Whether you’re new to Massachusetts or been here a while, if you want to hear some wonderful music without the hassles of in-town drive, parking, and an expensive meal, consider the Plymouth Philharmonic. It's conveniently located on Court Street in Plymouth, just a mile off Route 3.
The Phil, as its fans refer to it, has great music without the hassles of a trip to Boston or New York. They play both in Memorial Hall right on Court Street in Plymouth, and at the Duxbury Performing Arts Center near the high school. Prices are reasonable, with tickets running from $20 to $50 for the Christmas shows, depending on where you’ll hear the music.
The Christmas concert, Holiday Pops, is an annual favorite, playing this year on Saturday evening (8PM) and Sunday afternoon (3PM), D
ecember 10th and 11th. Park right behind Memorial Hall, or across the street for free and walk a few steps into historic Memorial Hall. Tickets are still available as of December 4th.. Let music director Steven Karidoyanes describe why he selected Vaughan Williams’ Fantasia on Christmas Carols and other seasonal treats. His easy-going yet professional approach to his music gives the show an intimate feel.
The concerts in March are a treat if you like a chorus, and tickets start at under $10. The Family Concert on March 4th features the Plymouth Children’s Chorus; the Power and Glory concert will feature the 250 voice High School Choral Consortium.
A word on the seats at Memorial Hall: make no mistake, this is an older venue, so legroom is limited and the seats are small, especially in the balcony. Do yourself a favor and try to get on the floor or in the mezzanine sections for a more relaxed seat. It’s worth the expense.
More details about the Phil are available on-line, but the best way to really know what it’s about is to find your way to a concert. For the prices, bring a friend. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Converts Wanted: How To Change Your Out-of-State Driver’s License
If you recently moved to Massachusetts from another state, here are a few tips for converting an out of state driver’s license to Massachusetts. The Commonwealth gives you 30 days to convert your license.
While you are unpacking your boxes, you may want to keep in mind some of the documents outlined below that you will need to convert your driver’s license. There is also a license application form to complete either on-line before you go to the Registry of Motor vehicles or click here to print a copy to complete to take with you.
You will need to make a visit to one of the Registry’s branch offices to complete the transaction and have your photo taken for your new Massachusetts license.
You may also be wondering if you can register your car in Massachusetts before you change your license. The answer is absolutely “yes”. Plate registration and auto insurance may be secured before you change your license but it is expected that you will convert your license in 30 days. Our agency www.agordon.com can assist with the vehicle registration paperwork, offers free runner service, and provides auto insurance options.
Here is information provided by the Registry outlining the documentation needed if you are 18 years or older with an out of state license. For a complete list of acceptable documents, click here.
These are the types of documents needed:
- Out-of-state License. If your out-of-state license DOES NOT have a photo, you must present acceptable photo ID from the Acceptable Identification Documents List.
Note: If you do not have your out-of-state license to surrender, you must provide a photo ID from the Acceptable Identification Documents list of identification AND a certified driving record not more than 30 days old from the state where you currently hold your License..
- Document proving date of birth
- Document proving signature
- Document proving Massachusetts residency
Note: An out-of-state License presented as one of the ID documents can be used document to confirm signature OR date of birth. It CANNOT be used to confirm both.
- A Social Security Number (SSN) that the RMV can verify with the U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) as having been issued to you OR an acceptable Denial Notice from the SSA. If you present a Denial Notice, you must also present proof of acceptable visa status, an I-94 (Record of Arrival and Departure), and a current non-U.S. Passport.
- All documents must be originals. Photocopies will not be accepted. You must also clear a check through the National Driver Register and pay the required fees.
- If you have a previous Massachusetts License that expired four or more years ago, you are required to show all of the identification listed above.
- If you have a license from Canada, Mexico, or US Territory ( including Puerto Rico), you must present a driving record not more than 30 days old.
Converting your driver’s license is one step you will take in becoming a Massachusetts resident. Our agency www.agordon.com can help you sort out the information needed to convert your license and insure your autos and home. You can request a quote by calling us at 781-659-2262 or online at www.agordon.com.
The Town of Hanover is a rural suburban town of approximately 14,000 residents. It has a good school system with all school buildings either new or recently renovated for today’s technology. Take a ride on Cedar Street and see the brand new High School that is in the finishing stages!
Hanover was originally settled as part of Scituate but became its own entity when a new Church parish was needed in 1727. The Town Government is a strong Town Manager/Open Town Meeting. Although it is not on the coast, the town is known for water. The southern border is a tidal freshwater river system known as North River and Indian Head. You can navigate to the Atlantic Ocean from there and fresh water mussel grows abundantly in one of only two areas in the state.
The Town has a very active youth sports system and a new five million dollar sports facility which will open next spring in South Hanover. The town has a very active equine community with trails for walking and riding abundant. Hanover’s Seniors are served by many affordable housing options and a new Senior Center in Mid Town.
The John Curtis Free Library was added to and renovated in recent years to be the South Shore’s premier Library.
Although the housing market crisis has not completely passed over Hanover; the town has done well with overall foreclosure and valuations. All of these factors and it’s access to Boston and Cape Cod, shopping and hospitals, forests and beaches make Hanover a wonderful place to live.
If you recently moved to Massachusetts, visit agordon.com/newhomebuyer for tips on purchasing new home owner’s insurance. Also check out our Auto page for auto insurance deals and information, as well as our Whiteboard series for great general tips.
If you’re from a small town and have recently moved to Whitman, then you’re sure to feel at home here. With a population of 14,000 residents in a 7 mile square radius, you’ll make new acquaintances in no time!
The Toll House Inn, established in 1709, invented Toll House cookies in the late 1930’s. Although the Toll House burned completely down in 1984, their sign and landmark still remains on Bedford St. (Rte 18).
Park your car only once downtown and avail yourself of many merchants and services within close walking distance. Banking, coffee shops, restaurants, drug store, hair salons, dry cleaners, post office, town hall, churches and other merchants and services are just too numerous to mention. Walk over to our newly renovated Lower Town Park; it is listed as one of the 1,000 greatest places in Massachusetts by the state legislature. The Old Colony Commuter Rail, a short walking distance from downtown, provides rail service from Plymouth to Boston.
For the youth of Whitman, there are organized sports teams, active scout packs and a recreation commission that provides many activities. The Recreation department also oversees our swimming programs at our town pool, located at the Lower Town Park.
The Whitman Senior Center, also located downtown, provides many activities, trips and daily meals.
Some of the downtown restaurant favs are McGuiggan’s Irish Pub, Tea Time Cookies, Venus Café (great pizza!), Ted’s Place (seafood). On Rte 18 is also the infamous Peaceful Meadows Ice Cream (dairy barn open year round).
Last December, Whitman just celebrated their 17th year Winterfest. Always held on a Saturday in December, the downtown streets are closed for their festival. Parades, fireworks, caroling, contests, etc. fill the day and though through the night. www.whitmanwinterfest.com
Whitman hosts an annual Fourth of July Field Day at the park, with a road race, carriage or bike decorating, pie eating contests and other events.
The Town of Whitman was incorporated in 1875. As a primary South Shore residential community, it has retained much of its rural character.
If you are moving to Whitman or any town in Massachusetts, see our website to view our whiteboard videos at www.agordon.com. The videos provide valuable tips if you are new to Massachusetts or buying a new home.
And if you’re thinking of moving to town soon, visit agordon.com/newhomebuyer for tips on purchasing new home owner’s insurance. Also check out our Auto page for auto insurance deals and information, as well as our Whiteboard series for great general tips.
Are you looking for a place to fish, hunt, do some bird watching, walk the dog, bike or ride your horse? Halifax shares this treasure with Hanson.
There are parking areas off Elm Street in Halifax and Hawks Avenue in Hanson, but try not to block the walk thru for the equestrians at the Elm Street lot. There is lots of wildlife and is well known by birders for the Heron, Egret, Osprey,swans, ducks, geese and lots of small birds. You’ll have to get up pretty early to see deer but you can usually find their tracks. The wildlife is more evident in the warmer months when you can find snakes, Muskrats and Snapping turtles. You will find some hunters this time of year at Burrage and the adjacent trails, so be cautious and wear orange. If you’re walking a dog, be sure to keep it leashed.
Sorry, no ATV’s are allowed since this is a Wildlife Management Area that was purchased by the state in 2002.
Maybe we’ll see you there! Enjoy and please don’t litter.
For more info:
http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dfw/habitat/maps/wma/southeastwma/burragepondwma.pdf
And for insurance information and relevant resources, visit the A G Gordon Website.
And if you’re thinking of moving to town soon, visit agordon.com/newhomebuyer for tips on purchasing new home owner’s insurance. Also check out our Auto page for auto insurance deals and information, as well as our Whiteboard series for great general tips.
Buying a vehicle out of state and wondering if you can use temporary plates in Massachusetts? If you are a Massachusetts resident the answer is a definitive no. The Massachusetts Association of Insurance Agents reports that the Registry of Motor Vehicles issued a formal statement regarding whether paper or temporary plates are permitted on vehicles purchased by Massachusetts residents from out-of-state dealers.
The letter reads:
“Massachusetts does not issue temporary registration plates for its own residents but it does recognize temporary registration plates validly registered in other states to non-residents of Massachusetts who are temporarily operating in this state (assuming the plates are not expired or suspended.) Thus, a Connecticut resident operating a motor vehicle in Massachusetts on validly issued temporary Connecticut registration plates is OK, but a Massachusetts resident operating a newly purchased motor vehicle in Massachusetts with validly issued temporary Connecticut plates is not. A Massachusetts resident who purchases a motor vehicle in another state must apply for and attach valid Massachusetts registration plates to the vehicle before he/she can drive the vehicle back to Massachusetts.”
For more relevant information and risk management solutions, visit the A. G. Gordon website.
Recently Moved to Massachusetts?
Visit agordon.com/newhomebuyer for tips on purchasing new home owner’s insurance. Also check out our Auto page for auto insurance deals and information, as well as our Whiteboard series for great general tips.
Posted by
Kay Gordon on Wed, Oct 12, 2011 @ 04:59 PM
As much as we all love the South Shore there are times we want to and need to get out. In fact, many of us find ourselves daily on the South East Expressway commuting to work and wondering what that commute may be like. There are several public transportation options available that may make the commute more predictable and also less stressful.
While everyone’s situation is different, one of the following might make your commute a little more palatable. Please refer to the online sites for detailed rates, schedules and other information- to ensure the alternative transportation works for you!
The two commuter lines that emanate from the South Shore are THE OLD COLONY and the GREENBUSH Lines. One spur of Old Colony originates in Plymouth or Kingston, travels to Halifax, Hanson, Whitman, Abington, S. Weymouth, Braintree, UMA Boston and ends at South Station, Boston.
The Greenbush Line originates In Scituate, travels to N. Scituate, Cohasette, Nantasket Junction, West Hingham, East Weymouth, East Braintree, Quincy Center, UMass Boston and ends at South Station.
Origination to South Station takes about an hour and prices for the commuter train vary depending on distance from about $2 to $9 and there is generally a charge for parking at lots.
Two Commuter Boats travel from Fore River Shipyard in Quincy and Hewitt’s Cove in Hingham to Boston’s Long Wharf and Rowe’s Wharf respectively for $6 each way. For $12 the boat goes to Logan airport where one picks up a Massport shuttle bus to complete the trip to the airport terminal. A third Boat from Hull, Ma also goes to Boston.
The Logan Express Bus is yet another way to get to the airport from Braintree, MA for about $10 per trip. Get dropped off or park in Braintree and let the bus driver deliver you to your terminal and pick you up at the airport when you return from your trip.
The “T” Red Line that originates in Braintree is a relatively inexpensive alternative and runs quite frequently. Park for about $8/day or get dropped off and picked up at the parking garage. This particular line goes directly to Cambridge, Ma and connects to the other Subway lines in Boston.
Again, please refer to all the above online sites for current detailed and updated information. The above is a summary to inform and remind that there are alternatives to driving when making a commute north to Boston!
But whether you choose to travel by car, boat, train, or helicopter, visit the A. G. Gordon, Inc. website for insurance resources or to get a quote. Our job is to make insurance make sense.
If you own a home in the South Shore and are interested in lowering the cost of your insurance, click to www.agordon.com/home.
If you don't want to utilize the public transportation or prefer driving, check out our auto insurance.
Welcome to Massachusetts! The Department of Transportation or more commonly known as the Registry of Motor Vehicles facilitates all motor vehicle registrationsand driver licensing. You have 30 days from the time you become a resident to register and title your vehicles and convert your driver’s license. For information on converting your out-of-state driver’s license, read our recent blog called Converts Wanted: How to Change Your License.
Apply For Auto Insurance
Our insurance agency www.agordon.com will compare prices/coverage and recommend the best auto policy to fit your needs and budget. Once your auto insurance application is complete, we can facilitate the registration of your vehicle. We will need the title and other vehicle information including current odometer reading, vehicle information and where the vehicle was purchased. We will then prepare the necessary Registry of Motor Vehicle documents needed to obtain plates and a Masachusetts vehicle title. The Registry application will be certified with our insurance stamp. We offer complimentary Registry services to our valued customers so we can save you valuable time and the hassle of a Registry visit.
Once your the vehicle is registered and your new Massachusetts auto insurance is in place, you may cancel your former state’s auto policy and plates. Requirements vary between states but usually involves signing a policy cancellation request form and sending your plates back to your agent or Department of Motor Vehicle.
A few things to keep in mind:
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Massachusetts requires that the name on your registration be verbatim as that on your title. For example, you cannot have two names on the title and one name on the registration and vice versa.
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All vehicles must be titled, regardless of age.
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You will be issued a Massachusetts title even if you hold a current title from your prior state. Titles are usually issued within six weeks of your application and will be mailed to you. If there is a current lien on your vehicle, the Registry will hold your title ‘electronically’ until your auto loan is paid off.
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A Department of Revenue form for sales tax (Form MVU-29) must also be completed and filed with your registry application for plates and title. Current Mass. Sales tax is 6.25%. If you bought your car in your state less than six months before moving to Mass. AND you paid less than 6.25% sales tax, you are required to pay the difference to Mass.
For more insurance information and relevant resources, visit www.agordon.com
For deals and tips on purchasing auto insurance, visit our auto page. If you’re moving to Massachusetts or just moving down the street, also stop by the home insurance page. And if you’re just looking for helpful tips on navigating the complicated insurance world, check out our Whiteboard-Whiteboard Videos series.
I’m proud to say that I’ve been on the board of directors for Whitman Youth Soccer since 1995. I am the current President and enjoy my involvement with this association. It’s all about giving back to the children, our youth soccer players, in our small town of Whitman, MA. Working for the youth has been a real privilege. What I believe makes our program so successful are the goals of Whitman Youth Soccer to provide a program where kids get to play and develop their skills in the game of soccer and instill and foster in them the value of sportsmanship and team play in a safe, pressure free and fun environment.
The Team
Our players are the heart and soul of Whitman Youth Soccer and our soccer program is only possible by their participation teamed with the dedication and enormous amounts of time and energy devoted to the program by the backbone of our league - our all-volunteer board members, coaches and assistant coaches. All of these men and women should be recognized for their tireless efforts, dedication and the precious time they devote to our kids and our program.
Fundraising Start
Recently, one of our coaches, Pam Tassey of Whitman, developed and organized a fund raiser for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The Fundraiser
She has placed six recycle bins among our soccer fields to be used for recycling bottle and can returns. Our soccer fields and bins are located at the Whitman Middle School, 100 Corthell Ave, Whitman, MA. 100 % of the proceeds from the can and bottle redemptions will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
The Recycling Bins
The recycle bins were purchased from Whitman’s Department of Public Works. The recycle bins are pink and cost $65 each. The manufacturer of the recycle bins then donates $5.00 for each bin sold to the Breast Cancer Society. In turn, Whitman Youth Soccer purchased and donated these six recycle bins to the organizer to give the organizer, Pam Tassey, a head start with her recycling efforts.
Talk about a win-win situation!
A lovely smaller town -by Plymouth Standards- just to the North of the same, Kingston sits on the Atlantic, rich in location and history. In the mid 17th century, Kingston was still considered North Plymouth and would later be defined by the mills built along its numerous streams in the 18th and 19th century. The mills drew an increasing population, resulting in the town’s subsequent expansion and independence from Plymouth.
By the time 1955 rolled around, Kingston had established itself as a hub of activity, and route 3 was built right through the center to provide direct high-speed access to Boston. At this point, the South Shore was enjoying a huge building boom, but most of the developers stayed away from Kingston, instead preferring the more expensive prices of Duxbury or the cheaper prices of Plymouth.
Kingston continued to grow slowly until the 1980s when town growth exploded. The town population doubled in the years between 1971 and 1991, no small feat for a Massachusetts town. As home prices soared, Kingston enjoyed –and still enjoys- the prosperity.
Stats shot today:
Population: 5,591
Median Home Price: $357,300
Distance from Boston: 28 Miles
Distance from Providence, RI: 38 Miles
Distance from a beach: Always under 3 miles
Kingston has been and continues to be a wonderful place to raise a family. Anyone who disagrees can argue with the staggering number of parents and children out and about on any given weekend. Dotted with cranberry bogs and other great scenery that New England is known for, but thriving with the activity of a small city, Kingston should be on your radar if you’re moving to Massachusetts.
