Scituate is bracing for severe weather today as Town Administrator James Boudreau issued a high wind warning for the region, forecasting gusts between 55 and 70 mph starting this evening. The anticipated storm has already impacted local infrastructure projects, delaying the scheduled demolition of the Cole Parkway gazebo until Wednesday. Boudreau urged residents to secure loose items and prepare for potential power outages caused by falling tree limbs, noting that the town also expects one to two inches of rain.

Despite the weather concerns, the spirit of the delayed St. Patrick’s Day season remains active. Select Board Clerk Jamie Gilmore announced that Brian Roick has been named the mayor of this year’s parade following last week’s Grand Marshal’s dinner. While the historic February blizzard forced the parade itself to be rescheduled for April 12, Gilmore noted that the celebration continues. The parade events are still underway, though, Gilmore said. The parade plunge will now happen on a warmer day, April 11th, down at Humarock Beach at noon.

Gilmore also highlighted the ongoing preservation of the Mordecai Lincoln property, offering specific praise for carpentry students from South Shore Vocational Technical High School. The students are currently installing new windows, finishing siding, and building a new deck on the caretaker’s house. Gilmore expressed the town's gratitude, stating, We heartily thank them and appreciate how they're improving this historic property for the future. Residents interested in local history can also attend a Celtic Strength Culture demonstration this Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. at the Grand Army Hall, featuring traditional Irish stone lifting and martial arts.

In administrative news, Boudreau reminded residents that municipal deadlines are fast approaching. Transfer station and beach stickers expire at the end of March, and shellfishing season is officially open through May 31. Additionally, the North and South Rivers Watershed Association is now selling rain barrels for $80 to $89 and composters for $80, with pickups scheduled for late April. Boudreau also announced the return of the Dana-Farber mammography van on April 30 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, providing access for women aged 40 and older.

School Committee Vice Chair Maria Fenwick provided an update on the district's long-term planning, specifically focusing on the transition to a three-building elementary model in 2027. The committee is moving forward with the redistricting process and evaluating potential names for the new school. Our goal is to have the new plan settled by the end of this school year in order to give students, teachers, administrators, staff, and families a full year plus to plan for the transition, Fenwick explained. This effort follows the ongoing construction of the Hatherly Cushing project, which has recently trended significantly under budget.

For families of rising students, the Gates Middle School Showcase Night is set for Thursday, March 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., offering tours for current fifth graders. Fenwick also noted that the Scituate Education Foundation has opened its grant application window through March 31, which now includes a streamlined process and a new option for high school students to apply for funding. Scituate Education Foundation funds innovative educational community building, creativity, and skill development for all ages, Fenwick said, encouraging local nonprofits and students to seek support for creative projects.