Growing up in a military family, and then as an officer in the U.S. Air Force, I had never had a hometown or ever felt the need to claim one. In my very first visit to Marblehead, I fell under its spell and declared that someday I would live in this town.
When I moved permanently to Marblehead some 38 years ago, I soon discovered that what was most special about this town was its strong sense of community. Those of us who live here share an enormous sense of pride, being both grateful and giddy that this is where we chose to reside. For the first time in my life, not only did I have an intense interest in my town, but I wanted to get involved.
A year ago, the Marblehead Current appeared in my mailbox. I was extremely grateful as I realized just how much I had truly missed my local newspaper. I was delighted to see the familiar names of talented, proven journalists who had been so successful in bringing us local news in the past.
The Current is part of a new initiative in journalism following a not-for-profit model, which comes with a whole set of key challenges — and fundraising leads the list. I immediately contributed financially as I see the value in this venture and I want it to succeed.
The Current celebrates the stories and news that make Marblehead so special. The quality of the writing, the vast range of articles and the strong journalistic integrity of our reporters has quickly galvanized us as a community. We greatly value the Current and want it to not only survive but to thrive — especially now, a time when independent printed newspapers are struggling and then steadily disappearing.
It has become readily apparent that for the Current to continue to arrive each week in our mailboxes, we have to raise a substantial amount of money. Marblehead, in my experience, has proven to be a very thoughtful and most giving community that rallies around and financially supports the causes they value. I remain confident that this spirit of generosity will continue on behalf of our Current, which has already, in one short year, greatly enriched our town.
If you want the Current to keep shining a light on Marblehead, please donate and help us keep the lights on. There are so many ways to give. If you have already donated, thank you. Could you possibly dig a little deeper? Consider becoming a sustaining donor. Could you contribute matching funds to motivate your neighbors and friends? Do you have a business in town? How about advertising with us?
Go to MarbleheadCurrent.org/donate, mail a check to 217 Humphrey St. or stop me when you see me out walking to find out how you can help.
Doug Hill, fondly known to many as the “unofficial mayor of Marblehead,” has lived here for nearly 40 years. We are grateful for his time, energy and financial support of the Current.
Doug Hill
Doug Hill is a Marblehead resident.