11.20.2024 – Volume 2, Issue 51

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SPORTS

CHRISTMAS WALK

After roller coaster week, MHS sports teams compete

IN THIS ISSUE

GRAND FINALE

Folk legend Patty Larkin coming to Marblehead

Hit the high seas with Santa Page 13

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November 20, 2024

| VOLUME 2, ISSUE NO. 51

| MARBLEHEADCURRENT.ORG

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EDUCATION

Teacher strike enters second week Community debates proposed contract’s financial impact

BY LEIGH BLANDER The Marblehead teachers strike entered its second week with late-night bargaining, tough talk from both sides and community rallies. The teachers union and School Committee bargaining team remained far apart on wages as of Monday at 4 p.m. (Visit MarbleheadCurrent.org for up-to-the-minute coverage.)

The two sides were working with a state mediator. The School Committee agreed to meet with union negotiators face to face starting Monday afternoon.

“Now that we are finally meeting face to face, we are confident that educators and School Committee members speaking directly and honestly to each other will generate movement toward a fair settlement that will reopen the schools as soon as possible,” the union wrote in a statement.

The union continued, “We see face-to-face bargaining as an important step toward rebuilding trust, which is needed not only to complete these negotiations but also to work together after this contract is settled.”

On Sunday night, the School Committee’s bargaining team emailed a letter to parents.

“The committee’s offer is

CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS

Hundreds of teachers, students and residents rally for the MEA around town at different events over the last week.

fair and reflects the realities of the town’s financial limits,” the letter read. “It would raise the average salary of our

teachers (by) around 18% to just under $100,000 and the top salary to close to $109,000.

Two-thirds of our teachers

would be at that top salary. Our proposals are also fair to our paraprofessionals, custodians, maintenance personnel, bus

drivers and tutors.”

The 18% represents the total impact on the schools’ STRIKE, P. A6

EDITORIAL

Sustaining a nonprofit local newspaper Today’s issue marks the 100th to roll off the presses and land on your doorstep. We call this effort a labor of love, the product of thousands of hours of hard work by volunteers and our experienced journalists and editors. But perhaps it is more accurate to call what we do a natural outgrowth of the love you, our readers, have for this remarkable community. After all, without you,

there would be no Marblehead Current.

As we enter our third year of operation, we are reflecting on our mission, our execution, your needs and — most importantly — the future.

First, our original mission remains unchanged.

The community leaders and journalists who decided to take action

Supporting what’s important to YOU since 1831 BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

when the Reporter ceased to be a true local news outlet promised “to provide every Marblehead household with objective and balanced Marblehead news, online and in print, overseen by respected, ethical journalists through a sustainable nonprofit model that values community over profit and seeks to promote positive and informed engagement in the Marblehead community.” Two

full years in, and we wouldn’t change a word.

But the “job” of journalism has evolved.

Members of Team Current recently gathered at Boston University with dozens of other New England newsrooms, most nonprofit like ours, to share our experiences and learn

91 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA 01945 Phone: (781) 631-6000 Visit: ngbank.com

EDITORIAL, P. A4

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A2 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Marblehead Current

TAXES

Possibility of override ask this spring looms large

BY WILL DOWD As the town grapples with rising costs and ongoing union negotiations, the Marblehead Select Board and Finance Committee leadership emphasized Nov. 13 that a tax override may be necessary this spring.

“I’m going to try to get more data ready for a forecasting session in December, at which time we will have a better number,” Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin, referring to a structural deficit, told the Marblehead Current. “But then the detailed information that everybody wants to know on an override — that will be at the State of the Town in January.”

Finance Committee Chair Alec Goolsby presented a sobering financial forecast, noting that even before factoring in wage increases, the town faces approximately $1.5 million in fixed cost increases for fiscal year 2026, including about $1 million in health insurance increases and $500,000 in pension obligations.

“My initial reaction is that when we do see the numbers, there’ll be a preliminary in December, and then we’ll see better data in January, but my expectation is that an override should definitely be considered this

year,” Goolsby said.

The discussion comes as Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer manages negotiations with multiple unions. The Marblehead Municipal Employees Union, representing town hall staff and public works employees, entered mediation after their contract expired June 30. The police union’s contract also expired in June. The firefighters’ contract expires next June.

Most pressing is the teachers’ strike that began last week.

The financial challenges extend beyond union contracts.

Revenue projections show the tax levy increasing by only $2.1$2.3 million next year without an override, barely covering fixed cost increases before addressing any wage settlements or inflation.

The Marblehead Finance Committee report to residents emphasizes the town’s ongoing fiscal challenges, highlighting the limited options to address a persistent structural deficit where recurring expenses outpace recurring revenues.

Select Board member Dan Fox emphasized the need to present any override request clearly to voters.

“We need to build trust back up throughout the town, the schools, the town,” Fox said. “We can’t just go to the citizens. I

think that we need to figure out that number that we can go for that’s sustainable because we do need our fire, police and town employees.”

The timing of these discussions represents a shift in strategy.

Benjamin and her team began budget preparations earlier than usual this year, with department heads submitting budgets in September. A preliminary revenue and expense forecast is expected the week of Dec. 9.

Select Board member Alexa Singer praised these efforts to increase transparency.

“The work that’s been done increasing the software and the ability for the citizens to see where things are going, how the money is being allocated — all of these improvements have happened,” Singer said. “This is two years worth of round-theclock work to try to answer all the questions that we received from taxpayers.”

As an educator herself, Singer emphasized the broader stakes: “Great teachers make great schools, and I want great schools in Marblehead and to fund educator salaries and keep our talented teachers in the community, and also ensure all our town employees are paid competitive wages.”

The town has attempted to address its structural deficit through other means. Recent initiatives included implementing a hotel and meals tax and reviewing revolving funds for potential cost savings. However, Finance Committee Vice Chair Molly Teets suggested these measures may no longer be sufficient.

“The fact that our town has been able to go for so long without an override is truly commendable,” Teets said. “But at some point, we all have to balance the low tax rate with investment in our town, in our community.”

Looking ahead, Kezer emphasized economic development as crucial to addressing the town’s financial challenges. He reported that interviews are underway for a new director of planning and community development, a position created to focus on community development and growing new revenue streams.

“We absolutely need to get the revenue streams improving,” Kezer said. “This department is created to focus on that and to focus on development for neighborhoods and housing and transportation and all those issues.”

CO-CHAIRPERSONS

Bob Peck Ed Bell NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander

lblander@marbleheadnews.org

Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org

Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org

Sports Reporter Joe McConnell

jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org

Interns

Benji Boyd Grey Collins CONTRIBUTORS

Jo Ann Augeri Silva Stephen Bach Bob Baker Linda Bassett Nicole Goodhue-Boyd Laurie Fullerton Christine McCarriston Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens Lisa Sugarman

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Virginia Buckingham - President Gene Arnould Ed Bell Brian Birke Cheryl Byrne Robert Peck Donna Rice David Vigneron Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD

Ed Bell Brian Birke Virginia Buckingham Kris Olson Will Dowd Robert Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

ABBOT HALL

Town union grievance settled minutes before Select Board hearing

BY WILL DOWD A municipal union grievance over hiring practices was settled Wednesday evening just minutes before a scheduled Select Board hearing, with the town agreeing to upgrade an Engineering Department clerk’s pay grade.

Representatives from all four of Marblehead’s unions had gathered outside Abbot Hall’s Washington Street entrance in a show of solidarity, creating a sea of redclad workers before officials called the involved parties inside for negotiations.

“A lot of things have transpired in the past few days since the agenda posted on Thursday,” said Lisa Lyons, the engineering department clerk at the center of the dispute.

“There were lots of people sending in emails supporting me and my experience and my work and the injustice of being not awarded the job I was overqualified for.”

The settlement granted Lyons a grade 6 pay classification — which pays between $1,113.23-1,358.14 per week — and retroactive pay to Sept. 30 — matching the salary level of an external candidate who was hired for a similar clerk position in another department.

NeWS For PeoPLe, NoT For ProFIT.

CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD

Union members display solidarity at Abbot Hall, advocating for fair treatment and salary equity among municipal employees.

“Nothing against him, I mean, I think he’s great,” Lyons said of the external hire. “But it was just an inconsistency in the hiring practice, in the interview process, and more specifically, without getting in the dirt, they absolutely need me in engineering.”

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer explained the dispute centered on interpreting the union contract’s hiring provisions. “Within the union contract, it says if all else is equal between the candidates, we hire the union person,” Kezer said.

“We considered the outside candidate as superior, and the union considered the other

person superior.”

The resolution came through brief negotiations just before the scheduled hearing, with Dan Fox representing town leadership.

The union successfully argued for both a grade upgrade and step increase to match the compensation of the recently hired external candidate.

“It’s like you’re going to court on a case, and the two parties having disputes settle before they get in front of the judge,” Kezer said of the last-minute resolution.

Marblehead Municipal Employees Union President Terri Tauro expressed frustration over the process that led to the public

generated from these collections, bags containing brush or other materials will not be accepted.

Street and Pleasant Street before ending at National Grand Bank.

Holiday festivities and shopping continue throughout town on Sunday.

standout. “I think it’s terrible that I didn’t get an answer to my step two grievance, and that we had to force their hands,” Tauro said.

“They should have just gotten in a room and talked to me. I would have talked.”

The agreement comes as the MMEU and town continue broader contract negotiations, with about 100 union members working under an expired contract since July. The union has raised concerns about salary disparities, particularly cases where senior employees train new hires who receive higher compensation.

While this individual case was resolved, it spotlights larger classification issues affecting other municipal employees.

Two clerks who attended Wednesday’s standout confirmed they face similar disparities with grade 6 positions in other departments.

Tauro said the quick settlement validated the union’s strategy of bringing the issue into the public eye. When asked if she thought the pressure of the planned standout influenced the outcome, she responded: “Absolutely, 100 percent.”

Kathryn Whorf FOUNDERS

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

North of Boston Media Group Marblehead News 217 Humphrey St. Marblehead, Massachusetts 01945 617-545-5445 info@marbleheadnews.org www.marbleheadCurrent.org Marblehead Current is published every Wednesday by Marblehead News Group, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. It is mailed to all homes and businesses in Marblehead, MA 01945.

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NEWS IN BRIEF

BY WILL DOWD

Leaf collection

The town has announced its 2024-2025 schedule for curbside leaf and grass collection. Residents can expect collections on their regular trash and recycling days during specific weeks throughout the year. In 2024, collections are scheduled for the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 2. The schedule continues into 2025 with collections planned for the weeks of April 21, May 12 and June 2.

It’s important to note that this service is exclusively for leaves and grass. The town emphasizes that only leaf bags should be used, and plastic bags will not be collected or emptied. To maintain the quality of the compost

Christmas Walk set for Dec. 5-8 The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce will hold its 53rd Annual Christmas Walk Dec. 5-8, featuring a holiday shopping preview night Thursday followed by the annual tree lighting Friday at 7 p.m. across from National Grand Bank.

Saturday’s events include Santa’s arrival at State Street Landing at 9:30 a.m. followed by the Christmas Walk Parade at 11:45 a.m. The parade route begins at State Street Landing, continuing onto Washington Street, Atlantic Avenue, Gerry

2025 Town Meeting warrant open The Marblehead Select Board unanimously approved opening the warrant for the 2025 annual Town Meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 5, 7 p.m., at Veterans Middle School.

The warrant opening allows registered voters to sponsor warrant articles, also known as citizen petitions, until noon Friday, Jan. 24. Town government boards and commissions have until noon Jan. 31 to submit their own articles. Town Meeting,

which serves as the legislative body for Marblehead, enables residents to vote on key matters such as budgets, bylaws, homerule petitions and resolutions.

To place an article on the warrant, registered voters must submit a petition with signatures from at least 10 registered voters.

Articles must fit within the scope of the Town Meeting’s warrant, which outlines the place, date and agenda, as required by local bylaws.

For residents seeking guidance, reach out to Town Moderator Jack Attridge at either jack@ allmarblehead.com or 781-8833200. Citizens are encouraged to start early, consult with town officials or legal counsel if needed, and review past town meeting warrants for examples.

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Thank you!

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 20, 2024 A3

Opinion GUEST COLUMN

Data: Marblehead’s teacher salaries are lower

BY NAOMI CASELLI AND MICHAEL CASELLI

As engaged members of the Marblehead community, we wanted to gain a clearer understanding of the ongoing discussions between the Marblehead Education Association and the School Committee regarding teacher salaries.

Much of the information we encountered seemed to come from one side or the other, often with conflicting interpretations, making it difficult to grasp the full picture.

As researchers with a keen interest in data, we decided to examine the publicly available numbers ourselves and share our findings in hopes that it might be helpful to others in the community. We are not experts in labor economics or municipal finances, rather we are engaged parents and citizens who are eager to understand the nuances of this issue.

Our hope is that this information supports constructive dialogue in services of our community, children and teachers.

Teacher salaries and per capita income Our first question was how teacher salaries in Marblehead stack up against other municipalities in Massachusetts. Using data from the Massachusetts Division of Local Services Department of Revenue and the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, we found that Marblehead teachers are paid below what one might expect, given the town’s per capita income (figure 1).

The most recent available salary data are from the 2020-21 school year.

Considering Massachusetts municipalities with their own K-12 school districts (as opposed to those participating in regional school districts) only 8% of these municipalities had 2023 per capita income higher than Marblehead, while a full 52% of them have a higher average teacher salary.

Salaries compared to municipalities with similar income We then focused on the 10% of municipalities with K-12 school districts that are closest to Marblehead’s per capita income ranking.

In this peer group, Marblehead’s teacher salaries are second to last (figure 3). Comparing taxes There’s been plenty of discussion in Marblehead lately about the town’s finances. We wondered how Marblehead’s tax burden compared to its peers.

We looked at 2023 Department of Revenue data for per capita tax receipts (total receipts excluding BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Comparison of teacher salary and per capita tax receipts among municipalities with per capita income ranking within 10% of Marblehead.

Compared to the peer group of municipalities with K-12 school districts closest to Marblehead in the per capita income rankings, Marblehead’s per capita tax receipts of $5,091 is 11% lower than the median of $5,746 of its closest per capita income peers (Figure 3).

Average teacher salary as compared to per capita income. Income per capita represents the annual income as reported on tax returns divided by the US Census population. We highlighted in green the districts in Essex County that are within 10% of Marblehead’s per capita income ranking.

Per capita tax receipts relative to per capita income.

enterprise and CPA funds) compared to per capita income (figure 2).

Marblehead ranks 24th in per capita income among the 351 municipalities in the DOR data, while in terms of tax receipts per capita, Marblehead ranks 78th.

Compared to the peer group of municipalities with K-12 school districts closest to Marblehead in the per capita income rankings, Marblehead’s per capita tax receipts of $5,091 is 11% lower than the median of $5,746 of its closest per capita income peers (Figure 3).

Our takeaway The data show that Marblehead teacher salaries are relatively low in comparison to the town’s per capita income and are also below teacher salaries in similar communities. The per capita tax receipts in Marblehead are also low in comparison to other towns.

We hope these data might be informative to others in understanding the current circumstances around the investments this town makes in our schools as we work toward a solution that supports our educators, our students, and the broader Marblehead community.

Naomi and Michael Caselli are parents and members of the Marblehead community.

Naomi is also an associate professor of Deaf Education and directs the AI and Education Initiative at Boston University.

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A4 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Marblehead Current

Opinion MARBLEHEAD MUSINGS

Teacher contract — Let’s just match Swampscott

BY JAMES (SEAMUS) HOURIHAN

It’s Friday morning, Nov. 15, and the streets of Marblehead on my early morning walk are eerily quiet for a weekday.

Feels just like yesterday, Wednesday, Tuesday, Veteran’s Day and the weekend days before it. The Marblehead Education Association went on strike. The schools are closed.

Interim Superintendent John Robidoux, with vocal support from School Committee members Sarah Fox and Jenn Schaeffner, canceled all extracurricular activities until the strike ends. Under incredible pressure from parents, Robidoux saw the error in his judgment and reversed his decision. Cancellation of the MHS state playoff football game would have resulted in the first tar and feathering since Skipper Benjamin Ireson in 1808. And set the record for the shortest super tenure since John Buckey.

He would have gone down in MHS infamy in spawning a new synonym for the word “cancel.” Just like “Google” is a synonym for “search.” Example: “He ‘Robidouxed’ the high school football game.” Note, you didn’t hear Fox and Schaeffner support his reversal.

It’s egregious that after 21 negotiation sessions over eight months since March 14, 2024, the alleged leaders of our town could not agree on a competitive compensation and benefits package for our educators. Even during September there was no sense of urgency. There were weeks that went by without negotiation. It shouldn’t be this difficult.

Yet, the blame game has begun.

The mandate for competitive educator compensation and benefits is now Competitive compensation and benefits in the next contract is critical. If the Marblehead School District doesn’t offer competitive wages and benefits, there won’t be any teachers to lay off. Turnover will continue; the good teachers will leave

Editorial From P. A1

from each other and experts in the field.

A presentation by Tom Rosenstiel, journalist, author and former head of the Pew Project for Excellence in Journalism, was provocative and, to us, reassuring.

Rosenstiel posed the question he said we should always be asking ourselves, “What job are we doing for our consumers?” He referenced 13 different “jobs” journalism should do for its audiences.

We’ll summarize the jobs he outlined here: » “Discover where we live” stories » “Discover our world” stories » “Connect with others” stories » “Spending time well” stories » “Make lifestyle decisions” stories » “Explain and understand more deeply” stories » “What can be done” stories » “Keep safe and secure” stories » “Equip people to become involved in civic life” stories » “Incremental civic, government or business update” stories » “Game frame” (or winners/losers) stories » “Watchdog barking”

Both sides, the MEA and School Committee, have done a horrible job of defining what is a competitive level.

first. No competent teacher would ever join the MSD to replace them. Resolving this issue quickly gets the teachers back into the classroom ASAP. In FY23, according to the latest available Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, the MSD had 2,790 students. There are 28 Massachusetts school districts with student populations around Marblehead’s 2,790, plus and minus 250 students. The average teacher salary in this group was $91,977 compared to MSD’s $83,338 which is 9.4% lower.

Since we are competitive with Swampscott in everything, the easiest solution would be to match the Swampscott contract and be done with it. But no, they probably didn’t even think of that. If they did, the Marblehead School Committee would now be arguing whether the offer should be $1 less and the MEA, $1 more.

Both sides have done a horrible job of defining what is competitive. You’ll be hard-pressed to find their wage offers.

They’re buried deep in the MEA website.

But they are expressed in terms of meaningless COLA increase percentages.

What is meaningful is a competitive comparison of other town’s wages in dollars for entry, mid- and seniorlevel teachers. Extend the views for paraprofessionals, tutors and custodians.

Extend the comparisons to include benefits like leave policies, lunch and recess, school safety etc.

The negotiating behavior of the School Committee and Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer is appalling. They are spending precious budget money hiring

stories » Provide a forum for public discussion Over and over, we’re humbled to note, you have told us formally and informally that “we wouldn’t know what was happening” if it weren’t for the Current.

We are always striving to better deliver on all of these jobs, and we are steadfast in our commitment to keep you informed with experienced, objective journalism.

We want to know what you think about the job we are doing.

Be on the lookout soon for a survey we will be circulating asking for your feedback about the job we are doing, what you want more of, what you want less of, and everything in between.

Our interns — the next generation of journalists.

The Marblehead Current’s internship program offers high school and college students a fully immersive experience in local journalism, under the mentorship of Community Editor Will Dowd with support from Editor Leigh Blander. The interns are deeply involved in covering a range of topics, attending public meetings and contributing to both the print and digital aspects of our publication.

The Current has trained

a PR firm for $9,500 to explain that they are simply not negotiating further. They hired a lawyer to be their spokesperson in the negotiations at $265 per hour with a current running tab over $20,000. They refuse to negotiate, claiming the MEA proposal is unaffordable.

An override will never pass; the town never supports overrides. If it didn’t pass there would be catastrophic layoffs.

Fox and Shaeffner are merely pawns in the bargaining sessions. Using an analogy from the Wizard of Oz, the “man behind the curtain” is the Select Board trying to scare the wits out of the little Dorothy, the MEA. And Kezer who works for the Select Board is Professor Marvel. Good idea for a political cartoon?

The MEA’s negotiation posture is not completely altruistic and realistic. They aspire to be the top paying school district relative to 14 North Shore districts.

Their benefits comparisons are to the “public sector,” not other school districts.

Their “man behind the curtain” is the Massachusetts Teachers Association.

How much of an override will be needed?

Both sides now recognize that there will be a need for an override. But the question to be answered is how much?

There are four other factors, not just compensation and benefits, that impact this.

1. Educator staffing levels and other school costs are too high Why doesn’t the town understand this? In FY22, according to the latest available DESE records, the average cost per student in those 28 Massachusetts school districts was $19,332. Marblehead’s cost was $21,119, $1,786 or 9.2% more. Since the MSD cost per teacher is 9% less than average it implies that overall staffing levels and/or administration and nonteacher compensation are too high.

Unfortunately, DESE doesn’t track these items. But they need to be understood. If Marblehead lowered its cost per student

Not a day goes by that we don’t pay heed to the enormous trust you have placed in us to do this job well. two college interns over the last two summers, along with three high school students interested in careers in journalism.

We feel a responsibility to invite the next generation of prospective reporters into our newsroom and show them the impact local, nonprofit news can have in a community. We work with them on identifying stories, writing, editing and shooting photographs.

Collectively, our interns have written more than 60 articles, covering everything from local government and civic events to cultural festivals and personal reflections. Their work has added richness to our coverage, bringing fresh perspectives to the Marblehead Current and connecting us more deeply with the community. We are very proud of their dedication, growth and the positive impact they have had on both our publication and the town.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

The nonprofit model

By now, you probably know the statistics as well as we do. Since 2005, some 3,200

funding to the average, the town would save nearly $5M. 2. School budget allocation from taxes and other revenues Who says the funding split between the schools and our municipal services is correct?

This needs investigation across comparable towns and benchmark studies of other town departments — police, fire, DPW, etc. See my column “Is Marblehead right-sized?” 3. FY24 budget performance Who knows if we generated a profit in FY24? Any budget surplus, aka “free cash,” could be used to reduce the override at least in FY25. The town is a business and it’s appalling there are no publicly available financial statements after 4 ½ months since the close of FY24.

I bet the Select Board and Kezer know.

They don’t want to tell anyone, especially the MEA during the negotiations.

4. Sale of Coffin and Eveleth schools and on-going available property taxes Why can’t the School Committee relinquish these schools? Allow the town to sell them for zoning-compliant development? Money from their sale and on-going property taxes would help mitigate the magnitude of the override.

While we always want to beat Swampscott, let’s just match Swampscott in terms of educator compensation and benefits. Be done with it. Get the students back in school. Stop wasting valuable money for useless PR firms and lawyers.

Stop wasting the valuable time of town employees and committee members. Stop incurring MEA fines. Work very hard to understand whether Marblehead is rightsized. Assess how much of an override is required. And finally, let the voters decide.

James (Seamus) Hourihan was born in Marblehead and is a MHS graduate. For 35 years, he worked in finance, marketing and executive management roles at high-tech companies. He has lived here full-time since 2009 and is a member of the town’s Charter Committee.

newspapers have closed across the United States, most of them weeklies like ours, and the profession has lost two-thirds of its journalists. Today, an average of 2.5 newspapers are closing per week, and more than onehalf of U.S. counties have no or little access to local news.

The old model of subscription-and-advertisingbased financing of local journalism has failed, and in its place a nationwide effort to build a better, more sustainable philanthropic financing model has begun to flourish.

All of the revenues raised by the Current through individual donations, foundation grants and advertising are reinvested in reporting, producing, printing and delivering for free the weekly paper, while maintaining an always-on digital presence to bring you breaking news as it happens.

Our board and fundraising committee are all volunteer and Marblehead-based, and not a day goes by that we don’t pay heed to the enormous trust you have placed in us to do this job well.

This is not a fundraising pitch. We know you get plenty of those from us, and we are deeply grateful for your support. But sustaining this effort for 100 more issues and, we hope, for the next 100 years, means making this nonprofit financial model

work.

Our annual budget is $372,000. We pour over the expense side of the ledger and are confident it is as barebones as it can be. Every dime of that $372,000, which breaks down to an average of $36,000 a month, has to be raised from donations, ads and grants — every single month. Or we go out of business. It’s that simple.

We deeply believe that having the Marblehead Current is a good thing for this community. You have told us — with your kind comments, your thoughtful letters to the editor, your civilly-stated support or disagreement on social media — that you agree.

Famed communication theorist and media critic James Carey once wrote, “Republics require conversation, often cacophonous conversation, for they should be noisy places” and noted the role of journalism in informing those conversations.

Thank you for letting us inform the conversation here in Marblehead for the past 100 issues. Thank you for engaging with us on our letters page and online comments. Thank you for your feedback, your news tips, your criticism.

May the conversation about this special place we all call home never cease.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 20, 2024 A5

MY MARBLEHEAD FIRST TIME

Country school memories echo amid strike

BY COURT MERRIGAN Growing up, we had a farm in Nebraska and a ranch in Wyoming, 90 miles apart. One of my jobs was to road equipment from one location to the other (“road” is verb-ified when referring to “transporting agricultural equipment from one locale to another by means of public roadways”). With a 1975 Case 1040 tractor,that was an all-day affair, bumping along the back highways and byways with the hazard lights on and an AM radio for company. If you were lucky and it was summer, there might be a Kansas City game on to listen to while swerving around mailboxes and hugging the shoulder to stay clear of oncoming traffic.

Just an aside: this was before the Colorado Rockies came along. I grew up on the Royals.

Even though the Rockies played in a stadium 400 miles closer to home, I could never get aboard their train. Root for some Johnny-come-lately National League outfit? What am I, a traitor? Go Royals.

Anyway, this is all to say that I have been familiar from a young age with long distances traversed slowly. From fifth grade on, we drove 10 miles down country roads into town for school. Prior to that, however, I attended a

Educational politics are complicated.

COURTESY PHOTO

Court Merrigan sits front row, second from right, in his 1981 kindergarten class at Lake Alice School.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

little country school just a halfmile down the road. Lake Alice School boasted five classrooms and a gym which doubled as a cafeteria, and educated around 80 kids kindergarten through eighth grade.

To me, it was a wonderful place. Some of my most serene and fond memories occurred there. The dirt playground for kickball and fighting and hugging it out. The third-andfourth grade classroom where I listened in rapture to dear old Mrs. Lloyd read “Where The Red Fern Grows” aloud. The old Hoosiers-like hardwood gym where I learned to play basketball from a coach who had lost his thumb and two fingers in a farm equipment accident.

The worn textbooks where I

learned to total figures and to name the state capitals. The cafeteria where we dined on beef produced by farmers of the school district and bread baked from wheat grown by the same.

Remember the space shuttle Challenger tragedy? The entire school gathered in the oneroom library to watch the liftoff, because aboard that shuttle was a teacher, Christa McAuliffe.

And the entire school grieved together when it all went so terribly wrong. And then it felt like it would all be OK, because we all had each other.

For political reasons now obscure, the state began to frown upon these small school districts. Consolidation was the order of the day. Country kids, it was thought, were better off

at the better-resourced schools in town. My parents agreed, and shifted us to town school.

Like Odie in “Where the Red Fern Grows,” at first I found the town a bewildering and unfriendly place. I missed Lake Alice School. I think I probably still do.

Educational politics are complicated. My son has had an unexpected vacation this past week owing to the Marblehead teachers’ strike. I’m not the one to weigh in on this showdown; I’ve been in town barely two years and am only just now able to navigate to desired Marblehead destinations on the first try! I will say, we moved here largely because the public schools in Marblehead are so good. Educational politics do

Listen to our teachers

A fool’s golden era of freedom

To the editor: I have watched the school system slowly degrade over the years. At first, I figured I was just getting older, losing the rosetinted lens that children see the world with. Now, teachers are stretched too thin, having to work up to four other jobs to be able to survive in 2024 while still staying with our public schools.

It’s not like they’re asking for something outrageous considering all the time and work they put into us and our community. Even students know that teachers don’t get paid much — so we understand how dire it has to be for them to strike for better pay even with the understanding they will be fined tens-of-thousands of dollars a day.

Teachers have been a bright spot in my education here in Marblehead. Without the work they put into helping us learn and grow, I think we’d be much worse off. They aren’t asking for the impossible. They’re asking for a way that they can afford to keep teaching.

The teachers aren’t “conspiring” or “turning their back on their classrooms” — they’re doing the opposite.

They’re trying desperately to slow the freight train of problems speeding toward our public schools at full force.

I’m sure that the school committee won’t acknowledge this letter. At least that would be consistent with their former behavior. Maybe they’ll brush it off, saying I’m a kid, that I don’t get the big picture. However, if tots from Brown School all the way to seniors at the high school can respect and listen to their teachers, don’t you think that you — as the grown-up, “responsible” adults you are — should be able to?

Niko King-Mahan, sophomore Jersey Street

To the editor: The results of the presidential election are going to usher in a whole new era of unbridled freedom; as Trump would probably say, “the likes of which nobody has ever seen.” With the Democrats firmly defeated, Americans have laid the woke, intellectual, virtue-signaling liberal culture to bed. Let’s take a moment to revel in just some of the new freedoms that Americans will soon enjoy with reckless abandon: Freedom from expressing empathy. Liberals have been lecturing Americans about the hardships of women, racial minorities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people and whomever else for years. Americans have been told to take other people’s feelings and life experiences into consideration. White Americans, in particular, have been asked to reflect on the years of discrimination these groups have faced and to extend some care, understanding and empathy. This new administration has made it clear that there is no such thing as systemic, institutionalized racism. Women’s bodies are not really their own. Immigrants and refugees can be left to suffer.

This means your conscience should be clear and that you have freedom from guilt or obligation to care.

Freedom from acknowledging truth. One of the fundamental principles of the first Trump administration was the acceptance of contrived realities.

From the creation of “alternative facts” to “fake news” to the refusal to accept fact-checking at a debate, there is no need to accept reality. Remember that J.D. Vance, when asked if Trump won in 2020, immediately pivoted to warning us that “censorship” of free speech was the greatest threat we faced.

Free speech, of course, meaning

unsubstantiated exaggerations or lies meant to misinform and deceive. Americans should feel untethered by facts, science, evidence, research or anything else that might contradict their own perceptions. We have freedom from the burden to exist in a shared reality.

Freedom from explaining contradictions. Many Americans consider themselves Christians and yet just voted in a man who has broken half of the Ten Commandments and probably all of the seven deadly sins.

Many union members decided to ignore their commitments and voted against a person because she was labeled a terrifying socialist. Almost all voters decried the economy as their top issue despite clear data that inflation is cooling, unemployment is low and the stock market is high. Americans have freedom from having to explain these examples of cognitive dissonance.

Freedom from climate change obligations. Americans are tired of being asked to stop using fossil fuels and to get on board with renewable energy. Whether you believe climate change is a “hoax” or you actually accept all of the science presented by reputable climatologists, you want freedom from being told what kinds of fuel to use. You want freedom from obligation to go along with nearly every other country in the world who joined the Paris Agreement to help save the planet. Real or not, Americans are free to ignore this one and should not feel compelled to cooperate.

Over half of America cast their votes with the expressed hope of living these freedoms. Trump has sold us all the promise of “a golden age of America.” But just like Trump’s infamously famous golden toilet, it’s just full of s—-.

Welcome to the fool’s golden era.

Noah Hendy Rowland Street

Coverage of youth gender care lacks balance, data

indeed impact lives.

For instance, when my father passed away, my siblings and I had to decide what to do with the farmhouse we all grew up in.

I had the opportunity to move into my father’s house with my kids. At the time, though, they could both walk to school in town, and my beloved Lake Alice School was long gone. So, we stayed where we were. Had that wonderful school still been open, I’d likely have moved into the farmhouse and sent my kids to country school. School politics have an impact beyond schedules and property taxes. Had Lake Alice not closed, I would have been much harder to dislodge and neither I nor my kids would be here in Marblehead. No doubt this strike is sending similar ripples through families and their potential paths. Schools change lives, all right.

At the time of this writing, my First Marblehead Teachers’ Strike is ongoing. I hope — by the time you’re reading this — it will have been resolved, and the kids are back making Lake Alice-style memories for themselves.

If you’ve got an idea upon which I can embark for a Marblehead First Time, drop me a line at court. merrigan@gmail.com.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

LETTERS

To the editor: Your coverage of gender ideology and the harms being done to minors is woefully inadequate and biased. You risk your journalistic integrity if you cannot present a balanced overview of a topic as serious as gender ideology. It is the belief system underpinning the abolition of sex which has profound consequences for women and girls, including but not limited to sports. Gender ideology is also the basis for harmful and unnecessary medical treatments for mental health issues in minors.

Please do your due diligence.

Review the literature on the DI-AG site (di-ag.org) and factcheck their sources. Check Do No Harm’s methodology (donoharmmedicine.org). We certainly can no longer make the claim that surgeries and life-altering interventions are rare. And we also cannot say this is a Republican or rightwing discrimination agenda (stoptheharmdatabase.com).

What Do No Harm found in the United States between 2019 and 2023: » 13,994 minors underwent sex change treatments » 5,747 minors had sex change surgeries » 8,579 minors received hormones and puberty blockers » 62,682 sex change prescriptions were written for minors » Total submitted charges: $119,791,202 Boston Children’s Hospital is listed among the top providers of gender surgeries for minors in the United States.

Elizabeth Nyla DuBois Green Street

‘We will not be silenced’ To the editor: I was walking home after going to the bookstore when I saw it. It was a big Palestinian flag blowing in the wind right next to Abbot Hall. At first, I thought it was hanging from someone’s house, but soon I realized someone was holding it. As I kept walking, I saw more and more of these big Palestinian flags and people carrying them.

That’s when I realized it was a protest. I was shocked. How did my small suburban town come to this?

I continued walking and saw the map of Israel covered in red, black, white and green and signs that said “no more bombs.” It was extremely ironic, the protest for Palestine saying no more bombs considering they are the ones constantly sending rockets at Israel. It was disgusting. I knew I couldn’t stay silent. They can manage their propaganda wherever, but not in my town.

So I made my menorah necklace as visible as possible and said something. I was on the other side of the road where I raised my voice and began shouting at them.

“This is all propaganda! These are lies!” I said. “You people are supporting a genocide against the Jewish people! Get out of my town with your B.S! Have you ever even been to Israel or Gaza?” Silence rolled upon them.

“Get out of my town with your propaganda!”

I walked away thinking of the irony. I read articles about it calling it a “peaceful protest,” but how can it be peaceful when the moment I walked by I felt unsafe? How can it be peaceful when they took away the map of my people? How could it possibly be peaceful when I feel endangered in my own town to wear my menorah necklace?

We cannot be silent. and we will not be silenced.

Eve Magen Eighth grade, Veterans School

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Strike From P. A1

budget (including cost of living adjustments and step increases) from the wage increase, explained Finance Committee Chair Alec Goolsby.

Goolsby said the union’s proposal would total about 34%.

The financial impact

Goolsby told the Current that the union’s proposal would require roughly $7 million in extra revenue over four years.

An override to cover that amount would add $926.26 to the annual property tax bill for the average-priced home in Marblehead, valued at $1.2 million.

Goolsby said the School Committee’s wage proposal would require approximately $2.2 million in extra revenue.

An override to cover that would raise the average property tax bill by $300.74 a year.

“That is a difference of $625.22 … or about $1.71 a day,” Heller pointed out. “We know that our children are worth that investment. It’s time for the School Committee to come back to the table with serious wage proposals.”

Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer explained that every million dollars of override adds $132 to the average tax bill.

Paychecks

Under Marblehead’s expired contract, the highest-educated, mostexperienced teacher can earn $96,783. In the districts most often compared to Marblehead, the highest teacher wage is as follows: Swampscott, $102,227; Hingham, $119,922; Andover $121,236.

Under the union’s proposal, Marblehead’s most-educated and most experienced teachers could earn $129,782 by the end of four years.

Under the School Committee’s plan, the highest salary on the wage

CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER

MEA Co-president Jonathan Heller confers with other teachers before a press conference last week.

School Committee members Sarah Fox (left) and Jenn Schaeffner and Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer hold a press conference at the high school on Friday night.

Cost of Salary Proposals Union Proposal Anticipated Shortfall

FY2025

FY2026

FY2027

FY2028

Total

$1,481,129

$2,210,622

$1,643,602

$1,762,455

$7,097,808

Average Single Family Home Override Tax Increase*

School Committee Anticipated Shortfall

$926.26

FY2025

FY2026

FY2027

FY2028

Total

$593,626

$375,507

$603,704

$692,336

$2,265,172

Average Single Family Home Override Tax Increase*

$300.74

*Tax increase costs based on DLS tax override calculator. * Average Single Family Home $1,202,931

table would be $108,954.

The School Committee said recently that it might take more than one contract cycle to increase Marblehead teacher salaries to where they should be.

“Marblehead, at the end of these four years, would still be lower compared to 16 communities on the North Shore than we are today,” Heller countered.

“How do you dig out of a hole that’s even deeper than today? You don’t. It is

Community rally

About 500 people came to Seaside Park Sunday afternoon to show support for striking educators.

Many parents spoke about the deep and lasting impact their children’s teachers have had on their

Off the sidelines

a serious problem.”

Agreement

afternoon, just hours before MHS football’s big game against Grafton, there was confusion about the judge’s decision. The football coaches drove to the game, but Robidoux made it clear: he believed the ruling affirmed his decision to ban teachers from coaching.

The next day, before a cross country track meet, Robidoux told the union that “pending clarification” of the judge’s order, all striking teachers can now participate in sports and extracurriculars.

(Read more about the game and track meet on Page 9.)

kids and families.

Chris Bruell, one of the organizers, talked about Marblehead’s special community.

“It’s my home, it’s our home, it’s our community.

It’s our little slice of heaven on the North Shore,” he said. He referenced children’s TV host Mr. Rogers whose mother told him that when life gets scary, look for the helpers. Educators, he added, are those helpers.

“Who is here for the helpers? We are, my friends, we are,” he said.

Parent Melissa Kaplowitch, standing with her son, Jared, who is senior class president at Marblehead High School, shared a story about Jared’s intense separation anxiety during kindergarten.

The only one who could pry him away from his mom was the custodian, Mr. Mace, who let Jared ring the school bell, push a broom and take out the trash, she said.

“He is part of our village,” Kaplowitch said of Mace.

Many of the parents demanded that Marblehead fully staff and fund the schools.

Veterans School teacher Tawny Callahan, flanked by four of her students, said, “I want our students to know how much we miss them and how hard we are working to get back into the classroom. We are fighting for you … to get the best teachers and safest schools.”

The union and School Committee did agree on the formation of a joint school safety committee, although the details had been worked out before the strike. The new committee will include 10 members of the union and 10 administrators. It will report its findings and recommendations to the School Committee in a public meeting.

Interim Superintendent John Robidoux changed his mind again on whether striking teachers could coach sports or lead extracurriculars. On Nov. 14, he announced that union members were not allowed to participate in school activities. Parents went to court and filed for an emergency injunction that would let teachers coach.

When the judge issued her ruling Friday

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 20, 2024 A7

COMMUNITY

Residents, businesses show their love for striking educators

BY LEIGH BLANDER While the teachers strike undeniably created tensions in town, it also brought the community together in many ways as educators, students, parents and local businesses rallied to show each other support.

Several union rallies at Seaside Park attracted large crowds of residents, and many parents delivered hot coffee, donuts, pizza and more to teachers on the picket lines.

Local restaurants and food shops donated, too, and many businesses offered discounts to striking educators.

“Our teachers are really valuable to the success of our students. It’s that simple,” said Melissa Kaplowitch, whose son Jared is a senior at Marblehead High School. She has two older children who graduated from MHS. Kaplowitch isn’t surprised to see parents turn out en masse.

“When teachers need something, parents help, and this is no different,” she said. “I don’t see this as different than when they need supplies in the classroom. It’s heartbreaking to hear that my son’s English teacher needs to work four jobs.”

Kaplowitch continued, “We live in such a generous community, and everyone knows how valuable the teachers are and how they support our kids.

On a personal note, I’ve had

CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER

When teachers arrived to rally on Atlantic Avenue, Shubie’s decided to bake them cookies.

teachers show up at my door when my kids have had surgery, bringing ice cream [and] books.”

Child care, cookies and more The Marblehead High School National Honor Society offered free babysitting to families impacted by the strike.

“We had considerable interest,” said Liv Goldwater, Marblehead’s NHS president. “I myself am volunteer babysitting tomorrow.”

The JCC and YMCA organized child care programs for kids out of school.

“We’ll continue to do whatever we can to provide as much help as we can for families who need childcare during these days,” said Karen Robinson, the JCC’s

COURTESY PHOTO

Hooked Nutrition delivered free teas to teachers on the picket line and also offers educator discounts.

public relations director. “We have partnered with Marblehead Public School Food Services, who have graciously been delivering school breakfasts and

lunches to those participants in our program who want a free school lunch.”

The Y’s Executive Director Brian Flynn added, “Our Y will do our best to support as many families and children as possible by offering full-day programs while the schools are closed. We are currently offering full-day childcare programming for 90 of our families — 65% of our current after-school families have registered for a day of care or more. On average, 75 children are attending per day. The Y has waived weekly tuition for after-school families to help support families who need these resources during this time.”

North Shore Children’s Theater started a pop-up program for kids during the

strike also.

Local gyms, including Lighthouse Fitness, offered free classes to teachers and staff.

“I have a senior in the high school, so I really feel for the kids and the teachers right now,” said Lighthouse Fitness owner Kim Crowley. “I thought I would offer free fitness classes until a contract is signed. It’s a very small thing that I could do to give people a little bit of comfort.”

Shubie’s baked cookies for teachers on the picket line and donated food at a teacher meeting.

“While my family doesn’t have anyone in the school system now, we have had four generations go through the school system, and my family has enormous gratitude for the educators and we absolutely believe they should be fairly compensated for the invaluable work they do for all the children in our community,” said Shubie’s Manager Doug Shube, whose niece graduated from Marblehead High last year.

Hooked Nutrition on Pleasant Street offers Teacher Tuesday deals year round, and during the strike, owner Marinda Robtoy is offering teacher discounts every day. Robtoy also donated 50 teas to teachers on the picket lines Thursday.

“Anything we can do, really,” Robtoy said. “We have a gratitude wall here, too, where people write what they’re grateful for. We’re trying to flip the script a little bit.”

EDUCATION

More than 1,100 residents sign ‘no confidence vote’ petition

BY LEIGH BLANDER More than 1,100 Marblehead residents have signed a petition expressing a “vote of no confidence” in the School Committee amid a teachers strike that left approximately 2,600 students out of classrooms all last week.

“As Marblehead community members, educators, students, parents, alumni, and local business and property owners, we have lost faith in this committee’s ability to govern the district responsibly and with integrity,” the online petition reads.

“We have seen grandstanding and more willingness to pay legal fees than to pay the salaries of our teachers,” parent Lainey Titus Smant, who has a first grader at Glover School and a fourth grader at Village, told the Current. “They seem to only want to create drama and not actually sit face to face with our teachers to find a solution that works for everyone and provides our kids with safe, high-quality schools.”

The Current reached out to all members of the School Committee about the petition and did not receive a reply.

Former Marblehead superintendent Phil Devaux, who led the district from 1995 to 2002 and again 2005 to 2007, signed the petition.

“I’ve never seen a School Committee as incompetent as this one,” Devaux told the Current. “It’s really that simple.

They don’t know how to do anything right.”

Devaux blasted the bargaining subcommittee for mishandling athletics and extracurriculars

Hundreds of community members have turned out to support the teachers at rallies and on picket lines.

during the strike. At first, interim Superintendent John Robidoux banned all sport and activities, supported by the School Committee. He reversed his decision on Thursday but is still not allowing coaches who are members of the union to participate.

“Handicapping the kids without their coaches… what’s the rationale in that?” Devaux

asked. “Why would you send our football team against the number three ranked team and not allow them to have their coaches? There’s no priority for students.”

Devaux would like to see the entire School Committee resign.

Eyal Oren, who has a daughter at MHS and a son who graduated last year, reached out to the School Committee in early

September asking for more communication around the bargaining impasse and “begging for transparency.”

He received a reply from School Committee Chair Jenn Schaeffner offering to meet with him one on one. He declined.

“I told her, ‘I don’t want to be the only one privy to this information. I want you to share this so the community knows where we’re at,’” he said.

Oren added that the teachers have been very clear about what they’re asking for and why.

“The School Committee has been hiding behind a PR company,” he said. “I very quickly lost confidence in them.”

Kate Thomson has daughters at Village and Veterans schools.

“The School Committee is negotiating behind closed doors on behalf of taxpayers,” she said. “We are letting them know that their conduct to date is not working for us, and they need to make immediate changes — notably improving

CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS

communication and dialing back hostility.”

Bit Coppola, who has three kids in Marblehead schools, explained why she added her name to the petition.

“I personally signed it because I feel that the School Committee and bargaining subcommittee are no longer working in the best interests of our educators and students,” she said.

Coppola and her friend Caitlin Vasilou, who has a child at Glover School, released a joint statement.

“Through this process we have come to the realization that the Marblehead School Committee and bargaining subcommittee, along with [Town Administrator] Thatcher Kezer, are no longer acting in the best interest of our educators and students,” they wrote. “They are failing to bargain in good faith and remain steadfast in their refusal to take any accountability for the situation we are in. It’s been nine months, times up.”

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Last year as part of our fundraising efforts, we intentionally left our front page blank to emphasize what it would be like without your support for local news.

This year, there is FAR too much news for us to use that option! This may be an even more convincing argument as to why you should donate!

During the months of November and December, the Institute for Nonprofit News will match every dollar given to the Marblehead Current, up to a total of $15,000!

Help us unlock this NewsMatch potential $15,000 contribution by making your gift before Dec. 31st. Please scan the QR code or visit the Current’s secure online giving page at marbleheadcurrent.org/donate to support your local news.

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Sports MAGICIANS FOOTBALL

A win that goes beyond the scoreboard Magicians shut down by undefeated Grafton in Division 4 Round of 8 playoff game

BY JOE MCCONNELL The Grafton Gators (10-0, third seed) lived up to their undefeated record last Friday night with a totally dominating performance against the visiting Marblehead Football Magicians (7-3, sixth seed), a team that has been pummeling opponents in its own right the last seven weeks to the tune of 257-44.

But in this Elite 8 Division 4 matchup, the Marblehead boys were shut out, 35-0, and as a result their playoff run has come to an end, but not without giving their fans so many great memories this season.

There’s one more great memory still to be experienced, however, when Marblehead heads to Fenway Park to play its annual Thanksgiving Day game against Swampscott on Nov. 27, the day before turkey day, starting at 6:30 p.m.

But getting back to the Round of 8 game, Grafton took a 14-0 lead into the halftime break on two rushing touchdowns by senior captain Finn Gilmore.

The Marblehead defense did slow down the home team’s offense in the second quarter, stopping them on downs a couple of times, before senior Cam Quigley ended another drive with an interception.

The offense, however, had trouble moving the ball against the stout Grafton defense, a rare occurrence for this group this year.

Marblehead interim head coach Nick Broughton was impressed by Grafton’s defense.

“This was probably the toughest, (hardest hitting) game that we have had this year,” said Broughton, who is an assistant coach on Jim Rudloff’s staff and was filling in for him, after interim Superintendent John Robidoux banned striking teachers from coaching.

(Robidoux reversed that decision

COURTESY PHOTOS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD

Marblehead High senior running back Yandel Garcia (1) tries to avoid getting tripped up by a Grafton defender as he runs straight ahead for additional yards during a Division 4 Round of 8 playoff game last Friday night (Nov. 15) in Grafton.

Marblehead High senior Cam Quigley (20) straight-arms a Grafton defender after intercepting a pass in the second quarter.

shortly after the game.)

“But just being able to play

tonight was a victory for these kids,” he added. “But (in the

The Marblehead High boys cross-country team of assistant coach and interim head coach Tim West, Peter Sullivan, Jacob Szalewicz, Nate Assa, Will Cerrutti, Jonah Potach, David Alpert, Will Cruikshank, Henrik Adams, Zach Pike and Victor Pechhold proudly poses with the Division 2 All-State trophy after finishing second during the annual meet in Ayer on Nov. 16.

game), Grafton was just too fast on defense. They hit every hole

quickly (to stop the running game).”

Broughton credits the team and its resiliency to persevere through a week of upheaval in the school department. They still showed up for daily practice to get ready for the Round of 8 game. “The kids have been through a lot this week, but our senior leaders showed up every day for practice to carry out (Rudloff’s) gameplan with the (underclassmen).”

The veteran Marblehead head coach always comes up with a gameplan the Sunday before the next game, and his players were able to use that to prepare for Grafton after his union went on strike two days later.

But in this game, it was more on what Grafton did to remain FOOTBALL, P. A10

COURTESY PHOTOS

The Marblehead High girls cross-country team of Marri O’Connell, Evie Becker, Maren Potter, captain Abbie Goodwin, Jesslyn Roemer, Evelina Becker, Thea Shaw, Anna Cruikshank, Molly Helmuth and Ruby Assa, from left, secures a top 20 finish in 20th place during the annual Division 2 All-State meet in Ayer on Nov. 16.

ON THE RUN

Harriers shine at Division 2 All-State Meet Boys bring home state trophy with second place finish; O’Connell ends up third

BY JOE MCCONNELL After a week of uncertainty, the Marblehead High boys and girls cross country teams turned in memorable performances during last Saturday’s annual

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Division 2 All-State meet in Ayer.

The Marblehead boys (133 points) finished second only to Longmeadow (101) to bring home a state trophy for the MHS athletic department. Wakefield (171) came in third.

Individually, Nate Assa (15:52)

crossed the finish line second overall among his statewide counterparts. Will Cerrutti (16:16) ended up a close sixth.

Jacob Szalewiczwas (16:48) was Marblehead’s third runner to finish, 16 th overall.

“Having three runners in

the Top 20 in a race of this magnitude does wonders for the team score,” said coach Brian Heenan, who was a spectator at last Saturday’s race, because of the teachers’ strike.

Assistant coach Tim West filled in for him, along with girls

coach Will Herlihy.

Henrik Adams (17:41, 58th ), Will Cruikshank (17:57, 82nd ), Jonah Potach (19:10, 155th ) and David Alpert (19:32, 163rd ) rounded out the Magicians HARRIERS, P. A10

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ALL AS

Marblehead Youth Football’s CAYFL entry finishes the season unbeaten to secure the Super Bowl

BY JOE MCCONNELL It was complete domination for the Marblehead Youth Football A-team (8-0-1) this fall, where they ran all over their Cape Ann Youth Football League counterparts, before wrapping it all up appropriately with the Super Bowl championship.

On offense, they were led by quarterback Hugh Whitten and running backs Michael Salemi, Bailey Finkle, Ryan Rhodes and Charlie Annese among many others during this memorable season.

The defense was just as effective, giving up only 22 points throughout the past couple of months.

Linebacker Chase Rosenbaum, Michael Salemi, Mitchell Leighton, Brandon Selby, T.J. Sterio, Nolan Glass and nose guard Ryan Rhodes were some of these standouts to go along with defensive ends Alex Herman and Finkle.

The A-team continued blitzing opponents in the playoffs. They first shut out Swampscott, 32-0 — both teams played to a scoreless tie during the regular season — before beating Masco in the semifinals, 28-14, behind the speed of running back Michael Salemi to move on to the Super Bowl at Lynnfield High School. The Junior Magicians took on Pentucket in the big game, and ended up taking care of them rather convincingly to

Harriers From P. A9

All-State lineup.

“I could not be prouder of the way the boys raced (at the All-State meet),” said Heenan.

“It has been a tough few weeks on these kids, especially last week. Nothing has been normal for them with no school and an abnormal practice schedule.

“The season is a war of attrition, normally filled with injuries and illnesses, and add the stress of a teachers’ strike certainly does not help matters any, but the boys rose to the occasion,” added the veteran boys cross country coach.

O’Connell finishes third in the state The Marblehead girls ended up 20 th in the Division 2 AllState meet with a total of 424 points, while junior star runner Marri O’Connell was among the individual leaders with a thirdplace finish.

“Cross country is a long season. It starts in mid-August, but for many runners, they had already been training since

Football From P. A9

undefeated and move on to the state semifinals Friday night (Nov. 22) against Scituate (10-0, second seed) than anything the Magicians could come up with to slow them down. “(Rudloff) made it easy for us to follow his gameplan, but Grafton was tough on defense,” Broughton said.

Simply put, Grafton knew where they had to be at all times.

From the players’ point of view, captain Colt Wales spoke eloquently on the entire week immediately after the game during an interview with the Marblehead Current. “It was definitely difficult to stay focused throughout the week, but I thought we did a good

The Marblehead Youth Football A-team poses for a photo after beating Pentucket, 38-8 to win the CAYFL Super Bowl championship in Lynnfield earlier this month.

COURTESY PHOTOS

Marblehead Youth Football A-team head coach Matt Martin, center, proudly holds the CAYFL Super Bowl championship trophy after the team defeated Pentucket at Lynnfield High School, 38-8. Martin is alongside his assistant coaches, and they are, from left, Phil Norton, Craig Herman, Jason Glass and Dirk Diggler.

the tune of 38-8.

It was a complete team effort, but the usual notable standouts

in this championship game were Finkle with three first half touchdowns and two in the air

by Whitten, plus another one on the ground by Marblehead’s field general.

early summer,” said Herlihy.

“Even when the season is planned for the peak races (in late October and early November), sometimes the length of the schedule can be a lot, especially on the younger runners, which is what the girls were feeling in their final race of the 2024 season (last Saturday).

“We have a young squad, with four of our top seven runners all competing in their first cross country season,” added Herlihy. “But they worked so hard to earn a spot at this championship All-State meet, and every big meet provides an invaluable experience for the new runners. They consistently overachieved as a team throughout the season, and even with their last race not being their best, nearly all of them will be returning next year for another chance.”

Coming on the heels of an illness that really hampered her performance in the Division 2A meet, Marri O’Connell (19:18.71) fought her way to a third-place finish at last Saturday’s All-States.

As she has done consistently

all season long, Ruby Assa (22:37.43) was Marblehead’s second runner in a race, 96 th overall in this state meet.

She was followed by Evelina Beletsky (23:32.75, 130th ).

Senior captain Abbie Goodwin (23:48.82) closed out her four-year high school crosscountry career on a high note, finishing 142 nd , while also improving by 35 seconds from the previous week’s Division 2A Meet.

Jesslyn Roemer (24:19.61, 159th ) rounded out Marblehead’s top 5 at the All-States.

“I’m so proud of this team, but even more importantly, I know they’re so proud of themselves,” said Herlihy.

But the season is not done yet for at least one member of the girls’ team. “While most of the team will get some needed rest before the indoor track season starts up, (O’Connell) will be preparing for the annual Foot Locker Northeast Regional Championship meet in two weeks (on Thanksgiving weekend) at historic Franklin Park (in Dorchester),” said Herlihy.

ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT

job,” he said. “It was a victory just being able to play this game, and I’m proud that we rallied as a town to make it happen.”

Wales, too, credited Grafton’s fast defense with preventing the Marblehead offense from getting anything going. Running the ball, he said, has been the key for the Magicians all year long. “But it just didn’t click for us tonight,” he added. “But give Grafton credit, they played (really) well.”

But the upcoming Fenway experience provides a pretty good consolation prize for a team that gave its fans so much to cheer for this fall. “Fenway is going to be a fun one,” Wales said on the Nov. 27 game against Thanksgiving rival Swampscott at America’s most beloved ballpark. It’s slated to begin at 6:30 p.m.

The offense couldn’t have pulled off its magical season without the offensive line that was anchored by center Max Letwin, right guard Nolan Glass and right tackle Chase Rosenbaum. They were complemented quite nicely

by Matthew Carter, Raphael Ventura, Dylan Soule, Zachary Thibodeau and Tyler Hershfield.

The complete MYF A-team championship roster includes Tyler Hershfield, Bailey Finkle, Hugh Whitten, Nicolas Epstein, Michael Salemi, Alexander Herman, Mitchell Leighton, Brandon Selby, Thomas Sterio, Charles Annese, Sasha Leikikh, Walker Beane, Ryan Rhodes, Zachary Thibodeau, Raphael Ventura, Chase Rosenbaum, Nolan Glass, Dylan Soule, Matthew Carter and Maxwell Letwin.

Current sports profile: Abbie Goodwin

BY JOE MCCONNELL NAME: Abbie Goodwin AGE: 17 FAMILY: Parents Russ and Randi; siblings: Naomi and Ethan SCHOOL YEAR: Senior SPORTS YOU PLAY: Cross country, indoor track, tennis FAVORITE SPORT, AND WHY: I enjoy all of them. But I really enjoyed this fall’s cross country season, because we all came together as a team and created a supportive and fun environment. In cross country, after running for months, we see a lot of late season injuries, but we were still there for each other to continue to work together to make it to the (Division 2) All-State meet.

MOST MEMORABLE MEET FOR YOU, AND WHY: My most memorable meet was the Twilight Invitational (in Falmouth). It’s a nighttime

meet lit by string lights with music blasting. The exciting atmosphere combined with the energy of the spectators and hundreds of runners pushed us to run faster and have more fun.

PLANS FOR AFTER HIGH SCHOOL: I’m applying to small New England schools.

DO YOU PLAN ON PLAYING SPORTS IN COLLEGE: Yes, I hope to continue to run in college.

DESIRED CAREER: Something in the science field.

COURTESY PHOTS / EYAL OREN, WEDNESDAYS IN MARBLEHEAD

Marblehead High senior wide receiver Sam Thompson (14) looks to make a one-handed catch during a Division 4 Round of 8 playoff game last Friday night (Nov. 15) in Grafton.

FINAL-18 CP_MBHC_20241120_1_A11 Mon, Nov 18, 2024 4:12:28 PM

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A12 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Marblehead Current

OBITUARY lost his sense of humor, wit or intellect.

Theodore Hood He was an avid reader of Tibetan writings of Dalai Lamas and other Combs, 72 spiritual works, which gave him inner Theodore “Teddy” Combs of Marblehead died Nov. 5 at age 72.

Although he suffered from mental illness much of his life, Combs never

calm and purpose.

Combs enjoyed skiing, golf and especially swimming at Goldthwait Beach while growing up in Marblehead.

He is survived by two siblings: Martha

Combs Wheeler of Marblehead and Peter Leonard Combs of Gloucester, as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his father, Theodore Homer Combs, and his mother, Patricia Leonard Combs of Marblehead. A private memorial is planned.

HISTORY

New Marblehead Freedom Trail guides visitors to town’s military landmarks

BY WILL DOWD A new digital Freedom Trail endeavors to help residents and visitors discover Marblehead’s military heritage, from the American Revolution to modern conflicts.

The interactive online map, launched this month, guides users to 18 historical sites throughout town, beginning with recently installed Purple Heart Town signage that recognizes Marblehead’s addition to the National Purple Heart Trail in August.

Teresa Collins, founder of Wreaths Across America’s Marblehead chapter, developed the trail with funding from the Marblehead Cultural Council. The project expands on her previous work organizing the placement of 2,000 wreaths on local veterans’ graves.

“Everywhere you turn in Marblehead, there’s a historic location,” Collins said. “This is just a mapped out route to showcase them.”

The trail includes Fort Sewall, where local citizens helped protect

CURRENT ILLUSTRATION / WILL DOWD / COURTESY PHOTOS

A collage of the various locations along the new Marblehead Freedom Trail.

the USS Constitution from British warships in 1814, and Abbot Hall, home to Archibald Willard’s famous “Spirit of ‘76” painting depicting Revolutionary War-era musicians. At Old Burial Hill Cemetery, visitors can find Dr. Elisha Story’s

grave. Story, a member of the Sons of Liberty and father to the youngest U.S. Supreme Court justice, Joseph Story, participated in the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and later served as a surgeon during the Revolutionary War. “The goal was to pull

(people) off that beaten path and into those historic spots,” Collins said.

Among other stops are a recently dedicated plaque honoring Diego de Gardoqui, who helped secure crucial Spanish financial support for the

American Revolution, at the Lee Mansion and a memorial along West Shore Drive for Azor Orne Goodwin, a Marblehead native killed in action in Normandy during World War II. At Fort Sewall, plaques commemorate Gen. John Glover, who led the regiment that famously ferried George Washington across the Delaware, and Gen. Casimir Pulaski, a Polish military commander known as the “Father of American Cavalry.” The fort also features the Freedom Tree dedicated to prisoners of war and missing in action service members.

Collins spent hours researching and compiling the historical information for each location.

The project received approximately $900 in grant funding from the Marblehead Cultural Council, which supports community cultural, artistic, scientific and historical activities.

The digital trail includes a scavenger hunt designed to engage children in learning about local veterans’ contributions

through art, parks, monuments and graves around town.

The trail culminates at the Veterans Memorial lot at Waterside Cemetery, which ties into Collins’ work with Wreaths Across America. The organization will hold its annual wreath-laying ceremony at noon on Dec. 14, featuring female veterans presenting wreaths on behalf of each military branch.

“It’s about remembering the fallen, honoring those who serve and teaching the next generation the value of freedom,” Collins said.

The trail can be accessed through an online Geographic Information System map at tinyurl. com/5efdwdty, allowing visitors to explore the sites at their own pace. While similar to Boston’s Freedom Trail, Marblehead’s version currently exists only in digital form, though future physical walking tours haven’t been ruled out.

Rose Gold, a local resident who helped guide Collins through the Cultural Council grant process, assisted with the project’s development.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

HOUSING

Town planner to study short-term rentals

BY WILL DOWD Dozens of local property owners and rental managers packed the Marblehead Planning Board meeting Nov. 12 to weigh in on potential regulations of the rapidly growing industry.

Town Planner Alex Eitler raised the possibility of studying short-term rentals’ impact. Members tasked Eitler with conducting a baseline assessment of the local cottage industry as concerns about short-term rentals’ effect on housing availability and neighborhood character exist.’

According to recent data from AirDNA, Marblehead currently has about 231 active shortterm rental listings, up from approximately 100 in 2021. And short-term rental operators present at the Planning Board meeting highlighted their role in supporting local businesses and providing accommodations in a town with limited hotel options.

“Airbnb people that come and stay in Marblehead — they shop in Marblehead, they go to Marblehead restaurants,” said Dawn Livigne, who operates an owner-occupied Airbnb. “Because Marblehead is not a drive-through destination, local businesses really need the additional income from tourism.”

The town implemented a 6% room occupancy tax on short-term rentals in May, with recent data showing promising returns. According to town

COURTESY GRAPHIC / AIRDNA

A graphic illustrating key statistics about short-term rentals in Marblehead. The town has seen a 131% increase in active STR listings over the past three years, with Airbnb accounting for the majority of rentals.

records, Marblehead received approximately $70,440 in rooms tax revenue between June and August. The town could also implement regulations that could generate revenue, too.

Marblehead Select Board Dan Fox urged officials to consider the impact on housing availability.

“The bigger picture here is looking at what the housing production plan called out – [short-term rentals are] eating up supply,” Fox said. “The argument is that it’s pushing up prices for both sales and rentals.”

One of the main reasons STRs have gained popularity here is the significant financial gain for property owners. On average, AirDNA notes a shortterm rental in Marblehead can generate an annual revenue of $56,800, far outpacing the income from traditional longterm rentals. For example, a two-bedroom apartment might

fetch $1,900 per month in longterm rent, equating to $22,800 annually, which is less than half the potential earnings from short-term vacationers.

Neighboring Salem is often cited as a pioneer in regulating short-term rentals. Salem requires operators to obtain certificates and undergo annual reviews, though the city hasn’t implemented caps on the total number of units. Some operators in Marblehead suggested that a certification program could help maintain quality standards while preserving the economic benefits of short-term rentals.

“A certificate to make sure that these properties are well maintained and well managed” would be beneficial, said Amy Ruocco, who manages 13 shortterm rentals in town through her company Hosted Guest. “I’m in my properties every single day.”

Henry Hammond, an 18-year veteran of short-term rentals,

COURTESY PHOTO / FRANCIE KING

Francie King’s owner-occupied bed and breakfast in Marblehead was converted from a former handyman shop on her property.

King emphasizes the importance of maintaining local oversight for responsible short-term rental operations.

acknowledged not just the complex economic dynamics at play but also the niche industry’s self regulating.

“There’s a lot of transparency around us. Every time a shortterm rental is booked, it’s reviewed [by the renter after they check out],” he said, “so if there’s anything unusual or problematic about your apartment, it becomes public knowledge quickly, and you’re less likely to succeed.”

The legal landscape for regulating short-term rentals in Massachusetts has evolved since the passage of the Short-Term Rental Law in 2018. According to a legal opinion provided by the town counsel, Marblehead has several options to enshrine in bylaws: » Regulate the existence or location of STR operators,

including the class of operators, number of local licenses or permits to be granted, and the number of days an operator may rent out a short-term rental in a calendar year. » Require operators to register with or obtain a license from the town to operate a short-term rental. » Require short-term rentals to be subject to health and safety inspections, with the cost of inspections to be paid by the operator. » Establish civil penalties for violations of any bylaw enacted to regulate shortterm rentals. » Establish reasonable fees to cover the costs associated with the local administration and enforcement of STR regulations.

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Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 20, 2024 A13

MARBLEHEAD STORIES

Frank Orne recalls life in bygone era

BY GREY COLLINS Frank Orne, 81, grew up in a Marblehead that most of us wouldn’t recognize — and couldn’t even imagine. He fondly remembers riding horses on the wooded trail that is now Taft Street, heading down to Turner Farm to pick grapes, playing sandlot baseball free of coaches, sledding down steep town streets and hunting deer in Steer Swamp.

Most of his now-Turner Road neighborhood was still farmland. His entire extended family lived nearby. “We’d go out in the morning every day, and we wouldn’t ever come home again until the street lights were on,” said Orne.

“There were about 50-60 kids in the neighborhood of all different ages, so there was always something going on.”

Farms were abundant in Orne’s childhood Marblehead, with the community sharing in the harvest.

“There were so many grapes on the Turner Farm that everybody’s family in the neighborhood came in the fall and would pick them and bring them home to make jelly, jam and wine,” said Orne.

“Where Tioga Way is now there were blackberry bushes and low blueberry fields. We’d bring home coffee cans full of blueberries. Every day there would be 100 people up here picking blueberries.”

Orne worked at his uncle’s pheasant farm, near where Waterside Cemetery is now.

Since they didn’t have heat or running water, he often stoked their coal furnace and brought water up from their well.

“At the height of my uncle’s business, we had 25,000 pheasants,” said Orne. “And my cousin, my best friend and I all worked at it.”

Gun use was common then.

He and his uncle hunted deer in Steer Swamp, and students would bring guns to school for hunting after class. “By the time we were 10 everyone had a J.C. Higgins .22 rifle,” said Orne.

“It was not uncommon for us to bring a .22 rifle to school, because we were going to go shooting rats at the dump later that day. That’s how different it was.”

In winter, the kids made their own fun. “When it snowed the town would shut Lincoln Avenue down and it would be reserved for sledding,” said Orne.

CURRENT PHOTO / GREY COLLINS

Frank Orne, 81, reminisces about a Marblehead that once bustled with farms, free-spirited children and a close-knit community, where sledding on town streets, muskrat trapping and grape picking at Turner Farm were just part of everyday life.

“There’d be 50-60 sleds out there competing to get down the hill. The highlight of a hard day sledding was a 25-cent bag of hot potato chips from the Winslows potato chip factory down the street.”

While trapping muskrats in the winter might seem like an activity reserved for Lewis and Clark, Marblehead kids would often trap as a way to make money during the winter. Their favorite spot was at Tom’s Pond, a now filled-in pond located near Tioga Way. “Myself and dozens of other kids would run trap lines and go

muskrat trapping in the winter,” said Orne. “We would trap muskrats, raccoons and foxes.

Trapping was a way of life for my generation growing up in Marblehead.” They would often sell the hides to Sears, which used them to make coats and hats.

Orne recalled baseball legend Ted Williams coming to Marblehead for Thanksgiving in 1953 after being invited by a family friend. He spent the day at Orne’s neighbor’s house, and he hung out with the neighborhood kids, too.

“We played catch and played a little baseball game,” he said.

“He even did a little pitching too.”

Orne said one of his proudest jobs was sailing as a crew member on a 72-foot schooner called the Pleione during his teenage summers.

“She was the pride and joy of Marblehead and she never lost a race,” said Orne. “Every year since I was 12 I’d say ‘Can I have the job this year?’ The captain would say ‘You’re not old enough.’ He strung me along for four years as his lackey doing all the work, but when I turned 16, I finally got the job. It was the best job in the harbor. Everybody

was in envy of me for that job, and it was the highlight of my life growing up.” Orne was even a part of the crew that delivered the boat to the Mystic Seaport Museum.

Orne often misses the sense of community and togetherness he says Marblehead had when he was young, and he thinks it has faded over time as the town has grown bigger.

“Everybody knew each other,” said Orne. “Every single parent knew me, and I knew every parent. We knew every police officer in town and every police officer knew us by name and our parents.”

Orne’s advice to young people today is to stay curious, to find a passion to pursue and don’t get distracted.

“Don’t drink and don’t smoke, I preach to my kids, you can have as much fun with a mocha frappe as you can with a bottle of beer,” said Orne. “My advice is to keep your eyes and heart open and find a passion and then pursue it.”

Grey Collins, a Current intern and Marblehead High School junior, writes “Marblehead Stories,” a series profiling local residents and community members.

MARITIME MAGIC

Sahagian ready to chauffeur Santa and Mrs. Claus via lobster boat

BY WILL DOWD For two decades, Jay Sahagian has played a unique role in Marblehead’s Christmas tradition – not as Santa himself, but as his maritime chauffeur.

The owner of The Barnacle Restaurant navigates his lobster boat, the Sea Hooker, through Marblehead Harbor each December, delivering Santa and Mrs. Claus to eager, shoulder-toshoulder crowds of children and families.

This year’s arrival, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 7, at 9:30 a.m. at Clark Landing, marks another chapter in a cherished community tradition that Sahagian inherited from local lobsterman Ben Doliber and “Skid” Miller.

“We started off doing it when friends had young kids,” Sahagian recalls. “My wife would bring hot cocoa on the boat and Dunkin’ Donuts munchkins.

Then we had kids, and they grew up with it. Now they’re 14 and 17, but they still come on the boat.”

The journey begins near Browns Island, with Sahagian carefully piloting Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their helpers – currently Bruce Whear and Laura Best – through the harbor. The boat zigzags to give

COURTESY PHOTOS / REBECCA SAHAGIAN

Jay and Rebecca Sahagian share a moment aboard the Sea Hooker, the couple’s lobster boat that ferries Santa to Marblehead. Jay has served as Santa’s official maritime chauffeur for over 20 years.

spectators along the shoreline the best possible views of the jolly passengers.

“Laura is unbelievable. She makes it all happen,” Sahagian

says of Best, who will mark her 40th year portraying Mrs. Claus.

“She’s the best.”

The tradition has evolved over time. After Doliber moved

to Maine, Huey Bishop took over before passing the helm to Sahagian. Each year brings new challenges and memories, including one particularly magical Christmas Walk when snow fell during Santa’s arrival.

“That makes it more magical,” Sahagian says.

Managing the guest list of people who ferry alongside Santa and Mrs. Claus can be tricky. The Sahagians try to accommodate friends, family and community members who want to join the special voyage, but space is limited.

“Sometimes we invite people, and then the kids come down to the boat, and the younger children decide they don’t want to go,” Sahagian explains. “We’ve had other times when it’s almost too crowded. If it starts to get too full, I have to tell some of the grandparents they can’t come, but we try to accommodate everybody and make it a good time.”

Though Sahagian occasionally contemplates retiring from his role as Santa’s designated captain, he finds himself drawn back each year.

“I kind of think it’s going to be my last year, but then my wife talks me into it,” he says. “By the time we get to do it, I’m glad we

did it.”

Following the boat’s arrival at Clark Landing, where the parking lot will close at 8:30 a.m., Santa and Mrs. Claus will join the Christmas Walk Parade. The procession will wind through Marblehead’s historic streets, including Washington Street and Atlantic Avenue, with local police managing traffic and crowd control.

The tradition has become deeply woven into the fabric of Marblehead’s holiday celebrations. What started as a simple boat ride has transformed into a multi-generational event that brings the community together and marks the official start of the Christmas season in this historic maritime town.

For Sahagian, each journey across the harbor with his special passengers represents more than just a boat ride – it’s about maintaining a tradition that connects generations and creates lasting memories for Marblehead families.

As he prepares for another crossing, Sahagian remains focused on the joy the tradition brings to the community, steering not just a boat but a vessel of holiday magic through the waters of Marblehead Harbor.

DROUGHT

Outdoor fire ban extended through Nov. 29

BY LEIGH BLANDER As drought conditions spread across Massachusetts and the wildfire risk continues to grow, Marblehead Fire Chief Jason Gilliland and municipal leaders are prohibiting any outdoor fires at least until Friday, Nov. 29.

“Historically low rainfall, bright and breezy weather, and bone-dry fuel sources mean that any outdoor fire will quickly grow out of control,” said Gilliland. “Every firefighter battling a preventable wildfire is one who can’t respond to a house fire, car crash or medical emergency. Help us help you.

Please use caution and common sense and refrain from any outdoor activity that could spark a fire.”

Burning yard waste is already prohibited across Massachusetts through January 15. The new order additionally restricts the outdoor use of fire pits, chimineas, candles, cooking/ heating equipment and other ignition sources under section 10.10.2 of the Massachusetts Comprehensive Fire Safety Code. The code grants fire officials the authority to prohibit any and all open flames and other ignition sources under certain hazardous conditions,

including extreme drought.

Any requests for permits for outdoor fires, hot work such as cutting/grinding and other activity will be decided in light of the ongoing fire risk.

All of Massachusetts is facing an unprecedented fall wildfire season. Statewide, the number of fires in October rose 1,200% above

the historical average, and the 133 fires reported in the first week of November represent more than six times the average for the entire month. Many have damaged homes and other properties.

Almost all of these fires start with human activity and can be prevented by limiting outdoor activity that involves open flames, sparks and embers, hot engines or gasoline from power equipment, and other ignition sources, according to Gilliland.

Months without meaningful rainfall, abundant dead leaves and vegetation, bright sunshine and gusty winds make the current and expected weather

conditions ripe for a wildfire in every city and town in Massachusetts, Gillialnd added.

At the same time, static water sources like lakes and ponds are supplying less water and water pressure to extinguish these fires. Because about 45% of Massachusetts homes are in or near wooded areas, almost any significant wildfire will threaten residential areas.

“The faster we hear about a fire, the better chance we have of safely extinguishing it,” Gilliland said. “If you see smoke or flames, please call 9-1-1 right away so we can protect you, your neighbors and our community.”

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A14 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Marblehead Current

CURRENT EVENTS

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

—Leigh Blander

Old North Church Holiday Fair Saturday, Nov. 23, 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Start your holiday season at the Old North Holiday Fair. Breakfast and lunch will be offered, including the ever-popular lobster and chicken salad rolls.

Children will enjoy a book exchange, arts & crafts and Thanksgiving thank you notes to first responders. For everyone, shop for jewelry, African gifts, gift baskets, baked goods and holiday decorations.

35 Washington St.

Patty Larkin at Me&Thee Friday, Nov. 22, 8 p.m.

Me&Thee Music will wrap up its fall season with one of New England’s most wellknown acoustic performers, Patty Larkin. The guitar-driven singer-songwriter has been performing for more than 30 years and is out with her 14th album, “Bird in a Cage.” Tickets are $35 for adults, $10 for students. meandthee.org

Harbor Holidays Friday, Nov. 22 -Saturday, Nov. 23

Mark your calendars for Harbor Holidays at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front St. Come shop creations by local artists and makers. Grab a stocking to stuff from SPUR and a raffle ticket from Making Ends Meet. Friday, 6-9 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Open to all.

& GI F T S H OP Bring Color and Magnificence to Your Home and Garden All Year Divinely Designed One-Of-A-Kind Hand-Crafted Sculptures & Gifts

OPEN EVERY SATURDAY 12 - 3 THROUGH CHRISTMAS OPEN OTHER TIMES

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

122 B GREEN STREET, MARBLEHEAD WWW.MARBLEHEADSCULPTURES.COM E-MAIL: INFO@MARBLEHEADSCULPTURES.COM

BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW

Music & Giving Night Saturday, Nov. 30, 6-11 p.m.

Marblehead Counseling Center and Gerry 5 present Music & Giving Night at Gerry 5. Come support a great cause, and enjoy lively local music with local favorite Guy Ford Band — an eclectic acoustic rock ensemble including Guy Ford, Daniel Rowe, Brian Wheeler, Jack O’Soro, Dave Gagnon and Jeff Ford. The evening will also include a gift basket raffle. Proceeds from the event benefit Marblehead Counseling Center and its mission to provide quality affordable mental health care to Marblehead and the surrounding community. Support local food banks by bringing non-perishable/canned food items. Tickets are $25 at https://loom.ly/uirA8ZY.

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Shining a light on the news you care about!

Marblehead Current Wednesday, November 20, 2024 A15

Headlight

Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community 2024 - 2025 Issue

www.mhsheadlight.com

Students on the Strike Benji Boyd, Editor-In-Chief, Senior

It’s been an interesting senior year so far. I went to my first teacher rally a little over a month ago, and my friend and I were the only students there.

We picked up some signs and followed an army of MEA banners down to the HumphreyLafayette intersection. After a couple of minutes, I finally stopped searching for seven car pile-ups and realized that all the cars passing by were honking in support.

A week ago, I participated in a walk-out at school. My friends and I joked as we circled the building in our red sweatshirts that a fifteen minute interruption in our study hall was really going to show the school committee we mean business.

Nevertheless, it was inspiring to see how many students were becoming aware of the situation.

It couldn’t have come a moment too soon. The next day, the strike was announced.

Since then, I’ve been glued to my phone, split between the MEA Instagram account, the Marblehead Current, and my school email. School is out, but it’s no vacation. I’m in five AP classes, all of which are unable to move the date of their tests, even for extenuating circumstances. I’m applying early to my top college, and I don’t know if my transcript is going to be sent on time for the deadline.

I’m the editor of the Headlight newspaper, and I need to figure out how we’re going to get this week’s articles out. Shoutout to the Marblehead Current, by the way.

There are a million things wrapped up in school beside our academics. Just go to any picket line or rally and you’ll hear them chanting ‘Let them play!

Let them sing! Let them go and get that ring!” There’s nothing about grades in that list of demands, because frankly, football is a lot more interesting than Aspen and the Common App. As a senior, I’m hardly qualified to worry about the academic future of MHS. Afterall, if things really fall through, I’ll be in college right? I’m fully aware I have no right to complain: I slept until eleven yesterday and hung out with my friends instead of going to math class. Still, this unexpected six day weekend wasn’t as restful

and relaxing as I was hoping. It’s hard to live in the moment when the future feels uncertain.

At this point, I find myself wondering what will happen when we do go back. Be it tomorrow, next week, or after Thanksgiving break, things can’t just pick up the way they were. Will we be playing catchup and cramming to stay on track for the AP tests? If we end up out for eleven days like in Newton last year, will our graduation be moved back by the same amount?

I can tell you right now – the seniors aren’t going to like that.

Right now, students don’t even know what to hope for. The growing awareness through the past few weeks regarding our teachers’ situation has prepared us for the potential of a strike, but somehow it still came as a shock.

After hearing about the behavior of the school committee and the dangers of working without a contract, the knee-jerk reaction to the announcement was ‘good for them’. We’re packing the rallies and sharing the MEA’s posts like crazy. But what happens after all of this?

It’s becoming increasingly clear that the school committee is not going to give the teachers everything they’re asking for, or everything they deserve. Not only are we told that the town is not in the financial situation to provide significant pay increases, but the school committee refuses to treat the bargaining and negotiations with the urgency they need.

I don’t mean to be pessimistic, but what happens when we go back to school and our teachers have won only a fraction of what they fought for? If there aren’t pay raises, can we expect them to stay? How can we plan to survive another mass exodus of educators?

Actually, whatever. That stuff’s boring anyway. As long as the students are back in school, they can play and sing and get that ring to their heart's content. That’s all that matters right? And why am I worrying about our academic situation when I won’t even be here next year? It’s not like the state of our schools can impact the town at large, driving families away and lowering property prices. I’m sure that no matter what happens in these negotiations, Marblehead will be exactly the same place in four years as the one I leave next fall.

football games are screeching to their yearlong halt, fall sports have almost reached their climax, and with all of the uncertainty occurring both in our school system and with the national election, it is hard to find moments of clarity and simple pleasure. While sports, in all forms, are a source of comfort, passion, and entertainment, the performing arts department, though less well-known, has a lot to offer when it comes to community gatherings. Why not gather in the MHS auditorium to be regaled by our talented acapella groups for a night of singing, dancing, and a burst of color in the bleak swirl of November?

Sing Free (or Die Hard) is an annual acapella concert that has served as a musical community event for many years.

As a member of Luminescence, an all-treble acapella group at MHS, it is safe to say that the majority of our fall and winter rehearsal time is dedicated to preparing for the International Championship of High School Acapella (ICHSA for short).

While the competition is probably the highlight of our experience as members of the high school acapella community (to get a clearer picture, watch Pitch Perfect - it’s basically that), Sing Free is a welcome break from the rigor of preparing for the big night.

Sing Free also holds a sentimental value to many members, especially our seniors.

“Acappella has been such a large part of my high school experience. For Sing Free specifically, watching that concert in my freshman year is what convinced me to join Jewel Tones,” says Brady Weed, music director and senior member of the Jewel Tones, one of our co-ed acapella group. “So now that I’m at my last, it’s definitely bittersweet.”

Anya Kane, Lumi’s music director and a fellow senior, agrees, “Being in acapella is such a magical experience. I love this community so much and I’ll miss it a lot, but I’m really excited to show off Luminescence this year and all the hard work our members have put in so far!”

Indeed, our two com-

November 20, 2024

petitive groups have been working tirelessly to produce an incredible set of powerful, catchy, and classic songs. Whether you came to hear the anthemic, tesselating scale of chords in Pink Pony Club

by Chappell Roan or the pop-soul beats of Easy To Love by Couch, there is a piece of music that will resonate with any and everyone at Sing Free. And LumiTones aren’t the only groups who are excited to perform for the first time this year.

Grizzlies, MHS’ non-competitive bear-themed co-ed acapella group is ready to give crowds a roaring good time, and the Shirley Tempos, a new treble-group, is eager to make their debut this year at the concert. Lucy Key, the music director of Shirley Tempos, as well as a second-year member of the Jewel Tones, shares, “It’s amazing to look at how far the Shirley Tempos have come. Last year we didn’t even exist, and now we’re about to participate in our first performance as an official school club.” As a new member of ST, I am thrilled to show off the timbre of our tiny-but-powerful group.

However, you won’t only be hearing MHS’ own acapella groups on the night of Sing Free.

The Beelzebubs, Tufts collegiate acappella group, will be performing and running workshops with the groups. Griffen Collins, a Jewel Tones alum in his second year at Tufts, says “I can’t wait to catch up with my friends who are still in school and meet the newest singers in the department!” The night will surely be an experience to remember; a merging of groups and voices, co-ed, treble, and collegiate. I invite you to come to the MHS auditorium on Friday the 26th at 7:00 pm (it’s free if you’re a student!) and realize the beauty of the season doesn’t end with the entrance of November, the formation of frost, or the end of fall sports. As Ella, another Lumi senior and one of our personnel managers, says, “Sing free is one of the most fun and rewarding acappella concerts.” She goes on to say, “It’s so special, and I think that it brings out the Thanksgiving spirit because we all get to come together and make music.” The start of the winter season doesn’t always have to feel dreary, and you can’t go wrong with acapella.

The Tufts Beelzebubs acappella group

Escape the Winter Cold at Sing Free Georgia Marshall, Assistant Editor, Sophomore

As the fiery hues of autumn give way to the moody palette of early winter, and our landscape slowly tilts to gray-

scale, trees undressing until they are dark cracks in the cloud filled sky, the celebratory rituals of fall are fewer and far between. Friday

Headlight Staff 2024-2025 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: Benji Boyd

ASSISTANT EDITORS: Grey Collins, Kathleen Hanson, Georgia Marshall

FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins

REPORTERS: Nathaniel Carper-Young, Anna Baughman, Anya Kane, Evan Eisen, Niko King, William Pelliciotti, Peter Sullivan, Nasira Warab, Grace Wolverton,Madalyn Gelb, Teagan Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Nicholas Jones, Arabella Pelekoudas

FINAL-19 CP_MBHC_20241120_1_A16 Mon, Nov 18, 2024 4:12:33 PM

marbleheadcurrent.org

A16 Wednesday, November 20, 2024 Marblehead Current

Marblehead Harbor

Holiday Pops 2024

AT ABBOT HALL LL Featuring Maestro Dirk Hillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra with special guest soloist Andrew Scoglio.

Dee Vigneron

As the holidays approach, whether you’re a 1st time home buyer or senior looking to buy or sell, let my 43 years of experience, dedication, & extensive knowledge assist you with all of your real estate needs.

781-248-4666

Jen.Chaisson@CBRealty.com www.JenniferSellsMHDcom

978-407-4600

Dee.Vigneron@CBRealty.com www.DeeVigneron.com

The holidays are coming and the market continues to be strong!

With over 22 years of assisiting Buyers and Seller, I bring an abundance of knowledge to the table. Let’s chat today!

978-395-1210

Kristin.King@CBRealty.com www.KristinLeadsYouHome.com

DECEMBER 14

Champagne Reception 7p.m.

Concert 8 p.m.

Tickets: Balcony $45, Floor $85 All tickets are available at www.RotaryClubOfMheadHarbor.org.

Open seating balcony tickets are also available at Arnould Gallery & Framery at 111 Washington Street, Marblehead.

Raffle tickets are available to purchase for a chance to win this original illustration of Abbot Hall.

(Also commemorative notecards are for sale.)

Wendy Webber

The fall market is ROBUST! Sellers are selling, buyers are buying! Let me quide you in an ever changing conditions and let my nearly 20 years of experince work for you.

781-576-9414

Wendy.Webber@CBRealty.com www.WendyWebber..com

Janice Kostopoulos

My priority is to recognize and respond to the needs of sellers and buyers. I provide confidence and trust based on my knowledge, experience and service.

617-365-6316

Janice.Kostopoulos@CBRealty.com www.ColdwellBankerHomes.com

Proceeds to fund scholarships and charitable contributions to support and benefit worthy organizations.

Thankful for friendships

Grateful

to serve Marblehead seniors

Together at The Mariner

To learn more about The Mariner, Call Jill: 781.731.1583

Discover Marblehead’s first and only Senior Living Community Independent Living, Assisted Living & Avita Memory Care 265 Pleasant Street, Marblehead, MA MarinerMarblehead.com