Five Things to Know on Jan. 30: Deadline to Register for Father-Daughter Winter Ball

Today is Wednesday, Jan. 30. Here are five things you need to know in Hamilton and Wenham:

1. Warm: Wednesday is forecasted to be a phenomenally warm day, with temperatures into the 50s. Unfortunately, the sky is expected to be cloudy and rainy. Winds will be gusty, especially later in the day.

2. Father-Daughter: The deadline to register for this Saturday’s Father-Daughter Winter Ball at the Community House of Hamilton-Wenham is Wednesday. Last year it sold out. The cost is $40 per couple and $15 for each additional child. It runs 6-8 p.m. and will include catered hors d'oeuvres, beverages and a chocolate fountain for dessert plus a DJ and dancing.

3. Coastal Geology: We live on the North Shore even if none of the two towns sit on the ocean. So many residents enjoy Crane Beach, Singing Beach, Good Harbor Beach and the other nearby coastal treasures every summer. But why not spend some time in the winter to learn about the nearby maritime environment. Salem Sound Coastwatch begins its "Underwater in Salem Sound" series on Wednesday with Dr. Lindley Hanson speaking about the Geologic History and Evolution of Salem Sound at Abbot Library in Marblehead at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

4. Taxes: Wednesday is the first day that the Internal Revenue Service will accept individual federal tax returns. It was delayed this year after some tax law changes went into effect on Jan. 2. Taxpayers that require more extensive forms such as residential energy credits, depreciation and amortization and general business credits will be able to file in late February or early March.

5. Government Study: The Wenham Government Study Committee is nearing completion of its work and meets on Wednesday morning at 7 a.m. in the Selectmen’s meeting room on the first floor at Wenham Town Hall.

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