Swampscott Business Lifts Spirits With Balloons: Patch Weekender

SALEM, MA — Welcome t0 2021.

A very difficult year for almost everybody ended with more short-term statewide businesses restrictions as North Shore officials look for ways to contain coronavirus spread in the region. But the turn of the calendar also creates optimism for what vaccinations and the power of perseverance can bring in the new year.

As everyone gets ready for the first full week of January here are a few of the stories you may have missed among the holidays.

Swampscott Balloon Business Brings Cheer Amid Coronavirus Crisis

Carolina Velasquez spent her days this spring trying to help North Shore residents through some of the most unexpected and toughest circumstances of their lives as a social worker for the state.

She spent nearly every free moment creatively thinking of ways to help bring smiles to the faces of area residents through her balloon displays at Fairytale Moments Events of Swampscott.

Velasquez admits it has been a trying whirlwind of emotions to balance both efforts during the 10 months of the coronavirus health crisis. But she said the pressures and occasional anguish of one job are mitigated with the satisfaction she receives in knowing she made something that made the day of a young person celebrating a quiet birthday, or adults commemorating an isolated anniversary, when it otherwise might have been a joyous occasion involving dozens of family and friends.

Salem Seeks 'Regional Strategies' On New Coronavirus Restrictions

A Board of Health discussion that could have resulted in the closing of gyms, fitness centers, museums and indoor dining in the city as part of increased coronavirus restrictions was postponed Wednesday night "to allow the Board the opportunity to gather additional information and discuss collaborative regional strategies with neighboring cities and towns."

Salem could have become the first community in the state to suspend indoor dining amid the second wave of coronavirus cases across the region and the country.

Swampscott Small Business Coronavirus Grants Up To $10K Available

Help may be on the way for some Swampscott small businesses struggling to operate amid coronavirus-related restrictions this winter.

The town is offering grants of up to $10,000 to help small businesses continue to pay expenses and employees as the pandemic enters its 10th month.

Essex Tech Raises $16K At Homecoming Gala

Essex Tech raised more than $16,000 during its remote Homecoming Gala on the night the school honored Salem High alumnus Brian Cranney as its 2020 Larkin Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.

Swampscott Looks To Keep Christmas Spirit Shining Bright In 2021

Swampscott residents are encouraged to deck the halls well into 2021 as a way to keep spirits bright amid what could be a dark winter of cold weather and coronavirus restrictions.

Swampscott officials said its unofficial "May the lights keep shining!" campaign is designed to lift everyone's spirits during this time.

Marblehead Police Warn Residents Of Gun Permit Scam

Marblehead police warned residents of a scam making the rounds where the recipient of an email or text message is sent a link to purportedly download a link to a gun permit application.

Salem Schools To Stress Testing Ahead Of Classroom Return

As Salem students head out on what Superintendent of Schools Stephen Zrike said is a well deserved and much needed winter break for all students and staff, there is a reminder that coronavirus testing will be a priority as the district looks to expand its in-classroom teaching in January.