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Christi Staples honored as 2024 Commonwealth Heroine

Marblehead resident Christi Staples, vice president of policy and government relations at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay, was honored as a 2024 Commonwealth Heroine at the State House on June 12.

The award, given annually by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women, recognizes women who make outstanding contributions to their organizations and communities.

Staples was nominated by state Sen. Brendan Crighton and Rep. Jennifer Armini for her over two decades of impactful work in policy, government relations and community engagement.

“Christi exemplifies tireless advocacy, embodying the spirit of a Commonwealth Heroine,” Armini and Crighton wrote in a statement. “Her passion, expertise and dedication make her a deserving nominee, symbolizing the heroes shaping the fabric of our communities.”

Staples has held roles at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Partnership for Strong Communities and The Connecticut Multicultural Partnership. She holds a Master of Social Work in policy practice from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science in human development and family studies from Wheelock College.

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that works to advance women and girls toward full equality in all areas of life.

911 dispatch supervisor honored 

Amy Gilliland, a 911 dispatch supervisor, received the Telecommunicator Leader of the Year Award at the Massachusetts Communications Supervisors Association Awards ceremony.  Public safety officials praised Gilliland for her dedication and hard work. Gilliland is also a member of the Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force (TERT), which received a Team Award.

Massachusetts opioid-related overdose deaths drop

Preliminary data released by the state Department of Public Health shows a 10% decrease in opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, the largest single-year decline in two decades. There were 2,125 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2023, which is 232 fewer than in 2022. The opioid-related overdose death rate also decreased by 10% to 30.2 per 100,000 people compared to 33.5 in 2022.

Marblehead reported relatively few opioid-related overdose deaths between 2016 and 2023 compared to other Massachusetts communities, according to data from the state Department of Public Health.

In 2017, Marblehead recorded its highest number of opioid deaths with six confirmed cases. The town reported four deaths in 2016 and three in 2018. No opioid-related overdose deaths were reported among Marblehead residents in 2019, 2022, and 2023 (preliminary data), while one death was recorded each in 2020 and 2021.

Despite the overall decrease, disparities persist among Black non-Hispanic residents and those living in rural areas. The Healey-Driscoll administration has proposed investments of more than $700 million in the fiscal year 2025 budget for programs focused on substance addiction prevention, treatment and harm reduction.

‘Marblehead Boat Names’ book releases third edition

The third edition of “Marblehead Boat Names” is now available at local retailers, including Marblehead Mercantile, Shubie’s, Saltwater Bookstore and F.L. Woods. The book features over 800 stories, along with photos and insights into Marblehead’s maritime history. It is also available on Amazon.

Marblehead Fire Department welcomes two new firefighters

The Marblehead Fire Department welcomed two new firefighters, Aidan Gillis and Luc Marcus, both Marblehead natives. The new recruits will complete a two-week, in-house training program while waiting for their fire academy start date.

Registration open for 2024 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk

Registration is now open for the 2024 Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk. The walk supports adult and pediatric patient care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Participants can choose from four distance options and will finish at the Boston Common. The event has raised more than $176 million for Dana-Farber in its 35-year history.

To learn more, visit jimmyfundwalk.org

Have your say on the deceased whale

The EPA issued an emergency permit for Marblehead to dispose of a humpback whale carcass that washed ashore on Preston Beach on April 25. The carcass was towed offshore but returned to Swampscott on May 14. It was buried on the beach on May 18 due to advanced degradation and lack of upland disposal options. The public is invited to comment on the EPA’s action by July 3. Questions or comments can be directed to Steven Wolf, USEPA Region 1 ocean disposal coordinator, at wolf.steven@epa.gov or 617-918-1617.

Donations sought for Fourth of July fireworks

The annual Marblehead fireworks display will take place on the Fourth of July, with the Harbor Illumination starting at 9 p.m. and the main fireworks show beginning at 9:15 p.m. The fireworks will be launched from a barge at the mouth of Marblehead Harbor, offering ideal viewing opportunities from Fort Sewall, Chandler Hovey Park and Crocker Park.

Sunset is at 8:25 p.m., and high tide is at 11:02 p.m. Boaters are advised to consider the rising tide when anchoring and to avoid the safety zone marked by orange buoys around the fireworks barge.

In case of severe weather, the rain date is planned for July 5. Updates will be available at marbleheadfireworks.org and on X @MHDFireworks.

“We have not yet raised sufficient funds and still need your support. If you have not yet given, please consider donating now,” wrote the committee’s chairman, Alexander Falk, in a press release.  “You can send your donation via check payable to the Town of Marblehead, with ‘fireworks’ in the memo line, and mail it to Marblehead Town Hall, (188 Washington St.). This is a tax-deductible contribution.”

Water and Sewer rate setting

The Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners’ annual hearing for water and sewer rates will occur on Tuesday, June 25, at 7 p.m. at the commission’s office  at 100 Tower Way, Building #11.

Community Wellness Day

The Marblehead Counseling Center will host a Community Wellness Day on Saturday, June 22, 1-4 p.m. at Hobbs Playground, 57 Clifton Ave. The event will feature wellness and well-being vendors, cold treats and snacks, and various activities and amusements for kids. A temporary parking ban will be in effect for parts of Ware Lane and the MCC parking lot to facilitate the event. The public is welcome to attend and participate in the day’s activities.

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.

Leigh Blander contributed to this report.