So glad to join the Essex County Fire Chief's Association yesterday for their annual Legislative Breakfast at Teresa's Restaurant in Middleton, Massachusetts. The association provides a wide range of programs designed to meet the needs and enhance the skills of Fire Service Managers. They help Fire Chiefs serve their communities and they provide quality fire and EMS education programs to all members of the fire service.
Today, I talked with Eli Rosenberg of NBC10 Boston about the work that is underway to repair and replace beach access points for the summer season. Click the link to see the report: https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/salisbury-beach-staircases-remain-closed-after-winter-erosion/3047845/
Bonuses of up to $1,000 Available for Qualified Applicants Committed to Working for the Entire Summer Season, in Addition to Hourly Salary Increases of $22-$27
BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced a renewed push to recruit certified lifeguards, swim instructors, and other roles across the Commonwealth ahead of the summer season. Certified lifeguard applicants that commit to working at an agency beach or pool for the 2023 season can still earn up to $1,000 in bonuses, in addition to the hourly rate increase for lifeguards and pool staff to between $22 and $27 depending on position and associated certifications.
“As a former lifeguard, I know it’s a great summer job – you make good money, spend your days outside, and help save lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Governor Healey and I are committed to providing a safe and fun experience for families looking to spend time at our beautiful coastal beaches and pools this summer. We encourage anyone who is interested and is a good swimmer to apply to be a DCR lifeguard this summer.”
“DCR beaches are popular places for children and families of all abilities across our state to visit and enjoy as they seek relief from the summer heat,” said Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “As the start of summer approaches, we are ramping up our efforts to ensure we have a full staff of lifeguards to keep our beach visitors safe. Interested applicants can still earn more than $1,000 in bonuses on top of this year’s hourly pay bump for lifeguards, if they commit to staying on as a DCR lifeguard throughout the summer.”
DCR’s Bureau of Pool and Waterfront Safety is still actively recruiting lifeguards, head lifeguards, pool and waterfront supervisors, and water safety instructors to staff agency-managed waterfronts and swimming pools throughout the Commonwealth for the 2023 season. Lifeguards are essential for managing pool and beach areas and addressing potential crisis situations to ensure the safety of all visitors.
Bonuses are still available for this season, including an early sign-on bonus of $250 for candidates who submit a complete application by Saturday, July 1, as well as a $500 retention bonus for lifeguards who commit to working through Sunday, August 20, and an additional $250 for those who work through Monday, September 4. To apply to be a DCR lifeguard, visit the agency’s website.
As part of the agency’s campaign to boost lifeguard recruitment, DCR is working with Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and partner state agencies, state and local elected officials, and municipalities to spread the word to communities across the state. The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is running lifeguard recruitment announcements on electronic messaging boards on roadways in more than 40 Massachusetts towns and cities and the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) is running recruitment advertising in stations across the system. DCR is also running lifeguard recruitment radio PSAs.
To be considered for a DCR lifeguard position, applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the date of hire and must be certified in lifeguarding, first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). DCR is also hiring for other summer seasonal positions for Memorial Day through Labor Day, including rangers, park interpreters, supervisors, forestry assistants, building and ground maintenance workers, and office assistance. For more information, interested applicants should visit www.mass.gov/guides/dcr-seasonaljobs Areas where lifeguards are needed include:
• Salisbury Beach in Salisbury;
• Raymond Lord Pool in Lowell;
• Geisler and Higgins Pools in Lawrence;
• Revere Beach;
• Constitution Beach in East Boston;
• Walden Pond in Concord;
• Ryan Wading Pool in Mattapan;
• Olsen Swimming Pool in Hyde Park;
• Wollaston Beach in Quincy;
• Pleasure Bay, Children’s Beach, Carson Beach and M Street Beach in South Boston;
• Bennett Field Pool in Worcester;
• Leominster State Forest; and
• Daughters of the American Revolution State Forest in Goshen.
Overnight lane closures on Sections of Route 1 (Newburyport Turnpike) Northbound and Southbound Closures will occur from Sunday, May 21, to Friday, May 26, during overnight hours from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
NEWBURY - The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing it will be implementing temporary overnight lane closures on Route 1 (Newburyport Turnpike) both northbound and southbound from Middle Road\Hanover\Route 1 intersection to the Newbury and Rowley town line. The lane closures are scheduled to occur nightly from Sunday, May 21, to Friday morning, May 26, during overnight hours from 7:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. the following morning. All work is anticipated to conclude by 5:00 a.m. on Friday, May 26.
The temporary lane closures are necessary to allow the contractor to safely and effectively perform milling operations and other incidental work.
During the work, one lane of travel northbound will always remain open. Southbound traffic will be detoured as follows:
Detour 1
• Right on Boston Road.
• Left on Middle Road.
• Right on Orchard Street.
• Left on School Street.
• Left on Elm Road.
• Right on Coleman Road.
• Left on Glen Street
• Left onto Route 1 northbound or right to continue southbound on Route 1.
Detour 2
• Right on Boston Road.
• Left on Middle Road.
• Left on Elm Road.
• Left onto Route 1 northbound or right onto Route 1 southbound.
Detour 3
• Right on Middle Road.
• Left on Boston Road.
• Left onto Route 1 northbound or right to continue southbound on Route 1.
Police details will be used to direct traffic on Route 1 and the affected intersections. Appropriate signage during the work operations.
Drivers who are traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
The work is being conducted as part of a $17.2 million project to resurface and perform related work along approximately seven miles of roadway on this section of Route 1.
A wonderful collaboration with Topsfield Elementary Schools Parent Teacher Organization (TESPTO), the Town of Topsfield, and The Anthem Group for the first Topsfield Block Party at the Old Highway Garage. The night was great fun and folks enjoyed music, games, food, and drinks.
This month, we honor the rich history and culture of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs). AAPIs have made significant contributions to our nation in all areas of society, from the arts and sciences to business and government. They have also faced discrimination and racism, but they have persevered and made our country a more diverse and inclusive place. This month, let's celebrate the AAPI community and stand united in creating a more just and equitable society for all.
Here are some ways you can get involved:
Thank you for celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
#AAPIHeritageMonth
#Salisbury, MA In response to the closure of Salisbury Beach access points 8, 9, and 10 by the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Senator Bruce Tarr, Governor Maura Healey, State Rep. Dawne Shand, local officials, and concerned stakeholders have committed to promptly address the situation. Following winter storms that damaged the beach access points, necessitating their closure, a move that raised concerns, town and state officials have gathered to find a solution to this pressing issue.
Yesterday, at a Merrimack River Beach Alliance Salisbury Sub-Committee meeting, DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo and his team provided details for work that will commence beginning Monday. DCR will renovate and restore two access points, 9 and 10, immediately. They will secure certification for the placement of sand at those points to provide additional support for the structures.
Access point 8 will require demolition to build an entirely new structure - DCR is working to finalize plans for that portion of the project. The town has also engaged environmental consultant Tom Hughes and a structural engineer to contribute to the analysis and planning of the replacement of the access points. Hughes has also produced a larger plan, on behalf of the town, to remediate severe erosion between access points 5 and 10. DCR has convened a team to work on that plan
Following site visits on the beach this week, Governor Maura Healey, DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo, and a delegation of state officials, including Senator Bruce Tarr and State Rep. Dawne Shand, discussed the importance of maintaining these access points for public safety, environmental protection, and beachgoers' convenience. The officials emphasized restoring the access points to use as soon as possible will require collaboration and speedy and effective action to get the job done without delay.
"Through commitment, collaboration, and resourcefulness, we are now on a determined path, with specific action steps, to get these access points back to service to accommodate the beachgoers that the summer season is bringing. Thanks to Governor Healey, Commissioner Arrigo, and Salisbury's municipal officials for working with us to get the job done," said Senator Tarr who Chairs the Merrimack River Beach Alliance.
Under Commissioner Brian Arrigo's leadership, DCR has assembled a team and has engaged the services of Stantec, a structural engineering consulting company, which has already made a site visit to Salisbury Beach to evaluate the structural integrity of the closed access points and has created work plans for two of the three structures. In addition, the meeting included further talks on beach erosion concerns on other portions of the beach that will require sand restoration.
Commissioner Arrigo said repairs on two of the elevated structures and the placement of sand and snow fencing will commence under existing orders, likely within the month. Stantec is also expected to prepare construction details for the scope of work and timeline for the structure at access point 8.
Tarr, and Representative Dawne Shand expressed appreciation for the prioritization of this issue by Governor Healey and Commissioner Arrigo, and also acknowledge their commitment to a phase 2 to include greater efforts to address beach erosion.
"We are grateful to DCR for their swift actions and to the residents and municipal officials of Salisbury for their patience and steady advocacy," said State Representative Dawne Shand.
"With swift responses from DCR and the Healey-Driscoll Administration, our objective of ensuring public safety, protecting the environment, and providing vital beach entry points is moving forward effectively," said Senator Tarr. "Salisbury Beach is an important resource that has attracted people and wildlife for generations and these steps affirm our best efforts to keep the beach accessible."
“I am pleased with the cooperation the Town has received with regard to accesses 8, 9 & 10. I look forward to our mutual interests being addressed. I also want to thank Governor Healy, Senator Tarr, and Representative Shand for all they have done,” said Chairman Chuck Takesian, Salisbury Board of Selectmen.
“The Town is grateful for the diligent attention that Senator Tarr and Representative Shand have paid to this issue. Providing convenient access to Salisbury Beach for residents and the thousands of people who will want to visit the Town this summer is critical for our community. Thanks also to DCR for stepping up and addressing the problem of the damaged infrastructure at Access points 8, 9, and 10,” said Salisbury, Massachusetts Town Manager Neil Harrington. “With Memorial Day just around the corner, we all want people to be able to enjoy the beach this summer."
Salisbury Beach, acquired by the state of Massachusetts in 1933, holds tremendous historical significance as a public resource, guaranteeing coastal access for all. With nearly 500 campsites within the state park, the campground attracts thousands of visitors during the summer season.
