09.10.2025 - Volume 3, Issue 42

IN THIS ISSUE

GOOD EATS

OPINION

CURRENT EVENTS

Meet the local Pie Lady baking for good causes

Columnist Buckingham returns, ruminating on fireflies

Get in the Revolutionary spirit this weekend

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Page 4

Page 11

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SEPTEMBER 10, 2025

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VOLUME 3, ISSUE NO. 42

FIRST WAVE 1

MHS football starts the season with a big win, but Coach Rudloff is looking for more. Page 1

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MARBLEHEADCURRENT.ORG

A new School Committee member is set to be chosen Wednesday night. Page 1

of Health 3 Board member Tom

McMahon has a challenge for you. Page 1

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ON SOCIAL @MHDCURRENT

local doctor 5 Superintendent 4 Aopens a menopause works with town,

clinic in town. Page 2

neighbors to keep lights on later at playing fields. Page 7

Five facts from this week’s Marblehead Current.

EDUCATION

Four to vie for open School Committee seat Two are familiar faces, two are newcomers

BY LEIGH BLANDER Four residents have applied to fill an empty seat on the School Committee, including two unsuccessful candidates in June’s municipal elections.

Sarah Fox, who served on the

committee for two, three-year terms, lost her most recent bid for re-election, receiving votes on fewer than 10% of the ballots cast (656 of 6,621).

Yael Magen, after falling short in her bid for Select Board, is interested in helping to lead the

schools.

Newcomers Mark Schwartz and Melissa Clucas have also applied.

The School Committee and Select Board will meet jointly Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. at Abbot Hall to interview the applicants and make their choice. The winner will serve through June, when the seat is up for election. Brian Ota

vacated the seat this summer because he moved out of town.

Schwartz is a former teacher and marketing professional who grew up in Swampscott and lives in Marblehead with his wife and two young children. His daughter will start kindergarten next fall.

In his cover letter, Schwartz wrote, “I believe the foundation of strong schools lies in

balancing academic rigor with social-emotional learning.

Students cannot excel if they are overwhelmed by stress or anxiety, and staff cannot teach effectively under similar pressures. That is why communication and collaboration among parents, teachers, administrators, and SCHOOLS, P. 7

FOOTBALL

Magicians down Lynn English 21-6 in opener

BY LUCA TEDESCO At least on the scoreboard, the Magicians opened their season on a high note, beating the Lynn English Bulldogs 21-6 at Manning Field on Friday evening.

But coach James Rudloff believes his team has some work to do.

“It was ugly,” Rudloff said after the game.

“We’ve got a lot of things that we need to improve on.”

The Bulldogs won the toss, choosing to receive the opening kickoff.

Senior running back Xavier Beauchamp started the game with an explosive 13-yard run that was immediately followed up by a 12-yard carry by wide receiver-turnedquarterback Shane Knowlton Simard.

However, the Bulldogs would squander their next set of downs when Knowlton Simard threw an incompletion and Beauchamp fumbled, forcing his quarterback to dive on the football for a 2-yard loss.

The Magicians returned the English punt for a short gain before bringing out their offense for the first time this season.

The visitors’ first play from scrimmage

COURTESY PHOTOS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD

ABOVE: MHS players raise their helmets at the conclusion of “The Star Spangled Banner” ahead of Friday night’s game against Lynn English at Manning Field.

RIGHT: Marblehead coach James Rudloff (center) speaks with his players during a timeout.

More photos, Page 9

FOOTBALL, P. 9

RUNNING FOR GOOD

Are you faster than a health board member?

McMahon to donate $25 for every runner who beats him in mental health 5K

BY LEIGH BLANDER

COURTESY PHOTO

Board of Health member Tom McMahon is putting his money where his sneakers are for this fall’s Rotary 5K.

Board of Health member Tom McMahon is offering a challenge to fellow Marbleheaders — and former ‘Header Congressman Seth Moulton. Run the Marblehead 5K for Mental Health on Nov. 2, and McMahon will donate an extra $25 for every runner who beats him (up to $1,000).

But wait, there’s more. If Moulton, a former Marine, beats

him, McMahon will donate $500.

McMahon posted his challenge to Facebook on Sept.

3.

“I’m 43. I’ve run three 5Ks in my life (never won),” he wrote.

“I also just pulled my quad pretty bad last week playing kickball. All that said, I’m going to win this 5K. I’m going to beat EVERYONE. And I’m willing to put my money where my mouth is. I’ll donate an additional $25

for anyone that places before me up to $1,000. I don’t care the age or experience, you’re toast!

I’m calling out MHS Cross Country/Track. I’m calling out the daily runners. Everyone!

Only one way to prove me wrong.”

The Rotary 5K raises money to fund the Inner Explorer program in Marblehead Public Schools. Inner Explorer is an evidence-based mindfulness program.

Be sure to visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for all the latest news.

McMahon is a big proponent of fitness for mental health. He organized a popular wellness fair earlier this year.

“Now I talk a big game on the importance of health and fitness,” he wrote on Facebook.

“I think it opens more doors than people think and makes you ready for anything. So maybe I should prove it with the hopes of boosting the

Our website includes special content online that does not appear in print. Be sure to check it out!

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2 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

WOMEN’S HEALTH

Local doctor’s new clinic supports women facing menopause, more

NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

Intern

Saoirese Stallings CONTRIBUTORS

Stephen Bach Linda Bassett Virginia Buckingham Laurie Fullerton James (Seamus) Hourihan Christine McCarriston Maggie Mulvihill Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens FREELANCE REPORTERS

Grey Collins Luca Tedesco Akanksha Goyal Bella Travaglini

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Dr. Carmela Mancini opened her Women’s Wellness & Menopause Center of the North Shore in Marblehead this summer.

gain and lack of energy.

According to Mancini, most doctors have not been trained well in perimenopause and menopause, so women can end up getting “million-dollar work-ups” to determine what’s wrong with them.

Mancini has been treating women for perimenopause and menopause for years in her primary care practice. (That’s where she treated Kate.) She was prompted to open a special clinic for women after reading a post from a Marblehead woman on a local social media page, asking for advice about hormone changes.

“There was so much misinformation in the responses,” she said.

Right now, she is seeing women patients one afternoon a week in Marblehead.

New patients fill out an in-depth questionnaire before

they meet with Mancini, answering questions about their health, medications, symptoms and more. Then, they sit down for a 90-minute consultation and undergo a 3D body composition scan.

“It tells you your weight, BMI (body mass index), muscle mass, waist-to-hip ratio and 80 points on the body,” Mancini explained.

She also orders 14 different lab tests to determine metabolic health and cardiac risk.

After reviewing all the data, Mancini makes recommendations, which sometimes include hormone replacement therapy, nutrition help and mental health referrals.

Mancini said many women are frightened about HRT due to a study back in 2001 that linked the treatment to breast cancer and heart attacks.

“Now we know that estrogen

does not give women breast cancer or heart attacks,” Mancini said. “In fact, HRT is cardio-protective.”

Mancini’s advice for women who are experiencing some of the myriad symptoms of perimenopause and menopause: “Talk to your primary care doctor or gynecologist. Find a physician who is educated about menopause. Ask for help.”

Kate agrees. Since seeing Mancini and starting hormonal replacement therapy, she feels much better.

“I really feel like it’s made a huge difference with no negative side effects,” she said.

To learn more about Mancini’s new center, visit womenswellnesscenterns.com.

Mancini will be speaking about hormonal changes in women on Sept. 27 at 10:15 a.m. at Lighthouse Fitness, 89 Front St.

GOOD EATS

Pies for a purpose: Local woman finds delicious way to give back

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Gene Arnould Brian Birke Cheryl Byrne Bob Peck Donna Rice David Vigneron Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD

Brian Birke Kris Olson Bob Peck Joseph P. Kahn 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 News 217 Humphrey St. Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 617-545-5445 info@marbleheadnews.org www.marbleheadCurrent.org 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.

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ADVERTISE

BY SAOIRSE STALLINGS Once a month, you may notice something unusual outside 204 Atlantic Ave. It’s a line of people outside a garage, waiting their turn for some coveted pies from Diana Breed, Marblehead’s own “Pie Lady.”

Breed and her friends started a pie club this summer. The first sale in July and featured all blueberry-flavored pastries.

Each month focuses on an ingredient: In August it was peaches and this month it’s apple.

“My personal favorite is strawberry rhubarb and every spring rhubarb is one of the first vegetables to come out so it’s hard to find, so I’m kind of known to go to every produce department at every farm. I think the apple pie is going to be a big hit this month.” said Breed.

All proceeds from each sale are donated to a local cause. In July and August, they raised more than $2,000.

The idea came to Breed after hearing conversation about the Marblehead Food Pantry running low.

“We thought ‘Well this is a perfect opportunity.’ The very first cause we did was the Northeast Animal Shelter and then the second month we did the Marblehead Food Pantry. That was more of a success because we asked people to come and buy the goods but also bring canned goods and groceries.” Breed told the Current.

CHAIR

Bob Peck

BY LEIGH BLANDER Kate, who lives in Marblehead, started noticing the changes in her early 40s. Itchy skin.

Exhaustion. Weight gain with no changes in her diet.

Her doctors ordered allergy and other tests. But they all came back negative.

“I was starting to see more stuff about menopause on social media, and a friend recommended a doctor who was talking more about it,” said Kate, who asked that we not use her real name.

That doctor was Carmela Mancini. Kate attended a local seminar of hers.

“It was so enlightening, so great,” Kate said. “I told her, ‘I’m so angry because I feel like I was ignored for so long.’ Dr. Mancini does hear you. She listens.”

Mancini recently opened the Women’s Wellness & Menopause Center of the North Shore in Marblehead, where she is educating patients about hormone health, from postpartum through perimenopause and menopause.

“There’s no reason to suffer, no reason to grin and bear it,” Mancini told the Current about living with hormonal changes.

“You’re not alone. So many women are going through the same thing.”

Perimenopause typically impacts women starting in their late 30s and early 40s and leads to menopause, which is when a woman stops getting her period.

During perimenopause, “Women often notice they don’t feel like themselves,” Mancini explained. “They know something isn’t right. Their joints hurt.

They’re more irritable. They experience more anxiety.”

Other symptoms or perimenopause and menopause include trouble sleeping, weight

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REACT

July was blueberry month for Pies For a Purpose.

our October sale will be Saturday, October 4th.” said Breed.

If you are interested in following along with Pies For A Purpose, you can find their Instagram and Facebook at Pies For A Purpose Club. If you are interested in volunteering, baking or donating to the club, please contact Diana Breed at DHBreed@gmail.com.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Diana Breed delivers money raised by pie sales to Ray Curran at the Marblehead Food Pantry.

“It’s really a lot of fun and it’s really heartfelt by everyone that’s doing it. Everyone donates either their time, ingredients or where they come and they work at the sale. So far, we’ve sold out both times well before noon so we’re pretty excited and we’re gonna keep trying to do this once a month.” said Breed.

The group has about 40 members with 20 or so volunteers at each sale, but there is always room for more whether individuals are looking for

community service hours or to give back to their community.

The club has a big event coming up in October, partnered with the Ellie Fund, a Needhambased charity that offers support services for breast cancer patients.

“It helps them financially; maybe they need rides, maybe they need food or babysitters to help watch their kids while they go out for treatment. Marblehead is going to be painting the town pink on October 4th and 5th, so

September bake sale - All Things Apple » Date: Sunday, Sept. 14 » Time: 9 a.m.-noon (or until

they sell out) » Location: 204 Atlantic Ave. » This month’s charity:

Making Ends Meet at makingendsmeetmhead.org/ October Bake Sale All Things Pink » Date: Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-noon » Time: 9 a.m.-noon (or until they sell out) » This month’s charity: The Ellie Fund at elliefund.org.

We’re standing by to listen to your ideas. Please drop us a line and let us know what you would like to see in your community newspaper. Send your thoughts to info@marbleheadnews.org.

IN MEMORIAM

Ed Bell, co-founder, co-chair (2022-2025)

Help keep the Current coming by scanning this QR code.

Thank you!

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 10, 2025 3

WISHES COME TRUE

Nine-year-old loves her new playhouse from Make-A-Wish

BY LEIGH BLANDER Several months after her Make-A-Wish party this spring, Sophia Triscuit, 9, received her special gift over Labor Day weekend — a custom playhouse in her backyard.

Triscuit, a fourth grader at Village School, lives with a rare and life-threatening disease that will eventually require a kidney transplant.

In May, the Select Board declared Saturday, May 3, Make-A-Wish Day in Marblehead, and Mud Puddle Toys hosted a celebration and fundraiser. There are three other “wish kids” living in Marblehead.

“Sophia’s wish has come true! After a week at Camp Sunshine, she was surprised with a custom playhouse from Kinzer Woodworking,” wrote Sophia’s mom, Ashley, in a Sept. 2 email to the Current.

“To celebrate, Sophia and her friends painted an art gallery of sunrises and sunsets to decorate the new space. As Sophia said, the playhouse ‘feels like such an escape where time does not exist.’”

Sophia has already hosted a Harry Potter movie night in the playhouse.

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

Nine-year-old Sophia Triscuit of Marblehead is celebrated during MakeA-Wish Day in Marblehead.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Sophia Triscuit flashes a peace sign outside her new playhouse, a gift from Make-A-Wish.

“A huge thank you to Make-AWish Massachusetts and Rhode Island and Mud Puddle Toys for

helping to grant Sophia’s special wish,” Ashley Triscuit added.

Sophia Triscuit and her friends painted sunrises and sunsets to decorate her new playhouse from Make-A-Wish.

EDUCATION

Charter school celebrates 30th first day

BY LEIGH BLANDER Students, families and educators filled the playing field across from the Marblehead Community Charter Public School on Tuesday, Sept. 2, to launch the school’s 30th year.

Students lined up by grade, fourth through eighth, and waited for eighth graders Ana Sophia Lincoln and Daphne Bayle Ozuna to ring a bell and call out, “Navigators, lead the way!” Then, students ran through a paper banner that read “Cheers to 30 years!” and into the school.

Educators lined the pathway into the school cheering with pom-poms before everyone gathered inside for a community meeting.

Origin story MCCPS started in 1995, part of the first group of charter schools to open in the state.

School business manager Jeff Barry has been with MCCPS since the beginning and remembers those early days.

“It was amazing,” he told the Current in an interview at the school. “We were out on the frontier, planting a flag for education reform.”

Barry said MCCPS was started “by a group of teachers who were passionate about needing choice and alternatives in public education.”

Other goals of MCCPS were — and remain — “to make teachers the leaders of the school, focus on project-based learning, full inclusion and integration of all the disciplines (science, art, math, language, music) … all culminating in exhibitions,” explained Head of School Stephanie Brant.

Charter holds three exhibitions a year, when students present projects based on what they’ve learned during the trimester.

“The highest level of retention is when a student can teach what they’ve learned to someone else — that’s the purpose of exhibition,” Barry explained.

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

COURTESY PHOTO / MCCPS

Students walk in to the Marblehead Community Charter Public School for the first day of the new year on Sept. 2. This is Charter’s 30th year

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

Eighth grader Paul Chavez Mendez is the first to run through the paper banner celebrating MCCPS’ 30th year, as the first day of school begins.

Charter students line up by grade in a field across the street from the school on Sept 2.

“Kids are doing presentations on the Vietnam War to Vietnam vets,” he offered as an example.

Parents weigh in Parents Kevin Rockett and Bernadette McDermott dropped off their fourth grader Tuesday morning.

“We wanted to give Charter a try after the Brown School,” McDermott said.

Katy Reynolds’ daughter also started fourth grade at Charter, coming from the Devereux School.

“It seemed like a more natural, easier transition,” she said. “We love all the arts and music, and

the smaller size.”

Starting in fourth grade, Charter students have Spanish twice a week, music twice a week, physical education twice a week, one 90-minute art class per week, and two recesses every day.

The school has 230 students, its cap. Students are chosen by lottery and come from about a dozen North Shore towns.

Berta Manushi, of Swampscott, has a seventh grader at Charter and her son already graduated.

“Compared to other public schools, we like the small community — and the

exhibitions,” she said.

Student leaders

Eighth-grader Larkin Smith has been at MCCPS since fourth grade.

“Charter has a community vibe,” Smith said. “I’ve learned every single kid in the school by name and personality. When I was in fourth grade, I had a mentor in seventh grade. Now I’m a mentor. At Charter, you get the chance to be a leader in your community.”

Smith’s younger sister, Pender, is in fifth grade.

“I like the independence that

we have,” she said. “They rely on us and we get to be leaders and learn from each other. I also like the projects that we do.”

Time capsule reveal Charter is planning a 30th anniversary celebration this spring with a gala. It will also open a time capsule buried at the school when it opened.

School leadership wants to renovate an 8,500 square-foot space that’s currently being used as a warehouse. That will require fundraising.

Asked if MCCPS would ever consider adding a high school, Brant said, “The demand is there. People are sad to leave in the eighth grade and disheartened with the choices for high school, especially for girls.”

Brant said Charter offers students an “incredible opportunity to build skills and confidence. They can try new things and fail, and learn from their mistakes. We see kids taking academic risks here.”

She added, “The school culture and climate with staff and students is incredibly strong.

This is a really happy place to be, whether you’re working here or are a student here.”

marbleheadcurrent.org

4 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

Opinion EDITORIAL

Waiting for the hammer to fall As of this writing, a letter that town officials are expecting has still not yet arrived.

That letter — from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and Gov. Maura Healey — will make it official that there will be no exemption from the MBTA Communities Act for Marblehead.

The state is doing the town no favors by leaving it in limbo, and it should send the promised letter as soon as possible.

Once that letter arrives, however, the question becomes: What now?

That is a difficult question to answer, as both the Select Board and the town’s new Housing Committee have acknowledged.

The state has continued to offer “technical assistance” to help the town revise a compliance plan that was approved by voters on its second trip to Town Meeting in May, only to be subsequently rejected in a town-wide referendum. But it’s hard to imagine that, at this point, a small tweak — like moving the proposed multifamily zoning from Pleasant Street to, say, Tedesco Street — would suddenly earn a compliance plan universal acclaim.

You can almost sense the dread — to some degree on both sides of the G.L.c. 40A, §3A issue — of rekindling a divisive fight over either a revised plan or a potential “strike three” for the original plan leading up to next May’s Town Meeting.

This is a dynamic that the state Legislature and former Gov. Charlie Baker created by only giving cities and towns subject to the MBTA Communities Act authority to decide where multifamily zoning should go but no say over whether it should be instituted at all.

The prospect of an exemption — far-fetched as it may have been — was held up as a fig leaf to justify opposition to comply with the MBTA Communities Act. Used similarly were the legal cases pursued by the town of Milton challenging the constitutionality of the MBTA Communities Act and the later case, in which nine communities tried to make an “unfunded mandate” argument.

The MBTA Communities law has withstood those legal challenges, yet the mere existence of those lawsuits was a useful tool for Marblehead’s 3A opponents.

We can already see other fig leaves starting to sprout. Rockport resident John T. Kolackovsky, a lead plaintiff in yet another MBTA Communities Act legal challenge, has taken the first steps to getting a question onto the November 2026 statewide ballot proposing to repeal 3A. Kolackovsky still needs to file nearly 75,000 signatures with local election officials by Nov. 19, and may then need to collect more than 12,000 more signatures next spring. In other words, the ballot measure still faces a long road to get to the ballot, to say nothing of how residents of cities and towns either not subject to the MBTA Communities Act or that have already complied with it would view such a ballot question.

Despite all the murkiness, its mere existence would once again fuel the type of “we might as well wait and see” argument that 3A opponents here have previously used to great effect.

Similarly, one of the declared candidates for the Republican nomination for governor, Brian Shortsleeve, has made known his support for repealing the MBTA Communities Act. Back in July, our local legislators told us that bills like the ones Shortsleeve supports face long odds. But Shortsleeve’s presence in the governor’s race may ensure the waters around 3A’s permanence remain muddy.

Given this landscape, the Select Board may want to consider a different “invitation” from a state official, one that at first blush looks like a threat.

In guidance issued in July, Attorney General Andrea Campbell noted that, while she did not intend to pursue enforcement action against any city or town before Jan. 1, “where a community has demonstrated that it will achieve compliance only when ordered to do so by a court… the AGO may bring a civil enforcement action at any time.”

In its next letter to state officials, the Select Board may want to consider explicitly saying, “In our estimation, Marblehead will only achieve compliance when ordered to do so by a court.”

To be sure, such a statement would be a disappointment to those who have been working hard to educate the community about the MBTA Communities Act and to highlight its benefits, including how it might contribute to the town’s economic health and give longtime residents options to remain in town while downsizing or provide housing options that would allow teachers, firefighters and others to live in the town they serve.

Such a missive would also put the Select Board on the hook for figuring out how vigorously the town should defend the litigation that the town would be inviting. Throughout Marblehead’s arduous wrangling over the MBTA Communities Act, some have suggested that the Select Board has failed to heed the message the “no” voters have been sending. However, the Select Board has never been free to flaunt state law, which 3A — as unpopular as it may be — is. The Select Board also must manage public funds responsibly and not pick unwinnable legal fights. Up until now, not sticking a thumb in the state’s eye has been the only reasonable position.

But we’re now at the precipice of not one but perhaps two more knock-down, drag-out fights, one on the Town Meeting floor, and then another referendum — or, in the alternative, a Town Meeting debate as to whether to first repeal the never-before-used 71-yearold “special act” that made the referendum possible before voting on the merits of a compliance plan.

In other words, we’ve seen this movie before.

At this point, maybe we should just fast-forward to the ending?

EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY

Pruning and possibility

BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM

Tiny flashes of light by the edge of the yard earlier this summer caught my eye. Could it be? When I was a child in rural Connecticut, a favorite summer night activity was sitting on our front stone steps with a glass jar trying to catch fireflies. Within minutes, the jar would be filled, a homemade lantern of delight.

When my kids were young, I’d hoped to pass on this simple bit of homemade fun, but we didn’t have any fireflies here that I ever saw. Even nighttime excursions for ice cream with a drive by the nearby marsh yielded no sightings. It seemed pesticides, light pollution and habitat loss had all contributed to the destruction of these magical beings.

Until one night this past July. It was still too hot from a recent heat wave to light our outdoor firepit so the yard was dark as I settled in to spot the first stars emerging on the palette of the blackening sky. Suddenly, to my right, toward the garden and bordering trees, bright, small lights flickered. The lights moved up, down, right, left — fireflies! Engaged in a nocturnal dance of their own making. Wow, what a gift! Then they were gone. I watched for them many summer nights after that one, but they never came again. My daughter warned me, trying to protect my heart, “Mom, stop looking for them, you’re always going to be disappointed.” Ah, she didn’t yet understand that just the possibility they might return, the glimmer of hope, was enough for me. I was grateful I saw them, and that gratitude wasn’t dimmed by not seeing them again.

I did some out-of-season pruning this summer, too. My favorite tree, a white birch, had some off-kilter extra growth that threatened its overall health, and a lilac bush I’d planted at about a foot tall had overgrown its place at the front corner of the yard, requiring a radical trim-back.

Our prized tree, a red sugar maple at the back of the property, providing shade, privacy and the delight of changing colors, had also grown to take over its neighbor, a Kousa dogwood. We planted the maple in honor of our son’s birth and the dogwood for our daughter’s more than two decades ago. Last year, the Kousa didn’t flower at all for lack of sunshine.

I’m in a different stage of life and find myself pruning activities and habits that no longer feel right, metaphorically letting more light in, welcoming the opportunity of new chapters, even hurtful ones.

The maple’s pruning was brutal and necessary.

When it was done, the dogwood stood newly revealed. But the missing lower branches of the much larger tree left the yard feeling exposed. Is there such a thing as letting too much light in, I fretted?

Regardless of my fretting, the pruning deed was done and irreversible. I placed some Adirondack chairs where a gap had been opened in the tree line to draw the eye, and sat back, somewhat appeased.

I’m thinking of the words arising from my summer activities, pruning and possibility, as meteorological fall has begun. Many families are doing the opposite of pruning this time of year, adding sports and school to an always too-full schedule.

I’m in a different stage of life and find myself pruning activities and habits that no longer feel right, metaphorically letting more light in, welcoming the opportunity of new chapters, even hurtful ones.

The lilac bush hasn’t recovered well from its trimming, and it looks like we may lose it. I am sad, but accept nature taking its course.

Harder to accept is that we will soon bury the ashes of our beloved pup in the ground between the maple and the dogwood. It seems the perfect resting spot, a reverent place between the symbols we planted in honor of our children. I know I’ll gaze there often in the fading light of future summers, hopeful that the flickering light of the fireflies will return, illuminating my grief and gratitude.

Virginia Buckingham is a former president of the Marblehead Current board of directors, a frequent commentator on WCVB’s On the Record and author of “On My Watch A Memoir.” She is working on a second memoir, “As This Mountain” and writes a biweekly column for the Current.

PUBLIC HEALTH PERSPECTIVES

No better time to start making ‘baby steps’

BY DR. TOM MASSARO

I was fortunate to meet Ed Bell shortly after I moved to Marblehead. He was one of the founders of the Current. Once he knew I was interested in the Board of Health, he generously provided meaningful insight on the politics of the town. I remember him saying that the Board of Health was one of two major elected bodies that “needs work.” Ed Bell was a kind person.

“Needs work” was about as strong a negative comment as he was comfortable making to a relative stranger. When questioned why the Board of Health needed work, he said it was because the town really didn’t understand what public health was all about, and the board had done very little to correct that. Very few people understood there was more to the franchise than collecting trash and managing the Transfer Station. He was aware that the board receives limited financial support to provide the required public health services, and that it provides them effectively and conscientiously with the resources it receives. Yet he saw no indication that anyone in the town was really very interested in changing the resourceconstrained situation.

When I asked Ed if I were elected to the board, how might I try to change the town’s perceptions about public health, Ed’s answer was very quick

The Board of Health will now be providing regular columns in Ed Bell’s beloved Current. That is great for the board and we hope it will be very helpful for the town. and firm. “Baby steps. All change in Marblehead comes in baby steps.” Initially I was disappointed at his answer. But like all parents, I know that even small infants can cover a lot of ground when motivated. So, I now suspect his answer was suggesting that to make improvements over time, we must be patient and keep working at it.

I think we have been making some nice baby steps recently. One of them is that the Board of Health will now be providing regular columns in Ed’s beloved Current. That is great for the board and we hope it will be very helpful for the town.

The board will use these columns to describe the value of a more robust public health infrastructure for the town. The upcoming CAHM (Creating A Healthier Marblehead) initiative will be helpful in shaping that direction of change. It should also show residents why a more robust public health operation might add value to their individual lives. CAHM should help with that, too.

In some perverse ways, the timing for this could HEALTH, P. 5

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 10, 2025 5

DIGITAL DOCS

Why software updates matter (and how to stay safe and secure)

BY STEPHEN BACH Most people are familiar with that pop-up message: “Updates available.” If your first reaction is to put it off for later, you’re definitely not alone.

Still, those reminders are much more important than they might seem.

Regular updates are essential for keeping your computer secure and running smoothly. Think of them as your device’s regular checkup. Both Windows PCs and Macs rely on these updates to fix hidden problems and ensure everything works as it should.

Protecting yourself from security risks: One of the biggest reasons to install updates is

security. Cybercriminals are constantly on the lookout for weaknesses in popular programs and operating systems. When companies like Microsoft and Apple learn about these vulnerabilities, they quickly release updates to fix them.

Ignoring these updates can leave your system exposed to threats.

Updates don’t just bolster security, though: They also address bugs — those frustrating glitches that cause programs to crash, features to misbehave, or your computer to slow down.

Installing the latest updates helps prevent these headaches and improves your overall experience.

Let updates do the work: One of the easiest ways to protect your computer is to enable automatic updates.

If you use Windows, follow these steps:

Updates don’t just bolster security, though: They also address bugs — those frustrating glitches that cause programs to crash, features to misbehave, or your computer to slow down.

Open the start menu and choose settings.

Go to Windows update.

Set your updates to automatic.

For Mac users: Open system settings.

Click on general.

Select software update.

Turn on automatic updates.

By letting your computer handle updates automatically, you won’t need to remember to do it yourself — your device quietly stays protected in the

background.

Don’t forget to restart: After installing an update, you’ll usually be asked to restart your computer. While it’s sometimes tempting to put this off, it’s an important step. Restarting ensures the updates are properly installed and your system is fully protected. Delaying a restart can leave your computer running outdated software, even if the update seems complete.

Prioritize security updates: Not every update is created equal. Some focus on improving performance or adding new features, while others address critical security issues. Always make securityrelated updates your top

priority — they safeguard important information like your passwords, documents, photos, and financial data. Even a short delay can leave your system vulnerable.

Takeaway: Although software updates can feel like small interruptions, they’re vital for protecting your computer and personal information. Setting up automatic updates and promptly restarting when prompted will help keep your device secure and efficient.

Until next time: stay safe (and updated) out there!

Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs.

by tax dollars? And, if those areas are now privatized, are the homeowners paying adjusted property tax for the increased value of their property?

Marblehead residents should not be subsidizing these costs.

Our town is already struggling financially. Our roads, schools, public buildings and even trash collection all show the strain.

At a time when state funds have been cut, we cannot afford to “gift” shared public spaces to private homeowners without compensation or accountability.

And the expense of upkeep for those spaces shouldn’t be borne by the very people who lose the land. However, more to the point, it’s wrong for any person to take town property, enrich themselves, and create a legal situation in which the town is forced to use limited taxpayer funds to fight a lawsuit to protect the ownership of its own land.

This issue deserves serious discussion by the town and residents. Property owners cannot have it both ways: claiming public land for private use while expecting us to bear the cost.

Erin Underwood Hawkes Street

else. Trump did not like the labor statistics reported by the commissioner of labor statistics.

He fired him. Paraphrasing Ms. Black, “Exploitation of social, racial, economic divisions.

Targeting of marginalized groups and erosion of democratic norms.”

Manipulation of (or ignoring) legal systems. Cultivation of paramilitary forces. In pre-Nazi Germany, Brown Shirts (aka as the SA) and then the SS. Intimidate. Murder.

Undermine confidence in a free, independent press. Goebbels as propaganda minister. Alternative facts. The press as the enemy of the people. Hitler and Goebbels were almost mesmerizing the way they addressed crowds with their fear mongering. Loud, bombastic, almost exhilarating.

Lock her up. Undermine public trust and confidence in our democratic institutions.

Electoral fraud and again, alternative facts.

Yes, we are on a slippery slope.

MAGAs eat this up. Seventy million of them. If Vance should be elected President after Trump, it will be more of the same. The slope is getting steeper. Once we reach the tipping point, there will be no going back. What if Nazi Germany had not lost the war, if Hitler had prevailed. The thought is ghastly. And yet, our democracy stands before this abyss. So sorry to see it go.

Thank you, MAGAs. You will be in power to demand, destroy and demonize. Shame on all who simply stood idly by. What was said about the Jewish Holocaust victims? They came after him.

Then after her. And so on. And then I was the only one left and they came after me.

Walter Haug Highland Terrace

the references of the results quoted is very important. On MarbleheadCurrent.org, we will hyperlink those references.

You can also find them on the Board of Health website once it’s reconfigured.

Dr. Tom Massaro is chair of the Board of Health and also serves on the Town Charter Committee.

He is an emeritus professor at the University of Virginia where he practiced medicine and taught public health, health law and the business of medicine for many years. He lives in Marblehead with his wife and son.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Property owners can’t have it both ways’ To the editor: I recently read Margo Steiner’s letter to the editor, “Think of the Less-Blessed,” about the public way on Cove Lane. I appreciate her thoughtful comments, but there’s an important point missing from the discussion.

Public ways aren’t just historic features; they are part of Marblehead’s foundation. These spaces have been supported by public funding, giving access to all. They remain part of our shared community, not private property.

Margo wrote: “Public town ways are means to let us less blessed folks have access to the benefits and splendors of our town that the Sheas enjoy every single day.” This is true, but it leaves out a critical distinction: there are two kinds of public ways in Marblehead.

The first are passageways that connect one street to another.

In a town without a grid system, these cut-throughs are vital for residents trying to move easily around Marblehead whether they are walking to work, shopping, exercising or visiting friends.

The second type, like the Cove Lane public way, provides access to a public space. In the case of Cove Lane’s public way, it opens out into a public bench and beach, which is the only access point to this town land. If that access is eliminated, can the beach still be considered truly public, or would it effectively revert to private ownership?

Marblehead must ask these questions before allowing town land to be cut off and turned private for the enrichment of a

Health From P. 4

not be better. COVID lessened the trust that most Americans had in their public health institutions and the current chaos in D.C. with the CDC, FDA, HHS, etc., has not helped that at all. It would be great if readers become comfortable with sending questions to the Board of Health about whatever public health issues that are unsettled or confusing to them.

We should be able to find

LETTERS POLICY

We want to hear from you 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.

Writers may be given more leeway to criticize national political candidates and other public figures. However, in all cases, letter writers should refrain from name calling and personal attacks and instead focus on the substance of matters of public concern.

Letter writers may be asked to substantiate claims that do not relate to information previously published in the Current.

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 info@marbleheadnews.org or use the submission form found at marbleheadcurrent.org/letters.

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

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

Actions parallel Germany 1935

single homeowner.

These areas are maintained by the town and funded by taxpayers. If private property owners succeed in acquiring public walkways for free, Marblehead loses in multiple ways. We lose access to public spaces, and we lose the financial

value of the land itself, while tax dollars are still allocated to maintain these nonpublic spaces.

This raises deeper concerns about town land that is currently listed as public space. Which areas are no longer accessible to the public? Which of those areas are still being maintained

To the editor: Thank you, Judith Black, for a very insightful and clear letter in the Current last week.

Some of the actions of the Trump administration do parallel some of the actions of the German fascist government of 1935. Remove any independent-thinking government employees/experts who contradict Trump’s ideology. Loyalty above all

helpful answers about health and wellness issues, substance use, mental health — especially for the young — vaccine policy, health literacy (including health economics) and many other topics. The best email address for those questions is BOHMHD@marbleheadma.gov.

There are now two physicians and a self-proclaimed, “health and fitness nut” on the Board of Health. We are disappointed that we did not expand to five this year despite a Town Meeting vote, but we will work together to provide the best answers

we can. When we don’t have good answers even after we try to get them, we will say so. If we can find good answers, we will present them in as neutral and balanced a perspective as possible.

This column should only present information that is based on the existing science involved.

Public health science can be difficult to interpret. I really like chemistry. I am a hands-on, visual learner. I enjoy mixing a bit of this and a little of that and watching them turn blue. And

the beauty of chemical science is that if you mix a bit of this and a little of that anywhere in the world, the result will be blue. Public health science, however, can sometimes be more complicated because it deals with populations — groups of individual people.

People can be quirky and different everywhere, which means populations or groups of them are sometimes more difficult to characterize. As a result, one must read the public health literature with great care. That means that listing

marbleheadcurrent.org

6 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The Marblehead Rotary Club honored the legacy of longtime member Carl Siegel with this plaque at Crocker Park.

Carl Siegel celebrated his 90th birthday at Marblehead Rotary, where he served as treasurer for 27 years.

COURTESY PHOTO

SERVICE OVER SELF

Rotary honors Carl Siegel at Crocker Park

BY LEIGH BLANDER At a picnic at Crocker Park Sept. 4, the Marblehead Rotary Club honored the legacy of longtime member Carl Siegel, who passed away in February at the age of 92. The Rotary placed a gold plaque, reading “In Memory of F. Carlton Siegel

‘Service Over Self,’” on a rock near the Crocker Park gazebo.

“Our good friend, Carl, exemplified ‘Service Over Self’ in the highest of standards,” said Rotary member Jack Attridge at the meeting. “It is an honor for our club to memorialize Carl and this standard of service in a space that others

can be inspired by, overlooking our great town.”

About 50 people gathered for the ceremony, which was followed by a lobster roll lunch.

Siegel served as Rotary treasurer for 27 years. He also led Marblehead’s Water and Sewer Commission and was an

election night vote counter at Abbot Hall for decades.

Siegel’s daughter, Suzanne, attended the Crocker Park ceremony.

“My dad just loved this town,” she said.

“He was the most selfless person in the world.”

UPDATE

No new trial for priest once accused of sexually assaulting boy

BY LEIGH BLANDER Prosecutors in New Hampshire have decided not to retry a former Marblehead priest, Tower School assistant headmaster and Boy Scout leader accused of sexually assaulting a young boy in 1976. The jury in

the case of Father Richard Losch could not reach a verdict in April, leading to a mistrial.

Losch reached out to the Current, writing, “I am grateful to God for the countless friends far and wide who believed in me, stood by me and have supported me throughout this long

nightmare. I am disappointed by the few who chose to do otherwise, but I understand and forgive them. The temptation to believe the worst is powerful, and it is always easier, and often more interesting, to take the lower road.”

Losch continued, “As

for those who went out of their way to disparage my good name and humiliate me publicly, I refuse to let resentment control my life, so I forgive them as well. I have never been a great fan of Nietzsche, but what he said is true — that which does not

kill me strengthens me. This experience has strengthened me significantly, and for that I am grateful as well.”

Losch, who is in his 90s, lives in Alabama. He worked at St. Michael’s Church and Tower School in Marblehead in the 1970s.

NEWS IN BRIEF

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to its News in Brief section. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews. org.

Residents’ input wanted on sports complex The town will be holding community listening sessions to hear residents’ questions and concerns about a proposed sports complex project planned for Reynolds Field.

In June, Recreation and Parks Commissioner Shelly Curran Bedrossian presented a three-phase project that would transform the aging Green Street hockey rink into a $2.6 million sports complex.

There will be an in-person session on Friday, Sept. 12, at 8:30 a.m. at the Community Center. A virtual session is scheduled for Saturday, Sept.

13 at 9 a.m. at https://us06web. zoom.us/j/83852021449.

If you can’t make those meetings, email the Recreation and Parks Department at recreation@marbleheadma.gov.

Court sides with schools

An Essex County Superior Court judge denied a motion by terminated Marblehead Public Schools human resources director Kelly Ferretti to allow her children to remain in the Marblehead schools.

Ferretti, who lives out of town, claims that as part of her 2023 contract the district assured her that her children could complete their education in Marblehead.

The agreement was not in writing, however.

Ferretti’s attorney filed a motion for a preliminary injunction, asking a judge to order emergency relief in the form of allowing her children to re-enroll at Marblehead High

The town will mark the 24th anniversary of 9/11 at Memorial Park this week.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

The town wants to hear from residents about a $2.6 million plan for a sports complex at Reynolds Field.

School this fall. However, the judge denied the injunction, ruling that the children not “suffer irreparable harm” if they are required to enroll in their hometown high school instead.

9/11 anniversary ceremony The Marblehead Fire and Police departments will lead a remembrance ceremony on Thursday, Sept. 11, at 10 a.m. at Memorial Park, marking the 24th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

This annual ceremony honors the nearly 3,000 lives lost at the World Trade Center, thePentagon and in Shanksville,

Pennsylvania, including the first responders. It also recognizes the resilience and unity that followed one of the darkest days in American history.

As part of a nationwide tribute, the Marblehead Fire and Police departments invite local officials, community members and organizations to join them in reflecting on the events of that day and paying respect to those we lost.

“This ceremony serves as a time to remember the heroes of 9/11 and to reaffirm our commitment to service, unity and community,” said Fire Chief Jason Gilliland.

MMLD manager wins regional

COURTESY PHOTO

honor Joseph Kowalik, general manager of the Marblehead Municipal Light Department, has been honored by the Northeast Public Power Association.

Kowalik received NEPPA’s Distinguished Service Award in August. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who have gone above and beyond providing service to a NEPPA member utility. Contenders for the awards are nominated by their peers.

The MMLD has hired a new general manager, who will take over next spring.

Memorial for Espresso the whale The community is invited to a plaque dedication ceremony for Espresso, the young humpback whale who washed ashore twice near Preston Beach last year. The event is set for Saturday, Sept.

13, 11 a.m. at Beach Bluff Park on Atlantic Avenue.

Local commercial scuba diver Doug Cassidy will be there, along with children’s author Jeana Khan, who wrote the children’s book,”Winky the Humpback Whale.” Bring a sand pail for a child-friendly activity.

Culture grants available The Marblehead Cultural Council

is accepting grant applications for the 2026 calendar year. The deadline is Oct. 16.

Each year, MCC awards individuals and nonprofit organizations grants that support cultural, artistic and historical 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.

To learn more about the MCC and the online submission process visit the state website massculturalcouncil. org/communities/localcultural-council-program/ application-process/.

The MCC will hold an information session for interested applicants at the Abbot Public Library on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 6:30-7:30 p.m. For more information, visit massculturalcouncil.org/ localcouncil/marblehead.

ZBA member named to hospice board Attorney Christopher T. Casey has been named to the board of directors for All Care, a nonprofit provider of home healthcare, hospice, palliative, private care and Chris Casey adult foster care services. Casey is the managing partner of Casey, Lundergan, Burns, P.C. in Salem, and has more than 30 years of experience in fiduciary litigation, probate and trust administration, estate planning, real estate and elder law. He has served on the Marblehead Zoning Board of Appeals for 25 years.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 10, 2025 7

SCHOOLS

Let there be (more) light?

Also, superintendent looking into reported enrollment drop

BY LEIGH BLANDER Superintendent John Robidoux is working with the town, neighbors of the high school and youth sports leaders to work out a deal to keep the lights on more nights at Piper Field.

At a Sept. 4 School Committee meeting, Robidoux said he had met with all parties involved and planned to come to a Planning Board meeting on Sept. 16 to present an updated proposal that would allow the lights to stay on until 9 p.m. 180 nights a year.

That Planning Board meeting has been moved to October.

Currently, the lights are on at night only 56 nights a year.

“The updated proposal would be to use the lights mid-August through November, which is 105 nights,” Robidoux said. “Then again from mid-March through May, which is approximately 75 nights. The lights will only be turned on when needed and turned off right at the end of the athletic contest, thereby minimizing the impact as much as possible.”

Robidoux said neighbors had questions about the PA system at Piper. He said the PA is only used for play-by-play during the five or six home games per season, and for the national anthem.

Neighbors also complained about students “urinating over fences” and leaving trash after night games at Piper. Robidoux said he would address that with students, coaches and parents.

Numbers

School Committee member

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

The School Committee met Sept. 4 to discuss the leaky roof, budget, field lights and more. Member Henry Gwazda, not shown, joined remotely.

Jenn Schaeffner pointed out that she is the sole member of the budget subcommittee, and the district may be falling behind in the budget process for next school year. She said she would reach out to Robidoux, Assistant Superintendent Mike Pfiffering and the town’s Finance Committee to get those conversations started. The School Committee had discussed asking its newest member (who is expected to be chosen Sept.

10) to join that subcommittee.

Chair Al Wilson said he is available as a back-up.

The budget process could be more challenging this year due to educator raises that are scheduled to take effect.

Schaeffner also said the latest enrollment figures show that

the district is down about 170 students. Contacted by the Current, Robidoux wrote, “I am looking into this further to ensure that the enrollment has been captured correctly in the new year’s roll-over of data and to identify where the preponderance of reductions lies.”

Roof watch

The School Committee named several members of its new high school roof subcommittee to help oversee that project.

Members include: School Committee member Henry Gwazda, Ralph Wallace, Sam Altreuter, Karima Moloney, Marc Liebman and Brian Serafin.

Assistant Superintendent Mike Pfifferling will also be

Schools From P. 1

Clockwise from top left: Mark Schwartz, Sarah Fox, Yael Magen and Melissa Clucas.

students must be a top priority.

Supporting well-being is not separate from academic success — it is integral to it.”

Clucas, a mother of three children and chief financial officer, brings years of budgeting experience.

“I understand there is a need for members on both the budget subcommittee and the collective bargaining committee,” Clucas wrote in her cover letter. “I have led multi-million-dollar budgeting cycles, overseen intricate contract negotiations and worked closely with legal counsel, labor representatives

The Pride flag and Black Lives Matter banner have been removed from Marblehead High School this fall. The Current asked Robidoux how many flags

and banners were removed from Marblehead’s five schools and when they came down. He responded, “All of the schools are in compliance with the flag policy.”

After 18 months of heated discussion, the School Committee voted last spring to approve a flag policy that allows, by right, only U.S., Massachusetts and POW/MIA flags, along with six heritage month flags.

According to the policy, the superintendent will be able to make recommendations for additional flags to the School Committee, which has veto power.

Robidoux did not answer questions about how he is operationalizing those requests this year.

and executives to achieve transparent, sustainable outcomes.”

Fox, a mother of five, emphasized her six years of School Committee experience in her cover letter.

“With the challenges facing our district currently, the appointed member will need to step right in with working knowledge which my experience provides,” wrote Fox. “The role of an appointed member is vastly different than someone running for a three-year seat. There is a limited amount of time and no available runway for someone to learn. This year with large salary increases due to contractual obligations, the historical

knowledge and experience I bring from my many years on the school budget subcommittee will be a huge benefit to the budget development process.”

In her cover letter, Magen focused on her efforts to combat antisemitism.

“Having a person on the School Committee that will actively fight against antisemitism and will represent this community is extremely important to our town,” wrote the municipal attorney, who has three kids in Marblehead schools. “I am very familiar with how towns work and how school committees operate. I will have no problem jumping in and starting to work on day 1.”

on the committee, along with MPS Facilities Director Todd Bloodgood and two reps from the architect and project management teams.

New teachers

Robidoux said he had hired 22 new teachers to start the school year, six of whom were already employed by MPS. He said there is a “decent amount of leaves of absence” with long-term subs stepping in. The district is still actively looking to hire three special education teachers.

Flags down

Rotary From P. 1

participant numbers (in the 5K) this year.”

The Rotary’s Nancy Gwin was happy to hear about McMahon’s offer.

“The Rotary Club greatly appreciates the challenge from Tom McMahon,” she wrote to the Current. “We encourage all of Marblehead to come and beat Tom, for a great cause.”

Training tips

McMahon said it can be helpful to attach deadlines to your fitness goals.

“If your goal is to get in shape so you can run a 5K, you need to find that 5K with a specified date so you can set up a path to achieve that goal,” he said. “This is as good an opportunity to do that as any. We live in a small town, and this is a local race, so you’re likely to see people you know who you could train with or get support through the course.”

Asked how he’ll train for the race, McMahon said, “I train in the mornings, usually around

The Marblehead Rotary’s Mental Health 5K has a beautiful route through Crocker Park.

5 a.m. I don’t like running and don’t include it in my training routines very often, but when I do, I train on the treadmill.

Each run I do is for 4 miles, and as I get comfortable with a speed I increase it at my next

training session. I think this forces my body to get faster.”

He continued, “I’ve found that if you train for a farther distance, you have more in the tank when it comes to race day. I know most people hate

treadmill training, but it works for me. I would probably run about three to four times per week. Now, I just need my quad pull to heal quickly so I can get the most training runs in.”

COURTESY PHOTO

Kelly Bovio in Moulton’s office said she’d check with his scheduler to see if he could attend.

To learn more about the Rotary 5K and to register, visit marbleheadrotary.com.

marbleheadcurrent.org

8 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

COURTESY PHOTO / RICK CUZNER

A ruby-throated hummingbird hovers near a feeder in a Marblehead backyard garden.

CUZNER IN NATURE

Ruby-throated hummingbird pays visit to local garden

BY RICK CUZNER

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One of my favorite subjects to photograph during the summer months are the hummingbirds.

I set up a little “bird studio” in my backyard, consisting of a hummingbird feeder hanging in the middle of a garden full of bee balm flowers.

This area is frequented all summer by various ruby-throated hummingbirds. On rare occasions, I may see a hummingbird moth or two.

In order to photograph these birds in flight, I often have to shoot at 1/4000 second shutter speed or even faster.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds transform summer gardens into theaters of aerial acrobatics. These tiny birds, weighing less than a penny, beat their wings up to 80 times per second while hovering at feeders and flowers. The males display brilliant rubyred throat patches that flash like jewels in sunlight, while females sport white throats with subtle green backs.

These remarkable birds migrate incredible distances, with some crossing the 500-mile Gulf of Mexico in a single nonstop flight. During summer months, they establish territories around reliable food sources like bee balm, cardinal flower and hummingbird feeders.

Their needle-like bills allow them to reach deep into tubular flowers, while their long tongues can extend beyond their bills to lap nectar. Ruby-throated hummingbirds also consume small insects and spiders for protein, often catching them in mid-air or plucking them from spider webs.

The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner, who has been photographing local wildlife for over 16 years.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 10, 2025 9

Sports Football From P. 1

was a massive 55-yard run by senior Breydan Callahan, putting the ball deep into enemy territory. However, the momentum would swing hard in favor of the Bulldogs, with their defense sacking quarterback Finn Gallup for a 25-yard loss on fourth down.

With spectacular starting field position, the Bulldogs once again stormed down the field with a 16-yard rush from Beauchamp and a second 12-yard plunge by Knowlton Simard. However, the English drive stalled out yet again, with a failed fourthdown conversion attempt, which handed the ball back to Marblehead. However, the Magicians would punt it away.

After a rock fight of a first quarter, Marblehead finally broke through for the game’s first score midway through the second frame. Callahan snagged a dump-off pass from Gallup, found open grass and thundered 37 yards to the endzone for the first score of the season, putting the Magicians up 6-0.

The English offense followed the score with a solid — but ultimately fruitless — drive that concluded with a 23-yard run

by Knowlton Simard to take the game to the halftime gun.

After trading possessions to open the half, the Marblehead offense would finally find its footing. James Machado picked up his first touches of the evening, with successive 9- and 3-yard runs to bring the Magicians within striking distance.

Gallup made sure not to squander the advantage given to him by the sophomore rusher, finding Owen Coyne between the hashes for a 28-yard

COURTESY PHOTOS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD

Owen Coyne (#18) runs into the endzone to put the Magicians up 12-0 in the third quarter of Friday night’s game.

MHS cheerleaders rallied the crowd at Friday night’s game.

touchdown reception. Callahan kept his legs churning to make his way into the endzone amidst a swarm of Bulldog defenders to complete the two-point try, bringing the score to 14-0 with 4:27 to play in the third.

The Bulldogs offense had their best drive of the day following the second Marblehead score, driving 52 yards along the ground to take the game into the final quarter.

Upon their return from the break, the Bulldogs made a

strong bid for a fourth-down score on a deep pass to the front of the endzone. However, amidst strong hand-fighting, the Marblehead defender in the area batted the ball down to give the Magicians possession at their own 32.

After throwing an incompletion, Gallup found Coyne on a short slant route that the junior turned into a massive 68-yard score to put the game completely out of reach of the Bulldogs. Kicker Finbar

Breydan Callahan (#13) breaks a tackle.

Bresnahan put the ball through the uprights to bring the score to 21-0.

Knowlton Simard broke off a big play of his own, making a 56-yard house call to give English their first points of the season and spoil Marblehead’s shutout bid.

After regaining possession, Knowlton Simard threw the ball into the waiting arms of Marblehead’s Madden Lyons.

The safety would return the ball deep into Lynn English territory to seal the win for the visitors.

The 21-6 victory is the first opening night win for the Magicians since their 25-6 win over Concord-Carlisle in 2022.

The Magicians make their return to the Piper Field turf next Friday night at 7 p.m. when they face off against the Crusaders of Bishop Fenwick.

SPORTS ROUNDUP

Magicians weekly sports notebook: Opening week

BY JOE MCCONNELL

Girls soccer makes history

FILE PHOTO

Marblehead High girls soccer player Sydney Ball takes a shot on net during a game in 2023, when she was a sophomore. Ball is a senior captain of this year’s squad, along with Sadie Halpern and Ashley Mortensen, and together they helped the team beat Masco, 1-0 in the season opener in Boxford with an excellent defensive effort on Sept. 3.

Correction Due to an unfortunate omission, the following ad should have appeared in the July 23 and July 30, 2025, issues of the Marblehead Current.

The Current regrets any inconvenience this may have caused.

Please be aware the notice below is not a valid notice and should not be interpreted as such.

Legal Notice Site Plan Approval Public Hearing Marblehead Planning Board The Marblehead Planning Board will hold a public hearing on the application of the Marblehead School Committee for an amendment to a previously issued site plan approval special permit Section IV paragraph 4 (other) of the Specific Conditions which limit the number of night time games and requires the school department to return to the Planning Board for any additional use of the athletic field beyond twelve games for the High School Piper Field at 2 Humphrey Street within the Single Residence District. This public hearing will be held under Section 200-38 of the Marblehead Zoning Bylaw on Tuesday August 12, 2025, at 7:00 pm in Abbot Hall at 88 Washington Street, Marblehead MA 01945. This meeting will be in hybrid format. Project materials are available at the Town of Marblehead’s Community Development and Planning Office located at 7 Widger Road, Marblehead MA 01945. Interested persons may attend and participate at the meeting or submit comments in writing electronically and sent to lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov. Comments will be read aloud and entered into the record.

Robert Schaeffner Chairman

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

The Marblehead High girls soccer team won a hard-fought 1-0 game on opening day (Sept.

3), on the road in Boxford against Masco. It’s the first time in the history of the program that the varsity was able to beat the Chieftains since they joined the Northeastern Conference at the end of the last decade.

Senior Courtney Hitscherich scored the game-winner with seven minutes to go in the first half on a solo effort. Courtney’s goal was able to stand up, and it was all because of good goaltending and defense. Junior Hailey Gilmore did her part in

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net to record the shutout with five saves.

“This was a total team effort,” said second-year coach Lisa Wales. “I’m incredibly proud of these girls, because Masco is always tough against us, but this time we made history in this rivalry.

Wales also mentioned the defense, led by junior Ainsley McDonald, and senior captains Ashley Mortensen and Sydney Ball. “All three players were outstanding in this game,” the coach said. “Liv Carlson also had a terrific game, along with Callie Gilmore and Lucy McDonald, and all three worked tirelessly together at midfield to help NOTEBOOK, P. 10

marbleheadcurrent.org

10 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

ON A ROLL

Boys soccer begins fast, wins two straight

BY JOE MCCONNELL Marblehead High boys soccer coach Elmer Magana couldn’t have asked for a better start to the 2025 season. Two games, two wins, you can’t get much better than that.

The Magicians first defeated Northeastern Conference rival Masco in the home opener at Piper, 4-3 on Sept. 3. It was then off to Everett two days later to face the non-league Crimson Tide, and by game’s end they ended up shutting out the Greater Boston League school, 2-0.

“The game against Masco lived up to its expectations,” said Magana. “It was a battle throughout between two skillful squads, only this time Masco added physicality to its game.

We suffered four injuries to key players, but no matter how hard they were chopping at us, we pushed back, and played our possession game with accurate passes.”

The Chieftains scored the first two goals of the game, but the Marblehead boys were able

to tie up the proceedings just before halftime. The host team also scored the next two goals to take the lead for good. But with 10 minutes left, Masco trimmed it back to one. The Magicians could have eased the tension. They had three chances to score that critical insurance tally, but were denied on each occasion.

Senior goalie Matias WattsCruz came up with four critical stops to help preserve the close victory.

“I’m extremely proud of my boys for sacrificing body and soul to get this win,” said Magana. “We were the first NEC school to beat Masco three years ago, and have already done it again this year with a never give up fighting spirit. Throughout the past two years, our games against Masco have been decided by one goal.”

Mark Vinokur, David Magen, Miles Fontela-Tuttle and Adam Loughlin scored the Marblehead goals. Julian Poitevin, Bubacarr Jallow and Fontela-Tuttle collected the assists.

After the long bus ride to

Everett and only having 10 minutes to warm up, the Crimson Tide was able to press the Magicians right away, but the visitors didn’t give up a goal in the first half. Watts-Cruz was responsible for most of that defensive effort with three key saves, and then went on to shut them down the rest of the way to secure his first varsity shutout.

It was all Marblehead in the second half. “We pressed them, and contested every ball,” said Magana. “We adapted to a quick passing attack, and at the other end of the field we created scoring opportunities for ourselves.”

Fontela-Tuttle scored on a breakaway assisted by Magen to account for one goal.

Ilan Druker then scored the insurance tally on a penalty kick after Magen was attacked in the box.

“I’m very proud of my boys for overcoming adversity,” said Magana. “We faced a talented opponent, and won, despite the injuries that we sustained from the Masco game.”

FILE PHOTO

Marblehead boys soccer player Miles Fontela-Tuttle factored into the offense during the first two games of the regular season last week.

Fontela-Tuttle had a goal and an assist in the 4-3 win over Masco. He then scored on a breakaway against Everett that helped defeat the host Tide, 2-0.

MHS VARSITY SCHEDULE Wednesday, Sept. 10

3:30 p.m., boys golf vs. Saugus at Tedesco Country Club 4 p.m., boys soccer vs. Peabody at MHS Piper Field 4 p.m., girls soccer vs. Peabody at Peabody Veterans Memorial High 4:30 p.m., boys and girls cross country at Lead Mills Conservation Area Thursday, Sept. 11

4 p.m., boys golf vs.

Newburyport at Rowley

Notebook

From P. 9 secure the shutout, as well.”

Field hockey ties Fenwick to complete week one Alison Carey’s debut as the Marblehead High field hockey coach did not go according to plan. Opening up at home against Malden Catholic on Sept.

2, her squad ended up on the short end of a 3-0 score. But this game certainly didn’t reflect the effort that was on display on the field.

“I’m incredibly proud of the way the team played against Malden Catholic,” said Carey.

“Our season began last week with a scrimmage against Lynnfield, which gave us a helpful perspective on our game play. Since that scrimmage, we have been working hard in practice to get into the habit of playing the whole field in order to create passing opportunities, not to mention boosting our overall on-field communications.

That effort showed in this game against Malden Catholic.”

Carey credits goalie Elizabeth Hayes with clutch stops — seven to be exact — to keep her teammates close on the scoreboard. The coach also praised the defense for its commendable work in the corners, while specifically singling out Avery Wysor, who was “extremely effective as a flyer,” she said. “That’s a tough position to play, and she is absolutely fearless when it comes to putting pressure on the opposing team.”

The Magicians (0-1-1) then bounced back somewhat against Bishop Fenwick two days later against Bishop Fenwick at Piper.

Both teams were able to leave the field with a point as a result

Country Club 4 p.m., girls field hockey vs.

Saugus at Saugus Middle High 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Winthrop at MHS gym

4 p.m., boys soccer vs. Beverly at Beverly High 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Peabody at MHS gym 7 p.m., girls soccer vs. Beverly at MHS Piper Field

7 p.m., football vs. Bishop Fenwick at MHS Piper Field

4 p.m., boys golf vs. Danvers at Ferncroft Country Club 4 p.m., girls field hockey vs.

Beverly at Marblehead High

Friday, Sept. 12

Saturday, Sept. 13

2 p.m., boys soccer vs. Andover at Andover High Monday, Sept. 15

4 p.m., field hockey vs. Everett at Marblehead High of a hard-fought, high scoring 5-5 tie.

The Marblehead offense had an incredibly strong game with single goals coming from Carolyn Black, Chloe Rowland and Emma Ryan. Sadie Beane, making her varsity debut, paced the attack with two scores. Julia Mann assisted on Black’s goal.

“Our offense did a great job putting pressure on Bishop Fenwick,” said Carey. “During practices, we have been working on producing more scoring opportunities and trusting teammates to set up in front of the net for rebounds, and it paid off for us in this game against Fenwick.”

Golfers take winning swings Coach Bob Green’s Marblehead High golf team (4-1) opened up its season with a win over non-league St. Mary’s of Lynn at Tedesco on Aug. 26, 45.5-26.5.

Co-captain Tyler Forbes (5.5-3.5), Max King (7.5-1.5), Greyson Leventhal (5-4). Will Macrina (7.5-1.5), co-captain Joy Meshulam (6.5-2.5), Colby Moore (5-4) and Dylan Whitman (5.5-3.5) were victorious in their matches. Macrina was the team’s first medalist of the season after shooting a 35, which was the lowest score of the day for the home team.

But two days later at Black Swan Country Club in Georgetown, non-league Austin Prep topped the Marblehead boys, 50-40.

Bowden Laramie and Meshulam won their matches for the locals, while Forbes and Leventhal were able to tie their matches. Forbes was the team’s medalist with a 39.

After resting up over Labor Day weekend with also possibly

Tuesday, Sept. 16

Wednesday, Sept. 17

3:30 p.m., boys golf vs. Masconomet at Tedesco Country

getting a few rounds in for practice, the Marblehead golfers returned to Tedesco to defeat Gloucester on Sept. 2, 38.5-33.5.

Macrina (6-3), Meshulam (6.5-2.5), Whitman (5.5-3.5) and Laramie (6.5-2.5) collected the individual wins. Forbes settled for a tie, 4.5-4.5. He was also the team’s medalist after shooting a 37.

The Magicians then cruised past visiting Peabody the next day, 61.5-10.5.

Forbes, King, Leventhal, Macrina, Meshulam, Moore, Whitman and Zac Plum secured the wins. Macrina and Moore shared the medalist honor with identical scores of 36.

In the return match at The Meadow in Peabody on Sept. 4, it was pretty much more of the same results for the Magicians.

This time as the visitors, they defeated the Tanners, 57-15.

Leventhal, Macrina, Meshulam, Moore, Whitman and Teddy Dulac recorded victories for the visitors. Leventhal was the team medalist with a 36.

Split decision for the harriers on new home course On Marblehead’s new home cross-country course at Lead Mills (2.97 miles), the girls team defeated Swampscott, 44-19 on Sept. 3, again the lower score in cross-country wins.

Marri O’Connell picked up right where she left off in prior years by winning another Northeastern Conference Meet, but this time the senior did it on her new home course in a time of 18:58.

Swampscott’s standout sophomore Annabelle Averett (19:39) finished second. But the Magicians took the next eight places with a mix of newcomers and returning athletes to seal the deal.

Club 4 p.m., boys and girls cross country vs. Masconomet at Bradley Palmer State Park 4 p.m., boys soccer vs. Saugus at Saugus Middle High 4:30 p.m., girls soccer vs. Saugus at MHS Piper Field 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Beverly at Beverly High gym Thursday, Sept. 18

3:45 p.m., boys golf vs. Salem at Olde Salem Greens

“Junior Sarah Munroe and sophomore Norah Walsh made the switch from soccer this fall, and in so making their crosscountry debuts together on the same day, they still managed to finish third and fourth, respectively,” said coach Will Herlihy. “Returning sophomores Ruby Assa and Evie Becker came in fifth and sixth. Senior Hailey Schmitt, also a cross-country newcomer, ended up seventh, while returning junior Evelina Beletsky rounded out the Top 10 Marblehead runners in eighth place.”

The boys team, however, lost to the Big Blue, 22-33.

“This was the first race on our new course in Marblehead,” said coach Brian Heenan.

“While our top three runners had a very competitive race against Swampscott’s top five, the Big Blue still came out on top.”

Senior captain Henrik Adams won the overall race in 17:05.

He was followed by his fellow senior captains Zach Pike (17:23, fifth) and Will Cruikshank (17:35, eighth).

Volleyball blanks Masco

Coach Killeen Miller’s volleyball team opened up at home on Sept. 3 with a decisive 3–0 victory over Masco.

Sammy Walker (7 kills) and Mari Modrzynska (6 kills) led the attack on offense. The Magicians as a whole posted a collective 25 kills with only two errors.

On the defensive side, Sydney Faris as the anchor for receiving serves led the way with eight digs. Greta Sachs contributed three blocks to the winning cause, while setter Eva Burke was credited with 18 assists.

Friday, Sept. 19

3:30 p.m., boys soccer vs.

Danvers at Danvers High 4 p.m., girls field hockey vs.

Swampscott at Marblehead High 5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs.

Burlington at Burlington High 6 p.m., football vs. Shepherd Hill Regional at Shepherd Hill Regional High, Dudley 7:15 p.m., girls soccer vs.

Danvers at MHS Piper Field

MHS VARSITY SCORES Tuesday, Sept. 2

Boys golf: Marblehead 38, Gloucester 33 Girls field hockey: Malden Catholic 3, Marblehead (0-1) 0

Wednesday, Sept. 3

Boys golf: Marblehead 61, Peabody 10 Girls soccer: Marblehead 1, Masconomet 0 Boys soccer: Marblehead 4, Masconomet 3 Girls cross country: Marblehead 19, Swampscott 44 Boys cross country: Swampscott 22, Marblehead 33 Girls volleyball: Marblehead 3, Masconomet 0

Thursday, Sept. 4

Boys golf: Marblehead 57, Peabody 15 Girls field hockey: Marblehead 5, Bishop Fenwick 5

Friday, Sept. 5

Boys soccer: Marblehead 2, Everett 0 Girls volleyball: Newburyport 3, Marblehead 1 Football: Marblehead 21, Lynn English 6

Saturday, Sept. 6

Girls soccer: Marblehead 2, North Andover 0

Team records

(through Sept. 6) » Girls field hockey, 0-1-1 » Football, 1-0 » Boys soccer, 2-0 » Girls soccer, 2-0 » Boys cross country, 0-1 » Girls cross country, 1-0 » Boys golf, 4-0 » Girls volleyball, 1-1

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 10, 2025 11

CURRENT EVENTS

Marblehead’s best bets Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org.

—Leigh Blander

Scogs Street Fest Saturday, Sept. 13, 1-5 p.m.

The Jeff Scogland Memorial Fund, created in memory of a lifelong Marblehead resident and MHS graduate who passed away unexpectedly in 2022, will host the third annual Scogs Street Fest at Bent Water Brewing Co. in Lynn. The band 5X Fast will perform, as well as MHS a cappella groups Luminescence and Jewel Tones. There will be food trucks, free non-alcoholic beverages and light snacks.

Tickets are $50 for adults and $15 for kids under 21. More info and tickets at https://loom.ly/ qohGRg8.

‘Tales From the Vienna Woods: Strauss at 200’ Sunday, Sept. 14, 2:30 p.m.

The Our Lady Star of the Sea Concert Series kicks off its 2025-2026 season with a salute to Vienna. Local tenor Matthew Arnold and the Star of the Sea Orchestra will celebrate the music of Johann Strauss II, the “waltz king.” This is a great opportunity to introduce kids to classical music, according to organizers. All ages are welcome, and admission is free. Star of the Sea is located at 85 Atlantic Ave.

Company 2 Heroes 5K Saturday, Sept. 13, 9 a.m.

The VFW, 321 West Shore Drive, is hosting its second Company 2 Heroes 5K walk/race/ruck to raise money for the nonprofit that provides free service dog training to veterans. Learn more at https://loom.ly/3xCqMW4. The VFW’s Bunker Bar will be rocking with the Guy Ford Band that night at 7 p.m.

All aboard!

Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 20-21

The Hannah, the first of several schooners commissioned by Gen. George Washington, began its career as an armed cruiser in September 1775. To commemorate this important part of Marblehead’s history, the Fame — similar in size and appearance to the Hannah — will be docked at State Street Landing next weekend, 9-10:15 a.m. Visitors may board the ship and experience an 18th-century schooner.

Crew and members of Glover’s Regiment will be on hand to tell the story of Hannah and answer questions.

Both mornings will include a 90-minute sail from 10:15-11:45 a.m. All tickets are $50, with proceeds to benefit the Marblehead 250 events for 2025 and 2026. Tickets are available at fareharbor.com or 978-729-7600.

Win 4 All pickleball tourney and fundraiser Saturday, Sept. 13, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.

TQM Wealth Partners and Marblehead Pickleball are teaming up for a tournament to benefit Girls Inc. of Boston and Lynn.

Registration, which is $65 per person, includes a tournament shirt, swag and medal. Players are guaranteed 90 minutes of play time in morning and afternoon sessions. All skill levels are welcome. Register at marbleheadpickleball.org/ leagues-events.

Latin Broadway concert Saturday, Sept. 13, 2 p.m.

In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, this Latin Broadway concert features Latin musicians performing songs from “Evita,” “Man of La Mancha,” “The Capeman,” “The Addams Family,” “Coco,” “Encanto,” “In the Heights” and more.

The performance is at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St. It’s a fundraiser for the Immigrant Defenders Law Center, a social justice nonprofit law firm that defends immigrant communities. Admission is free, $20 donation recommended.

Sidewalk Sales Saturday, Sept. 13, all day

Shop local and save. Enjoy Marblehead Chamber’s Sidewalk Sales along Atlantic Avenue, Pleasant Street and in the Historic District.

Brick Kitchen Gala Saturday, Sept. 13, 5-8 p.m.

Be among the first to see the newly renovated and preserved 1768 Jeremiah Lee Brick Kitchen building, 157-161 Washington St. Spend the evening in the Lee Mansion, Brick Kitchen and gardens with friends and family. Enter the Lee Mansion in all its Georgian-era charm with the sounds of the 18th century, featuring local performing duo Arts’ Delight.

Tour the newly renovated Brick Kitchen. Check out some of this summer’s archaeological discoveries with the archaeologists. And spend the evening enjoying delicious food and drink provided by Vinwood Catering, plus a special performance by the award-winning acapella group Pitch, Please! More info and tickets at marbleheadmuseum.org/gala/.

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 8:15 PM on the request of Ramsay and Lisa Hoguet to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by amending a previously issued special permit for a single-family home that is on a non-conforming parcel with less than the required Lot Area, Lot Width, Frontage, Front and Side Yard Setback by raising the previously approved single-family dwelling by one (1) foot located at 45 Norman Street in the SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed change will also exceed the 10% expansion limit and 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 be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place.

Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/node/286/agenda/2025 William L. Barlow Secretary

Jazz at the Arts Thursday, Sept. 18, 7 p.m.

The Marblehead Arts Association and Gene Arnould present Debby Larkin and the Jeff Stout Quintet as

a part of a Jazz at the Arts concert series. Doors at 8 Hooper St. open at 6:30 p.m.

There will be a cash bar. Tickets, $35, can be purchased at marbleheadarts.org or the Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St.

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM on the request of Michael Buscanera to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a second-floor addition and the rebuilding of the first-floor exterior walls on a single-family dwelling with less than the required Front and Side Yard Setback located at 98 Evans Road 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 be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@ marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529.

Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting.

The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/node/286/agenda/2025 William L. Barlow Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 7:45 PM on the request of Kevin and Kathleen Lane to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of additions to a pre-existing non-conforming single-family dwelling with less than the required Front, Side, and Rear Yard Setback, Open Area, and Parking located at 50 Beacon Street in the SHORELINE SINGLE RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The proposed additions will be located partially within the Front, Side, and Rear Yard Setbacks, and will reduce 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 be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place.

Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/node/286/agenda/2025 William L. Barlow Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 7:45 PM on the request of Adam and Whitney Gray to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by allowing a Special Permit for the construction of a two-story addition with a roofed deck on the rear side of the single-family home with less than the required Lot Area and Side Yard Setback located at 132 Front Street in the SHORELINE CENTRAL RESIDENCE DISTRICT. The new construction will encroach on the Side Yard Setback and exceed the 10% Expansion Limit. 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 be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/node/286/agenda/2025 William L. Barlow Secretary

TOWN OF MARBLHEAD ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS The Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Tuesday September 23, 2025 at 7:30 PM on the request of Karin McCarthy to vary the application of the present Zoning By-Law by requesting an alteration to a previously issued Special Permit that will result in a smaller project with only a one-story addition being added to the rear of the single-family dwelling with less than the required Front, Rear, and Side Yard Setback located at 13 Cloutmans Lane 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 be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order superseding certain provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, section 18 and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: lyonsl@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the meeting. The agenda can be found on the following link: https://www.marblehead.org/node/286/agenda/2025 William L. Barlow Secretary

marbleheadcurrent.org

12 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

MUSIC

MHS performers take their talents to The Barrelman

BY GEORGIA MARSHALL

Lucy Key performs at The Barrelman last month.

COURTESY PHOTO

The music department at Marblehead High School has shown us time and again that it is bursting with talent, passion and dedication. Spanning multiple wins at a cappella competitions, years of soldout opening nights for the spring musical, and various local performances around the community; the population of student singers, musicians and performers is thriving and accomplished.

The Barrelman has long served as a space for high school students and alumni to perform. The panel of singers the Barrelman has welcomed includes former students Brady Weed, Jake Piascik, Griffin Collins and junior Lucy Key, who made her debut last summer.

Key has been musically inclined from a young age.

She is personnel manager for the Jewel Tones, MHS’ co-ed a cappella group, as well as an active member in Drama Club and choir, having performed with

Massachusetts Senior Districts Choir two years in a row.

“Music is everything to me,” Key shares. “I’m involved in it at school, at home and in my extracurriculars — it’s really everywhere in my life. No matter how bad my day is, I can always pick up my guitar and sing.”

On Sunday, Aug. 22, Key showcased her musical talent once again at The Barrelman.

Family, friends and supportive community members enjoyed the cozy ambience as the music filled the room. Highlights of the evening included heartfelt renditions of “Jolene” by Dolly Parton, “Stick Season” by Noah Kahan, and “Landslide” by Fleetwood Mac — songs that showcased not only Key’s range but also her ability to bring fresh emotion to beloved classics.

Performing in a restaurant setting is a personal experience for Key. “With a smaller group, it feels almost like you are having a conversation, there isn’t even really a stage separating you,” she said.

As a young artist, she lets her passion drive her through each triumph, challenge and every moment in between.

“I have been passionate about music for as long as I can remember. Being young can sometimes mean you’re seen as the underdog compared to people who have been in the industry longer, but I find that is motivation to work even harder.”

For new and growing artists, it is performances like this, where the stakes are low but the opportunity for creative expression is boundless, that allows them to truly discover who they are in a performance space. While not the hugest venue, performances at The Barrelman are a staple for many of Marblehead’s young talent to rise and unite people in a way that only music can. Nights like these remind the community that art doesn’t need grandeur to leave an impact — it just needs passion, connection and a space, no matter the size.

MARBLEHEAD CHRONICLES

The Hannah and the American Navy 1775

BY PAM PETERSON In 1775, as the Continental Army was forming, Elbridge Gerry of Marblehead realized the vital importance and need for naval defense. He urged George Washington to organize armed privateers to capture British vessels and steal their ammunition.

John Glover was authorized to find vessels, arm them and send them out as legalized privateers.

The first vessel commissioned was one of Glover’s own ships, Hannah, a seaworthy fishing schooner. Marbleheader Nicholson Broughton became her captain, and the crew was mostly men from Marblehead.

The ship was outfitted as a vessel of war at Beverly, being provided with cannons for attack and defense. She went to sea as the first ship of the Navy, also known as “Washington’s Fleet,” in September of 1775.

Hannah’s naval career was short, and not very successful, but that hasn’t deterred an ongoing fascination with her.

COURTESY PHOTO / YALE UNIVERSITY ART MUSEUM

The Hannah was the first ship of the American Navy. This painting by Scott McBee was donated to the Marblehead Historical Commission by Christopher Hyland in 2025.

On her first voyage Hannah was chased by the Royal Naval ship the Lively, which harassed the Marblehead coast for years. On her second voyage, the Hannah was attacked by the Nautilus, a British ship that had orders to

burn her. Most accounts state that the Hannah was destroyed or was at least damaged beyond repair. There is, however, another version, in which the Hannah was secretly rebuilt and renamed the Lynch. In this

undocumented version she went back to fight in 1776 and redeemed her reputation.

The Marblehead Historical Commission recently received a painting of Hannah by Scott McBee, donated by Christopher

Hyland. Hyland spent his boyhood in Marblehead and has fond memories of the town, and its maritime traditions. The Historical Commission also received a beautiful model of Hannah recently, which is on display in the Maritime Museum in Abbot Hall. There are no actual contemporary paintings or drawings of Hannah, so what Hannah looked like is the artist’s image, based on written accounts.

The Hannah of Marblehead, though once a real ship, has taken on mythical proportions as the first ship of the American Navy. There is ongoing discussion about whether Hannah can be claimed by Marblehead or Beverly, but for Marbleheaders, there will always be only one right answer to the question of where the first ship in the Navy came from.

This weekend, people will have the chance to board the Fame, similar in size and appearance to the Hannah, at State Street Landing. More on Page 11.

Pam Peterson chairs the Marblehead Historical Commission. She is the former Marblehead Museum executive director.

LITERATURE

Writer pens time-travel, jewel heist novel Teen daughter was an inspiration

BY LEIGH BLANDER Norman Birnbach of Marblehead remembers a few years ago when his teenaged daughter spotted a rotary phone in a restaurant and tried to use it.

“She had never used a rotary phone before, and it took her several tries,” Birnbach laughed. “There was no ‘send’ button.”

He added, “I realized that based on her experiences, my bright, adventurous daughter

would have had lots of trouble navigating the New York City of my childhood. Together, she and I began working on the premise for a novel in which a teenager, who becomes an accidental time-traveler, meets up with her father.”

Fast forward a few years, and Birnbach released his first novel, “Stealing Time,” co-written with his college friend Tilia Klebenov Jacobs.

“Stealing Time” is set in 2020 when teenager Tori and her dad do not get along… until she gets stranded in 1980 and meets him as another struggling teen. The two join forces in gritty New York City, working together as peers to prevent a crime that might

Norman Birnbach and his book “Stealing Time.”

otherwise destroy them.

The novel explores how subjects like generational trauma, technology and societal norms shape us.

Birnbach moved to Marblehead in 1997.

He runs his own public relations company serving clients in the health and high-tech fields. He has also written more than

100 humor pieces for publications including The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Boston Globe, Boston Herald, San Francisco Chronicle and Chicago Tribune, among others.

Birnbach’s short stories have won awards at the Marblehead Arts Festival, and he led a workshop,

“Marketing Your Writing,” at this summer’s Literary Festival.

About “Stealing Time,” Birnbach said, “It was a fun book to write, and we’re finding that people are responding to it… whether they’re compatriots of mine or my daughter. I still really love the concept of getting to meet your parents and getting to understand them.”

He emphasized that while his daughter’s experience with a rotary phone may have sparked the idea for the novel, “I am not the father … and my daughter may not be the daughter.”

The book has received some impressive reviews. “‘Stealing Time,’ a whipsmart time-travel novel,

is as clever and inventive as it is fascinating and compelling,” said New York Times bestselling author M.J. Rose.

“Filled with facts about gemstones, quantum physics, nostalgic scenes of 1980s New York City, a zany female thief and her cohorts, and heartwarming family scenes, this is a tale for readers from 15 to 90.”

Brinbach and Klebenov Jacobs are also about to release their second book.

“It’s a ghost story for middle grades,” he said. “It will be available Sept. 30, just in time for Halloween.

You can’t live this close to Salem and not write about ghosts.”

“Stealing Time” is available on Amazon and at Saltwater Books in Marblehead.

marbleheadcurrent.org

Marblehead Current Wednesday, September 10, 2025 13

POLICE LOG

Spoiled milk touches off convenience store tiff; campaign T-shirt disrupts Neck walk Friday, Aug. 28

6:35 a.m. An officer stood by as a disabled vehicle was towed from Ocean and Atlantic avenues.

12:52 p.m. Officers attempted to serve a restraining order on Nicholson Street.

3:10 p.m. A disabled vehicle was reported on Sewall Street.

7:11 p.m. A driver was issued a citation after a traffic stop on Pleasant Street.

Saturday, Aug. 29

9:21 a.m. While waiting at the red light at the intersection of Humphrey and Maple streets, an officer conducted a random inquiry of the license plate of the vehicle in front of him and then followed the vehicle into the parking lot at Gatchell’s Park and activated his emergency blue lights. The officer spoke to the driver, explaining the reason he had been stopped. The driver was polite and cooperative throughout their interaction, according to the officer’s report.

11:15 a.m. An officer investigated a report that a bicycle had clipped the mirror of a vehicle on Atlantic Avenue.

11:27 a.m. An officer investigated the report of a possible vehicle crash on Washington and Mugford streets but could not locate the alleged crash.

12:43 p.m. Vandalism was reported on Pitman Road.

2:22 p.m. An officer issued a pair of citations after traffic stops on Pleasant Street.

4:52 p.m. A vehicle was towed after an officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Ocean and Harbor avenues.

11:02 p.m. Officers investigated the report of a disturbance on Atlantic and Clifton avenues.

11:15 p.m. Officers investigated the report of a disturbance on Pleasant Street.

Sunday, Aug. 30

6:20 p.m. Water coming from a pipe was reported on Pleasant Street.

Monday, Sept. 1 12:26 a.m. Loud music was reported on Ocean Avenue and Risley Road.

8:02 a.m. An officer issued a citation to a driver on Atlantic Avenue.

3:55 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Prince Street where he was met by a man and a woman who showed him a small plastic bag with

an unknown white powdery substance inside lying in the middle of the street. The officer placed it in an evidence bag and brought it back to the station.

6:48 p.m. An officer issued a citation to a driver on Humphrey Street.

Tuesday, Sept. 2

1:25 a.m. An officer investigated a report regarding trucks at the Transfer Station.

7:30 a.m. An officer investigated a disturbance reported on Evans Road.

9:48 a.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with a man about an altercation with a clerk at 7-Eleven earlier in the morning. The man said that he had gone in to get breakfast, as he usually does but, upon taking a sip, realized that the carton of milk he had grabbed was spoiled. The man said the clerk got angry when he asked to grab a new carton, insisting that he would have to pay for the spoiled milk. He claimed that the clerk wound up locking the door and hitting him with a cane.

The man acknowledged that he, too, had gotten upset during the altercation and said that he did not want to get the clerk in trouble or pursue the matter any further but just wanted it documented. The officer advised him to stay away from 7-Eleven for the time being.

10:05 a.m. An officer went to speak with a woman who had been walking outbound on the Marblehead Rail Trial between Marblehead High School and the Jewish Community Center and had been passed by a man on an e-bike or e-scooter between the age of 18 and 26 who doubled back to speak to her. At first, the man, who spoke with an unidentifiable accent, seemed to be asking for directions. “Do you know where this is?” the man asked while showing the woman his cell phone. But when the woman looked at the phone’s screen, there was a block of text that included the words “beautiful” and “suck toes.”

The woman explained that she did not stick around to read any more of the message, and the man did not pursue her after she walked away from him, instead continuing outbound.

The woman did manage to get a picture of the man as he drove away. On his way to speak to the woman, the officer had kept an eye out for a man matching

the description he had been given but did not see the man, though another officer saw someone heading outbound on Atlantic Avenue towards Swampscott. The officer responding to the call was unable to find him.

3:24 p.m. While traveling on Atlantic Avenue on his way into work, an officer first noticed a vehicle tailgating his vehicle in the area of Gallison Avenue. The vehicle continued to be driven erratically, so the officer called the license plate into dispatch.

After both cars stopped for a red light at the intersection of Ocean Avenue, the vehicle continued to tailgate the officer when the light turned green. The officer eventually pulled over and let the other vehicle pass, which the other driver did, honking his horn as he went by. The officer then followed the vehicle into the parking lot between 16 and 20 Atlantic Ave. and approached the driver, asking for his license and registration.

The driver denied driving erratically and explained that he had been heading to pick up his girlfriend from work. The man claimed that it was the driver of a different vehicle who had honked at the officer.

Wednesday, Sept. 3

7:24 a.m. An officer investigated a report that a scooter had been ridden into the side of a vehicle on Bessom and Anderson streets.

8:05 a.m. An officer responded to the scene of a crash involving a vehicle and a pedestrian on Tedesco Street.

9:16 a.m. An officer went to speak to a man whose son’s unlocked bicycle and helmet had been stolen from the sidewalk outside of their home on Doaks Lane. An Apple AirTag attached to the bike was showing its location as being in the middle of the Lynn Woods Reservation.

The officer confirmed with one of his Lynn counterparts that the Lynn Police Department would be unable to search for the bicycle on his behalf. The man

was advised that, if he went to look for the bike himself and ran into any difficulty, he should call 911 or the Lynn Police business line.

9:17 a.m. An officer went to Ocean Avenue on Marblehead Neck to speak to both parties in a potentially politically motivated altercation between a pedestrian and someone riding an elliptical-style bicycle. The pedestrian said the cyclist had ridden directly at him before swerving out of the way at the last second, remarking sarcastically, “Oh, no; I missed you.” The pedestrian believed the cyclist’s actions were prompted by the campaign shirt he was wearing. The pedestrian said the two men had crossed paths earlier in his walk, too, and the cyclist had yelled something at him, but he had not heard him because he had headphones on. The officer then went and spoke to the other man who admitted making the “I missed you” remark but said he was only joking and had no intentions of striking or running into the other man. The officer advised him to refrain from making such comments in the future, even if in jest. He was also instructed not to speak to or interact with the pedestrian if he saw him again.

10:30 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Lafayette Street.

10:52 a.m. An officer spoke in the lobby with a woman who had been the victim of a check scam. The woman explained that she had written a check from her Marblehead Bank account to pay her credit card bill, but that the payment was not reflected on her credit card statement, even though the check had been cashed. She asked the bank for a copy of the check, and she learned that the payee on the check had been changed to the name of a woman she did not know. She had already frozen her credit through the three major credit bureaus and closed the account on which the tampered check had been drawn, but the bank had asked her for a police report. The officer planned to share the report with detectives.

1:53 p.m. An officer spoke with a woman who had been the victim of a scam, where she had tried to Google a phone number for Norton Antivirus to get help with issues with her home computer but ended up

speaking with a man who told her that someone had been using her protection plan or account. He went on to say she was due a credit in the amount of $38.99, but to receive the money, she would need to submit her banking information after clicking a link he would send her. She did as requested.

Shortly thereafter, she was told by the man that $3,899 had been accidentally deposited into her checking account instead, and that she would need to pay the company back by going to a Bitcoin ATM on Canal Street in Salem. This struck her as suspicious, so she called the police. When she investigated further, she found that the “accidental” $3,899 deposit had come from another one of her accounts, rather than an outside source. She was advised to put a lock on each of her accounts and to go to the bank in person to change her account information.

The officer also advised her to conduct a cleanout on her computer.

3:59 p.m. An officer spoke in the police station lobby with another person whose mailed checks had been altered. The man explained that on Aug. 4 he had dropped off two different checks in the drive-up mailbox at the Marblehead Post Office.

There was a delay in either of those checks being cashed, but when one of them did clear his account, it was for a different amount than he had originally written the check for and made out to another person. There was also a third check that the man had never written made out to the same person as well.

The man had already spoken with the bank about the issue, and they were in the process of refunding his money. The man wanted to file a police report to make sure he had all his bases covered.

4:42 p.m. Running hydrants were reported on Sparhawk Terrace and Naugus Avenue.

Thursday, Sept. 4 10:14 a.m. A disturbance was reported on Pleasant Street.

1:05 p.m. A downed tree or branch was reported on Devereux Street and Treat Road.

2:53 p.m. Officers responded to the scene of a crash involving a Mercedes and a bicycle on Atlantic Avenue and Phillips Street. The driver told one of the officers that she had POLICE, P. 14

OVERLINE: REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS Buyer(s)

Seller(s)

Address

Date

Price

Marblehead Wolf Lichtenstein

Heritage Development LLC

9 Upland Road

Aug. 18

$1,250,000

Jonathan and Natalie Poth

Shara and Timothy Goulter

11 Stratford Road

Aug. 18

$2,003,000

Johns Road RT and Christos Viores

12 Johns Road

Aug. 21

$700,000

22 Thompson Road NT and Sheila C. Rich

22 Thompson Road

Aug. 21

$900,000

Melanie and Stefan Schuman

37 Devereux St.

Aug. 20

$929,000

Estate of Judith Rae White and Gary Rhodes

1 Fuller Ave.

Aug. 18

$699,000

Elizabeth and Trevor J. Shaw

1 Orchard Terrace

Aug. 22

$655,000

Leaning Starboard LLC Mercedes and Ruel Longfellow Helen and Sarah Rizos Swampscott Erica Petersiel Liana and Thomas Whittam Brendan K. and Jane W. Newman

Denis Morgan and Michelle Penny

2 Palmer Ave.

Aug. 21

$1,530,000

Mark A. Noci

Steven Cohen and Bruce Withey

31-33 New Ocean St.

Aug. 22

$940,000

Timothy and Christine M. Bengston

Andrew and Hanora Purviance

43 Hampden St.

Aug. 19

$730,000

David C. Whitmore III and Jonelle M. Whitmore

Kenneth T. and Mary S. Johnson

128 Windsor Ave.

Aug. 18

$1,173,000

Help spare Ebony from ‘shelter life’ Breed: Domestic shorthair Size: Medium Age: Senior Sex: Female Ebony is an 11-year-old spayed female who will be going through some major challenges in her life shortly. One of her owners was moved to a nursing home, and her other owner is having some health

issues. The family has opted to surrender her to a shelter.

Ebony is shy when people are around, but when it is just her and her owner she will sit beside him and watch TV, according to those who know her.

Due to her age and quiet nature, volunteers would love to place her in a home before she enters the

shelter life.

“Shelters can be a stressful situation, even for younger cats,” the shelter notes. “We are looking for a home with one or two people that want a companion cat that is mature and dignified.”

Ebony is up to date with routine shots, house trained and spayed.

Volunteers at the Marblehead Animal Shelter are hoping to rehome Ebony before she has to enter “shelter life.”

COURTESY PHOTO

marbleheadcurrent.org

14 Wednesday, September 10, 2025 Marblehead Current

Police From P. 13

been stopped on Phillips Street heading towards Marblehead Neck at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Phillips Street.

She said she had looked

both ways and did not see anybody coming, so she proceeded to cross over Atlantic Avenue to continue on Phillips Street. When she got almost completely onto Phillips Street, she heard a bang and saw the cyclist go over the back of her

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vehicle. The officer then went over to speak with the cyclist, who was being treated by EMS. He stated he was heading inbound on Atlantic Avenue, and when he got close to the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and Phillips Street, he saw the vehicle pull onto Atlantic Avenue. He thought the vehicle was going to turn right or left but turned out to be wrong. The cyclist said he attempted to swerve in the same direction of the vehicle to avoid contact but ended up “hip checking it.” The bicyclist did not blame the driver for the crash; he felt as though they were both at fault, according to the officer’s report.

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