TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: In a quieter February break week in Marblehead, the town promoted a 20-year Recreation & Parks veteran to parks, facilities and permits director following Peter James’ retirement after 39 years of service; Peter and Pam Evans recounted their 66-day, 2,634-mile Down East voyage through New York, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, a trip that continued even after their boat struck and cracked a fiberglass keel near Shelburne Point; more than 100 people gathered at Old North Church for a forum tracing the shifting lines of federal, state and local immigration authority; immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis launched a campaign for the 6th District Governor’s Council seat after shelving a potential congressional run; dockside fixture Lolo advanced to the quarterfinals of the national America’s Favorite Pet contest and, as the town gears up to remember Ed Bell, the Independent publishes an appreciation. — Cheers, Will 

P.S. Town Meeting is coming. We’re busy building a forthcoming and inaugural Town Meeting poll to see where Marblehead voters stand on issues. Click the Google Form link HERE to join our polling panel, and if you feel so inclined, share with other Marblehead voters.

Delisle promoted to parks director

Brad Delisle, a 20-year veteran of Recreation & Parks, has been named parks, facilities and permits director following Peter James’ retirement after 39 years with the town. Delisle previously oversaw maintenance of more than 80 public properties.

Sixty-six days, 2,634 miles,

and the rock they refused to let end it

Peter and Pam Evans detailed their 66-day Down East voyage through New York, Quebec and Atlantic Canada, guided by paper charts, digital backups and an 11-page log. After striking a rock and cracking the keel near Shelburne Point, they continued the trip, ultimately crossing 24 locks and stopping at 46 marinas before returning home.

Immigration forum traces

federal power, local limits

 At Old North Church, attorneys and a Brandeis policy expert outlined recent federal immigration changes, the use of habeas challenges and the limits of local police involvement in civil enforcement. The discussion also referenced Gov. Maura Healey’s executive order restricting certain state cooperation agreements with ICE.

Dockside dog advances in national pet contest

Lolo, the 9-year-old rescue tied to SUP East Coast Style, has reached the quarterfinals of America’s Favorite Pet. The competition advances through public voting rounds, with optional donations benefiting a pet-related charity.

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.

Slavit Baylis shifts to Governor’s Council race

Immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis has taken out nomination papers for the 6th District Governor’s Council seat, stepping away from a previously considered congressional run. The council advises the governor on judicial appointments and pardons and certifies statewide election results.

 COLLEEN'S GARDEN:

The fine print that decides whether seeds sprout

Before planting, Colleen Connorurges gardeners to study packet details like cold stratification, light exposure and planting depth. Those small instructions, she writes, often determine whether seeds germinate or fail.

EDITOR'S DESK:

An Ed Bell appreciation

 Community groups will gather March 5 at the Boston Yacht Club for “A night to remember Ed Bell,” co-hosted by award-winning journalist Susan Wornick and Bell’s daughter, Andrea Bell Bergeron. The evening will include recognition awards reflecting Bell’s commitment to public service and journalism. In an Editor’s Desk edition, the Independent reflects on Bell’s five decades in newsrooms, his mentorship of local reporters and his belief that local journalism is a form of civic stewardship.

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AROUND TOWN

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.

Business workshop on hiring: The Marblehead Chamber of Commerce and Enterprise Center will present “Start Up Tuesday: Making Your First Hire a Success” on Tuesday, March 3 from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Enterprise Center at Salem State University. The free session provides early‑stage business owners with guidance on deciding between contractors and employees and crafting effective job descriptions. Registration is available online.

MAA hosts spring exhibit reception March 1: The Marblehead Arts Association will hold an opening reception for its spring exhibits on Sunday, March 1 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 8 Hooper Street. The reception marks the start of multiple shows running Feb. 28 through April 11, and the galleries will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and donations are appreciated

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.

Swampscott Fish Tales event: Swampscott Tides will host Swampscott Fish Tales: An Evening of Community Storytelling on Saturday, March 28, at 7 p.m. at Swampscott High School, featuring 10-minute stories on the theme “A Fish Out of Water” as a fundraiser for the neighboring nonprofit.

MLT to open “A Few Good Men": Marblehead Little Theatre at 12 School St. will open its production of "A Few Good Men" on Friday, March 6. The play, written by Aaron Sorkin and directed by Billy Lewand, tells the story of military lawyers defending two Marines and runs through March 15. Tickets are available online and performances take place at the historic Firehouse Theatre. 

Me&Thee Music to welcom jazz duo : Me&Thee Music will welcome swing‑jazz duo Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick for a 50th anniversary concert on Friday, March 6 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., and the performance takes place at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford Street. The concert celebrates the pair’s finger‑style guitar and clarinet collaboration, and tickets are available through the Me&Thee website. 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.

Kindergarten registration open: Marblehead Public Schools urges parents and guardians whose children will be five years old by September 1 to register for kindergarten for the 2026‑2027 school year. Registration opens on February 23 and requires submitting proof of age, residency and other documents through the district’s online enrollment portal. Families may choose between free half‑day kindergarten or a full‑day program costing $4,120. Parents should visit the Marblehead Public Schools website for registration instructions and required forms.

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. 

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.