Tag: Back Bay

Boston Trash Can Improvement Society At Work

Looks like there has been an effort by the "Boston Trash Can Improvement Society" to improve the streetscape along Massachusetts Avenue. Nice job! Next time may we suggest a bow with long streamers attached to the trash bag knot for the perfect finishing touch.

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Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

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

What's with Walking in the Bike Lanes?

No Passengers Allowed…

Wanna Race! Charles River Dragsters!

Messing About in Boats…

August 4, 2012
Boston Trash Can Improvement Society At Work

Looks like there has been an effort by the "Boston Trash Can Improvement Society" to improve the streetscape along Massachusetts Avenue. Nice job! Next time may we suggest a bow with long streamers attached to the trash bag knot for the perfect finishing touch.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon Everything You Need for Summer Fun and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

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

What's with Walking in the Bike Lanes?

No Passengers Allowed…

Wanna Race! Charles River Dragsters!

Messing About in Boats…

August 4, 2012
Toto the Tornado Kitten, Our Pick this Sunday!

This week, our pick for a Sunday Critter is Toto the Tornado Kitten. We usually reserve this spot for a dog but love to include a great cat when we meet one. Toto says he loves dogs but thinks that cats don't get the credit they deserve.

Look at that face. Who could resist this little charmer?

But, there is more to Toto than charm. This is one strong and amazing cat. As a tiny six-ounce kitten, Toto had a great adventure when a tornado hit central Massachusetts last year. After the storm, a clean-up worker found him in a tree and brought him to the Brimfield fire station where EMT Jonathan Hall cared for Toto until he was able to turn him over to experts from the Animal Rescue League of Boston.

ARLBoston nursed him until he was ready for his perfect, forever home back with Jonathan Hall. Jonathan not only adopted Toto, but also helped him write a book about the great adventure. And, to really put a smile on this tail-twitching story, that book is raising much needed funds for ARLBoston. As of this report, they've sent more than $20,000 to Toto's favorite cause.

We follow @ARLBostonRescue on Twitter and are aware of some of the wonderful work they do on-the-road taking care of all kinds of critters every day. You can hear more about what they did for the animal victims of that June 1, 2011 tornado in this Greater Boston appearance with Jonathan & Toto.

Natually, we hope you'll buy a copy of the book. You can do that right here. You can also make a donation in Toto's name directly to the ARLBoston.

Of course, as every author knows, there is much to do after your book is published. Toto and his special assistants make personal appearances and maintain a website. His facebook page is full of requests from places like libraries that would love to have this special cat and his book for story hour.

ARLBoston is both proud & grateful

"We are proud of the work that the men and women on our team do everyday," said Jennifer Wooliscroft, Director of Communications, "and to have a special book like this makes our continued effort to helping animals even better."

Jonathan says he is grateful for the team helping out his community and looks forward to giving something back. "Without the help from the great people at the ARL, Toto's story wouldn't be possible," he notes.

Related Post: In our own neighborhood, we watched ARLBoston's professional and caring staff at a 9-alarm fire in a pet friendly building. They were amazing and won our hearts and support. We wrote about it here.

In place of an ad in this space today, we hope you'll buy or donate a copy of the book and/or make your own contribution to ARLBoston so they'll be funded when someone else needs help.

You can buy or donate a book right here. Or, Donate directly to the ARLBoston.

Details:

Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography & Art: Courtesy of Toto the Tornado Kitten, Jonathan Hall, and the very talented illustrator Carol Ruzicka.

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.

July 15, 2012
No Passengers Allowed…

Or possible, for that matter!

There was room for a driver and almost room to see out too!

And, you thought your car was messy.

One more great thing about driving Zipcars. You never have to declutter them.

(Click on the Zipcar box over on the left to get some free driving credit when you join! You'll put some credits to use a nice, clean car in our account too!)

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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.

July 12, 2012
How’s the Patient Doing? Air Spading Project Update!

Just as you might require further tests after a medical procedure, there is a Boston landmark park getting a follow-up health exam of its own. So, how’s the patient doing?

After undergoing a thorough air spading one year ago, a block of the Commonwealth Avenue Mall is beginning to show signs of recovery.

We had a chance to follow arborist Chuck Sherzi Jr., this spring, as he performed a series of tests to assess the health of this historic park between Mass Ave & Hereford Street. (map)

(Once the video starts, you can select the HD video option for higher quality viewing.)

Using Cornell University’s Soil Health Assessment guidelines, Sherzi demonstrated how he checks the physical, chemical, and biological condition of the soil with special emphasis on compaction– a major threat to this area. He stressed the need for turf management that includes: irrigation, mowing, reseeding, aerating, and a yearly top-dressing with compost, to help minimize the problem.

As we await analysis of all the data gathered, Sherzi told us he was encouraged by what he’d found during his day of testing. And, what’s more, he said results from this demonstration project will benefit not only parks like this, “but also smaller spaces, the backyard garden, commercial sites, among others.”

For a look at how this pilot restoration effort began, see the first video in this series: Air Spading a Boston Landmark.

If you are a serious gardener, parks advocate, or farmer, here are links to download copies of two publications that Chuck Sherzi recommends:

The Cornell Soil Health Assessment Training Manual

Building Soils for Better Crops: Sustainable Soil Management

To donate to this project or for more information, click this link to: Send an email to the Commonwealth Avenue Mall Committee @CommAveMall@verizon.net.

The Commonwealth Avenue Mall Committee is a joint effort of the Friends of the Public Garden and the Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino
Videography: © 2012 Ed Cherubino
Written, Produced, and Narrated by Ed Cherubino

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.

July 5, 2012
Where to Pick up Great Food for Boston Summer Events

This is going to be a big week for events around Boston with both the July 4th Celebration on the Esplanade and the Tall Ships in the Harbor. If you want to pick up a picnic to enjoy at a summer event, we have some great links.

Along the Charles on July 4th, both sides of the river and all the bridges will be filled with fireworks fans. Here are some of the places where you can pick up a meal near an entrance to the Esplanade or close to Memorial Drive on the Cambridge side. You do need food while you stake out your spot for the big show.

The fireworks barges on the river.

Back Bay

Marlboro Market (map & reviews) has a deli counter where they make some of the best sandwich values in the area. Simple, hearty fare made to your specifications by the friendly crew behind the counter. Bonus, you can fill your cooler with soft drinks, chips, and anything else you need here. They even sell the coolers!

For an Indian feast stop into India Samraat and choose a selection from their menu that will add an exotic note to your picnic.

Update: Both India Samraat and L'Aroma Cafe have closed.

L'Aroma Cafe on Newbury Street is between the Arlington and Dartmouth Street footbridges to the park and offers a great selection of take-out.

A recent picnic from Bacco's

Bacco's Wine and Cheese is on St. James right off Arlington making it the perfect place to pick up a meal for either the Esplanade or The Boston Common. We love to scan the case, pick a salumi, a couple of cheeses, some rolls, and enjoy a meal on a shady bench.

Cambridge Central Square

This is becoming a true food destination and not just for all the great restaurants located there.

Central Bottle + Provisions will be open on the 4th and is great for those who'll be coming to the river from the North. They have a great selection of cheese, salumi, and an ever changing daily food selection.

On days other than this holdiay, you can add a great dessert to your basket from Flour Bakery next door. (We called and confirmed that Flour is closed on the 4th.)

Beacon Hill

Savenor's Market built its reputation on excellent meat but they have always offered a fine selection of other food. Now the Cambridge Market has a deli, and they are delivering "Grab & Go" sandwiches to the Charles Street store, so that you can pop in on your way to an event and walk out with everything you want.

Other favorite picnic pick-up locations for us from Charles Street are: The Paramount , Cafe Vanille, and Panificio.

Boston Common

There is now some good food right on the Common. You'll find a Clover Food Lab truck stationed by the newly restored Brewer Plaza for long hours each day. There is also The Frog Pond Cafe in-season with some very nice options.

Across from the Common is the Thinking Cup. This cafe has built a solid reputation on its outstanding coffee service but it also has great sandwiches and pastry.

Keep these in mind when you plan your Shakespeare on the Common evening this year.

Waterfront & North End

Gathering food in the North End is a regular habit of ours. We love Salumeria Italiana and will often pick up a quick meal from their offerings.

If we want prepared foods, we head for J. Pace & Son where they can fill your cooler with sandwiches, salads, calzones, and other Italian favorites. And, they also have shops in the West End and Seaport.

Along the Greenway, there is an ever changing collection of food trucks and carts for meals and snacks. They have a schedule posted here. You can consult our food truck tab to learn more about some of the rolling restaurants.

We've given you a start and told you about the places we go and enjoy. Tell us about your favorite places to enjoy an event or a meal, and where you love to go to pick up your food.

What's on your Summer Fun shopping list? Shop Amazon – Get Ready for Summer – Everything You Need and support this site!

Details:

Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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.

July 3, 2012
Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

Whether you're coming to run or watch the 2012 Boston Marathon, or just want to log some miles, it's an exciting time to visit the city.

UPDATE: Routes for Visiting Runners – Boston Marathon Weekend 2016

Exiting the Mass Ave Tunnel – Less Than a Mile to Go!

I remember my first Boston Marathon– as a spectator, I've yet to put in the training needed to actually compete. Penny and I booked a hotel room for the weekend and left the car parked. We took in the runners' expo, pasta supper and other pre-race activities, then watched a spectacular Boylston Street finish.

As an out-of-state runner staying near Faneuil Hall, I still wanted to get in a run or two, but wasn't sure where to head.

Now, as a Boston resident, I can recommend a couple of my favorite routes.

Charles River Run

If you're a visiting runner staying anywhere near the finish line, you can't beat a daytime run along the Charles River. It offers great views and a more open course without having to constantly cross roadways. This multi-use path is shared by bikes, blades, skate boards, dogs and walkers. It can get congested as the day wears on, but who knows, you may find yourself sharing the trail with some famous elite runners. It's easy to make any number of loops between the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river by using the many bridges along the way.

From Back Bay you can access the Charles River Esplanade from Massachusetts Avenue, Fairfield, Dartmouth and Arlington Streets. If you head West from the Massachusetts Avenue ramp you can also use the parcourse workout station that's located just up-river. Click here for photos and details including a map to find it.

Almost There! It's a Great Feeling!

Parks in the Heart of the City

For a tree-lined route, try the Commonwealth Avenue Mall– not a shopping center, but a park that runs down the center of this residential street. At Commonwealth and Arlington you can enter the pristine Public Garden for a slower pace. Moving through the center of the Garden will lead you across Charles Street to the Boston Common.

Inside tip: Localisms-

Mass Ave = Massachusetts Avenue
Comm Ave = Commonwealth Avenue
And, it's Boston Common – singular, not Boston Commons

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2012

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend 2012

What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2012

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Here are some Photos from past Boston Marathons

The View from Hereford Street

Marathon Kisses

Just Hangin on Hereford Street

Other Resources:
Here's a great site. You'll find dozens of local running routes, including along the Charles River.

Details:
Writer: Ed Cherubino
Photos: From the 2008 Boston Marathon © Penny Cherubino

April 12, 2012
Busy Bee, Back Bay Boston

Busy bee buzzed by,

Stopped us in our tracks.

Followed the beeline to the blossom,

Where this friend of hungry humans

Helped mother nature turn flower into fruit.

What's on your spring shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

April 4, 2012
What’s Open in Boston on Patriots’ Day 2012

UPDATE: This is an old post. Here's a link for: What's Open in Boston on Patriots' Day – Monday, April 18, 2016 + Parking, Trash & MBTA Schedule Changes

Here's a rundown of what's open and what's closed in Boston on Patriots' Day, and the MBTA schedules for – Monday, April 16, 2012.

On three occasions, General John Glover and his “amphibious” regiment of Marblehead fishermen saved the American Revolution.

Patriot's Day is a Massachusetts State Holiday Only.

Open:
Restaurants, Bars, Convenience Stores, Supermarkets, Retail Stores, Liquor Stores

Financial Services: Banks may open if they wish. All markets are open.

Federal Offices and Facilities are open: This includes the Postal Service.

Closed:
Massachusetts City, Town, State Operations: This includes Schools, Libraries. Only emergency services are available.

Boston Parking

One of the most common questions we get is about street sweeping on Patriots' Day.

Here's the page from the city website with the answer. It 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."

Reminder:

City of Boston via ‏ @NotifyBoston says "STREET CLEANING: Overnight sweeping Sunday-Monday morning still in effect. NO MONDAY regular posted sweeping."

You don't have to feed the meters. Other parking rules apply. Many streets will be cleared of parked cars to accommodate the Boston Marathon and Patriots' Day activities.

Be sure to check your car in the days leading up to the marathon to be sure it is not in a tow-away zone for the event. Here's how you can sign up for parking alerts and tow alerts.

Changes to Boston Street Sweeping Schedules 2012

Parking and No-Tow alerts

Here's our latest post with tips for local parking on this holiday–

Parking Your Car for Boston Marathon Weekend (2012)

Boston Trash Collection (the city says)

"Patriots Day

Monday, April 16 | 7am – Saturday, April 21, 2012 | 5pm

Delay trash and recycling pickup 1 day only if you live in Allston, Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain*, Mattapan, Roslindale, or West Roxbury.

*If you live in Jamaica Plain and your trash is picked up 2 times per week, do not delay."

http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/RecyclingandSanitation/holiday.asp

MBTA information after the BostonZest Amazon Selection of the Day.

If this information helps you, reward us by beginning all your Amazon shopping from BostonZest. Here are the latest versions of the cameras we'll use to photograph the Boston Marathon plus our favorite camera bag. Click over to the video on the Tamrac Velocity series of camera bags, and you'll see why we love it.

2012 MBTA Marathon Monday Schedule – Updated 4/6/2012

Tips:

Buy your fares in advance with a Charlie Card or Charlie Ticket to avoid waiting in line on Monday.

"Copley Station will be closed all day … access to the Green Line at Hynes Convention Center or Arlington Station."

Due to crowds, they don't allow bikes on the subway on Patriots Day.

Marathon Monday

Blue, Orange, Red, Green, and Mattapan Line service will run on "regular weekday schedule with extra service before and after the marathon."

Commuter rail trains will operate on their "regular weekday schedule."

"Buses and trackless trolleys will operate on a Saturday schedule."

Commuter Boats will operate on "regular weekday service."

"THE RIDE will operate on a modified weekday schedule."

Bus routes that impact the marathon course will be rerouted at times.

Complete details on all changes are here: Official MBTA Information for Marathon Monday 2012

Official Boston Marathon information.
www.bostonmarathon.org

Related Posts:

Tracking a Boston Marathon Runner 2012

Routes for Visiting Runners 2012

How to Get to the Esplanade from Boston

Views from Hereford Street 2009

Do you have enough memory for all the photos you'll want to shoot of the spring blooms? Do you need a new camera for the season or a gift? Begin your shopping by Click right here to check the prices at Amazon on great items like Transcend SDHC Flash Memory Cards and the our favorite cameras the Canon G12 Digital Camera and the Nikon D300s & NIKKOR 18-200mm Lens.

Details:
Writer: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photo: © 2012 Penny Cherubino

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

April 3, 2012
Meet the Hellebores, Winter Blooming Perennials

We were noticing more and more of these blooms in Back Bay gardens. A friend with plant expertise told us they are Hellebores and are also called Lenten Roses and Christmas Roses because they bloom in winter.

We are grateful for any plant that brings the thought of spring our way in the darker months. So think about adding a few of these as you plan additions to your garden. This year, they've had lots of company with some pansy, crocus, and snowdrops springing up early. But, in colder years these will bring smiles to the faces of winter weary neighbors.

But, since we were just formally introduced to the Hellebores, we'll let them star alone today as our photograhy models. Above is a carpet of them that we found on February 5th.

What's on your gardening shopping list? Remember to click over to Amazon from here to support this site!

Details:
Words: Penny & Ed Cherubino
Photography: © 2012 Penny & Ed Cherubino

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 a great insights for our readers. As long as it doesn’t become a pure ad, we’d love to hear from you.

March 26, 2012