TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: A Riverside Drive Christmas-lights tradition has grown from friendly rivalry into a neighborhood obligation; Marblehead officials have sent a revised MBTA Communities zoning map centered on Tedesco Country Club to the state for early review as polling shows residents narrowly split and many still undecided; a major federal grant has cleared the way for rail-trail power lines to be buried without raising electric rates; this week’s police log ranges from a CVS errand erupting into shouting and a scuffle to more familiar neighborhood disputes; Marblehead’s 54th Christmas Walk is captured in faces and small moments across town; Beauport Ambulance has opened its newly renovated Sewall Street base to support 24/7 EMS coverage; friends and colleagues are remembering Sean Casey, the principal architect of Marblehead’s draft charter; contributing photographer Paula Muller joins the Independent with four decades of photojournalism experience; Theresa Milewski issues a Computers 101 public service announcement warning readers about Comcast’s email migration to Yahoo and the risk of missing folders and messages, and Colleen’s Garden reflects on holiday decorating, local tradition and the Cottage Gardeners’ 85th anniversary. - Cheers, Will

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On this Marblehead street,

Christmas lights are not optional

What started as a playful rivalry between two neighbors has grown into a meticulously managed holiday ritual on Riverside Drive, where houses glow in coordinated splendor and letting your lights go dark is unthinkable. Complete with tongue-in-cheek rules, rising electric bills and a self-appointed “Chairman of the Cord,” the tradition has become both a neighborhood identity and a gift to the wider community.

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Town advances new MBTA zoning map built around Tedesco

Marblehead officials have sent a revised MBTA zoning proposal centered on Tedesco Country Club to state housing officials for early review. The move is intended to test compliance before reopening public debate, after voters overturned the town’s previous zoning plan in July.

Independent poll finds Marblehead split — but leaning toward Tedesco zoning plan

A Marblehead Independent poll shows a narrow plurality of respondents favor using Tedesco Country Club to meet MBTA Communities zoning requirements, though a significant share remain undecided. 

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Help shape future polling in Marblehead by joining The Independent’s poll panel. You’ll get occasional, anonymous surveys on local issues so our reporting reflects what people in town actually think. Participation is optional and fully anonymous.

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For rail-trail power lines to go underground,

federal grant clears the way

A major federal grant will cover most of a three-phase project to harden Marblehead’s electric system by burying subtransmission lines along the rail trail. MMLD officials say the work will reduce storm risk, remove aging poles and is not expected to raise electric rates.

POLICE LOG:

A CVS errand escalates into chaos

This week’s police log includes a routine CVS visit that erupted into shouting, a scuffle and an employee quitting mid-incident, alongside reports of contractor disputes, thefts and neighborhood complaints. Together, the entries offer a candid look at the calls officers respond to each week.

Christmas Walk weekend, in faces and moments

From Santa’s lobster-boat arrival to packed sidewalks and curbside kids, Marblehead’s 54th Christmas Walk unfolded in scenes residents know by heart. Marblehead resident Paula Muller, the Independent's newest contributor, captured the traditions, crowds and small moments that define the annual weekend.

IN MEMORIAM:

Remembering Sean Casey,

principal architect of Marblehead’s draft charter

Sean M. Casey, whose careful drafting formed the backbone of Marblehead’s proposed town charter, died Dec. 4 at 68. Friends and colleagues remember a lifelong Marbleheader whose meticulous work and understated civic service shaped the town’s effort to clarify how it governs itself.

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. 

Welcoming Paula Muller to the Indy family

Welcoming Paula Muller, a contributing photographer whose career spans more than four decades documenting daily American life. She has worked as a staff photographer at the Lynn Item, the Lynn Sunday Post, the Beach Haven Times and other newspapers, and has contributed photographs to The New York Times and the Associated Press. Her work has been recognized by the New Jersey Press Photographers Association, Mademoiselle magazine and others. Muller holds a master’s degree in art history and bachelor’s degrees in photography and biology.

Beauport Ambulance opens renovated Marblehead base

Beauport Ambulance officially opened its newly renovated Sewall Street base, establishing a permanent, 24/7 home for Marblehead’s EMS crews. The upgraded facility includes expanded garage space and new living quarters designed to support long shifts and overnight coverage as the town settles into its new ambulance contract.

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Computers 101: Time for a brief PSA

 As Comcast transitions all @comcast.net email accounts to Yahoo Mail, many users are reporting missing folders, syncing failures and little guidance from either company. In this Computers 101 column, Theresa Milewski explains what’s happening behind the scenes, what steps users should avoid during the transition and how to protect important emails before they’re lost.

BENEATH THE BLUE:

Diving for lost lobster traps, and finding a community

 In this holiday edition of Colleen’s Garden, Colleen Connor reflects on the Cottage Gardeners of Marblehead and Swampscott’s role in the Christmas Walk as the club marks its 85th anniversary. The column blends local history with practical, time-tested tips for decorating window boxes and outdoor spaces with winter greens, capturing both the craft and continuity behind the season.

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.

OBSERVER REPORT: At its Dec. 9 meeting, the Marblehead Housing Committee discussed potential uses for the former Coffin School property, with affordable or senior housing emerging as the leading option. Members also reviewed next steps for community input, zoning considerations and the town’s broader progress toward MBTA Communities Act compliance.

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.