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Redd’s Pond to get accessibility upgrades
Redd’s Pond, a 1.8-acre natural body of water located off Pond Street in the heart of town, is set to receive much-needed improvements. The pond, which offers skating in the winter and model boat races in the summer, has long struggled with dangerous levels of cyanobacteria and disrepair of the surrounding infrastructure. The wall and walkway, built in 1934 as part of the federal Workers Progress Administration projects, have suffered from years of wear and tear, leading to noticeable challenges.
The Select Board has awarded an $87,500 contract to a Foxborough-based company for the development of an accessibility-improvement plan. Last year, state Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Jenny Armini secured $25,000 for upgrades, including repairs to the pond’s retaining wall and walking pathways.
Residents have expressed frustration with the deteriorating state of Redd’s Pond. They have also noted that the deteriorating sidewalks and eroding wall are not only dangerous and aesthetically unpleasing but noncompliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Education grants
The nonprofit Friends of Marblehead Public Schools has announced 23 grant recipients for the 2024-25 school year. The grants total $75,589, raised through donations and fundraising events.
The top five grants supported the following: ergonomic chairs for the high school art department, new mats for the Glover School Bee Bot program, the MHS/Endicott College dual enrollment partnership, audio-enabled books at the Glover School and an Inchy the Bookworm vending machine at the Brown School. Learn more about FMPS at friendsofmarblehead.org/.
Student’s design featured on adopt-a-cat shirts

Marblehead High School student Sam Peach designed the winning T-shirt for Friends of Marblehead’s Abandoned Animals’ Adopt-A-Cat Month campaign. T-shirts with Sam’s winning design can be purchased locally at Creature Comforts & Pawsitively Marblehead, Marblehead Outfitters, the Animal Shelter and online via Marblehead Sport Shop at bit.ly/3V3xJtW. Proceeds support the animal shelter.
June is national Adopt-A-Cat Month to promote cat adoptions and address seasonal increases in homeless kittens.
Rotary Club offers summer camperships
The Rotary Club of Marblehead has funds available for Marblehead children who need financial assistance to attend summer camp. Through donor contributions and a portion of funds raised from its summer lobster raffle, the Rotary provides camperships of up to $600 per child.
Over the last 20 years, the Rotary Club has awarded over $210,000 to more than 350 kids. Popular local camps include those run by the Marblehead Recreation & Parks Department, JCC of the North Shore and the Lynch-van Otterloo YMCA. One application per household is required. Apply at marbleheadrotary.com/page/camperships.
MDTC awards Goldberg scholarships
On May 16, the Marblehead Democratic Town Committee presented three Edwin L. Goldberg and Selma L. Goldberg Scholarships to Marblehead High School seniors Sophia Weiner, Char Pratt-Miller and Kate Twomey.
The scholarship, established 43 years ago, honors the civic engagement exemplified by the Goldbergs and is awarded to students demonstrating interest in government, policy and the political process; leadership in school and the community; and an excellent academic record.
Collection drive
The Marblehead Police Department, in partnership with the Council on Aging, is hosting a collection drive through June 14 supporting STAR, a community-based center for people on probation, parole or otherwise involved in the court system. Donations of clothing, hygiene products and gift cards are needed.
Drop-off locations include the Police Department, Fire Department, Council on Aging, Lynch/van Otterloo YMCA and JCC.
MHS Class of 1984 announces 40th reunion
The Marblehead High School Class of 1984 has announced its 40th reunion, scheduled for Saturday, July 27, from 4-10 p.m. at the Salem Waterfront Hotel.
To stay informed, share memories and reconnect with classmates, graduates are encouraged to join the Facebook group @MarbleheadHighSchoolClassof1984.
Those interested in attending should RSVP by emailing Laurie Weil at Marbleheadhigh1984reunion@gmail.com or sending a private message on Facebook.
NSCC Dean’s List
North Shore Community College President Dr. William Heineman announced the Dean’s List students for the Spring 2024 semester. Students who earned six or more semester hours of academic credit with a grade point average of 3.30 or higher received Dean’s List honors. These students include: Dominic Arcos, Lily Attwood, Carly Baker, Adam Bedrossian, Cynthia Bershad, Yevhen Brykin, Caitlyn Buswell, Hayley Cannon, Janie Cantell, Michael Carlson, Tyler Chalifour, Abigail Clark, Allison Daly, Malaika Dunlop, David Etienne, William Finnegan, Luke Gallagher, Paul Jones, Malynda Kuc, Olga Makarova, Roxann Mcfarlane, Maxwell Murray, Elizabeth O’Brien, Dillon Rowe, Angelo Russo, Samuel Trasher.
