TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE:  We are taking stock at year’s end, marked by the first installment of Remembering Marblehead’s losses of 2025, honoring neighbors whose service and presence shaped everyday life, a community GoFundMe nearing $60,000 for the Carpineto family after a sudden loss just before Christmas, a close portrait of Liz Tauro balancing full-time work with nights of music that reach audiences from North Shore venues to memory-care residents, a look back at The Independent’s most-read stories of 2025 as a snapshot of what drew sustained attention during our first months of publication, the return of the Christmas tree burning at Riverhead Beach as a familiar winter ritual, practical guidance for navigating winter — from protecting gardens and managing road salt to understanding where computer files actually go — and a steady undercurrent of civic updates that continue quietly, even as the holidays slow much of daily life. — Cheers, Will

P.S. We’ll continue this end-of-year reflection in the week ahead, with more looking back, more looking forward and a few ways readers can help sustain our reporting in 2026.

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Remembering Marblehead's losses of 2025

Part 1: Lives of service in town

The first installment of Remembering Marblehead’s Losses of 2025 honors residents whose work, volunteerism and kindness shaped town life — from classrooms and choirs to veterans’ groups and community boards. Each story reflects a presence that once anchored the town’s daily rhythm and a legacy that endures in the institutions they helped build. 

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GoFundMe nears $60,000 goal after sudden death of Joe Carpineto

A fundraiser launched days before Christmas is approaching $60,000 to support Sherri Carpineto and sons Harry and Will after Joe’s unexpected death. Sherri’s message describes the loss and the community support that followed.

Liz Tauro’s two worlds:

Bank by day, ballads by night

Marblehead’s Liz Tauro balances a full-time job with regular North Shore performances spanning Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Stevie Nicks and more. She also brings monthly concerts to a memory-care facility, where the music visibly reaches people. 

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The Independent’s most-read stories of 2025

As the year closes, we looked back at the stories that drew the most sustained attention during our first months of publication — from zoning and municipal decisions to neighborhood traditions, cultural figures, and moments of collective memory — offering a snapshot of what mattered most to readers as Marblehead navigated a year still very much in motion.

Christmas tree burning

returns to Riverhead Beach Jan. 6

The Marblehead Fire Department will hold its annual Christmas tree burning Jan. 6 at Riverhead Beach, continuing a long-running winter tradition that combines safety, disposal and community gathering. Officials outlined curbside pickup schedules, preparation requirements and event logistics ahead of the burn.

POLICE LOG: Driver's beach photo op

ends with car buried in sand

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. 

COMPUTERS 101: Saved ... but where? 

 In her latest “All Computers Great and Small” column, Theresa Milewski demystifies one of the most common tech questions: where your files actually go when you hit Save. With humor and clarity, she explains internal vs. cloud storage, then shares a dozen genuinely useful gadget picks — from USB hubs to self-watering plant stakes — for a smarter, less stressful digital life. 

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COLLEEN'S GARDEN:

Wrapping it up!

Colleen Connor offers a concise winter yard checklist for freeze-thaw season — shield evergreens from wind, manage de-icer runoff, choose gentler traction — and adds warm-day tips for dormant fruit trees, plus a look at winterberries, feeders and the predators birds can attract.

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.

A soft-spoken tabby looking for a home: Pringles, an adult male tabby at the Marblehead Animal Shelter, is described by staff as gentle, easygoing and ready for a calm, affectionate home. He is neutered, house-trained and up to date on vaccinations, with adopters asked to apply online before scheduling a visit.

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.

Harbormaster named 2025 “Elite Fleet” winner:  Dockwa/Marinas.com recognized Marblehead’s harbormaster as a 2025 Elite Fleet winner based on at least 10 boater reviews in 2025 and an average rating of 4.7 stars or higher.

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.

Weighed trash drop-off closed through Jan. 1: The Board of Health says commercial and weighed-trash disposal at the Transfer Station will remain closed through Jan. 1, 2026, while the residential entrance stays open for permitted users. 

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.

Shelter urges holiday-cat adoptions: The Marblehead Animal Shelter is seeking homes for four adult cats featured in its holiday adoption campaign: Snow White, Nick, Flower and Stella Blue.

Arts celebrate season: The Marblehead Arts Association is ushering in the holidays with a lineup of exhibits, workshops and concerts at Hooper Mansion, including a members' show and a wreath-making event with mimosas.