Science - Marblehead Current

7Jun

By Chris StevensNo Comments

Art, Community resources, Environment, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Science, Top Stories

Lights, camera, climate change

It can be hard to get motivated about a threat when the consequences don’t seem real or, when it comes to climate change, read a bit like a Jake Gyllenhaal sci-fi movie. But Marblehead residents John Livermore and Kelley O’Malley are aiming to change that by bringing the urgency of the issue home to Marblehead and the world with The Moviement Project.The pair, with an assist from daughter, Alix Livermore, has written a screenplay that “will vividly illustrate both the personal and societal consequences of climate inaction and will reveal a vision of the world we must create,” Livermore said. The story centers on a family living in a charming, New England, seaside community when the threshold that is the irreversible tipping point of climate change is crossed. Livermore said the story will...

17May

By Leigh BlanderNo Comments

Community resources, Culture, Environment, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Press releases, Science

Marblehead Racial Justice Team to discuss climate justice

The theme of this month’s Conversations on Race event with the Marblehead Racial Justice Team will be “Climate Justice is Racial Justice.” The program will be held Monday, May 22, 7 p.m. at the Marblehead Museum, 170 Washington St. Climate justice is a term used to talk about the impact of environmental pollution on different populations. During this session, Rev. Clyde Elledge from St. Andrew’s Church will explore climate justice as a historical movement. Discussion will move to present day climate injustice and its contribution to systemic environmental racism. The program will be broadcast on Zoom. Register HERE. For details, email infoMRJTeam@gmail.com.

17Apr

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, Science, Top Stories

Brown School students show off STEAM projects

The inaugural Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) fair at the Lucretia and James Brown School drew an impressive, shoulder-to-shoulder crowd on Thursday evening. The atmosphere was filled with lively banter and laughter as families navigated through row after row of STEAM projects in the Baldwin Road school's gymnasium. Kindergartener Henry Norfleet, left, listens as Samantha Nelson and her son Alexander ask questions about his aeroponic garden during the inaugural STEAM fair on April 13 at the Brown School. CURRENT PHOTOS / NICOLE GOODHUE BOYD "I love that they're engaging in this type of experiential learning," said Sarah Fox, the School Committee Chair, amid a happy frenzy of activity. "The children learn so much more." The STEAM fair, co-organize...

1Mar

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Environment, Local News, Science, Top Stories

Marblehead photographer lifts the curtain on natural world

A snowy owl roosting among the dried-out driftwood and grass of Devereux Beach. A coyote keeping low to the ground as it stalks prey. A deer foraging for food on a forest floor. The Milky Way's stars littering the night sky. For about 15 years, Rick Cuzner has photographed Marblehead's wildlife. COURTESY PHOTOS / RICK CUZNER Rick Cuzner's photographs lift the curtain on a natural world seemingly hidden in plain sight. But with enough patience and interest, one can lift this veil, too, he says. For the past 15 years, Cuzner has taken thousands of nature photographs that have captured the wild animals who call Marblehead home. "It's a good stress relief running around in the woods," Cuzner said. "I love hiking. I love nature. I love the wildlife." The Marblehead native's family ...

11Nov

By Submitted ContentNo Comments

Business, Culture, Local News, Science

C.W. Hood yachts launches first fully electric center console

C.W. Hood Yachts recently launched the first truly New England inspired, fully electric center console. The beautiful Hood 26E was conceived, designed and built right here in Marblehead. Chris Hood and chief designer David Robison set out to create a vessel that looked more like a classic yacht than a spaceship. The carbon fiber hull and deck are rock solid yet light as a feather, and its current gray primer finish will soon be completed Awlgrip, with a handy swim platform, powder-coated rails, custom cushions and of course, dual Yeti coolers for summer excursions. The only wood is the stylish teak console top adding classic appeal, a boat with the perfect balance of low maintenance, durability and beauty. Her electric propulsion is silent, easily charged, and all m...

24Oct

By William J. Dowd1 Comment

Environment, Local News, Science, Top Stories

Joe Brown’s Puddle? Are droughts speeding up the disappearance of Marblehead’s ponds

Marblehead resident Bette Keva walks her neighbor's dogs a lot through the town's conservation lands. Over the past couple of months (especially during the summer), she noticed the shallow water levels in Marblehead ponds and bodies of water. Photos from resident Bette Keva depicting Joe Brown’s Pond, showing just how low water reached during the summertime drought. To convey just how bad the water level had gotten, she once suggested Joe Brown's Pond should be renamed “Joe Brown's Puddle.” She shared photos depicting the pond's water level from the Barry Road entrance and from the Browns' home and tavern. “From the view, you can see just how dried up the pond is,” she said. “The ground was showing from the middle of it.” Keva said she saw similar conditions...

20Oct

By Leigh BlanderNo Comments

Community resources, Environment, Life Style, Local News, Municipal Matters, Science, Top Stories

‘The planet is on fire.’ Learn about Marblehead’s sole net-negative home

Lisa Wolf outside her net negative home PHOTO: Leigh Blander Walk past Lisa and Steve Wolf’s home on Pitman Road and you might notice a peace sign, four feet in diameter and outlined in lights, on the front slope of their roof. What’s harder to notice, surprisingly, are the 44 solar panels lining the roof’s southeast side. The panels deliver enough power to make the home the only net-negative residence in town, according to the Wolfs. Net negative means the Wolfs produce more electricity than they use. An aerial view of the Wolfs' roof with 44 solar panels In fact, the couple sells extra energy back to the Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD). “We have a $600 credit with MMLD right now,” Lisa Wolf said. Lisa grew up in Marblehead and earned a mast...

1Sep

By John LamontagneNo Comments

Environment, Local News, Municipal Matters, Public safety, Science, Top Stories

Despite a very dry summer, MWRA membership spares Marblehead from water restrictions

In a season marked by yellowing lawns, community water bans and even the occasional brush fire, Marblehead residents have enjoyed a summer free of water restriction - despite one of the driest summers in years. As many North Shore communities face outdoor water bans, the town’s membership in the Massachusetts Water Resource Authority for its water supply has spared the town from the worst effects of the regional drought, Marblehead Water, Sewer and Public Works Superintendent Amy McHugh told the Marblehead News. A map of the Massachusetts Water Reasource Authority's communities and their color-coded tier of water service. [COURTESY PHOTO / MWRA's WEBSITE] That’s because the Quabbin Reservoir, the 412-billion-gallon water reserve in central Massachusetts that supplies water to 46...