Category: Editorial Page

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
Sunday Dog Wish: Are You Listening Politicians?

A daytrip to most Massachusetts beaches can show families with canine members that we truly are second class citizens to our state. Pay your taxes, but you can't use the facilities you pay for because some people with dogs are nasty.

Poppy is guilty with no opportunity to prove herself innocent. She sits on the seawall and wishes for sand between her toes. We can't walk on the beach because some other people have been irresponsible about cleaning up after or managing their companion animals.

We took a mid-week trip to Nantasket Beach. We looked left and right and saw the wide expanse of beach. And, at every entrance, we saw the signs telling us we were not allowed on the beach from May to October.

Here's the description of Nantasket from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

"Nantasket Beach has been a popular summer destination for city dwellers since the middle of the 19th century. The reservation encompasses 26 acres along one and a third miles of oceanfront."

One and a third miles and 26 acres and they can't set aside a section for a dog beach. I wouldn't mind if they restricted it to dogs who have their Canine Good Citizenship certificates. I wouldn't mind if you had to register yourself as a dog guardian and show a permit that you could lose for bad behavior.

Quincy Shore Reservation and Wollaston Beach is another example. Here's the DCR description.

"Open year round, dawn to dusk. Bathhouse open July to September. Quincy Shore Reservation offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Quincy Shore Drive links Wollaston Beach with Caddy memorial Park and Moswetuset Hummock. The 2.3 mile beach is popular for its jogging/bicycling trail and swimming. Caddy Park on the southern end of the beach has over 15 acres of fields and marsh as well as a play area, lookout tower and picnic tables. Moswetuset Hummock, on the beach's northern end, is a National Historic Site. Once a summer campsite of Native Americans during the 1600's, it is a mixture of woodland trails and open marshland. The site which has a short loop trail, offers views of Quincy Bay and 144-acre Squantum Marsh."

Sounds like a great place to get some exercise with your dog but dogs are forbidden access from May to October. With 2.3 miles of beach, the DCR can't find a less used section to open up to families like ours?

My recommendation is that you register to vote and tell every politician you meet that you want something for your taxes. You want dog parks, shared recreation spaces, and dog beaches at all state facilities.

Bark up the vote!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

And, here's a post about some dogs that aced that "Nosing Class."

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

August 10, 2014
Sunday Dog Wish: Are You Listening Politicians?

A daytrip to most Massachusetts beaches can show families with canine members that we truly are second class citizens to our state. Pay your taxes, but you can't use the facilities you pay for because some people with dogs are nasty.

Poppy is guilty with no opportunity to prove herself innocent. She sits on the seawall and wishes for sand between her toes. We can't walk on the beach because some other people have been irresponsible about cleaning up after or managing their companion animals.

We took a mid-week trip to Nantasket Beach. We looked left and right and saw the wide expanse of beach. And, at every entrance, we saw the signs telling us we were not allowed on the beach from May to October.

Here's the description of Nantasket from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation.

"Nantasket Beach has been a popular summer destination for city dwellers since the middle of the 19th century. The reservation encompasses 26 acres along one and a third miles of oceanfront."

One and a third miles and 26 acres and they can't set aside a section for a dog beach. I wouldn't mind if they restricted it to dogs who have their Canine Good Citizenship certificates. I wouldn't mind if you had to register yourself as a dog guardian and show a permit that you could lose for bad behavior.

Quincy Shore Reservation and Wollaston Beach is another example. Here's the DCR description.

"Open year round, dawn to dusk. Bathhouse open July to September. Quincy Shore Reservation offers a variety of recreational opportunities. Quincy Shore Drive links Wollaston Beach with Caddy memorial Park and Moswetuset Hummock. The 2.3 mile beach is popular for its jogging/bicycling trail and swimming. Caddy Park on the southern end of the beach has over 15 acres of fields and marsh as well as a play area, lookout tower and picnic tables. Moswetuset Hummock, on the beach's northern end, is a National Historic Site. Once a summer campsite of Native Americans during the 1600's, it is a mixture of woodland trails and open marshland. The site which has a short loop trail, offers views of Quincy Bay and 144-acre Squantum Marsh."

Sounds like a great place to get some exercise with your dog but dogs are forbidden access from May to October. With 2.3 miles of beach, the DCR can't find a less used section to open up to families like ours?

My recommendation is that you register to vote and tell every politician you meet that you want something for your taxes. You want dog parks, shared recreation spaces, and dog beaches at all state facilities.

Bark up the vote!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

And, here's a post about some dogs that aced that "Nosing Class."

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: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

August 10, 2014
How Much Money Have You Saved with Your Boston Public Library Card?

My Boston Public Library (BPL) card is old and grey! In the years since I moved to Boston, the cards have become brightly colored. But, I'm proud of my old, grey card. Because of it, I have saved thousands of dollars and hours of time. We are making the BPL library card our Friday Link.

I have a shelf in our living room reserved for the library materials I have out-on-loan. The only time you'll find that shelf empty is when we're going away and I have returned all my library goodies.

Right now, I'm auditioning Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries. This is the seventh cookbook I've borrowed this year. With each book, I have an opportunity to sit and really decide how this would fit into an overcrowded food reference library.

Does it offer enough new material that I don't already have in other books?

Are the recipes ones that I will use and recommend to my friends and readers?

Does the writing and photography offer inspiration?

Should I sell or donate another book and buy this one to take its place on the shelf?

Of course, reference books on the topics I write about are only part of the savings.

I use the electronic resources, download audiobooks, get help from librarians in specialized subjects, and use the digital books, photos, and maps the BPL offers to learners from Boston and beyond. I also attend educational programs, exhibits, and public meetings at the BPL.

How much money have I saved? I don't really know but I would estimate that the figure is substantial. What's more, using a shared resource is good for the environment. Using digital resouces is even better.

The BPL is a money-saving, green resource and should be promoted and protected by all who use and love this system of free lifetime learning.

Don't have a BPL card? Look what you're missing! Here's how to get one!

What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Arts & Craft needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 27, 2014
How Much Money Have You Saved with Your Boston Public Library Card?

My Boston Public Library (BPL) card is old and grey! In the years since I moved to Boston, the cards have become brightly colored. But, I'm proud of my old, grey card. Because of it, I have saved thousands of dollars and hours of time. We are making the BPL library card our Friday Link.

I have a shelf in our living room reserved for the library materials I have out-on-loan. The only time you'll find that shelf empty is when we're going away and I have returned all my library goodies.

Right now, I'm auditioning Nigel Slater's Kitchen Diaries. This is the seventh cookbook I've borrowed this year. With each book, I have an opportunity to sit and really decide how this would fit into an overcrowded food reference library.

Does it offer enough new material that I don't already have in other books?

Are the recipes ones that I will use and recommend to my friends and readers?

Does the writing and photography offer inspiration?

Should I sell or donate another book and buy this one to take its place on the shelf?

Of course, reference books on the topics I write about are only part of the savings.

I use the electronic resources, download audiobooks, get help from librarians in specialized subjects, and use the digital books, photos, and maps the BPL offers to learners from Boston and beyond. I also attend educational programs, exhibits, and public meetings at the BPL.

How much money have I saved? I don't really know but I would estimate that the figure is substantial. What's more, using a shared resource is good for the environment. Using digital resouces is even better.

The BPL is a money-saving, green resource and should be promoted and protected by all who use and love this system of free lifetime learning.

Don't have a BPL card? Look what you're missing! Here's how to get one!

What's on your Artistic Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your Arts & Craft needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

June 27, 2014
Will There Be a Boston Restaurant Shakeout?

How many restaurants can the Boston area support before we have a serious shakeout that might result in some old favorites being lost in the deluge of new places?

Eater Boston has compiled The Colossal 2014 Restaurant Openings Guide. At the time this post was composed, the list included more than 40 more restaurants with scheduled opening dates in 2014.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal is doing yeoman work keeping it up to date. She has also included all those rumored openings that don't have dates attached.

Over on Chowhound's Boston board, members keep track of openings and closings setting up a new converstion each month. They often mourn the loss of a favorite place.

Problems Finding Talented Staff

In this Boston Magazine piece, Chef Will Gilson admited he's having trouble finding top quality workers to staff his kitchen. “It becomes this race against other restaurants, and you try to figure out how to get good people in,” he said.

Converstations among food lovers seem to indicate that the quality of the front of the house staff in some places is also declining as competition for top waitstaff, bartenders, and managers increases.

You Decide Which Restaurants Will Survive

Each of us will have a vote in deciding which restaurants will be here next year and the year after that.

I have my list of restaurants that I will be supporting with my dining dollars over the next year. I may occasionally try a new place – often from an owner, chef, or team that I already know. But, I will encourage my friends to meet me at the places I want to be around after the deluge of new spots divides dining dollars into smaller pots for all.

I’m sure a few restaurants that you love have slipped out of your regular dining out rotation. If you would hate to see any of those old favorites disappear, make a point of going there for a fresh reminder of how good they are.

We make decisions each day about who will or will not remain in business by spending our dollars. Please, make those decisions a bit more consciously over the next year.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

April 24, 2014
Will There Be a Boston Restaurant Shakeout?

How many restaurants can the Boston area support before we have a serious shakeout that might result in some old favorites being lost in the deluge of new places?

Eater Boston has compiled The Colossal 2014 Restaurant Openings Guide. At the time this post was composed, the list included more than 40 more restaurants with scheduled opening dates in 2014.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal is doing yeoman work keeping it up to date. She has also included all those rumored openings that don't have dates attached.

Over on Chowhound's Boston board, members keep track of openings and closings setting up a new converstion each month. They often mourn the loss of a favorite place.

Problems Finding Talented Staff

In this Boston Magazine piece, Chef Will Gilson admited he's having trouble finding top quality workers to staff his kitchen. “It becomes this race against other restaurants, and you try to figure out how to get good people in,” he said.

Converstations among food lovers seem to indicate that the quality of the front of the house staff in some places is also declining as competition for top waitstaff, bartenders, and managers increases.

You Decide Which Restaurants Will Survive

Each of us will have a vote in deciding which restaurants will be here next year and the year after that.

I have my list of restaurants that I will be supporting with my dining dollars over the next year. I may occasionally try a new place – often from an owner, chef, or team that I already know. But, I will encourage my friends to meet me at the places I want to be around after the deluge of new spots divides dining dollars into smaller pots for all.

I’m sure a few restaurants that you love have slipped out of your regular dining out rotation. If you would hate to see any of those old favorites disappear, make a point of going there for a fresh reminder of how good they are.

We make decisions each day about who will or will not remain in business by spending our dollars. Please, make those decisions a bit more consciously over the next year.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

April 24, 2014
Will There Be a Boston Restaurant Shakeout?

How many restaurants can the Boston area support before we have a serious shakeout that might result in some old favorites being lost in the deluge of new places?

Eater Boston has compiled The Colossal 2014 Restaurant Openings Guide. At the time this post was composed, the list included more than 40 more restaurants with scheduled opening dates in 2014.

Rachel Leah Blumenthal is doing yeoman work keeping it up to date. She has also included all those rumored openings that don't have dates attached.

Over on Chowhound's Boston board, members keep track of openings and closings setting up a new converstion each month. They often mourn the loss of a favorite place.

Problems Finding Talented Staff

In this Boston Magazine piece, Chef Will Gilson admited he's having trouble finding top quality workers to staff his kitchen. “It becomes this race against other restaurants, and you try to figure out how to get good people in,” he said.

Converstations among food lovers seem to indicate that the quality of the front of the house staff in some places is also declining as competition for top waitstaff, bartenders, and managers increases.

You Decide Which Restaurants Will Survive

Each of us will have a vote in deciding which restaurants will be here next year and the year after that.

I have my list of restaurants that I will be supporting with my dining dollars over the next year. I may occasionally try a new place – often from an owner, chef, or team that I already know. But, I will encourage my friends to meet me at the places I want to be around after the deluge of new spots divides dining dollars into smaller pots for all.

I’m sure a few restaurants that you love have slipped out of your regular dining out rotation. If you would hate to see any of those old favorites disappear, make a point of going there for a fresh reminder of how good they are.

We make decisions each day about who will or will not remain in business by spending our dollars. Please, make those decisions a bit more consciously over the next year.

What's on your Food Lover's Shopping List? Shop Amazon for all your kitchen & dining needs and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino

April 24, 2014
A Moment of Silence…

Photo © 2014 Penny Cherubino

April 2, 2014