Leigh Blander - Marblehead Current

19 Dec

Marblehead celebrates Hanukkah with menorah lighting

Leigh BlanderReligion, Top Stories

More than 150 people gathered to celebrate the fifth night of Hanukkah at a menorah lighting outside National Grand Bank Thursday evening. There was singing and storytelling and even the traditional Hanukkah treat sufganiyot (jelly donuts). "Jewish tradition teaches us to kindle the lights of our chanukiah (menorah) by a door or window, so that we can share the miracle, so that others can see it." said Rabbi Jenn Mangold of Temple Emanu-El at the event. "Just as we are doing tonight, sharing our light…

17 Dec

A pole, a plan and a push for EV access in Marblehead

Leigh BlanderEnvironment, Local News, Municipal Matters, Top Stories

By Leigh Blander This utility pole on Franklin Street could be the site for one of Marblehead’s first on-street EV charging stations. Seen here, from left, Sue Pace with Leidos, Marblehead Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey and Light Department Energy Project Manager Michael Hull. CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER On a blustery Friday morning, Marblehead Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey stood bundled up near a utility pole outside 10 Franklin St. The pole is a possible location for one of the town’s first on-street electric vehicle charging…

16 Dec

Marblehead firefighters deliver cheer as Michael Havens Toy Drive grows

Leigh BlanderLocal News

This week, Marblehead firefighters are delivering toys to hundreds of kids across the North Shore, thanks to the second annual Michael Havens Toy Drive. People donated more than 700 toys to the drive, including microscopes, music, basketballs, games, puzzles and more. The event honors Michael Havens, who organized a toy drive at the Gerry 5. He passed away in 2021, and last year his brother, Curt, restarted the tradition in his honor. The Beacon Restaurant co-owners Curt Havens (left) and Johnny Ray stand with Marblehead…

16 Dec

News in brief: Week of Dec. 15

Leigh BlanderLocal News

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Ana Walshe was murdered by her husband on Jan. 1, 2023. COURTESY PHOTO Former Marblehead man convicted of first-degree murderFormer Marblehead resident Brian Walshe was convicted of murdering and dismembering his wife and then hiding her body parts in several locations in early January of 2023. Walshe and his wife, Ana, lived on Edgewood Road in Marblehead with their young sons from 2020-2022 before moving to Cohasset where the murder took place. Walshe's conviction…

15 Dec

UPDATE: Commercial trash/weigh & pay to remain closed

Leigh BlanderLocal News

The Marblehead Public Health Department put out an update Monday afternoon that the commercial/weigh & pay trash will remain closed through Jan. 1. "Please plan to use other waste options during this time," the statement said. "The residential entrance on Green Street will remain open for residential kitchen trash, recycling and yard waste for facility permit holders only.

13 Dec

History & the holidays

Leigh BlanderLocal History, Local News

Members of the Marblehead Historical Commission hosted a holiday party at Abbot Hall on Wednesday, Dec. 10. The commission works to preserve and protect Marblehead’s historical assets — its places, artifacts and stories — while making them accessible to the public. Historical Commission Board members include, from left, David Krathwohl, Ed Nilsson, Peter Stacey-Collections Manager, Bill Conly, Pam Peterson, David Bittermann and Chris Butler. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER Historical Commission Chair Pam Peterson welcomes people to a holiday gathering on Dec. 11.

13 Dec

Photo & video gallery: Wreaths Across America in Marblehead

Leigh BlanderTop Stories, Volunteerism

More than 100 people came out Saturday morning to lay holiday wreaths at the graves of veterans in Marblehead cemeteries. Emily DeJoy, who helped organize the event with Kim Crowley, spoke to the crowd gathered at Waterside Cemetery. "Our country was founded on the ideals of freedom, justice and equality," DeJoy said. "We thank those who sacrificed to keep those ideals alive, and we will not forget them today. We especially reflect on our veterans, those who have stepped forward to protect the innocent and…

12 Dec

BREAKING NEWS: Rob Goodwin arrested in California

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

Marblehead resident Robert Goodwin has been arrested in California and charged with defrauding more than 100 Florida high school students and chaperones out of $400,000, according to the Volusia County Sheriff’s Department. Goodwin will be extradited to Florida. “Students and parents who lost money will be invited to meet him at the airport with Sheriff (Mike) Chitwood,” according to the department’s Facebook page. A photo of Marblehead's Rob Goodwin posted to the Volusia County Sheriff Department's Facebook page on Friday. Goodwin will be extradited to…

11 Dec

Moulton accuses Secretary Noem of lying to Congress about deported veterans

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents the Massachusetts 6th District including Marblehead, accused Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of lying to Congress on Thursday when she stated that DHS has “not deported U.S. citizens or military veterans.” Moulton is releasing a letter from Noem to the congressman which he says directly contradicts her testimony. The letter from Noem, dated Sept. 2, reads, in part: "Regarding your question on the number of veterans that have been removed since January 20, 2025, ICE has removed eight veterans." Footage…

11 Dec

Ice rink, other Reynolds Field improvements moving forward

Leigh BlanderSports, Top Stories

Last Thursday afternoon, about 20 Marblehead Youth Hockey players picked up their sticks for a street hockey game on the cement rink at Reynolds Field as part of noise testing for a $3.3 million refurbishment project. About 25 Marblehead Youth Hockey players joined a game at the cement rink at Reynolds Field last Thursday to help with noise testing. The town is hoping to build a $3.3 million ice rink on the site. CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER The project, funded by the Larz Anderson…