MassDOT Encourages Safe New Year’s Holiday Travel

Free MTBA service New Year’s Eve after 8 p.m., free coffee at service plazas in the Bay State.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) asks travelers during the upcoming New Year's holiday weekend to plan ahead, drive safely, and use public transportation where possible.  To encourage safe travel, the MBTA will offer free service after 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and free coffee will be served overnight on New Year’s Eve at service plazas along major roadways.   “We ask all travelers visiting family and friends or celebrating the New Year at First Night in Boston or other activities to enjoy the holiday weekend safely by choosing a designated driver if necessary or taking advantage of public transportation,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Richard A. Davey.   Courtesy of McDonald's, Burger King, and Gulf, and to …

• Photos (1)

Where to Celebrate New Year's Eve: Ringing in 2012 in and Around Braintree

A few ideas to help you plan your NYE in and around Braintree.

Champagne toasts, a glittery dress, Chinese take-out, First Night. New Year's Eve is quickly approaching. As we bid farewell to 2011, and usher in 2012, where will you be watching the ball drop? Do you plan to stay local and wine and dine in Braintree, attend a house party with friends, order in Chinese and drink your sparkling wine at home, or venture out to celebrate? Below are a few options for ringing in the New Year. Have a fun, safe and healthy New Year, Braintree! Update: UNO Chicago Grill in Braintree is hosting a New Year's Eve event for the kids - there will be countdowns, ginger ale toasts, balloon drops and treats for kids 12 and under at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 31. For more information call 781-849-8667. 1. Town Hall in …

• Photos (1)

Derby Academy Celebrates the Holidays

Founded in 1784 and located in Hingham, Derby Academy is the oldest coeducational day school in continuous operation in New England.

Since November, Derby students have been hard at work preparing their holiday programs. The Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classes held a concert in the Lower School Library, singing a variety of holiday and winter-themed songs. Students in Grades 1-3 celebrated with activities in their classrooms, having already performed their Thanksgiving Play before November break. Middle and Upper School students took the stage in Larson Hall for their performances, “Holiday Traditions” and “Let There Be Light: A Celebration,” respectively. Directed by Thalia McMillion, “Holiday Traditions” covers a wide variety of winter holidays, with fourth graders taking the lead roles. Scenes include dialogue and music from eight different holidays: Japanese …

• Photos (8)

Making Cents

Last Minute Christmas Savings

Another roundup of coupons to help you save during these last few shopping days.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I am not one of those organized gals who gets her Christmas shopping done weeks ahead of time. Just like I am every year, I’ll be out on Christmas Eve picking up some last minute items with the rest of the stragglers. I’m not entirely sure why I always leave things until the last possible moment. I like to think it’s because I don’t want to purchase a gift until I feel it’s the perfect match for the recipient. Whatever the reason, I’ve always found some really nice gifts during this late shopping stage so I’m not gonna beat myself up about it too much. With just four shopping days left before the big day, I’ve rounded up a good few coupons that offer some great last minute gift savings. Macy’s I …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Examining Braintree

A Small Business Holiday Gift Ideas List A-Z (Part 2)

Some great gift ideas and where to purchase around town in Braintree's small shops!

Last week, my column included some terrific shops and services located around Braintree, to get your shopping spee off to a good start. This week I will tackle the remainder of the Alphabet, M-Z! Remember, if at all possible, shop the small Mom and Pops! They are what make this country great! Massage – Body Benefits Massage located at 40 Pearl St. in Braintree has the perfect gifts for your most stressed (by the holidays?) loved ones. For a mere $45, indulge your friend with a 30-minute Massage therapy or Reiki session or for just $10 more ($55) one can obtain a Cupping session for 30 minutes. Gift Certificate are available as well! Night-wear – Lady Grace, located at 753 Granite St. near Burlington Coat factory, has a wide assortment of …

• Photos (1)

Making Cents

Creating Christmas Memories

Finding ways to slow down and enjoy the holidays.

  These days, it can be difficult amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life to enjoy the Christmas season, especially when it seems to start just after Halloween. Some of my favorite Christmas memories involve nothing more than Christmas carols on the stereo and a couple of foam balls. Of course I was only about five years old at the time but that memory of my oldest sister teaching her younger siblings how to make ornaments of our own has stuck with me. In my mind, the house was warm and cozy and we were so excited counting the days til Christmas morning. To help you and your loved ones enjoy all that this season of giving has to offer, I’ve rounded up a number of fun events (most are free and one half-off) to help you slow down and …

• Photos (1)

25-Foot Christmas Tree Lights up Braintree's Town Hall Mall

Families, officials and Santa turned out for Braintree's tree lighting on the mall Monday afternoon.

The large Christmas tree now adorning the town mall along Washington Street came from an anonymous donor in Whitman, where it was lifted out of the ground, roots and all, and brought to Braintree. It should grow another foot per year, recreation director Bill Hedlund said, adding to its current 25-foot height, and will remain year-round across from Town Hall, Thayer Academy and the Braintree Historical Society. On Monday afternoon, dozens of families, town officials and Santa Claus himself showed up for a tree lighting and for singing and hot chocolate inside Town Hall.

• Photos (6)

Ross Elementary Celebrates Holidays With Annual Fair

Students bought presents for their loved ones at Ross Elementary School's Holiday Fair on Dec. 9.

Shopping starts in January for Ross Elementary School's Holiday Fair, when prices plummet, and wraps up by February. The rest of the year, the merchandise awaits its December debut in the home of many a PTO member. "Which our husbands love," said Nicole Fitzgerald, who has helped run the fair for three years, along with her husband and fellow parent Lori Delvecchio. "It has just blossomed." This year's fair was on Friday, Dec. 9, and was as busy as ever. Each new period of students was welcomed by a jingle bell. They then made crafts and bought all sorts of small gifts for their family and friends. "It's a great day for the kids," Fitzgerald said.

• Photos (7)

Holiday Ceremony on Monday at Town Hall

The holiday lighting and caroling event is at Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. on Dec. 12.

Braintree residents of all ages are invited to attend the annual tree lighting ceremony planned for Monday, Dec. 12 at 4:30 p.m. as the new Town Hall Mall planted spruce tree will be switched on for this holiday season.  Hot Chocolate, cookies and candy canes compliments of the Quincy Credit Union will be distributed free of cost to all who attend this brief ceremony and a caroling program as well will begin the event inside the Cahill Auditorium at 4 p.m.  The town recently acquired a live 25-foot spruce tree and had it planted in the mall for this year’s holiday lighting ceremony and for years to follow.  Over a thousand tree lights will illuminate at the direction of Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan.  All town employees and their families are …

• Photos (1)