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As of January 1, 2019, we have closed our forums. This is a decision we did not come to lightly, but it is necessary. The software our forums run on is just too out-of-date and it poses a significant security risk. The server software itself must be updated, and it cannot be without removing the forums.

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There are other changes as well.

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It's time to move on and move forward.

PassPorter is a small business, and for many years it supported our family. But the world changed, print books took a backseat to the Internet, and for a long time now it has been unable to make ends meet. We've had to find new ways to support our family, which means new careers and less and less time available to devote to our first baby, PassPorter.

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If you miss us, you can still find some of us online. Sara started a new blog at DisneyParkPrincess.com -- I strongly urge you to visit and get on her mailing list. She IS the Disney park princess and knows Disney backward and forward. And I am blogging as well at JenniferMaker.com, which is a little craft blog I started a couple of years ago to make ends meet. You can see and hear me in my craft show at https://www.youtube.com/c/jennifermaker . Many PassPorter readers and fans are on Facebook, in groups they formed like the PassPorter Trip Reports and PassPorter Crafting Challenge (if you join, just let them know you read about it in the newsletter). And some of our most devoted community members started a forum of their own at Pixie Dust Lane and all are invited over.

So we encourage you to stay in touch with us and your fellow community members wherever works best for you!

Best wishes for a wonderful and magical new year!

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Old 03-11-2014, 12:04 PM   #1
Huntermom
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Mass people-need help

I have a class that finishes between 8 and 9 in Shrewsbury and an appointment at MGH in Boston the next morning at 8. I have been thinking that instead of spending too many hours in my car, I'd look for a hotel for the night. Somewhere between the two, with relatively easy access to MGH. I will be driving and would prefer to be able to leave the hotel at 7 and get to my appointment in time, recognizing the time it takes to park and get to my clinic.

I am leaning towards the Newton area. Any better ideas. I want safe, parking and not three hours of traffic in the morning. A "quick" shot down Storrow Drive is the best I've come up with.
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Old 03-11-2014, 10:00 PM   #2
poohmaine
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Former MA person here . . . I assume you are going to the main campus on Fruit Street? I would drive into Boston after your class in Shrewsbury (traffic will be light at that hour) and stay somewhere close to MGH, maybe even walking distance. Why risk the chance of getting stuck in rush-hour traffic and miss your appointment? Storrow Drive is crazy at rush hour!

Here's a link to accommodations near to MGH:
Visitor Information - Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA

Scroll down to "Accommodations."
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Old 03-12-2014, 08:12 AM   #3
Huntermom
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Thanks, Pooh Maine. I have made several 8 o'clock MGH appointments driving down from NH or should I say crawling down. Strange as it may seem, it is easier to get in for 8 than 9 or even 10 and we would often arrive at 6:50 after leaving 5ish.

I am trying to avoid some of the driving (1.5 hours back from /shrewsbury and then a good hour and a half to Boston. I would prefer not to leave early (5 am) after getting back after 10.

I am also concerned about parking and safety so thought staying out side the city would be easier.

Maybe I'll just bite the bullet and do the miles.
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Old 03-12-2014, 03:12 PM   #4
JoanneS
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Is Natick a possibility? That puts you on the Mass Pike. There are several hotels there near the mall. I've stayed at the Hampton which is nice, and the Crowne Plaza (which is a little weird).
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Old 03-13-2014, 12:18 PM   #5
Huntermom
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Joanne,

I've thought about Natick but am concerned about how long it will take me to get in on the mass Pike in the morning. Right now I am thinking that I will leave my class early so I can be home by 8:30 or 9 and then leave at 5, which gets me to MGH by 6:30, have breakfast when I get there and bring some work to do.

I've also though about staying where there is quick access to the T and taking that in.

All the driving is driving me nuts. I can also change my class to Thurs. evening.

I just want a quick, traffic free way into Boston for 8 AM. Perhaps that desire is not set in reality.

Thanks to all.
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Old 03-13-2014, 12:27 PM   #6
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I visit friends in Framingham all the time and the commuter train (Boston-Worcester line) goes right through Natick, with stops in Natick and West Natick. If you stay somewhere near the station, or at a hotel with a shuttle to the station, you could take the commuter train into South Station, then the Red Line to MGH.
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Old 03-13-2014, 01:10 PM   #7
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The commuter rail and the T sound like good ideas, if you're looking for traffic-free commutes. That is if you're allowed to ride the T after your visit to MGH. I'm all for stress-free travel.
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Old 03-13-2014, 02:11 PM   #8
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I just have a doctor's appointment so i should be able to ride the T. I was planning on driving home.

How long is the train ride in from Natick?
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Old 03-13-2014, 05:56 PM   #9
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From Natick the Commuter Rail is about 30 minutes. It depends on how many local stops the train you take makes. Here's the weekday inbound schedule:
MBTA Commuter Rail > Framingham / Worcester Lines Schedules and Maps
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