TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: Marblehead’s new energy programs manager says too few residents know about rebates for EV chargers and heat pumps; police and Select Board members clarified local limits on immigration enforcement as federal officers conducted operations in town; auditors praised the town’s finances but flagged flaws in cash management; nearly 200 works will fill the Arts Association’s galleries in five new shows; the light department prepares for a leadership transition as Jonathan Blair takes over Sept. 29; the Charter Committee outlined a 2026 Town Meeting vote on a draft charter; and the Board of Health launched a community wellness survey with UMass Boston to map residents’ health needs.

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In Marblehead, a new voice for energy rebates 

Michael Hall, Marblehead Municipal Light Department’s new energy programs manager, is working to boost awareness of 16 sustainability and rebate programs under the NextZero initiative. Hall plans outreach through newsletters, social media and community events, aiming to increase participation in programs such as electric vehicle charger rebates and heat pump incentives.

Town officials clarify limits in ICE enforcement

As federal immigration officers conduct unannounced operations in town, Marblehead’s police chief and Select Board members are making clear where local authority ends: the police will not carry out civil immigration arrests

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.

Five exhibitions to fill Marblehead Arts Association this fall

Nearly 200 works by 50 artists will be displayed across five exhibitions at the Marblehead Arts Association’s King Hooper Mansion from Sept. 27 through Nov. 2. The shows include traditional and digital photography, youth work and solo exhibitions by David Rabkin and Judy Schmid.

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Auditors praises finances but flags cash system flaws

Auditors gave Marblehead a clean opinion on its fiscal 2024 books, noting revenues beat forecasts by $2 million, but cited weaknesses in cash management and federal compliance. The town retained its AAA bond rating while moving to correct the issues.

 By taking no action, MMLD affirms Kowalik’s contract while preparing for new GM transition

Jonathan Blair, former Ipswich Electric Light manager, will take over as general manager of Marblehead Municipal Light Department on Sept. 29 under a five-year contract. Outgoing manager Joseph Kowalik, under his exisiting, will remain through April to assist with the transition.

Charter Committee eyes 2026 Town Meeting vote

The Town Charter Committee plans to present its draft in January for inclusion at the May 2026 Town Meeting, aiming to establish Marblehead’s first governing charter. The proposal clarifies roles without changing the open town meeting system.

Survey launched to map residents' health needs

The Board of Health has partnered with the University of Massachusetts Boston on a community survey to identify residents’ most pressing health needs. The results will guide future wellness and planning efforts.

AROUND TOWN

Marblehead Museum sets date for annual Treasure Sale: The popular fundraiser returns Sept. 27 in the Lee Mansion gardens, with antiques, art, and fall traditions.

Rummage sale on Saturday: St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church will host its semi-annual rummage sale Saturday, Sept. 27, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 135 Lafayette St.

Shredding event and food drive: Marblehead Bank will hold a free community shredding event and food drive Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to noon at 21 Atlantic Ave. The event, in partnership with Shred-it, offers residents an opportunity to safely dispose of documents while contributing nonperishable food donations.

Brendan Kane, Nick Sears to perform: Musicians Brendan Kane and Nick Sears will perform Saturday, Sept. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at The Bunker Bar, 321 West Shore Drive.

Tickets on sale for ‘The Crucible': Tickets are now on sale for Marblehead Little Theatre’s production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” running Oct. 3-19 at 12 School St. 

St. Michael’s to host organ recital and evensong Sept. 28: St. Michael’s Church will present an organ recital and Michaelmas Evensong on Sunday, Sept. 28. The recital begins at 4:30 p.m., followed by Evensong at 5 p.m. Christopher Wells will perform Craig Phillips’ “Archangel Suite,” and the choir will sing Stanford’s “Evening Service.” The congregation will join in C.H.H. Percy’s hymn tune “Rustington.” A freewill offering will be collected at the door with a suggested $20 donation.

Fall Festival set for Oct. 4: The he sixth annual fall fair, sponsored by Discover Marblehead and the Marblehead Museum, will be held Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lee Mansion Gardens, 161 Washington St., Marblehead, featuring an artisan market, music, food, card readings and family activities.

Marblehead Youth Soccer marks 50 years with golf classic: The anniversary tournament tees off Oct. 6 at Tedesco Country Club.

Halloween trick-or-treating, Spooktacular party set for Oct. 30: Families can celebrate Halloween downtown Oct. 30 with trick-or-treating at local businesses and a Spooktacular at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.

Marblehead Animal Shelter seeks homes for foster cats: The shelter is asking residents to open their homes to cats and kittens in foster care.

HELP WANTED: Full-time infant, toddler and preschool teachers

The Marblehead Children’s Center is seeking full-time infant, toddler and preschool teachers, offering competitive pay, benefits, free child care and a supportive teaching environment (gail@marbleheadchildrenscenter.com, 781-631-1954).