NEWSLETTER
August 11, 2021
TOWN BUILDING MASK REQUIREMENT
Due to the rise in positive cases of the highly-transmissible COVID Delta variant in Massachusetts, masks are now required in all Swampscott municipal buildings regardless of vaccination status. This includes Town Hall, the Library, Senior Center, Department of Public Works, Police Station, and Fire Station.
DELTA VARIANT
Unfortunately, after 7 weeks of 0 confirmed positive cases, the Town of Swampscott has reported 18 new lab-confirmed cases in the last 2 weeks alone. The vaccination is highly effective against the virus, but we all must do much more to protect ourselves!

FRIENDLY FACES ON HUMPHREY STREET

Have you noticed some friendly faces out and about on Humphrey Street lately?

The Swampscott Police are implementing a plan that will ensure that the officers are very visible along Humphrey Street to monitor and ensure pedestrian safety, parking, and make certain that the public safety needs of all the businesses and visitors are met.

The men and women of the Swampscott Police look forward to saying hello and making sure that everyone enjoys the outstanding benefits of living in Swampscott.
While on foot beat in the Humphrey Street area, Officers Kevin Reen and Candance Doyle had a chance to say "hi" to some of the summer life guards.
NEW THROWABLE LIFE RINGS ON PIER
Swampscott’s pier is just a little safer now thanks to two new throwable life ring flotation devices and lines, available to anyone in the case of an emergency. A collaboration between the Friends of Swampscott Sailing, and the Town Administrator’s Office, Recreation Department, and DPW – these life rings can be thrown to help anyone struggling in the water to stay afloat, until additional help can be provided
IT'S STORM DRAIN CLEANING SEASON!

It's been a rainy summer, and we owe it to DPW and the Town's 850 storm drains for helping to keep the streets clear of flooding.

Each year, the Department of Public Works cleans 400 drains by opening them up and using a clam truck to physically remove debris.

Debris consists of leaves, sand, and - unfortunately - trash. Do your best to keep these drains clean and keep your trash off the ground!
MIDDLE SCHOOL DRIVEWAY IMPROVEMENTS
In order to ease the congestion of drop-off/pick-up at the Swampscott Middle School, DPW is working to widen the driveway and pushing back the sidewalk 10-feet to allow for more than one vehicle to queue up near the entrance.

Work should be completed by the end of the week.
ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOL
EMERGENCY RELIEF FUNDS (ESSER III)
YOUR INPUT NEEDED!

The American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act of 2021 will provide $1.48 million dollars to the Swampscott School District to be utilized over the next 3 years due to the Covid 19 pandemic. The Swampscott Public School District is seeking your input regarding the needs of the school district and how to best allocate these funds.

A presentation regarding the allowable uses of these funds and an opportunity for questions and input will be held on Zoom on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM and a public survey is also available.

ZOOM INFORMATION
Meeting ID: 931 6610 9817
Passcode: 721813
SWAMPSCOTT BY THE SEA: KELLY RILEY
Wednesday, August 11
6:00 - 8:00 PM

Enjoy a relaxing evening on Town Hall Lawn with the country/folk/blues tunes of Kelly Riley.
SWAMPTOBERFEST
Saturday, September 4
4:00 - 9:00 PM

Swamptoberfest returns for its second year! Come down to Town Hall Lawn and enjoy a beer garden with Harpoon Brewery beers and 90+ Wines, a fun kids play-area, food trucks, live music, and FIREWORKS starting at 8:00 PM! The event is $5 per person.
UPDATE FROM
THE TREE ADVISORY TASK FORCE:
Thank you to all who voted on your favorite tree to be planted on Town Hall Lawn. The results are in, and the tree has been planted!

Scarlet Oak: 48 Votes
American Basswood: 36 Votes
American Sweetgum: 18 Votes

We will miss the 70-year old birch tree that used to be on the grounds, but welcome the newest addition to Town Hall Lawn!
SENIOR CENTER COOKOUT
Wednesday, August 25
11:30 AM
Outside the Senior Center

Enjoy fresh-off-the-grill hot dogs and hamburgers under the Senior Center tent while enjoying live music from the Memory Laners! The cost is $5 - call 781-596-8866 to reserve a place at the table!
LIBRARY HOURS

ADULT BROWSING
Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 9:30am-3:30pm
Tuesday &Thursday: 1:30pm-6:30pm

CHILDREN'S ROOM & COMPUTER USE
By appointment only

WINDOW HOURS STILL AVAILABLE!
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
UPDATE TO SIMPLE RECYCLING ("Pink Bags") PROCEDURE
If you're wondering why your Simple Recycling pink bags that are used to discard unwanted clothing, accessories, or small household items have not been picked up on your regular recycling day, please note that they have changed their pick-up procedures:

WHAT'S NEW?
  • Simple Recycling pick-ups must now be scheduled in advance at simplerecycling.com or by calling 866-835-5068. 
  • Items can be placed in a bag of any color or a cardboard box (up to 50 pounds) on your doorstep
  • Pick-ups can be scheduled Monday-Friday
  • Review a list of items that Simple Recycling collects
 
WHAT HAS CHANGED?
  • Simple Recycling items will no longer automatically be picked up on recycling day
  • Pink bags provided by Simple Recycling will no longer be required
  • Do not place items on the curb

For more information or to schedule a pick-up, go to https://simplerecycling.com.

Composting: There are two free compost stations in Swampscott or sign up for Black Earth's paid curbside service

Clothing/Small Household Items
Schedule a free pick-up from simplerecycling

Styrofoam: Drop-off last Saturday of the month 8AM-12PM | DPW Yard (free)

Metal: Drop-off last Saturday of the month 8AM-12PM | DPW Yard (free)

Curbside Recycling: Unsure if something can be recycled? Use Recycle Smart's online search tool!

Learn about other Waste Reduction opportunities HERE!
Housing Authority
August 10, 2021 - 5:30 PM

Solid Waste Advisory Committee
August 10, 2021 - 6:00 PM

Open Space & Recreation Plan Committee
August 10, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Select Board
August 11, 2021 - 3:00 PM

Hadley Reuse Advisory Committee
August 11, 2021 - 6:00 PM
Renewable Energy Committee
August 11, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Historic District Commission
August 12, 2021 - 7:30 PM

School Building Committee
Communications Subcommittee
August 18, 2021 - 8:00 AM

Select Board
August 24, 2021 - 6:00 PM

Special Town Meeting
September 13, 2021 - 7:00 PM

Special Election
October 19, 2021 - 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM
For more information about Town of Swampscott news, events,
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