Uncategorized - Marblehead Current

20 May

OBITUARY: Mary St. Clair Kimball, 86

Will Dowd0 CommentsObituaries, Uncategorized

Mary St. Clair Kimball, 86, of Marblehead, died peacefully surrounded by her loving family on May 13. She was born on October 23, 1937, in Canton, Ohio, the first child of the late John Denniston St. Clair and Catherine Andrews St. Clair. She was predeceased by her brother, John Denniston St. Clair Jr., also of Marblehead. Mary is survived by her children, Catherine D. Cormier (Philip) of Lexington, Elizabeth D. Parker (Joseph) of Marblehead, and John T. Dana (Cathy) of Marblehead. She enjoyed seeing her…

20 May

OBITUARY: Matthew Doane Callahan, 67

Will Dowd0 CommentsObituaries, Uncategorized

Matthew was raised in Swampscott. He attended Swampscott High School and went on to graduate from the Taft School and Boston College. Matthew Doane Callahan, 67, of Marblehead, passed away peacefully on May 14. He was the beloved husband of the late MaryBeth (Ursem) and the loving father of Regina Brown (Cody) and Kathleen Flanagan (Michael). Matthew was the treasured son of the late Jim and Carol Callahan and a dear brother to J. Christopher Callahan (Anne) of Shelburne, Vermont; John Callahan (Diane) of Norton;…

20 May

LETTER: Red Sox-Yankees analogy for Town Meeting

Will Dowd0 CommentsLETTERS, Opinion, Uncategorized

To the editor: Do you know that feeling when your home team loses a close contest? Well, that's what I felt experiencing our recent Town Meeting. As it should be, we had a number of strongly felt opinions aired and resulting close votes, but unlike a Red Sox-Yankees game we are all on the same team and should not heckle or boo our own teammates when things go the wrong way. Also, we should support our referee who is there to help us play an…

17 May

MARBLEHEAD CARES: Navigating anxiety in today’s teens

Will Dowd0 CommentsColumns, Health, Opinion, Uncategorized

The mental health of adolescents is emerging as one of the most significant public health concerns in the post-pandemic world. Prominent health organizations like the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics have declared a crisis in children's and adolescents' mental health. This situation is generating considerable debate at many levels about the root causes and, most importantly, regarding the potential solutions. The role of phones in adolescent anxiety Jonathan Haidt, a New York University social psychologist, is one of those who have…

15 May

Student showcase brings artistic talent to Abbot Hall

Will Dowd0 CommentsArt, Top Stories, Uncategorized

Abbot Hall is transformed into a vibrant gallery showcasing the artistic achievements of Marblehead students. The annual spring art exhibition, on display through May 22, features works across a wide range of media by artists in grades 8-12. The show was a labor of love for Marblehead High students Maeve Yoder, Sophia Wallen, Charlotte Horton and Christiaan Francoeur, who curated the sprawling exhibition of over 400 artworks for their senior project. "This took a lot of hard work and effort. And I feel like you…

15 May

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: Discover the charm of Saltwater Bookstore

Will Dowd0 CommentsUncategorized

The following is an interview with Laura Cooper, owner of Saltwater Bookstore, conducted by Discover Marblehead. Visit the shop at 134 Washington St. or visit Saltwaterbookstore.com Laura Cooper, owner of the Saltwater Bookstore, 134 Washington St., stands at the entrance of her bookshop. COURTESY PHOTO / DISCOVER MARBLEHEAD Tell us about Saltwater Bookstore and why you started it. Saltwater Bookstore is a charming indie bookshop nestled in the heart of the historic district in Marblehead. Thoughtfully designed with a cozy coastal vibe, I invite you to spend…

15 May

Special Town Meeting ‘almost certain’ after voters reject MBTA zoning

Will Dowd0 CommentsMunicipal Matters, Top Stories, Uncategorized

Marblehead has rejected a controversial zoning proposal aimed at complying with a state mandate to promote multifamily housing near public transit hubs. However, town officials say the issue is far from settled, making it almost certain a special Town Meeting will be scheduled later this year to revisit the matter. Town manager Thatcher Kezer takes to the podium at the annual town meeting Monday May 6, 2024 at Marblehead Middle School. Photos by Nicole Goodhue Boyd With a 377-410 tally May 7, Marblehead joined several…

13 May

LETTER: Supporting our vets

Will Dowd0 CommentsLETTERS, Opinion, Uncategorized

To the editor: I was more than a little disappointed hearing that our state legislature rejected amendment 698 to a House bill that would prioritize housing and other expenses for our veterans and their families before illegal "migrants." Close to $75 million per month of our state taxes are funding emergency shelters for these non-citizen alien families while some of our veterans are homeless. Adding all the other living expenses — food, clothing, healthcare etc. — these sanctuary costs will be approaching $2 billion over…

13 May

LETTER: Structural deficit in school budget needs to be addressed

Will Dowd0 CommentsLETTERS, Opinion, Uncategorized

To the editor: While I appreciate the efforts the School Committee has made to offer a budget that is more realistic in terms of need, I am mystified as to why there is a crisis in the district's budget that continues year after year, unsolved. There appears to be a structural deficit impacting adequate funding of the schools that the town leaders and community are not talking about. What is the plan long-term? We need to address that instead of putting our head in the…

13 May

LETTER: Civility prevailed in Article 49 debate

Will Dowd0 CommentsLETTERS, Opinion, Uncategorized

As the dust settles from Town Meeting, a few thoughts on the debate on Article 49. Although it was late at night on the second day of an otherwise contentious meeting, Buck Grader and the debaters on both sides of the Select Board terms issue presented their points in a thoughtful, respectful and civil manner. Town Moderator Jack Attridge tallied the votes, announced the result and efficiently moved on to the next article. A few days after Town Meeting, although we differed on this issue,…