The Stories That Defined Swampscott In 2020

SWAMPSCOTT, MA — A year that brought unprecedented challenges to Swampscott residents and small businesses also brought out the resolve and fighting spirit of the North Shore town.

As we all look forward to the hope of a brighter 2021, here are some of the stories of how Swampscott battled through the coronavirus health crisis and social justice debates with innovation, resilience and a collective eye toward a better tomorrow.

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.

"It's very nice to see that something as simple as balloons can really cheer people up and give people a sense of normalcy," she told Patch. "It gives them a little of that back. It makes them feel less gloomy."

Swampscott Social Justic Protest Draws About 300 People

About 300 mostly young protesters gathered in Swampscott in June for a rally that ended at the Monument Avenue home of Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker.

The peaceful protest of the death of a Black man in police custody on Memorial Day was held with support from the Swampscott Police Department. Organizers had only expected about 100 people to attend.

"I feel like as a person, I'm white, so I have a lot of privilege and I feel like I need to use it to spread the message that black lives do matter and all lives can't matter until black lives matter," Sasha
Danilov, one of the organizers, said.

'Our Goal Is To Educate People': Swampscott Director Of Health

In a town the size of Swampscott it takes only a handful of positive coronavirus cases to have drastic ramifications.

"We have patience levels too," Swampscott Health Director Jeff Vaughan told Patch. "Our goal is to educate people as much as possible and it's frustrating when they don't take that advice. But we just have to keep plugging our way through this until we can end this pandemic."

College Athletes Share Thoughts On A Forgotten Fall Sports Season

For Endicott College seniors such as Jaymie Caponigro, a senior captain from Swampscott on the women's soccer team, the intra-squad scrimmages livestreamed to their families at home was the best they could hope for to gain a sense of athletic spark in a year when they have lost so much due to the pandemic.

"I would definitely love to be competing again for a CCC championship," Caponigro told Patch. "But that doesn't look like it's in the cards. But it's definitely good to be around people who are going through the same thing you are so you have a shoulder you can lean on.

"You just try to have fun and make as many memories as you can."

Swampscott Food Pantry 'Struggling To Keep The Tables Full'

Even with recent donations, the need remains strong at the Anchor Food Pantry in Swampscott for residents who are struggling during the coronavirus health crisis.

Swampscott Animal Control Officer Helps Free Coyote Stuck On Boat

Swampscott Animal Control Officer Daniel Proulx was part of a police response crew that helped free a curious coyote that got caught up in quite a seafaring adventure.

Social media on the North Shore was abuzz on a Tuesday night with concerns shared among many who work with the public, go shopping at local stores or get food from restaurants during the coronavirus pandemic.

The post about an employee at a Swampscott business being allowed to work after testing positive for the virus clearly struck a nerve.Swampscott Public Health Director Jeff Vaughan told Patch the next morning he investigated the claim and found "it was not correct."

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.