Category: Boston Green

  • Check Out The Trustees Calendar of Places to Go & Things to Do!

    For our Friday Link today, we're sending you to a spring and summer of fun places to go and things to do with the Trustees of Reservations, now going by the simple title of The Trustees!

    Screen Shot 2017-04-03 at Monday  April 3  20178.57.58 AM

    As members, we keep our seasonal copy of Special Places around.

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    It contains a calendar of events that are handy for times when a beautiful day tempts us to get outdoors or a rainy day would be perfect for taking in a Trustees event at The Kitchen inside the Boston Public Market.

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    While all this information is available on the site, we like this format because we can highlight things of interest and add them to our calendars.

    Joining this great organization is your ticket to new adventures in the months ahead.

    And, remember dog lovers, this is one organization that has worked to arrange access for you and your dog at some of their properties. Here are some of their Tail Wagging Destinations.

    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
    Screenshots courtesy of The Trustess

  • Dutchess Poppy Says, Time to Get Your Dog License for 2017

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Here is something you need to put on the to-do list of your human servants. 

    GET YOUR 2017 DOG LICENSE

    In Boston it's so simple even a human can do it. I nagged a bit when I spotted the envelope from Inspectional Services in the mail pile, sat Penny down at her computer, and I already have an official 2017 dog tag from the city. 

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Because I already had all my information in the system, the city sent a reminder to my staff. But, this year, it arrived early in February instead of late March or April. Good work dog license crew.

    IMG_6968 - Version 22017-02-09spoonful© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    My new tag arrived in a week!

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done online.

    Should you require an updated rabies vaccination before you can apply for a license, there are a few low-cost rabies clinics scheduled. Here's the list. Or you can Download 2017 Boston Rabies Clinics.

    Staff Training on Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, g-r-o-w-l at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

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    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going during a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • Dutchess Poppy Says, Time to Get Your Dog License for 2017

    Duchess Poppy Whitehead here! (Once we're friends, you can call me Poppy.)

    Here is something you need to put on the to-do list of your human servants. 

    GET YOUR 2017 DOG LICENSE

    In Boston it's so simple even a human can do it. I nagged a bit when I spotted the envelope from Inspectional Services in the mail pile, sat Penny down at her computer, and I already have an official 2017 dog tag from the city. 

    DSC_6727 - Version 32015-09-03duchess-poppy-westie-boston-© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    License

    Because I already had all my information in the system, the city sent a reminder to my staff. But, this year, it arrived early in February instead of late March or April. Good work dog license crew.

    IMG_6968 - Version 22017-02-09spoonful© 2014 Penny Cherubino

    My new tag arrived in a week!

    Just like you have to make sure your chauffeur has a valid driver's license, you have to be sure one of your human staff members gets you a Boston dog license. (If Boston is your main residence and you are more than six months old.)

    You can sit them down at a computer and send them to the Animal Care and Control page for more information. Here is the link for your secretary to get your license done online.

    Should you require an updated rabies vaccination before you can apply for a license, there are a few low-cost rabies clinics scheduled. Here's the list. Or you can Download 2017 Boston Rabies Clinics.

    Staff Training on Leash Laws

    Please don't come running up to me on one of those long, thin, dangerous strings with a pulley. I'm a bit shy and I don't trust those things. You'll make me stamp my little paw down!

    Boston's leash law is clearly stated on the city’s site, “When your dog is off your property, it must be on a leash.” City ordinance calls for a leash of 10-feet or less. That makes most retractable leashes technically illegal in Boston. If a person tries to attach one to you, g-r-o-w-l at them. 

    One more interesting aspect of Boston’s dog rules is that while out with you, your retainers, if asked, must be able to show that they are carrying something to pick up dog waste. This makes city dog walks a prime reason to attach a roll of pick-up bags to your leash.

    Even if your people use recycled bags to do the majority of clean ups, the roll will give them a back up supplies if you are stopped after your business is done, but the walk isn’t.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834019102df04cf970c-800wi

    Sir Felix is one of my special knights. He prefers a leather leash or halter when he escorts me around the pond.

    Dog Parks

    I must admit, I'm not much of a dog park dog. I prefer a nice chat on a park bench or a picnic lunch under a shady tree.

    But, for those who like to romp, the legal exceptions to the leash law are: the “official off-leash hours” on the Boston Common, and inside the fences at dog parks like Peter’s Park in the South End, DeFilippo Park in the North End, and Ronan Park in Dorchester. 

    Screen Shot 2014-08-25 at Monday, August 25, 20145.15.32 PM

    Emergency Services 

    The one bit of guidance you must be sure your humans note is that Angell Animal Medical Center Emergency Services are available, as they say, “… every day of the year, 24 hours each day.” My people have their number on all our cell phones in case of an emergency. And it can't hurt to have your chauffeur practice a drive to the location so he or she will know where you are going during a stressful time. You don't want to be giving the driver directions if you have an upset tummy.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about living in Boston, have your people send them to my people and I'll try to dig out answers. (I do love to dig.) Add your thoughts in the comments below. Tweet them to @BostonZest or send us an email.

    Get to know all of the wonderful Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

     

    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: The Most Noble Duchess Poppy of Whitehead. (Dictated to her humble servants Ed & Penny)
    Photography: © 2013-2017 Penny & Ed Cherubino  

  • “Snow isn’t just pretty. It also cleanses our world …”

    George Washington crossing the snowy scene in the Public Garden this morning.

    IMG_1377 copy

    "Snow isn't just pretty. It also cleanses our world and our senses, not just of the soot and grime of a Fife mining town but also of a kind of weary familiarity, a taken-for-granted quality to which our eyes are all too susceptible." John Burnside, Scottish Writer 

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    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 Cherubino  

  • “Snow isn’t just pretty. It also cleanses our world …”

    George Washington crossing the snowy scene in the Public Garden this morning.

    IMG_1377 copy

    "Snow isn't just pretty. It also cleanses our world and our senses, not just of the soot and grime of a Fife mining town but also of a kind of weary familiarity, a taken-for-granted quality to which our eyes are all too susceptible." John Burnside, Scottish Writer 

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    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 Cherubino  

  • Save These “Shadow Hearings Dates,” Boston’s Historic Parks Need Your Voice

    There are two hearings scheduled in the busy weeks ahead on the City's attempt to allow a developer to construct buildings that will cast additional shadows on the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

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    Plan to speak up for our precious, historic parks at one of the two scheduled meetings.

    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH:
     Suffolk Law School, Moot Court Room, 4th Floor, 120 Tremont Street (map)
     
    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH
    290 Congress Street (near South Station) in the Fort Point Room (map)
     
     
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    The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying: "It is critical that citizens attend these meetings and voice their concerns about the project and the importance of protecting our open spaces. Even if you can't attend the meeting, please express your concerns in writing (by letter or email) so that they are received by the BPDA (formerly the BRA) by January 2nd, the new deadline the BPDA has established for public comments. Your comments should stress the importance of protecting the parks by retaining the existing shadow laws, and should be sent to:
     
    Christopher Tracy, Senior Project Manager
    Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)
    One City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
    christopher.tracy@boston.gov"
     
     
    IMG_4903 copy
     
    Here at BostonZest, we'll continue to show you photos of sunlight in the parks to remind you of what's at stake.
     
     
    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  

  • Save These “Shadow Hearings Dates,” Boston’s Historic Parks Need Your Voice

    There are two hearings scheduled in the busy weeks ahead on the City's attempt to allow a developer to construct buildings that will cast additional shadows on the Boston Common, the Boston Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

    IMG_4723 copy

    Plan to speak up for our precious, historic parks at one of the two scheduled meetings.

    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 5TH:
     Suffolk Law School, Moot Court Room, 4th Floor, 120 Tremont Street (map)
     
    6:30 PM ON MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH
    290 Congress Street (near South Station) in the Fort Point Room (map)
     
     
    IMG_1080 copy
     
    The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay has taken a strong stand on this issue, saying: "It is critical that citizens attend these meetings and voice their concerns about the project and the importance of protecting our open spaces. Even if you can't attend the meeting, please express your concerns in writing (by letter or email) so that they are received by the BPDA (formerly the BRA) by January 2nd, the new deadline the BPDA has established for public comments. Your comments should stress the importance of protecting the parks by retaining the existing shadow laws, and should be sent to:
     
    Christopher Tracy, Senior Project Manager
    Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA)
    One City Hall Square
    Boston, MA 02201
    christopher.tracy@boston.gov"
     
     
    IMG_4903 copy
     
    Here at BostonZest, we'll continue to show you photos of sunlight in the parks to remind you of what's at stake.
     
     
    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  

  • “Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.” Or a pond…

    Early on Thanksgiving morning, I had the Public Garden mostly to myself. It was quiet enough to hear the birds and still enough to enjoy the moment.

    IMG_4903 copy

    "Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror." Khalil Gibran

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    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 Cherubino  

  • “Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror.” Or a pond…

    Early on Thanksgiving morning, I had the Public Garden mostly to myself. It was quiet enough to hear the birds and still enough to enjoy the moment.

    IMG_4903 copy

    "Beauty is eternity gazing at itself in a mirror." Khalil Gibran

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.

    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 Cherubino  

  • Light and Shadow in the Public Garden

    Light is an important part of our enjoyment of the Boston Public Garden. Every moment of every day, the places kissed by the sun give enjoyment to visitors and residents.

    IMG_4723 copy

    "Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.” – George Eastman

    About Today in Boston: We keep hearing that people miss our cover photos that ran for years in the Back Bay Sun. That assignment was to provide a photo that showed what the week was like in the neighborhood. Often the photos illustrated favorite quotations. Today in Boston is an occasional offering to our BostonZest readers featuring photos along the same theme but taken wherever we happen to be.
    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 Cherubino