• Making a Splash

    Mayor’s Office Photos By John Wilcox
    A young Bostonian beats the heat as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool officially reopened for the summer season. The popular wading spot’s return was celebrated with a kick-off event joined by Mayor Michelle Wu and city officials.
  • Bench in Public Garden Dedicated to Tom Kershaw of Hampshire House

    Special to the Times
    June 10 marked the 56th anniversary of Tom Kershaw buying Hampshire House, and to mark the occasion, his staff at Hampshire House Hospitality Group dedicated a bench in The Public Garden in his honor.Courtesy of Michelle Goldberg, Hampshire House Hospitality Group
    Tom Kershaw, chairman of Hampshire House Corporation, cuts the
    ribbon on the bench dedicated to him in the Public Garden, alongside
    Markus Ripperger, president, CEO, and corporate chef of Hampshire
    House Corporatio
  • Local Leaders Endorse Campaign to Stop Predatory Third-Party Electric Suppliers in State

    Special to the TimesThis week, 14 municipal leaders from across the Commonwealth announced their support for the Campaign to Stop Predatory Electric Suppliers, urging state lawmakers to protect residents and prioritize energy affordability by passing legislation to ban third-party electric suppliers from the residential electricity market.Among those leaders were Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, and Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez.Support from mayors and city managers prov
  • Wu Announces New Legal Services Grants and Resource

    Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of LGBTQ+ Advancement (MOLA)  announced
    a series of new initiatives to support LGBTQ+ residents across Boston. To expand access to free legal services for residents, MOLA is awarding $125,000 in grants through their inaugural Family & Individual Legal Support Grant. Additionally, MOLA has launched a 90+ member LGBTQ+ Partner Network, a public-facing resource directory, and a new discrimination guidebook co-created with t
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  • BSHC Awarded a $7,500 Grant from M&T Charitable Foundation to Support Vital Services

    Special to the TimesBoston Senior Home Care (BSHC) has been awarded a generous grant of $7,500 from The M&T Charitable Foundation to provide essential services and supports for residents in affordable housing, reinforcing BSHC’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities of limited means.Margaret Hogan, Chief Executive Officer of BSHC, expressed her gratitude for The M&T Charitable Foundation’s support, saying  “We are
  • The Advent School Advocates for the African Meeting House

    Special to the TimesSecond Grade students at the Advent School in Boston met with State Representative John Moran this week to raise awareness and advocate for the African Meeting House, which is facing a significant drop in federal funding.The students, along with teachers Emily Guterman and Bridget Parker, visited the Meeting House on a field trip as part of ongoing research and investigation into their classroom theme, “Changemakers and Social Movements.” The visit made such an im
  • Registry of Motor Vehicle’s Low Plate Lottery Returns for 2025

    Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing applications for the 2025 Low Number Plate Lottery will be available online at myRMV Online Service Center beginning at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, June 16, 2025. To be eligible, applicants must apply for this year’s lottery by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 15, 2025. Winners will be notified by mail if selected for a low number plate.This year, there are 283 plates available through the low plate lottery. Some of
  • Potential Future Redevelopment of Linemann and Hurley Buildings Discussed at Public Meeting

    By Dan MurphyThe potential future redevelopment of the state-owned, 5.5-acre site of the connected Linemann and Hurley buildings was the matter at hand during a public meeting held on Wednesday, June 4, at the West End Museum.D. Murphy PhotoThe Charles F. Hurley Building.
    The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), together with the Department of Mental Health, will potentially offer the site of the massive, concrete complex located at 19 and 21 Staniford St. to a private e
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  • Beacon Hill Friends House Endures in Neighborhood

    By Dan MurphyShown (above) guests enjoy a concert in the meeting room in the 1921 ballroom at Beacon Hill Friends House on Chestnut Street.
    Beacon Hill Friends House has fostered a cooperative residential community rooted in Quaker values in the neighborhood since 1957, even though many residents likely aren’t even aware that this unique, independent nonprofit has been operating in their midst for many decades.The organization operates out of a historic 1805 Charles Bulfinch-designed doubl
  • The Museum of African American History marks Juneteenth with Free Music, Dance, Tours, and Family Friendly Offerings

    Special to the TimesThe Museum of African American History I Boston & Nantucket (MAAH), in collaboration with the Boston Ujima Project, Heritage Marketplace, and Black-owned businesses, will celebrate Juneteenth with programs for visitors of all ages. On June 19th beginning at 12:00 p.m., MAAH will host musical and dance performances, walking tours, facepainting, and story times that are free and open to the public. The museum will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. a
  • The Bridge Project Expands to Boston, Bringing Groundbreaking Support to Moms and Babies

    Special to the TimesThe Bridge Project – the nation’s largest unconditional cash program focused exclusively on providing support to low-income mothers and their babies – is expanding to include the City of Boston.With this launch, The Bridge Project extends its proven model to expectant and new moms in the Boston area. Participants will receive unconditional cash assistance from pregnancy through the first 1,000 days of their baby’s life—a crucial period with lasti
  • Boston Common Frog Pond Spray Pool Opens June 24

    Special to TimesMayor Michelle Wu, Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, and The Skating Club of Boston invite children and their caregivers to kick off the 2025 summer wading season as the Boston Common Frog Pond spray pool reopens on Tuesday, June 24.The wading pool opening is made possible by title sponsor Bank of America and presenting sponsors H.P. Hood LLC and the New England Dairy Council. The event will include an exciting celebration at 11 a.m., follow
  • Garden Tour Offers Rare Glimpse into Private Charlestown Gardens

    Special to the TimesDiscover the hidden beauty behind the walls of Charlestown on Saturday, June 21, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, during the highly anticipated Garden Tour of Historic Charlestown, featuring twelve private gardens rarely open to the public including the Charlestown Boys and Girls Club gardens.Tucked behind elegant brick townhouses and classic clapboard homes, these secluded spaces are lush sanctuaries filled with inspiration. Visitors will enjoy everything from shady courtyard
  • McDonough and Lee to be Honored for Leadership in Improving Healthcare Access

    Special to the TimesBoston Senior Home Care (BSHC), a trusted provider of home- and community based services, is pleased to announce Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of Massachusetts and Rhode  Island, Inc. (PLAN of MA & RI) as its Diamond Sponsor for its upcoming Legacy of Leading Gala: Transforming  Communities Through Service celebration on October 16, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Boston. This new strategic collaboration brings together two organizations ded
  • Echoes of Valor: A Boston Concert Commemorates 250 Years of Service and Sacrifice

    Special to the TimesBoston will come alive with the sound of patriotism this June 17 as the city hosts “Echoes of Valor,” a powerful tribute to 250 years of American service and sacrifice. This free public event honors both the founding of the United States Army and the Battle of Bunker Hill, two defining moments in the nation’s history.The evening features a rousing concert by the United States Army Field Band and Soldiers’ Chorus at the Hatch Memorial Shell, offering a
  • George Wendt Remembered During Gathering at Hampshire House

    By Dan MurphyPhotos Courtesy Moment Marketing Co. Boston
    The crowd that gathered upstairs at Hampshire House on May 27 to remember actor George Wendt.
    One week after his death at age 76, George Wendt, the late actor best known for his portrayal of beloved bar regular Norm Peterson on the classic TV sitcom ‘Cheers,’ was remembered on Tuesday, May 27, during an intimate gathering upstairs at Hampshire House.Markus Ripperger, president, CEO, and corporate chef of Hampshire
    House Corpora
  • Boston Police Make Arrests in Two Incidents Near MGH in Just Days

    By Dan MurphyBoston Police arrested a suspect in the connection with an alleged stabbing near Mass General Hospital on Thursday, May 29 – only two days after another suspect was arrested in the same area after snatching an officer’s gun and shooting himself in the foot during the ensuing struggle.The stabbing suspect, later identified as 56-year-old John Huddleston of Boston, was arrested in the area of 90 Blossom St., after police responded to a call at around 8:30 a.m. on May 29 fo
  • Venerable Sculptor Nancy Schön receives Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts Degree from Tufts

    By Dan MurphyNancy Schön, the celebrated public artist who brought Robert McCloskey’s  classic children’s book ‘Make Way for Ducklings’ to life  with her iconic sculpture in the Public Garden, was awarded an honorary doctorate of fine arts degree during the all-university commencement ceremony at the school on May 18.“You are a passionate community activist who is now creating thought-provoking sculpture inspired by modern day realities,” said T
  • Mayor Wu and Parks And Recreation Department Cut Ribbon on Flour Bakery on the Common

    By Times stuffMayor Michelle Wu joined the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, celebrated pastry chef Joanne Chang, and community members on Friday, May 30,  to cut the ribbon on Flour Bakery + Café’s newest location in the Boston Common Concession Pavilion.Flour was selected as the food vendor via a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) issued in the fall of 2024 to take over the former ‘men’s comfort station’ located near the center of the Common, clos
  • State Fire Marshal Highlights Summer Fire Safety

     Special to the TimesState Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine is asking residents to practice outdoor fire safety in the weeks and months ahead.“As the weather gets warmer and we start spending more time outside, outdoor fires also start to increase,” State Fire Marshal Davine said. “Unfortunately, many of these fires cause serious injuries and property damage – but almost all of them can be prevented.”Grilling SafetyAbout two-thirds of grilling fires in Massachusetts
  • Department of Correction Lowers Minimum Age to Become a Correction Officer to 19

    Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts Department of Correction is proud to announce a change in its hiring policy, lowering the minimum age requirement to become a Correction Officer from 21 to 19. The adjustment is part of a broader effort to expand recruitment, attract younger candidates, and establish a new pathway for individuals interested in a career in public service.  The newly established minimum appointment age was implemented to attract motivated candidates who are eager to
  • Catholic Charities Boston Honors Colliers Co-Chairman Kevin Phelan at Spring Gala

    Special to the Times On Wednesday, May 28, Catholic Charities Boston [CCAB] honored Kevin Phelan, co-chairman of Colliers Boston, at its annual Spring Celebration Gala at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, drawing nearly 450 guests. The event surpassed last year’s fundraising total by raising over $1.5 million in support of vulnerable clients across Eastern Massachusetts.    Phelan was presented the John and Virginia Kaneb Justice and Compassion Award, which is Catholic Ch
  • Markey Calls for Urgently Needed Funding for Flood Resilience Project

    Special to the TimesU.S. Senator Edward J. Markey hosted a press conference on Wednesday, May 28 to call attention to the urgent need to address flooding along the Island End River in Chelsea and Everett that is part of the Mystic River watershed area and threatens homes, the fresh produce supply and transportation to the North Shore. A much-needed flood barrier project is endangered by the cancellation of a federal program that the project relied on for funding, according to Markey and official
  • Beacon Hill Garden Club Hosts Hidden Gardens Tour Soiree

    Derek Kouyoumjian Photos
    The Hidden Gardens of Beacon Hill Soiree was held at the King’s Chapel Parish House.
    Below, Fiduciary Trust VP Randy Kinard speaks, remarking over the history of the Garden Club Garden Tour running since 1929, while Beacon Hill Garden Club President Sandra Gilpatrick looks on. Fiduciary Trust is a Chestnut Sponsor of the Garden Tour.
  • Keeta Gilmore Receives 28th Annual Beacon Award

    Special to the TimesCourtney Elizabeth Photographer (@COURTNEY_ELIZABETH_MEDIA)
    Keeta Gilmore, recipient of the Beacon Hill Civic Association’s 28th annual Beacon Award, is seen with her two grandsons, Charlie (4) and John (8) Mangum.
    During the Beacon Hill Civic Association annual members’ meeting on Thursday, May 22, at Hampshire House, Keeta Gilmore received the 28th annual Beacon Award, which each year, publicly honors an individual or group whose leadership has made a sustained
  • Wu Announces Expansion of Free Swim Lessons for Youth

    Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) marked yesterday’s International Water Safety Day with the award of $230,000 in grant funding to support free youth swim lessons and $10,000 for the launch of a MBTA bus campaign that highlights the importance of water safety. In 2024, Swim Safe provided lessons to over 6,000 youth, and since its launch under Mayor Wu in summer of 2023 has provided lessons to 8,100
  • BPL Announces $1 million Grant from Lego Community Fund U.S. 

    Special to the TimesThe Boston Public Library (BPL) and LEGO Group have launched a new partnership setting in motion a citywide initiative that leverages play to address urgent early literacy challenges and ignite creativity and agency in Boston’s youth.Funded through a $1 million grant from the company’s LEGO Community Fund U.S. to the Boston Public Library Fund, this flagship collaboration between these two institutions will unlock the potential of children through joyful, hands-on
  • Esplanade Association Breaks Ground on New Campus

    The Esplanade Association  marked a long-awaited milestone on Tuesday, May 13, when it broke ground on the new Charles River Esplanade campus, which will transform the 2-acre site of the former Lee Pool complex into a year-round, universally accessible destination in the park.Made possible via a nearly 25-year public-private partnership between EA and the state’s Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), the new campus is expected to be fully installed in 2026, and it will be h
  • BHAC Approves New Security Cameras for Charles Street Meeting House

    The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission gave the green light for the proposed installation of two new security cameras and replacement of four existing security cameras at the Charles Street Meeting House during the commission’s monthly public hearing held virtually on Thursday, May 15.The two proposed new cameras would be installed “back-to-back” on the building’s River Street façade to allow for a 180-degree view along the street and the back alley, said Beth Co
  • Durkan, Flynn Join BPD for Office Hours on Common amid Public Safety Concerns

    By Dan MurphyCity Councilors Sharon Durkan and Ed Flynn were joined by Boston Police for special office hours on Wednesday, May 14, at Brewer Fountain on Boston Common to address ongoing public safety concerns in the park and around Downtown Crossing.Councilor Durkan lauded Boston Police as the best police department in the U.S., adding that in the end, she and Councilor Flynn can’t effectively do their jobs in office “without good policing.”Councilor Flynn said even during rec
  • Boston City Council Votes to Advance Ranked Choice Voting

    Special to the TimesLast week, the Boston City Council approved a Home Rule Petition to adopt Ranked Choice Voting (RCV) for city elections by a vote of 8-4.The proposal, introduced by Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and co-sponsored by Councilors Julia Mejia and Henry Santana, now heads to Mayor Michelle Wu for approval before advancing to the Massachusetts Legislature. If passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor, Boston voters will have the opportunity to decide on RCV through
  • Beacon Hill nursery School Hosts Annual Auction Gala

    Photo By Connor from Studio Lewis
    Beacon Hill residents and Beacon Hill Nursery School parents, Dave and Amanda Currey on left; and Katie and Aaron Norris on right. Amanda and Katie served as Auction Co-Chairs of The May 2 Honey BHNS Auction Gala held at The Newbury Boston.
  • State Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission calls for public submissions to reimagine state emblems

    Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission today launched an open call to artists, historians, educators, students, and members of the public to participate in the effort to redesign the state’s seal, flag, and motto.Established by the Legislature in 2024, the Commission is tasked with developing and recommending new symbols to represent the state through a statewide public process. Those who wish to submit ideas may do so by June 18, 2025.“This i
  • Mayors, managers commit to new climate objectives 

     Special to the TimesMayors and managers from 17 municipalities, including Boston  Mayor Michelle Wu, gathered at the Museum of Science Monday to commit to new regional climate goals, guiding the next five to ten years of shared action while meeting the challenges of the current moment. The Metro Mayors Coalition invited legislative leaders, heads of regional authorities, and state officials to join them in committing to the vital tasks of climate preparedness and building a more resil
  • Beacon Hill Art Walk returns Sunday, June 1

     Special to the Times One of Boston’s most unique celebrations of the arts returns June 1, as the Beacon Hill Art Walk takes over the quiet streets and alleys of the beautiful cobble stoned neighborhood. The one-of-a-kind Boston tradition turns Beacon Hill into a fantastical art gallery where walls and gardens are adorned with beautiful creations. Visitors can find the perfect piece to add to their home while musicians will be roving throughout the neighborhood providing an encha
  • The past is our present

    By Diana ColdrenImagine walking down a street where history whispers through every brick and window. That’s Beacon Hill, and there’s one man’s enduring legacy that shapes its charm: Cornelius Coolidge (1778-1843).Coolidge was a Beacon Hill resident, merchant, speculator, building contractor, and architect in the first third of the 19th century. A Harvard-educated visionary architect, Coolidge designed over 50 stunning Federal Style homes on Beacon Hill, including the entire wes
  • Open Newbury returns for another season starting Sunday, July 13

    By Dan MurphyOpen Newbury will return for another season on Sunday, July 13, again transforming a mile-long stretch of that street into a car-free, pedestrian-only walkway replete with live music, games, and community tables.Via the city initiative, eight blocks of Newbury Street between Berkeley Street and Massachusetts Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. The Boston Transportation Department will temporarily prohibit vehicles from entering Newbury Street from B
  • Massachusetts officials on hand at the launch of eviction record sealing law

    Special to the TimesOn Monday, May 5, State Senator Lydia Edwards was joined by Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Attorney General Andrea Campbell, State Senate President Karen Spilka, housing justice advocates and legal experts for a press conference to mark the historic first day Massachusetts tenants can begin the process of sealing past eviction records under a new law passed last year and signed by Governor Maura Healey.The law, which goes into effect this month, allows renters to petition
  • Returning Beacon Hill Business Association hosts Beacon Hill Stroll exclusively for concierges

    After nearly a decade, the Beacon Hill Business Association has brought back to life one of their most creative events – the Beacon Hill Concierge Stroll. The inspired idea was to introduce to the Boston Hotel and hospitality community and their representatives to the unique charms and the variety of the greater Beacon Hill business community comprising many one-of-a-kind retail stores, fashion boutiques, antique stores, specialty shops, and top-notch restaurants lining up and down th
  • The U.S. today: From brain gain to brain drain

    The founders of the greatest American companies (at least as measured by their stock-market caps) are Bill Gates of Microsoft, Jensen Huang of Nvidia, Elon Musk of Tesla and Space X, Mark Zuckerberg of Meta (Facebook), the late Steve Jobs of Apple, Sergey Brin of Alphabet (Google) and Jeff Bezos of Amazon.All seven share one of two things in common: Six went to top U.S. universities (Harvard for Gates and Zuckerberg; Stanford for Huang and Brin; Princeton for Bezos; and Pennsylvania for Musk) an
  • City awards CPA grants to two BH historic preservation projects, as well as two West End preservation projects

     Two Beacon Hill historic preservation projects, along with two West End historic preservation projects, were among the recipients to receive over $38 million via the latest round of funding from the city’s Community Preservation Act (CPA).On Beacon Hill, Hill House was awarded $74,184 to rehabilitate its Firehouse headquarters at 127 Mt. Vernon St., including the replacement of the failed roof. Also, Beacon Hill Friends’ House received $491,018 to “preserve the histo
  • 75 Chestnut celebrates five years of outdoor dining

    A longstanding neighborhood restaurant, 75 Chestnut, held an intimate ‘patio party’ on Thursday, May 1, to mark the fifth anniversary of its outdoor dining program’s launch, as well as the opening of its patio for the season.“On a good night, there’s nothing better than dining on our outdoor patio,” said Tom Kershaw, chairman of the Hampshire House Corporation,  which besides 75 Chestnut, comprises 75 on Liberty Wharf and Hampshire House itself, including
  • Wu announces return of UnCommon Corner and beer garden on Boston Common

    Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department announced the return of the popular outdoor performance venue and beer garden on Boston Common for its third consecutive year. This season, the City is proud to continue its partnership with Emerson College’s UnCommon Corner, featuring daily entertainment including live music and performances. Harpoon Brewery will return as the beverage supplier and for the first time El Jefe’s Taqueria will serve as the food vendor. Th
  • Wu announces Arts Action Consortium

    Mayor Michelle Wu  announced the Arts Action Consortium (AAC) launch, a new initiative to strengthen and sustain Boston’s creative workforce. In collaboration with six Boston-based cultural organizations, this two-year program will offer crucial resources, including professional development, technical assistance, and career support for Boston’s artists. This initiative reflects the City’s deep commitment to fostering a vibrant arts community and building a more equitable,
  • State to hold both in-person and virtual meetings on redevelopment of the Hurley Building site

    With the potential redevelopment of the sprawling 5.5 acre site of the Erich Lindemann and Charles F. Hurley buildings in the West End moving forward, the state will hold an in-person public meeting on Wednesday, June 4, at 6 p.m. at the West End Museum, followed by a virtual meeting the next day (Thursday, June 5) at 1 p.m.The Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), in collaboration with the Department of Mental Health (DMH), proposes offering the site of the buildings loc
  • Nichols House Museum selected among Yankee Magazine’s Best of New England award winners

    Special to the TimesThe Nichols House Museum has been selected by the editors of Yankee Magazine as a 2025 Best of New England award winner. Every year, the magazine recognizes the region’s “restaurants, attractions, and lodging properties that create unforgettable experiences for travelers.”  The winners are announced in the May/June issue’s annual travel guide to New England.“It is wonderful to be recognized, especially in a region with such an abundance
  • Taking a Break

    Photo Courtesy Kingsley Montessori SchoolKingsley Montessori School’s Cross Country team (www.kingsley.org) takes a break from training in a tree on Esplanade.
  • Back in The Old Neighborhood

    Stacey Lai Photo Real and Sheila Roy, former Beacon Hill residents, as well the retired owners of Boston Consignment, are seen enjoying Easter Sunday (April 20) on Charles Street. They gathered with family to celebrate the holiday.
  • Behind the Counter With Susanne Beck

    The high “HQ” at CobblestonesThis is the second installation of “Behind the Counter,” an ongoing series” celebrating Beacon Hill salespeople and the places they work. If you have any suggestions for future pieces, please contact Susanne at [email protected] may provide the background tunes at Cobblestones, located at 30 Charles Street. But the real harmony comes from behind the counter, where the café’s staff flow seamlessly, gracefully, lik
  • Advocates Launch “Sun Day” Campaign at Old North Church in Boston

     Special to the TimesOn Saturday, Boston Mayor, Michelle Wu, and leading climate, faith, and social justice leaders  gathered at Boston’s historic Old North Church to launch the call for Sun Day, a new national campaign culminating in a massive day of action on September 21, 2025, the fall equinox. The non-partisan campaign aims to celebrate how far clean energy has come—and build the power to go even further, faster.The launch event on April 26 featured an interfaith servi
08 Jul 2025

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