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CHARGES DROPPED
Shrine leaders savor vindication BY WILLIAM J. DOWD With federal charges dropped after a months-long investigation, the leaders of the Shrine of St. Nicholas, based on Pleasant Street, hope to reclaim their standing in the community even as they continue to contend with what they say is a pattern of unfair treatment and disrespect by town officials. On Nov. 8, acting U.S. Attorney Joshua Levy filed a motion to drop charges against
the Rev. Andrew Bushell, an Orthodox Christian monk, and the shrine’s general counsel, Tracey Stockton, citing “the interests of justice,” which a federal judge allowed. Bushell and Stockton, who share a residence in town, were arrested in October 2022 on charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and conspiracy to commit unlawful monetary transactions. Before dropping the charges, prosecutors had been alleging that they secured
$3.6 million in federal COVID-19 relief loans for several affiliated entities, then diverted the money for personal expenses. Bushell, a Marblehead native, is the founder and leader of a series of organizations centered around Orthodox Christianity. These include a charitable group called St. Paul’s Foundation, which supports Orthodox efforts globally. The Shrine of St. Nicholas has SHRINE, P. A10
CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD
Father Andrew Bushell, an Orthodox Christian monk, inside the Shrine of St. Nicholas on Friday, Dec. 1.
SUSPENDED OFFICER
NAUTICAL NOEL
Santa & Mrs. Claus swap sleigh for lobster boat as town celebrates Christmas Walk
Disciplinary decision expected this month BY WILLIAM J. DOWD
Santa Claus waves to a lively crowd at State Street Landing after arriving by lobster boat.
CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD
BY WILLIAM J. DOWD In carrying out their annual pilgrimage to Marblehead, Mr. and Mrs. Claus ditched the sleigh for a lobster boat. The Clauses docked at State Street Landing Saturday morning, greeted by hundreds of happy, bundled-up families. “I think it’s such an amazing opportunity for the town to come together and celebrate the holidays,” said Shannon Leary. “I love that they come in on a lobster boat — it pays homage to Marblehead’s heritage.” Later in the day, people lined the town’s streets for the Christmas Walk parade.
A disciplinary decision is expected by the end of December for a Marblehead police officer accused of spending more than 100 hours at home while on duty, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer told the Current. As the disciplinary hearing officer in the case, Kezer said he plans to present his disciplinary recommendation for Officer Christopher Gallo to the Select Board in a closed-door meeting later this month. However, Kezer said the meeting could be open to the public at Gallo’s request. Either way, Gallo and his representatives will also be present, Kezer added. GALLO, P. A2
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People gather at the National Grand Bank parking lot Friday night for the town’s annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony.
That all followed Friday night’s tree lighting ceremony in the National Grand Bank parking lot. Hundreds gathered before a raised
platform, where Christmas-themed performances played out. WALK, P. A5
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
Police Officer Christopher Gallo is expected to learn his fate later this month. He has been on paid leave for 2 ½ years, accused of staying at home during work shifts.
‘WE NEED SOME MARITAL THERAPY’
Communication workshop ends with accusations BY LEIGH BLANDER
CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
From left, School Committee members Alison Taylor and Meagan Taylor, interim Superintendent Theresa McGuiness and member Jenn Schaeffner participate in a communication workshop on Nov. 30. n
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Tensions ran high at a School Committee workshop aimed at improving communication between members and with the interim superintendent. After the School Committee spent about an hour on Nov. 30 making lists of communication goal — including honesty, respect and assuming positive intent— Dorothy Presser, a facilitator with the Massachusetts Association of School Committees, asked the group what was preventing them from working together effectively. “There’s been a shift in the committee; that’s undeniable,” said School Committee Chair Sarah Fox, referring to the June
election that seated a majority of members who moved to oust former superintendent John Buckey within weeks. Incumbent Meagan Taylor was the only member who supported Buckey. “I spent four years in the minority or alone in many of my positions, and it’s hard,” Fox said. “I can appreciate that.” Taylor said to Fox, “I feel like this is directed at me.” Fox responded, “I’m not saying this to be attacking or hurtful. I’m seeking a solution so you can feel comfortable with us, because I don’t feel like you do. We’ve gotten so mired down in personal interaction, it’s been hard for all of us.” WORKSHOP, P. A7
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A2 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Marblehead Current
Gallo From P. A1
The Select Board will review all relevant information, including his determination, the input from the town’s attorney and Gallo’s representative. “The board has the option to either agree with my recommendation as the hearing officer or make a different decision,” Kezer said. “They have the authority to either follow my advice or take a different path.” If the Select Board’s
decision-making process takes place behind closed doors, Kezer said there would be a public meeting where the determination and supporting information become public record. The case against Gallo has faced multiple delays over nearly two-and-a-half years since he was placed on leave. He has collected his approximately $5,400 monthly salary during that time. In May, Police Chief Dennis King testified Gallo’s actions constituted conduct unbecoming an officer and dereliction of duty. In October, Kezer granted
himself an extension to Dec. 1 to complete his disciplinary recommendation report, extending Gallo’s leave into its 31st month. He acknowledged the previous 30-day deadline to provide his recommendation after receiving final briefs had expired. But he emphasized that it was more important “that the process is done correctly,” even if it took more time.. According to state records, Gallo has accumulated more disciplinary complaints (11 sustained) than any Marblehead officer over his 22-plus-year
career. This includes multiple suspensions and reprimands. While delays have drawn public frustration, officials have said proper procedure is paramount. At an Oct. 11 Select Board meeting, Chair Erin Noonan acknowledged that there is a “lot of interest and concern” in the community about the length of the process. But she also noted that, as an attorney, she is familiar with the concept that “the wheels of the legal system do grind slowly.” Kris Olson and Leigh Blander contributed reporting and writing.
NeWS FOr PeOPLe, NOT FOr PrOFIT. CO-CHAIRPERSONS
Jessica Barnett Ed Bell NEWSROOM Editor - Leigh Blander
lblander@marbleheadnews.org
Community Editor - Will Dowd wdowd@marbleheadnews.org
Consulting Editor - Kris Olson kolson@marbleheadnews.org
Sports Reporter Joe McConnell
jmcconnell@marbleheadnews.org
Intern - Benji Boyd
BATTENING DOWN THE HATCHES
Coastal resilience efforts get state-level boost Programs to buttress climate defenses, unify coastal communities into districts By William J. Dowd Local officials are praising the launch of a statewide coastal resilience program focused on safeguarding seaside communities like Marblehead from the escalating threats of climatefueled flooding and erosion. Gov. Maura Healey and Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll announced ResilientCoasts, which will establish regional coastal resilience districts based on climate vulnerabilities to develop strategies and solutions tailored to those areas. A chief coastal resilience officer will lead the coastal resilience efforts across the state. “Clearly, it is good news because we — through the harbor plan, municipal vulnerability preparedness, hazard mitigation plan and the coastal resiliency project — understand there is a lot of need,” Marblehead Town Planner Becky Cutting
told the Current. “This program is designed to help us develop a strategy and address issues that do not know boundaries, so I applaud and welcome a regional approach.” Marblehead has over 13 miles of coastline and its Harbor Plan outlines over $6.5 million in repairs needed just for municipal seawalls, piers and other structures facing increased threats from flooding and storms due to climate change. That price tag doesn’t even account for costs to armor other critical infrastructure against rising seas and worsening ocean storms. “As a coastal community with 24 seawalls within Marblehead Harbor (this does not include the others on the shoreline outside of the harbor), there is ongoing maintenance,” Cutting said. “Another major factor is the vulnerability of these areas to
storm damage and sea level rise.” She added that Marblehead is …. “no stranger to the ferocity of the ocean, destructive storms, storm surge and coastal erosion.” Massachusetts has over 1,500 miles of coastline and 55% of the coastal residents live in environmental justice communities. State models project over $1 billion in average annual coastal damage from rising seas and flooding by 2070. “Climate change poses a very real threat to our coastal way of life, but it also presents a unique opportunity for us to build communities that are safer and more equitable for years to come,” Healey said. Through already existing programs, Marblehead has received over $770,000 in recent state grants for coastal resilience planning and projects. And the town is in the process of hiring
a sustainability coordinator who will focus in part on resiliency initiatives. “This sustainability coordinator, when that person comes on board, you know, resiliency is part of the sustainability effort,” said Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer. “So we will have another person focused on working on these types of issues.” Kezer underscored that advancing coastal resilience in Marblehead would require a deep state-local partnership, given its price tag. “For local governments to take on these sorts of extraordinary resiliency costs – while we are already struggling to fulfill the everyday obligations of governing – partnering with the state is crucial if we hope to accomplish meaningful progress,” said Kezer. “We actually need the state to partner with us to be able to take any actions on this.”
CONTRIBUTORS
Jo Ann Augeri Silva Stephen Bach Bob Baker Linda Bassett Nicole Goodhue-Boyd Laurie Fullerton Mark Hurwitz John Lamontagne Christine McCarriston Eyal Oren Pam Peterson Chris Stevens Linda Werbner BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Virginia Buckingham - President Kate Haesche Thomson - Vice President of Operations Gene Arnould Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Francie King Robert Peck Donna Rice Richard Weed - Treasurer EDITORIAL BOARD
Ed Bell Virginia Buckingham Kris Olson Will Dowd Robert Peck Joseph P. Kahn DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
Kathryn Whorf DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY RELATIONS
Marion Warner Greely FOUNDERS
SAVING A HERO’S HOME
Glover Farmhouse gets another reprieve Marblehead, Swampscott band together to save Colonial history BY WILLIAM J. DOWD The fate of an 18th-century home tied to a Revolutionary War hero in Marblehead has taken another turn, as developers agreed to extend a demolition delay by five months to allow time to possibly relocate the historic structure. Developer Leggat McCall Properties, which is planning to build a 140-unit condominium complex on the site spanning Marblehead, Swampscott and Salem, will pause their plans until June. The additional five months is added to an initial nine-month demolition delay ending in January. That gives preservation advocates time to raise funds and finalize plans to move what remains of Gen. John Glover’s former home. “I think these places like the Glover Farmhouse, White Court [President Calvin Coolidge’s summer residence] have an incredible impact on current and future
the long-abandoned property. “The fact is that building has been neglected for over 20 years.” For months, the Swampscott Historical Commission has been rallying public support CURRENT PHOTO / WILLIAM J. DOWD to move the home. A The Glover Farmhouse, built in 1732, was once home fundraising website to Revolutionary War Gen. John Glover. Advocates are aims to raise thousands working to move the long-vacant house to a new location to of dollars to procure its preserve its history. preservation, including disassembling and generations,” Swampscott Of Marblehead’s rebuilding it on a nearby Town Administrator Sean approximately 1,200 lot. It would be similar Fitzgerald said. “It gives residents at the start to when Salem moved a sense of place. This is of the war, nearly half the Pickering Wharf one of our nation’s most enlisted in Glover’s Storehouse to the Salem notable Revolutionary regiment over the course Maritime and Historic War heroes.” of the Revolution. Hailing Site. The once grand Federal from diverse backgrounds, Larry Sands, a member style farmhouse dates they represented the of Marblehead’s Glover to 1732. In 1781, it was cosmopolitan nature regiment, said the June acquired by Glover, the of the bustling port cutoff provides critical Marblehead mariner community. time to find a location known for commanding Even as he expressed and new purpose for the regiments of local optimism about the house. fishermen, sailors and future, Fitzgerald remains After extensive merchants who came to realistic. discussions about various George Washington’s aide “I do think we can preservation solutions, during crucial moments in salvage some of the Sands said the primary the war. important pieces of this goal that emerged was A future, fully restored historic property, but we retaining the Glover Glover farmhouse are not going to be able to house in its current could tell those stories, likely save the building,” location. However, supporters said. Fitzgerald said of saving further examination
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS THE TRIAL COURT PROBATE AND FAMILY COURT Essex Division Docket No. ES23P3399EA INFORMAL PROBATE PUBLICATION NOTICE Estate of: John D. Sullivan Date of Death: July 22, 2023 To all persons interested in the above captioned estate, by Petition of Petitioner Peter N. Schlegel of New York, NY, a Will has been admitted to informal probate. Peter N. Schlegel of New York, NY has been informally appointed as the Personal Representative of the estate to serve without surety on the bond. The estate is being administered under informal procedure by the Personal Representative under the Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code without supervision by the Court. Inventory and accounts are not required to be filed with the Court, but interested parties are entitled to notice regarding the administration from the Personal Representative and can petition the Court in any matter relating to the estate, including distribution of assets and expenses of administration. Interested parties are entitled to petition the Court to institute formal proceedings and to obtain orders terminating or restricting the powers of Personal Representatives appointed under informal procedure. A copy of the Petition and Will, if any, can be obtained from the Petitioner.
showed that preserving the house onsite would not be feasible for the construction project. “So now we go to plan B, which is to find a new location and then move the house to that new location,” Sands said. “If moving it intact is not an option and if we can’t find a location in the right timing or can’t arrange the move, the third option would be to dismantle the house and store it while we finalize where it will ultimately end up.” Edward Nilsson, an architect, a Planning Board member and member of the Marblehead Historical Commission, has worked on preserving the Glover Farmhouse alongside Sands and Swampscott Historical Commission’s chair, Nancy Schultz. He said that if the property’s true history had been fully explored earlier, a preservation effort may have commenced sooner. “If we knew, then — when the Planning Board reviewed the project — what we know now, we would have had a very different outcome,” Nilsson said. “And we would have been much further along in a preservation effort.” While Nilsson expressed reservations about developers’ willingness to preserve the Glover Farmhouse in the current development plans, he said several alternative locations are under consideration — including a site across the street in Salem.
Jessica Barnett Ed Bell Leigh Blander Will Dowd David Moran Kris Olson DESIGN AND PRODUCTION
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BLACK CYAN MAGENTA YELLOW
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Opinion EDITORIAL
Un-Pleasant Street
It has been said that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. In Marblehead, that road is Pleasant Street, and it is paved with asphalt. Specifically, it is the portion of roadway between Smith Street and Mohawk Road where two lanes of inbound traffic suddenly give way to one lane just before reaching the former railroad crossing (now the walking/bike trail). It is here that we have experienced two pedestrian fatalities and numerous bicycle crashes involving automobiles. How many times have you, our readers, sat idling in your car at the Smith Street red light, waiting to resume your travels toward downtown, only to wonder if the driver in that car idling next to you is intent on being the first to accelerate and gain the lead to ensure that they might reach their destination seconds ahead of you? Or, having passed through the intersection, kept a close eye on your sideview mirror, fearful that at any moment a speeding vehicle might come alongside, passing and possibly cutting you off as you are obeying the 25 mph speed limit? What are we to do about this ongoing public safety concern? Should we eliminate the second lane altogether on this stretch of Pleasant Street? Should the right lane be restricted to right turns onto Smith Street? Should the left lane be restricted to left turns onto Baldwin Road? Should there be new signage? Should there be something else? Or should there be no changes whatsoever? It is our hope that answers to these questions and thoughtful solutions to this critical problem will come from our newly constituted sevenmember Traffic Safety Advisory Committee, which recently held its first official meeting. Town Meeting authorized the creation of this committee, and it now comprises three residents appointed by the Select Board, our police and fire chiefs, public works director and town engineer, with Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer serving as an additional non-voting member. While this committee’s charge is not limited to the Pleasant Street situation, we urge it to make it its initial focus and priority. Committee members will have the benefit of access to the transportation plan of the consultant recently hired by the town to assess our intersections, sidewalks and streets, once it has been completed, and they will also have the ability to consider the results of the ongoing accident investigation relating to the tragic death of Karl Johnson. There must be a way to make this stretch of roadway safer for all users, and we are confident that the Traffic Safety Advisory Committee and our town leaders will find the appropriate solution. Anything less would be both disappointing and dangerous.
LETTERS POLICY
We want to hear from you The Marblehead Current loves to get letters to the editor. There are just a few rules you need to know. Generally, letters should not exceed 500 words. The Marblehead Current reserves the right not to publish submissions over the word limit and may instead return the letter to the writer for editing. Letters must include: 1. The author’s name. Unsigned letters and form letters will not be published. 2. The name of the street the author lives on in Marblehead. Only the street name will be published next to the author’s name — not their full address. 3. For every letter, we will need an author’s daytime/ cell phone number (not for publication) for verification purposes. 4. If letters seek to introduce into a discussion purported facts that are not commonly known, writers may be asked to provide the source for those purported facts. 5. Letters must be received by 5 p.m. Wednesday to be published in the following Wednesday’s print edition of the Marblehead Current. Letters will be published to our website at the earliest opportunity, after verification. Email submissions to info@marbleheadnews.org. While the Marblehead Current will make every effort to let writers have their say, it reserves the right not to publish letters.
EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY
A quiet interregnum BY VIRGINIA BUCKINGHAM I know that the term interregnum is typically defined as the period of time between royal reigns. But it keeps popping into my head as the right word to describe this brief interlude between Thanksgiving and the start of the heart of the Christmas season. Many, especially those of you who put the tree up the minute the turkey carcass has been picked clean, would argue that the Christmas season is already in full swing, it is December after all. And last weekend’s Christmas Walk festivities in town were a perfect kickoff. But I also think there’s something to be said, at least for sanity’s sake, to make the transition slowly. To metaphorically allow the pumpkins to linger, even as the wreaths are being hung. Our home was full for a glorious five days. There were bumps of course – TVs turned up too loud, doors slamming and jolting me awake long after my usual bedtime, stress dreams the fridge door was left open after post-midnight snack runs. And towels. So many wet towels. But each night as I closed my eyes, I reveled in knowing four of us were under one roof, safe and sound for that moment in time. And then they left, flying and driving back to their lives. The better part of the next few days was spent gathering the debris of their visit. Straightening their rooms. Putting away the table extensions. Laundry. So much laundry. It’s the quiet that I am relishing now. It seems more pronounced than it did before Thanksgiving, even though we’ve been at this empty nest thing for a while. It must be the juxtaposition. What I didn’t quite
appreciate is that the quiet is its own source of energy, and I need its restoration. How can I make it last? Well, for starters, I plan to decorate slowly, over time. Some mantle greenery here, a table centerpiece there. It doesn’t all have to be done wholly and perfectly all at once. I also tend to put the tree up but only with lights for a few weeks. I like leaving the decorating until we can be together, but truth be told, I actually prefer the tree lit and unadorned. I’ve started shopping, picking up things that catch my eye for the kids or a friend or a sibling. But I am trying not to plow through my gift list like some kind of Sherman’s March. It will all get done. There’ll be some social things on our calendar, some traditions we keep. There’s one couple we befriended at daycare when Jack was an infant who we’ll have a drink with — we see them all year, too — but it’s part of our Christmas tradition to have a holiday cocktail together and marvel at the passage of time. Making a point of small moments can be as celebratory as grand ones. There’ll be a time, maybe next week, maybe the week after, where I’ll start making a list of the groceries I need for our Christmas Eve and Christmas Day menus. The orders to be placed. I’ll buy wrapping paper and bows, and scramble to find the perfect gifts. My anxiety level will start to creep up, stress dreams of misplaced presents will creep in. Until then, I will treasure this peaceful interregnum where spirit, holiday and otherwise, is being renewed. Virginia Buckingham is the president of the Marblehead Current’s board of directors. Her column appears weekly.
CUZNER IN NATURE
Mink takes up residence in Bird Sanctuary BY RICK CUZNER
I recently photographed an American mink living in the Marblehead Bird Sanctuary on the Neck. The American mink is a semiaquatic species native to North America, known for its dark brown fur with white patches on the chin, chest and throat areas. It is a carnivore that eats rodents, fish, crustaceans, frogs and birds. Minks are found throughout Massachusetts, except COURTESY PHOTOS / RICK CUZNER on Nantucket. According An American mink surveys its surroundings after emerging from the water in the Bird to the Massachusetts Sanctuary on Marblehead Neck. Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, a mink population was spotted on Martha’s Vineyard. The mink lives in forested areas near water sources like rivers, lakes and streams. They are skilled swimmers and climbers, able to swim up to 100 feet underwater and dive 16 feet deep. According to iNaturalist. org, mink babies are born in late spring — April or May — with litters of one to eight cubs, which will stay with their mothers until fall before leading mostly solitary lives. Mink tracks can be found in sand, mud and snow alongside rivers and streams. The Marblehead Current is proud to partner with photographer Rick Cuzner. For the past 15 years, he has taken thousands of nature photographs that capture the wild animals who call Marblehead home.
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PUBLIC SERVANT
Justice Lowy turns new page in legal career Marblehead resident moving from state’s top court to UMass general counsel BY WILLIAM J. DOWD After more than seven years of handing down rulings on Massachusetts’ highest court, Supreme Judicial Court Justice David Lowy of Marblehead is handing in his black robe for the head general counsel post for the University of Massachusetts system. “This opportunity came up, and it’s just too awesome a job not to take,” he told the Marblehead Current in a phone interview. Lowy will officially step down on his birthday on Feb. 3, capping over a quarter century as a Massachusetts judge. Before the SJC, he served on the Massachusetts District Court for four years and the Massachusetts Superior Court for 15 years. “He is somebody who literally at every step along the way throughout his professional career has demonstrated a sense of fairness and a high degree of intellect and thoroughness in everything he’s done,” then-Gov. Charlie Baker said of Lowy in 2016 during his Supreme Judicial Court confirmation hearing. According to State House News Service reports, Lowy was one of several SJC nominations made by former Baker that reshaped the court’s membership and shifted its ideological balance over the past seven years. The turnover steered the court toward Baker’s brand of pragmatic incrementalism and a
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On Nov. 18, 2016, then-Gov. Charlie Baker swore in Justice David Lowy of Marblehead to a seat on Massachusetts’ highest court before other state officials in the chamber of the House of Representatives.
non-activist judicial philosophy, making it less likely to hand down broadly progressive rulings. One of the most high-profile cases Lowy presided over as a Superior Court judge was the 2015 murder trial of Phillip Chism, a Danvers High School student convicted of raping and murdering his 24-year-old math teacher, Collen Ritzer. In that case, Lowy also denied a motion to impound a video and a transcript of an interview in which Chism confessed to the crime, citing the public’s right to know. His decision was upheld by the SJC, which he had joined by the time the court’s ruling was issued, though he did not participate in its deliberation. On the SJC, he weighed in on the constitutionality of a so-called millionaire‘s tax and two state drug lab scandals. In
the latter, the high court issued sweeping decisions wiping out tens of thousands of drug convictions. “I have witnessed the impact of poverty, discrimination, addiction and mental health challenges in the lives of thousands and thousands of people. What I have come to learn is that few people — even the overwhelming majority of people we sentence in Superior Court — are bad human beings,” Lowy said during his 2016 confirmation hearing. “I am not disavowing personal responsibility with this observation; I am only noting the importance of compassion and empathy. While we cannot always understand other people’s problems, it is incumbent upon a judge to try.” He also stressed the importance of public service and giving back to the community
as driving forces throughout his time as a judge, pointing out that his parents worked hard to give him opportunity. “Public service is an opportunity for me to give back to everything that this community and country has given me,” Lowy said. “My dad escaped the Holocaust at 4 years old. He worked his way through dental school. My mom grew up on the third floor of a threefloor walkup. All four of my grandparents were immigrants.” The retiring justice — who lost extended family in the Holocaust and has memorialized their lives extensively in public remarks — said his background instilled in him a powerful sense of gratitude and desire to contribute through civic duty. Beyond his judicial responsibilities, Lowy has been a long-time adjunct law professor at Boston University School of Law, New England Law Boston and Suffolk University Law School. He has taught thousands of aspiring legal professionals over the past 33 years, and in his new gig will teach as an adjunct professor. “It’s one of the most important things I do,” Lowy told the Current. “If I can have an impact on them that’s going to enhance their education and maybe help them heal the world someday, that means the world to me.” The justice said he aims to impress upon students the weighty responsibility lawyers have to conduct themselves with
integrity, protect citizens’ rights and enhance public discourse. “Lawyers have a disproportionate responsibility to hopefully enhance the level of civility of the discussion in the public square and to be leaders in their communities,” Lowy said. Lowy also clerked for Judge Edward F. Harrington in federal district court, an experience he described as crucial. He has tried to “pay it forward” by providing similar mentorship to his own law clerks, Lowy said. In his new position, Lowy will oversee strategy, policy and operations as the University of Massachusetts’ top lawyer. It also marks a return to the system that educated him, having graduated from University of Massachusetts-Amherst. As his departure looms, Lowy leaves an SJC subtly transformed since he first took the bench in 2016. He said new judges inherently influence the court’s character, but core guiding principles remain moored. “The [Massachusetts] Constitution is an organic document, so there’s always change,” Lowy said. “But what remains constant is that ideology does not rule there. It’s really about the recognition that we as judges have an awesome responsibility to ensure justice.” EDITOR’S NOTE: Lowy is the husband of Virginia Buckingham, president of the Marblehead Current’s Board of Directors.
BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT
Explore with Forever a Nomad BY MELISSA STACEY
the idea of setting objectives and striving to achieve them. If I succeed, it’s because I worked hard for it, and if I fail, it’s because I let self-doubt get the better of me. This quote is both motivating and humbling for me.
The following is an interview with Kristal Ham, owner of Forever a Nomad, conducted by Discover Marblehead. To read about Ham’s travel adventures or download free travel guides, go to foreveranomad.com. Tell us about Forever a Nomad and why you started it. I absolutely adore traveling. I take pleasure in exploring both popular tourist spots and hidden gems. However, many people feel overwhelmed and uncertain about planning their own trips, which can prevent them from traveling altogether or cause them to stick to the same destination repeatedly. That’s where I come in. I provide comprehensive itineraries for trips as well as specific cities and locations, making it easier for anyone to travel the world confidently and enjoyably. I also share the latest tips and insider
tricks to help you score the best travel deals. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, I have something for everyone. What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? “Don’t sit down and wait for the opportunities to come. Get up and make them.” — Madam C.J. Walker, the first female self-made millionaire. If you have something valuable to offer to the world, then it’s imperative that you start working towards it. I must confess that it’s easier said than done, but I relish
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Old Town. I love walking the streets of Old Town, reading the signs on the homes to know about the people who lived there, and exploring the unique shops located therein. The history of this amazing town has captivated me since the moment I first came here several years ago with my family on a vacation. I am now proud to call this incredible place home. What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I worked as a licensed private investigator for over 15 years, mostly in the criminal defense field.
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Kristal Ham, owner and founder of the Forever a Nomad travel website based in Marblehead. She started the site to provide comprehensive itineraries and travel resources, aiming to make it easier for anyone to travel the globe.
My husband and I owned and operated a firm that specialized in investigating murder cases, DUIs, drug matters and other criminal charges. We collaborated with our clients’ attorneys to provide the best possible defense. Recently, we transformed our business into a nationwide TSCM (technical surveillance countermeasures)
Walk From P. A1
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Children and families line the streets, eagerly awaiting the Christmas Walk parade on Saturday, Dec. 2.
Matt Martin of National Grand served as master of ceremonies for the night, introducing featured performances from student singers. “It’s all about the Marblehead kids — parents, grandparents seeing their little loved ones up there singing classic Christmas songs,” Martin said. “That’s why this year we really pushed to involve even younger kids.” Musical selections ranged from “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” to “Jingle Bells.” “We work so hard on our singing,” said 11-year-old Village School student Addison Coe. “It’s nice seeing how many Marblehead residents came out to see us.”
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“It’s a phenomenal tradition we keep going year after year,” said a beaming Katherine Koch, the executive director of the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce. Marblehead resident Mary Stocking, who attended with her two French bulldogs, said: “It just brings everybody together to celebrate the holiday season. You get to meet your neighbors.” Stocking said the harbor arrival and associated celebrations embody the town’s communal spirit. “People are very kind and generous,” she said, “and it’s a great way to kick off the holiday season.” Rainy weather on Sunday didn’t dampen spirits. One highlight? Reindeer (mini-horses wearing antlers) rides outside Shubie’s.
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A6 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Marblehead Current
SECRET SPEAKEASY
Hidden Door a portal to new Marblehead experience BY LEIGH BLANDER Have you heard? Marblehead has a new secret. “We’re hoping to keep it shrouded in mystery for a little while longer,” said Victoria Horvath, who is co-owner of a new speakeasy in town called The Hidden Door. Exactly where the door is and what’s behind it has much of Marblehead talking. Horvath and her husband, Todd, have owned and managed several restaurants on the North Shore, but this is their first together. When they received a liquor license in 2019, they knew they wanted to capitalize on a ’20s theme once they bought a place and opened. “We’re drawing some inspiration from that era,” Todd said. To reach The Hidden Door, one might look for a fence near The Barrelman, which Todd Horvath used to manage. “There’s a surprise
The Revolver is Todd Horvath’s favorite drink at The Hidden Door.
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Todd and Victoria Horvath opened The Hidden Door in November.
entrance, and you might wonder, ‘Am I supposed to be going here?’” Victoria laughed. “Once you find your way inside, the journey continues. You’re walking through a narrow hallway, and you don’t really see it until you turn a corner.”
Victoria did most of the interior design for the bar. “There are vaulted ceilings, exposed beams and bricks, lots of wood, oriental rugs. There’s dim lighting. Everything has an orange glow. I wanted to make sure that it felt old and new at the same time.
There are stars in certain places. Etched glass. Velvet curtains. The bar is mahogany. “It’s a deep purple color, very moody and sexy,” she added. So far, visitors are having the exact reaction Victoria was hoping for. “They’re like, ‘Oh my God,’” she said. “There might be some foul language because they’re
so excited.” Todd added, “It sort of feels like a Wes Anderson movie. As we hired our staff, we were cultivating personalities. We wanted the room to be another one of those personalities.” As for the drinks, Todd says expect to be impressed. “We’re making everything from scratch, we’re making all our own syrups,” he said. “Every cocktail on our cocktail list has something in it that we make… fresh lemon and lime juice… we’re not using frozen. We make negroni sorbet. Every week, I keep doubling what we make.” In addition to beer, wine and cocktails, The Hidden Door offers “small bites and desserts,” but the Horvaths didn’t want to divulge any more menu details. Todd and Victoria planned a soft, almostsecret opening, but they’ve been shocked to see how
many people have tracked down The Hidden Door so far. “There’s a line every night,” Victoria said. “I feel terrible. It’s getting cold outside! We so appreciate the community. It has been so wonderful, and we feel so grateful.” Todd added, “People are telling us that when they walk in they feel like they’ve been transported to a different place. At a time when we don’t communicate with each other face to face, and there’s a huge anxiety problem with the country right now, to have a place where people come together and not stare at a television can be very comfortable. That was one of our goals.” He continued, “We want people to know, we tried to build this cool, welcoming place for everybody with some craft cocktails and drinks that are prepared with purpose and delivered with care.”
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Shubie’s celebrates 75 years of food, wine, community BY LEIGH BLANDER One of the oldest and most popular businesses in town, Shubie’s plans to celebrate its 75th anniversary with a special weekend Dec. 16-17. Louis and Ida Shube, Russian immigrants, opened a small supermarket in the 1920s at the corner of Atlantic Avenue and Commercial Street. In 1927, they moved across the street to where CVS is now. The rest, as they say, is history. “My grandfather Bill bought a liquor license and opened in the back of 45 Atlantic,” Shubie’s General Manager Doug Shube told the Current. “It was only 500 square feet. Today’s
version of Shubie’s is the descendant of that liquor store.” Bill Shube passed away in 1969 and his wife ran the business for a few years. “Then my dad, George, came home from college and took it over.” George renamed it Shubie’s (his nickname) and they moved again, across the street to 32 Atlantic. “In 1994, my mom [Carol] got more involved and brought in specialty grocery items, imported cheeses. That’s when we got our first executive chef,” Doug said. “We started with a hot plate, believe it or not,” he laughed. Finally, in 2005, Shubie’s moved to its current
Giving Thanks this Holiday Season
Bill Shube opened a liquor store in his parents’ market in 1948, launching a Marblehead landmark. COURTESY PHOTOS
George, Carol and Doug Shube are in the shop almost every day.
location at 16 Atlantic. It just recently underwent a renovation. Despite all its iterations, the shop has always felt like home to Doug. “I remember being in the store from an early
age,” he said. “The store I grew up in was 32 Atlantic. I remember being behind the counter and pushing the big green button to open the register. I definitely grew up in the business.”
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create something special and bring it to another community, maybe somewhere else on the North Shore.” One thing is certain: The Shubes will always run Shubie’s. “It has to stay in the family,” Doug said. “My dad’s been working here for 46 years, running the store. He loves it.” On Dec 16-17, Shubie’s will celebrate its 75th with 20% of all gifts and specialty foods. On Saturday, 1-4 p.m., there will be tastings of wine, bourbon, Ugandan spirits and ice cream.
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Doug says the Shube family feels a special connection to the Marblehead. “My parents and I talk about that a lot,” he said. “We feel so fortunate. Especially when we moved to the current location, my parents wanted the store to become this community gathering place, and that really happened when we introduced the food bar. “ When asked what, if any plans, the family has for the next 75 years at Shubie’s, Doug shared that a second store might be a possibility. “I’d love to see if we can
George Shube took over the family businesses in the 1970s. His son, Doug, is now Shubie’s general manager.
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Marblehead Current Wednesday, December 6, 2023 A7
LEGACY OF LEADERSHIP
Town celebrates Belf-Becker’s 20+ years of service BY WILLIAM J. DOWD More than 50 people gathered at Shubie’s on Wednesday night to celebrate former Select Board and School Committee member Jackie Belf-Becker and her nearly two dozen years serving as an elected official in Marblehead. Friends and family gathered in Shubie’s on Wednesday, Nov. 29, to celebrate Jackie Belf-Becker, who served 18 years on the Select Board and 5 ½ years on the School Committee. While in office, Belf-Becker
served on subcommittees like the Brown School Building Committee and Green Marblehead Committee. Speakers at the event included former state Rep. Lori Ehrlich and Select Board member Moses Grader. Also in attendance were former school superintendent John Buckey and three former town administrators: Jason Silva, Tony Sasso and John McGinn. In her speech, Belf-Becker expressed gratitude for the friendships made over her years of public service in Marblehead,
which she described as a special place after meeting her husband David here over 50 years ago. “It really touches my heart,” Belf-Becker said of the event’s large turnout. She also called her years of service “a labor of love” and said, “It is so meaningful to be here with you.” Belf-Becker also spoke about the over 70 years of combined public service she and her family have given Marblehead. “We always taught our COURTESY PHOTO children that if you love your Friends and family gathered in Shubie’s on Wednesday, Nov. 29, to town, you should give back to celebrate Jackie Belf-Becker, who served 18 years on the Select Board it,” she said. and 5 ½ years on the School Committee.
‘FIVE-STAR MENSCH’
Psychiatrist, activist, leader Jack Weltner remembered BY LEIGH BLANDER Whether he was wearing an inflatable methane molecule costume, playing the tuba or driving his Prius with a giant Mother Earth sticker on the hood, Jack Weltner’s friends say he stood out for his kindness, commitment and spirituality. “He was a five-star mensch,” said fellow climate activist Judith Black of Marblehead. Black continued, “Jack, a man of science, encouraged everyone he was close with to discover the spiritual side of their lives… the result being that many of us dug down into places we might never otherwise have gone. I could go on and on, but you get the idea. This mortal plane will be a slightly emptier one without Jack Weltner.” Weltner, 89, passed away at his home the day after Thanksgiving, surrounded by his family. A successful, Harvard-trained psychiatrist, Weltner worked with children, adults and families in his cozy office near his home. He also saw patients at Lynn Community Health Center and
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Friends say Weltner was always open to new experiences.
Cambridge Guidance Center. “What made him the most unique clinician was that he treated each person who came into his office as a special guest,” said friend and colleague Evan Longin. “There was always a hot pot of tea boiling in the office. He would lovingly pour a cup of tea to those in need of his assistance and make them feel like they were safe and cared for. His loving countenance will be sorely missed.”
Weltner and Jay Morrison led a Sunday Seminar program at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead. “Despite his many accomplishments, he always identified as a regular person with a sense of humility and a willingness to admit his ‘imperfections,’” Morrison wrote in an email. “I was fascinated by his ability to think ‘outside the box.’ He had a personal interest in spirituality and in spiritual experiences, and he seemed to conduct his life on a basis of a communal love, as if he had melded many different religious identities into one through kindness and reaching out to others.” When their two daughters were little, Weltner and his wife, Linda, started what they called an “alternative religious community” with Ron Fox of Marbehead and his family. “It was an egalitarian, progressive experience,” Fox said. “Jack was a deeply spiritual man.” Weltner was committed to social and environmental justice. He was a proud Democrat and member of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee. In fact, in the few weeks before he died, he collected
signatures to allow Massachusetts Auditor Diane DiZoglio to conduct an audit of the Legislature. During recent presidential elections, you could see Weltner carrying a large doll of his preferred candidate, Bernie Sanders, made by his wife. He could also be spotted wearing an inflatable methane molecule costume at protests against a new peaker plant. Friend Lynn Nadeau called Weltner “a good soul.” “He was a kind-hearted observer, connector in the community and a voice for caring and concern,” she said. Weltner worked with Anthony Silva in the early days of the Me&Thee Music. “I have known Jack Weltner for more than 50 years through the UU Church,” Silva said. “Jack was a consistent leader for social justice who led discussion groups, marched for various causes and was never hesitant to jump into a debate. He also loved to play the tuba for various celebrations and support the groups he believed in.” Silva added, “We’ll miss his energy, his commitment and his sense of humor.”
NEWS IN BRIEF BY WILLIAM J. DOWD The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to wdowd@marbleheadnews.org.
Former Marblehead postal employee sentenced Former Marblehead postal service employee Zeon Johnson, 28, of Saugus, was sentenced to two years of supervised release and ordered to pay $18,206 to the USPS, after pleading guilty to conversion of government money. Beginning July 2019 through June 2020, Johnson converted more than $18,000 in USPS funds for personal use by stealing cash paid by customers for stamps and issuing USPS money orders payable to himself.
OMIA honors service, historic preservation The Old Marblehead Improvement Association — a nonprofit devoted to preserving the town’s historic heritage — celebrated its annual meeting on Nov. 19 at the Old Town House, with over 60 attendees. The event recognized several individuals and organizations for
Workshop From P. A1
Member Jenn Schaeffner said, “We went through a very, very, very difficult time over the last several months, and we had a lot of pressure on us from within our community. I don’t think we came together to support each other.” In July, Taylor wrote a letter to the editor criticizing what she called a lack of transparency in the committee’s efforts to oust Buckey. At the workshop, she pushed back against Fox. “In all honesty, the way you just spoke to me shows just how unproductive this committee
their contributions to the Old Marblehead Historic District, including the following: Dan Dixey received the Virginia Gamage Award for preserving Marblehead’s history through his extensive collection of local photographs and a 2023 documentary on local lobstermen and women. Becky Cutting was honored with the Judy Jacobi Award for her 35-year service as Marblehead’s town planner. Village Pharmacy was recognized for its 53rd anniversary. Betty Breuhaus and Bill Darling were praised for their property acquisitions in the historic district supporting the growth of downtown businesses. Chris Johnston received a special award for his 12 years as chair of the Marblehead Historical Commission, where he developed programs to highlight the town’s heritage and safeguarded historical documents. Suzanne Noble, the owner of O’Rama’s for 45 years, was honored. Nancy Mantilla was acknowledged for the restoration of the property at 181 Washington St.
Input on MBTA zoning sought
is at this time,” Meagan Taylor said. “You’re saying I’m the reason this committee is not working. None of us treated each other with respect.” Taylor complained that during the Buckey controversy, the committee withheld information from her. “And when I have a School Committee member call me and literally berate me for 15 minutes… I don’t feel safe when those things happen,” she said. Taylor later identified Schaeffner as the member who called and yelled at her. Reached by the Current, Schaeffner responded, “The
The Planning Board seeks public input through Friday, Dec. 8, on a study determining a path toward compliance with MBTA 3A Multi-Family Zoning. The board has held two meetings and compiled data on potential housing locations, types, challenges and benefits. A virtual open house at bit.ly/47ZWSL5 provides information on the zoning requirements, what compliance involves for Marblehead, housing density and types, and steps taken so far. Residents can review the plan and offer feedback to help further develop an MBTA zoning compliance strategy. Questions or comments can be directed to Town Planner Rebecca Cutting at rebeccac@marblehead.org.
Department 3000, PO Box 986535, Boston, MA 02298-6535. The lockbox processing system aims to benefit both residents and the town through quicker payment processing. Questions can go to the treasurer/ collector’s office at revenue@ marblehead.org.
at marblehead.org. Questions can be addressed to Council on Aging Director Lisa Hooper at 781-631-6225.
Dollars for Scholars bestows Peterson Award
The town has adopted a new lockbox processing system to improve efficiency in handling over 31,000 annual tax bills. Checks will now be deposited daily at a bank, with payment files sent electronically to update customer accounts. Tax payments should be mailed to: Town of Marblehead,
Marblehead is accepting applications from Dec. 19 through Jan. 19 for its 2024 senior work-off program. The program allows seniors over 60 who meet income thresholds to volunteer for the town in exchange for a property tax reduction of up to $750. There are 30 openings available for 2024. Applicants must complete training and background checks and will be matched to volunteer placements suited to their qualifications, availability and physical abilities. Applications are evaluated based on financial need and suitability of placement. Volunteer hours must be completed by Oct. 12, 2024, at the Massachusetts minimum wage rate. Details and applications are available on the Council on Aging website
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars presented longtime board members Mike and Rae Weed with the Peterson Award at its annual meeting. The award honors outstanding service to the nonprofit, which provides need-based college scholarships to Marblehead students. Mike Weed serves as chair of the high school scholarship committee. His mother, Rae Weed, is on the advanced standing scholarship committee, which reviews college sophomore, junior and senior applications. “Mike and Rae are highly valued board members, and their exceptional work directly supports our mission to provide financial assistance to local students pursuing higher education,” organization president Jac Bentley said. Bentley presented the Weeds with Golden Cods as appreciation for their years of dedicated service to Marblehead Dollars for Scholars.
claim of my berating Ms. Taylor is profoundly untrue. The continued failure of one committee member to follow our operating protocols and decorum of professional respect to our staff and colleagues is hurting our students. I sincerely hope that can stop and we can move forward as a committee of five agreeing to disagree without being disrespectful for the sake of our students and staff. That was and continues to be my message to Ms. Taylor.” At the workshop, member Alison Taylor said, “I don’t know where we go from here. “I didn’t write a
very disparaging letter to the editor about my committee members, if we’re going to call things out.” Fox added, “We need some marital therapy, because the kids aren’t going to be OK.” Fox asked Presser if it was allowable for members to contact each other with concerns, without violating procedural rules. “I’ll call the secretary of state or the attorney general [to find out]. It’s one of my favorite numbers to call,” Fox said. Member Brian Ota urged Fox to try the communication workshop again. “I think it’s very important
that we schedule it as soon as possible,” Ota said. “It’s going to fester.” Ota also suggested that the next workshop be closed to the public and reporters. He later said that he meant to request the discussion can happen in another workshop setting.. Later, the committee discussed goals for McGuinness over the next several months. Those goals included the 2025 budget and collective bargaining with the Marblehead Educators Association. The School Committee is expected to meet next on Thursday, Dec. 7.
New address for tax payments
2024 senior workoff program
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Sports It’s award season for MHS fall athletes BY JOE McCONNELL With the winter high school sports season beginning at the end of this week, the fall sports athletes were still savoring their accomplishments after receiving well-deserved recognition on their respective conference allstar teams. All the honorees were publicly announced recently after each sport’s coaches sat down to hash out the star-studded rosters with the exception of football that was still wrapping up its playoffs, Thanksgiving Day games and Super Bowls. In the Northeastern Conference, the Marblehead High School Magicians had their share of honors, including two coach of the year (Brian Heenan for cross-country, and Bob Green for golf) picks to go along with a couple of player of the year (cross-country runners Marri O’Connell and Isaac Gross) selections. It was indeed a fall of success for the crosscountry, golf, boys soccer and football teams, and a season of new experiences for the field hockey (Mia Maccario) and girls soccer (Lisa Wales) coaches, who were getting their first taste of varsity competition. Heenan, Gross, O’Connell highlight the MHS cross-country award winners Heenan was chosen the NEC Boys Coach of the Year after guiding his squad to a 4-0 perfect record in the Dunn Division. Danvers (3-1), Beverly (2-2), Masconomet (1-3) and Peabody (0-4) followed right behind the Magicians. “I do not know just how many times I have been named coach of the year in the last 23 years, but I can tell you that every time I have earned it, I was honored and humbled to receive the votes of my fellow NEC coaches, and there were many who were more deserving than me this season,” said Heenan. The Magicians again went to the head of the NEC class when Gross was selected the boys runner of the year. O’Connell enjoyed similar honors when she was picked as the conference’s girls runner of the year. The girls team as a whole finished fourth in the Dunn Division with a 2-2 record. Peabody finished on top at 4-0, followed by Masconomet (3-1) and Beverly. Danvers was winless at 0-4. Will Cerrutti and Nick Assa made the Boys All-Conference team, along with Gross. Cat Piper and O’Connell were the Marblehead representatives on the Girls All-Conference team, and the NEC coaches designated Maren Potter to the all-star squad. Herlihy glowingly talked about his All-Conference runners. “What do Marri O’Connell and Cat Piper mean to the Marblehead High School girls cross-country program? In a word: everything,” said Herlihy. “These two were the heart and soul of the team. They were our No. 1 (O’Connell) and No. 2 (Piper) runners for the last two seasons. They were two of our three captains this year, and they’re inseparable best friends. “Cat Piper has been running cross-country for six years, and her passion for the sport never once wavered, regardless of performance. Her experience, enthusiasm and love for running set the tone for everyone on the team. “Cat has been a team leader,
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Marblehead High golf coach Bob Green, left, the NEC golf coach of the year, is shown with Matt Mahan, NEC All-Star Simon Quicken, NEC All-Scholastic Charlie Grenier, NEC All-Star James Bickel, NEC AllScholastic Marty Ryan and NEC All-Star Jacob Hershfield after winning the Division 2 North state sectional title last month, the program’s firstever state championship.
and someone that the whole team looked up to throughout the past two years. She is someone that everyone could rely on, confide in and look to for guidance, including myself. Her performances as an athlete obviously played a huge role in the team’s success this season – eighth in the NEC Championship Meet, 25th at the Division 2A Championship Meet and 66th at the Division 2 State Championship Meet. But her role as a leader, teammate and friend meant more than any performance ever could. “Marri joined the team last year as a relative unknown with minimal running experience. But as with everyone else in the program, Cat welcomed her with open arms. The two became fast friends. Marri had a very successful freshman season, but she’ll tell you herself that she didn’t have much love for running in the early going, but Cat’s passion and enthusiasm would prove to be infectious, and somewhere between the first day of crosscountry practice last year and competing at the New Balance Nationals last spring, Marri fell in love with the sport too. The two of them, along with our third captain Maren Potter, brought their boundless love for the sport to captains’ practices every day from late June to mid-August, when the 2023 preseason began. They were the team’s top runners all season long, and I would argue no one cared more about the team’s success and the success of each individual on the team than them. “Cat has become renowned for her photography that showcased her cross-country and track teammates. She helped create tangible mementos for them to cherish. For Marri, she famously won the NEC Championship Meet after running through the finish line, before going back out onto the course to cheer on her teammates. “At the Division 2 State Championship Meet after Marri finished second, she was first upset with the result, but then turned right around to make her way back to the course to cheer on her teammates again. “These two have both enjoyed tremendous success as individuals, but they have also consistently put the team first. I’ve been impressed with their growth as athletes and as people, and it’s been wonderful to watch this friendship bloom.” Heenan also singled out his trio of outstanding runners. “Isaac (Gross) had one of the best seasons ever by a
Marblehead cross-country runner. Witnessing his emergence as one of the best runners in the state was one of the best developments I have ever witnessed as a coach. He always had the talent, but this season he put it all together,” said Heenan. “He set the standard for what it takes to become a successful runner. He went on to win the Varsity 2 race at the Ocean State Invitational, Junior/Senior 3K race at the Frank Kelley Invitational, NEC Championship Meet and Division 2A Championship Meet, before finishing second at the Division 2 State Championship Meet. “Nate Assa took a lot of people by surprise this season. When he joined the team last year as a sophomore, he was usually found in the middle or even the back of the pack. Toward the end of his sophomore season, he started to realize he had potential. He continued that realization throughout the track seasons last year, and then put in a terrific summer of training. Having lost five of our top seven runners to graduation, we needed someone to step up into one of the top varsity positions this fall, and Nate more than did that. He finished sixth in the Varsity 2 race at the Ocean State Invitational, third in the Junior/Senior 3K at the Frank Kelley Invitational, third at the NEC Championship Meet, third at the Division 2A Championship Meet and sixth at the Division 2 State Championship Meet. “When Will Cerrutti’s sensational sophomore season came to an abrupt end last fall after a calf injury, I was worried that he would struggle to get back to form. He continued to be plagued by injury during the spring track season, but rather than be deterred by these setbacks Will took his rehabilitation like it was his job. He worked tirelessly, and that work ethic and overall positive approach to everything set the standard for what it means to be a leader in this program. He went on to finish 13 th in the Junior/Senior 3K at the Frank Kelley Invitational, sixth at the NEC Championship Meet and 13 th at the Division 2A Championship Meet, before finishing the season eighth at the Division 2 State Championship Meet, arguably his best race this fall.” Record-setting season on the links produces five all-stars After an historically successful golf season, the Magicians were well-recognized by the NEC
golf coaches. But before the postseason awards, the team ended up with its best regular season record ever at 14-1 to win the NEC Lynch Division title. They then went on to secure the Division 2 North state sectional championship, another first for the program, with a team score of 311, followed by being one of the 12 best teams in the state this fall that competed for the state championship at Brockton’s Thorny Lea Golf Club on Oct. 31, where they tied for eighth place with Pope Francis. Senior Charlie Grenier and junior Marty Ryan were the team’s NEC All-Scholastic selections. Juniors Simon Quicken, Jacob Hershfield and James Bickell earned allstar honors, giving coach Bob Green more to look forward to next fall. And Green topped off all of the acclaim with the conference’s coach of the year award. But Green deflects all the praise to his five all-star golfers. “Charlie Grenier and Marty Ryan were both deserving of being on the All-Conference team,” said Green. “Charlie had an excellent year playing at No. 1 all season long. In the second match of the season against St. Mary’s at Hillview, he was three over par after two holes. But he then played the next seven holes one under par to record 33 points to lead us to victory. In the Division 2 North state sectional tournament, he shot 42 on the front nine, and then was even par on the back nine. Both are testaments to Charlie’s mental toughness and compete level. He was the unquestioned leader of our team. “Marty Ryan led our team with a 36.1 stroke average. He got the team started with a bang in the first match of the year against host Peabody, shooting two under par. His steady and outstanding play carried us throughout the season. In the Division 2 North tournament, he was cruising along when midway through he made a double and triple bogey on consecutive holes. Despite having those two bad holes, Marty kept grinding to shoot an eight over par 80. It was another display of mental toughness and ability. “Simon Quicken had an outstanding season. His win/loss record and stroke average were two big reasons for our success. He shot 79 in the Division 2 North tournament, and 81 in the state championship meet, good enough to tie for 14 th place individually, and he played both rounds with a sore back. “Jacob Hershfield was 12-2 in the regular season playing in the third or fourth spots. At the Division 2 North tournament, he shot 75 to lead our team to victory and a spot in the state championship. “James Bickell also had an outstanding season. He began the year playing in the seventh spot, but his good play, consistency and success moved him up to the fifth spot. James won 71% of his match points that were available, which helped him secure a 9-2 record. “All five of these players are committed to playing the game at a high level. Their work ethic and preparation were an outstanding example to the rest of the team.” Volleyball’s Parkman, Burke, Amadis earn postseason honors The Marblehead High
volleyball team (7-5) finished fourth in the NEC Dunn Division, behind Peabody (11-1), Danvers (10-2) and Masconomet (8-4). Beverly (1-11) ended up last in the division. MHS libero Megan Parkman made the Dunn Division All-Conference team. Deysha Amadis and Eva Burke were the Marblehead divisional all-star representatives. MHS coach Killeen Miller offered her thoughts on these three players. “Megan (Parkman) is an amazing leader. Her intensity on the court was contagious, and she had such high expectations for herself and her teammates. She just wanted to learn, and that showed up every day as she continued to grow and develop,” said Miller. “Eva (Burke) is a setter with so much talent, who was quick, showed great athleticism and was a very versatile player. She worked really hard at all parts of her game, and was willing to do whatever it took for her teammates. “Deysha (Amadis) was one of the most hard-working individuals that I have ever met. She has big goals, and is relentless in her pursuit of success. On the court, Deysha constantly has the drive to succeed, while also pushing others to be the best they can be.” Donovan completes field hockey season as an All-Star The MHS field hockey team, under the direction of first-year coach Mia Maccario, finished up with a 4-10 record. Danvers was the conference champion at 13-0-1. Senior Clara Donovan represented her Marblehead teammates on the NEC allstar squad. Maccario said of Donovan: “Clara was overall an amazing captain and player to work with. Her work ethic on and off the field was truly remarkable. She was also a great role model, and will be extremely missed next year, because she was one of those players who stepped up and truly helped carry the team toward the end of the season. She never gave up with setting up shot after shot, and her energy on and off the field was always positive. She truly always gave it her all.” Boys soccer’s Schmitt, Zampese, Burke, McDonald stand out as stars on the pitch The MHS boys soccer team finished up with a 4-5-4 regular season record in the Dunn Division, and also a state tournament berth. Masconomet won the division with a 9-0-4 mark. Senior Riley Schmitt and junior goalie Rory Zampese made the NEC All-Conference team for the Magicians. Senior Jack Burke and sophomore London McDonald are the team’s Dunn Division all-stars. Dormer makes NEC girls soccer All-Conference team First-year girls soccer coach Lisa Wales’ team ended up with a 6-4-3 record, and a state tournament berth. Masconomet came in first in the NEC Dunn Division with a 12-0-1 record, followed by Danvers (8-3-2), Beverly (7-3-3), aforementioned Marblehead and lastly Peabody (5-7-1). The Magicians won the NEC Sportsmanship Award, voted on by the conference coaches. Junior Samantha Dormer made the All-Conference team, and Talia Selby and Cait Mullins were the Dunn all-stars.
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CROSS-COUNTRY
Magician running tandem on regional stage O’Connell, Gross stand out against the Best in the Northeast BY JOE MCCONNELL
COURTESY PHOTOS / CAT PIPER
Isaac Gross works his way up a hill around the halfway point of the race during the annual Foot Locker Northeast Regional Championships at Boston’s Franklin Park on Nov. 25.
Marri O’Connell fends off a surge from Holliston’s Carmen Luisi. O’Connell ended up 18th against the best high school runners throughout the Northeast.
Marblehead High School’s sophomore running whiz Marri O’Connell and senior Isaac Gross competed as individuals at the annual Foot Locker Northeast Regional Championships at Franklin Park in Boston on Nov. 25. Both runners capped off their fantastic cross-country seasons by running well in the brisk cold on the historic Franklin Park
course against the best harriers from 12 Northeast states. Gross finished 63rd with a time of 16:36, while O’Connell ended up 18th with a time of 18:36. “Both turned in what is certainly among the best individual seasons of all-time by any MHS athlete in any sport,” said Will Herlihy, the Magicians girls coach. “For O’Connell, competing at the Northeast Regionals wasn’t
even on her radar until a month or so into the regular season,” added Herlihy, “and so for her to go out and finish in the top 20 is crazy impressive. She was the third Massachusetts runner to cross the finish line, behind Belmont’s Ellie Shae (second, 17:21) and Cambridge’s Aoife Shovlin (10th, 18:16). It was also the third best finish for an underclassman in this annual longtime event. Marri works so hard day in and day out at practice, and so to see her reap the benefits of that work is incredibly rewarding as her coach.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Thank you for succinct, insightful op-ed on book banning To the editor: Thanks to Kathy Leonardson for a succinct and insightful guest editorial regarding book banning. Here are my thoughts. Is book banning the advent of book burning? Seems farfetched but is it? Our country is on the verge of an unimaginable change in how we are governed. If Trump wins the presidency, we will see the introduction of autocracy. The following is not fake news. He has lauded such autocrats as Bolsonaro of Brazil, Duarte of the Philippines, Orban of Hungary, Putin of Russia and Kim Tok Hun of North Korea. During a recent rally in Florida, he called Hezbollah “very smart.” His current verbal attacks on our courts and his use of key words to incite his base to violence are
Shrine From P. A1
been engaged in a years-long dispute with the town. The most recent controversy relates to a tax exemption as the shrine has expanded its footprint to host worship activities. According to Bushell, he hopes to be able to welcome worshippers to the shrine by next Easter. In 2020, the shrine purchased 120 Pleasant St., adjacent to property it already owned at 124 Pleasant St., out of which Bushell had served the Marblehead Brewing Company’s beer in 2017 and 2018. Although religious nonprofits do not pay taxes on property used for religious functions, the town assessed $2,965 in fiscal 2024 taxes on 120 Pleasant St., prompting the shrine to sue the town in September. “St. Nicholas was forced to sue the Marblehead tax assessor, Marblehead tax collector, and the municipality because real property taxes were illegally assessed and collected upon an exempt site,” said Stockton. “In taxing an exempt property, the town has treated St. Nicholas in a manner which is different from other religious organizations in Marblehead.” Meanwhile, months after the U.S. Attorney brought charges, a retired Florida resident, Mary Wipperman, sued Bushell, Stockton and the Marblehead Brewing Company, alleging fraud and a breach of contract. Wipperman claims she invested $180,000 in the company, believing it to be a religious brewing venture, but was not repaid as agreed. In the answer they filed in court, Bushell, Stockton and the company denied the allegations. On Friday, the Current asked Bushell to weigh in on the lawsuit, but he said he could not
clear evidence of his intent to rule by intimidation and fear. Will he go so far as to burn books? Maybe he won’t (we know he doesn’t read much, if at all), but there is already very clear evidence that many other “banners” will feel empowered to further their banning for whatever ideological or religious purpose. Trump is a danger to our democracy. The millions of people who blindly follow him are a danger. I am 86 years old and scared as hell about the outcome in 2024. Walter Haug Highland Terrace
School Committee needs ‘marriage counseling’ To the editor: Thursday night I made my way to the Brown School to witness the school committee coming up with solutions for a way to
comment on pending litigation. ‘Is a beer brewery a religion?’ Emails reveal that over five years ago, town officials harbored some skepticism about Bushell’s Eastern Orthodox organization as it sought to acquire a property to develop its shrine. In correspondence from 2017, former Water and Sewer employee Paul Jalbert asked Fire Chief Jason Gilliland about the pending sale of 124 Pleasant St. Jalbert told Gilliland the seller “said that the buyers were shady.” Jalbert then asked, “Could this be the same organization behind the Father ‘Salt’ episode?” Gilliland returned with an email reading: “Yes, it is Father Andrew who is buying the property.” Jalbert did not return the Current’s request for comment. A September 2017 email from Building Commissioner Rich Baldacci asked Town Planner Becky Cutting, “Is a beer brewery a religion?” Another 2017 email exchange shows town employees joking about Bushell’s offer to donate a portion of the proceeds from the brewery’s opening to aid a child’s medical expenses. As for the tax lawsuit, Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer denied any discrimination, stating Marblehead treats all faiths equally and applies all codes fairly. “The town denies [Bushell’s] allegations, and it is unfortunate that he believes the town is discriminating against him because of his faith,” he said. “The town of Marblehead has consistently and fairly applied the state building and fire codes, and health code, as well as state and local laws to [the shrine’s] properties, as it does with all other property owners in town.” Bushell claims the town has
all get along with each other and with the community. For once I have to agree with Chairwoman Sarah Fox. She remarked that she thought the SC needed marriage counseling. After seeing the interaction of the members tonight it looks more like a divorce is imminent. Also, it was stated that their next workshop will be a closed meeting. I have to disagree with Committee Chairwoman Sarah Fox when she stated that she feels as though the community is starting to trust the school committee. Unfortunately, community stakeholders who have been calling me or stopping me around town do not have trust in you. Before Thanksgiving, a group of high school students came forward to complain about the SC scheduling meetings during the day, when they could not attend. The issue was the removal of the BLM flag. Consequences for the person
who removed it. Still do not have an answer to that question. These young women wanted their voices heard. So what did the SC do? Scheduled a subcommittee meeting on Wednesday at 1 p.m. when parents and students could not attend. You want the community to trust you. Sorry to inform you that we have to see transparency and accountability, which you discussed at the workshop tonight. You have a lot of hard work ahead of you to accomplish that goal. Hopefully, your actions tonight don’t result in the loss of another superintendent. Mary McCarriston Pinecliff Drive
‘We’re engaging in a public dialogue’ To the editor: The bylaw I sponsored and Town Meeting passed has already begun to achieve one
of its prime functions: airing views on traffic safety in a public forum that adheres to the Open Meeting Law. As reported, our police chief cautions against setting “lofty” goals. My aim is a town with zero traffic fatalities or serious injuries. Is that too ambitious for Mr. King? Resident William Anderson’s remarks were notable. He criticized high visibility crosswalks and expressed his opposition to bike lanes. Many in Marblehead might agree with him, while others are perplexed. This highlights the essence: We’re engaging in a public dialogue, with individuals making their positions known. It’s also important to recognize that the secretary role was designated to Amy McHugh, head of the Highway Department and the sole woman on the committee. Dan Albert Leicester Road
A rendering of the planned Shrine of St. Nicholas complex on Pleasant Street.
frequently obstructed his faith community through changing demands and red tape. For the past half-dozen years, the two Pleasant Street properties have been an “ongoing construction site” due to “administrative delays and work stoppages engineered” by the town, the shrine alleges in its complaint. The constant churn in the town’s leadership has not helped either, according to Bushell. “Marblehead’s Building Department has had five building commissioners … and perhaps a half dozen clerks [during that six-year period],” said Bushell. “The town has also had three different town administrators with four different administrations.” Meanwhile, Stockton argued other religious organizations in Marblehead lease to third parties, including daycare providers, without losing exemptions. “Building a church is considered a religious use by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial
Court and, if you think about it, perhaps one might say that building a shrine is the most religious activity one might do,” Stockton said. A monastic complex The Shrine of St. Nicholas aims to create a “public monastic complex” in Marblehead, which would provide spaces for worship, education, events and more once construction is complete. Once interior renovations and landscaping are complete, the Pleasant Street properties would serve as a religious sanctuary, according to Bushell. “St. Nicholas is a place of prayer, charity, social entrepreneurship education and encounter between Christian and secular values,” he said of the complex’s purpose. The planned complex comprises a chapel for regular services plus a library, a refectory for gatherings, educational facilities and open green spaces. Special areas include a rose garden dedicated
COURTESY PHOTO
to the Virgin Mary near an outdoor baptistry and font. “St. Nicholas’ library and refectory are designed as areas where we can host ‘fireside chats’ with some of the brightest and most influential thinkers and doers of America,” Bushell said. The architecture would encompass traditional iconography and sacred design elements while incorporating early American and New England influences as well, using local wood and stone. In the aftermath of the dismissal of the criminal charges, Bushell expressed vindication. He said the allegations represent attacks on his and Stockton’s reputations and work. “These charges were fundamentally unjust because the allegations were manifestly untrue,” he said. “All those who thought badly of us, but who come in repentance and a contrite heart, will be forgiven.”
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CURRENT EVENTS
Marblehead’s best bets, Dec. 6-13 Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming week. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. —Leigh Blander
Community menorah lighting
Holiday book sale
Friday, Dec. 8, 4:30 p.m.
Bring the kids down to Mud Puddle Toys, 1 Pleasant St., for stories with Santa Claus.
Thursday, Dec. 7, through Saturday, Dec. 9
COMMUNITY
Thursday, Dec. 7, 5 p.m.
Join a community menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah outside National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St. There will be songs, blessings and Hanukkah treats.
Santa PJ story time
Thursday, December 7, 2023 First Night of Hanukkah 5 pm at National Grand Bank of Marblehead 91 Pleasant Street in Marblehead
All are welcome
With the support of
Treat yourself or shop for others at the Friends of Abbot Public Library holiday book sale. Everything will be discounted at the Sail Away Book Shop. Hardcovers will be $2 and paperbacks $1. 3 Brook Rd. Hours and more at abbotlibrary.org/.
‘A Christmas Carol’ Friday, Dec. 8, and Saturday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3 p.m.
Holiday Pops Saturday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m.
The Rotary Club of Marblehead Harbor is hosting its annual Holiday Pops Concert. Maestro Dirk Hillyer and The Hillyer Festival Orchestra will return to Abbot Hall. Marblehead native Eliza Howells is the featured soloist. Tickets and info at https://loom.ly/WuxDPyw.
Me&Thee: Mason Daring & Jeanie Stahl
Tip-off Night Friday, Dec. 8, 7-9:15 p.m.
Enjoy the fourth annual theatrical reading of Charles Dickens’ classic story about the power of love and generosity, “A Christmas Carol.” Performed by a small ensemble of actors, “A Christmas Carol” will come to life throughout the Jeremiah Lee Mansion, 161 Washington St., with period costumes, props, caroling and more. Guests will be treated to complimentary treats and beverages, and one lucky audience member will be chosen to perform the beloved role of Tiny Tim. Info and tickets at creativespiritma.com/ christmas-carol.
Friday, Dec. 8, 8 p.m.
The Friends of Marblehead Basketball will host Tip-off Night featuring the Harlem Wizards to celebrate the start of the hoops season. Proceeds from the event will fund girls and boys basketball program needs, including new equipment and student scholarships. Info and tickets at https://loom. ly/2RAycb0.
Me&Thee Music, 28 Mugford St., concludes the first half of its 2023–2024 season with a special concert by Marblehead favorites Mason Daring & Jeanie Stahl, celebrating their 50 years of singing and collaboration. Daring and Stahl have appeared many times over the years at the Me&Thee. More info and tickets at meandthee.org.
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THANK YOU, MARBLEHEAD We’re thrilled to announce that our fall fundraising campaign was a success, thanks to our community’s generosity. Your gifts enabled us to earn a $13,000 grant from NewsMatch and an additional $5,000 match from the Carole Remick Charitable Foundation — and to continue the paper into 2024. Special appreciation goes out to these top donors:
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OBITUARIES the boardwalk at the Flume every spring, and the granite stairs at the basin. He was also a member of the helicopter crew that tended to The Old Man of the Mountain and served as a volunteer firefighter in Dalton. Mitch lived in Dalton for almost 40 years in the home he and his ex-wife Katharine K. Mann purchased, and where his only daughter was born. He said he truly found his purpose in life when he became a father. Mitch was a dedicated father, and there’s nothing he wouldn’t have done for his beloved daughter. He spent time tending to his property splitting, hauling and stacking firewood, building a woodshed, tending to his apple trees and pressing cider. He was vegan and imparted his love of nature and its wonders to his daughter through his property, and his pride in it. Every year he marked his calendar when the phoebes came back to nest in the eves of his home and when the hummingbirds returned. His love of nature brought him much solace and the firm belief that there is a creator. A lifelong musician and
singer-songwriter, Mitch shredded on the guitar, enjoyed playing gigs with many bands and hosting rehearsals at his home. He loved rock’n’roll, shot for the stars and dreamed big. Other pursuits included staying fit, prospecting for gold, minerals and crystals, arrowhead collecting, hiking, bushwhacking, the hush of a mountain stream, boating, studying maps, solving the word jumble, fresh squeezed OJ and meeting new people. Towards the end of his life he became passionate about geoengineering. Mitch is survived by his daughter Julia Harmony Perry of Lewiston, Maine, brother John Kimball Perry and wife Robin of Falmouth, sister, Priscilla Perry Danforth and husband Hill of Marblehead, stepsister Meg Laliberti and stepbrother David Lindsay, nephews Nicholas and Nathaniel Danforth, Ryan and Chistopher Perry, Steve Laliberti and niece Emily Laliberti, uncle Roy Edwin Perry and aunt Barbara of Peru, New York., cousins Jennifer Perry Shingelo and Jason Perry, and two great nieces. Mitch
was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Burrough Perry of Marblehead, and his father Allen Edgar Perry and stepmother Gay Clarke Perry of Naples, Florida. His grandparents, Barbara Burrough and Freida and Edgar Perry though long gone, were all dear to his heart and visiting his “Nana and Pop Pop” in Bayside, Queens, New York, were among his fondest childhood memories. A private burial occurred on Oct. 27 at Lakeview Cemetery in Westmore, Vermont, overlooking one of Mitch’s favorite places, Willoughby Gap. A celebration of life is to be announced for summer of 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mitch’s name to Organized Acts of Kindness for Seniors, or OAKS, 262 Cottage St, Suite 253 Littleton, New Hampshire, 03561 to whom the family is forever indebted to for improving his quality of life towards the end. Arrangements are entrusted to Bailey Funeral Home, Lancaster New Hampshire. For more information or to send an online condolence, please go to baileyfh.net.
Joan E. Nelson, 66, of Marblehead, passed away suddenly on Nov. 16. Joan was born on June 14, 1957, to Edward Lawrence Nelson and Bettie Mae Jones of Ridgewood, New Jersey. After Joan graduated from Ridgewood
High School in 1975, she went on to study business administration at Boston College. After graduating, she started her job at the Stubbins Associates architectural firm in Cambridge and later worked at MIT. She was a respected professional with a cheerful attitude and the ability to work with everyone. Joan retired in 2019. She loved living in
Marblehead, spending time at the Corinthian Yacht Club and having Sunday morning breakfasts with friends at the Driftwood Restaurant. Joan was predeceased by her father, Edward, and mother, Bettie. She is survived by her husband, Richard Green, and his sons, Kevin Green (Kelly) and Tyler Green (Missy), sister Barbara Nelson Cianci (Nick), brother Ed Nelson (Dale),
nieces Jennifer Rediger (Jason) and Kristen Almengor(Herbie), and nephew Peter Cianci (Ashley). Per Joan’s request, there will be no service. Contributions can be made to St. Jude’s (stjude. org) in her memory. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Nelson family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
daughter Julie, a social worker, now practices in that same building. A founder of the Marblehead Community Counseling Center, he also was an active member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Marblehead, where he was co-chairman of the Pastoral Care Associates. He, along with other UU members, served meals once a month at Salem’s
Crombie Street shelter (now Lifebridge) for 38 years. Jack was the author of the book “Golf Sucks… and Then You Die,” having attempted to hit his age every time he hit the course with his golfing buddies. An environmental activist, he could often be seen by the side of the road holding a sign protesting the latest polluting project or, in 2016, waving the arm of a 5-foot Bernie Sanders doll made by his wife. He and his family built a small shelter on land in Vermont without electricity, heat or running water, and spent many happy summer days in the woods, cooking over a fire, hiking and bathing in the nearby stream. He was a member of the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee. He played the only three songs he knew on the tuba badly but so enthusiastically that his presence was requested for
many significant events. A psychic once described Jack as a “bodhisattva,” in Buddhism a person who has reached a transcendent state in a previous life and has been reincarnated to serve suffering beings. Although at first this term was met with skepticism from his wife, he devoted himself to caring for others in myriad ways and was beloved by all those to whom he personally delivered his specialty: homemade macaroni and cheese. He built houses in Zambia with Habitat for Humanity. He climbed up to 12,000 feet on the path to Mount Everest. He learned to fly a plane when he met his midlife crisis. He mentored other therapists and led spiritual groups, but he allowed others to give to him as well; when he needed 45 early morning treatments at a Boston hospital for what he called his
“beautiful cancer,” he found 45 friends willing to drive him in return for a free breakfast. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Linda Weltner; his beloved daughters, Laura Plunkett and Julie Anderson, who were close by his side during his final weeks; his warmhearted sons-in-law, Brian Plunkett and Chris Anderson; his closely held grandchildren, Jessica Lynch (and husband Conor), Danny Plunkett, Noah and Lucas Anderson; his in-laws, Susan Holbert and Pierce Butler of Waltham, and Ken and Barbara Holbert of Sudbury. A Unitarian Universalist shiva, or gathering with the family, was held Sunday, Dec. 3 at the UU church, 28 Mugford St. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Weltner family may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome. com.
Allen Mitchell Perry, 69 Allen Mitchell Perry, 69, died unexpectedly on Oct. 9. Better known as “Mitch,” he was born on Jan. 26, 1954, in Salem. He was raised in Marblehead, where he developed a love for the ocean and the natural world at an early age. He attended Holderness School where he met his passion for alpine skiing, the mountains and the North Country. He graduated from Marblehead High School in 1972. Mitch attended the University of Vermont before transferring to University of Colorado, Boulder, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in cartography in 1977. Mitch loved globes, atlases and maps, and never relied on GPS. A free spirit, Mitch packed up his Chevy van after college and journeyed back out west in search of adventure and fresh powder. Calling Mitch a hot shot skier would be an understatement. He skied every
route on Tuckerman’s Ravine. He raced professionally on the B circuit in Aspen, Colorado, and was recognized in the March 1982 issue of Ski Magazine. He joined Salomon/North America in 1981 and enjoyed a successful career as a regional sales rep and technician until 1986. He settled in Dalton, New Hampshire, where he worked for the state in Franconia Notch at Cannon Mountain and the Flume Gorge. He did it all, from making snow, grooming trails, running lifts, managing the ski shop, assisting with mountain rescues and maintaining trails. A skilled carpenter, Mitch built
Joan E. Nelson, 66
Jack Weltner, 89 Jack Weltner, 89, passed at home from complications of cancer the morning of Nov. 25, the day after a loving Thanksgiving gathering of his entire extended family. A graduate of Harvard University and Harvard Medical School, he entered the Army during the Vietnam War as a captain and became the head of the mental health clinic at the base at Fort Monmouth, New Jersey. He was a child and adult psychiatrist and, after moving to Marblehead, served as director of psychiatry at the Lynn Community Health Center. He also had a private practice conducted in a small cozy building next to his home in Marblehead for 63 years. His
Mary C. Williams, 85 Mary C. Williams, 85, of Marblehead, passed away Sunday, Nov. 26. She was the beloved wife of Russell P. Williams Jr., with whom she shared over 37 years of marriage. Born in Old Town, Maine, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Ramona (Leadbetter) Wadsworth.
Sheila Willmott, 83 Sheila Hodge Willmott, 83, of Marblehead died peacefully surrounded by loving family on Nov. 18. She was born in Paterson, New Jersey, the middle child of the late William Hodge and Marion Captain Osborn, and was predeceased by her older sister, Pat, and younger brother, Jim. Sheila grew up in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, graduating from Scranton High School before attending Simmons College where she earned a bachelor’s in education and her “MRS” degree. On Feb. 20, 1965, Sheila married the love of her life, Clark Willmott, and in 1977 they moved their family to Marblehead, fostering decades of fun coastal times with family and dear
She was the devoted mother of the late Mark Devine, Bonnie Devine Sitomer of New Hampshire and her husband, Jim Sitomer of New Hampshire; and Russell Williams and his wife Donna formerly of Salem; the cherished grandmother of Rachel Barclay and her husband, Oliver, Jesse William, and the late Joshua Williams; the great-grandmother of Marcus Barclay; and the dear sister of the late Edward Wadsworth. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews.
friends. Sheila loved to fill the house with music. Sunday mornings were frequently reserved for the soundtrack to “Godspell,” while other days anything from Bob Marley to Andrea Bocelli danced through the house. The hostess with the mostess, Sheila loved socializing with friends, especially the annual Fourth of July “Camp Willy” weekend where tears of laughter were a guaranteed byproduct. Sheila was an “extreme” boater (a.k.a. harbor cruises and tie-ups at Misery) and an avid tennis player at the CYC, where she will be remembered for her down-the-line winners and humorous score keeping: “30-5, that’s how old I am” or “5-30, it’s cocktail hour.” During the ‘80s, Sheila was a realtor for ERA Cassidy, frequently befriending her clients who were new to town. When Boston University took receivership of the Chelsea school system, she returned
Mary enjoyed sewing, knitting, crafting and loved to cook and bake for her family and friends. She also enjoyed traveling with her family throughout New Hampshire and Maine as well as caring for her family pets. Most of all, she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends and especially enjoyed hosting yard sales with her friends at her West Shore Drive home over the years. A funeral service will be Thursday, Dec. 7, at 11 a.m. at Eustis & Cornell of Marblehead,
to her original passion working with children as an elementary school teacher. Upon retirement, Sheila became the “best grandmother ever” while she and Clark split their time between Marblehead and Delray Beach, Florida. After eight challenging years living with dementia, Sheila’s family finds comfort in knowing that she is finally at peace, reunited with a lifetime of wonderful memories she lost years ago. She will be dearly missed by her husband, Clark; children, Cath and Jeff; their spouses, Dan Sullivan and Eileen Willmott; her three grandsons, Adam and Luke Willmott and Will Sullivan; and many extended family members and close friends. A celebration of Sheila’s life will be hosted for family and friends Jan. 7 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Landing Restaurant in Marblehead.
142 Elm St. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. They are also welcome to attend her visitation at the funeral home from 10-11 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will follow at Waterside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to Lafayette House Activities Fund, 25 Lafayette St., Marblehead, MA 01945. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at eustisandcornellfuneralhome.com.
Sheila Willmott, with her grandsons, from left, Will, Adam and Luke
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Headlight
Shining a light on the news you care about!
Written by the students of Marblehead High School for our school and community 2023 - 2024 Issue
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Napoleon -- movie review Benji Boyd, Junior, Assistant Editor
Ridley Scott's “Napoleon” hit theaters this week, and it is already topping global box offices. The biopic stars Joaquin Phoenix as the infamous French general, Emperor, and bicorn hat enthusiast, alongside Vanessa Kirby as Josephine Bonaparte. The most famous holder of his name besides Mr. Dynamite, Napoleon Bonaparte is a figure that has captured the world’s imagination for centuries, so it's only right that he finally be honored with his own major motion picture. Already, less than a week in, the reviews are mixed. Time magazine called “Napoleon” a “big, messy pageant." Slate referred to it as a “spectacular mess.” And of course the French are sneering at us all. It’s unclear whether it was the less-than-heroic depiction of their favorite little guy or Phoenix’s deadpan American accent throughout the film that's causing them to get their berets in a twist, but the French critics have called it “lazy, pointless, boring, migraine-inducing, too short and historically inaccurate,” according to the New York Times. Although it may not have lived up to the French film standard – after all, there were no ten-minute shots of Jean-Paul Belmondo smoking a cigarette – “Napoleon” was anything but boring. Weird, messy, historically inaccurate at times: sure. But not boring. Hollywood seems to be in a biopic phase right now and has so far achieved a fair few hits. Everyone loved “Bohemian Rhapsody” and went home crying about Freddy Mercury afterwards. “Oppenheimer” was considered by many to be a masterpiece, even those who really just showed up on opening day for “Barbie.” Considering this trend, there's no reason why Napoleon wouldn’t score in the box office, as it has. So, maybe, Ridley Scott knew that he could afford not to make the exact sweeping blockbuster that audiences were expecting. Let there be no mistake – the battle scenes are everything the trailer promised and more. “Napoleon” is visually spectacular and its quality is extremely high. It's the way that the narrative is framed, and the representation of the character himself, that isn’t quite what we were expecting. Despite what the military history bros will insist, any true historian can testify that Napoleon was a weird guy. His strategic genius and charisma are undeniable considering the facts of his life and rule, but a closer look into the man behind the myth shows that like most of history’s protagonists, his insecurities and
delusions were as grand as his feats. What the movie did not shy away from was displaying this side of him boldly, without fear of making the main character come across badly sometimes. I underestimated Hollywood – I thought they would try to make Napoleon a Super Cool Guy™ rather than the strange little man he likely was. Of course, the script and Phoenix’s portrayal is likely no more historically accurate than the paintings of Jacques-Louis David, but it certainly makes for a far more interesting and even compelling character. Besides, it's much more fun to watch Napoleon fall down a staircase running from a mob during his own military coup than the triumphant scene he had painted to tell the story. As for the messiness of the whole production, I believe there is a method to the madness. Attempting to cram the story of one of the most eventful lives in history into a movie under three hours is no easy task, and to somehow form that into a nonlinear narrative with no time jumps and ample time for setting development would be impossible. Instead, the movie chose to use Napoleon’s wife, Josephine, as a storytelling device by framing every period in his life through her. Before we have even gotten to know Napoleon on his own, he is meeting Josephine at a party, and they are beginning to fall in love. Frequent voiceovers of his letters to her accompany scenes of his military expeditions to remind us that his primary thoughts are of her. Although the movie doesn’t waste much time, it uses much of it to show their turbulent but passionate relationship over the years. Josephine takes on the role of both bringing out the worst, most pathetic, least Emperor-like side of him, as well as being his one redeeming quality. Like his character in the movie, their relationship is far from idealized or desirable, but it does feel real. Finally, perhaps the most pleasant surprise I encountered in “Napoleon” was how it failed to take itself completely seriously. From lighthearted music played over scenes of violence and gore to dry modern-sounding comments from the mouth of the Emperor of France, the movie was unexpectedly unconventional for a blockbuster period drama and at times even absurd. I honestly don’t know why the French don’t like it. Overall, whatever qualms one might have about “Napoleon” – that Joaquin Phoenix wasn’t the right cast (he was), that the story was a mess (ever heard of fun?), that Napoleon didn’t actually shoot cannons at the Pyramids of Giza (that’s fair enough, he really didn’t) – the movie is worth a
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watch if only for the entertainment factor. If you’re the kind of person who finds themselves frothing at the mouth when
every second of a movie isn’t masterfully crafted and 100% accurate, I would avoid this one, but if not, it’s worth a watch.
Eco-friendly holiday guide Jasmina Kurtovic, Senior 1. Buy Local: Not only is it a great way to reduce your carbon footprint, but it is also a great way to support local businesses and artists! Bonus points if you buy locally grown foods for your holiday meals. 2. Avoid Wrapping Paper: Why buy and use tons of paper that just gets thrown away when you can DIY-it! Use old newspapers, brown paper bags, or cloth to wrap gifts instead. For additional flare, use the comics section, or color on designs for a personal touch. Alternatively, use a gift sack to put gifts in each year. 3. Shop Secondhand: This avoids any emissions or waste from the production of new items. There are some great
consignment/thrift stores near us. Worthy Girl (Beverly), Sistas Consignment (Marblehead), Magic Hat Thrift (Marblehead), The Spotted Hound (Marblehead), and more! 4. Gift an Experience: Could be a ticket to a play or sports game, a day trip, even just promising to go out for lunch. Or maybe it’s a cooking class or some other workshop. 5. Donate to a Charity: Instead of cluttering their life with items, donate to a cause they are passionate about. For example, you can symbolically adopt an animal from the World Wildlife Fund and they send you a cute plushie! 6. Adjust Your Stocking Stuffers: Often stocking stuffers are plastic items that may get lost or left unused. Try books, homemade snacks, or some eco-friendly products!
Different traditions, same season Aislin Freedman, Senior As Christmas draws near, many people start to put up lights and buy presents for the holidays. When this is being written, it's 26 days until Christmas. There are eight days until Chanukah. Eight days until the first candle on the menorah. 16 days until it's all over, and everyone else still looks forward to Christmas. Chanukah is early this year. It might not be in November, but it's close enough that anyone buying presents is prone to think it's practically before Thanksgiving. What most people don't know about the Jewish holidays is that they might fall at different times of the year on the calendar that is used here in America (and most other parts of the world), but they actually fall at the same time each year according to the Hebrew Calendar. Chanukah is on the 25th of a month called Kislev. I think of Kislev as a “Jewish December” because of how Chanukah interacts with it. Christmas is a time of cheer, with pine trees and presents and stockings on the fireplace. Families gather around to watch "The Grinch" or listen to "Jingle Bells." But Chanukah has just as many fun traditions, which you may or may not have heard of. What I’m looking forward to the most is this delicious fried treat called a Latke, which is sort of like a fried potato pancake. They are often enjoyed for Chanukah because of the oil that they are fried in. The miracle of Chanukah is about a small amount of oil, just enough to keep a light for one night, and lasting for all eight nights. Because of this,
many people eat foods fried in oil to remember why the holiday is celebrated. No matter whether you believe in the miracle of Chanukah, or just want to try a new food, Latkes, especially when eaten with applesauce, are one of the best foods ever. They are one of the foods and scents I most associate with the holiday season. Another tradition that I think is very important to mention, to paint a picture of the holiday spirit as seen from a Jewish lens, is that of playing a game of dreidels. The game consists of spinning a top with 4 sides and taking a bit of the center pot of prizes, depending on which side you land on. Most people play with gelt, which is chocolate wrapped in tinfoil to look like gold coins, but you can play with any sort of prizes. Dreidels is a game for siblings, for families, and for friends. It's fun no matter your age. Many people end up with a collection of dreidels. Playing reminds me of the snow, lights, and happy feelings of the holiday. It’s hard to understand traditions that aren’t your own. I have been asked if I’m sad that I don’t get to celebrate Christmas. That I miss out on the traditions of others. I don’t ever feel sad that I don’t get to celebrate Christmas, at least not how most people do, because I get to celebrate a different holiday, one that I love just as much as my Christian friends love Christmas. It is important to realize that even though people have different experiences, they can still have the same feelings and be just as sentimental about those feelings as you, no matter how different those memories and traditions are.
Headlight Staff 2023-2024 EDITORS-IN-CHIEF: Ila Bumagin and Mona Gelfgatt
ASSISTANT EDITORS: Benji Boyd, Rachael Albert
TECHNOLOGY EDITOR: Kate Twomey
REPORTERS: Cole Barbeau, John Bender, Grey Collins, Tucker Crane, Aislin Freedman, Samuel Jendrysik, Anya Kane, Nina Lees, Georgia Marshall, Livia Weiss, Benjamin Zaltsman FACULTY ADVISOR: Thomas Higgins
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A14 Wednesday, December 6, 2023 Marblehead Current
Art…the Original Gift
“Maddie’s in Winter”
A hand colored engraving, by Tim Struna Choose from twentyone iconic Marblehead landmarks Winter or Summer! Original artworks with a North Shore flair by local and regional artists since 1978. paintings | prints | fine crafts custom framing | and more Gift Certificates Available
111 Washington Street | Marblehead | 781-631-6366 | geneamould@verizon.net
2024 Marblehead Calendars Marblehead Notecards (15 scenes) Same/Next Day Local Delivery Christmas Shipping Deadline: Dec 16
A theatrical reading in Marblehead’s historic Jeremiah Lee Mansion
December 8th, 8pm December 9th, 3pm & 8pm December 10th, 3pm TICKETS: www.creativespiritma.com/ christmas-carol or 1-800-838-3006
The Landing Guest Appreciation Party!
Tuesday, Dec. 12 We invite our loyal guests to gather and celebrate the season, beginning at 6:30 pm on Tuesday Dec 12. Enjoy carving stations of Sirloin Steak, Mahogany Chicken, Crispy Haddock and more.
CUSTOM GIFT BAGS & BOXES
Available for the Holidays! Each is box or bag is hand-selected and filled with first-class nibbles, fine wines, beers, gifts, and treats galore.
WANT N TO CRAFT YOUR OWN BOX OR BAG? We can help you customize for any occasion and budget!
HOW TO ORDER: R R: Online • In In-Store • Over the n t Phone
WE SHIP AND DELIVER! E
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This is our way to say thanks and take the opportunity to share with others. Please Join Us!
Buy One Dinner Club and get $20 BONUS Gift Card January - December $20 Off 1 entree each month
$240 value for $120 Last Minute Holiday Space Available Any Size Group!
16 Atlantic Ave. Marblehead, d, MA 01945 d, (781) 631-0149 www.shubies.com
The cost is $20 PLUS an Unwrapped Toy for Toys for Tots.
@Shubies
81 front st. marblehead, ma 781.639.1266 thelandingrestaurant.com