Author, Journalist, Copywriter
In the summer of 1991, Marblehead resident Kim Bernard arrived on Nantucket to participate in Figawi, the annual Memorial Day weekend sailing race from Hyannis to Nantucket. Kim recalled a long-standing warning, intended for the single women in attendance: “Don’t ever expect to find a boyfriend at Figawi!” She and her group of girlfriends proceeded with caution.
When Lisa Philpott left her Marblehead home in December of 2003 for a bike trip in Hawaii, she was apprehensive about her first solo experience. She was unaccustomed to flying first class, but she had earned the miles, was in a rut, and wanted to “change things up.”
After losing her husband to a 15-year battle with cancer, Louise decided to chart a new course. This change in direction would make no provisions for another life partner.
One sunny day in 1983, Paul Taylor’s luck changed when he happened to notice something glistening brilliantly on the pavement. The diamond bracelet he found outside of Mayflower Cleansers on Atlantic Avenue was the beginning of a new chapter.
Jan. 29 marks the 94th anniversary of The Seeing Eye, the world’s oldest, most sustainable guide dog training school in the United States. Co-founded by Morris Frank and Dorothy Harrison Eustis, The Seeing Eye’s lasting success is the result of tireless pioneers whose courage, empathy and ambition laid the groundwork for making the entire world accessible to the blind.
While December is synonymous with the celebration of human connections, it can also be a daunting time for those who are ill or alone. Thanks to the success of therapeutic service animal programs worldwide, there is tremendous hope for those who need it most.
Renowned keyboardist Brian Maes is loyal to his roots. After decades of performing with legends across the globe, the Lynn native still makes taking the stage at North Shore venues a priority. In his new, three-part book series, Brushes with Greatness, Maes describes with candor and passion his lifelong, illustrious musical career, while paying homage to friends, family, and his humble beginnings.
Choosing a band name can be a laborious process. In the case of “Better Than Nothing,” the band seemingly landed upon the name with an ease that represents their humble beginnings. Lead guitarist and singer Craig Smith explains that while many names were tossed around when one band member quipped that any name was “better than nothing,” the band quickly adopted it.
When a small group of Marblehead residents decided to host an arts festival in 1962, it’s unlikely they could have foreseen the cultural significance the event would still hold 60 years later. The scale of the festival, which attracts thousands of visitors and works from roughly 2,500 artists from all over New England, speaks volumes about the far-reaching appeal of this annual Fourth of July tradition.
Choosing a band name can be a laborious process. In the case of “Better Than Nothing,” the band seemingly landed upon the name with an ease that represents their humble beginnings. Lead guitarist and singer Craig Smith explains that while many names were tossed around when one band member quipped that any name was “better than nothing,” the band quickly adopted it.
If you’ve ever seen Marblehead musician Chad Hollister perform live, chances are you’ve heard, and even joined in, on one of his signature songs. The infectious hymn “Life” is a testament to embracing positivity.
Finding live music every day of the week just became easier thanks to the grand opening of Beverly’s The Railway Tavern. The man behind the scenes booking the talent is Marblehead’s own renowned saxophone player, Henley Douglas Jr.
“Anyone can be loud,” Guy Ford said, referring to the mantra of his band of 25 years. “But the hardest lesson a musician learns is that less is more.” Ford felt a musical “spark” as a kid after borrowing his sister’s guitar
In case you hadn’t heard, Johnny Ray, “wants to put the band back together.” Ray and his longtime friend and confidante, Edgar Alleyne, are the dynamic duo behind The Beacon Restaurant and Bar, 123 Pleasant St., Marblehead.
When the world as we knew it came to a halt in March of 2020, the outcome was tragic for SOSS Records—a company who built its reputation on Boston’s North Shore as true “disciples of live music.”
When Eat Well Kitchen opened in June of 2015, it delivered on its promise to provide customers with fresh, delicious food on the go. Less than a year after moving into a new, larger space at 12 Atlantic Avenue, COVID unleashed its wrath, presenting a host of unimaginable predicaments.
When Eat Well Kitchen opened in June of 2015, it delivered on its promise to provide customers with fresh, delicious food on the go. Less than a year after moving into a new, larger space at 12 Atlantic Avenue, COVID unleashed its wrath, presenting a host of unimaginable predicaments.
When Wayne George took over at the helm of F.L. Woods nearly twenty years ago, a global pandemic was the farthest thing from his mind. The harsh reality of Covid in March, 2020 brought the temporary closing of the Marblehead institution that first opened its doors at 76 Washington St. in 1938.
Gym owners learn how to stay relevant and stay strong despite the pandemic.
In March of 2020, the Council on Aging closed its Senior Center due to mandates from Governor Baker and the State Department of Public Health. The results were devastating. The COA lost many friends, patrons, volunteers, and employees. At the time of the shutdown, the COA was in the midst of a long-overdue server upgrade
Gina Baker, is a 52-year-old college professor and athlete who suffered a severe injury that left her with constant back and sciatic nerve pain. “I hurt when I sleep, walk, sit, and stand,” she say…
Warren Buffet famously says, “An idiot with a plan can beat a genius without a plan.” Planned events like weddings, birthdays, and funerals are the cornerstones of life. But even the best planning…
Kip Hollister, 56, a successful business woman from Dover Mass, experienced the unthinkable recently. Her 23-year-old son, Chase, one of her four children, died unexpectedly. In the nine months sin…
For most parents, the topic of mortality is unsettling. But for the parent of a special needs child, it can be overwhelming. What becomes of my son after I am gone? How will my daughter find her wa…
My first Broadway show, at age 6, was Annie Get Your Gun, and over the years my mother made sure her three daughters saw at least one production a year. At our home in Pittsburgh, show tunes were the soundtrack of our lives.
Look who came to Indie Author Day at the Nahant Public Library. Thanks for bringing Hamlet by Leslie Martini!
Author and illustration reading of Hamlet, The Algonquin Cat, along with questions and answers in Rizzoli’s new NoMad neighborhood in New York City.
On September 14, 2018, The NY Post includes Hamlet in its “MUST READ BOOKS” – “A whimsical children’s book that takes a look at Hamlet, the resident cat at the Algonquin Hotel…
Every August, the Algonquin Hotel opens its doors to celebrate its special feline resident with a birthday party, a cat fashion show, and adoption event benefitting the Mayor’s Alliance for NYC’s Animals to promote feline adoption in New York City.
When the advanced copy of Matilda, the Algonquin Cat, my first published book, arrived in the mail, a thrilling sense of satisfaction overtook me. It had been an arduous journey, one that took many years. Here is what I learned along the way: 1.) The Finished Project May Evolve into Something Othe…
Matilda, The Algonquin Cat by Leslie Martini and illustrated by Massi Mongiardo won a BRONZE IPPY in “Children’s Picture Books.”
Foreword Reviews says of Matilda, “What the beloved Eloise books are to the Plaza Hotel, Matilda, the Algonquin Cat is to the Algonquin Hotel, a legendary Manhattan landmark. Leslie Martini’s winsome text encapsulates the world of the real-life felines…”
Kirkus says of Matilda, The Algonquin Cat, “An appealing, humorous introduction to a legendary hotel through a cat’s eyes”
“Matilda, The Algonquin Cat” illuminates the daily routine of Manhattan’s most celebrated feline while paying homage to The Algonquin’s long held tradition of hosting authors, journalists…
Baby Meets City most recent addition to her Big Apple Book list included Matilda, The Algonquin Cat, which captures the tale of the furriest resident of one of NYC’s most famous hotels. This charming story is made even more delightful because it’s based on a real cat who does in fact live at The Algonquin.
That Cat Blog shares a sneak peeks at some of the best cat-themed children’s books coming out this Fall! Starting out with a first look at “Matilda, The Algonquin Cat,” by Leslie Martini.
Leslie Martini’s children’s book, Matilda, The Algonquin Cat, is previewed at 10th Annual Fashion Show at the Algonquin Hotel in New York City. The annual birthday celebration for Matilda, the Algonquin’s famous cat-in-residence…
In a far away land, the family and friends of eleven-year-old Makenzie Cote are as busy as Santa’s elves. A team of mothers, fathers, sisters, mother-in-laws, father-in-laws and friends are hard at work creating magic: handmade jewelry, hangers, wine bags, pot holders, dishcloths, slippers, greeting…
A black and white cartoon my mother cut out of a magazine twenty-some years ago is still etched in my memory. A seemingly apprehensive young woman was a…
On September 11th of this year, we drove our thirteen-year-old daughter to a boarding school for children with learning differences. It was the second-worst day in memory. The first was when she was three months old and the pediatrician told me she had Fragile X syndrome…
Ten-year-old Jeffrey Miller was not a basketball player. In fact, he didn’t understand the game. Undeterred by her son’s most vehement protests, Jeffrey’s mother signed him up for the Marblehead town league, which is made up of 5th and 6th graders.
One hundred and two years in the making, the story of North Andover-based global footwear juggernaut Converse is the stuff of a bestseller. In 1908, Marquis M. Converse founded what started as a rubber company…
On stage, in front of thousands is where she shines. But for singer and Rockport native Paula Cole the lure of home and the sound of the ocean prove perfect fodder for her new album…
Step into Roost Urban Country Design on Front Street in Salem and you’ll feel as if you’ve come home. With its warm color, exposed brick, and hip mix of industrial textures, Roost is the hottest…
Sixty-five-year-old Lloyd Caswell of Marblehead leads an active life. So active in fact, it’s hard to believe he uses a wheelchair. Living with…
Since 1962, the people behind the scenes of the Festival of the Arts Inc., a not-for-profit organization, have provided the town of Marblehead with an…
While the majority of teenagers were packing skis or bathing suits for spring break, 14-year-old Olivia Gould was packing snacks for a mother-daughter…
His name may not sound familiar, and his face may blend into the chaos of the cursory morning routine. But if you stop and look closely you will see him…
With today’s high gas prices and sluggish economy, it’s no wonder luxury retailers are fretting. Consumers are feeling the squeeze, rethinking that quick jaunt to Boston to shell out the dough for the latest…