Leigh Blander

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…

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,…

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…

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…

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…

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…