Holocaust Remembrance Day
The town will observe its fourth annual International Holocaust Remembrance Day on Friday, Jan. 30, at noon at Abbot Hall. The Select Board has proclaimed the day and recognized January as Holocaust Remembrance Month.
In 2005, the United Nations officially designated Jan. 27 as the day of remembrance, now observed by many countries worldwide. The day commemorates the more than six million Jews and millions of other minorities killed by the Nazi regime between 1933 and 1945. The date marks the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp.
A candlelight ceremony will begin at noon with the reading of a proclamation by Select Board Chair Dan Fox. Sasha Ganezer, a Marblehead High School senior and grandchild of Holocaust survivors on both sides of her family, will share her grandparents’ stories and how they have influenced her life.
Rabbi Michael Schwartz of Temple Sinai organized this year’s observance and will lead a 6 p.m. Friday evening service at the temple, 1 Community Road, in memory of the victims. Fox will be a guest speaker at the service.
All community members are invited and encouraged to attend both the afternoon and evening commemorations.
Call for student art
Recreation Supervisor Peter James, right, retires at the end of January after 39 years working for the town. His brother, Frank, came to a retirement celebration last week. CURRENT PHOTO / LEIGH BLANDER
The MassAudubon’s Youth Climate Leadership Program hosts a Climate Summit at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem and this year, it is kicking things off with an art show.
The program is calling for student artists in grades six through 12 to submit any kind of art (including digital, 2D, 3D, music, film or writing). Selected pieces will be displayed at the museum starting April 3. For more information, visit forms.gle/V9WojZFYsFwQpyXe8.
Retiring after 39 years working for the town
On Jan 23, people came to the Marblehead Community Center to celebrate Superintendent of Parks Peter James who is retiring this month after working for the town for 39 years. James is a lifelong Marbleheader, who has only ever worked for the town. He said he’s looking forward to retirement.
New York Times honor for local author
The New York Times has named Eric Jay Dolin’s upcoming book, “The Wreck of the Mentor,” one of its most anticipated nonfiction titles of 2026. Dolin, a Marblehead resident, is the author of several best-selling books.
The new release recounts the story of the whaleship Mentor, which wrecked in 1832 on a remote reef in the western Pacific. The book is scheduled for publication in June.
Memory kits available
Abbot Public Library now offers memory kits designed to help caregivers engage socially with family members and friends experiencing dementia.
Each of the library’s four themed kits — seasons, the United States of America, pets and birds — includes three to four books, a selection of music and movies, puzzles and a tactile fidget item. The items encourage reminiscence through meaningful activities. Each kit also includes a resource list for caregivers and usage instructions.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias in the U.S. was projected to reach 7.2 million Americans age 65 and older by 2025, including an estimated 135,200 in Massachusetts. These numbers do not include individuals with early-onset dementia.
Common characteristics of dementia include memory loss; difficulties with planning, communication and problem-solving; trouble performing complex tasks and confusion.
For more information, visit tinyurl.com/LOT-Home-Health.
A Dementia Primer: Causes, Diagnosis & Trajectory
Abbot Public Library will host a lecture, “A Dementia Primer: Causes, Diagnosis & Trajectory,” on Thursday, Feb. 5, from noon to 1 p.m.
Beverly Thorn, Ph.D., author and psychologist, will discuss what dementia is, how it is diagnosed and how it typically progresses. She will also explain how clarifying life values and making advance care plans can ease the burden on patients and families while maintaining dignity and peace of mind.
The online lecture will be shown in the library’s Event Center, followed by a discussion session.
Registration is required and limited to 35 participants. Register at tinyurl.com/Age-Well-Dementia.
MHA votes to extend partnership
The Marblehead Housing Authority voted unanimously to extend its partnership with the Salem Housing Authority for another five years. Cathy Sheehan serves as director of both agencies.
Nominate a community hero
The Marblehead Counseling Center is accepting nominations for the second annual Amy Saltz Community Champions Award.
Established in 2025, the award honors individuals who make significant contributions to the health and wellness of the local community. Nominees should demonstrate service, compassion and leadership, dedicating their time to creating positive change and inspiring others.
Last year’s inaugural recipient was Anne Tassel Todisco of Marblehead.
The award is named in memory of Amy R. Saltz of Marblehead, who devoted her life to helping others and was a longtime supporter of the MCC.
Any resident 21 or older living within the MCC service area is eligible. For more information, visit marbleheadcounseling.org/awards/community-champions-award.
Freelance writing opportunities
The Marblehead Current periodically seeks paid freelance journalists to cover municipal meetings and government affairs on an as-needed basis.
To learn more, email editor Leigh Blander at [email protected].
Do you feel more informed? At the Current, we’re dedicated to providing fair, comprehensive coverage of Marblehead. As a reader-funded, nonprofit news organization, we rely on the generosity of readers like you.
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