FIRST WAVE
BY THOMAS A. MASSARO, M.D. Ph.D
In your mailbox today along with this newspaper, there should be a postcard from the town of Marblehead c/o
UMass Boston inviting you to complete a private, completely
confidential survey about your health and wellness. The Board of Health will use the results of that survey to set priorities and develop community-wide programs in the future. It may take a few minutes of your time to complete today, but the results from it will be invaluable
to the board as it makes strategic decisions for years to come. We strongly and respectfully recommend that you complete the survey as soon as possible. Wellness describes a state of optimal well-being — not merely the absence of disease. The survey is designed to measure
BY SAOIRSE STALLINGS
Select Board member Jim Zisson is well-known in these parts for his giant pumpkins every fall. It has been a passion project for over 20 years, beginning with a seed every April and ending in early October.
Zisson says his secret to the large pumpkins is a good seed, with the rest coming down to care and a watchful eye. His biggest pumpkin (in 2019) was named Pat and hit 1,000 pounds. In 2024, Zisson held a guess-the-weight contest in his neighborhood, raising money for the Marblehead Food Pantry and hurricane relief. (There’s no contest this year.)
This year’s pumpkins are estimated at 300-400 pounds each.
Zisson’s pumpkins start inside and are transplanted outside in May. The summer season can be rough on the pumpkins, with intense heat and pesky garden insects.
Zisson’s wife, Laura, took over the pumpkin growing this year and said there was a huge learning curve to the practice.
“I had no idea how much work they were. I thought you might just plant them, maybe water and fertilize them. I didn’t realize things that you have to do, you have to have a lot of visual queues to look for. And I didn’t know the damage that the animals could do,” Laura said.
And the Zissons have company this year. Perry Asher has grown two big pumpkins; one is about 250 pounds, the other about 150. Asher got his first seed (and lots of advice) from Zisson.
“Jim helped me out enormously, he even gave me a publication from the
Roof troubles spread
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead schools spent
$493,704 on legal expenses in fiscal year 2025 — nearly 200% over its $165,000 budget.
Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations
Mike Pfifferling pointed to the teachers strike as one factor for
Giant Pumpkin Growers Association, and I looked at that and then I asked him questions. It was really helpful and he was the role model for pumpkin growing,” Asher said.
The Ashers named their pumpkins; the largest is Faith and the smaller is
the overrun.
In addition to those expenses, the town paid $98,000 to a fired employee after a legal ruling, Pfifferling said. He declined to offer additional details saying it was a personnel issue.
In fiscal year 2024, the Marblehead schools’ central administration spent $334,734 on legal counsel, significantly more than the $105,000 it budgeted.
During an FY25 summary, Pfifferling said MPS spent about
the eight dimensions of wellness: physical, social, emotional, intellectual, spiritual, environmental, occupational and financial. The results should provide an interesting and holistic perspective of our
Hope (because the smaller pumpkin “hopes” it will grow bigger).
Asher has no plans for his giant pumpkins, except to maybe harvest a couple seeds to grow more next year.
Asher says growing giant pumpkins is a great conversation starter and can
$200,000 more than expected for out-of-district placements and transportation.
The budget overruns were covered by savings in other line items, according to Pfifferling. He said the district would return $453,941 (or 1% of its fiscal year 2025 budget) to the town’s general fund, because the money
really bring the community together.
“I just had a 60th class reunion and everybody was showing photos of grandkids and stuff and I was showing photos of the pumpkins. People come by the house and I say, ‘You wanna see a giant pumpkin?’ It’s been fun.”
was not spent. Pfifferling attributed the extra money to several unfilled teacher positions that year, as well as coming in under budget on some supplies.
Leaky Veterans School roof shuts down MHTV Serious roof leaks at the Veterans School shut down MHTV on Sept. 25, which is located in the building. “Roof is in fact leaking over
the D wing,” Robidoux emailed the Current. “Students had been relocated prior to the roof work on that section being started. The heavy rain last night into today has found its way into the building. The company and our facilities crew have been working to remediate.”
MHTV Executive Director Joan Goloboy said its entire facility, including the broadcast studio, is impacted.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Perry and Rachel Asher stand by their two prized pumpkins.
COURTESY PHOTO Laura Zisson proudly shows this year’s pumpkin crop.
12-year-old suspect ID’d in church fires
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead Police and Fire departments announced Sept. 29 that they have identified a 12-year-old suspect in two church fires at Star of the Sea during Mass the last two Sundays. Investigators say the juvenile is the sole suspect.
“We take all fire incidents seriously, no matter how small, and are grateful for the teamwork that helped us bring this case to a swift resolution,” said Fire Chief Jason Gilliland. “We are thankful to the parish staff for their vigilance, and to our partners in law enforcement who assisted in this
Schools
MHS roof replacement timeline
The new high school roof replacement subcommittee met for the first time on Sept. 23. Ten general contractors have been prequalified to bid on the project which has a price tag of around $14 million, already approved by Town Meeting.
The following is an estimated timeline of next steps:
» Oct 30: General contractor bids are due.
Week of Nov. 3: Lowest responsible bidder will be announced.
» Nov. 4 or 5: Roof subcommittee will meet to choose whether to restore (with liquid applications) or recover (with a new membrane) the roof.
» Nov. 6: Full School Committee will meet to hear those recommendations and vote to approve a general contract.
Nov. 10: Bring the contract to the Select Board for final approval.
investigation.”
The state’s Fire Marshall’s Office assisted in the investigation.
Police Chief Dennis King added, “These incidents appear to be isolated, and there is no identifiable threat to the community or the parishioners at Star of the Sea Church. We are ever vigilant to protect our places of worship and appreciate the assistance of our public safety partners and the church staff to identify the individual responsible and hold them accountable.”
The Sept. 28 fire produced a large amount of smoke, prompting the church to evacuate. No one was injured. There was no damage reported
» June 2026: Construction begins
Anti-Discrimination Committee
Also at the Sept. 18 meeting, Robidoux presented an update on his Anti-Discrimination Committee, which he said is focusing mostly on antisemitism currently.
At the urging of several members, Robidoux was expected to meet with consultant
Dr. Miri Bar-Halpern, a clinical psychologist, advocate and speaker specializing in trauma and recovery. According to her website, she “helps individuals, families and communities navigate the impact of trauma with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based care.”
Robidoux said that conversation would help determine next steps, including meeting with students, reviewing the district’s
anti-discrimination policy to make sure it specifically mentions antisemitism, and bringing in speakers for students, teachers and caregivers.
He also spoke about working with Darnisa Amante-Jackson to conduct a district equity audit.
Asked if the Anti-Discrimination Committee has a budget for these programs, Robidoux answered, “There is no specific budget for the committee.”
Chief gives update on ICE action
BY LUCA TEDESCO
Police Chief Dennis King spoke to members of the Marblehead Task Force Against Discrimination Sept. 25, giving an update regarding the recent ICE action that took place in town where three landscapers were taken into custody by immigration officers.
“I don’t talk to ICE about anything that relates to their activities,” said King. “They didn’t tell us they were coming. They don’t have to.”
King did note, however, that the lack of communication between the town and immigration officials, while not unheard of, was somewhat unusual.
“Any time an outside agency
BY MAGGIE MULVIHILL
Nearly 41% of all arrests by Marblehead Police between 2014 and 2024 were for either drunkenness or driving under the influence, a statistic both the police chief and the Massachusetts program director for the non-profit Mothers Against Drunk Driving noted with concern.
“Alcohol-related crimes are those we investigate regularly,” said Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King. “It’s always concerning.”
King said the department is as “vigilant as we have ever been” in addressing not just alcoholrelated suspected crimes but all offenses in Marblehead.
“It is high for sure,” said Mary Kate DePamphilis, MADD’s Massachusetts’ program director,
comes in, whether it’s the State Police or a federal agency, we are better off by getting information unless it compromises their operations,” said King. “That’s
not perfect and sometimes it happens where an agency may not do that, but our preference is that they give us an idea when they’re operating,” unless that
jeopardizes their operations. In discussing Marblehead Police’s role in this type of law enforcement, King clarified that: “Local police do not enforce immigration law. Local police do not detain based on immigration status, race, ethnicity. That’s not our deal. They’re a separate entity in the law enforcement field… they take their positions from the federal government and the executive branch.”
Regarding continued ICE activity, King said, “Enforcement efforts started in January and, to our knowledge, we’ve only had one incident in Marblehead. I think that may be an indicator of the type of activity we are going to see, but I don’t know for certain.”
CHAIR Bob Peck
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)
of the number of arrests for drunkenness and driving under the influence in Marblehead between Jan. 1, 2014 and Dec. 31, 2024. It was not immediately clear how many of the Marblehead arrests for these two charges involved residents or visitors.
DePamphilis has been with MADD for 14 years, offering victims of alcohol-related car crashes support, advocating for legislative reforms, fundraising and educating the public about how to prevent the devastation caused by impaired driving, she said.
DePamphilis recently contacted the family of a 13-year-old Marblehead girl killed in an alleged drunk driving crash in August to help, she said. A 16-year-old Marblehead student has been charged with motor vehicle homicide in that crash,
which occurred just before 3 a.m. on Atlantic Avenue, police and the Essex County District Attorney’s office said. District Attorney Paul F. Tucker and King have not released the male defendant’s name, stating Massachusetts law protects his public identification because he was charged in state juvenile court. The crash remains under investigation by local police, the Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section and Crime Scene Services. King declined to comment on the August crash.
Savanah Gatchell was the second young person to lose their life in a Marblehead car crash in the past three-and-a-half years. James Galante, 18, died in 2017 after his car veered off the causeway at around 3:00 am on March 18. Authorities have not
made public the reason Galante’s car crashed.
DePamphilis said two fatal car crashes involving young people since 2017 in a town of 20,000 residents “is really unfortunate and it does warrant taking notice.”
MADD regularly visits Massachusetts communities affected by crashes like the one resulting in Gatchell’s death, arranging for surviving victims to share their stories of the devastating impact of the incidents. The purpose is for communities to see and hear first-hand from survivors and to raise awareness of the deadly consequences of impaired driving crashes.
“Their lives are changed forever,” DePamphilis said of
COURTESY PHOTO / SARAH FOX ICE and FBI agents took three local landscapers into custody last month on Beach Street.
COURTESY PHOTO / JAMES MARONEY
A leaky roof, under repair, damaged part of the Veterans School on Sept. 25, including MHTV.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead police and fire officials on the scene at Star of the Sea Church Sept 28.
Moulton may be mulling run for Senate seat
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Congressman Seth Moulton, a Democrat who grew up in Marblehead and represents the 6th District, may be considering a run for U.S. Senate against incumbent Ed Markey, another Democrat.
“While I continue to look at the best options to represent Massachusetts moving forward, I have not yet made a decision about running for U.S. Senate,” Moulton said in a statement last week.
Moulton has been vocal about Democrats needing younger leadership. Markey is 79 years old.
Moulton briefly ran for president in the 2020 election. He withdrew from the race in August 2019.
Moulton is a Marine veteran who served four tours in Iraq. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Harvard College and entered politics in 2014. Moulton, his wife and their two young daughters live in Salem.
The Current contacted state Rep. Jenny Armini, of Marblehead, and Sen. Brendan Crighton, of Lynn, to see if they have interest in running for Congress, if Moulton vacates his seat.
Crighton responded, “I would never rule
Maximilian Averback wows his classmates and teachers again this picture day.
COURTESY PHOTOS
anything out, but right now I’m focused on our crucial work in the (Massachusetts) Senate.”
Armini answered, “The Massachusetts House is the only house I want to serve in. It’s where I can do the most good for Marblehead, Swampscott and Lynn.”
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead student and fashion icon Maximilian Averback, a second grader at Epstein Hillel, has outdone himself again with a snazzy school photo.
The Current has been sharing Max’s school pics since kindergarten, when he first wowed adults on picture day. Every year, he dresses to impress. This year, he donned his traditional bow tie, silver and black jacket and shiny dress shoes.
Marblehead Turns Pink
Atte nd ascree ning of the award winning movie HelloB eaut iful, basedo nC hristine Handy ’s nove l, Wa lk Beside Me Where: Th eWarwick Tickets: warwickcinemas.com Fri, Oct3
Enjoy6 :30 dinner and music (all invited ) with Tr ue North Where: Th eLanding Ca ll (781 )639 -1 266 fo rres ervat ions Sat, Oct4,8 pm
Don’t miss us at Discove rM arblehead ’s 6th Annual Fa ll Fa ir Where: LeeM ansion Ga rd ens Sat, Oct4,1 0am-3pm
COURTESY PHOTO
Congressman Seth Moulton may be considering a run against Sen. Ed Markey.
Maximilian Averback’s school photos from kindergarten and first grade.
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Time to change the culture
In the aftermath of the tragic death of 13-year-old Savanah Gatchell in August, efforts are underway in some quarters of town to more aggressively address the issues of substance abuse and mental health.
Less than four years ago, high school senior James Galante lost his life when his car veered off the causeway at 3 a.m. While authorities have never made public the reason for this crash, many suspect that alcohol was involved.
A daunting statistic for us to consider is that nearly 41% of all arrests by Marblehead Police between 2014 and 2024 were for drunkenness or driving under the influence. This leads to the question: Should we be doing more to address alcohol and substance abuse in Marblehead?
Last spring, the Mental Health Task Force, which had served under the umbrella of the Health Department, was rebranded to Marblehead Cares. As of this fall, it is associated with the Marblehead Counseling Center, according to Teri McDonough, social services director. McDonough reports that there has been a renewed interest and energy resulting from last month’s tragedy.
“There is a good collaborative spirit to address substance abuse and mental health issues by our town departments and providers,” she said.
There is a new Board of Health initiative, CAHM (Creating a Healthier Marblehead), that “has the goal of promoting better health in our town,” according to the board’s chair, Dr. Thomas Massaro. While mental health is but one component of this initiative, we applaud the board’s initiative.
According to Massaro, all residents should be receiving a postcard invitation to participate in a town-wide survey to assist the Board of Health in setting priorities and developing communitywide programs in the future to address health and wellness issues, with a final report to be published in the spring. The cost of the survey is being paid by Marblehead’s two Rotary Clubs, the Female Humane Society and The Mariner. Board of Health member Tom McMahon, long an advocate for addressing mental health and substance abuse issues, made an impassioned presentation at a recent board meeting regarding his concerns that there has been a long-standing drinking culture in Marblehead, citing the phrase “Marblehead, a drinking town with a sailing problem.”
McMahon acknowledges he, too, had previously found this quote funny — but no longer. He calls upon everyone to pay attention to how adult behavior around alcohol is always on view to our children and how it might lead them to underestimate the risks associated with irresponsible consumption.
This past week, McMahon used social media to ask people to weigh in on the possibility of imposing a curfew for persons under the age of 18, which has stimulated a vigorous debate on both sides of this issue. We encourage McMahon to keep pushing envelopes to heighten public awareness of the need to find ways to protect and improve everyone’s mental health.
The School Committee is once again circulating its Substance Abuse and Risk Related Factors survey among high school students, the results of which will be made public next spring. In conjunction with the superintendent, they are also seeking volunteers to serve on a Health and Wellness Committee.
Finally, several local mothers and teens have come together to form MADD 4 MHD (Mothers Against Drunk Driving For Marblehead) to address drinking and driving in Marblehead.
All of these efforts are laudable, and we commend all groups and individuals who are dedicating themselves to address mental health and substance abuse in Marblehead. We encourage all town leaders and citizens to prioritize these issues.
Much needs to be done because, as McMahon says, “If we don’t take a look at ourselves and the culture we’ve created and celebrated and make some serious changes in our lives, then we’ll just keep facing periodic tragedies.”
community.
This wellness assessment is the initial component of a new Board of Health initiative known as CAHM (Creating a Healthier Marblehead) which has the goal of promoting better health in our town. Historically, the Board of Health has been primarily involved with protecting and controlling threats to your health. This new initiative represents a recognition that public health locally, nationally and globally is changing. The definition of the new public health most consistent with our goals is: Public health Is what we do together as a society to create conditions in which everyone can be healthy. The new public health intends to be more locally focused. This survey will provide local data for making local decisions. It is designed to solicit recommendations about where the Board of Health and other town boards, committees, organizations, ministries and businesses should spend their energies and time in the future.
We need to know what current services work, and which don’t. And what services might be added.
In the next town election, you will be voting for two additional members for the Board of Health that will allow the board to expand to five members. The larger board will be more efficient and more effective which will allow it to consider more health promoting activities and programs than had been possible previously.
There are no tax dollars involved in collecting this information.
The CAHM town-wide health assessment is being generously supported by the following prominent organizations: The Rotary Club of Marblehead, the Marblehead Female Humane Society, the Mariner and the Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor.
When CAHM proposes new services or programs, the board will need to defend them and that will require a solid appreciation of the health status baseline from which we are starting. The CAHM townwide health assessment will provide that baseline. The greater the response to the survey, the stronger the conclusions and recommendations will be.
Once the assessment results are available, supervised focus groups will be established to explore topics identified by the survey responses as deserving examination in greater depth.
The final report based on the
A centrist speaks out on Kirk, Moulton
To the editor:
I feel compelled to comment about some experiences and truths related to polarization and the political murder of Charlie Kirk. For the many that must designate all that they see and hear, as either left or right, I should disclose that I am a centrist; never a registered Republican, but once a Democrat; I dislike Trump and did not vote for him.
This letter was prompted by Seth Moulton being one of 58 congressmen who voted against the recent Charlie Kirk Memoriam, a resolution that did not have a partisan word in it and was about rejection of political violence stating an “unequivocal
How to participate in the survey:
Once the assessment results are available, supervised focus groups will be established to explore topics identified by the survey responses as deserving examination in greater depth.
wellness assessment and the focus groups will be available in the Spring of 2026. A public forum will be scheduled shortly after the report is published to discuss results, evaluate conclusions, and make recommendations.
The BoH has contracted with a team from UMass Boston that has great experience with doing health assessments in Massachusetts municipalities. Salem and Swampscott are just two of the 80 municipalities that this team has successfully supported.
Caitlin Coyle, Ph.D, of UMass Boston addressed the Select Board last week and outlined the security protocols that are in place to secure the confidentiality of the survey. One of the reasons we chose to partner with UMass Boston is its experience in maintaining the integrity of the survey process. All of the survey procedures have been reviewed and approved by their Institutional Review Board. All individual answers remain completely anonymous. There should be no identifying markers in either the hard copy or the digital version. Data is collected on a passwordprotected platform and is stored on a password protected folder on a server at their campus. Only
condemnation of political violence, regardless of ideology”. Seth, who I believe is more moderate than he lets us believe, will vote where his bread is buttered, meaning that he is ready to be our career politician and he does not want to jeopardize that, so he takes these heartless partisan stands/votes to reassure his base. He did go against party with his statement on biological males in women’s sports, which I applaud him for, but he most often unnecessarily takes the partisan stand/comment when compromise and altruism is clearly called for, not his needless divisive political points. He also did it recently with his comments at the 250th Marine Corps anniversary here in town. He doesn’t truly care about compromise or properly representing his constituents over making political points, and in the process continues the polarization,
researchers from UMass Boston will have access to the raw data which will not be shared with the town. No one from the Board of Health will have access to it. Only aggregated data results will be shared and made public.
The Board of Health sees CAHM as an effective way to learn what the town residents see as important. We are eager to hear from the people that elected us. We value their comments and opinions. And hopefully, the residents will be comfortable being accurate, frank and straightforward in their responses.
Our UMass Boston colleagues tell us that different town survey initiatives have produced markedly different recommendations such as housing and sidewalk infrastructure, enhanced cross generational contact, substance use and mental health protocols. Marblehead is an exceptional place. It will be interesting to see what unique recommendations it comes up with to help us support the wellbeing of our residents. .
*The opinions expressed in this column are those of the author alone. They do not necessary reflect the opinion of the Board of Health, which he chairs.
ineffectiveness of congress, and ultimately our disenfranchisement (when was the last time that we had a choice besides just him to vote for?).
Just like those that scream Israel is committing genocide when reality is the opposite, where the Palestinian constitution calls for the eradication of the Jewish state from the face of the earth, the truth is not that Charlie Kirk was vile, racist, homophobic and misogynistic.
When my sons started college, I came to the realization that free speech did not exist at our public universities and the far majority of our private universities. I came across some debates by this Christian guy who was the first to force his way onto our public universities in 3-hour open debate
What you need to know about Microsoft’s upcoming deadline
BY STEPHEN BACH
Once again, it looks like Microsoft jumped the proverbial gun by trying to scare everyone into thinking that if you don’t upgrade to Windows 11 by Oct. 14 the sky will fall. Although some of what they published has a lot of truth in it, they have just released some updates to their FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) announcement. Here is a little update to help you sleep a bit better:
Technically, Windows 10 support ends on Oct. 14, 2025. After that day, no more free updates or help will come. Your computer will still run. But without new fixes, it can be less safe.
But, there are two clear choices. One is to move to Windows 11, which is the recommended and the safest path. It gives new features and steady protection. However, the other is to stay on Windows 10 and buy extended security updates. These updates focus on security only. They last up to three years.
First, check the version on the PC. Open Settings. Go to
System. Open About. Look for Windows 10, version 22H2. If you do not see 22H2, open Windows Update in Settings and install updates until it shows 22H2.
If the plan is to upgrade, open Windows Update and see if Upgrade to Windows 11 appears. Follow the steps on the screen. If the PC is not able to run Windows 11, it may be time to get a new PC that can.
If the plan is to stay on Windows 10, make sure it is on version 22H2. Then you can buy extended security updates. People at home pay $30 for one year. Organizations pay $61 per device for the first year. The
price doubles each year after that, for up to three years. These updates do not add new features. They are for security fixes. They also do not include broad tech support. Plan to renew each year if staying on Windows 10. Everyone should use basic safety steps. Turn on automatic updates. Keep antivirus on and current. Back up important files to a drive or a trusted cloud. Be careful with email attachments and strange websites. Some cloud or virtual setups may include these security updates at no extra cost. If a school, business, or family uses cloud PCs or certain hosted machines, they should check if
they are already covered. After Oct. 14, action is needed. Moving to Windows 11 is the simple and strong choice. Staying on Windows 10 with paid security updates is the short-term bridge. Check the version, pick a path and plan the budget now.
As always, if the technical stuff seems overwhelming, get help from your favorite computer repair folks. And, remember: stay safe out there! Stephen Bach is the owner and chief of surgery at The Digital Docs in Marblehead.
sessions on public commons. He was providing the first alternative views that most of these kids had ever heard; He was kind, fair and a strong advocate for free speech. He espoused objective discussion and some Christian values. I did not agree with all he said; he was provocative and dramatic, at times, but he always came back to advocating the acceptance of all, just like Christ would accept all his children regardless of what we are whether trans, gay or straight.
I have watched 100 of his debates in the US and UK before he was murdered and I can attest, apolitically, that he had a Christian agenda, but he was not what the media and democrats are saying he was. They are categorical lies; the clips I have seen are all designed to take only the damning strong points of his arguments out of context and do not depict this man and what he stood for, in any way. I do not believe Seth would only view these 5-second biased clips, designed specifically to discredit this man and keep us at each other’s throats, to make his NO vote; I think he knew better. It was a spineless partisan vote and he did all of us a disservice by making it. Our bipartisan system wins control over us with this polarization, where each side is convinced of their moral superiority and sole possession of the truth (nothing in our world is that black and white!). I have talked to people who never knew Charlie before September 10th, but they are convinced that he was evil incarnate, as well as anyone else who knows and says Charlie was entirely different. Do you all see how awful this is? Do you see how this designed for misinformation, which includes our congressman who supports it, is bad for all of our society, whether you are left or right? Don’t we all want the truth? Well, you aren’t going to get it from FOX, NPR, the Boston Globe or most of the mainstream media. They are all selling an agenda, it is insipid, concerted and designed to demonize one side over the other, at all costs. We need elected representatives who do not foster this partisanship and polarization. It helps no one. It divides us. Charlie spoke for unity over diversity. Diversity is killing this country. That doesn’t mean not to accept those that are not like you, that means joining together with those not like you. We are Americans; that is our commonality that used to take precedence in our country. We need to come together. It
is getting worse too…the selfrighteous omnipotents who are convinced they alone possess the truth, the hate, the rancor, and attacks on everyone that doesn’t agree with your world view; they are all destroying American society. And if you want to know who Charlie was, then please watch some of his full debates and not just clips that highlight the dramatic points. The truth of Israel’s 80-year quest for peace and survival is also available for all to see when you attempt to get your information from those who are not trying to control you.
Kevin Maguire Auburndale
Road
No defense, no excuse
To the editor: For ages, I’ve had to endure reading of the fault of automobile drivers when accidents involving cyclists were involved with no addressing of the fault of the cyclists. Now, it seems the same is happening with kids and e-bikes — the popular opinion is to lay the entire blame with the automobile driver. That “They’re kids” is no defense or excuse, when all I see all over town are e-bike riders (primarily “kids”) speeding, riding with abandon, weaving in/out of roadway lanes, tailgating vehicles and switching between roadways and sidewalks as convenience dictates. God forbid that e-bike riders’ pursuit of thrills be hindered by something as inconvenient as a stop sign or stop light.
Of course, at times, the automobile driver is at fault. But I’ve seen, firsthand, too many times, the reckless ignoring of safety on behalf of e-bike riders. Stop excusing them because they’re kids.
Jim Nemeth Laurel Street
Preparing to give thanks
To the editor:
The Marblehead Food Pantry is preparing for the Thanksgiving holiday season. Serving our community since 1991, we are seeking sponsors to help defray costs.
The pantry provides a Thanksgiving meal to approximately 80 local households. Turkey, a bag with fresh produce, stuffing, cranberry sauce, gravy, dinner rolls and a pie are included.
The generosity of our local businesses, places of worship, friends and neighbors help fund the pantry.
Please consider a donation of $30 for a turkey, $40 for the
grocery bag, $10 for a pie or $80 for a complete meal. All donations are tax deductible and can be mailed to Marblehead Food Pantry, 80 Atlantic Avenue, Marblehead, MA. Thank you for kicking off the holiday season with us.
Marcy Schwam President, Marblehead
Food Pantry
Supporting nonprofit news in Marblehead
To the editor, I am writing in my personal capacity to express my distress and concern over the loss of Will Dowd and a full-time reporting position from the Marblehead Current.
Dowd is one of the first names I learned coming into Marblehead. Part of the research before my job interview was to review Marblehead’s newspapers to get an idea on the various happenings in town. Article after article, newspaper to newspaper, Will Dowd has been a prolific chronicler for the town for over 10 years.
In my experience with Will, he’s never hesitated to put the tough questions to the town administrator, to search our town archives for untold stories of the past, or to sit down with our finance director and parse financial information into something everyone can understand. Regardless of the side of an issue you stand on, Will would give you a fair shake and strive to understand the full context of the story. He is a journalist that truly cares about fostering an informed community. I want to thank Will for his service to the Current and Marblehead as a whole, and I hope he finds a way to keep his talent focused on Marblehead.
Additionally, I would like to express my concern for the Marblehead Current and its longterm viability. I already notice the difference in the loss of a full-time reporter, and I hope the Current’s budgetary constraints are merely a short-term issue.
Having a nonprofit news source in a time of regional corporate media conglomerates is unique, Marblehead should not forget the value of this local reporting, which is unfortunately rare today. Only a few years ago, Marblehead was left in a local news vacuum when the Marblehead Reporter shifted to regional reporting. Thankfully Marblehead has two established operations now, but that could always change. I rely on the Marblehead Current for information on the happenings of the countless committees and events going on in Marblehead,
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.
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Letters must be received by noon on Friday in order to be printed in the following week’s print edition.
for feedback and opinions from the Public, and even the mundane of notices and bids.
I value the local reporting the Current provides, that’s why I am a recurring monthly donor.
I encourage anyone with the financial ability to chip in and help keep Marblehead’s valuable local journalism alive.
Logan Casey, Marblehead’s sustainability coordinator Dartmouth Street, Somerville
Seeking volunteers
To the editor:
At the Town Meeting in May 1996 a unanimous vote was cast to keep the State Street restrooms open all year. After a short time of being open they were shuttered again. At last May’s Town Meeting a similar article was put to the vote. Again, a unanimous vote in favor. Funds have since been appropriated and spent to install an air-source heat pump to permit year-round operation. The task now is how can these essential facilities be properly
managed and maintained to prevent them from again being shuttered for three seasons of the year.
Experience strongly points to the importance of citizen volunteers. Town employees have a limited role that only goes so far. But residents who recognize the importance and necessity of providing clean, attractive, and well-functioning restrooms in the most visited area of Marblehead can provide managerial input and oversight that are outside the wheelhouse of salaried town crews. With the endorsement of the town administrator and the harbormaster, I am seeking some volunteers willing to supply some time and helpful suggestions to make the State Street restrooms more welcoming, secure, and less subject to vandalism.
If you live in relatively close proximity to the Landing, are retired or have periods of free time and would like to join me in this pursuit, please contact me. My cell is 978-771-4246 Phil Blaisdell Front Street
BY LEIGH BLANDER
New GM at Marblehead Light
Marblehead Municipal Light Department’s new general manager, Jon Blair, started this week, replacing Joe Kowalik. Blair, a former leader at the Ipswich Electric Light, was chosen from a field of more than 90 applicants. He starts with a base salary of $219,000.
Kowalik, who was expected to stay through his contract in April, was told his last day would be Sept. 28. He was given a severance check of approximately $200,000.
Village Street Bridge update
The Village Street Bridge project has advanced to the “25% design review stage” with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, according to Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer.
The bridge, constructed in 1939, spans the Rail Trail and Highland Terrace.
“It is a structurally deficient bridge … and now presents safety and accessibility challenges,” Kezer said to the Select Board.
Fire Chief Jason Gilliland told the Current that the town’s previous engineer, Charlie Kirk, urged firefighters to drive their trucks near the center of the bridge and avoid either side.
The town’s 3A noncompliance may impact the project, according to Kezer.
MassDOT has determined that the project is eligible for federal aid highway funding of about $4.5 million, Kezer reported.
“At the same time, the town recognizes the importance of our MBTA 3A zoning compliance status,” Kezer said. “We will continue to work with MassDot and state officials to determine what, if any, impact noncompliance may have on the progress.”
Town’s financial trends ‘very strong’ Auditors Roselli, Clark & Associates presented an “audit exit conference” to the Select
Board reporting the town’s financial trends remain strong. Revenues beat forecast by $2 million, and expenditures came in under budget $5.8 million.
Marblehead continues to earn the highest bond rating, AAA, and is in the top 10% of communities in the state in terms of investment appeal.
The firm did point out that the town’s cash/bank reconciliation and receivable reconciliation processes were “weak,” which delayed important reports. Kezer said those deficiencies have
already been addressed.
Lowy enters Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame
Marblehead resident David A. Lowy, who served for eight years as a justice on the Supreme Judicial Court, was inducted into the Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly Hall of Fame at a ceremony held at the Venezia Restaurant in Boston on Sept. 16.
Lowy began his legal career as an associate in the litigation department of the firm Goodwin, Procter & Hoar and spent a year clerking for U.S. District Court Judge Edward F. Harrington.
Lowy was an assistant district attorney in Essex and Suffolk counties and served as deputy legal counsel to Gov. William F. Weld. He first became a state District Court judge in 1997 and was appointed to the Superior Court bench by Gov. Paul Cellucci in 2001. Gov. Charlie Baker then elevated him to the SJC in 2016.
Lowy now serves as general counsel at the University of Massachusetts, his alma mater, where he is also an adjunct professor of law and strategic advisor for law school education.
In an interview with Lawyers Weekly, Lowy credited his parents with teaching him that it was important not only to work hard but “help, even in some small measure, to heal the world.”
Good reviews for Beauport Ambulance
In its first month of operation in Marblehead, Beauport Ambulance responded to 97 calls with an average response time of 5.5 minutes, “reflecting strong service capacity and service,” Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.
Going up?
The accessibility lift at the Old Town House has reached the end of its useful life, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told the Select Board on Sept. 24. It “is failing more often than it is operating and cannot support the frequency of runs needed for public events and elections at the buildings,” he said.
Kezer added that the town may need to limit future events at the Old Town House until a permanent solution is identified. Staff will be analyzing the costs of full replacement and developing options for the next capital improvement plan.
Locals lace up for Jimmy Fund Walk
Twenty Marblehead residents are set to join the Jimmy Fund Walk on Sunday, Oct. 5. The event raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. This year’s goal is $9.5 million. The Jimmy Fund Walk takes place along the famed Boston Marathon course, and participants have the flexibility to choose from four distance options: 5K walk, 10K walk, halfmarathon walk and marathon walk. Walkers who prefer to participate virtually can complete their chosen distance from any location.
Marblehead walkers include: Susan Bean, Steven Weinstein, Pat Donovan McLeod, Karen Meyer, Susan Walton, Luke Weiss, Samantha Weiss, Ellie Weiss, Zach Weiss, Michele Cohen, Mark Chambers, Nicholas Mosher, Linda Weinstein, Steven Weinstein, Doreen Stacey, Pat Donovan McLeod, Michele Cohen, Brian Cohen, Lauren Crawford, Abby Drummond, Rossane Ferrante
and Stephen Walker. For more information, visit jimmyfundwalk.org.
Bank to host
‘MarbleShred’
Marblehead Bank is hosting “MarbleShred” its free biannual public shredding event and food drive for the Marblehead Food Pantry on Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-noon in the parking lot of its main office at 21 Atlantic Ave.
In addition to accepting documents containing personal information that residents would like to dispose of securely, the bank will also be accepting donations of non-perishable food items and cash for the Marblehead Food Pantry.
The bank also accepts donations to the Food Pantry at its branches year round.
Household hazardous waste day
The town is hosting its fall household hazardous waste day at the Transfer Station on Wednesday, Oct. 8, 4-7 p.m. Here are a few items that people can bring: oil-based paints, fuels, motor oil, insecticides, chemical fertilizer, photo chemicals and fluorescent bulbs. People may not bring prescription medicine or syringes, ammunition or fireworks, and commercial or industrial waste.
There are new fees this year:
» $40, 0-3 gallons or up to 6 lbs.
» $55, 3-10 gallons or up to 20 lbs.
$90, 10-25 gallons or up to 50 lbs.
Enter the Transfer Station on Green Street. Only credit cards
and checks will be accepted. For more info, call 781-631-0212.
MYSA golf tourney
Oct. 6, 11:30 a.m. shotgun start
Marblehead Youth Soccer Association is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a golf classic fundraiser at Tedesco Country Club.
Founded in 1976, MYSA has been a cornerstone of youth sports in Marblehead for five decades, providing opportunities for thousands of local children to learn the game of soccer, develop lifelong skills and build community.
This inaugural Golf Classic will bring together players, families, alumni and supporters to celebrate MYSA’s rich history while raising funds for its future. Proceeds will support the introduction of AI-enabled video technology to enhance training for players and coaches and to capture game memories for families. Funds will also continue to ensure fully-paid scholarships for families in need, reaffirming MYSA’s commitment that every child in Marblehead has access to soccer.
For more info, visit events. golfstatus.com/event/ MYSAGoldenAnniversaryGolf.
Marblehead Police want you!
Marblehead Police are hosting the 11th Citizens Police Academy Oct. 3-Nov. 2. More than 200 residents have taken the class so far. Learn the ins and outs of policing and the criminal justice system — taught by police officers. Download the application at https://loom.ly/q7Kki-4.
COURTESY PHOTO / MASSACHUSETTS LAWYERS WEEKLY David A. Lowy
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Beauport Ambulance Services is getting good reviews after its first month of service in town.
A flyer promotes MarbleShred at Marblehead Bank, 21 Atlantic Ave., Saturday, Oct. 4, 9 a.m.-noon.
COURTESY PHOTO Jon Blair started Monday, Sept. 29, as the new general manager at Marblehead Municipal Light Department.
Proposed charter will go to Town Meeting
BY LEIGH BLANDER
A proposed Marblehead Town Charter will be up for a vote at May’s Town Meeting, when residents will decide whether after 376 years, it’s time for Marblehead to have a formal document that defines how the town works.
A Town Charter Committee started work in 2024 and has spent hundreds of hours meeting with elected and appointed officials, as well as town boards, committees and commissions to understand current practices. It has also studied the town’s bylaws, as well as state laws.
TCC Chair Amy Drinker emphasized the proposed Charter does not make any major changes but simply reflects and documents the town’s rules and processes.
In an executive summary presented to the Select Board Sept. 24, the TCC outlined what the Charter does, including:
» Maintains open Town Meeting.
» Serves as a reference and resource tool for citizens — an “owner’s manual” — using
Police stats
the survivors. “It is not right for someone to die because you wanted to get drunk.”
No Marblehead official has contacted MADD since the August crash, she said.
National picture
In 2023, the most recent year for which official statistics are available, there were 12,429 alcohol-impaired driving fatalities in the U.S in which a driver had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.8 or higher, with 116 of those in
clear language to explain how the town’s bylaws, regulations, special acts and state law currently govern town functions.
» Serves as a resource for people serving on elected and appointed boards, clarifying but not changing roles and responsibilities.
According to the TCC, the Charter does not: Propose any changes to current practices that are
Massachusetts, according to data compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. In the past five years, there has been a 22% increase in deaths or injuries nationwide due to alcoholrelated vehicle crashes — and a 4% increase in Massachusetts, DePamphilis said.
“The numbers are staggering,” she said.
Marblehead arrest numbers
Marblehead police made 808 total arrests during this 10-yearperiod, with two 17-year-old males among the 330 arrests for drunkenness and driving under
consistent with the town’s bylaws, regulations, special acts and state law.
» Expand the town administrator’s role.
» Dictate everyday operational tasks for town employees, boards etc.
“We are not changing the way Marblehead does business,”
TCC Chair Amy Drinker told the Current. “We’re documenting how Marblehead does business.”
Critics say the town has been
the influence, the data shows.
Arrests for all crimes in Marblehead plummeted in this time, going from 137 in 2014 to 37 in 2024. Arrests for drunkenness and driving under the influence also plunged, going from 66 in 2014 to seven in 2024, the data shows.
King said numerous factors affect a community’s yearly arrest numbers, including changes in laws, heightened awareness about crime and individual behavior modification.
Marblehead’s chief for four years, King said the arrest declines between 2014 and 2024 do not mean police are less aggressive in enforcing laws.
operating without a charter for nearly four centuries and doesn’t need one now.
Drinker’s response?
“Marblehead’s bylaws do not always address roles and responsibilities; the proposed charter will protect how Marblehead currently does business by requiring a vote of Town Meeting to make any changes to Marblehead’s government structure,” she said.
King said every driving under the influence arrest in Marblehead resulted in an adjudication in state court.
“Anytime arrests are going down it is a positive thing for the community, because that’s an indicator that the activity is going down,” King said.
Talk to your children
With the holidays approaching, DePamphilis urged parents to talk to their children about the risks of drinking and driving.
“The night before Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest nights of the year because a lot of kids come home
“The lack of a charter makes it hard for individuals serving on boards, committees and commissions (especially those newly elected) to understand their responsibilities and roles and how their respective departments interface with other town departments and officials. The proposed charter will promote civic engagement through public clarity and transparency.”
Additionally, the TCC may propose a separate, stand-alone recall article at Town Meeting that would allow officials to add recall provisions to the Charter at a future date.
The Charter has a long road ahead, even if it passes Town Meeting in May. It needs to go to the state Legislature for approval and then come back to Marblehead for a townwide vote in an election. That could take 18 to 24 months, Drinker said. Before Town Meeting, TCC plans to hold many community meetings to share information about the Charter and answer questions. To read the current draft of the proposed Town Charter, visit marbleheadma.gov/category/ town-charter-committee.
from college,” she said. “It’s a huge drinking night.”
Families need to have open conversations about the catastrophic consequences that could occur, DePamphilis added.
“Do not get in a car with someone who has been drinking,” she said. “You need to have a safe way to get home. These are crimes that are 100% preventable.”
Maggie Mulvihill is a Marblehead resident and investigative reporter who teaches computational journalism at Boston University. This story is part of an ongoing collaboration between the Current and Mulvihill’s BU Data Journalism course.
Local man’s number used in swatting incident
Saturday, Sept. 20
4:21 p.m. An officer responded to a request for a property check on Fort Sewall Lane.
11:43 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Pleasant Street.
Sunday, Sept. 21
5:24 a.m. Officers responded to the report of a disturbance on Pleasant Street.
2:12 p.m. Officers returned to Pleasant Street to investigate another disturbance.
2:33 p.m. An officer investigated a report of vandalism on Humphrey Street.
Monday, Sept. 22
9:24 a.m. A driver was given a citation after a traffic stop on Humphrey Street.
1:36 p.m. Four officers responded to a general complaint on Pleasant Street.
4:47 p.m. A driver was given a verbal warning after a traffic stop on Pleasant Street.
5:13 p.m. Officers investigated a complaint related to a moving vehicle on Ocean Avenue but could not locate the vehicle.
7:32 p.m. Two drivers were given verbal warnings after traffic stops in the vicinity of Pleasant and School streets.
8:16 p.m. Marblehead officers investigated what turned out to be a “swatting” call that spanned three states. The police department in Bar Harbor, Maine, reported that they had gotten a call from a man who reported that he had just shot and killed his friend in Jackson Township, New Jersey. A reverse search of the phone number used to call the Bar Harbor Police tied that number to a man
initially believed to be living in Swampscott, though it was determined that he had moved to Arthur Avenue in Marblehead.
The Jackson Township Police had already responded to the residence where the alleged shooting had taken place and found no problems. Marblehead officers similarly went to Arthur Avenue and were met at the front door by a man who was confused to see them at his door.
He invited them in to discuss the matter further. The man explained that he had been home with his wife all day and had never been to Jackson Township. Officers determined that he had the misfortune of having his phone number used in the hoax.
A Marblehead officer shared their findings with their counterparts in Bar Harbor and Swampscott.
8:57 p.m. The report of a disturbance on Rowland Street proved to be unfounded.
Tuesday, Sept. 23
7:11 a.m. An officer went to investigate a report of apparent vandalism to a vehicle parked in a lot on Rowland Street. The vehicle’s owner met the officer and showed him the vehicle, which had a smashed front windshield, which had left glass shards strewn about the area.
The officer said it appeared as if someone had struck the windshield with a blunt object with enough force to nearly break through the windshield, rather than having been damaged by a rock chip that spiderwebbed. The officer asked the owner if he knew of anyone that would want to damage his car, and he did not. The man said that the last time he had seen
the car without the damage was the previous weekend. An officer spotted a camera on the side of the building and planned to investigate further.
9:33 a.m. An officer assisted with a disabled vehicle on Lafayette Street and West Shore Drive.
9:45 a.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Lafayette Street and West Shore Drive.
11:05 a.m. An officer investigated a complaint related to e-bikes on Pleasant Street.
11:14 a.m. A driver was given a verbal warning after a traffic stop at Market Square.
11:26 a.m. A driver was given a verbal warning after a traffic stop on Green Street and Powder House Court.
11:59 a.m. A vehicle crash was reported on Pequot Road.
2:14 p.m. A driver was given a verbal warning after a traffic stop on Pleasant Street and Ocean Avenue.
5:08 p.m. Officers investigated an issue with utilities on Pleasant Street.
Wednesday, Sept. 24
9:31 a.m. An officer went to Dennett Road to investigate a report of vandalism to a vehicle. He spoke with the resident who explained that the family had been away and returned to find the rear window of a Jeep that was parked in the driveway had been smashed out, leaving an 18-inch hole. When she had looked inside the vehicle, she had not found any objects, like a rock or a stick, that could have caused the damage. Nothing had been taken from the vehicle. The resident said she had checked
to see if the incident had been captured by a neighbor’s doorbell camera, but it was blocked by a set of bushes. The incident was documented for insurance purposes.
1:25 p.m. Two officers investigated the report of a disturbance on Pleasant Street.
1:43 p.m. Officers, firefighters and EMS workers responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Atlantic Avenue.
2:10 p.m. Two officers returned to Pleasant Street for a disturbance.
2:35 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Miller Plaza to investigate a report that a vehicle had struck a person’s leg. Upon his arrival, he was waved over by two people whose vehicles were parked next to each other. As the woman’s injuries were being evaluated by firefighters and EMS workers, the man explained that he had started to back out of his parking spot when he heard someone screaming to stop. Realizing what had happened, he pulled forward back into the spot and exited his vehicle to find the woman sitting inside her vehicle in pain. The man said he believed that his vehicle’s front right tire had hit the woman’s vehicle’s door as she was exiting her vehicle, which caused the driver’s side door to close on her leg. The officer inspected both vehicles and observed a black tire mark on the driver’s side door of the woman’s vehicle where the tire on the man’s vehicle had hit the door. The officer then went to the ambulance to speak with the woman about what
had happened, and she offered a consistent account of the sequence of events.
5:09 p.m. Someone was transported to the hospital after a general complaint on Lime Street.
8:39 p.m. Two officers went to Broughton Road to investigate a noise complaint. He was met by the caller who stated that her next door neighbor was playing loud music. The officers walked around the residence but could not hear any loud music. The officers knocked on the door and spoke with the neighbor. The officers could hear music being played but not very loudly. The woman explained that she had just moved in the day before and that her neighbor had already complained about noise. The officer told her that, while her music was not loud, the walls between the units were thin and that she should try to keep the volume low. The woman said she understood and told the officers about an interaction she had the day before while moving in her washer and dryer. In an effort to keep the peace between the two parties, the officers talked with the caller who said that she, too, had just moved in and that the noise next door is keeping her child awake. One of the officers told her that, in the future, she should try to talk to her neighbor first, given that both had just moved in and were getting situated. The woman agreed that she would try doing this in the future.
10:25 p.m. A general complaint on Pleasant Street proved to be unfounded.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Members of the Town Charter Committee meet Sept. 23 to talk about the latest draft and what comes next.
An Evening of Food, Music &Hope
We arepartnering with the Ellie Fund, an amazing organization supporting people undergoing breast cancer treatment with services like meals, childcare,and transportation.
•3-Course Pre-Fixe Dinner –$55 pp –Starter,dessert &choice of entrée: Brick Chicken, Grilled Salmon, or Steak Frites
•LiveMusic by True North at 8:30 PM
•Wear Pink to show your support
•GiveBack While YouDine –10% of allfood &drink sales donated to Ellie Fund
Dinner seating begins at 6:30 PM Reservations required –call (781) 639-1266 and mention “Ellie Fund Dinner”
Fall has arrived at The Landing!
Fall has arrived at The Landing!
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New fall menus – from cozy dinner entrées & seasonal lunch favorites to creative cocktails at the bar
New fall menus–from cozy dinner entrées and seasonal lunch favorites to creative cocktails at the bar
Fresh flavors - local ingredients - and dishes that pair perfectly with crisp harbor views and autumn nights in Marblehead
Fresh flavors -local ingredients-and dishes that pair perfectly with crisp harbor views and autumn nights in Marblehead.
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Sports
Magicians pick up dominant 48-0 win over North Andover
BY LUCA TEDESCO
The Magicians continued their unbeaten run in dominant fashion, beating the North Andover Scarlet Knights, 48-0, at Piper Field Saturday, Sept. 26.
“We needed this so badly,” said Head Coach Jim Rudloff after the game. “We haven’t executed a full game yet, we either had a bad first half or second half, so tonight I’m more pleased than anything that a great week in practice translated into everyone doing well tonight.”
After grinding to a scoreless first quarter, Marblehead put the first points on the board by way of a 16-yard Finn Gallup run to put the hosts up 7-0.
After the Marblehead defense forced North Andover to go three-and-out, the Magicians struck again on their first play from scrimmage when Gallup found Tim Wales along the sideline. The junior juked out three Scarlet Knights on his way to a 52-yard touchdown reception. Finbar Bresnahan’s kick made the score 14-0 Marblehead with 6:25 to play in the second quarter.
Gallup continued to shred the North Andover secondary through the air as his receiving corps picked up five 20-plusyard receptions in the first half. The last of Marblehead’s explosive first half plays was made while Gallup fought through contact to get the ball to a wide open Rylan Golden in
the back of the endzone to give Marblehead a 21-0 lead heading to the break. Not to be outdone, the Magician defense made some big plays of their own, collecting three sacks in the first half.
The ‘Headers continued to pour on the coal after the halftime intermission, scoring just four plays into their first possession. A strike by Gallup to Owen Coyne seemed to catch the North Andover defense unaware, allowing the junior to run unimpeded
46-yards to the end zone, upping the lead to 28.
After regaining possession on a fourth down stop, the Magicians elected to begin distributing the ball to new ball carriers. Vidal Clark got his first two touches of the year on back-to-back plays, scoring from 14-yards on the latter carry to give Marblehead a 35-point advantage.
Breydan Callahan would join in on the scoring bonanza late in the third quarter, scoring from 25 yards. The 42-0 Marblehead lead forced the game clock to
continue to wind for the final 90 seconds of the third quarter and, ultimately, the entirety of the final term.
Sophomore quarterback Marcus Waitekus entered in relief of Gallup to start the fourth quarter, leading his first full drive of the season. The drive stayed on the ground for its entirety, concluding with a one-yard plunge from Armany Villar for his first score of the season to put the final tallies on the board. With the 48-0 victory, the
Magicians wrapped up a strong first half of the season and headed into the bye-week undefeated.
“We just saw, for the first time, that hard work pays off,” said Coach Rudloff. “We want to make sure that the kids are on point all week long during the bye week.”
The 4-0 Magicians will play next on Saturday, Oct. 11, at 11:00 a.m. against the Beverly Panthers in Beverly for their first Northeastern Conference matchup of the season.
Halfway through season, team looks to maintain winning culture down stretch
BY JOE MCCONNELL
On back-to-back days, the Marblehead High volleyball team (7-2) recorded two more wins, and that was after being off for five days. They shutout Northeastern Conference rival Danvers, 3-0 on Sept. 25, and then took care of non-league Woburn the very next day, 3-1. Those wins followed a rare loss this year, and that was against non-league Burlington on Sept. 19, 3-0. Against the Falcons, Sydney Faris led the way with 5 aces and 14 digs. Lila Moniz also had a terrific match after coming up with 19 kills on 40 swings. Mari Modryznksa tacked on another 6 kills, while Greta Sachs netted 5. Eva Burke was credited with 26 assists.
In the match against Woburn, Moniz collected 18 kills. Sachs was close behind with 16, and also contributed 4 blocks to the winning cause. Burke finished up with 53 assists and 6 aces to help secure the team’s seventh win of the year. Faris did her part on defense with 12 digs to go along with having a great night of receiving serves. As the team reached the halfway point of the season last week, Coach Killeen Miller has few complaints. But she still gave her expert analysis on the team exclusively for the
Marblehead Current after the Woburn matchup.
“I’m incredibly proud of this group. They are driven and resilient,” Miller said. “Early on in the season, we had a tough 3-1 loss to non-league Newburyport that stung, but instead of backing down, the kids picked up their level of play. They then put in (more) work to turn disappointment into opportunity, and that says a lot about their character.” Miller individually singled
out Faris, who, according to the coach, has stepped into the libero role, and has truly dominated the position.
“She’s grown tremendously in confidence after elevating her play to the point where she has set the tone as a leader,” Miller added. “Her daily commitment to improve has been a huge asset, both on the court and in our culture.”
Miller is not afraid to admit that this year’s team has exceeded her expectations.
“Their work ethic is exceptional,” the coach said.
“This group holds each other accountable, while striving to reach the next level. I’ve pushed them, even in areas where we’ve already been successful, and they’ve responded by digging in and continuing to grow.
That willingness to be coached and to raise the bar has really impressed me.”
The team’s “serve-receive game has improved significantly to become a strength,” said Miller,
who then added, “their desire to accomplish big things is inspiring. But now, we need to take those pieces and translate them into wins in highly competitive matches. The key to victory is doing the small things well, when the pressure is at its highest, but I’m confident that our girls are ready for that challenge.”
When it comes to team MVP, the coach said, “it’s tough to single out just one,” but she did point out that Faris, specifically, has anchored the defense, while also setting a high standard. There’s also Moniz and Modryznksa, who have been consistent, dynamic on the pins and relentless in refining their games. Sachs is another player who the coach brought up for MVP consideration. Miller said of her, “she has been so focused, because she understands both the big picture and the little details that matter most in tight situations.”
But overall, the coach said that “each player on the team has contributed in meaningful ways, and together they’ve created a strong and balanced team identity.”
With nine regular season matches left on the schedule, the volleyball team’s approach to compile more wins should be sustainable for a long postseason run.
COURTESY PHOTO / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD
Breydan Callahan (13) cuts around a defender during a game against North Andover at Piper Field on Friday, Sept. 26.
BY JOE MCCONNELL
Boys get untracked against Beverly
The MHS boys cross-country team earned its first victory of the season against Beverly, 26-33 on Sept. 25.
These Magicians were led by Henrik Adams (third), Will Cruikshank (fourth), Zach Pike (fifth) and Filip Grubor (sixth).
“We opened up the season against the best teams in the Northeastern Conference,” said coach Brian Heenan. “But despite the results in the first three meets, we were not deterred. Thanks to their hard work, they have consistently improved, and were able to overcome a tough Beverly team (last week).”
Girls run through the rain to remain undefeated
Borrowing a phrase from the Post Office playbook, the Marblehead High girls crosscountry team (4-0) remained perfect on the season after defeating host Beverly through the rain, 20-39 on Sept. 25.
Senior Captain Marri O’Connell and Sarah Munroe topped the ticket for the Magicians. Ruby Assa finished
fourth. Norah Walsh was right behind her in fifth place. Sophia Letwin came in eighth.
“The presence up front won the meet for us on the scoreboard, but there was also some great pack running among the fifth and nine place runners that helped secure the victory,” said coach Will Herlihy. “They were all within a minute of each other.”
Jesslyn Roemer followed close behind Letwin, while Hailey Schmitt, Nadia Siragusa and Izzy Anaya-Lanzillo all ended up ahead of Beverly’s fourth runner that helped create a huge gap in the final score.
Girls soccer goes on extended break with unbeaten record
Before taking a 10-day break in the schedule, the Marblehead High girls soccer team (5-02) remained unbeaten after defeating Danvers, 3-1 on Sept. 19. They resumed the schedule on Sept. 29 against non-league host St. Mary’s of Lynn after press deadline.
Courtney Hitscherich’s corner kick set up Ainsley McDonald, whose header produced the team’s first goal three minutes into the Danvers game. “It was
SUBMITTED CONTENT
On Sunday, Oct. 5, hundreds of student-athletes in uniform will fan out across town for the Marblehead High School All-Sports Boosters 2025 Scholarship Drive.
“Every donation helps support athletes across all sports at Marblehead High School from football and soccer, field hockey to lacrosse, sailing, volleyball, baseball and more,” said Boosters President and Scholarship Chair Kate Dulac, “Whether it’s suiting up, traveling to competitions or covering the small but crucial costs of being on a team, it’s the generosity of our community that helps make it all possible.”
Co-Chair Rebecca Sahagian added, “Also importantly,
our annual scholarships help graduates take their next steps toward college, careers and community service. We’re deeply grateful to Marblehead residents for investing in all of our student-athletes.”
The Boosters is a volunteerrun nonprofit focused on supporting the needs of all MHS sports teams. Their support bridges the gap between the MHS Athletic Office and the needs of individual teams.
The Boosters provide targeted support for equipment, travel, coach development, athlete wellness, and scholarships that ease the transition for graduating student-athletes who have demonstrated excellence in athletics, academics, and community service.
Friday, Oct. 3
4 p.m., girls field hockey vs. Peabody at Marblehead High
4 p.m., boys soccer vs. Peabody at Peabody High
7 p.m., girls soccer vs. Peabody at MHS Piper Field
Monday, Oct. 6
4 p.m., girls soccer vs. Gloucester at Newell Stadium, Gloucester
5:30 p.m., girls volleyball vs. Salem at Salem High School
7 p.m., boys soccer vs. Gloucester at MHS Piper Field
Tuesday, Oct. 7
3:30 p.m., boys golf vs. Danvers at Tedesco Country Club, Marblehead 4 p.m., unified coed basketball vs. North Reading at North Reading
a perfectly placed header to the top right-hand corner of the net,” said coach Lisa Wales. “It was also Ainsley’s first career varsity goal.”
But Danvers came back, and tied up the game at one apiece prior to halftime. It stayed that way until there was less than 10 minutes left in the game, despite good scoring chances on both sides. Sydney Ball started the second half scoring with a cross to the box, where Lucy Church got to the ball first, before passing it off to Callie Gilmore, who knocked it home.
Less than three minutes later, Lucy McDonald won possession, went by a Danvers defender and crossed the ball with the outside of her foot to Church, who promptly scored after a perfectly timed run to the net.
“This was an intense, competitive game, and I’m really proud of the grit and perseverance that the team showed,” said Wales. “We were able to make the most of our scoring opportunities. Lucy Church, Lucy McDonald, Sydney Ball, Ainsley McDonald, Ashley Mortsenen and Sydney Ball all had terrific games.”
Goalie Hailey Gilmore made seven saves to secure
the win. “(Gilmore) was calm and assertive in her decisionmaking,” Wales said.
Field hockey develops team unity through hard work
The Marblehead High field hockey team (3-3-2) took on Swampscott at Piper field on Sept. 19, and when it was all said and done, it ended in a 2-2 tie.
“Molly Beaschesne was in the net for us, and she brought her A-game after coming up with several confident blocks,” said first-year coach Alison Carey.
“Molly is such a bright spot on our team, and I’m glad she had the opportunity to play a full varsity game.”
Zoe Dwyer netted the team’s first goal in the third quarter, and Emma Ryan accounted for the tying marker from Chloe Rowland in the fourth. “Emma had a powerhouse performance in this game, and is really a confident player now, who is getting great reads on the field, which helps her to position herself strategically for the team,” said Carey. Carey saw right away that playing Swampscott is more than just another regular season game. “We love playing
Specifically, in the last few years, Boosters have provided:
» Newly resurfaced tennis courts
Team uniforms High School digital sign » Wrestling mats
Hockey bags
Thursday, Sept. 25
Girls cross country: Marblehead 20, Beverly 39
Boys cross country: Marblehead 26, Beverly 33
Coed unified basketball: Pentucket 36, Marblehead 30
Girls volleyball: Marblehead 3, Danvers 0
Friday, Sept. 26
Girls field hockey: Masconomet 9, Marblehead 1
Girls volleyball: Marblehead 3,
Swampscott, because it’s such a great rivalry, and it was evident by just how much fun our players had going up against them.”
Literally one week later, the Marblehead girls traveled to Boxford to face rival Masco, but the results weren’t so good. The Chieftains were all over them to the tune of 9-1.
Rowland scored the lone Marblehead tally in the first quarter. Goalies Elizabeth Hayes (first, second, fourth quarters), and Molly Beauchesne (third quarter) split the chores in net, combining to make a total of 21 saves.
“Sometimes the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story, and this game was one of those games,” said Carey. “We played some of our best field hockey so far this season in this game, and every member of the team was in it until the last second. Our mental skills game was strong, and the spirits were high. Building a strong, supportive team culture is a priority. I’m also incredibly proud of our sportsmanship, as the players are showing respect for the game, while being dedicated to each other (on and off the field).”
» Tournament travel subsidies so all students could participate
» Coach training, sports medicine supplies and athlete wellness resources
Last fall, 328 student athletes went door-to-door during the Boosters Scholarship drive and raised just over $30,000. This year our student-athletes will be hitting the streets with a goal of raising $34,000.
Scholarships
Boosters scholarship recipients have gone on to compete on college club and varsity teams while studying fields ranging from STEM and education to the health professions. Many alumni return to Marblehead to coach youth sports or serve in community programs.
2026 scholarship timeline (Class of 2026)
Applications open: March Applications due: Early April
» Recipients announced: May
Woburn 1
Boys football: Marblehead 48, North Andover 0
Team records (through Sept. 28)
Girls field hockey, 3-3-2
Boys football, 4-0
Boys soccer, 6-2
Girls soccer, 5-0-2
Boys cross country, 1-3
Girls cross country, 4-0
Boys golf, 8-2-1
Girls volleyball, 7-2
COURTESY PHOTO
The Marblehead High girls soccer team held its annual clinic with Marblehead Youth Soccer Association at Piper Field on Sept. 21. It’s always a fun event that ends with a pizza party. A total of 50 MYSA players showed up this year to get some valuable lessons from the high school team. Both high school and youth soccer players are all smiles posing for this photo after the clinic.
COURTESY PHOTO
MHS students participate in last year’s Boosters scholarship drive.
Marblehead native battles tides, jellies and engine trouble to swim English Channel
BY LUCA TEDESCO
Swimming across the English Channel is one of the most impressive feats of human endurance. As the crow flies, the distance from the White Cliffs of Dover to Cap Gris-Nez is 21 miles, but in that gap lie furious tides, hundreds of boats and millions of jellyfish.
Marblehead native Molly Zelloe grew up swimming for the North Shore Sharks swim team. After her coach, Andy Jones, returned from swimming the Channel, Zelloe, who was 16 at the time, became interested in making a crossing of her own.
“I was never very good at going fast or racing,” said Zelloe. “I just had a feeling I could swim for forever.”
After being sidelined with an injury less than a week into her career as a rower on the Smith College crew team, Zelloe’s dream of swimming the Channel came back to the forefront of her mind. Almost immediately after she got off crutches, she locked in her decision to take on the Channel, registering to cross
during the week of August 9-16, 2025.
“I just enjoyed swimming and working out as ways of helping with mental health and appreciating my body, particularly after recovering from surgery,” she said. “I needed a new goal and figured this would be a substantial enough challenge.”
After continuing to develop her base over the course of two years, she sought out the coaching of British ultramarathon swimmer, Amy Ennion, in January. Ennion helped Zelloe create a training
plan and make final preparations for her August crossing date.
Zelloe arrived in England a week in advance of her crossing slot, waiting in Dover for suitable conditions and the “okay” from her Channel pilot.
“It was a lot of hurry up and wait,” said Zelloe of her time on the English coast.
With fair skies and seas forecasted, Zelloe planned to cross on Aug. 15, but was informed the day prior by her pilot that the boat which would accompany her had become unseaworthy, seemingly closing the window for her crossing.
When a swimmer’s crossing slot closes, they are forced to make a decision: go home and re-register for another attempt or wait in the queue and hope a slot opens up. Zelloe chose to try her luck and use the extra week she had planned to stay in England in hopes of getting another opportunity.
That opportunity would come knocking just a few days later when her pilot informed her that a slot had opened on Aug. 22.
Zelloe began her trek towards the French coast from the beach at Samphire Hoe at around 11:15 a.m. local time.
“The first couple hours were a little rocky, but we had a beautiful day,” said Zelloe. “My goggles leaked about 30-minutes in, but after a goggle change, I entered a flow state.”
After five-and-a-half hours of swimming, Zelloe fell victim to her first jellyfish sting. A sign of things to come, she swam through swarms of the venomous sea creatures during the final three hours of her swim.
“I got six really bad stings,” she said. “I was covered in hives for a week after the swim.”
However, Zelloe battled through the pain, regaining her focus time and time again until, after 11 hours, 23 minutes of swimming she reached the French coast where she was greeted by a bottle of cognac supplied by locals enjoying the night on the beach.
“My head was absolutely empty for the entire boat ride back to England,” said Zelloe. “When you finish something like that, there’s this sense of disbelief. It’s very surreal.”
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.
Author talk: Laurie Fullerton at BYC
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m.
The Boston Yacht Club hosts Current sailing reporter Laurie Fullerton who will do a short presentation about her new novel, “Side Launch.” Carol Arnold of the BYC says the public is welcome, and she encourages anyone interested in learning more about BYC membership to come. BYC is located at 1 Front St. “Side Launch” is about a journalist who moves to the fictional Maine town of Clydebank to write for the local paper. She stumbles on a ramshackle shipyard nearby and meets a local, who is trying to build a 70-foot wooden schooner using old shipbuilding techniques and traditions that few remember.
Ellis Paul at Me&Thee
Friday, Oct. 3, 8 p.m.
Fifteen-time Boston Music Award Winner Ellis Paul will be featured at Marblehead’s Me&Thee Music. “Paul is a guitar-carrying reporter who covers the human condition and details the hopes, loves and losses of those he observes,” according to a Me&Thee press release. Paul has recorded 23 albums to date. For more info and to buy tickets, visit meandthee.org.
Teen DIY: Geode skulls
Thursday, Oct. 2, 3-4 p.m.
Come create some creepy decor! Make a geode-style skull to display during this spooky season or to enjoy year-round. At Abbot Library, 235 Pleasant St., this program is for middle and high school students. Register at tinyurl.com/ geode-skull.
Fall Fair
Saturday, Oct. 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Join Discover Marblehead and the Marblehead Museum for the sixth annual Fall Fair in the Lee Mansion Gardens. There will be live music, intuitive card readings with Creative Spirit, the Rule of Thirds photo booth, Acorn Gallery students drawing portraits, and artist vendors selling their work. As always, pumpkin decorating kits will be for sale, with proceeds going to Marblehead Food Pantry. The event is rain or shine. Free admission. 161 Washington St.
‘The Crucible’
Oct. 3-19
Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St., presents “The Crucible,” Arthur Miller’s classic play based on the Salem witch trials in 1692. In the story, a group of girls accuse local citizens of witchcraft and soon others join the accusers. The hysteria is fueled by personal grudges and social inequities. Several Marblehead actors appear in the performance, which runs three weeks. For more info and tickets, visit mltlive.org.
Marblehead’s Folklore
and Tales
Saturday, Oct. 4, 2-3 p.m.
Interested in knowing about Marblehead’s eerie past? Join Peter Muise at Abbot Library as he discusses his research and findings into the folklore of Marblehead. Muise is the author of “Witches and Warlocks of Massachusetts” and “Legends and Lore of the North Shore.”
Evening of Food, Music & Hope at The Landing
Saturday, Oct 4, 6:30 p.m.
Join The Landing Restaurant as it partners with the Ellie Fund, an organization supporting individuals undergoing breast cancer treatment with services like meals, childcare and transportation. Here’s what’s cookin’: Three-course, pre-fixe dinner, which includes a starter, dessert and choice of entrée: Brick chicken, grilled salmon or steak frites. $55.
The band True North will be performing. Ten percent of all food and drink sales will be donated to the Ellie Fund. Make your reservation by calling 781-639-1266.
Andrew L. Barnett, Marblehead Little Theatre’s facility manager and technical director, was honored last month with
Eastern Massachusetts Association of Community Theatre’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The award honors individuals
whose dedication has had a “profoundly significant impact” on their organization and the field of theater.
The MLT Board of Directors nomination noted that Barnett “has been the heart and soul of MLT for over three decades,” a timeline
Parcel 6) in an area subject to the Wetlands Protection Act and the Marblehead Wetlands Protection Bylaw This hearing will be held remotely in accordance with Governor Baker ’s March 12, 2020 Order Superseding Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law G.L. c.30A, section 18 and the Governor ’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place. Request to make an appointment to review plans and information by E-mailing: EitlerA@marbleheadma.gov For any questions, please call (781) 631-1529. Details on how to access the hearing remotely via the internet will be posted on the meeting agenda at least 48-hours prior to the hearing. The link to the agenda is found: https://www.marbleheadma.gov/conservation-commission. Left click on the agenda date. David VanHoven, Chairman Marblehead Conservation Commission
that began with his sons’ involvement in theater.
As facilities manager, Barnett has been the steward of the converted firehouse structure at 12 School St., which has been the home of MLT productions since 2006.
The board nomination also highlighted Barnett’s
INVITATION TO BID
The Town of Marblehead, in accordance with M.G.L. Chapter 149, requests sealed bids for contract 26-12 On-Call HVAC Inspections, Services and Repairs for municipal buildings. Bids are due at Abbott Hall, 188 Washington St, Marblehead, MA 01945 at the Town Administrator ’s Office until, October 16, 2025 at 11 AM. Bidding requirements and Contract Documents may be obtained from the Town Website www.marbleheadma.gov
Bids shall be submitted in a sealed envelope plainly marked "26-12 On Call HVAC Inspections, Services and Repairs”. The contract term shall be one year from the date of award with two one-year options for renewal at the sole discretion of the Town. A 5% bid bond and or check is required with your bid submittal. The successful bidder will be required to furnish insurance, Payment Bond and performance bonds for 100% of the contract value.
All bids are subject to the provisions of M.G.L.
artistic and administrative contributions, including producing several shows, designing numerous sets and building most of them since 1993, “magically transforming [MLT’s] black box theater into other worlds.”
“In truth, I view this award as a recognition of the caliber and collaboration of the entire
MLT organization — the donors, the board, the actors, directors and producers, and the quality of the shows MLT selects each season,” Barnett said. “It also acknowledges Marblehead itself as an established art and performance community.” To learn more about MLT, visit mltlive.org.
Leigh Blander
COURTESY PHOTO
Marblehead’s Andrew Barnett has been awarded a lifetime achievement award for his work with Marblehead Little
James Francis Morgan, 88
James “Jim” Morgan, of Marblehead passed away peacefully on Sept. 23, 2025, at the age of 88, surrounded by his beloved wife, Maureen and their loving family.
Born in White Plains, New York, on Dec. 7, 1936, Jim was the son of John and Ruth Morgan. He attended Archbishop Stepinac High School before earning a degree in engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York, on a full NROTC scholarship, where he also served on the admissions faculty. Following his undergraduate studies, Jim proudly served his country as a naval officer and admiral’s aide before continuing his education,
Joanne Zweig Friedman, 83
A clinical psychologist with over 40 years in private practice on the North Shore, Dr. Joanne Zweig Friedman helped hundreds of patients at her Beverly offices (first on Thorndike Street and later at the Cummings Center).
Adventurous, innately feminist, staunchly independent and spunky, Joanne embraced life with unyielding energy. Her passions included the arts (especially classical music and contemporary visual art), gourmet food, traveling, celebrating family accomplishments, and the family’s dearly departed Schnauzer mix, Daisy, who was rescued in the early ‘80s from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem.
In recent years, you could find her and her partner Paul Mason (an amazing late-in-life love story) regularly dining at their favorite Marblehead restaurant, 5 Corners Kitchen, at the live broadcasts of the Met opera at Rockport Music, or at various museums and galleries in Massachusetts and far beyond. She was an avid gardener, practiced tai chi for many years (starting in her 50s!), played a ruthless Monopoly, Scrabble or
earning an MBA from Harvard Business School in Cambridge.
After marrying Maureen and completing his graduate studies, Jim embarked on a distinguished career in venture capital that spanned decades and helped launch dozens of successful companies. He began at American Research and Development, where he had the privilege of working alongside Georges Doriot — widely regarded as a pioneer of modern
backgammon game, and adored European travel. For a time in the late ‘90s and early 2000s, she made her own art, attending classes at Mass Art and participating in the Marblehead Arts Festival, even winning some prizes for her work.
Born in Chicago, Illinois, to Harriet Thomas Zweig and Frank Zweig, Joanne initially lived in the Ravenswood neighborhood above an ice cream shop with her younger sister, Lynne. Her grandmother Ida Thomas’s house was down the street and around the corner, and many other relatives lived nearby and in southern Wisconsin, where her father was born.
Her relatives included accomplished artists, musicians, gardeners, a chef, a bar owner and much more — skills that showed up repeatedly in her own hobbies and interests. Her Aunt Helen, in particular, served as a mother figure to her. Joanne even played the accordion as a
The Marblehead Current publishes obituaries online for free and in its print edition for a flat fee of $300.
Submissions or inquiries should be sent to notices@marbleheadnews. org. Submissions should include the name of the funeral home serving the deceased’s family, along with a daytime phone number for a person to contact, in case we have
venture capital. Jim later went on to found Morgan Holland Ventures and One Liberty Ventures.
Over the years, he served on numerous corporate boards, as president of the National Venture Capital Association, became CEO of a venture investment company, served on the board of trustees at Deaconess Hospital, and even returned to Harvard Business School to teach — a role he cherished.
Jim was a lover of knowledge and lifelong learner who believed deeply in the transformative power of education. He helped found and fund two independent Catholic schools — one for boys and one for girls — affiliated with Opus Dei, a personal prelature of the Catholic Church of which he was a longtime member and generous benefactor.
Jim also dedicated much of
child and tween.
The growing family moved to Morton Grove, Illinois, where her brother Frank and sister Julie were born. Misfortune in her early life likely informed her future career as a clinical psychologist. The trauma of growing up in a family where loved ones struggled with severe alcoholism and mental illness gave her firsthand insight into complicated people and relationships. Devising and implementing strategies to weather dysfunction, even when she was a little kid, established her adventurous spirit and extreme independence.
A chance entry into a local beauty pageant resulted in Joanne being crowned Miss Morton Grove, Illinois, in high school, something that was unusual for a nerdy, straight-A student and never ceased to amaze her.
After graduating, a full scholarship took her to Chatham College in Pittsburgh, although she always regretted that she could not afford to attend the University of Chicago, where she had been accepted.
In Pittsburgh, she met the father of her children, French professor Leonard Friedman. She was proud of her assistant director role for the University of Pittsburgh’s educational testing services while simultaneously a Ph.D. student in psychology. Together, Joanne and Leonard traveled to Europe, living in France and Portugal while he was on sabbatical and
any questions about the obituary.
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his free time to working with the International Federation for Family Development, frequently speaking at the United Nations on the organization’s behalf. He was deeply passionate about the vital role of the family in shaping a strong and healthy society.
In retirement, Jim remained curious and adventurous, traveling the world with Maureen, often with their children in tow. From camping in New Hampshire to cruising the Alaskan Inside Passage, biking the Camino de Santiago and rafting down the Colorado River, Jim embraced every journey with enthusiasm and joy.
Above all, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who took great pride in sharing meaningful experiences and lasting memories with his family.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Maureen Morgan (née Rumazza), and their seven children: Gina
returning to the United States via freight ship, stopping in the Azores and Canary Islands.
After moving to Salem from Pittsburgh in the early 1970s when her then husband got a teaching job at Salem State College, she initially started work as a staff psychologist for the Landmark School, learning some basic sign language to better communicate with her patients. Later, she established her private practice and began working for herself. Her dedication to her patients manifested in regular evening hours twice a week, Friday morning sessions in her living room, and many late-night and weekend phone calls with patients in crisis. She deeply loved her adopted hometowns of Swampscott (1975-1995) and Marblehead (1996-2025).
Joanne was the original free range parent to her children Anna and Jefferson, long before that term was coined. She taught them to be responsible, self-sufficient and fearless. Everyone on Estabrook Road in Swampscott and the surrounding streets probably heard the dinner bell she used to loudly ring before dusk on summer nights calling her kids in for dinner.
Collecting mussels on the rocks at Preston Beach (when you could still eat them), dragging sleds to the grocery store in Vinnin Square after the Blizzard of ‘78, and still being able to drive a stick shift in her 70s are just some of the fond
to reproduce well in print. Generally, an image file created by a digital camera or smartphone will be fine; images copied from websites will not.
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Bishé (Steve), James Morgan Jr. (Pamela), Julie Bailey (Adam), Gregg Morgan (Christina), Louise Morgan (Scott), Stephen Morgan and Diana Morgan. He was also a proud and doting grandfather to his seven incredible grandchildren: Jeff, Derek, Casey, Kyle, Megan, CJ and Anna.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead, on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 1:30 p.m. Interment will follow at Star of the Sea Cemetery, Marblehead. Visiting hours will be held from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3 at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory may be made to: Parkinson’s Fitness c/o Keith and Linda Hall 46 Brittania Circle Salem, MA 01970
Phone: 781-572-5918
www.parkinsonsfitness.org
memories of her spunkiness. She could always negotiate a good flea market bargain and should have given master classes on extreme couponing.
In later life, after her children went to college, she began frequent trips to Europe. First with her kids and brother and later with Paul, she visited Italy (many times), Spain, Portugal, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Iceland, and even Trinidad and Tobago. She traveled around the United States, too — mainly to Chicago and New York City multiple times a year to visit with her children and her beloved grandchild, Eleanor, but also to southern California and all around the East Coast. Even after suffering a badly broken shoulder in Apulia in 2015, she barely slowed down.
It is hoped that wherever her spirit may be, Joanne is enjoying a box of her favorite ginger-penuche and meltaway candies from Stowaway Sweets with a glass of wine and Daisy at her side.
A memorial gathering on Saturday, Oct. 11, is being planned. If you are interested in receiving details, please visit https://bit.ly/drjzfmemorial for updated information and to RSVP. Her family would also appreciate any memories of her (they can be submitted via the aforementioned link). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund (https:// curealz.org/) are welcome to help with research into this insidious disease.
Charles ‘Chuck’
Nyren, 90
Charles (Chuck) E. Nyren, age 90, of Marblehead passed away peacefully on Sept. 18, 2025.
Chuck was the beloved husband of Tere W. Nyren for 45 years and devoted father of John C. (Karen Heilich) of Yarmouth, Maine; Diane M. (Matthew Stakoe) of Raleigh, North Carolina; and Christina K. of Massachusetts. He was a cherished grandfather to Claire R. Stakoe and Claudia A. Stakoe. Chuck was the son of the late Kathryn B. and John H. Nyren. Born in Lanyon, Iowa, and raised in Sergeant Bluff, Iowa,
Marjorie Casey Friday Roberts, Ph.D.
Marjorie Casey Friday Roberts, Ph.D., of Marblehead
— a psychologist, teacher, and co-founder of the Salem Center for Therapy Training and Research — died on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025, at age 81, of sepsis. Dr. Roberts, known variously as Marjorie, Marty and to some as “Poppins,” lived a life steeped in empathy, curiosity and joy.
Marty graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Chatham College in 1966 and earned her Ph.D. in social psychology from Boston University in 1975. She practiced psychology until the final year of her life, never retiring out of devotion to her clients and a deep sense of her own life’s purpose.
Over the course of her career, she worked at Danvers State Hospital, Northshore Community Mental Health Center, North Shore Community College and Tufts University. Highlights of her career included international collaborations, authoring numerous journal articles, working with The Taos Institute, and founding
Stephen J. “Steve” McHugh, 81
Stephen J. McHugh, affectionately known as Steve, passed away peacefully on Sept. 22, 2025, at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers at the age of 81. Born June 2, 1944, in Detroit, Michigan, Steve was the beloved son of the late Evelyn and Edward Dewey McHugh.
Steve grew up in East Detroit and, after graduating high school, proudly served in the U.S. Army as a military police officer. Following his service, he earned his real estate license
Gary Sinclair Buswell, 91
Gary Sinclair Buswell, 91, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on Sept. 19. He was born to Abbie Sinclair and Norman Weston Buswell at the Mary A. Alley Hospital, a true “Header,” and was raised overlooking Redd’s Pond until graduating from high school in 1952.
Gary followed his father’s footsteps and joined the armed
Chuck graduated from Sergeant Bluff High School and served two years of active duty as an airport control tower operator in El Centro, California, for the Naval Reserve. It is here where he became interested in becoming a pilot and acquiring his private pilot’s license. He first flew as a charter
the Salem Center for Therapy Training and Research, which became a hub for postmodern thinking, practice and reflecting dialogues.
As the youngest of three sisters, Marty was lovingly raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, by her father, Dr. Rupert H. Friday, and her mother, Mary Lee McAllister Friday, alongside her devoted nanny and friend, Veronica Sedlak. As a child, Marty dreamed of opening an orphanage with Veronica, a licensed practical nurse who inspired her deep admiration for nursing and caregiving.
At 16, while in Pittsburgh, she met Thomas Michael Roberts from Fort Wayne, Indiana, her future husband of 57 years. The couple married in 1968 and in 1969 moved to Marblehead, Massachusetts, quickly falling in love with its coastal community, and soon thereafter purchasing a 289-year-old pre-Colonial home
and co-founded McHugh and Parsley Real Estate, successfully running the company for many years.
He later shifted careers to join the HoneyBaked Ham business founded by his father-in-law, Harry Hoenselaar. Relocating his
pilot for Provincetown Boston Airlines and went on to have a lifelong career in aviation, flying commercial airplanes for Northeast Airlines and Delta Airlines for 35 years. Federal law required Chuck to retire from commercial piloting in 1994 at the age of 60, but his advocacy to change this for fellow pilots eventually led to the FAA raising the retirement age to age 65.
Chuck was a lifelong learner and completed a graduate certification in aviation management from the University of Virginia and another in landscape design from Kennesaw State University.
Chuck travelled the world and was known for being able to find the best local restaurants in every city he traveled to by following his nose and instincts,
in Old Town.
They were blessed with two children, Bronwyn and Daniel. Embracing a new adventure outside of the Midwest, Marty and Tom — neither of whom had boating experience — purchased a sailboat and named it “Gal Friday” in her honor. This vessel not only provided them with unforgettable journeys to Marblehead’s stunning harbor islands but also fostered enduring friendships over the next five decades.
Together, Marty and Tom reveled in the beauty of coastal life, swimming, boating and collecting sea glass, with blue being her favorite color. Sea glass would prove a powerful metaphor for her patients and loved ones alike, and an enduring reminder from Marty that broken elements, tumbled by life’s ups and downs, can be reshaped into something beautiful and resilient.
When not out on the water with Tom and her family, Marty could often be found tending to her vibrant garden, orchestrating neighborhood gatherings, caring for her succession of beloved black cats, or preparing delicious meals for her family and friends.
Marty cherished lifelong connections with friends and family, both near and far — Pittsburgh very much included. She had a gift for elevating
family to Marblehead in 1982, Steve expanded the company’s presence by opening stores across New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, New Hampshire and New Mexico. He retired in 2012, looking forward to more time with family, travel and his favorite pastimes.
Steve found joy both on the water and out on the golf course. He loved traveling and particularly treasured his time in Jupiter, Florida, and Paris, France. Above all, Steve cherished the time he spent with his wife, children and nine grandchildren. Steve was a playful, devoted grandfather who loved to support, cheer on, and brag about all his grandchildren.
services and enlisted in the Air Force and proudly served until 1956. Of the three places he was stationed, his favorite was Savannah, Georgia, where they loved and embraced the men in service. After completing service, he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Jane R Mesquita, in 1957, by whom he is predeceased. They raised four children. He had many hobbies including carpentry. He helped to build his home and later added a master bedroom suite where he resided in since 1966. He had a passion for fixing clocks.
and he loved sharing these hidden gems with others.
In addition to flying, he also loved cooking, gardening, woodworking and being on the water. After his formal retirement as a captain for Delta Airlines, he pursued many other careers and interests, including captaining for Essex River Cruises & Charters in Ipswich and operating the Hannah Glover ferry to and from Children’s Island in Marblehead.
Chuck was actively involved in his local Marblehead community through volunteering his services to MHTV and St. Andrew’s Church. His woodworking hobby was primarily nautically themed, and his prolific artistry of the craft was shared with his family, neighbors, friends, and as
gatherings with rituals that were at once creative, humorous and deeply meaningful, many of which blossomed into beloved family traditions. Her laurel wreath crowns — a signature blend of her love for nature and symbolism— became treasured centerpieces of Christmas celebrations, birthdays and poetry readings, imbuing them with a sense of ceremony, peace and unity.
Thoughtful and deeply attuned to the world and its many layers — social, emotional and human — she left lasting impressions through both her insight and her joy. Her extended family will forever remember the time when she introduced David Roth’s song “Rising in Love” at a pre-wedding celebration and, in doing so, shifted hearts and minds toward a fuller understanding of what it means — and how it feels — to experience true love.
Most recently, Marty’s greatest joy was found in spending time with her four grandchildren — Brendan, Rory, Owen, and Luke. She loved cheering them on at their sporting events, baking holiday cookies by their side, and traveling on many vacations together, bringing to each moment her characteristic warmth and whimsy.
Marty is survived by her loving husband, Tom; her sisters,
Steve is survived by his loving wife, Susan L. McHugh; his children Jon (Courtney) McHugh, Melissa (Mark) McHugh-Modany, and Amy (John) Whipple; his beloved grandchildren, Tyler and Tess McHugh; Milo, Oliver, Josie and Linus Modany; and Jack, Teddy and Luke Whipple; and his dear sister, Mary Stewart. He was predeceased by his brothers, Tony, Tom, and Arthur McHugh; his granddaughter, Ella Sue; and his parents, Evelyn and Edward Dewey McHugh.
Steve will be remembered for his warmth, humor and unwavering devotion to his family. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A dedicated careerman, Gary began as a janitor at the post office and worked his way up and was the first non-politically appointed postmaster in Marblehead and eventually northeast regional postmaster. He was well-liked and respected in his community and workplace until his retirement. He was a proud member of the Elks Club, the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post, and one of the original founders of the Gerry 5 VFA which began in his neighbor’s garage! Gary was a snowbird spending
donations to fundraising events and local charities.
Chuck will be remembered as a modest and humble man of many accomplishments; his life well lived in appreciation of the outdoors and always full of adventure, and the infinite love he had for his family, friends and felines.
A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, at St. Andrew’s Church in Marblehead. The family is grateful to the Kaplan Family Hospice House (Care Dimensions) in Danvers for the loving and skilled care and attention that Chuck received. Donations can be made in Chuck’s name to: Care Dimensions, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923; or online at caredimensions.org.
Mary Lee Rafferty (Michael G. Rafferty, Jr.) of Stamford, Connecticut, and Anne Friday Parker (Dr. Charles H. Parker) of Tucson, Arizona; her children, Bronwyn Roberts (with her partner, Padraig Sheehy) and Dr. Daniel Roberts (with his wife, Dr. Brooke Harnisch); her grandchildren, Brendan, Rory, Owen and Luke; and eight nieces and nephews, each of whom she held so close.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2025, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St. A funeral Mass will follow on Friday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m., at Our Lady Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Ave., Marblehead. Recognizing that travel may be difficult for some, the family invites Marty’s loved ones to celebrate her life in their own way and at a time that feels right for them. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Marty’s memory to Salem State University, with “The Veronica Sedlak and Marjorie Roberts Scholarship for Nursing” in the memo line, and sent to the Office of SSU Advancement, 352 Lafayette St., Salem, MA 01970 or made online at participate.salemstate.edu/ Marty. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Marty’s family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
A funeral Mass for Steve will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, at 11 a.m. at Our Lady, Star of the Sea Church in Marblehead. Following the service, the family and friends are invited to a reception at 1:30 p.m. at the Hawthorne Hotel, 18 Washington Square West, Salem. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Steve’s memory to Cure Alzheimer’s Fund, 34 Washington St., Suite 230, Wellesley Hills, MA 02481 or via www.curealz.org.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the McHugh family may be shared at www. eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
many winters in Florida. He loved to play golf with his buddies and go sailing in the summer. He is predeceased by his brother Ralph Norman Buswell and two of his children, Karen and Kevin. He is survived by his brother Dana Allen Buswell (JoAnne) and his other two children, Richard Gary and Tina, many nieces and nephews and his long-time companion Cynthia Croteau. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Leukemia Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Headlight
Written by the students of Marblehead High School for
New Perspectives: What I learned interning at the MHD Current
Greyson Collins, Editor-in-Chief
As the summer intern reporter and photographer for the Marblehead Current, I learned so much about the world of journalism. From writing stories about local politics, art, events, and sports, to spending time trying to capture the beauty of our incredible community with my photography, I got to do a little bit of everything over the last few months. I spent the last year working with the Current as an intern, so this wasn’t my first encounter with journalism. But this summer, I had the opportunity to step up and do more to help the Current inform the community.
Local journalism brings us together. Over the last few months, I've learned how essential local journalism is to the health of communities like ours. It informs us about important developments in our own neighborhoods. It reveals problems that need addressing, and calls us to action. But just as importantly, in times of adversity, it shares successes and progress that challenge our pessimistic perception of the world around us. I was able to witness this firsthand. In August, during a time of rising political tensions and polarization, I took photos and interviews at Fort Sewall as our leaders came together to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States Marine Corps. An hour later, I was driving to Chandler Hovey park to cover a meetup of almost fifty English golden retrievers.
Local journalism connects us. While it’s often less appreciated than national news coverage of politics and entertainment, it impacts our lives in a much more profound way. Without it, our community cannot survive. When we aren’t
informed about our local news by trusted and transparent sources like the Current, our communities can break down. People become less civically engaged, our politics become more polarized, misinformation would spread without obstacles, and our leaders wouldn’t be held accountable. But most importantly, the links that make each of us neighbors would become weaker. Reading about Marblehead, both the highs and the lows, is a part of what makes us Marbleheaders.
Over just a few months of work, I feel like I’ve become so much more connected to our town. I’ve learned that local journalism helps us understand each other better. One interview at a time, I’ve gotten to know the stories of the people who make our community special, understand their perspectives better, and get a glimpse into their lives. In July, I had the privilege of stepping inside Old Town Antiques to interview Marblehead resident and antique collector Tim Swigor, about his life and exploration of Marblehead history. After being able to examine historic Marblehead artifacts, photographs, newspapers, and even a copy of the MHS Headlight from 1962, I had never felt closer to our town’s history. I spoke with Tim about why he is so passionate about preserving pieces of Marblehead’s past. I left our interview with new perspectives on the closeness of history, and a better understanding of Tim’s values.
Through my interviews with my fellow Marbleheaders over the last few months, from teen movie makers to sailors and Peace Corps volunteers, I have been able to experience so many different perspectives, learn numerous stories, and understand my neighbors better.
Headlight Staff: 2025 - 2026
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Greyson Collins
our school and community
School’s back in session!
Evan Eisen, Assistant Editor
For many, summer is supposed to be a time to kick back and relax, especially from doing any school work. During this last summer, I decided to challenge myself and do some online college courses. I took "Perspectives on Child Abuse" and "How Technology Affects Society and Culture" courses at North Shore Community College. I did these courses through their dual enrollment program, which if you don’t know is when high school students get to do college level courses in order to earn college credits. Having done a few in the past, I decided to take up the challenge and do two at the same time.
My technology class was fun as we had group discussions about how it affects each of us and our hopes for technology in the future. We also took a look at the history of technology as a whole; it was fascinating to see how far technology has already come with Myspace being replaced with a more sophisticated Facebook. In terms of politics, technology has really helped to change elections and policy. Many candidates use social media to raise money and get their message out to more potential voters. In addition, there was a lot of talk in our class discussions about e-commerce and how shopping has gone from inperson to mostly online.
In my "Perspectives on Child Abuse" class, there were a lot of case studies where we analyzed a situation where child abuse/neglect occurred and the class came up with ways to help the victim based on what we learned. This class was hard at times, especially when we had to see photos and videos that showed children being abused. As a class, we read the book A Child Called It by David Pelzer, which is David recounting his terrible childhood where his mother physically and mentally tortured him for over a decade. As someone who is thinking of entering the medical field, hearing and seeing these stories had an impact on me. It reminded me of the duty that not just medical professionals have, but that everyone is obliged to look out for each other. As I sit here and reflect on my experience of taking these classes, I feel proud that I was able to learn so much more about our technology and social care system. While at times it was hard, in the end I feel that taking these classes was worth it. If you're in high school and you would like to challenge yourself academically, then I seriously recommend that you consider taking a dual enrollment course, as it doesn’t just give you good experience for college, but also gives you the ability to learn more about the society we live in.
October Dates for MHS:
Oct 2 - No School Yom Kippur
Oct 8 - YRBS Survey (Magic Block)
Oct 14 - Tri-M/NAHS Induction - MHS Theater 6:30pm - 8:30 pm
Oct 14 - Pictures Retakes
Oct 13 - No School - Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Oct 15 - PSAT Tech Check Day - Day 4
Oct 22 - PSAT (grades 10 - 11)
Oct 22 - Day of Service (grade 9)
Oct 22 - Half day for students/PD for staff)
Oct. 28 - Financial Aid Night, 6:00 pm - MHS Theater/Auditorium
ASSISTANT EDITORS: Georgia Marshall, Anna Cruikshank, Evan Eisen
REPORTERS: Anna Baughman, Teagan Freedman, Eve Magen, Maya Berman, Piper Browning, Sophie Li, Mary Prindiville, Theodore Benning, Madeline Duffy
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Higgins
Marblehead
Marblehead
