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Free and nearly free December events in Boston: Tree lightings, book bargains, and more – The Boston Globe

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Free and nearly free December events in Boston: Tree lightings, book bargains, and more – The Boston Globe


MERRY EXCHANGE If you’ve read Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol” too many winters in a row and are looking for a new seasonal read, the Trident Booksellers & Cafe hosts their Holiday Book Swap, a grab-and-go-style exchange for anyone who wants to trade a well-loved book for a new read. The event takes place in the Stacks, Trident’s large event space, and readers are encouraged to stay and mingle over their new library additions. Dec. 4, 7-9 p.m. Trident Booksellers & Cafe, 338 Newbury St. tridentbookscafe.com

FOLKLORIC FUN Krampus, the German folkloric character who acts as Santa’s evil counterpart, gets his own celebration from the Brighton Bazaar over the weekend at the Charles River Speedway. On Saturday, Medieval Merriment founder and costume and creature maker Elsa the Fool hosts a medieval costume contest. Then, on Sunday, Salem street performer Goat Girl brings some goat-headed crowd interaction. Throughout the Speedway, vendors will be selling vintage and handmade merchandise befitting a folklore-themed celebration. Dec. 6-7. Charles River Speedway, 525 Western Ave. instagram.com/thebrightonbazaar

INDIE COMIC CON The Massachusetts Independent Comics Expo, or MICE, invites over 200 artists and writers for a rodent-themed indie comic convention. The expo’s headlining artists are Boston-born artist Scott McCloud, known for his comic about making comics, “Understanding Comics,” and ND Stevenson, whose graphic novel series “Nimona” was adapted into an animated Netflix film in 2023, though both panels are ticketed with a fee. However, for free, you can peruse the aisles to explore work from over 200 artists and illustrators. Dec. 6-7. RSVP required. Peter Fuller Building, 808 Commonwealth Ave. micexpo.org

Outside the Somerville Public Library which was built in 1914. Kayla Bartkowski For The Boston Globe

STORIES ON SALE If you love reading or scouring through bargain bins, the Somerville Library has just the opportunity for you: The annual Friends of the Somerville Library deal, which takes place Saturday and Sunday, offers a large selection of books for purchase, all priced at $1. The sale raises funds for the library’s programming throughout the year. Dec. 6-7. Somerville Public Library, 79 Highland Ave., Somerville. somervillepubliclibrary.assabetinteractive.com

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This week, experience some early holiday spirit at one of the tree lighting ceremonies taking place around Boston. Many offer activities, snacks, and refreshments.

Monday

Copley Square, 560 Boylston St. 4-6 p.m. boston.gov

Wednesday

Boston Landing, 92 Guest St. 4-7 p.m. eventbrite.com

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Thursday

Boston Common. 6-8 p.m. boston.gov

Commonwealth Avenue Mall, 484 Commonwealth Ave. 8 p.m. boston.gov

Friday

Seaport Common, 85 Northern Ave. 5-8 p.m. bostonseaport.xyz

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Check individual event websites for the most up-to-date information.

Send info on free events and special offers at least 10 days in advance to ryan.yau@globe.com.


Ryan Yau can be reached at ryan.yau@globe.com.





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Woman dies after medical episode at Boston nightclub, family says – The Boston Globe

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Woman dies after medical episode at Boston nightclub, family says – The Boston Globe


The club, in a statement posted on Instagram on Tuesday, said it was “deeply saddened” by Colon’s death and that employees at the nightclub rushed to her aid.

“Our staff responded immediately and called emergency services while an off-duty EMT rendered first aid,” it said. “We are cooperating fully with all inquiries from law enforcement and city officials who are reviewing this medical episode.”

When police arrived at the Warrenton Street venue, they found a person lying on the dance floor, unresponsive and without a pulse, according to an incident report. They began performing chest compressions with the help of a cashier at the club who said she worked as an EMT.

Police said in the report that the large crowd inside the club did not comply with orders to give space to emergency medical personnel. Eventually, officers ordered the club to shut down and told patrons to leave immediately.

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The woman, whose age was not disclosed, was then taken to Tufts Medical Center, police said.

Colon’s sister, Angelica Colon, wrote on social media Sunday that the club failed to immediately call 911 after being told about the medical emergency. She said only a few people at the club showed any “real concern,” while other patrons and staff “acted like nothing was happening.”

“My sister collapsed in the middle of the club,“ she wrote. ”I tried to lift her myself and couldn’t. I was screaming at the top of my lungs and was ignored. The music was only stopped for two minutes, then turned right back on — as if her life didn’t matter.”

Angelica Colon also couldn’t be reached for comment on Tuesday.

Anastaiya Colon, who was at the club to celebrate her sister Angelica’s birthday, had smoked before arriving and had “a few drinks” at the bar, according to the police report. Drug use was not suspected as a factor in the medical episode, according to the report.

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Angelica Colon said that, while her sister had a medical condition, “that does not excuse what happened.” She said in the post that she was considering legal action against the club’s owners.

“A business that refuses to act during a medical emergency does not deserve to operate,” she wrote. “If this could happen to my sister, it could happen to anyone.”

“She was the greatest mother to our son and her daughter,” Stackhouse wrote. “Wherever I fell, she compensated and gave me so much more grace than I deserve.”

Icon is operated by Pasha Entertainment, which also runs the nightclubs Venu and Hava, as well as prominent restaurants such as Ghost Light Tavern and Kava Neo-Taverna, according to the company’s website.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the individual’s family and loved ones,” the club wrote.

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Last year, the city’ licensing board reviewed a 2023 incident at the club in which a woman was punched and thrown to the ground by another patron. Icon staff did not call police during the altercation, which the club’s director of security admitted was a “lapse in judgment.”

The woman who was punched later sued the club for overserving her attacker; Icon was ordered to pay $30,000 in damages, according to court records.


Camilo Fonseca can be reached at camilo.fonseca@globe.com. Follow him on X @fonseca_esq and on Instagram @camilo_fonseca.reports.





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Green Line back open after closure to replace 1800s beams – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News

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Green Line back open after closure to replace 1800s beams – Boston News, Weather, Sports | WHDH 7News


BOSTON (WHDH) – Getting around the city was made easier Tuesday after the Green Line reopened after a two-week shutdown affecting all branches.

The MBTA needed the closure to replace underground beams dating back to the 19th century.

Service returned Tuesday on the B branch between North Station and Babcock, on the C and D lines from North Station to Kenmore, and North Station to Heath Street on the E branch.

(Copyright (c) 2025 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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Red Sox outfielder, veteran leader signs with Seattle after four-season run in Boston

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Red Sox outfielder, veteran leader signs with Seattle after four-season run in Boston


After four seasons in which he emerged as a veteran leader and key bench player for the Red Sox, Rob Refsnyder’s time in Boston is over.

Refsnyder has signed a one-year contract with the Mariners, the club announced. According to a major league source, the deal will pay Refsnyder a base salary of $6.25 million in 2026. It also includes $250,000 in incentives.

Refsnyder, who turns 35 in May, was a journeyman utility player when he signed with the Red Sox as a minor league free agent in December 2021. Over the last four seasons, he found a home in Boston, where he mashed left-handed pitching and became an important clubhouse voice. Along with Trevor Story and Alex Bregman, Refsnyder helped form a core of older position players who helped the Sox navigate treacherous waters in the fallout of the Rafael Devers drama (and subsequent trade) over the summer. On the field, he was plenty productive, too, as he hit .269 with nine homers, 12 doubles and an .838 OPS in 70 games in his limited role in 2025.

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In 309 games over the past four seasons, Refsnyder hit .276 with 27 homers, 119 RBIs, 48 doubles and an .804 OPS while serving as one of the best hitters in baseball against left-handed pitching. In 2025, he posted a .302 average, .560 slugging percentage and .959 OPS against southpaws, pairing with Romy Gonzalez to form a potent pair of right-handed platoon options for Alex Cora. Refsnyder’s .596 slugging percentage against left-handed starters was the fourth-best mark in baseball. Since the start of 2021, Refsnyder ranks third in the majors in on-base percentage against lefties (.405) among players with 300 plate appearances.

Refsnyder expressed strong interest in returning to the Red Sox in 2026 but in recent weeks, the writing has been on the wall for his departure. There aren’t many at-bats to go around in Boston’s crowded outfield/designated hitter picture and recent comments from manager Alex Cora made it harder to see Refsnyder returning in his role. Specifically, the club wants Wilyer Abreu — a platoon player to this point in his career — to get regular starts against lefties in right field, a position where Refsnyder logged 21 starts in 2025. Cora also praised the athleticism of Nate Eaton, who may take over Refsnyder’s role as a versatile, younger and cheaper version in 2026. Eaton had a .673 OPS against lefties in 49 big league plate appearances last year but the Red Sox think there’s more in his right-handed bat. Kristian Campbell is expected to focus on outfield work in spring training, too, further crowding a group that includes Abreu, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela, Jarren Duran and potentially Eaton and others.

The Mariners will be Refsnyder’s seventh major league team, joining the Yankees, Blue Jays, Rays and Twins. He had previously signed two deals to remain in Boston, agreeing to avoid arbitration at $1.2 million for 2023, then signing a $1.85 million extension for the 2024 season that included a $2 million option for 2025.



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