Leigh Blander - Marblehead Current

20 Dec

Two MHS students win honors for personal narratives in New York Times contest

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Marblehead Public Schools

MHS students Max, left, and Serena Nyberg won honors in a New York TImes essay contest. Two more Marblehead High School students have won honors in a New York Times essay writing contest. This month, freshman Serena Nyberg and junior Max won honorable mentions for their 100-word personal narratives. More than 12,400 teens from around the world submitted essays to the contest. Judges chose 13 winners, 23 runners-up and 46 honorable mentions. “I am trans, I was born female,” Max said, discussing his 100-word narrative.…

15 Dec

Super-sized Hanukkah installation sparks kids’ creativity

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCulture, Local News, Religion, Top Stories

Natasha (left) and Nyomi Male of Swampscott create designs on the Brighter Ignited installation. PHOTO: Leigh Blander Braving dark skies and below-freezing temperatures, dozens of local kids created bright designs on a super-sized interactive light display, as part of Hanukkah celebrations at Temple Emanu-El on Atlantic Avenue. “We’re building a menorah,” said Natasha Male, 10, of Swampscott, who was working with her big sister, Nyomi, 11. “It’s really fun.” The installation is called Brighter United and looks like a giant Lite Brite game. It’s a…

15 Dec

Climate & sustainability student activists lead charge for greener Marblehead

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News

MHS teacher Connor Ryan and National Green Schools Society co-presidents Summer Genovese (middle) and Samantha Clock PHOTO LEIGH BLANDER In a bright, third-floor classroom at Marblehead High School, leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumbers and herbs are growing in tower gardens - produce that will go to feed students in the cafeteria and cooking classes. Some students even bring it home for dinner. “We have rainbow chard and Swiss chard, arugula, lettuces, basil, endive,” said Connor Ryan, MHS English teacher and advisor for the local National Green Schools…

12 Dec

Hanukkah Celebrations in Marblehead

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News

Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of lights, begins at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 18, and is being celebrated across Marblehead. Here are some of the events: At Temple Emanu-El, 393 Atlantic Ave., the public is invited to an illuminated public art installation called Brighter Ignited on Dec. 14, 4:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. Brighter Ignited is a traveling art exhibit celebrating Hanukkah. Learn more at HERE. Temple Emanu-El is also hosting a community menorah lighting on Sunday, Dec. 18, 5:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. There will…

11 Dec

Marblehead Police Chief: Body-worn police cameras coming

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Municipal Matters, Public safety, Top Stories

Marblehead Police officers may begin wearing body cameras within a year, joining police in Swampscott who started using the devices on December 2. Most Salem Police officers have been wearing the cameras since October 1st after a pilot program launched in January. “I think that body-worn cameras are a great use of technology with a benefit to police and the public,” Marblehead Police Chief Dennis King told the Marblehead Current. “I’m in support of them. It’s just a process of the timeline and implementation.”In Swampscott,…

07 Dec

Marblehead students shine in holiday concerts all month

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCulture, Entertainment, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

Marblehead students are performing holiday concerts and entertaining audiences around town throughout the month of December. “This is a special time for many, including our young artists,” said Andrew Scoglio, the Marblehead High School choral director and lead teacher for performing and applied arts. “Parents can look forward to seeing their children shine.” The Marblehead High School Winter Concert in 2021 with Julie Frias conducting the orchestra COURTESY PHOTO / LAURIE SWOPE Elementary through high school students performed at several venues during the Christmas Walk…

02 Dec

Update: Christmas Walk Parade canceled, Santa moving to MHS

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCulture, Entertainment, Life Style, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

The 51st Marblehead Christmas Walk Parade has been canceled for Saturday, Dec. 3, due to a stormy forecast and will not be rescheduled. Santa and Mrs. Claus will move to Marblehead High School from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m., instead of arriving by lobster boat at The Landing. Children will be able to take photos with Santa at the high school. "Unfortunately, we have made the decision to cancel the parade this year due to severe weather conditions forecast for Satrday afternoon," Marblehead Chamber of…

02 Dec

BEEN THERE, DONE THAT: Consalvo has taught exercise for 63 years

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Top Stories

“Been There, Done That” is a recurring feature in the Marblehead Current spotlighting Marblehead seniors. Name: Vivien Consalvo Age: 85 Place of birth: Claremont, New Hampshire How long have you lived in Marblehead? I’ve lived here since 1960. I was living in Allston with my first husband, and one day he wanted to go for a drive. We got to Marblehead, and I told him, ‘I want to live here.’ What is your fondest childhood memory? Definitely our family gatherings with relatives and friends. My…

02 Dec

After several setbacks, bike park agreement signed; opening set for spring

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Top Stories

After two years of heated public meetings and setbacks, it appears a bike park will finally open this spring in the Green Street woods across from the transfer station. The New England Mountain Bike Association has signed a five-year agreement with the Marblehead Recreation and Parks Department to build and maintain bike trails on the site. “We are incredibly grateful to our friends at NEMBA for their support in getting the Marblehead off-road bike park officially underway,” said Pat Milner with Bike MOR (Marblehead Off-Road).…

29 Nov

Relieve your holiday stress with tips from Marblehead experts

Leigh Blander0 CommentsCommunity Resources, Local News, Top Stories

Nearly 40% of Americans experience higher stress levels during the holidays. Most of them are women. ‘Tis the season for togetherness, joy, love and giving. But for many, it’s also the season for stress, anxiety, sadness and loneliness. The American Psychological Association says nearly 40 percent of Americans experience higher stress levels during the holidays. Only eight percent report feeling more joy. “The holidays with all the hustle, bustle and expectations can increase stress for many of us,” said Dr. Melissa Kaplowitch, member of the…