Two Marblehead residents, Steven Baratz DMD and Todd Belfbecker DMD were recently recognized by the Massachusetts Dental Society (MDS) as William McKenna Volunteer Heroes. This is a statewide organization that has about 5000 dental members in it. The award is given in memory of the late Dr. William H. McKenna.
Learn more about them and their award.

The Jackson 5 is having its 50th anniversary this year, and to celebrate they will be at the North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly on Sunday, September 6th, 2015. The special performance will include video footage that chronicles the evolution of The Jacksons. It also includes the mega-hits that were made famous by Michael Jackson.

Performing without Michael this time around, brother Marlon said, “It’s a great feeling. You feel his presence. Trust me, you do miss him. I wouldn’t be telling the truth if I said otherwise.”
You too can be part of the Jackson fun this coming week near our very own Marblehead.

The Jacksons will be playing on Sunday, Sept. 6 at North Shore Music Theatre, 62 Dunham Road, Beverly. For tickets or information, visit nsmt.org or call 978-232-7200.

Along with many other campaigns that they are doing to raise money for the Farrar family, Evolve Hair Design raised money on Sunday as part of the Ben Farrar Day Off Fundraiser from 9-3. People could come in for a free haircut during those hours and then make a donation of any amount to the Ben Farrar fund.

Most people in this area know already, but in April, Marblehead High School student Ben Farrar sustained a spinal cord injury when he jumped into water that was too shallow while on vacation in Cannes, France.

He is undergoing extensive physical therapy at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston and his parents need to make his home accessible for him.

Along with getting their hair cut, those who wish to make a donation can send a check or make a donation at the National Grand Bank in Marblehead to The Ben Farrar Fund, Or go to #BenStrong on Twitter or http://www.gofundme.com/benfarrar.

Enjoy a chance to relax and have fun this summer at the Peabody Essex Museum. On Thursday, July 16 from 6-9pm they will have a game of quidditch. You can borrow a book from the mobile library they have there, make tie-dye inspired art and seven sample alcoholic milkshakes.

The event is free for members and Salem residents. Everyone else needs to pay $10. This is obviously not a kid-friendly event. Just for those adults who want to get out and have some summer fun.

Marblehead will soon be joining the ranks of Boulder, Colorado and Los Angeles as a city that bans plastic bags. The Town Meeting members passed the Board of Health sponsored ban in 2014 and it will soon go into effect. The proposal bans the thin-film, single-use plastic carryout bags that are under 3 mils (a mil is a measurement of plastic bag thickness).

The vote purposefully came with a year delay so that the public may get educated about the changes and so that businesses can get ready. It will officially prohibit Marblehead establishments from giving patrons thin plastic bags or Styrofoam throw away cups and take-out containers.

As Board of Health Member Michelle Gottlieb tried to explain “What we are trying to get people to do is bring their own bags. We don’t want people to use lots of paper. Paper is not the solution.”

The exceptions to the ban will include dry cleaning bags, newspaper bags, produce and meat bags, bulk food bags and wet items. Any bags over 3 mil are permitted. Those who don’t comply will be fined after a first warning.

As Gottlieb explained, “If people are aware of non-compliance, they should contact the Board of Health. We will work with that merchant to find appropriate alternatives.”

You may have noticed a more festive atmosphere around Marblehead this week and that’s because “Celebrate Marblehead” is just kicking off. What does it involve? There was a recent chamber of commerce initiative designed to allow Marblehead businesses to have ”more tools … to attract customers and promote a festive and inviting town atmosphere.”

As stated in a letter posted on the Marblehead Chamber of Commerce’s page, the chamber wants to help businesses that have had a hard winter to “Celebrate Marblehead” by allowing businesses from April 15-September 30th to do things that wouldn’t be permitted under normal circumstances.

This includes outdoor seating, outdoor displays, outdoor entertainment and more. Have fun!

In a lovely act of giving, Whole Foods Market announced that they want to show their appreciation to the plow drivers who have been clearing the area from the mammoth loads of snow. The Whole Foods Market is offering a free small coffee, small tea or bottled water to drivers if they stop by the nearest store during business hours.

As the Swampscott store tweeted, “THANK YOU plow drivers for keeping our roads safe! Stop by for a free coffee, tea, or water on us.”

Whole Foods Market locations near Marblehead include 331 Paradise Road in Swampscott (open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.) and 427 Walnut St. in Lynnfield (open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-10 p.m.)

Talk about irony. The annual Polar Plunge has been postponed due to…weather! Rotary District 7930 is postponing the Plunge that was planned for Saturday, February 6th.

The group’s website explains that, “With all the snow and frigid temperatures, it seemed prudent to focus on the health and safety of all involved.” The new plunge date will be on Saturday, March 7. Participants will arrive at 10:30am and the plunge will take place at 11:15am. The event will take place at the Cape Motor Inn. The event is a charity event that raises money for polio research. They have already raised almost $80,000.

Their fundraising goal for the big day is $125,000. Let’s hope they get to it.

If you’re bored next Sunday, or you’re retired and looking for something to do any day of the week, this may be the place for you. Historic New England is inviting Marblehead residents to tour the 1821 residence on Chestnut Street in Salem and learn about the Phillips family that used to live there. Free admission is offered on Sunday, February 2 for regular tours. The tours take place from 11 am to 4 pm on the half-hour and last for about 45 minutes.

The Phillips House is at 34 Chestnut Street in Salem. Enjoy your visit!

If you’ve never been to the me & thee coffeehouse in Marblehead – you should go and enjoy. Located at the Unitarian-Universalist Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street, they are offering all sorts of acoustic music. Here is the lineup.

January 16th – James Keelagan will be joined by Barbara Kessler and her daughter, Emilia Antonaides for a night of singing. He’s called “Canada’s finest singer-songwriter” and he’s been touring for over 25 years.

Febrary 6th: Bill Staines will be singing primarily his own songs. Interestingly, he is the only musician who has appeared on the me & thee stage every year since they opened in 1970.

Feb 13: All-a-Cappella night with the Boston vocal band Overboard. None of the Above will also be there, an a-cappella octet.

February 20: Girls, Guns and Glory will perform. They were recently voted as the Best Musical Act at the Boston Music Awards. Opening the show will be Susan Cattaneao.