News Briefs

SJC Issues Order Relaxing Mask Mandate in State Courthouses

The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued a new order on Monday regarding access to Massachusetts state courthouses, which relaxes the requirements with respect to the wearing of masks, effective March 23, 2022.

The order continues to encourage the wearing of masks inside courthouses to protect against the transmission of COVID-19, especially by those who are at increased risk for severe disease or are not up to date on COVID-19 vaccinations. Masks are no longer required, however, except under certain identified circumstances.

The order also continues to prohibit entry into courthouses by persons who have tested positive for COVID-19 within the previous 5 days, have symptoms consistent with COVID-19, are not up to date on vaccinations and have been in close contact with someone with COVID-19 within the last 5 days, are awaiting test results after experiencing symptoms, or should be in isolation or quarantine.

Bike to the Sea Hosts Annual April’s Fool Bike Ride Takes

Bike to the Sea’s first ride of the year will be held on April 2, starting along the car-free Northern Strand Community Trail at Bent Water Brewing, 180 Commercial Street, in Lynn.

The April Fools’ ride is open to everyone and will start along the newest stretch of the trail before going on the bike lanes on Western Avenue, South Common Street, Market Street, and Broad Street. The 15-mile ride will also include a stretch on the East Coast Greenway in Swampscott before heading back to Lynn. 

The ride is rated “easy/intermediate” and will include off-road paved and unpaved trails, as well as on-road bike lanes.

Parking is available in the lot behind the brewery or on Alley Street.

All are welcome to join the ride for free, but everyone riding must fill out a waiver at least once every year. And if you don’t have a Bike to the Sea Membership then you may only join one ride organized by Bike to the Sea per year. Basic memberships cost $25/year and are available here.

If you’re interesting in participating in this ride, please RSVP at https://tinyurl.com/BTSAprilride.

For more info, contact Pete Sutton at [email protected].

DCR Removes Parking Meter Signage from Revere Beach

The Department of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) is removing all parking meter signage from Revere Beach, as a result of a law passed through the leadership of State Representatives Jeffrey Rosario Turco and Jessica Giannino. Last summer, parking meters were installed on Revere Beach in an effort to raise state revenues.  The people of Revere organized and resisted the idea of paid parking on America’s first public beach.  Rallies were held for several weeks on Revere Beach demonstrating opposition to the meters.  Representative Turco and Representative Giannino quickly drafted legislation which prohibited DCR from placing metered parking on any DCR roadway without explicit local approval. Although Governor Baker vetoed this legislation, Turco, Giannino and their colleagues held tough in the face of adversity and the Governor’s veto was overridden thus securing free parking for Revere Beach. With the signs coming down today, the battle against paid parking on the beach has now reached its official conclusion.

“It is only right that parking should be free on Revere Beach, the first public beach in the United States of America,” said Representative Jeffrey Rosario Turco (D-Winthrop). “This is our beach and it is now open for everybody, regardless of their economic status. The signage coming down marks the end of a long, difficult, but crucial fight to right an obvious wrong. Today is a great day for Revere.”

“I am thrilled that signs are being removed and Revere Beach will once again be free to park at,” said Representative Jessica Giannino (D-Revere). “Revere Beach is America’s first public beach. It is so important that it remains free and accessible as it always has been for families and locals to continue to enjoy for generations to come.”

DCR Seeking Life Guards for 2022 Season

DCR is offering bonuses totaling up to $1,000 to qualified lifeguard applicants for this season. 

An early sign-on bonus of $500 will be offered to candidates who commit to being an agency lifeguard for the summer season by Sunday, March 27, 2022. 

The sign-on bonus is in addition to the agency’s $500 retention bonus – provided to lifeguards who stay on through the end of the season. 

DCR has also raised the hourly rate for lifeguards for the 2022 season to between $21 and $26 depending on position and associated certifications.

To be considered for a DCR lifeguard position, applicants must be at least 16 years of age by the time of hiring, must complete lifeguard training prior to start of season, and must be certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). 

DCR offers free training classes and certification to lifeguards who commit to DCR summer employment prior to the opening of designated swimming areas. Candidate training and certification dates and locations are listed at mass.gov/lifeguards for qualified candidates who commit to guarding for the summer season.