Category: People

Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify
Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?

Lifeguard Shortage

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf.

Here's the full list of requirements. Here are the highlights:

The DCR’s test for pool/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Finish a timed 500 yard swim in 11 minutes or less
- Retrieve a 10 pound object in water that is 12-15 feet deep
- Pass the Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR written exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate passive victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate active victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate submerged victim recovery skills
In addition to the above, the test for “surf” or ocean beach lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Run 100 yards before entering the water
- Swim for 150 yards
- Run 100 yards after the swim
- Complete the timed 500 yard swim in 9.5 minutes or less (not 11 minutes)
This job needs an Aquathlete!

It makes you appreciate those who sit and scan the beach, count heads in the water, watch the lone swimmers, and are perpared to run if they see someone like you in danger.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
August 15, 2014
Could You Be a Lifeguard? Appreciating Those Who Qualify
Do you take lifeguards like these two at Nantasket Beach for granted? Was there a point in your life when you thought being a lifeguard would be a cool summer job? Do you know what you would have to prove to qualify?

Lifeguard Shortage

There has been much written about the shortage of lifeguards nationwide and here in Massachusetts. The state admitted in an interview with the Boston Globe that it can't get all the lifeguards it needs. Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) spokesperson S. J. Port told the Globe, "The state has seen 'a significant drop-off' in lifeguard candidates with proper training in recent years."

Qualifications for a DCR Waterfront Lifeguard Position

What does it take to prove you could do this job? In additon to certification in CPR, First Aid, and Lifeguard training, you must pass a rigorous test of your ability to swim and retrieve a person in trouble in the surf.

Here's the full list of requirements. Here are the highlights:

The DCR’s test for pool/inland lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Finish a timed 500 yard swim in 11 minutes or less
- Retrieve a 10 pound object in water that is 12-15 feet deep
- Pass the Lifeguarding, First Aid, & CPR written exams with a score of 80% or higher
- Demonstrate passive victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate active victim recovery skills
- Demonstrate submerged victim recovery skills
In addition to the above, the test for “surf” or ocean beach lifeguards requires candidates to:
- Run 100 yards before entering the water
- Swim for 150 yards
- Run 100 yards after the swim
- Complete the timed 500 yard swim in 9.5 minutes or less (not 11 minutes)
This job needs an Aquathlete!

It makes you appreciate those who sit and scan the beach, count heads in the water, watch the lone swimmers, and are perpared to run if they see someone like you in danger.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino
August 15, 2014
Then and Now: Thomas F. Galvin’s Flower Shop

Once, the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Streets was home to a lovely building housing Thomas F. Galvin's Flower Shop.

Click on this image to see a larger version pop up.

The panoramic photo above is from the Library of Congress Collection. (photo credit E. Chickering & Co.; October 29, 1903)

This is Thomas F. Galvin from an article in the 1900 edition of The Successful American. The editors talked about his accomplishments, "…he has created at the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Street one of the most exquisite and charming conservatories to be found in the world."

I have to wonder what he would think about what is left of his treasure today.

When renovations began for a bank to take over his space, I had hopes for something tasteful. Remember when banks were elegant places? I was so hopeful that I tucked away the top photo from a post by And This Is Good Old Boston. (You'll find a lot more about this building at this link.)

Instead, it became a "bank cafe" with a sign that has become a topic of conversation as a neighborhood eyesore.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013, 2014 Penny Cherubino

March 6, 2014
Then and Now: Thomas F. Galvin’s Flower Shop

Once, the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Streets was home to a lovely building housing Thomas F. Galvin's Flower Shop.

Click on this image to see a larger version pop up.

The panoramic photo above is from the Library of Congress Collection. (photo credit E. Chickering & Co.; October 29, 1903)

This is Thomas F. Galvin from an article in the 1900 edition of The Successful American. The editors talked about his accomplishments, "…he has created at the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Street one of the most exquisite and charming conservatories to be found in the world."

I have to wonder what he would think about what is left of his treasure today.

When renovations began for a bank to take over his space, I had hopes for something tasteful. Remember when banks were elegant places? I was so hopeful that I tucked away the top photo from a post by And This Is Good Old Boston. (You'll find a lot more about this building at this link.)

Instead, it became a "bank cafe" with a sign that has become a topic of conversation as a neighborhood eyesore.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013, 2014 Penny Cherubino

March 6, 2014
Then and Now: Thomas F. Galvin’s Flower Shop

Once, the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Streets was home to a lovely building housing Thomas F. Galvin's Flower Shop.

Click on this image to see a larger version pop up.

The panoramic photo above is from the Library of Congress Collection. (photo credit E. Chickering & Co.; October 29, 1903)

This is Thomas F. Galvin from an article in the 1900 edition of The Successful American. The editors talked about his accomplishments, "…he has created at the corner of Boylston and Fairfield Street one of the most exquisite and charming conservatories to be found in the world."

I have to wonder what he would think about what is left of his treasure today.

When renovations began for a bank to take over his space, I had hopes for something tasteful. Remember when banks were elegant places? I was so hopeful that I tucked away the top photo from a post by And This Is Good Old Boston. (You'll find a lot more about this building at this link.)

Instead, it became a "bank cafe" with a sign that has become a topic of conversation as a neighborhood eyesore.

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2013, 2014 Penny Cherubino

March 6, 2014
Thank You to All the Wreath Week Volunteers!

Volunteers from the Garden Club of the Back Bay are in the middle of their annual Wreath Week. In a few, intensive, long days, they create distinctive holiday wreaths that will soon be appearing on doors around the city. Each wreath sold contributes to the organization's ability to fund important projects that keep the city green.

We stopped by to thank them yesterday and took some photos of the very talented designers working on their creations. But, we also wanted to take this opportunity to remind our readers of the exceptional work done by this key group of volunteers who take days out of their busy lives each December to do this good deed.

And, how do they make those beautiful bows? They shared the secret, HERE …

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Holiday Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

December 3, 2013
Thank You to All the Wreath Week Volunteers!

Volunteers from the Garden Club of the Back Bay are in the middle of their annual Wreath Week. In a few, intensive, long days, they create distinctive holiday wreaths that will soon be appearing on doors around the city. Each wreath sold contributes to the organization's ability to fund important projects that keep the city green.

We stopped by to thank them yesterday and took some photos of the very talented designers working on their creations. But, we also wanted to take this opportunity to remind our readers of the exceptional work done by this key group of volunteers who take days out of their busy lives each December to do this good deed.

And, how do they make those beautiful bows? They shared the secret, HERE …

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Holiday Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

December 3, 2013
Thank You to All the Wreath Week Volunteers!

Volunteers from the Garden Club of the Back Bay are in the middle of their annual Wreath Week. In a few, intensive, long days, they create distinctive holiday wreaths that will soon be appearing on doors around the city. Each wreath sold contributes to the organization's ability to fund important projects that keep the city green.

We stopped by to thank them yesterday and took some photos of the very talented designers working on their creations. But, we also wanted to take this opportunity to remind our readers of the exceptional work done by this key group of volunteers who take days out of their busy lives each December to do this good deed.

And, how do they make those beautiful bows? They shared the secret, HERE …

Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a Holiday Gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

December 3, 2013
The North End Two Ways from Matt Conti

Earlier this year, Matt Conti took over the site North End Boston. It is the perfect companion for his original site, North End Waterfront. Between the two sites, you can keep up with the latest news about this important Boston neighborhood and find the resources, places, and sites you want.

Matt, I'm thankful for all the hard work you do for your community!

North End Boston offers a set of resources for those interested in the North End as a place to visit or live. It can be a great site to send to anyone who is coming to Boston as a visitor or to find new places to go, things to see, and dining options in the North End.

North End Waterfront is the site for news, information, and community conversation about the neighborhood. As large, mainstream media covers less and less local news, sites like this become more and more valuable to me.

Keep up the good work Matt! And, please keep dropping in those great North End Waterfront puzzles from time to time. I appreciate a few minutes of fun every now and them.

What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and TV shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

November 29, 2013
The North End Two Ways from Matt Conti

Earlier this year, Matt Conti took over the site North End Boston. It is the perfect companion for his original site, North End Waterfront. Between the two sites, you can keep up with the latest news about this important Boston neighborhood and find the resources, places, and sites you want.

Matt, I'm thankful for all the hard work you do for your community!

North End Boston offers a set of resources for those interested in the North End as a place to visit or live. It can be a great site to send to anyone who is coming to Boston as a visitor or to find new places to go, things to see, and dining options in the North End.

North End Waterfront is the site for news, information, and community conversation about the neighborhood. As large, mainstream media covers less and less local news, sites like this become more and more valuable to me.

Keep up the good work Matt! And, please keep dropping in those great North End Waterfront puzzles from time to time. I appreciate a few minutes of fun every now and them.

What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and TV shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

November 29, 2013