News in brief: What to do with the old Coffin School

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Come share your ideas for the old Coffin School property. 

Former Coffin School listening session

Join a community listening session about new uses for the old Coffin School property on Thursday, Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Abbot Hall Select Board Room hosted by the Department of Community Development & Planning. There will be a brief overview of the site and planning context. This is an open forum for community input and an opportunity to share ideas, priorities and questions. 

For more info, contact the Department of Community Development & Planning CDP@marbleheadma.gov or visit: marbleheadma.gov/coffin-school-adaptive-reuse/

Merry Mixers launch New Patient in Need Fund to support local families

The Merry Mixers have launched a new fund to support families of pediatric patients at Salem Hospital. COURTESY PHOTOS

For more than seven decades, the Merry Mixers have been raising funds to improve pediatric care at Mass General Brigham’s Salem Hospital. Now, the volunteer-driven nonprofit is expanding its impact with the creation of the Merry Mixers Pediatric Patient in Need Fund, an initiative designed to support families facing financial hardship while their children receive medical care.

As the group looks toward another fundraising year, their mission remains unchanged: to

enhance the health and well-being of children on the North Shore through dedicated community

Support. The mixers annual 50/50 raffle tickets are now on sale visit merrymixers.org/raffle or reach out to a mixer to get your tickets. The winner will be drawn on Dec. 5 at the Marblehead Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m., you don’t need to be present to win.

Marblehead awarded $20,000 Mass Humanities grant for ‘We Were There

The town of Marblehead has been awarded a $20,000 “Promises of the Revolution” grant from Mass Humanities in support of the project, “We Were There: Reclaiming the Histories of Black and Indigenous Marbleheaders in the Revolution.”

This award recognizes Marblehead’s leadership in uncovering and sharing underrepresented stories from the American Revolution, particularly those of Black and Indigenous residents, both enslaved and free, who served in and supported the war effort.

Developed in partnership with the Marblehead Museum and Marblehead Public Schools, “We Were There” will expand and complete the museum’s permanent exhibit, highlighting local figures such as Joseph Brown, Cato Prince and Romeo Johonnot; as well as create an inclusive digital curriculum for Marblehead schools.

If interested, additional information can be found at the Mass Humanities’ official announcement of all awards here, masshumanities.org/mh-awards-600k-for-250th-stories/.

SPUR Holiday Cheer Drive

SPUR North Shore’s Holiday Cheer Drive provides over 600 children and families experiencing homelessness with winter essentials and holiday gifts.

The SPUR Holiday Cheer Drive provides over 600 children and families experiencing homelessness with winter essentials and holiday gifts. Here are the key dates:

  • Wednesday, Nov. 12, wishlists are available to sponsor online. 
  • Friday, Nov. 14, volunteers are needed to wrap.
  • Friday, Nov. 21, and Saturday, Nov. 22, wishlists will be available for pick-up at Harbor Holidays.
  • Sunday, Nov. 30 through Monday, Dec. 15, Volunteers prepare Bundles of Cheer in the SPUR office.
  • Tuesday, Dec. 2, completed Bundles of Cheer are due.

Find more information here: spurnorthshore.org/holidaycheerfaq

Edith Dodge Fund

Edith Dodge Fund, a 52 year old nonprofit, is looking for teams of two or families to deliver gifts to over 900 of important residents (80 years and older) during the first week of December. The fund is also for volunteers to deliver to local extended care residences.

Assistance would be appreciated for fun prep days Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 2 and 3. If interested please call and leave a message at 781-258-5837. Donations may be made to PO Box 1402, Marblehead. 

Do you like budgets?

The Finance Committee is looking to add one new member. The FinCom consists of nine members appointed by the Select Board to staggered three-year terms. The committee functions in an advisory capacity for all financial matters of the town. 

The committee reviews the budgets of all town departments and holds a public hearing on all Town Meeting warrant articles calling for the expenditure of town funds.  For more information on how to apply visit: marbleheadma.gov/finance-committee/

Rethinking retirement

Learn how to choose your perfect retirement spot.

Join Lecture with a Road Scholar on Thursday, Nov. 13, at 2 p.m. about the best places to retire, at the Abbot Public Library. Each year, publications rank the “best places to retire,” but how do those lists align with your own values, goals and lifestyle? 

Learn how to create your own personal criteria to assess communities and find a place where you can thrive, retire happily and age well.Registration is required and limited to 35. Register at tinyurl.com/Road-Scholar-Retirement. If you are not able to attend in person, please register for the program or join the wait list. Everyone who is registered will be sent the recording.

By Saoirse Stallings

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