TODAY'S EDITION IN ONE SENTENCE: Marblehead is in motion this week, as the Council on Aging learns the MBTA zoning noncompliance could put senior rides in jeopardy; the Light Department quietly vaulted ahead of schedule, reaching 74 percent carbon-free electricity three years early; a new nine-month demolition delay has been placed on Gen. John Glover’s farmhouse, a 1730s landmark now caught between history and the wrecking ball; Beacon Hill released nearly $200,000 in earmarks for Marblehead and Swampscott, funding cemetery repairs, police equipment, track upgrades and girls’ athletics; the Town Charter Committee pushed its rewrite toward a 2027 Town Meeting to finalize the town’s first proposed governing charter; artist Cathy Marie Michael, 75, will stage her first solo exhibition — “Art as Prayer, Resistance and Joy” — on Sunday, turning portraits of injustice into quiet acts of grace; Rep. Seth Moulton’s longtime aide Rick Jakious entered the 6th District race, promising local roots and pragmatic politics; and native Dan Dixey offered another love letter to Marblehead in print, preserving its faces and places for a new generation. — Cheers, Will

P.S. Happy Halloween, Marblehead🎃👻🏮!

P.S.S. Don’t forget to move your clocks back this weekend 🕰️. 

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Noncompliance threatens seniors’ medical rides

Marblehead’s Council on Aging may lose critical transportation funding because the town remains out of compliance with the MBTA Communities Act. Without state transit grants, the agency could struggle to maintain its four-van fleet that provides thousands of rides each year for medical care and grocery trips.

Local artist shines light on injustice through debut show

A local artist’s first exhibition blends portraiture and storytelling to highlight people and experiences often overlooked. The show challenges viewers to see the humanity behind social struggles.

Town’s clean energy push hits 74% carbon-free electricity

The Marblehead Municipal Light Department surpassed its 2028 target three years early, reaching 74% carbon-free power. Officials credit long-term contracts for hydro, wind, solar  and nuclear sources — not short-term certificate trades — for the progress. The town now aims for 85% by 2033 and net zero by 2040.

Town upgrades Mary Alley roof to extend building’s life

Crews are replacing the aging roof of the Mary Alley Municipal Building as part of a $450,000 project funded by the town’s 2022 capital plan. The work includes modern insulation and a durable rubber membrane expected to last up to 30 years. 

Preservationists race to save Glover home

A nine-month demolition delay has given advocates until next summer to save Gen. John Glover’s 18th-century farmhouse in Swampscott. A fundraising  campaign is drawing attention as supporters rally to protect the landmark tied to the American Revolution.

Charter Committee pushes back timeline, eyes 2027 Town Meeting

Marblehead’s Charter Committee extended its schedule to ensure a thorough review before presenting a new town charter. The document would formally define Marblehead’s government structure for the first time, with a final draft expected by spring 2026 and a townwide vote likely in 2028.

State awards $195K for Marblehead, Swampscott projects

New earmarks from Gov. Maura Healey’s fiscal 2026 budget will fund cemetery repairs, police equipment, senior center upgrades and school athletic facilities. Legislators Brendan Crighton and Jenny Armini said the grants reflect state commitment to local needs.

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Moulton aide Jakious launches bid for open 6th District seat

Rick Jakious, longtime chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, has entered the Democratic primary to replace his boss after Moulton’s Senate bid. Jakious, a Swampscott resident, is emphasizing continuity, local service and experience across 39 North Shore communities.

Local author Dan Dixey captures Marblehead’s soul in new photo history

In Chris Stevens' lastest feature, she interviews Marblehead native Dan Dixey, who has published “Marblehead: Facts, History & Old Photos for Headers, Transplants and Tourists." The book is his fourth collection of images and stories preserving the town’s character, blending nostalgia, rare photos and community memory in a heartfelt tribute.

What's next for the Coffin School? Take our poll

The future of the Coffin School is wide open — from housing or senior units to cultural, community, or municipal uses and even the idea of turning the site into green space. With the property now declared surplus and the town gathering input, we want to hear from you: what do you think should come next for this longtime neighborhood landmark? Share your thoughts in our quick poll here: tr.ee/5q8SH0

COLLEEN'S GARDEN: 

Why fall is the time to think spring

Columnist Colleen Connor shares tips for planting bulbs, mulching leaves, and testing soil before winter sets in. Her latest “Colleen’s Garden” column turns practical advice into a love letter to hope and renewal.

COMPUTERS 101:

New column helps readers tackle tech with confidence

Theresa Myung Hee Milewski debuts her Independent column Computers 101 to demystify technology for everyday users. Her approachable voice and decades of experience aim to make digital life less intimidating for readers of all ages.

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.

Abbot Public Library programs Nov. 8–14:Historian Christopher Hendricks will discuss early Southern cooking during a Nov. 10 lecture on Mary Randolph’s 1824 cookbook.

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. 

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.

Rock the Arts Gala: The Friends of the Performing Arts will host the fifth annual Rock the Arts Gala on Nov. 6 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Hooper Mansion.

Rotary Club's 5K: The Marblehead Rotary Club will host its annual 5K run to benefit local schools through Inner Explorer, a nonprofit that provides daily mindfulness programs to help students manage stress and build focus and self-control.

POLICE LOG: Crossing guard nearly hit, chimney scam reported

Beatles tribute concert: A free, family-friendly Beatles tribute concert will be held at the Jeremiah Lee Mansion on Friday, Oct. 31, at 5:30 p.m.

Mini Green Home Tour:  A Marblehead family will open 34 Pinecliff Drive from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, for Sustainable Marblehead’s Mini Green Home Tour, showcasing a Tesla Solar Glass Roof.

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.

Nonprofit offers free energy coaching 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: Marblehead’s Board of Health plans to apply for a state grant to expand behavioral health outreach and prevention programs. The board also discussed future waste management options, including recycling schedules and transfer station improvements, during its Oct. 27 meeting. Members reported that sticker sales have topped $600,000 this year.

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.