Jan 26, 2026 | Businesses, Kid Related
Photo credit: Storied Lens
Tell us about Music Together of Salem/Marblehead and why you decided to start this business. I started teaching the Music Together program in the Fall of 2006. The short answer for why is: I started teaching music because of my deep passion for music. My long answer as a music educator is that I believe music education is essential for young children because it supports all areas of development and creates community. When my son was little, together we visited a few music and movement classes. What really stood out to me about Music Together was how thoughtfully the program was put together, I could clearly see that it had been based well-respected music education methods, like Orff and Dalcroze, and especially based on the teachings of the great American music educator Edwin Gordon who had a vast research on how children learn music.
The classes introduce children to a rich variety of musical elements—different scales, tempos, genres, and time signatures—all in an age-appropriate way and most importantly FUN. Our Marblehead classes are located at the UU Church of Marblehead at 28 Mugford Street.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? To pay attention to the community needs. After all, my decision to start teaching the program was to serve the community and promote music education.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? It’s hard to choose one spot as my favorite in this cute little town but I’d go with the old part of town due to its historic buildings.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? One thing people might not expect from a musician/music educator is that I value silence as much as I love music.
For More Information:
Music Together of Salem/Marblehead
Teresa Coelho, Director & Teacher
(781) 285-6558, [email protected]
MusicTogetherSalem.com
Jan 19, 2026 | Arts
Tell us about your book Slim and the Notorious Mrs. Churchill. I wrote Slim and the Notorious Mrs. Churchill because I’ve always been fascinated by the quieter ways women have shaped history. Not the loud, official power with titles attached to it, but the kind that works through relationships, good instincts, taste, and timing. Long before we had words like “soft power,” women were already using it—and using it well.
The socialites of the 1950s were, in many ways, the original influencers. They understood that a dinner party could matter just as much as a boardroom, and that who you invited, who you didn’t, and who you sat next to each other could quietly change outcomes. Women like Slim Keith and Pamela Churchill Harriman moved through worlds where politics, money, and culture all overlapped, and they learned how to navigate those spaces with incredible skill—often without ever seeming to be in charge.
I really wanted to move these women beyond gossip and myth and show them as they actually were: smart, observant, strategic, and deeply aware of how influence works. Their stories are a reminder that soft power isn’t weak—it’s just subtle.
The book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and locally at Saltwater Books, which means a great deal to me.
What are you most excited about with the launch of the book? Honestly, I’m more nervous than excited. I’ve been working on this book for such a long time that it feels strange to let it go and see it out in the world. But I think the moment that will really hit me is walking into Saltwater Books and seeing it on the shelf. I spend so much time in bookstores and libraries that seeing my own book there will feel surreal—in the very best way.
What types of events and speaking engagements will you be doing with the launch of your book? I’m starting close to home with an author reading at Abbot Public Library on January 28 at 6:30 p.m., in the newly renovated space near the gallery. Saltwater Books will be there selling copies of the book. I’m really looking forward to sharing the book in such a familiar, welcoming place. I hope people will come—and maybe bring a friend. Also, two kind friends are holding book parties for me. One is a cosy potluck, and the other is a Dress-up as your favorite Swan from the book. I am really looking forward to both and am beyond grateful to have such kind people in my life.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? This is such a hard question, because there are so many. Saltwater Books is an obvious favorite—it’s a tiny jewel box of a bookstore that never fails to lift my mood. I also love The Spotted Hound, where I can wander around forever and lose track of time. And I have to include The Yoga Loft, which feels like such a gift of a space to slow down and breathe. Truly, there are too many delightful places to name. I feel lucky every day to live here.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Probably that I’m an introvert. I’ve spent years in very social, outward-facing work, so people often assume I’m an extrovert—but really, I’m more quiet than people expect.
For More Information:
Tonya Walker, Author Spaker
Slim and the Notorious Mrs. Churchill
https://substack.com/@tonyaewalker
Jan 12, 2026 | Activities, Businesses, Community, Events, House/Home Related
Tell us about Mabel of Marblehead. Mabel of Marblehead is a concierge, community, and collaboration company that curates experiences and connections for women. We host events and workshops, design special moments, and share local recommendations that help women learn, grow, and connect — all while highlighting the businesses and people who make Marblehead shine. I started Mabel to answer the question: “what should we do?!” – oftentimes we want to get together with friends and don’t want to go out to eat or sit at a bar. If there was an option in town to do something fun (or even different) that’s beautifully created and well executed, I knew people would come. Similarly, if you’re new to town or in a new stage of life, finding a group of women who are eager to learn and grow and connect with each other can be difficult. I created Mabel to empower women in the North Shore to build a community that really fit them – through beautiful events that inspire them to create beauty in their world as well.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? If you have an idea, don’t wait, you need to put it out there and get started. Focus on effort over perfection and you’ll attract people and opportunities based on the vibe you, plus your business are putting into the world.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Sentimentally speaking, it would be Tony’s Pizza because my family has been eating there for as long as I can remember. But today I have a few frequented hot spots: coffee + breakfast: Mookies, shopping: Local Noon + Hunt+Gather, pampering: Organic Nails, exploring: the Rail Trail, dinner: 5 Corners, after dinner drinks: The Hidden Door
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? I spent 20 years living in San Diego. The soul of a North Shore girl with the heart of a California girl.
For More Information:
Mabel of Marblehead
Erin Spinucci, Owner
[email protected]
MabelofMarblehead.com
Jan 6, 2026 | Businesses, Health & Wellness
Tell us about Bedrock Pilates Studio. Bedrock Pilates Studio is a fully equipped Pilates boutique where I offer group classes and private sessions. I work with a wide range of clients, but my true specialty is supporting women ages 35–65 through prenatal, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause. One of the most important areas I focus on is the deepest abdominal muscle, which works like a natural corset to support and stabilize the spine. When this muscle is strong and functioning well, everything feels better — balance improves, posture becomes more natural, recovery is easier, and back pain is often reduced or prevented altogether. My goal is to help my clients feel strong, supported, and confident in their bodies, no matter what stage of life they’re in.
Bedrock Pilates Studio is located at 40 Tioga Way in Marblehead, and I’m very excited to invite people to my Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open House on Tuesday, January 13th at 5:00pm. There will be refreshments and a raffle for your choice of a private session, duet session or group class. Whether you’re curious about Pilates, interested in exploring the studio, or simply enjoy attending community events, I would be thrilled to have you join me that evening.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever received? The best business advice that I’ve received is to keep learning and always think of ways you can improve your practice.
What is your favorite spot in Marblehead, and why? Philbrook Fish & Meat Market is my favorite part of Marblehead. I’m a native of Gloucester and can’t live without fresh fish.
What is something people would be surprised to learn about you? Something that may surprise people is that although I can’t live without fresh fish, I don’t like shellfish.
For More Information:
Bedrock Pilates Studio
Angie Hill Yu, Owner
(978) 500-2236
BedrockPilatesStudio.com
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