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.
Jackson 5 Coming to the Area
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.
Talk Tonight by Beverly Seamans Son
Tonight, as part of the Beverly Seamans exhibit at the Marblehead Arts Association, the artist’s son John Seamans will present a talk about his mother’s work. The talk will take place tonight from 7-8:30pm in the Ballroom Gallery of the King Hooper Mansion on Hooper Street. Reservations are suggested and can be made at (781) 631-2608 or info@marbleheadarts.org.
The Seamans exhibition will run through September 27th.
Massachusetts At Top of List for American Schools
Massachusetts parents can be happy with their educational choices according to the WalletHub research. They broke down the best and worst public school systems in the country. Massachusetts was ranked the top in the nation, second in school system quality and first in school safety.
They had 13 metrics with which they evaluated the schools. Massachusetts ranked highest in the country in reading and math scores. They were not in the top five for student-to-teacher ratio, SAT scores or lowest dropout rates, but they ranked very well overall.
WalletHub’s other top school choices included those in Colorado, New Jersey, Wisconsin and Kentucky. The worst states were Louisiana, Arizona, Nevada, District of Columbia and Alaska.
New Rotary President Installed
Zach Newell was just installed as the new President of the Marblehead Rotary Club on Thursday, July 16th at the Boston Yacht Club. He accepted the gavel from Tom McNulty and the presidency from the outgoing president Tanya DeGenova. During his acceptance speech, he outlined his goals for the term ahead which includes supporting the energy within the club and more. He appointed a number of members to head standing committees and tasked them with finding new initiatives.
Ben Farrar Day Off Fundraiser
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.
Salem Willows Seafood Festival
The three day Salem Willows Seafood Festival returned on July 10-12. The festival included live music and entertainment for all ages. There was a Lobster Roll Eating Competition, fireworks, a Lobster Plunge into the Atlantic and more. There was a Culinary Chef demonstration by Wicked Bites, a Kiddie Land center and the first-ever Salem Willows Seafood Festival that attracted over 15,000 people last year.
The festival was organized by FestEvents of New England and their president, Jude David. The festival took place Friday, Saturday and Sunday and a portion of admissions went back to support the city of Salem Parks and Recreation Department.
First Annual Phillip W. Sweeney, Jr. Award
The first annual Phillip W. Sweeney, Jr. Memorial Scholarship was just awarded on June 22. Phil Sweeney III, Marcia Sweeney and Scott Sweeney were all in attendance at the Marblehead High School to give the award to Cian Saunders, a member of the graduating class of 2015. Saunders has shown his dedication as an involved citizen of Marbeleahd as a four-year high honor roll students, as a New England Conference Basketball All-Star and as a class leader. The scholarship committee explained that he embodies the standard set by the late Phil Sweeney.
Summer Fun at the Peabody Essex Museum
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.
Summer Members Exhibit Soon
The Summer Members Exhibit will open from June 27 until August 9th. This is a tradition at the Marblehead Arts Association. It invites over 250 artist members to submit pieces for showcase that will then be judged in two categories. They are judged based on fine art (which includes painting, sculpture, drawing and mixed media) and photography.
There will also be on display an exhibit of the best of show winners from the last 50 years of MFoA. They will have an open reception for the exhibit on Sunday, June 28th from 2-4pm.