Aleka Kroitzsh - Marblehead Current

08 Apr

Marblehead sees plans for new sports facilities at Reynolds Playground

Aleka KroitzshRecreation, Sports, Top Stories

At an April 7 meeting, Recreation and Parks Vice Chair Shelly Bedrossian presented updated plans to renovate Reynolds playground. The plan includes building an ice rink, sports deck, community green space and softball field. “We want the space to serve as many people as possible, and we want to get it done,” Bedrossian said. Currently, the park is home to a dilapidated street hockey rink built in the early 2000s. Though once skatable, Bedroissian said it is now a “known dump” with holes that make…

29 Mar

Super JJ rescues Marblehead from Triple Z villain

Aleka KroitzshPublic safety, Top Stories

Marblehead witnessed true heroism Sunday, as 4-year-old JJ Weiss spent his Make-A-Wish day as a superhero taking on the villainous ‘Triple Z.’ After his day of missions, more than 400 people gathered at Seaside Park to celebrate JJ, who has been battling medulloblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. Marblehead Police presented JJ with a certificate of heroism, and Select Board member Jim Zisson proclaimed March 29 Superhero Day in honor of JJ. “It was truly the best day of his life… We are so…

24 Mar

NEW: School budget cuts, override on agenda at two meetings this week

Aleka KroitzshEducation, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

NEW on March 24: The School Committee's budget subcommittee will meet virtually Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. to try again to determine whether the $1.5 million additional cuts requested by the town represent an accurate number. The public can join HERE. Public comment is on the agenda. Then on Friday, the School Committee will meet at 10 a.m. to vote on its final budget and a possible override request, according to the agenda. The meeting will take place at the Mary Alley Municipal Building (lower level)…

22 Mar

Girls welcome lacrosse season with first ever kick-off

Aleka KroitzshLocal News, Sports

On March 15, nearly 100 Marblehead students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade gathered in the high school field house with their sticks and goggles to celebrate the beginning of the lacrosse season. The gym was packed with coaches, parents and lacrosse players of all skill levels. “I’m so excited that all of you also love lacrosse… It’s really special we’re all going to be here together,” Marblehead High School lacrosse head coach and event organizer Annie Madden told the girls as they sat in the…

01 Mar

Health & Wellness Fair brings community together

Aleka KroitzshHealth, Top Stories

On Feb. 28, about 200 people of all ages chatted and mingled at the Marblehead Community Center during the Board of Health’s second annual Health & Wellness Fair. Dozens of businesses and medical practitioners hosted tables where residents could learn about Marblehead’s health-related offerings. Presenters included Pilates and jiu-jitsu instructors, chiropractors, foot care specialists, local gyms and other wellness providers. “People don’t realize how many options are at their fingertips,” Board of Health member and event organizer Tom McMahon said. With the new year underway…

18 Feb

‘Without due process, there is no democracy’: Immigration experts address Marblehead crowd

Aleka KroitzshTop Stories

About 100 people gathered Feb. 17 at Old North Church to learn about new changes to immigration rules and how to help protect neighbors who may be targeted by Immigration and Customs Enforcement. At the forum, Marblehead immigration attorneys Diann Slavit Baylis and Nancy Norman, along with Brandeis University professor and Massachusetts ACLU board member Alexandra Piñero-Shields, outlined recent changes to immigration proceedings, the law and community activism. Left to right: Marblehead immigration attorneys Diane Slavit Baylis and Nancy Norman speak at an immigration forum…

17 Feb

New snow shoveling site encourages residents to take safety into their own hands

Aleka KroitzshPublic safety, Top Stories

A couple weeks ago, Marblehead resident Ed Lewis noticed three children standing in the street, traffic whizzing past, while they waited for an MBTA bus to the high school. After storms dumped more than 2 feet of snow on the town, Lewis said he regularly saw kids walking in the street to avoid snow-covered sidewalks. He also noticed hazardous crosswalks and intersections. So, he picked up his shovel and, according to Lewis, did the “bare minimum” to clear several bus stops and sidewalks. A local…

09 Feb

Underage drinking key concern in town wellness survey

Aleka KroitzshHealth, Local News

At its Feb. 5 meeting, Marblehead’s Board of Health focused on education and closer coordination with schools and local officials to address social hosting, after a new community survey found overwhelming concern about teen substance use. Chair Dr. Thomas Massaro presented results from a recent survey completed by 15% of town residents. An average of 86% of participants across all age groups reported moderate or high concern about teen substance use. In response to the findings — which were submitted before social hosting became a…