A look at construction at Vinnin Square || Monica Sager 
Rosie Siegel (center forward) and students at a class. || Photo Courtesy of Rosie Siegel 
Liam Brailey was appointed as town treasurer/collector || Courtesy Photo Mission on the Bay hosted a Galentine’s Day event || Brendan Cassidy 
The Select Board honored Lt. Thomas Hennessey, who retired after nearly 30 years of service with the Swampscott Police Department || Courtesy Photo 
Swampscott Middle School Students at Ski Bradford. || Swampscott Recreation 
he Estate of Dick and Gail Jauron, of Swampscott, has gifted $2.2 million to Northeast Arc to create and sustain the Dick Jauron Director for Sports and Recreation position. || Courtesy Photo
Another snow storm hit Swampscott this week – twice. But that didn’t stop people from heading out to celebrate Galentine’s Day early at Mission on the Bay. Attendees enjoyed mimosas and bottomless brunch.
The Select Board, Finance Committee and School Committee met on Monday to confirm the utility budget line for the Swampscott Middle School had been zeroed out in the 2025 fiscal year, prior to Town Meeting approval. This addressed questions surrounding an MOU and why money from free cash was used.
The Select Board had a busy week, including a separate meeting on Wednesday. The group honored Lt. Thomas Hennessey, who retired after nearly 30 years of service with the Swampscott Police Department.
Liam Brailey was appointed as the town treasurer/collector, a position that was left vacant after Patrick Luddy became finance director. Town Administrator Nick Connors also announced that CPA Kylie Gates will serve as the assistant town accountant as of next week, and Shannon O’Leary is now the executive assistant to the town administrator and Select Board.
The Swampscott Tides also talked with the new town clerk, Katie Dupont.
The Select Board read a proclamation addressing the federal immigration enforcement during its Wednesday night meeting.
They also started to review town expenses and the capital improvement plan ahead of the budget vote at the Town Meeting. The Finance Committee met on Thursday to discuss the budget as well, specifically on the school side, and will be looking for more answers to different funding sources.
The Select Board approved, in a 3–2 vote, an all-alcohol off-premises license for Richdale Food Store, at 444 Humphrey St.
On the recreation side, ahead of a busy February break schedule, students wrapped up their Ski Bradford program this week. Swampscott Recreation Department Program Coordinator Cristina O’Conner Rice said the group included a mix of first-time skiers and snowboarders, as well as more experienced participants. The six-day skiing and snowboarding program gave students the opportunity to develop new skills.
High school students worked through a Jeopardy-like trivia event around Black History Month.
A similar event will be held for the public on Tuesday, February 24 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the high school.
The annual Black History Celebration will include music from the Swampscott High School band and chorus, creative projects and presentations by students. There will be family art activities and food as well.
