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Moulton joins 988 protest
Congressman Seth Moulton joined fellow lawmakers and mental health advocates on Capitol Hill July 17 to protest the Trump administration’s elimination of the LGBTQ+ line of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. The LGBTQ+ line went that same day.
“Letting kids die is not government reform—it’s cruelty,” Moulton said. “When your child is in crisis, the last thing on your mind should be politics. But Donald Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. have made mental health a political target, and vulnerable kids are paying the price.”
Moulton, who led the bipartisan effort to establish the 988 lifeline in Congress back in 2020, noted that the LGBTQ+ youth-specific line has helped more than 2,000 young people every day. The service provided 24/7 access to trained counselors for LGBTQ+ individuals under 25, a group disproportionately at risk for suicide and mental health emergencies.
“In my home state of Massachusetts, over 40% of LGBTQ+ youth have seriously considered suicide,” said Moulton. “We created 988 because we knew it would save lives. And it has.”
New officers sworn in, two promoted at police ceremony
The Marblehead Police Department held a swearing-in ceremony July 9 at Abbot Hall.
Two new officers, Taylor Nolasco and Christian Hennigar, were officially welcomed. Both recently completed their field training and are assigned to the Patrol Division.
In addition, two promotions were recognized. Andrew Dimare was promoted to sergeant, and Eric Osattin advanced to lieutenant.
Police supervisors complete active threat training
Marblehead Police Lts. David Ostrovitz and Jason Conrad successfully completed the Advanced Law Enforcement Rapid Response Training Active Attack Integrated Response course July 9-10 in Salem.
The 16-hour course enhances coordination among police, fire, EMS and dispatch during active shooter and attack incidents. Participants, including personnel from Salem police, fire and dispatch and Cataldo Ambulance, trained together using the Rescue Task Force model, a collaborative response approach designed to improve victim survivability.
Training included hands-on scenarios where officers worked with emergency personnel to clear buildings, neutralize threats and provide medical aid using tools such as tourniquets. All Marblehead officers are equipped with tourniquets to respond to crises or medical emergencies.
Police to host Coffee with a Cop
In the Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., the Marblehead Police Department will host Coffee with a Cop at 9 a.m. on Fridays. While it is Chief King’s priority to join, a representative from the MPD will be present to discuss community concerns or just life in Marblehead.
Armini to hold office hours
State Rep. Jenny Armini will hold office hours at the Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., on Monday, Aug. 11. She will be available from 10:30 a.m. to noon.
Marblehead seeks ConCom member
The Select Board is accepting letters of interest and resumes for an open position on the Conservation Commission.
The deadline for submissions is Friday, Aug. 8. Interested parties can submit their information to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or via email to wileyk@marbleheadma.gov.
Marblehead Conservancy president to speak
Richard French, president of the Marblehead Conservancy, will speak at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 14, at the Council on Aging, 10 Humphrey St.
French will give an overview of the organization and what it does for the town and its residents. Attendees are invited to learn what a valuable asset the conservancy is and are encouraged to bring their questions, ideas and personal thoughts to share.
To register and ensure a seat, call the Council on Aging office at 781-631-6225.
Bocce courts, walkway dedication
A celebration for the dedication of the Bocce Courts & Founders Walkway at the Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St., will be held at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 20. Refreshments will be served at the event.
Knight to discuss internet safety
Eric Knight will give a talk titled “An Introduction to Safety on the Internet” at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, at the COA. The 90-minute discussion will cover basic threats to personal data and security from bad actors on the internet. Knight will also discuss steps individuals can take to protect themselves.
To register, call 781-631-6225. Registration is requested to ensure a seat.
Library to host summer reading wrap-up with prizes, treats
Abbot Public Library, 236 Pleasant St., will celebrate the end of its 2025 Summer Reading Program with a drop-in party from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 22, in the Killam Children’s Room.
Participants can submit final reading logs, pick out a free book and enjoy an ice cream treat. All are invited to enter a raffle to win a $25 gift certificate to Saltwater Bookstore in Marblehead. Top readers in each age group will also be recognized. To register, visit abbotlibrary.org/events
Bertrand exhibit reception set for Aug. 9 Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., will host a public reception for “Along the Coast,” a solo exhibit of oil paintings by Marblehead artist Linda Lea Bertrand, from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 in the library’s Carten Gallery. The exhibit will be on view through Sept. 12.
Bertrand is a plein air painter who draws inspiration from her life on the ocean. She is a member of the Marblehead Arts Association, North Shore Arts Association, Rockport Art Association and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.
Writing workshop series offered for kids 8 to 10
Abbot Public Library, 235 Pleasant St., will host “Write to Start Strong,” a four-part creative writing workshop for children ages 8 to 10 on Mondays, Aug. 4, 11, 18 and 25 from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Led by educator Jessica Lederman, the workshop encourages young writers to explore storytelling, idea generation and writing structure in a supportive and engaging environment.
The sessions will be held outdoors in the library courtyard, weather permitting. In case of rain, the program will move to the Event Center.
Space is limited to 16 participants, and registration is required at abbotlibrary.org/events.
Editor Leigh Blander contributed to this report.
