Category: Events

  • Halloween Sights around the Back Bay

    Pumpkins, witches, ghouls, goblins, and flying bats have taken over the usually sedate front yards and doorsteps in the Back Bay.  

    PC2_0841 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Looks like the pumpkin above lost a few teeth in a bar brawl.

    DSC_9213 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    His pal, on the step below, is just sick about it. (Or else, he ate too much candy!)

    DSC_9227 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While the winner of the tussle smirked at them from his perch, out of reach, in the fork of a tree. 

    PC2_0851 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This house on Marlborough Street went on a pumpkin carving spree but, sadly, only a few made it until today. I'm glad we preserved their work in photos.

    DSC_9224 - Version 22013-10-19-carved-pumpkin-halloween-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Elsewhere, there was plenty of evidence of busy spiders and creative minds.

    PC2_0890 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    PC2_0896 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino PC2_0900 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
    PC2_0904 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and TV shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

  • Halloween Sights around the Back Bay

    Pumpkins, witches, ghouls, goblins, and flying bats have taken over the usually sedate front yards and doorsteps in the Back Bay.  

    PC2_0841 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Looks like the pumpkin above lost a few teeth in a bar brawl.

    DSC_9213 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    His pal, on the step below, is just sick about it. (Or else, he ate too much candy!)

    DSC_9227 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While the winner of the tussle smirked at them from his perch, out of reach, in the fork of a tree. 

    PC2_0851 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This house on Marlborough Street went on a pumpkin carving spree but, sadly, only a few made it until today. I'm glad we preserved their work in photos.

    DSC_9224 - Version 22013-10-19-carved-pumpkin-halloween-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Elsewhere, there was plenty of evidence of busy spiders and creative minds.

    PC2_0890 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    PC2_0896 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino PC2_0900 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
    PC2_0904 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and TV shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

  • Halloween Sights around the Back Bay

    Pumpkins, witches, ghouls, goblins, and flying bats have taken over the usually sedate front yards and doorsteps in the Back Bay.  

    PC2_0841 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Looks like the pumpkin above lost a few teeth in a bar brawl.

    DSC_9213 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    His pal, on the step below, is just sick about it. (Or else, he ate too much candy!)

    DSC_9227 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    While the winner of the tussle smirked at them from his perch, out of reach, in the fork of a tree. 

    PC2_0851 - Version 22013-10-19-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    This house on Marlborough Street went on a pumpkin carving spree but, sadly, only a few made it until today. I'm glad we preserved their work in photos.

    DSC_9224 - Version 22013-10-19-carved-pumpkin-halloween-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Elsewhere, there was plenty of evidence of busy spiders and creative minds.

    PC2_0890 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    PC2_0896 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino PC2_0900 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino
    PC2_0904 - Version 22013-10-28-haloween-pumpkins-decoration-back-bay-boston-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and TV shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2013 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.

  • What’s Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2013, MBTA Schedule Changes

    UPDATE: This page is out of date. We have created an ongoing resource page for the Veteran's Day holiday at this link. We update that one each year with any new information that becomes available. 

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Monday, November 11, 2013.

    This is an old post: Here is the link to:

    This year, November 11th falls on a Monday. That means you can start planning a long weekend.

    5553745583_b7cc06d182
    (Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library ) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    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 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 most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: The city says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."

    Street Sweeping: 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 Collection: The City says:

    Veterans Day Monday, November 11 | 7am -Saturday, November 16, 2013,  5pm

    "No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

    Delay trash and recycling collection a 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."

    The MBTA indicates it will operate on a weekday schedule: Complete Details Here.

     For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: (Photo of the Soldier and Sailors Memorial on the Boston Common: courtesy of the Boston Public Library Collection)

    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.

  • What’s Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2013, MBTA Schedule Changes

    UPDATE: This page is out of date. We have created an ongoing resource page for the Veteran's Day holiday at this link. We update that one each year with any new information that becomes available. 

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Monday, November 11, 2013.

    This is an old post: Here is the link to:

    This year, November 11th falls on a Monday. That means you can start planning a long weekend.

    5553745583_b7cc06d182
    (Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library ) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    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 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 most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: The city says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."

    Street Sweeping: 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 Collection: The City says:

    Veterans Day Monday, November 11 | 7am -Saturday, November 16, 2013,  5pm

    "No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

    Delay trash and recycling collection a 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."

    The MBTA indicates it will operate on a weekday schedule: Complete Details Here.

     For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: (Photo of the Soldier and Sailors Memorial on the Boston Common: courtesy of the Boston Public Library Collection)

    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.

  • What’s Open in Boston on Veterans Day 2013, MBTA Schedule Changes

    UPDATE: This page is out of date. We have created an ongoing resource page for the Veteran's Day holiday at this link. We update that one each year with any new information that becomes available. 

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Monday, November 11, 2013.

    This is an old post: Here is the link to:

    This year, November 11th falls on a Monday. That means you can start planning a long weekend.

    5553745583_b7cc06d182
    (Photo courtesy of Boston Public Library ) Photo created: 1877 – 1900 (approximate)

    We publish these reminders before each holiday to help you make the most of your time off!

    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 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 most Banks closed. But, we are noticing that some banks are keeping some branches open so check with your own institution.

    Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

    Boston Parking: The city says, "City of Boston parking meters are free on Sundays and legal holidays and no time limit is enforced. All other parking regulations, including rush hour restrictions at meters, remain in effect."

    Street Sweeping: 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 Collection: The City says:

    Veterans Day Monday, November 11 | 7am -Saturday, November 16, 2013,  5pm

    "No Delay of trash or recycling collection in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End.

    Delay trash and recycling collection a 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."

    The MBTA indicates it will operate on a weekday schedule: Complete Details Here.

     For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, "please call the MBTA Customer Service Center at 617-222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (hearing impaired TDD 617-222-5146)" or contact them at www.mbta.com.

    And, if you have to work: Holiday Pay Information For Retail Establishments from the Secretary of State.

    "Retail establishments which operate on New Year's Day, Columbus Day after 12 noon, or on November 11th after 1:00 p.m. are required to pay their employees time and one-half regardless of the number of employees on their payroll."

    Do you have an Amazon Gift Certificate to use? Or do you need to buy one for a birthday or wedding gift? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: (Photo of the Soldier and Sailors Memorial on the Boston Common: courtesy of the Boston Public Library Collection)

    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.

  • Columbus Day Inspiration from Christopher Himself…


    RGhirlandaio-Columbus-BR

    This portrait of Christopher Columbus is attributed to Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.

    "By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination." Christopher Columbus

    Columbus kept journals which are the source of many of the quotations attributed to him. Today, you can read The Four Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Classics)
    in book form or on your Kindle.

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino, and Christopher Columbus

    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.

  • Columbus Day Inspiration from Christopher Himself…


    RGhirlandaio-Columbus-BR

    This portrait of Christopher Columbus is attributed to Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.

    "By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination." Christopher Columbus

    Columbus kept journals which are the source of many of the quotations attributed to him. Today, you can read The Four Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Classics)
    in book form or on your Kindle.

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino, and Christopher Columbus

    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.

  • Columbus Day Inspiration from Christopher Himself…


    RGhirlandaio-Columbus-BR

    This portrait of Christopher Columbus is attributed to Ridolfo Ghirlandaio.

    "By prevailing over all obstacles and distractions, one may unfailingly arrive at his chosen goal or destination." Christopher Columbus

    Columbus kept journals which are the source of many of the quotations attributed to him. Today, you can read The Four Voyages of Christopher Columbus (Classics)
    in book form or on your Kindle.

    What do you know about Amazon Prime? We use it and love it. You pay once a year for free 2-day shipping delivery charges. Amazon throws in access to instant streaming movies and tv shows and they let you borrow a free ebook each month. They will even give you a one month free trial. Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

    Join Amazon Prime – Watch Over 40,000 Movies

    Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino, and Christopher Columbus

    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.

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

    UPDATE: Latest Flu Vaccination Information … Boston Area Resources to Find a Flu Shot

    Here's the latest Flu Shot information. We've compiled a list of sources to help in your search for, and understanding of, this season's vaccination.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds us that, “There are several flu vaccine options for the 2013-2014 flu season.” Besides the usual trivalent vaccine designed to protect against three different flu viruses, there’s a quadrivalent vaccine meant to protect against four different flu viruses – plus, additional choices within each group. >>More Information Here

    In this post, you'll also find assistance from federal, state, and local authorities – including medical institutions and retail stores. There are sites to track flu activity, plus suggestions that could help save you time and money.

    As always, check with your doctor or other healthcare professionals for any flu-related advice.  

    Do federal, state, and city health officials have any updates on flu or flu vaccinations?

    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the Boston area?

    • Here's a search box made available to us by the U.S. Department of Health. Just enter your Zip Code, hit go, and you'll have a map of options.  


    Where can I get a flu vaccination in the surrounding area?

    More information below the ad.

    Whether you're waiting in line for a flu shot or taking an easy day with a headcold, an Amazon Kindle makes a great companion. Buy new books on the fly, dig into your archive to re-read old favorites. And, thank you to everyone who supports the compiling of information like this by beginning all their Amazon shopping from BostonZest. It doesn't cost you a penny more, but it does put a few pennies in our pockets.

    What's the level of flu activity in our area?

    More details below...

    • Some Pharmacies have flu vaccine, including CVS,  Walgreens, and  RiteAid.
    • If you haven't checked lately, this might be a good time to consult with your primary care physician for the latest flu shot information.
    • Whichever flu shot location you choose, we recommend that you call the site directly before going.

    Here's a link to information on caring for someone with the flu and preventing the spread of the disease.

     And, for a friend suffering from a bad cold or the flu, remember Chicken Soup for a Sick Friend!

    Follow us on Twitter for alerts when we update this article.

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photo Credit: James Gathany, courtesy of  the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

    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.