Uncategorized - Marblehead Current

‘Ave atque vale’: Former MHS Latin teacher dies after battle with ALS

29Sep

By Leigh BlanderNo Comments

Education, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, Uncategorized

‘Ave atque vale’: Former MHS Latin teacher dies after battle with ALS

Jennifer Chavez, who taught Latin at Marblehead High School for years, has passed away after a battle with ALS, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Friends and former colleagues at MHS posted about her death on social media with the Latin phrase, “Ave atque vale,” which means “I salute you and goodbye.” The saying was used in eulogies to Roman heroes. “Jennifer was our rock,” Spanish teacher Candice Sliney told the Current. “Her kind and compassionate personality combined with her wit made her an absolute joy to be around. She was always teaching us, we turned to her for so much support.” Former MHS Latin teacher Jennifer Chavez, center, is surrounded by friends and teachers, left to right, Andrea West, Candice Sliney, Mary Francois, Elmer Magaña, Holly Grose and Laura Alvarez last Oc...

28Sep

By Benji BoydNo Comments

Art, Local News, Marblehead Public Schools, Top Stories, Uncategorized

A look at performing arts at MHS this year

Marblehead High School students and teachers are gearing up for another year of performances. Andrew Scoglio — lead teacher of the performing arts department, choir teacher and a cappella director — is excited for the many concerts and shows that various singing and performing groups have in store. He’s also looking forward to working with new additions to the music staff. The cast of last spring's production of ‘Legally Blonde’ COURTESY PHOTO Though school only began for Marblehead's high schoolers a few weeks ago, rehearsals for upcoming performances are already in full swing. The choir is preparing for its annual appearance at the town Veterans of Foreign Wars ceremony in Abbott Hall on Nov. 11, where they will perform classic pieces such as "America the Beautiful," the national...

27Sep

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Police Log, Public safety, Uncategorized

POLICE LOG: A literal run-in with police in the MHS parking lot, plus a possible bike thief

Excerpts from the Marblehead police log Sept. 12-17. Consistent with state law, Marblehead Police have adopted a policy of not providing media outlets reports related to incidents involving domestic violence, juveniles and matters that remain under investigation. Sept. 12 6:15 p.m. — Officer Michael Farewell was dispatched to the station to meet with an individual regarding fraudulent work purportedly done on their garage door. The person reported hiring a company to install a new garage door motor valued at approximately $900. After the installation, the company allegedly advised the person that new "door springs" were needed, estimated at $550. An appointment was scheduled, and a technician allegedly replaced the door springs. The person wrote a check to an individual named Ne...

22Sep

By Joe McConnellNo Comments

Marblehead Public Schools, Sports, Uncategorized

MHS girls soccer shuts down Peabody, gears up for Melrose

The Marblehead High girls soccer team (4-2) started last week with a satisfying 2-0 win over hostPeabody in the rain on Sept. 18. Sadie Halpern ignited the attack with a goal early on from Ava Larco on a corner kick. The Magiciansthen sealed the deal with an insurance tally late in the second half. Ashley Mortensen was credited withthe goal assisted by Liv Carlson. Marblehead High girls soccer player Ava Machado is shown setting up a play against Swampscott recently. COURTESY PHOTO / COLETTE RODRIGUEZ Marblehead High girls soccer player Sydney Ball (16) boots the ball toward the Swampscott net during a recent game, with teammate Kate Twomey (17) close by looking for a rebound opportunity. COURTESY PHOTO / COLETTE RODRIGUEZ Kate Burns and Rachael Albert split the time in ne...

21Sep

By Letter to the editorNo Comments

Uncategorized

LETTER: RE: ‘Schools eyed again for solar power’

To the editor: In last week's edition of the Current, the article "Schools eyed again for solar power" caught my attention. It's encouraging that the town, the Light Commission and MMLD are working to reduce emissions. This isn't the platform to debate the economic feasibility of these projects, or the environmental impact of solar panels and batteries. However, the article reminded me of what residents of Warwick, New York, experienced this past summer. Simply put, Warwick invested in solar panels and batteries for one of its schools. The batteries caught fire in late June, emitting chemicals into the air. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration hasn't yet released a report on the health hazards, but the CEO of Woburn-based Asylum Energy, a lithium-ion battery manufacturer,...

18Sep

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Local History, Local News, Municipal Matters, Uncategorized

Marblehead Historical Commission debuts Abbot Hall scavenger hunt

The Marblehead Historical Commission is launching a new scavenger hunt at Abbot Hall to engage children, families and visitors. The year-round activity will be featured in this fall's Trails and Sails events by the Essex National Heritage Area, Sept. 22-24. Participants can find clue cards and pencils in the Select Board Room. The hunt is free and open to all ages. The project was led by a team of volunteers, including newcomers to Marblehead. Jennie Cohen, who moved to town last year, used her media and website experience for the initiative. High school student Zara Monks also joined the team, creating answer code images for the hunt. Built in 1876, Abbot Hall serves as both the town hall and a repository for Marblehead's historical artifacts. The hunt will guide participant...

18Sep

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Community resources, Culture, Local News, Religion, Uncategorized

Seven Minutes of World Peace set for Sept. 21

The Marblehead Ministerial Association invites you to participate in Seven Minutes of World Peace on the International Day of Peace, Sept. 21, from 9 to 9:07 a.m. EST. This local interfaith event will be held virtually. A Peace Bell will ring at the United Nations during these seven minutes as a call for unity. Sri Chinmoy, an Indian spiritual leader, founded Seven Minutes of World Peace in 1984. He envisioned people around the world invoking peace through silent prayer and meditation each year during these seven minutes on the International Day of Peace. A member of the Marblehead Ministerial Association will lead the seven-minute period of meditation and prayer. Please join the event at 8:45 a.m. EST; time for conversation will follow the Seven Minutes. Zoom Meeting Info...

18Sep

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Culture, Local News, Religion, Top Stories, Uncategorized

Clifton Lutheran pumpkin patch returns Sept. 23

Clifton Lutheran Church will host its much-anticipated annual pumpkin patch event on Saturday, Sept. 23, beginning at noon at their location at 150 Humphrey St. The church has a long-standing partnership with New Mexican pumpkin farmers, providing employment for over 700 Native Americans each harvest season. A wide variety of pumpkin sizes will be available, catering to all preferences. Families are invited to bring their children and cameras to capture the essence of fall. For those interested in making bulk purchases, private showings can be scheduled through the church office, which can be reached at 781-631-3749 or via their website at www.cliftonlutheran.org.

14Sep

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Local News, Politics, Top Stories, Uncategorized

Massachusetts GOP Chairwoman Carnevale dismisses lawsuit as ‘frivolous’

Marblehead resident and Massachusetts GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale is being sued by her predecessor, Jim Lyons, and others in the Republican Party. Marblehead resident and Massachusetts GOP Chairwoman Amy Carnevale, leading the Massachusetts GOP through times of internal division and legal challenges. COURTESY PHOTO The plaintiffs claim Carnevale and others deliberately sabotaged business deals and violated a relationship of trust that required acting in the GOP’s best interests. The complaint alleges that GOP Treasurer Pat Crowley improperly froze the state party's bank account in January 2022 after a dispute over the budget, blocking the organization from paying employees and honoring contracts. Lyons claims this damaged the party financially and reputationally. Lyons filed ...

13Sep

By William J. DowdNo Comments

Art, Culture, Entertainment, Life Style, Local News, Top Stories, Uncategorized

Meet the Current’s arts and culture intern

The Marblehead Current welcomes a fresh face in arts and culture coverage: Benji Boyd, a junior at Marblehead High School, who will be helping the newsroom chronicle the town’s diverse artistic and cultural events for the upcoming year. Meet Benji Boyd, the Marblehead Current's arts and culture intern, who's as versed in martial arts as he is in the arts of the written word. From the dojo to the newsroom, this multi-talented junior at Marblehead High School is set to make a mark. CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER Boyd’s affinity for writing traces back to his childhood. “I’ve had a love for writing since a young age. I even attempted to write a novel in third grade, which wasn’t exactly a masterpiece,” he said with a chuckle. Despite early setbacks, Boyd has continued to hone his ...