From School District controversies, to the community coming together to save one of its most historic buildings, there was certainly a lot that happened in Marblehead in the year 2023. Below is a look back on some of the top stories that came out of this past year.
$2.5 million override passes Town Meeting but fails at polls
This year’s Town Meeting was certainly something to behold. In his first year as town moderator, Jack Attridge presided over the event, which included 54 voted on over the course of three long and grueling nights.
The main event was the controversial and polarizing $2.5 million town override, which also included the school district’s budget. Prior to town meeting, it was revealed by Town Administrator Thatcher Kezer that if the override succeeded, property taxes would increase by an average of $322.10
Despite passing at Town Meeting with 534 votes for and 230 votes against placing the override on the ballot, it failed at the polls, forcing the town and school district to use a reduced-services budget. It remains to be seen what next year’s Town Meeting holds, but it is likely that another override article will be presented.
Buckey resigns after School Committee saga
Just one day after the School Committee canceled a vote to terminate Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Buckey’s contract minutes before the meeting was scheduled to begin, Buckey and the committee announced in a joint statement that he would be resigning from his position.
Just before the school year began, outrage, confusion, and frustration erupted from community members after the committee called for an executive session to discuss the termination of Buckey’s contract without warning. The controversy continued after it was revealed that he had signed a non-disclosure agreement as part of his resignation.
The situation left community members and parents demanding more clarity from the School Committee and making accusations of multiple Open Meeting Law violations during the process. Though executive-session minutes released after his resignation allude to a potential cause, it is still not clear why the committee was looking to terminate his contract. The saga has led to a large divide between the committee and community members, which has only deepened after more recent events unconnected to Buckey’s departure.
Community steps up for Abbot Library restoration project
Abbot Public Library is now on the cusp of gaining new life, thanks to a community that is extremely passionate about preserving its town’s history and legacy. Two years ago, the town approved an $8.5 million override that allowed the library to receive important renovations.
In order to stay open during the project, the library, with the leadership of Director Kimberly Grad, was moved to the Eveleth School, where it will temporarily remain until spring 2024, when the building renovation is scheduled to be completed.
The library received an overwhelming amount of support from community members, including more than $175,000 raised during a gala this summer at the Thompson Estate. Keeping a promise it made when presenting the override, the Abbot Public Library Board of Directors was also able to raise and give back $1 million to the town.
Armini completes first year in office
After winning the 8th Essex District race in November 2022, state Rep. Jenny Armini hit the ground running in her first year on Beacon Hill. She finished the year with a perfect voting record, supporting bills like a new gun-reform bill that passed on Oct. 18.
Armini, who serves Marblehead along with Swampscott and parts of Lynn, has also made a major impact on the local level. Recently, Armani helped secure numerous funds for the clean-up efforts at King’s Beach, Marblehead Public Schools programs, Redd’s Pond, and the Counseling Center.
It’s also safe to say that her presence at almost every town event, no matter how big or small, has been welcomed by community members, showing the far-reaching impact she has had in a short amount of time in office.
End of an era: RipTide Lounge transfers ownership
RipTide, the townie bar located on Pleasant Street, changed ownership in August after 55 years under George Ciampa’s watch.
The bar originally opened as Kylie’s roughly eight decades ago after Prohibition ended. In January, Ciampa put it on the market for $1 million. Mikael Vienneau of the Broadway Capital real-estate firm purchased the bar and closed it for renovations, but not before the Ciampa family held one final bash before the bar began its new chapter. The renovation efforts include handicap accessibility improvements, two new restrooms, and a new kitchen. The bar is slated to re-open in the near future.
While the renovation plans include a new sign, the new ownership remains optimistic that the original sign, which was stolen from the storefront in June, will eventually be found. A $1,000 reward is reportedly still being offered for the sign’s return.
Marblehead police officer decision continues to drag on
After more than two and a half years of waiting on paid administrative leave for a disciplinary hearing, as well as a decision to come from that hearing, it looked like one would finally come this fall for Marblehead Police officer Christopher Gallo. However, it appears that the disciplinary decision will drag into 2024.
Gallo has been on administrative leave since June 2021 due to allegations of time fraud and one involving a domestic-disturbance incident. His hearing began on March 29, and spanned throughout the course of nearly two months before concluding on May 16. Both Town Counsel Jane Friedman and Gallo’s attorney, Gary Nolan, requested extensions during the summer, which led to delays.
As of September, the Police Department had reportedly paid out more than $170,000 to Gallo since he was first placed on paid administrative leave.
Marblehead 28, Swampscott 21 on Thanksgiving Day game
The game Marblehead and Swampscott fans look forward to every year: Thanksgiving Day against an archrival. This Turkey Day, the Magicians celebrated a 28-21 victory over the Big Blue behind the dynamic trio of Brooks Keefe, Colt Wales, and Finn Gallup.
Marblehead – the favorite heading in – trailed 14-7 in this one, but went on to double Swampscott in time of possession (32 minutes to 16) and dominate the first-down category (17-5).
The win from the Magicians extended their Thanksgiving winning streak to 11 games. Keefe’s 89 yards on 20 carries alongside five receptions for 20 yards squashed the Big Blue, who will have to wait another year for a holiday one.
Stellato joins Italian American Sports Hall of Fame
You know him from ESPN, social media, and his accomplishments as a National Football League agent, and now, native Sean Stellato is a member of the Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.
He joins the ranks of sports icons Dan Marino, Joe Montana, Vince Lombardi, Joe DiMaggio, Mario Andretti, and more than 200 others. He also has the style to match it, going viral on social media for his three-piece suits, fedoras, Italian hand gestures, and relationship with Giants’ breakout star Tommy DeVito.
After receiving Hall of Fame honors, Stellato and his “soulmate” wife, Krista, hope their daughters Gianna, Sophia, Giulietta, and Siena Sicily know they can accomplish anything they set their minds to.
O’Neill talks commitment to Texas A&M
Star quarterback Miles O’Neill, who completed 152 of 210 passes for 2,181 yards and 23 touchdowns last fall as a Magician, committed to college football powerhouse Texas A&M. He also received offers from Penn State, Pittsburgh, and Boston College, among others.
The gunslinger connected with the campus during his visit, and, right away, knew it would be his next home. Between the college’s athletic and academic offerings, O’Neill “wanted to be a part of it.”
Tedesco Country Club sees four holes in one on same day
You had to be there, and, even then, you might have second-guessed what happened at Tedesco Country Club this past summer.
Tedesco’s eighth hole saw not one, not two, not three, but four holes in one in a single day, according to the club. It started with John Kane, who was followed by Lisa DeSalvo, Susan Ryan, and Ray Colwell.
Drinks, hugs, handshakes, and news outlets poured in for the foursome, who swung for a feat they’d never forget.