Category: News

The Lawn Is Brown and the River Is Green!

On a walk this week, we passed the Muddy River and saw this contrast in colors.

The lawn in the small park at Charlesgate East is dry and brown, while the surface of the Muddy River running alongside is emerald green.

What the specific growth on the river's surface is, we don't know. But this page from the Charles River Watershed Association does give some alerts for some types of blooms. In the past, there have been potentially toxic blooms on the Muddy.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 20, 2016
Time to Update the Emergency Plan for Your Animals

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need an updated plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are no longer on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family. You have new resources but should be prepared to use them.

The City of Boston Emergency Management program has a page where you can find an emergency shelter near you.

On that page it says, "This map depicts the locations of all the neighborhood emergency shelters in the City and allows users to enter in their address to find the closest shelter. Each facility will provide safe, temporary shelter for residents and their pets."

But, just in case you are wondering, the Red Cross still says, "Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters."

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large-scale disasters come to mind and the city has a system for that, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

State Law Requires that People with Pets are Included in Emergency Planning.

March 24, 2014, Chapter 54, AN ACT ENSURING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WITH PETS IN DISASTERS, became law and the planning was to be completed in one year. The key information you should know is:

"Any emergency plan of operations shall include strategies to support the needs of people with household pets and the needs of household pets under their care, including service animals. The local organization for civil defense shall take appropriate steps to educate the public regarding the resources available in the event of an emergency and the importance of emergency preparedness planning."

We recommend that you have a copy of both the law and the city of Boston page with your pet emergency kit. That way, if you should be confronted with someone not familiar with this major change in shelter services, you can show them what the city and state have promised. Below are pdf copies of each page that you can download and print or save to a cloud service, like Dropbox, so that you can retrieve it from your smartphone.

Download Session Laws: Chapter 54 of the Acts of 2014

Download Neighborhood emergency shelter map | Boston.gov

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Shopping List. Click here for savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 14, 2016
Time to Update the Emergency Plan for Your Animals

Here's Poppy with her bright red emergency bag ready to go out the door. It's also her pre-packed travel bag with everything she needs, except food and water, when we travel. (We have an emergency backpack that has a supply of food and water for all of us.)

The heart of hurricane season is here. If you have companion animals, you need an updated plan because, should a storm or other disaster strike, you are no longer on your own when it comes to finding shelter for your entire family. You have new resources but should be prepared to use them.

The City of Boston Emergency Management program has a page where you can find an emergency shelter near you.

On that page it says, "This map depicts the locations of all the neighborhood emergency shelters in the City and allows users to enter in their address to find the closest shelter. Each facility will provide safe, temporary shelter for residents and their pets."

But, just in case you are wondering, the Red Cross still says, "Most American Red Cross shelters cannot accept pets because of health and safety concerns and other considerations. Service animals that assist people with disabilities are allowed in Red Cross shelters."

Make Your Own Plan & Emergency Kit

You have to make plans for a safe place to go with your animals in case of an emergency. While large-scale disasters come to mind and the city has a system for that, it could also be a water leak or fire in your building.

If you have a friend or relative who will shelter you for a few days, that is ideal. You should also have the phone numbers of a few pet-friendly hotels, both near your home and in the surrounding areas, where you might reserve a room until the immediate danger has passed and those charged with emergency management begin to offer solutions for families with animals.

MSPCA Emergency Resource Pages

The MSPCA has set up a very complete and helpful collection of disaster planning resources on their website.

State Law Requires that People with Pets are Included in Emergency Planning.

March 24, 2014, Chapter 54, AN ACT ENSURING THE SAFETY OF PEOPLE WITH PETS IN DISASTERS, became law and the planning was to be completed in one year. The key information you should know is:

"Any emergency plan of operations shall include strategies to support the needs of people with household pets and the needs of household pets under their care, including service animals. The local organization for civil defense shall take appropriate steps to educate the public regarding the resources available in the event of an emergency and the importance of emergency preparedness planning."

We recommend that you have a copy of both the law and the city of Boston page with your pet emergency kit. That way, if you should be confronted with someone not familiar with this major change in shelter services, you can show them what the city and state have promised. Below are pdf copies of each page that you can download and print or save to a cloud service, like Dropbox, so that you can retrieve it from your smartphone.

Download Session Laws: Chapter 54 of the Acts of 2014

Download Neighborhood emergency shelter map | Boston.gov

Thanks to everyone who hops over to Amazon from here to do their shopping. We appreciate your support. It doesn't cost you any more but they put a few coins in our tip jar.

What's on your Shopping List. Click here for savings over at Amazon.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2011-2013 Penny & Ed Cherubino

August 14, 2016
What’s Open on July 4th, 2017 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules
Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference. This page will remain our ongoing resource for this holiday with updates added as needed in future years.

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.

Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. 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. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.

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 311 for exact details."

Boston Trash: You now have to type in your specific address into this page on the city site to see what is happening with holidays in your neighborhood.

Boston Transportation Department July 4, 2017 road closures and parking restrictions for events citywide.

Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck

Here is the link to information about the July 4th concerts and fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade.

Update 06/29/17 from the Massachusetts State Police

"Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events
The following documents contain important information regarding this year’s July 3^rdand 4^th Fireworks Show and Concert on the Esplanade in Boston. Open the documents to view information about prohibited items, road closures and traffic restrictions, pedestrian access points into the Esplanade, boating restrictions and guidelines, Text-A-Tip line for reporting suspicious activity, and UAV (Drone) Prohibition.

For more information on these and other guidelines, please view the accompanying documents.
Related Posts
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 Service Schedule for Monday, July 4th, 2017:

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m.

"Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected on the Subway, Bus, Commuter Rail, Ferry, and the RIDE, after 9:30 p.m."

The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule except the Fairmount line which will run on this holiday/special event schedule.

The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below. Before using the Commuter Rail, check the most recent schedules.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate and

Some bus routes may operate on detour due to Fourth of July events and parades. Please check T-Alerts for details.

Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a Weekend schedule.

The Ride will run on a regular Saturday Schedule.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th 2017 schedule

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplanade Concert and Fireworks:

"Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m."

"Alewife Garage will operate as pay-on-entry on the 4th of July. All other parking facilities will operate as usual with parking ambassadors available to assist customers with payment and other event related questions.

"Customers parking in MBTA Parking garages should prepay garage tickets before returning to vehicles in order to expedite exit by using the parking payment kiosks located in the station lobby."

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping.

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

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com
June 24, 2016
What’s Open on July 4th, 2017 in Boston, Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedules
Here's a rundown of what's Open & Closed in Boston on Tuesday, July 4th, 2017 and changes to MBTA schedules. Plus: parking, street sweeping, trash, recycling, and other useful links.

Follow us on Twitter to be notified of updates or save this page for future reference. This page will remain our ongoing resource for this holiday with updates added as needed in future years.

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.

Boston Parking: Sunday Parking rules apply. 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. We'll add updates as they are published.

Towed Cars: The City says, "If you believe your vehicle was towed in Boston, then call either the Boston Police Tow Line at 617-343-4629 or the Boston Tow Lot at 617-635-3900 to locate the vehicle, or search the online towing database by license plate" at the City's Towed Car page.

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 311 for exact details."

Boston Trash: You now have to type in your specific address into this page on the city site to see what is happening with holidays in your neighborhood.

Boston Transportation Department July 4, 2017 road closures and parking restrictions for events citywide.

Fireworks from a Back Bay roof deck

Here is the link to information about the July 4th concerts and fireworks on the Charles River Esplanade.

Update 06/29/17 from the Massachusetts State Police

"Security and Traffic Information for July 3 and 4 Esplanade Events
The following documents contain important information regarding this year’s July 3^rdand 4^th Fireworks Show and Concert on the Esplanade in Boston. Open the documents to view information about prohibited items, road closures and traffic restrictions, pedestrian access points into the Esplanade, boating restrictions and guidelines, Text-A-Tip line for reporting suspicious activity, and UAV (Drone) Prohibition.

For more information on these and other guidelines, please view the accompanying documents.
Related Posts
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 Service Schedule for Monday, July 4th, 2017:

The MBTA website has July 4th schedule information posted on their events page through the holiday. "Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m.

"Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected on the Subway, Bus, Commuter Rail, Ferry, and the RIDE, after 9:30 p.m."

The Commuter Rail will run on a Saturday schedule except the Fairmount line which will run on this holiday/special event schedule.

The last trains to leave Boston are on the MBTA Events Page and in the download below. Before using the Commuter Rail, check the most recent schedules.

Buses and trackless trolleys will run on a Sunday schedule. This means some buses will not operate and

Some bus routes may operate on detour due to Fourth of July events and parades. Please check T-Alerts for details.

Boats will run on a Saturday schedule except the Charlestown service which will operate on a Weekend schedule.

The Ride will run on a regular Saturday Schedule.

You can download a pdf copy of the schedule details here:

Download MBTA July 4th 2017 schedule

MBTA tips for those attending the Esplanade Concert and Fireworks:

"Customers are urged to take public transportation to and from Fourth of July events and advised to check T-Alerts for the most up-to-date service information during the holiday.

As a reminder, bicycles are not allowed on any subway lines for the entire day on the Fourth of July. Bicycles are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m.

Beginning at 2 p.m., subway service on all lines will operate at rush-hour levels to accommodate increased holiday ridership. Fares will not be collected after 9:30 p.m."

"Alewife Garage will operate as pay-on-entry on the 4th of July. All other parking facilities will operate as usual with parking ambassadors available to assist customers with payment and other event related questions.

"Customers parking in MBTA Parking garages should prepay garage tickets before returning to vehicles in order to expedite exit by using the parking payment kiosks located in the station lobby."

Save storage space with these collapsible coolers. We love Arctic Zone Coolers. They're perfect for small city homes. We have a version of the Arctic Zone Ultra 50 can model, and it's amazing at keeping things chilled! We not only use it for picnics, but grab it to go grocery shopping.

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

Details:

Writers: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Penny Cherubino and istockphoto.com
June 24, 2016
All That Spring Jazz from Berklee (and it’s Free!)

Summer isn't the only season for free concerts in Boston this year! We recently received the following announcement from Berklee College of Music!

Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts Concerts By World-Renowned Jazz Masters Performing With Students

The Berklee Global Jazz institute (BGJI), led by pianist-composer-humanitarian Danilo Pérez, artistic director, and Marco Pignataro, managing director, is hosting a series of free concerts, workshops, and jam sessions in Boston featuring world-renowned jazz artists mentoring and performing with students. In addition to Perez, performers include visiting artists Terence Blanchard, Ricardo del Fra, Paris Conservatory Jazz Department Director, Alan Pasqua, and David Sanchez; BGJI artists in residence Adam Cruz, Ben Street, and David Liebman; and Grammy-winning BGJI faculty drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

The BGJI’s spring events run until May. All events take place at The Zero Gravity Room at 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, and are open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit berklee.edu/bgji.

“We are opening the doors to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute to enable the community to experience some of the best performers of the international jazz world performing with our students – the foremost jazz artists of tomorrow,” explained Pérez. “What better way to combine the spirit of our programs – an extremely high level of musicianship with the advancement of the social power of music!”

BGJI Spring 2016 Events:

BGJI Forums, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

March 2, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and David Sanchez

March 9, featuring Danilo Pérez and Alan Pasqua

March 23, featuring Ben Street and Terence Blanchard

March 30, featuring Joe Lovano and John Patitucci

April 6, featuring Danilo Pérez and Ricardo del Fra

April 13, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Liebman

April 20, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz

April 27, featuring Joe Lovano and Adam Cruz

(Photo of Danilo Pérez courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute)

BGJI Workshops, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm:

March 8, Danilo Pérez workshop

April 5, Danilo Pérez workshop

May 3, Danilo Pérez workshop

Back row, from left: Anthony Fung, Seungho Jang, Jerry Leake, and Mao Sone. Foreground: Ga Young Bae, Marco Pignataro

BGJI Concert Series and Jam Sessions, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

March 1

March 22

March 29

April 19

April 26

April 30

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute seeks to develop artists as both musicians and human beings to become role models for a new generation of musicians. Its programs promote traditional musicianship through classes, workshops, concerts performances, recording and jam sessions, and service learning through teaching and outreach programs. Throughout the program, students travel together, accompanied by their teachers and mentors, performing at concerts and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They are also teaching and giving outreach performances at various care homes, hospitals and correctional facilities in the Boston area. In addition to its undergraduate program in contemporary performance, the BGJI launched its master’s program in contemporary performance this academic year (2015-16).

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

Details:

Words: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
Photography: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute

March 11, 2016
All That Spring Jazz from Berklee (and it’s Free!)

Summer isn't the only season for free concerts in Boston this year! We recently received the following announcement from Berklee College of Music!

Berklee Global Jazz Institute Hosts Concerts By World-Renowned Jazz Masters Performing With Students

The Berklee Global Jazz institute (BGJI), led by pianist-composer-humanitarian Danilo Pérez, artistic director, and Marco Pignataro, managing director, is hosting a series of free concerts, workshops, and jam sessions in Boston featuring world-renowned jazz artists mentoring and performing with students. In addition to Perez, performers include visiting artists Terence Blanchard, Ricardo del Fra, Paris Conservatory Jazz Department Director, Alan Pasqua, and David Sanchez; BGJI artists in residence Adam Cruz, Ben Street, and David Liebman; and Grammy-winning BGJI faculty drummer and composer Terri Lyne Carrington, bassist John Patitucci, and saxophonist Joe Lovano.

The BGJI’s spring events run until May. All events take place at The Zero Gravity Room at 1260 Boylston Street, Boston, MA, and are open to the public free of charge. For more information, visit berklee.edu/bgji.

“We are opening the doors to the Berklee Global Jazz Institute to enable the community to experience some of the best performers of the international jazz world performing with our students – the foremost jazz artists of tomorrow,” explained Pérez. “What better way to combine the spirit of our programs – an extremely high level of musicianship with the advancement of the social power of music!”

BGJI Spring 2016 Events:

BGJI Forums, Wednesdays, 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm:

March 2, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and David Sanchez

March 9, featuring Danilo Pérez and Alan Pasqua

March 23, featuring Ben Street and Terence Blanchard

March 30, featuring Joe Lovano and John Patitucci

April 6, featuring Danilo Pérez and Ricardo del Fra

April 13, featuring Terri Lyne Carrington and Dave Liebman

April 20, featuring Ben Street and Adam Cruz

April 27, featuring Joe Lovano and Adam Cruz

(Photo of Danilo Pérez courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute)

BGJI Workshops, Tuesdays at 6:30 pm:

March 8, Danilo Pérez workshop

April 5, Danilo Pérez workshop

May 3, Danilo Pérez workshop

Back row, from left: Anthony Fung, Seungho Jang, Jerry Leake, and Mao Sone. Foreground: Ga Young Bae, Marco Pignataro

BGJI Concert Series and Jam Sessions, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm:

March 1

March 22

March 29

April 19

April 26

April 30

The Berklee Global Jazz Institute seeks to develop artists as both musicians and human beings to become role models for a new generation of musicians. Its programs promote traditional musicianship through classes, workshops, concerts performances, recording and jam sessions, and service learning through teaching and outreach programs. Throughout the program, students travel together, accompanied by their teachers and mentors, performing at concerts and festivals in the U.S., Europe, and South America. They are also teaching and giving outreach performances at various care homes, hospitals and correctional facilities in the Boston area. In addition to its undergraduate program in contemporary performance, the BGJI launched its master’s program in contemporary performance this academic year (2015-16).

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

Details:

Words: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute
Photography: Courtesy of Berklee Global Jazz Institute

March 11, 2016
Here Are More Good News Trends in Food for 2016

Here's more from of our observations on the 2016 food scene. Penny did extensive research on this topic during the last few weeks of 2015 for one of her newspaper columns. We thought we'd share a few of the trends she spotted, here.

We Aren't the Only Ones Drinking More Bubbles!

On the beverage scene, everyone is remarking about the growth in sales of sparkling wines. This is a great trend for so many reasons. Sparkling wine with its palate cleansing carbonation is a great match across a wide selection of foods. If you prefer wines with very low alcohol by volume (ABV on the label), many sparklers test in at 11% to 12.5% ABV. On the other hand, many red table wines are 13% to 16% ABV or more.

Less Wasted Food

Don’t be surprised if you hear more about wasted food in the months ahead. It's already a big topic in the food media and may soon gain the attention of the popular press. Notice we are using the term, "wasted food" instead of "food waste." We think that simple change makes a difference in how people think about the problem.

You might find broccoli stalks and leaves on your plate in the months ahead. Thrifty cooks have peeled, chopped, and used broccoli stems, asparagus stalks, cabbage cores, and cauliflower leaves for years. Now chefs are taking the lead in the movement to have less wasted food. Alongside “nose-to-tail” use of meat, you’ll see more of this “top-to-root” use of vegetables making its way onto menus.

Look for less than perfect versions of produce items offered at lower prices in supermarkets. Let's hope our farmers hop on this bandwagon too and bring some of the food with cosmetic blemishes to market to offer to those who care more about nutrition and taste than looks.

Good Fat

One article on this topic was headlined, “Fat is Back.” Slowly, we are learning that a low-fat diet may not be the best option and that some good fat is necessary for our health. One of the most popular good fats right now comes in the form of avocados. You’ll see avocado added to sandwiches and salads and used as the fat in frozen desserts.

Fish like wild caught salmon, mackerel, sardines, and herring are other good fat options. Coconut oil, olive oil, whole eggs, cheese, and dark chocolate are all given a nutritional nod of approval when eaten in moderation. In the photo above, you see one of our favorite suppers – cauliflower and eggs in a coconut milk curry sauce.

What food trends have you spotted? What trends in food do you wish would happen?

What's on your Food Lover's shopping list?

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: ©2011-2016 Penny & Ed Cherubino

Related articles

Toast July with American Sparkling Wines – A Few of Our Picks

Toasting June with Raventos i Blanc de Nit

We Toast the Month of May with Nino Franco Faive Rosé Brut

January 27, 2016
What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2015 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2015, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston.

Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

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

Trash Collection & Recycling

Boston Trash Collection for Christmas– The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

The MBTA has published this year's information

Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

we created a pdf of the MBTA Events page for this period: Download MBTA Holiday Schedule 2015

Wednesday, December 24, 2015

MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule

Thursday, December 25, 2015– MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, Silver Lines and Mattapan trolley will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

• Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Sunday Dog Bonnie Has a New Sister!

Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

December 11, 2015
What’s Open in Boston on Christmas Eve & Christmas Day 2015 Plus MBTA Schedules, Parking, Trash, & More

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Christmas, December 25, 2015, plus information on: trash collection, parking, MBTA schedule changes, and whatever else we were able to gather to answer your Chrismas week questions.

Remember, many businesses close early on Christmas Eve. Call before you leave, if you plan to visit a business on the 24th.

Welcome to all of you who have found BostonZest.com while looking for this information. We hope you'll look around at the other resources we provide, subscribe to our RSS feed, follow us on Twitter, and come back often.

Restaurants, bars: Some will be open. Check for special hours and menus and take a look at our piece on Where to Dine on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day 2015 Around Boston.

Convenience stores: Some will be open. Check for special hours.

Supermarkets: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Retail stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

Liquor stores: Closed due to "Massachusetts "Blue Laws" on Chrismas Day, December 25th.

City, Town, State and Federal offices and facilities are closed: This includes Schools, Libraries, and the Postal Service. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking: You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. When we have official hours for the Tow Lot over the holiday, we'll update this section. Call before going on Christmas eve or Chistmas day.

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

Trash Collection & Recycling

Boston Trash Collection for Christmas– The city has changed the way it publishes the schedule for holidays so that you now have to go to the city site and look up your specific address in order to get information.

MBTA Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Schedule Changes:

The MBTA has published this year's information

Again this year, the T has included New Year's Eve and New Year's Day, so you can do all your MBTA travel planning at this link! (Please note that the content on this page will change throughout the year.)

we created a pdf of the MBTA Events page for this period: Download MBTA Holiday Schedule 2015

Wednesday, December 24, 2015

MBTA Christmas Eve Schedule is a regular weekday schedule

Thursday, December 25, 2015– MBTA Christmas Day Schedule (Quick Look)

• Blue, Orange, Green, Red, Silver Lines and Mattapan trolley will operate on a Sunday schedule.

• Buses will run on a Sunday schedule, however some routes will not operate on Christmas day. See those details here.

• Commuter rail trains will operate on a Sunday schedule (which means some lines will not operate).

• Hingham, Hull, and Charlestown boat service will not operate.

• THE RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.

For additional information on MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call MBTA Customer Support at (617) 222-3200 or 1-800-392-6100 (TTY 617-222-5146)," or visit the MBTA website.

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

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2013 Penny Cherubino

Related articles

Sunday Dog Bonnie Has a New Sister!

Do You Have a Signature Dish that You Bring to Food Gatherings?

December 11, 2015