Leigh Blander

Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
2226 Posts
In Marblehead, SCOTUS decision sparks candlelight vigil at Abbot Hall, draws over 150

In Marblehead, SCOTUS decision sparks candlelight vigil at Abbot Hall, draws over 150

More than 150 people gathered at twilight on the lawn of Abbot Hall to protest the Supreme Court’s ruling ending the constitutionally protected right to abortion. The two Marblehead 16-year-olds who organized the vigil said they want to stand in solidarity with women, especially in other states, who will be deeply impacted by the decision. MHS teens (left to right) Rachel Alpert, Katherine Twomey, Angelina Nguyen, Jasmina Kurtovic and Song Waitekus at the vigil on June 24, 2022. “This really sucks,” said Sophia Weiner, who…
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Marblehead women protest ruling overturning Roe v. Wade; Abbot Hall vigil set for 8 p.m.

Marblehead women protest ruling overturning Roe v. Wade; Abbot Hall vigil set for 8 p.m.

Within just a couple of hours after the Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade and ended the constititional right to abortions, more than dozen Marblehead women gathered at Tent’s Corner, waving signs and flags and chanting “Honk for choice!” From left: Maddie Miller, Jennifer Martelli, Jenny Armini, and Renee Keaney protest the Supreme Court's abortion ruling. “I never thought we would be back here again,” said Ginny O’Brien through tears. “I’m worried about my granddaughter and the future for all girls and women. Abortion is…
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Ballot hand count goes into early morning; Marblehead voters approve Q1, reject Q2, re-elect most incumbents

Ballot hand count goes into early morning; Marblehead voters approve Q1, reject Q2, re-elect most incumbents

After a town-wide ballot shortage prompted town clerk officials to print paper copies of ballots and hand count those well into the early morning, results are finally in and show Marbleheaders approved the Question 1 override to fund capital projects but soundly rejected Question 2 for the schools. (Read our accompanying stories to learn more about the overrides.) Town Clerk Robin Michaud swears in Select Board members Jim Nye, Jackie Belf-Becker and Moses Grader Wednesday afternoon. Voters also decided six contested races. Select Board incumbents…
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Q1 appears to pass, Q2 fails as vote count goes deep into night

Q1 appears to pass, Q2 fails as vote count goes deep into night

After several hectic hours when ballots ran out in all six Marblehead precincts, some initial election results showed voters approving Question 1, a $24.3 override for town capital spending, and rejecting Question2, a $3 million override for the schools. (Read more about the override votes on Wednesday, June 22.) The town-wide ballot shortage forced election officials to print paper copies of ballots, which could not be run through voting machines. That prompted a hand count that continued late into the night. Election workers were at…
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Big crowds, cannon fire at Fort Sewall celebration

Big crowds, cannon fire at Fort Sewall celebration

More than 3,000 people streamed into Fort Sewall on Saturday to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the federal government turning the fort over to the town - and the completion of a $1.8 renovation project. “People are so happy to be back at the fort,” said Larry Sands, chair of the Fort Sewall Oversight Committee, which led the renovation. “Kids are having fun, families are having fun. It’s perfect.” The fort’s lower lawn was decked out with a large white tent and cocktail tables where…
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Marblehead Farmers’ Market kicks off 25th season

Marblehead Farmers’ Market kicks off 25th season

The Marblehead Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 25th season with more than 27 farms and vendors on the schedule. On Saturday, June 18, the market was bustling with customers shopping for everything from produce, prepared meals, jewelry, books, flowers and more. A musical trio was performing live while Scouts manned a coffee station.   The Marblehead Farmers’ Market runs Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon, through Nov. 19, rain or shine. It is located behind the Veterans School on Pleasant Street. Learn more at www.marbleheadfm.com. Photos by Leigh…
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