khthomson - Marblehead Current

24 Sep

LETTER: The immigration actions make us less safe

khthomsonLETTERS

To the editor: Neighbors, I have a number of concerns about the recent federal law enforcement activity in our town but in the interest of brevity I will address only one here: SAFETY. An unknown number of men, wearing sunglasses and vision obscuring masks sped through our towns streets in more than two very large trucks with illegally dark tinted windows and then did a cool action movie scene. These are the streets we drive on and our children bike and play on. If there…

24 Sep

Local resident, Current columnist is selling a $22M ranch out west

khthomsonLocal News

Court Merrigan’s journey to Marblehead was a winding one. After spending a decade living in Japan and Thailand before returning to his family’s farm on the Nebraska-Wyoming border (lovingly referred to by Merrigan as “Wyo-braska”), the agricultural real estate broker came out east in search of new adventures. You may have even read his many “My Marblehead first time” columns in the Current, where he describes the town through a newcomer’s eyes. “I had been to Boston one time in my life before I came…

18 Sep

Shoes, toys, microphones — anything can pull heartstrings for empty nesters

khthomsonColumns

When my oldest daughter moved out three years ago, I, of course, called my mom. I was thrilled for Shanna, proud that my husband and I raised her to go out and stand on her own, but then I was also a mom missing her daughter. It didn’t matter that she moved close to us, it was a different way of living than we had become used to for 27 years. What did my mom remember about me moving out when I got married? What…

18 Sep

ASK LIZZIE: Maybe a ‘good day’ at school isn’t what you think

khthomsonColumns, Parenting

From preschool pickup to college drop-off, this part hasn’t changed. I remember holding my breath all morning after preschool drop-off.Was she crying?Did he pee his pants again?Would she talk during snack time or just sit there frozen? Everyone told me I’d feel relieved once they started school. That I’d get to use those few hours to run errands, fold laundry or grab coffee with a friend. But once I finally dropped them off, the physical chaos of kids underfoot was replaced by a constant loop…

17 Sep

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: “Making trips to the Transfer Station permanent, and profitable?”

khthomsonLETTERS

To the editor: I'm enjoying the weekly trip to the Transfer Station and would prefer it to a return to regular garbage pickup. I'm wondering if the town would agree to providing a token rebate for homeowners who opt out of regular disposal service at their house? Michael Thompson Nicholson Street

17 Sep

CURRENT EDITORIAL: Marblehead’s youth and AI

khthomsonCurrent Editorials

Recent news about Marblehead schools continuing to implement artificial intelligence policies as part of their educational framework is very welcome news. Artificial intelligence — easily accessible from any digital device — is quickly affecting our children’s academic lives. AI presents enormous opportunities for students to expand their knowledge, challenge their thinking, spark creativity and build new skills. Building AI literacy will help prepare our children for today’s digital world. That is why school leaders deserve kudos for the district’s AI Steering Committee, led by Assistant…

17 Sep

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: 3A and a Sisyphean task

khthomsonLETTERS

To the editor: The latest section 3A zoning act vote is in — again. The angst and uncertainty of standing on our own and looking down the road less traveled has already begun. While the state metes out our punishment for not being followers, perhaps a positive example of Marblehead leading the Commonwealth (no, not Marblehead as birthplace of the American Navy, nor protecting the USS Constitution at the fort, not our contribution to Naval aviation, nor even to Gerry-mandering,) is instead our own Barbara…

17 Sep

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: ‘Wear your seatbelt’

khthomsonLETTERS

To the editor: As the investigation continues into this very sad incident, one thing we can say to all young drivers and passengers, indeed, to anyone getting into any vehicle, "Always wear your seatbelt." Ray Urban Cloutman’s Lane The letter writer is referring to the August crash that killed 13-year-old Savanah Gatchell.

17 Sep

LETTER TO THE EDITOR: “On the state of our roads”

khthomsonLETTERS

To the editor: I read with great interest the Current article on the Rail Trail and the significant amount of money being spent by the town to improve the Rail Trail and other enhancements for the biking community. While I applaud these efforts I often wonder as I drive through town why our roads are worse than some third world countries and are certainly worse than some in other towns and cities in the states surrounding us here in New England. Antidotally, it’s likely that…

12 Sep

DIGITAL DOCS: Why software updates matter (and how to stay safe & secure)

khthomsonStephen Bach

Most people are familiar with that pop-up message: “Updates available.” If your first reaction is to put it off for later, you’re definitely not alone. Still, those reminders are much more important than they might seem. Regular updates are essential for keeping your computer secure and running smoothly. Think of them as your device’s regular checkup. Both Windows PCs and Macs rely on these updates to fix hidden problems and ensure everything works as it should. Protecting yourself from security risks: One of the biggest…