NEWSLETTER
January 20, 2021
COVID-19 VACCINATION UPDATE
Last week, Swampscott's Health Department participated in a regional effort to vaccinate 706 first responders. We know the community has many questions about vaccinations and when they will be available to different populations. We are closely following the state guidelines and will be communicating any information as soon as we receive it. Helpful initial information from the state can be found on the state's website.
COVID-19 TESTING
There is no longer COVID-19 testing in Swampscott. Consider visiting one of the state's Stop the Spread Locations, particularly the Project Beacon COVID-19 Express Training site at 398 Blossom St. in Lynn. It's free, easy, and safe, available to all Massachusetts residents, and appointments can be scheduled online.
COFFEE BREAK WITH TOWN ADMINISTRATOR
The COVID-19 pandemic has made it challenging for all of us, and we want to stay connected with you. Starting on Thursday, January 28, Swampscott Town Administrator Sean Fitzgerald along with other Department Heads will host virtual private coffee hours to discuss projects, issues, problems, or just to say hello! Whether you have questions about taxes, the COVID-19 response, development projects, or anything else, we welcome you to join Sean for a 15-minute coffee break to answer any questions and hear any comments or suggestions you have about Swampscott.
Health Benefits of Outdoor Activities this Winter

The Swampscott Recreation Department wants to remind you how important it is to get outside and keep moving this winter. Outdoor exercise during the winter has the following benefits:


  • The simple act of walking outdoors increases creativity and reduces stress
  • Being outdoors - even for just a few minutes - has been proven to improve our moods
  • Exposing our skin to sun is vital for your body to get the vitamin D it needs
  • Bodies burn more calories in the cold

So whether you're walking, cross country skiing, or throwing snowballs, be sure to stay active this winter to keep your body and mind healthy! Just remember to pay attention to your body and head indoors and rest if you're beginning to feel too cold.
Join the library for a discussion via Zoom of the Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead on Thursday, January 28 at 7pm. Underground Railroad is one of six books the library has chosen for the "One Topic One Town" series. Checkout a copy at the library window! Register HERE.
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

It's that time of year again! The Senior Center is offering free one-on-one assistance with tax preparation as well as 2021 Fuel Assistance Paperwork. Call 781-596-8866 to learn more and schedule an appointment!

Do you want to Zoom with your friends or family? The Center has designated a clean, safe room equipped with a computer and Zoom technology to help you stay connected!

Read the January 2021 edition of the Senior Center Compass Newsletter here.
Stay up-to-date on the Senior activities on the following Facebook pages:

VALENTINES FOR SENIORS
The Recreation Department, Library, and Senior Center have teamed up to bring Valentine's Day Cards to seniors this year and we need your help. Sign-up to make up to 5 cards for the seniors then drop them off at the library by February 8th and we will deliver them to the seniors with a sweet treat.

SNOWMAN CONTEST
Build a snowman in your yard or at any Swampscott Park between January 1st and March 1st.
Take a picture of your creation and submit it to Swampscott Recreation at [email protected].

DPW has installed NO DOGS ALLOWED signage at various locations throughout Town. Per a new Board of Health regulation, dogs are no longer allowed in the following locations:
  • Public playing fields
  • Public playgrounds
  • Public parks (see exceptions below)
  • Swampscott Cemetery (except for the dog park)

Dogs are allowed at:
  • Harold King Forest
  • Linscott Park
  • Ewing Woods
  • Dog Park behind the cemetery
Swampscott Historical Commission

On Jan 15, 2021, the Historical Commission held its first virtual talk on the topic: "How to Research the History of Your Home,"(presented by Ryan Judkins of the Historical Commission.

67 attendees joined the talk and participated in an interactive discussion. Stay tuned for future Historical Commission talks potentially scheduled this Spring.

View a recording of the talk at on the Cable Access Channel website here.
Volunteers Needed!

Swampscott's Boards and Committees are seeking new members to help lead innovative projects and programs in Swampscott.

Fill out a volunteer form to express interest in any one of dozens of committees and tell us how you want to help!
Elm Place Project Community Meeting
Thursday, January 21 @ 6:30pm on Zoom
The Town of Swampscott and WinnDevelopment would like to invite you to a community-wide Zoom meeting to discuss the proposed development of apartment housing at Elm Place in Swampscott. The Elm Place project is planned as a transit-oriented development for working individuals, families, empty-nesters and active seniors who want to take advantage of the commuter rail station and senior center nearby and/or who want to downsize but stay in their community. For more information and details on how to participate click HERE.

Small Business Grant Program
The Town of Swampscott is offering grants to small business owners to help them continue operations as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. This program will help pay for rent/mortgage, employee wages, and technical assistance. Applicants may apply for up to $10,000. View criteria and application HERE.
Select Board Meeting
January 20, 2021 - 6:00 PM

School Committee Workshop
January 20, 2021 - 6:30 PM

Elm Place Development Community Meeting
January 21, 2021 - 6:30 PM

Conservation Commission
January 21, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Capital Improvement Committee
January 26, 2021 - 7:00 PM

School Committee
January 27, 2021 - 7:00 PM
For more information about Town of Swampscott news, events,
and general information, visit