Leigh Blander

Editor Leigh Blander is an experienced TV, radio and print journalist.
2674 Posts
Marblehead School of Ballet celebrates 50th with pivot to popular hybrid classes
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…
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Marblehead teen, dad ride PMC together to fund cancer research
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…
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Marblehead News Spotlight: Harbormaster Mark Souza
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…
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Open for business: Marblehead sees new restaurants, shops
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…
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Summer daze: Marblehead camps are bustling
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,…
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Pickleball craze grips Marblehead
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…
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A milestone year for two famous Marblehead restaurants
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…
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Marblehead psychologist says 9-8-8 will be life saver
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…
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In Marblehead, SCOTUS decision sparks candlelight vigil at Abbot Hall, draws over 150
24 Jun

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

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Politics, Top Stories
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.
24 Jun

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

Leigh Blander0 CommentsLocal News, Top Stories
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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