Marblehead observes Purple Heart Day
Purple Heart Day, observed annually on Aug. 7, honors and recognizes the sacrifices of service members who have been wounded or killed in action while serving in the U.S. military, according to Roseann Trionfi-Mazzuchelli, Marblehead’s veteran service officer.
Trionfi-Mazzuchelli noted the day serves as a time to remember their bravery and the profound impact of their service on themselves, their families and the nation.
Marblehead was designated a Purple Heart town in 2024, recognizing the community’s commitment to honoring veterans who have received this distinguished military decoration. The Purple Heart is awarded to members of the armed forces who are wounded by an instrument of war in the hands of the enemy or posthumously to the next of kin in the name of those who are killed in action or die of wounds received in action.
Amity Island Little Free Library opens
The Amity Island Little Free Library has officially opened at 18 Taft St., celebrating 50 years of “Jaws” with shark-themed artwork and its own Golden Cod decoration.
The neighborhood project was a collaborative effort involving multiple residents. One neighbor assembled the box, another handled the text writing and a third neighbor worked with his children to build the post, dig the installation hole and set up the structure.
The Little Free Library follows the community book exchange model, allowing residents to take books and leave books for others to enjoy. The “Jaws” theme reflects the movie’s connection to the fictional Amity Island, which was filmed in Martha’s Vineyard.
Chamber seeks community award nominations
The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2025 Community Awards and board of directors positions.
The chamber recognizes individuals and businesses whose commitment to Marblehead goes above and beyond through six award categories: Rey Moulton Person of the Year, Business of the Year, Frank Regan Community Service Award, Non-Profit Organization of the Year, Harbor Award and Special Recognition. To nominate a business for Business of the Year, the company must be a current chamber member.
Nominations are due by 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15. Board of director nominations follow the same deadline.
Winners will be announced at the end of August and celebrated at the chamber’s 73rd Annual Meeting & Awards Celebration on Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Corinthian Yacht Club.
Nomination forms can be mailed to Marblehead Chamber of Commerce, Nominating Committee, 62 Pleasant St., Marblehead, MA 01945 or emailed to info@marbleheadchamber.org.
For information about previous winners, current members or to download forms, visit marbleheadchamber.org.
Contact: Katherine Koch, executive director, (781) 631-2868 or katherine@marbleheadchamber.org.
Town seeks advisors for master plan
Marblehead is moving forward with developing its comprehensive 2037 Master Plan, the first update to the strategic planning document since 1989, utilizing a $130,000 state grant. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council will facilitate the 18-24 month planning process to create a 10-year framework guiding the town’s physical and economic development.
The town is actively seeking two high school juniors or seniors and two adult residents to serve on the master plan advisory group, which will meet approximately every 2.5 months to provide input to consultants throughout the development process. The advisory structure includes representatives from various boards, committees and community functions, with the Planning Board maintaining oversight of the comprehensive effort.
Select Board member Jim Zisson was unanimously appointed to represent the Select Board on the advisory committee, joining other municipal representatives in guiding the plan development.
Town Planner Alex Eitler is coordinating the application process, requesting one-page expressions of interest detailing applicants’ motivations and relevant experience in key planning areas including health and safety, sustainability, land use and zoning, historical preservation, economic stability and development, infrastructure, housing, education, transportation/mobility and business ownership/management.
Youth applicants must additionally provide academic achievement information, with all candidates evaluated on relevant experience, community engagement commitment, analytical thinking skills, availability throughout the extended process, communication abilities and vision for Marblehead’s future development.
The Planning Board will select advisory group members by Aug. 12.
Contact information: Alex Eitler at eitlera@marbleheadma.gov or 781-631-1529.
‘Header appointed SSU trustee
Claude G. Lancome, executive vice president of Coast and Harbor Associates Inc., has been appointed to the Board of Trustees of Salem State University, effective July 1. This marks Lancome’s second tenure serving the university in this capacity, first appointed by former Gov. Deval Patrick.
Gov. Maura Healey made the appointment following a unanimous vote by the Salem State University Board of Trustees. Lancome was officially sworn in on July 2 and participated in a trustee luncheon with Keenan on July 15.
“I am honored to return to the Salem State University Board of Trustees and look forward to contributing to the university’s continued excellence in education,” Lancome said. “Higher education institutions play a vital role in our communities, and I’m committed to supporting Salem State’s mission of providing accessible, high-quality education.”
Lancome brings over 30 years of experience in construction project management, contract administration and legal expertise to his trustee role. As executive vice president and in-house counsel at Coast and Harbor Associates, he has overseen projects ranging from $500,000 to over $3.5 billion in value, with an aggregate project portfolio exceeding $2.75 billion.
A recognized expert in construction contract administration, Lancome is the author of “Construction Contract Administration for Project Owners,” published by Routledge in 2017 and released in paperback in 2024. He holds certifications as both a Construction Arbitrator and Construction Mediator from the American Arbitration Association.
