TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: Marblehead officials are weighing whether to include Tedesco Country Club in a reconfigured MBTA Communities zoning proposal; Finance Director Aleesha Nunley-Benjamin warned the town’s budget model is “mathematically unsustainable,” squeezed by soaring costs for health insurance, waste and labor; preservationists won a major boost as Gen. John Glover’s weathered farmhouse—home to the Revolutionary War hero who ferried Washington across the Delaware—was named one of Massachusetts’ most endangered sites; Gulf War Apache pilot Thomas Mathers will headline the town’s Veterans Day ceremony at Abbot Hall; an Independent survey found residents almost evenly split on whether to turn the former Coffin School into housing or green space; and as neighbors looked skyward Tuesday evening, a luminous spiral traced over Marblehead turned out not to be a UFO but exhaust from a European rocket launch. - Cheers, Will 

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Town weighs Tedesco site in high-stakes MBTA zoning effort

Marblehead officials are reviewing Tedesco Country Club as a potential zoning site to regain state grant eligibility under the MBTA Communities Act — a move that could meet state housing mandates without triggering large-scale development.

Gulf War Apache pilot to headline Veterans Day ceremony at Abbot Hall

Army veteran Thomas Mathers, who flew Apache helicopters in combat, will deliver this year’s Veterans Day keynote at 10 a.m. Nov. 11. The event will highlight courage, service and community remembrance.

Glover farmhouse named one of state’s most endangered sites

Gen. John Glover’s 18th-century farmhouse — where the Revolutionary War hero spent his final years — has been added to Preservation Massachusetts’ annual “most endangered” list, boosting preservationists’ efforts to save it from demolition.

Town finances face crunch as costs climb faster than revenue

Finance Director Aleesha Nunley-Benjamin warned the Finance Committee that Marblehead’s current budget model is “mathematically unsustainable” as health insurance, contracts and waste costs outpace limited tax growth.

From roof to road, Marblehead home runs entirely on sunshine

During Sustainable Marblehead’s Green Home Tour, residents saw how George Hooper’s Tesla Solar Roof powers his entire home — including two electric cars — while blending seamlessly into the neighborhood’s design.

Rocket exhaust creates rare atmospheric display above Marblehead

A swirl of light spotted over Marblehead Tuesday evening was traced to the European Space Agency’s Ariane 6 rocket, whose fuel plume reflected sunlight high in the atmosphere — creating a brief but stunning celestial display.

Marblehead Rotary Club's 5K run raises funds for youth mindfulness

 More than 180 runners gathered at Crocker Park for the Rotary Club of Marblehead’s annual 5K for Mental Health, raising funds for Inner Explorer mindfulness programs in local schools. 

Public split over future of Coffin School site, Independent survey shows

An Independent reader poll revealed near-even support for turning the former Coffin School into green space or housing. Town officials will discuss the findings during a Nov. 13 community listening session.

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Marblehead attorney weighs run for Congress

Immigration attorney Diann Slavit Baylis is considering a campaign for the 6th Congressional District after U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton’s Senate bid left the seat open. Her entry would add a progressive voice to an expanding Democratic field.

BENEATH THE BLUE:

Discovering Marblehead's underwater harvest

In his second column, Ryan Park details the skill and care involved in breath-hold spearfishing and the Japanese ikejime method for humane harvest. His piece also celebrates the richness of Marblehead’s marine life, the gratitude that comes from sourcing food directly from the ocean, and the peace found beneath the waves.

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

Me&Thee concert: Award-winning folk musician Antje Duvekot and Grammy nominee Seth Glier will share the Me&Thee stage Nov. 7. Their performance promises an intimate evening of harmony and storytelling from two of the genre’s most acclaimed voices.

Town seeks public input: Marblehead residents are invited to a community listening session Nov. 13 at 6 p.m. in the Abbot Hall Select Board Room to share ideas for reusing the former Coffin Elementary School property. The forum, hosted by the Department of Community Development and Planning, will gather input on priorities and potential uses for the site.

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.

Marblehead’s Revolution divide: Author Nicholas Gentile will discuss his new book, “Enemies to Their Country: The Marblehead Addressers and Consensus in the American Revolution,” during a Nov. 6 event at the Marblehead Museum. The talk explores how town leaders split in 1774 between loyalty to the crown and calls for independence. The lecture begins at 7 p.m. in the JOJ Frost Gallery, 170 Washington St., and will also be offered via Zoom.

Devereux history talk: The Marblehead Museum will host preservationist John Clemson for “The Devereux Neighborhood: A History," tracing the area’s evolution from farmland to a streetcar suburb between 1870 and 1940.

Rebirth Brass Band: Rebirth Brass Band will bring New Orleans brass to Abbot Hall on Friday, Nov. 7, headlining a benefit concert for the Marblehead Animal Shelter. Doors open at 7 p.m. for the event, presented by Platorum.

Nonprofit offers free energy coaching: Sustainable Marblehead has launched a volunteer Energy Coaching Program to help residents navigate clean-energy upgrades such as heat pumps, solar panels and weatherization. Coordinator Lisa Wolf said the effort aims to make home energy improvements simpler and more approachable.

Rotary Club to unveil 'Abbot After Dark': The Marblehead Harbor Rotary will honor local artist Paul McMahan on Nov. 12 with a public reception unveiling his watercolor painting “Abbot After Dark,” the signature artwork for the 2025 Holiday Pops. The free event runs 5 to 7 p.m. at the Masons’ Philanthropic Building, 62 Pleasant St., with light refreshments from Every Little Breeze Catering and a cash bar.

OBSERVER REPORT: New General Manager Jon Blair outlined his six-month plan to modernize the Marblehead Municipal Light Department, strengthen safety and infrastructure and engage residents in setting long-term priorities. The department also advanced a clean-energy grant proposal and addressed state compliance issues.

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. 

Home for Thanksgiving: The Marblehead Animal Shelter's "Home 4 Thanksgiving" campaign seeks adopters for four cats — Ophelia, Dewey, Travis and Flower. Volunteers said they would be "most thankful" to see each find a permanent home this season.

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.

Revolution stories reclaimed: A $20,000 Mass Humanities grant will help the Marblehead Museum and town partners explore the lives of Black and Indigenous residents who shaped the American Revolution. The project includes a digital curriculum and expanded exhibits.

Veterans helping veterans: Marblehead's VFW Post 2005 is hosting concerts, donation drives and "Welcome Home Kit" collections throughout November to support local veterans and families in need.
 

Trade ties rediscovered: A Nov. 8 symposium at Salem State University will highlight Marblehead's historic trade connections with Spain and the Basque city of Bilbao, once considered "practically Marblehead's sister city."