Science - Marblehead Current

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

11Nov

By Submitted ContentNo Comments

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 Will 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...