TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: State housing officials sent Marblehead a six-item to-do list on its revised MBTA zoning plan as town leaders work toward a spring Town Meeting vote; a new Massachusetts law will require most motorboat operators to carry state safety certification starting in 2026; hundreds gathered at Riverhead Beach to mark the close of the holiday season with the annual Epiphany tree burning; The Marblehead Independent released its first year-in-review showing early reach, output and the economics of a reader-supported newsroom; school administrators cut a projected $1.7 million budget gap nearly in half while warning deeper reductions may still lie ahead; the Public Works Committee advanced a warrant article that would reshape how infrastructure decisions are coordinated; two new firefighters graduated from the state academy; harbor officials opened a debate over naming the town’s next patrol vessel; a small protest brought the national immigration debate to a Marblehead intersection; and the town’s cultural calendar filled out with new grants, Burns Night and community programming. — Cheers, Will

P.S. Happy New Year, Marblehead! If you didn't get to read our appeal last week, I've posted it at: https://tr.ee/xp3h785_vV.

State sends Marblehead

a to-do list on MBTA zoning plan

Massachusetts housing officials sent Marblehead a letter outlining six technical changes needed for its revised MBTA zoning proposal. The town can use early feedback to avoid repeating last year’s failed process as it prepares a new Town Meeting article.

Boaters will need state safety

certification starting in 2026

A new Massachusetts law taking effect in 2026 will require most motorboat operators to carry a state-approved boating safety certificate covering navigation rules, right-of-way and required safety equipment.

In annual winter tradition, 

Epiphany fire lights the shoreline 

Hundreds gathered at Riverhead Beach as firefighters ignited a towering pile of discarded Christmas trees, marking the close of the holiday season. Photographer Paula Muller captured moments ranging from sweeping flames to quiet family scenes along the beach.

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A community newsroom takes root 

In its first three and a half months, The Marblehead Independent published roughly 250 reported stories, reached more than 846,000 readers and built a lean newsroom where about 95 percent of spending goes directly to journalism. The year-in-review shows what’s working, what’s coming next and how reader support keeps this model viable.

Schools cut projected budget

shortfall nearly in half

Marblehead school administrators reduced a projected $1.7 million budget gap for fiscal 2027 to about $879,000 through staffing vacancies, operational changes and reallocations. Officials warned that deeper cuts could begin affecting classroom services if additional revenue is not found.

Public Works Committee advances

overhaul of its own structure

The Public Works Committee voted to advance a warrant article that would reshape how Marblehead coordinates infrastructure planning, staffing and equipment across departments. The proposal heads to Town Meeting for voter consideration this spring.

Two new firefighters complete

state academy training

Marblehead firefighters Jeremy Gillis and Kyle Pettinelli graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy after completing a 10-week program covering live-fire operations, rescue techniques and hazardous materials response.

Harbors and Waters Board opens naming

debate for new patrol vessel

The Harbors and Waters Board formed a subcommittee to recommend a name for Marblehead’s new harbormaster vessel after debate over whether to preserve a long-running tradition or modernize it. Board members said they want broader community input before finalizing a decision on the $589,000 rescue boat expected to arrive later this year.

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Small protest brings national immigration debate to Marblehead corner

A handful of residents gathered at the intersection of Pleasant, Village and Vine streets to protest U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, drawing attention from drivers and pedestrians. The demonstration followed a fatal confrontation in Minnesota that has intensified national scrutiny of federal immigration tactics.

Scenes from Marblehad's 2025 tree burning 

Photographer Paula Muller documented Marblehead’s annual Epiphany tree burning from multiple angles, moving from towering flames and drifting embers to intimate scenes among families and firefighters along Riverhead Beach.

POLICE LOG: Speaker disappears from library, resident reports missing Christmas cookware

We are now accepting obituaries

The Marblehead Independent — at no cost — is now publishing obituaries and welcomes submissions from families and friends who wish to honor a loved one. You can send obituary copy and a standalone photo (attached separately) to wdowd@marbleheadindependent.com

In the weeks ahead, we will also introduce an occasional In Memoriam section in this newsletter — a simple, respectful roundup of recent obituaries that have appeared on our website, honoring Marblehead residents who have recently passed. 

Burns Night returns to The Landing

with food and tradition

The Landing will host a Burns Night celebration Jan. 15 featuring traditional Scottish food, drink and live entertainment honoring poet Robert Burns. The event invites the community to gather for a cultural evening rooted in heritage and storytelling.

Marblehead Cultural Council awards

nine grants for 2026 programs

The Marblehead Cultural Council awarded nine grants supporting live performances, public history projects, environmental education and community arts programming in 2026. Organizers said the funding aims to broaden access to cultural programming across town.

Browse the Independent's newsletter archive

We’ve created a Marblehead Independent newsletter archive — a new feature that will be updated weekly. The archive lets readers browse past editions, revisit favorite stories and follow Marblehead’s civic debates, cultural life and everyday news, week by week.

AROUND TOWN

Exploring new EV charging options: The town is partnering with the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center to identify on-street electric vehicle charging sites for residents without off-street parking. Officials are asking the public to complete a short survey to rate proposed locations and suggest additional sites. The initiative aims to expand equitable access to clean transportation.

VOLUNTEER: Marblehead has openings on several volunteer boards, including the Disabilities Commission, Conservation Commission, Design Review Board, Cultural Council, Community Access & Media Inc., Old & Historic Districts Commission (alternate) and the Task Force Against Discrimination.  Terms range from one to three years.  Interested residents should send a letter and résumé to the Select Board at Abbot Hall or email wileyk@marbleheadma.gov.  Appointments are made on a rolling basis.

Residents can meet reporters from the Marblehead Current during “Coffee with the Current” on Tuesday, Jan. 13 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Council on Aging in the Judy and Gene Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. Staff will discuss local issues and answer questions over coffee. The event is free and open to the public.

2026 resident facilities permits: The Board of Health says 2026 facility permit sticker applications open Dec. 15, with stickers valid Jan. 1–Dec. 31 and required for Transfer Station access and resident parking at Devereux Beach.

The Council on Aging is accepting applications for Marblehead’s 2026 Senior & Veteran Tax Work-Off Program from Jan. 6 through Jan. 30. The program allows up to 30 residents ages 60 and older who own a Marblehead home and meet income limits ($78,250 for one person or $105,750 for two) to earn up to a $2,000 property-tax credit by volunteering 133 hours for the town. Participants must complete conflict-of-interest training and a CORI check. For information or to apply, contact Council on Aging Director Lisa Hooper at 781-631-6225.

Backyard basics:  The Jewish Community Center of the North Shore will host a free educational program on composting Jan. 13, led by the Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott. The session will explore waste reduction, soil health and practical techniques for home composting.

Town rolls out mental health program for residents: Marblehead residents can now access BLOOM for free, a confidential virtual program offering support and referrals for services ranging from therapy and psychiatry to substance-use help and parenting resources.

OBSERVER REPORT: The Marblehead Housing Committee discussed possible future uses for the surplus Coffin School site, with affordable or senior housing emerging as the leading option after neighborhood feedback and proposal reviews. Members outlined next steps that include seeking state technical assistance and advising the Select Board, which will make the final decision.

Momma cats: The Marblehead Animal Shelter is asking residents to make a New Year’s resolution that helps four adult “momma cats” — Stella Blue, Hen, Snow White and Flower — find permanent homes. The shelter at 44 Village St. listed adoption hours and encouraged residents to stop by, meet the cats and learn more about adopting.

The North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP) is accepting applications for fuel assistance, which helps low‑income households pay heating bills.  A household of one with annual income below $45,392 or two people below $59,359 is eligible, with higher thresholds for larger families.  New applicants and returning customers should contact Nancy at the Council on Aging (781‑631‑6225) for help completing paperwork.