FIRST WAVE
In a surprise move, School Committee member Brian Ota steps down effective immediately. Page 1.
More change coming to School Committee as Ota steps away
BY LEIGH BLANDER
In a surprise announcement at a July 31 School Committee meeting, member Brian Ota said he was “vacating” his seat immediately because he is moving out of town.
“I want to say thank you to everyone,” Ota said. “It’s been a pleasure working with the School Committee. I’ve made many friends and associates.
It’s been great.” He then left the meeting.
Ota, who served for years as the Glover School principal, was elected to the School Committee in 2023. Just about a month after the election, it became known that Ota had previously filed a state discrimination complaint against then superintendent John Buckey. Ota accused Buckey of not renewing his Glover
contract because of his age (he was 71 years old), race (Asian) and national origin (Japanese American), according to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination.
The MCAD later dismissed the complaint and said its investigation revealed “insufficient evidence.”
Ota came under fire more recently during the School Committee’s debate about flags
on school property. Ota voted for the controversial policy after saying that Pride flags might be offensive to people who believe in “family values.”
Next steps To fill Ota’s vacant seat, the School Committee and Select Board will jointly interview applicants and appoint a
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Jack Manganis made history last weekend as the youngest Pan-Mass Challenge cyclist this year to complete the two-day, 186-mile route from Sturbridge to Provincetown. He is 14 years old and received special permission to ride the full route. (The age cutoff for the 186 miles is usually 15 years.)
Manganis crossed the finish line Sunday afternoon after 13 hours of riding over two days.
“One of the many moving parts was seeing so many people — some going through cancer treatment, or survivors — cheering us on by the side of the road,” Manganis said. “That’s what sticks with me.”
Thirty-three Marblehead residents joined this year’s Pan-Mass Challenge, which raises money for Dana-Farber and cancer research and treatment. More than 6,500 riders from around the world participated. The bike-a-thon
BY LEIGH BLANDER
In a room at the Council on Aging last week, teen volunteers partnered on art projects with folks living with dementia. The pairs worked on paintings, collages and more.
It was part of OMA, the Opening Minds Through Art program, which included nine Marblehead student volunteers. OMA is an award-winning, evidence-based, intergenerational artmaking program for people living with dementia.
“It’s a failure-free program designed to provide opportunities for creative self-expression and social engagement for people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia,” according to an OMA brochure.
The sessions are led by trained facilitators, in this case Siobhan McDonald.
“For the artists, it becomes a time to be in control of their choices, whether choosing what colors of paint to use or how they are going to apply elements of collage,” McDonald explained. “It is an
opportunity for autonomy and also for the artist to focus deeply on a creative endeavor. It is a chance for them to share stories that may come up in the course of artmaking.”
She continued, “A student might mention that they play baseball, and they get to hear the artist talk about their favorite childhood sports memories. It is time for socializing in a safe space. People living with dementia, especially early on in their diagnosis,
Rising Marblehead High freshman Alec Lavender partners with Paul in
COURTESY PHOTO
Brian Ota announced at a July 31 meeting that he was leaving the School Committee immediately. He said he is moving out of town.
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From left, Marbleheaders Angus McQuilken, 14-year-old Jack Manganis and David Manganis celebrate at the finish line of last weekend’s Pan-Mass Challenge.
Ribbon cutting celebrates changing of the guard at beloved pet store
BY LEIGH BLANDER
One of Marblehead’s longestrunning businesses celebrated a new owner last week, as Kate Rhodes cut a bright red ribbon outside Worldly Pets at 112 Pleasant St. Rhodes, who lives in town, bought the popular pet shop in May from founders Diane True and Gail Novack, who have retired and plan to move to South Carolina.
Joining Rhodes at the ribbon cutting were family, friends and, of course, dogs. True and Novack were there, too, to say goodbye to longtime customers, many of whom became more like family.
The beloved pet store opened in 2007 on Tioga Way, moving to its current location in 2011. It sells everything from specialty pet food to toys to deer antlers for chewing.
Asked what she’ll miss most about Wordly Pets, True answered, “The family environment. I created a sincere bond and friendship with our customers and their pets that will last me a lifetime. They are all very special to me, and I will always treasure those memories.”
New challenge
Rhodes worked most recently at Atlantic Veterinary Clinic as a client care member. Owning a store is a new challenge for her.
“But it comes with the piece of mind that it is clearly a
BY WILL DOWD
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org
Marblehead observes Purple Heart Day
Purple Heart Day, observed annually on Aug. 7, honors and recognizes the sacrifices of service members who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. military, according to Roseann TrionfiMazzuchelli, Marblehead’s veteran service officer.
Trionfi-Mazzuchelli noted the day serves as a time to remember their bravery and the profound impact of their service on themselves, their families and the nation.
Marblehead was designated a Purple Heart town in 2024, recognizing the community’s commitment to honoring veterans who have received this distinguished military decoration. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy or posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.
Trash strike enters fifth week
As of Monday afternoon, there was still no break in the trash strike impacting Marblehead and several other North Shore communities. Republic Services union workers walked off the job July 1, demanding a new contract with better wages and benefits. On Sunday, Aug. 3., 93% of Republic employees voted to stay on strike.
Republic has replacement workers picking up trash in Marblehead, although service has been spotty. The Health
well-loved business with amazing and dedicated customers — something I want to continue to provide for my hometown that I love,” she told the Current.
Novack said, “Kate grew up in Marblehead, loves all animals and has a strong background in animal care. Her vision for the store aligned with ours, and we knew that the store would be in great hands with her at the helm.”
Novack added, “The store was our baby, and we wanted to make sure it thrived in the future. It also did not hurt that it continues to be a female-owned business in town.”
Rhodes said she’s already loving her new job. Her favorite part?
“Getting to know so many of our loyal customers and their furry friends,” she said. “Hearing updates from patrons on how we help keep their pets happy and healthy is very satisfying, to say the least.”
Customers may get a chance to meet Rusty, Rhodes’ dog, who spends time at the shop. He has already picked out his favorite products.
Rusty is “particularly fond of St. Rocco’s Treats and collagen sticks… oh, and flavored whipped cream is always a nice treat at the
Department encourages residents to bring their trash and recycling to the Transfer Station.
Amity Island Little Free Library opens The Amity Island Little Free
Library has officially opened at 18 Taft St., celebrating 50 years of “Jaws” with shark-themed artwork and its own Golden Cod decoration.
The neighborhood project was a collaborative effort involving
end of the day,” Rhodes said.
Special corner
There is a special connection between Rhodes and that corner of Pleasant and School streets. Her grandmother worked at Howard’s News when it was in the same location.
“It’s somewhat cathartic to find myself so many years later coming to work in this same spot,” she said.
“I think many of us that grew up in Marblehead have fond memories of stopping by Howard’s for their famous penny candy selection.”
For more information, visit worldlypetsmhd.com.
multiple residents. One neighbor assembled the box, another handled the text writing and a third neighbor worked with his children to build the post, dig the installation hole and set up the structure.
The Little Free Library follows the community book exchange model, allowing residents to take books and leave books for others to enjoy. The “Jaws” theme reflects the movie’s connection to the fictional Amity Island, which was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard.
Town seeks advisors for master plan
Marblehead is moving forward with developing its comprehensive 2037 Master Plan, the first update to the strategic planning document since 1989, utilizing a $130,000 state grant.
The Metropolitan Area Planning Council will facilitate the 18-24 month planning process to create a 10-year framework guiding the town’s physical and economic development.
The town is actively seeking two high school juniors or seniors and two adult residents to serve on the master plan advisory group, which will meet approximately every 2.5 months to provide input to consultants throughout the development process. The advisory structure includes representatives from various boards, committees and community functions, with the Planning Board maintaining oversight of the comprehensive effort.
Select Board member Jim Zisson was unanimously appointed to represent the Select Board on the advisory committee, joining other municipal representatives in guiding the plan development.
Town Planner Alex Eitler is coordinating the application
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)
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Kate Rhodes of Marblehead cuts the ribbon to celebrate buying Worldly Pets. Friends, family and former owners Gail Novack and Diane True were there as well.
COURTESY PHOTO / LAURA FRANK A community book exchange box features shark-themed artwork with the message “You’re gonna need a bigger book.”
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Marblehead Purple Heart recipients, from left, David Fortin, the late Harry Christensen, Mike Bruce, Francisco Urena, Larry Gwin and Arthur Talbot are honored during Marblehead’s celebration of being named a Purple Heart town in 2024.
Traffic committee grapples with e-bike safety as teen ridership surges
BY WILL DOWD
As electric bicycles surge in popularity among Marblehead teens, town officials are wrestling with how to balance the technology’s benefits against mounting safety concerns, particularly for young riders navigating powerful adult-sized models on local streets.
The Traffic Safety Advisory Committee devoted significant time during its recent meeting to discussing e-bike regulation, with members expressing concern about enforcement challenges and the possible need for clearer municipal guidelines as state law struggles to keep pace to regulate them.
Conversations with kids
“It’s not so much policing, [that] is not going to be the way to fix it, right?” Police Chief Dennis
LEAD MILLS
King told the committee during the discussion. He added, “It’s parents buying (their) kids $1500, $2,000 e-bikes. If you do, have conversations around them (about using them safely).”
Under Massachusetts law, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes — those with motors up to 750 watts that assist up to 20 mph — are legal for riders of any age and do not require a driver’s license. Riders under 17 must wear helmets, and e-bikes are prohibited on sidewalks statewide. However, the law does not define Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, leaving a regulatory gap.
Committee Chair Gary Herbert emphasized the need for local action and suggested that the committee research e-bike bylaws adopted in other communities.
“This committee should do a quick search of e-bike and scooter bylaws from around the country to
see whether we ought to adopt something similar,” Herbert said.
The discussion revealed that Marblehead has experienced several e-bikerelated incidents in the past 18 months, though none resulted in serious injuries. King noted crashes involving e-bikes hitting cars and parked vehicles — a particular concern in a town where approximately 40% of collisions already involve parked cars due to narrow streets.
“We’ve had some incidents,” King said, adding that the department has documented about 300 accidents annually in recent years.
DPW Superintendent Amy McHugh raised infrastructure concerns, particularly regarding sight lines and pedestrian safety at key intersections like Five Corners and the complex junction of Mugford and Elm streets.
The department is planning to add bike lane markings on several major roads including Humphrey Street, Atlantic Avenue, Tedesco Street and Lafayette Street as part of upcoming infrastructure work.
Broader trends
The meeting discussion reflected broader trends across Massachusetts, where e-bike sales have exploded. More than 1.1 million e-bikes were sold nationally in 2022, nearly four times the 2019 figure. The state launched a rebate program in 2025 offering vouchers of $500 to $1,200 for qualifying residents, with program managers reporting overwhelming demand.
“The technology is outpacing the regulation,” King said, drawing parallels to earlier challenges with modified scooters exceeding legal specifications.
Committee members
expressed particular concern about young riders on adult-sized e-bikes, which can weigh 80 pounds or more.
The lack of registration requirements compounds enforcement difficulties, as officers cannot easily identify vehicles or riders involved in violations.
The committee discussed potential regulatory approaches, including restrictions on rail trails where speed limits exist but enforcement remains challenging. Herbert suggested that e-bikes traveling faster than 15 mph might require special consideration, particularly on bike paths.
Education over regulation
State legislation pending in the 2023-2025 session could address some regulatory gaps. Senate Bill S.2373 and House Bill H.3758 would define Class 3 e-bikes,
while S.2347 would create a task force to improve enforcement of laws governing e-bikes, scooters and similar devices. For now, King emphasized education over enforcement, noting that many young riders do wear helmets — a positive sign compared to other communities. However, speed remains the primary safety concern.
“I do see a lot of kids with helmets,” King said. “But again, that’s only one part of it, right?”
The committee agreed to continue researching potential bylaws and regulations at its Aug. 18 meeting, recognizing that any local solution must balance safety concerns with the technology’s transportation benefits while acknowledging enforcement limitations in a community that “tends to be a community that doesn’t want to regulate,” as King observed.
19th-century wall gives way at Salem line
BY WILL DOWD
A 150-year-old granite retaining wall at the historic Lead Mills Conservation Area partially collapsed into the Forest River, prompting Salem officials to hire an engineering firm to assess the damage and develop repair plans.
The wall failure occurred along Lafayette Street where the roadway crosses from Salem into Marblehead at the mouth of the Forest River. Salem City Engineer Deborah Duhamel confirmed the city has retained an engineering consultant to evaluate the collapsed section, recommend corrective measures and provide cost estimates for repairs. She did not have a timeline for completing the engineering assessment or beginning repairs.
Mark MacRae, a 50-year Marblehead resident and retired construction executive, first alerted the Marblehead Current to the recent collapse after photographing the site. MacRae, who worked for 45 years in building construction with expertise in deep foundations and earth retention systems, had been monitoring the wall’s deterioration for more than a year.
“It has been hanging out over the water for so long, and they never did anything about it,” MacRae said, describing how the wall’s face had been leaning noticeably over the water.
The collapsed granite blocks now rest underwater at high tide and are visible only during low tide, MacRae noted.
The Lead Mills site sits on land that was once a tidal flat, later filled and reinforced with granite seawalls to support 19th-century railroad infrastructure, according to MacRae.
The Boston and Maine Railroad built the retaining
Granite blocks lie at the base of a partially collapsed 19th-century retaining wall at the Lead Mills Conservation Area, where Salem meets Marblehead. The failure, visible at low tide, has prompted the city of Salem to hire an engineering firm to assess the damage and recommend repairs. The structure, originally built to support railroad tracks across filled tidal flats, has been leaning for more than a year, according to retired construction executive Mark MacRae, who alerted The Marblehead Current
walls to create elevated land for train tracks that crossed from Salem into Marblehead along what is now Lafayette Street.
“All of that is reclaimed land,” MacRae explained.
“When the railroad came to Marblehead, they had to build the land up to support the tracks. They had to fill in the ocean, the tidal flats where the ocean would come in at high tide.”
The site later became home to the Forest River Lead Works, established in 1840 as one of the largest lead manufacturing facilities in the country.
The industrial complex produced white lead for paint, bullets for the Civil War and other products until a fire destroyed the
last buildings in 1968.
In 2012, Salem and Marblehead jointly purchased the 4.5-acre property using state grant funding and private donations, converting it into a conservation area
soil behind the granite blocks. Unlike modern retaining walls that incorporate drainage systems, the 19th-century structure lacked adequate infrastructure to manage water accumulation.
MacRae emphasized the importance of addressing the entire wall system proactively rather than waiting for additional failures, noting his experience with similar infrastructure challenges in urban construction projects.
“It’ll never be cheaper to fix it than it is right now,” he said. “Once it falls into the water like it has now and even more so the more it goes unaddressed, it gets more and more expensive.”
for passive recreation. The site now features walking trails and connects to regional trail networks.
MacRae attributed the wall’s failure to hydrostatic pressure when rainwater saturates
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Opinion
EDITORIAL
Dropped signal
Last week, the Senate voted 38-2 to approve a bill that would require public school districts to adopt policies that would prohibit students from possessing and using “personal electronic devices” — cellphones — during the school day.
The bill also reportedly has the support of Gov. Maura Healey, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, Senate President Karen Spilka and the state’s two largest teachers unions. However, according to the Boston Globe, the House has no plans to advance the legislation.
Given the mounting evidence that any good that comes from allowing students access to their phones during the school day is greatly outweighed by the harmful effects, that’s a shame.
On this subject, we trust most those on the front lines in the war for students’ attention, their teachers. They have made their opinions clear: In a spring 2024 survey of members of the National Education Association, 83% of members supported a school-day-long ban on cellphones.
In a separate survey, more than half of public school leaders (53%) said that they feel that their students’ academic performance has been negatively impacted by cellphone usage, while more than two-thirds feel cellphones have had a negative impact on their students’ mental health (72%) and attention span (73%), the National Center for Educational Statistics reported earlier this year.
For adults in the community, this data should not be surprising. We have seen, for example, restaurants offer us discounted meals — or even a free bottle of wine — if we would just put our phones away. Such is the irresistible allure of dopamine released in our brains when we use our cellphones, which can lead us to check our phones constantly, even when there’s no real need.
While some argue that allowing students access to their devices during the school day helps teach them personal responsibility and discipline, how can we expect students — with still-developing brains — to resist their devices’ siren’s call when many of us fail so regularly?
And that call is constant. In a 2023 survey, Common Sense Media found that over half of participants were receiving 237 or more “pings” or notifications on their cellphones per day, about a quarter of which arrived during the school day.
According to the NCES, more than three-quarters of public schools (77%) now have cellphone policies that prohibit students from having their cellphones during any classes.
As San Marcos (California) High School art teacher Devon Espejo recently told NEA Today, “Some parents may be uncomfortable with the policy. But if they were to sit through a class with kids who have access to their phones, and then sit through one where phones were not allowed, they would endorse it.”
Marblehead High School’s current policy is more permissive. Students and their parents or guardians have to sign a user agreement pledging to abide by the ethical use of electronics. But once they do, they can use their phones during class periods but only with their teachers’ explicit permission and only for the purpose of “achieving an educational objective.” Students can use their cellphones during study halls “as long as the use of the device is not disruptive to the learning environment” and must go to the main office to make phone calls during school hours. Even if the state legislature does not force the issue, local school leaders should take a long look at the “toolkit” on cellphones and social media Attorney General Campbell’s office published earlier this year. That toolkit outlines the benefits and drawbacks of three categories of school cellphone policies. The most restrictive — but also most effective in improving the learning environment — is a “bell-to-bell” phone-free policy, under which phones are placed in lock boxes or locking pouches until the end of the school day. One of the benefits to such a policy is that it is centralized, with implementation consistent throughout the school.
The importance of consistent implementation of a cellphone policy cannot be underestimated, Missouri science teacher and union president Noelle Gilzow told NEA Today.
“If the policy isn’t clear and consistent in a school, you get a slippery slope,” she said. “You have the ‘cool’ teacher who lets me use my cellphone in class. And then there is the ‘mean’ teacher who does not. Not only will the policy fail, but it also confuses students and can set up a bad dynamic, an unhealthy culture in the building.”
The attorney general’s toolkit also outlines “off and away” and “limited use” policies for cellphones in the schools. But one of the main drawbacks of such less restrictive policies is that they place the burden on teachers to enforce them, which can take time away from instruction and strain relationships with their students.
At least some local families have not been waiting for a state edict to help their children develop healthier relationships with their devices. As the Current reported in June, at least 10 parents from Village School have joined over 100,000 people in signing the nationwide Wait Until 8th pledge, promising not to give their children a smartphone until at least the end of eighth grade.
This is one piece of evidence of a cresting wave, where adults are increasingly recognizing that, to the extent that cellphones have a place in schools, it should be a more limited one. Our school leaders should ride that wave to its logical conclusion: the adoption of clear, uniform policies that allow students to focus on participating in classroom discussions and on building genuine, face-to-face — not screen-to-screen — relationships with their peers, even if the state does not require it.
How to make summer no-cook plates
BY LINDA BASSETT
When we’re hit with a line of heat waves, many of us turn to takeout. But some of these heat waves are too hot for a pizza. I still crave pizza, but lately I’ve leaned into an alternative. Is it pizza or just a cool vegetable plate?
I skip the dough. I start with a base of ricotta cheese slathered onto a plate as thick or thin as I like. I build it up with fresh or grilled vegetables, depending on what’s on hand. I scatter greens — maybe torn basil or peppery arugula, or pea shoots arugula — over the top. (The Farmers Market is my treasure trove.) I scatter olives or capers over them, pumpkin seeds or slivered almonds for crunch. I season this with whatever seems right, like flaky sea salt, coarse ground black pepper, red pepper flakes, finely chopped fresh rosemary. A spritz of lemon juice. A drizzle of really good olive oil. And, dinner! No oven. No heat. No pots to wash.
Sometimes I change this up with guacamole instead of ricotta. I top it with differently accented veggies — halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, corn kernels, bits of red bell pepper, etc. A mere dusting of cayenne and cumin powder over the top. Cilantro is the herb of choice, and lime juice the citrus.
Another variation is based on Greek yogurt or hummus. I top that with crunchy roasted chickpeas, olives, salted capers, chopped (seeded) cucumbers, black olives, quartered cherry tomatoes, lemon zest. I season it with fresh oregano leaves, chopped scallions and a drizzle of fruity green olive oil.
A totally refreshing meal on the porch at twilight with soft sea air gently breathing. Add icy lemonade or Arnold Palmers.
GRILLED VEGETABLE SALAD MAKES EIGHT SERVINGS.
When I grill burgers or hot dogs, I take advantage of the lingering heat in the coals and throw on a few veggies to pack away for another day. I don’t always stick to this list below. Again I turn to the Farmers’ Market. Whole scallions grill up in seconds. Grilled radishes and small potatoes (cut in halves) are surprisingly tasty. So are thickly sliced tomatoes.
`
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1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise
2 bell peppers (yellow, orange or red), quartered, stemmed and seeded
` 1 yellow summer squash, halved lengthwise
1 medium eggplant, halved lengthwise
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1 slice red onion, 1/2 inch thick
`
2 tablespoons top quality olive oil
` Salt and ground black pepper
1 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
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Put all prepped veggies in a large bowl. Toss to coat with olive oil.
Light a medium-hot fire on the grill. Grill vegetables, covered, five to 10 minutes, then turn, until browned and tender. (Keep in mind that tender vegetables brown quicker than sturdy ones.)
Transfer cooked vegetables to a platter; let stand until cool enough to handle. Cut all the vegetables into 1 inch cubes. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and chopped rosemary.
One more thought: I sometimes make dessert this way. Slather mascarpone cheese or cream cheese whipped with milk over a plate as a base. Scatter with sliced fresh peaches, pitted cherries and berries. I squeeze half a lemon or lime over the top and scatter with torn mint leaves, nuts and seeds. Drizzle very lightly with maple syrup or thinned Nutella (chocolate-hazelnut spread). Alternatively, I pile the soft cheese into a bowl or stemmed glass, then add the toppings.
Linda Bassett lived in Marblehead for years and has worked as a cook, trained up-and-coming chefs, studied food history and led food tours. Her book, “From Apple Pie to Pad Thai,” is about local cooks and cooking. FOOD
‘Old lady’ questions rule of law in America
To the editor:
I’m not a lawyer, just a grayhaired old lady sitting in my rocker watching, reading and listening to the news of the day. So much of it is extremely distressing and leaves me wondering what’s happened to the “rule of law” in this country.
Watching from here in Marblehead as the sitting president of the United States down there in Washington, D.C. dictates to his attorney general, to the head of his FBI and to all his other appointees how they are going to apply the law on
behalf of the United States of America (and for the benefit of Donald Trump) doesn’t strike me as operating under the “rule of law”.
Randomly taking thousands of immigrants (and people of color) off the streets, out of their homes and places of work on a daily basis without the legal protections to which they are entitled also leads me to question if we are still operating under the “rule of law” in America.
To make sure I really understood the concept, I looked up its definition.
From Wikipedia the rule of law is “the mechanism, process, institution, practice or norm
that supports the equality of all citizens before the law, secures a nonarbitrary form of government, and more generally prevents the arbitrary use of power.”
From Britannica.com the “rule of law is a political and legal ideal that all people and institutions within a country, state or community are accountable to the same laws, including lawmakers, government officials and judges.”
Using these definitions which include concepts such as “prevents the arbitrary use of power” and “all are accountable
CURRENT PHOTO / LINDA BASSETT
Linda Bassett, the Current’s food columnist, writes about creating no-cook summer plates.
Marblehead Sculptures creates healing art in outdoor gallery
BY MELISSA STACEY
Marblehead Sculptures & Gift Shop is a place where art, light and healing come together.
Founded from a deep passion for stained glass, color and the healing arts, this outdoor gallery and garden offers a peaceful, inspiring space for all who visit. Each handcrafted piece — from meditation pyramids to stained glass and sculptures — is made with the intention to uplift, ground and spark joy. To learn more, go to marbleheadsculptures.com.
Tell us about your business and why you started it.
“Marblehead Sculptures & Gift Shop is a space where artistry and intention come together. Founded from a deep passion for stained glass, the transformative power of color and the healing arts, the outdoor garden and gallery is designed to be a place of beauty, healing and inspiration. Each meditation pyramid, sculpture and stainedglass piece is thoughtfully handcrafted to channel light and energy — carrying with it a purpose of positivity and upliftment.”
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? “Honor the energy of your creations and the right people will find you. That advice reminded me that success isn’t
Letters
From P. 4
to the same laws,” it seems to me, that at least at the federal level, we are operating under a whole new set of rules that don’t seem to be working for the benefit of We The People.
Watching from afar it appears that anyone who has ever crossed the president or can potentially threaten his authority will be in his crosshairs. Not so far down the road any one of us could be seen as “the enemy” as he seeks to further expand his control into all areas of our lives.
From what I’m reading, there seems to be minimal constraints on his authority, at least from the U.S. Supreme Court, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the U.S. Congress. Trump loyalists in D.C. are prepared to do his bidding, no matter the costs to their constituents. The president is acting like an authoritarian leader, demanding strict obedience from his devotees and getting it.
So, what does this mean for our country? Are we still a democracy or are we (not so) gradually morphing into an autocracy. If that’s the way we’re headed, I fear we’re going to end up living in a country of curtailed rights led by people who are morally bankrupt, enacting their own oppressive agendas. The outcomes will be devastating.
So, what do we do about this?
I’m just an old lady with no answers. What do you think?
Bonnie Grenier Sagamore Road
Music takes author back to simpler times
To the editor:
The right music can take the weight from this world off of my shoulders. One of my
just about numbers — it’s about resonance. Staying authentic to my artistic vision, rather than diluting it to please everyone, has attracted the clientele that truly connects with what I offer.”
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? “My favorite spot is the garden at Marblehead Sculptures. Whether I’m sitting inside a meditation pyramid, listening to the soft trickle of the water garden, or watching sunlight dance through stained glass, there’s a deep sense of peace that settles within. It’s grounding and uplifting all at once — a space where art, nature and spirit meet.”
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?“Most people are surprised to learn that I competed in — and finished — the Hawaiian Ironman Triathlon World Championships. It taught me the power of endurance,
most favorite musicians is Van Morrison. His music makes time feel like it is standing still, just waiting for me to savor every moment. I ventured to San Francisco with my 15-year-old daughter to be with a friend of mine from third grade in celebration for her wedding. I had not seen some of my friends in 30 years. I thought I would be taken back to a time when togetherness simply mattered.
The grandness of the covenantal gesture, graced by San Francisco City Hall, colored the ceremony with the permanence of gold refined by fire. They had been committed to one another for more than two decades before tying the legal knot. Truly, it surpassed anything I have personally experienced. It was elegant and felt timeless. Like Debra Winger being carried away by Richard Gere in “An Officer & A Gentleman,” most memorable is the fact that my friend had been seen and chosen. Isn’t this what all of us want: to be seen and heard — not just chosen. Take me back to a time when life seemed simple, yes, but also graceful and eternal, Morrison sings. My friend’s reception, unlike the wedding ceremony, felt temporal and sensual, spearheading me into the inebriation and disconnect of current culture. I traveled across the U.S. to celebrate life and love. We are in Marblehead, each one of us, for the same. May the noise and distractions around us not blind us to those right in front of us. It might be the local coffee shop barista that we have overlooked, or someone who lives on the other side of the tracks.
The record store venue and open bar might be considered ‘cool’ but children were not invited (later tolerated) and the invitation to drink to oblivion was a menace to making merry, at least the kind my heavy heart longed for.
commitment and devotion to a bigger purpose, which now flows into everything I create. What many don’t realize is how much time goes into the framework and creating each
Life is simple when it is light on the spirit, soul and body. Children bring the lightness of being, like the right kind of music. I tried to move my body (and those who know me know that I love dancing) but I would end up back at the bar, trying to forget about the fun I was not having.
We are all going from one place to another; we are all on a journey of many waters. Our boat can rest in peaceful waters but turbulence is a given. The winds can change everything. Time is feeling like it is moving faster everyday because it is. It is not just technology that is advancing beyond our ability to comprehend it fully: our lives are moving faster. Take me back to a slower pace, to a time when the presence of another person mattered more than forgetting about what matters.
We can choose to go with the tides of the times and culture — or not. We can choose to keep our innocence, however marred our experiences or disconnected from the simple we have strayed. We can choose to make sure that we have children around us, for they are a blessing — not a burden. They not only keep us real, they keep us in the simple and the fun.
“Getting, getting, getting kind of heavy….”
We can return to our innocence, to a simpler time, but we cannot cross over oblivious to why we come together in the first place. We don’t need to forget: we must remember what matters and never forget.
Brendalee Baughman Broughton Road
Bring jobs like trash collection back to Marblehead
To the editor:
So now we are in the middle of a garbage strike. It’s a hassle, but
sculpture. These pieces aren’t just beautiful — they’re built to withstand wind, weather and time. Both the Ironman and the sculptures require quiet focus, commitment and devotion
it could have been predicted. Some years ago, Marblehead, along with many other towns, made the decision to reduce the number of its employees and outsource many kinds of work that were formerly done by town employees — including picking up trash.
My understanding of why this came about is that the town didn’t want to pay for medical benefits or pensions. Those in charge may have bought into the Reagan/Thatcher privatization model, that private companies could be more “efficient” than government. So, increasingly, work previously done by town employees was subbed out to private contractors. Most town workers were paid at a not very high rate, but they had some job security, medical care and a pension.
This outsourcing always seemed like a bad idea to me: We don’t want to pay for benefits, so “Let’s outsource poverty!” Who cares what people are paid, as long as we get the work done. But when a town employee, who lives in town (and remember, Marblehead once had the will to build housing so that town employees could afford to live in town — that was considered a social good— as well as building housing for the poor, the old, the infirm and veterans, town employees were included — but now we no longer seem to have the will to do that.)
Anyway, when a town worker fixed or built something, if they screwed it up, everyone knew — they knew the employee, who probably lived in town, and they’d catch hell. But now the work is done by people from somewhere else, being paid who knows what — the profit goes to the managers, owners and stockholders, not the workers. Is this really cheaper? In the long run? When there’s no accountability for poor workmanship, etc. ? Think of the
beyond the visible surface.”
The spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.
jobs you’ve seen around town — the sidewalks that crumble after a few years.
By the way, Republic Services’ CEO Jon Vander Ark’s total compensation in 2024 was reported as $12,977,475. At least six other top employees made $2.5M-$3.5M, while the 12 members of the board of directors made about $350,000 a year. The median income for Republic employees was $84,950. so half made less than that. Guess which ones?
I’d prefer to see the people who collect the garbage be employees and residents of Marblehead, but barring that, I say, let’s support the strikers! Alexis Soule Front Street
Residents share appreciation for Transfer Station workers
To the editor:
We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the employees at the Marblehead Transfer Station for their exceptional service to our Marblehead community.
The dedication, especially in extreme weather, whether it’s hot and humid or rainy and unpleasant, is truly admirable. Even in tough conditions, they remain professional, courteous and always willing to lend a hand.
In particular, the kindness and assistance to senior residents have not gone on notice. Whether they are helping with heavy items or offering a friendly word, they show patience and respect that makes a real difference.
We are fortunate to have such a hard-working and compassionate team serving our Marblehead community.
Thank you for all you do.
Joan and Richard Kessel Leo Road
COURTESY PHOTO
Ellen Epstein owns Marblehead Sculptures & Gift Shop.
For a lifetime of stories, Marblehead says thank you to Bette Hunt
BY WILL DOWD
On a warm July 29 afternoon, the Select Board Room at Abbot Hall filled with residents who had come to honor one of Marblehead’s most beloved figures
Town Historian Emerita Elizabeth “Bette” Hunt, 93, received the 2025 Marblehead Forever Award in a surprise ceremony that felt more like a family gathering than a formal municipal event. Hunt, whose decades of service have woven her into the fabric of this town’s identity, became the sixth recipient of an award that recognizes residents who embody Marblehead’s cultural, educational and historical values. It is awarded by the Marblehead Forever Committee, established in 2000 using leftover funds from the town’s 350th anniversary celebrations.
The standing-room-only crowd watched as Hunt accepted a framed citation, her presence commanding the room despite her petite stature. She had served as the town’s second historian from 2002 to 2015, following in the footsteps of the late Virginia Gamage, whose book “The ‘Spirit of ‘76’ Lives Here” remains a touchstone for local history enthusiasts.
“Bette’s deep knowledge, marvelous history, paired with her pride, humor, integrity and many years of dedicated service, truly embody the spirit of Marblehead and exemplify the qualities in historical, cultural and educational aspects,” said
hearts. For years, she led groups through Old Burial Hill, past the weathered headstones of Revolutionary War heroes and sea captains, her voice bringing centuries-old stories to life.
She guided visitors past the Old Town House and through Abbot Hall and the Lee Mansion.
Her successor — Town Historian Don Doliber, who has watched Hunt’s influence span generations, said Hunt has shared Marblehead history with “our students and our community, and as a town — we all have benefited.”
scenes, originally created for Christmas cards and now being sold to benefit historic preservation efforts.
When Hunt rose to accept the award, her remarks carried the warmth and humor that have endeared her to generations of Marbleheaders.
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. I hated giving up my walking tours, but I couldn’t do it anymore,” she said.
Select Board Chair Dan Fox, reading from a Select Board proclamation with evident admiration.
For Hunt, the surprise recognition represented the culmination of a lifetime spent preserving and sharing Marblehead’s stories. Her journey began long before her official appointment as town historian, when she worked as executive secretary of the Marblehead Historical Society for 12 years, a role that introduced her to every corner of the town’s rich past.
Kyle Wiley, chair of the
Marblehead Forever Committee, detailed Hunt’s extensive volunteer work during the ceremony. The list seemed endless: member of the Old Marblehead Improvement Association, serving on the biennial perambulation guide, sitting in the Old Burial Hill Oversight Committee among others. She contributed to historic preservation efforts, participated in town celebrations and dedications and became a familiar face at countless community gatherings.
But it was Hunt’s popular walking tours that truly captured
In an aside with the Current, Doliber offered both admiration and gentle humor. He recalled one particularly memorable tour when Hunt was giving a presentation on a bus through town. “At the end, they stopped it, and Bette said, ‘OK, let’s go.’ The door wouldn’t open,” Doliber recounted with a chuckle. “I remember when I heard it, I called her and said, ‘You will do anything to attract an audience.’”
He also added, “Once I hear a story being told about Marblehead, and it’s funny, you know, you can trace it back to Bette.”
Hunt’s influence extended beyond formal tours. She helped persuade Town Meeting to support the $2.4 million Abbot Hall Clock Tower restoration project in 2013, her impassioned speech moving residents to preserve one of their most iconic landmarks. More recently, her artistic talents have gained recognition through pen-andink illustrations of Marblehead
Among the attendees was Standley Goodwin, 87, a neighbor who often visits Hunt and shares her passion for local history. He also served on the Old Burial Hill Oversight Committee with her.
“She has a gift of gab, and she loves to tell stories and has a good sense of humor and all that sort of thing,” said Goodwin.
Historical Commission Chair Pam Peterson, another longtime resident, praised Hunt’s ability to make Marblehead’s past come alive for ordinary residents. She added Hunt made local history personal and accessible, transforming scholarly knowledge into stories that resonated with neighbors and visitors alike.
“She did popularize town history through her walking tours,” Peterson said.
As the ceremony concluded, Hunt offered final remarks that embodied both her gratitude and her characteristic wit.
“I’m honored, frankly, for all of you being here,” she said.”I really appreciate this, and it’s very kind to be remembered before you’re dead.”
Antique shop owner preserves Marblehead history one artifact at a time
BY GREY COLLINS
Standing at the counter of his antique shop on Washington Street, Tim Swigor admires his extensive collection of Marblehead historical artifacts. Every wall, shelf and table is covered with reminders of Marblehead’s long and storied past. From a copy of the Marblehead Messenger, announcing the death of President Andrew Garfield in 1881, to old photographs of the town in the early 20th century, to relics of Marblehead’s rich maritime and military history, there is enough to keep any local history buff occupied for decades. Swigor beams as he described each one in great detail.
Born and raised in Syracuse, New York, Swigor has always had a passion for history. He attended Northeastern University and ran a thirdparty marketing business. He moved to Marblehead in 2004, and quickly fell in love with the town’s charm and rich history. He lives on Front Street.
“I’ve always been a steward of history,” said Swigor. “I love history in general, and obviously Marblehead’s got a ton of history. So I just embraced everything that the town has to offer from a historical perspective.”
He added, “If you go to Florida and Texas, everything is cookie cutter, nothing is old. But there’s so much character and history in Marblehead’s narrow streets,”
Swigor has been collecting artifacts for 30 years, but he eventually decided to open an antique shop in order to share
his passion for local history with the Marblehead community.
He bought a condo on 134 Washington St. and quickly got to work fixing it up.
“We bought the condo two years ago, and we started renovating it,” said Swigor, who opened Old Town Antiques on June 1, 2024, and has since been sharing his collection with anyone who stops by on the weekends.
“The floor was painted black so we had to sand it down, and the fireplaces were covered up, so we had to expose them. The building was built during the 1790s, and I wanted it to look like it. I wanted to bring it back to its original luster.“
Swigor walked around the shop, showing off all of
the historic photos, maps, documents, flags, anchors, newspapers and other objects that will remind the viewer of the rich history that our town boasts of. One of his favorite pieces in the collection, a fraternal flag made for Civil War veterans which hangs on a wall by the front, was made in 1881. Though he would never part with it, Swigor excitedly showed off one of just a handful of surviving copies of the first ever U.S. census taken in 1791, showing that Marblehead had 5,661 residents, and was signed by Thomas Jefferson.
Swigor is always on the hunt for more historic Marblehead antiques to add to his collection.
“I’m always interested in
buying things,” explained Swigor. “I find a lot of it at local yard sales and garage sales. Other times it’s auctions and Ebay. I’m looking for Marblehead stuff anywhere and everywhere.”
Swigor also spoke about how the antique shop has connected him with the Marblehead community in new ways and has been a tremendous learning experience.
“It’s been great. Since I’ve opened the shop, locals will come in and tell me stories about the town that I’d never heard before. Old timers will come in, and they’ll tell me about things that have happened in our town’s history,” said Swigor. “And when you share
these stories, they continue to be passed down to future generations.”
Swigor’s passion for local history recently drove him into local politics. He ran for the Planning Board, and was an advocate against the controversial 3A zoning measure, which he says doesn’t honor the uniqueness and extraordinary history of Marblehead.
“I thought that 3A was an overreach by the state, and that they’re trying to turn Marblehead into every other suburb,” explained Swigor. “But we’re not like every other suburb. We are unique. Local zoning should be handled at the local level.”
Swigor believes that protecting and honoring our local history should be a top priority for our local government.
“My passion for Marblehead history pushed me to get involved in local politics. I’m not usually a politician, but I believe that someone needs to have a rational approach to things in keeping the town’s history in its best interest,” he said.
Through his antique shop, Swigor wants to continue to protect and share pieces of our town’s rich history with as many people as possible. He worries that it may become lost throughout the years, but he hopes he can do his part to prevent that.
“I’m trying to highlight and preserve Marblehead history, and there’s just so much history here,” said Swigor. “It’s a unique place, and there’s just so much history that we need to protect from being lost.”
CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS
Tim Swigor stands among historical artifacts at his antiques shop on Washington Street.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD
Town Historian Emerita Bette Hunt, seated, with the members of the Marblehead Forever Committee, holds her 2025 citation following a ceremony in her honor at Abbot Hall on July 29. Hunt was recognized for decades of service and her role in preserving Marblehead’s cultural and historical legacy.
is the largest athletic fundraiser in the country and has raised more than $1 billion since 1980. Manganis rode with his dad, Dave, and family friend Angus McQuilken. Last year, he completed the 50-mile route.
Manganis remembered the first time he felt cancer’s impact on society.
“There was a public figure, a YouTuber that went by the name Technoblade, who I liked and found hilarious,” he said. “He died of cancer in 2022 at just 23 years old. I was 11 at the time. Having Technoblade’s last public statement being read by his dad, on my phone in the middle of the night, shook me. ‘How could death be that unfair?’ was a
frequent thought.” He added, “I continue to hear about how cancer affects the
people around me everyday. I feel it’s important to clarify that is not an exaggeration.”
Manganis has been training for months, riding at least once a week and hitting the
gym. He rode a Cervelo Soloist road bike and completed 108 miles Saturday before sleeping at the Mass Maritime Academy. On Sunday, he finished the final 78 miles to Provincetown.
“It was definitely hard, but what made it a lot easier was riding with Angus and my dad,” he said. “Near the end, I felt like I was dying. Then I saw these people in yellow dinosaur costumes dancing in the road. I thought to myself, ‘Just keep peddling.’”
Manganis crossed the finish line with his dad and McQuilken. He’s already planning to ride again next year.
To learn more about Jack Manganis’ PMC ride, or to donate, visit profile.pmc.org/ JM1292.
process, requesting one-page expressions of interest detailing applicants’ motivations and relevant experience in key planning areas including health and safety, sustainability, land use and zoning, historical preservation, economic stability and development, infrastructure, housing, education, transportation/mobility and business ownership/ management.
Youth applicants must additionally provide academic achievement information,
with all candidates evaluated on relevant experience, community engagement commitment, analytical thinking skills, availability throughout the extended process, communication abilities and vision for Marblehead’s future development.
The Planning Board will select advisory group members by Aug. 12.
Contact information: Alex Eitler at eitlera@marbleheadma. gov or 781-631-1529.
‘Header appointed
SSU trustee
Claude G. Lancome, executive
vice president of Coast and Harbor Associates Inc., has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Salem State University, effective July 1. This marks Lancome’s second tenure serving the university in this capacity, first appointed by former Gov. Deval Patrick. Gov. Maura Healey made the appointment following a unanimous vote by the Salem State University Board of Trustees. Lancome was officially sworn in on July 2 and participated in a trustee luncheon with Keenan on July 15. “I am honored to return to the
Education Association co-presidents
temporary successor.
The School Committee has undergone significant change this summer. Members Sarah Fox and Alison Taylor were voted out in June, replaced by Kate Schmeckpeper and Henry Gwazda. Chair Al Williams and Jenn Schaeffner remain on the committee.
Joint statement
In other news, Superintendent John Robidoux and Marblehead
Jonathan Heller and Sally Shevory read a joint statement regarding curriculum amid some concerns that some materials from teachers unions may be antisemitic.
“Curriculum decisions in Marblehead are made independently and collaboratively by educators, administrators and instructional leaders. They are informed by data, professional standards and the needs of our students — not by the positions of external organizations,” according to the statement.
The statement continued, “Through the partnership between
Engineering (applicant) on behalf of: Heather B. & Brett M. Rosenbaum. Trustees of The Heather B. Rosenbaum Revocable Trust of 2017 (owner) for the proposed site work & landscaping at 363 Ocean Avenue (Map 920, Parcel 4) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: EitlerA@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/conservation-commission Left click on the agenda date. David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission
Salem State University Board of Trustees and look forward to contributing to the university’s continued excellence in education,” Lancome said. “Higher education institutions play a vital role in our communities, and I’m committed to supporting Salem State’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education.” Lancome brings over 30 years of experience in construction project management, contract administration and legal expertise to his trustee role.
As executive vice president and in-house counsel at Coast
the Office of Teaching and Learning and the Professional Development Committee, we ensure that all training and instructional materials are selected to enhance learning, foster inclusion, and support the whole child.”
Robidoux delivered a brief update on his antidiscrimination committee, saying it will begin meeting monthly this fall.
Back to school
Students return to school on Wednesday, Aug. 27. Teachers return on Aug. 25 for two days of professional development.
TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD CONSERVATION COMMISSION
The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or after 7:00 PM on August 14, 2025 on an application filed by: Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of: Kevin Michael and Kathleen Lane (owner) for the proposed construction of house additions, site work and landscaping at 50 Beacon Street (Map 186, Parcel 5) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: EitlerA@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529.
Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/conservation-commission Left click on the agenda date. David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission
COMMISSION The Marblehead Conservation Commission will hold a VIRTUAL (zoom) public hearing beginning at or
7:00 PM on August 14, 2025 on an
filed by: Scott Patrowicz, P.E., Patrowicz Land Development Engineering (applicant) on behalf of: 4J Homes LLC (owner) for the proposed house re-construction and house/ deck additions, site work/landscaping at 9 Kenneth Road (Map 157, Parcel 12) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: EitlerA@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/conservation-commission Left click on the agenda date. David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday August 26th, 2025 at 7:45 PM on the request of Andrea Zeren and David Selden to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by
and Harbor Associates, he has overseen projects ranging from $500,000 to over $3.5 billion in value, with an aggregate project portfolio exceeding $2.75 billion.
A recognized expert in construction contract administration, Lancome is the author of “Construction Contract Administration for Project Owners,” published by Routledge in 2017 and released in paperback in 2024. He holds certifications as both a Construction Arbitrator and Construction Mediator from the American Arbitration Association.
COURTESY PHOTO
From left, David Manganis, his son Jack and Angus McQuilken take a break at Chandler Hovey Park while training for last weekend’s Pan-Mass Challenge.
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
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Summer is quickly winding down for the Marblehead High School fall sports coaches and athletes. For instance, football coach Jim Rudloff is set to welcome his prospective players to the first day of practice on Aug. 15. They will have to hit the ground running to get ready for the first scheduled scrimmage against host St. John’s Prep on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m.
Three days later on Tuesday, Aug. 26, West Springfield comes to Piper to scrimmage the Magicians, starting at 5 p.m. The Marblehead boys then won’t have too much time to rest up, before traveling to Billerica to face the Indians in their final organized tune-up on Friday, Aug. 29, also at 5 p.m.
The condensed heavy workload is all because Labor Day comes early this year on Sept. 1, with the regular season opener slated to take place just days later on Friday night, Sept. 5, against non-league host Lynn English at Lynn’s Manning Field, starting at 7 p.m.
The rest of the nine-game regular season schedule lines up as follows: Bishop Fenwick at Piper on Sept. 12 (7 p.m.); at Shepherd Hill Regional on Sept. 19 (6 p.m.); North Andover at Piper on Sept. 26 (7 p.m.); at Beverly on Saturday, Oct. 11 (11 a.m.); at Peabody on Oct. 17 (7 p.m.); at Masco on Oct. 24 (6:30 p.m.); Danvers at Piper on Oct. 31 Halloween Night (7 p.m.) and Swampscott at Piper on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 27 (10 a.m.).
Sports
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Seasiders drop close play-in game
Going into the final week of the regular season, the Marblehead Seasiders went 3-2 to inch closer to four North Shore Baseball League teams – Powerhouse (8-9-1), North Shore Storm (8-12-1), Kingston Night Owls (7-11-2) and Swampscott Sox (8-13) – just ahead of them in the standings. They were in 10th place, and knew only the top eight would make the playoffs.
With that said, the Seasiders had three regular season games left and basically needed to win them all while hoping those aforementioned teams in front of them falter down the stretch.
As it played out, the NSBL’s Marblehead entry (8-15-1) did enough to compete in the play-in game – the eighth-place team going up against the ninthplace team – on Saturday night (Aug. 2) at World Series Park in Saugus, the home of the North Shore Storm, who were the eighth-place team. The winner clinches the final playoff berth. Both teams played as if there was no tomorrow, and for one that would definitely be the case. Unfortunately, it was the
But before these games, this year’s edition of the Magicians will be well-prepared for another postseason run. Never mind the preseason practices and scrimmages, they began honing their skills with an active summer schedule that included several 7-v-7 tournaments, and with each one they enjoyed considerable success.
“We won 22 straight 7-v-7 games this summer, beating teams like Swampscott, St. Mary’s of Lynn, Winthrop, Lynn English and Woburn along the way,” said senior quarterback Finn Gallup.
Most of these wins meant championships. The Northeast North Division 7-v-7 Tournament in Berwick, Maine, was one of their most
against teams from three different states. The title clincher was against St.
Seasiders,who were on the short end of the low scoring game, 3-1. James Guigino, the Seasiders’ ace, started on the mound in this pivotal contest on only two days’ rest. The Storm scored all three of their runs in the very first inning, but only two were earned off Guigino.
The Seasiders had their chances to score more than just once, but ended up stranding nine on base. Derek Finn paced the team’s offensive attack with
two hits.
NSBL playoff rundown, final regular season standings
The Peabody Champions, a perennial championship contender in the NSBL, are predictably this year’s top seed going into the playoffs after finishing up with an 18-6 regular season record. The Phillies tied the Northeast Tides for second place with identical 16-8 records, followed by the Rowley NorEasters (15-9), Beverly Recs (14-9-1), Powerhouse (11-121), Swampscott Sox (10-14), North Shore Storm (8-14-2),
Mary’s of Lynn on a last second touchdown by incoming junior Noah Wilson.
The Marblehead boys followed up that championship with a trip to Milton on July 31 to play in the New England 7-v-7 tournament. They first defeated Barnstable (33-14) and Greater Lowell (28-6) to make it to the semifinals, where they dropped a close 26-20 decision to BB&N out of the Independent Prep School League. Throughout these summer tournaments, Gallup has really been impressed with the defense. “Our defense has improved exponentially over the
Marblehead Seasiders (8-15-1), Kingston Night Owls (7-14-3) and North Reading A’s (5-19).
Mariners finish up Legion season with two straight playoff losses
The Marblehead/Swampscott Post 57 American Legion Senior Division baseball team ended the regular season in District 8 with a 4-6-1 record after several postponed games were never made up, because of scheduling conflicts and time restraints. The Mariners then lost two straight playoff games to Northboro and Beverly to close out another summer.
Coach Steve Correnti’s team fell to Northboro Post 234 in a close game, 5-3 at Beverly High School to begin the postseason on July 19.
The Mariners scored the first two runs of the game in the very first inning. Cooper Correnti singled down the right field line, followed by a walk to Greyson Leventhal, and they both eventually came around to score those runs.
Northboro Post 234 took a 4-2 lead in the fourth, and never looked back.
Nick Berube gave up five hits
recent success stories on July 12. They went undefeated in the Pine Tree State, winning
all seven games
Marblehead High School football players Rylan Golden and Armany Villar celebrate a touchdown during the Northeast North Division 7-v-7 Tournament in Berwick, Maine on July 12.
The football Magicians are all smiles after winning the Northeast North Division 7-v-7 Tournament championship. They are, from left, top row, Andrew Dellacamera, John Schiefer, Noah Wilson, Owen Dulac, Marcus Waitikus, James Machado, Landon Dosch, Owen Coyne, Trent Brown and Madden Lyons. Front row, Rylan Golden, Armany Villar, Brandon Jaquez, Finn Gallup, Dylan Glass and Oscar Galante.
COURTESY PHOTOS / VICTORIA DOSCH
After the Magicians won seven straight games against teams from three different states in the Northeast North Division 7-v-7 Tournament on July 12, incoming junior Noah Wilson proudly poses with the championship trophy. The tournament was held in Berwick, Maine, on the campus of Marshwood High School.
FOOTBALL, P. 11
COURTESY PHOTO
The 2025 Marblehead/Swampscott American Legion Post 57 senior division baseball team is, from left, front row, Michael Collins, Jesse Swartz, Caden Ross, Luc Tardif and David Palmer. Second row, assistant coach Kyle Spear, Beau Olivieri, Nick Berube, Jack Spear, Cooper Correnti, Aiden Brown, Dylan DiFilippo, Tyler Spear and head coach Steven Correnti. Missing from photo, Dylan Glass, Stefan Shepard, Carter Sahagian, Greyson Leventhal, Ryan Angilly and Will Brogna.
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
Full Moon Yoga
Friday, Aug. 8, 7-8 p.m.
Experience the magic of Full Moon Yoga outdoors in the serene gardens of the historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St.
This special class is held directly under the light of the full moon, with the start time thoughtfully planned to align with the beauty of sunset. $25 to drop-in or sign up at theyogaloftmarblehead.com.
Farmers’ Market
Saturday, Aug. 9, 9 a.m.-noon
Stop by the Marblehead Farmers’ Market for some fresh, local produce, prepared foods, baked treats and more. Behind the Veterans School, 217 Pleasant St.
Live music at the Bunker Bar
Saturday, Aug. 9, 7 p.m.
Swing by the VFW, 321 West Shore Drive, to hear Brendan Kane and Nick Sears performing at the Bunker Bar.
Solo Exhibits at Marblehead Arts Association
Saturday, Aug. 9, through Saturday, Sept. 21
Discover inspiring works in these exhibits by MAA artist members: Shana Sood, Enzo Fontana, Linda D’Addario, Elizabeth Lorayne, Michael Weiss and Olesea Fiodorova.
Also featured is the solo show “News and Nature” by talented young photographer and Marblehead Current intern Grey Collins. Collins’ exhibit is a superb mix of picturesque nature and wildlife photography, juxtaposed with gritty portrayals of the realism of urban life.
There will be an opening reception on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2-4 p.m. at the Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St.
‘Along the Coast’ exhibit
Saturday, Aug. 9, 2 p.m.
Come to Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., for a public reception for “Along the Coast,” an exhibit of oil paintings by Linda Lea Bertrand. The exhibit will be on view from Aug. 4-Sept. 12. Bertrand is a plein air painter based in Marblehead.
Corinthian Classic returns this weekend
BY LAURIE FULLERTON
The weekend of August 8 and 9 marks the return of the Corinthian Classic, one of the town’s prettiest events of the year. Now in its 26th year, event chairman Timothy Dittrich of the Corinthian Yacht Club works hard with his committee every year to get as many vintage and modern classics to join the pursuit race. With a total of 23 entries this year, all the participating boats – including the vintage and modern classics are rated as a Classic Yacht.
“We have a great competition brewing in the Vintage Division (boats designed before 1950). Expect to see Black Watch, a S&S Custom 68; Yawl; Neith, a 54; Herreshoff built in 1903; and Spirit, a 47 schooner. These boats should put on quite a show and a fight,” Dittrich said.
“Gentian, a NY 32 could be a late entry which would really make this a dog fight.” This year the largest and fastest growing
fleet will be the Modern Classic Division – designed after 1950 but before 1980. “This is the division where you’ll see boats from the 1960s, 1970 and early 1980s go for the gusto,” Dittrich said. “Keep an eye out for
Misirlou, the Cal 40; Jud Smith’s Africa B-Squad; and Valkyrie, the Hinckley 48.” Marbleheader Quinn Vaillancourt will be in the Rozinante that he built himself using his speed and local knowledge to try and be first
across the finish line Saturday and Sunday.
“He’s done it before in Rozi and always performs very well in this event,” Dittrich said.
“We cannot overlook the beauty, grace and heritage of the
International One Design. They have been the backbone of yacht racing in Marblehead for decades now. Their red, white and blue spinnakers can’t be missed,” Dittrich added. “Watch for Carolyn Corbet on Elektra, Bill and Shiela Widnall on Javelin, and Greg Mancusi-Ungaro on Viking.” In other news, mark your calendar for August 15-17 when the Eastern Yacht Club will host the annual Storm Trysail Club Ted Hood Regatta. Ten years ago, the Storm Trysail Club’s Marblehead Station decided to celebrate one of Marblehead’s favorite sons, and one of our sport’s true legends, by naming a regatta in his honor. After the tremendous success of the inaugural 2017 event, the Hood Regatta, has been on its way to becoming an East Coast Classic.
Have you ever done a “dip-pole jibe?” Have you ever hoisted a jib in a “head-foil?” What about a “roller-furler?” Ted
COURTESY PHOTO/BRUCE DURKEE
The custom yawl Black Watch, owned by Kyle Dufur, competes in the Corinthian Classic last year. At least 23 boats will be participating on Aug. 8 and 9.
SAILING,
Douglas H. Steely, 75
Douglas H. Steely, 75, of Marblehead and Greensboro, Vermont, passed away at home in Greensboro on June 6 with his wife and daughter by his side.
Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Harold F. and Anna C. (Hrycay) Steely. Doug grew up in Manchester, Connecticut, the eldest of seven children. A gifted athlete, he starred in baseball and soccer during his school years. He was also a lifelong student, outdoorsman, music enthusiast and voracious reader, developing an encyclopedic knowledge of world politics and history, as well as music lyrics and artists spanning genres from country to hard rock.
After graduating from Manchester High School, Doug attended Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. While visiting Greensboro, Vermont, in 1971 with a friend, David Hicock, from Manchester, he met his lifelong partner, Palma (“Pal”)
Jeannine Marie Camarda, 72
David George Santry, 80
Forever the gentleman, David Santry radiated with wit, kindness and a twinkle in his eye. He died on July 18 in New York City, following a valiant fight with heart disease.
Born in Salem on June 21, 1945, and raised in Marblehead, where five generations of his family have lived, he graduated from Marblehead High School in 1963, from Brown University in 1967 and from the Wharton School
may not feel comfortable joining activities they used to like — for example, if someone used to play cards or meet friends for a coffee at Dunks, they may worry about not recalling the rules of the game or saying something awkward.”
The high school students get a lot out of the program, too.
“They get to feel needed and are often shocked in a good way when they see the difference they can make in someone’s day,” McDonald explained.
“They build listening and conversation skills and have to think about how to respond to different personalities.”
Quinn Cohane, a rising sophomore at Marblehead High,
Hood was the person behind all of these innovations, and he
course of the summer, while the offense continues to click,” he said. “The younger guys are really coming into their own, while us older guys continue to learn to lead in order to grow the overall team.”
Gallup explained that he and
Bickford. Doug enjoyed professional success in restaurant management and automobile sales, but his greatest passion was for people, politics and music. He treasured his time managing and bartending at The Cellar Door on M Street in Georgetown during the 1970s, where he built lifelong friendships and lived at the center of a vibrant cultural moment. Attending Woodstock inspired many oft-told tales as did the era’s protests in D.C. Doug and Pal traveled extensively. Together they trekked Mt. Kilimanjaro, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Torres del Paine, the Annapurna Circuit and along the Great Wall of China. They explored cities around the world, and
Jeannine Marie Camarda, 72, of Marblehead, passed away on July 27 surrounded by her loving family. She was a staple in the Marblehead community and will be greatly missed.
of Finance in 1969. Following two years in the US Army, he started his career in finance as a journalist, soon becoming the Wall Street columnist for Business Week.
partnered with Duncan.
“Art is very interesting to me, as a retired engineer,” said Duncan, displaying his work called “Forest Image” with
revolutionized the sail-making industry with new materials, designs and weaving technology over decades. His yacht designs won every major ocean race, and
his skilled position teammates have been getting together regularly to throw, and the linemen have been doing the same to go over blocking techniques to get ready for that first day of practice with coach Rudloff on Aug. 15. But the entire team also convenes four days a week – Monday through Thursday – for daily workouts.
shared their love of travel with their daughter, who joined them hiking in the Atlas Mountains, exploring Cathar ruins in southern France and adventuring through Istanbul, London, Paris and Marrakech. In his final year, Doug chose to use Vermont’s Hospice Act 39 to put himself to sleep at home in Greensboro. The choice required deep courage and resolve as well as an acceptance of a different kind of pain, an intense exhaustion that could not be healed and an acknowledgment of an End. Doug was a devoted family man and will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind. In addition to his wife Pal and daughter Erin, he is lovingly remembered by his sister Lois Leber and her husband Peter; his brother Wayne and wife Lani
Bortfeld; his brother Craig and wife Jennifer Borealo; his sister Kathy Ponte and her partner Steven Cromwell; many Steely nieces, nephews and cousins; Bickford in-laws Susan, Robert and his wife Elizabeth; and Bickford cousins – David Hicock, Katherine Hicock and Jane and her husband Mark Rudolph; Nick Sowles and his wife Penny; Tom Sowles and his wife Whitney. He was predeceased by his sister, Gail, and his brother, Brian. For those wishing to honor Douglas’ life and memory contributions will be gratefully appreciated at the Center for an Agricultural Economy (hardwickagriculture.org) to support their campaign for the Food Hub and at Calendonia Home Health and Hospice (nchcvt.org).
Visitation hours for Jeannine will be held at the Murphy Funeral Home on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 4-8 p.m. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Research. For more information, please call 978-744-0497. To read the full obituary, visit murphyfuneralhome.com
He left journalism when the Dow was 800 to work as a research analyst, later as director of research at The Boston Company. Afterward, as a managing director of Oppenheimer Capital, he managed large scale institutional funds for clients in the United States and abroad.
Sports played an important role throughout his life. As a New England schoolboy, he was captain of the ice hockey and cross country teams. In his early career days in the 1970s, he was one of the fastest runners in Central Park, competing in 18 marathons in New York and Boston, three of which were
under two-and-a-half hours.
In recent years, he developed a passion for field sports and the conservation of wildlife, both in the United States and the United Kingdom. He was a trustee of Game Conservancy USA, which supports research and education initiatives in wildlife management.
His belief in the value sports plays in college life is reflected in his enduring support for Brown University’s football program and other collegiate sports. He has served as a trustee of the Brown University Sports Foundation. He was a member of the Eastern Yacht Club, the Pawling
leaves placed in a circle and connected by yellow paint.
Cohane said he enjoyed the time he spent with Duncan.
“We talked about art and
his creativity helped advance nearly every aspect of our sport. As a sailor, Hood won nearly every trophy from the SORC to The America’s Cup.
“We have had great attendance for these workouts, and it shows by our progress,” said Gallup.
“We have become a very closeknit group, developing loads of chemistry on both sides of the ball. Nonetheless, we know we still have a lot to work on, but with two weeks to go before the first official day of practice, we’re still in a solid position to compete.”
coming up with new ideas,” he said. “We also talked about high school and vacation.”
Rising MHS senior Serena Nyberg worked with Barbara,
The regatta is open to all boats with a valid PHRF New England certificate, an ORC certificate, J70 and J105 Class boats. A Distance Ocean Race Friday
During the last three Sundays in July, the Magicians hosted the North Shore 7-v-7 League. They won all eight of their games to account for another championship. They defeated Woburn and Winthrop in the first week, and Lynn English, Swampscott and St. Mary’s of Lynn in the second week. They then wrapped it up with victories over St. Mary’s,
Beverly scored all of its runs in the first (1 run) and third (5 runs) innings to secure the
Carter Sahagian pitched the first six innings, surrendering 12 hits. He fanned nine, while walking just one.
Mountain Club, the New York Athletic Club and the University Club of New York.
He is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Suzanne Rauffenbart Santry of New York and his adoring niece, Tara McNamara and her three children, Santry Vied, Ruby Vied and Jamison Vied, all of Marblehead.
A memorial Mass will be held at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church on Thursday, Sept. 4, at 11 a.m. with a reception to follow at the Boston Yacht Club. Donations in his memory may be made to the Marblehead All Sports Boosters, PO Box 244, Marblehead, MA 01945.
who described the program as “wonderful.”
Nyberg added, “It’s great to hear everyone’s different perspectives on life.”
Rising freshman Alec Lavender worked with Paul on a multicolored collage and painting. Paul’s wife, Debby, arrived to pick him up and gushed about OMA.
“He loves the kids,” Debby said about her husband. “He’s seen all the bands they wear on their T-shirts. It’s great that this is intergenerational. Kids don’t know much about what happens when people get old. This is wonderful.”
McDonald is now training students in Swampscott for another session of OMA there. To learn more about OMA, visit scrippsoma.org.
night for full-crewed or doublehanded racers and Jib Main classes. The weekend race is a two-day event and to date has 22 entries.
Woburn and Winthrop in the third week.
Gallup would like nothing better than to carry this winning momentum over to the regular season in September to ultimately clinch another playoff berth that could advance them to the program’s fourth Super Bowl appearance in the Rudloff Era, which started in 2009.
banged out 11
The
and four runs (three earned) over five innings for the Mariners, while fanning five and
walking three. On offense, Caden Ross (one hit) and Correnti (one hit) drove in one run each. Tyler Spear, Beau Olivieri and Berube also collected one hit apiece. The Mariners were back at
Beverly High School the very next day to take on the Junior Panthers, who doubled up the visitors, 6-3. Beverly came out on top during the regular season in District 8 with a 12-2 record.
win. Marblehead’s
Mariners
hits. Stefan Shepard, Spear, Correnti and Sahagian each collected two hits to help pace the attack. Shepard and Correnti also drove in one run apiece.
Rising MHS senior Serena Nyberg works with Marie to create art and share stories.
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
Quinn Cohane, a rising sophomore at MHS, creates art with Duncan at OMA.
