Category: Boston:101

  • Professional Boston Fire Department Organized January 27, 1678

    PC2_1718 - Version 42014-01-12-vendome-fire-memorial-boston-commonwealth-avenue-mall-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    On this day in 1678, Boston took the first steps that evolved into what we know today as the Boston FIre Department.

    According to the Boston Fire Historical Society:

    "The first paid (call) municipal fire department organized. Thomas Atkins is the first fire chief, aided by twelve assistants. The first fire engine purchased and a building provided to house fire engine. The engine, imported from England, was lodged in a shed on town land on Queen (now Court) St., near the (then) prison."

    The photo is of the Vendome Fire Memorial on Commonwealth Avenue Mall.  

    We sometimes get questions about our cameras. Here are the answers.

    This Canon PowerShot G15 camera will give you what you need to take stills and video of your celebrations. Canon's G series is our all-time favorite for everyday cameras. We own the G10 and G11. They're a little bigger than the compacts most people use, but let you shoot with automatic settings or easy-to-use manual controls that please the many pros who use them as second cameras. And, if you are ready to turn pro, follow our lead. Ed Shoots with the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR to and Penny uses her Nikon D600.

     

    Details:

    Writers: Penny Cherubino

    Photograph: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

  • Professional Boston Fire Department Organized January 27, 1678

    PC2_1718 - Version 42014-01-12-vendome-fire-memorial-boston-commonwealth-avenue-mall-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    On this day in 1678, Boston took the first steps that evolved into what we know today as the Boston FIre Department.

    According to the Boston Fire Historical Society:

    "The first paid (call) municipal fire department organized. Thomas Atkins is the first fire chief, aided by twelve assistants. The first fire engine purchased and a building provided to house fire engine. The engine, imported from England, was lodged in a shed on town land on Queen (now Court) St., near the (then) prison."

    The photo is of the Vendome Fire Memorial on Commonwealth Avenue Mall.  

    We sometimes get questions about our cameras. Here are the answers.

    This Canon PowerShot G15 camera will give you what you need to take stills and video of your celebrations. Canon's G series is our all-time favorite for everyday cameras. We own the G10 and G11. They're a little bigger than the compacts most people use, but let you shoot with automatic settings or easy-to-use manual controls that please the many pros who use them as second cameras. And, if you are ready to turn pro, follow our lead. Ed Shoots with the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR to and Penny uses her Nikon D600.

     

    Details:

    Writers: Penny Cherubino

    Photograph: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

  • Professional Boston Fire Department Organized January 27, 1678

    PC2_1718 - Version 42014-01-12-vendome-fire-memorial-boston-commonwealth-avenue-mall-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    On this day in 1678, Boston took the first steps that evolved into what we know today as the Boston FIre Department.

    According to the Boston Fire Historical Society:

    "The first paid (call) municipal fire department organized. Thomas Atkins is the first fire chief, aided by twelve assistants. The first fire engine purchased and a building provided to house fire engine. The engine, imported from England, was lodged in a shed on town land on Queen (now Court) St., near the (then) prison."

    The photo is of the Vendome Fire Memorial on Commonwealth Avenue Mall.  

    We sometimes get questions about our cameras. Here are the answers.

    This Canon PowerShot G15 camera will give you what you need to take stills and video of your celebrations. Canon's G series is our all-time favorite for everyday cameras. We own the G10 and G11. They're a little bigger than the compacts most people use, but let you shoot with automatic settings or easy-to-use manual controls that please the many pros who use them as second cameras. And, if you are ready to turn pro, follow our lead. Ed Shoots with the Nikon D7000 Digital SLR to and Penny uses her Nikon D600.

     

    Details:

    Writers: Penny Cherubino

    Photograph: © 2014 Penny Cherubino

  • What’s Open in Boston & MBTA Schedules Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20, 2014. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

    This is an outdated post. You'll find the information for 2016 at this link.

    6096851190_6aa86f888b
    Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

    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 both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

     

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

     

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The City website says,

    "Martin Luther King Week-Monday, January 20, 6am – Saturday, January 25, 2014, 5pm 

    • No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End
    • Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
    •  *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay. Report Missed Pickup"

    Street Cleaning: 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."

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2014: 

    For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

    • Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    • Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

       

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • What’s Open in Boston & MBTA Schedules Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20, 2014. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

    This is an outdated post. You'll find the information for 2016 at this link.

    6096851190_6aa86f888b
    Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

    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 both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

     

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

     

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The City website says,

    "Martin Luther King Week-Monday, January 20, 6am – Saturday, January 25, 2014, 5pm 

    • No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End
    • Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
    •  *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay. Report Missed Pickup"

    Street Cleaning: 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."

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2014: 

    For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

    • Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    • Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

       

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • What’s Open in Boston & MBTA Schedules Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2014

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston, plus Boston trash collection, parking, and MBTA schedules for Martin Luther King Jr. Day – January 20, 2014. We try to publish this information ahead of the holiday so you can make your plans.

    This is an outdated post. You'll find the information for 2016 at this link.

    6096851190_6aa86f888b
    Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

    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 both Banks and the Stock Markets in the United States closed. International markets are open.

     

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

     

    Boston Trash and Recycling:

    The City website says,

    "Martin Luther King Week-Monday, January 20, 6am – Saturday, January 25, 2014, 5pm 

    • No delay of trash or recycling pick up in Back Bay, Bay Village, Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Mission Hill, North End, Roxbury, South Boston, and the South End
    • Allston/Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, West Roxbury and Hyde Park, delayed a day
    •  *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay. Report Missed Pickup"

    Street Cleaning: 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."

    MBTA Schedule for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, January 20, 2014: 

    For a few days before and after the holiday, the MBTA Schedule is posted at this link.

    • Subway: Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Silver lines will operate on a Saturday schedule.
    • Buses and Trackless Trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule with a list of routes posted here that will not operate.
    • Commuter rail trains will operate on a regular weekday schedule. 
    • Boat service – Hingham, Charlestown – will operate on regular weekday schedules. 
    •  The RIDE will operate on a Saturday schedule. 

    For more information about MBTA services, routes, schedules, and fares, please call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or log on to the MBTA’s website www.mbta.com

     

    Keeping warm is on the top of everyone's agenda. Amazon has excellent underlayers to keep you toasty.

     

       

     

    Details:
    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: Photo of Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial by Scott Ableman used under creative commons license AttributionNoncommercialNo Derivative Works Some rights reserved 

  • Storm Shopping Beyond French Toast Ingredients

    We know that Boston goes into an instant French Toast frenzy when a winter storm is forecast. While we may need to pick up our daily supply of bread and milk, our storm supplies often include a whole chicken.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3fcc6cd2970c-800wi

    As temperatures dipped and our heat pump and humidifier were running non-stop trying to keep us warm and comfortable, Penny took to the the kitchen and started cooking a plump chicken in chicken stock and aromatics. 

    As soon as the chicken was poached, she removed it from the pot, let it cool enough to handle, and stripped the meat. The bones, skin, and everything else went back into the pot to simmer for a couple of hours. 

    Not only did our home smell wonderful, but the simmering broth also added warmth and humidity helping our heating system keep us comfortable.

    DSC_0650 - Version 22014-01-04-curried-chicken-salad-raisin-celery-scallion-apple-carrot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When the stock was rich and densely flavored, she froze some for future soups, made a pot of chicken soup and a curried chicken salad.

    DSC_0635 - Version 22014-01-04-spice-box-curry-powder-cumin, star-anise-cloves-bay-leaves-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    For the salad she used a chicken breast, an apple, a carrot, a stalk of celery, a scallion, some raisins and a big spoonful of curry powder. (You can add curry power a bit at a time, but it does take a healthy dose to add zip to that chicken and apple.

    DSC_0634 - Version 22014-01-04-curried-chicken-salad-raisin-celery-scallion-apple-carrot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Toss it with a bit of oil and vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. That gave us healthy bowls of food with a hot and cold option throughout the storm.

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Storm Shopping Beyond French Toast Ingredients

    We know that Boston goes into an instant French Toast frenzy when a winter storm is forecast. While we may need to pick up our daily supply of bread and milk, our storm supplies often include a whole chicken.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3fcc6cd2970c-800wi

    As temperatures dipped and our heat pump and humidifier were running non-stop trying to keep us warm and comfortable, Penny took to the the kitchen and started cooking a plump chicken in chicken stock and aromatics. 

    As soon as the chicken was poached, she removed it from the pot, let it cool enough to handle, and stripped the meat. The bones, skin, and everything else went back into the pot to simmer for a couple of hours. 

    Not only did our home smell wonderful, but the simmering broth also added warmth and humidity helping our heating system keep us comfortable.

    DSC_0650 - Version 22014-01-04-curried-chicken-salad-raisin-celery-scallion-apple-carrot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When the stock was rich and densely flavored, she froze some for future soups, made a pot of chicken soup and a curried chicken salad.

    DSC_0635 - Version 22014-01-04-spice-box-curry-powder-cumin, star-anise-cloves-bay-leaves-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    For the salad she used a chicken breast, an apple, a carrot, a stalk of celery, a scallion, some raisins and a big spoonful of curry powder. (You can add curry power a bit at a time, but it does take a healthy dose to add zip to that chicken and apple.

    DSC_0634 - Version 22014-01-04-curried-chicken-salad-raisin-celery-scallion-apple-carrot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Toss it with a bit of oil and vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. That gave us healthy bowls of food with a hot and cold option throughout the storm.

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Storm Shopping Beyond French Toast Ingredients

    We know that Boston goes into an instant French Toast frenzy when a winter storm is forecast. While we may need to pick up our daily supply of bread and milk, our storm supplies often include a whole chicken.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d3fcc6cd2970c-800wi

    As temperatures dipped and our heat pump and humidifier were running non-stop trying to keep us warm and comfortable, Penny took to the the kitchen and started cooking a plump chicken in chicken stock and aromatics. 

    As soon as the chicken was poached, she removed it from the pot, let it cool enough to handle, and stripped the meat. The bones, skin, and everything else went back into the pot to simmer for a couple of hours. 

    Not only did our home smell wonderful, but the simmering broth also added warmth and humidity helping our heating system keep us comfortable.

    DSC_0650 - Version 22014-01-04-curried-chicken-salad-raisin-celery-scallion-apple-carrot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    When the stock was rich and densely flavored, she froze some for future soups, made a pot of chicken soup and a curried chicken salad.

    DSC_0635 - Version 22014-01-04-spice-box-curry-powder-cumin, star-anise-cloves-bay-leaves-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    For the salad she used a chicken breast, an apple, a carrot, a stalk of celery, a scallion, some raisins and a big spoonful of curry powder. (You can add curry power a bit at a time, but it does take a healthy dose to add zip to that chicken and apple.

    DSC_0634 - Version 22014-01-04-curried-chicken-salad-raisin-celery-scallion-apple-carrot-© 2011 Penny Cherubino

    Toss it with a bit of oil and vinegar and salt and pepper to taste. That gave us healthy bowls of food with a hot and cold option throughout the storm.

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

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © 2014 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • What’s Open in Boston New Year’s Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2013 – 2014

     

    This is an outdated post. Click the link below for the latest information:

    What's Open in Boston New Year's Eve and Day & MBTA Schedules 2015 – 2016 plus Parking, Trash & More

     

    Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on New Year's Day and the MBTA schedules for New Year's Eve December 31, 2013 and New Year's Day, January 1, 2014.

    Update: 1.1.14

    From the CIty of Boston website

    Screen Shot 2014-01-01 at 1.55.39 PM

    What's closed? Do I have to feed the parking meters? What about street sweeping? Are the liquor stores and packies open? When do I put out my trash? And, what changes are there to the MBTA schedules? We have the answers for you, all organized in one post!

    6a00e54fc42bb8883401901cbe1ee8970b-800wi

    Some businesses close early on New Year's Eve but with the crowds expected for First Night, others, especially those in the hospitality business, stay open. Call before you leave if you plan to visit a business on the 31st.

    Here's what we've learned about January 1st, 2014 – New Year's Day

    Restaurants, bars: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Here's a link to our post on restaurants that are open for the celebration: Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2013 and New Years Day in Boston

    Convenience stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Supermarkets: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Retail stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    Liquor stores: Are allowed to open if the owners choose

    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.

    More after the ad…

    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!

    Make your own holiday wish come true. Find the gift you really want on Amazon! And, by starting from here, you'll be supporting BostonZest and keeping the information flowing your way.


    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.

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

    Boston Trash Collection: The announcement from Public Works from the Recycling & Trash Holiday Collection Schedule:

    New Years Trash Collection

    Monday, December 30, 2013, 6am – Saturday, January 4, 2014, 5pm

    • "Monday and Tuesday December 30th and 31st: Regular trash and recycling for all sections of the City.
    • Bay Village Beacon Hill, Charlestown, Chinatown, Fenway, Leather District, Lower Roxbury, Mission Hill, North End, South End, and Sections of Back Bay: regular schedule, no delays.
    • Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, South Boston, West Roxbury: Delayed a day on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.
    • *If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

    MBTA Schedule Changes for New Year’s Eve & New Year’s Day-

    MBTA has full information up on their events page. (If you are coming to this post after the holiday, that page will have changed.)
     
    Here are the important points for New Year's Eve, Tuesday, December 31, 2013
    • The Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on a modified weekday schedule
    • The Siver Line will run on a weekday schedule
    • The Commuter Rail will run on a modified weekday schedule – the last trains out are listed here
    • Buses, trackless trolleys, and Express buses will run on a regular weekday schedule 
    • Boats: Charlestown will operate a regular weekday schedule; others a modified weekday schedule
    • The Ride will operate on a regular weekday schedule with extended hours until 2:30 a.m.
     
    Here are the important points for New Year's Day, Wednesday, January 1, 2014
    • The Silver, Red, Orange, Blue, and Green lines will run on Sunday Schedule
    • Some Commuter Rail lines will run on a Sunday schedule. Fairmount, Greenbush, Kingston/Plymouth, and Needham will not operate.
    • Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with a long list of buses not operating. Check those here.
    • Boats will not operate
    • The RIDE will operate on a Sunday schedule.
    For more information call the T’s Customer Information Center at 617-222-3200 (TTY 617-222-5146) or visit the MBTA website."

     Details:

    Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
    Photography: © iStockphoto 

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