Duels, the grave of a ruthless pirate, punishments of convicted witches and more: all real and explored on the Freedom Trail Lantern Tours. Investigate the ghoulish side of Boston’s iconic red-lined-path and hear historic tales too dark and macabre for daytime. Join Freedom Trail Players, darkly garbed with lanterns, and bring true accounts of appalling crimes, spies and assassins, to life on these 90-minute walking tours.

Lantern Tours start from the Boston Common Visitor Information Center plaza and illuminate the Granary and King’s Chapel burying grounds as the final resting places of convicted pirates and others connected to Boston’s less-illustrious past. Locations such as the Boston Massacre Site and the former site of the Old Gaol (Old Jail), adjacent to the Old State House and home to many of old Boston’s most infamous criminals, are also featured along the way on the Freedom Trail.

Led by 18th-century costumed guides, Freedom Trail Foundation walking tours are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors/students, and $8 for children 12 and under. Purchase of a ticket includes a $1 donation to the Freedom Trail Foundation’s Preservation Fund, which helps support preservation projects at official Freedom Trail historic sites. Tickets may be purchased at the Boston Common Visitor Information Center (8:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.) or online at TheFreedomTrail.org. Lantern Tours may also be scheduled as a private group tour year-round. For more information about the Lantern and Crypt Tours, please contact the Freedom Trail Foundation at 617-357-8300 or visit TheFreedomTrail.org.

One Bead’s flagship program brings career and academic planning directly into Boston Public Schools (BPS) middle grade classrooms, ensuring every student—regardless of background—has access to structured guidance and resources year-round.

One Bead CEO & Founder Sara Kittle said the organization’s persistence, coupled with support from a Cummings coach, helped strengthen this year’s application and ultimately led to the grant.

“It took six tries to get here, and every one of those ‘no’s’ pushed us to get sharper about what we do and why it matters. This year, a Cummings coach sat down with our application and helped us say it better — and it worked. What means the most isn’t just the funding; it’s the timing: as the conversation around career-connected learning in the middle grades gains momentum nationally, this grant will help ensure Boston has a seat at that table,” said Kittle.

This year, the Woburn-based Cummings Foundation increased its annual grant program from $30 million to $35 million and shifted to fully unrestricted funding, allowing recipients to direct grant dollars where they are needed most.

Foundation executive director and trustee Joyce Vyriotes noted that the changes reflect growing concerns among Greater Boston nonprofits about rising costs, increased demand for services, and sustained uncertainty around public funding.

“Nonprofit professionals are closest to the challenges facing their communities, making them best positioned to determine where and how new funds will drive the greatest impact,” said Vyriotes. “By providing increased, flexible funding, we hope to strengthen organizations’ long-term stability and help them respond to evolving community needs.”

This year’s grant recipients represent a wide range of causes, including housing and food insecurity, education, workforce development, healthcare, mental health services, social justice, immigrant support, and youth programming.

The annual grant program supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and primarily serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties, as well as Brookline, Dedham, Milton, Needham, Quincy, and Wellesley.

Through this place-based initiative, Cummings Foundation reinvests in the areas where it owns commercial real estate. Its buildings are all managed at no cost to the Foundation by its affiliate, Cummings Properties, a Woburn-based commercial developer that leases and manages 11 million square feet of debt-free space. All rental profits support the Foundation.

Since its founding, Cummings Foundation has awarded more than $650 million to Greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s grant recipients, along with additional information about the Foundation and its grant programs, is available at CummingsFoundation.org.  

One Bead’s mission is to create clear pathways to postsecondary success, starting in the middle grades. Founded in 2012 as an after-school leadership program, One Bead has evolved over the last decade to address the critical need for career and academic planning services targeting the middle grades. Through conversations with professionals, hands-on learning opportunities, and exposure to secondary school pathways, our flagship program ensures every child enters high school with the clarity and confidence they need to plan for what’s next. In 2025, backed by a growing network of supporters, One Bead launched a bold plan to embed career and academic planning into the middle grade experience city-wide. Learn more at onebead.org. 

Woburn-based Cummings Foundation, Inc. was established in 1986 by Joyce and Bill Cummings of Winchester, Mass., and has grown to become one of the largest private foundations in New England. In addition to its annual grant program, the Foundation directly operates two not-for-profit retirement communities: New Horizons at Marlborough and New Horizons at Choate, in Woburn. Additional information is available at CummingsFoundation.org.

Sen. Markey garnered 55,163 votes citywide, while his challenger, Rep. Seth Moulton, garnered 19,273 votes to account for nearly 26 percent of the ballot.

Sen. Markey will now face Republican nominee John Deaton and third-party socialist candidate Joe Tache in the Nov. 3 general election.

In the Democratic race for the 8th Congressional District of Massachusetts, longtime Congressman Stephen Lynch defeated progressive attorney Patrick Roath, although Boston voters largely didn’t support Rep. Lynch in his reelection coup.

More than 55 percent of Boston’s registered voters cast 15,447 ballots for Roath, while Lynch trailed with 12,381 votes, which accounted for around 44 percent of the city’s ballot.

In the Democratic race for Suffolk County district attorney, around 49 percent of Boston voters supported Kevin Hayden in his successful reelection bid.

Linda Champion, a former prosecutor under Hayden, trailed him, garnering nearly 26 percent of Boston’s ballot (17,885 votes), while ex-U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins placed third in that race, with about 24 percent of the ballot (17,022 votes).

According to the city’s Election Department, which recruited and trained more than 1,872 poll workers across the 275 voting precincts in Boston, there are a total of 438,367 registered voters citywide. (More than 474 poll workers were available to provide assistance in languages that include Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean, Russian, and Portuguese.)

As of press-time, the race for State Senate between William Brownsberger and Daniel Lander is under recount.

An Urban Oasis: Jamaica Plain is defined by its remarkable green spaces, a rarity in a major city. The neighborhood is nearly surrounded by a necklace of parks and natural landmarks, including the world-renowned Arnold Arboretum, the historic Forest Hills Cemetery, the expansive Franklin Park, and of course, the tranquil Jamaica Pond and Olmsted Park. Together, they form an urban oasis that offers a retreat from city life.

A Community of Diversity: With a population of over 40,000, JP is one of Boston’s most diverse neighborhoods. It has long been a haven for the LGBTQ+ community and home to prominent activists, fostering a culture of inclusivity and acceptance. This diversity is also reflected in its housing, which ranges from iconic three-deckers and charming Capes to grand Victorians and modern condos.

A Culinary Destination: Jamaica Plain is a destination for food lovers from across the city. While some beloved landmarks like Bella Luna and El Oriental de Cuba have recently closed their doors, their legacies live on, and new establishments continue to define the area’s rich culinary scene. Long-standing favorites like Ten Tables anchor the neighborhood, while new businesses add to the vibrant mix.

Rich Arts and Culture: JP boasts a rich arts and cultural scene that is a source of community pride. Major annual festivals like the iconic Wake Up the Earth Festival, the popular Jamaica Plain Music Festival, and the enchanting Jamaica Pond Lantern Parade bring the community together. This year, the neighborhood is also celebrating the 10th anniversary of JP Porchfest, which has grown into a major cultural event with hundreds of artists performing on porches across the neighborhood.

A Place of History and Learning: With landmarks dating back to the Colonial era, JP is a living history book. Historic sites are clustered around the Civil War Soldier’s Monument at the intersection of South and Centre streets. It is also a hub for learning and activism, home to over 250 nonprofit organizations. The neighborhood’s unique character has been chronicled in several books, including Colin Campbell’s hard-boiled crime novel “Jamaica Plain,” and historical works by Anthony Mitchell Sammarco.

The “Latin Quarter”: At the heart of the community is Boston’s Latin Quarter, centered in Hyde/Jackson Squares, a testament to the neighborhood’s vibrant Hispanic population and a cultural landmark in its own right.

A Historic Phone Dial: As a final unique touch, many longtime residents and businesses still have phone numbers beginning with “522” or “524.” This isn’t a coincidence—the “52” comes from the letters “JA” on the old telephone dial, a charming holdover from the days when you would simply tell an operator “Jamaica 4-2626.”

The origin of its name is a tale of two theories. While local lore playfully suggests it was a nod to residents’ love for “plain” Jamaican rum, historians point to a more grounded possibility: a tribute to Kutchamaiken, the chief of a local indigenous tribe who lived near the pond centuries ago.

At the heart of the neighborhood lies Jamaica Pond, Boston’s most significant natural freshwater body. Spanning nearly 70 acres and reaching depths of 70 feet, this tranquil pond was once a vital resource, serving as the city’s water supply until the mid-19th century. Today, it remains a beloved natural sanctuary for residents and visitors alike.

Jamaica Plain’s landscape evolved significantly during the 19th century. As breweries and factories took root, the grand estates and sprawling farms of the original inhabitants gave way to a diverse collection of more modest homes, accommodating a rapidly growing population. This transformation from a rural haven to a bustling, yet still green, urban neighborhood is a key part of its unique character.

To learn more about the rich history of Jamaica Plain, or to explore membership opportunities, visit the Jamaica Plain Historical Society online at jphs.org.

Here are some of the neighborhood’s beloved natural gems:

Arnold Arboretum

This stunning 265-acre botanical garden, a national historic landmark, is a joint effort between Harvard University and the Boston Parks Department. Home to over 14,000 woody plants, flowers, and trees, it’s a living museum that is free and open to the public. For 2025, please note that the Washington Street entrance at Forest Hills is undergoing renovations from February through October, with access rerouted to the Forest Hills Gate on the Arborway.

Boston Nature Center

Owned and managed by the Massachusetts Audubon Society, the Boston Nature Center at 500 Walk Hill Street is a remarkable 67-acre wildlife sanctuary. Once part of the Boston State Hospital property, it now features 30 acres of freshwater wetlands and Boston’s largest community gardens. Visitors can enjoy over two miles of trails and boardwalks while spotting a variety of wildlife, from red-tailed hawks to wild turkeys. The center offers low-cost programs year-round for all ages.

Jamaica Pond Park

As the largest natural body of fresh water in Boston, Jamaica Pond is a central jewel of the neighborhood. With a 1.5-mile path circling the water, it is one of the city’s most popular spots for running, walking, and enjoying a scenic stroll. The boathouse, operated by Courageous Sailing, offers seasonal rentals of sailboats, rowboats, and kayaks, making it easy to get out on the water.

Franklin Park and Zoo

As the largest park in the Emerald Necklace, the 527-acre Franklin Park offers an impressive array of activities, including hiking, picnicking, and a public 18-hole golf course. The Franklin Park Zoo is a major draw, with exciting new additions like the baby giraffe calf born in 2024 and the birth of 12 prairie dog pups in 2025. The park is overseen by new Executive Director Luis Perez Demorizi, who is leading the charge in its ongoing revitalization.

Forest Hills Cemetery

Considered one of Boston’s most beautiful and serene spots, Forest Hills is more than just a cemetery. Designed in the style of a European burial park, it is a significant sculpture garden and arboretum with an artificial lake. It’s the final resting place of notable figures like poet E.E. Cummings and Boston Celtics legend Reggie Lewis.

The Emerald Necklace

In addition to the major parks, two linear greenways connect the neighborhood. Olmsted Park, with its picturesque Leverett Pond and Daisy Field, stretches along the Jamaicaway. Meanwhile, the Southwest Corridor Park follows the MBTA’s Orange Line from downtown to Forest Hills, providing a vital green transportation and recreation corridor with bike paths, basketball courts, and playgrounds. The beloved DCR Kelly Outdoor Rink, located near the Stony Brook T station, is no longer “temporary” and continues to offer public ice skating from mid-December through mid-March.

Marisol Garcia, the Commonwealth’s Child Advocate, will deliver the keynote address during the event that honors and celebrates the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latinx communities across Massachusetts and beyond.

Garcia, who holds a Juris Doctorate from Northeastern University, began her service as the state’s Child Advocate in June of this year. She is the former Deputy Director at Health Law Advocates where she developed and led the Mental Health Advocacy Program for Kids, a statewide legal services program that has represented thousands of families to overcome barriers to mental health care for children.

Garcia has co-authored numerous articles and has presented on children’s mental health issues statewide and nationally. She is co-chair of the American Bar Association Children’s Rights Litigation Committee, was selected as one of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s Top Women of Law in 2022, and honored with the Latino Excellence on the Hill Award in 2025.

The afternoon’s event will also feature delicious food and refreshments, cultural activities, live music, educational resources, opportunities to connect community members with Whittier’s health and social services, and discussion and celebration of the impact Hispanic and Latinx communities have made across generations in shaping traditions, enriching culture and inspiring pride.

“We welcome all to join us on October 8th as we celebrate and recognize the many significant contributions and rich heritage of our diverse patient and staff population,” said Frederica M. Williams, president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center at the Frederica M. Willams Building. “Whittier is and always will be deeply committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where every culture, tradition, and voice is valued and respected.”

Whittier Street Health Center is an independently licensed community health care center with a mission of providing high quality, reliable and accessible primary healthcare for diverse populations while promoting wellness and eliminating health and social disparities. A champion of equitable access to high quality, patient-focused care, social justice and economic equity, Whittier Street Health Center is accredited by The Joint Commission (TJC), certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, and recognized by the NCQA for its Behavioral Health Integration. Through its locations in Roxbury and North Dorchester, and its Mobile Health Van program, Whittier Street Health Center serves more than 30,000 patients and 20,000 community outreach visits annually; its ethnically and racially diverse patient base is primarily made up of individuals from Roxbury, Dorchester, Jamaica Plain, the South End and greater Boston. Approximately 36% of Whittier’s patients are uninsured. Whittier Street Health Center provides a comprehensive array of 40 healthcare programs and services designed to meet the primary health care, behavioral health, and social needs of the community. For more information, please visit www.wshc.org as well as Facebook (www.facebook.com/WhittierStreetHealthCenter), Twitter (@Whittier_Boston), or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/whittier-street-health-center), or call 617-989-3221.

The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) Outreach Committee is excited to roll out a heartwarming new community feature: JP Pet of the Month!

To kick things off this September, the council is featuring two wonderful neighborhood dogs: Scout, whose proud owner is Melissa Hamel, and Ruvé, owned by Renée Stacey Welch.

Together, Scout and Ruvé are helping launch this fun new initiative designed to celebrate the cherished pets and people who make Jamaica Plain such a special community.

The selected Pet of the Month will have their photograph and a bit of information featured directly on the JPNC website.

Nominations are currently open for October, and the committee welcomes pets of all kinds—whether you have a dog, cat, ferret, bird, rabbit, reptile, or another beloved animal companion.

If you think your animal best friend has what it takes to be the next local star, you can submit a nomination by emailing info@jpnc.org. Be sure to include the following details in your message:

• Your pet’s name

• A clear photograph

• Your name

• A short description or fun fact about your pet

• Permission for the JPNC to share the photograph and information on its website.

Pet parents should mark their calendars, as the deadline for October nominations is Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. The JPNC Outreach Committee, led by Chair Renée Stacey Welch and Vice Chair Caliga, is eager to see the submissions and looks forward to meeting all of JP’s wonderful pets.

Every year on September 1s, my church goes around Jamaica Plain helping people move. We call it “The Big Move.”

Usually we walk. If it’s rainy, like this year, we drive. We prowl around JP looking for parked moving trucks. When we spot one, my pastor hops out and approaches some focused person with a box on their hip and asks if they’d like help moving, for free, no strings attached. People don’t all say yes immediately. But people say yes. We get the yes signal and pile out of the van like some odd Christian trojan horse. Our method’s down pat: We form a human assembly line and start passing bureau drawers and couch cushions and flatscreen TVs hand-to-hand all the way from truck to top floor. (It’s a yearly joke that no one in Boston moves into ground floor apartments, because no one vacates them.)

Here’s 9 reasons* why this particular volunteer activity is uniquely edifying:

1. It’s plain-old, flat-out, cut-and-dry helpful. Moving requires physical labor. You provide physical labor. You help.

2. It allows you to meet new people, who happen to live near you.

3. It makes you freshly grateful for your home, if you don’t want or have to move anytime soon. Also freshly dubious of your spiral staircase.

4. It gives you a chance to look at people’s belongings.

5. It gives you a chance to look at Jamaica Plain real estate (i.e. scope out future living spaces).

6. It’s good exercise.

7. It reminds you—I mean it really drills down—that it’s best not to own too much stuff.

8. It rewards people for their good intentions, while freeing them of their obligations. The boyfriends whose girlfriends have a lot of books, the elderly parents of postgrads, the friends who say they’ll show up and do—they’re off the hook. But they still get credit for being willing. Now everybody’s mildly euphoric. Now everybody can get pizza earlier.

9. It spritzes a little grace into the world. It’s a distinct kind of relief when you were prepared for hardship and are unburdened of it without asking. I’m not gonna get too deep in The Gazette, but that’s on the road to what I like about church writ large.

Boston’s unofficial holiday “moving day” is reputationally dreadful, but there’s a hack to make it fun, unusual, and expansive. Next year if you’d like and can, come help strangers move with Arborway Community Church (up on the hill across the street from 7-Eleven).

*9 reasons because we moved eight houses this year

Emily Huizenga

The Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Council (JPNC) is re-establishing its Outreach Committee, and we are looking for 10 community members who want to help strengthen neighborhood outreach, engagement, and participation.

Whether you have been involved in the community for years or are looking for your first opportunity to get involved, we would love to hear from you.

What Does the Outreach Committee Do?

• Increase awareness of the JPNC and its work

• Recruit and engage residents throughout Jamaica Plain

• Promote JPNC meetings, events, and initiatives

• Strengthen communication between the Council and the community

• Help ensure that community voices are welcomed, heard, and represented

Who Can Join?

We welcome people from every part of Jamaica Plain, including renters, homeowners, business owners, students, young professionals, seniors, parents, caregivers, and residents from all backgrounds and cultures.

No previous experience is required—only an interest in helping the community.

Committee Membership

The Outreach Committee will include:

• 10 community members

• Up to five JPNC Council members

Our goal is to create a committee that reflects the diversity, creativity, and spirit of Jamaica Plain.

Interested in Joining?

Email info@jpnc.org to express your interest or learn more.

Renée Stacey Welch

Chair

Caliga

Vice Chair

Together, we can strengthen community connections and help Jamaica Plain residents feel informed, included, and empowered.