05.06.2026 - Volume 4, Issue 24

SPORTS

REV YOUR ENGINES

Magicians go the distance at Bay State Track Invitational

IN THIS ISSUE

FOOD 101

The comfort food we all need right now

Popular Cruise-In is back at the beach Page 11

Page 9

NONPROFIT ORG PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

MARBLEHEAD, MA PERMIT NO. 25

Page 4

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT.

TM

MAY 6, 2026

|

VOLUME 4, ISSUE NO. 24

FIRST WAVE 1

Town Meeting votes overwhelmingly to send proposed tax override to ballot. Page 1.

2

|

MARBLEHEADCURRENT.ORG

Hear from the three candidates vying for two Select Board seats. Page 2.

rallies 3 Moulton hometown

supporters, talks Senate bid. Page 7.

|

ON SOCIAL @MHDCURRENT

murals to law Homes Tour a 5 Green 4 From to music, check success as residents

out this year’s Senior Projects. Page 3.

learn more about sustainability. Page 6.

Five facts from this week’s Marblehead Current.

TOWN MEETING 2026 Visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for more Town Meeting reporting, photos and videos.

Three-tiered override advances to ballot

3A zoning plan also passes

to check out books from other North Shore libraries.

It’s all about the tiers

BY LEIGH BLANDER A three-year, three-tiered general override — ranging from $9 million to $15 million — will be on Marblehead’s election ballot June 9, after Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved advancing the measure Monday night. The vote was 1,227 in favor, 159 opposed.

If it passes in June, it will be the first general (permanent) property tax override approved in Marblehead in more than 20 years.

Town Meeting completed its warrant agenda in just about 3 1/2 hours, negating the need for a second night.

$7.7M deficit leads to deep cuts Voters also approved a $123 million fiscal 2027 budget with

CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS

More than 1,300 voters filled the Marblehead High School field house for the 2026 annual Town Meeting.

deep cuts to the schools, library, Council on Aging and more due to a $7.7 million deficit.

Finance Committee Chair Alec Goolsby explained how lower

revenues and higher employee health insurance and pension costs contributed to the deficit.

The budget, as approved, cuts 22 municipal and 18.5 full-time

school positions. It would mean the library could open only three days a week and would lose its state accreditation, resulting in residents not being allowed

Select Board Chair Dan Fox and School Committee member Melissa Clucas laid out the override proposal that will face voters in June. Three tiers include: » Tier One, $9M — Partially restores staff and program cuts » Tier Two, $12M — Rebuild some departments, programs » Tier Three, $15 — Invest more in town services, capital projects As shown in the graphic on Page 7, the tax impact on the owners of a median-valued home in town ($998,600) would range in Tier 1 from around $130 in Year 1, $533 in Year 2 and $256 in Year 3, for a total increase of $919; to in Tier 3 from around $430 in Year 1, $720 in Year 2 and $388 in Year 3, for a total increase of $1,538. The increases TOWN, P. 7

SPRING

Local garden clubs embrace a blooming season

BY MARY CHRISTIE Have you ever asked your neighbors if you could dig up plants from their garden? For members of the Driftwood Garden Club, that request is an annual tradition.

The effort is part of the club’s Dig and Divide initiative, a key step in preparing for its annual plant sale.

“We actually call people in town who have nice gardens and ask if they’d mind if we dig in their garden,” said Barbara Saraceno, a member of the executive committee. “It is really a sight to behold.”

From April 19 through April 25 this year, members visited selected homes to dig up and divide plants.

“You go out to the homeowner’s house with other members, and we come and dig up your backyard,” said Adrienne Sweetser, co-chair of the club’s

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

plant sale.

Afterward, members care for the plants until the sale, scheduled for Saturday, May 9, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Masonic Hall.

Proceeds support the club’s work maintaining the Abbot Library and Old Farrell Court.

“I really feel the residents get such a kick out of it,” Sweetser said. “They can come out, see a beautiful courtyard, sit outside, get some sunshine and they really look forward to what enhancements we’ve done.”

Sweetser added: ““It’s one of those self-rewarding things.

You plant the seed and see what happens.”

Driftwood is one of several garden clubs in Marblehead that raise funds through spring plant sales while maintaining public spaces across town.

Marblehead Garden Club

The Marblehead Garden Club,

the town’s oldest, will celebrate its 100th anniversary this summer.

“We’re doing some community projects,” said Michelle Abrams, the club’s publicist. “They will involve things like community planting, seed distribution and activities within the club to commemorate the 100th.”

The club’s annual plant sale will be held from 8:30 to 11 a.m.

May 16 at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion. The sale will include a variety of plants, including rare wildflowers.

To mark the milestone, the club is launching a hollyhock renewal campaign to revive interest in the flower long associated with Marblehead’s history. Free packets of hollyhock seeds, along with planting instructions, will be distributed at the sale.

“It’s a big gathering,” Abrams GARDENS, P. 6

COURTESY PHOTO / COLLEEN CONNOR

Betty Longergan of Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott tends a plant sale table in 2025.

marbleheadcurrent.org

2 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

DECISION ’26

Three experienced candidates vie for two Select Board seats

BY LEIGH BLANDER This article is the latest in a Current series profiling races in the town’s June 9 election. Read more at MarbleheadCurrent.org.

Voters will choose among three candidates for two open seats on the Select Board in the June 9 town election, with each contender pointing to experience and differing priorities as Marblehead faces ongoing financial and governance challenges.

Incumbent Erin Noonan is running for another term, with challenges from Rossana Ferrante and Jenn Schaeffner.

The Current caught up with three candidates to preview the race.

Ferrante

Ferrante, an attorney who has served on several town boards, said her decision to run stems from a desire to improve collaboration across local government.

“I want to help solve our town’s challenges on a broader scale and find solutions to unite us as one community,” Ferrante wrote in an email. “We need to bridge communication and collaboration gaps at every level: among town officials, boards and commissions, and the community. The divisive way we tackle issues costs the town time and money. We need to challenge each other to reach common ground.”

Ferrante has lived in Marblehead for 15 years and has served on the Planning Board, the Charter Committee — where she was vice chair — and the Recreation and Parks Commission, which she chaired.

She said those roles have given her insight into town operations and the importance of crossdepartment cooperation.

“My focus is on people, process and policy,” she said. “I am committed to bringing people together to find solutions. I am interested in progress, not division.”

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT. CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

Bob Peck NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Erin Noonan

Jenn Schaeffer

Rossana Ferrante

Among her goals, Ferrante emphasized improving coordination between the Select Board, town administration and schools to identify efficiencies and new revenue opportunities.

“Until we align, we will continue to lose opportunities to work smarter and fail to hold ourselves truly financially accountable to the community,” she said.

redevelopment opportunities in town.

“I also think we have a real opportunity at the former Coffin School site to create affordable senior housing in a way that fits the neighborhood and strengthens our community,” she said.

Noonan, who grew up in Marblehead, said she returned to raise her family and lives near extended family.

“We’re now raising our three children on the same street where I grew up, near their grandparents,” she said.

Professionally, she is a trial and appellate attorney representing children and families in Juvenile Court.

in banking and investment management and now operates a local property business.

“I am experienced, diligent, prepared and well-versed in the challenges of town government,” Schaeffner said. “My financial acuity and depth of knowledge on municipal budgeting is a genuine asset.”

Schaeffner outlined three primary goals: strengthening fiscal accountability, implementing long-range financial planning and improving transparency.

“Before asking taxpayers for anything more, we must prove we have exhausted every option,” she said. “That means a rigorous review of every expense line for efficiencies and a thorough look at every available revenue source.”

She also called for a five-year financial forecast and clearer communication with residents.

“Our residents deserve to understand exactly what is being spent, why and what it means for them,” she said.

A Marblehead native, Schaeffner said her roots in the community inform her approach.

“This town is not just where I live. It is where my roots are and where my heart is,” she said.

The Select Board serves as the town’s chief executive body, overseeing municipal operations, setting policy and working with the town administrator on budget and strategic planning.

Noonan

Noonan, the incumbent, has served five years on the Select Board and is seeking reelection.

She pointed to her record in office as a key reason voters should support her candidacy.

“I ask voters to judge me on my record of working to move Marblehead forward, including the ongoing effort to address our longstanding structural budget deficit, which predates my tenure on the board,” she said.

Noonan laid out her priorities for another term.

“My focus for the next term will continue to include three core items for Marblehead: getting the town budget on a sustainable financial path, investing wisely in our infrastructure and making sure people at all stages of life can afford to live here,” she said.

“Right now, that means helping residents understand why a general override is so important to maintaining the services we all rely on.”

She also pointed to potential

Schaeffner

Schaeffner, a current School Committee member with a background in finance, highlighted the town’s fiscal challenges as her primary motivation for running.

“Marblehead faces a serious structural deficit that can no longer be addressed with shortterm fixes. The stakes are real.

If we get this wrong, we risk making our town unaffordable and undermining the very things that make Marblehead so special,” Schaeffner said.

She served seven years on the School Committee and is currently chair of the Marblehead Housing Authority. Professionally, she spent more than two decades

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org.

Truck pulls down wires, part of local business Traffic snarled along Atlantic Avenue downtown last Thursday morning after a semi-tractor-trailer snagged some overhead wires along Hawkes Street that were attached to the building at Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium, 31 Atlantic Ave. The wires pulled down bricks and siding from the building onto the sidewalk. No one was hurt. At the scene, Ray said there was no damage inside.

Congressional debate next door On Thursday, May 7, the candidates for the 6th congressional district (which includes Marblehead) will face off in a debate at Swampscott High School. Current Editor Leigh Blander is among the panelists asking questions. The debate is sponsored by the Democratic committees of Marblehead, Swampscott and Nahant.

Community Champion named

Grab the Bagel owner Dave Aldrich has been named the Marblehead Counseling Center’s Amy Saltz Community Champions award winner.

Named for the late Amy R. Saltz of Marblehead, the award recognizes the significant, ongoing contributions of an area resident with a passion for helping others.

According to MCC, “Aldrich has spent nearly two decades giving back to the community, as founder of the national Grab the Torch foundation, working with high school students and schools across the country on the development of leadership, philanthropy, ethics and service. In 2024, he created Grab the Bagel, a nonprofit social enterprise based on the North Shore under the Grab the Torch

umbrella. It helps raise funds to support local families, first responders, area schools and other community services in Marblehead and Swampscott.” Aldrich was nominated by Paul Todisco, who wrote, “Dave is a caring person who selflessly gives of his time and energy without expecting anything in return.

Dave has taken a number of area Ukrainians under his wing and become a real advocate for them.” Todisco says Aldrich’s acts of kindness extend to individuals who face special challenges, such as those with intellectual disabilities, recently hosting a send-off party at The Beacon for a friend who lost his mother and primary caretaker in an automobile Accident.

“Dave’s motto is ‘give to give, not to get,’ and that’s how he lives his life,” Todisco added.

Earth Day celebration at Lead Mills

The Marblehead Conservancy will host its 25th annual Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration at Lead Mills on Sunday, May 17, 9 a.m.-noon.

The Conservancy has been working for over a decade to convert the weedy Lead Mills into a native wildflower meadow capable of rebuilding native populations of pollinators.

“While the weeds are a tough enemy, we are making progress as demonstrated by our latest pollinator count there,” said Chair Don Morgan. He added, “We invite the community to help us on Earth Day/Arbor Day to plant more native species to expand our ability to rebuild pollinator communities.”

The planting will include some small trees, shrubs, perennials and ground covers/sedges/ grasses. People can choose their favorite from among species like scrub oak, bayberry, pussywillows, cranberry, yarrow, columbine, goldenrod, sunflower, black-eyed Susans, wild strawberry, white heath aster, violet, tussock sedge and more. Children are welcome. The Conservancy will provide gloves, tools, and potted plants.

FREELANCE REPORTERS

Grey Collins Aleka Kroitzsh Luca Tedesco Akanksha Goyal

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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

Peter Fallon Joseph P. Kahn Kris Olson Bob Peck Mark Schwartz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf FOUNDERS

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

North of Boston Media Group Marblehead Current P.O. Box 102 Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 617-545-5445 info@marbleheadnews.org www.marbleheadCurrent.org 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.

DONATE

Help us deliver sustainable local journalism. Please consider supporting the Marblehead Current by making a tax-deductible donation at marbleheadcurrent.org/donate.

For stock transfer donations, please contact: Kathryn Whorf at kwhorf@ marbleheadnews.org.

Marblehead News Group, Inc., the organization that publishes the Current, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN: 88-2367192

NEWS IN BRIEF

BY LEIGH BLANDER

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

ADVERTISE

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

VOLUNTEER

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Johnny Ray, right, and partner Richard Messinger reported no indoor damage after a semi-tractor-trailer snagged some wires attached to their business at 31 Atlantic Ave.

Marblehead teen receives Fenwick FIRST award Bishop Fenway High School senior Jackie Dormer of Marblehead has been awarded the Fenwick FIRST award. “Jackie exemplified the core values that define the Bishop Fenwick community: faith, integrity, relationship, scholarship and tradition,” according to the school. Dormer “models her faith” by serving as a Sunday school teacher for all four years of high school, and by volunteering to tutor students in Hebrew for her final three years of high school.

“She relates well to people of all ages in her various leadership roles, from young children to older peers; she is an especially kind and loving presence to our friends from the Northeast ARC,” the school said in a press release. “She is an extremely hard-working student who has taken 11 AP courses and was recently named salutatorian for the Class of 2026.”

The school noted that Dormer is a leader, serving as a captain for the girls tennis team and as president for the French Club and the Women’s Leadership Club. She is also a decorated artist, having won the AP Art award, according to Fenwick.

Join us. We invite you to help support our effort to establish and maintain a free press for a strong community.

To get involved, visit www. marbleheadCurrent.org/volunteer.

REACT

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

IN MEMORIAM

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

Help keep the Current coming by scanning this QR code.

Thank you!

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 3

REAL WORLD

MHS seniors escape the classroom for Senior Project

BY GREY COLLINS Although there is no known cure (until graduation day), Marblehead High School has found an effective treatment for “senioritis,” a term coined for the end of the year burn-out of the high school’s graduating class. Nearly 170 of the 189 MHS seniors have opted this year to leave their classes early and spend their last quarter on a senior project of their choosing before graduation on June 5. From painting murals to writing music to defending clients at a law firm, the majority of 12th graders have already transitioned to the real world, and are trying out some interesting careers.

“It seems like mostly everyone has chosen a project that is in a similar field of what they want to do after high school,” said Colleen Inglis, the Senior Project director and music teacher at MHS. “So this is sort of a transition to life after high school. So I think that it’s a great opportunity for students to learn outside the classroom and test out a possible career. It’s a really neat opportunity.”

This will be Inglis’ first year directing the senior project program at MHS, and she has spent countless hours planning and organizing the project.

It started back in January, when she presented the requirements for the project to the senior class, and she spent the following couple months helping students complete the application process.

“It’s a great experience for people to be able to learn outside of the classroom,” said Inglis.

MHS senior Charlie Seliger stands in front of the sketch for her mural at MHS.

“And so the goal is to get every student who’s interested to do it.

And it’s like how do we get there.

And if people aren’t eligible yet for grades, how do we get them there and support them so they can.”

Marblehead High School seniors were excited to get out of the classroom and start learning about topics they’re interested in through real world experience. Henrik Adams is diving into the world of materials engineering for his senior project, helping a local family design prototype orthotic casts to improve the condition of their daughter’s feet, after a debilitating car accident which left her needing 24/7 care.

“I’m going to help him reverse engineer from the goal shape of her feet and create a series of casts or help get her to that stage,” said Adams.

Adams, along with Nick Manganis, another MHS senior, will use a laser scanner to upload an image to AI software and generate a series of casts, which can be 3-D printed. He hopes to get at least one working

prototype before presenting his project at the end of May. Adams is attending the University of Michigan next year, and hopes to study materials engineering, so the project will give him an opportunity to learn more about it.

“I felt like it was something I had to pursue because it would help me see if engineering is something I want to do, and also make a difference,” said Adams. “I think there’s a lot I don’t know about how the engineering process works, but this will definitely be an experience of prototyping things and getting things wrong over and over again until you get it right, so I think I’ll gain a lot of engineering know-how and practice my creativity, resilience and problem-solving skills.”

Dimos Thanos, a senior who is going to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in the fall, is working with a defense attorney’s office for his senior project as a paralegal intern.

Thanos has recently been working on a case defending a man who claims he was framed for telemarketing scams.

Navigating this new legal landscape has been difficult, especially when the stakes are high, but Thanos said it has been rewarding.

“My favorite part, and the most stressful part, is the responsibility that’s been given to me out of nowhere,” said Thanos. “His future is in my hands. It’s a big responsibility, but it motivates me, and drives me to really do good work. I’m just looking forward to being able to help this guy out.”

Five students are spending

CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS

MHS Seniors and members of the Alt Rock band “Boomstick” Brady Leveroni, Cam Gibson, Nate Jendrysik, Lakai Parker, and Lily O’Keefe pose for a photo outside Starbucks.

their Senior Project songwriting, rehearsing and building a setlist for their band, Boomstick. The band is made up of seniors Cam Gibson, Brady Leveroni, Lakai Parker, Lily O’Keefe and Nate Jendrysik. The group hopes to write some original songs and prepare to start playing gigs during the summer.

“We want to be able to perform our set list and to write a song,” said Leveroni. “We’re in the process of that right now, brainstorming, writing lyrics, writing a rhythm and a harmony.

It’s a lot, definitely not as easy as it sounds.”

All five of them are interested in music and formed Boomstick last year. They hope the Senior Project will give them a chance to practice together more regularly and land some gigs.

“The whole thing about playing together is that, as Dave Grohl said, when you start a band, you all suck, and then you just keep practicing, you keep sucking, and then all of a sudden you’re going to suck less,” said Jendrysik.

MHS senior Charlie Seliger chose to stay in the building for her Senior Project and paint a mural on a third-floor English classroom wall. In her painting, she will depict some scenes and symbolic elements from “All the Pretty Horses” by Cormac

McCarthy, which she read in AP Literature last year, in that very same classroom.

“The book really spoke to me a lot when we read it last year,” said Seliger. “So I’m definitely going to enjoy getting what I envisioned from this book onto the wall.”

She started by creating a sketch of her mural, and preparing the wall for the painting. Over the next few weeks, she will paint the wall with picturesque scenes of horseriders on the plains of Mexico, that future students can gaze at as they read the story.

“I think it’s going to be neat to have something in this classroom that will be here forever, like the other murals in here that I’ve been looking at since I was a sophomore,” said Seliger.

On May 28, seniors will present their projects in a science-fair style exhibition in the Marblehead high school gymnasium, which will be open to the public “I think it’s a great opportunity for students to showcase what they did, how they used their time, what they learned, and what they liked about it,” said Inglis.

Reporter Grey Collins is partnering with the Marblehead Current for his Senior Project.

Driftwood Garden Club

Plant Sale Saaturdaay, May 9

Mother’s Day Weekend!

8:30 AM to 111:330 A AM M

M a s o ni i c H a l l 62 Pleasant Street, Marblehead

Beautifull peren nnials, na atives, an nd grou und dcov vers from loca al gardens.

Re eassonab bly-prriced d herbs and ann nuals.

A cura ated selecttion off house e plants and d other o owering pllan nts,, the pe erfect giift for Mother’s Da ay!

Personal Shopping Assistants and Carry-out service available.

HOME • AUTO • YACHT • BUSINESS

Kerry E. Duggan Kerry@burkeins.com 18 Brown Street Salem, MA 01970-3830 T: 978-741-7800 F: 978-741-7805

NO PLANS? NO PROBLEM.

K I T C H E N S | B AT H S | A D D I T I O N S | A D U S PORCHE | GARAGES | BASEMENTS | + MORE

978-867-0400 | BEVERLY, MA

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

marbleheadcurrent.org

4 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

What’s in a name?

The winter holidays may be known as the “most wonderful time of the year” (thank you, Andy Williams), but for local news outlets, Town Meeting and election season is perhaps the most important stretch on the calendar.

It is a time when voters are demanding reliable information to help them make informed decisions. But thanks to social media and individual agendas (some more benign than others), it can be hard to separate the news from the noise.

Town meeting has been called the “purest form of democracy,” but “pure” only means “most direct.” Messiness is an intrinsic part of Town Meeting — indeed, that’s part of its charm. The same holds true for contested elections for Select Board, School Committee and other local offices.

Local news outlets play a vital role in minimizing the mess.

One of the best ways a news outlet can do that is to be cleareyed about its principles and policies, and then to apply them consistently and uniformly.

That brings us to the Marblehead Liberty Foundation.

This week’s edition may be the first in which the Marblehead Liberty Foundation is mentioned in our pages, but the Current has been hearing from it throughout the budget season.

Back in February, the Current and other news outlets received an MLF press release that suggested that “spending, not inflation” was the root of Marblehead’s budget challenges.

We immediately detected that the MLF’s data analysis was flawed. Still, we did not dismiss the press release altogether. We reached out to the Liberty Foundation, offering to interview someone. But we had one requirement: Tell us who you are.

The foundation did not respond, and we dropped it, given our concern that the information in the press release would confuse rather than illuminate voters.

Another Marblehead news outlet made a different choice, publishing the press release verbatim and making no effort to “unmask” the Liberty Foundation. That decision earned it a strong rebuke from one of its readers.

The next press release we received from the Liberty Foundation related to the fact that Marblehead is paying 83% of the health insurance premiums of its municipal employees, a larger percentage than neighboring communities. Unlike the MLF’s first press release, we thought this raised an important issue, an assessment Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin confirmed when she reported that the town could save $1.2 million by negotiating a new 75-25 split of those premium costs with town employees. So, we wrote about it.

However, we still did not mention the Marblehead Liberty Foundation because it was continuing to be coy about its membership.

Another news outlet in town made a different choice and received comments on its Facebook page that ranged from puzzled to annoyed. “Why are you giving an anonymous group cover and attention?” asked one commenter.

The commenter added, “Not a great look in trying to stay non-partisan unless that’s not the goal.”

News outlets next heard from the Liberty Foundation this past week. This time, the organization was announcing that it planned to try to scuttle the Town Meeting article proposing a multi-tiered override of Proposition 2 1/2 — a proposal that Select Board member Erin Noonan noted had evolved through numerous public meetings going back to November — by pitching a special town meeting, at which it planned to propose a smaller, stopgap one-year override.

By then, the Current and at least one other outlet had discovered that the Liberty Foundation had registered as a charitable organization with the Attorney General’s Office.

That gave us a name — Jack Buba — as the foundation’s “primary contact.”

Buba, a former Finance Committee member, has become well-known over the years as an opponent of override proposals. He also rallied support for last year’s referendum that undid Town Meeting’s approval of Marblehead’s plan to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. So, for the first time, the Liberty Foundation’s name appeared in one of the Current’s stories, along with Buba’s. We would love to tell you more about your other neighbors who comprise the Liberty Foundation, but Buba has deflected questions about that.

Now that the override has advanced to the ballot, however, the Liberty Foundation may have to register with the state as a municipal ballot question committee before it engages in further lobbying, which would bring additional disclosure requirements. We will keep an eye on that.

The point of this detailed peek behind the curtain is to illustrate how seriously we take our responsibility to ensure that the local democratic process is as fair as it can be. We may not always agree on the best solutions to the town’s challenges, but we should be able to agree to some basic rules of engagement.

Of those rules, none may be more important than requiring those who wish to participate in the public debate to identify themselves. That’s what the town moderator asks of those who step up to the Town Meeting microphone. That’s what we ask of people who write us letters to the editor. And that’s what we will continue to demand of those who seek to make “news” in service of their own political agenda.

The town deserves nothing less.

FOOD 101

Grilled cheese: Comfort food we all need right now

BY LINDA BASSETT Was there ever a childhood comfort food to compare to a grilled cheese sandwich?

Mom made it in a skillet or a grill press. At the diner or luncheonette, a cook slapped it on a wellgreased grill top.

Mom’s homemade sandwich was simple: two slices of American cheese — preferably orange — tucked between two slices of spongy grocery store bread. Gobs of butter heated and swirled in the skillet served to warm and melt the cheese and brown the bread. When cut, warm gooey cheese formed strings between the halves. (The sandwich never met a toaster, but some kids — not saying who — tried to shortcut the process and slip the sandwich into a toaster, flirting with a kitchen fire.)

Mom paired the sandwich with tomato soup from a red can. Some kids dunked their sandwich into the soup. Pop artist Andy Warhol memorialized the can.

Decades later, some of those (toaster) kids went off to culinary school. After mastering the classics, they looked to Mom for inspiration. They gussied up mac-and-cheese with lobster and put fresh tuna into noodle casseroles.

They turned the homely cheese sandwich on its head, with house-baked sourdough or Tuscan loaves. And they sought out farmstead cheeses.

For the soup, they chose fresh plum tomatoes from nearby farmers’ markets or from their own restaurant gardens. Or canned tomatoes from Italy or California or Spain.

Critics described the “elevated” sandwiches in voluptuous detail. Writers, TV chefs and influencers detailed the preparations laboriously. What Mom once whipped up by rote, began turning up on trendy café menus.

Still, nothing compares to the basic bread-andcheese combination after a hard morning playing hopscotch or jumping rope. Or after a brisk baseball practice. Plenty of adults still enjoy a “grilled cheese” after a busy work week, on a lazy Saturday afternoon, or with a Netflix movie.

Since no recipe is needed, I offer a list of interesting “chef-y” variations while keeping it still recognizable. Starting with cheese: I look for a good-quality cheese from the deli counter.

Alternatively, I might buy a block of cheese to slice or grate at home. (Grated cheese melts smoother than sliced.) I avoid aged cheeses, like sharp cheddar, which tend to clump up when heated. I look for American, cheddar (mild), colby, fontina, Monterey Jack, Swiss. Sometimes I combine two or more different cheeses in a sandwich, especially

CURRENT PHOTO / LINDA BASSETT

Grilled cheese: Comfort food we all need right now

when I have bits of leftovers from another recipe.

Now the bread. Grocery shelves display decent breads these days. A fine textured sandwich bread, like a Pepperidge Farm farmstead loaf (crust on or off), works best. Potato bread makes a nice change. Or I visit a local bakery for sourdough or herb-scented loaf. Some cooks, who took up the hobby during the pandemic, bake their own. (Now that’s elevated!) For the actual assembly, I brush melted butter (unsalted Irish butter, trust me!) onto both sides of the bread. The interior sticks together better that way and the outside browns more evenly. Some cooks spread the inner sides with a thin coat of mustard or jam. This is out of the ordinary, but who cares if it tastes good! The sandwich could just as easily include thin slices of ham. Blue cheese and thin slices of pear. Cheddar and chopped apple. Brie and raspberry jam. Goat cheese and arugula.

The pairings are endless.

So much for my meditation on grilled cheese.

What’s left but to heat a skillet or grill pan, or plug in the panini press! Original or new wave, grilled cheese is still good eating.

Linda Bassett lived in Marblehead for years and has worked as a cook, trained up-and-coming chefs, studied food history and led food tours. Her book, “From Apple Pie to Pad Thai,” is about local cooks and cooking.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

What a ‘no’ vote really means To the editor: As the Marblehead community considers the upcoming Proposition 2 1⁄2 override, it’s important to be clear about what a “no” vote really means; not just for this year, but next year and beyond.

Municipal budgets don’t operate in a vacuum. Costs for education, public safety, infrastructure and basic services continue to rise, often faster than the 2.5% annual levy limit allows.

When revenues can’t keep pace, towns are forced to make difficult decisions. Those decisions typically mean cutting staff, reducing programs and deferring maintenance; choices that don’t just disappear after one budget cycle.

In front of us this year is a reduction of services within the Department of Public Works, Police Department, Abbot Library, Council on Aging and more. These agencies and systems are vital to the people

of Marblehead and these cuts, if successful, would affect every home and every age group.

Voting “no” this year doesn’t solve the problem. As we’ve learned time and time again after previous failed overrides, it only postpones the inevitable and makes it worse. The gap between what our town needs and what it can fund will still be there next year, only we’ll have less ability to service those who rely on these organizations to live a meaningful and productive life.

A “no” vote means deeper cuts, more disruption to schools and services, and fewer options to respond thoughtfully. Instead of making measured, strategic adjustments now, we risk being forced into more drastic actions later.

You may not attend the Lunch

by Doug program at the Council of Aging, but you know someone in Marblehead who does. You may not regularly borrow books from Abbot Library, but you know someone in Marblehead who does. You may not have a child who utilizes special education

services in a Marblehead Public School, but you know someone in Marblehead who does. We are so fortunate to live in a small, closeknit town; where connections may be found everywhere and community still matters. The positive financial decisions we make together only strengthen the bonds we commit to one another.

We know an override is never an easy ask. It requires residents to weigh a community need relative to their personal financial impact. And that impact is real. But it also provides a way to stabilize services, plan responsibly, and avoid a cycle of repeated cuts that erode the quality of life in our town. We have lost so much already in previous cycles. Instead, let’s agree to say “no more” and vote “yes” to maintaining our current programs.

If we value strong schools, reliable public safety and wellmaintained infrastructure, we need to think long-term. A “yes” LETTERS, P. 5

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 5

Free websites so useful you’ll wonder how they’re free (Save this page)

BY STEPHEN BACH Every once in a while, I come across a website that just makes me stop and wonder — how can this actually be free? I’m not talking about the kind of “free” that comes with strings attached: no five-step registration, no sneaky ads, no “give us your social security number.” I mean sites that are genuinely useful, no nonsense and don’t make you jump through hoops.

I’ve been working on computers and dealing with tech headaches right here in Marblehead for over 20 years now. I’m a big fan of the simple stuff, the tools that fix real problems without a manual or a learning curve. The truth is, most of the best websites out there don’t try to impress you — they just work and get out of the way.

Here are some of my favorites.

Odds are, you’ll actually want to use them.

MyFridgeFood.com: This one’s gold if you ever find yourself standing in front of the fridge, staring at a random collection of ingredients and wondering what on earth to

Letters From P. 4

vote this year is not just about maintaining today’s services — it’s about preventing even more significant losses tomorrow.

Sincerely, Karen Galvez & Aaron Liber Taft Street

Taxpayer dollars are not ‘nickels and dimes’ To the editor: The recent Marblehead School Committee Meeting to vote on the FY27 budget raised concerns about how one member’s view what many would consider a significant sum of taxpayer money.

The main issue centers on a $750,000 “buffer” — an undedicated reserve meant to protect against unexpected healthcare costs. It’s important to note there is already an additional buffer because the health insurance budget was not reduced to reflect savings from the planned reduction of as many as 56 positions due to layoffs in both the town and schools.

Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling stated in his professional opinion, one that has been praised town wide by the School Committee, Select Board and Finance Committee alike, he does not think carrying the buffer, or cushion as he referred to it, is necessary in the current financial climate and he would instead recommend the school self-insure that line item, meaning the town can reduce its budget for the school cushion and the schools would cover any needed overages in that line item within their own budget.

During the meeting, committee member Jenn Schaeffner stated she was not saying a buffer is not a good financial practice, but rather that she was supporting the recommendation of the school finance director in self-insuring that buffer within the school

make. Just check off what you have, and MyFridgeFood spits out recipes that fit your list.

Perfect for those nights when you’re tired and tempted to just order in — again.

It’s a great way to save some money, cut down on food waste and squeeze one more meal out of what you already own.

Emergency pizza is always there for you, but it’s nice to have options.

SuperCook.com: SuperCook takes the “what’s in the fridge” idea up a notch. You plug in everything you’ve got in your kitchen — pantry, fridge, freezer — and it finds recipes that match. It’s a lifesaver if you’re on a budget, clearing out leftovers or sick of buying extra ingredients for one meal.

If you cook for a family, live with roommates or just want to spend less at the store, keep this one bookmarked.

Unpaywall.org: Ever tried to read a research article and hit the dreaded paywall? Unpaywall solves that pain. It’s a browser extension that helps you find free, legal copies of scholarly papers, usually uploaded by the authors or available on official sites.

No piracy, no dodgy downloads — just the open-access versions that are out there if you know where to look. Great for students, researchers or anyone

budget.

Current School Committee member and candidate for election, Melissa Clucas gave her reasoning for going against the recommendation of the school finance director and administration as two-part.

First, the Select Board has already voted on its budget, assuming the schools cut $1.5 million. It is important to note the schools agreed to delay their budget vote at the town’s request, despite being ready months before the town delivered its budget a mere 4.5 weeks prior to town meeting.

Clucas’ second reason she provided was that she preferred to follow the recommendation of Aleesha Benjamin, the town finance director, to that of the school finance director Pfifferling.

Clucas, who earlier this year was the lone dissenting vote against raising school user fees, a mechanism employed to generate revenue for the schools in order to protect studentfacing services like sports and extracurricular activities, seems to be saying she does not support the schools finding any additional revenue yet supports additional cuts that are not recommended by the school finance director. In the current fiscal plan, the elimination of the fees would mean the elimination of the programs they fund.

Clucas made the statement of “nickel and diming” multiple times throughout the recent School Committee meeting to vote on the FY27 school budget, in reference to the nearly $500,000, which she referred to as a “small amount,” as to why she was voting to, in her words, “go against the (school) administration team.”

I find Clucas’ continued reference to nearly $500,000 in taxpayer money as “nickel and diming” and a “small amount of money” to be egregious. No matter which side citizens find themselves on in the override debate, $500,000 in what has been referred to as the most difficult budget crisis anyone in

who just likes getting answers.

HaveIBeenPwned.com: Weird name, but incredibly useful. You type in your email, and the site checks if you’ve been caught up in any major data breaches. It searches through billions of accounts and tells you if your info was exposed.

If it turns out you’re on the list, don’t panic. Change your password, don’t use the same one everywhere and turn on two-factor authentication if a site offers it. And if you’re still using a password from 2009, take this as your wake-up call.

ManualsLib.com: You probably won’t need this every week, but when you do, you’ll be glad it exists. ManualsLib has a massive library of user manuals.

Search by brand or model, and chances are you’ll find what you need.

Next time you need to reset your router, figure out a new gadget or interpret mystery blinking lights, check here before

Marblehead has experienced, I am confident in saying is significant. That amount represents the tax bill of 49 medium single family homes, multiple combinations of lost jobs, and citizen-facing services.

To further put the amount Clucas refers to as nickels and dimes, it would cover the entire requested amount from the library to keep its accreditation and still leave enough money to save jobs like the DPW, police, Rec and Parks, teachers, or other town employees that are facing termination on June 30. The “small amount of money” is the equivalent of eight teachers. I provide these comparisons not to advocate for one department’s eliminated positions over another but simply to illustrate how callous and fiscally irresponsible referencing $500,000 as a small amount or the equivalent of “nickel and diming” is in the middle of Marblehead’s biggest financial crisis in history.

I sincerely hope Ms. Clucas acknowledges her callous and fiscally irresponsible error in judgement and apologies to the taxpayers whose money she seems to have little respect for, to the employees who are facing unemployment and the students whom she has sworn to advocate for who will now have fewer services provided to them.

Taxpayer money, while made up of hard earned nickels and dimes, should never be seen as insignificant.

Sarah Fox Beach Street Fox is a candidate for School Committee.

Sure, things change, but we need to fund our town To the editor: Enough with not funding our town. And please don’t start complaining about how “things have changed.” Sure, if you’ve been around long enough things DO change! Need gas? Can’t count on

you give up.

Dictation.io: Sometimes, typing gets old. Dictation.io lets you dictate straight into your browser and turns your spoken words into text. It works right in Chrome and even understands basic voice commands for punctuation.

It’s fast and handy for blasting through emails or notes, or for when your hands just need a break. That said, I wouldn’t use it for anything super private.

Common sense goes a long way with any online tool.

JustWatch.com: It’s 2026, and somehow, finding out where a show or movie is streaming is still harder than it should be.

JustWatch changes that. Search for any title, and it tells you exactly where to watch — Netflix, Prime, Hulu, you name it.

Instead of bouncing between apps or shelling out to rent something you already have access to, let JustWatch do the hunting.

Tosdr.org: This stands for “Terms of Service; Didn’t Read.”

Honestly, who actually reads those? Most of us just hit “agree” and hope for the best. If you’ve ever been even a little curious about what you’re signing up for — how your data is used, whether a company actually cares about your privacy — Tosdr.org breaks down the legal jargon into simple summaries.

They even rate each policy from A (good) to E (pretty lousy).

Look, it’s not legal advice, but it lets you know if a company’s playing fair or treating your personal info like it’s nothing.

One word of warning: You’ll sometimes see sites that help you “bypass” paywalls. I left one of those out. Yeah, paywalls are a pain, but local news outlets, small publications and freelance writers actually depend on subscriptions. Places like ours need support.

Use free tools that respect creators. If you value the work, back the people behind it. The internet’s full of shortcuts, but sometimes it’s worth doing the right thing.

The bottom line: Good tech isn’t always flashy. Sometimes it’s just a practical website that helps you solve a problem — figure out dinner, find lost info, protect your accounts or actually understand where your data goes.

That’s the stuff I’m always on the lookout for.

Simple. Useful. Low stress.

And wherever possible, no sign-ups and no extra passwords to remember.

Stephen Bach owns The Digital Docs in Marblehead. He’s spent the last 20 years helping locals with everything from computers to networking to day-to-day tech headaches. If you need help, visit thedigitaldocs.com.

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

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

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

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

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

Letters must include: » The author’s name.

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

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

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

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

Phil’s Mobil anymore. (Not that Phil would EVER charge us over $4 for gas.) Need a newspaper?

Oh…Howard’s is gone. Aspirin? No going to Eaton’s.

What hasn’t changed is our beautiful harbor and the proud history of this town that we hold so dear. And the community of people we live and share that responsibility with.

We are in this together, through all of life’s cycles.

We should be proud of the infrastructure that takes care of us: schools, police department, fire department, parks, cemeteries, waterfront, sanitation, to mention just a few. If you have been around long enough you remember the townsfolk stepping up to the plate to provide us with these things in the past. It seems a shame that young people in this town need to form a separate committee to “persuade” the population that we should have a town library.

Good schools. Trash collection.

These are basic elements of a healthy community. Not a

wealthy community. A normal, respectable community. Let’s take care of Marblehead, and get back on track. And take care of all of our history that is yet to come.

Betty Breuhaus Pequot Road

Farrell missed by all To the editor: The Marblehead Food Pantry wishes to express its extreme sadness in the passing of Peggy Farrell, one of our dedicated volunteers, and member of our board. Peggy was a wonderful human being equipped with a great sense of humor. She opened and greeted everyone at the food pantry on Tuesday mornings. Volunteers and patrons all loved to chat with Peggy and enjoy her stories. Her love for her companion dog was contagious. Peggy will greatly be missed by all of us.

Marcy Schwam Marblehead Food Pantry president

marbleheadcurrent.org

6 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

ENVIRONMENT

Sustainable Marblehead hosts third Green Homes Tour

BY ALEKA KROITZSH For a few hours on Saturday, neighbors gathered around heat pumps, induction stoves and insulation setups to trade tips on building greener homes.

Sustainable Marblehead’s Green Homes Tour featured nine local residences this year, including five new properties and four favorites from past years.

Homeowners answered questions from eager visitors about their heat pumps, solar panels, induction stoves and other electric appliances that reduce energy use as well as utility bills.

“Pollution has been a problem for a long time,” said Katie Farrell whose home was part of the tour. “I open my home to show that it can be done. I am a single mom with two kids and a disability…If you want to do it, you can do it.” Farrell had to replace her oil heating system in 2017 and opted for a heat pump to reduce fossil fuel usage.

She has also installed solar panels, and a heat pump for hot water.

When Farrell’s solar panels generate more power than her home consumes, the excess is fed back into the grid, earning her credits that have pushed her electric bill into the negatives.

This negative bill pays for her electricity when solar emissions are scarce in the winter.

“It pays for itself in two to four years,” said tour guide Edward Nillson, who also has solar

CURRENT PHOTOS / ALEKA KROITZSH

LEFT: Mark Adams answers questions from visitors during Sustainable Marblehead’s Green Homes Tour on Saturday. RIGHT: Adams shows visitors a heat pump condenser

panels and a heat pump installed in his home.

Greenhouse gases are emitted from lighting and cooling houses with gas and oil. In order to help Marblehead reach its goal of being net zero by 2040, Sustainable Marblehead Executive Director Elaine Leahy said the nonprofit hopes to help homeowners get off fossil fuels and move towards electric systems in their homes.

Fossil fuel emissions cause shifts in global temperatures that result in more extreme weather, including heat waves, intense storms and droughts.

Reducing fossil fuel usage is especially important in coastal areas like Marblehead, Leahy said, because they are prone to flooding and coastal storms.

“Electric is the future,” said attendee Brandow Henriquez,

who owns A&S contracting and services Leahy’s heat pump. He added that heat pumps reduce carbon output by 60%.

“I can’t emphasize enough that the savings off your energy bills are tremendous, especially with the rising oil and gas prices,” said Mark Adams, whose home was part of the tour.

Mark and Marge Adams moved into their home in 2020 and had to replace their “ancient” oil burner heating system. Even though oil was cheap at the time, Mark Adams said they were shocked by the price of heating the house.

So, they decided to install a heat pump. They have a mini-split system, where their heat pump connects to smaller units that heat different sections of their home.

“We have never been cold in this house,” Mark Adams said.

Many keep their gas or oil heating

systems as back up, but Mark and Marge said their heat pump works down to 20-degree-below temperatures, so they did not need to. They also put in new insulation to retain more heat as well as an electric vehicle charger.

Incentives from state and local programs make the transition to electric even more cost effective, Mark Adams said.

Mass Save offers eligible homes 75-100% off on insulation costs and a $10,000-$16,000 discount on high-efficiency heat pumps. In addition, Marblehead Light offers homes a $1500 discount when transitioning from oil to electric heating systems.

Mark Adams is one of six volunteer energy coaches as part of Sustainable Marblehead’s new initiative, acting as an unbiased resource for residents looking to go green. Energy coach program

coordinator Lisa Wolf said that having a local expert to lean on makes the transition to electric appliances more accessible.

Among the visitors at the Adams’ home was Marblehead resident Valerie Pearson, who had already swapped her old furnace for a heat pump to cut her fossil fuel use. However, the switch led to “unintended consequences,” including a basement so cold her laundry would freeze. She joined the tour in part to seek a solution for her frigid basement.

Salem resident Carson McKnight also attended the tour to seek advice on home renovations.

She said she was “in the middle of doing a whole bunch of stuff” and wanted to learn about the different options.

Gardens From P. 1

said. “A lot of people come year after year. I go peek at the line, and there are some familiar faces right at the beginning.”

The club focuses primarily on maintaining the gardens at the Lee Mansion, a National Historic Landmark. Its roughly 60 members work to ensure the plantings reflect the property’s historic character.

“The goal has been to have the plants reflect the history,” Abrams said.

Preparation for the season is already underway.

“This year especially, I think there will be a lot of cleanup because the winter was so crazy and windy,” she said.

Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott The Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott are also preparing for their annual sale, with one major change this year: moving indoors.

“For years it has been outside

COURTESY PHOTO

Marblehead Garden Club plant sale draws a crowd at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion.

a local church, but we’ve been rained out,” said member Kim Snyder. “Last year, in particular, it was brutal.”

This year’s sale will be held from 8 a.m. to noon May 9 at the VFW, 321 W. Shore Drive.

Most of the plants sold come directly from members’ gardens.

“Almost all the plants that

we sell are ones that have been contributed by members, from their own gardens,” Weinberg said.

The group maintains several local sites, including the Hooper Mansion, Devereux Beach and the Okos property.

“Sometimes we do new plantings,” Weinberg said. “Most

COURTESY PHOTO / BARBARA GRAVES

Driftwood Garden Club members at a Dig and Divide event.

of the time it’s maintaining what’s already there — watering, weeding, fertilizing, just general upkeep.”

In addition to its gardening work, the club supports education through an annual scholarship.

“We try to do a $1,000 scholarship for students to further their education in related

fields,” she added.

The club also welcomes new members.

“The more the merrier,” Weinberg said.

Mary Christie is a student at Endicott College studying journalism. This story was published in partnership with the Massachusetts News Service.

Mom? WE BUY

Art!

Original artworks with a Arnould North Shore Flair by local & regional artists since 1978 Gallery paintings | prints | fine crafts

& Framery Custom framing and more

111 Washington St. Marblehead MA | 781-631-6366 genearnould@verizon.net | Gift Certificate Available INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Docket No. ES26P1276EA Commonwealth of Massachusetts The Trial Court Probate and Family Court Estate of: Harry Christen Christensen Also Known As: Harry Christen Christensen Jr., Harry C. Christensen Date of Death: April 20, 2025 Essex Division To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Marsha G. Christensen of Marblehead MA a Will has been admitted to informal probate.

Marsha G. Christensen of Marblehead MA has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond.

The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure.

A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Custom Jewelry | Gemstones Jewelry Repairs | Appraisals

413-238-1383

visit us

66 Washington St. Marblehead, MA 01945 info@marbleheadcustomjewelry.com

Interior & Exterior Painting Power Washing - Roofing General Carpentry Window Replacement

John Sutherland 781-589-2665 Salem • Marblehead

FLOWERS FOR ALL OCCASIONS 26 Hersey Street Salem, MA 01970

978.745.6967

Wedding and Event Specialists

flowersbydarlenenorthshore.com

Family Owned 30+ Years, North Shore Same great family, new family member ownership

Accepting New Clients Free In Person Estimate Weekly • Bi Weekly • Monthly • Seasonal Cleaning Add-On Options • Customizable

Contact us today to learn more and to schedule your FREE ESTIMATE Taylor Mihelis - 978-766-2934 tdanielle2004@gmail.com

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 7

POLITICS

Moulton rallies hometown supporters, pitches ‘new leadership’ in Senate bid

BY LEIGH BLANDER Standing before a room of longtime supporters in his hometown, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton leaned heavily on his underdog roots and called for generational change as he mounts a primary challenge to incumbent Sen. Ed Markey.

The gathering, organized by early backers who helped launch Moulton’s first campaign more than a decade ago, doubled as both a reunion and a campaign stop for his latest bid.

“We have been working together to support Seth’s campaign since he challenged the status quo and an entrenched incumbent Democrat in 2014,” Christine Nuccio of Marblehead said.

“Many of us here went door-todoor and stood outside grocery stores collecting signatures to get Seth on the ballot.”

Beating the odds

Moulton, who first won office by defeating then-U.S. Rep. John Tierney, revisited that race as a blueprint for his current campaign.

“When we got that first poll back, I was only 53 points behind,” Moulton said to laughs from the crowd. “If you don’t know much about politics, that’s not very good. We had a lot of ground to make up. My pollsters told me it was statistically impossible to win. But because of the hard work of an amazing team… and an extraordinary network of volunteers… we pulled it off.”

That theme — running against the establishment — anchored much of his remarks.

“A lot of people do feel left out

Congressman Seth Moulton speaks to a hometown crowd on May 3 about his campaign for U.S. Senate.

of our political establishment right now… and feel left behind by the Democratic establishment in Washington,” he said. “More than seven out of every 10 Democrats in Massachusetts do not like the political establishment in the Democratic Party.”

Framing the race as a moment for change, Moulton said, “I just don’t think we can afford to wait six more years for new leadership in our Commonwealth or our country or our party.”

While he praised Markey’s tenure, he argued the time has come for a transition.

“We ought to honor that service… but say there comes a time to pass the torch, pass the torch to the next generation,” he said.

Moulton acknowledged his opponent is leading in the polls

right now.

“Yes, Ed Markey has a head start. When I was an embryo, he was shaking hands, so he had a head start getting to know people all across Massachusetts, and you see that reflected in the initial polling today. But all the movement is in our direction,” he said.

Iran, immigration and more During a wide-ranging question-and-answer session, Moulton touched on issues from foreign policy to artificial intelligence. He also highlighted his legislative record, including the creation of the 988 mental health hotline. He said in its first year, the number of calls to 988 was 50% higher than the previous suicide number. Texts to 988 were 1450% higher.

“That’s an amazing measure

of the number of young people who are using the service. That’s why this work matters,” he said.

“That’s why you have to have people in the Senate who get things done.”

Moulton spoke about his opposition to the war in Iran.

“Democrats talk a lot about how this war is illegal, but let me be clear, the war is not only illegal, it is dumb, because it’s actually giving Iran more levers than they had before,” he said.

“Every other administration in the last 50 years has prevented Iran from getting a nuclear weapon without starting a war.”

Asked by the Current if he’s elected what success will look like by the end of his first term, Moulton said, “Democrats will be back in power in the House and Senate. We need an agenda that is not just resistance. I want to get back to a Democratic

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Party that leads.”

As for specific policy proposals, Moulton said ICE should be prosecuted and Democrats should pursue an immigration policy that “incentivizes people to come here legally. We also need a pathway to citizenship.”

Looking forward, Moulton framed the primary — set for Sept. 1 — as consequential beyond Massachusetts.

“This is a referendum on the future of the Democratic Party,” he said. “Are we going to stick with the establishment of the status quo, or are we going to lead?”

He closed by urging supporters to reengage as they did in 2014.

“This really is going well,” Moulton said. “I’m excited because it matters… so if you’re not signed up yet… get involved… we’re gonna win this.”

Town From P. 1

would become a permanent part of the tax levy, allowing the town to increase property taxes by 2.5% over the new larger number in subsequent years while remaining within the confines of Proposition 2 ½.

On the June 9 ballot, there will also be a separate $2.3 million override proposal to restore trash expenses to the budget. If it fails, residents would instead be charged annual fees for this service, though they could opt out.

CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS

“Are we being pricks?” Resident David Modica questioned whether Marblehead’s new 3A plan was merely paper compliance.

For Marblehead

Supporters praised Town Meeting’s decision to advance the general override to a townwide vote.

“The vote was definitive, and Town Meeting put the power to determine Marblehead’s future in the hands of the voters,” said Matt Hooks, co-chair of the citizens group For Marblehead.

“We now have a chance to provide the funding that is necessary to create a vibrant future for our community.”

Jack Buba with the Marblehead Liberty Foundation. On Tuesday, MLF said it was nearly done collecting signatures for a special town meeting to challenge the town’s proposed overrides.

Special town meeting?

The Marblehead Liberty Foundation, registered as a charity with the state Attorney General’s Office, is moving forward with its push for a special town meeting. Member Jack Buba told the Current in an email, MLF’s effort to collect signatures is “nearing completion.”

“We look forward to submitting these signatures as part of an effort to provide the residents of Marblehead with additional options for moving forward constructively in response to the current budget challenges facing the town,”

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Lynn Nadeau, left, and Katy Borten dressed in colonial garb to present their article reaffirming Marblehead’s commitment to the Constitution.

The measure passed.

so the town can function for another year (while keeping the library open and blocking cuts to the COA) while town leaders work on fundamentally changing how the town operates.

“This means considering efficiencies such as: consolidation, reviewing employee benefits, outsourcing and privatization, among other options,” the press release reads.

Asked how MLF would fund town government for the one year, it answered, “It is anticipated that the town could use free cash for these items for one year. The town has used free cash for the last 15 or so years, so one more year for these few important items to tide us over will not break the bank.”

3A moment goes viral

Buba said.

In a recent press release, MLF wrote that it “believes that there are reasonable alternatives to the severe options currently under consideration for Marblehead taxpayers; punishing

cuts to services or a $9-$15 million override forever.”

The focus of its proposed special town meeting would be to “Fix it First,” according to MLF. The Foundation proposes approving only enough funding

Also at Town Meeting, voters approved a new multifamily zoning plan (including Broughton Road and Tedesco Country Club) that will bring Marblehead into compliance with the MBTA Communities Act. This has been a contentious issue for more than three years and appears to finally be resolved.

A few residents stood to

complain that Marblehead’s 3A plan is merely paper compliance because it is highly unlikely that Tedesco Country Club will sell its land to a housing developer.

“So this is a way to comply with 3A without doing anything for 3A?” asked resident David Modica. “Are we trying to do nothing? Because it seems like we’re doing nothing. So when we’re preserving, like, the character of Marblehead, it’s like, it’s bad — we’re selfish.

We’re doing a bad thing. We’re not doing any housing. Are we kinda being pricks?”

His comments went viral on social media when housing advocate Jonathan Berk shared a clip on X. Town Meeting wrapped up with a rousing presentation by residents Kate Borten and Lynn Nadeau, dressed in colonial garb, promoting their citizens petition reaffirming Marblehead’s commitment to the Constitution. The measure passed.

You can read more about the meeting and each vote at MarbleheadCurrent.org.

The Current’s Kris Olson and Luca Tedesco contributed reporting to this article.

marbleheadcurrent.org

8 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

EDUCATION

Seventh graders support Tier 2 override in mock Town Meeting

BY LEIGH BLANDER At the Veterans School April 30, more than 150 seventh graders took on the roles of Marblehead voters, debating Proposition 2 1⁄2 tax overrides in a lively mock Town Meeting that mirrored the real decisions that were to face the town on May 4.

Students rose one by one to speak at the microphone, some arguing passionately that additional funding was essential to maintain services, while others warned of the burden higher taxes could place on residents — particularly seniors on fixed incomes.

Town Moderator Jack Attridge led the mock meeting, starting by asking

students whether to place an override on the June 9 election ballot. Students voted overwhelmingly in the affirmative.

“Our structural deficit is starting to cut jobs and stop public works maintenance,” one student said. “Around town, there are cracked sidewalks, bursting playgrounds and broken-down fences.

Raising taxes is the only option.”

Others spoke against raising taxes.

“Marblehead must vote no on the override,” one student said. “Too much money is being spent on jobs. People (employees) could be cut for a massive amount of money so citizens don’t have to struggle and pay higher bills.”

Another student

Your Neighbors.

Your Customers.

Deliver your message to every home and business in town.

questioned whether an override would provide a lasting solution.

“You might think an override will surely close our $7.7 million gap. Well, sorry for breaking it to you, but there isn’t even a guarantee that a tax increase will fill the gap in future years, meaning we can keep coming back to this state, probably over and over again,” he said.

“Now me personally, I will be able to watch the hundreds of marvelous citizens solemnly pack up and have to leave the town they always loved and adored. So, stand up, take action and fight for our citizens in our beautiful community.”

Some of the speeches were quite dramatic.

“Marblehead is slowly sinking in financial ruin,”

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

Seventh grader Joseph Ahmed speaks against a Property 2 1/2 tax override at a mock Town Meeting April 30.

one student said. “The override will save our reputation and will pull people’s eyes towards Marblehead … Invest in a stronger Marblehead.

Invest in a better Marblehead. Vote ‘yes.’”

Next, students debated the three override tiers — partial restore at $9 million, build and stabilize at $12 million and invest and improve at $15 million.

One student, advocating for Tier Three said, “The other tiers are just temporary solutions, like a

Want to know more about Marblehead Rotary?

Band-Aid. By investing in tier three, we invest in our future.”

Others warned that higher taxes could drive residents out.

“Raising property taxes will lead to the decline of citizens in the town,” a student said. “People will have to leave the town that they love.”

In the final tally, students approved Tier 2.

Students also voted in support of new fees to cover increased costs of curbside trash collection.

The students have been working with their teachers — Noah Pasackow and Bill Shull — learning about Marblehead’s budget challenges and proposed solutions.

Throughout the

mock meeting, Attridge reminded students of the importance — and difficulty — of public speaking and civic engagement.

“That goes a long way when you’re getting up to make your point at Town Meeting,” Attridge said.

“It’s not easy getting up and speaking in front of a room full of people.”

He added, “We had impassioned speakers and thoughtful considerations in your votes. Fantastic job.”

After the meeting, the Current asked Ahmed if he planned to participate in Marblehead’s real Town Meeting when he turned 18.

“One hundred percent,” he answered with a big smile.

To advertise your business call or email Donna at 781-775-8333 mhdcurrentads@ @gmail.com

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

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 9

Sports ON TRACK

Magicians go the distance with strong finishes at Bay State Running Invitational

BY JOE MCCONNELL As the calendar flips to May with the weather still feeling like April, it’s a good opportunity to check-in on the progress of the Marblehead High spring track teams. The girls have a 3-2 record, while the boys are 4-1.

Members of each team then got a taste of what lies ahead down the road in the postseason.

On Friday, April 24, a small contingent of distance runners took a break from the Northeastern Conference grind to compete in the Bay State Running Invitational at St. John’s Prep.

“Our distance squads are in the midst of the hardest stretch of training this season, which means tired legs. The plan was to race in this (Invitational) as if it was a championship meet, and believe that the legs would be there in the final stretches. They all executed this plan very well, and, despite the heavy legs from training, almost everyone put down a seasonal or personal best in their respective races,” said coach Nolan Raimo.

started happening, Marri responded immediately, and stayed right with the top two runners throughout the final lap, ultimately finishing third in a crazy fast time of 5:12.69. It was a moment of pure joy for the senior captain, when she finished and saw her time. it was also a great moment for me as a coach seeing her teammates rush over to hug her,” the coach said. “Marri has been working tremendously hard since an injury sidelined her last winter and spring, and to see the results of that work show up on the track, it was a huge victory.

Currently, her time ranks ninth in the entire state, and No. 1 in Division 4. Considering it is only April, Marri is showing all the right signs for a breakout season.”

FILE PHOTO / ANGIE FISCHER

Marblehead High boys spring track junior Will Cruikshank stays ahead of his Peabody counterpart, while teammate and classmate Zach Pike is catching up in the 800 during last year’s NEC Meet. Most recently as seniors, Will in the 800 and Zach in the mile competed in the Bay State Running Invitational late last month to help them get ready for the postseason in a few weeks.

Girls 800

Sarah Munroe set the tone, running a 2:26.91 over the twolap race to finish fourth overall among 17 other competitors.

“Sarah was aggressive off the start line, and led throughout the first lap, keeping the field on their toes and the pace honest,” said Raimo. “Her time was only a couple of seconds off her personal best, which is exactly where you want to be at this point in the season. She also finished well under the qualifying (time) for the Division 4 state championship meet (next month).”

Boys 800

With 40 participating, Will Cruikshank was credited with a monster time of 2:04.70 to

FILE PHOTO / KATE WALSH

Marblehead High girls spring track sophomore Sarah Munroe leads in the 800 after the first lap during the annual NEC Meet in Danvers last spring. Turning the page to this spring, Munroe, now a junior, was among the leaders in the 800 during the Bay State Running Invitational late last month.

come in 12th overall. He beat his previous best time by two seconds after completing “a brilliant tactical race,” said Raimo. “In his heat, Will let the leaders go in front early, and kept his position along the rail, before turning in a really strong second lap to move from sixth to third.”

Girls mile

With 41 competing, Marblehead had three runners in the second of three heats, and all three ran outstanding races that resulted in personal best performances. Courtney Hitscherich (5:47.10, 12-second personal best), a track novice, ended up 22nd. Eleanor Morgan

(5:36.99) and Norah Walsh (5:37.98) finished 14th and 15th overall to qualify for the state divisional meet.

In the third and final heat, senior captain Marri O’Connell fearlessly ran in front, bringing the field with her through the first 1,000 meters, according to Raimo. “When the moves

Boys mile

With 72 runners in this event, Zach Pike (4:46.99) had the unfortunate luck of ending up as the fastest seed in his heat.

Generally, it’s best to be the slowest, because there’s nowhere to go but up. However, that did not dissuade the Marblehead miler from dominating the heat by as many as seven seconds to finish 18th overall, just missing a personal best time by a couple of seconds.

Henrik Adams (4:48.06) and Filip Grubor (4:49.43) finished 19th and 20th overall after running in the fourth heat.

“For Henrik, it was a tough race,” said Raimo. “Sometimes it’s just not your day, but he has enough experience to bounce back quickly. Running a sub-4:50 on a tough day is still a great sign for what’s to come for this senior captain, while Filip Grubor matched his (personal) best in the mile from the indoor season, and officially went under five minutes for the first time on an outdoor track.

Altogether, this group of milers will play a huge role in the NEC Championship Meet, and beyond later on this season.”

Tennis teams highlight MHS sports notebook

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Girls tennis extends winning streak to six After starting off the season with three straight losses, the Marblehead High girls tennis team has rattled off six straight wins to get right back on track with the first half of the season and the month of April quickly coming to an end.

These Magicians closed out last week with a close 3-2 triumph over visiting Masco on

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

May 1. Second singles player Callie Gilmore cliched the overall match with a straight sets victory, 6-1, 6-4.

The first doubles team of Joy Meshulam and Caroline Bruett breezed to a 6-1, 6-1 win, while Harper Mooney and Lilly O’Keefe, the second doubles tandem, persevered, 7-5, 6-3.

Coach Tracy Ackerman praised the marathon effort of first singles player Samara Dosch, who made her Chieftains opponent Ria Kundallyn work

hard for the win. That match lasted 2 ½ hours, before Dosch fell, 5-7, 5-7.

Previously, they defeated Danvers (April 29) and Beverly (April 28) by identical 4-1 scores after shutting out Saugus to begin last week on April 27, 5-0.

All of these matches were also played at home.

Boys tennis begins May with another win The boys tennis team (7-2) continues to win under the

guidance of first-year head coach Karl Tenenholtz after prevailing over host Masco in its most recent match, 3-2 on May 1.

“This was a matchup between the third ranked team in Division 2, which we are, and the fifth ranked team,” said Tenenholtz.

Ty Cooper outlasted Masco’s Kai Hird in first singles, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. T.J. Kelly defeated Akash Meuon in second singles, 6-4, 6-1. But Caleb Sidman dropped a 6-1, 6-1 decision to Parker Kurtz

in third singles.

The first doubles team of Adam Loughlin and Alex Boehning then dropped a marathon matchup to Aujun Sukjakar and Kartnir Nargund, 4-6, 6-4, 6-7 (4-7).

But in the clincher, Cordt Menzler and Filip Wabno took care of Alex Raymond and Henry Tissera in second doubles, 4-6, 7-6 (8-6), 11-9.

Coming into the Masco NOTEBOOK, P. 10

marbleheadcurrent.org

10 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

PRODIGY

Young Marblehead student takes top singles spot at Austin Prep

BY LEIGH BLANDER As a seventh-grader, Marblehead’s Carter Shah is already doing something few middle school athletes ever achieve: leading a varsity lineup.

As the No. 1 singles player for Austin Prep, Shah faces older, more experienced opponents every match — many of them nearly four years his senior. For head coach Larry Lebatique, it’s a rarity.

“I’d say that happens at a very, very low percentage,” said Lebatique, who has coached younger players before, but not quite at Shah’s level.

Skipping ahead Shah’s rise has been anything but typical. With limited tennis background in his family — his mother played in high school and his father never played — he discovered the sport at age 7 through group clinics at Bass River Tennis Club, where he first met Lebatique.

“He picked up the game pretty easily,” Lebatique said. “The skill set that he had was really, really good, so he was able to really advance his level at a fast pace.”

Now training at Montoya Tennis Academy, Shah has expanded his athletic development beyond the court.

In the offseason, he runs cross country and competes on the varsity ski team, building endurance that translates into long rallies and grueling matches.

Earning the top spot

Even with his talent, Shah

Notebook From P. 9

encounter, the Marblehead boys shutout host Danvers on April 29, 5-0, which followed a 4-1 loss to St. John’s Prep the day before on its Danvers campus.

Baseball Magicians get tripped up by Fenwick The baseball Magicians (7-5) began last week with a decisive mercy rule victory over Salem at Seaside Park, 17-0 on April 28, before losing to non-league Bishop Fenwick, also at home, 7-3 last Saturday afternoon.

“Unfortunately, Salem came into this game shorthanded with several players injured,” said coach Mike Giardi, “and as a result, we were able to put up 13 in the first inning, and never looked back.”

Collin Allen pitched the first four innings to get the

“If I didn’t win, they’re a senior in high school or older than me,” Shah said. “So I need to shake it off and move to the next one.”

Motivation — and a little reward Along with “having the glory of winning,” Shah says his motivation comes from a family tradition.

“Me and my family, we have this little thing going on,” he said. “If I beat someone that’s better than me, they’ll get me a treat after, like food from a fast food place.”

A high ceiling

COURTESY PHOTO

Seventh-grader Carter Shah of Marblehead is winning accolades — and matches — at Austin Prep.

didn’t immediately claim the No. 1 position. Lebatique said he considered placing him there as early as sixth grade, when Shah played No. 2 singles, but held off due to maturity.

Now, Shah is proving he belongs — though the biggest challenge isn’t physical.

“Playing at number 1, everybody’s the same with their skill set and their abilities. It’s more mentality-wise, staying in there,” Lebatique said.

“When you’re down, staying in there. And when you’re up, still pressing on the gas.”

Shah is learning that lesson in real time.

“I can sometimes feel pressure,” Shah said. “But most of the time my teammates are there to help me keep that pressure off of me.”

He credits senior captains Shane Miller and Bodhi Rouse for helping him stay composed during matches.

win. He gave up just one hit, while striking out six. Ryan Stockbridge took over for Allen in the fifth, and whiffed two to finish off the Witches in this mercy rule shortened game.

The offense banged out 13 hits, with Tim Wales (single, 3 RBI), Ethan Harwood (2 RBI), Madden Lyons (2 singles, 2 RBI) and Greyson Leventhal (1 RBI) leading the way with one double apiece.

The game against the Crusaders was a different story.

“Too many mistakes led to many extra opportunities for Fenwick, which ended up costing us,” said Giardi.

Allen (7 hits, 4 walks, 5 runs, 3 earned, 5 strikeouts) also started this game on the hill, going 4.1-innings. Junior Will Macrina went the next two, giving up just one hit, three walks and two runs, one earned, while fanning one. Cam Carneval

pitched two-thirds of an inning that resulted in one hit and one strikeout.

The home team managed only seven hits, and James Machado (1 RBI) and Leventhal supplied the power with one double apiece. Lyons was credited with two singles and one RBI.

The mental game

Against older, stronger opponents, Shah focuses on consistency.

“They are bigger than me, taller,” he said. “So I just play the ball and keep it in.”

But he knows where he needs to improve.

Softball team ends April with nine wins The softball team is 9-6 with the whole month of May ahead of them to secure many more wins in its pursuit of a top seed going into the state tournament.

They picked up win No. 9 against Salem at home last Wednesday, April 29, 5-2.

Freshman Kiley Lewis, making her varsity debut in the circle, pitched all seven innings against the Witches to secure the win.

Lewis completed the complete game effort by issuing just three hits, while whiffing two.

According to veteran head

VARSITY SCHEDULE Wednesday, May 6 3:30 p.m., co-ed sailing at Dartmouth High School 4 p.m., boys baseball vs. Peabody at Peabody High 4 p.m., girls tennis vs. Swampscott at Swampscott Middle 5 p.m., girls softball vs. Peabody at Marblehead Veterans School Thursday, May 7 3:30 p.m., co-ed sailing vs.

Hingham at Pleon Yacht Club, Marblehead 4 p.m., girls lacrosse vs. Gloucester at Gloucester High 4 p.m., boys tennis vs. Salem at Salem High 4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse vs.

Gloucester at MHS Piper Field Friday, May 8 4 p.m., boys tennis vs. Malden Catholic at Malden Catholic 4 p.m., girls tennis vs. Peabody at Marblehead High 4:30 p.m., girls softball vs.

“My mentality, that’s a big part of tennis,” Shah said.

“And my serve, keeping it in consistently.”

In one of his toughest matches this season, Shah pushed a senior opponent to a tiebreaker after dropping the first set.

Though he lost, he came away with a key takeaway.

“Staying in the game,” he said.

That mental discipline remains a work in progress.

“It’s a lot that goes through my mind,” Shah said. “I think of what would happen, like scenarios, if I would win or if I don’t win.”

Still, he keeps perspective.

coach Johnny Gold, the Marblehead defense was outstanding, beginning with third baseman Tessa Andriano, who pulled off a double play with an assist from her twin sister Kate.

Ashley Mortensen helped pace the offensive attack with two hits and an RBI. Lillian Reddy also had a couple of hits. Kate Andriano knocked in a run with a single.

Girls lacrosse takes its four wins into May The girls lacrosse team (4-7) dropped two games last week to visiting Beverly (12-5, April 30) and non-league host Manchester Essex (14-10, May 2).

Against the Panthers, Addie Co-Peeps (1 goal, 1 caused turnover), Emma Ryan (1 goal) and Zoe Dwyer (3 goals, 1 assist) factored into the offense. Goalie Molly Bullard was credited with 10 saves.

So far this season, Shah has already secured three varsity wins. His goals remain simple: win matches, support his teammates and continue improving.

Lebatique believes the future is wide open.

“The sky’s the limit,” he said.

“I can definitely see him playing at the college level.”

For now, Shah is focused on the present — competing, learning and growing against players far ahead of his age group.

And he may not be the only Shah making headlines for long.

His sixth-grade twin siblings, Cameron and Charley, are set to join Austin Prep next year, potentially giving the Cougars a family trio on the courts.

For Carter Shah, though, the breakthrough has already arrived — and he’s just getting started.

“I was so impressed with our play in this game,” said coach Annie Madden. “Our defense came ready to play, and dominated on all sets, while Molly Bullard did amazing job in goal. Elise Dulac had two crucial caused turnovers that produced offensive opportunities.”

Turning to last Saturday’s game against the Hornets, Co-Peeps (4 goals, 1 assist), Ryan (1 assist), Dwyer (2 goals, 1 assist), Maggie Svencer (1 goal, 1 assist), Sammy Walker (1 goal, 3 draw controls) and Avery Wysor (2 goals, 1 assist) were the team’s statistical leaders. Bullard made 16 saves.

“Molly (Bullard) played another amazing game in net,” said Madden, “and the defense once again came to play and worked as a unit to slowdown the Manchester Essex offense.

Even though we didn’t win the game, we are still improving.”

VARSITY SCOREBOARD Gloucester at Gloucester High 4:30 p.m., boys baseball vs.

Gloucester at Seaside Park Saturday, May 9 9:30 a.m., boys and girls track at NEC Freshman/Sophomore Championship Meet at Gloucester High 10:30 a.m., girls tennis vs.

Newburyport at Nock Middle School, Newburyport 11 a.m., boys lacrosse vs. Lexington at MHS Piper Field 11 a.m., girls lacrosse vs. Bishop Fenwick at Bishop Fenwick, Peabody Monday, May 11 4 p.m., boys lacrosse vs. Peabody at Peabody High 4 p.m., girls tennis vs. Gloucester at Gloucester High 4 p.m., boys tennis vs. Gloucester at Marblehead High 4 p.m., girls lacrosse vs. Peabody at MHS Piper Field

4:30 p.m., boys baseball vs.

Swampscott at Seaside Park 5 p.m., girls softball vs. Ipswich at Marblehead Veterans School Tuesday, May 12 4 p.m., boys tennis vs. Beverly at Beverly High 4:30 p.m., boys and girls track at NEC Duals Rainout Makeup Meet (if necessary), Gloucester High Wednesday, May 13 4 p.m., girls tennis vs. Beverly at Beverly High 4 p.m., boys tennis vs. Beverly at Marblehead High 4 p.m., girls lacrosse vs.

Masconomet at Masconomet, Boxford 4:30 p.m., boys baseball vs. Beverly at Seaside Park 5 p.m., girls softball vs. Beverly at Beverly High 7 p.m., boys lacrosse vs.

Masconomet at MHS Piper Field

Monday, April 27 Girls tennis: Marblehead 5, Saugus 0 Tuesday, April 28 Boys tennis: St. John’s Prep 4, Marblehead 1 Boys lacrosse: Marblehead 16, Salem 2 Girls tennis: Marblehead 4, Beverly 1 Girls lacrosse: Marblehead 17, Salem 3 Boys baseball: Marblehead 17, Salem 0 Wednesday, April 29 Boys baseball: Marblehead 29, Salem 1 Girls tennis: Marblehead 4, Danvers 1 Boys tennis: Marblehead 5, Danvers 0 Girls softball: Marblehead 5, Salem 2 Thursday, April 30 Boys tennis: Marblehead v. Beverly (postponed)

Girls lacrosse: Beverly 12, Marblehead 5 Boys lacrosse: Marblehead 11, Beverly 7 Friday, May 1 Boys tennis: Marblehead 3, Masconomet 2 Girls tennis: Marblehead 3, Masconomet 2 Girls softball: Malden Catholic 7, Marblehead 4 Saturday, May 2 Girls lacrosse: Manchester-Essex 14, Marblehead 10 Boys baseball: Bishop Fenwick 7, Marblehead 3 TEAM RECORDS (THROUGH MAY 3, MIAA RANKING IN PARENTHESIS) Boys baseball, 7-5 (No. 23 in Div. 2) Girls softball, 9-6 (No. 10 in Div. 2) Boys lacrosse, 8-2 (No. 21 in Div. 2) Girls lacrosse, 4-6 (No. 26 in Div. 2) Boys tennis, 7-2 (No. 3 in Div. 2) Girls tennis, 6-3 (No. 15 in Div. 2)

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 11

CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets Current Events spotlights notable happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email info@ marbleheadnews.org.

—By Julia Rockler

Rummage Sale Saturday, May 9, 8-11:45 a.m.

Devereux Beach Carnival Thursday, May 7-Sunday, May 10

The annual Devereux Beach Carnival is coming, sponsored by the Marblehead High junior class. Admission is $2 (kids under 36” are free).

Carnival hours are: » Thursday: 6-10 p.m. » Friday: 6-10 p.m. » Saturday, 1-10 p.m. » Sunday, 1-6 p.m.

To buy tickets online visit cushingamusements.com/events.

If you are looking for affordable secondhand goods, check out the annual rummage sale at St. Andrew’s Episocopal Church, 135 Lafayette St. Afterwards, the “stuff-a-bag’’ sale goes from noon-1 p.m.

Stroll around looking for household items and unique finds while supporting sustainability.

Roundtable with author Jenna Blum Wednesday, May 13, 7 p.m.

Coffee with the Current Friday, May 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

Plant Sale - Cottage Gardeners Saturday, May 9, 8 a.m.-noon

After a long winter, the Cottage Gardeners are setting up their biggest event of the year: the annual plant sale.

If you are looking for a broad selection of healthy, locally grown perennials

that thrive in the Marblehead, Salem and Swampscott area it’s the right occasion for you. Attendance is free and all proceeds support education and scholarships. Location: Marblehead VFW, 321 West Shore Drive.

Any questions, send an email to colleenconnor7@gmail.com or call 781-234-8521

Meet international best-selling author Jenna Blum at this roundtable sponsored by the Marblehead Literary Festival. Ask her your questions about writing or her books. Bring her latest “Murder Your Darlings’’ and she’ll sign it. For more information and tickets ($35) visit marbleheadarts. org.

With Town Meeting complete and June elections ahead, come share your thoughts with the newsroom and board of the Marblehead Current newspaper for a lively discussion about the kind of coverage you would like to see more of (or less of) in Marblehead. There will be an opportunity to ask questions about the Current’s news and editorial (opinion) policies.

Coffee and muffins will be served at Abbot Public Library.

Lucy Kaplansky at the Me&Thee Friday, May 15, 8 p.m.

Me&Thee’s 56th season ends with a live performance by singer-songwriter Lucy Kaplansky. Two of Kaplansky’s CDs have been awarded Best Pop Album of the year by the Association of Independent Music. Tickets available at meandthee.org. General admission is $30 and students pay $10 with a valid ID at the door. If you have any questions you can send an email to info@meandthee.org

Slavery to Freedom Tour

MHD Cruise-In Tuesday, May 12, 6-8 p.m.

Join the MHD Cruise-In at Devereux Beach that shows off classic cars the second Tuesday of each month from

Walk for Peace Sunday, May 10, 1 p.m.

The community is invited to join a Walk for Peace beginning and ending at Stramski Park.

This free, communityled event offers an

May through October. It’s open for the public and free to attend with a relaxing vibe right in front of the beach. No registration is required. For updates follow their Instagram: @mhdcruisein.

opportunity to step away from the noise of daily life and come together in a shared intention for peace — both within your own life and for the world at large. The 3.2-mile route will take approximately one hour to walk, with a 30-minute stop at Abbot

Hall for rest, reflection and a brief ceremony. The walk will then return to Stramski Park for a casual closing reception on

Friday, May 15, 7 p.m.

Marblehead Museum will lead a walking tour on the history of slavery and the abolitionist movement. Visit sites the lawn. More info and register at https://loom.ly/ qZHuDto.

WATER DEPARTMENT TO CONDUCT ANNUAL HYDRANT FLUSHING The Water Department will conduct its annual water main flushing program

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 7:45 PM on the application of 9 Crown Way LLC, for a Special Permit for the construction of additions to an existing single-family residential dwelling having less than the required Side Yard Setback on a dimensionally conforming Lot located at 9 CROWN WAY in a SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed construction will be partially located in the Side Yard Setback and will increase the Gross Floor Area by more than the allowed 10% on a pre-existing non-conforming building. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will bel 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

May 10, 2026 to May 15, 2026 Flushing starts on May 10, 2026, at 11:30 p.m. and will be conducted from 12:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. each day. Work will begin at the Swampscott and Salem Borders and travel to the downtown area. Thursday night, May 14, 2026, flow testing will be completed in various areas of Town. You may notice water flowing from some hydrants during the day. This is part of normal hydrant flushing procedures.

During this week, it is possible that some properties may experience discolored water early in the morning. If you should encounter this, run cold water only in the kitchen sink until the water runs clear (approximately 20 minutes). Refrain from using the hot water or doing laundry until the discoloration is gone.

Contact the Marblehead Water Department 781-631-0102 if the problem persists.

of local slavery from the 1700s, and sites where black and white abolitionists fought for freedom from the pulpit,

the ballot box and the Underground Railroad.

For more info and tickets (starting at $15.90) visit marbleheadmuseum.org.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM on the request of Sean and Jessica Waters to vary the application of the present Zoning By-law allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a two-story addition and front portico to an existing non-conforming single-family residence at 44 SEVINOR ROAD on a lot located in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed addition will exceed the 10% expansion limits for a non-conforming building. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will bel 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary 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 14, 2026 on an application filed by Goddard Consulting (applicant) on behalf of Monika Onusseit (owner) for the proposed construction of a second-story addition, a deck and stairs, landscaping, and stormwater mitigation at 18 May Street (Map 11, Parcel 19) 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: CallahanB@ marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing and the Zoom link is accessible via https://marbleheadma.gov/ A link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/conservation-commission.

Left click on the agenda date.

David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

marbleheadcurrent.org

12 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

ON THE STAG

Curtain up on chaos: Local actress Nora Falk brings farce and mystery to life

BY MARIELLE SABBAG Marblehead actress Nora Falk is preparing for her latest performance — as Rita in the North Shore debut of the play “The Chesapeake Chicks,” a farcical murder mystery.

Originally from Vienna, Austria, Falk has always enjoyed performing, especially singing.

She sang in her high school choir, a punk/blues band and as a general music and ESL teacher for middle schoolers.

She didn’t start acting until moving to the United States in 2001. Falk has been in several productions, including Marblehead Little Theatre’s “The Sound of Music,” and “The Diary of Anne Frank.” In 2023, Falk played Gertrude in the premiere of “The Chesapeake Chicks,” in New York City. It was directed by Peter Zachari, the show’s playwright.

“The Chesapeake Chicks” revolves around four former players on a women’s baseball team who discover a cryptic message in their deceased roommate’s journal. They’re set into a frenzy that one of them could be a murderer.

“Opening a brand new show is a unique thrill,” Falk said of the debut in 2023. “We had a successful three weekend run with 12 shows.”

Her time in “Chesapeake Chicks” did not end there.

Zachari alerted Falk about Quannapowitt Players, a community theater in Reading that was holding auditions for the show. Excited for the opportunity to be a part of “Chesapeake Chicks” on the North Shore, Falk auditioned and joined the cast.

Quannapowitt Players production is directed by Angela Courtney Rossi, a Hamilton resident.

She has been directing shows since 2001 when she was a student at Salem State University.

Marblehead’s Nora Falk has been acting since she moved to the United States in 2001.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Marblehead actress Nora Falk, far left, on stage rehearing “ The Chesapeake Chicks.”

“The play is like ‘The Golden Girls’ meets ‘Murder She Wrote,’ with a splash of ‘League of Their Own’,” Rossi said. “This show is a comedy. It’s a true farce.” When thinking about the incoming talent and age of actors, Rossi went to the QP board and asked if she could have two casts.

The run consists of a “starting lineup” cast and an “on-deck” cast. Twelve actors are involved.

“Big productions need understudies, covers and swings,” said Falk. “Double casting gave (Rossi) the opportunity to acknowledge more talent.” Throughout rehearsals, Falk has learned her lines, studied her character, and made connections with her cast.

“The big difference between the two experiences is that I’m playing a different character now, and it’s an amazing process.

I feel like I know all the chicks very well,” Falk said.

The cast has also focused on pacing for the script’s many comedic moments and dialogue.

“It feels like you’re in a revolving door. There’s so much happening,” said Allison Rollings, the stage manager of the production.

Behind its humorous layers,

Nora Falk plays Rita in “The Chesapeake Chicks,” a play she also starred in in New York City.

the show has a reflective message about older women.

Falk said the show highlights women over 60.

“The beauty of the show is that the play features four mature women with amazing lines,” Falk said. “The older female is not an afterthought, cliche.”

Crazy, loco, zany, unpredictable, and energetic — these are the words the cast uses to describe the show. Keeping a straight face during rehearsals has been tough.

“You wouldn’t expect four women of a certain age to be in a show like this — we’re hooting and hollering,” said Theresa Chiasson, who plays Alice.

With flickering lights, unseen spirits and rapid-fire entrances and exits, Falk hopes that audiences share a laugh when seeing the show.

“The Chesapeake Chicks is a zany, smart mystery-comedy full of zingers and hidden Easter eggs for theater lovers,” she said.

“The Chesapeake Chicks” runs May 21 through June 6, at Quannapowitt Players in Reading.

The show is 90 minutes with no intermission. Falk performs Friday, May 29, Thursday, June 4, and Saturday, June 6.

Tickets are available online: https://www.ticketstage.com/T/ QPTHEATER

COMMUNITY

Support your neighbors, support the Food Pantry The Marblehead Food Pantry is looking for the following items: Here is the list, according to Food Pantry President Marcy Schwam: » 2 lb. bags of white rice » 2 lb. four » 2 lb. sugar

» Pasta

» Shelf-stable milk

» Pasta sauce

» Ritz and Saltine Crackers

» 24 oz. cooking oil

» Individual applesauce cups

» 15 oz. mayo » 8 oz. mustard » 20 oz. ketchup » Ground coffee

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 14, 2026 on an application filed by United States Coast Guard (applicant) on behalf of Town of Marblehead (owner) for site work that includes soil remediation at Marblehead Light Tower located within Chandler Hovey Park at Lighthouse Point (Map 923, Parcel 9) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw.

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: CallahanB@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 6311529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing and the Zoom link is accessible via https://marbleheadma.gov/ A link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/conservationcommission. Left click on the agenda date.

David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 7:45 PM on the request of Nathaniel Walton to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the demolition of an existing non-conforming single-family home on a non-conforming lot and to construct in its place a 2.5 story single-family home located at 340 OCEAN AVENUE in the EXPANDED SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The newly constructed home will have less than the required Lot Area and encroach into the Side and Rear Yard Setbacks. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will bel 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

» Ensure To donate to the pantry, leave nonperishable food items, paper goods and toiletries at the Masonic Lodge, 62

Pleasant St. Turn down into the driveway to the right of the building and look for a sign near the entrance to the walkway into the building. Donations can be dropped off Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 7:30 PM on the request of Nisha Austin to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a new shed on a non-conforming single-family lot located at 19 GARDEN ROAD in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The new shed will encroach on the Rear and Side Yard Setback. The proposed construction will be located within the side and rear setback. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will bel 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 8:15 PM on the request of Debra S. Williams, Trustee of the Marblehead Property Realty Trust to vary the application of the present Zoning-By Law by allowing a Special Permit to demolish the preexisting, non-conforming single-family residential dwelling with less than required rear and side yard setback on a Lot having less than required lot area, lot width, and tandem parking at 21 PRESTON BEACH ROAD in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed construction will exceed the 10% expansion limits for a non-conforming building. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will be held 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call 617-693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda and Zoom link for the meeting can be found at: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 8:15 PM on the request of Kristin and Daniel Weatherford to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit to construct a new front portico, rear portico, roof additions and expansions of the second floor, and expanding first floor footprint under existing porch on a pre-existing nonconforming house on a pre-existing nonconforming lot with less than required Lot Area, Rear Yard Set Back, and Side Yard Setback at 5 MEADOW LANE in the UNRESTRICTED DISTRICT. The new nonconformities are less than required Lot Area, Rear Yard Setback, Side Yard Set Back, and exceeds the 10% expansion limits for a nonconforming building. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c.

30A, §18. This hearing will bel 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place.

Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday May 26, 2026 at 8:00 PM on the request of Vincent and Patricia Conte vary the application of the present Zoning By-law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of additions to an existing single-family residential dwelling on a preexisting non-conforming property having less than the required lot area, lot width, front yard setback, side yard setback and rear yard setback, and less than required tandem parking located at 29 MANATAUG TRAIL in the SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed construction will be withing the front yard setback, rear yard setback, side yard setback, increase open area, and exceed the 10% expansion limit for non-conforming building. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18.

This hearing will bel 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 limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information

by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 13

OBITUARIES

sailing his own 14-foot catboat Skip Jack, and by age 8 he was successfully competing in Junior Race Week and crewing for his father in bigger races. At Tabor, he was the executive officer of the 92-foot student-run

schooner Tabor Boy. Throughout his life, he relished day sailing around Marblehead, as well as longer sailing trips that took him up and down the entire East Coast and as far as Panama.

Dick studied mechanical engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Class of 1963), where he enrolled in the ROTC program. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division and spent several years stationed in Germany. He resigned his commission in 1968 to study business at Dartmouth College’s Tuck School, where he received his MBA. His career in banking began

in 1970 at the First National Bank of Boston, later known as Bank of Boston. He met his former wife, Linda Corbett (now Linda Macdonald), at the bank. In his three decades there, he held a number of different roles and rose to vice president.

His work managing the bank’s investments took him all over the world. He retired in 2000.

In retirement, Dick found more time for sailing and enjoying his growing family, as well as volunteering with the Marblehead Conservancy. He had fond childhood memories of playing in Marblehead’s woods, marshes and fields, and the conservation of these natural spaces was important to him. He

spent many happy hours helping the Conservancy maintain public walking trails, often with his beloved dog Coco by his side.

He is survived by his sister, Lee Barth; his brother, Grosvenor Marcy; and his children, Ann Shin (John), with their daughter Natalie; Carter Marcy (Jessica), with their daughters Anastazia and Stella; and Sally Marcy, with her daughters Beatrix and Juliana. He is also survived by his dear friend Kathy Breslin and countless other good friends.

A gathering to honor Dick’s life will be held this summer.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

love with Marblehead, Peggy called it home. She somehow convinced her mother, a feisty New Yorker, that she would love Marblehead too and moved her to Marblehead. They joined the Marblehead Shipyard Association and loved becoming part of the community and spending time on the water.

Once Peggy settled into her home, she rescued her first dog, Lindy, who promptly had puppies. Peggy called on her friends to adopt Lindy’s puppies but kept one, Susie, for her mother. Peggy, Elizabeth and the girls became a common sight at the beach, playing in the water

and chasing tennis balls. Peggy believed in pet adaption and did it often. Lindy and Susie were followed by Woody, Rufus, Cocoa, Kiley and Jenny. No dog could have asked for a more devoted fur mom.

Retiring from Delta didn’t mean that Peggy would sit idle at home, this meant more time to visit her family in New York and family trips to Merideth, New Hampshire.

Peggy soon discovered her creative side and started taking art classes. She met photographer Bob Sinclair and discovered her passion for photography. She was a gifted photographer, digital and acrylic artist. She put her heart into her art and joined a group of artists that became her good friends.

Peggy became a beloved friend and a vibrant presence in Marblehead’s creative and service communities. She was an art enthusiast in the truest sense — someone who didn’t just appreciate beauty but helped build the spaces where it could flourish.

She was a devoted member

of Little Harbor Studio, where she worked alongside 10 fellow artists in a cooperative that became a second home to her.

Her enthusiasm, generosity and steady encouragement shaped the spirit of the studio and strengthened the bonds among its artists.

Her commitment to the arts extended throughout Marblehead. She was an active member of the Marblehead Arts Association, where she poured her time, energy and heart into supporting local artists and community programming.

Every summer, she volunteered at the Marblehead Festival of Arts plein air event, greeting artists with her trademark warmth and helping the festival thrive year after year. Peggy served on the Swampscott arts board of directors for over 10 years.

Her dedication to community didn’t stop with the arts. She was also deeply involved with the Marblehead Food Pantry, serving as a board member and working tirelessly to support neighbors in need.

She will be remembered for her kindness, her creativity, her unwavering generosity and the way she made every space feel more welcoming. Her absence will be felt across the many communities she helped nurture.

Peggy is predeceased by her parents, her sister Mary, her brother Franklin (Sonny) and her sister-in-law Patricia (Pat).

Peggy is survived by and will be deeply missed by her nephew John and her niece Patricia (Trish).

Visiting Hours will be held on Thursday, May 7, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. Her funeral Mass will be held on Friday, May 8, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave., Interment will be at a later date in her family’s niche in New York. In lieu of flowers, Peggy would have loved your donating to your local animal shelter and food pantry in her memory.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

(Scott), John Rogers (Natalie), Morgan Fletcher Devlin (Matt), Ashley Rogers, Taylor Fletcher, Jackson Fletcher, and one great-granddaughter. She is also survived by her niece Lesley Comfort Bigden (Jon), her nephew David Comfort (Dana) and their children. She was a constant, supportive presence in each and every one of their lives.

Joanie was born in 1931, in her beloved New York City.

She graduated from the Spence

School in 1949 and Vassar College in 1953. She built a highly successful career as an assistant bridal buyer at Bonwit Teller and a bridal buyer for C Crawford Hollidge. In June 1956, she married H. Alden Johnson Jr. (Augie), the love of her life, and moved to Boston until Augie graduated from Harvard Business School in 1957, at which time they moved to Marblehead.

Joanie was an active volunteer and was incredibly generous and passionate about helping others.

She served as area chairman of the North Shore for the Junior League of Boston, class secretary for the Vassar Club of Boston and class representative for The Spence School. She was also a Girl Scout leader, a member of the Pingree School Parents’ Committee, a trustee of the North Shore Children’s Hospital and the Foundation Board of North Shore Medical Center, a corporator of Citizens Scholarship of Marblehead Inc., and director of the nonprofit

organization Penny Bear.

Anyone who knew Joanie would tell you that she had an innate ability to make everyone feel seen, welcomed and valued. She was a pillar in her community, as a member of Saint Andrew’s Church, the Eastern Yacht Club, the Tedesco Country Club and the Beach Club in Massachusetts, as well as the Royal Poinciana Club and Country Club of Naples in Florida.

Joanie was a lifelong learner, often bringing together friends to explore new topics and share her passion for literature. After Augie’s passing in 1987, Joanie discovered a newfound love of painting, drawing on inspiration from the sunset skies. Over the next 30 years, she became a talented and inspiring artist, taught by local teachers in Marblehead and Naples and exhibiting her work in numerous shows. Her paintings reflected the same warmth and light she brought to those around her.

Above all, Joanie’s greatest love was her family. She was an incredibly loving and devoted mother and grandmother, never missing a graduation or sporting event and always cheering with her signature “Chum it” or “Hot dog.” Joanie had an unwavering ability to find the silver-lining in every situation and gave love freely and unconditionally. To know Joanie — as a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt or friend — was a gift beyond measure.

A celebration of life service will be held on Sunday, June 14, at the Church of St. Andrew in Marblehead at 1 p.m., followed by a reception.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in Joan’s memory to the Church of St. Andrew in Marblehead or Salem Hospital.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

in Boston, where she studied to become a legal secretary.

Upon graduation, Barbara moved to Beacon Hill in Boston, where she met her future husband, John. They were married in 1959 and began their life together in Natick before eventually returning to Marblehead.

Barbara held a variety of roles throughout her career, including

waitressing, working as a real estate broker and serving as a legal secretary at Burt and Taylor International Law Firm in Marblehead. She later retired from Hale and Dorr in Boston.

In time, Barbara found love again with William Weston, and they shared many happy years together before his passing.

In her later years, she enjoyed the simple things, including taking her beloved dog, Bella, for a ride, grabbing an iced coffee and sitting by the waterfront.

She is survived by her daughter, Laurie (Stenberg) Kirk and her husband, Fred; her grandchildren, John Kirk and Erika (Kirk) DiFranza and her husband, Zach; and her great-grandson, Theo DiFranza; her extended family, including William and Loren Weston; Deidre (Weston) Maroun and

her husband, Christopher; her grandchildren, Peyton Weston, Anne Marie (Maroun) Seely and her husband, Kerry, Madelyn (Maroun) Allen and her husband, Landon, and Hayden Maroun and his wife, Morgan; and her great-grandchildren, Weston, William, and Walter Seely, and August Allen; her nieces, Liz (Hall) Callahan and her husband, Paul, Cinny (Hall) Noone, and Gail (Hall) Norton and her husband, Matt, along with their daughters, Allison (Norton) White and her husband, Jamie, and Kaitlin Norton, and Allison and Jamie’s children, Amelia and Camille; as well as relatives Greg Stenberg, Gordon and Janet Garney, Palmer and Susan Riedel, their families, and many dear friends.

She is also survived by her dog, Bella, who was a special

companion in her recent years.

She was predeceased by her husbands, John R. Stenberg and William M. Weston; her daughter, Sharon (Stenberg) Doyle; her sister, Harriette (Rudd) Nelson and her husband, Richard Nelson; and her grandson, Cale W. Weston.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday, May 11, 10-noon at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., with a funeral service at noon in the funeral home. Burial will follow at Waterside Cemetery, Marblehead.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her memory to https:// onemission.org/ Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

Richard C. Marcy Jr., 85 Richard Carter Marcy Jr., age 85, known as “Dick” or “Kit” to friends and family, passed away peacefully at home on April 23.

Dick was born in Newton to parents Richard Marcy Sr. and Polly Godfrey Marcy. The family had already settled in Marblehead, and Dick lived nearly all of his 85 years in the town. He attended Roads School and Marblehead High School before completing high school at Tabor Academy.

His lifelong love for sailing began early. By age 7, he was

Margaret ‘Peggy’ Farrell, 81 Margaret “Peggy” Farrell, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully at Salem Hospital on April 28, 2026, following a brief illness.

Peggy was a beloved and vibrant member of the Marblehead creative arts community. Peggy was born in Cold Spring, New York, to Raymond and Elizabeth Farrell (Rinn) in 1937, joining her sister Mary and brother Franklin. She is the beloved aunt of John and Patricia.

Peggy had a love for travel, leading her to a career as a flight attendant, making many life-long friends. Peggy started at a small regional airline, based in Florida and moved as they merged with larger airlines leading Delta. She returned to the New York area, close to family, but when Delta moved their crew to Boston, Peggy moved, too. Falling in

Joan Comfort Johnson, 95 Joan Comfort Johnson passed away peacefully on March 24, 2026, surrounded by family and loved ones, shortly after celebrating her 95th birthday.

Known as “Joanie” to those who loved her, she leaves behind a legacy defined by kindness, loyalty and generosity.

Joanie truly was the heart of her family. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Herbert Alden “Augie” Johnson Jr., and her parents Lowell Rutherford Comfort and Charlotte Walrath Comfort. She is survived by her brother Robert Manning Comfort (Maureen Lewis),; her two daughters Barbara Johnson Fletcher (Rod) and Cynthia Johnson Rogers (Patrick); her grandchildren Whitney Fletcher Hessen

Barbara (Rudd) Stenberg Weston, 90 Barbara (Rudd) Stenberg Weston, age 90, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on May 1, 2026. Known as “Gaga” and “Grammy Barbara” to those who knew her best, she was deeply loved by her family and friends.

Barbara was raised in Marblehead, where she attended local schools and spent many of her younger years on the water, swimming and sailing, developing a lifelong love for the ocean. She attended Centenary Junior College in New Jersey and the Chandler School for Women

marbleheadcurrent.org

14 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

OBITUARIES

Peter Coffin Sartwell passed away peacefully on April 24.

Born in 1937 in Boston, Peter spent his formative years in Baltimore, where he developed a lifelong curiosity about the world around him, leading to his academic journey. He earned his bachelor of arts from the

University of Maryland and later a doctorate in education from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He went on to dedicate his professional life to higher education, ultimately serving as an associate dean at Suffolk University.

He also served honorably in the U.S. Army National Guard.

In his younger years, Peter enjoyed kayaking and boat building. He frequently explored the waters of Marblehead

when visiting family. He had a lifelong appreciation for nature, capturing its beauty through photography, and was a committed environmentalist.

His sense of humor and robust storytelling were defining characteristics of his personality and brought a smile to many.

Peter is survived by his son, Stephen Sartwell of Melrose; his sister, Nancy Walker of Marblehead; his nieces, Amy Martin and her husband, David;

Stephanie Jennings and her husband, John; and Allison Chader and her husband, Andrew; and seven grandnieces and grandnephews.

He will be remembered for his kindness, his love of nature, his curious spirit and the care he showed to others.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.

he achieved the remarkable distinction of earning both a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering and a master of science in chemical engineering simultaneously — an unprecedented feat. Tom went on to receive his master of business administration from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in 1970, graduating summa cum laude as a Joseph Wharton Fellow.

Tom took great pride in his humble beginnings and built a distinguished career through

determination and diligence.

He started his career in 1971 as a management consultant at A.T. Kearney, a top strategic advisory firm where he rose from entry level to a senior manager. During the 1980s, he held senior executive roles at PepsiCo, where he managed profit and loss responsibilities of approximately $3 billion, oversaw all manufacturing, quality and distribution activities, led more than 4,000 employees, and managed a $180 million budget. He later served as president and CEO of Home Innovations, Inc., where he increased company revenue by 120%.

In 1992, Tom moved his family to Marblehead after becoming president and chief executive officer of Applied Extrusion Technologies, then a fledgling plastics company based in Salem. Through a series of bold acquisitions and manufacturing innovations, Tom transformed AET into one of the top plastic film suppliers in the world, growing annual revenue from $20 million to $300 million.

Tom’s underdog journey — from the son of a Pennsylvania coal miner to corner offices in corporate America — inspired many, especially his son Price, who saw his father as a living embodiment of the American Dream.

After retiring in 2002, Tom devoted himself fully to the people and moments he cherished most. His family was the center of his world. Together they enjoyed many afternoons on the family boats Price Is Right, Invigorator and Salute harbor cruising, lobstering and striped bass fishing. When Tom was promoted to Grandpa, he never missed an activity or event where Savvy or Luke were participating. Tom was, in every sense, “all in” for his family.

Simply put, Tom was the kind of person people liked being around. He was generous and thoughtful. His dry humor and one-liners always kept people on their toes. His tradition of mailing humorous articles, photos, scratch tickets and even zero-balance gift cards was one

of the many distinctive ways he connected with those he loved.

Tom will be deeply missed by all those who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Tom is predeceased by his siblings Jim Williams, Bob Williams and Lois Lewis. He is lovingly survived by his wife of 45 years, Jeanne; his son Price and daughter-in-law Dominique; his cherished grandchildren Savannah and Luke; his sister Joan Strall and her husband Bill; Jeanne’s sisters Kay Price, Pat Bull and Colleen Thiel and her husband Dave; and many nieces, nephews, colleagues and friends.

Tom will be laid to rest at Marblehead’s Waterside Cemetery in a private burial service. The family will host a celebration of life for Tom at the Eastern Yacht Club at a date to be announced in the near future. Assisting with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations - Funerals Celebrations, 84 Washington Sq., Salem. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit odonnellfuneralservice.com.

Peter C. Sartwell, 88

Thomas E. Williams, 79 Thomas E. Williams, of Marblehead, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, with his family by his side at the Kaplan Family Hospice House at the age of 79. The beloved husband of Jeanne (Price) Williams, Tom lived a life defined by hard work, intellect, humor and deep devotion to his family.

Tom was born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, to the late James G. and Elsie (Fitcher) Williams.

In 1954, his family moved to Bound Brook, New Jersey, where he spent his formative years. A natural competitor, Tom won the junior New Jersey State Archery Championship in 1962 and graduated from Bound Brook High School in 1964. Working at the local Mobil station sparked Tom’s lifelong interest in fast, head-turning cars.

An exceptional student, Tom earned a full scholarship to Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1968,

Anne Brayton Remington 92, Anne Brayton Remington 92, passed away peacefully at home on April 26, 2026. She was a long-term resident of Marblehead.

Anne was born on June 29,1933, and graduated from Needham High School and the Chamberlain College in Boston with a business degree. She spent her first year out of school working in the city and saving up for a three-month trip to Europe. Her two roommates became lifelong friends.

After having three children, Anne went

to work for Samson Ocean Systems as a sales manager in Boston for many years and later decided that she wanted to be closer to home. Anne went to work for Baltic Yachts as an office manager in Marblehead and after for Caribbean Yacht charters. She enjoyed working the Newport Boat show every year and sailing in the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

After she retired, Anne enjoyed volunteering for The Friends of Abbot Public Library, Arts Association, Marblehead Garden Club, My Brother’s Table and other nonprofits.

Anne loved to ski, sail, play tennis and golf. She also loved to travel, visiting such countries as New Zealand, Morocco,Turkey and Peru. However

Anne’s all-time favorite activity was spending time with her many friends talking and laughing. She will be sorely missed.

Anne is predeceased by her parents Rayford and Louise; brother Alan; sister Jean; and beloved daughter Pamela.

She is mourned deeply by her daughter Karen, son Jonathan, her many nieces and nephews and spoiled and demanding cat Gigi.

A memorial service for Anne will be held at St. Andrews Church, Lafayette St. in Marblehead on Friday, May 15, at 10:30 a.m.

Donations can be made to the Marblehead Animal Shelter.

POLICE LOG

Two Facebook Marketplace deals go awry; iPad pinched during half-marathon Saturday, April 11

» Alarms: 4 » Building/property checks: 9 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 11:03 a.m. Officers assisted a citizen on Atlantic Avenue.

11:56 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Glendale and Sharon roads but could not locate the vehicle.

12:42 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby who had been the victim of a scam while trying to help her mother buy a sewing machine on Facebook Marketplace. The seller, who used the name “Tina Franks,” had been paid $1,350 through the payment app Zelle and $690 through Venmo on March 31. The officer said he would document the incident and that the woman could request a copy of the report for her records.

5:57 p.m. An officer went to Ramsay Road to speak to a man about threatening messages he had received over Snapchat from a friend. The man showed the officer his phone and observed that the friend appeared to be looking for money. The officer

found that there were no specific threats in the message chain, though the Ramsay Road resident did state in one of the messages that he did not want the friend and his other friends coming to his house. The resident then mentioned in the Snapchat thread that he had called police to document the event. The officer advised the resident to call police again if anything else occurred.

10:42 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Londonderry Road.

11:20 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Peach Highlands. The vehicle could not be located.

Sunday, April 12

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 9 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 11:30 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Abernathy Way. 1:38 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Front Street.

Monday, April 13 » Alarms: 1

» Building/property checks: 13 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 3 8:51 a.m. Officers assisted a citizen on Intrepid Circle.

8:58 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Village Street.

12:56 p.m. An officer rendered services after a general complaint on Farrell Court.

5:58 p.m. An officer spoke at the station with a man who over the weekend had purchased an iPhone 15 from a man on Facebook Marketplace. After giving the man he knew only as “Robert” $270 for the phone, he found out that the phone had been fully locked by the previous service provider, Verizon. The man had contacted Verizon, but the company was unable to unlock it. The man’s efforts to contact Robert failed when Robert blocked him and deleted the Facebook post about the phone. The man described Robert as being about 50 years old, 6-foot-1, with a gray-andblack buzzcut, beard and blue eyes.

6:50 p.m. Officers and an

ambulance crew assisted another agency on Lafayette Street and Carna Road.

7:20 p.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Washington Street.

Tuesday, April 14

» Alarms: 2 » Building/property checks: 12 » Abandoned 911 calls: 3 » Vehicle stops, citations: 3 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 7:16 a.m. An officer, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Highland Terrace.

10:38 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Atlantic Avenue and Commercial Street.

12:26 p.m. An officer spoke by phone with a woman whose vehicle had been parked at Marblehead High School the previous Sunday morning during the Marblehead Half-Marathon.

Sometime during the event, her iPad had been stolen from her vehicle. She explained that she had let a family member use

her keys to retrieve something from the vehicle, so she could not say for sure whether the vehicle had been locked at the time of the theft. The last “ping” on the device from the day of the event showed its location as Pleasant Street on a parcel that abuts the MHS parking lot. The iPad thereafter either ran out of power or was turned off, as there were no more pings. After taking the woman’s report, the officer went and searched the high school parking lot near the Pleasant Street property and was unable to locate the iPad. He then went to a residence on Pleasant Street and spoke with the tenants of both units, who both stated that they did not have any iPads. The information was shared with detectives.

12:37 p.m. A lost wallet was reported on Front Street.

1:35 p.m. An officer investigated a report of annoying phone calls on Pleasant Street.

3:04 p.m. A lost wallet was reported on Washington Street.

4:48 p.m. An officer and the department’s mental health counselor investigated general information on Washington Street, but the subject could not be located.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Shining a light on the news you care about!

Marblehead Current Wednesday, May 6, 2026 15

Headlight

Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community 2025 - 2026 Issue

Mamma Mia Dress Rehearsal photographs:

www.mhsheadlight.com

--- We hope that you enjoyed the show!

May 6, 2026

Summertime job!

Mary Prindiville, Sophomore, Reporter Summer is fast approaching and that makes it a perfect time to get a new job!

Most high school students start working the summer before ninth grade or the summer before sophomore year.However, some people don’t know where to get employed or how. The following are a few tips and tricks that my friends have told me to start making some money!

Make a résumé. A résumé is basically a professional summary of jobs that you have worked in the past.

For instance, you could write on your résumé that you have been a camp counselor or a CIT at a summer camp and worked with little kids. This could show your new employer you are good under pressure and can take instructions from those who are higher up.

Meet the boss in person.

A great way to make a connection to a workplace is to meet the person who runs the place!

You can go to the place of work and see if there are any business

cards to take, or introduce yourself to an employee. After speaking with someone in person, you can email them using the address on the business card.

Look online to see if a place is hiring. Some places downtown have links on their websites for the employment process. This will typically have directions on how to start applying for a job there.

For example, the website of The Beacon has a tab that says “Employment Opportunities,” where you can find information about working there.

The school year is almost at a close, so now is the ideal time to start looking for places to work. College students will also be coming back for the summer and taking job slots. Great first job opportunities are hostessing, bussing, camp counseling, and working in retail. Starting in the workforce early on will help benefit you with connections that can impact you later in life.

U

Mark your calendar!

--- Upcoming important school dates May 4th - May 15th: - AP Testing May 14th - May 27th: - MVMS + MHS Art Exhibition at Abbot Hall Auditorium May 15th: - Junior Prom May 29th: - Last day of classes for seniors - Senior Project Gallery Walk - 2026 Cultural Feast June 1st: - Senior Prom June 2nd: - Senior Field Day - Senior Scholarship Night June 4th: - Graduation rehearsal - Senior Walk June 5th: - Senior Graduation June 16th - 22nd: - Exam period for underclassmen June 19th: - Juneteenth Holiday June 23rd: - Last day of school for underclassmen

Looking for a summer job? Check out the Job Board on the Marblehead High School website!

Headlight Staff 2025 - 2026 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Grey Collins ASSISTANT EDITORS: Evan Eisen, Anna Cruikshank, Georgia Marshall SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER: Anna Baughman REPORTERS: Jack Buckley, Maximilian Kane, Sophie Li, Will Pelliciotti, London Perlow, Mary Prindiville FACULTY ADVISOR: Mr. Higgins

marbleheadcurrent.org

16 Wednesday, May 6, 2026 Marblehead Current

A strong spring market deserves a stronger team.

Work with one of our 75+ local agents at Marblehead’s #1 office.

Mindy McMahon

Kristin King

MINDY.MCMAHON@CBREALTY.COM 617-834-4439

KRISTIN.KING@CBREALTY.COM 781-395-1210

REALTOR® & Home Stager making the selling process effortless. Contact me for a free home evaluation & expert staging advice.

Lindsey McCarthy LINDSEY.MCCARTHY@CBREALTY.COM 781-608-6721

North Shore real estate Leading Marblehead & expert with 23+ years Swampscott real estate of experience, guiding buyers advisor sharing local and sellers confidently! expertise to guide you home.

Dee Vigneron

LivermorePoss Team LIVERMOREPOSS@CBREALTY.COM 781-777-2023 | 617-780-4215

DEE.VIGNERON@CBREALTY.COM 978-407-4600

We are Two generations 45+ Looking to buy or sell? Let my years experience serving the 44+ years of experience & North Shore. Deeply Local and knowledge assist you with all Personally Invested in everyone your real estate needs. we work with.

Thanks,Dee!

Wendy Webber

Jackie Polimeni

JACKIE.POLIMENI@CBREALTY.COM 781-929-8535

Your ‘GO TO REALTOR’ delivering expert service with full dedication. Love & Pickleball make the world go 'round.

Debbie Noble

Lise Danforth

LISE.DANFORTH@CBREALTY.COM 978-853-2228

WENDY.WEBBER@CBREALTY.COM 781-576-9414

DEBBIE.NOBLE@CBREALTY.COM 914-319-6077

Realtor and home stager with Strategic buying and selling Local Expertise. Smart Strategy.

21+ years of local market with honesty, integrity, and Chart your course with a trusted advisor - smooth sailing for expertise. Hands-on guidance local expertise—call Lise. buying or selling in today’s from first showing to closing. market. Call Deb!

Janice Kostopoulos

Ryan DeLisle

RYAN.DELISLE@CBREALTY.COM 781-367-1107

JANICE.KOSTOPOULOS@CBREALTY.COM 617-365-6316

Zoe Karademos

ZOE.KARADEMOS@CBREALTY.COM 781-405-7122

One simple goal.Get you the Full time Marblehead Realtor. best outcome! Smart strategy, Call or text For Wherever creative negotiating.

Relentless follow through from You’re Headed. start to sold.

Putting buyers and sellers first with trusted guidance backed by knowledge and experience.

Coldwell Banker Realty | 2 Atlantic Ave. Marblehead, MA 01945 | 781-631-9511 | ColdwellBankerHomes.com Affiliated real estate agents are independent contractor sales associates, not employees. ©2025 Coldwell Banker. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker logo are trademarks of Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. The Coldwell Banker® System is comprised of company owned offices which are owned by a subsidiary of Anywhere Advisors LLC and franchised offices which are independently owned and operated. The Coldwell Banker System fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act.

DECK IS OPEN

COMPASSIONATE • RELIABLE • LOCAL

and Heated

NEW MENU-NEW SEASON Fresh flavors, coastal vibes and everything you’ve been craving • Lobster Ravioli • Bucatini Seafood Pasta • Grilled Octopus • Brick Chicken • Brayan’s Steak • Landing Salmon • Landing Swordfish • Avocado & Pea Gazpacho • Fried Burrata BLT Salad • And so much more!

LIVE MUSIC 7pm-10pm

May 7 - Glass Harbor Band May 14 - Fun Bucket May 21 - True North May 28 - CODE 51

Care That Feels Like Family Trusted home care for those you love most

OUR SERVICES ✓ Personal Care

Bathing, dressing, hygiene

✓ Companionship Friendly daily visits

✓ Live-In Care

Around-the-clock in-home support

✓ Nursing / RN Services Skilled clinical care at home

✓ Meal Preparation

Nutritious home-cooked meals

✓ Medication Reminders Safe, on-time support

✓ Transportation

Appointments & errands

✓ Respite Care

Relief for family caregivers

✓ 24/7 Availability

Care when you need it

WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE US

81 Front Street Marblehead “On the Harbor” 781-639-1266

• Carefully screened, trained caregivers • Personalized care plans, flexible scheduling • Locally owned, serving our community • Dementia & Alzheimer's experience • Complicated care • Hospice & End-of-life support

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE CONSULTATION

781-631-4000 www.neighborgoodcare.org info@neighborgoodcare.org

THELANDINGRESTAURANT.COM BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Solving the care conundrum