bostonzest

Tag: 2014

  • 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    This is an outdated post.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 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • What’s Open in Boston 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 

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Boston

    Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine this New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

    This is an outdated post.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

    Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

     

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015393e8612b970b-800wi

    We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.

    • Are you looking for a place to ring in 2014 with a happy crowd?
    • Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
    • Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration? 
    • Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more yours style?

    We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like. 

    We always recommend Hamersley's Bistro as a perfect place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion. It's been one of the few exceptions to our stay-at-home rule. This year, they're planning a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast if you're there at midnight.

    Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants. 

    You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

    The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day.

    And, here are a few suggestions published by Boston's great food sites last year: We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

    There are also restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.

    • Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list. 
    • Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
    • Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
    • Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves. 
    • La Morra in Brookline – chef Josh Ziskin says he saves some of his most prized dishes just for this evening. He's serving a four-course Italian dinner with a glass of Prosecco for toasting. 

    Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

    To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates. 

    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: Photo: iStockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Boston

    Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine this New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

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

    Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

     

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015393e8612b970b-800wi

    We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.

    • Are you looking for a place to ring in 2014 with a happy crowd?
    • Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
    • Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration? 
    • Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more yours style?

    We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like. 

    We always recommend Hamersley's Bistro as a perfect place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion. It's been one of the few exceptions to our stay-at-home rule. This year, they're planning a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast if you're there at midnight.

    Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants. 

    You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

    The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day.

    And, here are a few suggestions published by Boston's great food sites last year: We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

    There are also restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.

    • Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list. 
    • Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
    • Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
    • Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves. 
    • La Morra in Brookline – chef Josh Ziskin says he saves some of his most prized dishes just for this evening. He's serving a four-course Italian dinner with a glass of Prosecco for toasting. 

    Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

    To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates. 

    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: Photo: iStockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Where to Dine on New Year’s Eve 2013 in Boston

    Our readers are already searching our past posts to figure out where to dine this New Year's Eve in Boston. It's time for you to grab a reservation at a special place!

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

    Where to Dine on New Year's Eve 2015 & New Year's Day Brunch 2016

     

    6a00e54fc42bb88834015393e8612b970b-800wi

    We all have our ideas of the perfect New Year's Eve.

    • Are you looking for a place to ring in 2014 with a happy crowd?
    • Will you be out and about dropping in on events or house parties?
    • Or will you make a reservation for a quiet dinner before popping a cork for a private celebration? 
    • Is a walk to view the ice sculptures and skating on the Frog Pond more yours style?

    We'll leave the New Year's Eve reservation for those of you who like to be part of a bigger celebration, while we spend the evening with some sparkling wine, good food, and great companions. However, we have gathered resources to help you find a place for any kind of New Year's Eve you'd like. 

    We always recommend Hamersley's Bistro as a perfect place to enjoy a meal on a special occasion. It's been one of the few exceptions to our stay-at-home rule. This year, they're planning a four-course prix fixe menu with a champagne toast if you're there at midnight.

    Everyone can begin at Open Table. They maintain a list of special New Year's celebrations at area restaurants. 

    You can put a time into the reservation box on the main page and see what's available. Remember, many places have special prix fixe menus for occasions like this and some may require a credit card to hold a reservation.

    The site Boston Chefs always posts a listing of its member restaurants that have special plans for New Year's Eve. Here is their New Year's Eve list. And, here's the list for New Year's Day.

    And, here are a few suggestions published by Boston's great food sites last year: We'll update this section as we spot new information from these sources.

    There are also restaurants that have planned a special New Year's Eve menu but have built their reputation on high quality food. These are places where you can expect to have a wonderful meal any day of the year.

    • Island Creek Oyster Bar is serving its regular menu and, for that kindness, we've put them at the top of this list. 
    • Eastern Standard, next door, is doing the same. Regular menu, great wine list, craft cocktails.
    • Grotto on Beacon Hill, Kitchen in the South End, and Marliave downtown all join that list of places sticking with the food you love.
    • Brasserie JO has a special menu but alway provides great food in a relaxed atmosphere, and their desserts are a party in themselves. 
    • La Morra in Brookline – chef Josh Ziskin says he saves some of his most prized dishes just for this evening. He's serving a four-course Italian dinner with a glass of Prosecco for toasting. 

    Where are you spending the evening? What's your favorite way to celebrate? Come back on January 1st and tell us about your New Year's Eve.

    To be notified of updates to this post, sign-on to the comment feed for this post or follow us on Twitter for updates. 

    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: Photo: iStockphoto.com

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

  • Boston Snow Emergency Links 2013 – 2014

    Here's what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency for the winter of 2013 – 2014. 

    This post contains out of date links. We have created a new Snow Emergency post.

    What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

    We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.  

    More Information here.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d40e85953970c-800wi

    General information you need to know about any snow emergency. 

    • "Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
    • Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
    • Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.   
    • Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
    • Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
    • Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms.  Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"

    Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,

    Before The Storm

    If you haven't alread done it, click over and sign up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

    Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

    If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

    Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

    And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

    Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

    Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

    With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

    "DO

        * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
        * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
        * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be  subject to standard parking rates.
        * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
        * Follow winter weather driving tips.

    DON'T

        * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
        * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
        * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
        * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
        * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017ee85d1a6f970d-800wi

    If your Car is Missing


    There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm. 

    Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

    Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

    Digging Out

    Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

    If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

    Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
    In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

    There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

    In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

    Here's the place to start for winter storm information from the city:

    Subscribe to Snow Emergency Alerts by text, voice, or email:

    Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

    Main number: 617-635-3050

    24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

    UH FT

    French Toast Alert System

    If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

    Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.

    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: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

     

    "Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8 

    Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8 

    Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.  

    Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.  

    City Employees: Essential Personnel only  

    Parking Meters: Normal rules apply  

    Tow Lot: Normal Hours 

    Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule 

    City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11 

    City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11  

    MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.  

    Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.  

    Other/Special Events*: N/A 

    *The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

    Related articles
    The ugly truth behind Boston's tradition of space savers

  • Boston Snow Emergency Links 2013 – 2014

    Here's what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency for the winter of 2013 – 2014. 

    This post contains out of date links. We have created a new Snow Emergency post.

    What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

    We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.  

    More Information here.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d40e85953970c-800wi

    General information you need to know about any snow emergency. 

    • "Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
    • Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
    • Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.   
    • Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
    • Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
    • Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms.  Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"

    Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,

    Before The Storm

    If you haven't alread done it, click over and sign up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

    Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

    If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

    Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

    And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

    Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

    Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

    With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

    "DO

        * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
        * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
        * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be  subject to standard parking rates.
        * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
        * Follow winter weather driving tips.

    DON'T

        * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
        * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
        * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
        * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
        * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017ee85d1a6f970d-800wi

    If your Car is Missing


    There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm. 

    Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

    Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

    Digging Out

    Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

    If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

    Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
    In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

    There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

    In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

    Here's the place to start for winter storm information from the city:

    Subscribe to Snow Emergency Alerts by text, voice, or email:

    Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

    Main number: 617-635-3050

    24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

    UH FT

    French Toast Alert System

    If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

    Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.

    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: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

     

    "Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8 

    Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8 

    Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.  

    Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.  

    City Employees: Essential Personnel only  

    Parking Meters: Normal rules apply  

    Tow Lot: Normal Hours 

    Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule 

    City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11 

    City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11  

    MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.  

    Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.  

    Other/Special Events*: N/A 

    *The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

    Related articles
    The ugly truth behind Boston's tradition of space savers

  • Boston Snow Emergency Links 2013 – 2014

    Here's what you need to know in a Boston Snow Emergency for the winter of 2013 – 2014. 

    This post contains out of date links. We have created a new Snow Emergency post.

    What You Need to Know in a Boston Snow Emergency on a Single Page

    We'll update that article with news items as we receive them throughout the season. To find out when we've updated this information, follow us on Twitter.  

    More Information here.

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017d40e85953970c-800wi

    General information you need to know about any snow emergency. 

    • "Use public transportation when possible and avoid driving vehicles on slippery roads to keep roadways clear for plowing equipment and emergency vehicles.
    • Property owners are reminded to salt and sand sidewalks, stairs and pedestrian ramps to prevent slippery surfaces.
    • Residents are encouraged to shovel out hydrants and catch basins near or abutting their property to assist our public safety agencies and protect against flooding.   
    • Please check on elderly or vulnerable neighbors who may need help.
    • Use caution when walking near buildings that may have falling snow or ice
    • Parking rules are strictly enforced during snow storms.  Do not block driveways, crosswalks or ramps, and do not park within 20 feet of an intersection"

    Winter storms have an impact on our lives and the city distributed "Boston Winter Weather Guide 2013-2014" brochures to households a few weeks ago to help us learn what to do. The city says,

    Before The Storm

    If you haven't alread done it, click over and sign up for notifications by the City's Emergency notification system. It could save you a parking ticket or a tow.

    Adopt a Hydrant: Really great neighbors will locate and note the landmarks to find their nearest fire hydrant and work with one another to dig around it and keep it clear for the entire winter season. This community action can save lives and homes. Sign up here!

    If the storm drain near your home is blocked with leaves and debris, you can clear it to prevent flooding when the snow melts.

    Find your winter boots, shovels, windshield scrapers, sand, salt, and ice melt. (For the sake of dogs who walk barefoot on sidewalks, please choose a "Paw Safe" option when buying de-icing products.)

    And, if you have a car, you may want to park it somewhere that is not signed as a "Snow Emergency Route." Here is a list of the major arteries for the Downtown Boston area with parking restrictions.

    Heavy snowfalls can increase the risk for roof collapses. Here are the city's Tips for Protecting Your Roof.

    Snow Emergency Parking in Boston Neighborhoods

    With a warning that Parking Regulations will be strictly enforced, the city asks of residents:

    "DO

        * Remove disabled cars blocking roadways as soon as possible.
        * Make your resident parking sticker visible within 24 hours after the end of a storm.
        * Park in discount garages in your neighborhood with valid resident parking sticker visible. Arrive up to two hours prior to the start of the snow emergency and leave two hours after the emergency is lifted; otherwise you will be  subject to standard parking rates.
        * Follow all other parking regulations during snow emergencies; they will be strictly enforced. Parking meters remain in effect.
        * Follow winter weather driving tips.

    DON'T

        * Park on a posted snow emergency artery during a declared emergency. You will be ticketed and towed.
        * Use space savers more than 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted.
        * Park within 20 feet of an intersection or further than 1 foot from the curb.
        * Park in crosswalks or in front of fire hydrants or ramps.
        * Park in front of driveways or extend your car from the driveway over the sidewalk or street."

    6a00e54fc42bb88834017ee85d1a6f970d-800wi

    If your Car is Missing


    There are off street parking spaces available to residents during the storm. 

    Go to this page, choose your neighborhood, and you'll see a list of available parking lots and garages and what they charge under this program for those with designated resident stickers.

    Prices in garages range from $2 (Boston Common Garage) to $14.00 for 24 hours. In some sections of the city, municipal lots are free for those with resident stickers. All of these are on a first come, first serve basis.

    Digging Out

    Once snow falls, you see how seldom some cars in Boston are moved. We walk by cars that sit, snow-covered, for weeks on end. If you do dig out your car, you are not supposed to put the snow onto the street or a cleared sidewalk. That adds to the fun of the job.

    If you live in a section of the city with a tradition of space savers, the city says those must be and will be removed 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. For those new to this game, "space savers" are chairs, trash cans, and other objects that are placed in cleared and empty parking spaces to save the spot for the person who shoveled it.

    Once snow, slush, or ice is on the ground, someone has to remove it from sidewalks.
    In the city of Boston and in most surrounding communities, that someone is you or the people you hire to do it for you.

    There was a Supreme Court Ruling in the state. The Boston Globe says this means, "property owners now can be held liable for injuries that are linked to any snow and ice on their land, regardless of whether the conditions were caused by nature or a city plow." Here's a link to the full story on that ruling.

    In Boston, regulations for Snow Removal from Sidewalks are available on this page.

    Here's the place to start for winter storm information from the city:

    Subscribe to Snow Emergency Alerts by text, voice, or email:

    Snow Emergency phone numbers in Boston:

    Main number: 617-635-3050

    24-Hour Hot Line: 617-635-4500

    UH FT

    French Toast Alert System

    If you're new to the area or haven't been paying attention, you may not know this term. French Toast Alert comes from the rush to grocery stores for basic provisions (milk, bread, and eggs) when storms are predicted. Here's a link to the master page of the official French Toast Alert system for this area.

    Keep information like this coming your way by supporting BostonZest when you shop at Amazon. Click on any link to Amazon on this site and shop for what you want. BostonZest will receive credit for your purchase. That's what keeps sites like this up and running.

    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: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

     

    "Snow Emergency/Parking Ban: In Effect at 12:00PM Friday 2/8 

    Schools: CLOSED Friday 2/8 

    Trash/Recycling: Collection will begin at 6AM on Friday 2/8. Please place trash & recycling out by 6AM. Crew will begin working early and shutdown when it is no longer safe to be on the roads.  

    Community Centers: All BCYF Community Centers & Buildings are closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    Libraries: All libraries will be closed Friday 2/8, Saturday 2/9 and Sunday 2/10. 

    City Hall/Municipal Offices: Will close to the public at 12:00PM Friday 2/8.  

    City Employees: Essential Personnel only  

    Parking Meters: Normal rules apply  

    Tow Lot: Normal Hours 

    Street Cleaning: Normal Schedule 

    City Cemeteries: Closed until Monday 2/11 

    City Golf Courses: Closed until Monday 2/11  

    MBTA: All service will be suspended effective 3:30PM on 2/8. Visit www.mbta.comfor details.  

    Courts: Check with the individual courthouse for more information.  

    Other/Special Events*: N/A 

    *The City of Boston is not responsible for the cancellation or scheduling of private entertainment events or venues."

    Related articles
    The ugly truth behind Boston's tradition of space savers

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

    More information below the ad.

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

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

    More details below...

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

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

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

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

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

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Related articles
    Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?
    Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?
    Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu

  • Flu Vaccination Information Update for 2013 – 2014 Season

    IStock_000010863371Small

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

    More information below the ad.

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

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

    More details below...

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

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

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

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

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

    Note on Comments: We monitor comments constantly and anything that is pure spam, inappropriate, or nasty is swept away. In addition to readers' comments, we welcome hearing from the people, places, and services we cover. Often, those add great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you. We do reserve the right to edit ads and links out of comments.

    Related articles
    Good Question: When Is The Best Time To Get The Flu Shot?
    Which New Flu Vaccines Are Right for You?
    Flu Season Is Here–Vaccinate to Protect You and Your Loved Ones from Flu