Around Town

State Looking for Lifeguards for DCR Pools & Beaches, Offering Bonuses

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The DCR’s Dealtry Pool in Watertown. The following information was provided by the Department of Conservation and Recreation:

The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) announced the agency is accepting applications for lifeguards, swim instructors and other pool and waterfront roles across the state for the 2024 summer season. Qualified candidates, who apply early and work through the end of the season, can earn up to $1,250 in bonuses, in addition to a competitive hourly rate of between $22 and $27, dependent on the position and associated certifications. 

“Every summer, we welcome thousands of children and families from all over to our beautiful beaches and pools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Hiring qualified and trained lifeguard and water safety staff is critical to ensuring we can provide our residents and visitors with a fun, safe and enjoyable summer.”  

“As a former lifeguard, I know firsthand what a great summer job it is – you’ll get to spend your summer outdoors, make good money, and potentially help save some lives,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “DCR lifeguards also become leaders in their communities – they are first responders trained to prevent injuries and calmly and efficiently prevent a crisis at our waterfronts and pools.

Entertainment

Check Out This Week’s Small Saves Cartoon

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James DeMarco grew up in Watertown and became a goaltender at age 5. It’s his life’s passion to stand between the pipes and keep the puck out of the net. Combining this with the love of cartooning Small Saves emerged in 1991 and took on a life of his own. “To play goal – then come home and draw Small Saves — is my ideal definition of a good day.”

Around Town

Restoration Underway for Historic Paintings from Watertown’s City Hall

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1930 geographical painting on treatment table at studio, in bottom section of its foam-core box. (Courtesy of the Historical Society of Watertown)

A group from Watertown recently visited the studio of the art restoration specialist hired to refurbish historic paintings that normally hang in the main entryway in Watertown’s City Hall. Joyce Kelly of the Historical Society of Watertown provided the following account:

The geographical paintings that usually flank the foyer at the main entrance to City Hall are currently in the studio of conservator Louise Orsini being refurbished. In 2022, the Historical Society of Watertown received a grant from the Community Preservation Committee (CPC) for the conservation of the two geographical paintings in the foyer of City Hall. The 5.5 x 7.5 foot paintings were installed when the building opened in 1932.

Around Town

Charles River Chamber’s Culinary Extravaganza Returns

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The Charles River Regional Chamber’s Spring Seasonings features food from the four communities it serves, including Watertown. (Courtesy of Charles River Chamber)

The following announcement was provided by the Charles River Regional Chamber:

The Charles River Regional Chamber is thrilled to announce the return of its most anticipated community event, Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns. After a four-year hiatus, this marquee event promises to be a feast for the senses, bringing together the flavors of Newton, Needham, Watertown and Wellesley in one delightful evening. Event Highlights:

What: Spring Seasonings: A Taste of our Towns

Where: Newton Marriott Ballroom2345 Commonwealth Avenue, Newton

When: Monday, April 8, 5:30-8:00 PMTickets: $75 members / $80 non-members, available now at SpringSeasonings.com (no tickets sold at the door)

Discover the Culinary Diversity of Our Communities: Spring Seasonings is more than just a food event; it’s a celebration of the rich culinary tapestry of our region. Join us for a unique opportunity to savor the offerings of 40 of your favorite local restaurants all at once.

Around Town

Marshall Home Fund Accepting Applications for Grants to Serve Older Watertown Residents

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The Marshall Home Fund announced it is accepting applications for its Program Grants to organizations that serve older Watertown residents.  See the description and guidelines provided by the organization below. Program Grants

We annually award modest program grants to public agencies,  private non-profits, and town departments serving adults 55 and older. The services and programs provided through grant funds must directly benefit Watertown residents. We fund innovative projects to support Watertown’s efforts to be an Age-Friendly Community—a place where older adults can live, thrive and contribute. 

Grant awards are made to fund projects for a twelve (12) month period, which may begin at any time during the calendar year. By awarding any particular grant, the Marshall Home Fund in no way implies that ongoing grants will be made for the same purpose, although recipients may reapply in the future.

Schools

Perkins School for the Blind Teams with MIT to Host Hackathon: The Super Bowl of Accessibility

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A team working on ideas to adapt technology for those with disabilities at #HackDisability: AI for Accessibility Hackathon hosted by MIT and Perkins School for the Blind. (Courtesy of Perkins School for the Blind)

CAMBRIDGE — On any given Friday night at MIT there’s bound to be a few stragglers hanging around the Strata Center, the architecturally world-famous building in Cambridge that houses the MIT Computer and Artificial Intelligence Lab. On Friday Feb. 23, there were more than a few folks about, and not just from MIT: people from Perkins School for the Blind, Amazon, the Museum of Science, Cisco, and even a representative from the White House gathered for Perkins’ “#HackDisability: AI for Accessibility Hackathon,” the Watertown-based school’s second-ever hackathon and the first focused specially on harnessing artificial intelligence for a group that is often left behind by technology. The task was seemingly simple.

Schools

Watertown Students Earn Honors at BC High, Thayer

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Clipartpanda.com

Students from Watertown made the honor roll at a pair of private schools: BC High and Thayer Academy. The following information was provided by the schools:

Boston College High School

The following students have been named to the Second Quarter Honor Roll at Boston College High School:

Ambrogio Bellotti, High Honors (Class of 2024)

Isaac Campolon, High Honors (Class of 2024)

William MacKerron, High Honors (Class of 2025)

Emiliano Pedroza, High Honors (Class of 2025)

Owen Driscoll, High Honors (Class of 2026)

Thomas Moloney, High Honors (Class of 2027)

Robert DiStefano, Honors (Class of 2027)

For High Honors a Sophomore and Junior must have at least a 3.80 quality point average and all grades “C+” or higher. Freshmen need a 3.6 quality point average and all grades “C+” or higher. For Honors a Sophomore and Junior must have at least a 3.20 quality point average and all grades “C-” or higher. Freshmen need a 3.165 quality point average and all grades “C-” or higher.