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.
Local author earns national recognition:
Marblehead historian Eric Jay Dolin’s forthcoming book, “The Wreck of
the Mentor,” scheduled for publication June 2, was named by The New York Times as one of the most anticipated nonfiction books of 2026.
Bells to ring across Marblehead for Washington's Birthday:
The Select Board approved a ceremonial bell ringing at Abbot Hall and
participating churches on Washington's Birthday, Feb. 22. Bells will
ring during traditional holiday intervals in keeping with longstanding
town custom.
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.
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.
Presidents Day trash and recycling schedule:
Town offices will observe Presidents Day and residents should note
adjustments to trash and recycling pick-up schedules for the week of
Feb. 16 through Feb. 21
Snow emergency parking ban:
One night remains under the town’s snow emergency parking ban, with
restrictions in effect from 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. Friday night into Saturday
morning. Parking is prohibited on public roadways during those hours to
allow snow removal crews and emergency vehicles clear access. Vehicles
in violation may be ticketed or towed at the owner’s expense. Residents
and visitors are urged to plan ahead, park responsibly and monitor the
Town of Marblehead website and Police and Fire social media pages for
updates. Drivers should use caution, watch for pedestrians who may be in
the roadway and limit travel when possible during winter weather.
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.
Immigration forum rescheduled:
Old North Church will host its postponed discussion on immigration
enforcement Feb. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the parish hall, 35 Washington St.
The program was delayed due to a snow emergency and will feature
immigration attorneys Diann Slavit Baylis and Nancy Norman and Brandeis
University policy expert Dr. Alexandra Piñeros-Shields.
Multiple vacancies:
The Select Board has posted openings 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 should 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:
Facility permit sticker applications are open, with stickers valid Jan.
1 through Dec. 31 and required for Transfer Station access and resident
parking at Devereux Beach.
Free tax prep:
Abbot Public Library is taking reservations for its AARP Tax Counseling
Program, offering free tax preparation assistance on Tuesday afternoons
through April 14 at the library’s event center, 235 Pleasant St.
Fuel assistance:
The North Shore Community Action Programs is accepting applications for
fuel assistance to help 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 Nancy at the Council
on Aging at 781-631-6225 for help completing paperwork.
Me&Thee Music presents Songs and Grooves:
Acclaimed Americana blues artist Ray Bonneville and award-winning
singer-songwriter Kevin Connolly will share the stage at Me&Thee
Music on Friday, Feb. 20 at 8 p.m. Doors open at 7:15 p.m. at the
Unitarian Universalist Church, 28 Mugford St. Tickets are available at
meandthee.org and locally at Arnould Gallery, 111 Washington St. 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.
Police Officer Sean Sweeney recognized:
Feb. 15 marks National School Resource Officer Day, an annual
observance honoring officers who help maintain school safety through
education, mentorship and daily engagement with students. The department
extended its thanks to Officer Sweeney for his work across the district
and his commitment to students and staff.
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