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Info session on Senior Tax Assistance programs
Come Thursday, May 21, 1-3 p.m., to learn about Marblehead’s senior tax assistance programs.
Representatives from the Assessor’s Office and Council on Aging will share resources about tax assistance options and discuss Marblehead’s newly enacted Means-Tested Senior Tax Property Exemption and the state’s Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit programs. Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. RSVP by calling 781-631-6225.
Town dodges larger hike in sewer rates
While some local communities will see up to 400% increase in sewer rates next year, Department of Public Works Director Amy McHugh explained to the Select Board last week that Marblehead will not.
“Marblehead really is a different story than the other towns,” McHugh said.
Marblehead is part of the South Essex Sewerage District. In 2013, Marblehead had to double its rates to replace two broken sewerage pipelines under Salem Harbor (only Marblehead uses those pipelines). The town finished paying off that project in 2026.
Next year, Marblehead will see a 4-6% increase in sewer rates, McHugh explained.
Coffin School re-use renderings to be shown
The town is expected to share conceptual ideas for the Coffin School re-use at the third community meeting on the project on Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m. at Abbot Hall and online. The town will also present results of a community survey regarding the site.
“The presentation will include possible future re-use options and visual renderings showing how the site could potentially be developed,” according to a town flier.
For more information, contact Brendan Callahan, director of community development and planning, at 781-631-1529 or callahanb@marbleheadma.gov.
Food Pantry needs you
The Marblehead Food Pantry is putting out a call for urgently needed donations. The cupboards are nearly bare.
Here’s a list of what’s needed most, according to Food Pantry President Marcy Schwam:
— 2 lb. bags of white rice
— 2 lb. flour
— 2 lb. sugar
— pasta
— pasta sauce
— 24 oz. cooking oil
— 15 oz. mayo
— 8 oz. mustard
— 20 oz. ketchup
— ground coffee
— shelf-stable milk
— Ritz and Saltine crackers
— individual applesauce cups
— Ensure
To donate to the pantry, leave non-perishable food items, paper goods and toiletries at the Masonic Lodge, 62 Pleasant St. Turn down into the driveway to the right of the building and look for a sign near the entrance to the walkway into the building. Donations can be dropped off Tuesdays, 9-11 a.m.
Marblehead Innovators
Check out a new networking group supporting local companies that deliver environmental and financial benefits to the town and its residents. The group’s inaugural meeting is Tuesday, May 26, 7-9 p.m, at 50 Doaks Lane. There will be a program, followed by networking.
The purpose of the group is to exchange new business concepts and investment opportunities and to gauge interest in the creation of a Marblehead Angel Network for such companies, according to organizer Toby Reiley. For more info and to sign up, contact jtreiley@comcast.net.
Seaglass Village needs volunteers
Nonprofit Seaglass Village, which serves seniors aging in place in Marblehead, Swampscott and Nahant, is looking for volunteers.
Volunteers are needed to provide rides to appointments, pick up groceries or help with small household tasks.
To volunteer — or to learn about becoming a member and the accompanying benefits — visit seaglassvillage.org or call 781-718-0401.
Stay informed with new town alerts
MarbleheadAlerts is the town’s new mass notification system for “alerts about severe weather, boil-water orders and other public safety issues,” according to a press release. Residents can choose to receive notifications by text, email or phone call.
MarbleheadAlerts is powered by Regroup, which replaces CodeRed, and supports translations of text and email messages into most languages. You can also sign up to receive non-emergency notifications, including about elections and major town events.
Sign up at https://loom.ly/OEYzSok.
Anyone with questions regarding AlertMarblehead can contact MarbleheadAlerts@MarbleheadMA.gov.
Focused on Recovery
The Marblehead and Swampscott Public Health Departments are offering a six-week virtual series called, “Focused on Recovery.” The series runs June 4 through July 30 and meets every other Thursday, 7-8 p.m. The series will explore:
- What does it take to begin recovery?
- How is recovery defined?
- What does recovery mean to you?
- Support and resources
