NEWS IN BRIEF: Week of Monday, Sept. 9, 2024

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COVID-19 tests available

The Board of Health announced it has received another limited supply of COVIDat-home test kits for residents. The kits are available at the Health Department office on Widger Road. Officials request that residents take only one kit per family member. The last batch of 900 tests were handed out in fewer than three days. For more information, contact the Health Department at 81-631-0212 or health2@marblehead.org.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Care Dimensions seeks volunteers

Care Dimensions, the region’s largest hospice care provider, is seeking volunteers to join its team. Online training sessions will be held via Zoom on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9-11 a.m., starting Oct. 7 and running through Oct. 30.

“Being a hospice volunteer has changed my life because it keeps me grounded. Life is so much more enjoyable because I have a better appreciation for everything,” said Nancy Littlehale, a Care Dimensions pet therapy volunteer from Wenham.

Volunteers can make a difference by engaging in shared hobbies, helping with letter writing, visiting with approved dogs, reading to patients, or simply providing comforting support. Opportunities also exist for administrative roles and phone outreach.

Register by Sept. 27 at CareDimensions.org/Volunteers or email VolunteerInfo@CareDimensions.org for more information.

‘Headers lacing up for Jimmy Fund Walk

Eleven Marblehead residents will take part in the Boston Marathon Jimmy Fund Walk on Oct. 6.

Among those participating are Tricia (Pat) Donovan McLeod, John Marco, Emilia Marco, Mia Klein, Danielle Devlin, Dennis King, Annie Marco, Rachel Marco, Patrick Devlin, Clover Reed, and one other Marblehead resident. They will join thousands of others in raising funds to support cancer research and care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

The Jimmy Fund Walk, which has raised more than $176 million over its 35-year history, aims to surpass last year’s record-breaking $9.4 million by raising $9.5 million in 2024.

Participants can choose from four distance options along the Boston Marathon course, including a 5K, 10K, Half Marathon, and Marathon walk. The event concludes at Boston Common with a celebration featuring food, entertainment, and more. For more information, visit JimmyFundWalk.org.

Fort Sewall cleanup day

The Fort Sewall Oversight Committee (FSOC) is organizing a volunteer cleanup day at Fort Sewall on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Volunteers are needed to help with various tasks, including removing crabgrass, weeding paths and clearing bushes.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own tools if possible, though some will be provided. Refreshments will be available.

For more information, contact FSOC Chair Larry Sands at 862-579-7760 or lsands16@hotmail.com.

Phyllis Levin, left,and Andy Giller, right, have joined forces at Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty. COURTESY PHOTOS

LWV promotes voting with lawn signs

The League of Women Voters of Marblehead is distributing lawn signs to encourage voter participation in upcoming elections. The signs read “Vote! Democracy is Counting on You.” They include a QR code linking to the LWVM’s Defending Democracy webpage with voting and election information. “Your vote is your voice,” said Bonnie Grenier, a representative of LWVM. The presidential election is Tuesday, Nov. 5. Signs are available for $10 each. Interested individuals can email lwvmarblehead@gmail.com for more information. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan organization, promotes political responsibility through informed citizen participation in government. Membership is open to all.

Blakely Financial announces opening of new office

Blakely Financial announces the opening of a new office at 40 South St., Suite 200. The office will be led by Emily Promise, a Marblehead native and co-owner of the firm. Promise has been recognized on Forbes’ lists for wealth advisors and funds a scholarship at Marblehead High School for female students pursuing finance careers.

Sagan Harborside announces new partnership

Sagan Harborside Sotheby’s International Realty announced a partnership between Phyllis Levin and Andy Giller. Levin has over 40 years of real estate experience. Giller brings a business background to the team.

The Health Department has announced its next Household Hazardous Waste Collection on Wednesday, Oct. 16, 4-7 p.m. at the Transfer Station. Marblehead and Swampscott residents are welcome to bring items including paint, lighter fluid, motor oil, anti-freeze, furniture polish, swimming pool chemicals and propane tanks. For a full list, call the Health Department at 781-631-0212 or visit marblehead.org.

Boat storage

Winter boat storage at Parker’s and Cliff Street Boatyards begins Sept. 16. Previous customers have priority, with new applications accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Marblehead residents receive preference.

Household hazardous waste collection

Marblehead Trading Company will collect storage fees for the town, charging $5 per square foot based on the boat’s overall length multiplied by its beam width. This fee covers storage only.

For questions, contact Rachael at 781-631-4650 or email trucking@marbleheadtrading.com.

Volunteer opportunities

The Select Board is seeking volunteers for various town committees. Interested residents should submit a letter of interest and resume to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or email wileyk@marblehead.org. For more information, call 781-631-0000.

Available positions include the following:

Cable Television Advisory Committee — Three, one-year terms

Conservation Commission — One, three-year term

Council on Aging — Two, three-year terms

Design Review Board — One, three-year term

Historical Commission — One, three-year term

Fair Housing Committee — One, three-year alternate member term

Marblehead Cultural Council — Four, three-year terms

Marblehead Community Access and Media Inc. — One, three-year term

Marblehead Disabilities Commission — Two, three-year terms

MBTA Advisory Board — One, one-year term

Task Force Against Discrimination — Two, one-year terms

Applicants are encouraged to attend a meeting of their chosen committee and contact the chair for more information. Committee details can be found at marblehead.org.

Women’s Suffrage talk at Marblehead Museum

The Marblehead Museum will host a talk on the women’s suffrage movement Sept. 18 at 7 p.m. Author Barbara Berenson will discuss Massachusetts’ role in the movement. The museum will display an 1887 banner from the Marblehead Equal Suffrage League. Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For information, call 781-631-1768.

Barbara Berenson, author of “Massachusetts in the Women’s Suffrage Movement,” will speak at the Marblehead Museum on Sept. 18. An 1887 banner from the Marblehead Equal Suffrage League will be on display during the event.
By Will Dowd

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