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AUGUST 12, 2026
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FIRST WAVE Five facts from this week’s Marblehead Current.
VOLUME 4, ISSUE NO. 38
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DECISION TIME: Who should represent Marblehead in Congress? With the primary just weeks away, read updates on the House and Senate races. Page 2.
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PARENTING 101: Raising kids doesn’t come with a manual. The Board of Health hopes free parenting classes can help. Page 7.
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SCREENING: GROOVE: CONFIDENTIAL: 3 LOCAL 5 MPD 4 GARDEN An award-winning Savor the last notes A dropped $20 sparks
filmmaker and Marblehead native comes home to share his movie about misinformation. Page 13.
of summer with Jazz in the Garden. Current Events, Page 13
a laundromat spat, while an officer opens some mysterious packages. Police Log, Page 14.
MARBLEHEAD WATERS
Six injured in late-night boat crash on Grays Rock BY LEIGH BLANDER Police are investigating a violent boating accident late Thursday night when a vessel crashed onto Grays Rock, sending six people to the hospital, at least two with
serious injuries. The crash prompted a multiagency rescue involving local police, firefighters and harbormasters. (Visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for updates.) Manchester-by-the-Sea Deputy Harbormaster Andrew
Vanikiotis said Friday afternoon that the boat involved in the crash is based in Manchester. Marblehead Police said everyone on board was an adult. The incident was reported at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 6, when the
Marblehead, Salem and Beverly harbormasters responded to Grays Rock for a report of a boat that had crashed onto the rocks. Marblehead police and firefighters responded to State Street Landing to assist with the rescue operation.
Two occupants were initially rescued by the harbormasters CRASH, P. 6
EDUCATION
Full sail in the Corinthian Classic
Report: Schools’ finance chief leaving BY LEIGH BLANDER
COURTESY PHOTOS / BRUCE DURKEE
The Modern Class division featured the Hinckley 48 Valkyrie owned by Thomas King of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. King has been attending the Corinthian Classic for over 20 years. STORY, MORE PHOTOS, Page 9
COMMUNITY
Volunteers help get dock at Crocker Park back in the water BY LEIGH BLANDER One of Marblehead’s favorite swimming spots reopened Saturday morning after a joint volunteer effort that some say is another example of Headers helping Headers. The Crocker Park dock was damaged during a July rainstorm and removed. When it became clear the dock was beyond repair and the town would need to put the project out to bid, many people were disappointed by the delay. CROCKER, P. 6
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From left, Leo Burdge from the Harbormaster’s Office, Harbormaster Mark Souza and Ned Foster from Mid-Harbor Launch stand on the temporary dock at Crocker Park. COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD HARBORMASTER’S OFFICE
Andover Public Schools announced that they have hired Mike Pfifferling, the current Marblehead assistant superintendent for finance and operations. Pfifferling will fill the same role in Andover starting this fall, according to the Andover News. Superintendent John Robidoux called Pfifferling, “the right person for the job CURRENT PHOTO / at the right time. He worked LEIGH BLANDER well as a member of our Michael Pfifferling central office administrative team and collaborated effectively with the town entities during a time of fiscal upheaval. We appreciate the work he has done and feel that he has set the stage well for his replacement. Once we have received his official resignation, we will work to take the next steps in transition. He has indicated that he will fulfill his contractual obligations which outlines a 90 day period for departure. This will allow for what we hope will be a seamless transition.” According to the Andover News, Andover Superintendent Keith Taverna announced Pfifferling’s hiring in a message to staff and families, saying that Pfifferling will begin this fall. Pfifferling started in Marblehead in 2024 and worked closely with district and town leaders to reduce the MPS budget for fiscal 2027. He also worked on the $15 million, three-year override passed at Town Meeting. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer announced this summer that he will be retiring early, in December. Town Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin has also left Marblehead for a job in Nantucket.
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2 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Marblehead Current
DECISIONS ’26
Six Dems draw contrasts in wide-ranging forum Candidates spar over housing, health care, foreign policy and restoring trust in government BY LEIGH BLANDER Six Democrats vying to represent Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District laid out competing visions for the North Shore and the country during an Aug. 6 debate in Lynn, finding common ground on problems from housing costs to health care while drawing sharper distinctions over foreign policy, political experience and how aggressively to remake government. Bethany Andres-Beck, John Beccia, Jamie Belsito, Dan Koh, Mariah Lancaster and Tram Nguyen fielded questions about trust in government, health care, housing, national defense and engaging younger voters. Throughout the evening, candidates repeatedly returned to two themes: the financial pressure facing working families and opposition to President Donald Trump and his administration. Housing was one area where candidates largely agreed on the severity of the problem but offered different approaches. Beccia called for tax credits for buyers, sellers and developers, lower construction costs and zoning reform. “We need to redefine what is considered low-income housing to make sure more people qualify,” he said. He also called for propertytax relief and programs to help seniors remain in their homes. Belsito focused instead on the influence of private equity, real estate interests and campaign donors. “When we allow private equity and real estate moguls and folks that are making money off of us to continue to have no repercussions and pay for our politicians to run for office … we’re not going to get any change,” she said. Koh warned that proposed
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The six Democrats vying for Congressman Seth Moulton’s seat faced off on Aug. 5 in Lynn. Check out a complete 6th Congressional District Election Guide at MarbleheadCurrent.org. It features consolidated coverage from the Current, Swampscott Tides, Andover News, Manchester Cricket and Burlington Buzz
Trump administration cuts could threaten Section 8 vouchers, community development corporations and other affordable-housing programs. He also advocated increasing supply, pointing to his experience in Boston City Hall. “We need somebody who’s going to be dogged about working with cities and towns, understanding how to change those zoning laws, knowing where the bureaucracy is and pushing through to increase supply,” Koh said. Healthcare brought similar agreement that the current system is too expensive but differences over how far to go in changing it. Lancaster and AndresBeck backed Medicare for All. Lancaster, who described working in wildlife medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic, said the experience exposed the consequences of scarcity in the healthcare system. “We know that our healthcare workers were lauded as heroes
and then abandoned with stagnating wages, trapped by student debt and left alone,” they said. Nguyen emphasized expanding access while controlling costs, and Koh pointed to his work in the Biden administration lowering prescription drug prices. Belsito highlighted her work in maternal health and substance-use disorder, while Beccia emphasized affordability and reform of the existing system. Some of the clearest differences came when candidates were asked how Congress should balance national defense with domestic priorities. Nguyen, an attorney, emphasized Congress’ constitutional authority over federal spending and decisions about war. “Our budget is a reflection of our values,” she said. “When we have illegal wars happening without congressional voting on this, that’s literally giving up the power to the executive branch that should be with the legislative branch.” But Nguyen, who came to the United States as a refugee from Vietnam, also rejected isolationism, saying the country must rely on diplomacy and work with other governments.
COURTESY PHOTO
Andres-Beck argued the United States already spends enough on national security but spends it in the wrong places. They criticized the country’s overseas military footprint and the defense contracting system. “The wars of tomorrow are not going to look the same as the wars today,” she said, arguing that the war in Ukraine has demonstrated the growing importance of inexpensive drones and other emerging technologies. Lancaster, who said she worked at the State Department and on defense appropriations in the U.S. House, called the Pentagon budget “bloated” and urged a full audit. “The Pentagon has never passed an audit in my lifetime,” Lancaster said. “We need to make sure that every single line item in our defense budget is only what is necessary to protect our soldiers and to take care of them when they come back home.” Belsito offered some of the evening’s strongest criticism of U.S. support for Israel, saying American military spending was coming at the expense of domestic needs. “Instead of investing in our schools, we’re bombing schools,” DEBATE, P. 3
DECISIONS ’26
Gloves come off as Moulton, Markey debate age, finances BY LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead native and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton and Sen. Ed Markey sparred Aug. 3 over age, leadership, foreign policy and the future of the Democratic Party in a contentious debate with the rivals repeatedly accusing each other of misleading voters and abandoning core Democratic values. The hourlong debate, hosted by GBH News and Boston 25, came less than a month before the Sept. 1 Democratic primary and highlighted the central contrast in the race: Markey’s argument that his decades of progressive leadership remain essential in Washington versus Moulton’s call for a new generation of Democratic leaders. Moulton, who has represented Massachusetts’ 6th Congressional District since 2015, returned to the message that has defined his campaign. “We need a new generation of leadership,” Moulton said, arguing that Democrats cannot continue relying on longtime incumbents to lead the party. Markey, 80, rejected the suggestion that age should determine whether someone remains in office. “It’s not your age; it’s the age of your ideas. And in this race, I’m the youngest guy,” Markey said, echoing a line that has become a staple of his campaign. The candidates clashed repeatedly over national security
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COURTESY PHOTO / BOSTON 25
Rep. Seth Moulton, left, and Sen. Ed Markey face off in their second debate Aug. 3.
and the conflict involving Iran. Markey accused Moulton of supporting legislation that helped fund military operations, while Moulton countered that the senator was distorting his voting record. Both said they oppose continued war with Iran and favor renewed diplomacy. One of the sharpest exchanges came during a discussion of transgender rights, an issue that has divided the candidates throughout the campaign. Markey again criticized comments Moulton made after the 2024 election regarding transgender athletes, saying, “After the 2024 election, Congressman Moulton decided
that he was gonna throw trans kids under the bus — the political bus.” Moulton responded that he fully supports transgender rights but believes Democrats must be willing to discuss politically difficult issues honestly. Moulton added: “To the trans community feeling the weight and the pain of the Trump administration policies, I deeply recognize your trauma, and I’m sorry if my comments hurt you.” The debate also featured a heated exchange over financial ethics and family investments. When Markey questioned his opponent’s financial holdings,
Moulton pushed back forcefully. “These attacks are false; they are just not true,” Moulton said. “We have followed every law and ethics rule above and beyond. Every time Senator Markey implies these investments are due to my job and not my wife’s success, that’s not only wrong, it’s sexist.” Perhaps the night’s most unexpected moment came when Moulton questioned Markey about recently released Jeffrey Epstein files after the topic was introduced during a candidate-tocandidate questioning segment. Moulton said Markey’s name appears multiple times in the files. Markey denied any wrongdoing and said his name appeared only because of official congressional matters, calling any suggestion otherwise misleading and “reprehensible.” Despite the personal attacks, the candidates remained closely aligned on many Democratic priorities, including support for abortion rights, action on climate change and expanding access to health care. The debate instead underscored differences in leadership style, political strategy and how each believes Democrats should respond after losing the White House in 2024. Monday’s debate was the second of three scheduled meetings between the candidates before the Sept. 1 primary. A final debate is scheduled for Aug. 20.
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Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 3
SHARK BITES
Dead seal discovered near Barnacle shows signs of great white attack BY LEIGH BLANDER A dead seal that washed ashore near The Barnacle restaurant Aug. 2 appears to have been attacked by a great white shark, according to shark expert John Chisholm, an adjunct scientist with the New England Aquarium. Marblehead resident and avid swimmer Jane Bianchi snapped photos of the seal after a friend alerted her. She sent the close-up images to Chisholm, who also works with the White Shark Conservancy Sharktivity app. Chisholm said at least one of the wounds displayed the distinctive characteristics of a great white shark bite. “In the first photo from before the carcass washed up, there’s a really defined arc with the telltale signs that it was bitten by a great white shark,” Chisholm said. He noted that white sharks typically leave a more lateral bite pattern than other species. “This carcass was also definitely scavenged and decomposing,” Chisholm said. Gulls and other scavengers often pick apart marine mammals after they die, he added.
Debate From P. 2
she said. “And I will not be voting to fund that type of military support.” Koh emphasized avoiding unnecessary military deployments while providing better care for veterans, and Beccia called for greater congressional oversight, diplomacy and continued support for Ukraine. Trump was a frequent target throughout the forum, but Nguyen used her closing statement to argue that opposition to him cannot by itself define the Democratic Party or the congressional race. “This race is not about who’s yelling at Trump the loudest because Trump will not be here forever,” Nguyen said. “We have to do better. We have to do more. We have to give people hope.” The candidates also used their backgrounds to make the case for why they would be most effective in Washington.
COURTESY PHOTO / SHARKTIVITY
This photo of a deceased seal floating past Fort Sewall was posted to the Sharktivity app.
Exactly where the attack occurred is impossible to determine, according to Chisholm. “That is the big question,” Chisholm said. “I do a lot of shark CSI (crime scene investigation). We just don’t have the power to decide where this happened. I know there are seals in the vicinity. It could’ve been bitten offshore, returning to the rocks out there.” Based on its condition, he estimated the seal had likely been dead for about a week. The discovery follows
Koh highlighted his work in the Biden White House, including coordinating government agencies after the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. “Whether it is the tour of the Capitol or whether a city or town needs help at 3:30 a.m., I will use those experiences and deliver,” he said. Nguyen pointed to her record in the Massachusetts Legislature, saying she has passed 13 bipartisan bills, including legislation assisting undocumented residents. Belsito discussed her maternal-health advocacy, saying her work helped create a national hotline that has served more than 120,000 families. Andres-Beck, a software engineer, made technological expertise central to their pitch. “Congress does not have the expertise to oversee how the government is using these new technologies,” they said, arguing that her background would
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other recent reports of shark predation on seals along the Massachusetts coast. Great white sharks commonly prey on gray seals, and researchers say the growing seal population has contributed to an increase in white shark activity in New England waters over the past two decades. While the sight of shark-bitten seals is unsettling, Bianchi said she recognizes that both predators and prey play vital roles in the marine ecosystem. “They are a part of our environment,” she said of the
allow her to scrutinize government uses of artificial intelligence and personal data. Beccia, a lawyer and financial-services executive, described himself as a “get-stuffdone Democrat,” saying Democrats need to fight Trump but also “find common ground to get things done.” The evening’s final question focused on young voters and their growing disillusionment with politics. Lancaster, the
sharks. “They’re important to the health of our ocean. I am a conservationist. I believe in saving them.” Still, that understanding does little to ease a lifelong fear of the animals. “I literally am terrified of them,” Bianchi said, laughing. She traces that fear back to childhood, when her father took her to see “Jaws” at about age 5 after promising her mother he wouldn’t. Today, Bianchi remains a devoted swimmer. She is a member of Marblehead’s coldplunge group, the Wolf Pack, but says she takes precautions. “I swim in clear water. I won’t go in if it’s murky,” she said. “If I see seals, I don’t swim with seals.” Last summer, Bianchi wore Sharkbanz, a shark-deterrent bracelet, while swimming. Recent seal sightings Bianchi spotted a seal off Crocker Park the same day the carcass was discovered, a reminder that seals do frequent Marblehead Harbor. Current contributor and nature photographer Rick Cuzner photographed many seals
youngest candidate in the race, connected that disengagement to housing, student debt, wages, climate change and artificial intelligence. “If we don’t deliver for them, they will never get involved and they will never trust us again,” they said. Belsito made a similar argument more bluntly. “If we can’t do what we keep saying we’re going to do, not one freaking young person’s going to believe any politician,” she said. Nguyen advocated
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revealed a field largely united in its diagnosis of the pressures facing the district but with distinctly different pitches about who should be sent to Washington to address them. Lancaster summed up one of the central questions facing voters: Who has a life that resembles theirs? “If we want Congress to actually represent working people,” they said in their closing statement, “we have to send working people to Congress.”
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sunning themselves on the Great Pig Rocks off Marblehead last month. Although sightings of shark fins often generate concern, Chisholm said many reports prove to be false alarms. “We’ve had a couple of reports” of sharks off the North Shore, he said. “The majority of reports turned out to be ocean sunfish. We always tell people, ‘If you see a fin, always err on the side of caution. Notify the people on the beach. Notify the harbormaster. Get photos and let us investigate.’” He added, “White sharks don’t spend that much time on the surface. They are stealthy, but they are here. If you see seals, that’s one sign you should be very cautious. The sharks are here now, whether you see them or not. Whether you’re going in the water in Marblehead, Plum Island or Nahant, there are white sharks around. Check the Sharktivity app.” He also cautioned swimmers not to assume shallow water is safe. “They can get closer than you think,” Chisholm said. “Midthigh-deep water.”
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4 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Marblehead Current
Opinion EDITORIAL
The secret to Sox-cess On June 25, the Red Sox broadcast network NESN posted a promo for that night’s game on the social media site X. “The best comeback stories always start with a Yankees series,” the post read. Fans’ replies to that post were… unkind, if understandable. The team had just blown a lead against the lastplace Colorado Rockies for the second time in three days, dropping its record to an American League worst 32-46. Ace starting pitcher Garrett Crochet, rising star outfielder Roman Anthony and shortstop Trevor Story were not expected to return anytime soon from their injuries. Those damn Yankees, then leading the AL East, were clear of the Red Sox in the standings by 15 1/2 games. Most know what happened next. The team’s sweep of their archrival launched a stretch unlike anything even lifelong fans have ever seen. There was a 15-game winning streak, which tied a team record set 80 years ago, when Ted Williams was en route to the first of his two AL MVP awards. There was a stretch of 26 wins in 29 games, sometimes in dramatic fashion. Just last week, the Red Sox beat the White Sox 12-11 in 13 innings, which ESPN’s Buster Olney called “the game of the year, without a doubt, and one of the greatest regular-season games ever.” Even after stumbling over the weekend, losing two of three games to the Athletics, the team’s chances of making the playoffs — once a pipe dream — sit at over 95%, according to the website Fangraphs. While faster-paced sports may have
surpassed it in popularity, this Red Sox season has offered a reminder of why many still consider baseball their favorite sport. The odyssey that is the Major League Baseball regular season is a feature, not a bug. It allows time to weave a story that is a complex tapestry of setbacks and unexpected heroes. And if you give it attention, the 162-game parable even reveals some lessons. Here is what we have learned from the 2026 Red Sox. Adversity can be an opportunity. Few would have faulted the leadership of the Red Sox from looking at the injuries to Crochet, Anthony and Story to conclude, “This is just not our year.” Instead, left-handed pitcher Jake Bennett, brought to the team in an unheralded offseason trade, has helped plug Crochet’s hole in the rotation. Andruw Monasterio — an afterthought in the trade headlined by the team’s new third baseman, Caleb Durbin (more on him in a second) — has stepped into the shortstop void. Masataka Yoshida, who seemed to have no role on the team when the season started, has been a competent left-handed hitter in Anthony’s absence. The lesson isn’t that adversity is secretly good. It’s that waiting for ideal conditions before you perform is itself a choice, and usually the wrong one. The Red Sox didn’t get to choose a healthier roster. They chose what to make do with the one they had. Improvement often results not from one big change but many smaller ones.
The most dramatic moments of this season — the sweep, the streak, the August night against the White Sox — get the headlines. But they were the visible tip of something much less cinematic: a Red Sox offense that, in the season’s first two months, ranked near the bottom of the league with runners in scoring position and then simply got better at the boring parts of hitting. Working deeper into counts. Cutting down on strikeouts with men on base. Coming through with two outs. That change in approach is not always evident on the highlight reel. But all of it, compounded over weeks, is what turned close losses into close wins. In our lives, too, our turnarounds often don’t happen in a single heroic swing. Rather, they happen one day — or one at-bat — at a time. Believe in yourself, even when no one else does. As the trade deadline approached, there was still considerable public pressure on the front office to sell off veterans and rebuild for next year. Chief baseball officer Craig Breslow held firm, declining to wave the white flag on a team that he said still believed in, even as it was giving him little evidence to justify the confidence. That is a different and harder kind of leadership than the kind that looks good when things are already going well. It’s easy to believe in a plan once it’s working. It’s much harder to hold that same conviction while critics are telling you, loudly, that you’re wrong. A good leader should not deny reality if new
information challenges their beliefs. But being resolute often pays off, too. When it’s fun to come to work, productivity follows. While the Red Sox were in their early season funk, the team made the unusual move of parting ways with manager Alex Cora, who had led them to the 2018 World Series title. While it may be unfair to lay solely at Cora’s feet the team’s uninspired and sloppy play through the first 27 games of the season, the team is clearly playing with more joy under new manager Chad Tracy. Durbin, who hit .163 over his first 48 games this season, largely credits his personal turnaround to his teammates and the way they feed off each other. A roster that enjoys each other’s company plays looser and keeps grinding, even in a game that seems to be lost. Fun, it turns out, does not impede productivity. Often, it’s the mechanism. n n n
Not unlike the Red Sox, none of us gets to choose whether we will always have the ideal amount of resources at our disposal or whether our critics will wait to see how things turn out. What we can choose is how we respond to the hand we’re dealt — whether we let a setback be the whole story, or just the first chapter. On Aug. 7, the Red Sox trailed five separate times in the same game and still found a way to win it in the 13th inning. That’s not a bad way to think about the rest of any season — in baseball, or otherwise.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
COURTESY PHOTO / DAVID KAUTER
Dr. David Kauter snapped these pictures of Marblehead roads while on a bike ride.
Marblehead cyclists beware – An open letter to the Select Board To the editor: It has become very dangerous to be a cyclist on the North Shore, especially in Marblehead. Our roads are pitted with improper repairs after construction leaving depressions and holes. One risks severe physical injury if you hit one of these depressions, or if you bypass them you may stray into the center of the road. This could lead to vehicular danger. Naturally, unavoidable damage to the bicycle itself can occur. The saddest aspect of this state of affairs, is that this was BEFORE the recent utility roadwork throughout the town replacing water and gas pipes. Now the streets have become treacherous. Just ride on the recently “improved” Atlantic Avenue — from Bartlet Street until past McKinley Road the road is dangerous. Someone will get hurt and bikes will be damaged. The company that did the work is certainly to blame and the DPW supervision has been inadequate. These are just a few pictures from this improved
road. Luckily Beach Street is one way because one can cycle in the left lane as the right is totally pockmarked and full of holes. The streets of Old Town are just as bad. They have been patched so much that now the patches have holes big enough to trap tires causing injury or cycle damage. Gregory and Lee streets are a challenge to navigate safely on a bicycle. Orne Street has recently had work but not well repaired. I frequently cycle throughout the North Shore. It is unfortunate that our town has some of the worst, potholed and construction depressed roads of all the towns. If people do not complain the roads will not get fixed. Sincerely, David H. Kauder, MD, FACS Humphrey Street.
Celebrating international friendship in Marblehead To the editor: On July 30, the International Day of Friendship, Marblehead Harbor Rotary hosted eight 16and 17-year-old Friends Forever International participants from Northern Ireland for a day in Marblehead. FFI (ff. international) is an empathybased leadership program that develops the skills young people can use to help overcome challenges in their communities. Throughout our 22-year relationship with FFI, Harbor Rotary has been deeply grateful to the citizens and purveyors of Marblehead for their rich history, public spaces, and amenities that contribute to making the FFI Day in Marblehead so very special and memorable.
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead Harbor Rotary hosted “Friends Forever Day in Marblehead,” welcoming eight youth members from Northern Ireland and FFI staff members on July 30 — International Friendship Day.
Our gratitude is extensive — it truly does “take a village.” Since FFI’s first visit to Marblehead in 2004, the Mentuck family has generously hosted a cruise around Marblehead Harbor aboard the Elizabeth M, a tradition first captained by Mike Mentuck and now by his son Doug. Marblehead Yacht Club provided the gathering location and was prepared to provide the space for a Plan B in case of inclement weather. This year, we thank Marblehead Town Historian and Rotarian Don Doliber for sharing highlights of Marblehead’s history and landmarks, and Rotarian Linda Doliber for describing the traditions and lore of harbor seals Winslow II and Andre at the Beverly Benson Seaman sculpture in Crocker Park. Louise Moore catered a beautiful lunch buffet at the Philanthropic Lodge. FFI likes to complete a service project in each community they visit. Marblehead native Joy Doliber Schmelzer, a board member of the Chemo Bag Project, arranged for the
group to prepare 30 backpacks filled with supplies to provide comfort for those undergoing chemotherapy; the bags each contained water bottles, socks, knit caps, lip balm and more. The group then went to Marblehead Little Theatre where Alma Mahon Paige, the theatre’s youth program director, provided improv prompts to reinforce the group’s spirit of teamwork, creativity, humor, and confidence. We thank Katherine Koch and Tim Doane for accompanying the FFI group from place to place with a cooler filled with snacks and beverages. And we thank past club president Amy Hart’s family and friends — Bella, Joey and Walden — for representing American young people and their perspectives. To conclude the day, two FFI participants shared their personal life experiences and the projects they will undertake to benefit their communities upon returning home. Harbor Rotary President Marguerite Frank-Peper presented each FFI participant with a small baby seal stuffy with the hope that they will return to Marblehead
— just as Andre did. As Harbor Rotary has begun planning its annual Holiday Pops concert, we thank our Pops sponsors and patrons for their support. Proceeds from Pops benefit projects like the FFI Day in Marblehead, as well as scholarships and contributions supporting the work of many area non-profits and charitable organizations. Indeed, how grateful Harbor Rotary is to Marblehead and the Marblehead community. With great appreciation, Marblehead Harbor Rotary Jessica DH Barnett Humphrey Street
What does a Marblehead hockey net mean? To the editor: A Marblehead police officer recently came to my home because someone complained about my children’s hockey net. The officer was courteous and professional. After he left, I looked at the net, thought about dragging it into the garage, and then looked across the street at a boat trailer that had been sitting there for weeks. My first thought wasn’t, “This isn’t fair.” It was, “What happened to us?” Not because of the complaint itself, but because no one simply came over to talk. That moment made me realize this isn’t about one hockey net. It’s about what we value. Politicians can build parks, pave roads and fund recreation. Those things matter. But no government can manufacture a neighborhood. A neighborhood exists only LETTERS, P. 5
marbleheadcurrent.org
Before you search your house for 90 minutes, use this guide BY STEPHEN BACH A very tech-savvy family member recently misplaced their phone. She checked pockets, countertops, bags, chairs, bedrooms and even the car. After about 90 minutes of searching, she called The Docs. She was using the “find my phone” app on her iPad, which kept telling her it was located at the house. She had not used the “play sound” feature, because the phone was on silent. I told her that feature overrides the silent settings, and within a few minutes, she found it. Outside. Under a plant. Next to the bird feeder! That’s what inspired today’s column. Both iPhones and Android phones include free tools that can show a phone’s location and make it ring or send an alarm, even when its normal ringer is
turned off. The important thing is knowing how to use them before you need them.
For an Apple iPhone
Apple calls its service “Find My.” There are two easy ways to use it: through the Find My app on another Apple device or through a web browser. First, make sure Find My is turned on. Do this now, while you still have your iPhone » Open Settings. » Tap your name at the top. » Tap Find My. » Tap Find My iPhone. » Turn on Find My iPhone. » Also turn on Find My network and Send Last Location. The Find My network may help locate a supported iPhone even when it is offline or has recently been turned off. Send Last Location tells Apple where the phone was when its battery became critically low. Apple method 1: Use another Apple device. You can use an
Letters
Why I support John Beccia for Congress
when its people decide it does. It exists when children know each other’s names. When adults wave instead of looking away. When drivers slow down because they expect children to be outside. When the sound of a hockey puck, a bouncing basketball or kids laughing isn’t considered a disturbance—it’s considered evidence that the neighborhood is alive. My wife and I have four children. They don’t “go outside” once a day. They live outside. They shoot pucks, ride bikes, throw footballs, wrestle in the yard and disappear into childhood the way children always have. The hockey net stays out because the game never really ends. Maybe that’s exactly what a healthy neighborhood looks like. We’ve become very good at talking about childhood anxiety, loneliness, obesity, excessive screen time and disconnected communities. Perhaps we’ve forgotten that those problems don’t disappear because we hold another meeting. They begin to change when children simply go outside. The next time you drive past a hockey net, a basketball hoop, a lacrosse goal or bicycles scattered across a lawn, don’t see clutter. See investment. Someone is investing in childhood. Someone is choosing scraped knees over glowing screens, fresh air over endless scrolling, friendships over isolation. If the net needs to be moved a foot, help move it. If traffic needs to slow down, slow down. If children are playing, smile. Because one day those sounds disappear, and no amount of money, construction or political promises can bring them back. Communities don’t become stronger because they’re quieter. They become stronger because children know they belong there. Maybe it’s time we started seeing a hockey net for what it really is: Not an obstacle. A promise. Liam McGeown Driftwood Road
To the editor: Skyrocketing costs of groceries, gas and utilities are painful, and being made worse by tariffs and oil wars. Healthcare is prohibitively expensive and rising. The astronomical expense of housing creates brutal obstacles for people just to have a place to live. And what will happen to the Social Security and Medicare that we’ve paid for and are counting on (especially for senior citizens)? The current administration is failing us; something is broken; we deserve much better. For this reason, I am strongly endorsing John Beccia (becciaforcongress. com and facebook.com/ becciaforcongress) as MA-06’s next representative in Congress, and I ask that you join me in voting for John in the Democratic primary Sept 1. John’s background as a banker, law professor and a founder of a firm specializing in regulatory control for financial technology provides the competency needed to address the affordability crisis and improve the quality of life of the people of the North Shore. John has created an actionable plan (“The North Shore New Deal”) to support our communities. He will fight to turn the tide on corruption and abuses; safeguard the environmental protections so important to coastal communities; and ensure that artificial intelligence is appropriately regulated and harnessed to work for people not against them. In banking, I worked with John Beccia to fight fraud and combat money laundering and terrorist financing. I know John to be a thoughtful, intelligent, action-oriented listener and a capable trustworthy person with integrity. John delivers on his commitments and gets the job done. He is devoted to his family, proud of his working-class roots, cares about others and is strongly motivated to serve all people in our community and “put people before politics.” You couldn’t elect a better person to fight for democracy. Now more than ever, “you betcha” we need and deserve the best possible representation in Washington. In the spirit of the patriots of 1776, let’s send John Beccia to Congress to ensure we get it!
From P. 4
iPad, Mac or another iPhone that is connected to your Apple Account. » Open the Find My app. » Tap or click Devices. » Select the missing iPhone. » Look at its location on the map. » Tap Play Sound. The iPhone will begin making a sound. The volume gradually increases and normally continues for about two minutes. The sound can play even when the phone is in Silent mode or its volume is muted. Members of an Apple Family Sharing group may also be able to see and ring one another’s
Sincerely, Maureen R. McCarthy West Cottage Street
Get out the vote: Why every voice matters To the editor: I will never forget the first time I walked into my local polling place. Standing in line alongside neighbors of all ages and backgrounds, I felt an immediate sense of connection — and a profound realization that my vote carried the exact same weight as anyone else’s. Casting a ballot is a fundamental civic duty, and standing in that line was one of the very first times I truly felt like a grown-up. I realized that I held real power to shape my own future and support the community around me. Democracy is not a spectator sport. We carry a shared responsibility to our youth, our neighbors and our town to foster thoughtful conversations about the critical challenges we face — and to empower one another to make informed choices at the ballot box. From local services and schools to broader challenges like affordable housing, healthcare and energy security, the decisions our leaders make today will echo for generations. We saw this power in action here in town with the recent override vote. Driven by an unprecedented 47.5% voter turnout, our community came together to approve a budget that safeguards the vital operations and services we rely on every day. Our elected officials need to hear our voices — not just in moments of crisis, but continuously. Voting remains our most direct tool to protect our rights, demand accountability and build a stronger, more resilient future for everyone. Don’t sit out upcoming elections. Speak up, inspire those around you to join the conversation, and make your voice heard at the ballot box. Every vote counts, especially yours. Mark, your calendar: the primary election is Sept. 1, and the general election is Nov. 3. Check your voter registration. Do your research. Decide. Make a difference. VOTE! Pamela Barker Elm Street
Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 5
devices. Apple method 2: Use any computer or web browser. This is often the simplest method when the missing iPhone is your only Apple device. » On any computer, tablet or phone, open a web browser. » Go to iCloud.com/find. » Sign in with the Apple Account used on the missing iPhone. » Select the iPhone from the list of devices. » Select Play Sound. Apple does not require a verification code to use this particular Find Devices page. If the website asks for a code being sent to your missing phone, look for and select Find Devices instead.
For Most Android phones Google’s locating service is now called Find Hub. It was previously known as Find My Device. First, make sure Find Hub is turned on. The exact wording
Vote for Seth Moulton and you will sleep better To the editor: As a lifelong Democrat with leanings towards independence, I watched the Seth Moulton-Ed Markey “fiery” debate Monday night thinking how privileged we are to be able to witness a public debate which I am appreciating more and more as a crucial element of democracy. I started volunteering for Seth Moulton 11 years ago because I sensed that he was a different kind of candidate. While I am respectful of Ed Markey’s 50 years of service and commitment to issues that are meaningful to me, the debate confirmed for me that we need a change and I continue to believe that Seth Moulton is the guy I currently want to see picking up the broken pieces and fighting for me as one of two Massachusetts senators where he will have an impact and be able to influence others. To a certain degree, I might be a different kind of voter in that I primarily value character in a leader. To handle the serious issues we face today, I believe that character, engagement and keen intelligence dictates are how these issues are handled. I want to hear the concrete plan, not tired sound bites from politicians. During the debate I loved it when Seth Moulton spoke about his concrete plans to manage serious problems and issues. Selfishly, I want to get a decent night’s sleep trusting (instead of fearing) that the decision making person with power (go Seth) is a fighter who will be able to think on his feet with clarity, honesty, keen intelligence and compassion for the human condition. I had conversations with Seth Moulton in the beginning about honesty in a leader. I accept the complexities of what is the “truth” in politics. Seth Moulton has never disappointed me in this area. At the risk of repetition, Seth’s well-documented history speaks for his willingness to go against the status quo, his desire to talk about complex issues, and the risks he is willing to take in standing up for us in his decision making. If Seth makes a choice, I trust that the decision is well thought out and has an important purpose. I do not second guess him because of the trust I have. Seth Moulton is a visionary (and yes I am craving an efficient
may vary slightly among Android phones. » Open Settings. » Tap Location. » Make sure Use Location is turned on. » Return to Settings. » Tap Security. » Tap Find Hub. » Make sure Allow Device to be Located is turned on. You can also open Settings, tap Google, tap All services and then select Find Hub to check the offline-finding options. Google recommends having a PIN, pattern or password on the phone so its encrypted offline-finding network can work properly. Make an Android phone ring » On another phone, tablet or computer, open a browser. » Go to android.com/find. » Sign in with the same Google Account used on the missing phone. » Select the missing phone BACH, P. 6
new rail system). I think that we all know that the old way of doing politics is dead which is a major part of our serious problems. We need a visionary to bring us into the future. I am aging. I care about the future so I need to be honest and strong enough to face that age does make a difference… in initiative , thinking, physical stamina and skills. Seth Moulton is part of a new generation who will usher in a future of hope and possibility. Thank you Seth Moulton for fighting for us and envisioning a life after Trump. Susan Ogan Harbor View
Thank you to the Masons To the editor: Although the Marblehead Festival of Arts Literary Festival is now in our collective rearview mirrors, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Marblehead’s Philanthropic Lodge F. & A. M. (Masons) for its very generous financial support. Thanks to the Lodge’s donation, the Literary Festival was able to offer honorariums to five speakers and workshop leaders this year, each of whom attracted good-sized audiences of those interested in writing, books and other subjects related to marketing participants’ works. It also helped fund two very popular literary walking tours. We are grateful. Margo Steiner Washington Street
Three reasons to support Moulton for Senate To the editor: The recent Markey/Moulton debate proved to me that debates are not always the best way to discover who is the best candidate since a debate strategy seems to be who can land the most impactful jab without providing full, accurate information. Sen. Ed Markey and Congressman Seth Moulton have both held office for years, been recognized for their contributions, and tend to agree on a majority of policies; therefore, by now we should all have knowledge about each candidate’s positions and priorities. Here are my reasons for believing that Seth Moulton is the best candidate: 1. Longevity and age. I’m LETTERS, P. 8
marbleheadcurrent.org
6 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Marblehead Current
Francisco Urena jumps off the new temporary dock at Crocker Park Saturday morning.
Crocker From P. 1
COURTESY PHOTO / MARBLEHEAD FIRE DEPARTMENT
First responders from multiple agencies helped rescue victims of a late-night boat crash in Marblehead waters.
Crash From P. 1
and transported by boat to State Street Landing, where they were transferred to Beauport Ambulance for transport to area hospitals. Marblehead Fire Department personnel then boarded a Marblehead Harbormaster vessel and responded to Grays Rock to assist in rescuing the remaining occupants. “Marblehead firefighters and the Salem Harbormaster entered the water to reach additional injured individuals outside the vessel on Grays Rock,” according to a police release Friday afternoon. “Firefighters, assisted by the Salem Harbormaster, safely secured the individuals and transferred them to a Marblehead Harbormaster boat. Emergency medical care was initiated while en route back to State Street Landing, where they were transferred to Beauport Ambulance personnel.”
The Beverly Harbormaster secured another individual involved in the crash and transported that person to State Street Landing. The Salem Harbormaster transported two additional occupants, who were believed to have suffered minor injuries, to State Street Landing after responders confirmed that all six people involved in the incident had been accounted for. Marblehead police officers assisted Beauport Ambulance personnel at the landing, helping to secure the injured occupants and move them from the dock to waiting ambulances. Marblehead police, fire and harbormaster officials thanked the mutual aid agencies that assisted with the response and rescue. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by the Marblehead and Salem police departments, Massachusetts Environmental Police and the Salem Harbormaster.
Town of Marblehead Request for Proposals Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: DIELECTRIC, MATERIAL-HANDLING BUCKET TRUCK Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law c.164, §56D, Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) invites vendors to submit proposals for furnishing MMLD with a dielectric, material handling, bucket truck. Additional details may be obtained via the https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead. Bids will be received until August 19, 2026, at 10:00 am and unsealed via the Procurement Portal at that date and time. Bids should be submitted via https://procurement.opengov.com/ portal/marblehead. MMLD reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informality in the proposals received and accept the proposal that it deems to be most favorable to the interest of the MMLD. Marblehead Municipal Light Department Jonathan Blair, General Manager Town of Marblehead Request for Proposals Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: WILKINS POWER PLANT INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS REBUILD The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Qualified Vendors for the WILKINS POWER PLANT INSTRUMENTATION AND CONTROLS REBUILD at 7 Woodfin Terrace in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in accordance with these specifications. Copies of the Request for Proposals Request for Proposals may be obtained via the Town’s Procurement Portal https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/marblehead. Bids are subject to Massachusetts General Law c.164, §56D, and c.30, §39M and to minimum wage rates required by M.G.L. c.l49 §26 to 27H inclusive. Bids will be received until August 19, 2026, at 10:00 am and unsealed via the Procurement Portal at that date and time. Any bids received after such time will not be accepted. A mandatory Pre-Bid Conference and site visit will be held on August 11, 2026, at 10:00am at 7 Woodfin Terrace, Marblehead, MA. All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts. Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 26 through 27D inclusive. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to MMLD based on price and other evaluation factors considered, as outlined in the Instructions to Bidders. Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid price. The bid deposit shall be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, treasurer’s check, or bid bond made payable to the Marblehead Light Department. Failure to submit required bid deposit with the bid shall result in the bid being deemed non-responsive. The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, after the opening of the bids. MMLD reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of MMLD. Marblehead Municipal Light Department Jonathan Blair, General Manager
BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW
“Well, the community stepped up,” said Harbormaster Mark Souza. First, Mid-Harbor Mooring and Launch Services donated a temporary dock for Crocker Park. Souza and his deputy, Craig Smith, made adjustments to the dock. Then, on Friday, Ned Foster of Mid-Harbor and Dion Yacht Yard
Bach From P. 5
launched the float from Salem, and Foster towed it to its location at Crocker Park. “The last piece of the puzzle” was getting the gangway attached, according to Souza. “That service was donated by Dave Haley’s company Marblehead Marine Construction,” Souza said. “His employee Rob Healy along with Ben Willard of Willard and Sons Moorings offered to donate their
privacy. » Tap Lost device
protection. » Turn on Allow this
from the list.
phone to be found.
» Select Play sound.
» Turn on Send last
The phone will ring at full volume for up to five minutes, even when it is set to silent or vibrate. Once you find it, unlock the phone or select the stop option on the Find Hub screen. You can also use the Find Hub app on another Android device. When helping someone else, select Sign in as guest and allow the phone’s owner to enter their own Google Account information.
For a Samsung Galaxy Phone Samsung Galaxy owners can use Google Find Hub, but Samsung also provides its own locating services called Samsung Find and SmartThings Find. » First, check Samsung’s lost-phone settings. » Open Settings. » Tap Security and
location. » Turn on Offline
finding. The phone must also have a Samsung account added to it. Samsung says its remote controls are normally enabled automatically when a Samsung account is added. Make a Samsung phone ring » On another phone, tablet or computer, open a browser. » Go to either samsungfind. samsung.com or smartthingsfind. samsung.com. » Sign in with the Samsung account used on the missing phone. » Select the missing phone from the device list. » Select Ring. » Select Start. The Samsung phone will
INVITATION FOR BID TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD 27-13 Hooper Cemetery Stone Wall Replacement MGL c. 30 39M - Invitation for Bid The Town of Marblehead invites sealed bids for Hooper Cemetery Stone Wall Replacement . Bids will be received until August 27, 2026, at 1:00 PM via the Town’s Procurement Portal https:// procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead. A bid deposit of at least five percent (5%) of the total project is required. A Labor and Materials Payment Bond in the sum of 50% of the Contract Price will be required of the successful Bidder. Project is subject to compliance with prevailing wage requirements. This solicitation is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30 §39M, and any resulting contract will be strictly awarded in accordance with the requirements of the solicitation. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids, including without limitation, nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional bids. The Town reserves the right to waive all informalities not involving price, time, or changes in the scope of work and to negotiate contract terms with the successful bidder. Specifications, Terms and Conditions and Forms may be obtained via the Town’s website at https://procurement.opengov. com/portal/marblehead. Allison Jenkins Chief Procurement Officer Town of Marblehead Request for Proposals Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: POLE SETTING AND LINE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Qualified Vendors for the POLE SETTING AND LINE CONSTRUCTION SERVICES in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in accordance with these specifications. Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained via the Town’s Procurement Portal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead. Bids are subject to Massachusetts General Law c.164, §56D, and c.30, §39M and to minimum wage rates required by M.G.L. c.l49 §26 to 27H inclusive. Bids will be received until August 19, 2026, at 10:00 am and publicly unsealed via the procurement portal. Any bids received after such time will not be accepted. Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid price. The bid deposit shall be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, treasurer’s check, or bid bond made payable to the Marblehead Light Department. All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts. Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 26 through 27D inclusive. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to MMLD based on price and other evaluation factors considered, as outlined in the Instructions to Bidders. The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, after the opening of the bids. MMLD reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of MMLD. Marblehead Municipal Light Department Jonathan Blair, General Manager
COURTESY PHOTO / NOAH WILSON
time installing it. The temporary dock will stay in the water “as long as the weather will let us,” Souza added. “Let’s hope for an extended summer.” When the temporary dock opened Saturday at 9 a.m., several people came down to take their first jumps, including 80-year-old Roger Carolone and his friend Francisco Urena.
ring for approximately one minute, even when it is set to Mute or Vibrate. After finding it, swipe Dismiss on the phone or select Stop on the website. A Galaxy Watch can also help. Open Samsung Find on the watch, select the phone and tap the phoneshaped Ring icon.
When the phone Is not nearby If the map shows that the phone is somewhere else, do not erase it immediately. Erasing a phone can prevent you from continuing to track it. Instead, use the protection option provided by your service: » On an iPhone, select Lost Mode. » In Google Find Hub, select Mark as lost. » In Samsung Find, select Lock. These options can lock the phone and display a message or alternate telephone number for anyone who finds it. Apple’s Lost Mode also suspends Apple Pay cards and passes on supported devices. If the map shows an unfamiliar location and you believe the phone was
stolen, do not confront anyone yourself. Contact the police and your cellular carrier. Samsung specifically advises owners not to travel directly to the displayed location of a suspected stolen device.
Try it before you need it Take five minutes today and test the feature on your own phone. Make sure you know your Apple, Google or Samsung account password. Confirm that your phone appears on the appropriate locating website, and press the sound button once to see how it works. That small test could save you from spending the next 90 minutes searching under couch cushions for a phone that can tell you exactly where it is. If you’d like a handy checklist summation of this “how to”, just email doc@thedigitaldocs.com and we’ll email it right out! Until next time, stay safe, and try not to lose your phone! Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
Town of Marblehead Request for Proposals Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: Engineering Services Pursuant to Massachusetts General Law c.164, §56D, Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) is seeking vendors to provide proposals for professional engineering services, including an assessment of system vulnerabilities and the investigation, design, specification, bidding, and construction administration of overhead and underground electrical distribution projects. MMLD reserves the right to reject any and all proposals, to waive any informality in the proposals received and accept the proposal that it deems to be most favorable to the interest of the MMLD. Further information is available at https://www.marbleheadelectric.com/bids-procurements. Proposals will be received until August 19, 2026, at 10:00 am and unsealed via https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/ marblehead Marblehead Municipal Light Department Jonathan Blair, General Manager
TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD 27-11 TOWN-WIDE PAVEMENT MARKINGS The Town of Marblehead, acting through its Board of Selectmen will receive sealed bids under MGL c. 30 39M for furnishing and applying pavement markings on August 27, 2026, at 10:00 AM. This project is being electronically bid. Bid documents shall be uploaded to our procurement portal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead after 9:00 a.m. on August 12, 2026. This is a one-year contract with two option years at the sole discretion of the town. Bidding requirements and Contract Documents may be obtained online at https:// procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead. The successful bidder will be required to furnish security a payment bond acceptable to the Town. Attention is called to the fact that minimum wage rates have been established for the work as set forth in the contract documents. The Board of Selectmen is the Town’s awarding authority for this contract. The Town will award the contract to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids, or any part of such bid, if it is in the best interest of the Town.
marbleheadcurrent.org
Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 7
FAMILY SUPPORT
Health board announces free parenting classes BY LEIGH BLANDER Responding to survey results that identified stress as a key concern among Marblehead parents, the Board of Health is launching free parenting classes this fall. The four-session series, offered in partnership with local business Marblehead Parenting, will help expectant parents prepare for the emotional, psychological and practical realities of having a baby. About 160 babies are born to Marblehead families each year, according to Board of Health Chair Dr. Tom Massaro. Massaro said the initiative grew out of the recent Creating a Healthier Marblehead survey and conversations with local healthcare providers. “Parenting came up as a highstress activity in CAHM, so we are taking CAHM data to help
us set our strategic priorities,” Massaro said. After meeting with local pediatricians and obstetricians, Massaro said there was broad agreement on the need for parenting classes. “I don’t think dads or moms understand what pregnancy does psychologically, biologically,” he said. The classes will be led by Marblehead Parenting, which already offers parenting groups for young families. Massaro said those programs help new parents build connections with others going through similar experiences. “They form a sense of community,” he said. “New parents meet and then have someone they can call to ask, ‘Is this what you’re doing, too?’” Beyond teaching parents the mechanics of caring for a newborn, Massaro said the
program is intended to provide some of the informal guidance that previous generations often received from extended family. “Like a substitute grandmother,” he said. “When you lived in a little community and your grandmother could tell you what it’s like to raise kids.” Massaro also said prenatal education can help parents recognize emotional and psychological challenges that may arise after childbirth. According to the National Institutes of Health, postpartum depression affects one in seven women after giving birth, and undiagnosed PPD was observed among 50% of mothers. The classes will be funded through state grants the Board of Health received last year. Registration information is expected to be announced before the first four-week session begins after Labor Day.
COURTESY PHOTO / ALINA CHERNII
The Board of Health is set to offer free parenting classes to Marblehead caregivers.
NEWS IN BRIEF The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@ marbleheadnews.org. BY LEIGH BLANDER
Harbor updates
The Harbor and Waters Board approved a new policy requiring off-season boating liability insurance for vessels moored in Marblehead Harbor from Nov. 1 through April 1. “It covers any damage that a boat incurs on people and property,” Harbormaster Mark Souza explained. The vote was prompted by last winter’s incident when a large sailboat broke free from its mooring in Salem Harbor during a storm and crashed into Stramski’s Pier, causing serious damage. The boat owner does not have insurance to cover the cost of repairs. Souza organized a temporary repair of the pier for the summer and is getting bids for a permanent repair that will happen over the winter. The Harbor and Waters Board also approved a fee increase for boat storage in town facilities at Parker’s Boatyard and Marblehead Trading Company. The rate will jump about 20% from $5 per foot to $6 per foot.
COURTESY PHOTO / MERYL THOMPSON
This boat crash into Stramski’s Pier last winter has prompted new off-season insurance requirements in Marblehead.
must have a current expiration date; expired or near-expired goods cannot be accepted. Additionally, all food and personal care items must be factory-sealed and entirely unopened. Please do not donate items in damaged containers, including significantly dented cans, rusted tins or bloated packaging. Every donation makes a tangible difference to a family right here in town. To learn more about the pantry’s mission, go to marbleheadfoodpantry.org.
Mariner birthday
The Mariner celebrated its third anniversary on Aug. 4 with a Woodman’s clambake, classic cars and games. About 90 people reside in the senior living facility on Pleasant Street, according to executive director Andrew Gillis.
Survey says…
The town of Marblehead is partnering with FlashVote, a public survey platform that helps local governments gather timely resident feedback. The goal is to help inform municipal decisionmaking. Registration takes less than one minute at flashvote. com/marbleheadma. Each survey takes about a minute to complete and remains open for 48 hours. After a survey closes, participants automatically receive a summary of the overall results and can compare their responses with those of other Marblehead residents. All responses are anonymous. Personal and demographic information provided during registration is never shared with the town or any third party.
Abbot Library summer food drive Throughout August, Abbot
Jimmy Fund Walk registration open COURTESY PHOTO
The Mariner celebrated its third anniversary last week with a Woodman’s clambake and vintage cars. Here, Executive Director Andrew Gillis, center, smiles with two residents.
Public Library will be hosting a community food drive to help restock the shelves of the Marblehead Food Pantry. Drop off your donations right inside the library’s main entrance during the library’s regular weekly service hours. The pantry is currently experiencing high demand for specific pantry staples, baking basics and essential toiletries. Community members are encouraged to focus their donations on the following
high-priority items: » 1 lb. carton of sugar » 2 lb. bag of flour » 2 lb. bag of white rice » 24 oz. bottle of cooking oil » bar soap » canned chicken » canned sardines » canned tuna » coffee » condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing) » dry beans » jelly » oatmeal
» pasta sauce » shelf-stable milk » toothpaste » unsweetened cereal To ensure the safety of our neighbors and remain in compliance with the Marblehead Food Pantry operating guidelines, please note that the drive happily accepts any nonperishable food items, shelfstable goods, paper products, and unopened toiletries. However, expiration dates matter, and all donated items
Registration is open for the 2026 Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber. Scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, the walk raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year’s event aims to raise $10 million in support of Dana-Farber’s mission to defy cancer by leading the way in groundbreaking research and lifesaving patient care. More info at danafarber. jimmyfund.org. Look for the link “Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber.”
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8 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Marblehead Current
Letters From P. 5
218 Beacon Street Marblehead, MA 01945 781-631-2218 Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Markey’s age and so are my friends. Not one of us has the energy and the mental acuity that we had when we were Moulton’s age. Being a senator, especially facing today’s challenges, demands quick thinking, focused attention and physical exertion. Markey has been a senator for 13 years and a Congressman for 37. He served his country long and well, but we are in desperate need of new ways of thinking and leading younger generations. Moreover, we have witnessed the debacle of President Biden’s demise and don’t want to repeat that mess. Term limits would help.
2. Courage. Moulton has repeatedly demonstrated his love of country and his courage by putting his life in danger as a Marine Corps infantry officer and platoon commander. He entered politics in 2014 to right the wrongs he witnessed, and to work across party lines, especially on issues like defense spending and national security, and he had the courage to reveal his PTSD. He also demonstrated courage, sharing his concern about his daughters around a sensitive issue. He wasn’t against trans people, but he had a concern, and he has apologized if he offended anyone. I agree with him that we should be free to talk about all issues. If we can’t share differing opinions, we stifle free speech and weaken ourselves. His actions show that he has the courage to stand up, voice his thoughts, and ask questions. 3. Intelligence and style. I’m also voting for Moulton because he’s smart. His learnings come from the battlefield, from working in Congress and from his education. He holds a bachelor’s degree in physics, an MBA and
an MPP from Harvard. His degree in physics offers an explanation for his communication style, which some people find wanting. As an executive coach I used a variety of tools to assess my clients’ communication and behavioral styles. I don’t personally know the congressman, but people who majored in physics are likely to have an analytical style, meaning they analyze, implement and communicate more directly and bluntly. They look for answers to problems based on logic and facts. They tend not to be emotive and can come across as self-assured — even aloof, which others can misinterpret as arrogance. These are traits that have described Moulton. Markey is known for his high energetic passion that rallies people to his progressive ideas and for speaking with fiery urgency. Styles have both strengths and areas for improvement. Right now, however, I believe we need practical, focused, results-driven plans led by someone who can calmly take the reins, examine what needs to be done without sticking to unworkable ideologies,
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and figure out how to do it without playing politics or mincing words. I thank Markey for his many years of good, devoted service, but I think he could demonstrate truly great leadership and start to heal the break in the Democrats by handing the torch over to Moulton and spend the next six years offering his support. Respectfully, Ginny O’Brien Garden Road
A huge shout-out to giving back To the editor: The Marblehead Food Pantry would like to thank Mass Bay Facility Services for donating their time, expertise and materials to clean, paint and repair our food storage facility. The company is owned and operated by Billy Garcia since it was founded 14 years ago. When the pantry sought bids for the project, Mr. Garcia came forward and proposed his desire to give back to the community. He was inspired by the efforts of food pantry volunteers and their tireless dedication to providing food to those in need. His company specializes in commercial cleaning and painting and is well known among many North Shore businesses. We can’t say enough about how this has changed the work environment for our volunteers and those of us that accept and stock donations. Paying it forward is one way our community can reciprocate. Marcy Schwam President, Marblehead Food Pantry Garden Road
LETTERS POLICY Letters must be received by our newsroom directly from their writers (for special circumstances, contact the newsroom). Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org or use the submission form found at marbleheadcurrent.org/letters. Some letters may be shared to social media. We will share a wide array of viewpoints. Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition.
HOME • AUTO • YACHT • BUSINESS
Loraine Roussin loraine@burkeins.com 18 Brown Street Salem, MA 01970-3830 T: 978-741-7800 F: 978-741-7805 BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW
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Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 9
Sports
COURTESY PHOTOS / BRUCE DURKEE
The 12 metre yacht Intrepid placed first in the Modern Classic division. It was sailed by Marblehead’s own Ted Moore and Amy Drinker. This is Intrepid’s third time racing at the Corinthian Classic.
HARBOR HIGHLIGHT
Classic yachts, enduring traditions take center stage in Marblehead BY LAURIE FULLERTON A total of 27 boats took part in the 27th annual Corinthian Classic this past weekend, competing in a pursuit race format across five classes ranging from vintage and classics to spirit of tradition and modern classics. The event featured a winning boat from France — the gaff cutter Viola, owned by Kostia Belkin, in the vintage class — as well as a first-place finish in the modern classic division by Ted Moore on board the 12 metre yacht Intrepid. The Corinthian Classic has long been known for its strong mix of vintage, classic, modern classic and one-design fleets, particularly the International One Design. In recent years, the spirit of tradition and modern classic yachts have helped round out what has become a marquee event in town. In the modern classic division, the fleet included Marblehead sailors Ted Moore and Amy Drinker, who beat Jud Smith on his Farr 44 Africa B Squad in a tiebreaker. For Moore, primarily a 12-metre and team racing sailor, the Corinthian Classic is one of his favorite events. Smith, who finished second said the pursuit race format is increasingly becoming the way to go for weekend competitions. “This type of racing is what people enjoy,” Smith said. “The Pursuit Race offers great competition, but it is normally just one race over the course of an afternoon giving people a few hours of racing. I personally really enjoy Pursuit racing, and I think it is what people want.” In a pursuit race, starts are staggered according to handicap, with the goal of bringing the boats to the finish at roughly the same time. That format made for spectacular finishes this weekend for spectators watching from Chandler Hovey Park. On both days, the fleet
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Two International One Designs vie for position as they head for the downwind mark during the Corinthian Class this past weekend.
»To see more of Bruce Durkee’s sailing photos, visit MarbleheadCurrent. org. finished close together, bringing everything from a 12-meter and a Farr 44 to a 1908 Fifedesigned yacht toward the line at nearly the same time — under spinnaker Saturday and upwind Sunday. “Intrepid has been here three times and we always enjoy coming up for the Corinthian Classic,” said Moore, who hosted about 12 crew members at his home this weekend. “My son, Trevor, became a part of the crew this year and we are hosting 12 sailors at our house, so we are really enjoying this.” Moore and Drinker not only shared hosting duties at their homes but also raced aboard Intrepid, with Drinker in the pit position and Moore in the The Fife designed yacht Viola placed first in the Vintage division and its crew came from France.
SAILING, P. 15
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GYMNASTICS
Local gymnast helps YMCA team capture its first national title Susanna Cuzner, on the far right, is part of the Y’s gymnastics team that won a national championship.
BY LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead gymnast Susanna Cuzner helped make history as the YMCA of the North Shore’s Phoenix United competitive gymnastics team captured its first-ever Level 7 National Team Championship at the 2026 YMCA National Gymnastics Championship & Invitational in Greensboro, North Carolina. Phoenix United posted a
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winning score of 112.10 to top a field of 23 of the nation’s best Level 7 teams, earning the program’s first national team title. The annual championship drew approximately 2,000 gymnasts ages 6 to 20 from
across the United States. Founded in 1938, the YMCA National Gymnastics Championship is one of the country’s premier competitions for YMCA athletes. Phoenix United is part of the YMCA of the North Shore and includes gymnasts from Marblehead, Beverly, Gloucester, Haverhill, Rockport and Sandown, New Hampshire.
ON THE DIAMOND
Padres secure the 2026 Marblehead Youth Baseball Triple A town championship BY JOE MCCONNELL The Marblehead Youth Baseball Triple A Padres battled back after losing the round robin playoff opener to the Astros to win the next three, which earned them a spot in the town championship finale, where they defeated the Tigers, 9-6 to take home the title. “We had a winning season all the way through,” said manager Carl Iannacci. “We improved greatly this year, which included utilizing all 12 of our players on the mound for at least two games during the regular season.” Marblehead Youth Baseball’s Triple A Division, consisting of five teams, is designed to develop a player’s all-around baseball skills, just in time for the postseason, and that formula worked perfectly for the Padres. “We introduced several new players on our roster to baseball this year,” said Iannacci, “and we as coaches were able to teach them and their teammate to make plays. Offensively, we had no easy outs up and down the lineup, which helped secure
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The Marblehead Youth Baseball Triple A Padres proudly hold up the 2026 town championship trophy after beating the Tigers in the finale, 9-6. They are, from left, front row, Trevor Dion, Andrew Samuylov, Hudson Reyes, Wiley Reynolds, Gary Tavares, Bobby Foley, Henry Chamberlin, Kie Kennedy, Rowan Iannacci, Calvin Rowe and James Jeon. Second row, assistant coaches Bert Reynolds and Jim Foley, manager Carl Iannacci and assistant coach Mike Reyes. Missing from photo, Tyler Sorg.
most of our wins this year.” Iannacci’s assistants on the sidelines this year were Bert
Reynolds, Jim Foley and Mike Reyes. Calvin Rowe, Henry
Chamberlin and Rowan Iannacci were the team’s principal pitchers during the playoffs, and
they threw to catchers Trevor Dion and Hudson Reyes, who confidently nailed down that critical position on the diamond. When they weren’t on the hill, Chamberlin and Iannacci were at times playing first base, along with James Jeon. Kie Kennedy, Bobby Foley and Gary Tavares took turns at second base. Shortstop belonged to Rowe, Iannacci and Tavares, where they were also able to show off their versatility on the other side of the infield. Tyler Sorg patrolled the hot corner at third base. Wiley Reynolds and Dion also saw time there this summer. Andrew Samuylov, Reynolds, Kennedy and Foley divided up the outfield responsibilities. Iannacci foresees all 12 players moving on to the Major Division. “They all love the game, and will be in the majors next year, if they continue to make progress on the diamond,” he said. But in the meantime, these Padres are still savoring their 2026 Triple A town championship after playing a season filled with many successes.
Giants take down the Pirates to successfully defend their Marblehead Youth Baseball Major Division championship BY JOE MCCONNELL For the second straight summer, under the direction of manager Eric Weisman and assistant coach Elias Demakes, the Marblehead Youth Baseball Major Division Giants are town champions. They defeated the Pirates in this year’s finale, 5-2 to complete their defense of the title. The Giants were ranked second going into the round robin playoffs that pitted the six major division teams against each other one more time. The Pirates were the top seed. Each club was guaranteed five round robin games, and the Giants won their first four to punch their ticket to the title game ahead of the Pirates, who ended up 3-2, along with the Dodgers and Yankees. But they won all the tiebreakers to face off against the Giants in the town title game. By qualifying early, the Giants were able to set things up for the championship game, while sacrificing the final round robin tilt to account for their lone loss in the playoffs. Before the season, the Giants coaching staff preached three things to their players. “We told them to always give 100% effort on the field, be good teammates and learn from their mistakes,
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The Marblehead Youth Baseball Major Division Giants with their 2026 town championship trophies recently. They are, from left, front row, Colin Gleason, Cam Iannacci, Drew Butler, Holden Phelps and Grayson Whyman. Top row, assistant coach Elias Demakes, Charlie Demakes, Ronan Murphy, manager Eric Weisman, Zach Weisman, Logan Litwin, Walker Booth, Colin Glavin and assistant coach Steve Gleason.
and if they did all three things, they would enjoy much success, no matter if they win the championship or not, because baseball is a sport, where you fail more than you succeed, which creates many life lessons (of perseverance).” Weisman added that “this
was a fun group to be around, because they enjoyed being with each other, while also wanting to play ball.” The Giants were made up of 11 players, eight of whom were 12-year-olds, which included their three playoff pitchers of Charlie Demakes, Zach Weisman
and Drew Butler. They threw to another veteran 12-year-old player in catcher Holden Phelps. Cam Iannacci, one of the 11-year-olds, split time at first base with Walker Booth. Colin Gleason, also an 11-year-old, and Logan Litwin took turns at second base. When not on the
mound, Demakes and Weisman were at shortstop. Ronan Murphy, rounding out the three 11-year-olds on the roster, was at third base. Grayson Whyman also saw time at the hot corner. The Giants had plenty of outfield options. Butler and Iannacci patrolled centerfield. Colin Glavin and Litwin were in right. Murphy and Whyman also saw time in left. Both Weisman and Demakes completed their youth baseball careers as two-time town champions, while Gleason – his dad Steve was an assistant coach on this year’s team, and will more than likely take over the managerial chores next spring – Murphy and Iannacci have a chance to make it three straight titles for the Giants in 2027. The team’s manager Eric Weisman is also leaving the youth baseball program with his second town championship trophy in as many years. He’ll be moving up to the Babe Ruth League next summer, along with his son Zach and the other 12-year-old graduates throughout the program. But for the current graduating Giants specifically, it will be a long time before they forget their successful journey in the MYB that featured not one, but two Major Division town championships.
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Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 11
ANNUAL SALE
Museum opens gate to a trove of local treasures BY MARIELLE SABBAG Attention shoppers! A treasure trove of vintage, antique and collectible items will be on sale at the seventh annual Marblehead Museum Treasure Sale on Saturday, Aug. 22. “The Treasure Sale is as much an exhibit of Marbleheaders’ passions as it is a yard sale to benefit the museum,” said the museum’s associate director, Jarrett Zeman. This year, items include Victorian-style library stairs, vintage radios and a vintage luggage set from Saks Fifth Avenue. Also, a small four-poster bed, antique Lustreware, early Native American jewelry and a globe featuring the historic routes of early European explorers. Like previous years, there will be a section for Marblehead artwork, including pottery, a vintage whale-spotting chart and an anchor-shaped wall mirror. New this year are antique books, some dating back to the 1700s. “The most eccentric piece we’ve received is a potty chair from the 1800s, with a removable center for concealing a chamber pot,” Zeman said. The museum has been collecting items since spring. “When residents donate their treasures to the sale, they always come with a story,” Zeman said. “Some donors had the items in their attics for years, and they
COURTESY PHOTOS / MARBLEHEAD MUSEUM
The annual Treasure Sale attracts hundreds of locals, collectors and antique dealers.
These Victorian-style library stairs are available at the upcoming Marblehead Museum Treasure Sale. 1
always remember where they got them. Some treasures are remnants of a past hobby; others are beloved decor from two houses ago that didn’t fit their new home’s aesthetic. Many of the items remind our donors of people or places that enriched their lives. The Treasure Sale is as much an exhibit of
Marbleheaders’ passions as it is a yard sale to benefit the museum.” In addition to historic pieces, the Treasure Sale includes many more modern household items. To say it’s a popular day among shoppers is an understatement. The Treasure Sale attracts hundreds of locals, collectors and antique dealers annually. Volunteer Barbara Wright said shoppers line up at 5 a.m before the gates open. Once 8 a.m. chimes, Wright said shoppers quickly spread throughout the property, with experienced collectors heading straight for the rare antiques while others browse for decorative pieces and hidden bargains. “It’s really fun to watch,” Wright said. For Wright, the Treasure Sale is also personal. Her mother volunteered at the museum
This 19th-century potty chair is up for grabs at the Marblehead Museum’s Treasure Sale.
during the 1990s, and Wright has donated several pieces from her mother’s collection, including jewelry and Marblehead pottery. “I know how much Marblehead and the Lee Mansion meant to her,” Wright said. “I think she’d be delighted to see her treasures benefiting the museum.” The museum’s new executive director, Dan Marshall, praised the community effort behind the event. “I deeply appreciate the hard work of all of our Marblehead Museum volunteers and staff who make this annual event possible,” said Marshall. Zeman adds that the museum staff expresses gratitude to Mark Rosati for helping with the
Treasure Sale since its debut. “His knowledge, passion and dedication have been crucial to making the sale an annual success,” said Zeman. Residents are invited to continue to donate hidden knickknacks from their attics, closets and bookshelves to the museum until Friday, Aug. 21. All proceeds go directly to the Marblehead Museum to help fund the museum’s education programming and operations. The Treasure Sale will be held at the Lee Mansion Gardens, 161 Washington St., on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, Aug. 23. Admission is free to everyone.
Marblehead native brings home film, conversation about misinformation BY LEIGH BLANDER
A conspiracy spirals out of control
For Andrew Korzenik, bringing his latest film project to the North Shore feels like a fullcircle moment. The Marblehead native, now an award-winning filmmaker based in Chicago, spent his childhood performing in local theater productions, attending Rebel Shakespeare camp and developing a love of storytelling in Marblehead Public Schools. This month, he’s returning home — not simply to screen a film but to start what he hopes will become an important community conversation. On Aug. 12, Korzenik will present “Sprinkles: Decoded” at Cinema Salem, a 90-minute program that pairs his acclaimed 25-minute noir-inspired short film, “Sprinkles,” with an interactive discussion about misinformation, media literacy and critical thinking. In a time when Americans are increasingly forced to distinguish fact from fiction online, the program explores the decline of mainstream news, the rise of alternative media, the growing influence of artificial intelligence and social media, and the ways people can better navigate today’s rapidly changing information landscape. “It’s wonderful to bring this work back to where I grew up,” Korzenik said. “I grew up with family movie nights — from Chet’s Video, no less. I remember going to Cinema Salem as a kid. It’s a real privilege.” Unlike traditional media literacy workshops built around lectures or PowerPoint presentations, “Sprinkles: Decoded” uses storytelling to engage audiences first, then invites them into a conversation.
The black-and-white short film follows Claude, a lonely man who becomes consumed by an online conspiracy theory. Loosely inspired by the realworld Pizzagate conspiracy, the film explores how misinformation can escalate from harmless curiosity into dangerous obsession. You can watch the trailer at https://loom.ly/uJL2-co. Korzenik said the film intentionally embraces the style of classic film noir. “When I first read the script, I realized so many of the classic noir themes were already there,” he said. “It’s about corruption, loneliness, alienation and features a disaffected protagonist.” Directors Billy Wilder and Stanley Kubrick proved particularly influential, inspiring both the film’s dark humor and its meticulous depiction of a man preparing for an act driven by paranoia. Although “Sprinkles” has already earned recognition on the film festival circuit — including screenings at the famed TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles — Korzenik says the project has evolved into something much larger than a festival short.
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Beyond the film
After the credits roll, the conversation begins. Rather than dissecting the movie itself, Korzenik uses the story as a jumping-off point to examine why misinformation spreads, how conspiracy theories gain traction, and the universal human tendencies that make false narratives persuasive. Through storytelling and guided discussion, participants are encouraged to think critically about how they consume news, identify reliable sources and engage
Looking ahead
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Marblehead native Andrew Korzenik, center, directs the short film, “Sprinkles.” He will be showing it at Salem Cinema on Aug. 12.
in productive conversations across differing viewpoints. “The goal isn’t to tell people what to think,” Korzenik said. “It’s to provide tools that help people ask better questions, recognize manipulation and become more thoughtful consumers of information.” The discussion explores the decline of traditional news organizations, the rise of podcasts and online personalities, the influence of social media algorithms and AI-generated content, and practical strategies audiences can use to verify information before accepting it as fact. One section explores how people become trapped in online echo chambers. Another offers practical media literacy techniques, including crossreferencing sources and recognizing when commentary is masquerading as objective reporting.
Not about politics
Given today’s polarized climate, Korzenik knows discussions surrounding misinformation can quickly become partisan. He’s determined not to let that happen. “The presentation itself is about media literacy,” he said. “We’re all vulnerable because
we’re all human.” Instead of assigning blame, he hopes audiences leave recognizing that no one is immune to being manipulated. “My biggest hope is that people leave a little uncomfortable,” he said. “I want everyone to have the feeling that you aren’t above being taken in by something. You’re as vulnerable as anyone else — not because you’re dumb, but because you’re human.”
A hometown perspective
Growing up in Marblehead also shaped the way Korzenik thinks about community. Living in a close-knit town, he said, taught him the value of shared civic life — where people don’t have the luxury of permanently retreating into ideological bubbles. “In this day and age, I see so much segmentation because of the internet,” he said. “One advantage of closeknit communities is that you don’t really have the option of completely cutting yourself off. You have to find common ground.” His passion for journalism and media also began early. “My mom was an avid NPR listener,” he said. “There was always news on in my life.”
“Sprinkles: Decoded” is still in its inaugural run, but Korzenik hopes the program eventually finds audiences well beyond community theaters and libraries. “I would absolutely love to bring it into schools,” he said. He sees two groups who could especially benefit from stronger media literacy: older adults navigating today’s rapidly changing information landscape, and younger people whose news consumption increasingly comes through TikTok, Twitch and other social platforms. “You’re not getting the news,” he said of social media. “You’re getting a heavily filtered editorial.” Ultimately, Korzenik isn’t asking audiences to trust him. He’s asking them to slow down, ask questions and think critically before sharing what they see online. “I hope people become more cautious and conscientious consumers of media,” he said. “Whether it’s mainstream news, social media or a podcast, I hope they integrate the strategies we discuss into their media diet.” As misinformation continues to shape conversations in communities across the country, Korzenik believes media literacy is one of the most important civic skills people can develop. “The evening is about creating space for conversation rather than division,” he said. “If people leave asking better questions and thinking more carefully about the information they consume, then we’ve accomplished what we set out to do.” “Sprinkles: Decoded” will be presented Wednesday, Aug. 12, from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at Cinema Salem. Admission is free, though registration through the Salem Athenaeum is encouraged at salemathenaeum.net. The program is recommended for audiences ages 14 and older.
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WHAT’S OLD IS NEW AGAIN
Local pastor, rabbi launch podcast Show explores everything from AI to art to online dating BY LEIGH BLANDER A friendship that began in Marblehead is finding a new audience through a podcast that brings together two faith leaders separated by more than 1,500 miles but still united by a shared curiosity about life, technology and the human experience. Rev. Jim Bixby of Clifton Lutheran Church and Rabbi David Cohen-Henriquez, who served at Temple Sinai before moving to New Orleans nearly three years ago, have launched a new podcast built on the conversations they have been having for years. The two first became close while working together on the Manna Project, the community garden initiative they helped create during CohenHenriquez’s time in Marblehead. Along the way, they developed a habit of talking through everything from philosophy and current events to faith, technology and culture. Now, those conversations are available for anyone to hear. The podcast, “What’s OId
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Clifton Lutheran Church Pastor Jim Bixby and Rabbi David CohenHenriquez have launched a podcast called, “What’s Old is New Again.”
is New Again,” features the two clergy members in freeflowing, roughly 45-minute conversations. Recent topics include art, money and online dating.
“There is a real desire right now for these precise conversations about ‘what does it mean to be human?’ and ‘what is the spiritual core of humanity amid all these all these changing
things?’” Bixby said. Although both men are clergy, they emphasize that the podcast is not intended as a Bible study or a comparative religion class. That broad approach led Bixby to categorize the podcast under “spirituality” rather than a specific religion. “Everybody who understands that there is an animating spirit at work in the human consciousness will have something to gather,” he said. The men won’t shy away from political issues. “There’s no way you can disentangle many of the topics we’re talking about from the fact that if you were to lay out— in a totally honest and objective way for people — what sort of political options do you want for yourselves…what does human flourishing look like for you? — they would not choose the system that we have right now,” Bixby said. “Any clear and objective analysis would say, ‘Oh my gosh, none of the above.’ And yet, how are we so stuck with what we have now? That does call for our action.”
Each episode follows a loose structure, beginning with a contemporary topic before exploring historical, philosophical and spiritual perspectives, then concluding with practical “action items” for listeners. Cohen-Henriquez said he also hopes the podcast offers a hopeful example of interfaith friendship at a time when many people encounter division online. “To see this, you know, a Jew and a Christian talking about humanity and shared goals... That’s a little seed of hope,” he said. “There is hope, but hope requires commitment and actions, not just dreaming about a better tomorrow.” Bixby hopes listeners see the podcast not as two clergy providing definitive answers but as an invitation to join an ongoing conversation. The podcast is currently available on Spotify and YouTube, with new episodes expected approximately every other week.
REC & PARKS
Commission discusses Reynolds Field and Seaside Park projects, increases float storage rates BY JORDAN HOROWITZ The Recreation & Parks Committee met at the Community Center Tuesday, Aug. 4, to discuss and vote on proposals involving recreational activities, park improvements, permit approvals and fee changes. Concerning the highly anticipated $3.3 million project for Reynolds Field,
which will finally bring Marblehead an ice rink of its own, Recreation & Parks Commissioner Karin Ernst said the department is “still working on the design — we are about 60% of the way there.” Recreation & Parks has committed $35,000 to renovations at Seaside Baseball Field and the remaining approximately $15,000 will be donated by the Marblehead Boosters,
TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM on the request of PREETHA K. NOOYI to vary the application of the present Zoning By-laws by allowing a Special Permit for the demolition of a pre-existing non-conforming single-family residence and construction of a new single-family dwelling and accessory building on a Lot with less than required Lot Area and Frontage located at 9 BALLAST LANE in an EXPANDED SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed construction will be partially located in the Side Yard Setback and will increase the Gross Floor Area by more than the allowed ten (10%) percent for a pre-existing non-conforming structure. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2026, at 7:45 PM on the request of 4J HOMES LLC to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the demolition of an existing single-family residence with less than required Side and Rear Yard Setback and construction of a new single-family residence on a Lot with less than required lot area and frontage located at 9 KENNETH ROAD in the SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed new construction will be located within the Front and Side Yard Setback and increase the Gross Floor Area by more than the allowed ten (10%) percent on a pre-existing non-conforming building. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM, on a court-ordered remand to consider a new the request of MATTHEW and HANNE RUSH to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing Special Permit(s) to replace a prior Special Permit with a new Special Permit for the construction of additions, dormers and new roof framing on a pre-existing non-conforming house on a pre-existing, non-conforming Lot with less than required Lot Area And Side Yard Setback. The new non-conformities include less than the required Lot Area, Side Yard Setback and exceeds the 10% expansion limit for a non-conforming structure at 50 PROSPECT STREET in the SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary
Marblehead Baseball and other contributors. The project, which will be carried out by R.A.D. Sports, is scheduled to begin in September, but it is not yet known when it will be completed. Renovations at Glabicky Field and Gatchell Green are also scheduled to begin in mid-September. The work will include removing dangerous, overhanging tree limbs at Glabicky and beautifying the area around the “Welcome to Marblehead” sign between the two parks. The committee increased the fee for storing floats during the offseason from $2.75 per square foot to $3 per square foot. The fee had previously undergone
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Recreation & Parks Commission discussed renovations to Glabicky Field near the sign that welcomes people into Marblehead.
a phased increase from $1.25 to $2.75, but as Superintendent of Recreation & Parks Jaime Bloch explained, the additional $0.25 increase is needed to balance Marblehead’s operating costs while avoiding the sudden, massive jump in
TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2026, at 8:00 PM, on the request of MARGARET POOLIN to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a new 6’9”x 9’ single story addition and a new 10’6”x 26’3” deck, a portion of which sits within the Side Yard Setback on a pre-existing non-conforming lot with less than the required Lot Area, Lot Width, Frontage And Side Yard Setback at 20 Ticehurst Lane in the SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary
Town of Marblehead Request for Proposals Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: SPACER CABLE AND PARTIAL POLE REPLACEMENT The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Qualified Vendors for the SPACER CABLE AND PARTIAL POLE REPLACEMENT in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in accordance with these specifications. Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained via the Town’s Procurement Portal https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/marblehead. Bids are subject to Massachusetts General Law c.164, §56D, and c.30, §39M and to minimum wage rates required by M.G.L. c.l49 §26 to 27H inclusive. Bids will be received until August 19, 2026, at 10:00 am and unsealed via the Procurement Portal at that date and time. Any bids received after such time will not be accepted. All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts. Attention is directed to the minimum wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 26 through 27D inclusive. The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to MMLD based on price and other evaluation factors considered, as outlined in the Instructions to Bidders. Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid price. The bid deposit shall be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, treasurer’s check, or bid bond made payable to Marblehead Municipal Light Department. Failure to submit required bid deposit with bid shall result in bid being deemed non-responsive. The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, after the opening of the bids. MMLD reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of MMLD. Marblehead Municipal Light Department Jonathan Blair, General Manager
price that comes from leaving a fee unchanged for too many years. The department is committing to the increase for one year, after which officials will revisit the fee and decide whether to increase it again or leave it unchanged. Other priorities for Recreation & Parks include determining the future of the dog park, beautifying selected areas around town with native plantings, improving Fountain Park and making Chandler Hovey Park more accessible for people with disabilities. An ADA grant application has already been submitted by Brendan Callahan of the Community Development and Planning Department, and more will be known in the fall. One issue discussed by the committee, but not yet ready for a vote, was the possibility of a communal toy box at Devereux Beach,
where parents could leave beach toys for other families’ children to use. It would work somewhat like a lending library and would have the added benefit of helping keep beachgoers’ cars free of sand. The meeting concluded with a review of the unanimous approval of several permits, including two wedding ceremonies at Chandler Hovey Park on Aug. 27 and Sept. 5; one at Castle Rock on July 17, 2027; a Clifton Lutheran Church worship service at Chandler Hovey on Aug. 9; the annual Breast Friends Walk at Devereux Beach on Aug. 27; a 5K race for mental health organized by the Rotary Club of Marblehead, starting at Crocker Park on Nov. 1; and the filming of a feature film at Devereux on Aug. 19. Details of the last event are still under wraps.
TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2026, at 7:30 PM on the request of KEVIN MICHAEL LANE and KATHLEEN B. LANE to vary the application of the present Zoning By-laws by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a front porch addition to a pre-existing non-conforming single-family dwelling having less than required Front Yard, Side Yard and Rear Yard Setbacks, located on a Lot have less than required Lot Area, Lot Width, Open Area Ratio and tandem parking at 50 BEACON STREET in a SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed additions will be located partially within the Front and Side Yard Setback, and will reduce the Open Area Ratio. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY AUGUST 25, 2026, at 7:45 PM on the request of CLAUDIO ALVAREZ to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for proposed additions to a non-conforming structure with less than the required Lot Area, Frontage, Side Yard Setback and tandem Parking at 299 WEST SHORE DRIVE in the SHORELINE GENERAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed additions will be in the Side Yard Setback and exceed the allowed ten (10%) percent expansion limits on a pre-existing non-conforming building. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary
marbleheadcurrent.org
Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 13
CURRENT EVENTS
Marblehead’s best bets Current Events spotlights notable happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email info@ marbleheadnews.org. —By Leigh Blander
Weekend Intensive Oil Painting for Beginners Workshop Aug. 15-16, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Artist Joli Ayn Wood will be teaching a two-day Basics of Oils Intensive Learning Workshop at the Marblehead Arts Association. Each day, students will dive into beginning skills and building blocks of painting with oils. This class will utilize water-mixable oils, and all materials are included in the fee. $225 MAA members, $250 non-members. Register at marbleheadarts.org.
America 250: Writing Workshop for Kids Saturday, Aug. 15, 11 a.m.
This three-week writing workshop is designed to help students ages 8-12 strengthen their writing skills and enjoy the creative writing process, all while celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. Each session will combine age-appropriate instruction with entertaining and engaging activities to reinforce core writing fundamentals, using America’s founding and history as inspiration for original work. Students will practice developing narratives, work on sentence structure and word choice, and develop their creative voices as writers. They will leave the workshop with a collection of their own original work to share, an enthusiasm for storytelling, and sharper descriptive writing skills to take into the school year. This program is limited to 15 students ages 8-12, and online registration is required. Free. Register at abbotlibrary.org.
Road to Independence walking tour Thursday, Aug. 13, 4-5 p.m.
This walking tour with Marblehead Museum features the history of Marblehead in the early 1770s, highlighting the town’s pivotal role in such famous events as the Boston Tea Party, the Battle of Bunker Hill and the resistance to British taxes. The tour will also explore attacks on local Loyalists, and the contradiction of Marbleheaders fighting to end their political “enslavement” by Britain while enslaving Black people in their own homes. $16. Register at marbleheadmuseum.org.
‘10 Ways to Survive a Zombie Apocalypse’ Friday and Saturday, Aug. 14, 15
This musical is produced as an intensive two-week program by MLT’s Children’s Program featuring middle and high school actors (ages 11-16). When zombies attack, a ragtag group of survivors is thrown into a chaotic fight for their lives. Enter Jimmy, Christy, Susan and Sam — four not-so-qualified heroes who stumble through 10 outrageous methods to survive the zombie apocalypse. Tickets and info at mltlive.com.
Jazz in the Garden Sunday, Aug. 16, 2-4 p.m.
Come enjoy live jazz with The Joe Berkovitz Trio in this backyard garden venue. Reserve seats now by emailing margiflint117@gmail. com. Bring food and beverages of choice. $20-$30 donation for the artists. More info at margiflintherbalist.com/jazz-in-the-garden
Art Crawl & Open Studios Sunday, Aug. 16, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Marblehead’s creative community will throw open its doors for the town’s first Art Crawl & Open Studios on Sunday, Aug. 16, giving residents a chance to step inside artists’ workspaces, discover hidden creative corners and meet the people behind the art. The free event, hosted by the Marblehead Arts Association, runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and features more than 30 artists at studios throughout town. Visitors can follow a self-guided map, stopping to watch artists at work, learn about their creative process and purchase original artwork. Organizer and printmaker Amy Hourihan said the idea grew from a desire to showcase Marblehead’s rich artistic community in a new way. “This is an innovative idea that hasn’t been tried here before,” Hourihan said. “There’s been a lot of enthusiasm.”
Mahjong fundraiser night Wednesday, Aug. 19, 6-9 p.m.
The inaugural crawl will feature a wide range of artistic disciplines, from jewelry, ceramics and woodworking to fine art, photography, cyanotype, sculpture
and printmaking. Visitors will also find music instruction, working studios and, at some locations, artist demonstrations.
The Marblehead Family Fund is partnering with Mabel of Marblehead and Le Petit Comptoir for a special Mahjong Fundraiser Night benefiting the rebuild of Gatchell Playground. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just love supporting a great cause, gather with friends for a fun-filled evening. Your ticket includes a welcome beverage, a beautiful grazing board and the chance to compete for prizes awarded to first-, secondand third-place winners. Every game played helps support Gatchell’s Playground.
marbleheadcurrent.org
14 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Marblehead Current
POLICE LOG
Dropped $20 prompts laundromat spat; officer opens mysterious packages Monday, July 20
» Alarms: 1 » Building/property checks: 2 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 » 1:32 a.m. An officer investigated a report of loud music on Hillside Avenue. 9:29 a.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Bennington Street in Boston. 9:49 a.m. A citizen on Pond Street was given assistance. 10:35 a.m. Officers investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Front Street. 11:01 a.m. Officers investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Commercial Street. 11:04 a.m. An officer assisted with a utilities issue on West Shore Drive. 1:20 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a past break-in to a home on Atlantic Avenue. The homeowner explained that he had been out of town visiting family on the weekend of July 11-12 and returned home to discover several items missing. The man did not have any idea about who might have entered the home. Most of the items taken were from his kitchen, except a weed trimmer. The man had not found any signs of forced entry and suspected the person had entered the home through unlocked second-floor sliding doors. The information was shared with detectives. 2:17 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Smith and Devereux streets. 4:12 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street. 4:25 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Hathaway Road. 5:21 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Lime Street. 9:16 p.m. An officer went to Pickwick Road to speak to a man who had been the victim of a phone scam to obtain his Bitcoin. The man explained that he had gotten a Google security alert earlier in the day. Later on, he received a phone call from somebody saying they were from Coinbase, the digital wallet where the man keeps his Bitcoin. After speaking for a bit, the caller convinced the man to disconnect and reconnect his online wallets in a way that the scammer ended up in possession of his Bitcoin. The man did not give the scammer any other personal information, and he had already filed a report with the FBI. 10:30 p.m. An officer attempted to investigate a general complaint on Humphrey Street but could not locate the problem.
Tuesday, July 21
» Alarms: 1 » Building/property checks: 2 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 1:49 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Beach Street.
5:06 p.m. Officers investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Elm and Spring streets. The vehicle could not be located. 5:26 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Sunset Road. 5:53 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a tree or branch down on Atlantic Avenue. 6:09 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Stony Brook Road. 6:33 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle at Market Square. 8:58 p.m. Officers investigated a report of kids throwing rocks at passing cars on Creesy Street. Upon their arrival, the officers could not locate any kids in the area or rocks in the street. While they were on scene, a woman called the police to report that her vehicle had been struck by an unknown object prior to the officers’ arrival in the area. One of the officers met the woman nearby on Lincoln Avenue and inspected her vehicle but could not see any obvious damage. The woman planned to inspect the vehicle again in the daylight. 9:06 p.m. Another agency was assisted on Henry’s Way. 9:12 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a tree or branch down on Beacon Street and Captains Walk Lane. 11:53 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Harbor Avenue.
Wednesday, July 22
» Alarms: 1 » Building/property checks: 5 » Abandoned 911 calls: 4 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 1:49 a.m. An officer rendered services after general information was provided on Tioga Way. 11:26 a.m. An officer assisted another agency on Doaks Lane. 11:49 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Lafayette and Maple streets. The vehicle was towed. 12:57 p.m. Officers investigated an abandoned 911 call on West Shore Drive and Bayview Road. 1:19 p.m. Solicitors were reported on Alexander Circle. 1:21 p.m. A citizen was assisted on Naugus Avenue. 5:11 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a disturbance on Pleasant Street. 8:43 p.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Creesy and Green streets. 10:27 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Green Street. The vehicle could not be located.
Thursday, July 23
» Alarms: 1 » Building/property checks: 3 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2 9:28 a.m. An officer investigated a report of a possible violation of a noncriminal town bylaw on Washington Street. The alleged
scofflaw could not be located. 11:49 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street. 12:16 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Lafayette Street and Everett Paine Boulevard. 1:21 p.m. An officer investigated the possible violation of a non-criminal town bylaw on Glendale Road. The alleged offender could not be located. 2:03 p.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street. 5:09 p.m. An officer went to Corinthian Lane to investigate a report of a possible scam. The resident explained that she had received a phone call from “Walmart support,” calling to discuss her “purchase” of unspecified merchandise for $919.45. The woman said she did talk with the caller for a brief period but did not provide any personal information. The officer advised the woman that it had been a scam and helped her block the originating phone number. The woman said she planned to contact her two banks the following day to ensure there had been no fraudulent activity on her accounts. 7:39 p.m. An officer and firefighters assisted a citizen on Treat Road. 7:48 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Green and Creesy streets. 7:54 p.m. A citizen was given assistance on Devereux Street. 9:25 p.m. Officers investigated the report of a disturbance at the laundromat on Pleasant Street caused by a dispute over money between a couple and an employee of the laundromat. Earlier, when the couple was putting clothes in the wash, a $20 bill had fallen out of the pocket of a pair of the man’s pants. The store employee found the bill and asked the man if it was his. He replied “no” because at that point he did not initially realize he had dropped it. Later, he realized that he had in fact dropped the bill and asked the employee to give it to him, but the employee was skeptical. The man got upset, which made the employee even more reluctant to return it. After speaking with everyone involved, the officer determined that the man’s story made sense, the $20 bill was returned to him, and he went on his way.
Friday, July 24
» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 5 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 2 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
12:06 a.m. Two officers investigated a general complaint on Sheldon and Ida roads. 10:23 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Crowninshield Road. 11:38 a.m. Officers investigated the report of a disturbance on Broughton Road that proved to be unfounded. 1:31 p.m. An officer went to Hines Court to speak with a resident who had since May received approximately 20 strange packages in the mail. Even though they were addressed to her, she had not ordered the items. Today, she had received three more packages and had gone to the post office to see if they could be returned to the sender, but postal workers told her that could not be done and suggested that she contact the police. The woman handed the officer the three packages, and they opened them together. The officer found that two of the packages contained plastic zip ties, while the third package contained a plastic children’s toy. The officer determined that the items appeared to be of cheap quality consistent with items sold through the website Temu. The officer asked the woman if she had noticed that anyone had been making fraudulent charges on her account and had simply failed to change the shipping address. The woman stated that she had not noticed any fraud and had not seen any bills for any of the items that have been delivered. The woman explained that some of the previous packages have been empty, while others had strange odds and ends like the items in the three packages today. The officer advised the woman that if she was unable to get the post office to return the packages to the sender then she should throw the items away, contacting police if she ever felt any of the items were a safety concern. 1:42 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Heritage Way. 1:46 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a scam call on Waldron Street. The woman explained that the scammer was pretending to be her daughter and claiming that she had just been in a car accident. The caller told the mother that she had been arrested and needed to pay for a public defender. She also kept repeating that she had a bloody nose. Growing suspicious about the scam, the woman handed the phone to her husband, while the woman successfully reached her real daughter on her cell phone. Hearing this in the background, the scammer hung up. Neither the father nor the mother had given the scammer any personal information, and they were not out of any money. The officer advised them to be wary of answering calls from unknown numbers. 3:59 p.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew investigated the report of a disabled vehicle on Smith and Pleasant streets. The vehicle was towed. 4:09 p.m. An officer
investigated the report of lumber in the road on West Shore Drive and Pequot Road. 5:18 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Atlantic Avenue. 5:23 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street. The issue could not be located. 5:29 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint that proved to be unfounded on Broughton Road. 5:32 p.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on West Shore Drive and Lafayette Street. The vehicle was towed. 7:01 p.m. Another agency was given assistance on Lee Street. 10:01 p.m. Officers restored the peace after the report of a disturbance on Phillips Street.
Saturday, July 25
» Alarms: 1 » Building/property checks: 8 » Abandoned 911 calls: 4 » Vehicle stops, citations: 4 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 5 12:29 a.m. Officers investigated the report of a disturbance that proved to be unfounded on Pleasant Street. 1:20 p.m. Solicitors were reported on Hines Court and Norman Street. 1:42 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a past vehicle crash on Washington Street. 2:31 p.m. An officer went to Elm Street to investigate a report that a resident and the nonprofit organization she runs had been the victim of an apparent scam involving the website Allroundfix.com. The woman explained that since November 2023, she had been sending the company money to renew her McAfee antivirus software for her personal computer for what she thought was only a one-time payment for a three-year subscription. She was told this was a tech support group that managed the McAfee setup, and she had given them permission to control her PC and run their system remotely on her PC. Since November 2023, she had been charged nine different amounts totaling more than $10,000. The woman believed that, using its remote access, the company had gained access to numerous passwords, which had led her to change bank accounts twice. Two days earlier, she had received a call from Allroundfix that her first software purchase was up for renewal, which is what had prompted her to become more suspicious. She said that she spoke to the alleged security supervisor but she had spoken to numerous company representatives over the past three years from the company. The woman had already contacted her bank and changed all of her passwords. The officer said he would share his report with detectives for further investigation. 5:07 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a vehicle crash on Bessom Street. POLICE, P. 15
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS Buyer(s)
Seller(s)
Address
Date
Price
Marblehead 5 Ticehurst Ln Real Estate T and William N. Latham
Suzanne S. Gruhl
11 Leslie Cove
July 24
$1,360,000
David A. and Jill Gridley
189 West Shore Drive
July 21
$855,000
Roy C. Sears and Diane Felix Sears
27 Maverick St.
July 24
$1,250,000
Jessica Pratt and James Corliss
Jacob Spell
57 Overlook Road
July 22
$775,000
Stephen and Gretchen H. Lloyd
Bruce R. Martin 2012 RET and Bruce R. Martin
7 Fort Beach Way
July 24
$1,600,000
Alexander Regan and Kathryn Bradbury
Rosemary Ajuka-Lecroy
2 Ellis Terrace
July 21
$805,000
Stephen William Nokes
Nancy A. Harrington
37 Jessie St.
July 20
$500,000
Chad Dilisio and Hannah Cunningham Cynthia L. Elesinmogun
Swampscott
marbleheadcurrent.org
Marblehead Current Wednesday, August 12, 2026 15
COURTESY PHOTOS / BRUCE DURKEE
Here are more photos of last weekend’s Corinthian Classic taken by Bruce Durkee of Marblehead.
Sailing From P. 9
afterguard. Although Intrepid is an exceptionally large boat, they agreed with others that the Classic Rating Formula, or CRF, does a respectable job of equalizing competition among traditional, full-keeled and historic vessels of varying sizes and designs. On Saturday, Intrepid lost time at an upwind mark after experiencing a 90-degree wind shift. Instead of raising the spinnaker, the crew made a quick decision to hold its course and sail upwind until it could adjust to the dramatic shift. Regatta director Tim Dittrich had the opportunity to sail aboard Viola with the French team. Representing the Yacht Club de Monaco, Viola is a 1908 Fife design built in Scotland and primarily raced in the Mediterranean. “This is Viola’s first season in the USA, and the team came particularly to honor our 250th birthday,” Dittrich said. “It is magical being out there on Viola and I feel like the spinnaker run to the finish is just spectacular.” The Viola team also had the opportunity to meet Marblehead’s Rich Wilson, a two-time competitor and finisher in the famed Vendée Globe, a race well known throughout France. Wilson, who speaks fluent French, was able to personally thank the team for coming to Marblehead. Thomas King, owner of the Hinckley 48 Valkyrie from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, has competed in the Corinthian Classic for more than 20 years.
Police From P. 14
5:10 p.m. Officers investigated the report of a disturbance on Stramski Way. 5:17 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Front Street. 7:26 p.m. An officer assisted with the report of found or lost property on Leggs Hill Road. 7:30 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Washington Street. 8:55 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Mechanic Street. 9:25 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Village Street. 9:35 p.m. An officer
Valkyrie also races in the modern classic division. Although the team did not finish as well as it had hoped, King said the event stands out for one reason.
“I have done all the major classic regatta events in Maine from the Camden Classic to the Eggemoggin Reach event. But this is our favorite. We love
this venue and the hospitality is amazing. This yacht club and the people that make it so great are why we feel it is the absolute best of all the classic yacht events,” King said. The event remains a town favorite among sailors, in part because it offers participants an opportunity to honor the traditions of yachting while
investigated a general complaint on Village Street. 9:37 p.m. A 62-year-old Marblehead woman was arrested and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Allerton Place. 10:19 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Sewall Street.
to be unfounded on Pleasant Street. 7:34 a.m. An officer took a report regarding possible fraud in the police station lobby. The resident explained that in the wee hours of the morning he had received an email from his bank notifying him that a new “trusted device,” a Mac, had been added to his account. The man explained that he does not own a Mac, and he had not authorized adding the device. The man was not out of any money, and he was not certain if any personal information had been leaked. He had since canceled his associated debit card and changed his password for his mobile banking app. The man said he planned to call the bank on Monday to see if there
are any pending charges and if he is out of money. The officer advised him to try to freeze his accounts when he contacts the bank. 8:22 a.m. An officer investigated a report of the theft of a vehicle on Lafayette Street. 8:53 a.m. An officer attempted to assist a person on West Shore Drive and Green Street but could not locate the person. 1:52 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on West Shore Drive. 2:36 p.m. An officer responded to the Riptide on Pleasant Street to retrieve some property that belonged to a local woman. A man called police to let them know that he had placed her belongings in a white plastic bag outside by the side door
Sunday, July 26
» Alarms: 2 » Building/property checks: 1 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 12:18 a.m. Officers investigated a general complaint that proved
recognizing Marblehead’s legacy of yacht building and sailmaking. That legacy includes renowned boatbuilders Bruce Dyson and Quin Vaillancourt and yacht designer Jim Taylor, as well as companies such as event sponsor Doyle Sailmakers, which continues to build and design sails while training new generations of sailmakers.
for the officer to pick up. The officer retrieved the items — a Microsoft tablet, a black cell phone and a cell phone charger — and transported them back to the station, where he tagged them and placed them in an evidence locker for safekeeping. 6:34 p.m. Services were rendered after a general complaint on Maple Street. 7:01 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint that proved to be unfounded on Sandie Lane. 10:27 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint that proved to be unfounded on Independence Way 10:31 p.m. Officers rendered services after investigating a general complaint on Cheever Avenue and Calthrope Road.
marbleheadcurrent.org
16 Wednesday, August 12, 2026 Marblehead Current
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