Community Resources - Marblehead Current

29 Oct

Marblehead caregivers can benefit from new AgeSpan grant

Saoirse StallingsCommunity Resources, Local News

When Marlene Richards took responsibility for caring for her partner with Alzheimer’s, it changed her life. But she found help — and now more people can, too. Richards signed up with AgeSpan, a private nonprofit that supports people with challenges and their caregivers. Richards found counseling, safety devices, like a stair lift installation in her home, and overall support that helped her manage her partner’s care and her own well-being. “One of the things I learned was that the first to die is generally the…

24 Oct

Marblehead Food Pantry bracing as food stamp benefits set to end

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Top Stories

The Marblehead Food Pantry has stocked up on supplies and volunteers in advance of what could be a surge in need next week as people lose access to food benefits due to the government shutdown. Across the state, about 1 million residents may be impacted, according to Gov. Maura Healey. Benefits are set to expire at the end of October. “We’ve been in touch with the schools and have received a lot of inquiries as to how the community can help,” Marblehead Food Pantry Director…

21 Oct

Future Forward program helps local public housing residents set, achieve goals

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Local News

The Marblehead Housing Authority has launched Future Forward, a self-sufficiency program designed to help residents of public housing set and achieve their personal, educational and career goals. Future Forward offers participants individualized coaching, resource navigation and the opportunity to build financial stability. The Marblehead and Salem Housing authorities used a $100,000 state grant to hire Sandy Reiniger as the Future Forward coordinator. So far, more than 20 MHA residents have expressed interest in the program. The Marblehead and Salem Housing authorities have hired Sandy Reiniger…

20 Oct

CURRENT EVENTS: Spooky edition

Saoirse StallingsCommunity Resources, Entertainment, Local News, Nonprofit corner

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming days. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Halloween Mahjong MadnessWednesday, Oct. 22, 6-9 p.m. All levels are welcome to Halloween Mahjong at Hunt and Gather, 9 Pleasant St., in Marblehead. Come in costume (optional but encouraged!) and play for a good cause, The Ellie Fund. $60 entry includes tournament play, light bites and refreshments. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to The Ellie Fund, in honor of October's Breast Cancer…

14 Oct

From folk singers to Jewish vampires: A preview of Jewish Book Month

Leigh BlanderArt, Community Resources, Culture, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Religion

The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore is about to launch its 31st Jewish Book Month Speaker Series. The program dives into Jewish literature and culture with author talks and community events meant to inspire meaningful conversations. The series runs Oct. 16 through Nov. 21, at the JCCNS, with books written by Jewish authors or exploring Jewish themes. The first night will feature journalist Jane Eisner and her book, “Carole King: She Made the Earth Move.” In an interview with the Current, Eisner said…

08 Oct

Boo! Several spooky Halloween activities coming to town

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Top Stories

The town is gearing up for Halloween with several fun, spooky parties and events. On Saturday, Oct. 18, the Recreation & Parks Department holds its annual Scarecrow Stroll at Stramski’s Park. People are invited to decorate their own cardboard scarecrows, which will be displayed along the winding path. You can make your own from scratch or pick up a blank cardboard cutout and crossbar at the Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. Cost for the cutout and crossbar is $18. More info and registration HERE.…

06 Oct

Marblehead Food Pantry under new leadership; gearing up for holidays

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Food, Local News

Marblehead resident and longtime volunteer at the Marblehead Food Pantry Marcy Schwam has taken over the pantry from founder Janet Parker, who started the operation in 1991. Parker has retired. Schwam started volunteering in 2014 during a Thanksgiving drive for the pantry. “I've always had a belief that no one should be hungry or cold — plain and simple,” Schwam said. Marcy Schwam is now running the Marblehead Food Pantry, which is located at Star of the Sea parish center on Atlantic Avenue. CURRENT PHOTOS…

29 Sep

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Art, Community Resources, Culture, Entertainment, Local News

Current Events spotlights exciting happenings in the coming days. If you’d like to contribute a listing, please email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. Author talk: Laurie Fullerton at BYCWednesday, Oct. 1, 7 p.m. The Boston Yacht Club hosts Current sailing reporter Laurie Fullerton who will do a short presentation about her new novel, “Side Launch.” Carol Arnold of the BYC says the public is welcome, and she encourages anyone interested in learning more about BYC membership to come. BYC is located at 1 Front…

24 Sep

Marblehead Turns Pink, with lots of local support

Bella TravagliniCommunity Resources, Community Service, Health, Top Stories

Susan Hassett thought that her two-year battle with breast cancer had been “wrapped up in a little box, with a big pink bow” hidden away in the back of her closet — until she realized that she needed to pay it forward. It was this past spring, while on a business call that had turned to friendly chatter, that Hassett, 68, learned of a free, multi-faceted support service for breast cancer patients; a service she had been unaware of during her treatments, surgeries and recovery.…

16 Sep

Parents and teens join forces to address town’s drinking culture

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Top Stories

Members of the newly formed MADD 4 MHD gather at Devereux Beach, the same spot where Savanah Gatchell’s memorial was held last month. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER When Cynthia Belmer heard about the crash that killed 13-year-old Savanah Gatchell last month, she couldn’t sleep at all that night. She stayed up researching ways to prevent another tragedy. Belmer, who has three young children, and other local moms have formed a group, MADD 4 MHD, to address drinking and driving in town. “My husband was…