Viewpoints

INA’S INSIGHTS: A Marblehead story of a 2nd-generation exchange

INA’S INSIGHTS: A Marblehead story of a 2nd-generation exchange

When Marblehead resident Maura Phelan was a senior at Marblehead High School in 1985, she befriended Majo Amoros, an exchange student from Spain. She was staying with a family whose daughter went to Pingree, and Phelan and Amoros spent a great deal of time together and pledged one day their children would visit back and forth. This summer, on Aug. 5, Jacobo Llorens, Amoros’ nephew, arrived with a school friend, Jesus Martinez to live for a month with Phelan and her two sons, Conor and Owen Murnane.…
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ANCHORS AND SAILS: Rest in peace, your majesty

ANCHORS AND SAILS: Rest in peace, your majesty

“We have always found the Irish a bit odd. They refuse to be English." Winston Churchill Winston Churchill saw a lot during his time in British politics and service. He led England through World War II and, after being defeated in an election in 1945, came back to power in 1951 for another four years. He was right about the Irish. We are all a little odd and do not want to be English. Given the two countries' history, back to Cromwell, it's not hard…
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In a post-election letter, Tristan Smith thanks the 8th Essex District

In a post-election letter, Tristan Smith thanks the 8th Essex District

The 8th Essex District is where I’ve called home my entire life. My sister Chloe and I are born and raised in Swampscott. My father’s side of the family hails from Lynn – specifically, West Lynn, as they’d expect me to specify. My older brother, Andrew, and my older sister, Hayley, grew up in Marblehead. I’ve never thought of these places as “the 8th Essex District” (and I don’t think anyone thinks of them like that outside of election season). To me, they’re home. The…
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Student reflects on Philmont Scout Ranch trip

Student reflects on Philmont Scout Ranch trip

If you happen to see a bunch of teenagers wandering around in gray hoodies shouting “I BELIEVE IN FOREST FAIRIES” when they accidentally rip open a snack package all the way, then they may have just come back from Philmont. Back in 2019, the local Troop 79 of the Boy Scouts of America created a "linked troop," which has allowed girls to join, including me. The creation of this troop has opened up many amazing opportunities, the latest - and perhaps greatest - was the…
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ANCHORS AND SAILS: Down and out at the DMV

ANCHORS AND SAILS: Down and out at the DMV

“God is everywhere. Except the DMV. There, you’re on your own.”---- - Josh Peck As happens to us all at some point, I recently had to hit up the registry of motor vehicles, or "the registry," as we Massholes call it. Friends in other states assure me that it's virtually the same everywhere. Piles of paperwork, long lines, depressing lighting, and at least half the time, you come away having accomplished nothing because you had the wrong paperwork. I think it's a giant conspiracy; I…
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LETTER: Diann Slavit Baylis gets constituent services

LETTER: Diann Slavit Baylis gets constituent services

Constituent services are a vital part of a legislator's job, and that (along with our shared priorities) is why I'm supporting Diann Slavit Baylis for state representative.  Diann's experience as an immigration attorney, where she helps people navigate a complicated government bureaucracy, has prepared her well to intervene on behalf of constituents from this district who need their legislator's help to resolve a problem or to access state services or programs. While campaigning, Diann knocked on the doors of voters personally. As someone who accompanied her, I can…
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LETTER: ‘We are all in for Jenny Armini’

LETTER: ‘We are all in for Jenny Armini’

Our family cares deeply about who represents the 8th district. We are all in for Jenny Armini.   Our roots run across this district. Mark grew up in Marblehead. We bought our first home together in Swampscott in 1998. We raised our kids there for 12 years before moving to Marblehead where our two sisters, their families, and Mark’s dad also reside. Sandi’s mom has made Swampscott home for 18 years.    Jenny, too, has raised her family and been a vital member and leader of church,…
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LETTER: Tristan Smith knows people, people like you

LETTER: Tristan Smith knows people, people like you

I first came to know Tristan when he accompanied his mother on a food drive for local food pantries. He assisted in obtaining donations from shoppers at the Stop and Shop. Tristan, a teenager at the time, was eager to ask one and all to contribute, and engaged especially well with children, helping them to put donations into the collection basket. In both high school and college, Tristan was an accomplished athlete in track and field, jumping hurdles and other such events. He is giving…
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LETTER:  Show us what you’ve done, not what you’re going to do

LETTER: Show us what you’ve done, not what you’re going to do

We have several talented people running for state rep. I am supporting Jenny Armini. Platforms are ideas and promises. Remember the quote: ”don’t tell me what you’re going to do, show me what you have done”. To distinguish among the candidates, I have narrowed it down to three things: Do they know the district? Jenny Armini has lived here for 17 years, and had a variety of experiences as a parent of children in the public schools, homeowner, volunteer, member of a church, active in…
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LETTER: ‘Why we are wholeheartedly supporting Doug’

LETTER: ‘Why we are wholeheartedly supporting Doug’

We are writing to urge voters in the 8th Essex district to elect Doug Thompson for state representative. Much has been written about Doug’s extensive experience in the public and private health care sector, including his time as the CFO of MassHealth where he managed an $8.5 billion to $9 billion budget. And many may already know about Doug’s comprehensive plans with respect to health care and climate change. (If not, you can read about them at www.doug4rep.com.) And, unlike at least one candidate, some may…
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