04.30.2025 – Volume 3, Issue 23

IN THIS ISSUE

SUMMER FUN

‘CHOPPED’

SPORTS

MHD Cruise In is back, in new location

MHS students compete in the kitchen

MHS track teams impress

Page 13

Page 14

Page 9

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DEMOCRACY

Temporary tax hikes, zoning changes to dominate Town Meeting debate The Mary Alley project, Meeting opens detailed in Article 33, requests million in new funding Monday night $5.75 through a debt exclusion

BY WILL DOWD As Marblehead voters prepare for the May 5 Town Meeting, the $6.23 million Mary Alley Municipal Building renovation stands as one of several infrastructure projects on the warrant, though attention will likely center on the proposed 3A Multifamily Overlay District zoning changes mandated by state law.

override, supplemented by $480,000 from previously authorized funds. At its April 23 meeting, the Select Board received a comprehensive presentation from engineering firm NV5 about the building’s deteriorating conditions.

“There’s huge concern in the building,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told the board.

“So many of the systems have failed that there’s plug-in

» Be sure to check out the Current’s Town Meeting Guide at MarbleheadCurrent.org. heaters in so many office spaces.

It scares the heck out of me that if we went down over the weekend, we might have another insurance claim.”

Building history and critical needs The Mary Alley building, originally constructed as a municipal hospital in the 1950s, was converted to municipal offices in the late 1980s after

the hospital closed. Since then, minimal updates have left the building with multiple failing systems.

Daniel Wright, a mechanical engineer with NV5, detailed the extensive problems throughout the structure.

“The building has a very old steam system, 1890s technology really,” Wright explained. “You have old steel piping running around crawl space and vectors

GRANTING WISHES

Make-A-Wish to celebrate local 9-year-old girl Saturday

BY LEIGH BLANDER For 9-year-old Sophia Triscuit of Marblehead, Saturday, May 3, is going to be a very special day. The Brown School student, who lives with a rare and life-threatening disease that will eventually require a kidney transplant, will be the focus of a MakeA-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island celebration here in town.

“She’s really excited about it,” said Cassie Sturdivant, owner of Marblehead’s Mud Puddle Toys. “I want her to realize how special she is. I want her to feel supported, because she is.”

Sturdivant is partnering with Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to organize the day.

Mom Ashley Hill told the Current that her little girl has been through a lot.

“Sophia and our family have had a long journey since she was born with VACTERL Association and microtia,” she explained. “We’ve had more hospitalizations and close calls than we’d like to count.”

The Select Board has designated May 3 as Make-AWish Day in Marblehead.

The fun will begin with COURTESY PHOTO

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PREVIEW, P. 6

PUBLIC SAFETY

Dog declared dangerous after attacks on teen, postal worker

BY WILL DOWD

Make-A-Wish Day

SOPHIA, P. 3

blasting heat, whether you need it or not.”

The building’s cooling system consists of approximately 60, through-the-wall terminal units installed in the mid-1980s that use R-12 refrigerant, which is no longer available. Many units are abandoned or no longer working as designed.

Beyond HVAC issues, the building faces multiple critical problems: » A leaking, poorly insulated asphalt roof

Nine-year-old Sophia Triscuit of Marblehead lives with a rare and life-threatening disease. She will be celebrated at Make-A-Wish festivities in town on Saturday.

The Select Board unanimously voted April 23 to designate an 8-year-old Belgian Malinois that regularly stays in Marblehead as a dangerous dog after two separate biting incidents, including one that hospitalized a teenager.

The board’s action requires the dog’s owner, Joshua Hopkins of Enfield, New Hampshire, to implement strict safety protocols mandated by state law, including muzzling the dog in public and securing $100,000 in insurance coverage.

The February incident involved a teenage boy who required hospital treatment for puncture wounds. A separate incident last fall involved a postal worker who wasn’t seriously injured but had a confrontation with the animal.

“It was a significant enough puncture wound injury that resulted in a hospital stay,” said Police Chief Dennis King in a March 12 Select Board hearing.

The dangerous dog hearing, mandated under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 140, Section 157, took place April 17 at 2 p.m. after King initially requested the proceedings on March 12.

Assistant Animal Control Officer Dan Proulx conducted the investigation and recommended the dangerous dog designation after hearing testimony from multiple witnesses, including the teenage victim and his parents.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer’s April 23 memorandum stated the dog, named DOG, P. 6

marbleheadcurrent.org

2 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

IN MEMORIAM

Harry Christensen, decorated veteran and longtime Select Board member, dies at 78

BY WILL DOWD Harry C. Christensen Jr., a Marblehead native, decorated Vietnam War veteran, attorney and public servant, died on April 20, leaving behind a legacy of service to both his country and community. He was 78.

A lifelong devotee to Marblehead, many characterized Christensen as a man known for his unwavering dedication to his hometown, his candid war stories that captivated high school students and his ability to maintain friendships across political divides.

Wounded in war, devoted to public service Christensen, born on Sept. 29, 1946, graduated from Marblehead High School in 1965 before enlisting in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He served as a tank commander and received multiple honors, including the Silver Star For gallantry in action and two Purple Hearts, after being seriously wounded during an ambush by North Vietnamese forces on Jan. 24, 1968.

“Combat is a horrible, horrible thing,” Christensen told Marblehead High School students during one of his many classroom visits, as reported in a 2015 Marblehead Reporter article. “It scares the bejesus out of you.”

His military career ended abruptly when he was blown off his tank after it was hit by enemy

COURTESY PHOTO

Harry C. Christensen Jr., a decorated Vietnam veteran, former special education teacher and longtime Marblehead Select Board member, is remembered for his decades of service to his town, local students and his fellow veterans. He died April 20, 2025, at the age of 78.

fire. He suffered approximately 14 bullet and shrapnel wounds while everyone else in his tank was killed. The injuries and trauma would affect him for the rest of his life.

Bill Conly, a longtime friend, remembered Christensen suffered physically throughout his life from his Vietnam wounds.

“Shrapnel periodically came to the surface and could get infected,” Conly said, referring to shrapnel that remained in Christensen’s body decades after the war.

A teacher first

After returning home, Christensen completed his education, earning his bachelor’s degree from Salem State College

(now University), a master of education from Boston College and a juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School.

Before embarking on his legal career, Christensen spent 13 years as a special education teacher in the Danvers Public Schools, bringing his characteristic passion and dedication to students with diverse learning needs. Colleagues remember his patience and advocacy for students who struggled in traditional classroom settings.

Richard Santeusanio, former Danvers school superintendent and Christensen’s close friend, was his supervisor during some of his teaching years. Their professional relationship evolved into a friendship that spanned nearly five decades.

“He was very genuine. He was a Marbleheader throughout, and he professed to be a strong Header and always supporting the town,” Santeusanio said. “He worked hard for the town, did a lot for the town.”

After his teaching career, Christensen established a local family law practice that he maintained for more than 40 years.

Public service became Christensen’s hallmark as he served multiple terms on the Marblehead Select Board, totaling over 20 years.

Known affectionately as “Buddy” to those familiar with his Marblehead roots, Christensen also served as Shellfish Constable, a longtime Rotarian member and dedicated himself to numerous

community organizations. In 2007, Christensen received the Frank Regan Community Service Award from the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce.

Pam Peterson, chair of the Marblehead Historical Commission, reflected on Christensen’s 20 years with the commission.

“He worked to establish the Maritime Museum in Abbot Hall and worked to restore the Sanborn Sleigh now on exhibit in the auditorium,” Peterson said.

Christensen was known for his occasional resistance to state interference in town affairs, sometimes questioning, “What does the state have to do with Marblehead?” — a quote that Conley noted was a reference to a historic Town Meeting comment from nearly a century ago.

“His stance on issues and his attitude always reflected his love for Marblehead,” said Jackie BelfBecker, who served alongside Christensen on the Select Board.

“He was a gentleman and very funny.”

Belf-Becker added, “Harry taught me that you could disagree on issues but still be good friends.

His instinct as a lawyer was always present and he taught me much about interpersonal relations.”

Carrying memory, inspiring others English teacher Jenn Billings CHRISTENSEN, P. 14

ELECTION 2025

» Friday, April 25 — Last day

to register to vote for Town Meeting » Friday, May 30 —- Last day to register to vote for the Town Election » Tuesday, June 3, by 5 p.m. — Deadline to request a vote-bymail ballot. » Tuesday, June 10 — Election Day Voters can register, confirm their status or apply for a mailin ballot online at sec.state. ma.us, or in person at the Town Clerk’s office at 188 Washington St. Election officials encourage all residents to verify their registration and be mindful of the polling location change, especially those accustomed to voting at the Old Town House.

BY WILL DOWD Five candidates are seeking two available seats on the School Committee in the town’s June 10 municipal election, where education continues to dominate civic discourse. The contest comes as the School Committee faces sustained scrutiny following a period marked by lawsuits, override failures, leadership turnover, a teacher strike and heated debate about a draft flag policy.

The last day to register to vote in the June 10 election is May 30. The municipal election will feature a revised polling plan after the town reversed course on its initial proposal to consolidate all precincts into the Marblehead High School Field House.

Officials originally announced plans to temporarily move all six precincts to the field house fire to an Old Town House elevator

that overheats and traps people.

But in an April 23 memo, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer indicated the town will now split voting between two locations: » Precincts 1 and 2 will vote at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. » Precincts 3 through 6 will vote at the Marblehead High School Field House, 2 Humphrey St. The Select Board is expected to vote on whether to make the change permanent following an ADA compliance review.

School Committee

Sarah Fox of Beach Street and Alison Taylor of West Shore Drive are seeking reelection after serving on the current committee.

Challengers include attorney Katherine Schmeckpeper of Chestnut Street, graphic designer Henry Gwazda of Mohawk Road and investor Emily Dunham DeJoy of Riverside Drive. Voters

CHAIR

Bob Peck NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

Interns

Benji Boyd Grey Collins CONTRIBUTORS

Stephen Bach Linda Bassett Nicole Goodhue-Boyd Laurie Fullerton James (Seamus) Hourihan Christine McCarriston Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Virginia Buckingham - President Gene Arnould Brian Birke Cheryl Byrne Bob Peck Donna Rice David Vigneron Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD

Brian Birke Virginia Buckingham Kris Olson Will Dowd Bob Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Leigh Blander Will Dowd David Moran Kris Olson DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

Crowded field vies to shape future of school district KEY ELECTION DATES

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

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will elect two candidates to threeyear terms. The field reflects divergent priorities around fiscal management, district governance, academic focus and political neutrality in school settings.

Select Board

The Select Board race features two candidates for one open seat.

Jim Zisson of Mound Road and Yael Magen of West Shore Drive will appear on the ballot. Zisson served on the Town Charter Committee and is known for his advocacy around financial discipline and open government.

Magen enters the race with a background in international affairs and public policy. Magen initially announced a run for School Committee, but switched course.

The seat is being vacated

by Brett Murray, who is not ELECTION, P. 7

Marblehead Current is published every Wednesday by Marblehead News Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is mailed to all homes and businesses in Marblehead, MA 01945.

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IN MEMORIAM

Ed Bell, co-founder, co-chair (2022-2025)

MONEY MATTERS

Union workers rally for contracts ahead of Town Meeting

BY WILL DOWD A dozen municipal employees gathered outside Abbot Hall April 23, holding signs and calling for fair contracts just 11 days before Town Meeting and with no resolution in sight after nearly a year of contentious negotiations.

The protest preceded the Select Board meeting where Marblehead Municipal Employees Union President Terri Tauro addressed officials during public comment, reminding them of their legal obligations to municipal employees.

“Municipal union workers make up 80% of your workforce,”

Tauro told the board. “We take care of your children and your seniors. We make sure you have clean water, clean streets and so much more. We will not be delayed, disrespected and ignored anymore.”

The standoff between town officials and the MMEU has intensified as negotiations drag on amid allegations of bad faith bargaining that have resulted in state labor complaints. The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations has scheduled hearings for March 2026 after finding probable cause to support claims of surface bargaining and unreasonable delays.

Surface bargaining is a labor law term describing when a party appears to participate in negotiations but has no intention of reaching an agreement.

According to the complaint, this includes tactics like making proposals with no real intent to find middle ground or deliberately stalling the negotiation process.

The union has filed a new complaint against the town with the Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations, alleging four unfair labor practices during contract talks. The complaint, filed April 22 and identified as DLR EFile No. 33544, claims the town unilaterally implemented a

short-term disability insurance benefit without proper bargaining.

The filing also accuses the town of surface bargaining by proposing benefits it had already adopted and of improperly removing the finance benefit coordinator position from the bargaining unit despite union objections at a March 28 session.

The fourth allegation states that the town’s April 11 “final offer” imposed an inappropriate deadline of April 18 for union ratification, which the complaint describes as “insistence to UNION, P. 7

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 3

Proceeds from the sale of these specially made “wish bears” at Mud Puddle Toys throughout May will go to Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Sophia Triscuit sits surrounded by some of her favorite things at Mud Puddle Toys.

to about the event is absolutely on board.”

Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island grants life-changing wishes for local children with critical illnesses. This year, the organization will grant nearly 400 wishes for children ages 2 1/2 to 18. To learn more about how you can get involved, visit massri.wish.org.

Sophia

From P. 1 activities at Seaside Park 9-11 a.m., including a 2.9-mile walk/run with Marblehead Police and the high school’s Interact Club. Participants can meet at the flagpole at Seaside and travel to the end of the Causeway and back. There will be refreshments and cornhole at Seaside.

The action then moves to Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St., from 1-4 p.m.

Mud Puddle is hosting an “open house-style party” — and the community is welcome.

“During the party, we’re going to reveal that Sophia will get her wish this summer,” Sturdivant explained.

Sophia’s wish is for a treehouse in her backyard.

“Her life-threatening condition often requires extended home care recoveries, so Make-AWish creating a haven for her in her own backyard guarantees she can enjoy aspects of being a kid, even in moments that challenge her access to playgrounds and school,” Hill said.

The Mud Puddle party will have refreshments and kids’ activities, including face painting.

The MHS Interact Club will be there, too.

The event will raise funds for Make-A-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to help fulfill other kids’ wishes. (There are three other “wish kids” in Marblehead, according to the organization.)

Sturdivant is hoping to raise $5,000. She’ll be selling specially made “wish bears” throughout May and donating the proceeds to Make-A-Wish.

“We are so appreciative of Mud Puddle Toys, which brings joy to local children each day, including Make-A-Wish kiddos like Sophia through a partnership with Douglas Bears,” Hill said.

‘Dream come true’

Sturdivant jumped at the chance to work with Make-A-Wish and hopes their partnership will continue.

Sophia Triscuit with Mud Puddle Toys owner Cassie Sturdivant, left, and her mom, Ashley Hill. Mud Puddle is partnering with Make-a-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island to host a special day for Sophia.

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Sophia Triscuit holds up a wrapped present at Mud Puddle Toys. The shop is partnering with Make-AWish to celebrate Sophia on May 3.

“It’s just such a gift to be able to work with an organization like MakeA-Wish Massachusetts and Rhode Island,” she said. “It’s a dream come true, especially for a small business owner like me.”

Several other local businesses are getting involved by sponsoring fundraising efforts throughout May. “A couple restaurants want to do dinner events with us, a couple businesses will donate a percentage of their sales on certain days,” Sturdivant said.

She added, “The thing that’s wonderful about Marblehead is that Headers are good at coming together and taking care of their own.

I’ve been really amazed that everyone I’ve talked

LEGAL NOTICE TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVATION COMMISSION The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on May 8, 2025 on an application filed by Thorsen Akerley for the proposed replacement of an existing degraded concrete slab at 10 Gregory Street in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw. This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place.

Request to make an appointment to review plans and information

by E-mailing: eitlera@marblehead.org For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529.

Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is found: https://www.marblehead. org/conservation-commission. Left click on the agenda date.

David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

218 Beacon Street Marblehead, MA 01945 781-631-2218 Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.

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4 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

Vote yes on MBTA zoning “Truth and common sense prevailed.”

Those were the words of Gloucester City Council President Tony Gross after voters comfortably approved, by a 60-40 margin, the city’s plan to comply with the MBTA Communities Act in an April 24 special election.

We hope truth and common sense will prevail when Town Meeting again takes up our town’s compliance plan Monday night.

To that end, we clear up some confusion about the MBTA Communities Act and the town’s compliance plan.

In some cases, that confusion is understandable. Zoning can be complicated and hard to envision how zoning rules translate to what, if anything, will be built.

Adding to the confusion are efforts to characterize the consequences of failing to approve a state-mandate zoning plan under the Act. To get everyone to the same starting point before Town Meeting, we address some popular misconceptions surrounding Marblehead’s compliance with the Act. Misconception No. 1: “Once we adopt a MBTA compliance plan, developers will rush in to remake Marblehead .”

Opponents of the town’s plan to comply with 3A reference “Wonderland” and Canal Street, Salem. Wonderland is an apparent reference to Revere Beach, where highend residential complexes complemented by hotel and restaurant projects have sprung up.

Canal Street in Salem is a reference to a large development project that went up seemingly overnight.

The reality is that neither of those projects is an MBTA Communities Act project. Each is in a district with far different zoning than what is proposed for

Marblehead’s compliance with 3A. Projects in Marblehead’s proposed 3A compliance plan can be no taller than 35 feet, with no more than two units per acre. Each unit would also require two parking spaces, and any development has to have 1 foot of open land for every 2 feet of living space.

Marblehead residents already know what these types of projects look like. For example, and by contrast, there are fourunit buildings on State Street and at 182 Pleasant St. that have a density of 15 and 18 units per acre, respectively, and there is a four-unit building on a small (0.113 acre) parcel at 53 Allerton Place, which has a density of 35 units per acre — in other words, it could not be built in Marblehead’s plan to comply with 3A. Approving the town’s 3A compliance plan would not lead to the construction of structures never before seen within Marblehead’s borders.

Nor would the state’s formula requiring the town to enact as-of-right multi-family zoning that — theoretically — allows for the creation of about 540 new units necessarily lead to that number showing up overnight, if ever.

Let’s look at the town’s experience with Chapter 40B. The state’s affordable housing law was enacted in 1969. In the 56 years since its enactment, Marblehead has only permitted four developments under Chapter 40B, and only two of them have actually been built.

Were the town to approve its 3A compliance plan, a reasonable expectation is that development would occur at a similar methodical pace.

As a result, the 3A opponent’s fear of hundreds of additional cars on the roads or millions in additional expenses is almost certainly wildly overstated. To the extent the town sees any

additional costs associated with 3A developments, it will be offset by the additional tax revenue generated by the new construction.

If there is construction resulting from compliance with the Act, however, it would be the type of housing Marblehead currently lacks — places where young families can get their start, where teachers and public employees can live affordably, or where empty nesters can downsize without leaving town.

Misconception No. 2: Town Meeting already said “no” last year; town leaders are disrespecting that vote.

When Town Meeting first considered Marblehead’s plan to comply with the Act, it was an open question whether the Act is constitutional. The Supreme Judicial Court has resolved that question — it is.

Town leaders have a fiduciary responsibility to advocate courses of action determined to be in the town’s best interest, financially and otherwise.

Since last year’s Town Meeting, the town has secured approximately $475,500 and is seeking an additional $550,500 in FY25 from grant programs.

If the town does not adopt a 3A compliance plan, it would be disqualified from receiving these funds.

And, for FY26, the town is seeking approximately $8.1 million from grant programs for projects like replacing the Village Street Bridge, studying the reuse of the Coffin School, helping commercial fishermen by improving coastal resilience at the Commercial Street Boatyard and generating economic development, including by advancing a project to make more walkable and otherwise improve the area between the Five Corners intersection and the intersection of Washington and Hooper streets. All of that is at risk if the town misses its July 14 deadline

to comply with 3A. Additionally, the town will likely incur significant legal fees if it is forced to defend against the state’s enforcement actions caused by non-compliance with 3A. Conversely, the state is providing additional funding for compliance with 3A. Salem was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund to improve water, sewer and drainage infrastructure in its 3A district. A “yes” vote would make the town eligible for future grants from the Catalyst Fund.

Misconception No. 3: There are lawsuits related to the Act. The current litigation brought by a handful of towns after the state auditor determined that the MBTA Communities Act is an “unfunded mandate.”

That some argue the Act is an unfunded mandate offering the promise of a compliance “exemption” has some shortterm appeal. But any such exemption would be of limited duration. Once the Legislature remedies the funding gap, the exemption goes away.

Even the person who opened this door, State Auditor Diana DiZoglio, told members of the Marblehead Select Board that she believes the unfunded mandate issue has a quick fix: “shifting the funding for planning assistance from discretionary grants to a guaranteed budget line item.”

Marblehead has already received grants to cover the cost of creating zoning maps and hiring consultants, which might have otherwise been considered an “unfunded” aspect of the mandate.

Opponents of 3A point to the fact that the towns suing based on the auditor’s letter have cited millions of dollars’ worth of costs related to the MBTA Communities Act that are allegedly unfunded, like the need to hire new police officers and

firefighters and upgrade public works infrastructure. However, even DiZoglio believes these to be indirect costs not covered by the law prohibiting unfunded mandates, according to the memo Marblehead Select Board Chair Erin Noonan prepared after her and Select Board member Dan Fox’s conversation with her.

The auditor’s legal interpretation may be immaterial, though. Any relief that results from the ongoing unfunded mandate litigation almost certainly would be granted statewide. Marblehead — and all the other communities subject to the Act — can “free ride” on the efforts of cities and towns suing over the unfunded mandate and share in the spoils of any victory they achieve.

But the point of the litigation is to determine how much more money — if any — the state needs to cough up to fully fund the mandate. It does not seek to invalidate the mandate altogether.

As has been stated often during the protracted debate over the Act, no one likes a mandate. But in the year since the Town Meeting last voted on 3A, the picture on how the town should respond to that mandate has been clarified.

The law is constitutional. The Attorney General’s Office has the power to enforce it and impose its own zoning changes without town input. And, the unfunded mandate cases currently pending are unlikely to offer a “get out of jail free” card of any significant duration.

Moreover, the town has millions of dollars in anticipated and hoped-for grant funding at stake and would benefit from creating additional housing opportunities for its residents and from the tax revenue a modest stream of new construction would generate.

We urge you to vote yes on Article 23.

survive the strain.

At some point, and presumably under financial pressure, Rudi got involved with ferrying drugs on his airplane until he was caught in an undercover operation. He served time in federal prison and after he was released, moved to the Philippines where he died in 2024. He was only 67.

Dave commented that the different path of my life from what befell Rudi was a surprise to him, given the similar burden of being unfairly blamed in connection with the horror of 9/11.

Trying to take in Rudi’s story, I managed to respond with a comment once made to me by someone hearing my own — that tragic events and trauma have ripples that affect many more people and in different ways than you can ever know.

Since meeting Dave and learning about Rudi Dekkers,

I’ve tried to articulate a simple answer to what I feel he was asking — “Why not you?” As I say in the epilogue to my book, the journey from my 9/11 experience has sometimes been arduous, and sometimes full of grace. And that I’ve learned the quality of resilience is more complex than the societal encouragement to “be strong” and “move on.”

Certainly, luck, love, family, faith and fate played central roles in my (still unfinished) story.

But weren’t those supports present at least a little in Rudi’s life, too? I feel sad having learned about his pain and struggle. And I feel a renewed urgency to continue, as I sum up when asked why I tell my story, to do something good with something bad. To be a ripple for hope.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Virginia Buckingham is a member of the Marblehead Current’s Board of Directors, the former chief executive officer of the Massachusetts Port Authority, chief of staff to two Massachusetts governors, deputy editorial page editor for the Boston Herald and author of “On My Watch: A Memoir.”

EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

Rudi and me

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM One of the great joys of doing book talks is the opportunity to meet new people with fresh insights into your story.

In turn, these talks sometimes can spark members of the audience to have new insights into their own lives.

Both are gifts to the writer.

And sometimes I learn something related to my story but completely new altogether.

That was the case at a book event held this spring in Florida.

My friend and Marblehead neighbor invited me to a condo association fundraiser and arranged for a local TV investigative reporter and anchor to moderate a Q&A session about “On My Watch,” the memoir I first published five years ago.

The reporter, Dave Bohman, was standing just inside the door as I entered the event space. We’d only exchanged emails and texts leading up to the book talk but we embraced warmly. I find that upon meeting people who have read my book, a couple of things typically occur. One, the person often immediately shares their own painful stories, which I feel is a generous response to my own offering of personal vulnerability. And also, given the nature of the memoir genre, many strangers feel like they already know me — a shortcut to immediate connection.

Thus, Dave told me in the first few minutes of our meeting, of the sad, premature passing of his wife. And we connected on the fact he was a graduate of Syracuse University, as is my son, and chatted about how our now adult children are doing.

Dave then told me that one

of the reactions he had after reading my book was how different my story was from a man named Rudi Dekkers.

“Rudi,” he explained, “was the owner of the Florida-based flight school where three of the 9/11 terrorists learned to fly.”

My shoulders tensed a little as he continued, and I wondered where this story was going.

It turns out no place good.

The notoriety of being the terrorists’ trainer, despite their paperwork and credentials being in order, caused Rudi to lose customers and ultimately to have to close down the flight school that was his life’s joy.

Dave said that Rudi then turned to installing pools, a business that also went under with the 2008 financial crisis. Along the way, Rudi tried to tell his story and clear his name in the media.

He published a book entitled “Guilty by association” in 2011.

His 20-year marriage didn’t

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 5

GUEST COLUMN

As we head toward Town Meeting

BY JACK ATTRIDGE Marblehead’s annual Town Meeting will be called to order promptly at 7 p.m on Monday, May 5, at the Veterans School Performing Arts Center, Duncan Sleigh Square, 217 Pleasant St. Please be prepared for lines at check-in. The meeting will assemble the 376th annual legislative session of our town since our incorporation in 1649.

Town Meeting has many moving parts both in preparation and practice. My goal is to guide the the legislative leaders of our town through a deliberative and orderly process while taking into consideration the

balance of shared information and the reality of time needed to process and complete the town’s business. I will strive to give appropriate time for each article to be heard and, in some circumstances, will follow the guidance of years past and limit time following initial presentations to two minutes. If you know that you will be speaking on an issue, I recommend that you prepare in advance as a considerable amount of information can be covered within that time. Initial presentations for each article will be allotted 10 minutes, unless otherwise requested and approved in advance. Any printed materials intended for distribution inside of the meeting room must be approved prior to the meeting. Please

contact me directly at the number on the bottom of this column if you would like to share such printed materials.

The process of Town Meeting begins in earnest with the posting of the annual Town Meeting warrant. The warrant acts as a notice to the meeting and the articles in the warrant become the agenda items for the meeting. Prior to presentation at the meeting, articles are converted to main motions which must be in scope of the posted article. Main motions can be superseded by subsidiary motions which, when moved, are required to be acted upon before a main motion. In the instance of multiple subsidiary motions, each motion carries a rank of order in which they will be presented to the meeting. An

important note in this regard is that I have received notice that a citizen plans to make a motion at Article 1 to alter the numerical order of the presentation of articles after Article 1. This is an example of how delicate the process of motions can be and legislators should be prepared.

As we have witnessed over the past two meetings, our bylaws allow for the procedural act through a main motion for reconsideration of a prior vote. Amongst other things, the person moving for reconsideration must have voted on the prevailing side of the initial vote. If so moved, confirmation of that vote will be made by verifying the direction of their vote on the random voting device issued when the citizen checked into the meeting.

Following the surrender of the voting device, the citizen will be issued another random voting device for the remainder of the meeting.

By design, Town Meeting is a process for deliberation and decision making through the broadest level of participation in a community. It is a commitment and sometimes a sacrifice to participate. Good order is expected and is for the benefit of all in attendance and for the proceedings. I encourage the citizenry to join on May 5 as we gather as individuals to collectively decide the business of the town.

Should you have any questions, I can be reached at 781-883-3200.

knowing Kate and her family since we volunteered together as board members of the Coffin Gerry PCO nine years ago. With four children who have attended Marblehead schools throughout the years, Kate has continuously advocated for our students and staff by serving as a volunteer.

She has served on several school boards and co-chaired the successful Vote Yes campaign to fund the construction of the Brown School. These experiences have given her a solid grasp of the complexities and current challenges facing our school district. Additionally, Kate’s expertise as a lawyer, track record of listening and welcoming differing views, and ability to engage in respectful and constructive dialogue, all make her uniquely qualified for the Marblehead School Committee. She is a reliable collaborator, open-minded and honest, asks questions, does her due-diligence, and knows how to build alliances to get work done.

I am confident Kate will work tirelessly to build trust and confidence in our school committee through integrity, transparency and accountability.

I encourage you to learn more about Kate and her vision by visiting her website (kateforsc. com) so you too can feel confident in your vote for Kate Schmeckpeper for the School Committee on June 10.

Kim Day Liberty Road​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

decision whether it was correct or not. Joe apparently expressed interest in continuing to manage the business. The commission stated that his replacement was “part of a leadership transition.”

What are the other parts we should know?

The MMLC is a Marblehead enterprise fund operating as a business with revenue and expense responsibility.

Taxpayers approve its budget at Town Meeting and its electric rates at a public hearing. What we should object to is the commission’s decision to pay the GM an additional $200K (on top of his salary) to continue managing the business from now through April 2026.

Here are some actions the commission could have/should have taken: » Timing of contract nonrenewal decision to GM – Why did the commission give the GM a year’s notice that his contract was not being renewed? Was this clause in his contract? The GM only had to give the commission a 60-day notice before leaving.

If so, this was a bad contract for the Ttwn. What was the GM’s remedy if it was in his contract? Salary for the remaining months of his contract? It would be much less than an additional $200K if timed right. » Appoint acting GM when GM decides to leave – If a CEO left a real business with a board of directors, the board would appoint an acting CEO from within the business or a board member would step in and run the business. Why couldn’t the commission appoint an acting GM? This reflects poor contingency succession planning by the commission. » Timing of public announcement of GM replacement – This could occur simultaneously with appointing an acting GM. As confirmed by some commission members, several

experienced candidates have already expressed interest.

With an acting GM in place the commission could conduct a search immediately and just pay out the remaining salary on the GM’s contract.

Chalk this up as the latest example of wasted taxpayer money. We can’t forget $541K in lost tax revenue from abatements due to egregious assessment errors, $175K in early termination fees for Superintendent Buckey by the School Committee and the time and money pursuing the Officer Gallo witch hunt or bungled termination.

James (Seamus) Hourihan Fort Sewall Lane

Jack Attridge serves as Town Moderator.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Marine’s final gift honors fellow serviceman To the editor: I would like to share a story of quiet heroism and brotherhood that has stayed with my family for years, and now carries even deeper meaning.

When my father passed away some years ago, it was my wish for him to be buried in his Marine dress blues — a uniform that symbolized his pride and service.

Unfortunately, he no longer had his original uniform.

During that difficult time, my mother reached out to Harry Christensen, who was a selectman and old family friend. Harry told her to stop by the next day and he would have a uniform for me.

I showed up at Harry’s front door and knocked. He handed me a wardrobe bag.

I was stunned — how did he manage to get a uniform so quickly? I asked, and it was his wife who answered quietly, “It’s his.” Tears filled my eyes.

I immediately tried to hand it back, overwhelmed by the generosity and thinking it was too much to accept. But Harry insisted. As a fellow Marine, he stepped forward without hesitation and offered his own dress blues so that my father could be laid to rest with the honor and dignity he had earned.

Harry asked for nothing in return — only that a Marine be buried as a Marine should.

His selfless act moved me beyond words, and I have never forgotten his generosity.

Recently, we learned that this kind and humble man has passed away. As we mourn his loss, I feel compelled to publicly thank him.

His gesture all those years ago was more than a gift — it was a final salute from one Marine to another.

I am forever grateful for what he did for my father and for our

COURTESY PHOTO / TERESA SMITH

Thomas J. Connolly Jr. in his Marine dress blues. Years after his passing, fellow Marine Harry Christensen donated his own dress uniform so Connolly could be buried with the honor he had earned, an act of brotherhood that his daughter Teresa Smith never forgot.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

family. May he rest in peace, reunited with his brothers in arms.

With heartfelt gratitude, Teresa Smith Smith Street

Schmeckpeper brings needed stability to School Committee To the editor: Anyone who knows or has worked with Kate Schmeckpeper would undoubtedly agree that she is the best candidate to elect to the Marblehead School Committee on June 10. When she announced her candidacy I breathed a sigh of relief and gratitude. The past few years our district has faced more turbulence than not. Kate represents an opportunity for some much-needed stability and good governance. As a parent and community member, Kate truly cares about the future of our district and has a vested interest in the success of our schools.

I have had the privilege of

Taxpayers fleeced for $200K by MMLC To the editor: My comments here just couldn’t wait for one of my Marblehead Musings columns in the Current. I am not referring to the decision by the Marblehead Municipal Light Commission to replace General Manager Joe Kowalik.

While Joe was among our best managers in town, this elected board had the right to make this

LETTERS POLICY

We want to hear from you The Current welcomes letters to the editor and strives to represent a range of viewpoints on our opinion pages.

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

Writers may be given more leeway to criticize national political candidates and other

public figures. However, in all cases, letter writers should refrain from name calling and personal attacks and instead focus on the substance of matters of public concern.

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

While we will make every

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

Letters must include: » The author’s name.

Unsigned letters and form letters will not be published. » The name of the street on which the author lives in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next

to the author’s name – not their full address. » The author’s daytime/cell phone number for verification purposes (not publication).

Join the resistance to tyranny To the editor: Weeds Obsessively manicured lawns, Artfully designed.

Diligently robbing children of the joy of sending dandelion wishes into the wind.

Steadily plucking dandelions from the playing fields Before they mature from a youth of both yellow and green and hearty brown soil, Into wistful invasive subversive seeds.

Who spotted a monied conspiracy to groom the truth?

Those who weren’t too busy or too tired or too pre defeated/ predisposed, To believe the wishes and dreams of children, Must not be mislabeled as ‘merely naive’.

It is never too late to march in faith for dandelions ideals and dreams.

I stand in the weeds of democracy, today.

With hopes of tomorrow’s decency.

Join the resistance to Tyranny.

Catherine Cunningham Derosier Hibbard Road

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

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

Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition.

marbleheadcurrent.org

6 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

TRASH TALK

Board of Health votes to pull new ‘assistant director of waste’ position from budget

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Board of Health voted Tuesday evening to reverse course and not fund a $90,329 position for an assistant director of waste, who would oversee the Transfer Station, curbside trash pick-up and recycling.

That money will remain in the trash disposal line item instead.

On March 19, the BoH approved the assistant director of waste position with its fiscal 2026 budget.

BoH member Tom Massaro told the Current on April 15 that he thought it was a “hypothetical future hire.”

At the April 22 meeting,

Massaro said, “I should have been aware of this. I do think if two members of a three-member board don’t remember it, that’s a management error. It just shouldn’t be that something as important as this would be handled in this way requiring emergency meetings while people are out of town.”

Public Health Director Andrew Petty is on vacation and joined the meeting remotely, as did all three BoH members.

“I did see this line item,” BoH member Tom McMahon said.

“We didn’t discuss this in depth, and we should have.”

“It’s not that this isn’t needed.

It’s just right now isn’t the

The Board of Health met in an emergency meeting April 22 to discuss a newly created assistant director of waste position, ultimately voting to pull it.

appropriate time to fill it, given the rest of the town contracts going on,” added McMahon, referring to the Marblehead Municipal Employee Union and police union contracts, which have expired.

“Let everything in town play out, and we can revisit it next year,” he said.

BoH Chair Helaine Hazlett said she did know about the position and that it was discussed at several meetings.

Her two colleagues pushed back saying the job description had not been discussed when they were present.

While Hazlett initially supported creating the new position to help manage increased traffic and new systems at the Transfer Station, she joined Massaro and McMahon in voting to pull the position from the fiscal 2026 budget.

“With the climate in the town, and the fact that I feel it’s important to have unanimity on the board, I’m going to vote in favor of removing the position,” Hazlett said.

Massaro told Hazlett, “I’d like to thank you for speaking to the importance of unanimity. This was the right thing to do — to make it unanimous. None of us handled it very well, so we all have to vote together.”

The total FY 26 waste budget is $2,284,354. The public health budget is approximately $340,000, according to Petty.

Town Meeting voters will have final say on the spending plans next month.

Preview From P. 1

» An out-of-service elevator » Multiple Americans with

Disabilities Act compliance violations » Hazardous materials including asbestos » No fire sprinkler system » An outdated 1980s fire alarm system » Insufficient electrical service

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Residents gather during Town Meeting at Veterans Middle School. This year’s meeting, scheduled for May 5, will feature major votes on school infrastructure, municipal building renovations, zoning changes and labor agreements.

Proposed solution

After evaluating multiple options, NV5 recommended a Variable Refrigerant Flow HVAC system that would allow for flexible heating and cooling throughout the building.

“This technology is basically a refrigerant system that can run in heat pump mode,” Wright explained. “The buildings on the east side can be in cooling in the morning when the sun’s shining, and the ones on the other side can be in heating, and they kind of feed off of each other.”

The VRF system offers several advantages over other options considered, including energy efficiency, the ability to implement in phases without closing the entire building, and elimination of fossil fuels - creating a 100% carbon reduction.

The recommended approach would divide the renovation into four phases based on the building’s boomerang shape, allowing departments to relocate within the building during construction rather than requiring external swing space.

High school roof project

Meanwhile, the Marblehead High School roof and HVAC project, Article 34, seeks an additional $8.61 million on top of $5.36 million approved in 2022.

TheMHS roof has been leaking for a few years, leading to problems with mold. A soaked ceiling tile once fell and hit a student.

The project was initially scheduled to begin a couple years ago, but did not. If approved, construction will begin in the summer of 2026.

Financial impact

If approved, the Mary Alley project would increase property taxes for owners

Dog From P. 1

Wiatt, meets the definition of a dangerous dog under Massachusetts law, which includes animals that “without justification, attacks a person or domestic animal causing physical injury or death.”

According to hearing testimony, the teenage boy’s attack was unprovoked.

to clarify that adopting the overlay district is actually about maintaining local control rather than surrendering it.

Critics say 3A represents state government overreach and will change Marblehead’s character as a small seaside town.

Opponents also worry that more multifamily housing will require more services, including at local schools.

Town officials will host an in-person community outreach session on Thursday, May 1, to discuss the proposed MBTA 3A Zoning initiative. The workshop will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. in the Select Board Room at Abbot Hall. All residents are invited to attend the question-andanswer session, which aims to clarify the zoning requirements mandated by the state’s MBTA Communities law. Folks can Zoom in too at bit.ly/4jq7f0y.

Article 23 responds to the state’s MBTA Communities Act, which requires municipalities served by or adjacent to public transit to create multifamily housing districts. Marblehead’s proposed zoning changes were narrowly rejected (by 33 votes) at last year’s Town Meeting.

The proposed district encompasses approximately 58.4 acres divided across three areas in town, each, Planning

Board members say, selected to minimize impact while meeting state requirements.

The largest zone, Tioga Way, spans 29.8 acres and includes existing multifamily housing developments and underutilized office buildings that could be converted to residential use.

This area represents more than half of the total acreage required by the state mandate and was chosen partly because it already contains some multifamily housing.

The Pleasant Street district covers 20.6 acres near downtown and includes Village Plaza and several commercial properties well-suited for mixeduse development. Town planners selected this zone because of its proximity to existing businesses and services, creating potential for walkable residential areas with ground-floor retail.

The smallest zone, Broughton Road, encompasses 8 acres and includes properties already managed by the Marblehead Housing Authority, making it a logical extension of existing housing infrastructure.

The town’s compliance plan takes advantage of existing multifamily housing developments, with approximately 360 units of the required 897-unit capacity

already existing within the proposed overlay districts. Town Planner Alex Eitler notes this incremental approach minimizes potential impacts while meeting state requirements.

The compliance deadline of July 14, was extended by the state following the Supreme Judicial Court ruling, giving Marblehead a second chance to adopt the zoning changes and avoid potential legal action from the state Attorney General’s office in addition to losing grant eligibility.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​ Eitler notes failure to comply would render the town ineligible for numerous state grant programs, potentially jeopardizing over $10 million in current and future funding for projects like the Mary Alley Municipal Building renovation, coastal resilience initiatives, and the Five Corners intersection redesign.

Article 23 has gained significant institutional support, with the Planning Board endorsing it by an 8-1 vote and the Finance Committee backing it unanimously.

Several town officials have stressed that Article 23 represents zoning reform rather than a development proposal.

Eitler points out that zoning simply creates a legal framework for what could potentially be built, but does not mandate or finance any actual construction.

Eitler notes this distinction is crucial because rejecting the zoning reform would not prevent development but would instead remove local control over where and how development occurs. As he notes, “What zoning is not: A mandate for building.” This point has been emphasized in multiple public information sessions, as officials work

His mother was with him immediately before and after the incident.

Attorney Jeremy Cohen of Boston Dog Lawyers represented Hopkins at the hearing. The dog owner did not appear due to work-related travel.

“I think everybody had to give a little bit. Everybody got something as well,” Cohen said. “Josh gets to keep his dog. He gets to come back to Marblehead, but the neighbors

get to know that he’s taking it serious.”

The Salem-based attorney praised town officials for their handling of the situation.

“It worked because everybody was so reasonable, including the victim,” Cohen said. “We all got in a room, we all had a chance to talk.

That team of Thatcher, Animal Control Officer Betsy Cruger and Dan Proulx — we’ve worked together a few

times now. They get through the emotion, and they just get right down to what the law says and what the facts are.”

Town officials confirmed jurisdiction over the case because the dog is regularly housed in Marblehead, though not on a full-time basis.

“We believe that under the jurisdiction, we have the ability, because it’s consistent and housed here,” King explained.

The five specific safety measures required by the board’s declaration include keeping Wiatt humanely restrained; securing the dog indoors or in a properly constructed locked outdoor enclosure; muzzling and restraining the dog when off the owner’s property; providing proof of at least $100,000 insurance coverage; and ensuring the dog is neutered, microchipped and properly registered.

COURTESY PHOTO

Voters will be asked to approve an additional $8.6 million (on top of a previous $5.3 million) to replace the high school’s leaky roof and HVAC units.

of median-valued homes by approximately $49 annually over a 20-year debt service period.

The MHS roof project would hike taxes for 15 years; approximately $86 the first year.

However, taxpayers will see minimal net impact because the town’s 25-year high school construction debt is coming off the tax rolls in fiscal 2026. The combined annual tax payments for both projects would be approximately $117 per year for median-valued homes, less than the $253 per year homeowners have been paying for the expiring high school construction debt.

“Timing new capital projects to begin when old projects end is good financial practice,” noted a recent Marblehead Current editorial supporting the projects.

3A multifamily zoning article

Other notable articles

Other notable warrant items include three collective bargaining agreements (Articles 19-21) with unresolved negotiations, citizen petitions regarding the sustainability coordinator position (Article 47), and a proposed recall provision for elected officials (Article 52).

Approval process

For the Mary Alley and the project to proceed, it requires a two-thirds majority vote at Town Meeting, followed by a simple majority approval at the debt exclusion override election in June.

Town Meeting will begin at 7 p.m. on Monday, at the Marblehead Veterans Middle School Auditorium, One Duncan Sleigh Square.​​​​​​​​​ Leigh Blander contributed reporting.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 7

NEWS IN BRIEF

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

Police promotions effective May 4 Police Chief Dennis King announced the upcoming promotions of Eric Osattin to lieutenant and Andrew DiMare to sergeant. Osattin, a lifelong Marblehead resident, joined the department full time in 2006 following prior service as a dispatcher and seasonal officer.

He was promoted to sergeant in 2014. He currently oversees the department’s unmanned aircraft systems unit and is its systems administrator and detail assignment officer.

DiMare, also a Marblehead native, graduated from

Marblehead High School in 2011 and earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Roger Williams University. He completed the Reading Police Academy in 2016 and has served on the C Division patrol shift since. He became a field training officer in 2021 and leads training modules for the Citizens Police Academy. He is ARIDE certified and also serves in the drone unit.

Select Board recognizes World Oceans Day The Select Board proclaimed June 8 as World Oceans Day in Marblehead. The 2025 theme, “Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us,” highlights the ocean’s role in supporting life and addressing climate change.

The proclamation acknowledges Marblehead’s environmental commitment through the Harbor Plan Working Group,

the Harbors & Waters Board, Sustainable Marblehead and regional organizations like Salem Sound Coastwatch.

Town website transitions to .gov domain The town’s official website address is now marbleheadma. gov, reflecting its migration to the federal .gov domain reserved for verified government entities. The transition was led by the town’s information technology department and aims to increase cybersecurity, public trust and content authenticity.

The previous site, marblehead. org, will redirect to the new domain.

Museum to host tours on Jeremiah Lee’s secret role in Revolution The Marblehead Museum

will present guided tours of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion May 9 and 10 focused on Lee’s covert role in early revolutionary efforts. Historian Judy Anderson will lead the sessions, detailing how Lee used his merchant fleet to smuggle arms and aid colonial resistance. Lee died suddenly in May 1775, just weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public. To register, visit marbleheadmuseum.org or call 781-631-1768.

Earth Day celebration set for Ware Pond The Marblehead Conservancy will hold its Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Ware Pond.

Volunteers will help restore native habitat by planting

Election

The Cemetery Commission race includes four candidates running for three different

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Residents hold campaign signs outside Marblehead High School during a past town election.

term lengths. The board has been operating under interim appointments since 2024, when commissioners Janet Merrill and Pam Peterson resigned, citing internal dysfunction and persistent conflict with Cemetery Superintendent Catherine Kobialka. Their resignations left the board without a quorum.

Two of the current candidates — Gerald Tucker Jr. of Lafayette Street and David Rodgers — are serving on an interim basis following appointment by the Select Board and Cemetery Commission. Tucker is seeking a three-year term. Rodgers is pursuing a two-year term.

Marblehead’s perennial candidate, Rose McCarthy of Hewitt Street, is also running for one of the three-year seats. Rabbi David Meyer of West Shore Drive is seeking the one-year term. Longtime commissioner Richard Coletti, who had served through multiple cycles, did not pull papers.

Board of Health

Two candidates are running for one available three-year term on the Board of Health: Kimberly Crowley of Roosevelt Avenue and Amanda Ritvo of Ruby Avenue. The seat was previously held by Helaine Hazlett, who chose not to run for another term after nearly 30 years of service. Hazlett was instrumental in public communications during the COVID-19 pandemic and worked on departmental restructuring and budgeting.

Light Commission

The Municipal Light Commission race features two contested three-year terms and one uncontested one-year term. Michael Hull of Bayview Road and Jean-Jacques Yarmoff of Lookout Court are running for the full terms. Matthew Harrington of Arthur Avenue is unopposed for the unexpired one-year seat.

That vacancy was created by the March 28 resignation of Lisa Wolf, who had been

reelected in 2023. Wolf stepped down to apply for a newly created role within the Light Department focused on energy efficiency. Her decision followed consultation with the State Ethics Commission and department leadership. While ethics guidelines permitted her to remain on the commission during the hiring process, she opted to step away to avoid any appearance of conflict.

Housing Authority

The Marblehead Housing Authority has one uncontested five-year seat. Terri Tauro of Jersey Street is the sole candidate.

Library Trustees

Marjorie Norman of Maverick Street and Kathleen Waslov of Haley Road are unopposed in their reelection bids for threeyear terms.

Planning Board

The Planning Board race features incumbent Edward Nilsson of Naugus Avenue and

Union From P. 2

impasse on non-mandatory subjects of bargaining.”

Justin Boutwell, a highway department employee for over five years, joined fellow workers at Wednesday’s protest. He said employees simply want fair compensation and reasonable working conditions.

“We would like a fair cost of living increase,” Boutwell said.

“We would like an increase to the on-call phone, because we’re required to be on call.”

Boutwell, who recently became a shop steward, expressed frustration about being required to remain on call during winter months and for any weather event deemed an emergency by town officials.

“We’re happy. We just want a fair contract,” he said. “The longer we go without a raise, the more expensive stuff gets, and the harder it is for us to live paycheck to paycheck”.

Union members expressed concern that Town Meeting is approaching on May 5 with no resolution in sight, potentially delaying cost-of-living increases for workers even longer.

All of this comes as the town

Marblehead resident Eric Jay Dolin received the 2025 National Society Daughters of the American Revolution Excellence in American History Book Award for his nonfiction work “Rebels at Sea: Privateering in the American Revolution.”

The honor recognizes original contributions to American historical knowledge. Past recipients include Patrick K. O’Donnell and Pulitzer Prize winner Rick Atkinson.

Recreation and Parks Commission

Town clerk

Cemetery Commission

Local author wins national history book award

Timothy Swigor of Front Street, both seeking a three-year term.

From P. 2 seeking reelection after serving a total of eight years across nonconsecutive terms.

This election marks the first in a new staggered-term system for the Select Board, replacing the town’s former annual model.

Three candidates are vying for the position of town clerk.

Incumbent Robin Michaud of Lee Street, who has served since 2007, is seeking a seventh term. She is challenged by Terri Tauro of Jersey Street, a union leader and Housing Authority vice chair, and Melissa Flanagan of Evans Road, a banking operations specialist.

The race has garnered attention as voters express interest in expanded early voting options, improved digital services and greater transparency in public records.

Some residents have also voiced a desire for a more accessible and welcoming experience at the Town Clerk’s Office.

In response to these concerns, Michaud emphasizes her extensive experience and the institutional knowledge she brings to the role, highlighting her commitment to maintaining the integrity and efficiency of the office’s operations.

flowers and shrubs in place of invasive species. Scout troops are scheduled to participate.

Gloves will be provided.

Attendees should wear sturdy shoes and are encouraged to walk or bike via the Rail Trail, as on-street parking is limited.

CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD

Municipal employees with the Marblehead Municipal Employees Union, Local 1776, demonstrate outside Abbot Hall on April 23, calling for fair contracts amid nearly a year of stalled negotiations.

remains in active collective bargaining negotiations with its two other key municipal unions: the police and fire.

The Marblehead Police Union (MASS C.O.P. Local 437) has been working without a contract since July 1, 2024. Negotiations with the town began in mid-2024, but no formal agreement has been announced. The Marblehead Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 2043) is in the final months of its current agreement, which is set to expire on June 30, 2025.

“We deserve ample time to bargain in good faith, to resolution without the threat of

Marblehead Municipal Employees Union President Terri Tauro addresses the Select Board during public comment on April 23 at Abbot Hall, urging officials to settle outstanding contracts and comply with state labor law.

another year without a cost of living increase,” Tauro told the board.

While union representatives declined to discuss specific sticking points in ongoing

The Recreation and Parks Commission has five candidates for five one-year terms: Incumbents Shelly Bedrossian of Jersey Street, Karin Ernst of Lafayette Street and Rossana Ferrante of Stony Brook Road; and Larry Simpson of Rowland Street and Christopher Kennedy of Stony Brook Road.

Incumbents Linda Rice Collins and Matt Martin chose not to run again.

The Water and Sewer Commission has three uncontested seats. James Maher of Rockaway Avenue and Thomas Murray of Jersey Street are seeking three-year terms.

Gregory Burt of Russell Street is seeking a one-year unexpired term after being appointed last year to replace the late Thomas Carroll.

The board also experienced the passing of longtime commissioner Carlton Siegel in 2024.

Town Meeting Moderator John “Jack” Attridge of Beach Street is running unopposed for a oneyear term. Michael Cannuscio of Ruby Avenue is also unopposed for the Board of Assessors, with incumbent William Willis having not pulled nomination papers.

EDITOR’S NOTE: All candidate names have been certified by the Town Clerk’s Office, but they have until May 8 to withdraw their names.

negotiations, they confirmed that bargaining sessions continue, with the next one scheduled for Thursday.

Meanwhile, union officials have pointed to what they describe as contradictions in town spending priorities, noting that the town has created several new non-union positions with competitive salaries while continuing to resist wage increases for existing employees.

The Select Board did not directly respond to Tauro’s comments during Wednesday’s meeting, following typical procedure for items raised during public comment.

When contacted after the meeting, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has said the town remains committed to the negotiation process despite the ongoing labor disputes.

“We continue to engage in good faith bargaining with all three municipal unions and are working diligently toward resolutions that are fair to employees while remaining fiscally responsible to taxpayers,” Kezer said. “While we cannot comment on specific allegations in pending labor cases, we respect the process and our municipal workforce.”

8 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

marbleheadcurrent.org

Driftwood Garden Club

Plant Sale Saturday, May 10

Mother’s Day Weekend!

8:30 AM to 11:30 AM Masonic Hall 62 Pleasant Street, Marblehead Beautiful perennials, natives, and groundcovers from local gardens.

Reasonably-priced herbs and annuals.

Orchids and other flowering plants, the perfect gift for Mother’s Day!

Honoring those challenged by cancer by harnessing the healing powers of the wind, water and sail

WANTED

Sailboat Donation 40’- 50’ in good working order Large cockpit - 1990 or newer

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BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 9

Sports ON THE RUN

Track teams enjoy success against Saugus in Gloucester Boys take home second win, while the girls extend unbeaten streak to four

BY JOE MCCONNELL Both the Marblehead High boys and girls spring track teams were victorious over Saugus in a Northeastern Conference meet at Gloucester Wednesday, April 23. The boys won, 99-17, and are currently 2-3 on the season, while the girls took down the Sachems, 84-40 to remain undefeated at 4-0. It was also a NEC Invitational, pitting everybody in the conference against each other.

Girls high jump

The girls high jump did not start until 7:30 p.m., over three and a half hours into the meet.

Elise Burchfield opted to clear the opening height of 3-10, before scratching the rest of her jumps after her teammates were already packing up ready to go home. “It was a kind gesture and sacrifice by her to help 70 student-athletes get home before 9 p.m. on a school night,” said coach Nolan Raimo.

Boys high jump

COURTESY PHOTO / ALEX HUMPHREYS

Marblehead High junior Colin Burke clears the high jump bar during a spring track meet against Saugus in Gloucester on April 23.

indoor track season. Colin Burke (5-2) was 14th.

Girls long jump

Clark Roszell (5-8) led the way for Marblehead, tying his personal best to finish seventh against one of the best NEC (Northeastern Conference) high jump squads. Noah Smerka (5-4) was close behind, which tied his personal best set during this past

Elise Burchfield won the long jump with a leap of 16-4.5 in a seemingly uphill pit. “Elise was the runner-up during the state indoor track championship this past winter, and will continue to put up impressive jumps throughout the spring,” said Raimo.

Faith Apostolopoulos (12-9.5)

jumped for the first time this spring, and finished 23rd.

Arianna Leahy (12-8.5) was a last second addition, and was right behind Faith in 24th place. Diletta Nannucci (9-10.5) finished 31st.

Boys long jump

Burke led the Marblehead long jump squad with a leap of 17-10 to account for an 11th place finish. Jacob Bobowski (17-9.5) was close behind, coming in

12th Smerka (16-8.5) was 17th, Marco Bonalume (15-3) 27th and Morgan Hendy (14-9) 28th.

Girls triple jump

Ava Machado finished 14th with a leap of 28-0.5. Campbell Crane (27-10) was 16th.

Boys triple jump

Claudio Gusmao Gonzalez has recently been the anchor of the boys triple jump squad, because of injuries. Against Saugus, he

finished 17th with a leap of 30-2.

Girls shot put

Lillian Reddy finished second throughout the entire conference with a season-best throw of 29-5.5. Hannah O’Brien (24-1.5) also threw a season-best to finish 15th. Naomi Goodwin came in 16th with a personal best throw of 23-3.5. It was her first meet back from injury.

TRACK, P. 11

SPORTS SPOTLIGHT

Current athlete profile: Gabby Hendy

BY JOE MCCONNELL NAME: Gabby Hendy AGE: 18 FAMILY: Parents: Deb and Noah; sibling: Morgan, 15 SCHOOL YEAR: Senior SPORTS YOU PLAY: Track & field/ field hockey FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: My favorite sport is track, because I have always loved to run and compete. I also have such a talented and supportive team. I think the community aspect makes track even more enjoyable.

MOST MEMORABLE GAME FOR YOU, AND WHY: My favorite field hockey game was a home game this year against Peabody, where we won, 4-1, and I got three of

See when your neighbors crossed the finish line in this Boston Marathon wrap-up.

ON THE RUN

the goals. Everyone played super well, and it was just such a fun game overall.

PLANS FOR AFTER MHS: I’m going to Syracuse University in the fall.

MAJOR: Undecided DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE: I would like to play club sports.

DESIRED CAREER: Undecided, maybe something in education.

The Current athlete profile is brought to you

by National Grand bank

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

COURTESY PHOTO / BAA

Local Boston Marathon runners make it across the finish line

BY JOE MCCONNELL

» Ross Patterson (13264, 45,

4:20:15, 22,964) » Jennifer Sheridan (27096, 53,

A total of 22 Marblehead runners completed the 129th Boston Marathon on April 21, and Scott Snyder (2770 BIB, age 43) heads the list, crossing the Boylston Street finish line in 2:55:24, 3,337 overall.

Here’s the complete list of Marblehead finishers who followed Snyder across the finish line: » Kylynn Mckinley (7870, 37, 3:04:18, 5,590) » Kristin Gendron (12399, 37, 3:04:46, 5,695) » Bethany Zanrucha (14030, 40, 3:10:38, 7,230)

3:13:56, 8,191) » Richard Jordan (15340, 62, 3:29:29, 13,065) » Sally Reiley (21857, 65, 3:31:42, 13,662, fifth in her division) » Kyle Heffrin (32, 27541, 3:37:11, 15,175) » Lindsey Hogan (22694, 45, 3:39:38, 15,759) » Ben Pyburn (27606, 37, 3:40:55, 16,082) » Tyler Callahan (26027, 20, 3:42:01, 16,357) » Isabella Corsini (31868, 23, 3:49:51, 18,276) » Margaux Danforth (26563, 39, 3:53:25, 19,008) » Katie Killeen (27877, 36,

4:27:50, 23,779) » Margaret Hollister (25451, 60,

4:32:48, 24,246) » Maeve Maloney (29158, 23,

4:33:33, 24,312 ) » Emily Promise (27611, 27,

4:36:42, 24,569) » Vanessa Freedman (27488,

26, 4:53:39, 25,757) » Matthew Duca (28308, 39,

5:19:46, 27,030) » Jenn Mangold (26512, 34,

5:50:04, 27,988) » Faxon Michaud (31898, 32,

6:01:20, 28,198)

marbleheadcurrent.org

10 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

ROUNDUP

Magicians weekly sports notebook

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Division) took advantage of the rest to beat host Masco last Friday afternoon to the tune of 10-7. The Magicians also led at the half, 5-4.

Maddie Forbes (1 goal, 2 assists), Ramona Gillett (2 goals, 1 assist), Kathryn Commoss (2 goals, 1 assist), Gretchen Smith (1 goal, 2 assists) and Zoe Dwyer (3 goals) paced the offensive attack. Goalie Molly Bullard came up with 10 saves to secure the win.

“We fought hard for this win,” said coach Annie Madden. “I was proud of the way we are becoming a team that is able to adapt and make the necessary changes on the fly to win.”

Baseball Magicians upend Danvers to secure fifth win The Marblehead High baseball team (5-4, 3-3 in the Northeastern Conference) played two games last week.

They started it off with a dominating win over visiting Danvers on April 23, 12-3, before dropping a close 2-0 decision two days later against Masco in the opening round of the St. Mary’s of Lynn Spartan Invitational Tournament at Lynn’s Fraser Field.

In the game against Danvers, coach Mike Giardi said that everything was falling the right way for his club. They scored three in the first on four hits, where all but one stayed in the infield. The script pretty much remained the same in the second inning. “We got one solid hit to go along with two infield bleeders, which led to three more runs for us,” said Giardi. “For Danvers, it was the complete opposite. They hit several balls squarely, but all went for outs.”

Senior captain Ian McComish started the game on the mound for the Magicians, and went five innings, giving up four hits, three walks and two runs, none earned. He fanned two. Kiernan Moss pitched the final two. Moss allowed two walks, one hit and one earned run. He had one strikeout.

On offense, senior Julius Galante started at second base, and got his first hit of the season, which also knocked in a run, while his classmates Cam Quigley (single, double, 2 RBI) and Stefan Shepard (2 doubles, 2 RBI) paced the attack with two

. COURTESY PHOTO / LUANN GABEL

Marblehead High girls tennis senior second singles player Nina Johnson swats the ball back to her opponent during a match earlier this season

hits apiece. E.J. Wyman singled in two, and Owen Coyne was credited with a run-producing single. As a team, they banged out 11 hits.

It was then time to start the aforementioned Spartan Invitational Tournament, but unlike the Danvers game, many plays went in favor of the Chieftains.

“Playing on turf under the lights for the first time this year, we were a little off,” said Giardi.

“A couple of key plays went the wrong way, and Masco was able to take advantage to push two unearned runs across the plate.”

Carter Sahagian (5 innings, 1 hit, 6 walks, 7 strikeouts, 2 runs, none earned) didn’t have his best stuff, according to Giardi, but still battled to keep his teammates in it. But unfortunately, they were only to scratch out two hits, both

of them singles off the bats of Aidan Downey and Ethan Harwood. Sean Heenan tossed the final two innings, yielding just one hit.

Host St. Mary’s beat Pope Francis on a walk-off in its firstround game, and as a result the Marblehead boys took on the Springfield parochial school in the consolation game on April 27 after press deadline.

Softball team plays two close contests The MHS softball team (7-1) went on the road last week to play two competitive games, winning one. On April 23, the Magicians were able to escape Danvers with a 2-0 extra innings victory (nine) to remain undefeated. But their quest for perfection was spoiled by host Masco two days later in another close contest, 1-0.

Against Danvers, the game was scoreless through eight innings. But in the ninth, the bats woke up for coach Johnny Gold’s team. Isabel Mortensen led off with a single, before going to third on a Haley Schmitt base hit. But they didn’t stay on base that long, because pitcher Tessa Francis decided to win her own game, when she belted a long double to centerfield at the Great Oak School Field in Danvers to account for the winning runs.

Francis scattered four hits through nine innings, while striking out 13 in another dominating performance in the circle.

Girls lacrosse team tops Masco With just one game last week, the Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (5-4 overall, 3-2 in the NEC, 3-1 in the NEC Dunn

Girls tennis evens record at three The Marblehead High girls tennis team (3-3) lost a close encounter to Masco at home last Friday afternoon, 3-2. The match was suspended earlier in the season, because of rain.

It resumed last week with the score tied at two, and after the third singles players split their first two sets. But in the final set, Masco was able to prevail, 7-5. Masco’s Sophie Donnellan bested Abbie Goodwin in that third singles match, 6-3, 4-6, 7-5.

“Abbie was trailing, 5-2, but made a great comeback to keep the match very close,” said coach Tracy Ackerman. “Tied at five, they must have had six to eight deuce games, before Sophie went ahead to stay at 6-5. Both players were super consistent and patient, forcing each other to make errors. Abbie is looking forward to getting another chance to play Sophie, when we travel to (Boxford) to play Masco again (on May 2).”

SPORTS

MHS laxmen look to refocus on fundamentals to turn around close losses into wins

BY JOE MCCONNELL After seven games, the Marblehead High boys lacrosse team (3-4) is still trying to find its way in order to put a winning streak together to regain that elite status that has been a part of the program for the last several years. And veteran coach John Wilkens knows it’s in the realm of possibilities.

“Of the four losses we have had in the early going, we lost three of them by a total of only four goals,” Wilkens said. “We basically did it to ourselves with self-inflicted wounds like bad passes during critical times. We just have to learn how to finish games.”

With that said, Wilkens has the belief that they can get the job done. “This group is very competitive. They constantly work very hard, but they just need to make better decisions.”

The Marblehead boys lost two games last week that they could have easily won. They dropped an 11-9 decision to host Wakefield on April 21, before losing an even more agonizing game to visiting Masco in

Maniaci had to step up to fill-in for Finn Gallup, who hurt his wrist during the basketball season, and he’s taking full advantage of the opportunity.

Against Masco, Sullivan once again paced the offensive attack with five goals and one assist.

Moore collected two goals and one assist. Forbes chipped in with one goal and two assists. Kyle

track, NEC Freshman-Sophomore Meet, Gloucester High Noon, girls lacrosse, Bishop Fenwick, Bishop Fenwick 3 p.m., softball, Saugus, Marblehead Veterans Middle Monday, May 5 4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Danvers, MHS Piper Field 4 p.m., girls tennis, Salem, Salem High 4 p.m., boys tennis, Gloucester, Marblehead High 4:15 p.m., softball, Wakefield, Wakefield Memorial High

4:30 p.m., baseball, Swampscott, Swampscott Middle 4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Danvers, Danvers High Tuesday, May 6 4 p.m., girls and boys outdoor track, multiple schools, Winthrop High 6:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Lexington, Lincoln Street Fields, Lexington Wednesday, May 7 4 p.m., softball, Peabody, Kiley Bros. School, Peabody 4 p.m., girls tennis, Pentucket

Regional, Marblehead High 4 p.m., boys tennis, Beverly, Beverly High Thursday, May 8 4 p.m., baseball, Peabody, Seaside Park 4 p.m., girls tennis, Hamilton-Wenham, Tea House Courts, Wenham 4:30 p.m., boys tennis, HamiltonWenham, Marblehead High Friday, May 9 4 p.m., girls tennis, Peabody, Peabody Veteran Memorial High 4 p.m., boys tennis, Winthrop, Marblehead High

COURTESY PHOTO / CHARLOTTE MOORE

Marblehead High boys lacrosse players Bodie Smith (2), Gavin Ferretti (13), Graham Ferretti (44) and Thomas Tadesse (7) surround a Peabody forward looking to disrupt a play during the April 16 game. The Magicians won that game going away, 12-3.

overtime two days later, 11-10.

In the game against Wakefield, the Magicians were trailing at halftime, 9-2. But this game proved their resiliency. “One of their great traits is that they never get down on themselves,” Wilkens said.

Sophomore Will Sullivan was the offensive leader in this game with four goals and one assist.

VARSITY SCHEDULE Wednesday, April 30 4 p.m., baseball, Salem, Gallows Hill Park, Salem 4 p.m., softball, Salem, Mack Park, Salem 4 p.m., girls tennis, Danvers, Danvers High 4:30 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, Masconomet, Masconomet High Thursday, May 1 4 p.m., baseball, Bishop Fenwick, Bishop Fenwick

Reece Moore had the hat trick.

James Achterof accounted for one goal and one assist. Tyler Forbes notched one score.

Junior goalie Colin Maniaci made 11 saves to keep his teammates in the game, especially during the second half comeback bid. “(Maniaci) has come a long way, and is doing very well,” said Wilkens.

Thibodeau and Achterof each had a goal. Ben Zamansky was the assist leader with two, while Sean Dolan set up one score.

Maniaci came up with 13 saves to help send this game into overtime.

It was a low scoring game at halftime, with the Magicians holding a slim 5-4 advantage.

“This game came down to two bad passes by us, one at the end of regulation that set up the tying score and the other one in overtime that made Masco’s game-winner possible,” said Wilkens.

“We just have to find the right combinations, and get back to the fundamentals.”

And with 11 games still left on the regular season schedule, they are still very much in the state tournament picture. But they want to be among the leaders in Division 2 to get a home game or two to start the postseason. The talent is definitely there to reach that goal, as well. They were the 20th seed last year in the power rankings after finishing up the regular season with a 14-4 record.

4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Beverly, MHS Piper Field 6 p.m., girls lacrosse, Beverly, Beverly High Friday, May 2 4 p.m., girls tennis, Masconomet, Masconomet High 4 p.m., boys tennis, Masconomet, Marblehead High 6:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, North Andover, North Andover High Saturday, May 3 9:30 a.m., boys and girls outdoor

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11

PEN & PURPOSE

Hunt’s hidden talent helps preserve Old Burial Hill

BY WILL DOWD For decades, Bette Hunt’s precise pen-and-ink renderings of Marblehead landmarks quietly filled holiday cards sent to friends. Today, those same images have a greater mission: safeguarding the historic graves of Old Burial Hill.

At an intimate gathering April 22 at the Marblehead Museum, attendees celebrated the launch of note cards featuring Hunt’s distinctive pen and ink drawings of iconic local scenes.

Hunt, 93, has been creating artwork of Marblehead for nearly five decades and was taken aback by the attention her artistic talents received over the years.

“I started about 50 years ago, as Christmas cards and people collected them, which surprised me,” Hunt said in an interview with the Marblehead Current.

“Black and white drawings, Merry Christmas.”

The cards, which will benefit Old Burial Hill preservation efforts, showcase Hunt’s detailed renderings of locations like the Marblehead Light, Lookout Court, Fort Beach, Abbot Hall as seen from Crocker Park among other quintessential scenes from around town.

The project bridges Hunt’s dual identities as both historian and artist in Marblehead. While widely known for her historical knowledge, many locals were unaware of her artistic background.

“It is a thrill as always to have the one and only Bette Hunt in the building,” said Lauren McCormack, executive director of the Marblehead Museum.

“You all know what an amazing historian and storyteller Bette is,

Track From P. 9

Hailey Gilmore (21-1.5) continues to improve as a freshman in the throwing events, and against Saugus she finished 23rd. Loren Liu (17-4.5) was close behind, ending up 27th.

Boys shot put

Phineas Jakiouis (32-9.5) finished 20th. Sophomore Logan McRae-Hughes (31-5) was 23rd, and Connor Noonan (23-6.5, personal best) 30th.

Girls discus

O’Brien finished second with a throw of 86-0, nearing her personal best that’s in the 90s.

Reddy (73-1) was ninth. Goodwin (57-2) set another personal best in this meet to finish 13th. Liu (56-1) was 16th. Gilmore (55-7, personal best) ended up 17th.

Boys discus

McRae-Hughes (115-7) set a massive personal best to finish third. He was followed close behind by Graham Firestone (115-4, personal best), who finished fourth. Noonan (68-11, personal best) also competed in this event.

Girls javelin

Julia Betz’s breakout year in the javelin continues after setting a new personal best throw of 582 to place 13th overall. Jesslyn Roemer, a new addition to the squad, also set a new personal best of 47-7.5 to come in 15th.

Addison Rotigliano (39-5) finished 22nd.

Boys javelin

Firestone (138-2) and Jakiouis (132-3) solidified themselves as top javelin throwers in the conference with new personal bests to place fifth and sixth.

CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD

Bette Hunt, 93, Marblehead’s town historian emerita, displays one of her pen-and-ink drawings of Abbot Hall at the April 22 launch event for note cards featuring her artwork at the Marblehead Museum.

Four of Hunt’s intricate pen and ink drawings featured in the new note card collection show Marblehead scenes including the lighthouse (top left), town skyline with Abbot Hall (top right), dories at Fort Beach (bottom left) and a historic Marblehead streetscape (bottom right).

Supporters gather with Bette Hunt (seated, center) at the Marblehead Museum for the launch of note cards featuring her distinctive ink drawings. Proceeds from sales will benefit preservation efforts at Old Burial Hill cemetery.

but did you also all know what an amazing artist she is?”

Hunt attended the Museum of Fine Arts School for a year before transferring to another institution to study fashion illustration, a field that has largely disappeared with the advent of photography in advertising, Hunt said.

“I went to a school that no longer exists, and they taught

the kind of drawing that I was interested in: fashion illustration,” Hunt explained.

“But getting a job doing fashion illustration was not easy.”

Instead, she worked for an insurance company in Boston “for a number of years,” she said.

The note card project emerged through a partnership with Rod Sharp and Vicki Staveacre, who recognized the appeal of Hunt’s

Girls 400-meter hurdles

week heading into this meet, according to Raimo, to finish 34th. Jaime Virgile (17.15, personal best) was 39th.

“Juliet Burchfield has competed in every 400-meter hurdle race this season, and this meet was no different,” said Raimo. “Juliet wasn’t able to properly warm-up, because our bus got to the meet just before it started, but yet, she ran her best time of the season (81.16) to place eighth. She has identified some of the problems that have slowed her down in the past, and I’m confident that she will continue to work and improve, and we will see much faster times from her as the season progresses.”

Girls 100-meter hurdles

Arianna Leahy (20.13) established a season best electronic scoring time to finish 10th overall. Addison Rotigliano came away with a new personal best time of 21.74 to come in 19th. Apostolopoulos (22.23) was 22nd. Crane (23.91) also produced a new season best time to place 25th.

Boys 100-meter hurdles

Nate Jendrysik was on a mission last summer to improve in the hurdles, and the results are starting to show. He finished third overall in this meet with a massive personal best time of 17.39, according to Raimo.

“Nate had an up-and-down indoor hurdle season, which was frustrating for him, but his steadfast determination didn’t waiver. He’s now among the top hurdlers in the conference, and we will see faster times from him throughout the rest of this season.”

Girls 100

Machado (13.24) finished third overall. Lidia Jasmine Tiedra (14.38, season best) ended up 14th.. Liv Carlson (14.47, personal best) was 15th.

Camryn O’Brien (15.15, season best) came in 118th. Shanilee Pena (16.37) had a great practice

Boys 100

Jacob Bobowski’s (12.02) race started with chaos as no one held his blocks, and he fell out of them, but unsurprisingly he battled back to win the heat, eventually finishing 10th overall. Slater Johnson set a new personal best time of 12.08 to finish 12th. Nate Selby (12,28) was 17th, followed by Ari Gold (12.63) 27th, Ethan Clock (13.14) 36th and Kai Rozinsky (13.88) 44th.

Girls 200

Sophomore Lucy Flynn (27.17, personal best) finished third overall, which slots her eighth all-time in program history. Lidia Jasmine (30.96) came in 22nd, and Emily Zisson (31.99) was 28th, while making her debut in this event. It was also another event that got started over three hours into the meet.

Boys 200

Bobowski (24.26, season best) accounted for sixth place. Burke (25.82, personal best) stepped on the track for the first time this season after focusing solely on the jumps, and still came in 20th. Jendrysik (26.13) was24th, followed by Cole Barbeau (26.48) 25th, Lakai Parker (26.84) 32nd and Luis Alvarez (27.22), the relay specialist, 35th.

Girls 400

Sarah Munroe (65.31) came in third, even after running the two-mile. Carlson (66.27, personal best) is carrying over the momentum from a great indoor season, and in this event, she was fifth overall. Gabby Hendy (66.28) was behind her in sixth place. Freshman Sophie Bacon (73.39, personal best) and Ivana Nguyen (1:16.98) also

drawings as greeting cards.

The Marblehead couple had been receiving Christmas cards featuring Hunt’s artwork for nearly 20 years.

“Betty’s drawings naturally lend themselves to cards,” Sharp said. “They have superb line work, and they’re just so clear. For anybody who loves Marblehead, they’re a perfect choice.”

The cards feature six different scenes that Sharp and Hunt selected together. Each pack contains 12 cards, with two of each design. Proceeds from the sales will support preservation work at Old Burial Hill Cemetery, where ongoing restoration of historic gravestones has been underway since 2023.

Alex Finigan, chair of the Old Burial Hill Committee, was present at the event and expressed gratitude for the

support.

“I just want to say thank you so much,” Finigan said. “It’s just such a totally unexpected surprise for us.”

Hunt herself previously served on the Old Burial Hill Committee and chose that cause as the beneficiary of the card sales.

Sharp noted that Hunt’s various artistic styles are evident in the collection.

“Sometimes the style is very bold, and sometimes it’s much more subtle. If you look at her streetscapes, there’s a lot of gray in there,” said Sharp. “I just find them artistically very complex.”

The cards were available at a special price of $20 during the launch event, with the regular price set at $25 afterward . They will be sold at the Marblehead Museum, 170 Washington St., and the Arnould Gallery and Framery, 111 Washington St.

competed in this event.

Zach Pike was robbed by the officials a couple of weeks ago when he broke five minutes for the first time, because the results were lost, according to Raimo. But he got even with an electronic sub-five-minute mile against Saugus. Filip Grubor (5:18.99, personal best) battled back from injury to finish 16th.

Peter Sullivan (5:28.74, personal best) stepped up from the 800, and didn’t miss a beat.

Boys 400

Will Cerrutti (54.32, personal best), the superhuman who can run a sub-4:20 mile, according to Raimo, finished second overall. He too ran in the twomile. Nate Assa (54.98), another one of Raimo’s superhuman runners, ended up fifth after also competing in the two-mile.

Sophomore Eben Weed (54.98, personal best) came in sixth, “which is phenomenal considering it’s early in the season, and he has been battling illnesses / injuries this spring,” said Raimo.

Jack Franklin (56.94, personal best), another sophomore, chipped in with a 14th place finish.

Girls 800

Marion Grace Ladouceur (2:48.09, personal best) was the lone Marblehead runner in this event. She came in seventh, well ahead of her goal time of 2:50. “This is Marion’s first high school track season, and she is putting up impressive times.

Great things are certainly ahead for her,” said Raimo.

Boys 800

Henrik Adams (2:05.54, season best) came in second after an epic finish between him and a Peabody runner. “Henrik will be a presence in the 800 this season in the conference and divisional championship meets,” said Raimo.

David Alpert (2:31.40, personal best) came in 21st.

Girls mile

Ruby Assa (6:05.12, personal best) was credited with a fourthplace finish. Maren Potter (6:36.05, season best) was 10th, and Evelina Beletsky (6:42.31, season best) 14th.

Boys mile

Jonah Potach (4:56.46, personal best) finished fourth.

Girls two-mile

Munroe (12:21.51) qualified for the Division 3 State Championship meet, despite making her debut in this event.

She ended up third overall.

Boys two-mile

Nate Assa (10:21.87) broke the tape first, and Cerrutti (10:47.28) was fifth. “They were running the two-mile as a part of their training plan, and both were incredibly calm and relaxed, while casually running top times in the conference,” said Raimo. “Nate and Will are state champions, and both are going to set the track world on fire this spring and beyond on the collegiate level next year.”

Girls 4x100 relay

Elise Burchfield, Machado, Roszell and Flynn (51.35) were on a mission, and they didn’t disappoint. They easily won this event with the second fastest time in school history.

Boys 4x100 relay

Slater Johnson, Vincenzo Vourn, Gold and Alvarez (48.84) finished sixth. “Due to vacations and injuries, the team was reassembled without any practices or handoffs, but they still completed the race, and individually they all ran good legs. They definitely have a promising future,” said Raimo.

marbleheadcurrent.org

12 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets 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

Celebrate Community Champions

Heather Maloney at Me & Thee

Thursday, May 1, doors open at 6 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m.

Friday, May 2, at 8 p.m.

Join the Marblehead Counseling Center at The Beacon Restaurant to celebrate community spirit, as the MCC recognizes the hard work and generous contributions of local business leaders, coaches, volunteers, friends and neighbors. The MCC will announce its first Amy Saltz Community Champion, Anne Tassel-Todisco of Marblehead. There will be gourmet snacks, live music and dancing, as well as raffle prizes.

Tickets are $75 with proceeds supporting the MCC and its mission to provide affordable, quality mental health care and social services to Marblehead and surrounding towns. https://loom.ly/ZpQd4rw

Massachusetts-based singersongwriter Heather Maloney headlines at the Me&Thee.

Maloney found music in the midst of three years at a meditation center, honing a sound moored in days of silent reflection and reverence for storytellers like Joni, Rilke, Ken Burns and the anonymous authors of Zen parables. While she eventually traded the quiet, structured life of a yogi for the kinetic life of a touring musician, the core of her songwriting has remained centered around the same curiosity about our inner world and the desire to articulate it through storytelling. Tickets at meandthee.org.

The art of bookmaking and zines

Little Explorers playgroup

Thursday, May 1, 3:45-5:30 p.m.

Students in grades 5-6, come learn how to create your own books and zines in this new workshop at the Abbot Library. For the first session, the class will make zines and a box to house them. These structures can also enclose sketches, diaries, comics and other little books you create. The class will also cover other methods to create books from the basic zine structure. The second session will focus on books made by folding. The group will make origami boxes and two different types of books to fit inside: accordion and star book. Space is limited to 12. Online registration is required at abbotlibrary.org

‘Imagine a Dragon’ Weekend of May 2-4

The dragon is back in town! Well, not really. That’s the story a ragtag band of innkeepers makes up, desperate to draw questing heroes to the struggling Dancing Dragon Inn, in the Marblehead Little Theatre’s children’s spring musical.

Soon, the inn is full of unexpected guests, from an army of princesses out to prove their bravery to a group of overwhelmed heroes trying to hold onto their fame. But what happens if they all discover the innkeepers’ dragon story is made up? An epic folk-rock score brings magic to this funny, heartfelt fantasy musical. Tickets at mltlive.org.

Sunday, May 4, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m.

The Epstein Hillel School will host the last of its monthly Sunday morning openplay events for children ages 2-5 years.

This week’s theme is “Spring’s in Swing.”

The morning will feature arts and crafts, sensory play, stories and coffee and snacks for parents. It is free and open to the community. RSVP to rkaren@epsteinhillel. org. EHS is located at 6 Community Road.

Rally for Mental Wellness Pickleball Tournament Saturday, May 3, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

The Rally for Mental Wellness Pickleball Tournament benefiting Marblehead Counseling Center will be held at Veterans Middle School. All skill levels are welcome, with 90-minute playtime guaranteed.

Morning and afternoon sessions are available. Register at https:// loom.ly/bPBfCS8.

ARTS

Learn more about the MAA’s ‘Variations’ exhibit and its artists

BY BENJI BOYD On April 19, the Marblehead Arts Association opened its third annual national exhibit.

With over 150 pieces of artwork spread throughout the three floors of the King Hooper Mansion, “Variations 2025” is one of the MAA’s biggest shows yet. Represented are artists from all over the country, with pieces in mediums ranging from photography to oil paint to sculpture.

Holly Layman, a life-long artist and native of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, earned first prize in the 3D category for her “Propper Chopper Bobber” – a lifesize Harley Davidson-style motorcycle made entirely out of cardboard. According to Layman, the piece was the first of its kind she made, originally intended to be a window display for an optical shop owned by her husband.

“My real breakthrough came after meeting my husband who owns Artistic Eyewear in town,” Layman wrote in the biography on her website. “I started doing his window displays and getting many comments and followers along the way.”

Although she started out as an illustrator and graphic designer, Layman really found her calling after finishing her motorcycle.

To her husband’s dismay, instead of ending up in the window of

Graham Cassano’s pieces “The Mathematical Sublime” (above) and “The Event is the Print of Your Form” (below) play with depth and color to create an interesting visual experience.

COURTESY IMAGES

Holly Layman’s “Proper Bobber Chopper” is a life-size cardboard model of a motorcycle with intricate details.

his shop, the “Proper Chopper Bobber” went on tour to exhibits all over the country.

“I try to go to shows that are juried by good jurors that are well known in their areas,” Layman said in an interview with the Current.

The MAA appealed to her because of its good reputation and fond memories of a trip to Marblehead from when she was a child. According to Layman, the MAA is interested

in exhibiting more of her work in the future, including a larger than life cardboard model of the historic Oglala Lakota leader, Red Cloud.

The “Proper Chopper Bobber” is located on the second floor of the Hooper Mansion, next to a booklet with more details about the real motorcycle.

Layman tried to be as accurate as possible in her process, crafting each individual piece before attaching it to the frame.

All of her cardboard creations include several items that are not cardboard for the viewer to find; for the motorcycle, these are the thumb tack headlights and wooden kickstand.

Elsewhere in the gallery, one can find other winners and honorable mentions from the three judging categories: fine art, photography, and 3D. MAA member Ryan Gondarowski’s first place oil painting “Opportunity” depicts crabs on

a rocky beachscape, and can be seen on the first floor. Graham Cassano’s “The Mathematical Sublime,” the winner of the photography category, juxtaposes photographs of differing colors, sizes and depths to create a cohesive college of urban images.

“Variations 2025” is open Wednesday through Sunday from noon-5 p.m. until June 14, at which point the MAA will prepare for its Summer Members Exhibit. All of these artworks are also available for viewing at marbleheadarts.org.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 13

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

AGA Interior Design makes a move

BY MELISSA STACEY The following is an interview with Alexandra Aquadro, owner of AGA Interior Design, conducted

by Discover Marblehead.

AGA Interior Design is a fullservice residential interior design firm that recently relocated their studio to 84 Washington St. From single room updates to comprehensive home renovations and new construction, they work closely with clients to bring their vision to life. To learn more about their services, go againteriordesign. com.

Tell us about AGA Interior Design, why you started it and how you help your clients. I discovered my passion for design at an early age, while growing up in an antique home filled with wide plank floorboards and a beehive oven. I would frequently find paint and fabric samples as my parents worked room by room to renovate our historic home. The biggest thrill was when I selected my bedroom wallpaper in the fourth

grade and the cheerful yellow and floral pattern still lines the walls today. After graduating from Hobart & William Smith colleges and honing my skills at Kuhn Riddle Architects and Susan Reddick Design, I took the leap to start taking on my own clients. I founded AGA Interior Design in 2014.

My signature style showcases a curated mix of warm color palettes, comfortable furnishings and layered textures. Each project is sophisticated and timeless, while remaining functional and welcoming. I pride myself on my involvement from the first preliminary phone call to the final installation. I find that this hands-on approach ensures that the final result is perfectly

COURTESY PHOTO

Alexandra Aquadro owns AGA Interior Design.

tailored to each client. My greatest joy is seeing our happy clients at the completion of a project.

What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? My favorite piece of advice is, “If you care about what you do and work hard at it, there isn’t anything you can’t do if you want to.” —Jim Henson.

What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? As a lifelong architecture and history enthusiast, nothing beats a stroll around Old Town, winding through the charming streets with original doorways and timeless details.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I was the first girl on

my high school golf team.

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

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

SHOW CARS

Cruise In returns with expanded fourth run

BY OLIVIA CAFARELLI MANZI Marblehead Cruise In, the area’s up and coming car show, is returning for its fourth year — and organizers say it will be bigger and better than ever.

What started as a birthday celebration has turned into a summer tradition. Four years ago, Nick Parente organized the first Cruise In to celebrate his friend Tucker Beatty. The event was such a hit that the two now co-host the event each year. Since then, it has steadily grown in popularity and now draws car lovers from across Massachusetts — and even as far away as Maine.

The Cruise In will kick off May 24 and be held the second Tuesday of each month through October.

“It just continues to grow from word-of-mouth,” said Parente.

“It’s been good to just be able to bring some people together.”

Unlike many car shows that focus on specific makes or models, the Marblehead Cruise In is open to all vehicles.

“We’ve had a brand new Ferrari sitting next to a 1990 Volkswagen Cabriolet,” said Parente. “We encourage people to bring whatever they have. As long as you love it, it’s worth it to be in the show, and there’s nothing that will be frowned upon from showing up.”

Parente said the community that forms around the event is just as important as the cars themselves.

“The cars bring people together, but it’s the people that make them stick around,” said Parente. “Being able to meet so many new faces and learn about their cars is invaluable.”

This year, the event will move from Riverside Beahc to Devereux Beach through

CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS

The MHD Cruise In drew big crowds last summer.

a new partnership with the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department.

The new location will offer visitors the chance to enjoy

summer snacks or ice cream from the Neck Run Cafe while they check out the cars and take in the view.

To display your car, visit

mhdcuisein.com and fill out a required form.

Olivia Cafarelli Manzi is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This article

was written by Cafarelli Manzi for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College.

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS Buyer(s) Cameron and Hallie Sewall

Seller(s)

Address

Date

Price

Babu and Kokila Patel RET and Babu A. Patel

5 Arlyn Road

April 10

$935,000

marbleheadcurrent.org

14 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

Christensen From P. 2

invited Christensen to speak to her junior English classes for over a decade after they read Tim O’Brien’s “The Things They Carried,” a novel about the Vietnam War experience.

“As a graduate of Marblehead High School himself, Harry spoke about being drafted, being terrified and being a tank commander who saw men lose their lives every single day,” Billings said. “He was honest and relevant, looking my kids in the eye as he shared the horrors of war, disconnection and the return of humanity.”

Christensen believed in giving students “something real” to supplement what they read in books.

Beyond town government and education, Christensen remained deeply connected to veterans’ affairs. He served multiple terms as commander of the local Veterans of Foreign Wars post and one term as district commander. When Marblehead received its Purple Heart Community designation, he expressed appreciation for the recognition of all wounded veterans.

“It’s nice to have the town recognize us, not just me, but the others that were wounded in combat,” Christensen said during the ceremony.

Christensen spoke candidly about the hostility Vietnam veterans faced upon returning home, recalling being called a “baby killer” despite never having harmed civilians. He grew his hair long and tried to blend in during that period, but later welcomed the shift in public sentiment when people began thanking him for his service.

Throughout his life, Christensen had said he carried both the visible and invisible wounds of war. He spoke

COURTESY PHOTO / TERESA COLLINS

Former Select Board member Harry Christensen sits with his family at a table in the Jacobi Community Center during the Purple Heart ceremony on Aug. 7, 2024. The event honored local veterans and celebrated Marblehead’s designation as a Purple Heart Community.

of carrying “hate, sorrow, survivor’s guilt” from his combat experience, but concluded that “mostly we carried each other” — a sentiment that reflected his lifelong commitment to community service.

Honoring fellow Marines

Christensen also took personal care of the Duncan Sleigh memorial, a stone plaque at the base of the old Marblehead High School honoring 2nd Lt. Duncan Sleigh, a Dartmouth graduate and Marine platoon commander who was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross after sacrificing his life to save fellow Marines in Vietnam. Christensen, himself a Marine veteran, and his family has seen to it that the site remained respectfully maintained and that Sleigh’s story was shared with younger generations.

Santeusanio emphasized Christensen’s commitment to veterans. “He was a Marine through and through. He was wonderful. Somebody had to give the message to the young

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

In English teacher Jennifer Billings class in 2023, Marblehead veteran Harry Christensen talks to Marblehead High School students about his chronic PTSD from his time in Vietnam.

people. And he was a good person to do it.”

Seeking justice for a forgotten case In 2018, Christensen reluctantly withdrew from the Select Board race after receiving medical advice from

the Veterans Administration not to travel or leave his home due to immune system concerns, the Marblehead Reporter reported.

That same health guidance, though disappointing at the time, ultimately opened the door to a personal milestone: publishing a book he had long

wanted to write. Later in life, Christensen fulfilled that goal by co-authoring “A Murder in Marblehead” with Santeusanio.

The book, featured in a 2022 Marblehead Current article, investigated the unsolved 1950 murder of Marblehead teacher Beryl Atherton — a case Christensen had researched for more than 40 years.

“But old age and my Vietnam wounds have just curtailed that for me,” Christensen said in the 2022 article. “It was the perfect time for me to be able to meet with Richard, my best man and my best friend, to get this done – finally!”

When asked about Christensen’s fascination with the Atherton case, Santeusanio told the Marblehead Current, “He just thought he should set the record straight.” He further sourced his intrigue to Christensen writing a college paper on the infamous case.

Known for his love of Marblehead and frequently using the local saying “Down Bucket,” Christensen was, as his family wrote in his obituary, “a lifelong Header who never wanted to be far from Marblehead Rock.”

Christensen is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marsha; his sons Andrew and wife Trista, and Matthew and his wife Laura; and three grandchildren Eliza, Donovan and Mac Christensen.

He is also survived by his brother Henry Christensen and his wife Debbie; his sisters Laura Best and her husband Jeffrey; Rae Weed and her husband Allan and Linda Mills and her husband Mark.

Visiting hours will be held Friday, May 2, from 4-8 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Burial with U.S. Marine Corps and VFW honors will take place Saturday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m. at Waterside Cemetery, followed by a funeral service at 11 a.m. at Old North Church, 35 Washington St.

FOOD

MHS students compete in ‘Chopped’ food contest

BY LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead High School students competed in an exciting cooking contest recently based on the hit Food Network show “Chopped.” The judges included interim Superintendent John Robidoux.

Culinary teacher Kelly Delany started the competition by creating “secret ingredient baskets” for 15 teams. Some of her favorite items included cactus, artichoke hearts, microgreens and sundried tomatoes.

“They had 30 minutes to create a dish and peasant it to the judges and explain their dish — what inspired them, was there a natural ‘executive chef’ or did they all work as a team, what flavor profiles did they use and how did they build their foundation of flavors.”

Students in the aptly named Team Won captured first prize with deep-fried tempura green A secret ingredient basket for MHS students in a ‘Chopped’ beans and a lemon aioli dip. competition.

“It was fantastic,” Delany said.

COURTESY PHOTOS

The winning plate in the MHS “Chopped” competition.

PAWS & CLAWS

Shelter volunteer: Q*Bert is ‘best dude’ COURTESY PHOTO

Volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter believe Q*Bert would do best in a quiet home.

BREED: Tiger SIZE: Medium AGE: Adult SEX: Male Q*Bert is a sweet soul, according to volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter. A shelter volunteer described him as “the best dude.” He is quiet and seems overwhelmed at the shelter with all the attention he is receiving,

shelter volunteers say. However, his personality is slowly creeping out.

Shelter volunteers say they know he loves belly rubs, head scratches and being told how handsome he is.

Volunteers believe he would do best in a quiet home where he could have oneon-one time with his special someone.

He may even enjoy having another laid back, “chill” cat in the home,

volunteers say.

Q*bert is FIV-positive but can have just as healthy a life as non-FIVpositive cats, according to the shelter.

Q*Bert is up to date with routine shots, house trained and neutered.

If you are interested in Q*Bert, fill out an adoption application at marblehead-animal-shelter.org, and you will be contacted.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, April 30, 2025 15

OBITUARIES

was destroyed and saved many lives. Harry was a highly decorated veteran with many awards including the Silver Star for gallantry in action and two purple hearts. After he medically retired from the Marine Corps, he returned to his home and to his education.

Harry graduated from Salem State University and later

received his master’s degree from Boston College. After teaching in the Danvers School Department for 13 years, Harry received his juris doctorate of law degree from Suffolk University in 1983 and practiced law in Marblehead for over 40 years.

Over his career, Harry was active on many boards and committees in Marblehead including over 20 years on the Board of Selectmen and member and commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 2005. Harry also served on the Marblehead Historical Commission and as shellfish constable. He was generous with his time and expertise.

Harry loved Marblehead history and for over 40 years researched the unsolved murder of Marblehead school teacher, Beryl Atherton. In 2022, he and

co-author, Richard Santeusanio, wrote a book detailing the events surrounding her death in 1950. He was very proud of this accomplishment and would give lectures about the book up until his death.

Harry was predeceased by his parents, Harry C. Christensen, Sr. and Audrey (Mace) Christensen. Harry is survived by his wife of 45 years, Marsha; his sons, Andrew G. Christensen and his wife Trista and Matthew G. Christensen and his wife Laura;and three grandchildren, Eliza, Donovan and Mac Christensen. Harry is also survived by his brother, Henry Christensen and his wife Debbie; his sisters Laura Best and her husband Jeffrey, Rae Weed and her husband Allan and Linda Mills and her husband Mark. He is also survived by many nieces,

nephews, cousins and friends.

Harry was a lifelong Header; he never wanted to be far from Marblehead Rock. He loved the Marines, his country, his town and most of all, his family.

Semper Fi. Down Bucket.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, May 2, from 4-8 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Burial with US Marine Corps & VFW honors will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 9:30 a.m. at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead followed by his funeralsService to be held at 11 a.m. at Old North Church, 35 Washington St., Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Harry’s memory to a charity of your choice. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Christensen family.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

earned her degree in English.

Her natural grace, charm and integrity were evident from her earliest years.

Despite her parents’ reservations, she accepted a teaching job in New York City, where — on a blind date — she

met the love of her life, John Foster from Boston. They married on the farm in Virginia, uniting Northern and Southern families in a joyful celebration.

Lila and John enjoyed 63 wonderful years together, creating a life filled with love, family and tradition in Marblehead. They joyfully welcomed their first child, John Samborne Jr., followed by Emily Powers and Edward Dwight.

Lila became a beloved figure in town, known for her vivacious spirit, radiant smile, unmistakable Southern drawl and genuine warmth. Her charm and kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

A lifelong Christian, Lila dedicated herself to her church

and community, supporting its mission and members wholeheartedly. Her passion extended into the Driftwood and Winter Garden Clubs, where she contributed to numerous gardens throughout town. Her own gardens remain a living testament to her nurturing spirit and creative passion.

The loss of her daughter Emily was among Lila’s most profound sorrows, yet her unwavering faith, devoted family and supportive friends helped her navigate this difficult time.

Lila’s greatest joy came from her family. A devoted mother to Sam, Emily and Ned, she was also a proud and loving grandmother to her four

grandchildren, Meg, Rachel, Dwight and Emily Foster. She delighted in their lives, their laughter and their stories. Her strength, grace and radiant spirit live on in each of them, as they carry forward her enduring legacy of love, faith and kindness.

Lila now rests peacefully along with her daughter, brothers and parents — forever loved, forever unforgettable.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 9,at 11 a.m. at the First Church of Swampscott, followed by a celebration of life at the Eastern Yacht Club.

For more information or online guestbook, please visit MurphyFuneralHome.com or call 978-744-0497.

from Chelsea High School, where he shined as a star pitcher on the varsity baseball team and served as Aleph Gadol of the Clovers, Chelsea’s AZA chapter.

He went on to earn a pharmacy degree from the Massachusetts

College of Pharmacy, beginning what would become a lifelong and successful career in the field.

Soon after college, Bobby met the love of his life, Lois, with whom he shared 60 wonderful years. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter and devotion to family.

Bobby and Lois raised three loving daughters and were blessed with three wonderful sons-in-law and six cherished grandchildren.

At the young age of 26, Bobby purchased his first pharmacy, Melvin & Badger, Boston’s oldest apothecary. He later opened two additional pharmacies in the city and became a trusted figure in the

community. After selling his businesses, Bobby continued his passion for helping others as a clinical pharmacist at several Boston-area hospitals. He was always the first call for friends and family seeking advice on medications, a role he embraced with care and expertise.

A lifelong Boston sports fan, Bobby especially loved attending Red Sox games with Lois and chatting sports with his grandchildren — often placing light-hearted bets (which he didn’t always win). His sense of humor, generous spirit and unwavering love for his family were constants in his life.

Bobby is survived by his beloved wife Lois, daughters

Holly Kaplan Hamburg (Phil), Kate Kaplan Cook (Pat) and Tara Kaplan Small (Steve); and his adored grandchildren Madison, Jake, Matthew, Adam, Jordan and Jesse. He also leaves behind his dear siblings Stanley (Diane), Mark (Cindy), Audrey (the late Michael Baizen) and Kenny (Karen); and was predeceased by his sister Sandra Gold Shalit and brother Harvey Kaplan. Bobby will also be remembered fondly by many nieces, nephews and extended family.

A memorial service was held on April 24. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott (shirathayam.org).​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

traces of an Irish accent more than half a century later.

She had first emigrated to Canada, where she received a master’s in social work from McGill University in Montreal.

There she later met her husband, Dr. Raymond Cavanaugh, who had attended McGill Psychiatry, but was on faculty at the University of New Mexico when

they met. They soon married and lived two years in California, working at a forensic psychiatry hospital while Jeanette also taught social work at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Since then, they settled permanently in Massachusetts.

A petite woman, Jeanette said she nearly died in 1982 while giving birth to her first child, Raymond Jr., who weighed almost 11 lbs. She eventually recovered and gave birth to her second child, Nicholas, in 1984.

For over a decade, she raised her children on Boston’s South Shore. Following a brief period in Indiana, the family returned to Massachusetts, this time settling on the North Shore.

After retiring from social work in 2015 she became a frequent traveler — Ireland, Italy, Russia, Egypt, Peru, and almost

making it to the Arctic Circle while chasing penguins on the southernmost reaches of South America.

Declining health limited her travels to the coastline of Marblehead, Salem and Gloucester. She remained an avid reader and continued to participate in her parish, Our Lady Star of the Sea. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Raymond R. Cavanaugh with whom she shared 46 years of marriage; sons, Raymond Cavanaugh, Jr. and his wife, Eve; and Nicholas Cavanaugh; two sisters, Catherine McDonald and Elizabeth Schwartz; three brothers, James, Robert and Noel Dowling; a particularly devoted cousin, Cecilia Mulvey; and several dear nieces, nephews and friends.

Visiting hours will be held on Sunday, May 4, 3-6 p.m., at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Her funeral will begin from the funeral home on Monday, May 5, at 10 a.m. followed by a funeral Mass to be celebrated at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave.. Interment will follow at Star of the Sea Cemetery, Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in her memory to Catholic Relief Services, PO Box 5278, Tipton, IA 52772-0517 or support.crs.org; or to Catholic Charities, 275 West Broadway, South Boston, MA 02127ccab.org. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for the Cavanaugh family.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Harry C. Christensen, Jr., 78 The family of Harry C. Christensen, Jr. sadly announces Harry’s passing.

Harry, or Buddy, to those that knew him by his Marblehead name, made the trip to heaven on April 20. Harry passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 78.

Harry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1967 to 1968 and was proud to have served in Vietnam as a tank commander. On Jan. 24, 1968, he was wounded in combat against an enemy ambush site.

Due to his actions, the ambush

Lila Gilmer Sadler Foster, 88 Lila passed away peacefully on April 19, Easter weekend — her favorite time of year — surrounded by her loving family and embraced by her Lord.

Born in Richmond, Virginia, on Jan. 14, Lila was raised on her family’s cherished farm in Pulaski, Virginia. A graduate of Pulaski High School, she was admired for her vibrant spirit, leadership as a varsity basketball captain and as class valedictorian. Lila continued on to Hollins College where she

Robert A. Kaplan, 86 Robert A. Kaplan, 86, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on April 22, surrounded by his beloved wife and three daughters.

Affectionately known as Bobby to all who knew and loved him, he was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend whose warmth and wisdom touched everyone he met.

Bobby was born and raised in Chelsea, the cherished son of Ann and Irving Kaplan, of blessed memory. He graduated

Jeanette M. Cavanaugh, 76 Jeanette Mary Cavanaugh died at her Marblehead home in the early hours of Apr. 25, following a lengthy period of declining health. She was 76.

When she was born in 1948 in County Kerry, Ireland, her neighborhood did not have any telephone poles. The 12th of 13 children, she grew up on a dairy farm in a home that spoke far more Gaelic than English. Her father, born in 1897, was a WWI veteran. Her mother, born in 1900, had won a local beauty pageant.

Though Jeanette left her homeland at age 20, she still had

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

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

Submissions should include the name of the funeral home serving the deceased’s family, along with a

daytime phone number for a person to contact, in case we have any questions about the obituary.

Photos, preferably in JPEG format, are welcome.

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

marbleheadcurrent.org

16 Wednesday, April 30, 2025 Marblehead Current

FEDERAL CONSISTENCY REVIEW NOTICE The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) is reviewing the proposal(s) listed below for consistency with its enforceable program policies. Project proponents have filed a statement and accompanying information with the CZM Office certifying that their proposal is consistent with these policies. This information is available for public inspection. Written comments may be submitted to the CZM Office within twenty-one days of the publication date of April 30, 2025, or as otherwise noted below. Send email copies of your comments to Sean.Duffey@mass.gov.

Anyone having technical questions regarding a particular project should contact the reviewer listed at the end of each notice below.

Anyone having questions regarding the public comment process, or having comments on any project listed below should contact: Sean Duffey, Project Review and Dredging Coordinator Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114 The Neptune Deepwater Port Decommissioning Project is proposing to decommission the Neptune liquefied natural gas Deepwater Port (DWP) import terminal due to a reduced market for natural gas in the New England region. The west end of the pipeline ties into the Algonquin Gas Transmission, LLC’s HubLine system about 3 miles offshore and the east end of the DWP is in Federal waters about 22 miles off the coast of Boston, Massachusetts. The DWP includes two mooring and unloading buoys in Federal waters, as well as 13.2 miles of 24-inch diameter pipeline in both state and Federal waters. The Project involves removal of some components on the sea floor and in the water column at the east and west ends and abandonment in place of most of the pipeline. Contact Sean Duffey at Sean.Duffey@mass.gov

& GI F T S H OP MORE THAN A SCULPTURE GARDEN... IT’S AN EXERIENCE! NEW SCULPTURES ARE READY FOR YOU AND YOUR SPRING GARDEN!

Open 10:30 - 1:00 on Saturdays Call or text to come other days/times 781-521-4870 Uplifting & Inspirational Books, Suncatchers & Color Everywhere!

Mud Puddle Toys is partnering with Make-A-Wish® Massachusetts and Rhode Island to help grant life-changing wishes for local children battling critical illnesses!

To donate, scan the QR code or visit http://site.wish.org/goto/mudpuddletoys

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

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

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

We urge you to contact our partners listed below, or speak to your local clergy to request assistance from Marblehead Female Humane Society: Marblehead Counseling Center 781-631-8273 Marblehead Housing Authority 781-631-2580 Marblehead Council on Aging 781-631-6225 Marblehead Food Pantry 781-631-8340

Please Park Across the Street

122 B GREEN STREET, MARBLEHEAD WWW.MARBLEHEADSCULPTURES.COM E-MAIL: INFO@MARBLEHEADSCULPTURES.COM

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

www.marbleheadfemalehumanesociety.com