The holiday celebrations may be over, but the spirit of renewal is just beginning in Marblehead. As 2026 unfolds, the Current spoke with town leaders, educators, artists and community members about the resolutions guiding their work, families and passions in the year ahead.
Here’s a sampling of responses we received.
Cynda Rohmer, Marblehead Arts Festival president
Do you have any resolutions related to the Arts Festival? Stay organized! Advertise and talk up the new events in 2026.
How about for yourself? Get back to the gym consistently. Spend more time with my new grandson!
What books are on your 2026 reading list? “Scavengers” by Kathleen Boland, “Starry and Restless” by Julia Cooke and “So Old So Young” by Grant Ginder
Any music you’re looking forward to hearing? Concerts, maybe? Nah, I’m good with Motown!
What is something you did in 2025 that you’ll keep doing in ’26? I traveled to New Zealand and Australia. I love to travel. On the list for this year is going to Venice with my daughter for the Arte Biennale then going to the Cinque Terra area to visit a few friends.
What is something new that you’d like to try in 2026? I’d love to take some culinary classes.
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Elaine Leahy, executive director of Sustainable Marblehead
What are your resolutions related to Sustainable Marblehead? In the coming year, our goal is to work with our first 50 Energy Coach clients, helping Marblehead residents navigate home energy audits, weatherization, heat pumps, solar options and more. We’ll also continue supporting Marblehead’s efforts to become a designated Green Community and hope the Town will get this status in 2026!
Any personal resolutions? I want to get outside and hike every month, taking advantage of Marblehead’s beautiful green spaces and trails. I’ve also had the AllTrails app for years, and I want to finally put it to good use by exploring trails of nearby communities.
What books are on your 2026 reading list? Mysteries and thrillers are my favorite genres. I recently attended a Mystery Book Club at the Abbot Library and discovered some great new authors and titles. I’m looking forward to our next read, “The Spy Who Came in from the Cold” by John le Carré.
What is something you started in 2025 that you’ll continue in the new year? I started drawing and painting again this year after a long gap, and it’s been a wonderful outlet for creativity, stress relief, and learning new skills. I will definitely keep making time for it in the year ahead.
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Will Cruikshank, Marblehead High Class of 2026 president
Any New Year’s resolutions this year for yourself? Consistently getting enough sleep and showing up to school and practice with time to spare.
What would a good resolution be for the Class of 2026? I think we should commit to finishing strong and making the most of our remaining time at MHS.
What books are on your 2026 reading list? How about movies? We have a tall stack of New Yorkers at home, which I love reading whenever I have the chance. I’m also excited to see “The Mandalorian” and “Grogu” in spring.
Any music you’re looking forward to hearing? Concerts, maybe? I’d love to attend a concert at Fenway this summer, and I’m also looking forward to seeing “Mamma Mia” at MHS in May.
What is something you did in 2025 that you’ll keep doing in ’26? I want to keep running, biking, and being outside as much as possible.
What is something new that you’d like to try in 2026? College! I am super excited to start at Middlebury College in the fall!
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James Maroney, Emmy award-winning photographer, documentary filmmaker and editor
Do you have any resolutions related to your work? I’ll be keeping an eye on feature stories about the unique people and history in our seaside town for Marblehead TV.
What about personal resolutions? I plan on spending more time outdoors walking, exercising and breathing in the beauty of Marblehead.
What books are on your 2026 reading list? I’m currently reading “Intruders The Incredible Visitations at Copley Woods” by Budd Hopkins. I’m fascinated by stories related to aliens.
Are there any movies you’re looking forward to? “I plan on going to Salem Film Fest in March and Newburyport Documentary Film Festival in September. I love documentaries!
What about concerts? Upcoming live concerts I’m looking forward to are Colin James at Jimmy’s Jazz and Blues, Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Wallflowers featuring Jakob Dylan at The Cabot in Beverly.
What is something new you’ll be doing in 2026? The highlight of 2026 will be my wedding with Michelle Brown on September 12th at Crocker Park, overlooking Marblehead Harbor with the reception at The Landing Restaurant.
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Robert Simonelli, general manager, partner at The Landing Restaurant
What are some resolutions for The Landing in 2026? We are planning on continuing our efforts to raise money for local charities and also providing the highest quality food and beverages to the town and tourists.
What about personal resolutions? Besides vowing to lose weight, I think I have to try pickleball. I’m a tennis player but everyone seems to like pickle and now I find myself in a pickle trying to find someone to play tennis with. Travel is always on the agenda as the more we see other places the more understanding we have of others and the more we appreciate where we live in this beautiful historic town.
What books and movies are on your list for 2026? They would all center around history or biographies. Looking forward to watching Ken Burns’ “American Revolution.” As far as concerts go… unless Frank Sinatra came back to play in Vegas I’m done.
I have always had a love affair with wine. I am now focusing on French Burgundies and Bordeaux’s. I will be planning a trip to Bordeaux to visit the vineyards on the Left and Right Bank. A wine barge trip would be ideal.
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Matthew Arnold, local musician
What is your professional resolution for 2026? My musical resolution this year is to bring more big band and swing music to Marblehead and the North Shore.
Any personal resolutions? This past year I have really tried to focus on my health. I am down about 80 pounds and would like to shave off about 40 more this year!
What’s on your reading list in 2026. I spend so much time reading music that I unfortunately rarely get to read for fun. That being said, I have a few non-fiction books on some composers whose works I am conducting this year that I am looking forward to digging into.
What did you do in2025 that you’ll keep doing in ’26? I started trying to go for walks more and I intend to keep doing that!
What is something new you’d like to do in 2026? Id like to try listening to my wife the first time around a bit more! She is always right.
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Linda Bassett, Current food columnist
Do you have a resolution for 2026? I have never attempted a Beef Wellington. I have gathered all the components — small filet mignons, lots of mushrooms, ingredients for a homemade pate, and (sorry, I’m cheating on this) store bought puff pastry — and will try it soon. If it turns out well, I will photograph it and put it in Food 101.
Also, I intend to rewatch all seven seasons of “The West Wing,” best show ever on TV followed by “Ted Lasso” and “M*A*S*H.”
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Kimberly Grad, Abbot Library executive director
What are your resolutions related to the library? As we enter the new year, Abbot Public Library is focused on growth, innovation and honoring our tradition. Our key resolutions include:
- Innovating the Thompson Makerspace with new, hands-on programs.
- Charting our future with a new strategic plan.
- Beginning the countdown to the library’s 150th anniversary in 2027.
What about personal resolutions and goals for 2026? One of my top priorities is seeing the play “Stereophonic” in Boston this March. My oldest child, Amanda, worked on the sets at the Daedalus shop in Brooklyn, and I can’t wait to see their craftsmanship on stage. Beyond the theater, I’m resolving to stay active in New England outdoors — whether I’m skiing, hiking or sailing my way through 2026.
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Johnny Ray, co-owner of The Beacon Restaurant and Johnny Ray’s Music Emporium
What is your New Year’s resolution? To discover new ways to have more community engagement with the Warwick theater, find ways to make music lessons available for every kid in town and to lose 10 more pounds.
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Tom McMahon, Board of Health member
What personal New Year’s resolutions do you have? More time with my kids. My son should start walking any day. I want to help my daughter learn how to ride a bike and improve her swimming.
What about resolutions for the Board of Health? I’m currently waiting for town counsel to provide me with a suitable answer for the question most Marblehead residents have been waiting for: “What happened to the money?” (Regarding the Transfer Station project.) I’m expecting an answer that we can present to residents Feb. 1.
I’d like to have a second successful year of the Wellness Fair and encourage residents to take control of their personal health.
Get closer to completing the Transfer Station project with a focus on a new permanent structure for the Swap Shed.
Make further strides regarding substance use/abuse in town which would include all of town leadership agreeing that social hosting laws need to be enforced.
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2026? The next book on my reading list is “Enough Already” by Scott Horton.
What is something you started in 2025 that you’ll keep doing? I stopped drinking in 2025 to set an example for my kids to show them you can have fun without alcohol. It’s important to note that I didn’t stop because I had any sort of problem. In fact I rarely had a drink at this point in my life. But I realize they are watching and absorbing and I want them to see me enjoying life without a need for alcohol to be involved. So I’ll keep doing that.”
What is something you hope to start in 2026? I’d like to find the time to join E&M Athletics in town.
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Fire Chief Jason Gilliland
What are your resolutions for the Marblehead Fire Department? My resolution as we enter the new year is to reaffirm the Marblehead Fire Department’s unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. In the looming face of budget reductions and without reliance on a Proposition 2 1⁄2 override, the department will work diligently and collaboratively to maintain safe staffing levels, ensure operational readiness, and uphold the high standard of service the community expects.
What books are you looking forward to reading in 2026? I am currently reading “December 1941” by William Martin.
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Al Williams, School Committee chair
Any New Year’s resolutions this year for the schools? Continuing our focus on students in order to provide a rich and engaging educational experience for all.
How about for yourself? More exercise!
What books are on your 2026 reading list? How about movies? The “Wheel of Time” books. Movies: “Peaky Blinders,” “Dune part 3” and taking my granddaughters to see “Frozen 3.”
Any music you’re looking forward to hearing? Concerts, maybe? Still stuck in the music of the 80s so that is really limiting my concert opportunities. That being said I would love to see Taylor Swift or Dua Lipa in concert!
What is something you did in 2025 that you’ll keep doing in ’26? 2025 was my first full year of retirement and my wife and I traveled a lot. I would like to continue this effort. One of my travel bucket list places is Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
What is something new that you’d like to try in 2026? Playing an instrument. This will be tough given I have no musical talent!
Jonathan Heller, Village School teacher, union co-president
What are your resolutions for 2026? As my daughters get older, I am looking forward to spending more time together in the year ahead through family dinners, vacations, watching their games and sharing experiences we enjoy together, like going to the movies with my youngest, who loves Greek mythology and is excited to see “The Odyssey.” I’m also looking forward to teaching my oldest how to drive, and I’m hoping to see a World Cup match at Gillette Stadium.
What about professionally? My hope for the new year is to support students as they grow into confident, active participants in their learning. Helping them feel comfortable asking questions and advocating for themselves is especially important as they prepare to move on to middle school.
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Sally Shevory, Glover School teacher, union co-president I want to pause and rejoice in milestones — especially a big one this spring, as the youngest of my four sons graduates from college. I also hope to explore new hobbies, even if I don’t yet know what they are, staying open to curiosity and growth in the year ahead.
And at Glover? I look forward to continuing to enjoy teaching while growing more independent, confident learners.
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LisaMarie Ippolito, assistant superintendent for student services
What are your resolutions for the district? As we step into a new year, the Student Service Department is embracing resolutions that center on connection, growth, and care. We’re committed to strengthening the sense of belonging in every classroom, making sure each student feels seen, supported, and celebrated. We’re also focusing on deeper collaboration with families and staff, because when we work together, our students thrive.
Any personal resolutions? I took up pickleball and piano lessons in 2025, and I hope to continue building on both in 2026 — staying active, learning new skills and carving out time for the things that bring joy and balance. I look at it as a small reminder that growth isn’t just for students; it’s for all of us, and it feels good to practice what we encourage in our schools every day.
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John Robidoux, superintendent
What is your resolution for the district? My “resolution” for the second half of the school year is to continue to foster student voice and ensure that they have a place at the table and input into their educational experiences.
How about for yourself? My overarching goal is to be mindful, open to differing perspectives and to ensure that I do my best to provide a sense of belonging for those with whom I interact.
What books are on your 2026 reading list? How about movies? In my copious free time I hope to finish the latest Ruth Ware book, “The Woman in Suite 11.”
Any music you’re looking forward to hearing? Concerts, maybe? I will be sticking with my Spotify and Pandora playlists during my morning and afternoon commute as they seem to be working for me!
What is something you did in 2025 that you’ll keep doing in ’26? Practicing patience, empathy and understanding, while continuing (and hopefully finishing) my doctoral dissertation is on my docket for 2026.
What is something new that you’d like to try in 2026? In 2026, I will be striving to balance my work life and home life more successfully so that I can maximize as much quality time with my wife as possible.
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Court Merrigan, Current columnist
Any resolutions this new year? To be kinder and to write more.
What books and movies are on your list for 2026? For movies, I missed “One Battle After Another” the first time around, I’m looking forward to seeing it. And some classics that my partner is aghast I’ve never seen like “Gone with the Wind” and Hitchcock: “The Birds” and “North by Northwest.”
What about music? Any concerts? I’m going with my daughter to see perhaps my favorite artist of all time, Jason Isbell, at the Wang Center in February.
What did you do in 2025 that you’ll keep doing? I will keep exploring Marblehead’ s byways, nooks and crannies. And I will certainly keep wearing my powder blue Royals shirt when Kansas City visits Fenway.
What is something new you’ll do in 2026? People keep recommending The Little Store, so this year, we will go there. And, I’d like to take a family hike up Mt. Washington.
