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Marblehead receives $34,851 traffic safety grant
The Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded Marblehead $34,851 as part of a statewide $12.4 million federal traffic safety funding initiative. This grant, part of the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program, aims to promote safer roads in communities across Massachusetts.
The Marblehead Police Department plans to utilize the funds for various traffic safety measures. According to their recent statement, “This grant will cover funding for handheld radar equipment, pole mounted speed feedback signs, and selective traffic enforcement efforts for speeding, distracted driving and impaired driving.”
Additionally, the department will use the grant to send an officer for certification in Advanced Roadside Impairment Driving Enforcement.
Lafayette Street sidewalk project underway
Department of Public Works Director Amy McHugh says sidewalk construction on Lafayette Street will last three weeks. The project stems from a 2021 Town Meeting article — worth $24 million — for, but not limited to, roadway and sidewalk improvements. McHugh said she will not know the exact figure until the project wraps.
D & R General Contracting Inc. is carrying out the project, which involves installing a new sidewalk on the inbound side of Lafayette Street from the Salem line to Maple Street. The work includes resetting existing curbs, installing new curbing and paving sidewalks. Residents and commuters are experiencing temporary lane narrowing during work hours, which begin at 7 a.m. daily. DPW advises caution when traveling through the construction area and urges drivers to follow the directions of on-site police details.
The Lafayette Street project is part of a larger initiative to improve Marblehead’s infrastructure. The town is also considering redesigns for several intersections, exploring the possibility of roundabouts and working on a comprehensive bike plan expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Updates on the sidewalk project can be found at marblehead.org. Questions can be sent to highway@marblehead.org.
Chamber honors 2024 community award winners
The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce honored the 2024 Community Award recipients Sept. 26 at its 72nd annual meeting, held at the Corinthian Yacht Club. The event celebrated outstanding contributions to the Marblehead community and introduced the new board leadership and directors for the 2024-2025 year. 2024 community award winners are:
— Rey Moulton Person of the Year: Dave Rodgers
— Business of the year: The Harbor Light Inn
— Frank Regan Community Service Award: Teresa Collins
— Nonprofit organization of the year: The Abbot Public Library Foundation
— Harbor award: Jordan’s Launch
— Special Recognition: Bette Hunt
Town Hall scheduled on Veterans Day
The Marblehead Select Board has approved a request by Congressman Seth Moulton for the use of Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., for a Veteran Town Hall event on Nov. 11, at 1 p.m. The event, aimed at providing veterans a platform to share their experiences, marks the continuation of a tradition that began in 2015. The Veteran Town Hall supports the transition of veterans from military to civilian life and fosters greater understanding within the community.
Cecropia Strong hosts annual gala at The Landing
Cecropia Strong will hold its fourth annual gala and auctions on Oct. 9 from 5-8:30 p.m. at The Landing Restaurant. The event aims to raise funds for the organization’s mission of supporting physically disabled individuals. Founded by Julie Hahnke, a Marblehead resident who overcame a stroke, Cecropia Strong provides hope and assistance to those facing similar challenges. Proceeds will help the organization continue its work in the community. To learn more, call 781-771-8721.
Halloween trick-or-treating downtown
The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce will host the annual trick-or-treat event in the business districts on Thursday, Oct. 24, from 4-6 p.m. The celebration invites children and families to enjoy trick-or-treating at businesses along Washington Street, Atlantic Avenue and Pleasant Street.
The following streets will be closed during the event for safety:
— Main closure: Washington Street will be closed from the bottom of Pleasant Street to Rockaway Street.
— Detour routes:
— Traffic at the end of Pleasant Street will be detoured to turn left onto Washington Street.
— Traffic on Washington Street will be directed to turn left onto Rockaway Street.
— Additional road closure: There will also be a closure at the top of Summer Street.
These closures, effective from 4-5:30 p.m. on the day of the event, will ensure a safe environment for all attendees. Residents and visitors are encouraged to look for a Halloween pumpkin image displayed in the windows of participating businesses, signaling where treats are available.
For more information about the event and specific street closures, visit marbleheadchamber.org or contact their office at 781-631-2868.
Early voting begins Oct. 19
Early voting for the upcoming election on Nov. 5, begins Oct. 19. Voters can cast their ballots early at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., from Oct. 19 through Nov. 1. The detailed schedule is as follows:
— Saturday, Oct. 19: 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
— Monday, Oct. 21: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
— Tuesday, Oct. 22: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
— Wednesday, Oct. 23: 1-5 p.m.
— Thursday, Oct. 24: 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
— Friday, Oct. 25: 9 a.m.-11 a.m.
— Saturday, Oct. 26: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
— Monday, Oct. 28: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
— Tuesday, Oct. 29: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
— Wednesday, Oct. 30: 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
— Thursday, Oct. 31: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
— Friday, Nov. 1: 8:30 a.m.-Noon
Town Clerk Robin A. Michaud urges residents to take advantage of these times to vote early. For further details or inquiries, call 781-631-0528.
Dollars for Scholars to host 5K
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars will host its 11th annual Run for the Fund 5K and Family Walk on Sunday, Oct. 6, at 9 a.m. at Devereux Beach. The scenic course loops around Marblehead Neck and is open to runners and walkers of all levels. Proceeds benefit need-based scholarships for local college students. Pre-register by Oct. 4 at 6 p.m. for $35 (adults) or $25 (students ages 10-18). Race day registration begins at 7:30 a.m. Prizes will be awarded to top finishers. Register at tinyurl.com/bp57zy9t. Race day registration accepts cash, checks and Venmo.
Miles for Mary announces events to support brain cancer research
Miles for Mary, a Marblehead nonprofit dedicated to brain cancer awareness, announces two upcoming events to support treatment research:
— 5K Run/Walk: Oct. 19 at Devereux Beach. Pre-registration $30; race day $35.
— Research Seminar: Nov. 4 at Eastern Yacht Club. Registration $60.
The organization honors Mary Park of Marblehead, who died from glioblastoma in 2012. Since 2013, Miles for Mary has raised $700,000 for brain cancer research at Mass General Cancer Center. Funds support Dr. Elizabeth Gerstner’s work, which organizers said showed promising results in shrinking brain tumors. According to organizers, over 25,000 new brain cancer diagnoses are expected this year; glioblastoma has a 6.8% five-year survival rate.
For more information, contact Bill Park at wpark05@gmail.com or Nate Walton at nywalton@gmail.com.
Overgrown cedars to be removed
The Marblehead Department of Public Works plans to remove overgrown Northern red cedars, Rugosa rose and weeds along Fort Beach Lane near Fort Sewall. The trees are being cut down because they obstruct access for emergency vehicles, particularly fire trucks. The DPW plans to replant them elsewhere.
Mowing the rail trail
From now through Friday, Oct. 4, town crews will be mowing along the rail trail, and access may be limited or even closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Temporary closures and detours will be posted, or a police detail will be present to direct travel.
“See alternate routes when possible. Stay clear of the work area, take extreme caution and follow directions if traveling near the mowing operation,” read an announcement from the town.
Marblehead Select Board seeks volunteers
The Marblehead Select Board seeks volunteers for various town committees and commissions. Current openings include:
— Cable Television Advisory Committee: Three vacancies, one-year terms.
— Conservation Commission: One vacancy, three-year term.
— Design Review Board: One vacancy, three-year term.
— Fair Housing Committee: One vacancy for an alternate member, three-year term.
— Marblehead Cultural Council: Four vacancies, three-year terms.
— Marblehead Community Access and Media, Inc.: One vacancy, three-year term.
— MBTA Advisory Board: One vacancy, one-year term.
— Task Force Against Discrimination: Two vacancies, one-year terms.
The board encourages applicants to attend a meeting of their chosen committee and contact the chair for more information. 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.
