Community Service - Marblehead Current

19 Aug

After a decade, ElderAct Garden needs some new green thumbs

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Community Service, Food, Top Stories

On a recent summer morning at Stramski’s Park, the ElderAct Garden was bursting with cucumbers, tomatoes, summer squash, zucchini, potatoes, green peppers, jalapenos, green beans, onions and eggplant. For about 11 years, Chicky Curtis, 85, has been making sure the garden keeps producing — coming almost every day to weed, water, plant, harvest and deliver fresh vegetables to Marblehead’s public housing developments. Last year, Curtis and her friend Penny Gerow, 72, harvested 75 pounds of fresh produce. They typically spend about 250 hours at the…

10 Aug

NEWS IN BRIEF: Harbormaster updates, food drive, town surveys

Leigh BlanderAbbot Public Library, Community Resources, Community Service, Local News, Sailing

The Current welcomes 150- to 200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send them to info@marbleheadnews.org. Harbor updatesThe Harbor and Waters Board approved a new policy requiring off-season boating liability insurance for vessels moored in Marblehead Harbor from Nov. 1 through April 1. “It covers any damage that a boat incurs on people and property,” Harbormaster Mark Souza explained. This boat crash into Stramki’s Pier last winter has prompted new off-season insurance requirements in Marblehead. COURTESY PHOTO / MERYL THOMPSON The vote was prompted by…

15 Jul

Community World Cup final watch party and youth soccer drive

Leigh BlanderCommunity Service, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Sports

Soccer fans from across the North Shore are invited to gather for a Community FIFA World Cup Final Watch Party on Sunday, July 19, at 2:30 p.m. at The Rip Tide Lounge, 116 Pleasant St. Hosted by Marblehead Football Club, the event is open to the public, with a suggested $10 donation at the door. Event proceeds will benefit the club's nonprofit mission: growing the game and expanding access to youth soccer opportunities throughout the greater North Shore. As part of the event, MHD FC…

06 Jul

NEWS IN BRIEF: Rate hike, post office honor and more

Leigh BlanderCommunity Service, Local News, Municipal Matters, News in brief

Water-and-sewer rates increaseMost Marblehead residents will see about a 5% increase in their water-and-sewer bills this fiscal year after the town's Water & Sewer Commission approved new rates that took effect July 1.Water & Sewer Supervisor Amy McHugh said the increase was necessary to cover rising employee health insurance costs, assessments from the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority and the town of Marblehead, as well as capital investments in the town's sewer infrastructure. Post office honorMarblehead Post Office is one of seven across the state offering…

23 Jun

GUEST COLUMN: ‘I’m a believer now’: One man’s Rotary journey

Submitted ContentColumns, Community Service, Nonprofit corner

Giving is receiving? We’ve heard that before. I never understood it. I practiced law in New York for 13 years, then started 22 years ago a specialty finance company. Who has time for volunteer work? “Time is money” was a phrase I better understood. Ten years ago, I left New York and moved to Marblehead. Eventually, I joined the Rotary Club of Marblehead — less so to serve on its charitable missions (convinced I had zero time for that); more so, to meet people. And…

08 Jun

NEWS IN BRIEF: Success Drive, town’s master plan and bike helmets

Leigh BlanderBusiness, Community Resources, Community Service, Local News, News in brief

The Current welcomes 150–200-word submissions to News in Brief. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. SPUR’s Success Drive in gearSummer vacation hasn't started yet, but local nonprofit SPUR is already getting ready for next school year.SPUR has launched its Student Success Drive and is looking for donations to provide local children with the supplies they need on the first day of school.Working with school adjustment counselors, food pantry directors and other social service workers, SPUR provides all the tools necessary to learn for students who wouldn't otherwise…

01 Jun

Preschoolers plant garden to feed families in need

Grey CollinsCommunity Resources, Community Service, Education, Environment, Health, Nonprofit corner, Religion, Top Stories

On Wednesday morning, May 20, the raised gardens on Community Road were buzzing with activity, as preschool students spent the morning digging in the earth, planting vegetables and learning about gardening from their teachers. Soon, the fruits (and vegetables) of their labor will be delivered to the Marblehead Food Pantry by the Manna Project to provide those struggling with food insecurity with fresh produce. JCC preschoolers plant vegetables and fruits, which will be harvested for the Marblehead Food Pantry. It's part of the Manna Project.…

22 Apr

Brown School students dig in for Earth Day

Leigh BlanderArt, Community Service, Environment, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

In preparation for Earth Day on April 22, Brown School students rolled up their sleeves last week, grabbing shovels and rakes and planting flowers in several spots outside the building. The project was organized by Brown’s third-grade Leadership Council. “We want to help the earth,” said member Harvey Caselli. Students also cleaned playground equipment, picked up trash, created colorful, Earth-themed chalk artwork and planted flowers. Elise O’Sullivan and Erin Murphy pick up trash on the Brown School playground before planting flowers. Jayce White plants a…

10 Apr

MHS student turns hospital memories into book drive for young patients

Leigh BlanderCommunity Service, Top Stories

When Tabitha Geary was growing up, hospital stays were a regular part of life. Now the Marblehead High School sophomore is working to make those difficult days a little brighter for children facing similar experiences. Geary, 16, recently launched “Story Snuggles,” a book collection effort that provides gently used children’s books for pediatric patients in local hospitals. Since starting the project last fall, she has already collected about 460 books. MHS sophomore Tabitha Geary spent a lot of time during childhood in the hospital. Now,…

25 Feb

Celebrating the legacy of Ed Bell, and honoring his beloved Masons

Leigh BlanderAbout Us, Community Service, Top Stories

The community will gather March 5 to celebrate Ed Bell, the renowned journalist and dedicated Marblehead volunteer. Bell died last year, but his legacy lives on through the Marblehead Current, which he co-founded. An award-winning newsman and devoted civic leader, Bell built a distinguished 50-year career in newspapers, broadcasting and wire services, covering some of the most significant stories of the late 20th century. His reporting took him around the world and earned him widespread respect in the profession. A tribute event in Bell’s honor…