The Coastal Softball league || Brendan Cassidy 
The meat tent that set up shop in Vinnin Square this week. || Monica Sager Hundreds watch the FIFA World Cup on the Swampscott Town Hall Lawn || Courtesy Photo 
Hugs all around || Brendan Cassidy 
5th and 6th grade girls. | Courtesy Photo 
Sew Envious hosts classes at the Swampscott Public Library || Monica Sager 
Swing away! | Brendan Cassidy 
Swampscott native and founder of Scary Mommy, Jill Smokler, died this week || Courtesy Photo 
Heidi Whear retired from serving as director of aging || Brendan Cassidy A party was held in Heidi Whear’s honor ||. Brendan Cassidy Games are held on Tuesday evenings. | Brendan Cassidy 
7th and 8th grade boys. | Courtesy Photo Sew Envious’ classes || Monica Sager Doing a test sewing stitch || Monica Sager The Swampscott Recreation Department has hosted FIFA watching parties. || Courtesy Photo 
A violin and piano performance at the library ||. Sasha Fafel 
Three lacrosse teams brought home titles || Courtesy Photo
The hot topic on social media and on the beaches this week was the meat tent popup. Many have joked that Essential Foods Direct has been the one thing that residents of Swampscott can agree on: “it sounds too good to be true.” Residents reported waiting in line for more than a half-hour only to be upsold on cuts they described as too thin and too small.
On Sunday, Essential Foods Direct advertised 20 ribeye steaks for $40 at a popup in Vinnin Square near CVS from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Facebook post encouraged people to tag three friends “to be entered to win over $1,000 worth of free meat.”
But when the Swampscott Tides visited the tent on its last day in town, the steaks shown were roughly palm-sized and less than a pinky finger thick. Assistant Manager Gabe Seale told the Swampscott Tides that the promotion was “not bait and switch.”
“We try to make you not see it before you come into the tent,” Seale said. “It’s not bait and switch. It’s just how steak prices are.”
In other news, Heidi Whear retired as the director of aging services, and she was honored at the Massachusetts State House with the Commonwealth Heroine Award.
“Heidi’s work has made Swampscott and the North Shore a stronger, more supportive place to grow older,” said State Rep. Jennifer Armini. “Through her leadership at the Swampscott Senior Center and Seaglass Village, she has helped older adults stay connected, independent, and supported in their communities. Her compassion and commitment have made a real difference for residents and their families, and Sen. Crighton and I were proud to nominate her for this recognition.”
Sen. Brendan Crighton added that the nominees for the honor “are true leaders in their community, making an incredible difference in the lives of those around them.”
It was also the second week of the Coastal Co-Ed Softball League, and over 60 adults signed up to play in the league’s inaugural season.
“The enrollment is kind of incredible,” said co-founder Tarek Donnolly. “We weren’t really expecting so many people to sign up for the first season. That was kind of a shock.”
Three youth lacrosse teams also won state championships. The girls 5-6, boys 7-8, and girls 7-8 teams all brought up Massachusetts Youth Lacrosse State Championship titles.
Also in sports, Premier Martial Arts is closing, citing a rise in rent prices.
Looking ahead to the weekend, the Strawberry Festival, which includes the July 4 parade, will be held on Sunday, June 28.
