09.09.2026 – Volume 4, Issue 42

IN THIS ISSUE

SPORTS

ARTS

POLICE LOG

Football Magicians kick off the season Thursday

Look back at 70 years of live theater in Marblehead

Officers respond to a man overboard in the harbor

Page 9

Page 11

Page 14

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SEPTEMBER 9, 2026

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VOLUME 4, ISSUE NO. 42

FIRST WAVE 1

Town says all new proposals for Coffin Should property should focus on housing. Page 2.

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The Light Commission is set to take two key votes that could affect your rates. Page 2.

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ON SOCIAL @MHDCURRENT

local physical state zoning 3 Atherapist 4 New is leading rules may make it

efforts to help victims in Nepal. And it’s not the first time. Page 3.

easier to build housing in town. What’s happening in Marblehead? Page 6.

Music 5 Me&Thee launches its 57th

season this month.

See who’s coming to perform. Page 11.

Five facts from this week’s Marblehead Current.

‘I LOST MY COOL’

Health board to address concerns after member’s heated exchange with resident

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Board of Health has called a meeting for Wednesday, Sept. 9 to discuss a heated exchange involving member Tom McMahon at its Aug. 24 meeting.

McMahon repeatedly interrupted and raised his voice at resident Ryan Wilson, who

was addressing the board during public comment.

Wilson, who has two children at Marblehead High School and works in market research, challenged both the board’s interpretation of youth drinking data and its focus on alcohol.

Wilson corrected a statistic McMahon had cited from the

Marblehead High School Youth Risk Behavior Survey. McMahon had said 92% of students reported that an adult they lived with had used substances in front of them in a concerning way.

Wilson said the figure was the opposite: 91.8% answered “no” and 8.2% answered “yes.”

“I come here as a parent. I also come here as a professional market researcher,” Wilson said.

“We need more data, and we need the best data possible.”

McMahon challenged Wilson, and the two shouted at each other.

Wilson said that McMahon had called him a “f—ing moron” in

RECORD-BREAKING REAL ESTATE

a text. A copy of the text, which was sent before the meeting, was shared with the Current.

In a social media post later that night, McMahon wrote, “I lost my cool at the meeting tonight.”

The post continued: “I don’t MCMAHON, P. 3

SEPT. 11 | 25 YEARS LATER

Inside the $8.9M home that ‘So people just broke town’s sales record don’t

forget’

Marblehead marks 25 years since 9/11

BY LEIGH BLANDER

COURTESY PHOTO

Record-breaking: This home on 10 West Orchard just sold for $8.9 million, making it the most expensive home ever sold in Marblehead.

BY LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead’s real estate record just got a little more expensive.

A sprawling waterfront estate at 10 West Orchard St. has sold for $8.9 million, making it the most expensive home ever sold in town, according to listing agent Linda Hayes of William Raveis.

The five-bedroom, seven-bath home sits on more than an acre overlooking the water and offers

about 9,000 square feet of living space. Built in 2011, the shingle-style home was designed by SV Design and constructed by Essex Builders.

For Hayes, who has spent more than three decades selling real estate, the record price came down to a combination of location, views and exceptional construction.

“It is right on the water, with views of the harbor and lighthouse,” she said. “The quality of the build is A-plus.”

She added, “I’ve been doing this for 34 years; I’ve been in a lot of houses…

This one has solid wood doors, the trim, the roof lines.”

The previous Marblehead record was set in October 2021, when 102 Harbor Ave. sold for $8.5 million.

“It’s great to get a price like this in Marblehead,” Hayes said. “We get these prices in Beverly Farms, Manchester. It’s interesting that it

Twenty-five years after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Marblehead will once again gather to remember the lives lost that day — including three people with deep ties to the town — and the local service members who later died in the war on terror.

The community is invited to Marblehead’s annual Sept. »Marblehead resident 11 memorial Virginia Buckinham ceremony shares marking the her 25th anniversary story of the attacks. of The ceremony resilwill begin ience at 10 a.m. at after Memorial Park.

9/11 on Page 7.

For Fire Chief Jason Gilliland, the anniversary carries an added urgency as a new generation enters the fire service with no personal memory of the attacks.

“I have firefighters working now who weren’t born during 9/11,” Gilliland said.

“That’s why every year we try to drive home the sacrifices and the people who perished, so people don’t forget.”

“History tends to forget,” he added.

Marblehead lost three people in the attacks: Dr. Frederick Rimmele and William Weems, who were passengers aboard

HOME, P. 3 SEPT. 11, P. 7

SCHOOLS

New Marblehead High School roof springs a leak

BY LEIGH BLANDER Before the refurbished Marblehead High School roof is even 100% complete, it has already sprung a leak.

“The leak occurred in the field house,” said Mike Pfifferling, assistant superintendent for finance and operations.

The section of the roof where the leak occurred had already been replaced.

“The initial assessment is that

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the leak occurred at the spot where the new rooftop HVAC unit and the new roof material meet. It is likely a flashing/curb issue that will be addressed today.”

Pfifferling said the leak, which happened after heavy rain, did not cause any damage.

The project represents the culmination of years of efforts to address the high school’s chronically leaking roof. Town Meeting initially approved $5.3 million for the work in

2022, but the project did not move forward at the time.

As the roof continued to deteriorate, the scope expanded to include the replacement of aging rooftop HVAC units. By late 2024, officials estimated the full project could cost nearly $14 million.

Bids ultimately came in about $2 million below that estimate, and School Committee member Henry Gwazda recently told the Current that the project was under budget.

A school official said the leak on the Marblehead High School roof did not cause any damage.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

marbleheadcurrent.org

2 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

REDEVELOPMENT

Coffin School request for proposals focuses on housing

BY LEIGH BLANDER The town has issued a request for proposals for the former Coffin School property, making clear that any redevelopment must be for housing.

The RFP states: “The property shall be ground leased or sold solely for a housing use.

Proposals that contemplate any use other than housing will not be considered. The selected respondent shall be required to use and develop the property in accordance with the permitted housing use and all applicable requirements, approvals, restrictions and conditions established by the town and applicable law.”

The deadline for proposals is Oct. 19.

The Coffin School on Turner Road closed in 2021 after nearly 80 years. The property includes roughly 3 acres and was assessed at $3.4 million in 2025.

The town has hosted several public forums and meetings to gather input on the property’s future. Ideas have ranged from town-owned green space and a dog park to townhouses and housing for seniors and veterans.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The Coffin School has been closed since 2021.

Green space?

The RFP includes language about open space.

“The goal is that the selected proposer shall maintain the northwest/west portion of the property adjacent to Shepherd Street extension primarily as open green space and shall remain available for appropriate public community use,” it state.

The RFP adds a list of permitted green space uses, including: » Playgrounds and ADA-accessible tot lots » Multi-purpose athletic fields and sports

courts » A dedicated community dog park » Community gardens and agricultural spaces » Walking, pedestrian or recreational pathways » Open lawn and passive recreational areas Some members of the Select Board, including Moses Grader, had advocated “carving out” a space on the property owned by the town for public use, but that was not included in the RFP. Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer has said he intends to establish a review committee that would include two Select Board members, a Planning Board representative, Kezer and Brendan Callahan, director of the town’s Community Development and Planning Department.

The committee would review the proposals and could identify one or more finalists.

Once a finalist is selected, the Select Board could reject all proposals and determine how to proceed, or negotiate an agreement with a selected developer within parameters established by the board.

POLITICS

NEWS FOR PEOPLE, NOT FOR PROFIT. CHAIR AND PRESIDENT

Bob Peck NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

CONTRIBUTORS

Lizzie Assa Stephen Bach Margaret Bacon Linda Bassett Virginia Buckingham Cheryl Byrne Julie Flynn Laurie Fullerton James (Seamus) Hourihan Dr. Tom Massaro Maggie Mulvihill Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Emily Promise Chris Stevens FREELANCE REPORTERS

Grey Collins Aleka Kroitzsh Marielle Sabbag Luca Tedesco Akanksha Goyal

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Koh to headline Democrats picnic

BY LEIGH BLANDER

COURTESY PHOTO

Dan Koh, the Democratic candidate for the 6th Congressional District, will be the guest of honor at the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee picnic on Monday.

Dan Koh, who just won the Democratic primary for the 6th Congressional District, will be the special guest at the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee picnic Monday, Sept. 14, from 5-8 p.m. at Gerry 5 VFA, 210 Beacon St. Koh will greet attendees and speak to the crowd. He recently won the Democratic nomination to replace U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton and will face Republican Micah Q. Jones in the November general election.

A buffet Italian dinner will be served at the picnic beginning at 6 p.m.

The annual event is the Marblehead Democrats’ only fundraiser, with proceeds supporting the MDTC Edwin L. Goldberg and Selma L. Goldberg scholarships for Marblehead students, as well as the committee’s campaign activities and candidates.

The Marblehead High School chorus will perform. State and local officials, including Rep. Jenny Armini and Sen. Brendan Crighton, as well as 2026

candidates, will be on hand to meet attendees, answer questions and rally Democrats ahead of the midterm elections.

Tickets are $35, or $20 for students. Visit marbleheaddems. org to purchase tickets and sponsorships online. Tickets may also be purchased by check payable to MDTC and mailed to P.O. Box 232, Marblehead, MA 01945.

For questions or additional information, contact MDTC Chair Anne Gugino-Carrigan at annegugino@jamescarriganlaw. com.

BY LEIGH BLANDER

Town hires treasurer

Money back

Pfifferling informed the School Committee that the district has about $800,000 (or 1.6% of the budget) left over from fiscal year 2026 and will be returning that money to the town.

MMLD big votes

At its next meeting on Sept. 19, the Marblehead Light Commission is expected to take two important votes.

First, the commission will decide whether to approve a surcharge required for the town to become a Green Community. The surcharge would add about $4 to the annual electric bill in town. The Green Community designation makes the town eligible for hundreds of thousands of dollars in sustainability grants.

Second, the commission may vote on whether to approve seasonal electric rates. If it approves lower rates in the winter it could save ratepayers a combined $200,000.

Cultural Council accepting grant applications The Marblehead Cultural Council is accepting grant applications through Oct. 15 for the 2027 calendar year.

Each year, MCC awards individuals and

Peter Fallon Joseph P. Kahn Kris Olson Bob Peck Mark Schwartz DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Kathryn Whorf FOUNDERS

Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Leigh Blander Will Dowd David Moran Kris Olson DESIGN AND PRODUCTION

North of Boston Media Group

Marblehead Current is published every Wednesday by Marblehead News Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is mailed to all homes and businesses in Marblehead, MA 01945.

The town has hired a new treasurer, Shaun Strobel. Strobel has more than 20 years experience as a treasurer in various municipalities, including Worcester, Sharon and, most recently, Marshfield. For the last several years, Marblehead has combined the positions of treasurer and collector. Cami Iannarelli remains as collector.

The collector is responsible for billing and collecting money owed to the town, including property taxes. The treasurer manages that money.

On Aug. 3, the School Committee approved the hiring of Kristen Morello as director of finance pending successful contract negotiations. Morello has been working as assistant director under Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations Mike Pfifferling, who is leaving the district later this fall.

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Marblehead Current P.O. Box 102 Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 617-545-5445 info@marbleheadnews.org www.marbleheadCurrent.org

NEWS IN BRIEF

School business manager

Gene Arnould Brian Birke Jaki Fishkin Bob Peck Donna Rice Mark Schwartz Richard Weed - Treasurer

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The Marblehead Light Board will vote Sept. 29 on whether to approve a $50,000 annual surcharge for ratepayers so the town can earn the state’s Green Communities designation. The surcharge amounts to $4 per residence a year.

organizations grants which support the arts, humanities and interpretive science programs and activities. In the past, the MCC has funded a wide range of programs, from live performances and art installations, to exhibits and field trips. All applicants must demonstrate how their projects contribute to the quality of life of those who live and work in Marblehead.

“Our 10-member council is excited about the upcoming application cycle,” said MCC Chair Jeanie Stahl. “We look forward to reviewing and funding projects that are creative, meaningful and inspirational.”

To learn more about the MCC and the online submission process visit massculturalcouncil. org/communities/local-cultural-councilprogram/application-process. There will be a webinar to walk potential applicants through the application process on Sept. 10, 6 p.m. You can register at the same link as above.

The Marblehead Cultural Council can also be reached at: marbleheadculturalcouncil@ gmail.com.

400th anniversary planning begins

Town Historian Don Doliber urged the Select Board at its Aug. 26 meeting to begin planning for Marblehead’s 400th anniversary coming up in 2029, drawing on his experience organizing previous town celebrations.

Doliber recalled helping organize the 1979 celebration and co-chairing the town’s 350th incorporation anniversary celebration in 1999.

That effort required about a year and a half of planning and ultimately involved roughly 100 volunteers working on 33 events.

“More importantly, that 400th anniversary is something that should be started now,” Doliber told the board.

He also said $1,649 was set aside after the previous celebration as seed money for the 400th anniversary.

The board unanimously voted to establish a seven-member 400th anniversary committee, including a chair and co-chair. Officials discussed seeking applications over the next several weeks, with interviews potentially beginning in October.

Boat storage notice

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 began being accepted on Aug. 15 on a first-come, first-served 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 $6 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, call Rachael at 781-631-4650 or send email to trucking@ marbleheadtrading.com.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 3

PERSONAL CONNECTION

Physical therapist renews mission to help Nepal

BY LEIGH BLANDER For Patricia Sullivan, Nepal is much more than a faraway country she once visited. It is a place where she taught, worked alongside fellow physical therapists, helped establish rehabilitation services after a devastating earthquake — and formed friendships that have endured for more than a decade.

Now, at 80, the longtime physical therapist knows she isn’t likely to make the 20-hour journey back. But when her friends and colleagues in Nepal reached out again for help following devastating flooding, Sullivan found another way to respond.

She and fellow members of Marblehead Harbor Rotary are helping launch a Nepal Relief Fund to provide humanitarian assistance to communities in need.

Sullivan first visited Nepal decades ago. In 1990, she traveled around the world on a 10-month teaching trip that also gave her a chance to indulge another passion: hiking. In Nepal, she trekked through the mountains.

The journey was one of many international adventures she recounts in her book,

COURTESY PHOTO

Patricia Sullivan, a physical therapist from Marblehead, has visited Nepal many times. Here, she delivers donations to a village near Kathmandu University, where she was teaching.

“Boston, Bangkok, Bombay and Beyond: Journeys of a Physical Therapist.”

Her professional connection to Nepal deepened years later, while she was a visiting professor in Thailand. One of her graduate students was from Nepal and invited her to help with the physical therapy educational program there.

Sullivan began teaching and consulting at Kathmandu

University in 2014, working closely with faculty members and physical therapists. She also developed a close relationship with members of the Dhulikhel Rotary Club.

Then, in April 2015, a catastrophic earthquake struck Nepal, killing thousands, injuring many more and destroying communities.

Sullivan returned that October.

Working with colleagues in Marblehead and Nepal, she helped write a Rotary Foundation Global Grant to establish rehabilitation clinics in rural areas, where thousands of people injured in the earthquake needed care.

She traveled back and forth to Nepal numerous times over the next several years, helping implement the program and provide advanced training for physical therapists working in rural communities.

The effort also strengthened ties between Marblehead Harbor Rotary — where Sullivan is a past president — and the Dhulikhel Rotary. After the 2015 earthquakes, three Marblehead Harbor Rotary members, led by Margo Steiner, also traveled to the Dhulikhel area on a Habitat for Humanity trip.

Those relationships have endured.

Now, following severe flooding in Nepal, Sullivan’s colleagues have again reached across the globe to Marblehead.

Marblehead Harbor Rotary has established the Nepal Relief Fund, with donations to be sent to the Dhulikhel Rotary. Local Rotarians there will oversee the logistics of providing temporary shelter, food, clothing, medical

HOW TO HELP Donations to the Nepal Relief Fund can be made through the Marblehead Harbor Rotary website, rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org, or by check payable to “Nepal Relief Fund” and mailed to National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945. For more information, email info.rcomh@gmail.com.

supplies and rehabilitation equipment to people affected by the disaster.

Sullivan said Nepal’s geography and limited infrastructure can make recovery from natural disasters particularly difficult.

“It’s a very poor country with almost no infrastructure,” she said. “Their roads are dirt roads, so any kind of landslide will cause devastation. They desperately need help.”

Glacial collapse is believed to be a cause of the flooding and represents an ongoing threat to Nepal and other mountainous regions.

For Sullivan, the appeal is personal.

“It is such a warm and outgoing place,” she said. “And the scenery is spectacular.”

Home From P. 1

Board of Health member Tom McMahon engaged in a heated exchange with a resident at this Aug. 24 meeting.

Now, the board plans to hold a special meeting to address the incident.

McMahon

From P. 1 agree with basically anything that parent said at my meeting and he and I won’t be sitting down for coffee to have a conversation any time soon. But I need to be better for everyone else in town that supports me, and I’ll do my best to do that.”

Board of Health Chair Dr. Tom Massaro said several board members have been urged to “censure” McMahon.

Instead, Massaro is calling Wednesday’s meeting to let the community know the board is “taking the incident seriously.”

The meeting will be on

the second floor of Abbot Hall Wednesday at 7 p.m.

The Select Board will meet at the same time on the first floor.

“My goal is to make people aware that we are mindful of the concern that episode has generated,” Massaro said.

“We do not want that exchange to make people afraid to speak to the board and share differing opinions.”

Massaro said the meeting will not be a “blame game” but rather a discussion about what the board can do better.

The Current reached out to McMahon for comment but did not immediately hear back.

wasn’t on the Neck.”

Hayes said one of her favorite features becomes apparent almost immediately upon entering the home.

“They designed it so when you descend the staircase, you descend into the living room and look right out at the water … and this amazing view,” she explained.

The primary bedroom suite is “to die for,” Hayes said. It features separate dressing areas, windows designed to bring in natural light, a bathroom with a soaking tub and a Juliet balcony overlooking the water.

Throughout the home are the kinds of details Hayes said distinguish it from more conventional luxury construction: a slate roof, stained glass, custom woodwork, red birch floors, coffered ceilings, three fireplaces and divided-light windows.

“There was nothing cookie-cutter about this house,” she said. “It was just stunning.”

There’s also a large family room over the garage, a home gym and multiple spaces that can serve as offices or libraries. Outside, curved fieldstone walls frame bluestone terraces facing the ocean. There’s no

COURTESY PHOTO

This home on 10 West Orchard is as stunning inside as it is from the outside.

swimming pool, but Hayes said the property has room for one.

The sellers were the home’s original owners. Hayes said both they and the buyers are “extremely private people,” and she declined to identify them or discuss their circumstances beyond saying the sellers had reached a “different phase of their life.”

The $8.9 million property didn’t linger on the market.

It went under agreement in just six days.

“That is crazy,” Hayes said.

The sale comes amid strength at the upper end of the North Shore housing market, Hayes said, helped in part by a strong stock market.

“It speaks to the health of the market, especially the luxury market,” she said.

For now, 10 West Orchard St. sits atop Marblehead’s real estate record book.

But perhaps not for long.

Two properties — both on Crowninshield Road — are currently on the market for $15 million and $21 million.

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4 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

25 years later “History tends to forget.”

When Fire Chief Jason Gilliland made this statement to the Current this week, he was referring, of course, to the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the 25th anniversary of which will be observed with the traditional ceremony at Memorial Park on Friday, beginning at 10 a.m.

We were struck by the chief’s comment, too, that he now has firefighters in his department who weren’t yet born when the towers fell. Similarly, many residents were not here a quarter-century ago. They have no personal memories of how the community came together to mourn three of its neighbors along with the nearly 3,000 other victims of the attacks.

In the spirit of not forgetting, them, a reminder of who the three local victims of the 9/11 attacks were: Dr. Frederick Rimmele, a family physician who taught medical residents at Beverly and Hunt hospitals, was flying to a medical conference in Monterey, California, when United Flight 175 was hijacked.

William Weems, a freelance television producer, was headed to Los Angeles on the same flight to oversee an Energy Star ad shoot. He left behind a wife and a 7-year-old daughter.

Erik Isbrandtsen, a Marblehead native and Babson College soccer standout, was working the equity desk at Cantor Fitzgerald on the 104th floor of the North Tower.

Marblehead also lost two service members in the war the attacks set in motion: Army Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper and Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Christopher B. Shay.

But the town has another connection to Sept. 11 as well. Virginia Buckingham, a longtime resident and former president of the Current’s board of directors, was running the Massachusetts Port Authority — and by extension, Logan International Airport — when both hijacked planes departed its runways.

In the weeks that followed, as the country turned toward grief, Buckingham became a target of blame. She was pushed out of her job and later named in a wrongful-death lawsuit. She has spent the 25 years since working through what it means to carry blame for the unimaginable, a journey chronicled in her memoir.

What she said about that process is worth sitting with. Buckingham describes herself as having both been “changed completely” and yet finding her way back to who she was before — reshaped and yet returned.

Buckingham picked up the same thread upon revisiting St. Paul’s Chapel near Ground Zero last year. The chapel, too, had reverted from a 9/11 waystation back to something closer to what it had been before — a place of ordinary prayer. But what had happened there had not been erased completely.

Meanwhile, the country has experienced the bizarro version of this phenomenon, it seems.

For a few weeks in the fall of 2001, Americans across every divide — political, geographic, generational — grieved together and seemed to trust each other more.

Regrettably, in the years since, the nation has snapped back into its prior state — and then some.

We are fractious, suspicious of the other side and quick to assume bad faith.

But don’t miss one of the morals of Buckingham’s story. All of our experiences — positive and negative — inform and shape how we evolve. In that, perhaps there is some hope for our nation, too.

The instinct that showed up on Sept. 12 — to check on a neighbor, to set aside what divided us — wasn’t manufactured by the emergency. It was in us the whole time; the emergency just gave us permission to use it.

That spirit remains available, waiting to be summoned forth, even if we have allowed those muscles to atrophy.

A glimpse of that instinct has been on view as many Marbleheaders have continued to gather at Memorial Park every September without needing to be asked twice.

If the crowd is particularly large this year — and we hope it is — perhaps it speaks not only to our recognition of the importance of marking such a somber milestone but also to our collective yearning to summon those better instincts on a more regular basis.

We can only hope.

GUEST COLUMN

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

New research changing ideas on causes and prevention

BY GREGG MULFORD AND PAMELA WHEATON SHORR Suicide claims about 50,000 lives each year in the United States, nearly double the homicide rate.

According to the most recent full-year statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, another 2.2 million people attempted suicide in 2024, 14.3 million adults seriously thought about suicide, and 4.6 million planned a suicide attempt. Worldwide, approximately 720,000 people take their own life each year.

For the past 18 years, September has been Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in the U.S., coinciding with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10.

It’s a time to educate people and draw attention to the crisis. As in many mental health issues, the community plays a significant role in prevention — in this case by recognizing suicide risk factors, those characteristics of a person or the environment that increase the likelihood that a person will take his or her own life.

Risk factors may include prior suicide attempts, mental disorders such as depression, social isolation, chronic disease and disability, misuse or abuse of drugs or alcohol, access to lethal means of taking one’s life, knowing someone who died by suicide, as well as lack of access to behavioral or mental health care.

Here on the North Shore, we’re extremely fortunate to have many avenues to find help, including MCC and other area mental health professionals, the National 988 Suicide Hotline and local 911 professionals — even a dedicated mental health counselor at the Marblehead Police Department.

Unfortunately, even though we may recognize many factors as indicators of suicide, a common refrain among friends and family of those who die by or attempt suicide, is “I didn’t know.” In fact, about half of people who commit suicide have no documented or diagnosed psychiatric risk factors, and that’s leading researchers around the world to investigate new ways of identifying and helping potential suicides.

Uncovering hidden risk

One key question for researchers is whether a suicide has simply not been diagnosed yet as being ‘at risk’. Dr. Hillary Coon of The Utah Suicide Mortality Research Study analyzed genetic data from 2,700 people who died by suicide and found that people in this group of ‘unexpected suicides’ have underlying risk factors that may be fundamentally different than others. Her research found that people who die by suicide without prior non-fatal suicidal thoughts or behaviors have fewer psychiatric diagnoses and fewer underlying

genetic risk factors for psychiatric conditions, such as depressive disorder, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease and PTSD, as compared to people who had shown these warning signs before dying by suicide. The data also suggests this ‘unexpected suicide’ group is no more likely than the general population to have milder conditions, such as depressed mood and neuroticism.

Coon emphasizes that no single gene or gene combination causes suicide, and that individual genetic risk factors related to suicide seem to have a very small effect on risk. Her team believes environmental and societal contexts are crucial contributors to suicide, and that the interplay between environment and underlying biology will be essential to discovering who’s at risk going forward. The group is also investigating the ways in which physical disorders, such as inflammation and respiratory conditions may affect suicide risk.

The biological link

Researchers are increasingly looking to our physical health as a factor in suicide. A recent meta-analysis of research in the “Annals of General Psychiatry, Inflammatory Markers and Suicidal Behavior” suggests that inflammation and its effects on the complex neurobiological processes of the immune, endocrine and nervous systems may hold clues into suicide.

Researchers have found that chronic inflammation may be a key driver of changes in the brain, especially in the areas involved in emotion regulation, impulse control and response to stress. Inflammation seems to divert the amino acid tryptophan away from the synthesization of serotonin, which is critical for mood stability. This shift not only affects serotonin, it leads to the production of neurotoxins and neuroinflammation. Researchers think this may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms SUICIDE, P. 5

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘I hope to live here some day’ To the editor: This is a sincere appreciation for the community.

I found my way up to Marblehead by chance two years ago. I came upon a job post online for The Mariner, a very new operation at the time. I even had to search for it on the map to actually confirm where it was located. To my knowledge, I had never before set foot in the town.

The Mariner team gave me a shot in assisted living, something I have never officially done before.

My dad had passed away fairly recently, and I was feeling very lost on a personal level in my mid 20s. To say it changed my life is an understatement.

I slowly learned the way of life in Marblehead — the beauty, the stories from residents, the businesses, the history — and quickly came to realize it may just as well be the best place there is.

This past winter, I also found myself working at the Eastern Yacht Club right on the other side of the harbor. So now I get two Marblehead experiences, sometimes even on the same day.

Even though I live 15 miles away in Everett, this town has welcomed LETTERS, P. 5

me in so many ways that I gladly drive up six days a week. Through hundreds of people I have come to know, it really is a special place. I hope to live here one day, but until then, I can still spend my days here in this great town.

Sincerely, Michael Diorio

Baylis thanks voters To the editor: I am writing to thank the voters of Marblehead for your overwhelming support for my candidacy for Governor’s Council in last week’s primary. While the district-wide outcome did not result in my being elected, I am so grateful to the residents of Marblehead, the voters that know me best, for turning out in such large numbers to support my campaign.

Thank you also to the numerous local volunteers that helped in this effort. For the many that have reached out to ask what comes next for me, I’m going surfing… then I’ll be keeping an eye on the proceedings of the Governor’s Council, while continuing to advocate for immigrant kids, women and children, and the safeguarding of our democracy.

Between now and November I’ll be turning my attention to supporting

Democrats in general election races that matter to the future of our state and our nation. There is much at stake.

Diann Baylis Ticehurst Lane

How come?

To the editor: There have been so many negative comments and questions recently regarding the quality of our roads, and their repairs. Yes, they are shameful to a town that claims so much pride. They make driving miserable, and are causing long-term havoc with the overall condition of our cars, e.g., average alignment work costs in the four hundreds.

Is it really that hard to do what is necessary to achieve basic quality work, i.e., repairs that are smooth and are tapered to marry into the existing roads? It can be done. The recent road repair adjacent to Sea Side Park is an excellent example of quality work — too, too many others, not so.

What is the problem? Do both our, or the third-party contractors responsible, have the proper training? If third-party contractors do less than quality work, why don’t their contracts to work in Marblehead include a clause that clearly states, before payment, the finished work has to meet certain

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 5

GUEST COLUMN

’Til next summer, Marblehead

BY PAUL MAZONSON

We arrived ready for another Marblehead summer in late May. That first morning of returning, walking our older dog to Crocker Park we noticed the beauty of the houses under the gaze of Abbot Hall, some with flowers in bloom, some under construction. Life happening here in Marblehead.

As we approach the bandstand at Crocker Park, the harbor opens ahead, a particular kind of greeting after nine months away. I can smell the salt, feel the damp and I love it, it’s Marblehead.

I grew up in town. My parents settled here in 1953 when I was 2 years old. Except for college and a few years living in Georgetown, Marblehead has been home for me and for my wife, Kathie, until we moved west to Colorado to be close to grandkids.

Now we return each summer for three months and have the joy of rediscovering, reconnecting with our town, appreciating Marblehead’s beauty and wonder.

It’s different for each of us.

For Kathie, it’s a first meet-up at ‘or Java Sun. For me, it’s pulling into the boatyard on Beacon Street to check on Grace, our CWHood 32 and moving my rowing shell to the allotted space on the storage racks of Rock n Row. My summer revolves around being on the ocean, playing on our playground as I call it.

Many days, rowing at 6:30 a.m., to Beverly Light or to Church or the Gooseberries. There’s a whole morning ritual to rowing, checking weather and wind at 5 a.m., riding my bike to the boatyard, greeting sleepyheads at 6:15.

Suicide From P. 4

and impulsivity — both of which are linked closely to suicide.

Chronic physical pain may also be a risk factor for suicide, particularly when chronic pain sufferers feel there is no hope of a reprieve, according to a recent study in the “European Journal of Pain.” In a 12-month study of 340 participants suffering with chronic pain, researchers found an increase of suicidal thoughts over the course of the year, especially when coupled

We have great friends here and a whole lot of history.

Old friends and new friends and we love to see all of them after a long winter.

I love my ride to the boatyard, the movement is good for my aging body and there’s nothing quite like pedaling through Old Town, past Farine for the aroma of fresh bread.

Rowing and Rock N Row are an inspiration for me. I love the people, I love the place and I love, love, love the experience of being on the ocean in my rowing shell early in the morning.

There’s nothing quite like it.

And then, after rowing, I pedal home and take Blu for a morning walk, often to Crocker Park, other days to Mookie’s to hang on the bench while he takes up a

good part of the sidewalk waiting to be greeted by people passing by who just want to say hi to a big white dog. He’s waiting for a treat, maybe some of Kathie’s yogurt cup or my breakfast sandwich, all while we watch the world go by on a bench outside Mookie’s.

Some days we see old friends. Other days we chat with strangers. I love to ask my favorite Marblehead trivia question, “Why are Marines called Marines?” I can then tell the story of John Glover ferrying soldiers, horses and cannons across the Delaware river.

There is a particular beauty to living in a town so rich in history when her history surrounds us and reminds us where we have come from.

When our grandkids visit, a whole different experience of Marblehead emerges. They are Colorado children who have come to love summer in Marblehead.

They love the beach at Glover Landing. They love sailing Grace and driving the Zodiac to the public landing for ice cream or Brown’s Island to swim and explore.

Our kids keep coming back.

Partly to visit us but I believe mostly they, too, love being in Marblehead in the summertime.

Even Bryan, our son-in-law, has fallen in love, wandering through town on a morning run or sitting at The Driftwood counter.

We love Shubie’s and have since Carol started selling prepared foods in George’s liquor store. I love Mino’s. I love House of Pizza and Le Ros for Thai food, The Landing and Maddie’s and Cafe Italia. And of course Little Harbor Seafoods with the best lobster roll in town, especially when we arrive by water.

We have great friends here and a whole lot of history. Old friends and new friends and we love to see all of them after a long winter.

with depression. Researchers say that ‘mental defeat’ should be considered a potential risk factor for suicidal thoughts and behaviors in populations with chronic pain.

attempts, researchers found those exposed to a suicide attempt were significantly more likely to attempt suicide themselves in the two years following exposure. They were also more likely to develop more severe symptoms of depression, confirming existing research into suicide and young people.

When researchers controlled for depressive symptoms, participants still had a higher risk of attempting suicide.

Interestingly, in a study out this month by the Utah Department of Health and

Human Services about the causes of teen suicide, mental illness was not as big a factor as expected. The study found that childhood maltreatment was a far more common cause of suicide, including physical abuse, sexual abuse and emotional abuse. Almost 80% of youth respondents had experienced at least one form of child maltreatment, and 15% had experienced all three. Risk factors also included heavy use of alcohol and drugs, with about 40-45% using alcohol or marijuana at levels researchers

Marblehead native writes a love letter to his hometown

Social influences

Exposure to others who have committed suicide, sometimes called “contagion,” can also have an enormous impact on suicide rates, particularly among young people. In a recent multi-year study of more than 2,000 13–22 year olds with no previous history of suicide

COURTESY PHOTO

There are stories to tell.

Just yesterday at Bliss Salon I was talking to Rich about how we know Anne Hoffmann who also lives at Glover Landing. Anne’s sister, MJ, was married to an old friend, Michael, who I met one morning in Falmouth in 1969 when I found him sleeping on the hood of his car outside my girlfriend’s house.

We became fast friends and here we are linked again through our neighbor, Anne. I guess it’s just the way history weaves through our lives here in Marblehead, whether family history, personal history or the history of the revolution that began our country.

I am thankful for so much of our lives here.

I am thankful for all of Rock n Row with special thanks to Jean and Tzivya and Judy, Thomas, Seth and the summer crew. You make this life very special.

I am thankful for our magnificent ocean playground.

I love wandering in wonder though the streets of old town.

I love our merchants: FL Woods, Marblehead Marine Store, French & Italian and Fair Wind Outboards.

I love hanging in the Marblehead Trading Co. boatyard, chatting with Ace, Alex, Bryan or Ralph Anderson, Chris Hood and Bing.

We love our town. Thank you for being who you are.

Next week, we head to our other home in Boulder, Colorado, where I start my training again for next year’s summer in Marblehead.

Paul Mazonson is co-founder of Marblehead’s rowing club, Row N Row.

described as “problematic” to self-medicate their trauma, depression, anxiety or loneliness and not for recreational use.

The study also found one of the highest risk factors for teens was relationship status. About half of those in the study were in a romantic relationship at the time of or leading up to the time they died by suicide, with two-thirds of those relationships on the verge of breaking up or having just ended.

In a small study of 79 adults with recent suicidal thoughts, SUICIDE, P. 8

Letters

From P. 4 standards? Does the Highway Department supervisor, or someone designated, do an inspection and sign off on road work? Are there any standards in writing on record? If not, why not to both those questions?

Does the problem have its roots in budgetary issues? Does the department have a written plan that includes the yearly inspection of roads, makes their findings public and includes them in their next budget? Does the department have a reserve fund as a line item?

One last thing, why do so many of the roads have “road snakes” literally littering them?

Road snake is a “biker” term for the black oil-tar crack fillers. It seems like some of our roads have more “road snakes” than pavement. Simple logic says, like painting a house, it’s all about the preparation work. It appears that higher standards, or a much more rigorous quality control inspection needs to be completed before the “tarmac hits the road.” How does the Select Board feel about all the

COURTESY PHOTOS / JODY MAGEE

Resident Jody Magee said these photos of Atlantic Avenue — with one section paved well and another not — prove Marblehead can have nice roads if it wants.

LETTERS POLICY

public’s strong concern and discontent? And, let’s attempt, in all respects, to eliminate the term “good enough for

government work” from the town lexicon.

Jody Magee Guernsey Street

The Current welcomes letters to the editor and strives to represent a range of viewpoints on our opinion pages.

Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. Letters over the word limit may be returned to the writer for editing.

While we will make every effort to let writers have their say, we reserve the right not to publish letters.

Letters must include: The author’s name. Unsigned letters and form letters will not be published.

The name of the street on which the author lives in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next to the author’s name – not their full address.

The author’s daytime/cell phone number for verification purposes (not publication).

Letters must be received by our newsroom directly from their writers (for special circumstances, contact the newsroom). Email submissions to i n f o @ m a r b l e h e a d n e w s . o r g o r use the submission form found at marbleheadcurrent.org/letters.

Some letters may be shared to social media. We will share a wide array of viewpoints.

Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition.

marbleheadcurrent.org

6 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

SCHOOLS

School officials weigh new policy on response to immigration enforcement

BY LEIGH BLANDER The school department is discussing a new policy that would set rules for how school employees respond if immigration or other civil law enforcement officers come to a school seeking information or access to a student or employee.

The proposed policy, titled “Interacting with Law Enforcement Officers Engaged in Civil Law Enforcement,” is required under the PROTECT Act, a new Massachusetts law signed by Gov. Maura Healey on

Aug. 5.

Under the policy, civil law enforcement officers generally would not be allowed to enter school grounds during operating hours to make a civil arrest without a judicial warrant or court order. The provision applies to federal immigration enforcement but does not prevent police from entering schools for criminal law enforcement or emergencies.

Each school would designate a senior administrator to handle interactions with civil law enforcement officers, and

the superintendent’s office would name a district-level contact. Staff would be directed to notify those administrators immediately if officers arrive at a school or request information.

If immigration officers come to a school, administrators would ask for identification and determine whether they have a valid judicial warrant or court order. An administrative immigration warrant, such as one issued by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, would not by itself authorize officers to enter nonpublic areas

of a school.

If officers do not have the required judicial authorization, administrators would tell them they cannot enter and ask them to leave. However, school employees would not physically interfere if officers proceeded with an arrest.

The proposed policy also includes protections for student information. Parents or guardians generally would be notified if civil law enforcement officers seek information about or access to their child, unless the district is legally prohibited

from doing so.

Schools would also document encounters with civil law enforcement and make the district’s procedures available to students and families.

Robidoux said the policy would “solidify” and codify procedures the district is already using, adding that he feels confident administrators know how to respond if civil law enforcement officers come to a school.

The School Committee needs to discuss the policy at two more meetings before it can vote to approve it.

HOUSING

New state variance rules give ZBA more room to weigh housing

BY AKANKSHA GOYAL

For decades, Massachusetts property owners seeking zoning variances faced a high bar: They generally had to demonstrate that strict application of local zoning rules created a “substantial hardship” tied to particular characteristics of their property.

That changed this summer.

A new state law replaced the “substantial hardship” standard with a lower “practical difficulty” standard and gave zoning boards greater discretion in deciding whether to grant variances.

The law also requires boards to consider the benefits to the applicant and the public interest, including the interest in supporting housing production.

Now Marblehead’s Zoning Board of Appeals is learning how to apply a standard with little case law behind it, as town officials and municipal attorneys across Massachusetts work to determine what the changes mean in practice.

“The previous variance standard was very specific and strict, and the rules for that standard had been developed over 50 years of case law,” said Nina Pickering-Cook, a Marblehead resident and Boston attorney who serves as town counsel in Acton, Bedford and Dover. “Now we have a new standard that just requires practical difficulty, which there is no definition for.”

The result is more room for local boards to determine whether circumstances amount to a practical difficulty sufficient to justify an exemption from zoning requirements.

“The upshot is that variances are going to be easier to get … and harder to challenge,” Pickering-Cook said.

From ‘substantial hardship’ to ‘practical difficulty’ The new standard is part of a broader set of amendments to Chapter 40A, Massachusetts’ Zoning Act, that Gov. Maura Healey signed into law as part of the state budget in July. The changes took effect immediately.

Under the previous law, a property owner seeking a variance generally needed to establish a “substantial hardship” arising from the soil conditions, shape or topography of the land — a standard that had been interpreted through decades of court decisions.

The new law instead uses “practical difficulty.”

The change gives local zoning boards more discretion, Pickering-Cook said, because the new standard lacks precedent.

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The owner of the Flower House property on Humphry Street is seeking to convert the property from commercial use to mixed use, including residential space, while removing the existing second floor and constructing new second- and third-story additions.

“On behalf of municipalities, we have no guidance right now as to how this new variance standard applies,” she said.

The state had discussed having the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities issue guidance or regulations, Pickering-Cook said, but that has not happened yet.

Instead, she said, the meaning of the new standard will develop through individual cases.

“It’s going to be developed by case laws, by people challenging decisions and going to court,” she said.

That means the first cases reaching the courts could become particularly important for municipalities trying to determine how much latitude the new standard gives their zoning boards.

“I think that people will use whatever cases go through for guidance,” Pickering-Cook said.

“So, the cases that come out of the courts early on are going to be very important.”

Housing is now part of the equation The law also directs zoning boards to consider the benefits to the applicant and the public interest, including the “interest in supporting the production of housing,” alongside the potential detriment to the public health, safety and welfare of the neighborhood.

That does not mean a project automatically qualifies for a variance because it creates housing.

Rather, housing production is now explicitly among the factors a board must consider when weighing a proposal.

That could matter in Marblehead, where development proposals frequently encounter dimensional constraints.

“Especially in a town like

Marblehead, that is full of prior nonconforming structures and lots given the age of our town,” she said, the change could have particular relevance.

The new law also allows certain nonconforming structures and uses to be altered or changed as of right if they meet specified criteria, Pickering-Cook said, removing some discretionary local review and giving applicants more pathways to build housing.

An early example

One local project that could illustrate how the new standard affects development is the Flower House proposal on Pleasant Street.

The owner is seeking to convert the property from commercial use to mixed use, including residential space, while removing the existing second floor and constructing new second- and third-story additions.

The proposal involves several dimensional issues, including parking, lot area, open area and side and rear-yard setbacks, according to ZBA records.

Town officials said the project has been continued while issues including parking are addressed.

But the project’s housing component could now carry weight in the variance process that it would not have under the previous standard.

Pickering-Cook said a proposal such as Flower House could benefit from the change because housing production is now an explicit consideration.

“This would certainly help that development move towards permitting,” she said.

She cautioned that she had not reviewed the Flower House application itself and was speaking about the effect of the law generally.

More broadly, she expects housing production to become a more common argument in variance applications.

“A lot of developments that are coming in now will simply add housing units in order to say, We should be able to get a variance because this adds housing,” Pickering-Cook said.

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said the change reflects a broader shift in how housing decisions are made in Massachusetts, with the state increasingly moving decisions traditionally made at the local level toward by-right development.

“The local communities should be making those decisions, and the state seems to be shifting in more under their purview under the law,” he said.

Municipalities are all asking the same questions Town officials say they are still working through what the changes mean for the ZBA. The board had not yet received training on the new law at the time of the interview, Community Development and Planning Director Brendan Callahan said, although training was being scheduled.

He said officials have been communicating with town counsel and the chairs of the ZBA and Planning Board as the new rules take effect.

“It’s a new law, some significant changes and probably some legal concepts that are going to get challenged and need to be tested in the courts,” Callahan said. “The point being is this isn’t a Marblehead challenge — this is a Commonwealth Municipal Challenge in Massachusetts.”

The Massachusetts Municipal

Association has been hearing concerns from communities across the state about how the new requirements apply to applications already in progress and how municipalities should structure their processes going forward, according to its executive director and CEO, Adam Chapdelaine.

“We’re certainly not in favor of what was adopted,” he said.

“We’re in that solutions-oriented position, trying to figure out what we can do to both advise municipalities, work with the Mass. Municipal Lawyers Association, but also see if there are some fixes that could be considered at the legislative level to remove some of the uncertainty or upset that’s been caused by the change.”

Chapdelaine said the MMA welcomes additional state guidance and training, but municipalities will need to rely heavily on local attorneys and planners because zoning decisions are highly specific to individual properties.

“I think in this particular case, especially when you’re dealing with variances and ZBAs, it quickly gets highly technical, highly local, highly precedential,” he said.

What will it mean for housing?

Whether the new standard will actually produce more housing remains an open question.

Chapdelaine said it is too early to know.

Pickering-Cook said municipal planners and attorneys are sharing information as applications begin to test the boundaries of the new law.

Ultimately, however, she expects court decisions to provide the clearest guidance.

One possible early test, she said, could involve a variance allowing housing to be built on a lot previously considered unbuildable.

For town officials, the ultimate impact remains unclear.

Kezer said there is not yet enough history under the new rules to compare how projects would have been treated before and after the change.

“The open question, because it’s so early yet,” he said, is what impact the changes will have.

“They may be more significant than we think. They may be less significant. We just don’t know yet because there’s not a history yet of decisions.”

For now, Callahan said, municipalities are waiting for the first cases to help establish what the new standard means.

“We’re all kind of waiting for the first guinea pig case, really,” he said.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 7

9/11 | 25 YEARS LATER

After 9/11 changed everything, Buckingham finds her way back

BY LEIGH BLANDER Virginia Buckingham has spent years coming to terms with how Sept. 11, 2001, changed her life.

Twenty-five years later, she is still finding new meaning in what came afterward.

The Marblehead resident was running the Massachusetts Port Authority when two planes took off from Logan International Airport and were hijacked by terrorists who flew them into the World Trade Center. In the years that followed, Buckingham wrestled with guilt, shame and blame — an experience she chronicled in her memoir, “On My Watch.”

Now, with the release of an audiobook version narrated in her own voice, Buckingham is reflecting on how her understanding of resilience has evolved — how a person can be permanently changed by tragedy and still find a way back to themselves.

“I not only changed completely, but in an odd way, in a beautiful way, have returned to myself,” Buckingham said. “And so, how do you do both? How do you change because your heart and soul are shaped by what happens to you, and find your way back to the core of who you are, and that’s where I feel I am now.”

A career — and life — derailed Buckingham was the first woman to serve as executive director and CEO of Massport, the agency that operates Logan.

Before that, she had served as chief of staff to two consecutive Massachusetts governors.

She and her family had moved to Marblehead in 1997.

Then came Sept. 11, 2001.

American Airlines Flight 11 and United Airlines Flight 175 both departed Logan before being hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center towers.

Buckingham quickly became a focus of criticism over security at the airport.

Six weeks after the attacks, Buckingham resigned. She faced intense criticism after Sept. 11.

Buckingham was later named personally in a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by a victim’s family.

The experience left her wrestling

for years with guilt, shame and the question of whether she could somehow have prevented what happened.

Looking back now at the woman she was in 2001, Buckingham has a one-word response.

“Proud,” she said. “Really, really proud of her. I am so honored that I had the opportunity to work side by side with people at Logan who endured an unimaginable tragedy to rebuild, and I didn’t get to stay long. But while I was there, I feel very proud of the leadership I was able to provide and the the bond that was formed forever with my team.”

It took much longer to quiet the question of blame.

A turning point came in 2015, when Buckingham participated in a leadership program associated with former Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton. During a session examining a deadly friendly-fire incident in Iraq, the instructor asked participants who was to blame.

Buckingham wanted to flee from a question that sounded painfully familiar. Instead, she raised her hand.

“It’s not who; it’s what. It’s not a person; it’s a system,” she said.

“It was, I think, the first time I felt the courage of that conviction, and that I was able to silence those voices of blame and knew that it was true,” she said.

If she could sit beside her younger self on Sept. 11 and tell her what was coming, Buckingham knows what she would say.

“It’s not your fault,” she said.

“No matter what anyone says, even people that you deeply respect. It’s not your fault, and don’t let it take you out of your life for the next 15 years. Don’t let the trauma derail you.”

Finding a road back

Buckingham first published “On My Watch: A Memoir” six years ago. This June, she released an unabridged audiobook, narrated in her own voice, hoping to bring the story to a new audience.

She describes the purpose as “doing good with something bad” — using what she experienced after Sept. 11 to

help others navigate painful experiences of their own.

Her ideas about resilience have become something of a roadmap.

The first step, she said, was regaining a sense of agency — understanding that the story belonged to her and that she could decide how to tell it.

“My story is mine, and I own it and deserve to tell it, and no one else can tell it,” Buckingham said. “No one else can define what it is. Only I can.”

That realization led to another: Something good could come from sharing what she had endured.

Faith became another part of the journey, although not in the form Buckingham once knew.

Raised Catholic, she said Sept.

11 shook her faith completely.

Over time, she began exploring meditation, Reiki, Eastern practices and different ways of thinking about God and spirituality.

The lesson she eventually took from that search was simple: “We’re not alone. I’m not alone.”

“And so that gave me incredible strength and resilience to keep going,” she said.

Her children were another anchor.

“It was my children that saved me ultimately because I had that purpose of raising them and taking care of them and loving them,” Buckingham said. “And I had a very strong belief that they didn’t deserve to suffer because I was, and that was my guiding light.”

Faith, light, love and hope Last year, Buckingham found an unexpected reflection of her own journey in St. Paul’s Chapel in lower Manhattan.

She had first visited the chapel in 2004, when it remained filled with reminders of Sept.

11 and the first responders who had rested and received care there after the attacks. When Buckingham returned in May 2025, most of those displays were gone.

At first, she was upset.

Then she noticed four stations around the chapel: faith, light, love and hope. A small collection of Sept. 11 artifacts remained, including a pew, badges and objects made from metal

Sept. 11 From P. 1

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Fire Chief Jason Gilliland speaks at last year’s 9/11 remembrance ceremony in Marblehead.

United Airlines Flight 175, and Marblehead native Erik Hans Isbrandtsen, who was working on the 104th floor of the World Trade Center’s South Tower.

“It hits home,” Gilliland said.

“When you have three residents from the town and they perish in a tragic attack … as long as I’m chief, we’ll continue to do the memorial services.”

Gilliland was at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow on the morning of Sept. 11, 2001, teaching structural firefighting.

“Somebody came out to the drill yard and said, ‘A plane hit the towers,’” he recalled. “That was an interesting ride home.

Silent.”

The images that followed remain vivid 25 years later.

“There was a constant loop of footage of the towers,” Gilliland said. “It was surreal. You didn’t see a plane in the sky.”

Gilliland said Marblehead firefighters were not dispatched to New York after the attacks because those deployments were handled by specialized federal

recovered at Ground Zero.

Buckingham began to see the transformation differently.

“Maybe like me, the chapel, which had been transformed by 9/11, has transformed again back to itself, and it doesn’t look like it looked before 9/11 either,” she said.

The chapel did not need to carry the entire burden of memorializing Sept. 11, she realized. The national memorial stood nearby. The chapel could again become a place of prayer while still carrying the memory of what had happened there.

For Buckingham, the parallel was unmistakable.

“I’ve been changed forever, and I’ve returned to myself,” she said. “And how lucky am I to be able to say that?”

‘Not one more second’

Resilience, Buckingham cautions, does not mean becoming impervious to pain.

“A lot of people mistake it for stoicism,” she said, or the idea that when something terrible happens, “you just deal with it and move on.”

Her experience has taught her otherwise.

She was reminded of that recently after recording an interview about Sept. 11. The conversation brought back the feelings of shame and blame so intensely that for about 24 hours she felt as though she had returned to where she was 25 years earlier.

She was teary. She snapped at family members. She even wondered whether talking about resilience made her a fraud.

Then, while driving home from Boston, something shifted.

“I’m not giving one more second of my joy to the doubters, to the questioners, the accusers, to my own doubts, my own shame,” Buckingham recalled thinking. “Not one more second. I’ve done it. I’ve done the work. I’ve understood what happened. I’m doing good with it. I’m not giving one more second of my joy away.”

“A weight lifted off my shoulders immediately,” she said.

Letting go

Buckingham, now 60, says she hopes to continue talking and

rescue teams.

The attacks did not change the fundamental mission of firefighters, he said. What did change was the training. Police officers and firefighters now routinely prepare for terrorist attacks and other large-scale emergencies, Gilliland said, although the fundamentals of rescue and firefighting remain largely the same.

Sept. 11 also transformed, at least for a time, the relationship between first responders and the communities they served.

“It’s awful that it takes a tragedy,” he said. “Every household had an American flag flying. People came to the fire house, dropping off food and cards.”

For firefighters, studying Sept. 11 has become part of understanding their profession.

Gilliland said the attacks have been extensively examined in fire service publications and are discussed at the fire academy.

“You try to read what you can,” he said. “Hundreds of trade journals were written on 9/11 for firefighters alone. They talk about it at the fire academy.”

But there is another lesson that cannot be found in tactics or training manuals.

writing about resilience. But as the country reaches the quartercentury anniversary of Sept. 11, she is less certain that she wants to continue telling the trauma portion of her story.

“I’d love to talk about the resilience roadmap,” she said.

“I’m only 60 years old. I hope to have a lot of years of living ahead. So I hope to be able to build on the resilience story and share that more and let go of talking about the trauma story.

Not that that story is gone, but I think I’ve said all I have to say about it.”

The passage of time itself is startling. Buckingham was pregnant with her daughter on Sept. 11. Today, an entire generation has grown up knowing the attacks only as history.

“It’s super weird,” she said. “It blows my mind even today because it doesn’t seem possible.”

Yet remembering remains important to her. Buckingham encourages travelers to thank Transportation Security Administration employees and to remember why the security measures that can sometimes feel burdensome exist.

“It’s been 25 years, and we can’t forget what happened,” she said. “Thank God it has not happened again, and in large part that’s due to the security measures that we’ve put in place in this country.”

For someone facing a tragedy of their own — an illness, loss, public failure or private pain — Buckingham believes resilience can be cultivated. It begins, she said, with self-love.

“Look at who you are, even if you have to pretend you’re across the room looking at yourself,” she said. “Try to see the reality of who you are, and start there.”

And then, she said, hold on to something.

For Buckingham, the lessons are embodied in the four stations she encountered at St. Paul’s Chapel: faith, light, love and hope.

“Those are the four basics of human existence,” she said.

“And if you can apply those to anything that happens, you’ll be OK.”

“From an emotional side, trying to understand what they went through,” Gilliland said.

“We go to funerals all the time.

It’s important to make sure you recognize and support the firefighters and their families.”

In 2006, Marblehead dedicated a memorial honoring Rimmele, Weems and Isbrandtsen. The monument also honors two local service members who died while serving in the war on terror: Army Staff Sgt. Christopher N. Piper and Marine Corps 2nd Lt. Christopher B. Shay.

Across the bottom are two words that Gilliland believes remain as important a quartercentury later as they were when the memorial was dedicated: “Never forget.”

For Gilliland, that means remembering not only what happened in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania, but the individual people behind the names on Marblehead’s memorial — and the families who have carried those losses for 25 years.

“There are no second chances.

Keep the families of those individuals in our thoughts and prayers,” he said.

marbleheadcurrent.org

8 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

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researchers looked at how late-night phone use affected thoughts of suicide. Those using phones from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m. had an associated higher next-day suicide risk, whereas keyboard based activity during the middle of the night, from approximately 1-5 a.m., had lower risk.

Though a tiny sample, these findings align with growing concerns that

the late-night hours prior to bedtime may represent a critical risk window, potentially due to reduced social support, increased cognitive rumination or exposure to distressing content.

Researching biomarkers for clues Researchers trying to identify objective, reliable factors that indicate risk of suicide are also analyzing and comparing postmortem suicide cases to other deaths in search of

answers. Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recently examined hair cortisol as an objective marker of risk for suicidal behavior.

They found that hair cortisol concentrations were significantly lower in those who died by suicide, compared with those with suicide attempts, suicidal ideation, and those with psychiatric disorders but no current history of suicidal ideation and behavior. They also found those who died by suicide

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to have lower hair cortisol concentrations compared to accidental deaths.

At the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, researchers have identified a possible biological marker linked to severe suicidal thoughts. They hope the finding may help explain why some people recover from these thoughts, opening a new path for research into resilience and suicide prevention. And researchers at the National Institute of Mental Health have been comparing the genetic markers of 120 people given the drug citalopram for treatment of depression who experienced treatmentemergent suicidal ideation with the markers of 1,700 patients who received the same treatment but did not experience these symptoms.

As researchers and organizations continue to work on understanding the science of suicide, it’s heartening to know that the most significant ways to help are within our reach. Make sure your loved ones have access to mental health services, and normalize their use. Stay connected to individuals, family, community and social institutions, and help others remain in those loops, too. Teach your kids life skills, including problem solving and coping skills. Model the ability to adapt to change.

Refresh your own coping skills in these areas if needed. Help your loved ones find a purpose in life and make sure they know they are valued. Connect to cultural, religious or community groups that promote self esteem and discourage suicide.

For more information about suicide Prevention, please check out the links below. If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 988, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Other resources include:

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It’s heartening to know that the most significant ways to help are within our reach.

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There is also the Trevor Project’s 24/7 Suicide Hotline for Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.

Disaster Distress Helpline: Call or text 1-800-985-5990.

Veteran’s Crisis Line: 988, then select 1, or Crisis Chat, or text: 838255 Gregg Mulford is LMHC clinical director at Marblehead Counseling Center. He is a licensed mental health counselor, and has specialized in both short and long-term therapy for a wide range of life challenges including anxiety, depression, addictions and trauma. He has more than 30 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families in outpatient, inpatient and crisis settings.

Pamela Wheaton Shorr is a board member of Marblehead Counseling Center and a former print journalist.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 9

Sports ON THE PITCH

After a record turnout at tryouts, MHS boys soccer has high expectations

BY JOE MCCONNELL The Marblehead High boys soccer team ended up with an 11-6-2 regular season record last year, and was the 24th seed going into the Division 2 state tournament. As a reward for another winning campaign, they had the dubious honor of going up against host Hingham, the ninth seed, in the Round of 32.

But despite traveling through rush hour traffic, they gave the Hillies all they could handle, before coming up short by the narrowest of margins, 2-1.

But that was then and this is now, and all signs point to a program with plenty of depth after Coach Elmer Magana welcomed a record number of players to the first day of tryouts on Aug. 24. Magana had 79 on the pitch, which gives him plenty of options to field three teams, once again.

“For the first time (since I’ve been here), we had to make cuts, because we couldn’t carry all 79 players in the entire program,” said Magana. “About 17 players didn’t make the final cut, and it was an extremely hard thing to do as a coach, as a teacher and as a father myself (to give them the news).”

With a winning history of success and many players in the program this year, the expectations are naturally higher than a typical year.

“Our No. 1 goal is always to make the playoffs,” Magana said.

“We have 20 players on our 2026 varsity roster, which consists of six returning seniors. They will all provide leadership for their junior, sophomore and freshman teammates. We certainly have the pieces to compete with the best this fall.”

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MHS boys soccer coach Elmer Magana anticipates another winning season from his Magicians this fall.

Erik Badzak, Mark Vinokur and Mitchell Goldwater are this year’s captains. Badzak and Vinokur are center midfielders.

“They will be our playmakers, while (Goldwater) is a skillful

and tough player on defense.

He’ll start at center back,” Magana said.

Besides his talented captains, Magana has really been impressed with goalie Andrew

MAGICIANS’ NOTEBOOK

MHS golfers win opener against visiting Masco

BY JOE MCCONNELL It was a great start to the 2026 season for the Marblehead High golfers, who defeated Masco at Tedesco, 40.5-31.5 on Sept. 3.

Coach Bob Green’s team won five of its matches outright, led by co-captain Greyson Leventhal. He had the lowest overall score of the day, shooting a 36, while beating his Chieftain opponent, 5.5-3.5.

Pete Ryan and Will Macrina each shot a 38, while also winning their respective matches by identical scores of 5-4.

Teddy Dulac doubled up his opponent, 6-3 after shooting a 42. Wesley Puleo shot a 48 to secure similar results, 6-3.

Co-captain Tyler Forbes, (37) and Max King (39) tied their matches, 4.5-4.5, but Colby Moore (37) lost in a heartbreaker, 5-4.

The Magicians were scheduled to play

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three matches this week, all at Todesco.

Non-league St. Mary’s of Lynn was first up on Sept. 8 after press deadline. That match will be followed by Beverly (Sept.

9, 4 p.m.) and Peabody (Sept. 10, 4 p.m.).

Halverson so far in the early going.

“He has had great performances in our scrimmages, and will definitely keep us in all of our games,” said the veteran Marblehead coach.

Magana also likes his striker David Magen, and he said of his forward, “He’s eager to set a new scoring record. He already had a hat trick against Bishop Fenwick (Aug. 28) and scored another goal against St. John’s Prep (Aug. 31) in our first two scrimmages.”

Mitchell Leighton and Noah Smerka are expected to frustrate opposing offenses quite often this year, according to Magana.

Julien Poitevin and Quinn Cohane will be the team’s wingers, “and they should be deadly offensive threats this year,” said the coach.

Magana has also been impressed by his corners Jackson Nutt, Nathaniel Bentley and Philip Druker so far.

This year’s edition of the Magicians understands that the Beverly Panthers, last year’s Northeastern Conference

champs, will once again be the team to beat.

“They are a physical and technical team,” Magana said of Beverly.

Masconomet is another NEC club that won’t be easy to bring down. “The Chieftains graduated great players last year, but have since reloaded with new skillful players,” said Magana. “We will also have the rare opportunity to play the defending state champs — West Springfield — at its place on Oct. 17.”

The Magicians defeated aforementioned Bishop Fenwick, with 29 players suiting up, before Magana trimmed the roster back to 21. In their second scrimmage, the Marblehead boys shut down the Prep, 2-0.

“This scrimmage showed us that when the game gets physical, we don’t back down.

We are not going to be a piñata or punching bag this year,” said the coach.

Marblehead then came out flat in the scrimmage against host Burlington on Sept. 2, losing 1-0.

But they bounced back nicely against host Wayland in the team’s final tuneup to win the close encounter, 2-1 on Sept. 5.

“That was a gutsy win,” said Magana. “We learned not to give up after falling behind, and our new corners did well in this scrimmage.”

There’s always room for improvement, said Magana, as the team prepares for the home opener against Danvers on Sept. 8 at 4 p.m. after press deadline. “We just can’t depend on our defense, our offense must produce goals, and so we’ll continue to try different players with different styles and see who can find the back of the net,” the coach added.

GRIDIRON

Football Magicians begin 2026 season tomorrow night

BY JOE MCCONNELL The road to another trip to the Division 4 state tournament for the Marblehead High Football Magicians gets underway tomorrow night against nonleague Lynn English at Piper Field, starting at 7 p.m.

Veteran head coach Jim Rudloff has them ready once again to get the job done, led by captains Tim Wales, Pete Rhodes and Owen Coyne.

Coyne, in particular, told the Current last week that “the practices have been great so far. We are way (ahead of) schedule on defense, because we have so many returning starters, while the offense is coming together.”

Rhodes has been impressed by the younger players on the roster, saying, “the entire sophomore group (is) working really hard, and hopefully they will also get time on the field this year.”

Wales singled out specific players who could make significant contributions this fall, mentioning the likes of Alex

Herman, Ryan Rhodes, Bailey Finkle and Charlie Annese. They have all been “stepping up since the first day of practice,” he added.

But first things first, the season begins for real Thursday night, Sept. 10, against the Bulldogs at Piper, starting at 7 p.m.

marbleheadcurrent.org

10 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

VARSITY SPORTS SCHEDULE Wednesday, Sept. 9 4 p.m., boys and girls cross country vs. Peabody at Peabody High 4 p.m., boys golf vs. Beverly at Tedesco Country Club 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Masconomet at Masconomet Thursday, Sept. 10 4 p.m., boys golf vs. Peabody at Tedesco Country Club 4 p.m., girls soccer vs.

Masconomet at Masconomet 6 p.m., girls field hockey vs.

Beverly at Beverly High 7 p.m., boys football vs. Lynn English at MHS Piper Field Monday, Sept. 14 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Danvers at Danvers High 7 p.m., boys soccer vs.

Swampscott at MHS Piper Field 7 p.m., girls soccer vs. Swampscott at Blocksidge Field, Swampscott Tuesday, Sept. 15 4 p.m., boys golf vs. Salem at Tedesco Country Club,

Marblehead 4:30 p.m., girls field hockey vs.

Gloucester at Gloucester High Wednesday, Sept. 16 3 p.m., boys golf vs. Saugus at Cedar Glen Golf Course, Saugus 4 p.m., boys and girls cross country vs. Masconomet at Bradley Palmer State Park, Topsfield 4 p.m., boys soccer vs. Peabody at Peabody Veterans Memorial High 4 p.m., girls soccer vs. Peabody at

MHS Piper Field Thursday, Sept. 17 4 p.m., boys golf vs. Austin Prep at Tedesco Country Club 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Swampscott at Marblehead High 7:30 p.m., girls field hockey vs.

Masconomet at Marblehead High Friday, Sept. 18 6:30 p.m., boys football vs. Medway at MHS Piper Field Saturday, Sept. 19

TBA, boys and girls cross country at Frank Kelly Invitational, Wrentham Development Center 3 p.m., boys soccer vs. North Andover at Walsh Stadium, North Andover 6:30 p.m., girls soccer vs. North Andover at MHS Piper Field Last week’s results Thursday, Sept. 3 Boys golf: Masconomet (1-0) 31.5, Marblehead (0-1) 40.5

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

Visit Meet SEWing-FUN

BY MELISSA STACEY The following is an interview with Nancy E. Easterbrooks, owner of SEWing-FUN at 24 Bessom St. #1, conducted by Discover Marblehead.

SEWing-FUN is a creative local gem bringing the joy of sewing to Marblehead. Led by a passionate sewing coach, it’s all about learning, creating and having fun — whether you’re stitching your first project or diving into something more advanced. From handmade clothing to playful projects, SEWing-FUN offers a welcoming space to build skills, spark creativity and connect with others who love to make.

To learn more, go to facebook. com/sewingfunmarblehead.

Tell us about your business and how you help/serve your clients. I run a sewing school for children and adults ages 6 and up, where students learn to create all kinds of fun, hands-on projects — everything from a personalized tote bag on day one (to carry all their sewing things) to stuffed animals, pajamas, dresses, gowns, T-shirts, sweatshirts embroidered with flowers, animals or their own name, blankets and quilts.

Every student leaves with something they made themselves, and that sense of pride is really what it’s all about. I also offer alteration services for the community. This is my 20th year sharing my love of sewing in Marblehead, and I’m just as excited about it as I was on day one.

What inspired you to start your business? I was invited to teach sewing at Tower’s Summer Camp and the moment I saw how much the kids lit up, I knew I had found something special.

The camp loaned me their machines, and in 2006 I opened my school at 22 Commercial St. My very first students were a Girl Scout troop, and we were off and running. I started with after-school classes, then added a Summer SEWing FUN Program that ends each week with a Fashion FUNway (our own little runway show). We’ve

COURTESY PHOTO

Students at SEWing-FUN in Marblehead.

displayed student creations at the Marblehead Arts Festival for years and have even brought home a few awards. Watching kids walk that runway with something they made with their own hands, there’s really nothing like it.

What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned in running a business? Business, like life, is always changing, and the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you must be willing to reinvent yourself. I’ve adapted and recreated my programs more times than I can count, and I’ve learned never to give up, even when things get hard.

What keeps me going is simple: the look on a student’s face the moment they finish their

project. That joy never gets old, and it reminds me why I do this every single day.

What do you love most about Marblehead? I love the small-town, tight-knit feeling that Marblehead has always had. I grew up here — Devereux School, Gerry School, the junior high, MHS — and I raised all three of my children here. At some point I searched across the country looking at other places to live, and I came back knowing there is nowhere else like Marblehead. Home really is where the heart is.

What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? After 20 years of teaching, I’m still genuinely

surprised and delighted every single time a student finishes a project. People might expect that to wear off, it never has.

I think that’s because sewing gives kids (and adults) a kind of confidence you can’t get from a screen. They made something real, with their hands, and they get to wear it or use it or give it as a gift. That never gets old for me.

The business spotlight is a weekly feature published in partnership with Discover Marblehead.

Discover Marblehead is dedicated to the promotion of the town.

Its mission is to highlight local businesses, tourism, community events and attractions through social media, email marketing and community outreach. To learn more, visit discovermhd.com.

BEACON HILL ROLL CALL

Early educators get help with loans; Dolly Day proposed

BY BOB KATZEN THE HOUSE AND SENATE: There were no roll calls in the House or Senate last week. This week, Beacon Hill Roll Call reports on the percentage of times local senators voted with their party’s leadership in the 2026 session through Sept. 4.

Beacon Hill Roll Call uses 96 of the 122 votes from the 2026 Senate session as the basis for this report. This includes all roll calls except 26 that were on local issues.

The votes of 33 Democrats were compared to Senate Majority Leader Cynthia Creem (D-Newton), secondin-command in the Senate. We could not compare the Democrats’ votes to those of Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland) because, by tradition, the Senate president rarely votes.

Twelve (36.3 percent) of the 33 Democrats voted with Creem 100 percent of the time. Thirteen others (38.2 percent) voted against Creem only once.

The senator who voted with Creem the lowest percentage of times is Sen. Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford) who voted with Creem only 87.5 percent of the time. A close second is Sen. John Velis (D-Westfield) who voted with her only 88.5 percent of the time.

Rounding out the list of the top five senators who voted with Creem the least percentage of times are Sens. John Keenan (D-Quincy) and Michael Moore (D-Millbury) who each voted with Creem only 93.7 percent of the time; and Barry Finegold (D-Andover) who voted with Creem 94.7 percent of the time.

The votes of four Republican senators were compared with those of GOP Senate Minority Leader Sen. Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester). None of the four voted

with Tarr 100 percent of the time. Sens.

Patrick O’Connor (R-Weymouth) and Peter Durant (R-Spencer) voted with Tarr the least percentage of times — only 93.7 percent.

Sens. Kelly Dooner (R-Taunton) and Ryan Fattman (R-Sutton) were close behind and voted with Tarr only 94.7 percent of the time.

PERCENTAGE OF TIMES LOCAL SENATORS VOTED WITH THEIR LEADERSHIP in 2026 THROUGH SEPT. 4 The percentage next to the senator’s name represents the percentage of times the senator supported his or her party’s leadership in 2026 through Sept. 4. The number in parentheses represents the number of times the senator opposed his or her party’s leadership.

Some senators voted on all 99 roll call votes. Others missed one or more roll calls. The percentage for each senator is calculated based on the number of roll calls on which he or she voted.

Sen. Brendan Crighton 98.9% (1)

ALSO UP ON BEACON HILL

AUTISM AND POLICE STOPS – Gov. Maura Healey launched the statewide Blue Envelope Program, a free and voluntary program designed to support safer, more effective communication between law enforcement officers and people with autism spectrum disorder during traffic stops.

In June, the Legislature approved and Gov. Healey signed into law this legislation establishing the statewide program. This program was adopted by the Massachusetts State Police in 2024 but was not an actual law until passage of this legislation.

The measure, dubbed the “Blue

Envelope Program,” would create a program giving people with autism the option to be given a special blue envelope that holds the person’s driver’s license and vehicle registration. On the outside of the envelope there would be written information and guidance regarding ways to enhance effective communication between a police officer and a person with autism. The envelope must also include instructions for access to the envelope, including attaching it to the sun visor on the driver’s side of the vehicle. The bill is designed to enable the driver to quickly and easily hand the envelope to a police officer during a traffic stop.

Blue Envelopes are now available at all Registry of Motor Vehicles Service Centers, participating AAA locations and through an online mail request form at mass.gov/forms/ request-a-blue-envelope.

STUDENT LOAN REPAYMENT AWARDS FOR 248 EARLY EDUCATORS – Gov. Healey announced the awarding of $1.8 million in student loan repayment grants to 248 early educators and staff across Massachusetts.

This first-time ever program in Massachusetts provides eligible recipients with up to $7,500 per year in student loan repayment assistance and is designed to help experienced early educators stay in the field, build longterm careers and continue providing high-quality care and education for children and families. Recipients were selected based on eligibility requirements and program priorities, with preference given to educators with five or more years of experience and those working in communities serving children and families with high needs or in regions experiencing shortages of early education

and care seats.

“We want Massachusetts to be the best place to raise a family and build a career, and supporting early educators is a big part of that,” said Gov. Healey. “That’s why we’re helping 248 educators pay down their student loans and keep more of their hard-earned money. When we invest in early educators, we strengthen our workforce, give children a strong start and help families get the care they need.”

CREATE “DOLLY PARTON 9 TO 5 DAY” (SD 4203 and HD 6304) - Sen. Julian Cyr (D–Provincetown) and Rep. Sam Montaño (D–Boston) have introduced legislation to designate September 25 as “9 to 5 Day” across the commonwealth, recognizing “Dolly Parton’s emblematic cultural impact on the United States, her steadfast dedication to charitable causes and her unwavering support of women, workers, LGBTQ+ people and children.”

“In Dolly Parton, we lost an icon: a legendary singer-songwriter, a philanthropist and a role model who showed generations of Americans what it means to lead and live with kindness and authenticity,” said Cyr and Montaño in a joint written statement.

“Dolly’s passing felt incredibly personal to millions of us, like we had all lost our ‘Aunt Dolly.’ To honor her legacy, this legislation would designate September 25 as ‘9 to 5 Day’ across the commonwealth, following the lead of lawmakers from Tennessee in celebrating Dolly Parton and all people on the job working 9 to 5.”

Matt Fortin, Cyr’s director of communications, told Beacon Hill Roll Call, “It is our hope to have the bill passed by Sept. 25 this year.”

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 11

A HOMECOMING THROUGH THE YEARS

Marblehead Little Theatre takes a bow at 70

BY MARELLE SABBAG The curtains are rising for a significant milestone. The public is invited to attend Marblehead Little Theatre’s 70 year anniversary gala on Saturday, Sept. 19.

It all began in 1955, when Terry Hale, the chairperson of the Drama Committee of the Marblehead Women’s Club, staged a one-act play with her group. After a positive response, Hale planned another show, this time inviting men, for MLT’s first production of Moss Hart’s “Light Up the Sky” in January 1956.

The rest is history.

MLT originally started as a summer stock theater from the 1930s to 1950s, according to Andy Barnett, MLT’s executive director. When Marblehead Summer Theatre ended after disagreements over improvements to the school auditorium where productions were staged, Barnett said that’s when a new chapter began.

“There was a desire for theatre in Marblehead and that same year MLT was formed,” Bartlett said.

During its first decade, Barnett said that MLT mainly focused on plays, producing 47 plays in various locations.

Then came the company’s first musical: “The Fantastics.”

Barnett said the show was presented as a benefit for the Sisters of Notre Dame, followed by larger productions, including “The Pajama Game.”

He said big names performed in Marblehead, including Billie Burke, Sarah Churchill, Ethel Waters, Basil Rathbone and Lucille Ball. Barnett said the biggest star to perform at MLT is Alex Newell, who won a Tony for their performance in “Shucked.”

Dayle Persons, an active MLT member for several years, said that MLT reaching 70 years is a wonderful milestone. Barnett and Persons combed through decades of MLT archives to find photos and important dates.

“We have produced so many wonderful shows over these 70 years,” Persons said. She recalls starring in “The Pajama Game” when she was 16.

“Rehearsals were held on the third floor of the old hardware/ paint store on Lafayette Street in Salem,” Persons said.

For decades, MLT moved between performance spaces as its productions evolved.

Musicals were staged at Marblehead High School, Salem Stage College, Abbott Hall and

“The Fantastics,” left, 1965; and “Cabaret,” above, 1981.

“The Wizard of Oz,” left, 1998; “The King and I,” above, 1999; and “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” right, 2011.

Lynn Auditorium. Smaller plays were performed in churches and other local venues.

Then in 1999, Barnett said they purchased the old firehouse on School Street, where the theater currently stages all its shows.

Its first production in the space was “The Phantom Tollbooth,” which was presented

by Ginny Morton’s new children’s theatre program. In that same year, Barnett said the theater performed “Our Town,” directed by John Fogle.

Today, MLT produces an extensive array of shows, including musicals, plays, children’s theater, cabaret performances, dance concerts and readings.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Betty Lautner, who joined MLT in 1979 after moving to Marblehead from New York City.

Her first show was “Brigadoon” as Meg. The celebration will take place at Abbot Hall, honoring not

only MLT’s history, but also the people who have helped build the organization over the last seven decades.

“The gala is MLT’s opportunity to publicly thank people who have contributed so much to the success to the theatre,” said Barnett.

Lisa Fama, a board member, past manager and current producer, decided to call the gala “A Homecoming Through the Years.” For celebrations that evening, Fama said there will be music, silent auctions, a raffle and awards.

Steve Black, a producer and director, has set up a concert with music director Liana Bunting, with songs representing multiple eras of MLT. A 20-piece orchestra will accompany singers performing songs dating back to the 1960s, with original singers reprising their songs.

“We wanted to make sure there was a variety of genres and

styles to showcase the wonderful talent that has made the theater successful over the years,” Black said.

Among the singers, Elloree Jennings, from Marblehead, will be performing “Caint Say No” from “Oklahoma.” She said she treasures the friendships most from MLT. “I think this is one of the best things about MLT — is that anyone can come and audition and be in a show,” Jennings said.

The gala will include the presentation of nine Ginny Awards, honoring individuals who have made significant contributions to MLT. The awards are named after Virginia “Ginny” Morton, an actress, musician, director and producer, who helped MLT acquire the Firehouse.

Among this year’s recipients is John Fogle. He said he credits Morton for getting him involved in directing. “(Ginny) allowed me to

direct a show. Now I have done over 100 shows. She’s a huge influence on my life,” Fogle said.

Marblehead resident and playwright Anna Marilyn Lucas, who will also perform a song, will be honored, too “I was a good friend of Ginny Morton’s and to be honored by a Ginny award is wonderful,” she said.

As MLT celebrates 70 years, Fama recognizes this event as an immersive experience for all generations of artists.

“We hope the community recognizes the joy and congeniality that MLT has provided over the decades,” Fama said. “This is our town and our neighbors.” The gala is at 7 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., on Saturday, Sept. 19. Cocktail attire is recommended, but guests are to wear what they choose. Tickets are $40 for general admission and $70 for reserved table seating. Visit mltlive.com.

FALL MUSIC

Me&Thee to launch 57th season with activist songwriter Teng

BY LEIGH BLANDER A lineup of world-class performers will be part of Me&Thee Music’s 57th season, which kicks off Sept. 18. Tickets for all five fall concerts are available now.

“We are expanding the types of new music we present this fall, from world-class a cappella and live over-dubbing to AmericanaRock-Roots to attract a wider audience,” said Me&Thee founder Anthony Silva.

Songwriter, singer and social activist Vienna Teng, who sold out her last show at Me&Thee in 2024, will lead things off Sept. 18.

This will be Teng’s only Bostonarea appearance on her New

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

England tour. Later this fall, she will perform in Washington, D.C., and Berkeley, California.

Teng writes that she’d “like the experience of my music to be like a good dinner party, comfort food with a few experiments thrown in, where conversation stretches ’til 2 in the morning and books are pulled off the shelf to take home. Whatever gets you to that place, that’s what I’m going for.”

On Oct. 2, Ohio singersongwriter Rj Cowdery will share her folk music, joined by Hope Dunbar and her blend of Americana and prairie-style country-folk.

On Oct. 16, fresh from performing at the 300th

anniversary concert at London’s St. Martin-in-the-Fields, Windborne will bring its fourpart harmony and a cappella music to Me&Thee. The group has developed a worldwide reputation as a leading innovator of new and historic choral music.

Its viral videos have drawn millions of views from around the globe.

Rebecca Loebe of Austin, Texas, and Sarah Blacker of Salem, Massachusetts, come to Me&Thee on Nov. 6. Loebe has toured extensively across the U.S., Canada, Japan, Europe and the U.K. She became widely known after appearing on the first season of “The Voice.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Singer, songwriter and activist Vienna Teng will open the 57th season of Me&Thee Music on Sept. 18.

On Nov. 20, the fall season ends with The Whiskey Treaty Roadshow, which describes itself as “a collaborative band that brings together four Massachusetts-based singersongwriters in the vein of americana, rock and roots-folk

music.” The band is celebrating the release of its newest album, “Rising.” For more than a decade, the band has performed for regional and national audiences.

For more information and tickets, visit meandthee.org.

marbleheadcurrent.org

12 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets Current Events spotlights notable happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email info@ marbleheadnews.org.

—By Leigh Blander

Ghosts & Consequences walking tour Saturday, Sept. 12, 6 p.m.

Ghosts & Consequences is an adultsonly walking tour that moves through the town’s oldest streets, quiet lanes and historic burial grounds. You’ll pass weathered headstones and centuriesold homes while hearing the real stories that shaped Marblehead — the kind of stories that don’t always make it onto postcards. If you’re looking for a walking tour in Marblehead with a darker edge, this one leans in. More info and tickets at bylanterntours.com.

Trails & Sails history series

Sit for Peace

Sunday, Sept. 13

Marblehead historian Judy Anderson will lead several programs on Marblehead history, including: » Noon1:30 p.m.: Marblehead’s most famous loyalist » 2-3 p.m.: Tour of WPA murals and “Spirit of ’76” painting » 4-6 p.m.: Marblehead at the time of the Revolution For more information and to register, visit trailsandsails.org/events.

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF MARBLEHEAD BANK The Annual Meeting of the Corporation of MARBLEHEAD BANK will be held on Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front St., Marblehead, for the election of officers and any other business which may legally come before the meeting.

Dr. Keith Taylor Chairman TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD

Thursday, Sept. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Following the community’s well-attended Walk for Peace this past May, Volunteers for Peace are inviting residents to gather once again — this time in stillness — for a Sit for Peace at Devereux Beach.

Jazz at the Arts: Christine Fawson Quartet Thursday, Sept 17, 7 p.m.

The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present a performance by the Christine Fawson Quartet as a part of their Jazz at the Arts concert series.

8 Hooper St. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $35. marbleheadarts.org.

Spirit of ’76 Patriot 5K Run Saturday, Sept. 12, 9 a.m.

Town of Marblehead Invitation for Bid (IFB) Bid # 27-16 On-Call Equipment Repair Services The Town of Marblehead is accepting sealed bids for On-Call Equipment Repair Services.

Copies of the Invitation for Bid (IFB) package is available through the Town’s Procurement Portal: https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead Sealed bids must be submitted electronically through the Town’s Procurement Portal no later than September 23, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.

LATE BIDS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED. Bids will be electronically opened after the submission deadline.

THIS PROCUREMENT IS CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO M.G.L. CHAPTER 30B. The Town reserves the right to reject any and all bids, as determined to be in the best interests of the Town, and to waive minor informalities.

INVITATION FOR BID 27-15 Replacement of Landscape Timber Stairs and Retaining Walls The Town seeks a qualified contractor to furnish all labor, materials, equipment, tools, transportation, supervision, permits, and incidentals necessary to remove and replace the deteriorated upper landscape-timber stair section and the two adjacent retaining-wall sections at the Hammond Nature Center.

The Town of Marblehead invites sealed bids. Bids will be received until September 23, 2026, at 10:00 AM via the Town’s Procurement Portal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead.

A bid deposit of at least five percent (5%) of the total project is required.

A Labor and Materials Payment Bond in the sum of 50% of the Contract Price will be required of the successful Bidder. Project is subject to compliance with prevailing wage requirements.

This solicitation is being conducted in accordance with the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 30 §39M, and any resulting contract will be strictly awarded in accordance with the requirements of the solicitation. The Town reserves the right to reject any or all bids, including without limitation, nonconforming, nonresponsive, unbalanced, or conditional bids. The Town reserves the right to waive all informalities not involving price, time, or changes in the scope of work and to negotiate contract terms with the successful bidder.

Specifications, Terms and Conditions and Forms may be obtained via the Town’s website at https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2026, at 7:45 PM on the request of KRISTIN and DANIEL WEATHERFORD, to vary the application of the present Zoning By-laws to replace a prior special permit with a new special permit for the construction of additions, dormers, porches and new roof framing on a pre-existing non-conforming house on a pre-existing, non-conforming lot with less than required lot area, side yard and rear yard setbacks for property located at 5 MEADOW LANE in the EXPANDED CENTRAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed additions will include less than the required lot area, side yard setback and rear yard setback, and exceed the 10% expansion limits for non-conforming buildings. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

Town of Marblehead Invitation for Bid Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: 25KV 1000 KCMIL COPPER CONDUCTOR The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Qualified Vendors for 25KV 1000 KCMIL COPPER CONDUCTOR in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in accordance with these specifications. Copies of the Invitation for Bids may be obtained via MMLD’s Procurement Portal https://procurement.opengov.com/portal/marblehead.

This procurement is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and is therefore subject to 2 CFR 200.317– 200.327, Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), Davis Bacon Act (DBA) for labor subject to prevailing wage, and Massachusetts General Laws including M.G.L. c. 30B and M.G.L. c. 164 §56D and M.G.L. c. 149, §§ 26–27H. Bids will be received until October 9, 2026, at 10:00 am and publicly opened at that date and time. Any bids received after such time will not be accepted unless this date and time has been changed by addendum. All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts. Attention is directed to the minimum prevailing wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 26 through 27D inclusive.

The contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days, Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays excluded, after the opening of the bids. MMLD reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of MMLD, at its discretion, including canceling this Invitation for Bids.

Town of Marblehead Invitation for Bid Marblehead Municipal Light Department is requesting proposals for: 23KV POLE REPLACEMENT AND TRANSFER The Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD), the Awarding Authority, invites sealed bids from Qualified Vendors for the 23KV POLE REPLACEMENT AND TRANSFER in Marblehead, Massachusetts, in accordance with these specifications. Copies of the Request for Proposals may be obtained via MMLD’s Procurement Portal https://procurement.opengov. com/portal/marblehead.

This procurement is funded in part by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and is therefore subject to 2 CFR 200.317–200.327, Build America, Buy America Act (BABA), Davis Bacon Act (DBA) for labor subject to prevailing wage, and Massachusetts General Laws including M.G.L. c. 30B and M.G.L. c. 164 §56D and M.G.L. c. 149, §§ 26–27H. Bids will be received until October 9, 2026, at 10:00 am and publicly opened at that date and time. Any bids received after such time will not be accepted unless this date and time has been changed by addendum.

All bids for this project are subject to applicable public bidding laws of Massachusetts. Attention is directed to the minimum prevailing wage rates to be paid as determined by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development and the weekly payroll record submittal requirements under the provisions of Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 149, Section 26 through 27D inclusive.

Each bid shall be accompanied by a bid deposit in an amount equal to five percent (5%) of the total bid price. The bid deposit shall be in the form of a certified check, cashier’s check, treasurer’s check, or bid bond made payable to Marblehead Municipal Light Department.

Failure to submit required bid deposit with bid shall result in bid being deemed non-responsive.

The contract will be awarded to the responsive and responsible bidder whose proposal is determined to be the most advantageous to MMLD based on price and other evaluation factors considered, as outlined in the Instructions to Bidders. The bidder agrees that its bid shall be good and may not be withdrawn for a period of 30 days after the opening of the bids. MMLD reserves the right to waive any informalities, to accept or reject, in whole or in part, any or all bids, or take whatever other action may be deemed to be in the best interest of MMLD.

Come one come all and walk/run/ruck to raise money and awareness for PTSD. September is Suicide Awareness Month. Veterans are at 72% higher risk of suicide than those who haven’t served. This 5K will raise money for Company to Heroes to help support training of service dogs for veterans. After the run, there will be food at the Marblehead VFW. For more info and to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/MA/Marblehead/ HeadersforHeros5KFamilyFunRunWalk.

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2026, at 8:00 PM on the request of CHRISTOPHER E. KENNEDY that the Zoning Board of Appeals issue a Special Permit for use and dimension under the Zoning By-laws pursuant to Section 200-30B(2) allowing a change of use from a combined residential and non-residential building, a pre-existing non-conforming use, to a use as a converted dwelling as defined in 200-11A(1)(d) of the Zoning By-laws, consisting of three residential dwelling units, on the property having less than the required Lot Area, Side and Rear Yard Setbacks, Open Area and Parking located at 28 HARRIS STREET in a CENTRAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT. There is no exterior construction proposed, relief is requested for less than the required Parking and further reduction in the Open Area ratio. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will bel held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2026, at 7:45 PM on the request of KERRY-FRANCES BOURNE that the Zoning Board of Appeals issue a Special Permit for the removal of an existing rear deck and the construction of a new expanded deck within the side yard setback at 28 BUBIER ROAD. The existing lot is nonconforming in frontage and lot area and is nonconforming in side yard setbacks on both sides and is in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The hearing is held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law, and Chapter 40A of the General Laws as amended and Pursuant to Governor Baker’s Order allowing suspension of Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18. This hearing will bel held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@ marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (617) 693-1559. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://marbleheadma.gov/ W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 22, 2026, at 7:30 PM on the request of LANGDON MITCHELL to vary the application of the present Zoning By-laws by allowing a Special Permit for the demolition of an existing two-car garage and mudroom connector in order to construct a three-car garage and mudroom connector with additional second floor program. The proposal is located at 17 BRADLEE ROAD in the EXPANDED SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed construction will be partially located in the Front Yard Setback and will increase the Gross Floor Area by more than the allowed ten (10%) percent expansion limits for non-conforming buildings. The hearing will be held in accordance with the provisions of the Marblehead Zoning By-Law and Chapter 40A of the General Laws, as amended. The hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2025, a.k.a. An Act Extending Certain COVID-19 Measures Adopted During the State of Emergency. Interested person(s) may request an appointment to review plans and information by e-mailing lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be included on the meeting agenda posted at least 48 hours prior to the meeting (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/events W. Lewis Barlow, IV Secretary

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 13

COURTESY PHOTOS Democratic Sen. Ed Markey easily defended his seat against

Dan Koh of Andover will face Republican Micah Q. Jones in the November election.

Seth Moulton in the primary and will face Republican John Deaton in November.

DECISIONS 2026

COURTESY PHOTOS

Seth Moulton lost his bid for Senate by nearly 30 points.

He and his family recently bought a home in Marblehead, where he grew up.

Marblehead native Moulton loses Senate bid; Koh wins 6th District primary

BY LEIGH BLANDER Marblehead native and U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton conceded to incumbent U.S. Sen. Ed Markey on Sept. 1 after a nearly 30-point defeat.

“We entered this race as an underdog and know the outcome tonight might not be what we had hoped for.

We ran a race that stood on principle — that wasn’t just about politics as usual — and that elevated the voices of Massachusetts citizens who have been left behind by the status quo in Washington,” Moulton said Tuesday night.

“I am proud of the race we

ran, the culture our campaign built and the conversations we started. Challenging the establishment and calling for a new generation of leadership isn’t easy, but it is necessary.

I will continue to push the Democratic party — and our country — to look towards the future.”

Moulton, 47, challenged Markey, 80, saying it was time for a new generation of leadership in Congress — a message that apparently did not resonate with most voters.

“Tonight is a testament to the power of the progressive movement. It is a progressive movement fueled by young

people demanding more from their leaders,” Markey said in his victory speech. “Your voices are the ones we need to hear right now. Your leadership will show us the way.”

Markey will face Republican nominee John Deaton in November.

Here in Marblehead, Moulton beat Markey handily, winning every precinct. Marblehead voters chose Moulton over Markey 2,894 votes to 1,876, according to unofficial results from the Town Clerk’s Office.

6th Congressional District In the 6th Congressional

District race, Dan Koh of Andover has been declared the winner with 41.1% of the votes.

Tram Nguyen came in second with 29.7%.

Marblehead voters supported Koh over his four challengers, giving him 2,029 votes. Nguyen finished second in Marblehead with 1,326 votes.

6th District results in Marblehead » Dan Koh: 2,029 » Tram Nguyen: 1,326 » John Beccia: 679 » Jamie Belsito: 275 » Bethany Andres-Beck: 88 » Governor’s Council race Marblehead immigration

attorney Diann Baylis conceded her race for Governor’s Council late Sept. 1.

“I got into this race to give voters a choice, and I’m very proud of the campaign we ran and the relationships we built through the 6th Governor’s Council district,” Baylis said. “I was particularly pleased with the results in the communities that know me best, including Marblehead.”

Marblehead voters favored Baylis over incumbent Terrence Kennedy, 3,049 to 1,108.

Of Marblehead’s 17,057 registered voters, 4,822 (or 28%) cast ballots. Nearly 15% voted early.

PARENTING SUPPORT

Free parenting classes to help local families build their ‘village’

BY LEIGH BLANDER Having a baby may not come with an instruction manual, but a new — and free — program hopes to send expectant parents home with something close: a plan.

The Board of Health is sponsoring a series of parenting classes, including a new prenatal program that will be free for Marblehead residents. Expectant parents will leave the course with a personalized Postpartum Preparedness Plan identifying the people, community organizations and medical resources they can turn to once their baby arrives.

The goal is to help families build their support network before they need it.

“We find parents have the most success at the start if they are prepared, educated and they have resources lined up prior to actual birth,” said instructor Diana Aniello, who will lead the class at Marblehead Parenting. “That’s why we feel strongly about helping them prior to the birth.”

Aniello has led new-parent groups for nearly eight years and said the new offerings are designed to support families from pregnancy through the sometimes overwhelming first months of a baby’s life and beyond.

The new prenatal course will run for three weeks, with each class lasting 90 minutes.

Rather than duplicate traditional childbirth classes offered by hospitals, Aniello said the program will focus on preparing parents for what happens when they bring their baby home.

Topics will include newborn care, car seat safety, newborn sleep and safe sleep practices, feeding, what to expect during

The goal is to help families build their support network before they need it. the postpartum period and postpartum mental health.

The course will also address a less tangible part of becoming a parent: how life and identity can change almost overnight.

“What is this identity shift going to look like? What resources do you need to get started?” Aniello said.

The idea, she said, is to establish a support system before families encounter

challenges such as a traumatic birth, postpartum mental health struggles or health problems involving a newborn.

“We become a great pillar of support before things that may go wrong,” Aniello said.

The classes can also connect parents with additional resources, including postpartum support, clinical counseling and information about child development.

But sometimes what a new parent needs most isn’t an expert. It’s another parent.

“Just having a safe space to come and talk and vent … there are going to be people in that room who are going through it,” Aniello said.

Those connections frequently continue after classes end.

Aniello said groups start a text thread on the first day, and parents often continue meeting and building friendships on their own.

Aniello has seen especially strong connections form among fathers in recent years.

Previous attempts at dedicated dads’ groups drew limited participation, but she said the role of fathers during the earliest months of parenthood has changed significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Paternity has really changed for the better since COVID,” she said.

More families are staggering maternity and paternity leave, Aniello said, with fathers sometimes taking extended leave after mothers return to work.

The result has been “great groups of dads paired up … meeting outside of class,” she said. “The social village starts with us and carries on.”

That community can become particularly important when a parent is struggling emotionally.

“You may have a mom who might be slipping into depression and a difficult time…

Now, she has a way to pull out,” Aniello said.

At a time when parents can find an endless stream of information and advice online, Aniello believes there is still something irreplaceable about being in a room with other people going through the same experience.

“It’s all the more important that we have these tangible, faceto-face groups,” she said.

Ultimately, Aniello hopes parents walk away with resources, relationships and greater trust in themselves.

“Lean in to your intuition,” she said. “You’ll walk away a little more confident.”

To learn more and register, visit marbleheadparenting.com/ events-and-workshops/. The class begins Oct. 1.

The Board of Health is funding these parenting classes with a state maternal health grant.

marbleheadcurrent.org

14 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

POLICE LOG

Air Tag Samaritan in dark about stolen e-bike; wave knocks man off boat Sunday, Aug. 16

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 8 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 12:08 a.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Crown Way. 9:27 a.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Rainbow Road.

9:40 a.m. General information was provided on Coolidge Road.

3:04 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man whose email address was being used to make purchases on Walmart’s website. The man explained that, the best he could tell, the person was just using his email address and not his credit card or banking information.

5:42 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Kenneth Road and Green Street.

7:57 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Rainbow Road and West Shore Drive.

8:47 p.m. A 32-year-old Marblehead man was arrested on an out-of-town warrant on Pleasant Street.

9:57 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Phillips Street.

11:20 p.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Commercial Street.

Monday, Aug. 17

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 7 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 9:45 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on West Shore Drive and Rainbow Road.

11:26 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man who said he had had a black e-bike stolen about a year ago in Boston where he lives. The Apple Air Tag that had been on the bike had recently been pinging near Hines Court in Marblehead.

After speaking with the man, the officer and a detective went to Hines Court and knocked on the door of an apartment. The woman who answered said she knew nothing about an e-bike, but her husband had recently found an Air Tag, which she retrieved and the Boston man confirmed was his. The woman explained that after her husband found the Air Tag, he tried to text the number associated with it, but there was no response.

The officer later spoke with the man who had found the Air Tag. He explained that he had found it outside in a park in Boston, near where he works. He had decided to pick up the Air Tag so that he could try to return it to the person who had lost it. He reiterated that he knew nothing about the e-bike and had only found the detached Air Tag. 11:40 a.m. A citizen was given assistance on Washington Street.

8:31 p.m. A citizen was assisted on Lafayette Street.

Tuesday, Aug. 18

» Alarms: 2 » Building/property checks: 5 » Abandoned 911 calls: 3 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 6:16 a.m. A stolen vehicle was recovered on Pleasant Street.

9:07 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street.

10:38 a.m. An officer took a report related to found or lost property on May Street.

12:14 p.m. An officer investigated a report of a downed tree or branch on Humphrey Street and Glendale Road.

1:48 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Sewall Street.

6 p.m. General information was provided on Phillips Street.

10:10 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Front Street.

Wednesday, Aug. 19

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 1 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1 12:49 a.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Barnard Hawkes Court that proved to be unfounded.

1:32 a.m. A 25-year-old Lynn resident was arrested and charged with receiving a stolen vehicle and cited for speeding and a vehicle lights violation after a traffic stop on Pleasant Street.

8 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street.

8:16 a.m. An officer investigated a report of suspicious activity on Ocean Avenue.

9:15 a.m. An officer assisted a citizen on West Street.

9:21 a.m. Another agency was assisted on Washington Street.

9:22 a.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Seaview Avenue.

At least one vehicle was towed.

10:22 a.m. A general complaint was made on Lafayette Street and Tully Road.

3:19 p.m. Officers assisted a citizen on Pleasant Street.

4:34 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Broughton Road.

4:44 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Pleasant Street.

4:54 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Gerry Street.

5:07 p.m. An officer assisted a citizen on Gerry Street.

8:46 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Pond Street.

9:42 p.m. A general complaint was made on Pleasant Street.

10:03 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street.

11:29 p.m. Officers investigated

a general complaint on Orchard Street.

Thursday, Aug. 20

» Alarms: 0 » Building/property checks: 4 » Abandoned 911 calls: 2 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 3 8:11 a.m. General information was provided on Washington Square.

8:26 a.m. Larceny, forgery or fraud was reported on Ocean Avenue and Pleasant Street.

9:15 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Corinthian Lane.

9:47 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Harbor Avenue and Ballast Lane.

9:55 a.m. A general complaint was made on Phillips Street.

11:01 a.m. An officer went to Lee Street to investigate a report that a plumber’s parked work truck may have been struck by a passing vehicle. A passerby had told the plumber that the striking vehicle might have been a large delivery truck that had come through the area. The officer searched the area for security cameras that might have captured the incident but did not find any.

1:29 p.m. A citizen was assisted on Farrell Court.

8:28 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Intrepid Circle to investigate a report that someone had knocked “violently” on the door on the private back porch of a home.

The officer observed that the porch stood 6 to 8 feet above the ground and someone would have had to somehow climb to the porch to knock on the door. The officer asked if any similar incidents had happened before, and the resident replied that he had had problems with kids throwing water balloons in the past. The officer searched the area and found nothing suspicious.

9:55 p.m. An officer investigated the report of a tree or branch down on Ramsdell Road.

10:11 p.m. Officers restored the peace after a disturbance involving “50 kids” was reported on Pleasant Street.

Friday, Aug. 21

» Alarms: 1 » Building/property checks: 7 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1

» Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 0 6:59 a.m. A detective investigated a boat complaint on Hathaway Road. The issue was referred to another agency.

8:34 a.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Warren Road.

9:07 a.m. Services were rendered after a general complaint on West Shore Drive.

9:47 a.m. An officer investigated a possible violation of a non-criminal town bylaw on Tedesco and Maple streets. The alleged scofflaw could not be located.

9:59 a.m. A citizen was assisted on Pleasant Street.

10:14 a.m. An officer assisted with an exchange of papers after a minor vehicle crash on Atlantic Avenue.

10:25 a.m. Services were rendered after a general complaint on Oak Circle.

11:03 a.m. An officer investigated the possible violation of a non-criminal town bylaw on Hawkes Street.

11:03 a.m. A general complaint on Paradise Road in Swampscott was referred to another agency.

11:49 a.m. An officer took a report in the lobby about items stolen off of a boat moored on Salem Harbor. The boat’s owner explained that he had items stolen from the boat on three separate occasions. The items taken included 12 cans or bottles of Coors Light beer, 10 wine coolers and three fishing rods and reels. The officer had the man fill out a property loss sheet, which was left in a detective’s mailbox.

2:55 p.m. An officer spoke at the police station with a woman who “appeared very stressed.” She explained that she was very confused about why she had received mail from a company named Sparta Capital Management, requesting that she pay $779.34 for a past due loan. The woman did not believe she had lost any money. She had reported the potential scam to her bank, an employee of which also attempted to contact Sparta Capital but was unsuccessful.

The officer then also attempted to make a phone call to the company using the numbers provided on the form but was unable to contact anyone. Using the department computer, the officer searched the internet for more information on Sparta

Capital and discovered multiple sources claiming the company is a scam. The officer shared this information with the woman and advised her that if she received any additional notifications or mail from Sparta Capital, she should contact police again.

4:26 p.m. Officers investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Atlantic Avenue.

5:14 p.m. An officer went to Jersey Street to investigate a report that a $2,400 diamond ring that a resident had ordered from Macy’s had been stolen.

The resident had been away for a week but reported that, while she was away, her daughter had taken the package in and placed it in the resident’s bedroom.

However, as seen on security footage, the woman’s daughter did not notice that, sometime before the package had been delivered, a hole had been cut in the bottom of it. The woman could not find footage of the package being delivered on her home security system. The officer had not yet contacted UPS or Macy’s but planned to do so once the officer left. The officer explained that a copy of the officer’s report would be available if the woman needed it and that he would be sharing it with detectives.

6:43 p.m. An officer investigated a disturbance on Pleasant Street.

8:01 p.m. An officer investigated a report of vandalism on Ocean Avenue.

9:03 p.m. An officer investigated an issue related to utilities on Barnard Street.

Saturday, Aug. 22

» Alarms: 2 » Building/property checks: 2 » Abandoned 911 calls: 1 » Vehicle stops, citations: 0 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 3 11:16 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station with a woman who had received a phone call from a man claiming to be with the U.S. Treasury Department, who had asked her to pay a balance of $919 for a “past due” Walmart credit card purchase. The woman stated that the man had also sought personal information like her bank account numbers and asked for a picture of her passport.

The woman explained that the man advised her not to mention their conversation to her bank or other family members.

The woman then hung up the phone. The officer advised the woman to monitor her credit and to report the incident using IdentityTheft.gov.

11:24 a.m. A citizen was assisted on Washington Square.

12:04 p.m. Services were rendered after an issue related to utilities was reported on Lafayette and Maple streets.

1:12 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Washington and State streets.

1:35 p.m. Services were POLICE, P. 15

REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS Buyer(s)

Seller(s)

Address

Date

Price

Highland Terrace NT and Walter S. Haug

10 Highland Terrace

Aug. 21

$785,000

Donald I. Rothenberg and US Bank Trust Na Tr

11 Angenica Terrace

Aug. 21

$876,000

Nancy I. Burk

110 Atlantic Ave.

Aug. 17

$1

Susan C. Livingston

16 Coolidge Road

Aug. 17

$3,950,000

Mcmahon FT and Teresa M. Mcmahon

23 Whittier Road

Aug. 17

$3,000,000

Cascade Fundint Mtg T and Wilmington Svgs Fund Soc TrNatalie R. Sherwin and Wilmington Svgs Fund Soc

3 Frost Lane

Aug. 20

$540,000

Michael E. Sullivan and Mary E.H. Sullivan

Catherine Grace Powers and Semcer R. Powers

30 Elm St.

Aug. 20

$1,235,000

Town of Swampscott

138 Walker Road

Aug. 18

$1

Marblehead John Peck IV and Mairead Kennedy RCAF Acquisition T and US Bank Trust Na Tr Ronald C. Burk William A. Quigley Jr. and Elizabeth C. Quigley Christopher and Danielle Bulger

Swampscott Carlos Rivas and Karla Cruz-Rivas Alejandra Doherty and Maxwell Montalto Deborah M. and William J. Whittaker Phillip and Cassandra Koch

Colin Smith and Carrie Potter

246 Burrill St.

Aug. 17

$795,000

Elizabeth S. Golden and Evelyn Oquendo

6 Elmwood Road

Aug. 19

$679,000

Trent A. and Sarah Faltin

91 Nason Road

Aug. 17

$1,040,000

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 9, 2026 15

OBITUARIES

in mechanical engineering.

He enjoyed technical jobs at Gillette, Friendly’s and New

Balance.

He served as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army.

Peter was a very active member of both St. Luke’s Greek Orthodox Church in East Longmeadow and the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Newburyport. He served many years as a board member and led numerous food festivals and other fundraising events. He participated in the construction and building of each church.

In his leisure time Peter loved power boats, classic cars,

gardening and spending time with family and friends.

Above all Peter was deeply devoted to his loving family.

He was the beloved husband of Dorothy Sideris Davis. Their 65year marriage was a love story.

He took special joy with his children and their spouses; Spiro P. Davis II and his wife Lorelei, Amalia Davis Lombara and her husband John, and Demetrios Davis and his wife Melanie. He was a proud Papou to his seven grandchildren: Anastasia, Lexi, Peter John,

Taylor, Demi, Anthia and Lexin.

He also leaves his brothers George Davis and his wife Diana; Jim Davis and his wife Ann; and Lee Davis and his wife Elizabeth. He was also survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Sept. 4, at The Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of New England, 514 Parker Street, Boston.

Burial was held at Walnut Hills Cemetery, Brookline. For online guestbook please visit faggas. com

(McKenzie); sisters Stacey (John Barnes) and Denise Pelligrini; his brothers Timothy (Amy Renz), the late Michael Havens; three nieces, two nephews, eight great nieces and nephews and numerous cousins who all loved him dearly!

Curt grew up around Marblehead and graduated from Marblehead High School with the class of 1978. Curt loved getting together with his classmates and was very involved in his class reunion committee.

He was really looking forward to being involved in their upcoming 50th class reunion.

Curt attended military prep school in Oregon but then decided to attend Arizona State University. He graduated in 1984 with a degree in business and marketing. Curt became a Phi Kappa Psi fraternity brother his second semester at ASU, which

became a defining moment in his life leading to over four decades of shared laughs and treasured memories.

Twenty five years ago, Curt proposed to Natalie under the Giving Tree with a view of Marblehead Harbor at Fort Sewall. Together they built a beautiful life with their four children in Phoenix and enjoyed many travel adventures with close family and friends making memories around the world.

Curt worked as a thirdgeneration contractor with his father, Rens and RC Havens and Sons, where he learned all the tools of the trade. He later pursued his passion for TV production in his 20s and 30s. As he developed his talents in audio visual production, he came up with the idea of “Home Improvement Magazine” and was involved with “OK TV.” He was surprised and delighted to be invited to be a guest on The Oprah Winfrey Show highlighting his skills.

While living in Arizona, Curt discovered his passion and talent for landscape design and build. In 2004, Curt started his own company Outside Living Concepts in Phoenix. By 2023, all four of his children had joined him in his efforts to fulfill his dream of having his own familyowned business. He truly loved his work and treasured the many friendships he formed

with colleagues and clients throughout the years.

In 2025, Curt fulfilled one of his bucket list wishes to participate in writing a book.

Our amazing neighbor Brenda invited him to participate in her book writing project, Stand On the Shoulders of Giants, which is inspired by the timeless words of Sir Isaac Newton: “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This series is a collection of stories from top-producing modernday giants in various industries.

The purpose of the book series is to inspire individual growth and awaken the giant in each unique individual! Curt always reminded us “success leaves clues” and “attitude is everything!”

In 2027, an annual award in Curt’s honor will be presented: The Curt Havens Most Valuable Giant Award, which will recognize the giant who best represents what Curt demonstrated — through the many ways he or she shows up, participates, implements, supports the team, applies the tools, maximizes visibility, exposure, relationships, resources and opportunity.

Curt was recognized for not sitting on potential but turning what he was given into evidence, impact, momentum and measurable success. Curt worked the room, the tools, the strategies, the relationships and

he worked on himself. Curt was an example of what happens when preparation meets participation, implementation, consistency and execution.

“Standing on the Shoulders of Giants” featuring Curt Havens can be found on Amazon.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m. at Saint Michael’s Episcopal Church at 26 Pleasant St. in Marblehead. A celebration of Curt’s life will follow the service at The Beacon at 123 Pleasant St. in Marblehead.

Curt will be buried at Waterside Cemetery with his family in a private service. An Arizona celebration of life will be at noon on Sept. 26 at their home in Promontory.

In lieu of flowers, donation checks can be made payable to the Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department sent to 10 Humphrey St., Marblehead, MA 01945. Specify in the memo “Havens Fort Sewall Tree Fund” or “Havens Memorial Bench Fund.” It is our hope to have Havens memorial benches placed at Redd’s Pond and Crocker Park where Curt and his siblings played growing up and where our family can still enjoy time to reflect on remembrances of Curt.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Curt’s family.

town that counted a richness of raccoons, skunks and opossum, the two boys at one point considered becoming young furriers!

His interest in knowing how things work led him to Northeastern University, from which he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Following graduation, he remained in his hometown, taking a job with the Marblehead Electric Light Department, from which he retired as meter superintendent.

Well-known throughout his place of birth, he was variously called friend, raconteur

and knower of all things. A voluminous reader, he added dimension to every conversation — be it about haiku, the great ocean liners or Egyptian hieroglyphics — through his encyclopedic knowledge of just about everything.

An avid athlete, he cycled and swam well into his later years, much of it competitively.

Awards and trophies attest to his success, but most are gathering dust somewhere in his home; a deep humility kept him from directing attention to himself.

Ever curious, Tony was always far more interested in the person with him. Perhaps this is why he was so beloved.

Beyond his physical achievements, Tony Shea was a contemplative observer of all things, among them birds. He knew many by sight and sound, but, ever curious, he wanted to know more. And so he could tell friends about the kinds of nests they built, their mating habits and their lives among the trees.

Perhaps it was his unique ability to see things others did not that led him to create, in his later years, ceramic sculptures,

masks and objects of simple yet exquisite beauty. To many in Marblehead, he recently acquired the moniker Ladybug Man. When friends found in his home a jar of small ceramic ladybugs he made years ago, they made it their mission to mount them on pins and sell them on his behalf. Word spread, and the cheerful red “lucky” bugs now adorn the clothing of members of Marblehead’s Wolfpack and a host of admirers.

Anthony Andrew Shea passed away at home at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 4, surrounded by family. Despite ongoing medical issues, Tony was able to celebrate his 90th birthday in June, in the company of family and a legion of friends, at Mission on the Bay. Transportation back and forth by the Salem Trolley was but the icing on the cake.

Tony was predeceased by his sisters Patricia and Elizabeth, his brother David, his nephews Donny Brocher, Robert Brocher and his niece Debra Price.

His nieces, Laurie Giardella, Karen Salvati, Darlene Minincleri, Jane Shea, Susan

Shea and Elizabeth Duffy, and his nephews David Brocher and Daniel Brocher, survive him.

Loved beyond words, he will be missed beyond measure by all, each of whom remember him as a father figure in their youth and a very beloved uncle, “the kindest and most good-natured person we have ever known.”

Marblehead without Tony Shea will be poorer for his loss, but will carry on richer because he lived.

Visiting hours will be held on Friday, Sept. 11, from 4-7 p.m. and on Saturday, Sept. 12, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. His funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, Sept. 12,at 1 p.m. at Our Lady Star of the Sea Church, 85 Atlantic Ave. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend.

Burial at Star of the Sea Cemetery will be private at a later date.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com for Tony’s loved ones.

harbormaster’s boat and the club launch boat assisting the man out of the water and onto the launch boat. Once the man was transported back to the dock by the dock master, he was assessed by medical personnel, and he declined medical assistance.

Once medical personnel departed, the officer asked the man what had happened, and he explained that he had been simply standing at the stern of

his boat facing the bow when a wave came by, which threw him off balance, causing him to fall backwards into the water.

He said that he had been in the water for roughly two minutes before the dockmaster assisted him out of the water. The dockmaster told the officer that he had been inside of the yacht club when he was informed that someone had fallen in the water.

The dockmaster stated that

he rushed to the launch boat and immediately put a ladder into the water once he arrived because it was apparent that the man was struggling to get out of the water on his own.

2:58 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Pond Street.

3:35 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Barnard Hawkes Court.

4:52 p.m. An officer rendered

services related to found or lost property on Atlantic Avenue.

5:22 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Humphrey and Maple streets.

The issue could not be located.

10:28 p.m. Officers investigated a general complaint on Pleasant Street.

11 p.m. An officer investigated a general complaint on Everett Paine Boulevard.

Peter Spiro Davis, 92 Peter Spiro Davis, 92, of Marblehead, formerly of Longmeadow and Newburyport passed away peacefully on Aug. 25, 2026. He was born in 1934 in Brookline. He was the first son of the late Spiro and Anastasia (Papagales) Davis.

After graduating from Brookline High School in 1952, he attended Northeastern University earning a degree

Rensselaer Curtiss ‘Curt’ Havens III, 66 Curt Havens, 66 years old, of Marblehead and Phoenix, Arizona, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026 after suffering a Hemorrhagic Stroke. Curt was a wellrespected businessman, a serial entrepreneur with multiple business ventures including his family-owned landscape design and build, Outside Living Concepts, in Arizona and his passion project, The Beacon, with his partners Edgar and Johnny and many friends from Marblehead. Curt was a force with a dynamic personality, zest for life and a generous heart.

He loved his family deeply and cherished those around him. His drive, passion and energy will be greatly missed!

Curt was born in Glen Cove, New York, March 16,1960 and was raised in Marblehead, He was the son of the late Rensselaer Curtiss Jr. and the late Rita Stacey Havens. Curt is survived by his faithful wife Natalie and his devoted children: son Derek (Kathryn), granddaughter Ava, Reid, Courtney and Corbin

Anthony ‘Tony’ Andrew Shea, 90 June 16, 1936, was a warm day with clear skies and low humidity. In other words, a perfect summer day for the seaside town of Marblehead. The only remarkable event that day was the much-anticipated arrival of Anthony Andrew Shea, Jr. Son of Anthony Andrew Shea, Sr. and Myrtle (Snow) Shea, Tony joined sisters Patricia and Elizabeth and brother David in the family home on Hawkes Street.

His childhood was spent in the “shipyard,” engaging in typical young boy pursuits. Tony, however, was no typical child.

He had ideas, a creative bent, a young person’s optimism, and an enduring belief that something even more interesting was always just around the next corner. With his friend, Harry Daly, he dreamed up one business idea after another. In a

Police

From P. 14 rendered after general information was provided on Washington and State streets.

2:35 p.m. Officers, firefighters and an ambulance crew assisted for a water rescue of a man who had gone overboard from near Marblehead Yacht Club on Cliff Street. Upon the officer’s arrival, he witnessed the crews of the

marbleheadcurrent.org

16 Wednesday, September 9, 2026 Marblehead Current

MAKING A SPLASH

Swim, sip, repeat — without the waste

BY LEIGH BLANDER Four mornings a week, a group of local women starts the day with a swim class at the Marblehead YMCA. They call themselves the Noodlettes. But the exercise is only part of the ritual.

Afterward comes coffee — and conversation.

The group of 14 women has been swimming together at the YMCA since 2014, gathering at Dario’s Cafe after their workouts to catch up over a cup of coffee. Over the years, the post-swim gathering has become as

important as the laps in the pool.

Recently, though, one member of the group began thinking about all those coffee cups.

“It was killing my heart” using all those paper coffee cups, said Mary McCormick-Gendzel, a retired nurse and member of Sustainable Marblehead.

And there were a lot of cups.

If 10 women each bought a coffee after four swims a week, their little morning tradition would generate roughly 2,000 disposable cups a year.

McCormick-Gendzel encouraged her friends to

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

From left: Mary McCormick-Gendzel, Wei Wade, Pat Krippendorf, Sissy Walker, Mary Ann Tonnemacher, JoAnn Solomon and Kipp Carlton at the YMCA. The Noodle-ettes, as they call themselves, meet four times a week to swim and share a cup of coffee.

bring reusable mugs from home. Everyone agreed it

HOME • AUTO • YACHT • BUSINESS

was a great idea.

Remembering to bring them for an 8 a.m. swim was another matter.

Some were diligent.

Others, the women acknowledged with a laugh, were not quite as successful.

Enter Wei Wade, who runs Dario’s Cafe at the Y and sees the group almost every morning.

Wade came up with a solution: Keep reusable

coffee mugs at the cafe just for the swimmers.

“The girls want to save the earth, and this is an easy way to make a difference,” Wade said.

She started with four mugs, then added more as needed — first eight, then 12.

Now, when the women emerge from their swim, their cups are waiting for them at one end of the counter, where they can get their coffee without slowing down the cafe’s other customers.

For Wade, the gesture is about more than eliminating waste.

“It’s all about being part of a community,” she said.

That sense of community is evident around the table, where the women trade stories, tease one another and talk about ways to live a little more sustainably.

The reusable cups have sparked conversations about recycling and plastics — including what can and cannot

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go into recycling bins.

Some of the women say those conversations have followed them home, making them more likely to speak up when family members toss the wrong thing into the recycling.

JoAnn Solomon said she takes plastic straws home so she can reuse them.

Others pointed to efforts such as the water-filling stations at the Marblehead Festival of Arts, which encourage people to bring reusable bottles rather than buying disposable ones.

And their coffee cups demonstrate how quickly one seemingly tiny habit can add up.

One reusable mug doesn’t seem likely to change the world. But multiply it by a dozen friends, four mornings a week, month after month, and suddenly a trash can has a lot fewer cups in it.

About 2,000 fewer each year.

The women hope their experiment might inspire other groups of friends, co-workers or regular coffee drinkers to consider their own routines and find simple ways to cut down on waste.

For these swimmers, it hasn’t required giving anything up.

They still swim. They still gather. They still drink their coffee.

Now, they just have a mug waiting for them when they get out of the pool.

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