Future of Fire Departments Get Focus Wednesday Night

A daily look at five things to know to get the day started from Hamilton-Wenham Patch.

It is Wednesday, Nov. 20. Here are five things you need to know in Hamilton and Wenham:

1. Sun: Wednesday is looking like it will be a classic fall day, with sunny skies and a high temperature in the low 40s. The wind will blow from the north at about 10 miles per hour.

2. Signatures: The deadline to submit signatures to get statewide ballot questions before voters next November is Wednesday. Signature collection has been underway for a series of possible statewide referendums, including one that would raise the minimum wage to $10.50 per hour, once that would repeal the law that allows three resort casinos and a slot parlor and another that would eliminate the gas tax increases tied to inflation.

3. Tea Time: The Wenham Tea House hosts another Children’s Tea Time on Wednesday afternoon with Snow White. Children will hear a story from Snow White and have afternoon tea with their parents. The cost is $30 per person.  If you are interested, call 978-468-1398 to see if there is any last minute space available.

4. Thanksgivukkah: Next Thursday is being dubbed “Thanksgivukkah” because Thanksgiving and also the first day of Hanukkah falls on the same day. The once-in-a lifetime combination of the two holidays will be honored on Wednesday at the Statehouse when students arrive to sing the “Ballad of Thanksgivukkah” on the Grand Staircase at 1:30 p.m.

5. Fire Departments: The future of the fire departments in both Hamilton and Wenham will be the topic of discussion on Wednesday night at a forum sponsored by the League of Women Voters of Hamilton-Wenham. Wenham Fire Chief Bob Blanchard and Hamilton Fire Chief Phil Stevens will both take part, with discussion about “the current status of our fire departments and efforts to examine and plan for the future, including collaboration across Essex County. “ The forum runs 7-9 p.m. at Hamilton-Wenham Library and is free and open to the public. It will also be broadcast on HWCam.

To find out what is going on today in Hamilton and Wenham, check out our events listings.