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Tree bonfire set for Jan. 6
The town’s annual Christmas tree bonfire will return to Riverhead Beach on Monday, Jan. 6, at 6 p.m. Fire Chief Jason Gilliland and Department of Public Works Director Amy McHugh will coordinate curbside collection of trees from Dec. 26 through Jan. 3 for the community event.
Trees must be free of lights, ornaments and stands, and cannot be in plastic bags. Holiday wreaths, roping and garland won’t be collected.
While curbside pickup continues through Jan. 10, trees received after Jan. 3 won’t be part of the bonfire. After Jan. 10, residents must take trees to the town transfer station for disposal.
Apply for tax workoff program
Marblehead seniors can apply for the 2025 Senior Tax Work-Off Program from Jan. 6-31. The program allows eligible residents to earn up to $2,000 in property tax credits through volunteer service.
Established under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 59, Section 5K, the program offers up to 30 positions paying the state minimum wage of $15 per hour.
To qualify, applicants must be Marblehead residents aged 60 or older by Jan. 1, 2025, and homeowners using the credit for their primary residence. Income limits are $75,300 for single-person households and $102,200 for two-person households.
Participants must complete conflict of interest training and pass a CORI check, with additional fingerprinting required for school placements. All volunteer hours must be completed by Oct. 15, 2025.
Applications and forms are available at the Judy & Gene Jacobi Community Center and online at marblehead.org. For more information, contact COA Director Lisa Hooper at 781-631-6225.
NASCAP announces home energy assistance program
North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP) is accepting applications for its Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps income-eligible households pay winter heating bills. The program covers costs from November 1 through April 30.
Eligible households can receive:
— Direct payments to heating vendors
— 29% discount on National Grid utility bills
— Protection from utility shut offs during winter
— Possible no-cost energy efficiency improvements
Income eligibility ranges from $49,196 for single-person households to $130,559 for eight-person households. The program serves residents of Salem, Peabody, Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Middleton and Topsfield.
First-time applicants must complete a phone interview. Applications opened October 1, with a 6-8 week processing time. Contact: 978-531-0767 ext. 136 or fuelassistance@nscap.org.
Snow ban emergency reminder
The Marblehead Police Department is reminding residents about parking restrictions during snow emergencies.
When a snow emergency is declared, vehicles, including boat trailers, must be removed from the streets to allow for snow removal and ensure road safety. Violators risk ticketing and towing as part of the town’s efforts to maintain clear and treated streets during icy conditions.
Residents are encouraged to sign up for CodeRED alerts — marblehead.org/subscribe — to stay informed about snow emergencies. The overnight parking ban for the 2024-25 winter season is now in effect.
2025 Transfer Station/beach stickers available
Transfer Station and beach stickers are now available for purchase online and in person at the Health Department Office, 7 Widger Road. The stickers are $100 and $40 for each subsequent car in the household. More info is available at marblehead.org/board-health/health-department.
Health & Wellness Fair set for Jan. 18 The Marblehead Board of Health will host the 2025 Wellness Fair on Saturday, Jan. 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jacobi Community Center, 10 Humphrey St. Residents can explore a variety of wellness programs, information and services offered by local vendors and providers.
For more information, contact the Health Department at 781-631-0212 or email Health2@marblehead.org.
Holocaust Remembrance Day Ceremony set for Jan. 31
Marblehead will hold its third annual Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremony at noon on Jan. 31 at Abbot Hall. The Select Board approved the 30-minute ceremony at the request of the Task Force Against Discrimination. Rabbi Michael Schwartz of Temple Sinai and Rabbi Jenn Mangold of Temple Emanu-El will lead the observance. Mangold will also conduct a special Shabbat service that evening to honor Holocaust victims.
Submit citizens petitions for 2025 warrant
The warrant for the May 5, 2025 Town Meeting remains open for citizens petitions until Friday, Jan. 24. Town government boards and commissions have until noon Jan. 31 to submit their own articles. Town Meeting, which serves as the legislative body for Marblehead, enables residents to vote on key matters such as budgets, bylaws, home-rule petitions and resolutions.
To place an article on the warrant, registered voters must submit a petition with signatures from at least 10 registered voters. Articles must fit within the scope of the Town Meeting’s warrant, which outlines the place, date and agenda, as required by local bylaws.
For residents seeking guidance, reach out to Town Moderator Jack Attridge at either jack@allmarblehead.com or 781-883-3200. Citizens are encouraged to start early, consult with town officials or legal counsel if needed and review past town meeting warrants for examples.
