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Second community meeting set for Coffin School reuse
The town will hold its second community forum to hear feedback from residents about possible re-uses for the old Coffin School on Turner Road.
The meeting will happen Wednesday, March 18, 6 p.m. at Abbot Hall on the second floor. It will also be available on Zoom at marbleheadma.gov/event/coffin-school-community-meeting-2/
Joining the town will be representatives from the University of Connecticut, who are assisting with gathering community input.
Learn more about the Coffin reuse project at marbleheadma.gov/coffin-school-adaptive-reuse/.
Select Board approves Energy Reduction Plan
At its March 4 meeting, the Select Board unanimously approved a Municipal Energy Reduction Plan, a required step for Marblehead to qualify as a Green Community and become eligible for associated grant funding opportunities.
The plan establishes a goal of reducing municipal energy use by 20% over a five-year period, using fiscal 2024 as the baseline year. The plan includes:
- A comprehensive energy baseline covering 25 municipal buildings, 28 water-and-sewer facilities and 175 municipal vehicles.
- Building specific energy reduction strategies and pathways.
- A mix of near-term (one-to-three years) and long-term (five-to-10 years) actions.
- Projects are expected to reduce municipal energy use by up to 45%.
Marblehead Dems pick delegates
Marblehead Democrats gathered for their caucus March 7, electing 14 delegates to the state’s nominating convention in Worcester May 28-29. They include: Judith Black, Molly Blander, Diann Slavit Baylis, Kate Borten, Grey Collins, John Flynn, Renee Keany, Bill Keaney, Owen Mathieu, Angus McQuilken, Susan Ogan, Christian Stumpf, Terri Tauro and Nick Ward.
Festival scholarships
Applications are now being accepted for the Marblehead Festival of Arts student scholarships. The Festival is offering three, $3,000 scholarships to deserving high school seniors who live or attend school in Marblehead. These scholarships are presented to students pursuing higher education in visual or performing arts, crafts, music or film production. For more information, visit marbleheadfestival.org.
‘Let’s eat!’
Marblehead Dollars for Scholars announces its sixth annual gift card fundraiser, “Let’s Eat!” Established in 1987, this local nonprofit that provides financial, need-based scholarships to college students will partner with a variety of Marblehead eateries to raise scholarship funds.
Throughout the month of March, four businesses will donate 10% of all online or in-person gift card purchases to the organization. The vendors include: Shubie’s, The Landing, Sea Salt and Maria’s Gourmet.
Food Pantry needs gluten-free items
The Marblehead Food Pantry is in need of gluten-free food items.
“For people living with conditions such as celiac disease, a gluten intolerance or a gluten allergy, access to safe gluten free food is not a preference; it is a necessity,” according to St. John’s Prep student and Marblehead resident Thomas Cedrone, who is calling on residents to help. “Because gluten-free foods are often more expensive and harder to access, many in our community need extra support,” Cedrone said. “Our goal is to collect gluten-free, non-perishable items to support members of our community who depend on them.”
Cedrone says the Pantry needs gluten-free-flour snacks, pasta, soups, rice, quinoa and cookies. “We kindly ask that all items donated be clearly labeled gluten-free and unopened to ensure safety for the recipients,” Cedrone said.
Donations can be dropped at the Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St. Drop-off hours are every Tuesday, 9-11 a.m. If this time is not convenient for you, email info@marbleheadfoodpantry.org to make other arrangements. The drop-off location is on the right side of the building down the driveway.
“Together, we can help members of our community get safe, nourishing food,” Cedrone said.
MHS Junior Class Auction
More than 100 items are up for bid in the Marblehead High junior class auction, which is online and open to the full community.
Auction items include: five days at a ski house, Patriots tickets, car and boat detailing, weekend mooring in Marblehead Harbor, college application consulting and tutoring.
Check out the auction at mhsjuniorclass.schoolauction.net/classof2027/signup.
U.S. Coast Guard boating class
Starting April 1, anyone wishing to operate a motorized vessel (including power boats, sailboats or personal watercraft) in Massachusetts will be required to complete an approved boating safety education course.
The Boston Yacht Club is offering an education program March 21, 8:30 a.m.-4:15 p.m., which will cover navigation rules and emergency procedures. The class is $80 for non-BYC members and includes food. For more info and to sign up, visit https://loom.ly/-u6QUGc.
