored one run. Ashley Mortensen was a perfect twofor two with three stolen bases. She scored once. Pinch-hitter Clara Donovan came off the bench in the seventh, and delivered a hit.

The home opener at Veterans Field on April 10 against Gloucester was very

emotional. Fans packed the venue to support the team as it continues to deal with the loss of its beloved assistant coach.

“Players spanning back 15 years also showed up for the game. It was an amazing show of support to honor their (late) coach (Norman),” said Gold.

Francis went all seven innings again, facing just 20 batters to help secure the 4-2 win. She gave up only two hits, and fanned 11.

The Marblehead offense scored one in the first, and three more in the third on a cold, raw day.

Bornhorst was the player of the game, according to Gold. She tripled in a run, and on the defensive side gunned down a runner trying to steal a base, while also making a spectacular catch in foul territory.

Andriano singled in a run in the opening stanza, while bringing home another run in the third on a sacrifice fly. Calienes continued her steady hitting with a single in the fifth. She also stole a base. Ashley Mortensen singled once, and scored a run.

The Marblehead girls are now getting ready for a non-league game against host Boston Latin tomorrow (April 18) at 11 a.m. The Magicians will then return home to play non-league Whittier Tech the next day, starting at 11:30 a.m. They will be at Winthrop on April 23 to face the Vikings at 4 p.m., before the Big Blue comes to town on April 24 for a 4:30 p.m. game.

COURTESY PHOTO / COLETTE T. RODRIGUES Marblehead High girls lacrosse freshman Kathryn Commoss plays close defense against Beverly during the game on April 8.

Pickleball tourney this weekend

Marblehead Pickleball is hosting a tournament April 27-28 to raise money for Fund the Field, to replace Piper Field at the high school.

The tournament will have morning and afternoon sessions at the Veterans School pickleball courts.

Players can sign up for one or both days, at $60 per day. Everyone who registers will receive a t-shirt. There will be medals for winners.

All skill levels are welcome and you don’t need to come with a partner to play.

Fund the Field organizers are $130,000 shy of their $1 million goal.

For more information, visit loom.ly/B7sOxmM.

ON THE piTCH

Marblehead Youth Soccer Maniacs win U14 indoor title in Danvers

BY JOE MCCONNELL

It was a great overall season for the Marblehead Youth Soccer U14 girls indoor travel soccer team Maniacs, and they capped it off by winning the Division 1 championship at Danvers Indoor Sports earlier this month. The Marblehead girls showed solid progression throughout the season.

During the regular season, Peabody was the powerhouse team. The playoffs began on April 2. Marblehead won its first two games over North Andover and Reading, before tying aforementioned Peabody to qualify for finals against those same junior Tanners. It was an exciting finale.

The junior Magicians scored with four minutes left in the game, but Peabody tied it up two minutes later. It remained that way throughout an exhilarating three-minute sudden death overtime period, forcing a shootout, with Marblehead winning it to secure the title, 3-1.

Team members are, from left, back row, coach

Boys tennis secures two early conference wins

BY JOE MCCONNELL,

The Marblehead High boys tennis team (2-1) started the season with a loss against non-league Manchester Essex, 3-2 on April 2. One week later on eclipse day, April 8, the Magicians regained their winning form to shutout Beverly, 5-0. Two days later, they edged host Swampscott, 3-2.

Against the Hornets in the opener, senior captain Mika Garber beat Jack Cummins in first singles, 6-0, 6- 0. Junior captain Etan Farfel lost a competitive three-setter to senior Charlie Virden in second singles, 6-2, 4-6, 7-5. Sophomore T.J. Kelly made his varsity singles debut, only to lose a close encounter to senior Jan Vytopil, 6-4, 6-4. “Down 4-1 in the first set, T.J. pulled off a remarkable comeback to even the score at four,” said coach Elisabeth Foukal.

The first doubles team of junior captain Jayden Janock and junior Leo Winocour beat Finn Birkeland and Jack Lawler, 6-2, 7-6 (11-9).

“Trailing 5-3 in the second set, Jayden and Leo came back to force a tiebreaker, which they pulled off after a back-and-forth battle. It was great doubles play with excellent sportsmanship,” said Foukal.

In second doubles, juniors Anthony Vizy and Austin Bacon lost a bitter battle to senior Sander Brenner and junior Charlie Largendorf, 6-2, 6-4.

In sub-varsity play, Ben Zaltsman and Filip Wabno lost, 6-2. Ty Cooper and Alex Boehning dropped a 6-4 decision. But they played another set against another team and won, 6-4. Quinn Sullivan and

Nico Altonian were victorious, 6-1.

Against the Panthers, Garber shutdown Liam Timpone in first singles, 6-0, 6-0. Farfel took care of Luca Pasquanello in second singles, 6-1, 6-1. Kelly maintained the trend against Rae Gedangoni to record his first varsity singles win, 6-0, 6-1.

Janock and Winocour defeated Xander Alexeyev in straight sets, 6-2, 6-0. Vizy then teamed up with freshman Alex Boehning, who was making his varsity debut, to beat Harrison Finamore and Logan Hall in second doubles, 6-3, 6-1.

In sub-varsity play, Bacon and Wabno won, and Quinn Fletcher and Cooper did the same.

On a cold, raw overcast day, the Marblehead boys traveled to Swampscott, where they nipped the Big Blue after sweeping all three singles matches.

Garber defeated Charles Schepens in three hard-fought sets, 5-7, 6-3, 6-2. “With the match on the line, Mika came through with two excellent sets to clinch the win,” said Foukal.

Farfel outlasted Sam Schepens in another three-setter, 5-7, 6-3, 6-4. Janock, making his singles debut, beat senior Maxim Zeissig, 6-1, 6-3. “Jayden outplayed his opponent, maneuvering him all around the court and forcing errors,” said Foukal.

Bacon and Cooper lost to seniors Nick Custer and Trevor Telebian in first doubles, 7-5, 6-1. Vizy and Winocour fell to Lucas Beread and Julian Flacke in second doubles, 6-2, 6-2.

In sub-varsity play, Fletcher and Wabno won, 6-4, as did Zaltsman and Boehning, 7-5. But Jeffrey Kucharsky and Cordt Menzler lost, 6-3. Quinn Sullivan

MHS VA rSiTY SCHEDU lE

Wednesday, April 17

10

Noon

Thursday, April 18

and Grayden Waller came out on top, 6-2. Nico Altonian and John Bender experienced similar results, 6-1. Griffin Waller and Andrew Halvorson were blanked, 6-0.

The Magicians will be wellrested before they get going again against visiting non-league Hamilton-Wenham on April 23, starting at 4:30 p.m.

Girls tennis blanks rival Swampscott for first win

The Marblehead High girls tennis team (1-2) opened up a brand new season with a 4-1 loss to non-league Manchester Essex on April 2. Sophomore Sami Dosch was responsible for Marblehead’s lone triumph, when she defeated Sienna Crocker, 7-6 (9-7), 6-2.

Hornets first singles player Grayson Crocker shutout Maddie Conlon in first singles, 6-0, 6-0. Nina Zalosh took care of Aviva Bornstein in second singles, 7-5, 6-4.

The Hornets’ first doubles team of Grace Scarborough and Sarah Court topped Aoife Bresnahan and Lucia Levin, 6-0, 6-3. Emily Parkins and Mackay Brooks beat Nina Johnson and Lani Gilmore in three sets, 6-7, (8-6), 6-3, 6-2.

“This was a good first match for us,” said coach Tracy Ackerman. “Manchester is always a competitive match, and as a coach I really did not know what to expect, because we have new players in four of the five starting positions.

“A real positive for us was the play of third singles player Sami Dosch. Sami was on varsity last year, but not as a starter,” added Ackerman. “She showed great patience and perseverance to win her match. Second doubles

and singles also had super close matches. We will definitely learn some things from our losses, and hopefully build on them to become better.”

After losing to Beverly, 3-2, the Magicians secured their first win of the year in style against conference rival Swampscott, 5-0.

Conlon shut out Ana Eccles in first singles, 6-0, 6-0. Bornstein defeated Sydney Antonello in second singles, 6-3, 6-2. Dosch kept up the winning pace by beating Sasha Fafel, 6-0, 6-1.

Bresnahan and Levin came out on top against Victoria Quagrello and Noelle Diehl in second doubles, 6-1, 6-4. Gilmore and Johnson completed the sweep after beating Ava O'Donnell and Alexia O’Donnell in second doubles, 6-3, 6-0.

“This was a great NEC win for us,” said Ackerman. “Frankly, we were all really disappointed with our loss to Beverly. That loss really stung. But the girls were really focused in practice, and as a result made way less unforced errors than we did against Beverly. Sometimes it takes a bad loss to get motivated, and that is what happened to us.”

After taking time off for spring vacation, the Marblehead girls will get back to work against non-league host Latin Academy on April 24, starting at 4 p.m. They will remain on the road to take on Masco two days later at the same time.

Baseball Magicians hang on to defeat the Hornets

After only two games and a number of practices cancelled or moved indoors, because of Mother Nature, the baseball Magicians are 1-1, not bad considering early April weather

can be very fickle. The victory came against non-league Manchester Essex on Eclipse Day, April 8. The Marblehead boys were able to double up their Hornet counterparts, 4-2.

“This was a great game by both teams,” said coach Mike Giardi. “We were finally able to break open the scoreless tie in the fifth.”

Freshman Greyson Leventhal was credited with a sacrifice fly that drove in sophomore Graham Tips with the first run of the game in the fifth. Senior Charlie Sachs added to the lead with a run producing double, followed by a two-run base hit by senior Chris Cannuscio with what turned out to be the winning margin of difference. Cannuscio also went the first five innings on the mound to secure the victory. Matt Mahan pitched the sixth, issuing only one walk, while fanning one, before Brooks Keefe relieved him in the seventh. Keefe yielded two hits, one walk and two earned runs to go along with one critical strikeout to end it, leaving the bases loaded to earn the save.

Cannuscio paced the offensive attack with two hits that included one double. He also walked once. Jake Scogland and Mahan were credited with one single apiece. As a team, Marblehead accounted for five hits against the Hornets. Sachs’ aforementioned double was the team’s other hit in the game. The Magicians have since gone up against Masco and Newburyport after press deadline, before hosting Beverly today (April 17), beginning at noon. Salem then comes to town Friday for a 4:30 p.m. game.

11 a.m. softball vs. Boston Latin Academy at Puopolo/Langone Park, Boston

Friday, April 19

Tim Walsh, Elsie Lukens, Sophia Patterson, Norah Walsh, Laurel Kearney, Lily Heller, Izzy Gold, Valentina De la Rocha and Maeve Cohane.

Front row, Emmy Dolce, Phoebe FontelaTuttle, Maddie Duffy, Sasha Gardella, Gwen Potter and coach Ken Rodgers.

Students bring supplies, curiosity to Cuba

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Tower School eighth graders spent their spring break on a cultural and humanitarian trip to Cuba. Their Spanish teacher, Victoria Dosch of Marblehead, grew up on the island.

“We traveled to the island with more than 30 suitcases of medical supplies and educational necessities,” Dosch said in a press release. “Staying with such welcoming Cuban families and visiting with school children, cancer patients and farmers, it was the least we could do to bring items that are impossible to find on the island. We left with empty bags and incredibly full hearts and deeper perspectives on a land so few get to visit.”

Dosch and fellow teacher Jaclyne Ainlay led 16 Tower students on the trip, which included connecting with local youth via school and sports; riding horseback through the beautiful valley of Viñales and learning firsthand from farmers how cigars, rum, coffee and honey are made.

The Tower group was also invited to the British ambassador’s house for a roundtable reception, visited a former sugar factory (now an immersive artistic haven in Havana), snorkeled in a deep cenote cave, took in a Cuban baseball playoff game and participated in an “Amazing Race”-style photo scavenger hunt through the capital.

The students ate rice and beans for the week, packed their own toilet paper, adapted to life with little electricity and no cell service, and spoke in Spanish. “Not many students would choose to spend their vacation time with their teachers doing something so far removed from their own reality, and something that is not easy. We give this group and their parents all the credit,” Dosch said.

According to Tower, these experiences provided students with exposure to the beauty of the island as well as the difficulties of life under Communist rule: little freedom and an embargo that creates extreme scarcity for essentials

such as water, food, gasoline and electricity for the approximately 11 million residents.

“This trip was eye-opening for me, to be able to understand life from a different perspective and learn to be grateful for the things that we have,” Tower student Evie Becker said.

“Cubans are wonderful and welcoming people, and it was so special to be able to interact with them and learn so much. I will never forget the lessons I have learned and the things I experienced.” Since leaving Cuba 20 years ago, Dosch has accompanied almost that many groups on trips to the island.

JCC to kick off 11th film festival

BY LEIGH BLANDER

The JCC in Marblehead will launch its 11th annual International Jewish Film Festival on Thursday, May 2. The series includes 16 movies, from comedies to dramas and political thrillers.

All films will be screened at Cinema Salem.

“We are thrilled to bring the North Shore community together for this year’s outstanding lineup of films, once again inspired by Jewish history, culture and values,” said Sara Ewing, director of Adult Programs at the JCCNS. “We are excited to welcome three brilliant film directors who will introduce their films and facilitate Q&As with the audience, and for the first time ever we’ll feature a night of short films.” Opening night will feature the 2023 documentary “Remembering Gene Wilder,” celebrating the comedic actor’s life and work in movies like “The Producers,” “Blazing Saddles,” “Young Frankenstein” and “Willy Wonka.”

Director and co-writer Glenn Kirschbaum will introduce the film and lead a Q&A period afterwards. A Boston native, Kirschbaum has spent more than 40 years working in television production.

To learn more and get tickets, visit jccns.org. Here’s a quick look at the rest of the festival:

Saturday, May 4, “Yaniv”

affectionately known as the Borscht Belt. Stand-up comedians share their best shtick while former waiters, entertainers and dance instructors recount tales of the family-run resorts and bungalows that inspired films like “Dirty Dancing.”

Tuesday, May 14, “No Name Restaurant”

This culture-clash odyssey features an improbable friendship between a stranded Brooklyn Jew and an Arab nomad in the desert, bringing humor and camaraderie. UltraOrthodox Ben sets out to rescue Alexandria, Egypt’s dwindling Jewish community, but finds himself marooned in the Sinai Desert. His last glimmer of hope rests with Adel, a gruff Bedouin in search of his lost camel.

Wednesday, May 15, “Children of Peace”

“I don’t think I will ever tire of it,” she said. “Nor will I stop dreaming of a Cuba Libre, a free Cuba. Until then, we will keep doing these small things, with great love, and I know the lessons we’ve learned will continue to ripple out far further than the 90 miles of choppy waters between our two countries.”

find her missing parents, Stella is quickly accepted as one of the family and must hide her true identity to survive. While there she falls in love, which proves to be life-changing. Based on the folktale of Cinderella, Stella is the tale of a refugee who champions the struggle with identity, home and love.

Sunda y, May 19, “Shoshana”

Inspired by real events, “Shoshana” is a political thriller set in 1930s Tel Aviv, which looks at the way political extremism and violence drives a wedge between people, forcing them to choose sides.

Wednesday, May 22, “Love Gets a Room”

Sunday, May 5, “The Zone of Interest”

The commandant of Auschwitz, Rudolf Höss, and his

After funding is cut for the school musical, a high school teacher in the Bronx resolves to earn it back by recruiting a fellow statistics teacher (who is secretly a card counter and recovering gambling addict) to cheat at an underground card game run by the Hasidic Jewish community. The plan goes awry with mounting consequences, but help comes at an unexpected time from the least likely people.

wife, Hedwig, strive to build a dream life for their family while their home sits mere yards away from the setting of the worst atrocities of recent history. Shot in and around the historic site of Auschwitz.

Wednesday, May 8, A Night of Shorts

A showcase of short films from across the world.

Friday, May 10, “The Catskills”

“The Catskills” is a nostalgic tribute to what became

In the 1970s, a group of dreamers embarked on a utopian experiment, giving birth to Neve Shalom — a village envisioned as a model of harmonious coexistence between Arabs and Jews. Despite their noble aspirations, this community found itself entangled in internal conflicts and beset by external challenges that put their revolutionary vision to the test.

Friday, May 17, “Stella”

It is 1937 and Stella, a German Jewish refugee, finds work in a Scottish country estate owned by the fascist Earl of Rig. With war looming and desperate to

Inspired by true events during the 1942 Nazi occupation of Poland, “Love Gets A Room” is the story of a Jewish stage actress who must make the gutwrenching decision to follow her heart or to escape the Warsaw ghetto.

Thursday, May 23, “Call Me Dancer”

Manish, a talented young street dancer from Mumbai, is determined to be a professional dancer, despite the odds stacked against him and parents who insist that he follow a traditional path. He meets an Israeli ballet master who encourages him to pursue his dream. However, when pitted against another talented dancer, Manish realizes he must push himself to his physical limits to succeed.

Tower students meet with the British ambassador to Cuba, Sir George Hollingbery.

COURTESY PHOTOS Tower students shared Spanish and English lessons with students at a local elementary school in the province of Pinar del Rio.

The Tower group gathers in the valley of Viñales.

Jackson Nutt of Tower plays with a preschool student outside of Havana.

articles include using free cash to offset the tax rate, a 2% cost of living increase for town employees, adopting local meals and room occupancy taxes, and approving the town’s balanced budget.

Articles 29-33 — These articles cover capital project funding, increases to certain local fees, and dog licensing matters.

Tabled

Article 42 — This article proposes offering free transfer station access for veterans, but was tabled pending more information on potential revenue impacts.

Article 51 — Details on this article were not provided in the meeting summary.

No recommendation:

Articles 1 and 2 — These articles cover Town Meeting procedures and reports and have no direct financial impact.

Articles 20 and 21 — These articles relate to pending union

contracts with police and municipal employees and will be discussed on Town Meeting floor.

Articles 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 — These articles propose various zoning bylaw and town bylaw amendments. The Finance Committee made no recommendation as they do not have a direct financial impact.

Articles 46, 47, 49, 50, 53

— These articles are citizen petitions related to other town matters. No recommendation was made by the Finance Committee.

Indefinitely postpone:

Article 18 - This article proposed transferring funds to the Special Education Stabilization Fund, but the Finance Committee recommends indefinite postponement as the transfer was not put forward this year.

Articles 27 and 28 - These articles proposed supplemental appropriations for departmental budgets, but the Finance Committee recommends

innate tendency to erupt when something goes wrong.

my ears burn during loud phone recriminations or by making my cheeks burn with annoyed letters.

I’ve been on the other side of that, as well. Sicilians are genetically disposed to holding grudges, and it’s a neverending life’s work to resist the

from baseball to billiards and the societal debates surrounding sports and leisure from 1865-1954. Tickets are available at marbleheadmuseum.org or by calling 781-631-1768.

Clearly, depending on the situation, some folks (even some Sicilians) are generous in forgiving an error and accepting a promise to do better. Others, though, take great umbrage at an error of any size.

We saw this happen on the pages of this newspaper last week. Mistakes were made.

One letter writer addressed the

Candidates’ Night on May 21

The Marblehead League of Women Voters will hold its annual Candidates’ Night on Tuesday, May 21, at 7 p.m. in the Marblehead High library. This forum allows voters to meet and learn about the candidates running for office.

indefinite postponement as the articles were not moved forward.

Article 48 — This article relates to road safety improvements. The Finance Committee recommends indefinite postponement to allow the DPW to complete a road safety audit before making changes.

Article 52 — Details on this article were not provided in the meeting summary, but the Finance Committee recommended indefinite postponement.

Next steps

The Finance Committee will now submit and print its detailed report and recommendations to be included in the official Town Meeting warrant that goes out to all residents.

Town Meeting will begin on May 6 at 7 p.m. in the Veterans Middle School Performing Arts Center, Duncan Sleigh Square, 217 Pleasant St. All registered voters are eligible to attend and vote on the articles.

situation by pointing out two factual errors in a short, simple missive. Two other letter writers wrote paragraph after paragraph of excoriating prose, treating the mistakes as if they were the conspiratorial work of the dark web.

Did the errors deserve attention? Of course. Could the editorial staff have done better?

Definitely. Was the apology the paper offered necessary? I think

Clothing swap and drive

The Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA will hold a Clothing Swap and Drive on April 19, from 8-10 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. Participants are invited to bring clean, gently used children’s clothing to exchange for new outfits. Contributions can be made starting April 14 through April 18. Any

SUBMITTED BY THE LYNCH/ VAN OTTERLOO YMCA

The Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA is opening two more weeks of camp this summer. The first week will run as a precamp week, the week of June 17. This week will run for four days: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. In observance of Juneteenth, no camp on June 19. A post-camp week, the week of Aug. 26, will run as a full fiveday offering. These weeks will run as a hybrid of the sports and gymnastic camps and will be a great transition out of and into the school year. Campers will enjoy a fun and wellrounded camp day around the Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA and on the outdoor fields. Activities include games, recreational

so.

And, the world did not end.

Just as it didn’t end during that magnificent lunar/solar phenomenon last week, despite predictions made by creative conspiracy theorists. Just as it didn’t end during the little tremor we felt from that earthquake in New Jersey.

Stuff happens. If you truly believe a mistake needs addressing, don’t let it drop. Ask

unclaimed items will be donated to Cradles to Crayons, supporting local children in need.

Tribe talk to address teen antisemitism

The JCC in Marblehead will host “Tribe Talk,” an event addressing antisemitism among teens, on April 28, 3-5 p.m. The event is open to students

sports, introductory gymnastics, swimming, arts and crafts and much more. Register at northshoreymca. org/camps/marblehead/ April vacation week

April 15-19 is Healthy Kids Week at the Lynch/van Otterloo. In honor of Healthy Kids Day, the Y’s national initiative to improve the health and wellbeing of kids and families, Ys host free community events aimed to inspire kids and families to keep their minds and bodies active throughout the summer months and beyond. Enjoy open gymnastics, swimming and basketball times plus daily mindfulness and nutrition activities, as well as pop-up fun activities for parents and kids. Check out the full schedule at northshoreymca.org/

for an admission, an apology, and a promise to do better. Hold the person responsive to that promise.

Then, take a few healing breaths and let the bloody thing go.

Marblehead resident Jo

Ann Augeri Silva, a retired journalist, author, public relations professional and educator, was an editor of the Marblehead Reporter.

in grades eight through 12, as well as their parents and grandparents. Interested participants can RSVP at tinyurl.com/tribetalkns.

Friends of COA to host annual auction

The Friends of the Marblehead Council on Aging will hold its annual auction on April 25 at 5:30 p.m. at the Landing Restaurant. The event will feature a variety of items, services and events to bid on, with proceeds supporting COA services and programs. Reservations are strongly encouraged by calling 781-639-1266.

Festival of the Arts calls for art

The Festival of the Arts is calling for art entries now through June 14 at 10 p.m. Eligible artists residing, working or belonging to an art association in Essex County can submit their original artwork for juried exhibits. Separate categories are available for youth and student art open to Marblehead residents or non-residents attending school or classes in Marblehead. Awards will be distributed in each category on July 3 at 6 p.m. at Abbot Hall. Artists are invited to enter across multiple categories. Visit tinyurl. com/5e5p4bt8 to learn more.

Pride celebration set for June 1

The Select Board unanimously approved the

use of Abbot Hall for a Pride event on June 1, with a rain date of June 2. The event, organized by the Marblehead Pride Committee, will take place at 3 p.m.

Cultural Council seeks public input

The Marblehead Cultural Council is seeking public input through a survey to help establish funding priorities for arts, culture, applied sciences and history projects in 2025. The survey results will guide the council in determining the most important initiatives for the town’s residents. Interested individuals can complete the survey via the QR

Meet photographer Fred Marco

‘I was so inspired by all the beauty around us’

BY MELISSA STACEY

The following is an interview with Fred Marco, owner of Fred Marco Photography, conducted by Discover Marblehead. Inspired by the beauty of Marblehead, Fred’s work can be found at FredMarcoPhotography.com.

Tell us about Fred Marco Photography and why you started it. I was a headshot photographer in New York City for over a decade. I moved to Marblehead to be a speechlanguage pathologist and I was so inspired by all the beauty around us here that I busted out all my equipment again. I shoot land and seascapes with a large emphasis on Marblehead and particularly unsung corners of

pOliCE lOG

our great town. All photographs are available with or without a large selection of matting and framing and delivered directly to you when you order from my website, fredmarcophotography. com. I also specialize in intimate family, child, engagement and personal

portraiture by appointment.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? I have to say that my favorite spot in Marblehead is Devereux Beach because of my ocean addiction.

What is something people

would be surprised to learn about you? I once gave a speech/ language evaluation to a crown prince.

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

Mulch madness, missing fraternity flag

Excerpts from the Marblehead police log

March 28-April 8.

Consistent with state law, police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation.

March 28

8:40 a.m. — Officer Douglas Mills responded to a report of past vandalism at the Marblehead Charter School on Lime Street. Upon arrival, a school employee informed the officer that a pane of glass on a side entry door had been damaged, likely due to an object being thrown at it. The incident occurred between 3 p.m. on March 27 and 5:10 a.m. on March 28. No entry to the building was gained, and the school discarded the small half of a brick found outside the door before the officer’s arrival. The damage was photographed, and the incident was documented. The Criminal Investigation Division and the School Resource Officer were notified.

March 29

8:23 a.m. — Officer Charles Sweeney spoke with an individual at the police station lobby regarding alleged unemployment fraud. The reporting party informed the officer that they had received a letter in the mail stating that they had filed for unemployment, which they had not done. The reporting party contacted the Department of Unemployment, which flagged

Gerald Burton Braun, 89

Gerald Burton Braun, 89, of Marblehead and The Villages, Florida, sadly left us on April 12. Born April 5, 1935, in Cincinnati, Ohio, he was affectionately known as Jerry and “Pa.” His life was marked by unwavering dedication to his work and profound love for his family. He embarked on his career in the mid/late 1950s at Cincinnati Milling Machine. He later pursued engineering studies at Ohio University, where he met his beloved wife, Donna

Rae Boucher. Together, they nurtured a loving family, raising two children, Gerald Burton Braun Jr. and Renee Michelle Braun.

Jerry’s service as a captain in the United States Armed Forces and in the 1961-1962 West

their information and advised them to file a police report. Sweeney filed a report and provided a copy to the reporting party.

March 30

2:09 p.m. — Officer Jason McDonald was dispatched to a residence on Mugford Street for an ongoing neighbor dispute. The reporting party told the officer that their neighbor from an adjacent property had trespassed onto their land and placed mulch and lawn chairs in an area where the property line was being disputed in court. The reporting party was advised by their attorney to document any trespassing incidents with the police. McDonald documented the incident as a civil matter.

Berlin crisis, exemplified his dedication to his country during the first years of his marriage. In 1964, the young family settled in Marblehead, discovering a shared love for sailing aboard their Morgan 22 and indulging in their mutual interests in history and antiquing. His career at General Electric, particularly in managing the repair engineering department of the F404 and J85 engines at the GE Everett and then Lynn plants, showcased his expertise and passion for his work.

Throughout his life, Jerry showed immense support and interest in his children’s endeavors. His involvement in his son’s sailing activities and daughter’s horseback riding and

March 31

10:51 a.m. — Officer Douglas Mills conducted a motor vehicle stop on Village Street after witnessing a vehicle allegedly going the wrong way past a “do not enter” sign at the Village School. The operator informed the officer that they were supposed to meet their wife at church but couldn’t remember which one. Mills followed the operator to St. Stephen’s Church on Cornell Road, where they located the operator’s wife. The officer explained the situation to

informed the officer that they had previously dealt with kids playing “ring and run” on March 23 and had confronted them. On March 30, at approximately 9:30 p.m., the reporting party’s house was allegedly egged, and they believed it was the same group of kids. The reporting party had purchased a camera system but had not installed it yet and had cleaned up the mess before the officer’s arrival. Michaud documented the incident and sent an internal email to the school resource officer regarding the situation and previous calls involving the same group of kids.

flying was a testament to his commitment as a father and a source of inspiration for those around him.

As his family expanded, he embraced the role of a beloved “Pa” to his grandchildren, who held a special place in his heart. Despite enduring the heartbreaking loss of his wife and daughter in 1996, Jerry found solace and joy in his grandchildren Ryan Braun; Hayley Braun Comeau, her husband, Evan Gary Comeau; and Tucker Braun, Later in life, Jerry found companionship and love once again with his marriage to Jeanne Blattner in 2005, finding happiness in The Villages, Florida. His joy was complete

when he welcomed his greatgranddaughter, Rowan Renee Comeau, in 2023. Even in the face of physical challenges, Jerry’s eyes would light up and his smile would widen whenever he spoke of his family, leaving a lasting impact with his kind words and generosity.

Gerald Burton Braun’s legacy lives on through his family and the memories they shared. His presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace, knowing that he has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he loved. There will be a celebration of life Wednesday April 24, noon, at Eastern Yacht Club 47 Foster St., Marblehead.

COURTESY PHOTO

Fred Marco is the owner of Fred Marco Photography in Marblehead.

OBiTUA rY

Alan Kraning, 76

Leslie Alan Kraning (“Alan”) died on March 30, with his wife Katie and son Matt beside him. He was 76 and had lived a good and full life.

Alan was born and raised in Colorado, the son of Jack and Barbara (Burnett) Kraning. Alan was a gifted math and science student, an Eagle Scout and a thoughtful friend who felt lucky to know so many wonderful classmates who stayed lifelong friends.

Bucking the usual westward migration, Alan went east to college to Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1965. It was his first plane ride. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees in five years in electrical

Todd Norman, 61

Todd Norman passed away suddenly in his home on Monday, April 8, at the age of 61. He is survived by his wife Jennifer Norman of Marblehead; his son Joshua Norman and his wife Ashley Norman of Beverly; his daughter Samantha Kheboian and her husband Maxwell Kheboian of Beverly; his bonus daughters Morgan Anderton of Marblehead and Sofia Marcheterre of Beverly; his three granddaughters Bella, Lucy and Andi; and his brother Eric Norman and his wife Stacy Norman of Scarsdale, New York. Todd is also survived by cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends and family whom he loved dearly. Todd was preceded in death by his parents Belle and George Norman of Marblehead. Todd was born on July 7, 1962, in Portland, Maine. He was a

Raymond G. Torto, 82

Raymond G. Torto, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Marblehead on April 7. He leaves behind his loving wife of 34 years, Elizabeth (Rowen) Torto. A devoted father, Raymond is survived by his daughter, Stephanie, and her husband, Jon; his daughter, Pamela, and her husband, Michael; and his son, Nathaniel. Raymond leaves behind his brother, Philip, his sister-in-law Elly and his niece and nephew, Elissa and Michael. He is also survived by his grandchildren Emma, Katie, Cameron, Chase and Hunter as well as his beloved cousins and devoted friends.

Born in Lynn in 1941, Ray was the son of Edward and Lucy (Petrucci) Torto. He grew up in Lynn surrounded by a large family who immigrated from Italy in the 1910s. Ray graduated

Tom (Thomas Edward) Schaefer, 76

Tom (Thomas Edward) Schaefer, 76, of Rockport, passed away on April 11, in Danvers. He was born on October 16, 1947, in Salem. Tom was a man of many passions, always driven by pursuits that allowed him to form meaningful relationships with others.

Throughout his life, he held various career roles, including civil engineer, carpet installer, yoga teacher and positional therapist. He was a graduate of Lenox

engineering, Sigma Xi in research, it was a natural fit. It was there he also got hooked on sailing and was not deterred even when he fell overboard in the Charles River and had to get a tetanus shot.

Alan met Katie, the love of his life and another transplanted westerner, at a college mixer in 1967. After a stint in Philadelphia, they

graduate of Marblehead High School class of 1980, and went on to graduate from Dean College in 1982. He spent his whole life living in Marblehead and was a familiar, friendly face to many in town. He bartended at Maddie’s Sail Loft throughout the 90s and was the proud owner of Todd Norman Landscaping until his passing. Todd loved Marblehead, or “heaven” as he called it. Everything he did tied back to the Marblehead community. He was quick to lend a helping hand

from Lynn English High School in 1959. He met his late wife, Carol (McGrath) Torto, a student at rival Lynn Classical High School on a blind date. Ray went on to become a ‘triple eagle,’ receiving his bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees in economics from Boston College. While at BC, Ray made lifelong friendships, including a group of friends that called themselves “The Potatoes.” Ray’s vast professional career spanned roles in academia, government and the private sector

got married in 1976 and soon moved back up to where they met and truly belonged: New England and the Boston area. They bought their first and only house in 1984, in Marblehead and have lived there ever since. Son Matt came along in 1986; Alan literally had stars in his eyes at Matt’s birth. The house overflowed with love, friendly card games played with light-hearted trickery, and infectiously fun conversations, including atrocious pun wars that Alan — the supposedly quiet guy — almost always won with a combination of wit and shamelessness.

Professionally, Alan spent most of his career developing computer software for management of very large databases, with wide-ranging applications from railroads

to anyone who needed it, no questions asked, and no credit taken. Todd was unapologetically Todd — a fierce advocate for what he believed in, a loyal and caring friend, a loud guy who was quick to make friends. He had a laugh that you could hear from a mile away.

Todd played in and coached the men’s softball league on Green Street for over 25 years. He was a staple on the Maddie’s Sail Loft team, the Gerry team and the Rockheads over the years, where he enjoyed the healthy competition, and a competitive word or two. Todd served on many boards including as president of Marblehead Youth Baseball, Marblehead Youth Softball and was a Parks and Recreation commissioner. He poured his heart and soul into these programs as he knew the importance that youth sports have beyond the playing field. Todd was a Red Sox enthusiast who held season tickets with

as well as authoring four books.

Ray began his career in the late 1960s as a professor of economics at Salem State College and in 1970 began teaching at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. During his 24-year tenure at UMass, he was appointed the department chairman and director of the Public Policy Institute. Ray also served as a government official for the city of Boston, advising on tax policy and later becoming the commissioner of assessing for then-mayor Kevin White. Ray was a pioneer of the real estate research industry. In 1982, Ray partnered with Bill Wheaton of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to start Torto Wheaton Research (TWR), a commercial real estate research firm. TWR was among the first to bring data analysis and econometrics to the real estate industry, paving the way for increased institutional capital. Ray was a co-recipient with Bill Wheaton of the 2007

to economic forecasting to NASA space missions. He was a wonderful mentor and loved bringing out the talent of other “quiet” ones. He liked staying close to math and engineering throughout his entire career, directly working at what he called “the bleeding edge of technology.” He never met software he couldn’t bring to its knees to get it to do what it was supposed to.

When he retired, Alan and Katie increased their time scuba diving and traveling across the world. For over a decade, Alan sailed off the coast of Maine with a sailing club whose members became, and stayed, good friends. He was involved with high school and college alumni activities and, with Katie, was beginning to get involved with the Peabody Essex Museum. All this while, over

his section 10 family from the 90s until his passing. His unique rendition of “Sweet Caroline” could be heard throughout Fenway Park, and continued to be heard throughout Marblehead, the Three Cod and Aruba, whether you liked it or not. Todd was also a proud board member of Sterny’s Way Scholarship Fund where he held fundraisers to maintain the scholarship in memory of his dear friend, Sterny.

While Todd had many passions in life, none was greater than the love he had for coaching Marblehead’s athletes. From youth football and youth baseball to varsity football and varsity softball, he was all in for his teams. There aren’t many athletes who grew up in Marblehead who weren’t positively impacted by “Coach Norman.” As he was known to say, “It’s not about your kid, it’s about all the kids,” and he lived that statement day in and day

James A. Graaskamp Award for Real Estate Research Excellence. TWR was acquired by CBRE in 2009 and continues its mission today as CBRE Econometric Advisors. Ray later became the global chief economist for CBRE and served as treasurer, vice chairman and chairman of the Pension Real Estate Association and as a director of the PREA board. After Ray retired from CBRE, he returned to the classroom to become a lecturer at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Well-known in the industry for his approach to real estate economics, he also became famous for his Boston accent and use of the word ‘dater.’ Reflecting on his career in an interview in 2014, Ray said that his favorite part of the real estate industry was the many people he worked with over the years.

In his free time, Ray enjoyed sailing, tennis, cooking, a stiff Manhattan and the view of Marblehead Harbor. On almost

School and Tufts University. Tom found solace and community at the First Congregational Church of Rockport and Old North Church in Marblehead.

In his free time, Tom enjoyed

walking, photography, hiking, singing and reading.

He is survived by his sons, Nicholas Schaefer and Robert Schaefer; as well as his sisters, Ellen Velline and Carol Judd. Tom was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Schaefer (Baldwin), and father, Hans Frederick Schaefer Jr.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Prostate Cancer Foundation (PCF), Mass Audubon or Artists for Humanity Boston.

Arrangements: A funeral service will be held May 4 at 11 a.m., at the Old Sloop (First Congregational) Church in Rockport.There will be a gathering in the fellowship hall of the church immediately after the service.

the past 21 years, Alan was also undergoing multiple treatments for head, neck and lung cancers. One of his favorite sayings from his time at the YMCA’s LiveStrong program was “Every day wake up and tell yourself, ‘I can do this.’” And that’s just what he did.

Alan is survived by his wife of 47 years, Katie Huddleson; his son Matt Kraning and daughter-inlaw Gabriella Angiolillo;his sister Janet Kreps of Eaton, Colorado; and nieces, nephews and in-laws spread across the country.

A celebration of life will be held later this summer in Maine. If you would like to be notified when details are final or share memories, stories and expressions of sympathy, please visit murphyfuneralhome.com/ obituary/alan-kraning or call the Murphy Funeral Home at 978-744-0497.

out. Todd had a unique way of bonding with his players and was quick to establish inside jokes and give nicknames to each and every player. The town of Marblehead is now a lot quieter without its beloved Todd, but we want his memory to live on for many years to come. In his own words, Todd said, “We were put on this earth to make us and the people around us better people, and it all starts with a simple hello.” Live like Todd did. Say hello to those you pass by, lend a helping hand to someone in need without looking for the credit, and live as your most authentic self.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Todd Norman Memorial Scholarship, c/o National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Todd’s family.

every weekend in the summer, Ray could be found on his sailboat with his wife, Linn, and his cousin, Bob. Ray loved spending time with family and friends. Soon after moving to his house in Marblehead, Ray built a bocce court, which became an integral part of the annual Torto family reunions and the site of many heated competitions. On Sunday afternoons, Ray could usually be found cooking sauce for his famous raviolis. With his warmth, quick wit and charm, Ray was truly one in a million. A celebration of life is being planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers and gifts, please consider making a donation to St. Francis House at 39 Boylston St., Boston or The McCormack School at University of Massachusetts, Boston at 100 Morrissey Blvd., Boston. For more information or online guestbook, please visit MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

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

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

NAHS Art Night

www.mhsheadlight.com

Benji Boyd, Junior, Assistant Editor

This past Friday, April 5, the National Art Honors Society hosted their annual Art Night. Held in the MHS cafeteria, Art Night is an event hosted by high school artists for children and families of all ages. Beginning at 5:00 PM, guests were welcome to partake in a variety of craft activities run by NAHS members, enjoy pizza and sweets, and purchase raffle tickets and artwork created by students.

“One of the goals of the National Art Honors Society is to bring the joy of artmaking to the community,” said NAHS director Leah Bordieri. “It was wonderful to see the high school students helping out younger community members create arts and crafts.”

Activities available included rock painting, jewelry making, canvas painting, and mask making. Out of the box thinkers were welcome to invent their own artistic creations with glitter, pom poms, popsicle sticks, and ribbons. Some NAHS students spent the night face painting, henna drawing, and taking pictures at the photo station.

Senior NAHS officer Samantha Roman was a leading

force in putting the event together. On top of leading meetings and organizing with the other officers – Wyatt Foley, Nina Lees, and Siena Day – Roman was able to take inventory of leftover supplies from last year, order new items, and even buy food to sell. NAHS members significantly helped to organize their own table by collecting the necessary materials and drawing colorful signs. The students involved arrived at 4:00 PM on Friday to begin laying down festive tablecloths, set up their crafts, and make everything ready for the guests to arrive.

Attendees arrived throughout the night, from 5:00-8:00 PM, and an estimated sixty kids showed up in all. The rock painting and the mixed craft tables were especially popular with the younger crowd, while many Village and Vets students were drawn to crafts like gimp and friendship bracelets. There was never a dull moment for the face painters, who sent many kids home as tigers, dragons, and pirates.

Thanks to the community participation and the NAHS members, this year’s Art Night achieved its goal of bringing the community together and getting younger students excited about art.

Marblehead’s newest pond: the rail trail

Rachael Albert, Senior, Assistant Editor

One of the nicest things about Marblehead is the wildlife we get to experience. We live on the ocean, which gives us beautiful seals and even whale sightings, but we also have a lovely array of woodlands, swamps, and ponds. Most people in town know about Ware, Redd’s, and Hawthorn Ponds, which teem with fish, frogs, turtles, and birds, but you may be surprised to find that our newest pond is closer than you think. After a generous rain (which is an easy feat for New England in April), you might find yourself walking on Marblehead’s rail trail, marveling at the new wildlife that appeared after a storm. Biking to school recently, I spotted ducks flying overhead, and I thought it odd, for ducks usually reside at a pond or at least close to one. I continued my ride and soon found that the ducks were not the ones out of place, I was. I stopped to look at this great new pond that had formed in the middle of the rail trail after a Nor’easter. And really, it was my fault for impeding on the ducks’ home when trying to take the most direct and efficient route to school.

See, the Town of Mar-

blehead recently laid down new gravel on the rail trail, but how foolish must I have been to assume that they wanted to help commuters on the path when they clearly were trying to expand the habitat of the local animals, a noble cause!

I do not believe that the town had any ill intentions, I think this was all caused by a simple misunderstanding. According to public records, the town conducted a poll which found that the majority of those who use the rail trail use it for recreational purposes. Although I do not remember answering such a poll, and I cannot recall any other student in Marblehead Public Schools answering it either. Surely the town must have considered all the children who use the rail trail to transport themselves to and from school before making any drastic changes to it.

But I forget myself! Perhaps it is inaction that I should complain about, as opposed to action. Perhaps I should complain about what happens to the rail trail after a snowstorm. I am not so naïve to expect the town to clear the entire path of snow and ice; that task is difficult. Though, I would expect the entrances to the path from the roads to remain accessible, but I am learning to not even

Headlight Staff 2023-2024

EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt

expect that. Each time there is a snowstorm and the plows come through, they leave a bank so big that it would make any child feel like a professional mountaineer.

Each year, without fail, the entrance to the rail trail is blocked, and even after the snow on the path has melted, I still have to haul my bicycle over the snowbank in order to go to school.

April 17, 2024

While on the subject of carrying my bike over foreign objects, I would like to applaud the Town of Marblehead for giving me such good practice in case I ever ended up in a real-life version of the Donkey Kong game. About five years ago there was a storm (as we often have), and many trees went down. It was a catastrophic event, but nothing we had not seen before. Which is why it puzzled me when, almost two weeks after the storm, I was still lugging my bike over several tree trunks which lay directly across the path. Despite the two-week long battle, I am now certain that if I ever needed to jump over large barrels that an angry monkey was throwing at me, I would be prepared. The only one I have to thank is the Town of Marblehead.

A Journeyer’s Tale

Ian Chace, Guest Writer

It was the farthest North they had ever been. This porcelain realm where polar bears roam was a kingdom of white, where no man called home. White-capped mountains stood like guardians to frame the eternal eclipse, acting as a gateway to the uninhabited.

But they weren’t afraid as they ventured deeper into the land of endless ice. In the frozen world where snowy owls sleep, their boots marked the virgin snow like hot iron on parchment as their journey began. As the icy winds started to bite at their thick coats, they realized why nobody ventured here: the landscape, an antithesis of the modern world, free from industrialization.

They huddled together but it wasn't enough, so they brewed piping hot cocoa over their crackling fire in an attempt to warm their insides, but nature's hand remained inescapable. And the drinks curling steam mingled with frosty air to create an unforgettable contrast.

The frigid days continued to pass as the thoughts of warmth never returned. When the sun dipped low a golden hue spread and momentarily

reminded them of their lives before. But the icy landscape's aura lingered in their hearts, their chilling memories of the past possibly forever frozen.

Then, as if by sorcerer's hand, they gazed up, to the northern lights tickling the sky with their majestic marks. Their beautiful colors were like a painting in the dark.

With wanderlust reignited, they explored a crystalline cave with shadows that concealed what lay inside. It was a harsh world, this northern land, but there was hope to find, secrets to uncover, and frozen mysteries to unwind.

The icy waterfalls held time frozen in stride. Their radiant gush stalled when the ancient civilizations left, like the leaves twisting to browning grass in fall.

This was only the tip of the iceberg, they thought, as deeper exploration is needed, and truths lingered close; however, these answers can never come in the land where life and death seem to blend.

So they must embrace the unknown, as they had always planned, in the farthest north, my friend.

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert TECHNOLOGY EDITOR: Kate Twomey

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

FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

THE Di XEY COllECTiON BY

DAN DIXEY

This 35mm slide taken by local photographer Harry Wilkinson shows the former Richdale Store on Elm Street after a major fire in 1970. The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer and historian Dan Dixey, who regularly shares photos of Marblehead from his extensive collection, along with information about each shot.