Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Bring the Popcorn

Patch picks some of the best places to rent or watch a movie this weekend.

Coolidge Corner Theatre Why? No discussion of films in Brookline would be complete without the Coolidge. Whether it's a cult classic played @fter Midnite, or their Science on Screen series, or even a special showing like the Big Lebowski Bowling Party earlier this year, something cool is at the Coolidge. Brookline Access TV Why? If you have a movie, and 24 friends to watch it with, you need go no further than Brookline Access TV for a spot to watch. You can rent their 25-seat theatre and watch just about anything there.   Suggested by: @EricaBATV on Twitter (who works there) Movieworks Why? Rentals, purchases, and used movies are available at this independent Brookline store, on Beacon Street near Washington Square. They have deals such as…

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: It's Easy Being Green

This week, it's all green here in Brookline. Here are some simple ways you can help the planet.

This week, we'll have to respectfully disagree with Kermit the Frog. We picked some ways to go green earlier in the year, here are some old classics and new ideas from us at Patch.  Honorable Mention Kitsch in Sync, a Brookline improv group, had this unique suggestion:  We stopped showering in order to save water. It also helps save on gas since no one invites us to go out anymore. Beat the Street Why: Cars are one of the most direct sources of carbon emissions, and using your car less reduces that. Dig your bike out of storage and fix her up, or get a new one from Superb Bicycle or Ferris Wheels in Jamaica Plain. If you're headed somewhere less than a half-mile away, walk or bike there. It will take you about 15 to 20 minutes to walk …

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Service with a Smile

Who in town is worth a note for their spectacular service? This week, Patch Picks, with your help, some of the town's finest.

Brookline has a vast number of people who serve the town in a number of incredible ways. While it's impossible to catch every single person who goes out of their way--personally, professionally, or in any other capacity--we asked for your help this week to name a few folks whose service stands out.  KooKoo Cafe Why? The Cafe has been called a hidden gem with excellent food and great people. It's a cozy spot with a lot of personality, and staff who are willing to accommodate any tastes.  Suggested by: Twitter user @Sasalis Mr. Fix-It Why? As Patch user Bridget put it, "They saved a few butts during the hurricane." While you may not think about it until your plumbing stops working, the name of a good plumber becomes invaluable when you have …

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We Need Your Help Picking 'Patch Picks'

This week's Patch Picks is all about service, who in town is a stand-out service star?

Patch Picks tomorrow is all about service, just in time for Labor day. We would like to thank the men and women of Brookline that help things work, and work smoothly. Whether it's a public official who did their job in an outstanding way, a volunteer who works tirelessly for their cause, or someone who hands you coffee in the morning with a smile that kick-starts your day, we want to know.  For example, Twitter user @Sasalis yesterday told us about "Koo Koo Cafe...excellent food, hidden gem, and great people"  We're certain there are more than a few unsung heroes in town, and we need your help pointing them out to sing their praise. Post a comment, tweet, Facebook comment or send your suggestions to Grahame.Turner@Patch.com. If you've got …

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Burger Time!

It's not Meatless Monday, so it's time to get yourself a juicy burger. This week, Patch Picks some of the best spots to do just that.

A flavorful patty formed from fresh ground beef, cooked to perfection and served with the best toppings you can find is enough to make my mouth water. This week, Patch picked some of the best spots to get a burger in Brookline. Was your favorite on the list? American Craft Bar Why?: In addition to the craft beer selection here, the burgers come in a wide variety. Whether it's the turkey or veggie burgers, or an all-beef patty topped with a fried egg, there's something for every taste and beer pairing. Recommended by: @NewtonMAPatch (Melanie from Newton Patch) The Regal Beagle Why?: You get what you pay for, and if you're willing to splurge a little, you'll get something delicious. The Regal Burger, for example, comes on a light brioche bun…

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Learn Something New Every Day

This week, Patch Picks several places that believe no matter how old the dog is, he can always learn some new tricks.

Just because you're out of high school or college is no excuse to stop learning new things. Whether you're trying to become kitchen literate, or produce the next great TV series, Brookline has an incredible number of places to pick up new skills and figure out how to work new (educational) toys. Brookline Adult Education Why? Hidden inside the Brookline High School are the offices of Brookline Adult Education. Step through their extensive catalog to learn how to do just about anything. With the help of local experts, you can become a budding chef, artist or landscaper. Need a leg up on an upcoming test? Adult Ed has you covered, whether it's an SAT, GRE or driver's test. Brookline Access Television Why? Perhaps you're the type of person …

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Patch Picks: Don't Scream for Ice Cream

No need to scream, when there are so many great spots frighteningly close to you in Brookline.

It's excessively hot in Brookline today. Tomorrow doesn't promise to be much bettter. What's a better way to beat the heat than with something that's already cold, and delicious to boot. This week, Patch Picks some local ice cream favorites. Have one we missed? Let us know. Berry Freeze Why? One of the coolest places in Coolidge Corner, Berry Freeze has some of the tastiest cold treats that you make yourself. Choose any flavor of frozen yogurt, pick from their grouping of 20 different toppings, and create a masterpiece of flavor.  J.P. Licks Why? Named for one of Brookline's nearest neighbors, J.P. Licks is a local ice cream chain known for fresh-roasted coffees (iced or hot), as well as signature ice cream flavors. Whether you're in …

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Father's Day

Some suggestions for how to celebrate Father's Day this weekend.

Whether he's playing catch with you, teaching you to ride your bike, taking your car apart, or just being there to back you up, Dad plays a vital role in the lives of most. Father's day is an excuse, not that one is needed, to say thanks for the things he has done, and have fun as a family. Here are some suggestions for ways to spend Sunday with him. An Afternoon Off Why: If Dad spends a lot of time working or helping other people out, spending an afternoon where he doesn't have to do anything can be a welcome break. Get him a drink and sit down to watch TV with him, or just talk.  Cook a Special Meal Why: Younger kids can help, teens could work together to make a special feast for dad. Spend a couple of days subtly asking what his …

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George McCasland

3:28 pm on Thursday, June 16, 2011

For Fathers Day, have you considered creating a list of why you appreciate him? Answer this survey on that. http://divpat.org/FathersDay http://divpat.org/AppreciationOfDadList   more ›

Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Last Minute Tax Tips

Patch Picks some last minute tax advice in and around Brookline.

The tax deadline is right around the corner: April 18 for Federal and April 19 for State of Massachusetts Taxes. With that in mind, here are a few simple tips and tricks which can help you get everything filed and avoid later complications.  Get Organiz-ized Why: One very common mistake is losing tax documents before starting to file. Make sure you have everything you need before you sit down. You need at least one W2 form from each employer you had last year, as well as a 1099-HC from your healthcare provider. You may also need receipts for anything you claim, such as office purchases or donations. If you did any freelance work, it may be reported on a 1099-MISC form. Make sure you have checked all of your files before you sit down to …

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Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Day-Tripping in Brookline

Brookline's finest spots for a spring break stay-cation.

This week's Patch Picks focuses on some stunning hidden gems you can visit without even leaving the area. Whether you love or loathe the term "stay-cation," spend a few hours of a spring break at one of these fascinating spots. Larz Anderson Auto Museum Why?: With a rotating collection of 32 classic cars, gorgeous architecture and the beautiful Larz Anderson Park surrounding it, you could easily spend a full day the Anderson's former estate. The park is part of the Green Dog Program, so members can bring some of their four-legged family members too. Metropolitan Waterworks Museum Why?: The history of water comes to life at this museum, formerly the High Service Pumping Station which houses three of the massive pumps used to transport water…

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