Going rate for snow removal?

[winterhill.livejournal.com]

I think we've found a neighborhood kid to do our shoveling this year, after our usual guy had to drop out.  I don't know what is the going rate for snow removal ... I don't want to low-ball the kid, but have no idea what to offer him.  We had a sweet deal from the former guy who would charge a flat fee for a "regular" storm and then a premium if it was a doozy and he had to come back several times.  But I know we were getting a discount of sorts (his dad was a friend of the family, etc.)

Anyone contracted for snow removal yet this year?  Would appreciate any info you can share.

quiet place that serves beer?

[hermionesviolin.livejournal.com]

Some folks and I are going to have a small meeting one Wednesday evening (~7:30pm) and would ideally have it somewhere that doesn't have the loud-ness of Mike's but that also serves beer (so Blue Shirt, for example, is out). Any recommendations?