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Public input wanted on bike plan
Marblehead is developing a Comprehensive Bicycle Master Plan to enhance cycling infrastructure and safety.
Toole Design Group, LLC has been commissioned to create the plan, which aims to establish a lasting bicycle transportation program. The initiative seeks to identify safe on-street and off-street routes, including vertically separated paths, connecting key destinations.
The plan also focuses on promoting safe cycling practices and improving bicycle safety through signage and education.
Public engagement is a key component of the planning process. The town hosted a tabling event at Abbot Hall on July 5 during the Festival of Arts. Two upcoming events are scheduled:
— July 20: Tabling and engagement at Marblehead Farmers’ Market
— July 30: Workshop at Abbot Hall, 7-8:30 p.m.
Residents are also encouraged to provide input through an online survey available at bit.ly/marbleheadsurvey.
Marblehead Sustainability Coordinator Logan Casey emphasized the importance of community feedback in shaping the plan. The town is seeking to create convenient, attractive and safe cycling routes throughout Marblehead, with public input crucial to ensuring the plan meets community needs.
Epstein Hillel School hires new fifth grade teacher
Annalisa Reno has been hired as the new fifth grade teacher at Epstein Hillel School for the 2024-2025 school year. Reno, a Marblehead resident, has worked part-time at EHS since 2022 as a learning support specialist. In her new full-time role, she will teach language arts, social studies, math and organizational skills. Reno holds degrees in elementary education and reading education from Boston University and has previously taught in Marblehead Public Schools.
Abbot Library offers D&D workshop
Professional Dungeon Master Allan “Danger Wizard” Knowles will lead a Dungeons & Dragons 101 session on Monday, July 22, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Abbot Public Library. The workshop is open to ages 12+ and adults. Registration is required at tinyurl.com/Abbot-DnD. For more information, contact Director Kimberly Grad at 718-744-8205. Abbot Public Library is located at 235 Pleasant St.
PR agencies join forces
Birnbach Communications, Inc. and KOGS Communication, both based in Marblehead, are merging to serve life science and biotech clients. Norman Birnbach will serve as managing partner, while KOGS founder Edna Kaplan will be a senior consultant to Birnbach Communications.
Local lawyer elected chair of The Boston Club
Michele Liu Baillie, of counsel at Sunstein LLP and a Marblehead resident, has been elected chair of The Boston Club Board of Directors.
The Boston Club is the largest membership organization for diverse women leaders in New England, with about 400 members from business, innovation and nonprofit sectors.
Liu Baillie, who previously served as the board’s secretary, has over 25 years of experience in patent law and has held leadership positions in various legal associations.
The Boston Club focuses on advancing women to key positions in corporate and community life through networking, professional growth and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Got questions about new meals, rooms taxes?
Voters at the Town Meeting in May approved two new local taxes — a 6% local rooms tax and a .75% meals tax.
The Finance Department has been getting several questions about its implementation. Residents with questions about these new taxes can contact the state Department of Revenue at 1-800-392-6089 or 1-617-887-6367 for more information.
Abbot Hall Gift Shop opens for season
The Abbot Hall Gift Shop is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., through Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend.
The gift shop offers a wide variety of Marblehead souvenirs, including mugs, hats and ornaments. Visitors can also find a selection of books by local authors, with new titles by Dennis Curtin available now. Proceeds from Curtin’s books will go to support the Marblehead Current and the Marblehead Council on Aging.
For more information, please contact Pam Peterson from the Marblehead Historical Commission at Pampeterson01945@gmail.com.
