Community Service - Marblehead Current

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…

18 Feb

Honoring Current co-founder Ed Bell and Marblehead’s Teri McDonough

Leigh BlanderAbout Us, Community Service, Top Stories

Community members and journalists will gather next month to honor the life and legacy of Ed Bell, a longtime journalist and dedicated Marblehead volunteer. Bell, who died in 2025, will be remembered at a tribute event Thursday, March 5, at the Boston Yacht Club. Tickets are available at MarbleheadCurrent.org. 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…

13 Feb

MHS senior Grey Collins to be honored at Ed Bell legacy event

Leigh BlanderAbout Us, Community Service, Top Stories

Friends and colleagues of Ed Bell will gather from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 5, at the Boston Yacht Club to honor his legacy. Ed Bell, an award-winning journalist who traveled the world covering news, was a co-founder of the Current. Bell was an award-winning journalist and devoted community volunteer who built a distinguished 50-year career in newspapers, broadcasting and wire services, leading coverage of some of the most memorable stories of the late 20th century. He co-founded and served as co-chair of Marblehead…

19 Jan

Crowd fills Old North Church with singing, calls to action at MLK Breakfast

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Community Service, Top Stories

More than 150 people braved snowy roads Monday morning to attend the Marblehead Racial Justice Team's second annual MLK Community Breakfast at Old North Church. Families, faith leaders and community members gathered for live music, a dramatic reading and reflection in honor of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. Members of a St. Mary’s School chorus, led by music director Brandon Mayes, sang at the Marblehead Racial Justice Team's MLK Community Breakfast on Monday, Jan. 19. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER A chorus from St.…

22 Dec

News in brief: Week of Dec. 22

Leigh BlanderBusiness, Community Service, Health, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories

The Current welcomes submissions (150-200 words) to its News in Brief section. Send yours to info@marbleheadnews.org. Goodwin extradited to Florida Marblehead resident and founder of defunct travel company Stone & Compass arrived in Florida on Dec. 18 to face charges that he defrauded more than 100 Daytona Beach high school students and chaperones out of about $400,000. Goodwin is being held on a $4 million bond. BLOOM for mental health The town of Marblehead is partnering with BLOOM, which offers free, confidential and personalized support…

12 Dec

Locals lend a hand during the holidays

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Community Service, Top Stories, Volunteerism

On Sunday morning, while most Marbleheaders were on the Christmas walk and buying gifts for friends and family, others were out buying gifts for complete strangers and delivering them to SPUR’s offices, where young volunteers feverishly wrapped up the gifts for people in need around the Northshore. Their tireless efforts concluded a months-long process to support children and families in need around Lynn, Salem, Swampscott, and Marblehead. The annual SPUR Holiday Cheer Drive supports over 600 local children in need, and adults experiencing homelessness, with…