Tag: Massachusetts

What’s Open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015, Plus MBTA Schedule Changes, Parking, Trash & More
What's open in Boston on Thanksgiving, Thursday November 26, 2015? 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 that we'll update as new information comes our way.

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Thanksgiving 2015.

We post these rundowns early, when we notice our readers looking for the information on older posts. Because it's early, we will update as new information is announced. So, bookmark this page and check back. We'll send out notice of updates on Twitter.

Restaurants, bars: Many will be open, check for special hours and menus. Here's our post on Where to Dine Out on Thanksgiving.

Convenience stores: Many are open, check for special hours

Supermarkets: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Retail stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

Liquor stores: Closed due to Massachusetts "Blue Laws"

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

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

Parking & Street Sweeping

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

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

Trash Collection & Recycling

Boston Trash Collection for Thanksgiving week – 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.

UPDATE 11/20/15: Check your trash pick up schedule. There are changes. For example, the city sent out a neighborhood notice that there will be no pick up in the Back Bay on Thanksgiving. This is a new reduction in service.

MBTA information after the Ad from Amazon!

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MBTA Schedule Changes Updated 11/20/15

The MBTA has published their Thanksgiving schedule. Here is the link to the MBTA schedule changes for holidays. This link will change sometime before and after the holiday. We have created a PDF version of the page for the weekend that you can download if you wish.

Download MBTA Thanksgiving Update 2015

Here's a quick summary, of the highlights.
- Wednesday November 25th will have normal Wednesday subway, bus, and Commuter Rail schedules with extra Silver Line service to and from Logan Airport.
- Thanksgiving November 26th will have subways including the Silver Line on a Sunday schedule. Buses will run on a Sunday schedule with some routes not operating. Commuter Rail will run on a Sunday Schedule so some routes will not operate.
- Friday November 27th will have the Red, Orange, and Blue lines on a Friday Schedule and the Green Line on a Saturday Schedule. The Silver line will have extra service. Commuter Rail will run on a Friday schedule.
For further information, check with the MBTA Customer Communications Department at 617-222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: iStockphoto
November 13, 2015
Veterans Day 2015 What’s Open or Closed in Boston Plus MBTA, Trash & Parking Info

Here's a rundown of what's open in Boston on Veterans Day, information on Boston trash collection, parking meters, and MBTA schedules for Wednesday, November 11, 2015.

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.

Robert Gould Shaw memorial is cleaned on 2/12/1934 (Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.)

This year, November 11th falls on a Wednesday, giving a few lucky folks a break in the middle of the week.

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 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.

The MBTA has posted its Veterans Day Schedule.

The system will operate on a weekday schedule. You will find Complete Details Here. (But, only for a few days before and after the holiday.)

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."

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection. Used under creative commons license

November 4, 2015
Provincetown Is Ready for Halloween

Once upon a time, Provincetown closed up shop after Labor Day. These days, Halloween is a big weekend in that town at the tip of Massachusetts. Decorating had already started when we were out there.

Somerset House Inn always has a bit of seasonal bling on display for us to enjoy on our walks around town. They went all out for this weekend so we wanted to reward their efforts by making them and our favorite Cape Cod destination our Friday Link. Here's a link to what's going on in Provincetown this weekend.

At the famous "Purple House," as one friend calls the Somerset House Inn, the front stairs were lined with cats and pumpkin lanterns.

And the front yard had turned into a spooky graveyard …

… complete with "once-were-rats-creatures" ready to nibble at whatever they could find.

The locals were hoping for great weather and a busy weekend and, right now, it looks good for them to get their wish and wind up the season with a bit of extra cash from all those who see this as a natural place to dress up and celebrate!

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Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino

October 30, 2015
What’s Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2017 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.
Here's an updated (on 09/18/17) rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 9, 2017. Should additional information become available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

A few items are highlighted in yellow because the updated information has not been published as of yet. Follow us on Twitter or bookmark this page and return to check for more updates.

We feature these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make plans and then feature the information on the holiday. This is a permanent resource page that will be updated annually.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2017 in the Fenway Cultural District.

What's Open?

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 each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city of Boston no longer provides a simple paragraph that explains the trash schedule. Now everyone has to go to this page and enter their address in a box to find out when their trash will be picked up during holiday weeks.

Traffic Alerts/Road Closures: More will be added as we find them:
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 8, 2017 in the North End. Here's a link with more details from North End Waterfront. Columbus Day Parade in North End on Sunday October 8th, 1-3pm
- B.A.A. Half Marathon – Sunday, October 8, 2017 - from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- Tufts 10K – Monday October 9, 2017 – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2017

The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 9, 2017, has not been published. The new website does not have a link to find that information. ( We did send a request for an update to the T. We never received a reply.)

Last year the system ran pretty much on a Weekday Schedule.

You can Download MBTA Columbus Day 2016 announcement in a pdf form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Courtesy of The Fenway Cultural District

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Add "Miles on the MBTA" to Your Resource List
October 2, 2015
What’s Open & Closed in Boston on Columbus Day 2017 Plus Trash, Parking, MBTA Schedules & More.
Here's an updated (on 09/18/17) rundown of what's open and closed in Boston on Columbus Day and changes to MBTA schedules for October 9, 2017. Should additional information become available, we'll also update you on parking, street sweeping, traffic alerts, road closures, parades, and trash collection.

A few items are highlighted in yellow because the updated information has not been published as of yet. Follow us on Twitter or bookmark this page and return to check for more updates.

We feature these reminders before each holiday to help our readers make plans and then feature the information on the holiday. This is a permanent resource page that will be updated annually.

This is one of those holidays when, for a lot of people, it's "business as usual." Even the stock market is open. But, if you have the day off, you might enjoy a visit to Opening Our Doors 2017 in the Fenway Cultural District.

What's Open?

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 each year more banks decide to keep a few branches open. Check with your own bank.

Stock market: Open, as are international markets.

Boston Parking: City website says, "Free parking at all city meters. All other rules apply.

Street Sweeping: City website says, "On City holidays, we suspend street sweeping during the day, but we still sweep streets at night."

Boston Trash Collection:

The city of Boston no longer provides a simple paragraph that explains the trash schedule. Now everyone has to go to this page and enter their address in a box to find out when their trash will be picked up during holiday weeks.

Traffic Alerts/Road Closures: More will be added as we find them:
- Columbus Day Parade – Sunday, October 8, 2017 in the North End. Here's a link with more details from North End Waterfront. Columbus Day Parade in North End on Sunday October 8th, 1-3pm
- B.A.A. Half Marathon – Sunday, October 8, 2017 - from White Stadium in Franklin Park. Here's the official site for that event.
- Tufts 10K – Monday October 9, 2017 – Road closures in the Back Bay and Cambridge. Here's the site for details.
MBTA Columbus Day Schedules 2017

The MBTA schedule changes for Columbus Day, Monday, October 9, 2017, has not been published. The new website does not have a link to find that information. ( We did send a request for an update to the T. We never received a reply.)

Last year the system ran pretty much on a Weekday Schedule.

You can Download MBTA Columbus Day 2016 announcement in a pdf form.

For additional information on routes, schedules, and fares, contact the MBTA at (617) 222-3200, TTY 617-222-5146, or visit them at: www.mbta.com.

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photos: Courtesy of The Fenway Cultural District

Related articles

Add "Miles on the MBTA" to Your Resource List
October 2, 2015
Canoe Racing on the Charles: 1930s Marathon Style

Paddling on the Charles has been popular for many years. Back in the 1930s, regular reports on the results of canoe races were included in the Boston Globe. Most of the races covered were five or eight miles. But in one 1931 report, paddlers were challenged with a marathon course of 26 miles.

Photographer Leslie Jones covered one of these events along the way. Both of his photos are titled, "Canoe race, Charles River." Here are links to the one above and the one below. The records say they were taken in June of 1931.

The Boston Globe reported on a Canoe Marathon on June 22, 1931. It was won by Howard Chapin in a time of 3 hours, 56 minutes, and 20 seconds. While this was the only race on the Charles River that the newspaper covered, we have no way of knowing if this was the race that Leslie Jones photographed since he worked for a rival news organization.

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: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

July 15, 2015
Canoe Racing on the Charles: 1930s Marathon Style

Paddling on the Charles has been popular for many years. Back in the 1930s, regular reports on the results of canoe races were included in the Boston Globe. Most of the races covered were five or eight miles. But in one 1931 report, paddlers were challenged with a marathon course of 26 miles.

Photographer Leslie Jones covered one of these events along the way. Both of his photos are titled, "Canoe race, Charles River." Here are links to the one above and the one below. The records say they were taken in June of 1931.

The Boston Globe reported on a Canoe Marathon on June 22, 1931. It was won by Howard Chapin in a time of 3 hours, 56 minutes, and 20 seconds. While this was the only race on the Charles River that the newspaper covered, we have no way of knowing if this was the race that Leslie Jones photographed since he worked for a rival news organization.

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: Courtesy of the Boston Public Library, Leslie Jones Collection.

July 15, 2015
Collateral Damage as the Snow Melts

All over Boston, we are seeing collateral damage as the snow melts. Everyone is complaining about the litter left behind by irresponsible people and the trash that was never picked up by the city. But, in some cases, the damage was done as the city cleared the snow.

You may be surprised to see a shorter bench on the Hereford to Gloucester block of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall.

The other two sections of it were destroyed by a plow cleaning a path in the park. The driver decided to push the excess snow off to the side and took out the bench as that was done.

And, as the big snow harvester cleared the parking lanes along Commonwealth Avenue in the latter days of the snow removal, the machine shredded the No Parking for Snow Removal signs that were placed in the snowbanks. Now, they are chewed up splinters of wood and cardboard that will remain scattered on the grass as it emerges.

With that in mind, be careful as you walk your dogs on the Mall. We are spreading the word among park regulars and will try to pick up as many of the dangerous slivers as we can in the days ahead. Earlier this week, we met a new neighbor and her dog while she was filling a shopping bag with litter.

So, as the warm up comes, put on your work gloves, grab a bag, and a pair of long tongs (kept for this purpose) and do the "Duke Walk." If you don't know about that, it is named after former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis who walks the walk instead of just talking the talk. More on that here.

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Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny & Ed Cherubino
.

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March 24, 2015
Poppy Says, “Time to Get a Dog License!”

Massachusetts law requires that all dogs be licensed with their city or town by April 1st of each year. To apply, you must have proof of a current rabies vaccination.

Normally, Boston officials send out packages reminding people with dogs to renew. I called Animal Care and Control to check if the mailing had gone out and found that it's been delayed this year and that the city of Boston plans to delay enforcement.

I don't know what this does if you are in another city or town with your dog, since it's a state law that requires a license. Better apply online or call the contact number at Animal Care to ask that a license package be sent to you now.

I put a reminder on my calendar on March 1st and have already applied online and received Poppy's Boston dog license. Here's the link for Boston. (Check your city or town to see if it offers this convenient service.)

My Poppy was already registered, so I typed in her current license number and all my information was filled in by the system. I uploaded a photo of her spay certificate and one of her current rabies record. Then I entered my credit card information and completed the transaction. The cost this year in Boston for a spayed dog is $16, including a one dollar processing fee.

When her license arrived, we scanned it and put a copy in Dropbox so that both Ed and I always have access to it on our phones. The tag was added to Poppy's ID set.

On a side note, Poppy would like to thank the person who cleared this park bench for her. She loves benches.

Low Cost Rabies Clinics

From the Facebook Page for the City of Boston Animal Care and Control, here is a list of the times and places where you can get a low cost rabies vaccination. The following information was given in two posts.

Fees:

"The fees for the rabies clinics are:
$5 for the rabies shot for Boston Residents
$10 for non-Boston Residents

License fees:
$15 for Spayed/Neutered Dogs
$30 for non-fixed Dogs"

Clinics:

"Saturday April 4th 10am-2pm
Codman Square BCYF Perkins Community Center
155 Talbot Ave

Saturday May 2nd 10am-2pm
East Boston BCYF Martin Pino Community Center
86 Boardman St

Saturday May 9th 10am-2pm
West Roxbury BCYF Roche Family Community Center
1716 Centre St

Saturday May 16th 10am-2pm
South Boston BCYF Condon Community Center
200 D St

Tuesday September 22nd 4pm-8pm
City of Boston Animal Care and Control
26 Mahler Rd"

Update 04.14.15 Since we didn't see any improvement in the list or access to information about low cost rabies clinics in Boston we hunted down this list from the state.

Why Should You Get a Dog License?

We've said it before and now we are saying it again. A license is proof that your dog has had a rabies shot. That's important to anyone who might have to help you find a lost dog or treat a hurt one.

It's really important to let the city know how many dogs live here and should be considered when the politicians do their planning and spend our money. Getting everyone to license their dogs will send a message. So, stand up and be counted!

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2015 Penny Cherubino

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Get Ready for Amtrak's "All Aboard" for Dogs & Cats

What Is Evacuation Day (Saint Patrick's Day) and What's Open & Closed & MBTA Schedules?

March 15, 2015
Get Ready for Amtrak’s “All Aboard” for Dogs & Cats

It was just a couple of weeks ago when we asked you to "Lend Your Support to Allowing Dogs & Cats on Amtrak." The good news is that the bill we asked you to support has passed. While the bureaucrats slowly set up the program, you can get your companion animals ready to be great passengers.

Train on Local Trains

Our Poppy is a subway pro. We take her on the MBTA often enough to keep her acclimatized to the noise, crowded conditions, and movement of the trains. But, as someone who has ridden trains along the Northeast corridor, I know that the motion of those trains is not exactly the same as subway sways.

Commuter rail photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

Under MBTA pet guidelines, your dog or cat is already welcome aboard the Commuter Rail. Pick a destination where you and your dog can have some fun and plan a day trip this spring.

How about Salem as a first trip? It's a fairly short, half hour ride with lots to do when you get there. (In summer, there is also a ferry to Salem which can be a great way to get a dog ready for boat rides.)

If that works out, you could try Newburyport for the next destination – it takes a little more than an hour to reach and should be a good test.

It would be a good idea for us to get Poppy used to riding in her Sherpa Pet Carrier because we usually travel off-peak on the subway and can hold her in a lap or in our arms.

CapeFLYER Is Pet Friendly

If a trip to Cape Cod is more to your liking, you and your dog or cat can ride the CapeFLYER to one of its stops, once the train resumes for the summer season. Pets ride free aboard this popular service. And, I have to wonder if the pet option is one of the reasons it was an immediate success.

Acela photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

New York, Portland, and Philadelphia Here We Come!

Once we are allowed to take Poppy with us, we'll be on board for three of our favorite car-free destinations: New York City, Philadelphia, and Portland, Maine.

Downeaster photo courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism

The Downeaster to Portland should be one of the first test routes considering how dog-friendly that city happens to be. And, we look forward to spending more time in New York and Philadelphia.

Where will you go by train with your favorite companion animal?

Get to know all of our Sunday Dogs at Boston Dogs.

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Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: istockphoto for the traveling dog image. Trains are courtesy of the Massachusetts Office of Tourism used under this creative commons license.

March 8, 2015