Boston’s iconic Swan Boats return after a 12 months off

BOSTON (AP) – Boston’s famous swan boats are back on service after being phased out last year due to the pandemic.

Acting Mayor Kim Janey took her family on one of the foot-powered boats on Saturday to celebrate her reopening at the Boston Public Garden. Janey called it “a great way to celebrate our recovery from the pandemic.”

“We welcome Boston residents and visitors back to our historic park to enjoy this joyful attraction, as per current health guidelines for safe travel with family and friends,” she said in a statement.

Masks are required on the boats and passengers are spaced in a row and on the ships.

The Paget family, who have run the legendary Boston tradition since 1877, said last summer was the first time the entire season had been canceled. The oldest boat in the fleet just celebrated its 111th season.

Each swan boat weighs 3 tons when fully loaded and is driven by the driver via a paddle wheel with foot drive.

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NEW HAMPSHIRE

The New Hampshire Democrats are pushing to keep public access to the work of the Legislative Committee.

The statehouse was closed to the public during the coronavirus pandemic, but those interested in testifying on bills were able to attend hearings and follow committee discussions online. At a news conference on Friday, Democratic leaders said they hope the next biennial state budget will include funding so that participation can continue.

They called the system used during the pandemic a silver lining that has allowed for greater transparency and participation from constituents who otherwise might not have weighed on important laws due to distance or disability.

“In any case, the use of video conferencing technology has been a success. It has enabled many more people to participate in the legislative process and see how the legislature works in action, ”said Renny Cushing, chairman of the minority House of Representatives in D-Hampton. “It really opens up our democracy and we hope that this process will continue.”

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VERMONT

The city of Vernon, Vermont plans to hold its annual outdoor city get-together this year.

Earlier this year, the Vernon Select Board rescheduled the township meeting, which usually takes place in March, to May 23rd due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The whole process will be new, but as far as you vote it should be pretty much the same,” said Wendy Harrison, Interim Town Administrator.

The Brattleboro Reformer reports that the meeting will take place on May 23 at 2 p.m. on the lawn in front of City Hall.

In addition to masking, attendees answer health-related questions as they check in. Social distancing rules are also applied. Grocery sales or table brochures are not permitted.

During the meeting, citizens will decide a number of economic issues for the community.

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MAINE

A mobile clinic in Lewiston will offer free COVID-19 vaccines next week to increase vaccinations in the area.

The clinic opened near the city parking lot on Oak Street on Friday and will resume on Monday for tours or by appointment. The recordings are available until Friday for everyone aged 18 and over. The Lewiston clinic can take around 1,000 images.

The project is coordinated by the Maine Department of Health, the City of Lewiston and the medical company Promerica Health.

City administrator Denis D’Auteuil said the clinic will be particularly helpful in removing workers from the area’s businesses.

After her time in Lewiston next week, the clinic will travel to other locations in Androscoggin County and western Maine. It will then return to Lewiston and the other locations to provide second doses of the Moderna vaccine.

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