Massachusetts - Newslocker

Gov. Healey Announces New State Funding for Fenway Forward’s Hancock Street Project

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:16:00 +0200

Courtesy of Office of governor Maura T. Healey
Rep. Jay Livingstone thanks supporters of the 27/29 Hancock St. project.

Memorial Day Flag Garden Returns To Common

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:14:00 +0200

D. Murphy Photo Volunteers again planted more than 37,000 American flags – one in honor of each of the Commonwealth’s fallen veterans – at the Soldiers and Sailors Monument on Boston Common to commemorate Memorial Day. Every year since 2010, the Massachusetts Military Heroes
Fund has led the effort behind the annual Memorial Day Flag Garden.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Encourages Visitors to Make Water Safety a Priority this Summer

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:12:00 +0200

USACE manages more than 400 lake and river projects nationwide and welcomes millions of visitors each year. While those visits create opportunities for recreation and family memories, preventable tragedies still occur on public waters annually, many involving people not wearing life jackets.Statistics from the last five years regarding public recreation fatalities at USACE lake and river projects show that 91% of victims were not wearing a life jacket, 92% were male, 88% were age 18 or older, an

Kumiko Panel Workshop held in Boston

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:11:00 +0200

By Eowyn MichaelsOn the third Thursday of each month, Makers Gallery Boston, located in the South End, holds one of the few Kumiko Panel workshops in the area.Kumiko is a centuries-old Japanese woodworking technique that requires no nails or adhesives to create intricate patterns, said Ian Labich, founder and member of the gallery.It first emerged in Japan during the Asuka period, between the years of 538 and 710 C.E., and has since spread worldwide according to Smithsonian Magazine. It is used

Fishweir Project returns to Boston Common

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:11:00 +0200

By Dan MurphyThe 23rd annual Ancient Fishweir Project has returned this month to Boston Common, again paying tribute to a time when Native Americans once lived off this land.The fishweir, which is currently installed near the Charles Street entrance to the park, along the central pathway, is a fence-like structure comprising interlaced brush wood (invasive buckthorn) that closely resembles the fishweirs used by early Native Americans to catch fish, such as herring and other smaller catch.Again t

BHAC Gives Final Approval for Ambitious Project Proposed for Charles and Cambridge Streets

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:11:00 +0200

By Dan MurphyThe Beacon Hill Architectural Commission unanimously approved the last four remaining details of a design review application for an ambitious redevelopment project planned for the intersection of Charles and Cambridge streets, which is now home to CVS Pharmacy, during the commission’s monthly public hearing held virtually on Thursday, May 21.The revised project proposes razing an existing-single story structure to make way for a five-story, mixed-use building, with a &ls

Wu Announces the 2026 Open Streets Series Schedule

Fri, 29 May 2026 07:10:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu announced the 2026 Open Streets Series, a car-free event series that transforms roadways into vibrant, pedestrian-only public spaces during the summer and fall. Now in its fifth year, Open Streets Boston will return to Allston-Brighton, Jamaica Plain, and Mattapan. In addition, the City will bring Open Streets to Corinth and Poplar Streets in Roslindale for the first time on October 18.“The warmer months provide the perfect backdrop for our Open Street

The Otis House Hosts Three Programs this June

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:42:00 +0200

Special to the TimesOn Saturday, June 7, Historic New England’s sites across the region are open and free to the public. Visitors can enjoy a fun day of fantastic storytelling from architecture and fine art to New Englanders of the past. The Otis House features the young Otis family’s life in the Federal era and the later history of the house when it served as a clinic and a middle-class boarding house. Tour times vary across sites and the Otis House will be open 11:00 am &ndash

New Free App for iPhones Assists Driving – and Parking – on the Hill

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:42:00 +0200

By Dan MurphyThe StreetSweep app for iPhones shows the current user the status of their next scheduled street cleaning at a glance.Photos Courtesy of Adam Harper
Adam Harper, an attorney living on Revere Street who coded the StreetSweep app for iPhones as a free service for his neighbors in his spare time.Thanks to a new free app for iPhones called StreetSweep, Beacon Hill residents can now more easily find parking, remember where they park, and navigate the neighborhood’s street cleaning

Geraldine O’Hagan Receives Annual Beacon Award

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:42:00 +0200

By Dan MurphyPhoto Courtesy Isabella Thurlow
Geraldine O’Hagan, the winner of this year’s 29th annual Beacon Award is seen inside Rugg Road Paper Co. – one of two stores she presently owns and operates on Charles Street.During the Beacon Hill Civic Association annual members meeting held Thursday, May 21, at Hampshire House, Geraldine O’Hagan was the recipient of the 29th annual Beacon Award, which each year, publicly recognizes an individual or group whose leadersh

BoatUS Foundation Reminds Boaters to Prepare for Season

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:40:00 +0200

Special to the TimesBoatUS Foundation encourage boaters to be responsible and prioritize safety ahead of the start of boating season.The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, a national leader that promotes safe, clean and responsible boating recommends these safety tips for boaters:Before You Boat … Check your fit: Take a few minutes to ensure you have enough right-sized life jackets for everyone aboard and that they are readily available in case of an emergency. While on

Beacon Hill Women’s Forum hold Spring Stroll on May 12

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:40:00 +0200

Story and Photos by Marianne SalzaExploration was prioritized at the top of many-a-lady’s wish lists during the Beacon Hill Women’s Forum (BHWF) Spring Stroll on May 12, held in lieu of the organization’s traditional fashion show and bazaar. Sipping on Prosecco with a Beacon Hill Women’s Forum tote bag slung in the crook of their arms, ladies visited over 27 participating boutiques that offered refreshments and exclusive deals.“Hanging out with my friend, Donna, see

Wu Kicks Off 2026 Neighborhood Coffee Hour Series

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:39:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Neighborhood Services, and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department announced the 2026 Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours series in partnership with Dunkin’® and Star Market. The City’s annual Coffee Hours will kick off on May 18 in public spaces across the city and continue through the fall.The series will also include a ribbon-cutting celebration for the newly renovated Copley Square Park during the May 27 Neighborh

North Shore Music Theatre Kicks Off the 2026 Musical Season with ‘On Your Feet!’ June 3

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:39:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThis June, Bill Hanney’s award-winning North Shore Music Theatre (NSMT) will bring the heat to the stage as they kick off the 2026 Musical Season with On Your Feet! the incredible true story of Emilio and Gloria Estefan. The international hit musical begins performances on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 and will play through Sunday, June 14, 2026. On Your Feet! is sponsored by North Shore Counseling Center“On Your Feet! has captivated audiences around the globe for the p

Healey and Boston Pops Announce Star-studded 2026 July 4 Fireworks Spectacular

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:39:00 +0200

Special to the TimesGovernor Maura Healey and the Boston Pops announced the lineup and programming for the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, the signature July 4 event of the “MA250” initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.Led by legendary conductor Keith Lockhart, this year’s free concert on the Charles River Esplanade will feature Grammy-winning country music superstar Lainey Wilson, Grammy-winning artist Chance the Rapper, and New Orle

Suffolk University and Bunker Hill Community College Announce Joint Admissions and Transfer Partnership Agreement

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:38:00 +0200

Special to the TimesSuffolk University and Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) have announced a Joint Admission and Transfer Partnership Program that will benefit students wishing to complete four-year university degrees.The Suffolk-BHCC partnership builds upon the longstanding commitment of both schools to expand access to higher education, serve the Greater Boston community, and improve outcomes for transfer students. It expands pathways to a Suffolk four-year degree while streamlining the pr

Scenes from the Annual 1906 Invitational Boys & Girls Clubs Basketball Tournament

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:38:00 +0200

The 5th Annual 1906 Invitational Boys & Girls Clubs Basketball Tournament took place on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at The TRACK at new balance in Brighton, Massachusetts, bringing together approximately 120 young athletes from nine Boys & Girls Clubs across Greater Boston and Lawrence for a memorable day of competition, teamwork, and community engagement.Hosted by The TRACK at new balance in partnership with NB Development Group, the annual tournament featured a full day of basketball games

Sail Boston 2026 to Commence with the Meet Boston Parade of Sail

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:38:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThis July, Massachusetts will welcome more than 60 ships from around the world as the Sail Boston 2026 celebration arrives in Boston Harbor. In the largest convergence of ships to assemble in the area since 2000, millions of spectators are expected to enjoy the Meet Boston Parade of Sail throughout Boston Harbor on Saturday, July 11.Beginning at 9:00 a.m. beyond Deer Island in Massachusetts Bay, crew and cadets will prepare to bring their ships into the city’s inner har

MBTA Announces June Service Changes

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:38:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThe MBTA announced service changes in June on the Green, Blue, Framingham/Worcester, and Lowell lines. There are also some Commuter Rail service changes related to World Cup matchdays. Riders can find more information on service changes through in-station signage, in-station public announcements, and at mbta.com/PlannedWork. Transit Ambassadors and MBTA staff will be available on-site to offer information and assistance during these service changes. Riders are encouraged

Massport to Attempt Guinness World Records Title for World’s Largest Soccer Ball

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:37:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThe Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) will showcase the organization’s attempt at the Guinness World Records title for World’s Largest Soccer Ball at Piers Park II in East Boston this June, creating a one-of-a-kind waterfront display that can be seen from multiple points along Boston Harbor. The installation is part of ongoing efforts to build momentum and community engagement throughout the city during the FIFA World Cup games at Boston Stadium in Foxboroug

Enjoy the Weekend — Safely

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:37:00 +0200

Memorial Day weekend marks the traditional start of the summer season, bringing with it the anticipation of sunshine and warmth and of time spent with family and friends.But while we contemplate all of the good things that will occur in the lives of ourselves and our loved ones over the next three months, let’s also make sure that we realize how quickly all of that can dissolve in the blink of an eye if we make wrong choices — if we drink and drive a car or boat, if we abuse drugs, o

Guest Op-Ed: Freedom is only step one: The best holiday you’ve never heard of

Fri, 22 May 2026 15:36:00 +0200

By The Boston Synagogue StaffIf you happened to walk through Beacon Hill last month, you likely heard the echoes of Passover—a holiday celebrated with grand Seders/dinners and stories of a dramatic escape from slavery. But in the Jewish calendar, leaving Egypt is only the first half of the story. There is a second, “little-known” holiday called Shavuot that arrives seven weeks later — or this week — that answers a universal question: Once we are finally free, what d

Council City Services Committee focuses on potholes

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:46:00 +0200

By Adam SwiftThe statistics show it has been a bad year for potholes in Boston so far, thanks to heavier than average snow and freeze and thaw cycles this winter.But the city’s Public Works Department is addressing the potholes at as high a rate as it has in past springs, according to Nick Gove, Boston’s Chief of Streets.Gove appeared before the City Council’s City Services Committee, chaired by Councilor Ed Flynn, on Friday, May 8.Gove, along with Superintendent of Street Oper

Charles Street salutes Shawn Lamminen: “I can’t remember a mail carrier before him”

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:44:00 +0200

By Susanne Beck“Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds.” So goes the well-known motto of the United States Postal Service. But in the case of 63-year-old Shawn Lamminen recently retired mail carrier for Charles Street and neighboring enclaves, the adage is even more impressive. “Not even six-hour round-trip commutes, twelve-hour shifts, and upwards of six workdays a week, could keep this employe

Beacon Hill Nursery School celebrates 70th anniversary with annual gala

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:42:00 +0200

Beacon Hill Nursery School celebrated its 70th anniversary with their annual gala on May 1, at The Newbury Hotel, bringing together incoming, current, and alumni families, faculty, staff, and friends of the school. The event featured dinner, dancing, and both silent and live auctions, with décor and programming inspired by a birthday extravaganza to celebrate the school’s long history. Guests enjoyed reconnecting with one another while celebrating seven decades of early childhood ed

The dumping of raw sewage has to be fixed

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:15:00 +0200

The “plan” recently announced by the Mass. Water Resources Authority (MWRA) that would continue to allow for raw sewage to be dumped into our watersheds in the Greater Boston area during periods of heavy rainfall is, in a word, unacceptable.We hasten to note that we do not blame the MWRA for this sad state of affairs.Rather, it is the lack of political will by our elected officials to address this issue that is the problem.This is reminiscent of the situation we faced decades ago whe

Community Boating Inc. celebrates 80th anniversary with first-ever 24-hour Sail-a-thon

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:13:00 +0200

Community Boating, Inc. (CBI), the nation’s oldest and most accessible public sailing organizations, is marking its 80th anniversary with a unique new event: a 24-hour Sail-a-thon on the Charles River designed to rally sailors, teams, and supporters around its mission of “Sailing for All.” Taking place June 20–21, the Sail-a-thon is a continuous, team-based endurance challenge in which participants will sail around the Charles River for a full 24 hours, completing as

Duckling Day Returns

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:11:00 +0200

Photos by Derek Kouyoumjian Legoland presented a giant duckling constructed with Legos for families to take selfies with.Children enjoy the Lego building stations provided by Legoland.Legoland presented a giant duckling constructed with Legos for families to take selfies with.The audience enjoys a Lion Dance performance by Woo Ching White Crane Kung Fu.Boston City Councilor Sharon Durkan presents a Citation to The Learning Project Elementary School.Liza Meyer uses a duck-billed kazoo to make som

Comprehensive immigration bill ‘PROTECT Act’ passes in the Senate, with equal protection and due process initiatives filed by Senator Edwards

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:01:00 +0200

Senator Lydia Edwards joined her colleagues in the Massachusetts Senate to pass An Act Promoting Rule of Law, Oversight, Trust, and Equal Constitutional Treatment — the PROTECT Act (S.3072) — landmark legislation designed to safeguard and support immigrant communities across the Commonwealth.The PROTECT Act reaffirms Massachusetts’ commitment to being a safer, more just, and welcoming place for all. At a time when heightened federal immigration enforcement has fueled fear and d

Symphony T station to close for nearly three years to make accessibility improvements

Fri, 15 May 2026 16:00:00 +0200

Construction on major accessibility improvements to the MBTA’s Symphony station on the Green Line E branch will get underway Saturday, June 6, 2026, officials announced last week.
The 85-year-old Symphony Station is being upgraded into a safer, fully accessible station featuring four new elevators and many other station enhancements. To accommodate these important safety and accessibility upgrades, Symphony will close for 35 months with Green Line trains bypassing the station in both direc

The Associates of the Boston Public Library Celebrate 36th Annual Literary Lights

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:58:00 +0200

The Associates of the Boston Public Library hosted the 36th annual Literary Lights Gala on April 26, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza, welcoming over 380 attendees and raising more than half a million dollars to support the preservation and accessibility of the Boston Public Library’s Special Collections.Associates’ Board Chair Alyce Lee opened the evening, introducing new Executive Director Amanda Doyle-Bouvier, who highlighted the Associates’ mission to preserve, digitize, and pr

Wu announces update on transportation access plan agreement for White Stadium

Fri, 15 May 2026 15:55:00 +0200

Mayor Michelle Wu announced that, city leaders signed a Transportation Access Plan Agreement (TAPA)—a formal set of commitments by a development team that is required of all Article 80 large projects—between the City of Boston and Boston Legacy Football Club (BLFC) for White Stadium. The agreement serves as a framework that sets clear rules for how fans will travel to and from White Stadium on Boston Legacy game days and locks in BLFC’s core commitments, including fully funding

Upstairs Downstairs hosts their seventh annual Derby Day

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:30:00 +0200

On Saturday, May 2, Upstairs Downstairs hosted its popular, seventh annual Kentucky Derby event. From noon to 4 p.m., on the sunniest of days excitement ensued as store friends, old and new, came to place their bets and win prizes. festive table setup, including the ‘Neck and Neck’ horse race game, is seen on Derby Day at Upstairs DownstairsOnce again, ‘nom de plume’ Biff Hawkins was on hand to welcome all and to oversee the activities. The 1940s retro &lsq

75 Chestnut opens patio for sixth season of outdoor dining

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:22:00 +0200

Neighbors, friends, and patrons of 75 Chestnut restaurant gathered on Friday, May 1, to celebrate the opening of the sixth patio season. Proprietor Tom Kershaw and President and CEO of the Hampshire House Corporation Markus Ripperger addressed the group of nearly 60 guests enjoying beer and wine to toast the occasion. “The pandemic gave us a lot of things we did not like, however, one of those things we are eternally grateful for is the way we grew closer as a neighborhood and a

Wu appoints Diana Fernandez Bibeau as new Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and Deputy Chief of Open Space

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:20:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu announced the appointment of Diana Fernandez Bibeau as the new Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and Deputy Chief of Open Space. Fernandez Bibeau will begin serving in her new role on June 1.“I’m thrilled to appoint Diana Fernandez Bibeau as Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and Deputy Chief of Open Space,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Diana brings years of experience as a dynamic problem solver and visionary designer, grounded in d

West End Museum to offer upcoming programming

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:20:00 +0200

The West End Museum will offer “Body Revealed, the Spirit Unbound: The Art of Hyman Bloom and the Music of Hovhaness and Sibelius” is then scheduled for May 10 at 3 p.m. Join The WEM at The HUB50 Community Room for a musical performance and lecture featuring the art of the West End’s Hyman Bloom alongside the music of his contemporaries Alan Hovhaness and Jean Sibelius. Together, these works invite reflection on the body as both material and vessel: a site of decay, transformat

Housing, health, hunger: This is why America is failing

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:20:00 +0200

Americans’ optimism about their future has sunk to an all-time low, according to a recent Gallup Poll (which was conducted, we might add, before the war with Iran had begun).Why the malaise when we have record-low unemployment and a record-high stock market?In our view, the explanation is right in front of our eyes.Humans have four basic needs: shelter, food, health, and safety. But other than public safety (crime rates have been at historic lows for more than two years), America is a fail

Wu announces White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:19:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu in partnership with Boston Legacy FC announced the creation of the White Stadium Neighborhood Advisory Council (WSNAC), a 15-member advisory body established to engage communities and provide input on the White Stadium project. Created under the project’s lease and governing agreements, the council creates a structured forum for information-sharing, discussion, and community feedback as White Stadium is built and prepares for operations. WSNAC wil

Accessory Dwelling Units showcase starts May 12

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:19:00 +0200

Special to the TimesWe’re demonstrating what’s possible with the use of prefabricated construction in terms of providing cost, design, and quality predictability for Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).The Housing Innovation Lab at the Mayor’s Office of Housing is staging a fully built ADU on City Hall Plaza from Tuesday, May 12 through Sunday, May 17.If you’ve ever wished you could expand your home, this is an opportunity to see what is possible with an ADU. Learn more about

Sen. Edwards, housing advocates, celebrate one year of eviction sealing in the Affordable Homes Act

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:18:00 +0200

Special to the TimesOne year ago this week, a historic provision championed by State Senator Lydia Edwards went into effect as part of the Affordable Homes Act – fundamentally changing the trajectory of thousands of Massachusetts residents by granting the right to petition courts to seal certain eviction records.In its first year alone, 6,284 petitions to seal eviction records have been filed across the Commonwealth, underscoring both the urgent need for this reform and its immediate, tang

City of Boston hosts 12th annual Citizenship Day

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:17:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu, the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA), and Project Citizenship hosted the City’s annual Citizenship Day at the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center in Roxbury. The annual event provides free legal help with citizenship applications for immigrants eligible for naturalization. This event builds on the City’s efforts to make Boston a home for everyone and on its longstanding commitment to connecting residents with services and

City kicks off free Summer Fitness Series May 13 at Copley Square Park

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:17:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThe 2026 Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series, sponsored by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC), will kick off at Copley Square Park in Back Bay on Wednesday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m., featuring free Bota Fogo Dance Fitness and Yoga plus fun giveaways.“The free Summer Fitness Series brings residents outside and into our communities, taking care of ourselves and each other throughout the summer season,” said Mayor Mic

Artist Rixy to bring 2026 Dewey Square mural to life

Fri, 08 May 2026 16:16:00 +0200

The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy is delighted to welcome Boston-born artist Rixy, who will begin work this week on the 2026 Dewey Square Mural—one of the city’s most vibrant and visible canvases for public art.From May 1, 2026, through the first week of June, neighbors, community members, and visitors are invited to watch the artwork come to life in real time, as Rixy and her all-women painting team bring a bold new vision to the heart of downtown.Selected through the Conservanc

Showing Some Love for The Neighborhood

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:58:00 +0200

Courtesy of Rob Whitney
Michael Holmes of Phillips Street and Marianna Vulli of Garden
Street pictured at Philips Street Park during the citywide Love Your
Neighborhood Cleanup day on April 4.

From Gardner to Shelley: Emily Franklin brings literary history to the Union Club

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:57:00 +0200

Photos & Story by Marianne SalzaEmily Roessel Stephanie Stacy, Emina Becirovic, of Helen’s Leather, and Meredith Braunstein.Shannon Cullinane, Special Events Co-Director, Jamie Butler, and Angie.“Love & Other Monsters,” written by best-selling author, Emily Franklin, is a haunting historical fiction book about creativity, desperation, and complicated love. Set in the summer of 1816, the Regency-era novel focuses on the bright Claire Clarmont, the 18-year-old forgotten s

Blackstone’s welcomes spring with floral workshop led by Ox Bow Decor’s Grossman

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:57:00 +0200

By Jennifer HillAs spring arrives on Beacon Hill, Blackstone’s is celebrating the season with an intimate floral arranging workshop designed to bring the beauty of fresh blooms into your home.On Friday, May 8, the Charles Street shop will host local floral designer Laurie Grossman of Ox Bow Decor for a hands-on evening focused on the art of bouquet-making. Known for her refined, nature-inspired arrangements, Grossman will guide participants through the fundamentals of floral design, offeri

Wu releases 2030 Climate Action Plan to reducecarbon emissions and strengthen Boston’s climate resilience

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu announced this week the release of Boston’s landmark 2030 Climate Action Plan alongside dozens of community and institutional partners at LoPresti Park in East Boston. This implementation plan provides a roadmap for how the City will achieve its carbon emissions reduction and climate resilience goals, including reducing community-wide greenhouse gas emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and reaching carbon neutrality by 2050.“Fighting climate change pr

West End Museum hosts program to honor local artist Hyman Bloom

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0200

Special to the TimesA native of Boston’s West End, Hyman Bloom (1913-2009) emerged from a community defined by cultural richness and later transformed by sweeping urban renewal.Bloom holds a singular place in American art for his uncompromising exploration of mortality, spirituality, and the human body. He became associated with early American Expressionism, earning admiration from contemporaries like Jackson Pollock, who once called him “the first Abstract Expressionist.”Bloom

The West End Museum offers programming in May

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThe West End Museum, located at 150 Staniford St., Suite 7, has announced its May events calendar, including an author talk centered around immigrant communities in modern Boston; the second event in our 2026 performing arts series; and two walking tours – there’s something for everyone.“Harry ‘Bucky’ Lew: An Early Black History of Basketball The First Black Professional Basketball Player” comes to the museum on May 2 at 11 a.m. Join author

Edwards, Coletta-Zapata deliver remarks at climate change plan

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0200

By Cary ShumanSen. Lydia Edwards and City Council Vice President Gabriela Coletta, who are both considered legislative champions for the environment, credited Mayor Wu for her leadership on the issue of climate change during remarks at the Mayor’s announcement of the 2030 Climate Change Plan Monday at LoPresti Park.“Welcome to East Boston, the best neighborhood in the City of Boston,” began Edwards. “This is my home, but also it’s a beautiful diverse neighborhood th

Boston parks launch free summer sports clinics for 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:54:00 +0200

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced that registration is now open for its 2026 Summer Sports Clinics. This popular program provides Boston youth with a free opportunity to develop athletic skills and enjoy the city’s outdoor spaces in a fun, supportive environment.Program Schedule and LogisticsThe clinics are scheduled to run from July 6 through August 14, 2026. Sessions will take place Monday through Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., hosted at the Carter Playgroun

MBTA, MassDOT celebrate Earth Day with station cleanup

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 15:53:00 +0200

Special to the TimesIn honor of Earth Day 2026, dozens of employees from the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) and the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) volunteered to cleanup eight stations along the MBTA Blue Line: Maverick, Airport, Wood Island, Orient Heights, Suffolk Downs, Beachmont, Revere Beach and Wonderland Stations. This year’s focus on the Blue Line reflects the MBTA’s rotating, systemwide approach to Earth Day service efforts. Now in it

At last, common sense regarding marijuana, psychedelics

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 06:54:00 +0200

The recent actions by the Trump administration to reschedule marijuana and certain psychedelics has brought a measure of common-sense to the regulation of these substances.Federal policy for more than 50 years has classified marijuana and psychedelics as Schedule I drugs, placing them into the same category as truly-dangerous drugs such as heroin and opioids, which never has made any sense.Schedule I drugs are defined as substances with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for

Mother’s Day gesture with deeper meaning

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:28:00 +0200

Supporting women facing hunger in BostonSpecial to the TimesAbove, a winter meal exchange in a cafeteria setting.Photos Courtesy of Women’s Lunch Place
The Mother’s Day card being offered this year
by Women’s Lunch Place.Food insecurity across Massachusetts has reached a troubling milestone. According to recent data, 40 percent of households are now experiencing food insecurity—double the rate seen just a few years ago in 2019.At Women’s Lunch Place (WLP), a day she

BHAC approves much of transformative project proposed for Charles and Cambridge streets

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:28:00 +0200

By Dan MurphyCourtesy of Rode Architects
A rendering of the redevelopment project planned for the intersection of
Charles and Cambridge streets, which is now home to CVS Pharmacy.The Beacon Hill Architectural Commission unanimously approved much of a design review application, with some provisos, for a transformative redevelopment project planned for the intersection of Charles and Cambridge streets, which is now home to CVS Pharmacy, during the commission’s monthly public hearing he

Hill resident runs Boston Marathon to combat homelessness

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:27:00 +0200

Special to the TimesBank of America executive Jack Germain, a Beacon Hill resident, ran his first Boston Marathon on Monday, April 20 to support a non-profit that works to prevent family homelessness and support parents and children facing housing instability. Germain, 29, an assistant vice president for strategy and management at the bank, is raising money for FamilyAid, a Boston-based organization that provides services, education, and training to families with children to help them avoid home

BHS celebrates 25 years of education and community

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:27:00 +0200

Photos & Story by Marianne SalzaBeacon Hill Seminars (BHS) celebrated 25 years of life-long learning with an anniversary celebration on April 8 recognizing the accomplishments of the organization that has offered over 925 adult educational courses led by more than 280 volunteer group leaders in historic venues throughout Beacon Hill and the Back Bay.“Beacon Hill Seminars has always been about learning and socialization, both very important,” welcomed Beth Sanders, a BHS board dir

Wu announces launch of 2026 construction season

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:26:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMayor Michelle Wu announced the launch of a new construction season for City of Boston Streets projects. Building on last year’s historic progress—50 miles of street resurfacing and a record 1,723 ADA-compliant ramps rebuilt—the City’s focus this year continues to be investments in the state of good repair while improving safety and accessibility across neighborhoods. Planned efforts include roadway resurfacing, sidewalk and ramp upgrades, street recon

Women’s Lunch Place holds sold-out ‘eat LUNCH give’ fundraiser

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:26:00 +0200

Special to the TimesWomen’s Lunch Place hosted its sold-out eat LUNCH give fundraiser on Friday, March 27, at the Mandarin Oriental, Boston, raising $430,000 to support its mission of providing essential services and pathways to housing for women experiencing hunger, homelessness, and poverty.The annual springtime event brought together a dedicated community of supporters united by a shared commitment to the women of Boston. Guests gathered for a powerful midday program that highlighted th

WECA hosts ‘Creative Visioning’ to address climate change

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:26:00 +0200

Special to the TimesThe public is invited to a creative and engaging student-led presentation that will provide valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating the challenges of climate change. This interactive event will take place Friday, May 1, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the HUB Causeway Meeting Room (50 Causeway St).‘Creative Visioning/ stems from a collaboration between the West End Civic Association (WECA), UMass (Amherst) Department of Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning

Over 8,000 potted daffodils placed around the city for the Boston marathon

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:26:00 +0200

Special to the TimesMarathon Daffodils is a citywide, community-based beautification and commemorative nonprofit that celebrates the arrival of spring while honoring the spirit of Boston Strong.The organizers are deeply grateful to the Charlestown residents, businesses, and community partners whose dedication has made this 13th year our most successful yet—with 8,000 potted daffodils delivered across the city.This effort is made possible through the generosity and hard work of so many, inc

Sherley Smith recognized as Friends of the Public Garden’s Parks  

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:48:00 +0200

By Dan Murphy 

Back Bay resident Sherley Smith was recognized as the Friends of the Public 2026 Parks Champion during the group’s 56th annual meeting on Tuesday, April 14,at the UMass Club of Boston. The Friends of the Public Garden is a nonprofit membership organization that partners with the Boston Parks Department to maintain and enhance the Public Garden, the Common, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. 

Rugg Road to hold ‘reopening party’ for the community Friday, May 1 

Fri, 17 Apr 2026 16:48:00 +0200

By Dan Murphy 

Several months after settling into its new space at 130 Charles St., Rugg Road Paper Co. is welcoming the community back for a “reopening party” on Friday, May 1, from 5 to 7 p.m. 

“It has been a long process, and we are very excited to finally celebrate in our new home,” wrote Geraldine O’Hagan, managing owner of the popular neighborhood stationary store. “We truly want to than

ZBA denies ads proposed within pedestrian skybridge 