June, 2024 - Marblehead Current

26 Jun

Here’s your Festival of Arts schedule, info

Leigh BlanderArt, Top Stories

Don't miss a thing! Here's an easy look at the Art Festival's schedule. Sunday, June 30 Hidden Orbs Search, along all Festival routes 10 a.m.- 1 p.mBig Nazo Lab presents “Mask & Helmet-Head” Fabrication Workshop, The Beacon Restaurant 5-7 p.m.Champagne Reception, Fort Sewell (no trolley) Monday, July 1 No events Tuesday, July 25-8 p.m.Silent Book Reading Party, Marblehead Arts Association, 8 Hooper St. 8:30-10:30 p.m.Film Festival, 28 Mugford St. Wednesday, July 3Hidden Orbs Search, along all Festival routes 6- 7:30 p.m.Artist Exhibit Awards Ceremony,…

26 Jun

Free, live music at Concerts @ Crocker Park

Leigh BlanderArt, Top Stories

One of the highlights of the Arts Festival is the Concerts @ Crocker Park series, featuring live music over several days. “We have 16 acts over four nights and three days,” said Brian Wheeler, the Festival’s performing arts chair. “There are over 75 different performers with all different styles of music. That’s one of the tenets of our stewardship. We try to think about all different styles of music, always something a little different.” Asked about some of his favorite musicians who have performed over…

26 Jun

MUNICIPAL MATTERS: Assessor remains on paid leave

Will DowdTop Stories

Town Assessor Karen Bertolino remains on paid administrative leave, costing taxpayers more than $23,000 over the last three months. Members of the Marblehead Board of Assessors discussed ongoing property assessment concerns and the status of Assessor Karen Bertolino, who remains on paid administrative leave since March. CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD Bertolino was placed on leave after residents expressed frustration over property revaluations and significant increases in their tax bills. In response, the board approved over 80% of the 344 abatement applications, resulting in approximately $541,000…

26 Jun

Literary festival, a wordsmith wonderland

Will DowdTop Stories

The Marblehead Festival of Arts Literary Festival promises an eclectic lineup of events and opportunities for literature enthusiasts of all ages. The festivities, organized by Abbot Public Library Executive Director Kim Grad and a team of volunteers, kick off on the Fourth of July and continue through July 7, featuring a diverse array of authors, workshops and interactive sessions. A collage depicting the 20 authors, speakers and participants in the 2024 Marblehead Festival of Arts Literary Festival. CURRENT ILLUSTRATION / WILL DOWD / COURTESY PHOTOS…

26 Jun

CELEBRATING CREATIVITY: Festival’s exhibits set to impress

Will DowdTop Stories

The Marblehead Festival of Arts, a cherished tradition since 1962, is gearing up for its 2024 celebration, with nearly 1,000 pieces submitted by local artists from Essex County. The heart of the Festival lies in its half-dozen art exhibits spread across iconic venues in Marblehead, each showcasing different mediums and themes. People check out an array of photographs in the Old Town House during the 2023 Marblehead Festival of Arts. CURRENT PHOTO / WILL DOWD "We've carefully curated the exhibits to ensure that each venue…

26 Jun

10K added for second Festival road race

Kris OlsonLocal News

The second annual road race being held as part of the Marblehead Festival of Arts figures to be twice as much fun as the first — at least for runners who like a challenge. New this year, there will be a 10K race that will take runners from the starting line near the post office on Smith Street down over the causeway for a loop around the Neck. Both the 5K race and 10K race will have a new finish line at Marblehead High School.…

26 Jun

OPINION: Marblehead musings

Will DowdOpinion

Here are some timely musings and one left in the drawer since the spring. OK to reproduce for Acme Packet School Committee, union negotiations —Far apart with limited time remainingAfter six bargaining sessions which started in March, the School Committee and Marblehead Education Association have finally exchanged compensation proposals. The proposals are off by an order of magnitude. That’s a 10 times difference for you non-math majors. The MEA has requested wage increases of 40% for educators and 50% for other staff over three years.…

26 Jun

EVERYTHING WILL BE OKAY: Move slow

Will DowdColumns, Virginia Buckingham

Raise your hand if you are glad the season's first heat wave is over. I know some people thrive in oppressive heat, I'm married to one, but most of us reasonable types prefer to spend summer days outside, and that was nearly impossible for many last week. There was a benefit, though, to the high temperatures and humidity. It forced us to slow down, physically, and perhaps mentally, too. I remember several years ago walking by my family room window and noticing four or five…

26 Jun

FOOD 101: Putting a twist on classic peach dishes

Will DowdColumns, Food, Linda Bassett

A blueberry cobbler recipe, famously created by Alice Waters, has long been considered the gold standard of that dessert. The West Coast chef reduced the amount of sugar in a traditional cobbler highlighting the fruit's natural sweetness. On the opposite coast, John Martin Taylor, king of the peach cobbler, does not shy away from sugar. He includes a full cup to his dough — and he's sticking to it. Surely their surroundings and culinary heritages influenced their choices: Waters is a Mediterranean-influenced Californian and Taylor…

26 Jun

Counting down to the Arts Festival, everything you need to know

Leigh BlanderArt, Culture, Entertainment, Top Stories

With just days to go before the start of 58th Marblehead Festival of Arts, hundreds of volunteers are busy setting up galleries, hanging art, organizing events and more. “In our hectic lives, we often overlook connecting with our neighbors,” said Festival Director Jodi-Tatiana Charles. “The Marblehead Festival of Arts provides a unique opportunity for our community to come together, build new relationships and celebrate our arts.” She added, “By championing the arts, we create enduring memories and a collective pride in our town's cultural achievements.”…