Top Stories - Marblehead Current

24 May

Marblehead’s annual Paint Out draws artists from around New England

Grey CollinsArt, Top Stories

The Old & Historic District was transformed last week into a scene from 19th-century France — though with fishing shanties and beaches instead of poppy fields — as painters stood over their easels in the open air and serenely dabbed paint onto their canvases. Bob Noreika paints the landscape of Little Harbor as he stands at his easel on the beach. CURRENT PHOTOS / GREY COLLINS Twenty plein air painters — practicing the art of outdoor painting popularized by 1800s French impressionists — arrived May…

22 May

New group urges rejection of non-trash override questions, calls for special Town Meeting

Leigh BlanderMunicipal Matters, Top Stories, Town Election Guide

A group calling itself “Better Way Marblehead” is urging voters to reject override questions 1, 2 and 3 (for $9 million, $12 million and $15 million respectively) at the ballot box on June 9 and to support Question 4, the town’s $2.3 million trash override. The group is also calling for a special town meeting. Resident John DiPiano, who led the campaign against MBTA Communities Law compliance in town, is the spokesperson for Better Way Marblehead. The Town Clerk's Office now says the group filed…

21 May

In-person early voting approved for June 9 override, election

Leigh BlanderPolitics, Top Stories, Town Election Guide

On Thursday, the Select Board approved three days of in-person, early voting leading up to the town's June 9 election, when voters will decide four override questions as well as races for Select Board, School Committee and more. In-person, early voting will be available at Abbot Hall the following days/times: — Tuesday, June 2, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.— Wednesday, June 3, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.— Thursday, June 4, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Earlier in the day, the Board of Registrars voted unanimously to recommend in-person, early voting. Town…

21 May

Residents review renderings for former Coffin School site

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

Residents packed a public forum May 20 to weigh in on possible redevelopment options for the former Coffin School site, as consultants presented three conceptual scenarios ranging from 10 to 22 housing units. Community Develop and Planning Director Brendan Callahan talks about possible re-uses for the Coffin School site. Two consultants from University of Connecticut also addressed the crowd May 20. CURRENT PHOTOS / LEIGH BLANDER The meeting, which included two representatives from the University of Connecticut’s Technical Assistance to Brownfields program, focused on how…

21 May

Town native wins award for sports filmmaking

Jordan HorowitzArt, Sports, Top Stories

For Marblehead native Will Fitzpatrick, sports and filmmaking were always a natural pair. Growing up in Marblehead youth sports — baseball, lacrosse and, his self-described “big thing,” hockey — he rarely left home without a camera, ready to capture whatever action caught his eye. That first camera, which he received as a gift at age 3 and still owns today, was occasionally supplemented by his parents’ camcorder. At 10, Fitzpatrick traded that first camera and camcorder for a more versatile — and importantly, water-resistant —…

20 May

Town to mark Memorial Day with ceremonies, parade

Leigh BlanderCommunity Resources, Culture, Top Stories

Marblehead will mark Memorial Day this coming weekend with a series of events honoring the nation’s fallen service members. The observances begin Friday, May 22, with a Veterans Breakfast hosted by the Council on Aging at 9 a.m. The event is sponsored by the Masons. The breakfast will be followed by grave flagging at Star of the Sea Cemetery. Veterans and active service members march in last year’s Marblehead Memorial Day Parade. CURRENT PHOTO On Saturday, May 23, grave flagging at Waterside Cemetery will begin…

20 May

CURRENT EVENTS: Marblehead’s best bets coming up

Julia RocklerArt, Culture, Entertainment, Top Stories

Current Events spotlights notable happenings around town in the coming week. To submit a listing, email info@marbleheadnews.org. Painting class for adults Friday, May 22, 6-9 p.m. Get creative Friday night by joining an open paint class at Acorn Gallery School of Art, 41 State St. Over three hours, you’ll create your own project with guidance according to your level. All supplies are included except the canvas. Attendees are welcome to bring their own material as well. $35. Call or text Debra at 781-631-6030 with…

20 May

Beethoven’s Ninth concert to support Marblehead Food Pantry

Leigh BlanderArt, Nonprofit corner, Top Stories

For months, Matt Arnold has immersed himself in one of the most towering works in classical music: Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Now, after months of study and rehearsal, Arnold will conduct a special performance of the iconic work at Star of the Sea Church on May 31, bringing together a 43-piece orchestra and a 40-member chorus. Few compositions carry the weight and reputation of Beethoven’s Ninth, which premiered in 1824 and revolutionized symphonic music by introducing choral voices into the final movement. “It’s one…

19 May

DECISIONS ’26: Marblehead Candidates Guide

Leigh BlanderMunicipal Matters, Top Stories, Town Election Guide

Each year, the Current provides a Candidates Guide to help Marblehead voters make informed decisions at the town's spring election. This year, voters head to the ballot box on June 9 to decide several races, as well as four override questions. The League of Women Voters hosts its annual Candidates Night Tuesday, May 26, 7 p.m. at the high school library. Up first, we connect with the candidates for Select Board. We'll be adding to the guide over the next several days with more races…

19 May

NEW: Registrars change time for meeting to discuss early voting

Leigh BlanderTop Stories

***NEW Tuesday 11:15 a.m. — The Board of Registrars has changed the time for its Thursday meeting to discuss offering early voting for the June 9 election. The board will now meet Thursday at 12:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall. There is no virtual option. The election will decide a three-year, three-tiered override (up to $15 million) increasing property taxes permanently. A second $2.3 million trash override is also on the ballot, as well as local races for Select Board, School Committee and other positions. The…