Danvers Citizens Academy Pulls Back Curtain On Town Services

DANVERS, MA — Danvers residents looking to get an inside glimpse at various town departments and their functions can do so through the Citizens Academy once again this fall.

The Citizens Academy is scheduled to be back for 2021 with a 10-week program that includes a series of interactive classes.

Those who sign up will learn the inner workings of town government, the finance and budgeting office, the fire department, the schools department, the department of public works, the recreation department, the library, the planning department, the economic development office, the inspectional services office, the police department, the senior center, the veterans services office, the public health office, the IT office, the electric department and the engineering department.

Classes will be Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 starting Sept. 9 with the exception of Nov. 11 when the class will be moved to Nov. 10 because Veterans Day is on a Thursday.

Graduation will be Nov. 16.

A light dinner and refreshments will be served at the start of each night.

Those applying must be a current resident of Danvers, at least 16 years old as of July 1, with preference given to registered voters. A liability waiver is required.

If spots are available, consideration will be given to those who work but don't live in Danvers.

Those in need of childcare during the academy will have it provided for children ages 4 through 12 at the Little Citizens Academy Program at the Great Oak School. Danvers Recreation will run this program.

Registration is required here by 4 p.m. on Aug. 16 with notice of acceptance into the academy provided by Aug. 20.

Any questions can be directed to Assistant Town Manager Jen Breaker at jbreaker@danversma.gov.

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(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)