Wed., 02/01/17 is Block Day 7 Each year students, faculty, and parents spend several hours walking laps around North Park in an effort to raise money for Aquinas Academy. Beforehand, the students ask for pledges and our generous sponsors donate money, services, and goods to help make the day a great success.Please help us to show our appreciation by patronizing these sponsors. 2015 Walk-a-Thon Community Sponsors Special thanks to these Footprint sponsors donating or more: David F. Dieteman, M.D., Inc. ‐ Dermatologist Drs. McElwain/Urffer ‐ University ENT Fairgrieve School of Dance Laser Storm Laser Tag MESO ‐ Mobile Equipment Service Options S. Michael Streib, Esq. Schellhaas & Sons Funeral Home St. Rose Church, Cincinnati, Ohio Teresa Silvaggio MD, MPH Total Building & Maintenance Services, LLC United Mining Equipment, Inc. William A Ravotti, ‐ Wealth Management Advisor We also thank these other sponsors for their donations:

Lilac Custom Cake Design, chef Eileen Mercer Planning Room Supervisor & Instructional Assistant Arts, PE, and Special Programs 4-6 Reading & Math Support Long-term Substitute Math Intervention Teacher Long-term Substitute PE Teacher Reading and Math Support After School & Summer Prog Coordinator K-3 Reading Recovery & Literacy Support Special Educators/Speech & Language Intensive Needs Program SpecialistGoing into 1974, organizers decided it would be a good idea to add howitzer cannons, church bells and fireworks to the playing of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture. Pops Conductor Arthur Fiedler suggested, “All hell could break loose.” Little did he know… Four decades later, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular draws about a half-million people to the banks of the Charles River, with thousands more tuning in to the broadcast on WBZ-TV, WBZ NewsRadio 1030, Mix 104.1, and the CBS All Access app. It’s an awesome experience.

But it can also be a very long day and night if you aren’t fully prepared. Here’s a guide for everything you need to know for the 2016 July 4th Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular on the Esplanade. In addition to the Boston Pops, led by Maestro Keith Lockhart, several big name performers will grace the Hatch Shell stage this year. The lineup includes pop singers Demi Lovato and Nick Jonas, as well as country stars Little Big Town. There’s an old saying in New England: If you don’t like the weather, wait a few minutes. In the summer, it can fluctuate like crazy. Temperatures can range anywhere from the 60s to the high 90s. Violent thunderstorms tend to pop up at a moment’s notice. and on the CBS Boston Weather App. If you’re spending the day at the Esplanade, you’ll want to be dressed appropriately… which brings us to our next topic. No shirt, no shoes… no one’s going to say anything. But, it can get very chilly at night, and a sweatshirt or jacket may be in order.

Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat are all must-bring items. An umbrella or rain coat might be a smart move. It doesn’t matter if you’re taking the ‘T’ or driving, you’re going to have to do some walking. Parking near the Esplanade is like trying to find a cold spring in the desert. kata 203 backpackEvent organizers highly recommend taking public transportation.adidas copa edge backpack for sale The two closest T-stations on the Boston side are Charles-MGH on the Red Line, and Arlington Street on the Green Line. caillou backpack toys r usThe MBTA is open late and as they have done in years past, are will be offering free rides home after 9:30 p.m. Bikes are not allowed on subway lines on July 4. backpack lato tucano

They are also prohibited on inbound Commuter Rail trains from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. as well as on outbound trains after 4 p.m. A whole mess of road closures make driving a daring decision. Lanes on Storrow Drive start closing on July 3. If you are willing to take that risk (and don’t mind sitting in hours of gridlock after the show), it’s suggested that you park at 210 Stuart Street or the 100 Clarendon Street garage. nilfisk backpack vacuum reviewsTrain or car, you will have to do some walking. m574 backpackExpect the minimum to be about a half-mile.costco jansport backpacks NOTE: Disability/handicap parking will be available both on the Boston and Cambridge sides of the river. Mass. only vehicles with valid disability/handicap placards/plates will be allowed to access the parking lots.

Parking in these lots will be available on a first come, first serve basis. WHAT ELSE TO BRING For the last couple years, no backpacks have been allowed inside the Oval or on the Island. All personal items have to be carried in clear bags for easy inspection. Small purses are also allowed, but are subject to inspection. FOOD – No coolers on wheels are allowed. So your perishables have to fit in a cooler than can be carried on a shoulder strap or single handle. There are cash-only food concessions to help you fill in the blanks. If it’s hot, bring extra water. Liquids have to be carried in sealed clear plastic containers that can not exceed 2 liters in size. No pre-mixed beverages, glass containers or cans allowed. Paper plates, plastic ware (silverware is not permitted), and napkins are all optional as well. A small trash bag might also come in handy. FUN – If you’re spending the day, card games, books, Frisbee, sports equipment, etc. are all good to pass the time.

COMFORT – Sunscreen, bug spray, blankets (10×10 foot maximum), chairs (foldable or beach-style only). Pop-up tents/canopies are allowed during the day, but must be 10×10 or smaller and must come down at 6 pm. No canopies are allowed for the Rehearsal Concert on July 3. THE SHOW – Camera & Binoculars… and maybe some earplugs for the little ones. Don’t forget your American flags!! WHAT NOT TO BRING Backpacks, shopping bags or similar-type containers; coolers on wheels, fireworks, grills, BBQ equipment, propane tanks and firearms are not permitted ANYWHERE on the Esplanade. All personal items have to be carried in clear bags only for easy inspection. Alcoholic beverages, glass containers, cans, pre-mixed beverages, tarps larger than 10’ X 10’ and sharp objects (e.g., knitting needles, metal tent spikes, can openers, metal utensils) will all be confiscated. Pets are NOT allowed in the Oval. No drones will be allowed in the area on July 3 or 4.

Bag checks are required for anyone entering the Oval, so don’t waste your time trying to sneak anything in. After 4 pm, nothing is allowed through the security checkpoints except chairs, tarps or blankets that are 10’x10′ or smaller. No bicycles are allowed through the checkpoints into the Oval or Island/Lagoon areas. Bicycles are allowed throughout the rest of the venue but must not be left unattended. Bicycles attached or locked to security fences, poles, or other structures may be subject to removal. Review: Full List of banned items (.pdf) WHERE TO WATCH AND WHEN TO GET THERE Your arrival time depends on where you want to sit and what you want to see. THE OVAL – As far as the concert goes, it’s the best seat in the house. The right side of the oval (facing the stage) is best for seeing the fireworks. The gates open at 9 a.m. The line starts early and this area fills up quick. Everyone who’s admitted into the Oval receives a wristband allowing access in and out of the secured area.

Reserving large areas in the Oval is not allowed. The Oval Checkpoint will be located between the Lagoon’s Clarendon Footbridge and the Berkeley Footbridge. Access to the checkpoint can best be accomplished by accessing the Esplanade from Berkeley Street. THE ISLAND / LAGOON The Island Lagoon is also a secured area. Access to the Island/Lagoon checkpoints can best be accomplished by using Beacon Street to Clarendon Street or utilizing the Dartmouth or Fairfield Street Footbridges over Storrow Drive. Checkpoints will be located at the Clarendon and Exeter Footbridges. OUTSIDE THE OVAL AND LAGOON AND ALONG THE CHARLES RIVER – Speakers are set up along the Charles (Boston and Cambridge-side) so you’ll be able to listen to the concert even if you can’t see it. There are quite a few trees that can block your view of the fireworks show. Crowds close to the Oval typically swell by 4:30 pm and become impassable by 6:30 pm. Further down the river, most of the prime real estate typically gets scooped up before show time at 7:30 pm.

If you’re savvy, you can still find spots without totally obstructed views before 8:30 pm. Note that with the high profile performers lined up for 2016, what’s “typical” could go out the window. THE BU BRIDGE – The Mass Ave. Bridge is OFF-LIMITS to the public. And, due to ongoing construction on the Longfellow Bridge, there will be no fireworks viewing allowed from that bridge. MEMORIAL DRIVE/CAMBRIDGE-SIDE – Cambridge-side features speaker towers, food concessions and restrooms. ON A BOAT – One way to beat the crowds is to park in the Charles River. Many boaters arrive early in the day and then stay overnight right on the river. The area between the barge and the Mass. Av. Bridge will be off-limits to boaters. The New Charles River Dam will close to up-river traffic beginning at 7:45 p.m on July 4. Note: Fireworks produce smoke. Wind direction (or lack thereof) can adversely affect viewing at any of the above locations. The Pops concert begins at 8:30 pm.