Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Oprah Winfrey receive honorary degrees from Harvard University

By Peter Schworm, John R. Ellement and Andrew Ryan, Globe Staff

CAMBRIDGE — Harvard University awarded an honorary degree to Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino at the college’s 362nd commencement this morning, praising his decades of service and strong leadership following the Boston Marathon bombings.

Menino was one of nine people, including entertainment titan Oprah Winfrey, to receive the honor during the college’s morning exercises. Winfrey is scheduled to deliver the address at the afternoon exercises.

Provost Alan M. Garber noted Menino’s message to Boston residents just after the attacks, when the city was reeling. “Nothing will keep us down,” the mayor had said.

A visibly moved Menino received a standing ovation from the crowd gathered in Tercentenary Theater on a hot and humid morning.

Afterward, a still-robed Menino said he was humbled and honored by the degree and that it was unexpected.

“I never imagined I would be honored by Harvard,” he told reporters.

He had some advice for the Class of 2013: “Be focused. Have a plan.”

In addition to Winfrey and Menino, Harvard conferred honorary degrees upon scientist Robert May; Dr. Donald R. Hopkins who has fought to eradicate smallpox and Guinea worm disease in Africa; economist Partha Dasgupta; musician Jose Antonio Abreu; religious historian Elaine Pagels; C. Dixon Spangler, Jr., former president of Harvard’s Board of Overseers and the University of North Carolina; and MIT biologist JoAnne Stubbe.

In a statement summarizing Menino’s accomplishments, Harvard said it based its selection on the Hyde Park native’s success as the city’s chief executive officer for the past 20 years.

“As Boston’s longest-serving mayor, Thomas M. Menino has shepherded the cradle of the American Revolution into the 21st century. In wedding major development projects to a focus on neighborhood renewal, Menino earned overwhelming popular support for his 20-year stewardship of what he often calls ‘the greatest city on Earth,’” the university stated.

The school also credited Menino for his leadership in other issues.

“As mayor, Menino has been an early and outspoken advocate for public health initiatives, lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights, and gun control, issues that occasionally brought him into the national spotlight,’’ the school wrote. “In April, he helped guide a grieving city and nation through the Boston Marathon bombings; under his watch, the city received praise for its handling of the medical and police response to the crisis.

The Globe today reported about the Harvard honorary degree for Menino, who did not earn a bachelor’s degree until 1988, and did so only after his daughter had graduated from college.

Peter Schworm can be reached at schworm@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @globepete. John R. Ellement can be reached at ellement@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @JREbosglobe. Andrew Ryan can be reached at acryan@globe.com Follow him on Twitter @globeandrewryan.

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Boston fire chief threatens to sue command staff if they continue “defamatory” attacks

By Travis Andersen, Globe Staff

Embattled Boston Fire Chief Steve E. Abraira, facing sharp criticism from his command staff over his management style and response to the Boston Marathon bombings, is threatening to sue his deputy chiefs if they continue launching what his lawyer claims are “defamatory” attacks.

In a letter sent to the deputies last week and obtained by the Globe, Abraira’s lawyer, Louis M. Ciavarra, referenced an earlier letter critical of Abraira that 13 deputy chiefs sent on April 26 to Mayor Thomas M. Menino.

The deputies wrote that the fire chief showed no leadership after the bombings and acts as a spectator at major fire scenes, instead of taking command as his predecessors did.

In response, Ciavarra wrote that his firm is prepared to file a lawsuit “should any further such conduct occur” to put a stop to it and obtain damages.

“Your conduct is nothing more than a transparent effort to hide the inadequacies of your own performance and to interfere with my client’s efforts to improve the Boston Fire Department,” Ciavarra wrote to the deputies.

He said the “timing of your letter, and in particular linking it to the tragedy of April 15th, is reprehensible” and “was a misplaced and frankly outrageous attack intended to strengthen your ability to reject and obstruct Chief Abraira’s efforts to bring the BFD in line with modern fire fighting practices.”

Joseph G. Donnellan, a lawyer for the deputy chiefs, fired back on Thursday. He said his clients view Ciavarra’s letter as an attempt to keep them from testifying at a City Council hearing scheduled for June 18 to address the issues they raised.

“Each and every one of them saw it that way,” Donnellan said. “They saw it as a direct attempt to make sure these guys don’t go to that hearing and don’t speak their mind.”

Donnellan said the deputy chiefs will counter-sue if Abraira brings a civil action against them.

“Most assuredly, if the chief’s lawyer follows through on his threat to sue the deputy chiefs of the Boston Fire Department, we will react very strongly and very swiftly,” Donnellan said.

Abraira did not return a call seeking comment on Thursday.

He has previously said that he felt his command staff had the Marathon scene under control by the time he arrived, and that according to national standards, chiefs have the option to take command at scenes but are not required to.

Asked about the allegation of attempting to silence the deputies at the upcoming hearing, Ciavarra, the lawyer for Abraira, said on Thursday that he was not aware it had been scheduled.

He also addressed an apparent discrepancy between the reference in his letter to the “inadequacies” of the deputy chiefs’ performance, and praise that Abraira had for them only one week after the bombings.

In an e-mail sent on April 22 to Fire Department personnel that was obtained by the Globe, Abraira wrote that “every member, from firefighter to Deputy Chief, took effective actions that are now being viewed as a model for response around the country.”

Ciavarra said Thursday that he was speaking generally in his letter when he mentioned the deputy chiefs’ inadequacies, and not about their response to the bombings.

“There is no question that the department, as well as all of the first responders, were outstanding,” Ciavarra said in an e-mail.

He added, “My letter was not an evaluation of the deputies or intended to reflect either my or Chief Abraira’s opinions of their overall performance. It was a private letter expressing our concern about their past conduct and urging them to act responsibly going forward.”

City Councilor Michael P. Ross, a mayoral candidate and chairman of the Public Safety Committee, which is holding the June 18 hearing, said on Thursday that he was “a little bit surprised” by the letter from Abraira's lawyer.

“High ranking fire officials have raised legitimate policy concerns that need to be vetted in an open and transparent forum for the benefit of the public,” Ross said.

Press aides to Mayor Thomas M. Menino did not return messages seeking comment on Thursday. Menino has said that Abraira will “have a future” for as long as he remains mayor.

Boston Fire Commissioner Roderick Fraser, who appointed Abraira in November 2011, declined to comment on the letter from Abraira’s lawyer but said he approves of the chief’s job performance.

In a related matter, Donnellan, the deputy chiefs’ lawyer, said he will file a public records request for correspondence between Abraira and Chief Robert Donahue of Massport Fire Rescue, which has jurisdiction at Logan International Airport.

Donnellan said his clients are trying to determine if there is a link between new protocols laying out a reduced roll for the Boston Fire Department in fires at Logan and the deputies’ dispute with Abraira.

Donahue said Thursday in an interview that the changes, which call for more personnel from departments in other cities to respond to Logan, were implemented shortly before the bombings and intended to quicken the response time of assisting units, among other upgrades.

Travis Andersen can be reached at tandersen@globe.com. Follow him on Twitter @TAGlobe.

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Oprah: 'Oh my goodness. I'm at Harvard.''

By Katherine Landergan, Town Correspondent and Peter Schworm, Globe Staff

Boston Mayor Thomas M. Menino and talk show host Oprah Winfrey received honorary degrees from Harvard University today, as thousands of graduates, family members, friends and celebrities gathered for commencement activities.

When it was Menino’s turn to receive his honorary doctor of laws, he beamed, but was also solemn. Harvard Provost Alan Garber told the crowd that Menino is the “boss of Boston,” who has a passion for the people he serves.”

“He is known near and far as one of the most effective, dedicated, and deserved servants to hold public office,” Garber said.

Garber said that during his time as mayor, Menino has invested his whole being into the city.

“He treats his constituents like family,” Garber said, adding that, “he has been a true friend of higher education and research.”

Winfrey clasped her hands as she stood to receive her honorary doctor of laws degree.

Harvard President Drew Faust delivered brief remarks as she conferred the degree upon Winfrey.

“Opening books, opening doors, opening minds to life’s possibilities, a bountiful altruist and a woman of valor whose audiences owe her a standing O,” she said of Winfrey.

Winfrey, in a personal, at times poignant set of remarks, referred to her new network, and its less than stellar reviews, as she urged graduates to see setbacks as opportunities.

“Remember this. There is no such thing as failure,” she said to the large crowd fanned across Harvard Yard. “Failure is just life trying to move us in another direction.”

On the steamy spring day, Winfrey energized the crowd when she took the stage, her excitement over speaking at the prestigious college on clear display.

“Oh my goodness!” she exclaimed. “I’m at Harvard!”

Some 32,000 people were expected to attend what are known as the Morning Exercises, which kicked off at 9:45 a.m. and continued through the day.

Harvard College graduate Melissa Niu of State College, Penn., said the commencement was a culmination of years of hard work.

"As much as it is an end, it really is a commencement," said Niu, 21, who studied computer science. "It's a new beginning for us, to use our 16 years of education in the real world."

As he stood just outside the campus gates, Edward Becker, 25, said that he has been impressed by the diversity of the student body, and how the Harvard community truly wants to better society.

"The students at Harvard are extremely motivated to do good," said Becker, who pursued his master's in architecture at the graduate school of design.

Sydney Green, 22, said that the past few days have been surreal.

"When I got the diploma, I couldn't believe it," she said with a smile. "This is a Harvard degree, with my name on it."

A New York police sergeant Jon Murad, one of the speakers this morning, urged the class of 2013 to use their newly conferred degrees to better society.

Murad said he is likely one of the few municipal cops in the US with two Harvard degrees, which is “not a boast, it is a lament.’’

“There is as much stature in our being social workers and teachers, soldiers and preachers, nurses and, yes, even cops, as being president and poets laureate,’’ said Murad, who got his Harvard undergraduate degree in 1995 and graduated from Harvard's Kennedy School today.

“The world needs people like you in these roles,’’ he added. “Success doesn’t mean rising to the top. It means changing the world. And here’s the secret: everyone changes the world. Everything ripples. It’s how we do it that counts.’’

During this morning’s ceremony, graduates wore red robes as the degrees were conferred, in a mix of solemnity and light-hearted moments. Some educators got a hug from Winfrey. An A Capella group sang a rendition of “This Little Light of Mine.’’

After the morning event luncheons and diploma-awarding ceremonies took place at the undergraduate houses, Graduate and Professional Schools.

In the afternoon, Harvard’s president and Winfrey delivered their speeches.

“Oprah’s journey from her grandmother’s Mississippi farm to becoming one of the world’s most admired women is one of the great American success stories,” Faust said in a statement posted on the Harvard Gazette website in March. “She has used her extraordinary influence and reach as a force for good in the world, with a constant focus on the importance of educational opportunity and the virtues of serving others.”

Winfrey’s nationally syndicated talk show ran for more than 20 years, reaching an audience of over 40 million people a week in the United States as well as viewers from 150 countries, according to the Gazette. The Gazette also said that Oprah's book club has encouraged reading worldwide and featured many unknown authors.

Before Menino received his degree, the university issued a statement praising his leadership.

“As Boston’s longest-serving mayor, Thomas M. Menino has shepherded the cradle of the American Revolution into the 21st century. In wedding major development projects to a focus on neighborhood renewal, Menino earned overwhelming popular support for his 20-year stewardship of what he often calls ‘the greatest city on Earth,’ ” the university stated

Looking for more coverage of area colleges and universities? Go to our Your Campus pages.

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Heat to cause delays on Framingham-Worcester commuter rail line

By Matt Rocheleau, Town Correspondent

Commuter rail trains on the Framingham-Worcester line have been ordered to slow down a bit because of the hot weather, the Massachusetts Bay Commuter Rail Company announced.

Heat-induced speed restrictions are expected to cause delays of 10 to 15 minutes between 1 and 7 p.m. on Thursday, MBCR officials said in an e-mail advisory to customers.

The restrictions limit trains from traveling faster than 40 miles per hour, the advisory said.

The restrictions are normally seen when temperatures top 90 degrees or when high temperatures are sustained over several days. Heat causes steel to swell, which can cause a railroad track to kink or bend, posing a derailment danger.

MBCR, the company that runs commuter rail trains on behalf of the MBTA, imposed the restrictions Thursday.

"Heat restrictions are necessitated based on the difference between the temperature at which rail is originally laid versus the current temperature," company spokeswoman Rhiannon D'Angelo said in an e-mail. "If rail is laid at cooler temperatures, it is more apt to expand when the outside temperature increases than it would if it were originally laid at warmer temperatures."

The state bought the Framingham-Worcester line tracks last fall from transportation company CSX. When CSX had owned the tracks, they would order heat restrictions based on forecasts, a practice that at times led to the implementation of heat restrictions that proved unnecessary.

MBCR is now in charge of ordering the restrictions and does so on a case-by-case basis depending on the actual temperatures instead of predicted temperatures, D'Angelo said.

Thus, officials have not announced whether similar restrictions might be imposed over the next several days. Temperatures are expected to hover near 90 degrees through Sunday.

E-mail Matt Rocheleau at mjrochele@gmail.com.

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For the latest updates about your community, follow some of our local neighborhood, city and town Twitter accounts, here.

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Temperature climbs to 88 in Boston — not quite enough to be the start of a heat wave

By Lauren Dezenski, Globe Correspondent

It was hot out there, but not quite as bad as it could have been. As of 5 p.m., Logan International Airport reached 88 degrees — the high for the day — falling two degrees short of the 90-degree mark needed to begin an official heat wave.

A heat wave is defined as three consecutive days with temperatures at 90 or higher. But don’t lose hope, National Weather Service meteorologist Alan Dunham said, it’s possible Logan could reach 90 or more Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

The humidity that’s been on the rise all day will only be worse Friday. Winds from a Bermuda High will blow from the southwest, bringing tropical air and causing hot, hazy, and humid conditions.

Though the radar has been quiet this afternoon, parts of the South Shore could see an isolated shower or thunderstorm into the evening. The rest of the region should remain dry, forecasters said.

Overnight, look for lows to dip into the high 50s and low 60s, though urban centers could stay as high as 70 degrees, forecasters said in a discussion posted online.

Dunham recommends people beat the heat by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing, and exercising outside only in the early morning or evenings. He also suggested that people keep an eye on elderly neighbors.

Friday’s heat will feel even more oppressive, Dunham said, thanks to even higher dewpoints and the southwesterly wind. Expect highs to reach the mid-90s.

Saturday should be a carbon copy of Friday, Dunham said, and it might be the perfect time to go to the beach — with a hearty layer of sunscreen, of course. Sunday’s weather shouldn’t differ from Friday and Saturday much, either, at least through the afternoon.

The blast of heat is quite a contrast with recent cool temperatures that brought a touch of snow to Worcester County last week.

Sunday night things are expected to begin to change. Thunderstorms are forecast to roll in ahead of a cold front.

Temperatures will finally ease back down Monday, with highs in the 70s providing a welcome relief from the sizzling weekend, Dunham said. Showers and thunderstorms are also possible throughout the day.

Lauren Dezenski can be reached at lauren.dezenski@globe.com. Follow her on Twitter @LaurenDezenski.

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PRODUCT PITCH REPLAY - Video recap and interviews

THINX wins Product Pitch competition at Fenway Park

Product Pitch coaches / judges

Jules Pieri, CEO, Daily Grommet

Julia Kemp, Discovery Director, Daily Grommet

Katie Rae, Managing Dir., TechStars Boston

Chris Farinacci, Dir. of Enterprise Mktg., Google

Jeff Moriarty, GM, Boston.com

Adam Grossman, SVP of Marketing and Brand Dev., Boston Red Sox

Ben Einstein, Managing Dir., Bolt

Mike Arney, Principle Continuum, Boston

Joseph Rizk, Venture and Business Design, IDEO

Larry Kahn, Partner, Managin Dir., Beechwood Capital

David Krauser, Director, Highland Capital

Michael Salguero, CEO, CustomMade

Kate Drane, Dir. of Market Dev., Design and Technology, Indiegogo

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Product Pitch - Daily Grommet and The Hive - Diary of a Product Launch

The Hive and Daily Grommet recently held a 10-team product competition at Fenway Park called Product Pitch. The winner was THINX, where fashion and technology intersect to solve a global problem. Follow the progress of the official product launch through this diary with THINX, Daily Grommet, and Boston.com.

May 29, 2013

MassChallenge chooses Thinx as one of 128 finalists!

The Thinx team recently got word that we’ve been selected as one of the 128 finalists for the MassChallenge Accelerator program this year! We’re honored to be chosen by this expert panel of judges and to be selected among a group of stellar startup companies. We’re looking forward to spending the summer working with and learning from some of the top mentors and startup executives in the world and are incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

Their website reads: "The 361 MassChallenge alumni have collectively raised over $362M in outside funding, generated $95M in revenue, and created 2,900 jobs as of October 2012." And to think that $1MM in funding will be awarded from this competition to 10-20 winning companies is incredibly inspiring. Our team recognizes that this opportunity helps us further our dual mission here and in the developing world, and we are excited to bring our innovative underwear product to market while engaged in the rigors of the challenge. We have a big journey ahead and this chapter couldn't come at a better time.

Now it’s time to get ready for Boston come June and the schedule is jam-packed right through October. Starting with the bootcamp all the way through the awards ceremony, we can’t wait to experience every minute of the ride. Check out the details here and we look forward to seeing everyone in Boston! Here's to another home run.

May 16, 2013

Grommet Product Pitch competition winner Thinx was recently honored at the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Awards in New York City for their work in creating leak and stain - resistant underwear for women in addition to their social mission of providing washable, reusable cloth pads for girls throughout the developing world.

The awards “celebrate those whose ideas have broken the mold to create significant impact”, according to Disruptive Innovation founders Clayton M. Christensen of Harvard Business School and Craig Hatkoff of the Tribeca Film Festival. Thinx was honored among a select group of well-known, and also newly-discovered artists, educators and creators.

With this award in hand, they join the ranks of new “disruptive” innovators such as Morgan Spurlock of Supersize me, Ben Kauffman of Quirky, Aaron Peckham of Urban Dictionary and PSY, famous South Korean artist best known for his pop hit, Gangham Style.

During their acceptance speech, co-founders Radha and Miki Agrawal and Antonia Dubar spoke passionately about their desire to change the culture of menstruation and to make it something everyone can easily discuss. “If we can talk about it openly, we can finally do something about it,” said the women.

Immediately following the ceremony, break-out sessions were held on issues ranging from technology to disruptive business models. The three Thinx founders, along with Kym and Alexis McClay of Naven, led a session called “The Role of Culture and Identity in Global Healthcare Innovation.” A thoughtful discussion ensued moderated by Chris Fabian, head of the UNICEF Innovation Unit and one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People.

Thinx will launch on The Grommet early this summer. Their launch journey will continue to be documented here on Boston.com and The Grommet’s blog.

May 3, 2013

Get to know us better on this week's conversation series with eco-model and sustainable design authority, Summer Raynes Oakes! Summer recently launched a video series to cover topics that matter most to her and the world.

We were fortunate enough to be invited onto her show to discuss THINX, how we got the idea for our business, and our plans to build it further.

In typical girl-talk style, there were funny moments as we spoke candidly about important issues and plans we have in store for THINX.

We can't wait to spread the word on our mission further and we think this opportunity is the perfect way. Check it out and tell us what you think.

April 25, 2013

By Miki Agrawal, THINX

Another media milestone by the THINX team!

Our team has been lucky enough to grace the pages of publications like Fast Company and the Boston Globe within the last year. We know that not all startups have these opportunities and we feel especially blessed. Earlier this month, we made another media breakthrough. I was given the opportunity to participate in a question and answer on the Huffington Post blog. My piece was included in a section titled “What is Working Spotlight”, a column focusing on small business successes.

For a young company, trying to spread the word as far and wide as possible, this is a big win. When Huffington Post got in touch with me about the opportunity, I immediately screamed yes! Oh, and not only did this piece get promoted by Huffington Post, but Arianna Huffington herself gave us a shout out! We still can’t believe it. It’s amazing to know that our mission is resonating with so many influential people around the world.

This piece doesn’t just give me the opportunity to promote THINX however, and that’s important to note. I took the opportunity to focus on a larger mission. I want to encourage more female entrepreneurs, young or old, rich or poor to get out there and start a business. I truly believe that women in the workforce and those who can gain skills in entrepreneurship will change the landscape of the developing world. THINX will be instrumental in helping women have the right resources to stay competitive with men in the workplace.

You may be thinking, “You are so young, what advice can you girls give about starting a business”? Well, a lot, and we feel compelled to share our knowledge. In fact, I’m publishing a book this August titled “Do Cool Sh*t”, a Harper Collins publication. It’s all about finding your passion in life and going for it. I can’t wait to see other’s reading it and benefiting from my experience. To read more about my book, check out my website: www.mikiagrawal.com.

After I spent so much time thinking about advice for others, The Grommet and Boston.com actually turned the tables on me. They asked which female entrepreneur I would choose to have lunch with, given the chance. Wow, good question I thought! The answer is Sarah Blakely, founder of Spanx! She is kicking ass in business and did it all on her own! I could learn a lot from her.

Stay tuned for our next installment!

April 9, 2013

Good news from the THINX team!

We recently found out that we’re going to be honored with "The Disruptive Innovations Award" by Tribeca Film Festival (winners last year were the founders of Kickstarter and The Square so that's pretty cool!) The co-founder of the Tribeca Film Festival, Craig Hatkoff, had heard of us through the owners of the clothing brand Naven. Upon learning more about what we are doing, he and the Tribeca Film Festival decided to honor us for our work.

We are thrilled!! We had definitely heard of the award before, yet when told we would be winners this year, we actually couldn't believe it!

We’re ECSTATIC because it very much legitimizes what we are doing. It's making a difficult subject of menstruation management accessible to people in conversations. Many non-profit groups who focus on this haven’t been able to bridge the gap of making it a "consumer friendly" topic. We feel that we are truly breaking a big mental block against talking about this "taboo" subject.

It's 2013 and women should be able to talk about this issue. It’s kind of like how the condom industry began. It started off as extremely taboo but condoms brought the concept of "SAFE SEX" to light which is what finally made it tolerable enough for discussion. A much-needed discussion in order to educate people properly. Our hope is that our topic of menstruation takes the same route and is able to be freely discussed soon.

Craig also told us that Marni Sommers, one of the world's leading experts on female adolescent issues in the developing world, would like to become an advisor for THINX. We are welcoming her with open arms!

More updates soon from the THINX team.

April 1, 2013, from THINX

The THINX team was created and co-founded by three entrepreneurial friends who wanted to help change the world. We're best buds and business partners.

On Tuesday, March 19th, we were invited to participate in Daily Grommet's From Home Plate to a Home Run product pitch event and we won first place! It was a fabulous day where we gained valuable feedback from experts, got some great press attention and even had some fun. We made new friends and connections we won't forget. It was exhilarating and a bit exhausting. We hopped on a train back to NYC that night yet we didn't rest much. We had to get right to work on our Indiegogo campaign ! Our campaign is now live and we're asking for the public's help in reaching our goal of $10,000 by May 1st. Can you help us? As you can see, we like to keep busy.

Fast forward to April. Today the THINX team took a break from changing the world with their innovative underwear to attend the Easter Egg Roll at the White House. We're a team, and that means we support each other's ventures outside of THINX too. Our loyal member, Radha Agrawal, has created a company to inspire kids to eat healthier. A Super Powered Veggies company called Super Sprowtz - and their veggie heroes performed live just moments before President Obama on the same stage. The show of course included the Super Sprowtz Dance Trick because as the First Lady Michelle Obama says "Let's Move!"

- More updates from the THINX team soon!

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This Just In: The latest from Boston.com

National Weather Service: Highest chance for severe weather is in the interior, but a few storms could move father east.

National Weather Service: There's a possibility of severe thunderstorms this afternoon and evening in Southern New England - even a tornado

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Jamaica Plain artist sketches MBTA stops, explores city

Laura Meilman

By Catherine Cloutier, Boston.com Staff

Jamaica Plain resident Laura Meilman found art in her daily commute.

The 24-year-old artist launched "Project T-scapes," her plan to visit and draw each of the MBTA's T stations, in January.

"One of the things I would love to do is travel and make artwork inspired by where I travel," said Meilman. "I thought I would start locally."

Meilman moved to Boston about a year and a half ago, after studying painting at Earlham College in Indiana. Three months and 30 drawings into the project, she said it has been an unique way to explore her adopted home.

"I went to the Southern end of the Red Line," said Meilman. "It goes through the Neponset River, which is really beautiful. I didn't know we had wilderness like that so T accessible."

So far, Meilman has drawn the Red Line and a portion of the Green Line. She plans to end the project with the Orange Line, which is the line on which she commutes.

Meilman said the project has given her a chance to talk with people from around the city.

During a recent trip to the Ashmont Station, a man approached Meilman, questioned what she was doing, and proceeded to pull out his cell phone and share his photographs and drawings of the station.

On her way to the Mattapan Station, Meilman struck up conversation with a conductor, who informed her that the line was once featured on "Ripley's Believe It or Not" because it runs through a graveyard.

"I think everyone in Boston has experience with the T," said Meilman. "It really connects us."

Meilman spends about a half an hour at each MBTA station, often sketching the lines of her drawings at each location and filling in the color once she has moved to a nearby coffee shop.

The sketches are drawn in artist pens, or markers, which Meilman said are "transportable and very colorful, both very important for executing this project."

Once completed, the project may be exhibited or collected into a book, she said.

The final product will showcase both the landscape and character of the city, Meilman said.

"[It's about showing] the different stops along the road," she said.

Meilman's drawings are currently being displayed on her .

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LOCAL ARTIST SKETCHES ‘T-SCAPES'

Artist Laura Meilman is capturing the MBTA’s T stations in brightly colored markers.

Over the eight months of her “Project T-scapes,” Meilman hopes to sketch stations across the city and in doing so, learn more about her adopted home.

See Meilman’s artwork in this gallery and on her Tumblr page.

Pictured: Park Street Station, Green and Red lines

Laura Meilman

Artist Laura Meilman is capturing the MBTA’s T stations in brightly colored markers.

Over the eight months of her “Project T-scapes,” Meilman hopes to sketch stations across the city and in doing so, learn more about her adopted home.

See Meilman’s artwork in this gallery and on her Tumblr page.

Pictured: Park Street Station, Green and Red lines

Laura Meilman

Capen Street Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Ashmont Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Northeastern Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Central Avenue Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Cedar Grove Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Fenwood Road Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Fields Corner Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Mattapan Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Lechmere Station, Green Line

Laura Meilman

Milton Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Savin Hill Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Valley Road Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Mission Park Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Prudential Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Science Park Station, Green Line

Laura Meilman

Symphony Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Government Center Station, Green Line

Laura Meilman

Riverway Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Haymarket Station, Green and Orange lines

Laura Meilman

Brigham Circle, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

North Station, Green and Orange lines

Laura Meilman

Arlington Station, Green Line

Laura Meilman

Longwood Medical Area Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Butler Station, Red Line

Laura Meilman

Boylston Station, Green Line

Laura Meilman

Copley Station, Green Line

Laura Meilman

Back of the Hill Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Heath Street Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

Museum of Fine Arts Station, Green “E” Line

Laura Meilman

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