Category: Events

What’s Open on July 4th, 2012 in Boston & MBTA Schedules

Here's a run-down of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Monday, July 4th, 2012 and changes to MBTA schedules.

This is an old post. Here's a link is the 2015 resource page for July 4th:

What's Open on July 4th, 2015 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules

We publish these reminders before a holiday to help you make your plans, and we update the information as more official word is released. Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates. Or, scroll down to the bottom of this post and subscribe to the comment feed to receive email notice of updates.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open, if the owners choose.

Liquor stores: Open

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities: Closed. This includes: Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a "Bank Holiday" with both banks and the stock markets in the United States closed. Some international markets are open. Also, some banks may open certain branch offices– often those inside supermarkets. Check with your own financial institution for details.

Photo: John Schinker used under this creative commons license.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. There will be some temporary parking restrictions and some street closures in the areas surrounding the Charles River Esplanade on July 4th.

Street Sweeping: The city says, "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

Boston Trash: from the city's site, "Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4 | 7am – Saturday, July 7, 2012 | 5pm. Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in South Boston, Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury AND your trash and recycling is normally collected on Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday. *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

Here are some of our related posts about July 4th, the Charles RIver, and the Esplanade

    How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

    Once Grand, Now Unnoticed

    Charles River Clean Up Boat Update

MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a link to the information released by the MBTA. With all the special schedules for the tall ships in addition to the July 4th schedule changes, we feel you need to look at the original material.

Remember! Fare increases and some changes to MBTA services including The Ride are "effective July 1, 2012." Check www.MBTA.com in advance to be certain the bus, or train, and the stop that you intend to use is still available.

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: By John Schinker used under this creative commons license. Here's a link to his wonderful July 4th photostream!

June 12, 2012
Dragon Boat Weekend in Photos!
The Boston Dragon Boat Festival participants could not have imagined a better weekend than this one. And, we were very happy to have had two perfect days to capture photos for an upcoming project.
Click on any small photo to see a larger version in the space above. All photos © 2012 The Cherubinos, all rights reserved.

The time trials used to determine the seed order for the final races were held on Saturday. It was fun to watch the boats set up, start, and the teamwork onboard each dragon boat. We also enjoyed seeing the pre-race workouts and coaching. And, the people who are part of this sport.
Click on any small photo to see a larger version in the space above.

On Saturday, we walked back to Boston with Sheryl Mendlinger a member of the Wellness Warriors team. You'll see a lot of this crew and their pink boat in the photos. They won our hears and our cheers!

"It’s a cancer team for men & women– all cancers. And, we paddle on the Charles River,” Sheryl told us. “It’s just phenomenal! It’s one thing having to go through cancer, it’s another thing being on a team where you’re out there and you feel physically alive again.”
Click on any small photo to see a larger version in the space above.

Sunday was race day and the day of a culture festival on the banks of the Charles. It's an event that we highly recommend. And, if you're looking for a new obsession in life, we recommend dragon boats. The looks on the faces of almost everyone taking part in this sport make you want to try it.

We've put a full album of photos in our gallery over at SmugMug. The folks over there take care of all our photo printing and can put a photo on a full line of items from postcards to mousepads. We do our part and let them do theirs!

Here are the photos from the Saturday time trials.

Here are the photos from Sunday, Race day with a few of our favorites from the festival.

What's on your summer sports (or father's day) shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino, all rights reserved. Use requires written permission.

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.
June 11, 2012
Father’s Day Dining 2012 In & Around Boston

Time to make reservations, if you plan to treat Dad to a meal out on Father's Day, Sunday, June 17, 2012.

Here's a link to our " Dining around Boston on Father's Day, June 15, 2014 post.

Would your Dad love to get his hands into some great BBQ at Sweet Cheeks Q?

For Father's Day dining ideas, here are two excellent lists of restaurant suggestions.

Open Table always does a great job guiding you to the right reservation. What's more, you can just click through and reserve from this list.

Boston Chef's has a special list from their members. Updated info: June 10th!

Our picks:

On chowhound recently, one contributor said that, "Island Creek is the one to beat these days…" We agree. In our opinion, Island Creek Oyster Bar sets the standard for relaxed, comfortable dining with outstanding food and great cocktail and wine programs. We haven't given them nearly as much coverage as we should, considering how much we like the place. Here's a post from their early days, and they continue to set the bar high. So, if you want a table there, call right now.

Sweet Cheeks Q in the Fenway may seem to be just for the meat lovers in the clan, but they put out some great veggies and a tray of hot and cold scoops (as they call them) with a remarkable farm salad that will put a smile on any one with a preference for vegetarian fare. And, remember to order the crazy-good biscuits. (You may want to treat Dad to a doggie bag of them for the rest of the week!) Check out our Sweet Cheeks posts:

Sweet Cheeks BBQ: A First Look

Sweet Cheeks Q- Great Northern Brisket

Salt & Pepper Potatoes at Sweet Cheeks Q

Bourbon Beer? at Sweet Cheeks

How about simple Italian-American food in a very comfortable setting. We suggest Artu in the North End or on Charles Street in Beacon Hill. Here's one of our favorite menu items.

If you'd like to treat Dad to something really special, consider the ultimate hamburger at the Bristol Lounge at the Four Season's Hotel. Lunch there for just the two of you, some quiet afternoon, could be a great IOU if you can't be together on the 17th. Here's what we wrote about that burger.

Another great spot to share a meal, any day of the week, is Coppa in the South End. You can even top off your meal with a quick shopping trip to South End Formaggio across the street. We always do! And, that will let you create a super take-home gift that Dad can help select. Need more convincing? Take a look at:

Friday Lunch at Coppa, an Italian Seduction

Coppa Italian Grinder: A Best Bite

Coppa- A First Look

And, if you're thinking of adventure and the South End, how about a guided tour of the food trucks gathered at the SOWA Open Market each Sunday. No resevations needed! Check out:

SOWA Market: Where to Find Food Trucks!

And, for the best gift, let Dad choose something from his wish list. Get an Amazon gift card! You can send it by email or print it out to tuck into a greeting card. And, if he doesn't shop online, offer to sit with your Dad and take him on an Amazon shopping trip.

Details:
Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny 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.

June 7, 2012
Boston Hazardous Waste Collection Dates for 2012

The City of Boston has announced the 2012 Household Hazardous Waste collection dates with June 9, 2012 next on the list. It will be followed by a second collection date on June 30th.

June 9th, 2012 from 9am to 2pm

University of Massachusetts-Boston Harbor Campus, Morrissey Blvd., Dorchester (Map)

Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 9am to 2pm

West Roxbury Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner Street, West Roxbury (Map)

Here are highlights of the city's published guidelines from their Hazardous Waste page:

For a complete list of acceptable materials, download the flyer here.

For Boston residents only. No commercial waste will be accepted. Proof of residency required. The City reserves the right to reject materials. For more information call 617-635-4500.

TVs & Computer Monitors

TVs & computer monitors are NOT accepted at Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off Days. Please call 617-635-4500 for home pickup of TVs and computer monitors.

Latex Paint

The city says, "*NEW* Latex paint is no longer accepted at drop-off days. Latex paint is not hazardous. Let latex paint dry out completely, then set it out with your regular trash."

Get rid of the junk, and then don't bring more of it back into your home.

Clean out under your sink, your cleaning closet, gardening shed, garage, and storage areas. Once your home is free from toxic, flammable, and other dangerous materials, learn how to avoid bringing more of this stuff back into your life.

Here are three great books to help you change your hazardous ways.

And, remember, when you start any of your Amazon shopping from here, you support BostonZest and keep information like this flowing your way.

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino

Screenshot: From City of Boston website

June 6, 2012
Pride: 40 Years of Protest & Celebration

This year's Boston Pride Week (June 1-10, 2012) is the perfect opportunity to visit the art gallery at the Boston Center for Adult Education (BCAE). On view, right now, is Pride: 40 years of Protest & Celebration.

(Photo courtesy of the History Project)

This is a joint project between the (BCAE) and The History Project. Drawn from The History Project’s archive, the exhibition traces the development of Pride in Boston from a sparsely attended protest to a massive celebration drawing hundreds of thousands of participants each June.

The pieces displayed in the exhibition, showcase the immense cultural and political changes that have affected New England’s LGBTQ communities over the decades.

(Photo by Joel Benjamin)

Accompanying Pride: 40 Years of Protest & Celebration will be Fierce Pride: 1992, an exhibition of portraits taken during the 1992 Pride Celebration by Photographer Joel Benjamin. These never-before-exhibited portraits reflect the rich diversity of LGBTQ communities and the role of Pride in creating a safe space for self-expression.

Click on any image to see a larger version.

As photographers, we are grateful when organizations like BCAE open their gallery space to photographic art. And, we applaud collections and archives like those compiled by The History Project that save and share the work across time.

What's on your summer fun shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Boston Center for Adult Education
122 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116 (map)
Phone: (617) 267-4430

www.bcae.org

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © Courtesy of BCAE

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.

May 30, 2012
Memorial Day 2012, Let Summer Begin, Again!

This year, we had a taste of summer back in March and another appearance for Patriots' Day weekend. But, for many of us, the summer season is not officially open until Memorial Day!

Need to know what's open today? We have that information right here!

What's on your summer fun shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 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.

May 28, 2012
What’s Open on Memorial Day 2012 in Boston & MBTA Schedule Changes
UPDATE: Here's a link to our latest post on "What's Open and Closed on Memorial Day in Boston + MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash & More"

Here's a run-down of what's open and what's closed in Boston and the MBTA schedules for Memorial Day–Monday, May 28, 2012.

We publish these reminders a couple of weeks before a holiday to give our readers a nudge to finalize their holiday plans. This is the first big weekend of the summer. Get going on some fun plans! And, plan your shopping for adult beverages because this is one of those Blue Law holidays!

Out on or along the Charles River is a great place to spend a holiday!

Restaurants, bars: Open

Convenience stores: Open

Supermarkets: Open

Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

Liquor stores: Closed (See this page from the Secretary of State)

City, Town, State, and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries and the Postal Service (express mail will be delivered). Only emergency services are available.

Financial Services: As the British would say, this is a Bank Holiday with both Banks and the stock markets in the U.S. closed. Some international markets are open.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters on Monday. Other parking rules apply.

Street Sweeping: The city site says: "Daytime street sweeping is suspended on city holidays, but nighttime sweeping schedules remain in effect. Constituents are advised to call 617-635-4500 for exact details."

More information after this ad

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. Perfect for small city homes. We have an older version of the Arctic Zone 30 model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled. We not only use it for picnics but also grab it to go grocery shopping.

Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works covering May 28, 2012 states:

"Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

MBTA Schedule Changes: Here is their press release as of 05/16/12. Note the Special Commuter Rail trains operating for a special event at Gillette Stadium.

"The MBTA announced its service schedule for Memorial Day, Monday, May 28, 2012.
- The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green Lines will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Express bus service will not operate.
- The Silver Line will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- The Commuter Rail will operate on a Sunday schedule.
- Special event Commuter Rail trains will be operating to Gillette Stadium for the 2012 NCAA Men's Lacrosse Championship. For more information, click here.
- Inner Harbor Ferry service from Charlestown to Long Wharf will operate on a weekend schedule.
- Commuter boat service between Hingham/Hull and Boston will not operate.
- Quincy commuter boat to Long Wharf and Logan Airport will operate on a Sunday schedule. Due to the Sunday schedule, there will not be a 10:15 P.M. trip made on Monday, May 28, 2012.
- THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule."
For more information:
Go to www.MBTA.com Contact the MBTA Customer Communications Department at (617) 222-3200, TTY: (617) 222-5146.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo:© 2010 Penny Cherubino
May 16, 2012
Vinny’s Tip Jar: Hospitality Industry Supporting One of Their Own

Recently, we heard the sad news that Vinny Sapochetti–the always smiling, always helpful waiter at Neptune Oyster–had been in an automobile accident and was facing a long recovery period. You may also know him from one of the other places where he's worked over the years.

His many, many friends in the Boston hospitality industry are organizing to assist him.

A very special event is planned. Here's a link for complete information.

Vinny's Tip Jar Fundraiser & Auction

Monday, May 28th, 2012, 5p.m.–10p.m.

Hotel Commonwealth Ballroom

500 Commonwealth Avenue, Kenmore Square, Boston, MA 02215

We hope you'll help to whatever extent you can. Spread the word. Send a donation. Attend the event. Or, just keep Vinny in your thoughts and send healing wishes his way.

Instead of an ad in this spot, today, we ask that you consider making a donation to the fund for Vinny.

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Screenshot courtesy of Vinny's Tip Jar

May 11, 2012
Made by Hand, a Handcrafted Friday Link
The upcoming, juried exhibition, “Made by Hand: a celebration of exceptional work from the North Bennet Street School” is our Friday link.

We never cease to be enthralled by the work that comes from the students and alumni of this Boston treasure and look forward to seeing this collection of hand-made objects painstakingly crafted by the school’s students and alumni– from elegant furniture and one-of-a-kind musical instruments to exquisite jewelry and ornate hand-bound books.

Here's a sneak preview they have shared with us! In the photos below (left to right) are:
- Handmade pendant by Laurie Berezin, NBSS ‘11
- Handmade fiddle by David Golber, NBSS ‘98
- Decorative bench by Jerry deRham, NBSS ‘83
- Hand-bound book cover by Kevin Sheby, NBSS ‘13
- Grandfather clock by Juan Pablo Blanco, NBSS ’12
Click on the small photos above to see a larger version in the viewer window.
- What: Made by Hand: a celebration of exceptional work from the North Bennet Street School
- Where: Main Lobby, 125 High Street, Boston MA (map)
- When: Monday, May 7 through Friday, May 18, 2012
- Hours: 8:00 am – 8:00 pm daily.
- Admission: Free
- Handicap Access: Yes
- Reservations: Not required.
- Nearest parking: 125 High Street garage. Limited street parking (metered).
- Nearest T stop: South Station (Red line)
- More Information about the show: 617-227-0155 or see the online page.
If you clicked over to the North Bennet Street School site, it may have made you think that you'd like to learn a new skill or give someone you love the chance to explore the life-changing opportunities inside those walls.

Here are some books to inspire you to do just that, at any age!

It's Only Too Late If You Don't Start Now: HOW TO CREATE YOUR SECOND LIFE AT ANY AGE

The Renaissance Soul: Life Design for People with Too Many Passions to Pick Just One

The Art of Non-Conformity: Set Your Own Rules, Live the Life You Want, and Change the World
Details:

North Bennet Street School

39 N Bennet St.

Boston, MA 02113-1914 (map & reviews)

(617) 227-0155

nbss.edu‎

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the North Bennet Street School

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 comments add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We reserve the right to edit ads out of comments.
May 4, 2012
Jazz Week 2012, April 27 to May 6: Our Friday Link

The sound of Jazz will be in the air around Greater Boston for the next ten days as we celebrate Jazz Week 2012. In addition to many ticketed events, you'll find lots of opportunites to enjoy free or low cost events.

Boston resident and Jazz musican David Bond on sax (above) says, “Boston is such a vibrant community because of the students, and because of the concerts, and Jazz Week is a perfect way of promoting it."

JazzBoston says, "In observance of UNESCO's November 10 decision to proclaim April 30 of each year as International Jazz Day, JazzBoston has adopted an international theme for its 6th annual presentation of Jazz Week throughout the Greater Boston area this spring. For 10 days from April 27 to May 6, Jazz Week '12 International will put the spotlight on the cultural diversity that gives the Greater Boston jazz scene its unique flavor. Hundreds of talented musicians, both home grown and from around the world, will perform in over 90 venues in and around the city, and special cross-cultural collaborations will highlight the power of jazz to create unity from diversity."

What's on your Jazz shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: courtesy of David Bond
Screen Shot: courtesy of JazzBoston

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

April 27, 2012