The Current is a presenting sponsor of the Marblehead Festival of Arts. Check out our special Festival section, starting on Page 9, which includes a pull-out schedule.
Voting begins Monday on 3A zoning law
Voters will use, for first time, a referendum power added to local law 70 years ago
BY WILL DOWD
Early, in-person voting for the July 8 special election — a townwide referendum on Article 23, the MBTA Communities zoning act— will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday, June 30 and July 1, inside Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St. Election Day is one week later, on Tuesday, July 8, from 2 to 8 p.m. with precincts
3-6 voting at the Marblehead High School field house, 10 Humphrey St., and precincts 1-2 in Abbot Hall.
At stake is whether to uphold or overturn Article 23, which Town Meeting approved this spring to create multifamily zoning overlay districts in compliance with the state’s MBTA Communities Act.
The single ballot question asks: Shall the town vote to
approve Article 23, establishing zoning overlay districts pursuant to the MBTA Communities Act?
On May 6, Town Meeting passed Article 23 — a zoning overlay required under the state’s MBTA Communities Act — by a 951–759 vote. Days later, attorneys and 3A opponents Yael Magen and John DiPiano filed the first-ever successful petition under what is called “the 1954 Special Act,” setting up the
binding July 8 referendum. In the upcoming special election, a yes vote ratifies the overlays; a no vote repeals them only if at least 20% of the town’s roughly 16,500 registered voters cast ballots and the majority chooses “no.”
Vote-by-mail applications may be requested through June 30; all mailed ballots must reach the Town Clerk’s Office office by close of polls July 8. Town
Nate Assa earns more acclaim with top finish in national meet
Two-time All American, running superstar completes high school career with silver at New Balance Nationals
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Marblehead superstar track athlete
Nate Assa just keeps on piling up top finishes as a renowned runner on the local and national circuit.
After securing All-state (two-mile) and All-New England (3,200-meters) regional championships during the indoor and outdoor seasons this past school year, Assa was off to the New Balance Outdoor Track National Championships at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, where he finished second in the 5,000 meters on June 19. He completed the race with a new personal best time of 14:25.19, far and away faster than his previous best of 14:32.20. The Marblehead silver medalist was running for the Marblehead Track Club, because this annual national meet is not a high school-sanctioned event. He was there with his dad, Dave, and Marblehead High assistant track coach Will Herlihy, who also doubles as the school’s head cross-country coach.
“Franklin Field is the mecca of track and field in America,” said MHS head indoor and outdoor track coach Nolan Raimo. “It annually hosts Penn Relays, which is the largest track and field national meet, dating back well over 100 years.
“There were two weather delays due to thunderstorms in the area,
Community vows to shield LGBTQ youth as federal rollbacks threaten suicide hotline funding
BY WILL DOWD
Standing before about 75 people at Abbot Hall on Saturday afternoon, Ashley Skeffington wiped away tears as she described a student who asked to use their “dead name” in a school play program because they couldn’t
come out to their parents. The Marblehead High School drama and English teacher recounted another student who survived only because they attended school here instead of their own hometown.
“They are the reason why pride matters,” she said. “They are the reason why visibility matters, and they are the reason why symbols matter.”
Her testimony reflected the Progress Pride flag raising ceremony’s blend of celebration
Clerk Robin Michaud pegs the midsummer election cost at roughly $12,000 — funds the Select Board transferred last week from the reserve fund.
Milton complies, courts weigh in On June 6, Superior Court Justice Mark Gildea dismissed a lawsuit brought
FOURTH OF JULY
Hope flickers bright for a fireworks comeback
Town looks to reclaim its holiday centerpiece after fog, barge fire
BY WILL DOWD
Marblehead officials and residents are hoping for clear skies and calm seas as the town prepares for what organizers call a “comeback year” for its annual Fourth of July fireworks and Marblehead Harbor Illumination celebration.
Last year’s accidental barge fire in the early morning hours of July 4 forced complete cancellation of both the fireworks and Harbor Illumination, marking the second consecutive year of disappointment for the community. The previous year, dense fog rolled into Marblehead Harbor just minutes before the 9:30 p.m. launch, obscuring the fireworks display for thousands of spectators gathered at traditional viewing spots like Crocker Park, Chandler Hovey, State Street Landing, Fort Beach and Fort Sewall.
The 2025 fireworks will not include any inventory from last year. According to Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, the town recently received a full new inventory list from the fireworks company, Atlas PyroVision Entertainment Group.
“It’s the same size show,” he said, noting that Marblehead is limited by safety perimeters to a maximum shell size of eight inches. However, he hinted that a longer show could be considered for the 250th
COURTESY PHOTO / DAVE ASSA
Marblehead running sensation Nate Assa finished second in the 5,000 meter race at the New Balance National Outdoor meet in Philadelphia on June 19.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
The Rev. Lindsay Popperson of Old North Church asks the crowd to shout what Pride means to them while Abbot Hall caretaker Bruce Hamilton hoists the Progress Pride flag during Saturday’s ceremony.
Chief on walk with dogs spots boat fire, guides driver to fire station
BY WILL DOWD
A boat caught fire while being towed through town June 19, prompting its driver to pull directly up to the fire station where crews quickly extinguished the blaze. Fire Chief Jason Gilliland was the one who first spotted the flames and directed the response. No one was injured in the incident.
The fire happened around 5 p.m. near Wallace Road when Gilliland was walking his dogs with his wife.
“I ran up to the window. I said, ‘Hey, your boat is on fire — get to the station,’” Gilliland told the Marblehead Current.
The fire damaged interior components including seats
and flooring, but the hull and motor were spared significant damage. Gilliland, who said he had never witnessed such an incident before, noted the importance of the rapid response, explaining that “fiberglass is nothing but solidified gasoline” and emphasizing how quickly such fires can spread.
“They did a quick knockdown,” Gilliland said. “If you look at the boat, the motor is not damaged, the outside of the hull, the boat’s not damaged.”
The fire marked an unusual final call for Fire Capt. Thomas Rice, who retired Thursday after his last day with the department. The cause of the fire remains under investigation.
Local business steps up as new state boating regs approach
BY LEIGH BLANDER
With boating season well underway in Marblehead, some people are looking ahead to next spring when new safety and licensing rules take effect across the state. The Hanson Milone Act kicks in April 1, 2026, and requires all motorboat operators born after Jan. 1, 1989, to complete a boating safety course to operate motorized vessels or personal watercraft (like jet skis).
Anyone born before Jan. 1, 1989, will have until April 1, 2028, to get certified.
“This provides an amazing level of safety to all boaters in the Commonwealth,” Marblehead Harbormaster Mark Souza told
MIDDLE EAST WAR?
the Current. “It brings us to a consistent requirement with all other states.”
Souza continued, “All and all, this is a great act for the public’s safety and well-being. A safer waterway is a goal for all to make the most of days out on the water.”
According to Coast Guard statistics, there were 41 accidents involving nine deaths, 14 injuries and approximately $590,800 in damage to property due to recreational boating accidents in Massachusetts in 2023. Nationally, 75% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator did not receive boating safety instruction. The Marblehead
Harbormaster’s Office responds to 200-300 calls for service a year, with half being “boating safety related,” Souza said.
“This new law will certainly help in incidents going forward,” he added.
To help people get ahead of the new requirements, Marblehead company Satori Sailing is offering one- and two-day power boat proficiency courses on customers’ own boats. The two-day course includes a free voucher to take the proficiency exam through Satori partner Boatwise.
The goal, according to Capt. James Ashton, who owns Satori, is to “get out on your boat and learn the basics on boat handling. We want to build confidence and
competence so you can safely take your family out onto the water.”
Satori’s private classes are for adults and teens. The syllabus includes the following:
» Engine operation and troubleshooting
» Basic electrical and water systems
Close-quarter maneuvers
Docking, mooring and anchoring
» Person overboard procedures
» Fueling procedures
» VHF radio operation
For more info on the new Safe Boating certification requirement, visit mass.gov/info-details/ massachusetts-boating-lawsummary.
Local politicians react to U.S. attacks on Iran
U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton, a Marblehead native, spoke about the U.S. attacks on Iran’s nuclear sites, expressing hope that diplomatic efforts resume as soon as possible.
“We certainly can not get involved in another war in the Middle East,” Moulton said June 23 on WGBH Radio. “At the same time, we certainly do want to end Iran’s nuclear program.”
Moulton supported the 2015
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Painting of Hannah, Washington’s first warship, donated to Marblehead
The Marblehead Historical Commission has received a painting of the Hannah Schooner, believed by many to be the first ship commissioned into George Washington’s navy. The artwork, donated by Marblehead native Christopher Hyland, honors the town’s maritime legacy and the 250th anniversary of American independence.
Painted recently in acrylic on board by artist Scott McBee, the piece weighs over 60 pounds and will be displayed in Abbot Hall this September to commemorate the schooner’s September 1775 launch. Hyland, who commissioned the work, originally offered it to several institutions before gifting it to the Historical Commission.
U.S. Congressman Seth Moulton
nuclear deal that required regular inspections of Iran’s nuclear facilities. President Donald Trump pulled the U.S. out of that deal in 2018.
“Ultimately — and quickly — we have got to get back to a
The Hannah was a converted fishing schooner owned by Marbleheader John Glover. It was outfitted in Beverly but crewed entirely by Marblehead sailors and captained by Nicholson Broughton. Though short-lived and militarily modest, the Hannah’s service marked the beginning of naval resistance against British rule, preceding the establishment of the Continental Navy. Hyland’s donation includes a letter dedicating the work to naval service members, privateers, veterans and Salem Bay yachtsmen.
Residents join dig effort, help clean centuries-old finds
Marblehead residents are playing an active role in the ongoing archaeological excavation at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, where a steady stream of volunteers has joined student archaeologists to clean and sort artifacts uncovered from the historic lawn.
On June 16, the site bustled with community members who
place where we have intrusive inspections in Iran to prevent them from ever developing a nuclear program in the future.
That’s the way to keep us safe and keep Israel safe.”
Massachusetts Republican Party Chair Amy Carnevale, who lives in Marblehead, supports the U.S. attacks against Iran on Saturday.
“The MassGOP commends President Trump for making the tough decision to use
stopped by to lend a hand in processing fragments of ceramic, bone and other material culture recovered from the former work yard behind the 1768 mansion. Volunteers worked alongside University of Massachusetts Boston students, brushing dirt from finds and learning about the town’s 18th-century past.
The public is welcome to visit the dig site through June 27 between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on weekdays. The project, now in its third summer, is a collaboration between the Marblehead Museum and UMass Boston’s Andrew Fiske Memorial Center for Archaeological Research.
Fogle’s Backyard Theatre fest returns
Following last summer’s Chekhov In The Garden, Fogle’s Backyard Theatre Fest, in association with Marblehead’s Mugford Street Players, will present A.R.Gurney’s one act comedy “The Love Course” on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. from July 4-27.
Nestled in the verdant backyard of the Fogle home at 25 Vine
Bob Peck
military force to ensure that Iran will never be capable of carrying out widespread nuclear destruction,” Carnevale said. “It is worth noting that the nuclear capabilities of Iran were allowed to flourish in no small part due to poor deals made under our own former Sen. John Kerry. May God Bless the United States and Israel in the days ahead, and may peace finally prevail.”
St., organizers say the intimate outdoor setting is an ideal venue for this play about two college professors who team-teach a course on the literature of love and get a little carried away in the process. Featured in the leading roles are Marblehead actors Janet Dauray as Professor Carroway and John Melczer as Professor Burgess. They are supported by Alexis Armstrong of Gloucester and Marblehead’s Kirk Clingen as college students Sally and Mike. John Fogle directs. In August, Fogle’s Backyard Theatre Fest will present two short comedies about interpersonal communications, Robert Anderson’s comedy “I’m Herbert,” featuring well known local actors James Butterfield and Betty Kent Lautner, followed by David Ives’ “The Universal Language,” staged and performed by Kristine Burke and Bob Karish. August performances will be Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 6 p.m. from Aug. 15-24. Each evening is offered free of
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.
COURTESY PHOTO / FIRE CHIEF JASON GILLILAND
Flames engulf a powerboat being towed through Marblehead near Wallace
Road June 19. Firefighters, stationed just steps away, quickly extinguished the blaze before it could spread.
by nine municipalities— including Milton, Wenham and Middleton—arguing that the MBTA Communities Act constituted an unfunded mandate. The towns claimed the state law would burden local infrastructure and services without offering financial support, but Gildea found those concerns speculative, noting that 3A requires only zoning — not construction. Just days later, on June 19, Milton adopted new zoning allowing up to 2,461 multifamily units near public transit, fulfilling its obligations under the law. The move positions Milton as one of the first towns to formally comply after unsuccessfully challenging the statute, underscoring the legal and political momentum behind 3A as Marblehead voters prepare to weigh in.
Strengthening public confidence in open Town Meeting
Marblehead’s long-dormant Special Act of 1954 allows residents to demand a townwide referendum on certain bigticket Town Meeting votes. This legal mechanism emerged during postwar debates over growth, modernization and tradition preservation — arguments strikingly similar to today’s discussions.
The statute wasn’t created to
anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 2026.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said the Select Board is expected to sign off on the 2025 fireworks at its June 25 meeting. The fireworks display’s price tag costs around $50,000 and is supported by private donations.
“We are due for perfectly clear skies,” Kezer said, referencing the town’s recent streak of bad luck with weather and equipment.
Harbor Illumination to start earlier
This year’s celebration will feature adjusted timing based on feedback from previous years. The Harbor Illumination will begin at 8:45 p.m., 15 minutes earlier than usual, followed by fireworks at 9 p.m.
Gilliland said 1,500 flares will illuminate the harbor perimeter, creating the traditional “Ring of Fire” effect that precedes the main fireworks show.
Horribles Parade
Marblehead’s beloved Horribles Parade returns at 10 a.m. Friday, July 4, sponsored by the Gerry No. 5 Veteran Fireman’s Association. Step-off will take place at the National Grand Bank parking lot on Pleasant Street, with registration opening at 8:30 a.m. at that location.
make government more nimble, but to slow change. Marblehead was booming in the 1950s as Clifton’s subdivisions rose rapidly and reformers promoted representative Town Meeting as a solution to unwieldy crowds and changing demographics.
Select Board member Daniel Santry feared modernization would erode a form of government he considered uniquely stabilizing after three centuries. At the March 11, 1954 Town Meeting, Santry introduced a warrant article proposing a local referendum process allowing voters to contest certain decisions — particularly high-cost appropriations and government structure changes.
“This act is not an attack on Town Meeting,” Santry defended in the Marblehead Messenger on March 24, 1955. “It is an effort to ensure broader participation on controversial questions.”
His rationale was strategic: creating an “extra step” of voter ratification for major decisions would strengthen public confidence in open Town Meeting and counter arguments that the system wasn’t truly representative. Some Marbleheaders were exploring representative Town Meeting or city government, believing open Town Meeting’s time had passed.
Santry’s counter-move would let Town Meeting remain open while allowing 300 voters to petition for binding ballots on
Early registration is also available July 3 from 6-8 p.m. at the Gerry 5 VFA clubhouse, 210 Beacon St.
In the event of inclement weather, the parade will be held Sunday, July 6.
The route will remain the same as in previous years, beginning and ending at the National Grand Bank lot, 91 Pleasant St. This community tradition, run at no cost to the town, is co-sponsored by the Gerry 5 VFA and National Grand Bank.
What caused last year’s fire
Gilliland determined the 2024 barge fire was accidental, caused by leftover materials from the previous night’s fireworks show in Lynn. The fire broke out at approximately 1:30 a.m. on July 4.
“There were probably three or four that went off,” Gilliland said, explaining that some fireworks shells remained in tubes after the Lynn show because “the show was done electronically, and they didn’t make sure the tubes were cleared, because it was probably late and they just wanted to get off the boat.”
No new fireworks had been loaded for Marblehead’s show when the fire occurred, and no one was injured.
Safety protocols in place
Traffic restrictions will be in effect throughout downtown Marblehead during the evening fireworks celebration.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
A 1955 Marblehead Messenger article announces the binding vote on Daniel Santry’s proposed Special Act, which allowed residents to challenge major Town Meeting decisions by petitioning for a town-wide referendum. The law was pitched as a way to preserve open Town Meeting while expanding public oversight — a compromise amid calls to adopt representative government. The statute, long dormant, was triggered for the first time in 2025.
expensive capital projects and bylaw articles.
Because Massachusetts towns cannot unilaterally change governance without state
Front Street will be closed entirely, while Franklin and Washington streets will operate as one-way roads to accommodate increased foot traffic and emergency access. Exiting traffic will be directed along Mugford and Green Street toward West Shore Drive.
The town recommends parking at Marblehead High School or the Recreation and Parks Department building, located at the intersection of Pleasant, Lafayette and Humphrey streets. From these locations, attendees are encouraged to walk to popular viewing spots along the harbor.
The 20-minute fireworks display will be launched from a barge positioned at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor.
Gilliland outlined the safety protocols in place for loading and launching the fireworks. After the barge arrives from Lynn, the fireworks company will deliver inventory to Commercial Street around 6:30 a.m. on the Fourth of July. Volunteers will transport the materials to the barge, where crews will spend the day loading tubes and connecting electronic firing systems.
approval, Santry’s home-rule petition required legislative enactment. The Legislature passed Chapter 405 of the Acts of 1954 on May 11, 1954. At the March 21, 1955 election, Marbleheaders overwhelmingly embraced the measure: 2,020 voted yes, 547 no.
Affirmation of Marblehead’s civic identity
According to the University of Massachusetts Boston’s Collins Center for Public Management, Marblehead’s referendum mechanism is unusual for a town retaining open Town Meeting. Typically, only towns with representative meetings include such citizen-triggered referendums. Marblehead
created a hybrid model: preserving the traditional open format while giving voters tools to override decisions at the ballot box.
Traditionalists applauded the preservation. Messenger editor Eban Weed lauded the open forum’s “simplicity and directness,” warning in a Feb. 20, 1956 editorial: “The day we leave that course will be a sorry one. We shall face directly in the next 10 years the question of a city government. More and more, people are attending who do not appreciate its traditions and its stabilizing effect on our local government.”
Santry’s political engineering proved too successful for seven decades — no crisis emerged warranting its use until now.
“We need a list of what the fireworks inventory is going to be. We need a list of every person that’s going to be on the barge,” Gilliland said. “By law, they have to have all the extinguishers, life jackets and a portable marine radio.”
Fire officials and state fire marshal personnel will inspect the barge setup before approving the display, checking tube spacing, wiring connections and ensuring all cardboard packaging has been removed.
Warning about illegal fireworks
Gilliland and the State Fire Marshal’s Office issue strong warnings about illegal fireworks use ahead of the holiday weekend. All fireworks are illegal in Massachusetts, including sparklers and firecrackers.
“People do buy fireworks, no matter how small, even sparklers,” Gilliland said. “Even sparklers are not allowed in the Commonwealth.”
The fire chief noted that residents often travel to New Hampshire to purchase commercialgrade shells, some up to two inches in diameter.
Two years ago, officials discovered a five-tube setup with fireworks at Green Street Park, requiring the bomb squad to safely dispose of the devices.
“It is illegal,”Gilliland said. “They can be fined.”
Violations fall under Massachusetts General Law Chapter 148, with
fines up to $1,000. The town relies on state law rather than local bylaws for enforcement.
After two years of weather and equipment challenges, organizers hope 2025 marks a return to the spectacular displays that have drawn visitors from across the region for decades.
“What do our fireworks mean to us here in Marblehead, the home of liberty? It’s a celebration of all Marbleheaders did for this country,” said longtime resident Christopher Butler after the 2024 cancellation. “Fourth of July is kind of like our Christmas here in Marblehead.”
How to make a fireworks fund donation
Donations can be made by check to Town of Marblehead, care of the Select Board Office, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., Marblehead, MA 01945. Online donations are accepted via Venmo at bit. ly/462Hobe or PayPal at bit.ly/3HMYFLH.
COURTESY PHOTO / SEMPERDRONE, FRANCISCO URENA A drone photo depicts the aftermath of the barge fire that cancelled the town’s Fourth of July fireworks display in 2024 .
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Early in-person voting for Marblehead’s July 8 referendum opens June 30 at Abbot Hall.
Opinion
EDITORIAL
The day the town stopped, saluted
If you were in town on June 27, 2005, the day is etched in your memory.
That is when what seemed like all of Marblehead stopped everything to say goodbye — and thank you — to a favorite son, Christopher N. Piper.
For those who may not have been here 20 years ago — including the as-yet-unborn most recent class of Magicians athletes who competed on Piper Field — the anniversary presents an opportunity to reintroduce the field’s namesake and reflect on one of the most remarkable days in the town’s recent history.
A 1980 graduate of MHS, Piper enlisted in the Marines without telling his parents, having been inspired by his grandfather, Ernest W. Piper, a Navy veteran who had served in the South Pacific during World War II.
So began two decades over which Piper often found himself in some of the world’s most dangerous hotspots. Case in point: A Feb. 14, 1983, story in Time Magazine documents the remarkable actions of Marine Capt. Charles B. Johnson, who ran toward three Israeli tanks approaching the international peace-keepers’ position on a road to the south of Beirut. Johnson would eventually jump on the lead tank and grab the Israeli commander to yell at him to stop his tanks.
The sniper providing cover for Johnson? Chris Piper, according to his sister, Lisa.
“The military was his life,” she says. Indeed, Piper had already signed up for another three tours of duty when a homemade bomb struck his convoy in Afghanistan June 3, 2005. He succumbed to his injuries on June 16, at the age of 43.
To even get the opportunity to serve as a member of the Army Special Forces in Afghanistan, Piper had to fight what his sister calls “age discrimination.” At age 38, the Army deemed him too old, yet he passed the fitness test “with flying colors,” Lisa says.
But it would be incorrect to characterize her brother as simply a “tough SOB” or obsessed with being the embodiment of some “macho” military ideal, Lisa Piper adds.
He was also gentle, kind and “utterly and completely dedicated to the idea of right and wrong,” she says.
With his service in Afghanistan, “he truly wanted to avenge 9/11,” Lisa adds.
Chris Piper was also a romantic at heart and, as he looked down, no doubt appreciated the cinematic quality of his sendoff, according to his sister.
Rows of mourners, many bearing American flags, jammed the sidewalks of Old Town as Piper’s flag-draped coffin began its final journey from the Old North Church on the back of a horse-drawn caisson.
With the help of the Boston Police Department, then led by Marblehead native Kathleen O’Toole, a small group of protestors from the Westboro Baptist Church was rendered irrelevant, overwhelmed by the outpouring of support.
Most of those gathered then filed in behind the caisson for a solemn procession to Waterside Cemetery. Rounding the corner on Turner Road, they were greeted by a huge American flag suspended by ladder trucks from neighboring fire departments.
Graveside, the crowd stood rapt as the Army chaplain adopted a “gospel tone” to his remarks, Lisa Piper recalls.
“Every word reverberated through everyone in the crowd,” she says.
She then heard for the first time the eulogy prepared by her brother, Ernest III, a journalist who had gone from the Marblehead Messenger and Reporter to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune and then to Alaska. In advance, he had steadfastly refused to share the eulogy with family, and he would subsequently deny a civics class permission to use it, according to Lisa Piper. The words to his younger brother were “his and his alone,” she says.
Lisa Piper left the cemetery in the company of the grieving widows of the two other soldiers who died from the explosion near Orgun in eastern Afghanistan near the Pakistan border, one of whom was pregnant with twins.
It is hard to believe that it has been 20 years since she lost her “baby brother,” she says.
“It still seems like yesterday,” she says.
It is also hard to imagine her brother as an older man, Lisa adds.
“Knowing Christopher’s vanity, he would still be in amazing shape,” she says with a laugh.
Lisa also smiles thinking back on the estimated 2,500 people who turned out for her brother’s wake or otherwise showed up for someone they knew had made a difference, even if they did not know him personally.
During the wake and funeral, the town’s historical roots as a cradle of democracy were on full display, she says.
“The town really poured out its true heart,” Lisa says. Then-veterans agent David Rodgers may have been particularly indispensable, but countless others did their part, too, she says.
As we did 20 years ago, we pause to salute the courage, sacrifice and commitment to America of Christopher N. Piper.
And we tip our cap, too, to the community that ensured he got the send-off he deserved.
MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS
3A prediction and six other musings
BY JAMES (SEAMUS) HOURIHAN
Yes, 3A should carry the day on July 8 assuming voter turnout stays high at 20% or more.
Higher voter turnout has not been kind to the No on 3A (N3A) crowd. At Town Meeting 2024, there were 787 voters, a turnout of 3%, with 410 voting N3A and 377 voting Y3A, a difference of 33 votes or 4%. At Town Meeting 2025, there were 1,710 voters, a turnout of nearly 11% — 951 voted Y3A and 759 voted N3A, a difference of 192 votes or 11%.
Combined, that yielded a margin shift of 15%.
In the June local elections with nearly 40% turnout there were two races with 3A implications. In the Planning Board race, the N3A candidate Tim Swigor faced incumbent Ed Nilsson and lost by 869 votes, 15% of the total votes between them. And in the big daddy race for Select Board, the N3A candidate Yael Magen faced another newcomer Jim Zisson and lost by 2,045 votes, a whopping 34% margin of victory in the total votes between them.
Note that neither N3A candidate accumulated anywhere close to the 3,315 votes, 20% of registered voters, required in the July 8 special election to overturn the Y3A vote at Town Meeting. However, it ain’t over till it’s over. Neither side can be apathetic. Both sides need to get out the vote. After July 8, let’s hope we can all move on. At the end of the day, nobody knows what will really happen.
There will be hopes: Hope that there will be little development that overloads the town’s resources; hope that the fiscally challenged town can secure tens of millions of dollars in state infrastructure grants; and hope that maybe some marketrate housing is developed for downsizing seniors looking to lower their costs somewhat.
There will also be things we know: Any housing developed would be subject to Marblehead zoning laws including building height, set backs, parking, etc. Housing would be market-rate, not affordable. The town will not be wasting oodles of money on lawyers to wrestle the state in submission.
N3A ringleader lining up new gig: Recognizing the N3A fight is nearly over John DiPiano, a “transplanted” lawyer and the ringleader of the N3A crowd, is now apparently going after the Town Charter Committee. From the N3A Facebook clubhouse at Anything Marblehead 01945, John announced “… I am not supportive of a 30 page Charter/ Constitution & interpreting” state law and town bylaws with “aspirational language” that “kinda directly” clarifies laws that a PhD, two lawyers, Jim Zisson and the rest of the gang don’t think that the unwashed can figure out …” In another post, DiPiano concludes “Leave our system, that’s been working for some 396 years to date, alone.” The Charter Committee is not dealing with town governance. The Charter will be a single overview document that describes as simply and
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Reader opposes MBTA Communities Act
To the editor:
‘Penny wise, pound foolish and shortsighted’
Any funds we may or may not receive by complying with the MBTA Communities act could get us a few potholes fixed and maybe replace a few aging computers.
In return we give up, long term, the tranquility and safety that is Marblehead. I feel no obligation to provide any kind of housing to the rest of the world at the expense of trashing Marblehead and at the same time increasing the costs of our fire, police, school, etc. services.
I do feel a need to help provide housing ownership for longtime Marblehead residents who are priced out of our current housing market.
Let me suggest that we take some of our existing public housing stock, knock down walls and combine two or three apartments into family size condo units and offer these, at below market value, to our longtime Marblehead residents as affordable alternatives to single family residences. Adding more public housing units to accommodate anyone from anywhere to move into Marblehead is not a great idea for
the future of our town as we know it now. Do the smart thing and vote no.
Dick Leahy Garden Road
Senior voter cites accessibility challenges at field house polling location
To the editor:
My name is Shea Rood, and I live in Precinct 5 of Marblehead. I went to vote on Tuesday, June 10, at the field house located behind Marblehead High School. I am an 86-year-old disabled man who requires a walker in order to get around. Walking long distances is a real challenge for me and presents a safety concern when I have to do so.
When I arrived at the high school, locating the exact entrance of the field house was a challenge. I had to ask for directions to find the entrance as well as the closest handicapped parking spot. The parking lot itself was packed, and there were others in the same position as I, looking for not only regular parking but handicapped parking as well. I felt there was not enough handicapped parking to accommodate Marblehead’s seniors who were interested in voting but struggle with walking
succinctly as possible what over 50 Marblehead boards, commissions and committees do and how they work.
The draft charter preserves all existing Marblehead government organizations and all existing town by-laws, special acts and relevant Massachusetts General Laws without modifications.
Read the first draft with hundreds of annotations and explanations that will be removed in the final document. (marbleheadma.gov/town-chartercommittee/pages/town-charterdraft) Audited fiscal year ‘24 financials still not available on the town website: It’s June 2025 and the annual Comprehensive Financial Report for last fiscal year ending June 30, 2024, is still not available. Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin last told me it would be available in April. Maybe it is available but just not posted? See the next musing.
New town website nearly four months late: On February 5, in his State of (half) the Town address, Town Administrator Kezar stated that a new town website would debut on February 19. The site went live for four days but was pulled down because it was so bad. Nearly four months later there is nothing new. The existing site is an unmanaged haphazard collection of stuff. The completeness and timeliness of the content varies significantly by board, commission and committee. The search function is hit and miss.
In a relative comparison, the
long distances. The weather that day was also rainy and cool. There were no designated dropoff/pick-up locations closer to the field house, so I was left to walk what I consider to be a long distance from the parking spot that I was at down to the field house in the rain. This is not safe for individuals with disabilities. I feel the seniors of Marblehead were not thought of when the decision was made to move the voting location from the community center to the field house. The community center allows people to be dropped off and picked up at the front entrance. This helps to ensure the safety of the town’s seniors. This is a location that I am happy to go and vote at. Handicapped parking has never been an issue there in the past, and there was always a place to park.
When the time comes again to vote, if the field house is the chosen location, I would like to suggest offering entrance dropoff and pick-up or possibly even designated handicapped parking in the back of the field house that will allow for a shorter walking distance to the entrance. Voting in an accessible location for elderly and disabled individuals is very important. Please try to keep this in mind in the future. I appreciate
Local pharmacy peddled more than placebos
BY JARRETT ZEMAN
In the 19th century, the medicine at your local drug store might have contained cocaine.
William H. Shepard sold this bottle of Jamaica Ginger in his pharmacy at 98 Washington St., the present location of Trove Marblehead. Manufactured by two Boston pharmacists, Jamaica Ginger claimed to cure nausea and heartburn, and was one of hundreds of patent medicines, over-the-counter drugs that promised a cure for a long list of ailments.
In the age before drug regulations, patent medicines contained dangerous amounts of alcohol, cocaine or opium to help the medicine go down. These ingredients made patent medicines highly addictive, ensuring repeat customers. Jamaica Ginger contained 20% cocaine. Another Shepard product, Chamberlain’s Diarrhea
Hourihan
School Committee, believe it or not, has their stuff mostly together.
For example, select “Document Center” from the home page. Under “Accounting Office” there is a hodgepodge of five documents. But nothing more recent than fiscal year 2023. There is a link to the FY22 budget but nothing for FY 23, 24 or 25. In contrast, travel down to “Finance Committee” and you will find their annual Town Meeting Report for every year since 2010 except 2025. And the postings are not very timely. Examples: From the home page select “Minutes/ Agendas.” And then select from the “Minutes” column.
The latest minutes posted for the Zoning Board was April 23, 2024. Latest minutes for others: Conservation Commission — July 11, 2024; Old and Historic — February 4, 2025; and Select Board — April 9, 2025. I don’t think just a new website will fix the completeness and timeliness problems. Maybe it will be “prettier” and better organized. But someone needs to whip the content into shape. Downtown overnight parking ban for street sweeping was an equivalent ban for a 5-day winter storm: Why couldn’t they specify a subset of streets for each day versus banning overnight parking everywhere downtown for all five days. I wonder how many cars of many left on the streets were ticketed? During my morning walks I noticed very
your time and attention to this matter.
Shea Rood Ralph Road
Writer urges no vote on 3A, cites threat to town’s character
To the editor: In response to last week’s letter (Resident praises court ruling on MBTA law), I’d like to ask just one question: Why did you move to Marblehead?
If you didn’t grow up here, chances are you visited, or you knew someone who did and that’s what brought you here. Something about this town spoke to you. The charm, the ocean or maybe the history. The sense of community that sets Marblehead apart.
Now, 3A threatens to take the “special” out of Marblehead. For those who say, “It’s the law” well, not all laws are just, and not all mandates make sense for every town. Sometimes, it’s right to push back. This would be one of those times. Vote no on compliance with 3A. Let’s keep Marblehead the unique and special place we all chose to call home.
Sharman Pollender Reed Street Voter reports stolen campaign signs, questions commitment to free speech
To the editor: With the tumult over 3A, I’ve
Remedy, contained 45% alcohol and 10% ether.
Shepard sold 125 brands of patent medicine in his pharmacy. Many treated what the Victorians called “female complaints” from headaches and hysteria to hot flashes and menstruation. Marbleheaders stocked up on bottles of Lydia Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound, manufactured in Lynn and featuring Lydia’s face, who reassured her female customers that, “only a woman can understand women’s ills.” Her Vegetable Compound promised relief from menopause, with the aid of 20% alcohol.
The passage of the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906 forced patent medicine companies to disclose their ingredients, and investigative journalists exposed the false advertising of companies
few were ticketed on Monday and only slightly more as the week went by.
Halloween in June: With all the orange and white barrels, small cones and parking restriction signs around Town, tourists must think we are trying to preempt Salem in celebrating Halloween. The barrels and cones remind me of that damn awful candy corn that rots your teeth. And they seem to be breeding. They vastly outnumbered our U.S. flags and buntings displayed town-wide for Memorial Day. Let’s hope a good number on our major streets disappear before celebrating July 4th with independence from the barrels and cones.
Fort Sewall weeds are in bloom: In my holiday column, I gifted “Larry Sands and the Fort Sewall Oversight Committee 12
written once before about the way in which our town reflects the larger divisions taking place in the country. As the process of whether to vote yes or no on July 8 continues, we seem even more divided because now I’m witnessing aggressive actions accompanying the disagreement. Before we voted at Town Meeting, I had a yes sign up on the edge of my property with great visibility. Within a day it was taken apart and thrown on the ground. I put it back together and put it back up. It was quickly stolen. I informed the committee working on signage and got another sign which I again put up. That, too, was quickly stolen. Unbelievable — have we really lost our belief in the right to free speech? It makes me wonder: Has anyone had a no sign stolen?
Ginny O’Brien Garden Road
Graduates thank organizers of citizen police academy
To the editor:
The graduates of the 2025 Marblehead Citizen Police Academy would like to thank Lisa Hooper, executive director, and Janice Salisbury-Beal, program director, at the Council of Aging and Lt. David Ostrovitz and Chief Dennis King of the Marblehead Police Department for their development, organization and presentation of these sessions.
Seventeen residents participated in this nine-week program held at the Council of Aging. The curriculum included presentations on
who claimed their medicines cured all illness. Shepard Pharmacy remained in the family after William’s death in 1934 and became a popular spot for ice cream. The pharmacy is featured on the Marblehead Museum’s Sick and Tired Tour, a walking tour on the history of health and medicine from the colonial era to World War I. Tours will be offered on Friday, June 27 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, June 28 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. For tickets, visit marbleheadmuseum.org or call 781-631-1768.
Jarrett Zeman is the assistant director of the Marblehead Museum. From the Vault is a regular segment highlighting an item from Marblehead Museum’s collection of more than 60,000 artifacts. Learn more and explore at marbleheadmuseum.org.
bags of courage with grass seed” to plant and allow Rec and Parks to just mow and blow. I guess they lost the bags somewhere this spring. At this point they will need to give the Rangers machetes to give their tours. Or perhaps their first job will be weeding? I couldn’t contact Larry to understand the plan before press time. My wife says there is a nice green Hollyhock among the weeds probably for the taking. But ask Larry first. Traffic pattern at our dump is wrong: And it has been wrong since the containers were first installed. When you take a dump (have a bowel movement, need to go #2), you back in over the toilet. You don’t drive in forward. Same approach is needed for our Transfer Station. It makes it easier to get trash or recyclables out of your rear
This
the history of the department (Don Doliber), an overview of criminal law (Det. Theresa Gay), motor vehicle stops and O.U.I (Officers Daniel Ganon, Nicolas Michaud, Andrew DiMare), and defensive tactics, use-of-force and de-escalation training tools.
K-9 Officers Jack Dub and Taylor Nolasco from the Essex County Sheriff Department performed demonstrations. There were tours of the Salem courts and Marblehead Police Station, and an introduction to the School Resource Resource Officer Sean Sweeny Jr.
We all very much appreciated the breadth of the program curriculum and quality of the teaching staff. The officers demonstrated tremendous knowledge, commitment and patience in their presentations and demonstrations.
We were all impressed with the work and time involved to develop and organize this program. This community outreach program successfully communicated the excellent services of our Police Department. We recommend this program to future participants.
Katherine Barker Locust Street
Marjorie Norman Maverick Street
Maggie Raftus Elm Street
Resident urges action against invasive English ivy
To the editor:
I want to applaud Pal Bickford’s informative article on trees. I do wish to add that if we have trees in our own yards that
are being covered with English ivy, we can help an existing tree to survive by removing the ivy. This can be done simply by cutting the ivy at the bottom of the tree. English ivy will eventually smother the tree and kill it. Look around town and you will see this happening usually in our own yards. Plant new trees and save the ones we have.
Compliance. We’ve all been hearing a lot about the importance, necessity and cost of compliance with Section 3A of the MBTA Zoning Act this past year. The opinion of the Commonwealth is that it has standing to influence a town’s zoning bylaws because an MBTA bus line is routed through it. Linking a bus route to the state’s housing unaffordability and shortage, (a discontinuity, but likely paved with good intention) the Commonwealth concludes that high-density zoning addresses this crisis.
Question the logic of the Commonwealth’s mandate?
Then your town’s state funding (you’ve likely already been taxed for) will be withheld. No carrot, just a heavy stick. It is enough to compel most to comply — and that is how we regress to the state mean. A one-size-fits-all social engineering template (with no history of success) setting precedent that MBTA towns cannot properly selfdetermine their own solutions to
— trunk, tailgate or doors. Struggling, muscle- challenged seniors wouldn’t have to lug their stuff as far. Everywhere else at the Transfer Station you back in to unload waste at the pit and unload leaves and brush at the top of composting heaven. Just reverse the traffic pattern around the containers! Maybe our new Health Board member Dr. Amanda Ritvo can enlighten the rest and the newly funded, to-be-hired assistant director of waste can implement the change. On that last deposit, I will sign off for now.
James (Seamus) Hourihan was born in Marblehead and is a MHS graduate. For 35 years, he worked in finance, marketing and executive management roles at high-tech companies. He has lived here fulltime since 2009. He currently sits on the Town Charter Committee.
zoning issues. The curious circulating supporting argument first agrees passage is urgent to address the state-wide housing crisis and then tries minimizing skeptics’ concerns with a ‘don’t worry’ developers are unlikely to exploit this profitable zoning opportunity.
The unintended consequences of over-reaching mandates are usually of poor outcome. ‘Congestion zoning’ stresses school, police, fire, utilities and more. The inevitable spike of taxes and overrides to support those services reduces the affordability the law is supposed to be creating. The pressurecooker crowding, traffic, urbanization and the social erosion of livability/character/ quality is heavy bus fare. This legislation needs a rethink. Standing independently can be expensive, but legitimizing this kind of bulldozer tactic can be even more so.
Paul Clingen Rowland Street
‘No’ on 3A is not an
option
To the editor:
After two years of planning, discussing and voting, I think voters know the facts about the Marblehead 3A zoning plan. If not, they are available on the town’s website marbleheadma. gov/community-developmentplanning-department-formerlyengineering It’s true we voted overwhelmingly yes at Town Meeting, but the no voices found a 70 year old, never been used bylaw to drain more taxpayer money into a special election. Thankfully, the Select
COURTESY PHOTOS / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM
19th-century bottle of Jamaica Ginger from Shepard’s pharmacy promised relief from nausea but contained 20% cocaine. Patent medicines like this were common before federal regulation began in 1906.
A striped awning shades the storefront of William H. Shepard’s pharmacy at 98 Washington St., where more than 100 types of patent medicine — many laced with alcohol, cocaine or opium — were once sold to treat ailments from indigestion to “female complaints.”
Children’s author planning memorial plaque for beached whale
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead children’s book
author Jeana Khan wants to honor Espresso, the young humpback whale who washed ashore not once but twice last spring before being buried at Preston Beach.
“I want us all to be together to watch as we affix a small, bronze plaque to a rock at the park, just feet from Espresso’s final resting place,” Khan told the Current.
She is looking for donations, hoping to raise a few hundred dollars for the plaque. Anyone interested can contact Khan at jeanakahn@verizon.net.
Nicknamed Espresso by some people in Swampscott, the 42-foot, 65,000-pound female first appeared among the rocks near Preston Beach in
Marblehead on April 25, 2024.
Scientists from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Tufts University
and Seacoast Science Center examined the whale’s body, determining that she had not died by human-made causes. Her body did show signs of entanglement, but those injuries did not appear recent.
Marblehead Harbormaster Mark Souza worked with the
EPA and Smith Marine to tow the whale first to a mooring about 1 mile off-shore and then farther out to sea. The operation cost $27,000.
On May 14, the whale’s body reappeared, this time at Preston Beach in Swampscott. Crews ultimately buried her there.
In 2007, Khan wrote a children’s book titled “Winky the Humpback Whale” about a young whale named Inland who was lost from her mother and survived the whole winter in local waters. She briefly thought about writing a book about Espresso but decided a memorial plaque would be more impactful.
Village Street Bridge funding falters; town pushes vision for key intersections
BY WILL DOWD
Marblehead officials plan to resubmit a funding request for the Village Street Bridge after their application was excluded from the Boston Region Metropolitan Planning Organization’s Transportation Improvement Program. The town’s proposal, seeking $2.98 million, would have addressed long-standing safety concerns and structural deterioration on the 84-year-old bridge.
Despite the setback, design work on the bridge progressed in 2025 with other state funds. Early cost estimates for full replacement hovered around $11 million.
This month, the town’s Complete Streets Committee announced a $6,250 federal grant for about 20 bike racks around town. The bike rack locations include about 12 Recreation and Parks Department areas, plus municipal buildings and commercial properties throughout Marblehead.
Pleasant Street emerges as top safety priority Committee members reviewed design alternatives for four major transportation corridors, with presentations by Jim Fitzgerald from Apex Engineering Consultants.
Board didn’t succumb to their pressure for us to join a losing lawsuit on the premise of an “unfunded mandate,” when a first-year law student could have seen the writing on the wall. Misleading slogans, like “Don’t let Marblehead become Wonderland” didn’t work with
Pleasant Street, from the Lafayette intersection to Ocean Avenue, was identified as the top priority among the four corridors under review, based on the town’s 2019 Complete Streets plan. Fitzgerald also identified significant safety issues at the Pleasant-LafayetteHumphrey intersection near the high school based on crash data analysis.
Consultants identified four Pleasant Street intersections for redesign: Pleasant and Humphrey, Pleasant and Smith/ Baldwin, Pleasant and Mohawk Road, and Pleasant and Ocean Avenue.
The Pleasant, Lafayette and Humphrey intersection’s skewed geometry near the Marblehead High School creates dangerous conditions where multiple roads converge at odd angles, contributing to high accident rates during peak travel times.
“We know from looking at crash information for the five year period of 2015 to 2019 we’ve got about 18 crashes, almost half of which are rear end, which could be attributed to poor alignment at the (Pleasant, Lafayette and Humphrey) intersection,” Fitzgerald said.
Design alternatives were proposed to improve that busy intersection. The first includes geometric changes to realign skewed approaches and
voters who did their research and don’t operate from emotion and untested assumptions. (The fact is 3A is subject to existing zoning regulations — such as 35 ft. height restrictions, setbacks and parking spaces. It would be impossible to build a high rise here under the Marblehead 3A zoning plan.) As the July 14 deadline for 3A compliance nears, only a small handful of towns have chosen not to be
update signal phases to allow concurrent movements between Lafayette Street and the high school driveway.
The second is a singlelane roundabout that would slow traffic, eliminate signal delays and shorten pedestrian crossing distances by introducing splitter islands and refuge points.
Consultants proposed two layout options for the Pleasant Street corridor itself. One features an 11-foot travel lane in each direction, two-foot shoulders, a two-way shareduse path on the north side and a sidewalk on the south. Another option splits bike traffic onto both sides with a buffered bike lane and sidewalk on one side and a shared-use path on the other.
DPW Superintendent Amy McHugh said timing challenges exist due to extensive utility work requiring water, gas, sewer and drainage improvements before street reconstruction.
Roundabouts proposed for three major intersections
Committee members heard extensive discussion of roundabout designs as potential solutions for multiple problematic intersections throughout Marblehead, reflecting what Fitzgerald
in compliance, because the overwhelming majority of municipalities understand what’s at stake on multiple levels. It’s our last chance, in the end, it all comes down to this — no is not an option, because voting no will not change the law! Ask yourself these questions: 1. Are you okay with Marblehead losing eligibility for funding for discretionary grants and having more money come out
described as a broader shift toward traffic calming measures that prioritize safety while maintaining efficient traffic flow.
“Roundabouts are a traffic calming measure that also processes traffic efficiently,” he said. “The approaches are designed in a manner to slow traffic down, there’s deflection. You have to turn your wheel to navigate through the roundabout.”
Similar concepts were presented for the LafayetteWest Shore Drive intersection and the Humphrey-MapleTedesco intersection, both experiencing poor traffic flow and safety concerns during peak periods.
“There’d be a substantial increase in green space. We’d have less pavement to maintain, as well as less stormwater to address in this area,” Fitzgerald said.
The Humphrey-MapleTedesco intersection faces the most severe conditions, with significant delays impacting surrounding traffic flow.
“In the evening in particular, you can see how the queues extend off the screen. So long, long queues, lots of delay here,” Fitzgerald said.
However, committee members expressed worry about implementing roundabouts near school zones.
of taxpayer pockets? 2. Will you be okay with more legal fees when the state sues us for noncompliance? 3. Do you think you will like the plan the state ultimately designs for us, better than the one carefully designed by our own town planner, Planning Board and supported by the Select Board and FinCom?
If you said no to these questions then be sure to vote YES one more time. Early vote
“I do have concerns about all the kids that are walking, that do rely on lights to cross,” said Police Chief Dennis King. Also, the Select Board recently accepted a $135,000 MassWorks grant for the Five Corners intersection redesign project. Beach Street shared-use path targets beach access Beach Street appears wellsuited for Complete Streets funding, a state program providing grants limited to $500,000 per project with application deadlines typically in May and October. Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey said the Beach Street project could potentially utilize the full grant amount.
Three options were presented for improving the 1,300-foot corridor from Atlantic Avenue to Ocean Avenue, with the primary goal of creating safer connections to nearby beaches for residents and visitors during the summer season.
The existing roadway ranges from 30 to 34 feet wide with informal parking on both sides but no designated pedestrian walkways or bicycle lanes. The northern side presents more obstacles for improvements, including numerous utility poles and mature trees that would complicate construction.
at Abbot Hall on June 30 or July 1, between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. because on July 8 you can only vote during the hours of 2-8 p.m. at your regular precinct locations.
Renee Ramirez Keaney Beverly Ave.
This is the last print edition for letters to the editor relating to the July 8 election. The Current will post letters received by Friday, June 27 to MarbleheadCurrent.org.
COURTESY PHOTO
Children’s book author Jeana Khan, who wrote about another humpback whale nearly 20 years ago, hopes to place a memorial plaque at Preston Beach for Espresso.
A young humpback whale washed ashore not once but twice last spring, first in Marblehead and then a few yards away in Swampscott.
COURTESY IMAGE
This is the plaque Jeana Khan hopes to place in Espresso’s memory at Preston Beach.
Sports
Marblehead high jumper Clark Roszell takes major leap forward on the national stage
BY JOE MCCONNELL
The Marblehead High School boys spring track program had two of its athletes — one a graduated senior (Nate Assa) and one a rising sophomore (Clark Roszell) — qualify for and participate in the New Balance Outdoor Track National Meet at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field June 19 and 20.
Assa went first on June 19, and
proceeded to finish second in the nation, while running his personal best time in the 5,000 meters (14:25.19) to secure AllAmerican honors, once again.
The next day the torch was passed to Roszell, and he was ready to face the nation. The rising sophomore high jumper cleared 5-8.5 to finish 29th overall against the elite from coast to coast.
“Clark jumped 5-8 during the indoor
season, and at the end of that campaign he was the team’s Rookie of the Year,” said coach Nolan Raimo. “(Turning the page to the spring season), he catapulted onto the national stage with a jump of six-feet at the NEC (Northeastern Conference) Freshman/Sophomore meet, where he broke a meet record that stood for over 12 years.”
Raimo went on to say, “Clark is on
the trajectory to be a truly special high jumper. He has the baseline build for a high jumping standing in at 6-7. His coordination, power and speed improved drastically over the course of two seasons, and is now in position — especially with a strong offseason — to play a major role in conference and state competitions throughout the next three years.”
“As a result, it pushed back the start of it roughly by two hours. Once it began, he was running under the stadium lights, but Nate still did the unthinkable to finish up as the runner-up national champion. He’s now a two-time All-American.”
Raimo went on to say that it was also an historic race as Nate was competing against Noah Bontrager of Indiana, who came out on top with a new meet record time of 14:20.89.
“But Nate was able to stay close to Noah, while both maintained a good tempo throughout, with Nate running a 4:38 first mile; 4:39 second mile; and 4:33 final mile,” Raimo explained. “We have often seen championship races come down to tactics, but this one was a shootout from the start. It was evident by the mile splits. As the race progressed, runners started to drop out from the pack lap after lap, leaving Nate and Noah alone at the top.”
Nate, who’s now heading to Purdue University in the fall to run on its track teams, has now completed his high school career as a two-time All-American, two-time All-New England champion and two-time All-State champion. He has definitely set the bar high for those who will be suiting up for the MHS track teams next year, and no doubt well into the future.
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Sometimes the word dynasty is overused in the world of sports, but in the case of the St. John’s Prep lacrosse team (22-1, second seed), it fits perfectly.
The Eagles just won their fifth straight Division 1 state championship — their sixth overall — after beating top seed and Catholic Conference rival BC High (19-4) at the Mass. Maritime Academy on June 14, 8-7 in overtime, and once again there was a Marblehead influence throughout this championship roster.
Midfielder Joe Bullard, attack Cam McCarthy, midfielder Madden McGowan, midfielder Luke Kelly and defender Jack Weissenburger were the Marblehead senior leaders on the team, but, also from Marblehead, Will Crawford (midfielder), Mac
Crawford (midfielder), Ryan Doherty (defender), Gavin Lyons (midfielder) and sophomores Ryan McCarthy (attack) and Ryan Finkle (middie) also did their part to keep the dynasty going for another year.
The architect behind this run of championships is coach John Pynchon, who just completed his eighth year along the sidelines. The team’s other title was in 2011.
“We have been blessed with great kids over the years, who work hard and also buy-in to what we asked them to do,” said Pynchon. “They all choose to forgo individual honors and accolades for the betterment of the team. We talk about making an ‘uncommon commitment to the team,’ and over the last five years that has been born out in the weight room, on the practice field and in the games themselves.
You couldn’t have asked for a better group of kids to coach.”
In the state title game against BC High, Kelly netted the overtime goal from McGowan. Ryan and Cam McCarthy were also involved in the gamewinning play, proving once again the Prep’s team concept.
“All four are skilled, hardworking players,” said Pynchon. “They all love lacrosse, always putting the team first in everything they do.”
For the five Marbleheaders who graduated this spring, they will be taking their championship pedigrees to college, with three of them — Cam McCarthy (Loyola), Kelly (Michigan) and Weissenburger (Harvard) — continuing to play the sport on the next level. As for McGowan and Bullard, they are heading to Clemson and the University of Tampa, respectively.
COURTESY PHOTO
These Marblehead laxmen happily pose for a photo with the Division 1 state championship trophy after they and their St. John’s Prep teammates defeated BC High in overtime, 8-7. They are, from left, Ryan McCarthy, Mac Crawford, Cam McCarthy, Jack Weissenburger, Madden McGowan, Luke Kelly, Will Crawford and Joe Bullard. Missing from photo, Ryan Doherty, Gavin Lyons and Ryan Finkle.
COURTESY PHOTOS
Marblehead High boys spring track rising sophomore Clark Roszell proudly shows off his New Balance outdoor track national nametag before he went to work as an elite high jumper against his nationwide peers at Philadelphia’s Franklin Field on June 20.
Marblehead High boys spring track freshman Clark Roszell warms up on the Franklin Field turf in Philadelphia prior to competing in the high jump during the annual New Balance Outdoor Track National Meet on June 20. He leaped 5-8.5 to finish 29sth overall in the nation.
and defiance amid mounting federal threats to LGBTQ+ protections and local debates over classroom pride flags.
“Being here today to help raise this flag as our School Committee threatens to take down the one that’s hanging in my room is overwhelming,” Skeffington said. “(The flag) is powerful. It is joyful.”
Rising senior Liv Niles, 17, stepped to the microphone moments later, embodying the courage Skeffington had just described. Niles helped lead student opposition to the School Committee’s new flag policy and delivered
a powerful speech affirming that “authentic existence — joyful, unapologetic existence — is revolutionary.”
“Your existence is not a question that needs answering. It is a truth that needs celebrating,” Niles told the crowd.
“You are not here to be tolerated. You are here to be celebrated, protected and uplifted.”
State and local leaders, clergy and community members emphasized Massachusetts’ role as a refuge as national policies grow more hostile.
For high school students, a 2023 Massachusetts Youth Health Survey found approximately 66,000 students — 23.2% of the roughly 285,000 enrolled in public high schools — identify as LGBTQ+
CURRENT PHOTOS / WILL DOWD
the town’s annual Progress Pride flag raising ceremony on Saturday afternoon. RIGHT: Ashley
a Marblehead High drama and English teacher, recounts how the
became a lifeline for students who felt unsafe coming out
or questioning as of 2023. These shifts reflect increased comfort with authenticity, not changes in population size.
Pew Research Center data shows that 67% of LGBTQ+ adults under 30 came out before age 18,
Forthe Best in Lo cally Inspired Gifts
Shop p
Hours: M-F 10 am to 5pm Sat10amto4pm Closed July 4th 13 Hawkes Street (781) 639-2727 www.hestiacreations.com
compared to just 24% of those over 60.
Gallup found that 9.3% of U.S. adults — or more than 24 million Americans — now identify as LGBTQ+ in 2024, nearly tripling from 3.5% in 2012. Among Generation Z adults, the number exceeds 8 million, or 22.7% of the cohort.
But with increased visibility has come renewed backlash. Speakers repeatedly referenced looming federal policy changes — especially the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate specialized LGBTQ+ services from the 988 suicide prevention lifeline, set to take effect in less than 30 days.
“That’s 1.3 million moments of struggle. That’s 1.3 million chances to save a life, and in just a few weeks, that lifeline is going to be turned off,” said Lisa Sugarman, a Marblehead native and crisis counselor for The Trevor Project. “Lives are going to be lost because of it.”
The Trevor Project’s 2024 survey of 18,669 LGBTQ+ youth found that
roughly 7,280 respondents — 39% — had seriously considered suicide in the past year, including about 4,760 transgender and nonbinary youth — 46% of that subgroup.
The Trevor Project survey notes “LGBTQ youth are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity, but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.”
State Rep. Jenny Armini, of Marblehead, emphasized the state’s commitment to LGBTQ+ protections.
“No matter what happens in Washington, Massachusetts remains rock solid in its values,” said Armini. “We are proud to be a state of firsts — the first state to legalize gay marriage.”
New resident Benjamin Hammer said the inclusive atmosphere Saturday afternoon has been a welcome discovery. He moved to Marblehead from Provincetown three weeks ago for a job in
Boston. “It’s incredible to find a place where I can just be myself,” said Hammer, 41, who came out at 16 in Atlanta. “When you see straight parents bringing their small kids to something like this — that tells you everything about what kind of community this is — one that wants to be an ally.”
The Rev. Lindsay Popperson of Old North Church, the congregation’s first openly gay pastor in 390 years, offered prayers for “gender fluid preschoolers” and “queer elders who were there at Stonewall.”
Bruce Hamilton, Abbot Hall’s caretaker, carried out his perennial duty of hoisting the flag as Popperson invited people to call out what it meant to them. Voices rang out: “Love!” “Freedom!” “Hope!” “Authenticity!” Niles closed the event with a message of collective power and resilience.
“As we raise this flag, let us do so with the full weight of what it means,” she said. “Let us raise it for those we have lost. Let us raise it for those who are still coming out. Let us raise it for those who cannot.”
Her final words captured the spirit of the day: “Let it fly high, let it fly proud and let it remind every person who sees it — there is space for you here. There is love for you here.”
The flag will remain displayed throughout the rest of June in recognition of Pride Month, according to a proclamation read by Select Board member Erin Noonan.
For over200 years, MarbleheadFemale Humane Society has remained faithful to its original mission of quietly and re spec tfu lly helpi ng Ma rble head re sid ents in ne ed.
If yo u’re struggli ng to pay your bills or are experiencing asudden and unexpected financial hards hi p, we’ re he re t o he lp.
Individual requests forfinancialassistance must be referred through athirdparty for consideration
We urge you to contact our partners listedbelow, or speak to your localclergy to request assistance from Ma rbleh ead Female Huma ne Soc iety:
Marblehead Counseling Center
781-631-8273
Marblehead Housing Authority 781-631-2580
Marblehead Council on Aging
781-631-6225
Marblehead Food Pantry
781-631-8340
LEFT: Marblehead High rising senior Liv Niles, 17, urges classmates to “live authentically” as she addresses about 75 people gathered outside Abbot Hall for
Skeffington,
Pride flag in her classroom
at home.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
“It’s not too late to get involved!”
That’s the urgent message from organizers at the Marblehead Festival of Arts, which kicks off this Sunday, June 29, with the traditional champagne reception at Fort Sewall.
It typically takes about 400 volunteers to put on the Festival, and this summer there’s a shortage. People can volunteer for as many (or few) hours as they wish, and can even pick the location. For more information, visit marbleheadfestival.org/ volunteer.
Sunday’s champagne reception will feature bubbly and delicacies from several local restaurants, including The Landing, Barrelman, Shubie’s, The Beacon and Maria’s Gourmet. The band Fun Bucket will play live music, and judges will be looking for the winners of this year’s creative hat contest. Make and wear your own festive chapeau, and you might win a prize.
A 90-minute Film Festival will be held Tuesday, July 1, 8:30 p.m., at the Unitarian Universalist
Concerts @ Crocker Park organizer Wheeler celebrates 50th year
BY LEIGH BLANDER
In a world where change is a constant, Brian Wheeler is bucking the odds. Next month, he will celebrate his 50th year with the Marblehead Festival of Arts concert series. Wheeler is a Festival chair and producer of the Concerts @ Crocker.
Asked what keeps him coming back year after year, decade after decade, Wheeler said, “The love of the gig. The thrill of it. The Festival gives us this beautiful sandbox to play in. It’s also the excitement of seeing all our neighbors come together year after year. No matter what happens, they find their way to Crocker Park. It’s a safe haven.”
Wheeler stumbled across the Festival in 1974 when he was sitting at Crocker Park playing his guitar and spotted crews setting up a stage for live music.
“It was really cool,” he remembered. “Robb Macomber, Dennis Nickerson and Rick Giles … those were the guys to look up to, running the sound and light crew in those days. They took me under their wing. I’ll be indebted forever.”
Wheeler ultimately took over the music series, booking the acts and launching an internship
ARTS & CULTURE
program to bring in new generations of volunteers.
This year’s Crocker series features 20 acts over four nights and three days, July 2-5.
(Find the schedule on Page
11 or marbleheadfestival.org/ performingarts.)
The headliner is the Adam Ezra Group, which will perform on July 4, just before the fireworks. The band is most
famous for its hit “The Devil Came Up to Boston.”
“He’s an amazing performer,”
Wheeler said of Ezra. “He’s one of those galvanizing musicians who can reach any type of audience and excite them.”
Wheeler said this year’s lineup includes a little bit of everything, from a French-Canadian acoustic singer to a nine-piece salsa and Latin jazz band.
Afternoons will feature young bands and performers from local music schools.
Concerts @ Crocker Park is a year-round commitment, with Wheeler starting to book new bands in the fall for the
following summer. And it’s a 100% volunteer effort for Wheeler and his crew.
A musician himself who performs in the Guy Ford Band in Marblehead and across the North Shore, Wheeler has no plans of retiring from the Festival.
“I’ll keep doing this as long as I’m vertical, as long as they’ll have me,” he said.
In fact, he’s already looking forward to next year, when the Festival will be celebrating its 60th year.
“It’s going to be big, and I’m already starting to think about that,” he said.
Storytelling, workshops, walking tours highlight Literary Festival
BY WILL DOWD
The Literary Festival returns to Marblehead July 2-6 with a mix of longtime favorites and new additions, including a Moth Radio Hour-inspired storytelling event and a literary walking tour.
Margo Steiner, who chairs the Literary Festival as part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts, has spent months crafting a program she hopes will attract writers at all levels while introducing fresh perspectives on the craft. After stepping away from the role for two years, Steiner returned with renewed energy and a clear vision for the event’s future.
“The aim of the Literary Festival is to bring together those who admire good writing, those who aspire to write,” Steiner said. The festival consistently draws participants ranging from published authors to curious beginners, creating what organizers describe as an inclusive literary community.
Steiner said this year’s standout — and experimental — addition is a Moth-inspired storytelling program that invites participants to share personal true stories live, unscripted and in five minutes or less. The format draws from “The Moth Radio Hour,” the beloved public radio program that has championed personal narrative since 1997.
“We’re not going to have people sign up ahead of time, but we’ll have the audience,” Steiner explained. Names will be drawn from a hat, and selected storytellers will take the microphone to make listeners laugh, cry or simply reflect. The event takes place Friday, July 4, at 4 p.m. in the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead sanctuary.
Another new offering explores erasure poetry, sometimes called blackout poetry, in a workshop led by poet and visual artist M.P. Carver. The technique involves
removing or obscuring words from existing text to create something entirely new.
The festival maintains its commitment to accessibility while introducing a modest fee structure for select workshops.
Most events remain free, but some specialized sessions now require $20 pre-registration to help offset costs. Walk-ins are welcome as space allows.
“I want people to get used to it, what they’re getting is worth something,” Steiner said. “And it gives legitimacy and value to the Literary Festival.”
The decision reflects practical realities facing the volunteerrun organization. With minimal budget and no institutional backing for design and printing costs, organizers turned to community volunteers.
“I decided to put out a call on Facebook and was flabbergasted — and absolutely delighted — by the number of people who
stepped up and volunteered to help us out,” Steiner said.
Among those volunteers, Theresa Milewski of All Computers Great and Small, produced the program brochure, while Heidi Chase developed promotional posters on short notice. Organizers also expressed gratitude to Abbot Public Library and Claire Keyes for their generous donations supporting this year’s festival. Their efforts coincided with record-breaking contest submissions.
“It’s been another banner year for writing submissions. We had 100 this year,” Steiner noted. The festival received an especially impressive number of student entries, a trend that gives her hope for literature’s future.
“It gives me great encouragement to see all these young people entering, because it gives me encouragement for a
future where writing and reading are valued,” she said.
The program balances serious craft instruction with more playful offerings. Resident Susan Butterworth leads literary walking tours that explore Marblehead through the eyes of fictional characters from novels set in the town. The 2-mile tours, limited to 10 participants each, visit locations from “The Hearth and Eagle” by Anja Seton and the Azor books by Maude Crowley.
Multi-award-winning author Eric Jay Dolin will discuss research techniques for historical nonfiction, while Rich Rubino examines political discourse evolution in a program called, “When words count: Discourse in a changing world.”
“Rich is very involved in politics,” Steiner said. “This year he’s going to talk about how the evolution of debate, communication and insults is
particularly relevant right now.”
The festival addresses writing across life’s spectrum, from Marblehead resident Julianna Thibodeaux’s workshop on navigating transitions through creative expression to Steiner’s own abbreviated obituarywriting session.
“There’s nothing depressing about it,” Steiner insisted.
“Everybody needs a will. And I tell them every year, on Dec. 31, pull out your obituary and update it, because you may have done something new.”
Betty Breuhaus, a Marblehead author who began writing fiction in 2017, shares insights from her journey in the program “I’ve written a book — and you can, too!” For younger participants, Marblehead resident Laurie Stolarz offers creative writing guidance for tweens and teens.
The festival opens Wednesday, July 2, with a silent book reading party at King Hooper Mansion — an atmospheric start that emphasizes reading as the foundation of good writing. Contest winners will read their work Friday, July 4, at 1 p.m., offering audiences a chance to hear original writing in the authors’ own voices.
“There’s nothing like hearing a person who wrote something, not professional, and who put themselves out there in a contest and they won, and they get to read what they wrote,” Steiner said.
Most events take place at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, 28 Mugford St., with preregistration available online. For information about specific workshops or the Moth-inspired storytelling hour, contact Steiner at margo.steiner@verizon.net.
For the Arts Festival’s complete schedule, go to Pages x-x or visit marbleheadfestival. org/literaryfestival.
COURTESY PHOTOS
This will be Brian Wheeler’s 50th year with the Concerts @ Crocker Park series.
The popular Adam Ezra Group is this summer’s headliner at Crocker Park.
CURRENT COLLAGE / WILL DOWD VIA COURTESY PHOTOS
This collage shows the faces behind the upcoming Literary Festival.
FESTIVAL
TROLLEY & SATELLITE PARKING
Free satellite parking will be available in the Marblehead High School parking lot at 2 Humphrey St. A free Festival trolley will operate between MHS and along the exhibit sites.
INFORMATION BOOTHS
Information booths are staffed by Marblehead residents who are familiar with the Festival and the Marblehead community. Our booths are located at Abbot Hall and across from the Old Town House. Our volunteers are always happy to answer your questions about the Festival and other aspects of Marblehead. Grab a program book during the festival, which will guide you to much more information ($5 purchase).
Sunday, June 29
Champagne reception, 5-7 p.m., Fort Sewall
Tuesday, July 1
Film Festival, 8:30-10:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
Wednesday, July 2
» Silent book reading party, 5-8 p.m., King Hooper Mansion
» Awards ceremony, 6-7 p.m., Abbot Hall
Francoix Simard, 6-6:40 p.m., Crocker Park
» VOCE Quartet, 6:45–7:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» Drawing, Senior Art, 7-8:00 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
Painting the Town, 7-8:00 p.m., King Hooper Mansion Painting, Printmaking, Crafts, 7-8:00 p.m., Abbot Hall
» Photography, 7-8 p.m., Old Town House Sculpture, Mixed Media, Digital Art, 7-8 p.m., St. Michael’s Church
» Youth and Student, 7-8 p.m., Old North Church
» Manolo Mairena & La Pura Vida, 8-10:30 p.m., Crocker Park
Thursday, July 3
Festival Trolley, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Marblehead High School
» Logo Store, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Abbot Hall
» Drawing, Senior Art, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church Painting the Town, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., King Hooper Mansion
» Painting, Printmaking, Crafts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Abbot Hall Photography, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old Town House
SCHEDULE, P. 12
2025 Festival of Arts
YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN BLACK
2-4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
Sculpture, Mixed Media, Digital Art, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., St Michael’s Church
» Youth and Student,10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old North Church
» Creative Writing for Tweens and Teens, 4-5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Gavin Marengi, 6-7:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» Stan Martin Band, 8-10:30 p.m., Crocker Park
Mansion
» Drawing, Senior Art, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church Painting, Printmaking, Crafts, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Abbot Hall
» Photography, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old Town House
» Sculpture, Mixed Media, Digital Art,10 a.m.-5 p.m., St Michael’s Church
Words into Stories: The Storyteller’s Art, 10 a.m.12:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Model Boat Building, 11 a.m.-noon, Lee Mansion Model Boat Building, noon–1 p.m., Lee Mansion
» Windjammers, noon–2 p.m., Abbot Hall
» Dawson Green–Green Dot, noon–12:15 p.m., Crocker Park Liam Flanagan, 12:15-12:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» WINA Band, 12:45-1:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» A Conversation with Joan Leegant, 1-2 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church Maddie McGill, 2-3:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» Literary Marblehead Walking Tour, 2:30-4 p.m., State Street Landing Marketing Your Writing,
Friday, July 4
Festival Fitness, 9-10 a.m., Lee Mansion
» Horribles Parade, 10 a.m., begins & ends at National Grand Bank’s parking lot, 91 Pleasant St. Artisans Market, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Abbot Hall
» Festival Trolley, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Marblehead High School
» Logo Store, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Abbot Hall Erasure Poetry Workshop, 10 a.m.-noon, Unitarian Universalist Church
» Film Festival Encore, 10 a.m.-noon, Unitarian Universalist Church Marblehead String Quartet, 10 a.m.-noon, Abbot Hall
» Painting the Town, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., King Hooper
» Youth and Student, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old North Church
» Street Festival, 11 a.m.- 3 p.m., Lee Mansion Revolutionary Dwellings walking tour, noon-1:30 p.m., meets at Abbot Hall
» August Belf, noon-12:15 p.m., Crocker Park
» MFoA String Trio, 12-2 p.m., Abbot Hall Brady Weed, 12:15-12:45 p.m., Crocker Park
» Griffen Collins w/ Chloe Curtis, 12:45-1:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» Literary Festival Winners, 1-2:15 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church Peach Fuzz, 2:00 pm–3:30 pm, Crocker Park
» Literary Marblehead Walking Tour, 2:3004 p.m., State Street Landing When Words Count: Discourse in a Changing World, 2:30-3:45 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Five Minute Stories, 4-5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church Evan Goodrow Trio, 6-7:30 p.m., Crocker
Transitions, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
Drawing, Senior Art, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Painting the Town, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., King Hooper Mansion
» Painting, Printmaking & Crafts,10 a.m.-5 p.m., Abbot Hall
Photography, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old Town House
Sculpture, Mixed Media & Digital Art, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., St Michael’s Church
» Youth and Student,10 a.m.-5 p.m., Old North Church Abbot Hall Trio, 12-2 p.m., Abbot Hall
» School of Rock Natick, 12-1:30 pm, Crocker Park
» School of Rock Norwood, noon1:30 p.m., Crocker Park
I’ve Written a Book—and You Can, Too!, 1-2:15 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Marblehead Harbor Quartet, 2-4 p.m., Abbot Hall
» The Gallerist, 2-3:30 p.m. Crocker Park
Research as a Prelude to Writing, 2:30 -3:45 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Write Your Own Obituary, 4-5 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
» Revolutionary Dwellings walking tour, 4-5:30 p.m., meets at Abbot Hall Erinn Brown Band, 6-7:30 p.m., Crocker Park
» Robert Ellis Orrall, 8-10:30 p.m., Crocker Park
Sunday, July 6
» Please note that the last Festival Trolley departs Marblehead High School at 4 p.m.
» Pup Party!, 9 a.m.-noon, Reynolds Park Festival Trolley, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Marblehead High School
Dress for the 4th with our Landing Hats & 1/4 zip Wind Breakers. Congratulations to the 2025 Marblehead Festival of Arts Team, Volunteers, and the whole Town for making Marblehead the best place to Celebrate the 4th! Welcome Halifax Racers! 40th biennial Marblehead-to-Halifax Ocean Race.
The Landing offers The per fect venue for all types of functions. Let us make your next event just what you want.
» Logo Store, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Abbot Hall
» MFoA Cello Duo, 10 a.m.-noon, Abbot Hall
Painting the Town, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., King Hooper Mansion
» Painting, Printmaking & Crafts, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Abbot Hall
» Photography, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Old Town House Drawing, Senior Art, noon- 4 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Church
Church on Mugford St. The festival features 12 independent movie shorts, 11 of them shot in Massachusetts. In fact, four of the filmmakers live in Marblehead, and others are from Salem, Swampscott and Lynn. Several of the filmmakers will be available for Q&A afterwards. There will be an encore viewing Friday, July 4, at 10:30 a.m.
Exhibits, concerts and more events run July 3-6. For the full schedule, turn to Page 11 or visit marbleheadfestival.org.
Festival President Cynda Rohmer is especially excited about Art on the Avenue, Sunday 1-4 p.m. Performers and artists will be there, with blown glass and sea glass jewelry demonstrations. Local retailers will host sidewalk sales, and kids can enjoy donkey rides with Minis with a Mission.
Most Festival favorites are returning this summer, including the Literary Festival, Children’s Festival, Artisans Marketplace, model boat making and regatta, road races, Cods & Whales auction and, of course, the always-popular Concerts @ Crocker Park.
The Street Festival, organized by volunteer Dave Kinney, is
» Festival Duet, noon-2 p.m., Abbot Hall
Sculpture, Mixed Media & Digital
Art, noon-4 p.m., St Michael’s Church
» Youth and Student, noon- 4 p.m., Old North Church
» Kite Festival, 12:30-3 p.m., Devereux Beach
Sand Sculpture, 12:30-3 p.m., Devereux Beach
» Art on the Avenue, 1-4 p.m.
Atlantic Avenue
» Revolutionary Dwellings walking tour, 4-5:30 p.m., meets at Abbot Hall
Friday, July 4, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Washington Street and is free and open to all.
“Our event is multifaceted, with activities and entertainment for all ages. We will have a remarkable
performing troupe of amazing extraterrestrial aliens, an exceptional mime and a mesmerizing magician,” Kinney said. “Henna, face painting, our caricature artist and balloon tying are very popular activities.”
Cape Ann Vernal Ponds is returning with a collection of live animals. (Last year, the snakes were a big hit!)
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 featuring a costume contest, photo stations and interactive pet activities.”
The dog event is scheduled for Sunday, July 6, 9 a.m-noon, at Green Street Field.
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.
For more information about the Festival, visit marbleheadfestival. org.
The Current is proud to be a presenting sponsor of the Marblehead Festival of Arts
YELLOW MAGENTA CYAN BLACK
Karen J. Stumpf, 101
Karen Jemne Stumpf of Peabody, formerly of Falmouth, died peacefully of natural causes on June 12 at 101 years of age.
Born Sept. 17, 1923, in St. Paul, Minnesota, she was the daughter of the late Elsa Laubach Jemne and Ole Magnus Jemne. Karen was raised in St. Paul in her beloved childhood home on Mt. Curve Boulevard, designed by her father, a noteworthy architect. She grew up surrounded by the arts, including paintings created by her mother, a prominent muralist and portrait artist who often worked out of a studio in the house.
Karen attended the University of Minnesota for two years before venturing to New York City in 1944, fulfilling a dream
Robert Conrad
Ouellette, 81
Robert Conrad Ouellette, 81, of Nashua, New Hampshire, passed away on June 8. Born in Marblehead on March 31, 1944, he was the beloved son of the late Conrad Ouellette and Anne (Keenan) Ouellette.
Robert was a graduate of Marblehead High School, Class of 1962, and a member of the Massachusetts National Guard. He began his career as a draftsman with General Electric in Lynn where he worked before transitioning to a long and dedicated career as a contractor
M. Marlene Homan, 89
M. Marlene Homan age 89, of Marblehead and Cowpe, Lancashire County, England, passed away peacefully at home on May 11. She was the third of five children. She was a remarkable mother, wife, sister, friend and grandmother. Marlene was the daughter of
In brief
2
From P.
charge but seating is limited. To reserve seats, send a text message to 781-962-0409, with the date and number of seats you require. Your reservation will be confirmed by a return text. All shows are weather permitting.
Marblehead Light Department earns national reliability award
Marblehead Municipal Light Department received the Certificate of Excellence in Reliability from the American Public Power Association, recognizing top-tier operational practices among municipal light plants nationwide.
The honor is awarded to utilities that subscribe to APPA’s eReliability Tracker tool and rank in the first quartile nationally for the System Average Interruption Duration Index based on five years of Energy Information Administration data.
General Manager Joseph Kowalik said the tracker has been an invaluable asset for comparing the department’s performance.
“Our department has for a long time enjoyed a reputation in our town of providing reliable service to our customers,” Kowalik said. “Participating in
from her high school years. She lived with her sister and friends from Minnesota in a Greenwich Village walk-up, attended art school and worked as a commercial artist. She loved the excitement and adventure of living in the big city despite the war raging overseas.
Karen married her college sweetheart, the late John H.
for the Air Force, a role he held with distinction for over 40 years.
Over the course of his service for Air Force programs, Robert became a highly respected subject matter expert in configuration management, making an indelible impact
the APPA eReliability program gives us an objective tool so we can see how our reliability compares to other New England MLPs and MLPs nationwide.”
NSCC names local students to dean’s list North Shore Community College President William Heineman has announced that 28 Marblehead students earned honors for the spring semester.
Dean’s list recognition is awarded to students who complete six or more semester hours with a grade point average of 3.30 or higher.
The following Marblehead students were honored: Lee Becker, Cynthia Bershad, Nathaniel Boyce, Yevhen Brykin, Mariela Castro, Lilian Childs, Eliza Christensen, Malaika Dunlop, Alyssa Elser, David Etienne, Colleen Gawrys, Jennifer Grimes, Emma Hawthorne, Rhonda Johnstone, Paul Jones, Olga Makarova, Lamont McGhee, Francis Murphy, Hannah Oreilly, Edgar Ortega, Alayra Perez Garcia, Alexis Pierre, Maxwell Rudesindo Rosario, Joseph Steele Jr., Atenas Suarez Ortiz, Erin Tarmey, Aden Thang and Samuel Trasher.
Free elder law presentation planned at COA
The Council on Aging will
Stumpf, also of St. Paul, on Sept. 7, 1946. In 1956, after having their first two children, the late Robin (Stumpf) Glabe and Kurt (Stumpf) Hammond, Karen encouraged John to join the U.S. Department of State in the Foreign Service. They proudly represented the United States with postings in Calcutta, India and Casablanca, Morocco. After many adventures in both countries and the birth of their third child, Christian, in Morocco, Karen, John and the children moved back to the United States in 1960. They settled in Rye, New York, where they welcomed their fourth child, Michael. Karen soon joined the workforce as advertising layout artist, a position she held until the death of her beloved husband, John, in 1974. In 1975, Karen and her two youngest sons moved to Falmouth, where she fell in love
on some of the Department of Defense’s most critical and complex programs. Beginning in 1995 with the Airborne Warning and Control System, Bob quickly became known not only for his technical expertise but for his calm mentorship and unwavering commitment to excellence.
His contributions were pivotal to the success of multiple programs, including the AWACS program, and later, the Family of Advanced Beyond Line of Sight Terminals.
Colleagues and commanders alike sought out Bob for his rare ability to shape and codify efficient, repeatable processes that stood the test of time. He helped formalize best practices in acquisition through
William and Mary (Canneffe) Baker. She was educated in Lancashire County, England. Marlene came to America in 1957 to be a nanny for a family in Hamilton. There she met her husband Joseph Homan Jr. and made their home in the family home in Marblehead. Marlene was a woman of many talents. She began her business as a seamstress in The Sewing Room where her customers became her friends. Marlene enjoyed
host a free asset protection presentation by Certified Elder Law Attorneys Patrick Curley and Lucy Budman of Curley Law Firm LLP at 1 p.m. Wednesday, June 25.
Titled “Estate Plan Survival Kit — What you need to protect your family, your assets, and your independence as you age,” the talk is open to the public and will be held at the Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey St.
“Our goal is for attendees to learn concrete steps they can use to protect themselves and their home and savings against these risks,” said Curley. “I am finding that older adults are very concerned about how the changes coming out of Washington, D.C. may impact them and their nest egg.”
To reserve a seat, call the Council on Aging at 781-6316225. For more details, visit curleylawfirm.com or contact Deborah Tura at 781-245-2222 x18 or debbie@curleylawfirm.com.
Rail Trail section closed through August
A portion of Marblehead’s Rail Trail between Clifton Avenue and Rockaway Avenue closed June 9 for resurfacing and improvements and will remain off-limits to the public until August.
The detour affects all users and is necessary to facilitate construction. The area is
with the Cape Cod lifestyle. She enjoyed taking walks in her quiet neighborhood and on the beautiful beaches. She loved attending local classical music concerts and theatre, and making cultural trips to Boston. For decades she worked in a small boutique in Woods Hole, making many friends along the way. After enjoying 48 years in Falmouth, she moved to an assisted living apartment in Peabody where she aged peacefully, and was remembered for her loving kindness. She was predeceased by her sister Rosemary (Jemne) Granger, her husband John, her daughter Robin and grandson Brandon Stumpf, and is survived by her sons Kurt Hammond and his wife Nancy, of Pikesville, Maryland, Christian Stumpf and his wife Tracy Finn of Marblehead, Michael Stumpf, of Pembroke Pines, Florida,
the development of internal organizational instructions and training programs, leaving a lasting institutional legacy at Hanscom Air Force Base. One senior colleague reflected, “No one better understood how to turn complex systems into sustainable realities. Bob made us all better, he will be deeply missed. The world and The Department of Defense are not as good without him.”
Bob was not only admired for his professional achievements; he was cherished as a mentor, a steadfast colleague and a true gentleman. He found great joy in traveling and fishing the waters of the North Shore in his younger years and, above all, he cherished time spent with his granddaughter, Addison. He
spending time in her home decorating, crafting, cooking and baking.
She was an avid traveller with her children, grandchildren taking yearly trips to North Conway and Disney World. She traveled extensively with her husband and friends all over Europe.
Marlene was survived by her husband Joseph Jr., two children Joseph Homan III and Lisa Potorski, and two grandchildren
an active construction zone under contractor control, and trespassing is prohibited. Updates are available at marblehead.org. For questions, call the Department of Community Development and Planning at 781-631-1529.
Dollars for Scholars sets deadline for college students
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars advanced standing application deadline for rising college sophomores, juniors and seniors is Tuesday, July 1. Recipients are selected primarily on financial need, based on the student aid index on their FAFSA, along with consideration of GPA.
Students who received scholarships during the 2024-25 school year may reapply for a scholarship by updating their online profile on ChapterNet: marblehead.dollarsforscholars.org. New applicants who graduated from Marblehead High School or who live in town and are pursuing undergraduate degrees are also welcome to apply if they can demonstrate financial need.
Detailed instructions about how to build your student profile are found on the Students and Parents section of the website. For more information contact a member of the advanced standing scholarship committee: Day Newburg 781-631-0010
and her son-in-law, Bruce Glabe and his wife Marie Hayward of Winchester.
Karen was the loving grandmother of Lindsey, Carolyn, Katie, Sarah, Catherine (Cat), Peter, Maddy and Kelly, and 10 wonderful great-grandchildren.
She was revered as an amazing mother-in-law, and “Gramma Kari” was deeply loved by her grandchildren, on whom she doted. She will be missed by her many friends as a careful listener and sympathetic confidante who always had a kind word of encouragement when things were tough.
Thanks to all who have reached out for information regarding funeral services, however, the family is planning a private memorial later this year. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Girls, Inc. of Lynn or the National Audubon Society.
regularly traveled around New England to watch her perform on stage, learn about her successes at school, or just stop by to share a meal with her.
He is survived by his son, Robert Ouellette, and his wife, Kathryn, of Portsmouth, Rhode Island; his treasured granddaughter, Addison Ouellette; and his former wife, Dianne Stratton of Plymouth. A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at a later date this summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to The Pennfield School in Portsmouth, Rhode Island: pennfield.org/opportunitiesfor-giving/. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared by visiting anctilrochette.com.
Michael and Jake Potorski of Marblehead. She also leaves her sister Eileen Harwood of Waterfoot, England.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Marblehead Council on Aging or the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Marlene’s life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass on June 29 at 2 p.m. in Star of the Sea Church followed by a gathering at the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Marblehead.
daynewburg@gmail.com, Chris Saulnier 617-449-8436 chris. saulnier54@gmail.com or Rae Weed 781-299-8269 Alweed@ comcast.net.
No Kings
The Marblehead Alliance for Democracy is staging No Kings standouts every Saturday, 5-6 p.m., at the intersection of Lafayette and Maple streets (Glabicky Field). People are encouraged to bring signs.
Marblehead Little Theatre announces auditions for fall production
Marblehead Little Theatre will hold auditions for “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller on Sunday, Aug. 3, 3-5 p.m., and Monday, Aug. 4, 7-9 p.m. Callbacks are scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 6, 7-9 p.m.
The play centers on the Salem witch trials of 1692 and serves as an allegory for “witch hunts” occurring at any time or place. Auditioners should prepare a two- to three-minute monologue from an American play. Performances run three weekends from Oct. 3-19. To register for an audition slot, visit the theatre’s website. Marblehead Little Theatre is located at 12 School St., Marblehead, Massachusetts. For more information, contact info@ mltlive.org.
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
Classic
car show
Thursday, June 26, 5 p.m. to dusk Drive up to the Marblehead VFW Classic Car Show. Open to all. 321 West Shore Drive.
The Guy Ford Band Bunker Party
Saturday, June 28, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead VFW welcomes The Guy Ford Band for live music in The Bunker. 321 West Shore Drive. Open to all.
NYT best-selling author at Abbot Library
Sunday, July 6, 4-6 p.m.
Mary Alice Monroe, the New York Times bestselling author, will speak at Abbot Library about her latest book, “Where the Rivers Merge” — a story of connection, resilience and the natural world. The first 30 guests to arrive will receive a free signed copy of the book. The event will also feature a silent auction of works by local artists Elaine Purdy, Ginny von Rueden, Caroline Wojtas, Acadia (Kay) Mezzofanti, Bob Hendricks and Steve McClure. Proceeds will support the Abbot Public Library Foundation. Register at abbotlibrary.org.
Jazz at the Arts: Stan Strickland Quartet
Thursday, June 26, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present the Stan Strickland Quartet as a part of their Jazz at the Arts concert series. There is a cash bar. 8 Hooper St. Tickets are $35. marbleheadarts.org
Jazz in the Garden: Larkin Stout Quartet
Sunday, June 29, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy the Larkin Stout Quartet, performing at 10 Central St. Music will be indoors unless it is warm enough in the garden. Donations of $20-$35 per person will be collected for the musicians. Reservations are required. Contact Margi at (781) 888-4312 or margiflint@ mac.com.
Big band garden party
Saturday, June 28, 5-7 p.m.
Join Marblehead’s Matthew Arnold and his 17-piece big band, the New England Yankees, for a garden party at Star of the Sea garden. The concert, featuring vocalist Holly Cameron, will include big band tunes from the ‘30s-’50s. The show is free and open to the public. There will be light bites and a cash bar. 85 Atlantic Ave.
