Nonprofit corner - Marblehead Current

27 Apr

Local effort helps Afghan girls secure university offers, but funding stands in the way

Akanksha GoyalEducation, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories

For a group of Afghan girls studying in secret under Taliban rule, acceptance letters from top universities abroad marked a rare moment of possibility. Now, that opportunity is at risk of slipping away. Four seniors at Pax Populi Academy — an underground online school for girls founded by a Marblehead resident — have been admitted to Canadian institutions, including the University of British Columbia. But without roughly $164,000 in additional funding, they may not be able to attend. “I just can’t bear the idea that…

15 Apr

MHTV names new executive director as station enters next chapter

Leigh BlanderLocal News, Nonprofit corner

Marblehead’s public access television station, MHTV, is entering a new era with the hiring of Executive Director Brian Hebert, who brings years of community media experience — and local ties — to the role. Hebert, who started about two weeks ago, has taken the helm at MHTV following the retirement of longtime leader Joan Goloboy. Brian Hebert has taken the helm at Marblehead’s public access television station. COURTESY PHOTO “Brian is the former executive director of Bedford’s public access cable television studio, and we look…

14 Apr

Proposed cuts at Council on Aging would ripple across services

Leigh BlanderMunicipal Matters, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories

The Marblehead Council on Aging faces a $76,000 cut in the town’s proposed fiscal 2027 budget — a reduction that would eliminate one full-time position, or 20% of the center’s full-time staff, and force the scaling back of popular programs. The position slated for elimination is nutrition coordinator and special laborer, now held by Doug Laing, 62, of Marblehead. The loss could reverberate across meal service, transportation and other programs that hundreds of seniors rely on each year. Laing prepares nearly 4,000 freshly cooked meals…

13 Apr

Papa Puff is a mild-mannered munchkin mix

Marblehead Current staffAnimals, Community Resources, Nonprofit corner, Press releases

Breed: Munchkin mixSize: MediumAge: AdultSex: Male Papa Puff came to the Marblehead Animal Shelter through an animal control officer of a busy city. His large round face reminds shelter volunteers of an owl. “Just beautiful,” they say. He is quiet in nature and sweet and can easily be picked up, according to volunteers. Papa Puff has just started to be able to have some out time from his “apartment” at the shelter. “His personality is slowly developing, but he seems like he will be a…

07 Apr

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Julia RocklerArt, Culture, Entertainment, Nonprofit corner, Parenting, Theater, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email info@marbleheadnews.org. New improv classes at Creative SpiritWednesday, April 8 - May 13, 6:30-8 p.m. Let your creativity shine by joining a new improvisational acting class on Wednesday evenings. No acting experience is needed, just come participate in lively theater games and creative exercises. Local artist Peyton Pugmire, who owns Creative Spirit, leads the classes at 40 South St, suite 102. For more information, visit creativespirit.com. Marblehead and the RevolutionWednesday,…

24 Mar

Local businesses weigh future as Chamber narrows focus

Leigh BlanderBusiness, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories

After the March 5 announcement by the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce that it is “restructuring” and narrowing its focus, local business owners say the shift could reshape how merchants collaborate, promote downtown and advocate for shared concerns. Mud Puddle Toys on Washington Street has been part of the Chamber for years. “We enjoyed the Christmas Walk and other town-wide events like Sidewalk Sales,” said Cassie Sturdivant, owner of the toy store. “Some of these were very successful. Recently, the Chamber appears to have found these…

09 Mar

Me&Thee welcomes back duo for ‘mesmerizing’ performance

Jordan HorowitzArt, Entertainment, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories

When a couple celebrates their 50th anniversary, they inevitably get asked that all-important question: “What’s your secret? How have you two managed to stay together after all these years?” And while the couple’s answer might involve a whole host of things—finding compromise when disagreements arise, always maintaining a sense of humor, etc.—Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick, a guitar-and-clarinet duo celebrating their own golden anniversary this year, have a simpler solution. “We just don’t see each other,” Van Duser explains. “And that’s why we haven’t…

02 Mar

Awesome Bowl brings teens, seniors together for friendly competition

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories

You may have tuned in to the Olympics or the Super Bowl last month, but for a display of pure sportsmanship, you didn’t have to look any farther than the Marblehead Council on Aging. On Friday, teenagers and senior citizens faced off in the Awesome Bowl, a lighthearted competition that paired Marblehead High School students with local seniors for a morning of games and camaraderie. Pat Bibbo organizes the Awesome Bowl at the COA. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER English teacher Jenn Billings shows Dick…

09 Feb

News in brief: Save the Glover update, PJ collection and more

Leigh BlanderArt, Local History, Local News, News in brief, Nonprofit corner

Bruins PJ Drive Collection Donate children’s pajamas to the 19th annual Boston Bruins PJ Drive at Abbot Public Library. The library will be collecting pajamas in its front lobby through Saturday, March 14. Last year, people donated 55 pairs of PJs. The library’s goal this year is 100. Save the Glover Save the Glover announced that two recent fundraising events held in late January raised over $10,000 to support preservation of the historic Gen. John Glover farmhouse at 299 Salem St., Swampscott. To date, the…

27 Jan

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets

Leigh BlanderArt, Education, Entertainment, Local History, Local News, Nonprofit corner

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email Current Editor Leigh Blander at lblander@marbleheadnews.org. ’90s Karaoke NightFriday, Jan. 30, 6-8 p.m. Join Marblehead Charter for a ’90s-themed Karaoke Night. This is a free, all-ages community event. Sing your favorite ’90s hits, dress in your best throwback style, and enjoy a fun evening with friends and family. Food and sweet treats will be available for purchase. This night is part of MCCPS’ 30th anniversary celebration. RSVP at https://bit.ly/4qSa6mh.…