PREVIEW Magicians to battle Big
FIRST WAVE
1 MHS wins Powderpuff showdown, 3-0, with seconds left in game. Page 1
2 Local landscaper deported, two others remain in detention. Page 3.
Marblehead wins in instant classic Powderpuff game
BY LUCA TEDESCO
A 14-yard field goal off the left foot of Courtney Hitscherich late in the dying seconds of the fourth quarter was the lone score on the 2025 Marblehead-Swampscott Powderpuff football game played at Blocksidge Field in Swampscott on Saturday.
“It’s crazy,” said Hitscherich postgame. “I knew how to hit it, but it was weird because it was at an angle.”
The sides slogged their way to a scoreless first half, but the physicality ramped up after the halftime break.
Swampscott would get a big run into Marblehead territory on the first play out of intermission, but penalty flags would stall the drive and bring the Big Blue drive to a standstill.
The Magician defensive front would be led by Tessa and Kate Andriano, who would combine for five tackles in the game.
MFD issues safety tips after chimney fire
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Marblehead Fire crews responded to a chimney fire on Lincoln Avenue Sunday night. “Thankfully, the fire was contained to the chimney and did not spread further,” according to a post on the MFD Facebook page. “As we move into the colder months and fireplaces see more use, we’d like to remind residents of the importance of proper chimney maintenance to prevent dangerous chimney fires.”
MFD released the following tips:
• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned annually by a certified professional.
• Burn only dry, seasoned wood to reduce creosote buildup.
• Use a spark screen to keep embers from escaping.
• Never leave a fire unattended, and fully extinguish it before going to bed.
• Install and regularly check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
The first true chunk play of the game would come from Nora Mahan, who was the leading rusher for Marblehead, but a holding flag would turn a 25-yard gain into a 10 yard loss.
Unshaken by the penalty, the Headers would appear to finally put the first points on the board with a 38-yard Sydney Ball touchdown run. However, another holding penalty
HOUSING Town pushes new 3A plan toward state review
BY AKANKSHA GOYAL
The Planning Board on Nov. 20 advanced Marblehead’s strategy to comply with the state’s MBTA Communities Act. The board also began reviewing required changes to the town’s accessory dwelling unit bylaw, following guidance from the Attorney General’s Office.
Planning Board member Marc Liebman said the town is working with counsel to identify parallels with previously approved 3A zoning projects in other communities and ensure Marblehead’s proposal meets state expectations before seeking preliminary approval from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities.
Town leaders are considering rezoning the Marblehead side of Tedesco Country Club for multifamily housing. The new zoning plan is also expected to include Broughton Road.
Liebman, appointed at the last meeting as the board’s point person for 3A, said recent communication with the state indicates Marblehead has slightly more flexibility in its design review process than it did under the previous proposal.
“There are some additional things we can do that would allow these developments to happen at the required density, but also give us a little more control over the look and feel so they better fit the character of our community,” he said.
He added that the changes could make the proposal more acceptable to residents and improve its chances of passing Town Meeting.
Liebman outlined potential design requirements intended to address concerns about building appearance. Possible features include gabled or pitched roofs instead of flat roofs, double-hung windows and siding that mimics traditional shingles or clapboards rather than modern materials such as EIFS or metal panels.
The goal, he said, is to ensure the buildings fit naturally into surrounding neighborhoods without making construction prohibitively expensive or overly restrictive.
He also noted that leaders of the local opposition to 3A have responded positively to the town’s efforts to refine design review language.
“I can’t tell you these guys are going to go out and vote yes,” he said, “but I can tell you they’re at least pleased with our efforts.”
Board member Ed Nilsson asked whether opponents understand the risk of rejecting the proposal — namely, that the state could step in if the town fails to comply. Liebman
To all whohave donated to the Current in 2025: thank you.Your generosityissustaining ournewsroom’sdaily work andhelping usplan for bigthingsin2026.
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CURRENT PHOTO / LUCA TEDESCO
MHS senior girls celebrate after beating Swampscott, 3-0, in the annual Powderpuff game.
HO HO NO
COURTESY PHOTO / MFD
Marblehead Firefighter A. Gillis battles a chimney fire on Lincoln Avenue Sunday night.
POWDERPUFF, P. 14
Staff-student audit underway as district looks at budget cuts
Committee, Pfifferling is leading a districtwide staffing audit to give a clearer picture of how resources are allocated across schools, grades, classrooms and programs.
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Contractual and other salary increases in Marblehead Public Schools are projected to add $1.54 million to the district’s fiscal 2027 budget, according to Assistant Superintendent Mike Pfifferling. That comes as the town has asked all departments to submit levelfunded spending plans.
The current fiscal 2026 school budget is $49.1 million — a 5% jump over the previous year.
In addition to salary growth, the district is facing rising utility, transportation and other operational costs, pushing the total projected increase in salaries, services and supplies to $2.4 million, Pfifferling said.
Pfifferling and Superintendent John Robidoux are meeting with principals and department heads to determine where cuts can be made.
“There are some areas in the district that can be trimmed,” Pfifferling said. “We have to find what we can trim without doing too much damage to the educational impact on students, and we’ll have to make those cuts to get down to level-funded.”
Staffing audit underway
At the request of the Finance
Marblehead’s enrollment has fallen from 3,201 students in the 2015-16 school year to 2,513 this year — a drop of 688 students, or 21.5%.
The number of teachers has decreased as well. According to the state Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Marblehead had 256.8 full-time teachers in 2014-15, resulting in a 12.6-to-1 studentteacher ratio. In 2024-25, that number dipped to 225.1 teachers and a ratio of 11.4 to 1.
Birth data does not neatly match the trend: The town recorded 145 births in 2014 and 175 in 2023, according to annual reports.
At a Nov. 17 meeting, Pfifferling shared preliminary findings from a new staffing audit covering all five schools.
School Committee member
Melissa Clucas asked whether anything in the data stood out.
“Yes, and those are conversations I need to have with the principals,” Pfifferling said. “I’m sure there are logical explanations… For me to say, ‘You have too many teachers in your building’ from a numbers standpoint doesn’t do justification as to what your actual needs are.”
Capital requests
Pfifferling also released an updated draft list of capital requests the district may bring to the town. The proposal prioritizes a $45,000 refurbishment of the Glover School playground and $528,846 for new paint, padding and flooring in the high school field house. The School Committee will vote on the list.
What’s next
The School Committee’s budget subcommittee plans to submit its capital request to the town on Nov. 28. On Dec. 1, members will meet with Finance Committee liaisons.
District leaders will present a proposed fiscal 2027 budget to the School Committee on Feb. 5.
MHS roof update
At its Nov. 20 meeting, the School Committee voted to accept an $8.9 million general contracting bid from Homer Contracting to handle the Marblehead High School roof project — $2.1 million under budget. The School Committee also voted to move forward with a roof re-covering, rather than liquid-applied repairs.
In a surprise, the costs to re-cover the roof came in substantially lower than the liquid-applied approach.
“We ought to be celebrating a bit that the numbers are lower than expected,” said resident
Sam Altreuter, who sits on the School Committee’s roof subcommittee.
Member Ralph Wallace added, “This was a successful bid, and we’re serving the interests of the town of Marblehead well.”
School Committee member Henry Gwazda, who leads the subcommittee, asked why all three bids (including Homer’s) came in so much lower than expected.
“There is an incredibly competitive bidding market, and that creates a scenario with bids beating their estimates,” said Brian Dakin of Left Field, the roof project’s manager. He added, “The market has plateaued and is probably correcting. The market’s hungry, and people want to work through what they perceive is instability.”
Pfifferling pointed out that the $8.9 million covers construction costs only.
“We also have costs associated with the design, bidding, project management, etc. All total, we will likely come in around $12M — which is $2M under the budget of $14M,” he wrote to the Current.
Town Meeting approved borrowing a total of $14 million for the project (in separate votes in 2022 and 2025). The project is expected to begin after graduation this June and conclude by September. The roof has been leaking for years.
Town planner resigns; cuts to municipal energy use eyed
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Town Planner Alex Eitler has resigned effective Dec. 12, 14 months after he started. He plans to move to Australia, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer said.
At a Nov. 20 Select Board meeting, Kezer said the planner position will be posted soon. Board member Jim Zisson questioned whether the town should pause new hires until its financial outlook becomes clearer. Finance Director Aleesha Benjamin has projected a $500,000 drop in revenues and warned the town may require a general override this spring. Kezer is expected to deliver an updated financial forecast at the State of the Town in late January. Also at the meeting, Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey presented a Municipal Energy Reduction Plan aimed at cutting energy use in townowned buildings and vehicles by 20% over the next five years. The Select Board is expected to vote on the plan at its next meeting. Approval of the plan is required for Marblehead to apply for Green Community designation, which would make the town eligible
said he has repeatedly raised that concern in public meetings, adding that his conversations with EOHLC made clear that “ultimately 3A is going to have to be approved, and we’re not getting out of it, so we have to do something.”
Board members also discussed the timeline ahead of the Jan. 30 Town Meeting warrant deadline and the need for public outreach once the proposal is filed. Liebman said it is “crunch time” and noted the town plans
for hundreds of thousands of dollars in state grants — but only if it complies with the MBTA Communities Act.
Marblehead is currently out of compliance, but town officials are working on a new plan. (See article on page 1.)
According to Casey, the town operates 25 buildings, 28 water and sewer stations and 175 vehicles, which together generate 3,796 metric tons of CO2 — about 2% of Marblehead’s total emissions. Planned reduction strategies include:
» Improving insulation and other efficiency measures
Reducing lighting and plug loads
» Re-evaluating heating setpoints and equipment schedules
» Identifying electrification projects
Conducting lighting and deepenergy retrofits
MBTA Communities Act impacts
Select Board member Erin Noonan underscored the importance of achieving 3A compliance, both to help address the state’s housing shortage and to unlock grant opportunities.
to continue outreach — possibly including a press conference — while gathering community feedback.
The board plans to review design revisions at its next meeting and seek initial feedback on its draft 3A plan from EOHLC soon.
ADU update
Turning to the town’s accessory dwelling unit bylaw, the board met with counsel to interpret the Attorney General’s decision striking one sentence from the bylaw and cautioning the town on others. The deleted sentence exempted certain ADUs from
“I hope we remember what type of community we want to be,” she said. “Are we part of the solution, or are we part of the problem?”
Meanwhile, Kezer reported that Marblehead is no longer eligible for a state Community Transit Grant that helps fund senior transportation vans at the Council on Aging.
“The COA’s transportation service is a vital lifeline for many of Marblehead’s most vulnerable residents,” he said, noting the service provided more than 5,100 rides last year for medical appointments, pharmacy trips, grocery shopping and other essential needs.
The grant program covers up to 80% of vehicle purchases and operating expenses. Since 2013, Marblehead has received funding for four vehicles and $45,000 in operations.
Coffin School hazardous materials review
The Select Board approved $5,950 for a hazardous materials survey at the former Coffin School on Turner Road. The assessment will help estimate costs for asbestos abatement, demolition and waste disposal. The town is hosting community
special permit requirements, which the Attorney General found inconsistent with state law.
Town Counsel Adam Costa said the rest of the bylaw remains in effect. He said the town can still require a “finding” under Chapter 40A, Section 6, from the Zoning Board of Appeals for ADUs on preexisting nonconforming structures or lots. He noted that findings are less restrictive than special permits, meaning proposals are unlikely to be denied unless they would significantly harm neighboring properties.
The board also clarified parking requirements for ADUs.
listening sessions as it considers the building’s future.
Town warrant opens
The Select Board voted to open the warrant for the May 2026 Town Meeting. Residents may submit citizens’ petitions through Friday, Jan. 23 at noon. Town departments must submit articles by Friday, Jan. 30 at noon.
Petition forms are available at the Town Clerk’s Office at Abbot Hall and require signatures from at least 10 registered voters. The clerk will verify all signatures.
MPD earns accreditation
Police Chief Dennis King and Lt. David Ostrovitz announced the department’s recent accreditation by the Massachusetts Police Accreditation Commission. Marblehead is now one of 112 accredited agencies statewide, out of 258.
“What’s the purpose of accreditation?” Ostrovitz asked at the meeting. “It gives us a solid structure to keep us in line with what’s mandated by law — covering patrol, training, hiring, discipline, everything. There’s virtually nothing in the department that isn’t touched by accreditation.”
Properties within a half-mile of a commuter station, including bus stops, are exempt from providing parking. All others must provide one space per ADU.
In other business, the board agreed that members Nilsson and Barton Hyte will coordinate with the Swampscott Planning Board on matters affecting the shared Smart Growth district at Vinnin Square. Town Planner Alex Eitler reported that Marblehead’s comprehensive master plan process is underway, with the next advisory group meeting expected in January.
Update on landscapers: One deported, two still in ICE detention
BY LEIGH BLANDER
One Marblehead landscaper taken into custody by ICE and the FBI on Beach Street Sept. 12 has been deported to Guatemala while two others remain in detention. Federal agents surrounded the men’s truck before taking them into custody, according to witnesses.
The men worked for Lassana’s Landscaping. On Nov. 18, co-owner Alison Williams posted an update on a GoFundMe page set up to support the men and their families. The page has raised $13,564 from more than 135 donors.
“Unfortunately, there is not much good news to share,” Williams wrote. “So far, one man has been sent back freely to Guatemala, and we have given him one-third of the donations to help him get settled. The other two are awaiting court dates to fight deportation and have also received their onethird share, with a bit left over in case of additional legal fees.” Williams added that the funds have also helped cover food and phone expenses for the men during their detention.
“We are praying for the best outcome. Thank you all for such generous donations!” she wrote.
James Covington of ICE told the Current in
September that the men faced immigration charges only. He did not respond to requests for an update last week.
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HolidayPops
Featuring Maestro DirkHillyer and the Hillyer Festival Orchestra with special guest soloist Erin M. Smith
20 25 Sa turday Dec. 13 at Abbot Hal l 7p m Champa
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Marblehead
Debbie Noble
Opinion
EDITORIAL
Thank you, Marblehead
Three years ago, on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, the Marblehead Current launched its first paper edition and it arrived at your doorsteps or in your mailboxes. We were both excited and nervous about this new venture, wanting this to be the beginning of a sustainable enterprise yet wondering if it might not succeed. How would our community newspaper be received? Would we be seen as a welcome and reliable provider of local news and matters of interest to our readers?
Our founders had both a dream and a vision: to establish this paper as the most dependable source of information about Marblehead affairs and to exhibit excellence in journalism, filling a void that had existed in town for a number of years.
It seems such a long time since we embarked on this journey, yet here we are, more than 150 print editions later, having published over 5,500 stories ranging from coverage of local government, our schools, sports, local history, the arts, other topics of public interest and, yes, even excerpts from the police log. We are your sole source to read The Headlight, the work of our high school students. And that’s not all: we have our opinion pages where we provide editorial comments on issues our editorial board deems timely, we have guest authors, we publish letters to the editor, and we mentor local interns who have written numerous articles on a variety of topics as they begin their own journeys toward possible careers in journalism.
We are a nonprofit organization, answerable to no one but you, our readers. We are not beholden to corporate control over content or opinions. We are governed by a group of dedicated volunteers who bring their love of journalism to all aspects of keeping this paper coming week after week and now, year after year.
How are we able to succeed? It is because of you, our readers and our local businesses. Every week you see the advertisements paid for by far too many companies to list in this editorial. And every week we receive donations, large and small, from residents who believe in us and who want to ensure that we continue to exist.
Right now, as you have read, we are in the midst of our annual News Match fundraising campaign, one of many different fundraisers required throughout the year to keep the presses rolling. It is hard work, but the fruits of our efforts are oh so worthwhile.
As you all gather this week with your loved ones to celebrate Thanksgiving, please know this: we at the Marblehead Current are so grateful for your continued support and generosity for without you, we would not be found on your doorstep or in your mailbox each week.
We leave you with this heartfelt message from everyone at the Current: May you all have a Happy Thanksgiving!
SUSTAINABLE MARBLEHEAD
EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY
Rare
BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM
My very first column in this space was published three years ago this week. The idea for it came as Kris Olson, a Lawyers Weekly journalist who lends his experience as the Current’s contributing editor, and I manned our shift at a table outside Shubie’s. The so-called weekend “tabling” event was meant to introduce our then-online but soonto-be-in-print nonprofit newspaper to the town. Kris and I were not the ideal partners for the task which essentially was to stop folks coming in and out of the door to tell them about our new news endeavor and ask for an email so we could build our contact list. For Kris and me, introverts despite our public facing professions, this modest solicitation felt almost akin to having to stand naked and make a speech in front of an audience of our biggest heroes (MLB stars for him, governors and presidents for me). I exaggerate, sort of.
So instead, we turned and talked quietly to each other as other Current volunteers stepped in and wielded the clipboard like pros, adding emails and shaking their heads affectionately at our ineptitude. “Maybe,” I said, a little timidly, “I could write a column for the paper.” “Yeah, that might be good,” Kris answered. “Okay,” I answered. “Okay,” he replied. And this “Everything Will Be Okay” column was born. Also born was a three-year odyssey to bring you the 16 pages of newsprint you hold in your hands today and each week, along with an always-on social media presence and 24/7 website breaking news and the stories of our community, delivered to your homes for free. And yes, free only because of the hundreds and hundreds of you who have donated and advertised and the uncountable hours the all-volunteer board and small staff puts in. (I stepped down from the board in September to work on my second book.) “You should write for the Globe,” someone recently said to me. The comment was meant as a compliment, and I took it as such. And it also caused me to reflect on why I’m grateful to write here.
I worked at a big metro daily newspaper, wrote columns and editorials for four exciting years. I loved that job as I have stated here before. But it was different than writing for a community newspaper. I had a wider audience but less reach.
Let me explain.
As you know, I mostly don’t write about politics, though that’s my professional background and what I wrote about for the Boston Herald. I’m not drawn to conflict here, but to connection.
Connection. At its heart, that’s what the Current is all about. I’ve lived here for almost 30 years, but it is in the last three that I’ve understood what being part of the town means.
For good and bad. I’ve learned there’s a lot of anger and division. I’ve learned there’s incredible generosity,
spirit and pride. My favorite part of the paper is the letters section. Want to know what your neighbors think? There it is. Not every local paper has an opinion page or accepts letters. The Current has run more than 600 of them. Frankly, it’s a lot easier to not accept letters, because opinions spur controversy. But I’m glad to know Marblehead is more than quaint history and glorious water. It contains a myriad of people with completely different ways of thinking about the world and how to solve its problems. To that I say, Amen and please keep writing in.
Writing a letter to the editor is an act of vulnerability, of forsaking anonymity. And that’s also what it feels like writing a column in this space. You are my friends and neighbors but many are still strangers — yet I trust you. Every other week I share a piece of my heart with you. Writing but also reading, liking and sharing the Current’s posts, debating the issues, even castigating our journalism at times (a word on that below), all are acts of connection, and what do we really need more of today than that?
Unlike the mostly kind comments I receive around town about my work, at the Herald, it was rare to get feedback. Except once that is relevant to this paper. I was attending the annual dinner of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, when an award winner just inducted into the Hall of Fame honoring Bostonians of distinction read from the column I’d published that day.
In it, I let the movers and shakers in the room in on a little secret. The front page of the Herald, the Globe and the top of the TV news was theirs for the taking, or rather news-making. What I meant was that the journalists I came to know were biased, yes, biased in favor of a good news story. Anyone, of any point of view on a given issue, could get their point out there by making news. Were there and are there today exceptions? Of course. Human beings are flawed just like our leaders! But for the most part journalists everywhere just want to tell a good newsworthy story, including at the Current. So for those of you out there grumbling that news is biased, do yourself and your community a favor — make some news! Finally, given this is the season of giving thanks, please accept mine for reading, especially indulging my hard-earned optimism. My highest hope is that some of it rubs off! Thank you for supporting the Current with your money and your time. And if you’ve already given, consider giving again during this critical NewsMatch campaign. This community has truly created something rare, a community newspaper where we can gather, argue, support, cheer on and criticize. Let’s keep a good thing going.
Virginia Buckingham is a former president of the Marblehead Current board of directors, a frequent commentator on WCVB’s On the Record and author of “On My Watch A Memoir.” She is working on a second memoir, “As This Mountain” and writes a biweekly column for the Current.
Sustainability relies on an informed public
BY ELAINE LEAHY
Widely respected news anchor Walter Cronkite once said, “Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy, it is democracy.” Indeed, the importance of the press, especially in keeping local readers informed, can’t be overstated.
Local communities need access to accurate, transparent local information about town budgets, infrastructure planning and best practices to advocate effectively and take meaningful action on a wide range of topics, including environmental initiatives. Subjects like clean energy, resilient coastlines and waste reduction are brought to life in an informed and engaged community. In this way, sustainable communities rely not only on “green” practices, but also on sustainable journalism.
Just as Marblehead invests in waste management, roads
and utilities, strong local news also serves as vital civic infrastructure. It equips residents to participate in decision-making, holds institutions accountable and provides the context needed to understand policies and form opinions. When reliable information is available, public engagement strengthens. Several of Sustainable Marblehead’s initiatives, like the town tree inventory and future projects to enhance green spaces in public housing neighborhoods, depend on community partnerships.
We work with town departments, local citizens and also rely on the press to keep
the public informed.
Local nonprofit journalism operates similarly: sustained by readers, donors and engaged citizens. When people dedicate time, energy and resources to the common good, the entire community is lifted up.
Sustainability isn’t just about protecting natural resources; it also involves leaving Marblehead stronger and smarter for future generations. Knowledge and context provided by the press are important components to achieve this, just like energy efficiency and protected shorelines.
One way Sustainable Marblehead contributes to an informed public is by sharing updates on our environmental initiatives and science-based insights through our monthly Current column, helping keep residents informed and engaged about projects and ways they can make a difference. This is just a small addition to the coverage that the Current and others regularly include on environmental initiatives.
Both our organization and the Current share a commitment to leaving Marblehead better than we found it. Sustainable Marblehead focuses on environmental resilience, while local journalism strengthens civic knowledge, democratic engagement and community institutions.
We contribute through volunteer service; the newsroom contributes through reporting. Both rely on the community’s generous support to continue their work.
Whether planting trees, training energy coaches or reporting on community issues, lasting change depends on the hard work of volunteers and civic-minded residents. By participating, supporting, and staying informed, each of us make our town sustainable. Informed residents, like a healthy environment are essential to a resilient future.
Elaine Leahy is executive director of Sustainable Marblehead.
LETTERS
Food stamps are a lifeline for some in Marblehead
To the editor:
When people hear about food stamps, they often think people are lazy. It has quite the stigma. To get and keep food stamps you have to work and or volunteer 20 hours of your time. Many people who are on food stamps help each month to keep food on the table for their family or for themselves. I myself work, but look forward to the extra help each month.
During the government shutdown I went through the whole month of October not having them. I recently received them in the second week of November. It was tough with lots of uncertainty to know if we were going to receive them or not. During this time I did go to the local food pantries, as did so many others. Some had limited supply as more people went to them who happened to
A town — and local paper — that lights the way
BY COURT MERRIGAN
There was a time, not so long ago, when I found Christmas displays of any kind put out before Thanksgiving obnoxious.
Could I at least finish eating my leftover stuffing before being subjected to Mariah Carey at every storefront?
However, I am now heading into my fourth New England winter, which I fondly refer to as the Long Gray. And so I find my attitude has changed. To wit, strolling down Atlantic Avenue in Marblehead the second week of November, I saw a bank had festooned a pine tree with Christmas lights. It was a drizzly evening, the kind of day where it had been dark since half past noon. On such a day, I unexpectedly found those bright lights to be a beacon of cheer in the cold, damp darkness. Out in Wyoming, where the sun shines 300 days a year, I never found that I needed Christmas lights to ring in the season. After all, even in the depths of winter the sunsets go on forever in Wyoming. Under those big skies the darkness never feels like it’s closing in on you. Besides, growing up on the farm, I didn’t have much choice
GUEST COLUMN
about going out into the winter dark: farm chores don’t stop just because the weather gets cold. And likely as not, next morning the sky would be blue, anyhow. Not so here in Marblehead as we live through the Long Gray. But bright light in a big sky isn’t everything. Even under drab skies, life here is full of charm. For instance, just the other day my partner and I were out strolling in Old Town, and we found one of those mysterious Marblehead public walkways that seem to have materialized out of the buildings themselves just yesterday. In point of fact, those walkways have been public thoroughfares for actual centuries.
Or how, on that same walk, the two of us ventured to our favorite bench overlooking the harbor, a secret little place hidden behind a screen of bushes where you can sit and talk and when that same New England darkness closes in about you, it feels like you two are the only ones in the world. I have never lived in a place like this, that continuously rewards casual walks with newfound discoveries, even after three years.
But you can’t learn everything you need to know about our fine little town by ambling about. No, if you really want to be in the know, you need access to a true hometown newspaper.
And that’s what we’ve got here in the Marblehead Current. Our paper is a real local and real nonprofit news source unfettered by the demands of advertisers and content providers who assault our eyeballs every day via our smartphone screens. The Current keeps everyone in town in the know, free of charge and delivered hot off the press to your mailbox each and every week. On a flight home recently from the million-acre ranch I’m working on selling out west, I snapped a few pics of Marblehead from the plane. (Yes, I was that guy, leaning my phone into the cabin window.)
As it happened, the day was one of those long fall sunsets before the clocks fell back and the Long Gray sets in, and Marblehead shone like a beacon on the edge of the vast, dark ocean. The picture, naturally, does not do the scene justice.
Just as our town shines a light out on the ocean, the Current is a steady beacon of light in what might otherwise be a blackout of local news. So as we move deeper into the Long Gray, I hope you’ll consider doing your part to support the news source that supports you. These days, we need all the light we can get! As always, 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 .
Town Meeting warrant is open; what you need to know
BY MARBLEHEAD TOWN MODERATOR JACK ATTRIDGE
As Marblehead’s Town Moderator, I want to take this opportunity to update residents on an important milestone in our annual civic calendar. Last week, the Select Board officially opened the warrant for our 2026 Town Meeting. The warrant is now open for resident submissions until noon on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, and for municipal submissions until noon on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. Town Meeting itself is scheduled for Monday, May 4, 2026, at 7 p.m. While the Select Board has
not yet formally announced the location, I expect that we will reconvene at the Marblehead High School Field House, where we received overwhelming positive feedback after relocating the meeting there this past May. Stay tuned for the official announcement.
For those who may be newer to the process, the Select Board is responsible for setting the date, time and location of Town Meeting, as well as opening the warrant. The articles submitted during this period ultimately
form the agenda for the meeting. Once Town Meeting convenes, my responsibility as moderator is to preside over and regulate the proceedings, ensure fairness, maintain decorum and help guide the legislative work of our great town.
One of the most important aspects of preparing for Town Meeting happens long before we gather as legislators. Residents who wish to submit an article play a direct role in shaping the business before the town. That said, submitting
an article comes with certain procedural requirements. In past years, some well-intentioned submissions did not meet the standards required for proper action at Town Meeting due to structure, missing elements or unclear language. To help prevent this, I strongly encourage anyone considering a submission to reach out to me well before the warrant closes. It is a high honor to assist citizens in refining language, ensuring proper structure and helping to navigate the
nuances of article preparation. An ultimate responsibility of mine is to support you so that your intended goal has every opportunity to be properly deliberated and acted upon on Town Meeting floor.
I welcome anyone with questions about Town Meeting or article submission to reach out to me at 781-883-3200 or Jack@allmarblehead.com. Most importantly, I hope and encourage you to attend and participate in the purest form of democracy on May 4, 2026.
Thanksgiving with kids: What helps us all enjoy the day (not just survive it)
BY LIZZIE ASSA
You’ve packed the car like a game of Tetris, driven three hours with a 2, 5 and 7-yearold, and just pulled into the driveway of extended family you see a few times a year. The kids tumble out of their car seats, tired, overstimulated and already running hot, and before you’ve even taken your coat off, half a dozen adults are trying to hug them, ask questions and pull them into the chaos. You haven’t even had a bite of cheese, and your nervous system is already at a 10. Sound familiar, or was this just me when my kids were little? Holidays with young kids are intense. We can’t make them chill or force the day to go according to plan. We can’t control how our family chooses to host us, or how Uncle Ant will behave when
he’s six beers deep at half-time. We can’t rearrange the menu to include the specific box mac and cheese that can only be mixed to a very specific consistency with a side of lukewarm chicken nuggies. But there is one small shift that helps — give your kids a little bit of control. Not over everything. Just enough to help them feel like the day includes them.
Here’s what that might look like:
Let them pack their own bag
Before you leave, have each kid pack their own little backpack
(with your help). They can add a special snack, a favorite book or a small toy, and something comforting like a blankie or stuffed animal. When you arrive, help them set it up in a quiet corner. This becomes their break spot. It is a place to land when things get too loud or too much. When your 3-year-old hits their limit, they know where to go to reset. (And so do you.)
Let them choose the pajamas You picked the adorable outfit. Let them be in charge of their pajamas or whatever they’ll change into for the ride home.
Before you go, tell them, “For dinner, you’ll wear your navy sweater and khaki pants, but you get to be in charge of what you’ll change into after dinner. Want to go get it and put it in this bag for me?” This gives them a say, something to look forward to, and a sense of autonomy in a grown-up day.
Give them something to bring In the days before you leave, have your child make a drawing or a card for the host. Doesn’t need to be Pinterest-worthy. The point is purpose. When you arrive, give your child their gift to present when the door opens. This takes the pressure off the “Give Auntie a kiss, come say hi to Grampie” routine and puts the attention on the gift instead. It gives your child a minute to regroup and acclimate. It’s a “job” to do when walking into a full house of adults is too much.
Hosting this year? Here are five things that might help lower
the stress:
1. Use butcher paper instead of a tablecloth Skip the heirloom lace tablecloth and unroll some good old brown butcher paper onto the table. Add in some crayons and stickers. There’s no stress about spills, and kids (and adults) stay engaged at the table longer, and you get to sit for more than three minutes.
2. Serve appetizers outside If the weather allows, set up appetizers where kids can move. Light a fire pit outside, put out a crock pot of warm cider, and some snacks. Put some sidewalk chalk, a football, scooters — anything that gets their bodies going and keeps them out from underfoot. Everyone will have a blast outside while you finish the real meal inside.
3. Feed the kids early Give them their preferred meal, even if it’s string cheese and pretzels, before the main
CURRENT PHOTO / COURT MERRIGAN
The view from Court Merrigan’s plane window on a long fall night.
COURTESY IMAGE
One of Marblehead’s many surprise walkways.
ASK LIZZIE
BY LEIGH BLANDER
In honor of its 30th anniversary, the Marblehead Community Charter Public School unearthed a time capsule buried by its first students in the spring of 1996 — and invited alumni back to see what they had left behind.
On Nov. 21, anticipation grew as former students gathered around a deep hole in the school garden where the lockbox had been buried. They then sorted through the relics inside.
There were Bon Jovi and Nirvana cassette tapes, a floppy disk, a brick-sized wireless phone, a bottle of nail polish and a photo album that didn’t weather the decades well. There were a pair of jeans and a troll doll with bright pink hair.
“Boy, this brings back memories,” said Carol McEnenay, who started teaching at Charter in 1995 and still works at the school after a time away. “It’s so good to see everyone and hear what they’re up to now.”
Brothers Nick and Ben Santoro — who graduated from Charter’s eighth grade in 2004 and 2002, respectively — attended the reveal.
“It’s definitely a trip,” Ben said. “There are a lot of memories here. I’m taking it all in.”
Nick, a humanities teacher at MCCPS for the past 10 years, said he and Ben would try to download whatever is on the floppy disk and report back.
Zach Wiggin, 42, a member of Charter’s first class, also returned to campus for the event.
“I definitely enjoyed my time here,” said Wiggin, who still lives in Marblehead. “There was such a sense of community.”
He hopes his two children, now 4 and 1, will attend MCCPS someday.
Sophie Cross, who graduated in 2000, said her years at Charter were transformative.
“I was a special education kid,” she said. “I had ADD and was the typical kid who fell through the cracks at my other school. When I came to Charter, it was the first time I understood what was going on in class. It was very hands-on. I was finally learning.”
Travis Bryan of Beverly, a 1998 graduate, said his daughter, Addy, is now thriving at Charter.
“She has really blossomed here,” he said.
School leaders plan to bury a new time capsule in the same spot this spring, to be opened in 2056. Students are already brainstorming what should go inside.
COURTESY PHOTO
Back in 1996, Charter students dug a hole for a time capsule. Alumni returned Nov. 21 to open it.
Watching Ken Burns’ ‘American Revolution’ in Marblehead
BY KAY O’DWYER
“The American Revolution,” 10 years in the making, is another engaging and high-quality documentary by Ken Burns. This 12-hour series, currently airing on PBS, and at the Cabot Theater in Beverly, presents the story of the founding of the United States in a way that is accessible to a general audience and is also thought-provoking. It offers a wider and perhaps, a more nuanced view than what you may have learned in elementary school. Some new ideas to consider are that this was really a civil war with divisions among families and communities; in fact, everyone knew someone fighting on the other side. The 13 colonies were distinct entities almost like independent countries with competing rivalries. Additionally, the series addresses the role of both free and enslaved African Americans on both sides of the conflict, and while colonists pursued their fight for freedom and independence, a significant portion of the population remained enslaved with no prospect of liberty despite the ideals expressed in the Declaration of Independence.
NEWS IN BRIEF
The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@ marbleheadnews.org.
BY SAOIRSE STALLINGS
Moulton unveils legislation to prevent war with Venezuela
On Nov. 21, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, D-Mass., joined by Reps. Jake Auchincloss, D-Mass.; Chrissy Houlahan, D-Pa.; Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif.; and Eugene Vindman, D-Va., announced new legislation called the No Unauthorized Force in Venezuela Act during a press conference on the House steps in Washington, D.C. The bill prohibits the executive branch from spending federal funds on any military action inside Venezuela or against Venezuelan forces — including remote or intermittent strikes — unless Congress passes a specific authorization for the use of military force.
be there for the first time. The food that I did receive only lasted a few days — about two to three meals for the week. As you could imagine it was hard.
I did see a few restaurants offer food to anyone who received food stamps. All you had to do was just show your food
The Revolution also split Native American nations as they took up arms to fight on both sides. It was interesting to see that many Native Americans joined the British army because they hoped it would prevent the colonists from crossing the Appalachians to take over their land.
Colonists remaining loyal to the Crown considered the Patriots to be rebels who were rejecting the legitimate authority of the sovereign. Also, contrary to what may be commonly thought, it was not merely the regular British Army waging war on liberty-seeking colonists; indeed, approximately 50,000 colonial men joined the army to quash the rebellion. Also, this series makes it clear that this was a violent conflict with atrocities committed by both sides, and the fact that the Revolution succeeded and a new country came to be was largely due to the power of weapons and the eight years of warfare. Sometimes, the portraits of those leaders clad in knee britches and powdered wigs can obscure this very real aspect of the Revolutionary War.
The town of Marblehead received many mentions through the first three episodes of the
COURTESY PHOTOS
U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton files legislation to prevent unauthorized war with Venezuela.
Moulton, a Marine Corps veteran who served four tours in Iraq, said the legislation is urgently needed in light of recent developments.
“We owe our service members clarity, legality and leadership — not threats, not chaos and not another unnecessary conflict,” he said. “This legislation draws the line the president refuses to draw. It protects our troops, reasserts Congress’
stamp card, no questions asked. A few were on the North Shore with pizza and sandwiches. But what really surprised me was in this wealthy town Marblehead, no restaurants or supermarkets offered anything to people getting food stamps. I say to myself, I wonder why? Nobody wants to help? Or does the town
series. According to Larry Sands, captain of Glover’s Marblehead Regiment, “from threats of the town being torched by the Royal Navy, to the successful capture of British ships for powder and military stores by Captain John Manley, to John Glover’s critical contributions, our little town had a big impact on gaining our independence.”
As a reenactor with Glover’s Marblehead Regiment, my favorite episode to date is “The Times That Try Men’s Souls” where it features the significant part played by Col. John Glover and the seafaring men of Marblehead. If you cannot commit to viewing the entire 12
A fundraiser for ALS research, held at the Beacon Restaurant on Nov. 15, exceeded its goal. There is still time to make a taxdeductible donation using the QR code on this flyer.
constitutional role and ensures we do not sleepwalk into another ill-advised war.”
Fundraiser for ALS research at the Beacon Restaurant
An ALS fundraiser held Nov. 15 at the Beacon Restaurant raised $38,965 — surpassing the $30,000 goal. Donations are still
think nobody’s getting food stamps in this town Marblehead.
To the people who I see on social media saying bad things about food stamps, how dare you. This could be you someday. I work
hours, episode 3 is the one for you. It highlights the effective retreat of Gen. Washington and the Continental Army from Long Island under the cover of darkness and under the nose of the British Army. It was Glover and his skilled sailors and fishermen who carried out the evacuation of 9,000 men, artillery, horses and wagons throughout the night, thus preserving the army to fight another day, Similarly, there is a great account of Christmas Night 1776 when Washington devised the plan for the surprise attack on the garrison at Trenton, New Jersey. Of the three attempted crossings of the ice-clogged Delaware River amidst a nor’easter, only one succeeded in the mission, and again, it was Glover and his capable mariners from Marblehead who commanded this endeavor. They rowed back and forth for about nine hours to transport 2,400 men, over 100 horses and 18 cannon through the sleet and rain. Then they marched nine miles to Trenton and carried a successful surprise attack on the Hessians — a significant morale boost for an army who had been on the retreat for that fall — and another save by Glover and the Marblehead fishermen and sailors.
This documentary is “an opportunity to learn more about Marblehead’s contributions to the Revolutionary War,” according to Lauren McCormack, executive director of the Marblehead Museum, “and to encourage people to learn more about how it affected the town.”
Watching this documentary is a great way to foster curiosity about the “great events we have coming up in 2026 to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the war.”
When you see Glover’s Marblehead Regiment participate in town events and reenactments, it is a reminder of the contribution of Marblehead men and women to the founding of this country.
Why not join them on Saturday, Dec. 6 at 3 p.m. after the Christmas Walk down at State Street Landing when they hold a short ceremony to commemorate the role of Glover and his mariners in the Crossing of the Delaware River?
Kay O’Dwyer is a history teacher, docent at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion and member of the Glover’s Marblehead Regiment. She has always been deeply interested in history.
being accepted using the QR code on the flyer.
The Beacon sends a shoutout to the following members of Marblehead High School’s INTERACT group — Gabby Berman, Maya Berman, Charlotte Greten and Kiley Lewis — who sold tickets for the 50/50 raffle and more than a dozen other raffle prizes.
Plant Hope: A community program on ecofriendly lawns
Residents are invited to learn how simple landscaping changes can help restore local ecosystems. Abbot Public Library, in partnership with Sustainable Marblehead, will host “Transition Your Lawn: Plant Hope” on Wednesday, Dec. 3, from 7 to 8:15 p.m.
Storyteller and climate activist Judith Black and garden designer Larry Simpson will offer guidance, insight and realworld examples to help residents
shift from traditional manicured lawns to environmentally friendly alternatives. For more information, contact Black at storiesalive@gmail.com. Abbot Public Library is located at 235 Pleasant St.
Citizens Police Academy: The sequel
Graduates of the popular Citizens Police Academy at the Council on Aging are invited to continue their learning in this new follow-up course. To register, contact Lt. Dave Ostrovitz at 781-631-1212 or Janice Salisbury-Beal at 781-631-6225.
Choose Happy Parkinson’s Network
Join others to share stories, ask questions and find encouragement in this program at the Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey St., on Monday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. The session will be led by Gail Perry-Borden.
hard each week and have medical issues as well. I appreciate the opportunity I have to be able to receive food stamps to keep healthy food. As my diabetes doctor says each time I see him, “Food is medicine.” That day when I did receive food stamps in the second week in November, I went out and was so excited to go food shopping. I bought that healthy food which is my medicine.
TOWN OF MARBLEHEAD
26-26 Trash and Recycling
January brings back uncertainty if we all food stampers will receive them once again. For now, while we have them, let’s eat. Whitney Payne Farrell Court
COURTESY PHOTO
Kay O’Dwyer, dressed in her Glover Regiment’s garb, leads a tour of Fort Sewall for students.
Sports
MVP From flag football to fan favorite
Dinsmore has impact on Marblehead Youth Football
BY LEIGH BLANDER
Arriving at Piper Field with 14-year-old Wiley Dinsmore to watch high school football is like walking into Gillette Stadium with Tom Brady.
“All the Marblehead players know him and call out, ‘Hey, Wiley!’” said his mom, Nina.
Dinsmore, who is neurodivergent, just finished his third and final season with Marblehead Youth Football. This fall, his coaches nominated him for the Cape Ann Youth Football League Gnoza Award, which honors players for teamwork and dedication. He finished in second place.
“Wiley Dinsmore is not just a football player,” wrote coach Jay Glass in the nomination. “He’s a force of nature, a teammate you want in your huddle… His confidence and love for the game are unmatched.”
Dinsmore, a student at the SEEMS Collaborative in Stoneham, loves everything about football. He started playing flag football in kindergarten and has won three Super Bowls. He proudly shows off his rings to prove it.
Nina says Marblehead Youth Football players and coaches have been incredibly kind and supportive.
“These guys are amazing. They embrace him… they get him touchdowns and nominate him for awards,” she said. Wiley says he “feels everything” when he’s playing and loves the sport because it “comes naturally.” He adds that he doesn’t mind the hard work because, “I live with adversity.” Nina adds, “Everything is pretty much a struggle for Wiley. So, being on this team is like — just add water and he’s happy, they’re happy, and they’re all having fun.”
Teammate Matt Donovan says Wiley has always been a role model.
“He was also so much fun and always had a joke to share,” Donovan says. “He never missed a practice, and that was a real example for everyone… and he had a great onside kick.”
Wiley’s interests go beyond football. He follows wrestling, baseball, soccer and Formula 1 racing. In the summer, he sails at Pleon Yacht Club.
Nina hopes Wiley can participate in Marblehead High football in some way next year, even if he doesn’t play.
She has been overwhelmed by the town’s support.
“This is a wonderful community,” she said. “These parents have raised boys who want to be extra kind.”
BY LUCA TEDESCO
With the playoff run (and the Powderpuff game) over, the eyes of Marblehead sports fans will turn to the gridiron Thanksgiving morning when Marblehead and Swampscott clash for the 116th time.
After a series of pandemicrelated schedule changes and a trip to hallowed Fenway Park last season, Marblehead returns to hosting the game in oddnumbered years, as was tradition prior to the 110th Thanksgiving meeting played in April 2021.
Marblehead holds a 12-game winning streak over the Big Blue, last relinquishing the Rotary Cup in 2012 in a 25-16 upset. Marblehead has since taken a commanding 60-49-6 lead in the Thanksgiving series, including a 42-6 victory at Fenway Park last November.
While the Magicians’ playoff run was cut short by the Canton Bulldogs, the importance of the Thanksgiving rivalry game is not lost on anyone, especially those players ending their high school football careers on Thursday.
“Playing a home game against [Swampscott] is just about the best way I could have thought to end my senior season, of course other than at Gillette,” said Declan Gibson, senior captain.
“I mean, this is what you dream about as a young kid from Marblehead and to be able to live out that dream is awesome.”
Captain Owen Dulac added: “I’m really pumped we get to finish off our season, and I get to finish my career, on our home turf. We have the best fans in the world and it’s just awesome that the entire community comes out every year for this game. Getting to play at Fenway last year was a real treat, but I’m feeling very fortunate we get to finish it off at home this year.”
The rivalry: Marblehead vs. Swampscott over the years
Full-page graphic, Page 11.
The Marblehead Youth Cheer 7th–8th grade team wrapped up a successful season this month after two first-place finishes at Andover and Gloucester high schools. The team’s last competition was at the Reggie Lewis Center. Anyone interested in learning more about Marblehead Youth Cheer can email myfcheer@gmail.com.
While the playoff loss stings, senior running back Breydan Callahan, who has committed to play for the Johns Hopkins Blue Jays next fall, was very clear when discussing the team’s mindset heading into the final game: “We learned from Canton and now we’re focused on Swampscott.”
The annual MarbleheadSwampscott game always sees passionate, aggressive play from both teams. However, the Magicians seem to have found extra motivation in their playoff loss as they hope to finish the
season with a win.
“The players understand the importance of the rivalry,” said Coach Jim Rudloff. “They showed up on their day off as a group and did their own practice. They have continued to lift as if we still had 10 more games. I think the coaches, the players and the entire staff would like to play today just to get the ‘bad taste’ of the Canton game out of our system.”
“The Swampscott game doesn’t typically need any extra motivation, but coming off a close loss will definitely add a little extra fuel to the fire,” said senior defensive captain, John Schieffer. “Swampscott has a great team this year and it will take every single player’s best effort to get one last victory.”
Rylan Golden’s season ended prematurely due to an injury, but he’s still looking forward to the turkey day showdown. “The loss (to Canton) definitely motivated everyone to work harder now, knowing that we only have one more game left this season. I’m not playing, but having our last
This Thanksgiving, we’re cheering for all the Marbleheaders who donate to support great local sports coverage. For the monthly cost of one football, you’ll help us highlight high school rivalries, local sailors, pickleball champions, youth athletes, and more.
Join the team as anew donor and your gift will be tripled!! When our community shows up for local news, everyone wins.
COURTESY PHOTO
The Rotary Cup will be awarded to the winner of Thursday’s Thanksgiving showdown between Marblehead and Swampscott.
COURTESY PHOTO / EYAL OREN
(Left to right) Captains Rylan Golden, Breydan Callahan, Owen Dulac, John Schieffer, Declan Gibson, and Finn Gallup march arm-in-arm to midfield for the coin toss ahead of the game between Marblehead and Bishop Fenwick on September 12, 2025.
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Wiley Dinsmore, 14, shows off his three Super Bowl rings.
COURTESY PHOTO
Wiley Dinsmore’s Marblehead Youth Football coaches call him a “teammate you want in your huddle.”
Soccer coaches and players receive statewide recognition
Magicians will play significant roles in Friday’s Division 2 EMass all-star game
BY JOE MCCONNELL
After wrapping up a strong winning regular season record of 11-5-2, coach Elmer Magana’s boys soccer team reached the Division 2 state tournament as the 24th seed. They then had to travel to Hingham to begin the postseason in the Round of 32, where they lost a close battle to the Harbormen, the ninth seed, 2-1 on Nov. 4.
These Magicians have since turned their attention to the awards season that singles out those skillful athletes, who helped propel their teammates to a winning campaign.
Magana had three players — left winger Ilan Druker, center forward Miles Fontela-Tuttle and center back Adam Loughlin — exceed their Northeastern Conference and state peers to claim spots on the AllConference (the Top 12 players in the NEC) and EMass all-star teams. Center back T.J. Kelly and goalie Matias Watts-Cruz made the conference all-star squad.
The Marblehead head coach was also recognized for his success, when he was named the Division 2 Coach of the Year. After being notified of this coveted award, he humbly said that it was “a true honor.”
Magana’s assistant coach and longtime Marblehead sports legend Tom Roundy was selected Division 2 Assistant Coach of the Year. They will be back on the sidelines one more time this fall coaching one of the EMass all-star teams on Nov. 28 at Concord-Carlisle High School. This will give them another opportunity to be with their aforementioned Marblehead players, who are also among the state’s elite.
The veteran Marblehead coach gave his thoughts on being one of the EMass coaches, along with Roundy. “The Eastern Mass Coaches Association selects the Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches of the Year, and one of the reasons why Coach Roundy and I were chosen for this award was because of our program’s success the last four years making the playoffs,” said Magana. “We also represented our conference well on the pitch and on social media, always demonstrating sportsmanship wherever we (went).”
Magana said that both he and Roundy are honored to represent MHS soccer, the NEC
and the Town of Marblehead at Friday’s EMass game. “We owe this honor to the many talented, hardworking players that we have had since we took over the varsity program in 2020,” he added. “On a personal level, coach Roundy deserves this recognition. He played on the high school team about 50 years ago, and since then has been involved in coaching in the town’s youth sports programs, plus the high school teams. Many times, he has walked from his house to Piper just to get to practice, which is about 30-to-40-minutes away. All the players love and respect him, because he cares about them and has so much wisdom to share with them.”
Team feted at the Gerry 5
Beyond the all-stars, the entire boys soccer team got together on Nov. 18 at the Gerry 5 for the annual banquet celebration. Awards were handed out for excellence and hard work, probably more difficult this year, according to Magana, because there were so many worthy candidates.
“This was the most skillful and talented team that I have coached in my five years here,” said Magana. “It is much easier to split the atom, then deciding which player should receive one
of these awards. In other words, don’t be surprised if the saying ‘sharing is caring,’ makes it into my thoughts on each one of these award winners.”
Julien Poitevin:
Rookie of the Year
“After David (Magen) went down with an injury, Julien stepped up to become one of the most dominant outside wings in our conference. His ball control and speed allowed him to send deadly ground or aerial crosses into the box. He was third in assists on the team. He also scored a few goals himself, including a hat trick against Peabody. Although he is young, he quickly learned to play the (forward) position on the varsity level. He has many nicknames, but our favorite one is Schoolian.”
Adam Loughlin, T. J. Kelly: Outstanding Defensive Players of the Year
“Adam Loughlin is the Lord of the Skies, because of his ability to (jump) higher than the opposing attackers to head the ball out of danger. He is humble doing his job without complaining. He also did it so well. Daniel Silva of Beverly had nightmares thinking of him, because Adam simply owned him. He even scored three header goals, two of them
against rival Masco. He will definitely be missed.
“T.J. Kelly, the other defensive stalwart, is the Lord of the Ground. His defensive skills rival his offensive skills. Just like his defensive counterpart, he too is humble. His Maradona-like goal against North Andover is legendary. His strength and will to be a part of our team, while battling health issues also makes him our unsung hero. He too will be missed.
“Together, the Lord of the Skies (Loughlin) and the Lord of the Ground (Kelly) are without a doubt the best center back duo in the entire state.”
Captain Jared Halpern: Coaches Award
“Jared demonstrated great leadership, sportsmanship, teamwork and dedication this year. His feedback on formations, player position, strategies and drills was always welcome. He was a well-liked and respected leader, who attended every practice even after his injury. He once said to me ‘Even if I am not out there, I want to be here with my boys. I want them to know how much I care.’ Now, that’s the true mark of a captain, who, despite being injured, still showed up every day to be a part of his team. This award goes to the most talented skillful center midfielder that I have ever coached. We will never
forget the double overtime goal that the King of Tactics scored against Somerset-Berkley last year in the postseason.”
Captain Ilan Druker, Miles Fontela-Tuttle: co-MVPs
“As I mentioned last year, Ilan Druker possesses the combined skills and moves of Neymar, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. His playmaking abilities and hunger to score goals or get assists put fear in opposing defenses. For instance, the only way Winthrop could stop him in one game was to surround him with five players, and they eventually chopped him out of the game. Throughout the season, many teams doubleteamed him, or even tripleteamed him, but he was still able to find the back of the net or send the ball to the box. He was one of the top scorers and assist leaders in the conference, and it was no surprise that he took two votes away from Beverly’s Daniel Silva for conference MVP, which made him the second most valuable player in the conference. In the voting for the Top 12 NEC players, he was third. Just like we are recognizing him now, he was also recognized by the other conference coaches. He was a great captain and great teammate, who has also become an EMass All-Star. He will be missed, as well.
“Miles Fontela-Tuttle is our other MVP this year. He was the winner of the Golden Boot Award last year. He’s been our top scorer the last two scorer, and is also one of the Top 10 scorers and assists leaders throughout EMass. His intensity and competitive hunger to win is equal to the burning of a thousand suns. He always puts the team on his shoulders. When it came time to advocate for his teammates or himself, he let the referees have it. I didn’t mind that one bit, but I think some of the refs did. He has a few nicknames, but our favorite is ‘The Monarchy,’ because we admired and respected his hunger to always compete, to always give it his all and to always lead by example in order to demand the best from his loyal subjects. He was a great captain and teammate, who’s now a twotime EMass All-Star, and he too will be missed.”
BY LEIGH BLANDER
About 120 youth hockey players laced up their skates for the 61st Marblehead-St. Lambert tournament last weekend, continuing what organizers call the longest-running youth hockey exchange in North America.
Players from St. Lambert, spent Friday through Sunday in Marblehead, competing in skills events and games at Connery Rink in Lynn. In a special highlight, Todd Angilly, the Boston Bruins’ anthem singer, opened the skills competition by belting out both the U.S. and Canadian national anthems.
Marblehead players will head north Feb. 13-15 to return the
visit. The exchange has become a cherished tradition for both communities. It all started in 1964, when Marblehead Youth Hockey coach Bill Haskell hatched the idea during one of his lumber-buying trips to Canada, according to the MYH website. He recruited Donald “Bud” Orne — known as the “Father of Marblehead Hockey” — and together they connected with Eric Sharpe, the soon-to-be mayor of St.-Lambert, a Montreal suburb along the St. Lawrence River. Sharpe brought a team to Marblehead that year and St. Lambert sent a team to Marblehead the following February.
MHS boys soccer rookie of the year Julien Poitevin.
MHS boys soccer co-Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year and the Lord of the Ground T.J. Kelly.
MHS boys soccer coaches award goes to Jared Halpern.
MHS boys soccer co-MVP Miles Fontela-Tuttle.
COURTESY PHOTOS / MHS SENIOR KAI ROZINSKY
MHS boys soccer co-MVP Ilan Druker.
MHS boys soccer co-Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year and the Lord of the Skies Adam Loughlin.
COURTESY PHOTO
1909-2024
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1929 Last Thanksgiving Day game at Seaside Park 1930 Reynolds Park (Green Street) becomes the home field for MHS.
1953 Marblehead’s 6-0 win knocked Swampscott out of the NEC Championship. George Crowninshield scored the only points in the contest. As time wound down, Swampscott marched to the Marblehead 18, but a 30 yard loss on a sack by Bill Gillis ended their comeback bid.
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• 1981 Marblehead 21-8
• 1982 Swampscott 20-6
• 1983 Swampscott 19-12
• 1984 Marblehead 21-20
• 1985 Marblehead 6-0
• 1986 Swampscott 14-0
• 1987 Marblehead 21-7
• 1988 Swampscott 12-7
• 1989 Swampscott 17-14
• 1990 Swampscott 19-7
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• 1995 Swampscott 44-0
• 1996 Swampscott 19-0
• 1997 Swampscott 49-14
• 1998 Marblehead
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7th straight year, a Marblehead win would result in a tie for the title with Swampscott - Marblehead’s first under coach Alex Kulevich. QB Brian Buckley led Dave Knight, Richie James, Bill Sahagian, and Ralph Rotman in the 20-12 win.
1962 Ken Eldridge returns a kickoff 88-yards and then kicks the PAT for the only scores in this 7-0 win.
Ormiston.
1981 Rob Haley scored two touchdowns making it a 14-8 contest. Swampscott staged a late game comeback that was stymied by an 18 yard “pick six” by Doug Koopman.
1984 Andy Lewis’s 82 yard kickoff return, two on-side kicks, two “lonesome end” plays to Skip Likins and Peter Donovan, and a goal line stance allowed Marblehead to knock the Big Blue out of the NEC title race.
1985 In a late-November snow squall and with no time left on the clock, Ray Forbes hauled in the game winning touchdown pass from Bill Rockett.
2006 In a driving rain storm, DE Sam Perlow tips and intercepts a pass and rumbles 43 yards for the only score, ending a five year Swampscott winning streak.
2009 In Jim Rudloff’s first year as head coach, QB Hayes Richardson and Will Quigley led an aerial attack that netted over 270 yards in the air. Marblehead secured a play-off berth and the NEC title (first one in 36 years), but lost in the Super Bowl to Bishop Feehen 12-6.
2011 Both teams enter at 8-1, with the NEC title on the line, Marblehead carries the day and takes home the championship.
2013 &
2020* Played in the Spring of 2021, due to COVID19, Connor Cronin scores 5 TDs (3 on offense, 1 on special teams, 1 on defense).
2021
20 unanswered points.
1969 With
minute left, Mike Lynch kicks the winning field goal for Swampscott.
1915 Swampscott’s offense puts up
1910 Swampscott beat Marblehead in their first Thanksgiving game.
Marblehead’s best bets
Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please
Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org.
Knitters Boutique Sale & Holiday Open House
Dec. 1–5, 9 a.m.–noon
The knitters group at the Marblehead Council on Aging are selling handmade hats, scarves, shawls, baby blankets and more at the Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Marblehead COA.
The Friends will also host a Holiday Open House lunch for all Marblehead seniors on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 11:30 a.m.–1:30 p.m.
’Tis the season at the Marblehead Arts Association
Thursday, Dec. 4–Sunday, Dec. 7
ideas, ask questions and share what you’d like to see in the paper.
Celebrate the season at the Hooper Mansion, 8 Hooper St., with holiday décor, the Winter Member Show, a craft fair and afternoon tea.
Holiday Open House: Thursday, Dec. 4, 5–8 p.m.
New England Brass Band
Sunday, Dec. 7, 2–4 p.m.
Our Lady Star of the Sea, 85 Atlantic Ave., welcomes the internationally acclaimed New England Brass Band for an afternoon of festive music. Tickets are $15 and available at the church or by calling 781-631-0086.
An Evening of piano and chamber music
Friday, Dec. 5, 7 p.m.
St. Andrew’s Church hosts an evening of piano and chamber music featuring works by Beethoven, Liszt, Rachmaninoff and other composers.
The concert is free; donations are welcome. 135 Lafayette St.
Winter Artisan & Craft Fair: Saturday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
Winter Member Show: On view through Saturday, Dec. 20
Admission is free. Galleries are open Wednesday–Sunday, noon–5 p.m.
Old North Festival Chorus Holiday Concert
Saturday, Dec. 6, 8 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 7, 7:30 p.m.
The 45th annual Old North Festival Chorus Christmas Concert
returns at Old North Church, 35 Washington St. This year’s program includes Haydn’s “Missa in tempore belli,” John Rutter’s “When Icicles Hang,” and works by Dan Forrest, Mark Hayes and more. Soloists include Holly Cameron,
Chocolate Red Bow Fair
Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.
Anne Burgett, Rebecca Kenneally, Kevin Hayden, David Thomas Mather and narrator Caleb Mayo. The chorus, orchestra and soloists will be led by Maria van Kalken, Old North’s minister of music, now in her 37th season directing the Festival Chorus.
The Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead has “chocolatetized” its annual Red Bow Fair. Warm up with free hot chocolate, then browse gift items, books, holiday décor and more.
At 1 p.m., Mrs. Claus will share a holiday story, followed by storyteller Tony Toledo with “The Polar Express,” and music from T MAX.
Chocolate lovers can stock up on homemade pies, cakes, candies and cookies. 28 Mugford St.
BY SAOIRSE STALLINGS
The 54th Marblehead Christmas Walk weekend kicks off Thursday night , Dec. 4, and will feature the traditional Christmas Tree lighting, Santa’s arrival by lobsterboat, Gingerbread Festival, Artisans’ Marketplace, parade and more.
“Like the Arts Festival in the summer, Christmas Walk is a party that Marblehead throws for itself each December,” said Gene Arnould, Chamber of Commerce vice president.
“It’s a time to meet and greet friends, to welcome Santa arriving at the Landing and watch him parade through the town.
Here’s a quick look at some of the most popular events: Thursday, Dec. 4: Holiday shopping preview night around town
Friday, Dec. 5: Tree Lighting, festivities start at 5:30 p.m. at National Grand parking lot Saturday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.: Santa & Mrs. Claus arrive at State Street Landing; 11:45 a.m. parade begins State Street Sunday, Dec. 7: Events, shopping throughout town The Current will publish the full Christmas Walk calendar in our Dec. 3 edition.
It’s a 54 year tradition of seeing the town dressed up as beautifully and warmly as it can be on an early December weekend. And, it’s a great time to do some gift shopping.”
Joseph Haplerin, 83
Joseph Halperin passed away on Nov. 10, at age 83 after a heroic fight against pancreatic cancer. He died peacefully with his wife of 63 years, Lynn, by his side. After a career spent caring for cancer patients (over 10,000 in his estimate) he faced the disease and his mortality with wisdom and compassion.
Joe was born and raised in Springfield, the eldest of Elsie (Brodsky) and Leon Halperin’s three sons. The boys — Joey, Mark, and Sandy — worked in their father’s small drugstore as soda jerks. Joe was a high school swimming star and the first in the family to go to college. He met Lynn (Harrison) at American International College in Springfield as they were standing in line, in alphabetical order, to register for classes. It was her freshman year, and he was a sophomore. Their connection was immediate, passionate and grew into a lifelong partnership.
A determined and hardworking student, Joe put himself through Boston University School of Medicine, graduating in 1967. As newlyweds, Joe and Lynn moved into public housing in Roxbury, where their son Jon was born; they believed it was important to be part of the Civil Rights Movement and work to try to integrate Boston at a time of great racial unrest and injustice in the city.
Joe completed his residency in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where his daughter, Wendy, was born. In 1970, he was drafted into
Rhonda FrischCooper, 74
Rhonda Frisch-Cooper of Weare, New Hampshire, entered into rest on Nov. 14, at 74 years old. Known for her enormous heart, Rhonda adored her husband Tom Cooper. Married for 36 years before his passing in 2020, she loved spending time with Tom whether in their Weare home, in Greece with his sister Anita Cooper
Leslie Ann Stucke, 66
Leslie Ann Stucke, 66, of Marblehead, died peacefully in her sleep on Oct. 28. Born in Marblehead’s Mary Alley Hospital on Nov. 5, 1958, to John and Priscilla (Mock) Stucke, Leslie was a true “Marbleheader.”
Leslie was diagnosed at a very young age with cerebral palsy, but the diagnosis did not stop her from living a full life. A graduate of Marblehead High
Peter Eyges, 79
Peter Eyges, 79,
peacefully Nov.
Kaplan
survived by his sisters Judy and Barbara and his beloved daughter Andrea (Alberto Pumar), grandson Arlo of Florida and many good friends. Peter graduated from Marblehead High School in 1964, where he was an awesome athlete. Twice an all star and member of the Marblehead
the U.S. Navy’s Public Health Service during the Vietnam War.
Stationed at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, he worked as a prison doctor at the United States Penitentiary in Leavenworth.
After his military service, Joe and Lynn moved to Marblehead, where he began a more than two-decade career as an oncologist at Salem Hospital.
From 1973 to 1995, he was known for his thoughtful, attentive care of patients and for his calm presence during some of the most difficult moments families could face. He also raised tens of millions of dollars for care of cancer patients in the North Shore of Boston.
Outside of medicine, Joe centered his life around his family. Many of his happiest years were spent at the tiny family cabin in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, where he found joy in cross-country skiing, fly fishing and getting lost in the woods. After a long and demanding week at the hospital, the five-hour drive north became his transition into rest, so much so that his family joked about his Maine accent emerging as they approached the state line. Time at the cabin was simple and close: no TV, just books, the
School, Class of 1977, Leslie enjoyed sailing, bike riding, pingpong and family skiing trips. She traveled the world with
radio and board games.
When not in Maine, weekends were filled with family bike rides, museum visits, dinner parties with friends and trips into Boston for foreign films. These moments of togetherness were at the heart of who Joe was. Every morning, for more than 50 years, Joe and Lynn woke up at 5 a.m. He would put a pot of oatmeal on simmer and together they went to the local swimming pool. He would swim a mile; she would swim a half mile. They would make it back in time for breakfast. Only he enjoyed the oatmeal, which he would eat again between two pieces of bread for lunch.
Once their kids went to college, Joe and Lynn left Marblehead and began exploring the country. They lived in more than a dozen places, from Greensboro, North Carolina to Oakland, California; from Kirkland, Washington to White Plains, New York. In every place they moved, they became part of the community and made deep friendships.
Joe searched for creative expression outside of medicine. First, he became a skilled furniture maker, learning from Lynn’s father, Charles. His pieces are beloved objects in the homes of dozens of friends in the many places Joe and Lynn lived.
His painting journey began without premeditation 25 years ago. He was in his basement on a late Sunday afternoon and picked up a wall brush, an old floorboard and a can of house paint and painted a landscape of a place that only existed in his imagination: a strange building of near-infinite windows on a
Rossner, in her hometown of Marblehead with family, or in Florida during the winter. Rhonda also had a deep bond with her parents Shirley and Harold Frisch before their passing, her younger sister Cynthia Frisch, and perhaps most profoundly, her twin sister Susan Frisch Lehrer. Describing each other as “wombmates,” their extraordinary connection often mystified others.
Food was definitely a favorite way to share her love, and she was a superb cook. She was also devoted to friends from
her family, visiting Bermuda, Switzerland, Italy and Sweden, among others.
Leslie was first mate of the family sloop, appropriately named the “Leslie Ann,” where she and her parents had many adventures, all of which Leslie chronicled in the sloop’s log book.
Over the decades, Leslie worked at institutions such as Anchor to Windward, Goodwill and Harbor Sweets, and she generously contributed her earnings to her niece’s and nephew’s college funds. Many in Marblehead will
ready to suit up if their goalie was injured.
Even as a very young Little League member, he was an accomplished athlete. After hitting two home runs during one eventful game he was given the nickname, “Marblehead’s Mel Ott.”
He also very proudly served as a member of the Army Reserves from 1967-1972. Peter went on to join the family jewelry business and eventually became a finance manager at local car dealerships. Expressions of sympathy can be made to Kaplan Hospice House, 78 Liberty St., Danvers, MA, 01923.
riverbank. The making of that painting was a joyful experience. Over the next decade, he made nearly a painting a day. When he retired from his medical practice, he became an audit student in the Art Practice Program at the University of California, Berkeley. In appreciation for the opportunity to audit classes, he built the program art tables and storage units.
For the past two dozen years, Halperin was a fulltime painter. Hundreds of his paintings are hanging in Johns Hopkins Hospital waiting rooms and other nonprofit health organizations as well as in private collections in Los Angeles, New York, Baltimore, Toronto and Naples, Florida. You can see his work at joehalperinart.com.
Creativity had always been central to Joe and Lynn’s life together. In every place they lived, until the last few years, they shared a studio where Joe painted and Lynn worked with ceramics. After retirement, they went to the studio every day. Even when Lynn could no longer create art herself due to Alzheimer’s, being in that space together remained a cherished ritual.
Joe took great pride in seeing his creative spirit carried forward by his children. His son is a three-time Emmy Award–winning filmmaker. Jon converted his garage into an art studio for Joe, where Joe spent his final years creating each day. After the cancer diagnosis, Jon and Joe spent each morning together teaching themselves how to build furniture with hand tools, beginning with a
her childhood, her work, her synagogue and her Weare neighborhood. But perhaps one of the most beautiful expressions of her love was for children. Often referred to as a “kindergarten teacher extraordinaire,” Rhonda absolutely loved teaching. During her 40-year teaching career, she became a connoisseur of children’s books with a home library so extensive that it often served as a resource for other teachers. Along with the family mentioned, Rhonda will be missed by many, including her
remember Leslie and her parents Priscilla and John as dedicated morning regulars at the Driftwood restaurant, always sitting at the same table, ready to say “hi” and chat with all who passed by. Breakfast at the “DW” was invariably followed by a morning walk, which allowed Leslie and her parents the opportunity to keep up with all the goings on in Marblehead.
Leslie was predeceased by her father, mother and older sister, Susan. She is survived by cousins Kate (Mark), David (Beth) and Steve (Dori); brother-in-law Jim,
simple packing box and working their way up to a 400-pound workbench. This was Joe’s final wood project. It is an heirloom object and will last for generations.
His daughter, Wendy, worked for more than 30 years as a social worker before embracing her own artistic path as a photographer. For her 50th birthday, Joe and Lynn gave her a digital camera. It mattered deeply to Joe that Wendy would have something as fulfilling and absorbing as his own art to carry her into retirement.
In his final days, Joe demonstrated once again the depth of his care for Lynn. Though it meant giving up his own independence, he chose to move with her into a memory care unit so she could settle into a new environment with him still by her side. Even at the end, his instinct was to protect and support the people he loved.
Joe is survived by his wife and children; his daughterin-law Felicia Wong; his sonin-law Matthew Amster; his grandchildren, Sasha Halperin, Benjamin Halperin, Linden Amster and Sky Amster; his brothers, Mark Halperin and Alexander Halperin; and his sister-in-law, Kathy Fox. A memorial celebration of Joe Halperin’s life will be announced later this year. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation in his name to http:// waldosandco.com, the nonprofit artist community space in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, that Wendy runs, which was especially close to Joe’s heart. He believed deeply in its mission of making creativity accessible to everyone.
sister Susan’s family Harvey, Adam and Kevin Lehrer and Tom’s nieces Elizabeth and Elli Tsamakis. The funeral service was Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. at Stanetsky-Hymanson Memorial Chapel in Salem. This link includes a guest book for messages: https:// client.tribucast.com/tcid/ c25119501375009. Donations in Rhonda’s memory may be sent to Hadassah, c/o Berkshire Hills Hadassah, P.O. Box 187, Pittsfield, MA 01202 or to her synagogue, Temple Beth Jacob, P.O Box 568, Concord, NH 03302.
niece Arianna (Erik), nephew Nathaniel, and great-nephews Axel and Bror.
A memorial service will be held at the Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead, 142 Elm St., at noon Thursday, Dec. 4, followed by a burial service at Waterside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries or The ARC of Massachusetts.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Leslie’s family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
Tsamakis, in New York City with his sister Camille Sutro Cooper and her husband Dr. Kenneth
formerly of Marblehead, died
8 at
Family Hospice House after a long illness. Son of Gloria and Buddy Eyges, he is
Hockey Hall of Fame, he also played goalie for the Marblehead Maroons and later practiced with the Bruins. He sat in the stands during games for $25,
A newspaper clipping memorializes Peter Eyges’ hockey career.
Current gobble gallery 2025
It’s quite the comeback story. Once nearing extinction, wild turkeys have returned to Marblehead in force. They wander across front lawns, halt traffic at busy intersections and congregate on playgrounds and in cemeteries.
For the latest installment of the Current’s “Turkey Call,” we asked readers to share their best turkey sightings. Consider this your 2025 gobble gallery.
— Leigh Blander
would force the visitors to regroup yet again.
The Magicians made headway into enemy territory, but
a 15-yard penalty called on Swampscott for unnecessary roughness gave Marblehead the ball in scoring position. A trio of goal line stops by Swampscott would see Marblehead take a time out with the ball on the four-yard line on
fourth down. The Marblehead coaching staff made the call to send out Hitscherich for the field goal. With the ball under the finger of holder Samara Dosch, Hitscherich booted the ball between the posts to give the
Magicians a 3-0 lead with 32 seconds remaining. While the Big Blue offense rapidly advanced over the midfield stripe, Marblehead’s defense would hold firm as the clock ran out to confirm a third consecutive powderpuff victory
for the Magicians.
“Honestly, it’s very emotional,” said coach Cam Gibson. “I’m just so happy I can watch this team win. We’ve put on countless hours of work just to get to this point. I’m just, I’m very proud.”
YELLOW
Carrie McGovern captured this image of a trio of turkeys apparently leaving the old Rip Tide in 2023. Three guesses as to their favorite brand of bourbon (and the first two don’t count).
Dayle Persons sent this shot in from Sparhawk Terrace.
Lloyd Thompson photographed this regal turkey on Whittier Road.
Francie Grynkraut snapped this photo on Corn Point.
Kimberly Crowninshield got this striking close-up of a turkey roaming Rowland Street.
Jenn Shore snapped the moment her cat sized up a neighborhood turkey — safely separated by a pane of glass.
Donna Rice photographed a full-feathered entourage on Jersey Street.
Peggy Mitchell caught this mama turkey shepherding two tiny poults through her Sparhawk Terrace backyard.
Marblehead resident Britt Decker spotted this turkey window-shopping outside her Humphrey Street business, The Salty Dogwood.
CVS manager has very bad apparent last day at work
Saturday, Nov. 15
» Vehicle stops, citations: 4
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 8
12:09 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Beacon Street and filed a report.
3:02 p.m. Officers were dispatched to investigate a report that two kids believed to be in their mid-teens were trying to get inside a vacant unit on Broughton Road. Upon his arrival, one of the officers saw a boy approximately 14 or 15 years old wearing clothing that matched the description provided. When he noticed the officer, the boy ran away from the property and into the woods. The officers checked the property and found it to be locked and not damaged or vandalized. The officer then spoke with a neighbor who reported that the kids had been hanging around the unit and smoking marijuana. The neighbor said this was the first time he had ever seen the kids in the area. The officers checked the area but were unable to locate the two kids.
4:38 p.m. An officer was dispatched to Leggs Hill Road after a caller reported vehicles speeding in excess of 50 mph. The officer retrieved a handheld radar device and spent approximately 30 minutes in the area conducting traffic enforcement during which he observed no vehicles traveling over 28 mph, just above the posted speed limit of 25 mph.
Sunday, Nov. 16
» Vehicle stops, citations: 0
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
9:08 a.m. A disabled vehicle was reported on Green Street.
8:31 p.m. Officers were dispatched to CVS on Atlantic
Lizzie
From P. 5
meal. Thanksgiving with a house full is not the time to work on picky eating. Go with what works. There are already so many variables on this day, you
Avenue after an off-duty female employee called 911 to report an altercation involving a manager of the store, herself and her boyfriend. The woman explained that she had gone into the store to buy two pairs of tweezers, for which she had a receipt. But after she entered the store, the manager on duty began to yell and swear at her, making what she said were baseless claims about her having stolen things while working in the past. Scared and having no idea what the manager was talking about, the woman called her boyfriend to come into the store, and he arrived shortly thereafter. According to the woman, the manager had then got up in the boyfriend’s face, swore at him and challenged him to a fight outside. The woman and her boyfriend eventually made their way out of the store, but the manager followed them outside and then pushed past the woman in an attempt to get to the boyfriend. The boyfriend said he pushed the manager in self-defense, and they both then ended up on the ground, with the manager holding the boyfriend’s jacket to prevent him from getting up. As the officers were listening to the woman’s account, they could hear the manager causing a disturbance, first outside the store and then back inside. The officers described him as yelling, seemingly at no one in particular. He eventually emerged from the back of the store “still in an enraged state,” according to the officer’s report. He yelled that he did not want to talk with the police and refused to provide his name. The officers observed the manager marching around the store in something of a panic, yelling and attempting to locate his phone. He then seemingly quit his job, leaving
both deserve to stress less about what’s on their plate.
4. Start a simple Thankful Tree ritual Cut out paper leaves. Grab a marker. Let your child ask guests what they’re thankful for and hang the leaves on a branch or
the store and walking away down the street. The officer was able to get his name from another employee at the store, who also called the head manager, who said he was going to come in and see what was going on. The officer confirmed with the woman and her boyfriend that they were not in trouble and were free to leave, and also could go to Lynn District Court if they wanted to file charges against the manager. The officer also advised the employees to call police back if the manager returned and they wanted him off the property.
Monday, Nov. 17
» Vehicle stops, citations: 0
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2
11:37 a.m. Low-hanging wires were reported on Mechanic Street.
3:26 p.m. No action was required after larceny, forgery or fraud was reported on Sewall Street.
4:22 p.m. A wallet was found on Atlantic Avenue.
6:51 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Green Street and filed a report.
10:17 p.m. A disabled vehicle was reported on Maple Street.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
» Vehicle stops, citations: 1
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
10:35 a.m. An officer investigated an abandoned 911
houseplant. It keeps their hands busy and their focus grounded. It’s sweet without being saccharine, and it gives them a role beyond “don’t touch that.”
5. Let your kids make the place cards Markers. Stickers. Scribbles.
call from State Street.
2:43 p.m. An officer investigated a complaint about a moving vehicle on Ralph Road and filed an accident report.
9:05 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance on Arlyn Road and filed a report.
10:43 p.m. Officers investigated a report of suspicious activity on Evans Road.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
» Vehicle stops, citations: 0
» Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 1
3:07 p.m. An officer went to Lincoln Avenue to speak with a woman who was having regrets about hiring a contractor that she had seen doing construction work on a nearby home. She said that in their first meeting, he had spoken to her in a loud and angry tone and was aggressive about giving her a deadline to hire him. The woman had given him a $2,500 deposit, and for the past month the contractor had been storing a significant amount of equipment in her backyard but had yet to start work. The woman said that when she has asked him when he would start the work, he would just yell at her in response. Most recently, she had been in the bathroom when she heard a loud banging on the front door, after which the contractor began loudly accusing her of “ignoring” him. The officer advised her about the process for obtaining a harassment prevention order and suggested that she should call the police back to her home if she had another interaction with him so they could speak to him and get more information about him.
5:38 p.m. An officer responded to the scene of a vehicle crash on Pleasant Street.
8:59 p.m. An officer investigated an abandoned 911
Let it be messy. It gives them ownership and makes the table feel like theirs, too, and everyone loves a handmade touch.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to run smoothly to be a good day.
A few small choices can change the energy, not just for your
call from Green Street.
Thursday, Nov. 20
» Vehicle stops, citations: 3 » Vehicle stops, verbal warnings: 2
6:34 a.m. Officers assisted with a disabled vehicle on Smith and Pleasant streets.
7:06 a.m. Officers investigated suspicious activity reported on Community Road.
9:49 a.m. An officer went to Lattimer Street to speak to a woman who believed her Facebook account had been hacked. The woman explained that she did not think any of her personal information had been leaked, but her account had been sending friend requests without her involvement. She also reported that some of her friends had randomly messaged her after being confused about random videos they had been sent, seemingly from her account, without her knowledge. The officer advised her to change her Facebook password and to log out of Facebook on all her devices. He also advised her not to share personal information or her login information with anyone.
9:51 a.m. An officer went to Creesy Street to speak with a woman who suspected her neighbors had taken multiple packages containing items she had ordered online. The officer suggested she could consider getting a post office box at the post office or the UPS Store to avoid further issues, or she could install a Ring camera to document the deliveries and confirm her suspicions.
5:35 p.m. Officers investigated a disturbance reported on Pleasant Street and filed a report.
8:02 p.m. An officer investigated an abandoned 911 call from Washington Street.
kids, but for you, too.
Lizzie Assa is an early childhood expert and founder of The Workspace for Children. Her forthcoming book, “But I’m Bored: The Complete Guide to Independent Play (Ages 1–8),” is available for preorder now.
Football
From P. 9
game against
something
When the final whistle blows, likely just after noon on Thursday, the high school football careers of 15 sons of Marblehead, will end just as quickly as they began. But the memories they and many others will take with them will last a lifetime.
“My favorite memory of this year is just being able to get out there everyday with everybody and play
football,” said quarterback Finn Gallup. “Being around these guys makes everyone better and just being able to do something we all love together is special.”
Schieffer shared his favorite memories. “All the great moments I shared with my teammates,” he said. “I’m stoked to have had this group of guys for my senior season and I can’t wait to see all of my guys put on a show these next few years.” Kickoff for the Marblehead-Swampscott contest will be at 10 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning at Piper Field.
COURTESY PHOTO / EYAL OREN
Led by their senior captains, the Marblehead Magicians run onto the field ahead of their game against Bishop Fenwick on September 12, 2025.
HOLIDAYTOY DRIVE
Benefiting theToysfor Tots DriveofMassachusetts, Join Us in Building BrighterHolidaysand BrighterFutures!
Donate new,unwrapped toys for childrenupto12yearsof age from December 1-December 15
Requested donations: arts andcraft kits, building blocks, dolls of all ethnicities, educational toys,sports balls, STEM kits androbots, andlastly, toycarsand trucks.
The donation box is locatedtothe left of thefront door,facing thestreet.
Drop Off Your ItemsFromDecember 1- 15 Monday –Friday |9 AM –5PM 46 Atlantic Avenue,Marblehead,MA01945 781.534.9229 |compass.com
What Ilikemostaboutthe Current is that it’s fearless.
It’snot beholden to a corporation, apoliticalparty or anyone’sagenda
The Current publishes eporting, op-eds and letters that sometimesmakepeople on allsides uncomfortable and honestly,that’s healthy.
If people arereacting, it meansthey’re paying attention.Itmeans they care
~Mark Schwartz
Theboard of the Current extends a warm welcome to our newest member, Mark Schwartz! We’rethrilled to have you aboard. Happy Thanksgiving, Marblehead!