Capacity issues postpone, relocate Town Meeting
BY WILL DOWD AND LEIGH BLANDER
A record-breaking crowd threw Marblehead’s annual Town Meeting into disarray Monday night, forcing Town Moderator Jack Attridge to postpone the meeting to Tuesday night and move it to the Marblehead High School field house.
More than 2,000 voters tried to attend Town Meeting in the Veterans School Performing Arts Center and gymnasium, exceeding safety limits, according to Fire Chief Jason Gilliland. Attendees in the gym also said they could not see the screen broadcasting from the PAC.
“This is sort of a moderator’s worst nightmare,” Attridge said. “Nobody wants to do this meeting tonight more than I do.”
Since 1983, a regular Town Meeting has not exceeded 850 attendees, according to Town Clerk Robin Michaud.
“Our venerable institution showed its strength last night,” Atrridge wrote in a statement Tuesday morning.
“It also challenged decades of attendance which, despite planning for more than double the maximum we have seen since the early 80s, overwhelmed the venue and overflow room.” After the PAC cleared out,
» Select Board OKs three union contracts hours before Town Meeting Monday. Page 2.
Select Board member Moses Grader said the town was “a victim of its own success.”
“There was such a great buzz here, and the anticipation for the agenda was really pretty good,” he said. “We’re going to have a debate, and we’re going to resolve it the way we’ve done for 375 years.”
Longtime voter Christine Nuccio recalled quieter nights in the past. She said she has not missed a single Town Meeting in 35-plus years.
“There have been many years that it’s 7 p.m., and we’re begging people to come down in
order to have a quorum,” Nuccio said.
The historic crowd was presumably there to vote on the contentious MBTA Communities Act multifamily zoning question.
Other hot topics on the warrant included two debt exclusion overrides to replace the Marblehead High School roof and renovate the Mary Alley Municipal Building. Voters
were also expected to decide whether to approve recalls for elected officials and whether to ax the town’s new sustainability coordinator position.
Earlier in the evening, it was learned that the new clicker voting system for Town Meeting had hardware problems at Vets and could not be used. League of Women Voters volunteers were on site to conduct hand counts.
BY WILL DOWD
BOSTON — A federal judge has ruled against Egypt House of Marblehead, which claims it is an Orthodox Christian monastery. The judge denied a preliminary injunction that would have banned Marbehead and state tax officials from inspecting the property.
U.S. District Court Judge Brian E. Murphy issued the decision Thursday, ruling that Marblehead-based Egypt House failed to establish a likelihood of success on the merits of its religious discrimination claims. The ruling allows town assessors to proceed with an inspection of the property at 12 Conant Road, which Egypt House purchased in June 2022 and claimed qualified for religious tax exemption as a chapel, clergy residence and retreat center. Egypt House had sought to block specific town officials — particularly naming John Kelley, chair of the Board of Assessors and Matthew Provencher, town counsel, — from conducting
the inspection and to prohibit photographing or handling religious objects within the monastery. The organization’s attorney, attorney Tracey M.A. Stockton, contended during the hearing that such actions would desecrate consecrated religious space.
During that hearing, Stockton argued that allowing certain town officials to conduct inspections would violate
and harm
Bushell’s religious standing. “If Father Andrew were to break or ignore the holy canons, he would be subject to deposition ... and a trial of excommunication,” Stockton told the court. “It is not possible to admit laity into the chapel... and for laity to touch the holy objects, the holy vessels, the holy altars or to photograph the same.”
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Reaction was swift to the School Committee’s 4-1 vote Thursday night to adopt a flag policy that may lead to the removal of Pride, Black Lives Matter and other flags and banners in Marblehead schools.
“While I am disappointed that the School Committee has once again disregarded the needs and voices of Marblehead students, very little surprises me after the last eight months,” Marblehead High School teacher Ashley Skeffington told the Current.
“At this point, my only hope is for new leadership on the board with the coming election. This is frankly an embarrassment for Marblehead.”
The flag debate has roiled the community for more than 18
months, starting when a mother removed the Black Lives Matter flag without permission from the MHS cafeteria. The School Committee then reached out to its attorney to draft a policy regulating flags.
Despite vocal opposition from many students, teachers and community members, the School Committee presented and repeatedly tweaked a policy. The ultimate version allows, by right, only the U.S., Massachusetts and POW-MIA flags to be affixed to school property, along with six heritage month flags that can be displayed during respective months.
The superintendent may also recommend additional flags and banners, but the
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Father Andrew Bushell and attorney Tracey M.A. Stockton confer during the April 29 federal court hearing in Boston, where Egypt House sought a preliminary injunction to block Marblehead officials from inspecting its Orthodox monastery.
CURRENT PHOTO / MARC GRAZADO
The overflow crowd packed the Veterans School Performing Arts Center and gymnasium. Some people in the gym said they couldn’t see a screen broadcasting from the PAC.
ELECTION 2025
Alison Taylor seeks second term on School Committee
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The last of five candidates to pull papers for next month’s School Committee election, incumbent Alison Taylor, is asking voters for a second three-year term. Taylor’s young son attends Marblehead schools. She is a trained civil engineer who works as a “senior manager of customer success” at biotech firm Labviva.
“One of my primary goals for the next term is to continue supporting and collaborating with this leadership team to further improve the district’s culture — one that values transparency, fosters trust and prioritizes student-center decision making,” Taylor wrote to the Current. She added, “Another important goal is to maintain fiscal responsibility and ensure property stewardship of district resources. Over the past two years, we have tremendously improved the level of detail
to the line item level and ease of availability of our budget, which dramatically increased transparency within our community. (Anyone remember the one paper binder on Widger Road?)”
The School Committee has experienced a turbulent few years, with three superintendents, several high-level administrative departures, a student restraint crisis, a flag policy controversy, delays in repairing the high school’s leaking roof and at
least three lawsuits that are still pending.
“This School Committee has certainly encountered a number of situations that no other elected board has in town,” Taylor said. “While the past two years have undoubtedly been challenging, the commitment to transparency and focus on student decision-making have helped guide the committee through a period of necessary change.”
Taylor sits on the School Committee’s policy subcommittee where she supported a policy to allow only the U.S., state and POW/ MIA flags on school property, by right, along with flags marking six heritage months. It gives the superintendent the power to recommend additional flags to the School Committee.
Taylor is also passionate about passing a new policy extending recess time, especially in the younger grades.
Asked about her position on recent federal orders to remove diversity, equity and inclusion language and programming from the schools, Taylor answered, “Should there be any directives or commendations regarding DEI curriculum, good governance, which I pride myself on practicing, would require the full committee to thoughtfully review and deliberate on those changes in a public session. It’s important to remember that DESE (the state’s Department of Early and Secondary Education) provides all frameworks (math, ELA, social studies, DEI etc.), and all local school committees must ensure that the funds are available to support these frameworks.”
Other candidates running for two open seats on the School Committee are incumbent Sarah Fox, attorney Kate Schmeckpeper, graphic designer Henry Gwazda and Emily DeJoy.
Magen brings municipal law background to Select Board race
BY WILL DOWD
Local municipal attorney Yael Magen is running for Select Board in the upcoming June 10 election, highlighting her extensive experience in municipal law and committing herself to preserving Marblehead’s multigenerational character while addressing the town’s pressing challenges.
With nearly a decade of experience representing municipalities across
Massachusetts, including Wakefield, Winfield and Princeton, Magen believes her professional background gives her unique insight into effective local government operations at a time when Marblehead faces significant financial and administrative hurdles.
“My daily job is to help those who run towns and basically give advice to those who run towns, to select boards, to planning boards, chiefs of police, school
committees, town employees working with the unions, like all local government bodies that operate a town or a city,” Magen told the Current.
Magen, who has lived in Marblehead since 2014, resides with her father, three children and brother, who owns a local business. Her family ties run deep, with her children actively involved in local schools and activities.
The candidate’s decision to run comes amid challenges facing the
town, particularly its ongoing budget constraints.
Magen identifies three main priorities for her campaign: a new town charter being developed, budget challenges and zoning reform.
Charter, budget and zoning
The town charter, expected to be drafted by 2026, represents a
P. 6
Select Board OKs three union contracts hours before Town Meeting Monday
BY WILL DOWD
The Select Board approved contracts with all three municipal unions Monday morning, ending more than a year of contentious negotiations and just hours before Town Meeting began. After a two-hour executive session, the board voted to approve a three-year contract with the Marblehead Municipal Employees Union and endorsed contracts with the town’s police and fire unions during a special meeting held at 8 a.m.
“Thrilled, I’m happy we were able to get all three contracts settled before Town Meeting,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said following the votes.
The agreement with the municipal employees union, which represents about 80% of the town’s non-school workforce, includes cost-of-living adjustments of 2% effective July 1, 2024, followed by 3% increases in both 2025 and 2026. The contract runs through June 30, 2027.
Firefighters received a oneyear “bridge” contract running from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, with a 3% cost-of-living adjustment.
The police union contract, spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2028, includes an accepted salary schedule, though specific annual percentage increases weren’t disclosed during open session.
Select Board member Bret Murray
recused himself from votes on the police and fire contracts.
All three agreements are contingent on funding approval at Town Meeting. (Visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for the latest on Town Meeting votes.)
The last-minute agreement represents a significant shift from the acrimonious labor relations that have dominated town politics in recent months.
The Massachusetts Department of Labor Relations had scheduled hearings for March 2026 after finding probable cause to support claims of surface bargaining and unreasonable delays filed by the municipal employees union.
Former union president Terri Tauro had filed a new complaint on April 22, alleging four unfair labor practices during contract
talks, including claims that the town unilaterally implemented a short-term disability insurance benefit without proper bargaining and improperly removed the finance benefit coordinator position from the bargaining unit.
Just two weeks ago, on April 23, about a dozen municipal employees demonstrated outside Abbot Hall with signs demanding fair contracts. During that protest, Tauro addressed the board during public comment, reminding officials of their legal obligations to municipal employees.
“Municipal union workers make up 80% of your workforce,” Tauro told the board at that time. “We take care of your children and your seniors. We make sure you have clean water, clean streets and so much more.”
After the contracts were signed, Tauro added, “I stepped down to focus on my campaign and family but the MMEU gave it their all for over a year. Although we did not have enough time, or cooperation, that we needed for our members, we did make progress at the very end.”
The Marblehead Police Union (MASS C.O.P. Local 437) had been working without a contract since July 1, 2024, while the Marblehead Firefighters Union (IAFF Local 2043) was in the final months of its current agreement set to expire on June 30, 2025. The contracts affect more than 300 non-school municipal workers across departments ranging from public works to schools, libraries to public safety.
Alison Taylor
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer, far right, reviews final details with the Marblehead Select Board during a special meeting Monday morning, May 5, where the board unanimously approved contracts with all three municipal unions ahead of Town Meeting.
important asset to Betty, and later Tom McNulty, who succeeded her as town clerk. When Tom retired, he recommended Robin to succeed him, as she had become the clerk in the clerk’s office. Robin graduated from Betty’s Boot Camp to become Tom’s master sergeant.
Now here we are, another election for Robin to supervise, but now she’s facing not one but two candidates for the position of town clerk, at a time of unprecedented turbulence on the national electoral scene, the likes of which I never thought would happen in our country.
Robin knows how to preside over the sacred right and privilege of our elections. Your ballot will be protected.
Abraham Lincoln, at a period of great uncertainty, wrote: “During a time of crisis is not the best time to swap horses while crossing the river ...”
Please vote Robin Michaud for Marblehead town clerk... Experience Counts.
Jay Michaud Ocean Ave
Teacher expresses gratitude upon school return
To the editor:
This week I returned to my teaching position at the Glover School after being away for over a year. As I walked through the school’s doors, I found myself feeling so grateful for all those who helped to bring me back to this special place.
First, I’m grateful for the unflagging support from the union leadership, especially Sally Shevory and union attorney Paul Facklam. Their steadfast guidance, tireless advocacy and genuine belief in me gave me the strength to carry on.
I’m also grateful to my fellow teachers, who faithfully stood by me and welcomed me back with great enthusiasm. I truly could not have faced this journey without them. And I can’t forget the support and generosity of the Glover School PTO, which provided the teachers and staff with lunch this week. Their steadfast support reminds me of the vital partnership that exists between teachers and parents. Finally, I am grateful to interim Superintendent John Robidoux and Glover School Principal Frank Kowalski, who warmly welcomed me back to the Marblehead Public Schools.
I look forward to continuing to serve this community that I love and dedicating myself to providing our children with the best possible education. Nothing could be more important.
Patty Frawley Miles Standish Road
Light commissioner responds to letter writer
To the editor:
A recent letter to the editor misstated the structure and workings of the Marblehead Municipal Light Department and its board, the Marblehead Municipal Light Commission. The Light Department is not an enterprise fund. Enterprise funds are set up as part of the town government structure under MGL Chapter 44. Instead, MMLD is a utility that operates separately from town government under the provisions of MGL Chapter 164 and is regulated by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and other state and federal entities. It is owned by the town, but its management is completely independent.
Members of the Marblehead
Municipal Light Commission are elected by residents to oversee MMLD, in the interest of the town. The board sets electricity rates, hires and evaluates the performance of the general manager, and approves MMLD’s budget, which is set within the constraints of the law and specific regulations pertinent to Massachusetts utilities: this is not done at Town Meeting but at Light Commission meetings, which are open to the public.
As it pertains to the current general manager’s contract, we are acting in the best interest of the town to ensure management continuity while we search for and hire his successor. (For completeness: while the board has decided not to enter into a new contract with the general manager at the contract expiration in April 2026, one member of the board, Commissioner Hull, is in favor of extending this contract.) We are fortunate to have skilled and dedicated Light Department employees. We want to foster an environment where staff members are heard and we can continue to attract the best people in the field.
Hiring the next general manager is not a trivial matter. MMLD is the town’s sole electricity provider, and while it has a reputation for reliability, we cannot afford to risk that reliability – particularly given our aged electrical infrastructure, an uncertain energy environment and an increased need for resiliency. We invite residents to learn more about the Marblehead Municipal Light Department and the board you have elected to oversee MMLD. Our meetings are open to the public, and you can participate either in person or remotely. Our meetings usually take place on the last Tuesday of the month. If you cannot participate in person, recordings of Light Commission meetings and their minutes are posted on the MMLD website. You can also reach out to any of the commissioners: we welcome these exchanges.
Jean-Jacques Yarmoff Franklin Street
Resident marvels at school concert, praises conductor
To the editor: A wonder.
I attended the spring concert of the string players from the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades and performance by the seniors at the end. It was marvelous. The maestro, Mrs. Frias was very much in total command of a position that was granted to her by her students. It
is wonder to write about such an obvious and rewarding event.
I have been a voting resident for 65 years, my son graduated from the old high school. Needless to say I’ve been there and done that, paid my taxes all these years. The benefit was always somewhat of a mystery. Why?
The vision this senior has of the school students was lacking in reality. To attend a performance of children and see their devotion and commitment to a most wonderful director, the conductor, a maestro was not only enlightening it was a true joy. She held every child’s attention which she rewarded them with a smile and a nod. It was a sight to behold.
Mrs. Frias’ classes must be wonderful. A truly talented and devoted educator. Our children are most lucky.
Perry Pratt Pleasant Street School Committee has been anything but transparent
To the editor:
This School Committee, which has promised to be more transparent and to have the students, teachers, administration and community their #1 priority, has been anything but!
I would like to notify the Jewish community that after hearing from one after another member asking this SC when the Israeli flag would be replaced, I ordered one immediately after a SC meeting a few weeks ago. Three days later it was delivered to my home and the next day I personally delivered it to the administration building., addressed in alphabetical order to the full School Committee.
Wednesday at the School Committee’s “office hours” at the Muffin Shop, with members Al Williams and Alison Taylor, I asked when will the SC be replacing the missing Israeli flag. They looked at each in surprise and had no idea what I was talking about.
Well, no reason to replace now because it is not allowed along with, the gay pride, Black Lives Matter, autism or any flags representing countries of the world. Each one of these flags represents history, current events and geography.
What is next, book banning?
I was told we have a very comprehensive policy in place, is this SC going to make changes and what changes will they be?
Al Williams was explaining to the board why he was voting no on the flag issue when Sarah Fox and Jenn Schaeffner were trying to get him to change his
vote to a yes, when Jenn said that a community member gave her a flag and what happens if we get one flag after another!
Angry was not the word to describe how disgusted I was feeling. She didn’t immediately tell Al that the community member was me and that flag was a replacement for the missing Israeli flag.
I was beyond angry with Jenn’s actions.
To my former customers of which many were from the Jewish community that I assisted and got to know while working at Infinity Boutique for 14 years; for our company customers of over 50 years and to the parents that your kiddo’s call me Nanny Mc, I encourage you to vote for a recall and vote School Committee members Sarah, Jenn, Alison, and Brian out! In almost two years these individuals have caused so much chaos. They have promised to listen to our students, teachers, administrators and stakeholders, they have not! They are not to be trusted. In almost two years since they have been seated, what have they accomplished?
Just look at how much we, the taxpayers, have had to pay in legal expenses, a strike that should not have happened and divisiveness in our town.
On election day we have a choice. Our family and friends are endorsing Katie Schmeckpeper & Henry Gwazda for School Committee.
Please vote for the new high school roof. Don’t punish our kids for the incompetence of members of this board!
Please get out and vote! Our kids depend on it!
Mary McCarriston Pinecliff Drive
Experience counts
To the editor:
I can’t believe I’m gonna talk politics. What with all that’s goin’ on in our nation, I’ve done my best to keep politics to myself. But here I am, stickin’ my nose into the ballot scenario.
On the local end of the ballot marking Sharpy this year, we have three choices for the elected position of town clerk. Now, right off the bat, I must admit here to a bias towards one candidate, which is no secret; Robin is very much related to Susan and me. On a personal level, she blessed us with four extraordinary grandkids and two great-grandkids, twins, no less (any grandparent harbors similar feelings towards their grandchildren, for us it’s true). Okay, I’ve got the family stuff on the table, so it’s a sure thing we’ll be supporting Robin at the ballot box. But why should you? Here’s a good one-word
reason: Experience. What do I mean about experience? Well, about 25 years ago. Betty Brown, long-time town clerk, needed help. Her department was short-handed and things were piling up. At the same time, Robin, a young mother, thought it was a good time to look for a job. She applied; Betty was impressed and hired her on the spot. Nothing like starting at the bottom, right?
Well, to make a long story longer, Robin quickly became an extremely important asset to Betty, and later Tom McNulty, who succeeded her as town clerk. When Tom retired, he recommended Robin to succeed him, as she had become the clerk in the Clerk’s office. Robin graduated from Betty’s boot camp to become Tom’s master sergeant.
Now here we are, another election for Robin to supervise, but now she’s facing not one but two candidates for the position of town clerk, at a time of unprecedented turbulence on the national electoral scene, the likes of which I never thought would happen in our country. Robin knows how to preside over the sacred right and privilege of our elections. Your ballot will be protected.
Abraham Lincoln, at a period of great uncertainty, wrote: “During a time of crisis is not the best time to swap horses while crossing the river…” Please vote Robin Michaud for Marblehead town clerk. Experience counts.
Jay Michaud Ocean Avenue
Who’s making decisions about the Stramski dock?
To the editor:
The letter from James Hourihan reflected my similar recognition that it’s strange that the town is always complaining it hasn’t enough money when there are ample examples of waste. One that doesn’t seem to have had any “ink” is the current (but slow) project to replace all the rotten wood in the fairly new dock structure at Stramski Park with pressuretreated wood. Someone must be responsible for the decision to use the inappropriate material there. How much is this costing? And, what has it cost already to further the completely stalled project to turn the town-owned house at the end of Stramski into some sort of public venue even though there is no handicap access there?
Mason Dodge Road
Paul
COURTESY PHOTO
Glover School teachers welcome back colleague Patty Frawley (center, holding flowers) after her year-plus absence. A state arbitrator ruled that Frawley had been fired improperly and ordered that she be allowed to return to work. The arbitrator also ordered the district to pay Frawley for the time she was not working.
Students overwhelmingly vote down citizen article trying to ax sustainability job
BY WILL DOWD
In a decisive show of hands, seventh-grade students at Veterans Middle School overwhelmingly rejected a citizen petition to eliminate the town’s sustainability coordinator position during a mock town meeting Thursday, preserving the role many argued was vital to the coastal community’s future.
The mock town meeting focused on Article 47, which proposed cutting the $73,000 position that some have characterized as redundant and unnecessary during tight budget times. After hearing arguments from both sides, students voted by significant margin to maintain the sustainability coordinator role.
“It does not pass, and we keep our sustainability coordinator,” announced Town Moderator Jack Attridge after votes by a show of hands.
The exercise mimicked the real town meeting process that Marblehead has practiced for 376 years, long predating the Revolutionary War. Students in teachers’ Noah Pasackow and Bill Shull’s social studies classes spent weeks preparing for the mock town meeting as part of a hands-on civics unit.
Students researched municipal budgeting, crafted arguments for and against the article and delivered public speeches before voting. The exercise was designed to mirror the actual Town Meeting process and give
students a deeper understanding of how direct democracy functions in their community.
“The sustainability coordinator is very important because it improves the quality of the town and enhances the town’s environmental resilience,” argued one student. “Vote no article 47 to keep our sustainability coordinator and our time safe.”
Those favoring elimination cited financial concerns amid budget constraints.
“With a budget shortfall this year, our town is unnecessarily spending $73,000 a year for a position to be eco-friendly,” countered another student.
Several students emphasized the coordinator’s success in securing grants, with one noting
the position “has raised more than $450,000 which is more than six times annual salary.”
After the debate, Attridge explained why Town Meeting remains valuable despite being time-consuming.
“Town Meeting is meant to be a deliberative process where both sides can argue out that case through a deliberative process with your community members,” he told students. “It’s amazing. It can be a sacrifice to participate in our form of government.”
The actual Town Meeting begins Monday night. Students were assigned to either attend or watch the proceedings, which will include debate on over 50 articles, including zoning changes and approving the town’s $120
million budget.
Last year, Marblehead introduced electronic voting devices to make the process more efficient and reduce intimidation for voters.
“There’s no intimidation to how you vote,” Attridge explained. “If you’re sitting next to somebody that is for a cause and you have to be against it, but they’re your friend, you can just click the button and vote more anonymously.”
The mock meeting, in its second year, included faculty members and a surprise appearance by the actual sustainability coordinator Logan Casey, offered students a firsthand experience with town government.
Sports
ON TRACK
MHS girls track falls from unbeaten ranks; Masco completes sweep in boys meet
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High girls spring track team (4-1) lost its first meet of the year to Masco, 74-62 on April 30. The boys (2-3) were also upended by the Chieftains, 103-33. “Masco was quite impressive,” coach Nolan Raimo said succinctly after the double loss.
Girls high jump
Paige Tredwell (5-0) won the high jump on just one single attempt. “Paige passed on 4-10 after two misses to put pressure on the Masco high jumper, who did not clear that height, and she then proceeded to leap five-feet on her last attempt,” said Raimo.
Elise Burchfield (4-10) finished second. “This was her fourth event of the day, and fatigue was starting to set in,” said Raimo.
Boys high jump
Clark Roszell (5-8) tied his personal best to come in second. “Clark has been incredibly consistent with his 5-8 clearances, and even though he’s changing his form in practice for the better, he’s still clearing 5-8, which is a great sign,” said Raimo.
Seamus Crowley (5-6) returned from injury to place third. Noah Smerka and Colin Burke (5-2) tied for fifth.
Girls long jump
Elise Burchfield (16-2) bested the entire field. Tredwell (13-7.5) ended up sixth. Faith Apostolopoulos (12-6.5) was right behind her in seventh place. Arianna Leahy (12-3) came in eighth. Both Apostolopoulos
and Leahy are newcomers to the event.
Boys long jump
Elian Colon (17-5) placed third in his first varsity jump of the season. “Elian has been finding success in many events, while also coming through with quality
BY JOE MCCONNELL
NAME: Nate Jaffe
AGE: 18
FAMILY: PARENTS: Peter and Alexandra Jaffe; siblings: Alexis, 20; Amelia, 15
SCHOOL YEAR: Senior
SPORTS YOU PLAY: Skiing
FAVORITE SPORT, AND
WHY: Definitely skiing. I like how it’s an individual sport, yet there’s so much team camaraderie.
MOST MEMORABLE
times and distances,” said Raimo.
Noah Jackson (16-7) returned to the long jump for the first time this spring after jumping indoors, and was able to finish sixth. Marco Bonalume (15-2), an exchange student from Italy, has made an immediate impact
as a jumper, and it’s all because of his dedication and discipline, according to Raimo. In his varsity debut against Masco, he accounted for a seventh-place finish. Nate Selby (14-7.25) came in eighth.
Girls triple jump
Campbell Crane (29-4.5) secured a vital point in this close meet to account for a third-place finish.
Boys triple jump
Claudio Gusmao Gonzalez (327) secured a fifth-place finish.
Girls shot put Lillian Reddy (31-10) came out on top after nearing her personal best that she set during the indoor season.
Hannah O’Brien (24-3) captured third. Naomi Goodwin (23-9.5), competing in only her second meet of the season, continued to make progress, according to Raimo. Hailey Gilmore (21-4.5) was eighth.
Boys shot put Logan McRae-Hughes (33-3) finished fifth. Tucker Crane (328) was a close sixth, followed by Isaiah Byron-Smarra (30-9, personal best by over five-feet) seventh and Connor Noonan (26-9) eighth.
Girls discus Reddy threw an impressive 79-8 to finish second. O’Brien (73-9) followed with a fourthplace finish. Loren Liu (57-1.5) was seventh, and Gilmore (548.5) eighth.
Boys discus Graham Firestone (124-1.5,
personal best) was credited with a first-place finish. “Graham is now third on our all-time list for discus throwers, or 20-feet behind his coach Danny Plunkett,” said Raimo. McRae-Hughes (110-10.5) was third, Crane (90-7.5) seventh and Noonan (63-10) eighth.
Girls javelin Mia Mabry (64-5, personal best) led the way for Marblehead with a fourth-place finish. Julia Betz (53-7) finished sixth, Jesslyn Roemer (44-9) was seventh and Addison Rotigliano (43-5, personal best) eighth.
Boys javelin
Phineas Jakious (123-6) came in fourth, and was followed by Firestone (114-11), who finished sixth.
Girls 400-meter hurdles
Juliet Burchfield (77.0. personal best) earned an important second place finish to keep the meet close.
Boys 400-meter hurdles
Colin Hart (65.3) continues to lead this hurdle squad after finishing third in this meet. Brady Leveroni (70.2) turned in an impressive debut to finish fifth.
Girls 100-meter hurdles
Elise Burchfield (16.4, personal best) came in second. Tredwell (16.8), battling a foot injury, still managed to finish third. Leahy (19.2) was sixth.
Boys 100-meter hurdles
Magicians weekly sports notebook
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Girls tennis sweeps the week
As the calendar flips to a new month, the Marblehead High girls tennis team (6-3) is beginning to turn the corner. They won three straight last week, all on the road, which doubled up their record with a more positive outlook.
defeated Sophie Sanidas in three sets, 6-2, 4-6, 6-0. But Johnson lost a close second singles match to Josie Vogel, 4-6, 1-6. Abbie Goodwin got it right back after beating Hadley Brown in third singles, 6-1, 6-1.
MEET FOR YOU, AND WHY: My most memorable race was definitely our final (regular season) race at Blue Hills this season. It was super surreal being at the start gate for the last time, and you could feel the team bond that we had created throughout the season.
PLANS FOR AFTER MHS: I plan to attend the honors college at the University of Pittsburgh.
MAJOR: Nursing DO YOU WANT TO PLAY SPORTS IN COLLEGE: No
DESIRED CAREER: Certified registered nurse anesthetist
The Magicians first shutout Saugus, 5-0. Samara Dosch aced her first singles opponent, 6-0, 6-0. Nina Johnson came out on top in second singles, 6-1, 6-4. Caroline Crosby, making her varsity debut, came away with a win in third singles, 6-3, 6-1.
The first doubles team of Josie and Callie Gilmore breezed to victory, 6-0, 6-0. Zoi Guzzini and Erin Wilder secured their first varsity victory as a second doubles team, 6-0, 6-1.
“It was great to see our ‘bench’ players in a varsity match, and come away with a win,” said coach Tracy Ackerman. “It shows the depth that we have on our team.”
The Marblehead girls then edged Danvers, 3-2. Dosch first
Lani Gilmore and Reese Friedman remained undefeated in conference play after taking care of Raina Langlois and Ava Nadeau in first doubles, 6-1, 6-4. Josie Reers and Callie Gilmore then lost to Paige Sherman and Isabel Beaudoin in second doubles, 2-6, 6-3, 3-6.
“Danvers is always a competitive, but friendly match, and this one was no exception,” said Ackerman. “Their second doubles team really came on strong to win that match in three sets, but we were happy to walk away with three points, knowing what a strong team they have this year.”
The Marblehead girls closed out last week on May 2 with another grinder, this time edging powerhouse Masco, 3-2.
“I was super proud of the girls in this match against the Chieftains,” said Ackerman. “We finally beat Masco after they dominated our conference the last six years.
“Abbie Goodwin was clutch for us in third singles after Masco’s Sophia Donnellan edged her in a recent three set match. Abbie was able to return the favor, winning 6-2, 6-7 (5-7), 6-0,” added Ackerman.
“The pressure was then on our second doubles team of Josie Reers and Caroline Bruett to get that third point to win the overall match, but they did win it, 7-5, 6-3. Josie and Caroline stayed cool under pressure. Josie was super aggressive at the net, while Bruett provided consistency. As usual, I could count on my first doubles team of Lani Gilmore and Reese Friedman to win their match, which they did, 6-2, 6-3.” In the first two singles matches, Masco standout Teegan Skully defeated Dosch, 6-0, 6-1, and freshman Ria Kundalia shutout Johnson, 6-0, 6-0.
“I like the improvements that I’m seeing from our players, as
COURTESY PHOTO / COLIN HART
Marblehead High boys track sophomore Filip Grubor mugs for the camera, before completing the mile against Masco on April 30.
we move toward the end of the regular season. But there are some very challenging matches still ahead of us,” Ackerman said. “But beating Masco, the former state champions, will certainly give us confidence going forward.”
Softball team returns to the win column after close loss
The Marblehead High softball team (9-1) bounced back from the Masco 1-0 heartbreaker to beat Boston Latin Academy (8-1) and Salem (4-0). The game against the Chieftains just might turned out to be a mere blip in the season that still has these Magicians on a collision course for Amherst. The early Division 2 power rankings has them seeded 18th, as of May 2. But they should be moving up considerably over the next several weeks, as long as they keep on compiling the wins.
Pitcher Tessa Francis gave up five hits, while striking out 16 Boston Latin batters. She also helped her own cause offensively with two doubles and two RBI. Ashley Mortensen scored three times after reaching base on three hits. Nora Mahan was credited with two hits.
Two days later on April 30 at Salem, the Marblehead girls shutout the Witches, 4-0. Francis only had to face 23 batters, striking out 19 of them to record her second no-hitter of the year.
Mahan doubled in the sixth, and all-star Luka Bornhorst immediately drove her home with another double. Hailey Schmitt knocked in two more in the seventh inning.
Baseball Magicians drop two After beating Division 1 powerhouse Pope Francis in the consolation game of the St. Mary’s Spartan Invitational Tournament in extra innings (eight), 4-3, the Marblehead High baseball team (3-4 in the Northeastern Conference, 6-6 overall) dropped two games to Salem (14-0) and non-league host Bishop Fenwick (5-3).
The Salem game ended after six innings, because of the mercy rule. “It was just one of those games that for every ball Salem (seemingly) put in play, we had difficulty fielding it,” said coach Mike Giardi, “and although (pitcher) Ian McComish (4.1 innings, 10 hits, 6 runs, 4 earned, 2 walks, 2 strikeouts) battled most of the way, extra outs put him in some difficult situations that he couldn’t always get out of it (unscathed).”
While at the other end of the spectrum, Salem was just dominant on the mound, giving up only two hits. Stefan Shepard and E.J. Wyman each singled once to account for those hits. It was a much closer game against host Bishop Fenwick two days later on May 1.
Wednesday, May 7
4 p.m., softball, Peabody, Kiley Bros. School, Peabody
4 p.m., girls tennis, Pentucket Regional, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Beverly, Beverly High
Thursday, May 8
4 p.m., baseball, Peabody, Seaside Park
4 p.m., girls tennis, HamiltonWenham, Tea House Courts, Wenham
4:30 p.m., boys tennis, HamiltonWenham, Marblehead High Friday, May 9
4 p.m., girls tennis, Peabody, Peabody Veteran Memorial High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Winthrop, Marblehead High
4:30 p.m., baseball, Gloucester, O’Maley Middle School,
The Crusaders were able to jump out to a 5-0 lead after two innings. They scored three in the first, and two more in the second to account for the runs. But the Magicians were able to fight back in the fifth, when they loaded the bases with no outs. Throughout this rally, they were able to score three to narrow the deficit to two.
Carter Sahagian pitched the first five innings, giving up nine hits, five runs, four earned and one walk. He fanned five. Kiernan Moss took over on the mound in the sixth. He recorded zeroes across the board with two strikeouts.
The Magicians collected four hits in this game, and Rory Zampese had two of them to lead the way. Colt Wales and Owen Coyne each singled once. Greyson Leventhal and Shepard were credited with one RBI apiece.
Fenwick snaps Marblehead’s five game winning streak in girls lacrosse
The Marblehead High girls lacrosse team (7-5 overall, 4-1 in the NEC Dunn Division) had its five-game winning streak snapped by the non-league Bishop Fenwick Crusaders on the road Saturday afternoon (May 3), 11-4. The Magicians started the week with wins against Salem (16-2) and Beverly (14-13).
The game against Bishop Fenwick was close at the half, with the Magicians trailing by one, 4-3.
Kathryn Commoss (2 goals), Gretchen Smith (1 goal, 1 assist), Caitlyn Ryan (1 goal) and Zoe Dwyer (1 assist) were the Marblehead offensive leaders against the Crusaders. Goalie Molly Bullard tried to keep her teammates close on the scoreboard with seven saves.
Against the Witches, the Marblehead girls exploded out of the gate, and led at halftime,
Gloucester
4:30 p.m., girls lacrosse, Gloucester, MHS Piper Field
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Gloucester, Gloucester High
4:30 p.m., softball, Gloucester, Marblehead Veterans Middle Monday, May 12
4 p.m., softball, Danvers, Marblehead Veterans Middle
4 p.m., girls tennis, Gloucester, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Swampscott, Swampscott Middle
4:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Peabody, MHS Piper Field
6 p.m., girls lacrosse, Peabody, Peabody Veterans Memorial High
6:30 p.m., baseball, Danvers, Twi Field, Danvers Tuesday, May 13
14-1.
Maddie Forbes (5 goals, 1 assist), Ramona Gillett (3 goals, 1 assist), Emma Ryan (1 goal), Anna Rausch (1 goal), Ella McConnell (1 goal), Commoss (3 goals, 1 assist), Smith (1 goal) and Dwyer (1 goal, 4 assists) factored into the offense, while Bullard accounted for seven stops.
The Beverly game was close throughout, but the Magicians were in front at the two most important checkpoints to secure the win. They led at halftime, 8-7, and for the most part maintained the one-goal advantage all the way to the end. Forbes (6 goals, 2 assists), Gillett (3 goals, 1 assist), Commoss (1 goal, 1 assist), Smith (1 goal, 3 assists), Caitlyn Ryan (1 goal, 1 assist), Dwyer (1 goal, 1 assist) and Maggie Svencer (1 goal) took care of the offense. Bullard made 10 saves in net.
“We played as a team, and won as a team in this close game against Beverly,” said coach Annie Madden. “We played hard, pretty lacrosse, and in this game, Ramona Gillett scored her 100th career goal, while our defense was the difference against a strong, fast Beverly team.”
Boys tennis keeps on winning
The Marblehead High boys tennis team (7-0 in the NEC, 8-1 overall) won three more matches last week against Salem (5-0), Swampscott (4-1) and Masco (4-1), as they continue to cruise through the spring season. They are the 15th seed in the Division 2 power rankings, as of May 2.
The Magicians wrapped up last week with two matches on the same day, because of Mother Nature. The match against Masco on April 15 was suspended, because of thunderstorms. The action resumed last Friday, May 2, before the regularly scheduled matchup.
4 p.m., boys and girls outdoor track, multiple schools, Gloucester High
Wednesday, May 14
4 p.m., baseball, Beverly, Beverly High
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Masconomet, MHS Piper Field
4 p.m., boys lacrosse, Masconomet, Masconomet Regional High
4 p.m., softball, Beverly, Beverly High
4 p.m., girls tennis, Beverly, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Salem, Seaside Park
Thursday, May 15
4 p.m., girls tennis, Danvers, Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Malden Catholic, Malden Catholic
The Magicians completed the 5-0 shutout of the Chieftains, and then with many of the same players on the court won the regularly scheduled matchup, 4-1.
“Masco is a very strong, young team, and I expect they will be even stronger next season,” said coach Elisabeth Foukal.
Senior tri-captain Etan Farfel defeated Kai Hird in first singles of the suspended match, 6-4, 6-2. Senior tri-captain and second singles player Matthew Sherf took care of Arjun Shrejakar in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4. Senior tri-captain Jayden Janock completed the singles sweep by beating Parker Kurtz, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5).
“Jayden had an incredible comeback in the second set after trailing 4-1,” said Foukal. “He then came back to tie it up at six apiece, forcing the tiebreaker.”
The first doubles team of senior Anthony Vizy and sophomore Ty Cooper took down Justin Saginor and Alex Raymond, 6-0, 6-2. Senior Austin Bacon and junior T.J. Kelly won second doubles by default over Alex O’Brien and Akash Menon, because of an injury.
In sub-varsity play, Adam Loughlin and Quinn Sullivan won, 6-0. Leo Winocour and Quinn Fletcher pretty much did the same, 6-1. Graydon Waller and Nico Altonian maintained the trend, 6-1.
In the regularly scheduled matchup, Farfel beat Hird again, 5-7, 5-3, 40-0 after his Masco counterpart defaulted, because he cramped up.
Sherf lost to Shrejakar in second singles by default. They had split the first two sets, 6-2, 2-6, before he had to default, because of an injury. Kelly then moved up to third singles to beat Kurtz, 6-1, 6-0.
Janock and Cooper teamed up in first doubles to defeat Justin Saginor and Alex Raymond, 6-0, 6-0. Sophomore Alex Boehning
4:15 p.m., baseball, Masconomet, Masconomet Regional High
4:30 p.m., softball, Latin Academy, Marblehead Veterans Middle
7 p.m., boys lacrosse, Melrose, MHS Piper Field
Monday, May 19
4 p.m., baseball, Winthrop, Seaside Park
4 p.m., softball, Winthrop, Winthrop High
4 p.m., girls tennis, Winthrop, Winthrop High
Tuesday, May 20
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Winthrop, Winthrop High
4 p.m., softball, Medford, Columbus Park Softball Field, Medford
4 p.m., boys tennis, Newburyport, Atkinson Common Tennis Courts, Newburyport
7 p.m., boys lacrosse, Winthrop,
and Bacon came out on top against Akash Menon and Arnav Bargave in second doubles, 6-0, 6-2. In sub-varsity play, Winocour and Fletcher won, 6-1. Altonian and Sullivan did the same, 6-1. Waller and Fletcher shutdown their opponents, 6-0. Filip Wabno and Boehning doubled up their Chieftain foes, 6-3.
The Magicians played host to rival Swampscott three days earlier on April 29, and defeated them with relative ease, 4-1. “This was a good test for us, because Swampscott has a strong lineup,” said Foukal. Farfel lost to Sam Schepens in first singles, 6-2, 6-4. But Sherf got it right back by beating Victor Zeissig in second singles, 6-2, 6-0. Janock kept the momentum going with a 6-1, 6-0 third singles win over Milo Kalambokis.
Vizy and Cooper beat Julian Flacke and Callan Tierney in first doubles, 6-3, 6-0. Kelly and Bacon defeated Elijah Stadtlander and Daniel Wabno in second doubles, 6-1, 6-4. In sub-varsity play, Boehning and Wabno won, 6-2, and Loughlin and Fletcher were on the winning side of a 6-4 score.
The Marblehead boys opened up the week on April 28, and proceeded to blank the Witches, 5-0.
Cooper, making his first singles debut, defeated Ryland Workman, 6-1, 6-2. Bacon came through with a win against Finn Hanger in second singles, 6-2, 6-0. Boehning made it a singles sweep after shutting out Eden McLaine, 6-0, 6-0.
Sullivan and Altonian experienced similar results against Mark Qualkenbush and Immanuel Romero in first doubles, 6-0, 6-0. Not to be outdone, Fletcher and Waller were all over Wyn Stevick and Kelvin Smith in second doubles, 6-0, 6-0.
MHS Piper Field
Wednesday, May 21
4 p.m., girls tennis, Lynnfield, Lynnfield High
4 p.m., boys tennis, Lynnfield, Marblehead High
Thursday, May 22
4 p.m., girls lacrosse, Saugus, Saugus High
6:30 p.m., boys lacrosse, Swampscott, Blocksidge Field, Swampscott
Friday, May 23
4 p.m., baseball, Bishop Fenwick, Seaside Park
4 p.m., girls and boys outdoor track, NEC League Meet, Danvers High
4 p.m., softball, Bishop Fenwick, Marblehead Veterans Middle0
COURTESY PHOTO / LUANN GABEL
Marblehead High girls tennis first singles player Samara Dosch, a junior on this year’s team, watches intently after hitting a shot back to her opponent during an early season match.
Nate Jendrysik (16.5, personal best) finished strong once again in second place. Colon (16.7) was close behind in third place. Jackson (17.7) came in fourth.
Girls 100-meters
Lucy Flynn (12.4) won the dash with a new personal best time. Roszell (13.4) was fifth.
Boys 100-meters
Jake Bobowski (11.1) squared up with the fastest sprinter in the NEC, Arbri Halilaj of Masco, and stayed with him all the way to the finish line, ending up a close second. Ryan Corrigan (11.4, personal best) returned from vacation on a mission, completing the race among the lead runners in fourth place. Selby (11.5, season best time) finished a close fifth.
Girls 200-meters
Flynn (26.0), a sophomore, unofficially tied for the fastest stopwatch time in program history – the official record (26.24, electronic time) still belongs to Mary Keroak (2008) and Cate Trautman (2023). Sophia Patterson (29.4) stepped down from the 400, and came through with a fourth-place finish. Lidia Jasmine Tiedra (29.8) was fifth.
Boys 200-meters
Slater Johnson (24.2) finished fourth, and Colon (25.1) was fifth.
Girls 400-meters
Gabby Hendy (65.0) held on for dear life to capture second. Norah Walsh finished fourth in the JV race. Liv Carlson (67.7) was sixth, and Sophie Bacon (74.9) ninth.
Boys 400-meters
Johnson (54.3, personal best), like in the 200, also finished fourth. Eben Weed (55.0) was right behind him in fifth place. Jack Franklin (57.7) came in sixth.
Girls 800-meters
Sarah Munroe (2:30) completes the exhaustive double of also running the mile to finish second in the half-mile. Marion Grace Ladouceur (2:46.7) accounted for a fifth-place finish.
Boys 800-meters
Will Cerrutti (2:01.7) broke the tape first, beating his Masco counterpart in a photo finish. Henrik Adams (2:05) was third. Will Cruikshank (2:14) chipped in with a fifth-place finish.
Girls mile Munroe came back to win the mile in 5:52 after competing in the aforementioned 800.
“Sarah has started to emerge as one of the top distance runners in the conference,” said Raimo. Ruby Assa (6:02.4) came through with a third-place finish. Anna Cruikshank (7:20.1) was sixth, and Madalyn Gelb (8:22.1) seventh.
Boys mile
Nate Assa (4:48.6) remains undefeated in the conference. Filip
Grubor (5:13.7) finished fifth, and Peter Sullivan (5:30.8) was sixth. David Alpert (5:48) and Sawyer Harrison (5:51.1) rounded out the local runners, while coming in seventh and eighth place, respectively.
Girls 4x100
Lilah Greten, Roszell, Jasmine Tiedra and Elise Burchfield won this relay in 53.3.
Boys 4x100 Ari Gold, Julien Poitevin, Drew Goldman and Luis
Alvarez (46.3) finished second to the Chieftains.
Girls 4x400 Hendy, Juliet Burchfield, Walsh and Carlson finished second in 4:31.6.
Boys 4x400 Jendrysik, Johnson, Adams and Regnault competed against a formidable Masco foursome, and were still able to put together an impressive time of 3:49.3 to finish a close second.
COURTESY PHOTO / COLIN HART
Marblehead High boys track
Festival countdown: Volunteers work feverishly on this summer’s big event
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Volunteers are busy preparing for the 59th Marblehead Festival of Arts July 3-6. They’re also launching their biggest fundraising campaign ever.
“We hope to raise $200,000 by July 3 to keep the Festival operating this year and to help continue the Festival for many more years to come,” said MFoA Board member Joe Taverna. The MFoA earns about $110,000 each year in revenue from exhibit sales and the Cods & Whales event.
The Festival underwent a fair amount of transition early this year, with nearly half its board of directors leaving. The board now has six officers and seven directors. There are about 45 chairs and co-chairs involved.
great discussion and thoughtful reflection on what makes a piece impactful. It’s a wonderful time supporting the chairs of each exhibit as they sort through all the talent. It always feels like Christmas morning for art lovers!”
featuring a costume contest, photo stations and interactive pet activities.”
The dog event is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, at Green Street Field. Stay tuned for more details.
Rohmer is also excited about a community paint-by-number mural project. The 5-foot-by-5foot final product will hang in Abbot Library. There’s also a new exhibit scavenger hunt for kids.
NEWS IN BRIEF
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150–200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.
org.
North Shore Chamber to honor 12 Marblehead High scholars
The North Shore Chamber of Commerce will present its 2025 Honor Scholars Recognition Dinner on Thursday, May 15, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at the DoubleTree Hilton in Danvers, with 12 Marblehead High School students among those being honored.
Marblehead honorees include Ella Benedetto, Sean Dolan, Courtney
Local event florist Meghan Perlow returns to the Festival as chair of the 11 art exhibits, including crafts, painting, printmaking, sculpture, mixed media, digital arts, photography, drawing, senior art, youth & student art, and Paint the Town.
“I have an amazing board,” said President Cynda Rohmer. “I am really, 100% so happy with them.”
Duffy, Connor Dyer, Olivia Goldwater, Nina Johnson, Gavin Lepler, Maren Potter, Nicolas Regnault, Nathaniel Rosen, Siena Shacter and Anthony Vizy.
The event celebrates the top 5% of students from public and private high schools across the North Shore. Nearly 350 graduates from more than 30 schools will receive this special recognition during the 57th annual ceremony.
Annual perambulation to explore Marblehead’s public ways
Join Marblehead’s Community Development and Planning Department for the Annual Perambulation of lesserknown public walks and
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 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: engineers@marblehead.org For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/node/286/agenda/2025 Alan Lipkind Secretary
“I’m personally looking forward to art drop-off day” in June, Perlow said. “I always love to see what pieces come in and pick my favorites I may want to add to my own art collection. It’s exciting to see what the judges pick as the award winners as well.”
Perlow added, “Art brings such
pathways on Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m. This year’s tour will feature public ways on Marblehead Neck, beginning at Chandler Hovey Park with brief remarks from town historian Don Doliber before the two-hour tour. These historical pathways were created by early residents traveling the most direct route to the harbor and ocean. Walking them annually ensures they maintain right-of-way status and public protections. Participants should wear comfortable shoes. Water will be available at two locations provided by Sustainable Marblehead. The free event will be held rain or shine.
For more information call the Community Development and Planning Department at 781-6311529 or CDP@marblehead. org.
Hazardous waste collection day set for Marblehead, Swampscott
A household hazardous waste collection day for Marblehead and Swampscott residents will be held Saturday, May 31, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Marblehead Transfer Station.
Most MFoA favorites are returning this summer, including the Literary Festival and writing contest, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, model boat making and regatta, road races, Cods & Whales contest, champagne reception and, of course, the popular Concerts @ Crocker Park.
What’s new? There are a few new events this year.
Festival former president Matt Friedman is planning a pup parade, which he describes as “a dog‐centric celebration
Accepted items include oil-based paints, solvents, automotive fluids, pool chemicals, pesticides, cleaning products and fluorescent bulbs. Costs range from $30 for up to three gallons or pounds to $60 for 10 to 25 gallons, with additional amounts priced accordingly. Proof of residency is required. Materials should remain in original containers with tightened caps and must be transported directly to the site in sturdy boxes. For more information, contact the Board of Health at 781631-0212. The collection is operated by Trident Environmental Group.
Rail trail section closed
The Rail Trail remains closed between Smith and Pleasant streets for resurfacing and other infrastructure improvements. The closure is expected to last through June. All users are being detoured via Devereux Street. The project is funded through a Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation MassTrails grant and the American Rescue Plan Act. More information and
BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold
on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 7:30
tion of
on
request of
Zoning By-Law by
Grohe to
Permit for
olition of an existing non-conforming detached garage and the construction of a new garage located at 15 Auburndale Road in the Single Residence District The newly constructed garage will have less than the required Lot Area, Frontage, Parking, Open Area, Front Yard Setback, Side Yard Setback, Rear Yard Setback, and will exceed the 10% expansion limits for non-conforming buildings. 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 sus-
updates are available at marbleheadma.gov.
Town website transitions to .gov domain
Rohmer is enhancing the Art on the Avenue program by getting more business owners along Atlantic Avenue to host sidewalk sales. There will be blown glass and sea glass jewelry demonstrations. Rohmer is also planning donkey rides for kids.
For more information about the Festival, visit marbleheadfestival.org.
The town’s official website address is now marbleheadma.gov, reflecting its migration to the federal .gov domain reserved for verified government entities. The transition was led by the town’s information technology department and aims to increase cybersecurity, public trust and content authenticity. The previous site, marblehead.org, will continue to redirect to the new domain.
Museum to host tours on Jeremiah Lee’s secret role in Revolution
Earth Day celebration set for Ware Pond
The Marblehead Conservancy will hold its Earth Day and Arbor Day celebration May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at Ware Pond. Volunteers will help restore native habitat by planting flowers and shrubs in place of invasive species. Scout troops are scheduled to participate. Gloves will be provided. Attendees should wear sturdy shoes and are encouraged to walk or bike via the Rail Trail, as on-street parking is limited.
Pride flag raising planned for June 21
The Select Board approved the Marblehead Pride Flag Raising Committee’s request to hold its annual event June 21 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the Abbot Hall lawn. The ceremony has become a yearly tradition highlighting LGBTQ+ visibility and inclusion in town.
The Marblehead Museum will present guided tours of the Jeremiah Lee Mansion May 9 and 10 focused on Lee’s covert role in early revolutionary efforts. Historian Judy Anderson will lead the sessions, detailing how Lee used his merchant fleet to smuggle arms and aid colonial resistance. Lee died suddenly in May 1775, just weeks after the battles of Lexington and Concord. Tickets are $10 for museum members and $15 for the public. To register, visit marbleheadmuseum.org or call 781-631-1768.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
Devereux Beach Carnival
Thursday, May 8-Sunday, May 11
Join the annual Marblehead Carnival sponsored by the high school junior class at Devereux Beach. Each year, this carnival serves as a major fundraiser. Enjoy rides, games and food. More info and tickets at https://loom.ly/R4T8hFg.
Baseball & softball parade
Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.
Marblehead Youth Baseball and Softball host their annual parade and opening ceremonies. The parade will begin behind the Veterans School and proceed to Gatchells for opening ceremonies, first pitch and other festivities. Play ball!
AAPI Month craft fair
Saturday, May 10, 1-3 p.m.
The community is invited to an Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month craft fair at the Marblehead High School cafeteria. Kids can collect stamps at every craft station and then enter a raffle to win a gift card to local Asian restaurants in town. Some of the crafts include: paper lanterns, origami and henna. The event is sponsored by the Task Force Against Discrimination, National Art Honors Society and Marblehead schools.
MHD Cruise-In
Tuesday, May 13, 6-8 p.m.
It’s that time of the year again! Warmer weather means the MHD Cruise Ins are back! Now held at Devereux Beach, this monthly cruise-in is the perfect place for car enthusiasts to come together and appreciate all makes and models of cars. All events are the second Tuesday of the month.
Meet Sadie Newburg
BY GEORGIA MARSHALL
NAME: Sadie Newburg
AGE: 17
SCHOOL YEAR: Junior
INVOLVEMENT IN MHS
ARTS: I have been involved with the performing arts at MHS all four years, mostly with music and theatre — the a cappella group Luminescence and the musicals.
FAVORITE MEMORY: My favorite memory from MHS
performing arts is when Luminescence won third place this year at ICHSA! It was so awesome to see how excited all the girls were and how far the group has come since last year.
PLANS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: I would love to stay involved in the performing arts as much as possible past high school. While I don’t plan on pursuing a degree in the arts, I hope to still be in productions/ performances wherever I go.
Acappellooza XIX
Friday, May 9, 7 p.m. Don’t miss the annual Marblehead High School Acappellooza concert at the Veterans School. This concert features our MHS a cappella groups and special guests Voices of Steel (Wakefield High School) and NOTEorious (North Reading High School). Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and free for students.
Rummage sale
Saturday, May 10, 8-11:45 a.m.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church invites the local community to its semi-annual rummage sale with high-quality items at affordable prices. At 1 p.m., there will be a special Stuffa-Bag ($5) session. Drop-off of goods begins Saturday, May 3, until Wednesday, May 7. More info at standrewsmhd.org.
Earth Day/ Arbor Day celebration
Saturday, May 10, 9 a.m.-noon
The Marblehead Conservancy invites the community to participate in its annual Earth Day/Arbor Day celebration at Ware Pond. Come plant native flowers and shrubs to replace invasives. Scout troops will be there helping. Families are welcome. Gloves and tools will be provided, but wear sturdy shoes.
‘The Sleeping Beauty’
Saturday, May 10 and Sunday, May 11, 5 p.m.
Coastline Ballet Center brings to life “The Sleeping Beauty” in ballet with selections of music by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky and choreography by Jessica Kreyer and Pavel Gurevich. The two performances are at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St. More info and tickets at mltlive.org.
FAVORITE THING ABOUT
PERFORMING: My favorite thing about performing is being around my friends. I also love being exposed to new kinds of music whether that’s through new shows or in choir and a cappella.
SHOUT OUT: I would love to shout out my family for their enthusiastic support of my endeavors and my friends and teachers for being awesome and making performing so enjoyable!
PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
COURTESY PHOTO / SEMPER DRONE
Manna Project launches new garden to feed local hungry families
Preschoolers start the planting
BY LEIGH BLANDER
On a recent sunny morning, about 20 preschoolers got their hands dirty — for a good cause.
The North Shore’s Manna Project, which supports people facing food insecurity, launched a new garden at Temple Sinai on Community Road to grow fruits and vegetables for the Marblehead Food Pantry. The goal is to deliver 200 pounds of homegrown food twice a year.
The JCC preschoolers were there to help plant the first harvest — beets, radishes and spinach. The next planting, in the fall, will include tomatoes, cucumber, squash and mini-watermelons.
Teddy O’Brian, 4, said he loved getting his hands dirty in
GOING GREEN
the garden beds. Asked about his favorite vegetables, he was noncommittal. Claire Corbett, also 4, said she was excited to see the fruits (or, in this case, vegetables) of her labor grow this summer. Her favorite fruits and veggies? Watermelon and carrots.
Temple Sinai Rabbi Michael Schwartz and Clifton Luthern Pastor Jim Bixby were there to help the eager young farmers.
“Imagine if all people were as excited about helping others. We can learn a lot from kids,” Schwartz said.
Bixby said more residents face food insecurity in the community than many people realize, adding that it can happen to anyone.
Anyone interested in volunteering with the Manna Project garden should contact Barbara at barbara.templesinai@ gmail.com.
Local garden clubs prepare for traditional spring sales
BY SAOIRSE STALLINGS
As May ushers in warm weather and budding blooms, Marblehead’s garden clubs are in full swing — cultivating more than just flowers. These groups bring neighbors together, nurture local green spaces and offer a place for both green and seasoned gardeners to dig in.
The Marblehead Garden Club, a nonprofit volunteer organization founded in 1926, is deeply rooted in both horticulture and history.
With about 60 members — the club’s cap — it maintains the gardens at the historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion, an 18th-century landmark-turned-museum.
“They can be newbies, or what we call them, sprouts, “ said club president Vicki Boyle about members.
The club offers three annual winter lectures on topics like organic gardening and climate change. It also emphasizes historical gardening practices, including the medicinal and culinary use of herbs.
A focus on sustainable gardening drives many of the club’s projects, including creating pollinator pathways and promoting native plants.
“We love to plant native plants that help with the pollination because that’s dropped off drastically because of climate change,” said Boyle. “We’re very conscious of that.”
Club members began preparing in February for their biggest fundraiser of the year — the annual Marblehead Garden Club plant sale. Alongside cultivated species, the sale features plants from members’ own yards.
“This is the only fundraiser. It’s a big deal for us,” said Boyle. The sale will be held Saturday, May 17, from 8:30 to 11 a.m. at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St. All proceeds support the mansion’s garden maintenance.
Across town, the Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead & Swampscott offer a slightly different model. Evolving into an official organization in the 1950s, the club has about 60 active members ranging in age from 50s to their 90s.
“I learn something new every time I go to a meeting,” said Colleen Connor, co-chair of the club’s annual plant sale. “The women are like walking encyclopedias of gardening.”
The club meets monthly from September through May at the JCC, where members enjoy food prepared by volunteers and hear lectures from garden experts. This season’s final meeting, open to the public, will be held on May 13 and will feature a talk on “Simplifying and Maintaining Gardens as We Get Older.”
The Cottage Gardeners’ plant sale is Saturday, May 10, 8:30 a.m.-noon, at St. Stephen’s Church, 67 Cornell Road.
Cottage Gardeners members are deeply involved in hands-on community projects. They maintain several public gardens,
including the historic Hooper Garden behind the Marblehead Arts Association’s Hooper Mansion
The group also tends to the flower beds at Devereux Beach and recently rehabilitated a neglected plot in front of the historic Okos Building, making the space into a vibrant garden.
The Driftwood Garden Club, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization established in 1952, focuses on the Abbot Public Library, and along with the other clubs above, decorating the Hooper Mansion for the holiday season.
The club’s 80+ current members have recently started a new project at Old Farrell Court.
“The club has allowed numerous friendships to blossom over the years. We are a civic organization but also a social one,” said club treasurer Laurie Boggis.
Driftwood’s plant sale is Saturday, May 10,8:30 a.m.noon at the Masonic Temple, 62 Pleasant. It will feature 1,000 plants from 13 local gardens.
“It’s a labor of love,” said club president Joyce Raymond.
For more information on the clubs, including how to join or volunteer, visit their websites at marbleheadgardenclub.org, cottagegardeners.net and driftwoodgardenclub.org/join.
Saoirse Stallings is a student at Endicott College studying Journalism. This story was produced by Saoirse for the Massachusetts News Service of Endicott College in partnership with the Marblehead Current.
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
to the Marblehead Food Pantry.
Karin Ernst of Clifton Lutheran Church helps JCC preschoolers plant vegetables for the Manna Project.
The North Shore Manna Project started a new garden at Temple Sinai in Marblehead to help feed hungry families.