Town of Swampscott Newsletter

NEWSLETTER

December 3, 2021

OMICRON VARIANT

On November 26, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified a new variant, B.1.1.529, as a Variant of Concern and has named it Omicron. On December 1, the Omicron variant was detected in California and is the first confirmed case of COVID-19 caused by the Omicron variant detected in the United States. Despite the detection of Omicron, the Delta variant currently remains the predominant strain in the United States.

As always, the CDC recommends people follow prevention strategies such as wearing a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, washing your hands frequently, and physically distancing from others. The CDC also recommends that everyone 5 years and older protect themselves from COVID-19 by getting fully vaccinated. The CDC also encourages a COVID-19 vaccine booster dose for those who are eligible as even fully-vaccinated individuals can become infected with COVID-19, and these cases are on the rise throughout the state. The original dose that many have received may be waning. Learn more about booster shots and a COVID update from the Mass DPH website.

SWAMPSCOTT VACCINATION STATISTICS

(As of Monday, November 25)

The following is a breakdown of the percentage of Swampscott residents in various age groups that have either received one or both doses of the vaccine. Thank you to all who have gotten, or are in the process of being vaccinated to continue to help keep our community as safe as possible from COVID-19!:

5-11 YEARS: 56% have received 1 dose

12-15 YEARS: 89% are fully vaccinated (95% have received 1 dose)

16 - 19 YEARS: 92% are fully vaccinated (95% have received 1 dose)

20-29 YEARS: 93% are fully vaccinated (95% have received 1 dose)

30 - 49 YEARS: 95% are fully vaccinated

50 - 64 YEARS: 91% are fully vaccinated (95% have received 1 dose)

65 - 74 YEARS: 95% are fully vaccinated

75+ YEARS: 86% are fully vaccinated (95% have received 1 dose)

TOTAL POPULATION

81% of eligible residents are fully vaccinated

95% of eligible residents have received 1 dose.

CONTACT TRACING

As of December 1, the Community Tracing Collaborative is no longer assisting Swampscott with the tracking of any new positive individuals and/or close contacts. Stay tuned for a new online system to help guide individuals through the information they need to know about isolating, quarantining, and self monitoring.

HOLIDAY FIRE SAFETY

Christmas Trees

- When purchasing a natural tree, buy one that is as fresh as possible. When tapped on the ground, needles should not fall off, and when bended, needles that break are too dry. Natural trees should be given a fresh cut on the base and immediately placed in water. Water the tree daily.

- If purchasing an artificial tree, choose one with a fire retardant label.

- Place your tree and decorations away from heaters, fireplaces, candles, and other heat sources.

- Purchase electric holiday lights listed by an approved testing agency, and follow the manufacturer's directions. Consider switching to LED lights that are cooler. Inspect frayed wires or other defects before hanging. Make sure the bulbs themselves are not touching the tree, curtains, wrapped gifts, and tree skirts. Turn off the lights when leaving the house or going to bed.

- Remove your tree soon after the holidays and take advantage of the town curbside pick-up week starting January 10.

Outdoor Decorations

- Be sure to use only lights rated for outdoor use.

- Consider replacing older outdoor lights with new LED lights that are 'greener' and cooler.

- Securely anchor outdoor lights and decorations against the wind and storms with insulated holders or hooks.

- Use electrical connection protectors to keep water out. All outdoor electrical decorations should be plugged into a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI).

- Don’t overload circuits.

- Do not drive nails, staples or tacks through wiring insulation; this can cause a fire.

- Bring outdoor electrical lights inside after the holidays to prevent hazards and extend their life.

Be sure that your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are in good working order and review your home escape plan with family and guests.

Learn more about these and other holiday safety tips from the state website.

DPW has been busy the last few weeks! Look what they've been up to to spruce up our Town with paving, new trees, and holiday spirit!

The Town is making progress repaving a portion of the Fish House parking lot.

27 new trees have been planted throughout the town including the two Amelanchiers on Humphrey Street at Fisherman’s Beach.

The Town Hall tree was dressed up for the annual Care Dimensions Tree of Light event to be aired on their website on Wednesday, December 8 at 5:30 PM.

Have you noticed the new holiday spirit on Humphrey St.? DPW hung garlands and bows on 10 light poles!

TAKE PART IN THE SENIOR / VETERANS

WORK-OFF ABATEMENT PROGRAM

Back for another year, the Senior/Veteran’s Work-Off Abatement Program pairs Town of Swampscott Departments with residents who can assist with year-round or one-off special project needs. In return, senior and veteran residents receive a credit toward their property tax bill. The purpose of this program is:

To employ qualified senior and/or veteran residents who will apply their earnings toward payment of a portion of their property taxes
To increase senior/veteran resident involvement in local government
To enhance municipal service by using the skills of resident senior/veteran citizens

A qualified resident will accrue a wage of $14.25/hour toward a maximum credit of $1,500 per household (105.25 hours) during the fiscal year. View the application.

CLIMATE ACTION AND RESILIENCE COALITION

The Renewable Energy Committee recently compiled a greenhouse gas inventory for Swampscott and is in the process of forming a broader Climate Action and Resilience Coalition to work on a Climate Action Plan for Swampscott targeted at reducing our carbon footprint, in alignment with the Commonwealth’s goals. If you are interested in participating in this coalition, and have some time to devote, please send your name and email contact to SwampscottCARC@gmail.com. Meetings are expected to begin in mid-January.

SWAMPSCOTT RENEWABLE ENERGY & REVISE ENERGY EFFICIENCY WEBINAR

Wednesday, December 8

7-9 PM

Swampscott's Renewable Energy Committee (REC) and Revise, Inc, a Mass Save® home performance contractor, are partnering to help Swampscott residents make their homes more energy efficient. In this webinar, they will share data on Swampscott’s carbon footprint and why reducing energy use in your home is a great way to reduce the town's footprint as well as your own. They will also share simple tips on how to save energy in the home and talk about the benefits and savings that come out of performing a Mass Save Energy Assessment. Additionally, they will talk about insulation, electrification, solar and other weatherization work.

VIRTUAL HOLIDAY

WINE TASTING

Friday, December 10, 7-8:30 PM

Maia will take wine-tasters on a tour of 3 delicious wines for an evening of sipping, learning, and socializing.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

HOLIDAY FESTIVAL

AND PARADE

Saturday, December 11

5:00 - 8:00 PM: Festivities at Town Hall including a marketplace, hot cocoa, cookies, train ride, inflatables, music, and the gingerbread house display.

5:30 PM: Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt at Linscott Park

5:30 PM: Parade begins at Swampscott High School (to arrive at Town Hall at 6:30 PM). Interested in participating in the parade? View the flyer to learn more!

6:00 PM: Tree Lighting!

Head down to Humphrey St. after the festivities and catch dinner at one of the many restaurants open that evening!

10th ANNUAL GINGERBREAD HOUSE CONTEST

Bring your finest gingerbread house to Town Hall on December 6th between 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM! Public viewing will take place from December 7th thru December 17th during regular Town Hall hours and at the Holiday Festival on December 11th from 5:30-8 pm.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

LIGHT UP SWAMPSCOTT

HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST

Let's celebrate! You can be voted the most festive home/business in town! Please have your lights up by December 14th.

LEARN MORE & REGISTER

A VISIT FROM SANTA

Saturday, December 18, 12-2 PM

Santa has teamed up with Swampscott Recreation to come visit boys and girls at your home. Due to his hectic schedule, Santa will not get out of his vehicle but will stop by to wish you a Merry Christmas while his helpers drop a gift off for the kids.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

UPCOMING EVENTS

2021 HOLIDAY GRAB N' GO DINNER

Thursday, December 9

11:30 - 12:30 PM

Enjoy a beautiful stuffed chicken prepared by Brett Henry Catering brought to you curbside at the Senior Center. Tickets just be pre-purchased at the Senior Center front desk for $5

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TALK ABOUT TOWN

Cannabis Therapeutics and the Aging Population:

Why it Works and How to Use It

Thursday, December 16

11:45 AM - 12:15 pm

Dr. Ryan Zaklin, MD, MA will lead this cutting edge discussion. He brings a wealth of training in internal, geriatric, integrative, mid-body and cannabinoid medicine. Dr. Zaklin currently maintains a private practice ECS Wellness. This event will be videotaped and aired on the Swampscott Cable Channel.

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MEN'S CLUB HOLIDAY LUNCHEON

Monday, December 20

1 - 2:30 PM

Enjoy a catered lunch from Santoro's, scratch card exchange, and entertainment!

Reserve spot by 12/13 - Tickets $5

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NEARLY NEW YEAR'S EVE CELEBRATION

Wednesday, December 29

3 -5 PM or 5:30-7:30 PM

Chinese food buffet and "The Music of Your Life" presentation by Chris Culkeen.

RSVP by 12/23 - Tickets $10

TECH NINJAS

Monday, December 13

11:30 - 1:00 PM

Tech Ninja's are BACK! Do you have questions about your iPhone laptop, iPad, or e-reader? No sweat! Schedule an appointment with Swampcott High School's technology whiz kids.

SEEKING PEN PALS!

Volunteers are needed for a Pen Pal program between the Swampscott Senior Center and the Stanley School. Letters will be exchanged from January to May with an end of the year celebration with students! If interested, please contact Sonja Nathan (781-5968866 x3225 or snathan@swampscottma.gov

FRIENDS OF THE SWAMPSCOTT

LIBRARY HOLIDAY FLOWER SALE

The last day to order flowers for the fundraiser is December 15!

The Friends of Swampscott Library raise funds to support the Library's programming, activities and events to ensure the Swampscott Public Library is a welcoming, active, and vibrant resource for our community.

NEW MATTRESS RECYCLING PROGRAM

The Town of Swampscott offers a Mattress Recycling Program with the help of a Mass DEP grant. Residents can now purchase $20 MATTRESS RECYCLING stickers at Town Hall Customer Service at 22 Monument Ave. or online.

Mattresses will be picked up on the 2nd and last Saturday of each month and properly disposed of in recycling.

Mattresses must be left out by the curb on your property and must not block the sidewalk
Box springs and mattresses can both be disposed of using one sticker
Please do not leave mattress out more than 24 hours in advance of pick-up
Mattress recycling stickers cannot be purchased from retailers - only online or at Town Hall

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) (SPECIAL DROP-OFF DATE ON SUNDAY DECEMBER 26 INSTEAD OF DECEMBER 25)

Metal: Drop-off last Saturday of the month 8AM-12PM | DPW Yard (free) (NO METAL RECYCLING ON DECEMBER 25)

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

Hazardous Waste: Household Hazardous Waste collection is offered 4 times a year. The next date is in December 8, 2021. Pre-Registration is required. See registration link here. Register by December 6.

Mattresses: Recycle your mattress by purchasing a $20 sticker from Town Hall or online.

Learn about other Waste Reduction opportunities HERE!

Stay up-to-date on Swampscott's efforts to reduce waste, and learn more about what YOU can do to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle in Swampscott! Follow our Facebook page!