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Holiday Guide 2011

Friday, December 30, 2011

Planning on 'Tipsy Tow' for New Year's Eve? Not in Arlington

Programs offering free rides in some areas are not available in Massachusetts.

You may have seen it on Facebook. "No excuses, folks. Don't drink and drive-and don't ride with anybody who does. Tipsy Tow offered by AAA: You don't have to be a AAA member, from 6pm-6am on New Year's Eve/Day they will take your drunk self and your car home for FREE. Save this number... 1-800-222-4357. Please re-post this if you don't mind" The message went viral this week, posted on Facebook pages and shared on sites across the country. The problem is, the service is not available in all areas. In fact, according to the AAA website, clubs in only 17 states are offering the free rides home and no programs in the New England region make the list. An additional "AAA Justice Link" website lists outside resources aimed at reducing drunk …

The Weekly Yip

Novel New Year’s Resolutions for Dog Lovers

Three ways dog lovers can make a difference in 2012.

Last year, many of the basics were on my list of top resolutions for us dog owners: spend more quality time with our dogs, pay more attention to their dental care and diet, improve fitness, tidy up training and so on. This year, I’m thinking a little more outside the box. As I investigated gift ideas for the 2011 gift giving season, I was impressed by the increased availability of environmentally considerate pet products. Among my discoveries were dog toys made of dyed wool from a company called “A Cheerful Pet.”  These toys are designed in the U.S.A. and then handcrafted by artisans in Nepal using all natural New Zealand wool. Eco-friendly pet beds have also become popular. In some of their beds, Pooch Planet uses a product they call “…

RonnieJRoberts

6:58 am on Saturday, December 31, 2011

People should never forget that real health depends how well you take care of yourself and not what health insurance you carry but I agree health insurance is important for every one. Search "Penny Medical" or online for dollar a day insurance plans.   more ›

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

POLL: What is Your New Year’s Resolution?

What will you work on in 2012?

In a few days we will all bid adieu to 2011 and welcome a new year. As always, many area residents will be making resolutions to change or improve something in 2012. We want to know what you’re doing (or not doing) differently come Jan. 1. Be sure to vote in our poll above and leave a comment below.

Monday, December 26, 2011

POLL: What Gadget Did You Get for Christmas?

Vote in our poll and comment below.

Smartphones and tablets are all the rage right now and we want to know if you were one of the millions who received a new gadget as a gift this year.

jake

2:00 pm on Saturday, December 31, 2011

All my life it has been Merry Christmas, many movies come out with Christmas themes, commercials have Christmas themes, mall Santas, the majority of December has been Christmas themes. Why all of the sudden has this become a problem. I dont think other countries would like it if we went over there and tried change their customs for the past years. How would Israel feel if the Christians in that …   more ›

Sunday, December 25, 2011

Find Patch on Your New Smartphone

How to use your new mobile device with Patch.

Did you receive a new smartphone for Christmas? Do you want to know how to use it to stay connected to local Patch news, no matter where you go? We’re here to help! Patch has apps for iPhones and Android phones, and also makes it easy for you to upload photos, news and comments from anywhere. Here's a look at a few ways you can connect with Patch through your mobile device. Patch for iPhone Patch for iPhone keeps customers connected to the latest news, weather, local business listings and current events happening in their neighborhood. Patch’s app will keep them engaged and mobile by delivering 24/7 local community coverage. Patch’s useful features include: Plus, they can save anything from favorite stories to business listings direct to …

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Local Groups Accepting Holiday Donations

Locations in and around town where you can give back.

‘Tis the season for giving back! While the holidays symbolize many things for many people, they come at a time of year when community groups are in the most need of local support. Below you will find a map of locations in and around town where you can give back. If you head an organization in town that can use some extra support right now, please let us know in the comment section.

Where to Find Last Minute Christmas Trees

Locations for Christmas trees in and around town.

It’s only days until Christmas…have you purchased a tree yet? If not, don’t worry! Patch has scoured the area for nearby venues selling Christmas trees. Look through our interactive map to find out who is selling trees in your neck of the woods. And be sure to bookmark the map or check back weekly to see updates on any newly added locations.

Track Santa Through Arlington Patch

Find out when Santa is near your home.

Our friends at NORAD are tracking the whereabouts of Santa Claus and Arlington Patch will keep you updated through Christmas Eve night!

Friday, December 23, 2011

The Weekly Yip

Awfulizing About Holiday Danger for Dogs

Be proactive in protecting your pet from common hazards.

My friend, Barcy, has more than once commented on my tendency to “awfulize.” If there is the potential for something to go wrong, it’s very likely to play out vividly in my imagination. Although I do worry too much sometimes, other times, it actually helps me to proactively avoid danger. Such is the case with protecting my pets from holiday related harm from decorations, foods and activities. I can understand why a pet might be tempted to play with holiday decorations. I am, myself, mesmerized by them so it’s no surprise to me that a cat or dog might want to investigate these wonders—and pets often do that by trying to eat or chew on things. In addition, holiday foods can pose numerous dangers to your pets. In all the chaos of holiday get-…

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Bette Yip

9:58 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Hi Carrol, Thank you so much! I hope you and your loved ones enjoyed a happy and safe holiday season. Wishing you all the best in 2012. -Bette   more ›

Where's Santa? Follow Him with NORAD Here on Arlington Patch

Keep tabs on the Jolly Old Elf this Christmas Eve as he makes his way to the home of all the good boys and girls.

Patch wants to remind all Arlington children, and their parents, that you can track Santa’s travels on Christmas Eve by clicking on this link on Saturday. The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) monitors the air around the world, around the clock, checking for unusual happenings in the skies. So, of course, NORAD simply can’t ignore a flying sleigh powered by nine reindeer. NORAD Tracks Santa is an annual Christmas program, which has existed since 1955, produced under the auspices of NORAD. Every year on Christmas Eve, NORAD Tracks Santa Claus as he leaves the North Pole and delivers presents to children around the world. Several high tech systems are used to track Santa, such as: radar, satellites, Santa Cams, and fighter …

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