William Dowd

Salem

Managing Editor at The Marblehead Current

Yorkie buddy🐕. Potterhead⚡🦉. Public radio nut 🎙. Scribe & editor for @MHDCurrent 📰. Story💡? [email protected] (he/him)

Articles

Marblehead Light to replace GM, offers him $200K to stay through April 2026

1 week ago | marbleheadcurrent.org | William Dowd

The Marblehead Municipal Light Commission voted 3-1 on April 15 to offer a retention bonus to General Manager Joseph Kowalik after deciding not to renew his contract when it expires on April 7, 2026. The board approved, with Commissioner Mike Hull in the dissent, a compensation package that includes a $150,000 retention bonus and potential performance bonuses totaling an additional $50,000, according to documents signed April 15.
Winchester girls lacrosse begins spring season with three quick wins

1 week ago | winchesternews.org | William Dowd

Coach Suzanne Ontso’s girls lacrosse team has played five games so far in the early going, winning three of them. The Red & Black first doubled up host Wilmington on April 1, 10-5. The home opener against Stoneham followed two days later, and it was another victory for Winchester to the tune of 17-7. The Winchester girls then lost their first game of the season to non-league Weston at home on April 5, 16-8. Host Melrose also defeated them on April 9, 14-5.
A ‘Town Meeting Time’ primer

1 week ago | winchesternews.org | William Dowd

At Winchester’s upcoming Spring Town Meeting — which opens April 28 — members will consider whether to replace “Robert’s Rules of Order” with “Town Meeting Time” as the procedural framework that governs how Town Meeting is run. The change is outlined in Article 38 of the 2025 warrant and is part of a broader package of 18 proposed bylaw amendments submitted by the Committee on Government Regulations (COGR) after a months-long decennial review process.
Winchester Civics Action Project Showcase to take place May 3

1 week ago | winchesternews.org | William Dowd

The following was submitted by the League of Women Voters of Winchester:On Saturday, May 3, the League of Women Voters of Winchester will host the Winchester Civics Action Project Showcase at the McCall Middle School, 458 Main St., from 2-3:30 p.m.The Winchester Civics Action Project Showcase is an event where students from McCall Middle School and Winchester High School share their work researching and addressing issues important to them and their community.
2025 ELECTION: Michaud seeks 7th term as Marblehead town clerk

1 week ago | marbleheadcurrent.org | William Dowd

Town Clerk Robin Michaud, who has overseen Marblehead elections and record-keeping for nearly two decades, is campaigning for a seventh term amid challenges from two candidates who contend the office needs new leadership. Michaud, 60, an 11th-generation Marblehead resident, is finishing her sixth three-year term. ‘I love my job’First elected in 2007 when she secured 2,717 votes to easily defeat Gail Brown (570 votes) and E.
Winchester bylaw committee recommends pivot to ‘Town Meeting Time’ in 18-article package

1 week ago | winchesternews.org | William Dowd

Major changes to Town Meeting procedures highlight Winchester’s 10-year bylaw review as Town Meeting — which convenes April 28 — will take up reforms that could transform how the town conducts business. The Committee on Government Regulations drafted 18 warrant articles for Spring Town Meeting after holding 22 public meetings over several months.
OBITUARY: Thomas E. Gray, 82

1 week ago | marbleheadcurrent.org | William Dowd

Thomas E. Gray, 82, of Marblehead, peacefully passed away with his family by his side on Monday March 24 at the Franciscan Hospice House, University Place, Washington, following a lengthy illness. Tom was a devoted husband of the late Elaine M. Gray with whom he shared 46 years of marriage. He was born in Marblehead, the son of Myrtle (Harris) Gray and Elmer Gray, and graduated from Marblehead High School in 1961. He also attended North Shore Community College and Boston University.
NEWS IN BRIEF: Week of Monday, April 14, 2025

1 week ago | marbleheadcurrent.org | William Dowd

The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to the news in brief. Send yours to [email protected]. Glover principal pickedGlover School interim Principal Frank Kowalski has been named the permanent principal beginning in July. “Mr. Kowalski has been an asset to Glover School and Marblehead Public Schools this year and is committed to staying in the principal role to ensure continued success atGlover School.
OBITUARY: June S. Goldman

1 week ago | marbleheadcurrent.org | William Dowd

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of June Saftel Goldman, born June 18, 1930 in Newton to Arthur and Rose Saftel. June was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great-grandmother, who peacefully passed away on April 13, in Swampscott at the age of 94. June is predeceased by her husband, Robert S. Goldman. June is survived by her sister, Marillyn Wolfman of Brookline; her son, James D. Goldman of Weston, Florida; her granddaughter, Natalie J.
Winchester High School Model UN hosts 8th annual conference

1 week ago | winchesternews.org | Renee Lubomirski |Chris Stevens |Joyce Westner |William Dowd

On Sunday, April 6, the eighth rendition of WinMUN, Winchester High School’s annual Model United Nations conference, kicked off with the strike of a gavel. This year marked a new milestone, with over 300 delegates representing 26 schools across more than four states — doubling last year’s attendance. Backed by over 50 staffers from the high school, the conference has left the drawing board and come to life.