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Temple Sinai receives security grant
The Healey-Driscoll administration awarded Temple Sinai a $99,674 grant to bolster security as part of an initiative to protect nonprofits at risk for extremist threats. Funded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and administered by the state’s Office of Grants and Research, this program supports at-risk organizations in implementing enhanced security measures to ensure safer gathering spaces for all. This grant is among the $7.8 million distributed to 67 nonprofits across Massachusetts.
Rotary honors local artist
On Wednesday, Nov. 13, Marblehead Harbor Rotary will honor artist Ian Sherwin as he unveils his ink pen drawing titled “Abbot Hall” that will be featured as this year’s Holiday Pops signature art and logo.
A reception for Sherwin will be held at the Masons’ Philanthropic Building, 62 Pleasant St., 5:30-7 p.m. There will be light refreshments prepared by Every Little Breeze Catering and a cash bar. This event is free and open to the public.
Every year, Marblehead Harbor Rotary invites a local artist to create a work of art to be featured on the Holiday Pops program cover and on Pops posters. Sherwin, who grew up in Marblehead and moved back recently, runs the Ian Sherwin Gallery on State Street.
For more information about the reception, visit rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org.
Friends of MPS celebrates 35 years
Friends of the Marblehead Public Schools launched its 2024-25 grant season with a new online application process and longer submission period through Jan. 17. The organization, celebrating its 35th year in 2025, has raised more than $2 million and reached over 15,000 students since its founding. The group funded 22 educational programs in 2023-24, including initiatives in sustainability, conservation and technology. For more information, visit friendsofmarblehead.org.
MLT announces auditions for ‘Little Women’
Marblehead Little Theatre has scheduled auditions for “Little Women, The Broadway Musical” on Nov. 10-11 at its School Street theater. Directed by Alexandra Dietrich, the production celebrates the 20th anniversary of the musical, which adapts Louisa May Alcott’s 1868 novel. Auditions are by appointment, and auditionees are asked to bring a prepared piece in the style of the musical. For more information and to register, visit MLT’s website at MLTLive.org.
Select Board seeks volunteers for capital planning committee
The Marblehead Select Board is seeking three resident volunteers to serve on the town’s Capital Planning Committee, which will oversee major municipal projects valued at over $1 million.
The committee, which was reorganized at last year’s Town Meeting, includes department heads and town employees alongside the resident volunteers. “We need to start on the town side, addressing our facilities. So this will be a perfect time to bring on a committee like this,” Kezer noted.
Interested residents can submit letters of interest and resumes to the Select Board at Town Hall, 7 Widger Road, Marblehead, or email wylie@marblehead.org. The deadline for submissions is Dec. 5, with interviews tentatively scheduled for the Dec. 11 Select Board meeting.
Marblehead Boosters launch shoe donation drive
The Marblehead Boosters have launched a Show Us the Love shoe donation campaign running through November, accepting gently used and new footwear for charitable causes. The initiative serves multiple purposes: promoting sustainability (as discarded shoes can take 30-40 years to decompose), providing employment opportunities in developing nations and helping local residents declutter their closets.
Drop-off locations:
— William Raveis Real Estate, 18 Atlantic Ave.
— MHD Sport Shop, 26 Hawkes St.
— MHS Lobby, 2 Humphrey St.
— National Grand Bank, 91 Pleasant St.
— Piper Field Snack Shed (during game days)
For more information, marbleheadboosters.org.
Ballet groups begin winter clothing collection
Two local dance organizations launched their fifth annual winter clothing drive running through Dec. 14. The Marblehead School of Ballet and North Shore Civic Ballet are collecting new and gently used winter coats for all ages and new pajamas for children ages 6 and under. Anton’s Cleaners will clean donated coats before distribution through Coats for Kids and Families Partners Distribution Network. The network serves Massachusetts Community Action Programs, the Salvation Army and other organizations. Donated pajamas will go to Lynn Economic Opportunity, a major early education provider in Essex County. To schedule dropoff at 115 Pleasant St., call 781-631-6262.
Leaf collection
The town has announced its 2024-2025 schedule for curbside leaf and grass collection. Residents can expect collections on their regular trash and recycling days during specific weeks throughout the year. In 2024, collections are scheduled for the weeks of Nov. 25 and Dec. 2. The schedule continues into 2025 with collections planned for the weeks of April 21, May 12 and June 2.
It’s important to note that this service is exclusively for leaves and grass. The town emphasizes that only leaf bags should be used, and plastic bags will not be collected or emptied. To maintain the quality of the compost generated from these collections, bags containing brush or other materials will not be.
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.
Leigh Blander contributed to this report.
