Will Dowd - Marblehead Current

04 Aug

LETTER: ‘Old lady’ questions rule of law in America

Will DowdLETTERS, Opinion

To the editor: I’m not a lawyer, just a gray-haired old lady sitting in my rocker watching, reading and listening to the news of the day. So much of it is extremely distressing and leaves me wondering what’s happened to the “rule of law” in this country. Watching from here in Marblehead as the sitting president of the United States down there in Washington, D.C. dictates to his attorney general, to the head of his FBI and to all his other appointees how they are…

04 Aug

NEWS IN BRIEF: Week of Monday, Aug. 4, 2025

Will DowdLocal News

Marblehead observes Purple Heart Day Purple Heart Day, observed annually on Aug. 7, honors and recognizes the sacrifices of service members who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. military, according to Roseann Trionfi-Mazzuchelli, Marblehead’s veteran service officer. Trionfi-Mazzuchelli noted the day serves as a time to remember their bravery and the profound impact of their service on themselves, their families and the nation. Marblehead was designated a Purple Heart town in 2024, recognizing the community’s commitment to honoring veterans…

04 Aug

OBITUARY: David George Santry, 80

Will DowdObituaries

Forever the gentleman, David Santry radiated with wit, kindness and a twinkle in his eye. He died on July 18 in New York City, following a valiant fight with heart disease. Born in Salem on June 21, 1945, and raised in Marblehead, where five generations of his family have lived, he graduated from Marblehead High School in 1963, from Brown University in 1967 and from the Wharton School of Finance in 1969. Following two years in the US Army, he started his career in finance…

04 Aug

OBITUARY: Douglas H. Steely, 75

Will DowdObituaries

Douglas H. Steely, 75, of Marblehead and Greensboro, Vermont, passed away at home in Greensboro on June 6 with his wife and daughter by his side. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he was the son of the late Harold F. and Anna C. (Hrycay) Steely. Doug grew up in Manchester, Connecticut, the eldest of seven children. A gifted athlete, he starred in baseball and soccer during his school years. He was also a lifelong student, outdoorsman, music enthusiast and voracious reader, developing an encyclopedic knowledge…

04 Aug

Marblehead’s new town website launches … again

Will DowdLocal News, Municipal Matters

Marblehead announced Monday the official debut of its redesigned website on July 29, marking a relaunch after technical problems forced officials to take the platform offline in February. Finance Director Aleesha Nunley Benjamin sent an email Monday morning promoting the new site, highlighting features designed to improve community engagement and accessibility. The announcement came months after functionality issues emerged with the Feb. 20 launch of the $13,750 redesign. "We are thrilled to announce the official launch of the Town of Marblehead's newly redesigned website on…

03 Aug

LETTER: Bring jobs like trash collection back to Marblehead

Will DowdLETTERS, Opinion

To the editor: So now we are in the middle of a garbage strike. It’s a hassle, but it could have been predicted. Some years ago, Marblehead, along with many other towns, made the decision to reduce the number of its employees and outsource many kinds of work that were formerly done by town employees — including picking up trash. My understanding of why this came about is that the town didn’t want to pay for medical benefits or pensions. Those in charge may have…

03 Aug

LETTER: Residents share appreciation for Transfer Station workers

Will DowdLETTERS, Opinion

We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to the employees at the Marblehead Transfer Station for their exceptional service to our Marblehead community. The dedication, especially in extreme weather, whether it's hot and humid or rainy and unpleasant, is truly admirable. Even in tough conditions, they remain professional, courteous and always willing to lend a hand. In particular, the kindness and assistance to senior residents have not gone on notice. Whether they are helping with heavy items or offering a friendly word,…

01 Aug

OBITUARY: Cornelia (Connie) E. Herlihy, 91

Will DowdObituaries

Cornelia (“Connie”) Ellen Herlihy, 91, of Swampscott, passed away peacefully on July 29, surrounded by her nearest and dearest. Lifelong friends and family members were Connie’s most treasured gifts. Connie put a positive, and often comical, spin on any situation. Anyone who knew Connie could attest to her sense of humor and lightning quick wit. Connie was born on Aug. 8, 1933, in Montclair, New Jersey, to the late John T. Coan and Helen M. (Bent) Coan. Connie grew up in Swampscott, attended Swampscott High…

31 Jul

ASK LIZZIE: Stop explaining the fish

Will DowdColumns, Opinion

This past weekend, I sat on the beach with my husband, sans kids. We have teens now, and our tween is away at camp, hence the kidless beach situation. I was lying back in my beach chair, sun on my face, warm breeze in my hair, but noticing the absence of a wiggling toddler in my lap, giving me damp, sandy kisses. I miss those days something awful. My eyes scanned the beach, admiring all the hard-working parents who were vigilantly standing at the water's…

30 Jul

CUZNER IN NATURE: Ruby-throated hummingbird visits summer garden

Will DowdColumns, Cuzner in Nature, Opinion

One of my favorite subjects to photograph during the summer months are the hummingbirds. A ruby-throated hummingbird hovers near a feeder in a Marblehead backyard garden. COURTESY PHOTO / RICK CUZNER I set up a little “bird studio” in my backyard, consisting of a hummingbird feeder hanging in the middle of a garden full of bee balm flowers. This area is frequented all summer by various ruby-throated hummingbirds. On rare occasions, I may see a hummingbird moth or two. In order to photograph these birds…