FIRST WAVE
1 The town will post new signage at Riverhead Beach where the water is not tested for bacteria. Page 1.
2 Republic Services was expected to resume recycling pickups this week. Page 2.
3 Congressman Seth Moulton calls on Israel to ‘flood Gaza’ with humanitarian aid. Page 2.
Town to post new signage at Riverhead after board raises questions on water testing
BY LEIGH BLANDER
In response to a Board of Health discussion on Aug. 13 about whether more should be done to alert the public that the town does not test the water quality at Riverhead Beach, Rec & Parks Commissioner Rossana Ferrante has told the Current that the department will post
Local
new signage at the Riverhead next week.
“Riverhead is not a designated swimming area,” Ferrante wrote in an email. “In the interest of increasing public awareness, we will post signage for the 2026 season to this end.
Riverhead is a suitable location for low-immersion, surface level activities based on its
classification as a non-bathing beach.”
Ferrante continued: “We are working through the details with the Board of Health regarding signage language as well as looking into waiver language and any other notices that may be helpful to the community.”
BOH Chair Dr. Tom Massaro and member Dr. Amanda Ritvo
both recommended placing signage at Riverhead that the water is not tested and listing the five bathing beaches in town that are tested every week: Devereux, Gas House, Grave Oliver’s, Stramski’s and Crocker Park.
Member Tom McMahon said he supports a new sign at Riverhead that reads, “This is not a Marblehead designated bathing beach.”
Riverhead is a busy dog beach and has an outfall pipe with a sign nearby that warns people not to swim in the outfall water.
Riverhead is also home to SUP East Coast Style, a stand-up paddle board business affiliated
foundation helps make sport accessible to more kids
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Bruce and Elizabeth Durkee of Marblehead are passionate about sailing and the life lessons it teaches. That’s why they lead the Corinthian Sailing Foundation, which for the last 22 years has raised and donated money to help children in underserved communities get a chance to sail.
“Imagine living on the coast and never having the opportunity to step
on a boat,” Bruce Durkee said. “We know from our own lives, sailing helps so much in leadership, selfconfidence and more. With all the sailing we do as a community, we want to take something we love and share it with others.”
While CSF was started by Corinthian members in 2003, it’s no longer only affiliated with the yacht club.
“Our mission is to help young kids get access to water, to sailing or
racing that they wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to do,” Bruce Durkee said.
The Durkees estimate that CSF has awarded about $20,000 a year over the last 22 years to several sailing programs. A new recipient this summer is the World Ocean School, based in Boston. World Ocean School invites underprivileged kids on board two tall ships and teaches them
Marines to land at Fort Sewall
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The Marine Corps is coming to Marblehead Thursday, Aug. 21, to celebrate its 250th anniversary, complete with a flyover by F-18 fighter jets. The event kicks off Boston Marine Week and a series of activities honoring the Corps.
Marblehead is known as the birthplace of the American Navy and Marine Corps aviation. The first solo flight by a Marine
ENERGY CONSERVATION
Noncompliance on 3A muddles bid for Green Communities
‘No’ vote may put competitive grants out of reach
BY KRIS OLSON
Marblehead may soon check off the final boxes to gain official recognition as a “Green Community,” opening the door to a state grant program that has awarded $54 million for energy conservation and decarbonization projects over the past 15 years.
But this is yet another area where the town’s noncompliance with the MBTA Communities Act may prevent the town from reaping the full benefits of attaining Green Community status.
At the Aug. 13 Select Board meeting, Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey gave an overview of the state program and discussed a draft fuel-efficient vehicle procurement policy for town departments, the adoption of which is one of three tasks that remain before the town can submit its Green Communities application.
Another of those tasks is in the Light Commission’s purview: adopting a renewable energy surcharge, which would add $5 or $6 per year to the electric bills of the average family of four, Casey explained. Discussions with the commission are ongoing, he noted. The vast majority of Massachusetts cities and towns — 298 out of 351 — have already earned the Green Community designation. Marblehead is late to the party through no fault of its own, Casey told the Current, as the town only recently became eligible to apply.
— to party
was piloted by Lt. Alfred Cunningham in a plane built at Burgess Aviation here in town.
Festivities start Aug. 21 at 4:30 p.m. at Fort Sewall and will include the Silent Drill Platoon, Color Guard, Quantico Marine Band, birthday cake, the flyover and remarks from dignitaries, including Congressman Seth Moulton, who grew up in Marblehead.
“I’ll be there to join my hometown in celebrating an
incredible history of service,” Moulton told the Current.
“The town has always been so supportive of Marines who serve. There’s a tight group of Marblehead Marine veterans, some of whom march in the Memorial Day parade. My hometown does a great job supporting veterans.”
Select Board member and former Marine Moses Grader
COURTESY PHOTO
The Marines will celebrate their 250th birthday with a party at Fort Sewall, and everyone is invited.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Republic Services was expected to begin collecting curbside recycling in Marblehead on Monday, Aug. 18, for the first time since the trash strike began on July 1, according to Board of Health Chair Dr. Tom Massaro. Recycling will be collected every other week, on regular days. Massaro urges residents to place no more than 65 gallons of
recycling at the curb. Republic’s replacement workers are becoming more familiar with Marblehead roads and collecting trash more effectively, according to Public Health Director Andrew Petty.
However, Petty expressed concern about whether Republic will be ready to collect trash at the town’s five public schools, which begin classes next week.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
The School Committee and Select Board are inviting people to apply for the School Committee seat vacated by Brian Ota on July 31. Ota had one year remaining in his term.
People interested in being appointed should send a cover letter and detailed resume to both
the Select Board and School Committee. These can be sent via mail or email to the following addresses: Office of the Select Board –Attention Dan Fox Abbot Hall,188 Washington St. » Marblehead, MA 01945 » wileyk@
BY GREY COLLINS
On Aug. 13, more than a dozen Marbleheaders participated in a Rail Trail site walk and listening session to hear about the planned improvements to the trail, ask questions, learn about the trail’s history and talk about their concerns. At 4 p.m., the group set off on their walk from the Tower School down the Rail Trail to the Lead Mills conservancy, where they were led by Community Development and Planning Director Brendan Callahan. After completing the trip, they met up again at the Post Office to walk down the Rail Trail to the Swampscott border.
“We’re getting a lot of public comments from the abuttors along the trail that have concerns or questions about our projects,” said Callahan. “So this gives them an opportunity to talk about specific concerns and areas of the trail.”
The Community Development and Planning Department is in the early planning phase of a project to significantly improve the Rail Trail over the next five years. These plans include widening the trail to 11 feet wide in order to better accommodate two-way bicycle traffic, drainage improvements to mitigate erosion and flooding, improvements to the informal paths that connect the trail to streets and neighborhoods, and adding new amenities on the trails to enhance the users’ experience.
“It will be incorporating some site amenities like benching and educational signage along the trail to inform about the history of
has been helping to organize the Marblehead celebration.
“Marines take their birthday celebrations very seriously as a way to honor the Corps’ history, traditions and sacrifice to our country,” Grader said. “It also reaffirms on multiple levels the Marine motto of ‘Semper Fidelis’ — ‘always faithful’ — which not
marbleheadschools.org
The deadline for submission is Friday, Sept. 5.
The Select Board and School Committee will hold a joint meeting on Wednesday, Sept. 10, to interview the candidates and appoint the new member. The individual appointed will serve until the municipal election in June 2026.
the railroad corridor,” explained Callahan.
Much of the walk was spent discussing the Rail Trail’s important but underappreciated role in Marblehead’s history, and the group made brief stops to recognize a few relics of the railroad. The corridor that is now the Marblehead Rail Trail was established for the Eastern Railroad in 1838, and the Swampscott branch was added in
only expresses the essential ethos and camaraderie within the Corps but also the faithful loyalty to our country.”
Marblehead’s Revolutionary War re-enactment group Glover’s Regiment will participate at Fort Sewall, firing three musket volleys, according to Capt. Larry Sands. The original Glover’s Regiment is often considered the precursor to today’s Marines.
“Most members of Glover’s Regiment were sailors
1873 to allow direct rides between Marblehead and Boston. Rail service along these tracks ended in the late 1950s and it has served as a walking and biking trail ever since. Callahan hopes that incorporating educational signage and kiosks will encourage interest and awareness of the trail’s rich history.
Another major part of the plan is to make significant improvements to the public paths that connect the rail trail to its
or fishermen and were comfortable on land and water,” Sands explained. “The heroic deeds performed by the Marbleheaders during the American Revolution have been repeated by generations of U.S. citizen-soldiers in every conflict since. It is an honor for Glover’s Regiment to be remembered for their part in obtaining liberty.”
After Fort Sewall, the Quantico Marine Rock Band will perform
surrounding neighborhoods, and Callahan hopes that this project can help give Marbleheaders better access to the Rail Trail.
“Where there is a public right of way that connects to the Rail Trail, we are going to look into making those improvements,” said Callahan. “We want all of these neighborhoods to have safe and easy access to the rail trail.”
The walk went smoothly, with participants listening attentively, asking questions about the details of these upcoming projects, and voicing their concerns about the trail’s upkeep, privacy, and the project timeline. Callahan expressed how important getting direct feedback from members of the community is, and how the feedback is going to have a big impact on their planning over the next few months.
“This is a community-driven project, and their input is valuable to us,” said Callahan.
a free concert at The Landing, 81 Front St., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Boston Marine Week features four days of activities, including morning workouts with the Corps and what are called “static displays,” when people can meet Marines and try on gear, climb aboard equipment and test their strength in fitness challenges.
A full listing of Boston Marine Week activities is available on the Marines’ website.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER The Health Department announced that Republic Services
workers were expected to resume curbside recycling on Monday, Aug. 18.
Paul Martin outlines plans to control erosion on the Rail Trail at the Lead Mills Conservancy during a Rail Trail site walk and listening session Aug. 13.
CURRENT PHOTOS/ GREY COLLINS
Community Development and Planning Director Brendan Callahan, followed by Kathleen Fasser and Ryan Mamone, leads the group down the rail trail towards Lead Mills at the Rail Trail Site Walk and Listening Session.
BY GREY COLLINS
On Aug. 12, Devereaux
beach buzzed with activity as hundreds of Marblehead car enthusiasts spent the evening gazing at a diverse array of classic and exotic cars. Almost 200 cars rolled into town and filled up the Devereux beach parking lot at 6 p.m. as the event got underway. From classic Porsches, Range Rovers and Model T Fords from the Marblehead Old Car Club, to Corvettes, Ferraris and Aston Martins, there was something for every car enthusiast.
The Marblehead Cruise-in hosts exotic and classic car meetups all summer on the second Tuesday of each month, inviting owners and enthusiasts to share and admire their cars together at Devereux beach.
The meetups have grown much more popular this year; what were small groups a year ago have grown into crowds of hundreds this summer.
Organizer Nick Parente spoke about how he felt watching word of the meetups spread around the
North Shore.
“It definitely keeps growing and it’s super fun to see,”he said. “Last year the biggest one had around a hundred cars, and now we can go up to a couple hundred.”
Parente talked about how incredible it’s been for him and his fellow organizers to be able to share their love for cars with their own community, and give people an opportunity to see some really special cars.
“It’s just been so great seeing so many people come out,” he said.
Exotic and classic car drivers from around the North Shore were excited to show up and share their rides with a local community of car lovers.
Many wanted to use their classic cars to share the rich history behind the American auto industry.
“There’s history here,” said Frank Moccia, gesturing at his white 1955 Corvette. “Look at the design, nothing looks like this now.”
The Marblehead Cruise-in continues through October.
The driver of a bright yellow Corvette greets on lookers.
More than 300
Bob Wesley poses in front of his rare red ’51 MG.
Rick Gilberg sits proudly in his red Polaris slingshot, showing it off to hundreds of
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Stepping up and pitching in
The Transfer Station has become a weekly destination for many Marblehead residents.
Since July 1, the union workers at Republic, the town’s contracted provider for curbside pickup of trash and recyclables, have been on strike. As a result, Republic has brought in outside workers in an effort to adhere to the weekly schedule for picking up trash but not recyclables, though everyother-week recycling pickup was set to resume Aug. 18.
The deployment of the replacement workers has not always gone smoothly, according to Martin Flanagan, the town’s assistant director of waste. Flanagan told The Current that his office is constantly receiving calls from residents whose trash has not been picked up. Sometimes, it will be an isolated household, and other times it will be an entire street that is missed, he said. Flanagan reported that he and his staff have developed tracking systems in an attempt to rectify such missed pickups whenever possible.
Due to the strike, daily traffic to the Transfer Station has skyrocketed as many, if not most, residents bring their recycling materials in lieu of allowing them to accumulate at home. Many are also bringing their trash. According to Flanagan, states approximately 1,000 to 1,200 cars are continuing to come to the Transfer Station each day, and at its peak, he was seeing 3,000 cars daily.
In the face of this surge of daily in-person use of the Transfer Station, our town employees have admirably answered the challenge of maintaining an orderly disposal of trash and recycling materials. The Waste Department’s heavy equipment operators and its Transfer Station operators have been working six days per week, and employees from other town departments, including Highway and Water and Sewer, have been regularly pitching in, working at the Transfer Station to assist in keeping traffic moving.
Highway Department trucks and employees have been regularly going to households and streets to pick up trash that was not taken by Republic trucks. Periodically, Flanagan himself or Andrew Petty, our director of public health, have gone to individual homes to get the trash.
Not only have our town employees been overseeing the orderly traffic flow issue, they have oftentimes assisted residents in unloading trash and recycling materials from their vehicles and carrying their bags and bins to the appropriate receptacles. And to assist with the handling of calls and emails from disgruntled residents whose trash has not been picked up, the Council on Aging has loaned one of its clerical staff to come to the Health Department office.
Once the strike is finally resolved, Flanagan does not foresee a quick return to normal. He told The Current that he anticipates a short-term continuation of heavy daily traffic to the Transfer Station as residents who have chosen to accumulate their recycling materials over these past many weeks now make frequent trips to clean out their homes.
Flanagan stated that residents are regularly thanking him and his staff for their hard work and assistance, and we at The Current want to join with them in expressing our appreciation for how well our town employees have come together in this collective — no pun intended — time of need.
The town is truly fortunate to have such professional and dedicated employees, whose hard work so often we take for granted. To all of them we say, “Thank you, and keep up the great job!”
MONEY MATTERS
A young professional’s guide to building serious wealth
BY EMILY PROMISE
As a young professional, your plate is full with launching your career, building relationships, paying off debt and thinking about buying a home or starting a family. With all these responsibilities, it’s easy to focus only on making more money rather than thinking about building long-term wealth. But, there’s a critical distinction between earning income and building wealth. Earning more doesn’t automatically lead to financial success. True wealth comes from how you manage, invest and grow what you earn — not just how much you make.
The good news? You may not be at your peak earning potential yet, but you do have something far more powerful: time.
Why starting now matters
Time is the most valuable asset you have when it comes to building wealth, and the earlier you start, the better your financial future will look. Let’s break this down with a real-world example.
If a 30 year old invests $1,000 per month in a retirement account with an average annual return of 7%, by the time they reach age 65, they will have approximately $1.6 million. But if they wait until age 40 to begin investing that same amount, they’ll end up with just around $760,000 by 65.
That 10-year delay costs over $800,000, even though both individuals contributed the exact same monthly amount.
This is the power of compound interest — where your money earns money, and that money earns more money over time. You can’t get those
Free speech in the Trump era
To the editor:
On January 21, 2017, an estimated 175,000 people gathered in Boston, across this country and around the world in the largest march to that point in U.S. history.
I saw a woman dressed in colonial garb, holding a sign with George Washington’s image and a quote attributed to him that read: “If freedom of speech is taken away, then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.” Though I’m not a lawyer, constitutional scholar or historian, I know that our right to free speech and a free press granted by the First Amendment are essential to the future of this country.
As readers, I’ll assume that you agree, and that we need to take action to ensure that investigative, trusted local reporting, as well as state, national and international reporting continues.
ABC News’ capitulation in a defamation lawsuit was an alarm warning. We cannot assume that our First Amendment freedoms will survive without our active involvement.
early years back, which is why starting now is essential.
Three steps to start building wealth today
You don’t need to be a financial expert — or even earn six figures — to start building serious wealth. Here are three foundational strategies young professionals can begin using today: 1. Invest early, often and consistently. Investing isn’t just for the wealthy. In fact, it’s the most effective way to become wealthy over time.
Start by contributing to retirement accounts like a 401(k) (especially if your employer matches contributions) or a Roth IRA, which offers tax-free growth. Even small amounts invested regularly can snowball into substantial sums thanks to compounding. One common misconception is that if you earn over a certain amount, you cannot contribute to a ROTH. A work around for this is checking to see if your 401(k) or 403(b) has a ROTH option. If so, that is a great way to start building tax-free money … with no income cap for the eligibility to contribute. Don’t overlook stock options or equity compensation if they’re part of your job offer. These can be incredibly valuable over time, especially if you work at a growing company. It’s important to understand your vesting schedule, exercise price and potential tax implications so you can plan wisely. A well-timed strategy with stock options can significantly boost your net worth.
Automate your investments so they happen monthly, just like a bill. That way, you stay consistent, and your money grows without requiring daily attention. Even if you put $100 monthly into a savings vehicle monthly — set it on auto contribute on the same day
ordered by a jury in the Carroll case to pay her damages of $83.3 million. He is appealing the verdict.) During the September, 2024, presidential debate, Mr. Trump denounced ABC as “terrible” for its handling of his sole debate against Vice President Kamala Harris, faulting the moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, for fact-checking his answers. He mused about stripping the network of its broadcasting license.
In December 2024, the Walt Disney Company, ABC News’ owner, settled the defamation lawsuit by agreeing to donate $15 million to Trump’s future presidential library foundation and paying $1 million in Trump’s legal fees.
of the month (just like your Netflix subscription, which I am sure is set on auto pay!) 2. Use Your resources efficiently Wealth-building is less about how much you make, and more about what you do with what you have. Create a budget that reflects your priorities. Avoid lifestyle inflation, which happens when your expenses grow proportionally to your income. Focus on paying off high-interest debt quickly, and build an emergency fund to avoid going into more debt later. Typically, a good rule of thumb is having six months of living expenses on hand. Treat your income like a tool: every dollar should either solve a problem (like debt), build a cushion (like savings) or grow your future (through investing). 3. Take a holistic approach Building wealth isn’t just about stocks — it’s about diversifying your portfolio and real estate can play a role in that. Whether you’re buying your first home and benefiting from appreciation or exploring rental property opportunities, real estate can generate long-term equity. Specifically, the Marblehead real estate market offers both personal and investment opportunities.
Wealth is built, not won
There’s no magic formula to becoming a millionaire overnight. But with the right habits, mindset, and strategy, your first million is absolutely within reach. Start where you are. Use the tools you have. Be consistent. Because the most valuable financial decision you’ll ever make isn’t picking the right stock or getting a big raise — it’s choosing to start building wealth today, while time is still on your side. Emily Promise is president of Blakely Financial, a Marblehead native and the new financial columnist for the Current.
We need to strengthen Social Security. That is not done by slashing the work force to fund tax breaks for the richest Americans, but by investing in modernizing the agency, properly LETTERS
Candidate Donald Trump sued ABC News and lead anchor George Stephanopoulos for defamation in March of 2024 for misrepresenting the charge for which Trump had been found liable in the case brought by writer E. Jean Carroll in New York. The judge in the case explained that New York has a narrow legal definition of the term Stephanopoulos used so the verdict did not mean that Ms. Carroll had “failed to prove” her case against Mr. Trump. The term Stephanopoulos used was accurate in meaning. (Mr. Trump was
Under the settlement terms, ABC agreed to place an editor’s note at the bottom of an online article about the interview. The note reads: “ABC News and George Stephanopoulos regret statements regarding President Donald J. Trump made during an interview by George Stephanopoulos with Rep. Nancy Mace on ABC’s This Week on March 10, 2024.” A New York Times article published December 14, 2024, reported that “the agreement was a significant concession by a major news organization and a rare victory for a media-bashing politician whose previous litigation effort against against CNN, The New York Times and The Washington Post have often ended in defeat.” Several experts in media law said they believed that ABC News could have continued to fight, given the high threshold required by the courts for a public figure like Mr. Trump to prove defamation. A plaintiff must not only show that a news outlet published false information, but that it did so knowing
that the information was false or with substantial doubts about its accuracy. In May, 2024, Mr. Stephanopoulos was asked about Mr. Trump’s then pending lawsuit during an appearance on the “Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
“How does it feel to be sued by a former president for defamation for just doing your job?” Mr. Colbert asked.
“Unfortunately, it now comes with the territory,” Mr. Stephanopoulos replied. “But I’m not going to be cowed out of doing my job because of the threat of Donald Trump.” The audience cheered. Shari Pressman McKinley Road
Moulton: ‘We need to strengthen Social Security’
To the editor:
Aug. 14 marks 90 years since President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed Social Security into law. Social Security remains a financial cornerstone for Americans. It isn’t just a safety net – it’s a promise to every American who works hard and plays by the rules.
On the North Shore,158,000 residents receive $312 million in Social Security benefits every year. With the Republicans’ passage of the so-called “Big Beautiful Bill,” I’ve heard from many of you with concerns about the future of your benefits.
A thrill ride everyone can handle
BY ELAINE LEAHY
I used to really enjoy roller coasters. I recall standing in line at the amusement park for hours under the scorching sun just to enjoy a few fleeting seconds of speed, excitement and laughter. These days … not so much. Somewhere between 30 and, ahem, my current age, the thrill has been replaced by a queasy “Get me off this thing!” feeling. But here’s the good news for those who enjoy roller coasters — and even those who don’t — electric vehicles offer that same spark: instant power, smooth acceleration and pure fun — without the stomach flips or post-ride regrets. Whether you prioritize protecting the environment, enjoy thrilling acceleration or need a car that fits your budget, EVs deliver it all.
Good for the earth
One of the foremost reasons EVs have gained momentum is their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Unlike gas-powered cars, EVs produce no tailpipe emissions, which means cleaner air and fewer pollutants contributing to climate change. Think how much healthier our school dropoff and pick-up lines would be without the tail pipe and bus exhaust. Further, our town is working toward achieving Net Zero emissions by 2040. With transportation making up 36% of our greenhouse gas emissions, more EV adoption is essential over the next 15 years in order to meet that ambitious goal.
staffing it to answer your calls and ensuring it remains solvent. I’ve long supported the Social Security 2100 Act, which would fund Social Security well into the future. It requires only very minor policy changes to ensure this agency can continue to fulfill its promise to the American people. Red or blue, we will all rely on Social Security at some point. And yet, last Congress, not a single Republican signed onto this common-sense bill. Congress needs to get serious about protecting our long-term finances and honoring our commitments to every generation. For too long, too many people in both parties have avoided the hard conversations necessary to keep these programs safe. We owe it to every American — whether you’re counting on social security now or decades from now — to uphold the promise that America made 90 years ago.
Congressman Seth Moulton 6th District
‘Do you know what real facism looks like?”
To the editor: Hitler! Do I have your attention now? The Left hopes I do. Last October, Christopher Tremoglie of the Washington Examiner freshened a famous, centuriesold quote by Benjamin Franklin: “In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes — and Democrats labeling the Republican presidential candidate a fascist…” When organizing this essay, I was stunned to learn that Democrats have been associating the Republicans with fascism for 60 years. 60 years! Talk about a tired act. Supposedly, in 1964 Sen. Barry Goldwater from Arizona, who was the Republican nominee for President, was the first to be blessed as a fascist by the Democrats, Hollywood and media outlets. Today’s Progressives have upped the ante adding “Dictator”, “Nazi”
When charged using renewable energy, EVs’ carbon footprints drop even further. In Marblehead, where 65% of our power is generated from noncarbon emitting sources, you can feel good when you plug in your vehicle at night.
Lightning-fast speed and instant power
As mentioned, if you’ve ever driven an EV, you know they can be surprisingly thrilling. Electric motors deliver instant torque, meaning acceleration is quick and smooth from the moment you press the pedal — no gear shifts, no engine revving, just pure, direct power. This makes EVs ideal not just for daily commutes, but also for those who want a lively driving experience. Many EVs can go from 0 to 60 mph in under four seconds — matching or beating high-end sports cars. Not to encourage such speeding, but you can’t beat this type of acceleration when merging onto highways and the like.
Options for every budget Times have changed since the early days of EVs that were dominated by luxury models with high price tags. Today, EVs are available across a wide range of price points — from budget-friendly compacts like the Nissan Leaf or Chevy Bolt, to mid-range crossovers, to premium performance brands like Tesla, Rivian and Porsche. Plus, lower running costs
and the always popular “Hitler” to their lame, anti-Republican/ Trump repertoire. They have likened detention facilities holding criminal, illegal aliens as “concentration camps.” When Donald Trump held a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden right before the 2024 election the liberal media compared it to the 1939 pro-Nazi rally held there, even going so far as showing footage from that event as the Trump rally was in progress. And let’s not forget the brave, patriotic men and women who work for ICE are the “Gestapo”.
Obviously, the Left’s strategy here is to associate President Trump and his MAGA supporters with one of the most vile and evil genocidal regimes in human history. In turn, the Libs feel that this will sway support away from Republicans and towards them. As I have pointed out earlier, this strategy has been a key component in their playbook to try to cling to power for decades. It’s actually quite cunning when you break it down. The Left doesn’t need ideas, solutions or positive outcomes of any sort because “at least we’re not Hitler!” And despite the fact that the Third Reich has yet to take over America in the form of the Republican party, the Left marches to the same drumbeat over and over and over. Not only is this rhetoric historically inaccurate but it’s also an outright lie. Sadly, we all know that dishonesty is a staple of the Progressive Left. The Left seems to care less about how incredibly offensive this comparison is to people and families that were actually affected by the Holocaust or even Jews in general. Think about it –the Left is comparing President Trump and his supporters to the atrocity of six million murdered Jews. It’s outrageous and sickening, not to mention hypocritical, as we all know the lack of support the Left gives to Israel. But it’s OK because Orange Man bad, right? Just to let you know, Lefties, your incessant use of this terminology
make EVs appealing for our pocketbooks. Charging an EV at one’s residence is often cheaper than filling up a gas tank, especially here in Marblehead with our municipal rates. Additionally, with fewer moving parts and no internal combustion engine, EVs generally require less maintenance, meaning fewer trips to the mechanic and more savings over time. Some EV companies will even service your vehicle at your own house if repairs are needed. Talk about convenient!
The future of EVs
Despite the federal government’s stance on EVs recently changing, EV adoption continues to rise. That’s thanks to market demand, private innovation, and state-level support in many regions. In fact, Axios reported that Q3 EV sales should set a record, following a previous record set in 2024 and early 2025. They do, however, acknowledge some uncertainty once federal rebates expire.
The federal rebates of up to $7,500 for eligible EVs are expected to remain available through September 30, 2025. In addition, Massachusetts offers its MOR-EV program, which can provide $3,500 to $6,000 in potential savings.
Even with the recent uncertainty, automakers have invested heavily in EV development because they know that’s where the market is headed. Charging networks
has rendered these words forever useless, much like “threat to Democracy” and “insurrection.” They now mean nothing coming from your mouth.
Do you know what real fascism looks like? Open borders, no jab no job, DEI, the Russian Collusion Hoax, attacks of the 1st Amendment, attacks on the 2nd Amendment, arresting of your political opposition on fake charges, defunding the police, lying about Biden’s health and Hunter’s laptop, objecting to voter ID, classifying parents who object to CRT and DEI being taught in schools as “domestic terrorists,” weaponizing government agencies against American citizens, communist and socialist teachings in our universities and attempted control of the media just to name a few. Here’s the irony – these fascist actions have all been committed by Liberal/ Progressive Democrats. Not Trump, not MAGA, not Republicans.
So, as you Lefties sit at Shubie’s eating your cranberry and kale salad parroting what you heard the night before on CNN please realize one important thing – hypocrisy, hate, violence and fascism are part of your ideology not ours.
Mark W. Ferrante Ruby Avenue
3A
noncompliance puts Marblehead’s treasures at risk
To the editor:
The vote in July to adopt 3A changes to the town zoning ordinance was yes 3,297 and no 3,642. This places Marblehead in a 3A noncompliance category, thus forfeiting millions of dollars in grant opportunities.
I thought about how this would impact Marblehead features that are dear to my heart: Fort Sewall, the Rail Trail and access to the harbors.
Fort Sewall is a magical place. If you sit at the fort and look due east along Marblehead’s
have been expanding, battery technology is improving and consumer awareness is at an alltime high. EV momentum is not solely dependent on Washington — it’s being led by industry and everyday drivers who see the benefits firsthand.
Some common objections
“The grid can’t handle more EV chargers.”* Claims that EVs (and heat pump installations) will overwhelm the grid are based on the unrealistic assumption that nearly everyone will trade in gaspowered vehicles for EVs (and convert their existing boilers) within the next year or two. Both ISO New England, the organization that manages our regional electric grid, and MMLD are planning for an orderly increase in the demand for electricity from new electric heating systems, EV charging, as well as population increases. Additional green power generating sources from solar, wind and hydro are being developed and will be brought online. The transmission network will also be expanded.
“Using electricity from the grid is no better for the environment than burning gas for fuel (or heat.)”* The grid in Marblehead is getting cleaner year-by-year. As of today, MMLD gets 65% of its electricity from non-carbon emitting sources. This includes wind power, solar power, hydro power and nuclear
parallel 42.30 north latitude, you will come to Cambados, a small coastal town in Spain just north of the border with Portugal. Marblehead and Cambados are similar with a long history of fishing and being a popular summer destination. A grant to help celebrate the 250th anniversary has been cancelled and other pending grant opportunities to support the fort’s activities require a certificate of 3A compliance.
When I kayak in our harbors, I think of Native Americans canoeing in these waters beginning 12,000 years ago when they started summering here to fish, clam and mine rock at the lighthouse that was highly valued for making arrowheads.
The mean high-water mark has not changed in all these years. Best estimates tell us that 50 years from now, the mean high-water mark along our shoreline will be about four feet higher than it is today.
Marblehead has been a leader in planning how to protect the coastal infrastructure from this certain sea level and storm surge rise. The 3A vote now blocks access to grant opportunities to implement this effort.
The Rail Trail winds 4.5 miles through Marblehead. At any time of the day you will see people walking, running, riding their bikes and walking their dogs. The town has pursued a multi-yearold planning process to upgrade the surface to allow people of all abilities to enjoy the path. Work has been completed on small sections between Pleasant and Smith streets and Rockway Street. Following the July vote, Marblehead is no longer eligible for grants to complete this project.
I understand the concerns of maintaining the character of Marblehead, but that must be balanced with efforts to enhance our historic and outdoor facilities and protect our coastal infrastructure.
Richard Thibedeau Glover Square
power. The net result is that charging your EV, (or heating a home) with electricity from the grid emits far less carbon than filling up at the gas station or heating a home by burning fossil fuels.
“What if I need to travel further than the car’s range?” It is true that some EV drivers suffer from range anxiety, but charging recommendations are built into EVs’ native navigation systems. Meanwhile, expanded charging networks and faster charging times are taking away the stress for longer trips.
The Bottom Line Electric vehicles are more than just a trend; they’re a powerful step toward a cleaner future for transportation. Whether you prioritize the environment, the thrill of the drive, or the bottom line, there’s an EV out there ready to meet your needs. And, the time is now to take advantage of the rebates.
Learn more about EVs, see them up close, and hear firsthand reviews from Marblehead owners at an upcoming MHD Cruise-in event, which will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 9, 6-8 p.m. at Devereux Beach.
*Information sourced from Sustainable Marblehead’s E-book. Visit SustainableMarblehead.org to read it for free.
Elaine Leahy is the executive director of Sustainable Marblehead.
Paper streets and broken roads
To the editor:
Marblehead, in its own fight for independence from bullies of various kinds, be they from Salem, Great Britain, or the more insidious kind right here on Marblehead soil, has never been a fight for individuals but a community and if I can be so bold, a higher cause. Certainly the powers that be are at a crossroads. The claiming of public land for private use through legal means and the What Jeff Korzenik calls “landscaping over” rights-ofway, if left uncontested by the community, will be a harbinger of what’s to come, and one that may not be a blessing to Marblehead legacy.
I agree with Korzenik, that “the issue extends beyond the Neck.” If we do what is right in our own eyes, we are not going to have the thriving community where the highest good of all matters. It matters how we regard others, whether we give honor to others, and count the many blessings we already have. Gratitude changes our attitude.
I am glad that town officials are considering the precedent this might set and its mark on the future of this town, whose decisions will one day be a permanent part of town history. I have heard Broughton Road referred to as “broken road.” Well, I am seeing much kindness here that I haven’t seen anywhere else. Besides, broken is a good beginning. I see this road becoming brighter! May we all be humbled and consider the very great task of humanity: learning to take responsibility for doing our part, for leaving this world a better place than we found it. Learning to love our neighbors (ouch) does not mean that we have to like them. Love gives honor where honor is due, for we are all living on equal ground here. We don’t have to feel love; we might feel hate. What we choose to do with
BY GREY COLLINS
This summer, when the hot weather makes us all want to spend all of our time on the boat or swimming in the harbor, many of Marblehead’s high school students are busier than ever. Some have decided to use their time away from the classroom to learn new skills, make new connections and get some incredible new experiences. From growing their own jewelry business, to tech sales and Hollywood marketing internships, these teens have worked hard during their break from studying.
One Marblehead teen who is taking full advantage of the summer break is MHS senior Cora Gerson, who makes colorful, sea-inspired pieces of jewelry, and is building her own business. After learning how to make jewelry
during her sophomore year of high school by watching videos, taking classes and being taught by her grandmother, Gerson started spending her free time designing and producing her own jewelry and selling it to her friends. This year, she has expanded her business and now uses an Instagram account, @jewelry_bycora, to sell custom necklaces, earrings, rings and bracelets.
She takes a lot of creative inspiration from the ocean, a big part of Marblehead life, and her work often features anchors, seashells and seaglass.
“I see the materials in front of me, the designs flow through me. I have a lot of creative freedom when it comes to my designs,” Gerson said. “It’s been really exciting,” reflected Gerson. “It’s really fun,
because it’s my hobby, but I’ve also turned it into a business over the last year, and the experience overall has really connected me to a lot of new people.”
On Aug. 2, she was invited to set up shop at the Marblehead Farmers’ Market and sell her jewelry. She described how this new experience allowed her to develop as an artist and entrepreneur.
Robert Schaeffner Chairman
“I was able to expand my audience and meet a lot of new people,” Gerson said. “It’s a very different experience than what I’m used to. I usually just sell things online, so being face to face with your clientele was a completely different experience. I also definitely feel more connected to my community.”
Another student working
hard this summer is MHS senior Callie Curtis, who spent much of her break working in postproduction film marketing while interning at Mob Scene. The Los Angeles company is famous for creating the marketing campaigns for movies like “Barbie” and “A Complete Unknown.” Callie and her sister, Chloe, interned at Mob SCene for two weeks, learning how to do post-production work on movies, and create unique and effective marketing strategies for films before their release.
“I loved learning new things and seeing how things worked in the industry,” said Curtis. “I love the marketing and advertising part of it. Coming up with longand short-term content
to advertise films in our brainstorming sessions was my favorite part.”
Abdullah Al Janabi, another senior at MHS, spent his summer getting into the world of technology sales. Al Janabi wanted to learn more about sales, so he spent the spring months looking for summer internships that could give him some experience.
“My goal for this summer was to learn what I like and what I don’t like, so I can have a better game plan for when I go to college,” said Al Janabi. “I’ve always known that I like to communicate, and I wanted to be able to capitalize off of that.”
He started an internship at Prophecy, a data software platform that
uses AI-powered software to analyze and interpret data, and has been spending the summer getting experience in selling software.
“I would send outbound emails and calls to book demonstrations and meetings for different companies that could use our software to improve their businesses,” explained Al Janabi.
“At first, calling all of these people to get these deals was really nerve wracking,” he said. “I had to stay on my toes when I was calling, because you’ll get 20 people that send you a voicemail, but the 21st person might answer it. In the end, it was so fulfilling when someone finally agreed to a meeting.”
COURTESY PHOTOS
MHS senior Cora Gerson spent the summer building her jewelry business and sold
with the town’s Recreation & Parks Department. SUP East Coast Style offers popular paddle board classes for kids as young as 3.5 years old, according to its website.
At the BOH meeting, Ritvo said the board received an email from a community member with concerns about the water quality at Riverhead.
“I thought it would be important for us to talk about it,” she said. “I think it’s worth hearing the points, hearing the concerns. My first initial thought was, ‘Oh, sure, why don’t we just test? That seems simple enough.’
But apparently it’s not. It would require designating that area a bathing beach, which would require multiple steps including banning dogs from the area.”
Public Health Director Andrew Petty did not respond to an email asking if the town could test Riverhead water without designating it as a bathing beach.
At a meeting last year, Petty explained the weekly testing process at the town’s five
bathing beaches.
“We’re testing for the bacteria enterococci,” he said, adding that the maximum safe level is 104. “We have generally been less than 10 for most of our beaches,” he added.
According to the state’s website on beach testing, swimming in unsafe waters may result in illnesses with the following characteristics:
» Gastrointestinal symptoms – nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain
» Respiratory symptoms –sore throat, cough, runny nose and sneezing
Dermatological symptoms –skin rash and itching
» Eye and ear symptoms –irritation, earache, itching
Flu-like symptoms – fever and chills
“Most of these symptoms are minor, but occasionally a more serious illness may occur,” the website notes. “Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk for illness.”
This summer, the Health Department briefly closed Grace Oliver’s Beach, Massaro said.
As an alternative to testing, Ritvo suggested educating people that Riverhead Beach isn’t tested. She said she would reach out to the Recreation & Parks Department to see if it might
consider requiring parents whose children are in the SUP program to sign a waiver acknowledging that they know the Riverhead Beach water is not tested.
Ritvo also wants to speak to the town’s lawyer “to make sure that water recreation sports don’t fall under these bathing beach guidelines.”
Petty also offered to contact state officials this fall to see if they can come out and assess Riverhead.
McMahon pointed out that SUP East Coast Style and its owner Leah Goodman have transformed Riverhead Beach into an active paddle board and kayaking hub and worried
that any action might harm her business.
“I’m not exaggerating when I say that the way she has changed Riverhead is the best thing I’ve ever seen Marblehead in my lifetime,” McMahon said. He pointed out that people don’t typically use Riverhead as a swimming beach, but instead use it for kayaking, paddle boarding and boating.
“I can’t wait to bring my daughter, my son for them to join the camps there,” he added.
“It is the best thing we have in town, so we have to be extremely careful not to interrupt that.”
The Current contacted Goodman for comment.
STEM-related skills and socialemotional learning.
CSF donated $4,000 to fund four Boston-area students on a weeklong trip on board one of the tall ships.
“These kids are doing things they never thought they could possibly do,” said Jill Hughs, director of World Ocean School. “They’re climbing the rigging, tying knots, learning about marine biology.”
Fred Eustis, World Ocean School board member, added, “The selfconfidence is a huge factor. And they learn about teamwork.”
CSF also donates to Sail Salem, a nonprofit community organization dedicated to providing affordable access to sailing for local youth.
“The support from the CSF is more than just a gift; it’s an investment in the next generation of sailors,” said Paul McLaughlin, president of Sail Salem.
Braiden Kilroy, 19, of Marblehead is an instructor at Sail Salem and loves working with kids who have never had the opportunity to sail before.
“They come from all different, diverse backgrounds and don’t always have the access to sail,” KIlroy said. “It’s great to share the sport with them.”
CSF has also supported sailing programs at Piers Park in Boston, Greater Fall River Re-Creation and Marblehead’s own Pleon Yacht Club.
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To learn more about the Corinthian Sailing Foundation, visit corinthianfoundation.org.
“Since Marblehead has a municipal light plant and does not get service from the state’s investor-owned utilities, there wasn’t technically a way for us to enter into the program until late 2022, and the final regulations weren’t officially approved until March 2024,” he explained.
The first Green Communities were designated in 2010, and more than 30 of those communities have received more than $1 million in aid since receiving their designation, according to Casey.
Cities and towns can use the funds they receive on any number of energy conservation measures, including weatherization, insulation, HVAC equipment, lighting and building controls, electric vehicles and charging stations, and technical support and training.
Upon earning their Green Community designation, cities and towns become immediately
eligible to receive an initial award of $150,000 to $170,000, Casey explained. Then every six months, municipalities are invited to submit proposals for competitive grants, with up to $225,000 available in each round of funding.
But when the board opened the floor for public comment, Bayview Road resident Isaac Chute asked the million-dollar — or at least several-hundredthousand-dollar — question: Would the town still be eligible for those Green Communities grants, given its noncompliance with G.L.c. 40A, §3A?
Casey replied that the state Department of Energy Resources would “definitely consider” MBTA Communities Act noncompliance when reviewing applications to the semiannual competitive grant program, suggesting that the town would be out of luck.
The initial $150,000-plus designation grant is in more of a “gray area,” Casey added. He pledged to seek out more definitive guidance from state officials and provide an update
when the topic is revisited at a future Select Board meeting.
The next deadline to apply for Green Community status is December, and Casey believes the town will be able to meet that deadline. But Chair Dan Fox suggested that the town may want to consider the complication presented by the MBTA Communities Act noncompliance, in terms of when the town files its Green Communities application.
Vehicle policy
Under the draft fuel-efficient vehicle procurement policy, town departments would be directed to purchase “the most sustainable vehicle option,” be it a fully electric or hybrid vehicle, as “non-exempt” municipal vehicles are being replaced. Vehicles that would be exempt from the policy would include heavy-duty vehicles, like fire trucks, ambulances and public works vehicles. Instead, the policy would target light-duty vehicles, which
comprise about half of the town’s 178-vehicle fleet, Casey reported. The town had already embraced the concept of a “a zero-emission municipal fleet policy” in its 2023 Net Zero Roadmap, Casey noted. Transitioning away from gaspowered vehicles would not only save money on fuel, but it would also improve local air quality and public health, Casey said. Electric and hybrid vehicles also typically require less maintenance than their conventional counterparts, Casey added. If adopted, the policy would take effect in fiscal year 2027, which begins July 1, 2026. Casey also briefly touched on the other box the town would need to check to apply to be a Green Community: creating an energy reduction plan. The plan would be composed of buildingspecific strategies and projects to reduce energy use. A consultant, PowerOptions, is in the process of developing a draft plan, which should be ready for review in October, Casey said.
The purpose of Casey’s presentation was to introduce the concepts, solicit feedback on the draft vehicle policy and answer board members’ initial questions.
In response to a question from board member Erin Noonan, Casey reported that the town currently has two fully electric vehicles, while hybrid Ford Interceptors make up a significant portion of the Marblehead Police Department’s fleet.
Board members, Casey and Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer discussed both the up-front cost of purchasing electric or hybrid vehicles and the cost to keep them fueled. While federal tax credits for purchasing EVs may be going away, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles, or MOR-EV, program should be here to stay, Casey noted. Kezer noted that the cost of fueling his personal EV is about one-third the cost of gassing up his previous conventional vehicle.
Local kids learn to sail at Sail Salem.
The nonprofit community sailing program is supported by the Corinthian Sailing Foundation.
These outfall pipes pour run off onto Riverhead Beach.
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
The Recreation & Parks Department says it will post a new sign at Riverhead alerting people that it is not a bathing beach.
Sail Salem, supported by the Corinthian Sailing Foundation, makes sailing accessible to more kids.
COURTESY PHOTOS / WORLD OCEAN SCHOOL
A World Ocean School student climbs the mast on board a tall ship. Marblehead’s Corinthian Sailing Foundation donates to help kids get access to the experience.
those feelings, however, marks our character. May this community of Marblehead rise up and face the giants threatening growth and community spirit, town qualities of character that will sustain its blessings when the storms are raging all around us. Fighting for our individual rights without considering the community we live in, is a faulty perspective of what matters.
I believe we are like a land unto ourselves, much like a city or nation, and that each one of us is responsible for what we are given to steward on the earth. It would behoove us to think not only about the spiritual legacy we want to lead behind but the one we want to take with us when we go.
Sports
Magicians begin camp with high hopes
BY JOE MCCONNELL
If attitude means anything, the Marblehead Football Magicians appear to be in midseason form.
Coming off of a summer in which they won 22 games in several 7-v-7 tournaments, including championships in Maine and at Merrimack College, Coach Jim Rudloff’s boys were eager to prematurely curtail their summer days off to begin practice last Friday morning (Aug. 15), at the ungodly hour of 6 a.m.
‘The guys had very high energy for the morning practice,” said quarterback Finn Gallup. After early morning meetings with the coaches, the team was ready to take that first step onto Piper Field this year for a full two-hour practice with helmets but no pads.
Rudloff was pleased with the turnout of veteran players on hand for the first day of practice. He estimates 55 were there anxious to get going.
“We weren’t sure what we would get because we lost 27 last year to graduation,” said Rudloff.
The Magicians weren’t in pads for Day 1. It was all about learning assignments and alignments, according to Rudloff. They also worked out on Saturday, but Sunday was a mandatory MIAA (Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association) day off. It was back to work on Monday, however, with another early morning 6 a.m. start. They will continue to workout early until school begins next week.
Gallup liked what he saw after Day 1.
“We went over our first installation of offensive plays as a team to go along with loads of specific positional work, while the overall practice was high tempo that went smoothly,” he said.
A key ingredient of any winning team centers on its camaraderie, and, according to Gallup, they are not lacking in that department.
“This is one of the closest-knit group of guys that I’ve ever been a part of,” he said. “We’ll need to maintain this high tempo throughout all of our practices, which should translate into (success once the regular season gets underway).”
The 2025 captains were announced late last week, and Finn is one of six players who
will hold down that important leadership role this season. He is joined by Declan Gibson, John Schieffer, Owen Dulac, Breydan Callahan and Rylan Golden. Together, they are ready to lead their teammates back to the playoffs.
“We’re all so pumped up right now to be captains of this team,” said Finn.
The veteran Marblehead coach endorses these selections.
“All six players should be very proud of the fact that they were elected by their teammates, and
that says a lot about who they are,” Rudloff said.
Gallup understands that the intensity level has to be present at all times to accommodate a regular season schedule that is right around the corner, because Labor Day comes early this year on Sept. 1.
The first preseason scrimmage is just days away at St. John’s Prep in Danvers on Saturday, Aug. 23, at 10 a.m. The Magicians will then come home to Piper Field to play host to West Springfield just three days later
on Aug, 26 at 5 p.m. They will wrap up the exhibition slate against host Billerica on Aug. 29, also at 5 p.m.
That’s three scrimmages in less than a week, but the condensed schedule will get them ready for the regular season opener at Lynn’s Manning Field against nonleague Lynn English on Friday night, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m.
The home opener will take place the following week against non-league Bishop Fenwick on Sept. 12 at 7 p.m.
New era in field hockey begins with home games during Labor Day week
BY JOE MCCONNELL
When the Marblehead High School field hockey team reported to the first day of practice on Monday afternoon (Aug. 18), they were introduced to a new coaching style after Alison Carey replaced Mia Maccario as its new varsity head coach. Maccario was in charge of the program the last two years.
Carey admits that she’s new to coaching field hockey, but has a passion for the sport after playing it in college. “Overall, sports and competition have been an important part of my life, not to mention my own children’s lives, as well,” she said. “I’ve learned from wonderful coaches and colleagues throughout the years, including many currently here at the high school.”
The first-year coach also mentioned that she’s fortunate to have “a very strong and well-supported athletic department,” led by Kent Wheeler, here in Marblehead. “It’s a real benefit for many of us, who are also full-time teachers or staff members,” she added.
“This is a special opportunity for me to coach here in Marblehead, and the messages that I have received from
my fellow coaches have been most heartening.”
Carey is a clinical social worker in the high school’s BRYT Program (Bridge for
Resilient Youth in Transition). “Social work in sport and mental performance are special interests of mine, and so in addition to my day job, I have also been working with our athletic director to strengthen the mental health program for our studentathletes, beginning with the Sports Injury Referral Program. We also support our Captains Leadership Council.”
But getting back to field hockey, Carey and her assistants will hit the ground running in order to prepare the team for its scrimmage at Lynnfield against the Pioneers on Aug. 27, starting at 4 p.m. Charlotte Plakans, one of those assistants, is the team’s assistant varsity
coach and JV head coach. She was also with the program last year.
Megan Parthum, the girls assistant ice hockey coach, is also a member of Carey’s staff as the JV2 head coach. Tawny Callaghan is back in charge of the middle school program. “Tawny sets a very strong foundation for our players,” said Carey.
“I can tell you that our program has many talented, hardworking athletes, and our overall goal for this year is to have a competitive season, while also helping the team grow at the same time as athletes and teammates,” said the varsity coach. Kate Andriano, Chloe Rowland, Keliane Salem, Paige Waldman and Avery Wysor are this year’s varsity captains. “They are ready to lead the team, along with our returning seniors,” said Carey. “On a personal note, I’m excited and grateful for the opportunity to build on the legacy of this program, while continuing to grow it with these players.”
These Magicians will begin the regular season the day after Labor Day on Sept. 2 against non-league Malden Catholic at Piper, starting at 4 p.m. Two days later, non-league Bishop Fenwick comes to Piper for a game at the same time.
COURTESY PHOTO
New Marblehead High School field hockey coach Alison Carey
COURTESY PHOTO
The 2025 Marblehead High School football captains are, from left, Declan Gibson, John Schieffer, Finn Gallup, Owen Dulac, Breydan Callahan and Rylan Golden.
Local teen rower ready to make waves on world stage
BY LUCA TEDESCO
While many high schoolers use the summertime to relax and sleep in, Cate Cole, a rising sophomore at Marblehead High, is already in a racing shell by 6 a.m. As the youngest of a family of rowers, Cole has broken away from traditional flat water racing in hopes of being a champion in beach sprint, a dynamic discipline of coastal rowing set to make its debut at the 2028 Olympic Games.
“When you’re [at a regatta], there’s such good energy,” said Cole. “Different teams are helping each other. Everyone supports each other.”
If flat water rowing is akin to road cycling, beach sprint is the rowing equivalent of BMX. A regatta consists of a series of one-on-one match races over a 500-meter open water course. Competitors sprint down the beach to their boats on foot before setting off on a slalom around three buoys. After making a 180-degree turn and returning to shore, rowers run back up the beach and slam a buzzer a la American Ninja Warrior. It’s truly “blink and you’ll miss it” action,
with races taking just over three minutes to complete. Cole chose to take on the challenge of beach sprint this summer and has already been incredibly successful. In her first ever regatta, she qualified for the championship rounds of the Boston Beach Sprints late last month. The event, organized by the Head of the Charles Regatta, was the largest of its kind to be put on in North America with 94
athletes representing 35 clubs and six countries competing.
Organizers hope to introduce the sport to an American audience ahead of its addition to the Olympic program.
“I went into it with the mindset of ‘let’s just see how this goes,’” said Cole when asked about her approach to the regatta. “I was asking everyone for tips. I read a book the night before written by the U.S. National Team coach and
watched every YouTube video there is.”
However, Cole made it clear that her third place finish in time trials was not beginner’s luck. In her semifinal race, she beat a member of the U.S. Junior National Team before repeating the feat in the final to win the junior women’s single skulls class.
The result, along with a pair of class victories at the Melville
Beach Sprints in New Bedford earlier this month, were enough to get her an invite to join Team USA at the World Rowing Beach Sprint Finals in Turkey this November where she will compete alongside Mary Baine, her opponent in the Boston Beach Sprints final, in the junior women’s double skulls category.
“It was definitely a shock,” said Cole when asked about her invite to Team USA. “I am so grateful to have this opportunity. I love competing and to do that on the world stage is really exciting.”
Cole hopes to have another opportunity to compete internationally at next year’s Youth Olympics in Dakar, Senegal, where beach sprints will make their debut in IOC organized competition. However, her sights are not just set on Turkey, Dakar or Los Angeles.
“I think it would be cool in 2032 to go to the Olympics in [Brisbane],” she said.
With her first international competition just around the corner, Cole expects to bring hardware home to Marblehead for many years to come.
Ted Hood Regatta honors master with innovative courses, great competition
BY LAURIE FULLERTON
The Storm Trysail Ted Hood regatta held Friday, Aug. 15 through Sunday, Aug. 17 was an opportunity for 27 boats in five divisions to race on one line, with three different courses. This meant that, to the observer, the horizon resembled five very different races going on the same board or playing field.
The race committee did a spectacular job not only running so many different boats on one line, but they pulled off six races altogether, three each day on Saturday and Sunday and a pursuit race on Friday.
For the uninitiated, running so many different boats through one starting line with three separate courses is a daunting task, but as many agreed Ted Hood would have loved it for its innovation and sheer beauty, seeing so many boats racing close together.
“Ted Hood would have thought the challenging courses were great,” said Susie Schneider, executive race officer at the Eastern Yacht Club. “He would also have enjoyed seeing a lot of young people out racing and getting more experience on the big boats.”
Ward Blodgett and his team on his J33 Sirocco placed third in the PHRF 2 division, with the Beneteau 36.7 Agora owned by Tom Powers and David Crimmins placing second. Jud Smith placed first on his Farr 44 Africa B Squad.
“Ted Hood would have loved what he saw out there today,” said Blodgett, who raced on Saturday and Sunday. “The one to beat in our division was Jud Smith, and I believe that Ted Hood might have been the only one who could have done it today.”
Winner Smith also agreed that Hood would have really loved the conditions. Bill Kaull, who raced on board Alan McKinnon’s Swan 53 Triology, in PHRF-1 agreed that the kind of boat on which he raced (a Swan 57) on
the shorter course, with young people operating the foredeck, would have delighted Hood. Kaull, Smith and Blodgett were all around 17 to 22 years old in 1974 when Hood won the America’s Cup. Like many their age, Hood was a very big influence on their lives, and they raced in part to honor the contributions Ted Hood made to the world of sailing, knowing
that he always loved great competition on any given day racing on Marblehead waters. In the J70s fleets, Marblehead’s own Jim Raisides and Charlie Pendleton placed first with 13 points, followed by Tyler Doyle in second and Dave Franzel in third place. Pendleton and Raisides felt like this regatta was great preparation for the J/70 worlds in Marblehead in
September. “There were a lot of shifts, and we could play the shifts, and the steady breeze definitely kept our boat speed up,” Raisides said. “One other factor is we have been sailing for five years with the same crew, and we feel that has a lot to do with it.”
The top finisher in the PHRF-1 was Tim Guy on board the IMX
45 Lynx with 10 points, beating Gary Weisberg and Bump Wilcox on Matt 120 Heat Wave, who finished second with 11 points, and Eben Moulton on his Swan 42 Revolution. In the J105 fleet, the win went to Matt Herbster on No Quarter, second place went to Ric Dexter on Brouhaha and third place went to Marty Galligan on Atalantia.
COURTESY PHOTOS/BRUCE DURKEE
The Storm Trysail Ted Hood Regatta this weekend featured close racing among 27 boats in five divisions on three different courses.
COURTESY PHOTO / ROW2K
Cate Cole in her shell during a race at the Boston Beach Sprints, held at Carson Beach in Boston on July 26, 2025.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Leigh Blander
Jazz at the Arts: Yoko Miwa Trio
Thursday, Aug. 21, 7 p.m.
The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present a performance by the Yoko Miwa Trio as a part of the Jazz at the Arts concert series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. There will be a cash bar. Tickets are $35. 8 Hooper St. marbleheadarts.org
The People’s Party
Saturday, Aug. 23, 6-9 p.m.
The community is invited to The People’s Party, which organizers say will be a “celebration of local voices and community values.” The event, at the Gerry 5, 210 Beacon St., will commemorate the defeat of the MBTA Communities Act in Marblehead. There will be live music from The Melody Makers, a cash bar and small bites.
Alice Howe & Freebo Band
Friday, Aug. 29, 7 p.m.
Homegrown House Concerts will host Alice Howe & Freebo Band. Best known for his 10 years playing bass with Bonnie Raitt, Freebo has toured and recorded with some of the greatest artists of his generation, including John Mayall, Ringo Starr and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Alice Howe is a lifelong singer and songwriter beginning to make a name for herself, and was recently named best female artist at the International Acoustic Music Awards. Make a donation to reserve your spot at https://loom.ly/zF2ki0s.
More live music
Saturday, Aug. 23, 9 p.m. Come to The Beacon for live music with local band True North. 123 Pleasant St.
Bunker Bar show
Saturday, Aug. 23, 7:30 p.m. The Jay Apt Band performs at the VFW’s Bunker Bar, 321 West Shore Drive. The sixmember band plays blues/rock.
Jazz in the Garden
Sunday, Aug. 24, 2-4 p.m.
Enjoy live music with Noah Preminger in the garden at 10 Central St. To reserve a seat, contact Margie at 781-888-4312 or margiflint@mac. com. Tickets are $20-$35 per person.
Me&Thee Music kicks off its 56th season on Friday, Sept. 5 with acoustic artists from across New England, Canada and Europe. Me&Thee is the longest running, all-volunteer music venue in the country.
Me&Thee co-founder Anthony Silva is looking forward to the new season.
“There’s always a true sense of anticipation before a season begins,” he said. “Our great volunteers have not only been working to bring world-class performers to our stage, but they’ve upgraded our sound system and worked hard to improve the whole experience for everyone.”
Two stars of the folk scene, Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers, return to launch Me&Thee’s new season. They have recorded dozens of albums and appeared on major acoustic stages and national radio programs.
One of Canada’s best known acoustic performers, Garnet Rogers, will make his first return to the Me&Thee in years on Friday, Sept. 19. With a smooth,
dark baritone voice, Rogers “sings memorable songs about hidden heroes,” according to a Me&Thee statement. Originally from Maine, 15-time Boston Music Award winner Ellis Paul returns to the Me&Thee on Oct. 3 with more stories and
songs from the
Paul was
by the International Acoustic Music in 2019. For the first time at the Me&Thee, The Honey Badgers and Dan Pallotta will present a split gig on Oct. 17. Honey
Badgers Michael Natrin and Erin Magnin play guitar and fiddle and have just released their second album.
Dan Pallotta studied with John Denver and has rekindled his musical career after a 30-year hiatus. Pallotta created the nationally organized AIDSRides, Breast Cancer Walks and Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walks, which raised almost $600 million in nine years. He has written several books on America’s broken system of charity.
On Nov. 7, local favorites Antje Duvekot and Seth Glier will share the stage. Duvekot won the grand prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Competition, and Glier received a Grammy nomination for his album, “The Next Right Thing.”
The Me&Thee’s fall season will close out on Nov. 21 with two cutting-edge performers of Scottish and global music, Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas on fiddle and cello. The duo’s debut recording, “Fire & Grace,” won the coveted Scots Trads
Music Album of the Year award, the Scottish equivalent of a Grammy.
Silva said what happens at Me&Thee on Friday nights is magical.
“An unexpected singalong, a joyful recognition or emotional tears from a song that touches the heart,” he said. “Folks from all over New England and beyond come here to be part of this tradition. This is not a simple concert hall. We’re building a community.”
This season, the Me&Thee will be collecting donations of nonperishable food items for the Marblehead Food Pantry before each performance.
Tickets are available online at meandthee.org and in person locally at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. with community seating.
Me&Thee is an all-volunteer, non-profit arts organization sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. Freshly baked desserts, coffee, teas, water and mulled cider are served each week.
road.
named Artist of the Year
COURTESY PHOTO
Folk duo Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers will kick off the 56th season of Me&Thee Music.
BY LEIGH BLANDER AND KRIS OLSON
The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org.
appointment.
Two added to ConsCom
Procurement officer welcomed
The town’s new chief procurement officer, Allison Jenkins, introduced herself at the Select Board’s Aug. 13 meeting.
Jenkins explained that she is in her 19th year in municipal government. She initially served in a procurement position in her hometown of Hamilton but then took a job as chief procurement officer in Reading, which allowed her to serve on the Hamilton Select Board without conflict.
After about 10 years in Reading, Jenkins moved on to Everett, though she quickly discovered that she preferred the town form of government to city government. She specifically mentioned the greater degree of resident involvement in decision making in towns, rather than serving “the desires of one person,” the mayor, in a city.
Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said he was looking forward to relinquishing the title of chief procurement officer, a role in which he has been serving on a temporary basis since the retirement of Town Planner Becky Cutting.
Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey would later add that he, too, was eagerly anticipating working with Jenkins.
Speaking to the “pent-up demand” for her services, Jenkins said she “felt like a kitchen contractor” with whom everyone was waiting to get an
The Select Board unanimously appointed two residents to serve three-year terms on the town’s Conservation Commission at its Aug. 13, though it teased one of the new members about jeopardizing his candidacy when he expressed a preference for fresh — rather than salt — water.
Both of the new members bring expertise and long-held interest in wetlands protection to their new roles.
Alison Frye is an associate director of the nonprofit coastal watershed organization Salem Sound Coastwatch, where her primary focus has been coastal resilience and habitat restoration projects, including ones involving eelgrass.
A longtime teacher who continues to lead a marine and climate science course at Waring School in Beverly, Frye said she has “no problem enforcing rules,” even if the person coming before the commission were to be a neighbor or friend.
The other candidate, Brandon Collins, explained that he had grown up on Lake George in New York’s Adirondack region. His mother was one of the area’s preeminent limnologists, a scientist who studies the biological, chemical and physical features of lakes and other bodies of fresh water.
Now a luxury properties specialist affiliated with the Marblehead office of William Raveis, Collins said he has only gained further appreciation for the importance of protecting the town’s coastal waters.
Collins had to endure some good-natured teasing after he responded to Chair Dan Fox’s question “fresh water or salt water?” with a preference for the former.
Despite that “wrong answer,” both Collins and Frye were appointed unanimously.
“We’re very fortunate to have
you,” member Erin Noonan said, noting both appointees’ “lifelong commitment to conservation.”
Rail Trail ribbon cutting Town leaders will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony for what is being called the Marblehead Rail Trail Showcase Project at the rail trail crossing on Smith Street at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.
The public is encouraged to come out, see the “prototype” and provide feedback as the town embarks on improvements on the remaining sections of what was a corridor originally used by Eastern Railroad beginning in 1838 and later the Boston & Maine Railroad.
In November 2020, a steering committee released its plan for how the trail might come to serve a growing community of users. Work on the rail trail since has been funded with support from the MassTrails grant program.
Beauport on the scene
The town’s new ambulance company, Beauport, officially started on Aug. 15, but you may have seen them around town the last few weeks.
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland said Beauport jumped into action early, assisting with a nursing home transport and even helping an elderly woman get down 30-40 steps in her home to attend a wedding in her backyard.
“Marblehead is in very good hands with Beauport,” Gilliland said. Marblehead and Swampscott jointly signed the three-year contract with Beauport.
Moulton to Israel:
‘Flood Gaza’ with aid
Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents Marblehead and grew up here, joined several Democratic lawmakers and U.S. military veterans to send a letter to Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter expressing “serious concern with the dire humanitarian aid situation in Gaza” and calling on Israel to “flood Gaza with humanitarian aid” to take away the leverage that scarce aid has provided to Hamas.
The lawmakers wrote:
“As veterans of America’s counterinsurgency campaigns over the last 25 years, we believe Israel has a responsibility and moral obligation to actively prevent harm to civilians, particularly children.”
The letter continues: “Food scarcity has provided Hamas an opportunity to weaponize aid for profit and control. We urge Israel, instead, to flood Gaza with humanitarian aid. If food is abundant and easily available, it will deny Hamas the ability to use it as an instrument of coercion… Not just restoring aid, but providing far more aid than in the past, will show Palestinians that their future is protected not by Hamas but by the international community, and it will help pave the way to a ceasefire that includes the return
of remaining hostages and, ultimately, a long-term political solution for lasting peace in the region.”
Boat storage season nears
The winter boat storage season will begin Sept. 15, at Parker’s and Cliff Street boatyards. Boats stored at either boatyard last season will receive preference to store their boats this season. New applicants are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis with Marblehead residents receiving preference.
Marblehead Trading Company will be collecting the storage fee for the town. That fee is based on a rate of $5 per square foot as determined by multiplying the overall length of the boat by its beam width. This fee is for storage only.
If you have any questions, please call Rachael at 781631-4650 or e-mail trucking@ marbleheadtrading.com
Bocce celebration set
Celebrate the Council on Aging’s new bocce court as a dedication on Wednesday, Aug. 20, 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. There will be refreshments served. Transportation is available. RSVP at 781-631-6225.
Marblehead Museum to host Brick Kitchen Gala Marblehead Museum will host its Brick Kitchen Gala on Saturday, Sept. 13, 5-8 p.m. Visitors will be among the first to see the newly renovated Brick Kitchen building on the Jeremiah Lee estate.
Visitors can also walk through the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, the new Standley H. Goodwin Research Center and view archeological discoveries made by the team from the Fiske Center at UMass Boston. There will be live music, as well as food and drink.
The Brick Kitchen is only the third surviving detached slave quarters owned by a museum in New England. The building serves as the hub of domestic labor, both hired and enslaved, in the Lee household beginning in the 1760s. Tickets are $125 and a portion of each ticket is deductible. Get tickets at marbleheadmuseum. org/gala or call 781-631-1768.
Castle Rock boulder dislodged;
cause downtown stir
Friday, Aug. 8
7:40 a.m. An officer was dispatched to the entrance of Castle Rock to speak to a local masonry contractor whose crew was working on Ocean Avenue. When his crew arrived for work, they discovered that the large boulder blocking the entrance to the park, which had been in its proper location at the end of the previous day, had been intentionally pushed into the park, as if someone had been trying to drive their vehicle into the park. The boulder had been pushed approximately 30 yards down the park’s cement walkway, causing extensive scuffing and damage along the way. There was also a trail of oil from the new location of the boulder back to the entrance and out onto Ocean Avenue. It appeared that the vehicle had done a full loop around the traffic circle before continuing outbound on Harbor Avenue. The officer photographed the damage and searched unsuccessfully for a nearby vehicle with damage. The Park and Recreation Department was notified about the need to move
the boulder back into place.
7:47 p.m. An officer was dispatched to the Clifton Lutheran Church parking lot on Humphrey Street to investigate a report of people camping out by the donation bins. Upon arriving, the officer found clothes all over the ground between the donation bins and a wall of bushes from the Shetland Road property abutting the church lot. The officer also discovered that the Verizon cable box next to the bins had been opened and had its wires pulled out. In the shrubs behind the donation bins, the officer found a large number of recently disposed beer cans, a used crack pipe and a jar holding “unknown goods.” Among the piles of clothing, the officer located a Target bag with what appeared to be personal belongings, including two Apple iPads, two cell phones, a small JBL speaker, a pair of wire cutters, another used crack pipe, a bunch of cosmetics, a recent receipt from a Boston CVS and other miscellaneous items. A woman’s name was engraved on the back of one of the iPads. The officer
called a Revere woman with that name and spoke with her and her daughter, but both said they were not missing an iPad.
7:57 p.m. An officer spoke by phone with a woman whose purse was either missing or had been taken from her vehicle earlier in the day at Devereux Beach. The woman said she had opened the car’s rear hatch and grabbed a couple of beach chairs and tucked the purse under some blankets before locking the hatch. When she returned to the vehicle, she could not find the purse. There were no signs of forced entry or other articles out of place in the vehicle. The woman had already put a temporary freeze on her accounts. She just wanted to report the incident in case the purse was found or turned in to police.
10:45 p.m. Officers investigated a report of loud music on Elm and Harris streets.
Saturday, Aug. 9
8:42 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a woman who had been involved in a road-rage incident on Smith and Pleasant streets. The woman
reported that, while driving inbound on Pleasant Street, she had seen in her rearview mirror the vehicle behind her pull over, which allowed another vehicle, a black BMW SUV registered to a Boston resident, to race up behind her. When the woman turned her vehicle onto Smith Street, the BMW continued to follow her vehicle closely. Nervous, she pulled into the post office parking lot. The BMW then pulled over across the street, and the driver began to yell at her. The woman waited for the man to drive away, which he eventually did, but not before yelling at her once again. The woman said she just wanted the incident documented in case the driver repeated his behavior.
11:34 a.m. An officer spoke by phone with a resident who had fallen for a text message scam and provided the scammers with her Social Security number after being notified by text that she had won a contest from a Swampscott nail salon she frequents. The text included a link to claim her prize. After providing her personal information on the website, the
woman realized it was a scam. The officer gave her advice on how to place a credit freeze with the major credit bureaus and file an identity fraud report with the Federal Trade Commission. The woman was advised to monitor all her accounts closely and document any fraudulent activity. The woman had already notified the salon that it was being used as part of a scam, and the business had taken steps to warn its customers.
3:46 p.m. An officer went to speak with a woman concerned about the high rate of speed of vehicles in the vicinity of Beacon Street and Schooner Ridge. The woman said she planned to contact the Highway Department about the lack of signage regarding the speed limit in the area.
4:25 p.m. An officer went to Village Street to speak to a woman who had experienced a fraud attempt related to a couch she had posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace. Almost immediately, she was contacted by a woman who sent her a
e-bikes
There will be a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the Marblehead Rail Trail Showcase Project at the rail trail cross on Smith Street near the post office at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 26.
CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER
From left, Swampscott Fire Chief Graham Archer, Marblehead Chief Jason Gilliland and Beauport owner John Morris stand outside the new ambulances serving Marblehead and Swampscott.
Allison Jenkins, the town’s new chief procurement officer, introduces herself at the Select Board’s Aug. 13 meeting. In the background are Alison Frye and Brandon Collins, who were both appointed to three-year terms on the Conservation Commission at the same meeting.
James Cook Ayer, 91
In Marblehead, Jim will be remembered for his jigsaw puzzles, his love of sailing and his cheerful temperament. Some people will also remember a sign shaped as a puzzle piece that said – This business keeps puzzling hours.
Jim died on August 12 after a fall on August 1 and complications. He was cared for at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers.
Sarah Drumond Cole, 50
Sarah Drummond Cole (née Gill) peacefully passed away on June 28, surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. Sarah was born on March 22, 1975, in Grand Haven, Michigan, and spent her formative years in Marblehead. Sarah was a proud graduate of Marblehead High School and The University of Vermont. After college while
Jim was born December 19, 1933, in Manhattan. He went to the Eaglebrook School when he was 12 and after graduation moved on to Taft. In the middle of his college years at Yale, he joined the Army to fulfill his service in Germany. He graduated from Yale in 1959 with a degree in mechanical engineering. Jim worked at Ingersoll Milling Machine Co. in Rockford, Illinois, for 20 years where he used his skills to design cutting tools. During this time, he was married to Jutta Eisold and they raised three children. In the Midwest,
working at the Ritz Carlton in Atlanta, Georgia, Sarah met the love of her life, Anthony Bernard Cole. Following
Elbridge Gerry Gilbert, 91
Elbridge Gerry Gilbert, 91, of West Palm Beach, Florida, passed away on June 7. He was born July 5, 1933, in Swampscott. He attended Marblehead High School. Elby enlisted in the U.S.
MUNICIPAL MEETINGS
On the agenda
On the Agenda provides a brief overview of upcoming meetings of Marblehead municipal boards and commissions, Meeting schedules and agendas are subject to change. For the most current list and for Zoom links to online or hybrid meetings, see marblehead.org/events.
Facebook message saying that her brother was interested in the couch. She asked if her brother could text the resident, so the woman provided her cell phone number. The resident then received a text message from “Mike” who said that he would not be able to pick up the couch until next week but would pay for it today using the app Zelle. She then received a nonsensical email in her spam folder, allegedly from Zelle, which she recognized as part of a possible scam. She called “Mike” and asked if he was scamming her, and he hung up right away. The resident had not lost any money and was not too concerned about any further repercussions, as she had only given out her name, phone number and address, but wanted to report it in case anything happened.
5:17 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a resident who had nearly been struck by a midsize BMW SUV as he was trying to cross from Essex Street towards 5 Corners Kitchen. The man said the vehicle did not strike him, but he had slapped the vehicle’s hood with his hand. He had requested security footage from the restaurant to try to identify the driver.
he enjoyed lake sailing, skiing, photography and many trips to Chicago to enjoy the symphony and opera. He moved to Marblehead in 1979 to continue his joy in sailing and to connect with another branch of his family in Hamilton. He decided to create his own business called JC Ayer & Co. and create wooden jigsaw puzzles using water jet technology combined with computer software. Ayer puzzles continue to be enjoyed by thousands of customers in the U.S. and overseas.
Jim served for many years
Anthony’s rise in his culinary career, the family moved from Naples, Florida, to St. Louis, Missouri, to Chatham, and finally settled in Vero Beach, Florida, where Anthony is executive chef at John’s Island Club. While in Naples, Sarah gave birth to their beloved daughter, Mackenzie Taylor Cole, a rising junior at Eckerd College studying marine science with a focus in chemistry. Throughout the years Sarah juggled raising her daughter and working in the human resources and engineering departments at the Atlanta and Naples
Marine Corps on Jan. 15, 1951 and was honorably discharged as a corporal on Jan. 15, 1954, at Quantico. He was a Korean War veteran and served with the 1st Anti-Tank Company, 1st Marines Regiment.
Elby worked in radio and TV advertising, notably at KEZY in Anaheim, California, and WFLA in Tampa, Florida. He enjoyed watching most sports, especially
on the Eastern Yacht Club race committee and in the choir of St. Michael’s Church. Another of his favorite activities was gourmet cooking and having friends over for dinner parties both on Chestnut Street in Salem and Ballast Lane in Marblehead. He was also very knowledgeable about wines and orchids. He is survived by his wife Elizabeth Tyler Ayer, his stepson Geoff Van Wyck and his children, Peter Ayer (Anne) in Marblehead, James (Paola) in New York and Elizabeth Lee (Jack) in California.
Ritz Carltons, and as project manager at Chatham Bars Inn and as a permitting specialist for Coastal Engineering Co. in Orleans.
Sarah’s greatest joy and center of her happiness was her family. She also cultivated and cherished many friendships that lasted her lifetime. Sarah always thought of others before herself, and her vibrant spirit lives on in the hearts of family and friends. In addition to her professional pursuits, Sarah loved cooking, traveling, reading, gardening, spoiling her cats and volunteering for animal rescue services.
pro football. Elby was predeceased by his parents, John F. (Tinker) Gilbert and Anna Wheelock Gilbert; and his siblings, John F. Gilbert Jr. (Tinker), Jackie Gilbert Jackson and Helen Gilbert Jones. lby was predeceased by his parents John F. (Tinker) Gilbert, Anna Wheelock Gilbert and his siblings John F. Gilbert Jr. (Tinker), Jackie Gilbert Jackson
He is also survived by his seven grandchildren, Serena Rose Lee, Annabelle, Toby, Elizabeth, Ethan, Chloe and Cedric. He is also survived by two brothers Tony on Orcas Island and Rick in Marrakech, Morocco. A memorial service will be private on a date to be determined. The family is grateful for all the care he received at Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. For more information, or online guestbook, please visit murphyfuneralhome.com or call 978-744-0497.
Sarah leaves behind her husband, Anthony B. Cole, and daughter, Mackenzie T. Cole of Vero Beach, Florida; her mother, Leslie S. Gill, of Vero Beach, Florida; her sister, Laura G. Wolff, brother-in-law, Kenneth M. Wolff, nephew, William F. Wolff IV, and niece, Allister J.
of New York City and her aunt, Jennifer A. Smith of Bethesda, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sarah’s memory to the American Cancer Society (donate.cancer.org) or the VNA Hospice House of Vero Beach, Florida.
and Helen Gilbert Jones. He is survived by his children Gail Gilbert Jones, Elbridge Gerry Gilbert lll, Guy Cox Gilbert; his grandchildren Chelsea E. Gilbert, Tyler A. Gilbert, Shelly Homlstrom, Abigail Bishop, Shannon Gilbert; and great grandchild Bronson G. Gilbert. An interment service will be held at Waterside Cemetery in Marblehead on Aug. 21, at 10:30 a.m.
Tuesday, Aug. 26
6:30 p.m. Town Charter Committee (Selectmen’s Meeting Room, Abbot Hall and on Zoom)
Agenda: The committee plans to discuss its fall schedule, including the deadline for the submission of the final charter to the Select Board.
8:36 p.m. Officers were dispatched to the area of the Jewish Community Center on Community Road to investigate a report of two lost children. The children had been playing at the park and had been told to meet their parents by the gate at the park, but the parents then lost sight of them. Before too long, the officers and the parents figured out that the kids might have made their way home on their own, which they had.
Sunday, Aug. 10
12:10 a.m. An officer went to Foster Street to speak to a man who explained that, a short time earlier, he and his mother-in-law had decided to pursue a vehicle they decided “did not look like it belonged,” which had led to an exchange near the lighthouse. The man said that once the out-ofplace vehicle was stopped, he had made a comment to the driver regarding how fast he had been driving. The man said that, while he could not completely make it out, both he and his mother-inlaw believed they had heard the driver say something about having a gun. Meanwhile, two other officers responded to Chandler Hovey Park, where they were flagged down by the passengers in the other vehicle. The driver explained to the officer that he had noticed a vehicle following him, so he decided to drive out
7:30 p.m. Zoning Board of Appeals (Zoom only)
Agenda: In addition to having a discussion related to the town charter commission, the board will hold hearings on requests for zoning relief at 17 Longview Drive, 1 Hibbard Road, 2 Wyman Road, 14 Hawkes St., 7 Conant Road, 10 Rolleston Road, 19 Garden Road, 57 Gregory St. and 13-15 Maverick St.
to Chandler Hovey, where the other vehicle had driven up next to him. According to the driver, the man in the vehicle said, “I’ve seen you twice out here now” and that “you should not be out here.” The driver admitted that he responded by swearing at the other driver but denied threatening him. The officer noted that the driver, a Boston resident, and his three passengers were “very cooperative the entire time” and were eventually sent on their way.
1:23 p.m. An officer observed teenaged boys riding e-bikes erratically in the downtown area. Neither rider was wearing a helmet, and the riders had caused vehicles to stop short and pedestrians to move out of the way, according to the officer. The officer walked into the street and eventually managed to get to them to stop. He then spoke with them in the National Grand Bank driveway. “They both gave haphazard, disingenuous apologies and then turned as though they were going to ride off again,” the officer wrote in his report. The officer told the boys that he was not done speaking with them and asked for their ages, names and addresses. Both resisted answering, offering “surly responses,” according to the officer’s report. The officer instructed them each to call a parent and informed them that
Thursday, Aug. 28
11 a.m. School Committee Policy Subcommittee (school administration building on Widger Road and on Zoom)
Agenda: The subcommittee plans to discuss scheduling policy review and updates for 2025-26 and review policy bulletins from the Massachusetts Association of School Committees. 1:30 p.m. Compensation Committee (town administrator’s office, Abbot Hall)
he would be confiscating their e-bikes for two weeks, citing G.L.c. 85, §11B. The officer also noticed that both e-bikes lacked features required by Massachusetts law, and both bikes appeared to have the ability to travel well over the 20 mph legal limit. Both boys’ mothers and one of the boys’ grandmothers eventually came to the scene. Both the grandmother and one of the mothers strenuously disagreed with the officer’s decision to confiscate the e-bikes. The grandmother noted that she had recently read an article in the local newspaper about issues with e-bikes but had apparently missed the sentence explaining that riders under 17 must wear helmets. She also mentioned her past service on the town’s Finance Committee and made a reference to the police department’s funding. The incident also amused some of the boys’ peers who had come by on their e-bikes. They were admonished that their e-bikes could be taken, too, if they did not wear helmets. While firefighters were assisting with securing the e-bikes, two other boys rode past operating an electric scooter and an e-bike in what the officer said was an unsafe and illegal manner, but he was not able to stop them.
As the officer was walking back to his cruiser, a man stopped
Agenda: The committee is scheduled to discuss the position of part-time custodian at Abbot Library.
him and thanked him, saying he had seen the two boys nearly cause an accident on Atlantic Avenue. When the officer went back to speak to the boys and their guardians about the alleged incident, one of the adults called the man a “lying son of a b—-.” She claimed the boys had been at her house at the time in question and would not have traveled down Atlantic Avenue, though the boys did not confirm that account, according to the officer’s report.
2:56 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Village Plaza to investigate a hit-and-run that had just occurred. While speaking with the owner of the vehicle that had been struck on the front right bumper while parked outside the Laundromat, the owner reported that she saw the vehicle that had struck hers driving down Pleasant Street. Another officer was then able to stop the other vehicle and speak with the driver, a Swampscott woman. The woman denied having driven into the Village Plaza parking lot, but the officer could see that she had a hamper of laundry and laundry detergent in plain view in the back seat. The officer explained that the owner of the other vehicle had witnessed the collision and gave her multiple opportunities to come clean, but she continued to deny involvement in the crash.
Wolff
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