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Securing a future for African elephants
Kenyan wildlife conservationist Gini Cowell, manager of Elephant Aware Masai Mara, will be at the King Hooper Mansion on April 22 from 3-6 p.m. Cowell focuses on the future of wild elephants and educating local communities on coexistence with wildlife. Elephant Aware Masai Mara funds education for Maasai girls.
Cowell, from Kenya and educated in Nairobi, has traveled to raise awareness and funds for the project. She has written for publications such as National Geographic and has a blog at elephantawareblog.wordpress.com.
The event includes a presentation by Cowell, a question-and-answer session and a reception. Donations are suggested at different levels for individuals and couples. Pre-registration is recommended, with tickets available at elephantawareusa.org or through email.
Elephant Aware has protected elephants, wildlife and habitat in Kenya for 15 years, using strategies to prevent conflict, engaging in anti-poaching efforts and supporting community outreach and education.
The organization, funded by private donations, provides a refuge for endangered species. For more information, visit elephantawareusa.org or email elephantawareusa@gmail.com.
Conservancy Earth Day event
Marblehead’s Conservancy is calling on residents to celebrate Earth Day/Arbor Day by participating in an annual community effort to preserve and protect the town’s open spaces. The event, co-sponsored by Gilbert & Cole, the Conservation Commission and the Recreation and Parks Department, will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 9 a.m. to noon in Lead Mills.
Participants are invited to join in the festivities by meeting at the Conservancy’s tent, located just off Lafayette Street near the Forest River bridge. Activities for the day include planting wildflowers and cleaning up the beach.
To ensure that everyone can participate, the Conservancy will provide seedlings, tools, water and trash bags. Participants are encouraged to wear gloves and sturdy shoes.
Maureen Ashley, the event’s contact person, can be reached at 781-367-0923 or maureenashley@gmail.com for additional information about the event.
BYC, Rotary Club blood drive
The Marblehead Rotary and Boston Yacht Club, in collaboration with the American Red Cross, will host a blood drive on Monday, May 1 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Boston Yacht Club,
1 Front St. The drive will occur in the club’s lobby and dining room.
Community members are invited to donate blood. To schedule an appointment, call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-793-2767) or visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter “Marblehead.”
Donors can save up to 15 minutes by completing pre-donation reading at RedCrossBlood.org/RapidPass.
Community Golf Day
The Marblehead Select Board invites you to participate in the Community Golf Day on Monday, May 15, at Tedesco Country Club, 154 Tedesco St. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with an 11 a.m. tee-off, rain or shine.
The final date for registration is May 12, and the $175 player fee includes a round of golf with a cart, a box lunch, a post-play celebration with awards, hors d’oeuvres and beer/wine. To learn more, visit bit.ly/3ZWr8Sm.
The event supports the Marblehead Counseling Center, which has served Marblehead, Swampscott and surrounding communities since 1969. MCC provides mental health counseling, family support services, community education and charitable assistance in a safe and confidential environment.
Driftwood Garden Club
On Saturday, May 13, the Driftwood Garden Club will host its annual plant sale at the Masonic Hall, located at 62 Pleasant St.
The event begins at 8:30 a.m. and offers a variety of perennials, annuals, ground covers and herbs, many sourced from local gardens.
Members of the Driftwood Garden Club, an all-volunteer organization, will be available to answer questions and provide assistance in selecting plants.
Proceeds from the sale will be used to maintain and improve several gardens and support civic projects in the town of Marblehead. The club invites you to attend the event to acquire plants for your garden while supporting the community.
Friends of the COA auction
The Friends of the Marblehead Council on Aging will hold their annual auction fundraiser on Thursday, April 27 at the Landing Restaurant, 81 Front St., beginning at 5:30 p.m.
The event supports COA services and programs for senior citizens not funded by town or state budgets. The Landing will donate a portion of proceeds from meals and drinks sold during the event.
Items, services and events will be available for bid, with Gene Arnould of Arnould Gallery & Framery serving as the auctioneer.
Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 781-639-1266.
Birdwatching program
Mass Audubon is hosting a free bird-watching walk at Marblehead Neck Wildlife Sanctuary on Friday, May 26, from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Participants will learn about bird migration, breeding behavior and basic identification skills regardless of their skill levels.
Although the event is free, registration is required at https://bit.ly/3Mnmtpy
The event is made possible by the Marblehead Cultural Council.
Nomination papers available
Nomination papers are now available for voters interested in running for local office in the Tuesday, June 20, municipal election.
Prospective candidates must submit a formal request in writing to pull nomination papers in person. Access the application at https://bit.ly/3yIIWFG.
“After receiving nomination papers, you will need to put your name and address (as registered to vote) on each nomination paper before obtaining the required 50 signatures from Marblehead registered voters,” according to the Town Clerk’s office. “You should obtain more than 50 to ensure you have enough.”
The cutoff to return signatures is Monday, May 1, at 5 p.m.
“If you are submitting papers on May 1, make sure to have extra signatures,” the Town Clerk’s office writes. “You will not be able to submit more papers after the deadline.”
Town Clerk Robin Michaud also reminds prospective candidates of the Office of Campaign and Political Finance’s filing requirements. All candidates must file three campaign finance reports, notwithstanding the election’s outcome or the amount of personal money spent.
Critical dates to file campaign finance reports are as follows:
— Eight days before the election or June 8
— Thirty days after the election or July 30
— End-of-year report, Jan. 20, 2024
Appointed vacancies
The town is currently seeking volunteers to fill several vacancies on appointed boards, commissions and committees. Interested candidates should submit a letter of interest and a resume to the Select Board, Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or via email at wileyk@marblehead.org.
For more information, contact the Select Board’s Office at 781-631-0000. Below is a list of open positions:
— Task Force Against Discrimination, one-year term.
— Affordable Housing Trust Fund, one-year term.
Charter to host youth entrepreneur fair
On May 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Marblehead Community Charter Public School will host an entrepreneur fair.
This event will feature student businesses offering homemade dog treats, soup kits, jewelry and sea glass pictures, among other booths.
Young entrepreneurs between the ages of 8 and 16 who would like to sell their items can sign up at bit.ly/40O4n4a.
Students from all over the North Shore are participating in this event. The Charter School will have 30 to 40 vendors, and the public is invited to come and support the students.
Anyone with questions is invited to email jessicagelb1@gmail.com.
Job openings
The town has several job openings across various departments that it is currently seeking to fill:
— Seasonal laborer in Cemetery.
— Transfer station operator in Health.
— Mechanic pipefitter II in Sewer.
— SR seasonal harbor assistant and seasonal pump out assistant in Harbormaster.
— Part-time building attendant in Recreation and Parks.
— Two volunteer positions in the Historical Commission.
All of these positions are open until filled. Interested applicants should download an employment application at bit.ly/3i9ct6j and follow the instructions provided in the job description to apply.
