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Harbor updates
The Harbor and Waters Board approved a new policy requiring off-season boating liability insurance for vessels moored in Marblehead Harbor from Nov. 1 through April 1.
“It covers any damage that a boat incurs on people and property,” Harbormaster Mark Souza explained.
The vote was prompted by last winter’s incident when a large sailboat broke free from its mooring in Salem Harbor during a storm and crashed into Stramski’s Pier, causing serious damage. The boat owner does not have insurance to cover the cost of repairs. Souza organized a temporary repair of the pier for the summer and is getting bids for a permanent repair that will happen over the winter.
The Harbor and Waters Board also approved a fee increase for boat storage in town facilities at Parker’s Boatyard and Marblehead Trading Company. The rate will jump about 20% from $5 per foot to $6 per foot.
Mariner birthday
The Mariner celebrated its third anniversary on Aug. 4 with a Woodman’s clambake, classic cars and games. About 90 people reside in the senior living facility on Pleasant Street, according to executive director Andrew Gillis.
Survey says…
The town of Marblehead is partnering with FlashVote, a public survey platform that helps local governments gather timely resident feedback. The goal is to help inform municipal decision-making. Registration takes less than one minute at flashvote.com/marbleheadma.
Each survey takes about a minute to complete and remains open for 48 hours. After a survey closes, participants automatically receive a summary of the overall results and can compare their responses with those of other Marblehead residents.
All responses are anonymous. Personal and demographic information provided during registration is never shared with the town or any third party.
Abbot Library summer food drive
Throughout August, Abbot Public Library will be hosting a community food drive to help restock the shelves of the Marblehead Food Pantry. Drop off your donations right inside the library’s main entrance during the library’s regular weekly service hours.
The pantry is currently experiencing high demand for specific pantry staples, baking basics and essential toiletries. Community members are encouraged to focus their donations on the following high-priority items:
● 1 lb. carton of sugar
● 2 lb. bag of flour
● 2 lb. bag of white rice
● 24 oz. bottle of cooking oil
● bar soap
● canned chicken
● canned sardines
● canned tuna
● coffee
● condiments (mayo, ketchup, mustard, salad dressing)
● dry beans
● jelly
● oatmeal
● pasta sauce
● shelf-stable milk
● toothpaste
● unsweetened cereal
To ensure the safety of our neighbors and remain in compliance with the Marblehead Food Pantry operating guidelines, please note that the drive happily accepts any non-perishable food items, shelf-stable goods, paper products, and unopened toiletries. However, expiration dates matter, and all donated items must have a current expiration date; expired or near-expired goods cannot be accepted.
Additionally, all food and personal care items must be factory-sealed and entirely unopened. Please do not donate items in damaged containers, including significantly dented cans, rusted tins or bloated packaging.
Every donation makes a tangible difference to a family right here in town.
To learn more about the pantry’s mission, go to marbleheadfoodpantry.org.
Jimmy Fund Walk registration open
Registration is open for the 2026 Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber. Scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, the walk raises funds to support all forms of adult and pediatric care and cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.
This year’s event aims to raise $10 million in support of Dana-Farber’s mission to defy cancer by leading the way in groundbreaking research and lifesaving patient care.
More info at danafarber.jimmyfund.org. Look for the link “Jimmy Fund Walk for Dana-Farber.”
