Leigh Blander - Marblehead Current

01 Sep

Marblehead school superintendent reports ‘astronomical’ increase in enrollment

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

Marblehead School Superintendent Dr. John Buckey Enrollment experienced an “astronomical” 6-percent increase over the summer, with 131 new students set to star the year in Marblehead public schools next week, Marblehead School Superintendent John Buckey announced at the Aug. 29 meeting of the Marblehead School Committee. “We’ve had an increase in enrollment in every grade level except at grade 4, and it was static at grade 10,” Buckey said. “We’re fortunate to have the staffing that we do, and we’re fortunate that we didn’t make…

29 Aug

Warwick Cinema reinventing itself post pandemic, launching Warwick TV

Leigh Blander1 CommentBusiness, Culture, Entertainment, Local History, Local News, Top Stories

The Warwick circa 1945. Courtesy Marblehead Museum Warwick Cinema, a landmark in Marblehead for more than 100 years, has survived the pandemic and is reinventing itself again. “We're thinking outside the box,” said Johnny Ray, who co-owns the Warwick and the adjoining restaurant ,The Beacon. “We’ll be doing events other than movies. Of course, we still do first-run movies all the time.” COVID-19 shut down cinemas for months and slashed profits as people shied away from public indoor spaces. The pandemic also prompted big changes…

13 Aug

Marblehead School of Ballet celebrates 50th with pivot to popular hybrid classes

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCulture, Entertainment, Local News, Top Stories

Young dancers at Marblehead School of Ballet Karen Smith is stretching in a studio at the Marblehead School of Ballet while founder and teacher Paula K. Shiff gently places her hands on Smith’s leg and shoulder to emphasize proper form. MSB founder and teacher Paula K Shiff (right) with student Karen Smith “Paula is a master teacher,” said Smith, who is recovering from a back injury. “She addresses alignment, body mechanics and coordination.” In addition to these one-on-one stretch and strength lessons, Smith has taken…

09 Aug

Marblehead teen, dad ride PMC together to fund cancer research

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Sports, Top Stories

Bodie Clifford (left) and his dad, Jim, at the Pan-Mass Challenge finish line in Provincetown There is one moment that stands out for Matthew “Bodie” Clifford, 18, from riding the Pan-Mass Challenge with his dad last weekend. “It almost made me tear up,” Clifford said. “Right before one of the water stops on the Cape, there was a kid with a sign that read, ‘Thanks to you, I am now 20 years old,’ with other, younger ages crossed off. It was just surreal to see…

05 Aug

Marblehead News Spotlight: Harbormaster Mark Souza

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Public safety, Top Stories

Harbormaster Mark Souza on Marblehead Harbor PHOTO BY LEIGH BLANDER You might imagine that Marblehead Harbormaster Mark Souza spends his August workdays on the water, enjoying the summer sun and sea breezes. Not exactly. “We don’t just drive around,” Souza said. “We’re monitoring the radios, responding to emergency calls and maintaining gangways and docks. We’re very hands on." “We’re carpenters, plumbers, firefighters, ambulance drivers,” he added. “We wear a lot of hats.” Souza manages the 1,800 moorings in Marblehead Harbor and another 1,200 on the…

03 Aug

Open for business: Marblehead sees new restaurants, shops

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Top Stories

After several local restaurants and stores shut down during COVID, a new generation of Marblehead businesses is opening and welcoming customers. ”Positivity and optimism are way higher than they have been in years,” said Marblehead Chamber of Commerce Director Katherine Koch. “We’re riding high on that.” Le Ros Asian/Thai restaurant on Hawkes Street Dining & drinking At least half a dozen new places to eat and drink have opened in Marblehead in the last several months, including Le Ros, an Asian/Thai eatery at 26 Hawkes…

27 Jul

Summer daze: Marblehead camps are bustling

Leigh Blander2 CommentsLocal News, Top Stories

Swim lessons at the JCC's KinderCamp It’s a steamy morning at the JCC outdoor pool, and dozens of campers are swimming, dancing to "Uptown Funk," playing games and painting. They occasionally run through a giant sprinkler to keep cool. Five-year-old Micah Kraft is relaxing on his towel after his swim lesson. “My favorite part of camp is the pool,” he says. “I like to swim with an orange noodle.” “I’m learning the backstroke,” said Patrick Coughlin, who is 9. “I like to player soccer, too,…

25 Jul

Pickleball craze grips Marblehead

Leigh Blander0 CommentsTop Stories

Betty Londergan and Joe McKane play pickleball at the Veterans School courts. Pickleball fever is rising here in Marblehead, as more players pick up paddles and the town converts additional courts to keep up with the demand. "I love the athletic part of it and the social part,” said Lisa Spinale of Marblehead who plays on the pickleball courts at the Veterans Middle School seven mornings a week. “There’s competition and camaraderie. We laugh and laugh. And you know laughter reduces stress.” Spinale says she's…

22 Jul

A milestone year for two famous Marblehead restaurants

Leigh Blander1 CommentBusiness, Culture, Local News, Top Stories, Travel

A summer afternoon on the deck at The Landing (Courtesy photo) It’s mid-afternoon on a sultry summer Tuesday and The Landing is packed with locals and tourists enjoying cocktails, seafood and the view of Marblehead Harbor. “This place is a landmark,” said Pat Zuchero of Swampscott, as she enjoyed a fish sandwich with a friend. “It’s great to be on a working pier and watch the fishermen. The food here is delicious and the staff is wonderful.” The Landing is celebrating its 50th anniversary this…

21 Jul

Marblehead psychologist says 9-8-8 will be life saver

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Top Stories

Marblehead psychologist Dr. Melissa Kaplowitch says the new 9-8-8 National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline will save lives. “When you’re feeling suicidal, if you can get someone on the other end of the phone who is trained in de-escalation and coping strategies, it can buy even 10 minutes,” Kaplowitch said. “Then, you’re saving a life.” The 9-8-8 number, which launched July 16, is the brainchild of 6th District Congressman Seth Moulton, who represents Marblehead and surrounding communities. Congressman Seth Moulton at a mental health event at…