The Good Witch of Salem
Every October, tourists and partygoers flock to Salem hoping to immerse themselves in the dark and ghoulish spirit of Halloween, but in a bright-pink room on North Street, a cheerful, inviting witch casts spells of joy, love, and growth for children year-round. She’s Swampscott’s Ashley Tina — The Good Witch. Tina, an author and businesswoman, […]
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Charlie Baker gives it the old college try
When Charlie Baker was a student at Needham High School, he was a member of the student council and basketball team. Looking back, it makes a lot of sense. On March 1, the 72nd governor of Massachusetts (2015-23) and former Swampscott selectman (2004-07) took over as president of the NCAA. “I was originally approached by […]
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Hate Football?
Barrie Atkin might Change Your Mind Just like everyone in New England, Barrie Atkin was surprised when Patriots head coach Bill Belichick opted to continue starting Tom Brady at quarterback when Drew Bledsoe was available to return after his injury. “Being somewhat ignorant of football at that time, I assumed that the $100 million franchise […]
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Lending voice to the Blue
Over the course of more than 55 years, Swampscott’s Roger Volk has made not just one, but many names for himself. To most, he’s an accountant, though others know him as the lively voice announcing Swampscott High School football games over the span of two decades, or the name printed on the foundation of the […]
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Ben Fernekees takes us all on his mission
Meet 10-year-old Ben Fernekees of Swampscott. Ben is just like every other 10-year-old. Well, almost. What sets him apart from most other kids his age is that he is the co-founder of Ben’s Mission, an organization that does large donation drives in Boston throughout the year. Ben and his mom Danielle Fernekees, the other co-founder, […]
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MiraMar has a passion for printing
If you happen to be strolling down Swampscott’s downtown area, you might stumble upon a small shop on the corner of Humphrey and Redington streets filled with different types of printmaking artwork. Skulls, vehicles, and animals, all in different shapes and sizes, line the front of the shop as you walk in. They are all […]
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Rabbi’s combating antisemitism by helping others discover their Jewish pride
On Jan. 6, an antisemetic incident occurred in the town of Swampscott near Redington Street and Forest Avenue where a swastika was spray painted on one of the sidewalks. Six days later, the community rallied together at Linscott Park for a “No Place For Hate” rally, and at the forefront were two of the most […]
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A clinched fist speaks
Swampscott resident and poet Enzo Silon Surin said he finds inspiration for his writing everywhere. “The right music, the right light, the right conversation, everything inspires me and I think it’s because I’m always looking for what things mean and why things happen, the way that they happen and so because of that I feel […]
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Swampscott native’s clothing brand has a fishing focus
Tyler Rockett isn’t your average college student. The Swampscott native is in his first year at Carnegie Melon University in Pittsburgh, juggling the demands of adapting to college life, all the while running his own business. During the summer after his senior year of high school, Rockett’s father purchased a new boat, which he named […]
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Ties Jan de Blij at Johnson Elementary School
For Johnson Elementary School students, 2023 has opened their eyes to art courtesy of Artist-in-Residence Ties Jan de Blij. The Nahant Education Foundation (NEF) funded the program to “inspire climate action,” according to a press release from the Foundation, with Jan de Blij beginning his work with students on Jan. 18. “Jan de Blij, an […]
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