Views & Reviews - Marblehead Current

11 Oct

EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY: What’s in your “go-bag”?

Virginia Buckingham0 CommentsViews & Reviews, Virginia Buckingham

Last week, we all received what I thought would be an unnerving alert on our cell phones from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. As much as possible, the agency forewarned that the alert was a test only. It seems they did a good job. There were no widespread reports of alarmed callers checking with local police and fire and plenty of funny notes about being in a conference room when hundreds of phones went off at once. The alert still jolted me but, then again,…

04 Oct

EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE OKAY: Comfort me with goulash

Virginia Buckingham0 CommentsViews & Reviews, Virginia Buckingham

I devour books by chefs like I sometimes try to make and devour their recipes. There’s something about a chef’s appetite for life that’s alluring. Some favorites are by Bill Buford (“Dirt” and “Heat”), Gabrielle Hamilton’s “Bread Bones and Butter” and anything by Ruth Reichl. Her “Tender at the Bone,” “Garlic and Sapphires” and “Save Me the Plums” are akin to having the opportunity of sitting at the knee of a perfect observer of what matters in life (read: family dinner). Virginia Buckingham Which brings…

04 Oct

After receiving a cancer diagnosis, I knew I needed a theme for my recovery

Christine McCarriston0 CommentsViews & Reviews

“Five hundred twenty-five thousand, six hundred minutes. How do you measure, measure a year?” - “Seasons of Love” from the musical “Rent” Christine McCarriston For me and mine, this year could be measured in health scares, fears, prayers and, incredibly, joy. On September 27, 2022, I was diagnosed with cancer. After a myriad of tests, I learned I had two cancers, they were forming a third which thankfully never materialized, and I would need a temporary colostomy bag to prevent a possible blockage. My diagnosis…

20 Sep

MY MARBLEHEAD FIRST TIME: From dusty farm fields to the wild blue sea

Court Merrigan0 CommentsLocal News, Views & Reviews

It will not be news to the seafaring folk of Marblehead that in order to get out to a boat in Marblehead Harbor, you have to get into another boat. I have observed this from the safe shore of Crocker Park many times. Recently, a kind neighbor invited my partner and I out onto his boat over Labor Day. And so as we stood on the dock at the Boston Yacht Club waiting for a ride, what caught my attention was the youth of the…

18 Sep

FOOD 101: September breezes and lobster

Linda Bassett0 CommentsLocal News, Views & Reviews

Mid-to-late September. The town draws a collective breath and puts on its “resting face.” That’s the intimate smile reserved for year-round neighbors, more at-ease than the outward-looking seasonal smiles that welcome summer vacationers. As we settle into the familiar routines of school days, after-school activities and serious weekly groceries, we’re aware that summer has not quit us yet. This moment is our own private summer. We take time to note briney breezes, houses still decked in flags and flowers, the evening song of crickets and…

12 Sep

‘FolkZinger’ Christine Lavin returned to Me&Thee

Benji Boyd0 CommentsArt, Community Resources, Culture, Entertainment, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Views & Reviews

Me&Thee Music kicked off its 54th season with a one-night-only performance from folk singer Christine Lavin on Sept. 8. Known for her catchy ballads based on personal experiences and for her comedic commentary, the so-called “folkZinger” performed songs from her 25th solo album “On My Way to Hooterville,” as well as classic older tracks such as “If You’re Drunk You Cannot Buy a Puppy,” for an enthusiastic audience of fans new and old. Lavin has played at Me&Thee multiple times in her long career, though…

12 Sep

Just about one week left to see seven local artists’ shows at MAA

Benji Boyd0 CommentsArt, Local News, Nonprofit corner, Views & Reviews

Following up the summer member’s exhibit, the Marblehead Arts Association is hosting seven solo member shows open for public viewing at the historic King Hooper Mansion on 8 Hooper St. The shows, spread throughout the mansion’s three floors, are open 12-5 p.m. every Wednesday through Sunday free of charge. The shows will close on September 24 to make way for the Photography Member Show and the “Fresh” Show beginning on September 30. Patricia Scialo demonstrates the techniques of printmaking and photography in her piece ‘Statuary…

12 Sep

Missing Jimmy Buffett

Betty Breuhaus0 CommentsArt, Viewpoints, Views & Reviews

Am I a Parrot Head? Do I drink margaritas? Jimmy Buffett No, those are not what define the depth of my reaction upon hearing of Jimmy Buffett’s passing. Although I never met the man, or even knew anyone who was personally acquainted, he has been a part of my life for almost 50 years. I grew up with him.Many of his songs are wildly playful, laced with an infectious, carefree attitude. What’s not to love about ballads to cheeseburgers and flip flops and Pop Tops!…

06 Sep

LETTER: Mariner ‘feels like first-class hotel’

Letter to the editor0 CommentsLETTERS, Opinion, Views & Reviews

For those who are anxious to hear about the new independent and assisted living facility in town, The Mariner, I want to share with you our firsthand experiences. My husband, Peter, has suffered with Parkinson's and Lewy bodies the past 10 years, perhaps even longer. As his health has declined, we were so hopeful that once he could not live at home for various reasons, there would be a pleasant, caring, close, safe, memory care place to live. The Mariner has met all these requirements…

06 Sep

Summer 2023: A retrospective in movies

Gavin King1 CommentArt, Culture, Opinion, Views & Reviews

As everyone knows, this past summer has been filled with highs, lows and everything in between. From climate disasters and Hollywood strikes to advances in both AI and green tech, the world has seen a lot. The movies released this past summer might be referred to with a similar introduction. This past summer, we have seen many surprises in the world of cinematic entertainment, but chief among these surprises seems to be the success of the “Barbenheimer” movement. We have witnessed the rebirth of the…