This week’s community bulletin highlights key town deadlines, meetings, programs, events and civic reminders. Click any blue item to go directly to source material, registration pages or full details.
Local author earns national recognition: Marblehead historian Eric Jay Dolin’s forthcoming book, “The Wreck of the Mentor,” scheduled for publication June 2, was named by The New York Times as one of the most anticipated nonfiction books of 2026.
Bells to ring across Marblehead for Washington's Birthday: The Select Board approved a ceremonial bell ringing at Abbot Hall and participating churches on Washington's Birthday, Feb. 22. Bells will ring during traditional holiday intervals in keeping with longstanding town custom.
Multiple vacancies: The Select Board has posted vacancies on several appointed town boards and commissions, including the Conservation Commission, Design Review Board, Disabilities Commission, Marblehead Cultural Council, Marblehead Community Access and Media, the Old & Historic Districts Commission (alternate) and the Task Force Against Discrimination. Residents interested in serving must submit a letter of interest and resume to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or by email to wileyk@marbleheadma.gov. Positions remain open until filled.
Resident facilities permits available: The Board of Health says facility permit sticker applications are open, with stickers valid Jan. 1-Dec. 31 and required for Transfer Station access and resident parking at Devereux Beach.
Free tax prep: Abbot Public Library is taking reservations beginning Jan. 26 for its AARP Tax Counseling Program, offering free tax preparation assistance on Tuesday afternoons from Feb. 3 through April 14 at the library's event center, 235 Pleasant St.
Fuel assistance applications open: The North Shore Community Action Programs 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 Sharon Doliber at the Council on Aging at 781-631-6225 for help completing paperwork.
MFoA fundraisers set: The Marblehead Festival of Arts will hold four speed puzzling fundraisers at Abbot Hall in the lead-up to the 2026 Festival. Events are scheduled for March 7, Aug. 8, Sept. 26 and Nov. 7, with competitions running from 10 a.m. to noon and additional time reserved for setup and cleanup. Organizers say a January event drew strong participation and spectator interest, prompting the expanded schedule and a planned champions round in November.
Presidents Day trash and recycling schedule: Town offices will observe Presidents Day and residents should note adjustments to trash and recycling pick-up schedules for the week of Feb. 16 through Feb. 21
Snow emergency parking ban: One night remains under the town’s snow emergency parking ban, with restrictions in effect from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday night into Saturday morning. Parking is prohibited on public roadways during those hours to allow snow removal crews and emergency vehicles clear access. Vehicles in violation may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Residents and visitors are urged to plan ahead, park responsibly and monitor the Town of Marblehead website and Police and Fire social media pages for updates. Drivers should use caution, watch for pedestrians who may be in the roadway and limit travel when possible during winter weather.
Safe boating course offered: A Massachusetts boating safety course will be held March 21 at the Boston Yacht Club, 1 Front St. Starting April 1, 2026, anyone operating a motorized vessel in Massachusetts — including powerboats, sailboats and personal watercraft — must complete an approved boating safety education course under the new state law. The course will cover navigation rules, emergency procedures and environmental protection. The entry fee is $80 for nonmembers.
Immigration forum rescheduled: Old North Church will host its postponed discussion on immigration enforcement Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the parish hall, 35 Washington St. The program was delayed due to a snow emergency and will feature immigration attorneys Diann Slavit Baylis and Nancy Norman and Brandeis University policy expert Dr. Alexandra Piñeros-Shields.
Multiple vacancies: The Select Board has posted openings on several appointed town boards and commissions, including the Conservation Commission, Design Review Board, Disabilities Commission, Marblehead Cultural Council, Marblehead Community Access and Media, the Old & Historic Districts Commission (alternate) and the Task Force Against Discrimination. Residents interested in serving should submit a letter of interest and resume to the Select Board at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St., or by email to wileyk@marbleheadma.gov. Positions remain open until filled.
Resident facilities permits available: Facility permit sticker applications are open, with stickers valid Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 and required for Transfer Station access and resident parking at Devereux Beach.
Free tax prep: Abbot Public Library is taking reservations for its AARP Tax Counseling Program, offering free tax preparation assistance on Tuesday afternoons through April 14 at the library’s event center, 235 Pleasant St.
Fuel assistance: The North Shore Community Action Programs is accepting applications for fuel assistance to help 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 at 781-631-6225 for help completing paperwork.
Me&Thee Music presents Songs and Grooves: Acclaimed Americana blues artist Ray Bonneville and award-winning singer-songwriter Kevin Connolly will share the stage at Me&Thee Music on Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. Tickets are available at meandthee.org and locally at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St. The nonprofit, all-volunteer series will also collect nonperishable food donations for the Marblehead Food Pantry.
Budget hearing: he Marblehead School Committee will hold a public hearing on the proposed fiscal year 2027 school budget on Thursday, Feb. 26 at 6 p.m. during its regular meeting at the Marblehead High School Library, 2 Humphrey St. The hearing is held in accordance with MGL Chapter 71, Section 38N. Residents may also participate virtually via Zoom. The meeting ID is 978 8676 2817 and the password is 610612. Participants may also dial in at +1 646 931 3860. A line-item breakdown of the proposed fiscal year 27 budget is available for public review at the Marblehead Public Schools offices, 9 Widger Road, and on the district website at under Budget Documents.
Police Officer Sean Sweeney recognized: Feb. 15 marks National School Resource Officer Day, an annual observance honoring officers who help maintain school safety through education, mentorship and daily engagement with students. The department extended its thanks to Officer Sweeney for his work across the district and his commitment to students and staff.
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