The Stories That Defined Marblehead In 2020

MARBLEHEAD, MA — A year that brought unprecedented challenges to Marblehead residents and small businesses also brought out the resolve and fighting spirit of the North Shore town.

As we all look forward to the hope of a brighter 2021, here are some of the stories of how Marblehead battled through the coronavirus health crisis and social justice debates with innovation, resilience and a collective eye toward a better tomorrow.

A Touch Of Magic Returns In Marblehead

The Marblehead Magic Hat Thrift Shop looked a bit different when the doors opened to the public for the first time in November compared to when customers last walked through aisles overflowing with unique and vintage clothing, gifts, books and toys back in March.

The inventory was dramatically reduced from the congested racks of clothes and packed shelves of goodies customers have combed through for the 14 years since the upscale thrift store launched as a way to raise funds for Marlbehead school programs and initiatives.

The hours were a little less, the staff and volunteers pared down — at least for now — with more open space for socially distanced entrances and exits amid the coronavirus health crisis that kept the store closed for more than eight months.

Marblehead Girls Lacrosse, Volleyball Players Deliver Big Assist

It has been more than one full year since the Marblehead High girls volleyball team last took the court for a competition together. It has been nearly 18 months since the Magicians girls lacrosse players last walked off the field following a hard-fought game.

While players in both programs await a hopeful return to working together in practices and contests over the next six months amid the coronavirus health crisis, those players found a way to work together for the greater good in recent weeks through the Marblehead-based nonprofit SPUR's sixth annual Holiday Cheer Drive.

Marblehead Public Schools Approve Social Justice Resolution

The Marblehead School Committee in September approved a social justice resolution that stated all districts in the state "must guarantee that racist practices are eradicated, and diversity, equity and inclusion is embedded and practiced for our students, families, faculty and staff."

Marblehead Superintendent of Schools John Buckey said in his weekly letter to the school community on Friday: "While this is an important and symbolic step, we must go further and do more."

Marblehead, Swampscott Police Save Child Stuck On Raft

Marblehead and Swampscott police were able to save a child who was stuck on a raft off of Preston Beach and being blown further from shore by a strong September wind.

Marblehead Photographer Transforms From Bartender To Business Owner Amid Pandemic

Grace Perry said she thought "the world was going to end" at the onset of the coronavirus health crisis this spring.

The challenges of the pandemic, and reflection about what she really wanted to do in life, that ensued wound up opening up a whole new world to the former full-time bartender and part-time photographer who is now the owner of the Grace Perry Productions video, graphic design and social media management company.

State Police Drone Team Trooper Finds Missing Marblehead Dog

Sport was so close to his Fluen Point home for so many long days and chilly nights in a row.

Cathy Eidson could not only feel it, she could hear it. The occasional yelp, or the tell-tale whimper, coming from the heavy brush within the wetlands near the family's Marblehead home convinced her that her 10-year-old Australian Shepherd mix was still out there.

Only whenever waves of those hoping to help her family find Sport looked, he was nowhere to be found.

'Huge Sigh Of Relief' For Marblehead Fitness Studio Owner

When Tread Tabata, MHD owner Kelly Lorenz thinks of the members of her Marblehead fitness studio she says she feels like she is thinking of members of her own family.

Lorenz said she breathed "a huge sigh of relief" that she'd still be able to see members of her Tread Tabata family in person after new coronavirus restrictions Gov. Charlie Baker announced in November fell short of shutting down gyms and fitness studios.

"We have one woman in her 60s who used to only come once a week and now tries to come three times a week," Lorenz said. "She told us that is the only three times a week she gets to see people. Other than that, it's just her and her dog. She is always thanking the teachers for being there for her."

Celebrity Chef Turns Marblehead Gas Station Lot Into B & B Fish

Jason Santos was not exactly used to downtime.

Then came the March restaurant shutdowns due to the coronavirus health crisis, and suddenly the celebrity chef had no place to go as his restaurants were closed and the future of his business was in doubt.

He said it was sometime in April when he decided he and his wife needed to get out in the world for really the first time since the onset of the pandemic. They went for a drive from their Woburn home to the seashore and wound up in Marblehead where they drove by an old, empty gas station on Pleasant Street.

Samaritans Pull Marblehead Kayaker From Frigid Harbor

A Marblehead woman is crediting three men who "literally saved my life" after her kayak capsized in Marblehead Harbor.

"I was in shock and didn't get your names, but I am so grateful you found me and got me out of the water," Brown wrote in a post on a Facebook group for Marblehead residents. "Thank you guys again, and if there is anything I can ever do to repay you, just let me know."

More Than 1,000 Households Help Marblehead SPUR In 2020

More than 1,000 households contributed to the Marblehead SPUR's efforts to help children and residents in need in Lynn, Marblehead, Salem and Swampscott amid the coronavirus health crisis in 2020.