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No Kings, GOTV rally
On Sat. Oct. 17, Marblehead’s weekly pro-democracy rally will be a national No Kings Day to urge passersby to vote. This nonpartisan No Kings event is intended to get citizens to vote in the upcoming mid-term elections. Participants will meet at the intersection of Lafayette and Maple streets from 4 to 5 p.m.
“Carry your own signs or borrow ours, but bring your friends, neighbors, and your energy,” organizers urged.
Addiction education series returns
The Marblehead Police and Public Health departments will offer a second six-week educational series aimed at helping residents better understand addiction, recovery and resources available in the community.
“Understanding Addiction and Recovery” will meet on Zoom Tuesdays from 7-8 p.m., beginning Oct. 20 and continuing through Nov. 24. The program is free and open to the public.
The series follows a similar program launched in February and will cover the signs and symptoms of substance-use disorders, the science of addiction and recovery, the impact on families and communities, how to respond to someone who may be struggling and local resources for help.
Sessions will be led by Michelle Simons, a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and addiction studies educator who serves as Swampscott’s opioid settlement fund project coordinator, and Gina Rabbitt, a licensed mental health clinician with Beth Israel Lahey Health who is embedded with the Marblehead Police Department as its jail diversion clinician and co-responder.
“This series plays an important role in reshaping conversations around addiction to focus on empathy and understanding simply by raising awareness of what addiction may look like,” Police Chief Dennis King said.
For more information, contact Simons at michelle.simons24@gmail.com or Rabbitt at RabbittG@marbleheadma.gov.
Veterans Town Hall
Join Congressman Seth Moulton for the 12th annual Vets Town Hall, a public forum for local veterans to share their personal stories and experiences, Wednesday, Nov. 11, 6:30 p.m. at Abbot Hall, 188 Washington St.
All are welcome to attend, listen and show support for our local veterans.
‘Pride and Prejudice’ auditions
Marblehead Little Theatre will hold auditions Oct. 24 and 25 for Kate Hamill’s adaptation of Jane Austen’s “Pride and Prejudice,” directed by Katie Meuse.
The non-Equity auditions will be held from 5-8:30 p.m. both days, with a break from 6:30-7 p.m., at Marblehead Little Theatre, 12 School St. Callbacks are scheduled for Oct. 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
The adaptation offers a bold and comedic take on Austen’s classic story of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
Auditions are by appointment, although walk-ins will be accommodated as time allows. Actors should prepare a two- to three-minute comedic monologue from any time period. Video auditions will also be accepted through Oct. 23.
To sign up, visit theaterforms.com/mlt/PandP/auditionform. Video submissions and questions may be sent to kmeuse444@gmail.com.
‘Here Comes the Sun’ book discussion
Sustainable Marblehead and Abbot Public Library will host a discussion of climate activist and author Bill McKibben’s latest book, “Here Comes the Sun,” led by library Director Kimberly Grad, Monday, Oct. 19, 6:30-7:30 p.m. at Abbot Library.
The book explores the rapid growth of solar energy and the possibility of moving beyond fossil fuels. McKibben examines how abundant and inexpensive solar power could help address climate change while creating a more equitable and resilient energy system.
The discussion will also explore the science, politics, history and challenges surrounding the transition to renewable energy.
Space is limited, and registration is required at tinyurl.com/McKibben-Book.
Rotary to unveil Holiday Pops artwork
Marblehead Harbor Rotary will honor artist Todd Zalewski at a reception Nov. 4, when he will unveil “Light Tower at Chandler Hovey Park,” his painting selected as the signature artwork for this year’s Holiday Pops concert.
The free reception will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Masons’ Philanthropic Building, 62 Pleasant St., with light refreshments and a cash bar.
Zalewski, a freelance artist with more than 25 years of experience, works in realistic and narrative illustration using traditional and digital media. He won Best in Show in both painting and drawing at the 2026 Marblehead Festival of Arts.
Raffle tickets for the original acrylic painting, framed by Arnould Gallery and Framery, will be sold at the reception. The winner will be drawn during intermission at the Dec. 12 Holiday Pops concert at Abbot Hall. Notecards featuring the painting and concert tickets will also be available.
Holiday Pops tickets go on sale Nov. 4 at rotaryclubofmheadharbor.org. More information about Zalewski is available at todd-zalewski.com.
Local CVS begins accepting WIC for infant formula
The CVS Pharmacy at 45 Atlantic Ave. is now authorized to accept benefits from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children, or WIC, for infant formula purchases.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton and state Rep. Jenny Armini recently visited the store to mark its enrollment in the program. The lawmakers helped CVS secure the authorization.
WIC is a federally funded nutrition program that provides eligible pregnant people, new parents, infants and young children with access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and healthcare referrals.
“Expanding WIC authorization allows more families to access infant formula close to home,” Crighton said. “Thank you to our partners at CVS for making sure that infant formula can be purchased with WIC.”
Armini added, “I can think of nothing more important than feeding infants and children. Providing local access to vital baby formula is a no brainer, and I am grateful to CVS for working with Senator Crighton and me to make it available to families who rely on WIC.”
