The ribbon-cutting was part of Deployables Day, a citywide gathering that highlights publicly and privately owned deployable flood barriers.

In recent years, the high-rise condominiums have experienced their share of damage because of flooding and severe storms. In 2018, floodwaters came within inches of the property, which prompted the condominium to act.

As concerns about rising tides have continued to grow, Harbor Towers decided to take the next step and install deployable flood barriers to protect the building’s infrastructure.

“We have four of our largest and most impacted and important public spaces that have deployables in place and ready to go when the need is,” Wu said. “And since we started the program, 11 private properties as well, with this one being one of the most significant.”

As sea levels continue to rise and the threats of climate change become more apparent, Boston will continue its efforts to fight back and work to preserve the city, Wu said.

“The specifics are really real, and the benefit that Boston has is we already know what we need to do,” Wu said. “We were way ahead of many other cities in really doing the hard work of putting those maps against our real-life conditions.”

Norman Meisner, chairman of the Harbor Towers Board of Trustees, said residents of the 54-year-old towers received a “wake-up call” in the winter of 2018, when not one but two “one in a hundred-year storms” struck.

Meisner described the towers as likely the second-lowest elevation on Boston’s waterfront, with Long Wharf being the lowest.

The trustees sought solutions to the threat of flooding and found that protecting the perimeter of the structures was the most feasible option. They brought on Weston & Sampson as their architect and engineer and Build Enclosure Science as their project manager. Commodore

The decision was made to protect the towers with a combination of permanent and deloyable protections.

The $20 million for the project came entirely from the condo owners, Meisner said. It is expected to protect the towers for the next 50 years.

Meisner said the project was completed “on time and within budget.”

This story is part of a partnership between The Boston Sun and the Suffolk University Department of Journalism program.

Jamaica Plain was quite literally awash this weekend—with rain, wind, and cold temperatures. While we are still saddened by the cancellation, we also want to take a moment to reflect on all the effort that went into preparing for this weekend and to recognize the incredible community that makes such an event possible.

As I’m sure you know, an event of this size and scope doesn’t happen overnight. For the past 10 months teams of board members and volunteers have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, attending to the countless details that make JP Open Studios happen.

To everyone who volunteered, sponsored, offered to host artists, prepared artwork, and contributed in so many other ways: THANK YOU! Your generosity, whether financial, in-kind, or through your time, talent, and energy, is what keeps JP Open Studios happening year after year, for more than 30 years.

And to our 225+ JPOS artists: thank you for sharing your talent, creativity, and generosity with our community—not just during JPOS weekend, but throughout the year. You are such an important part of what makes Jamaica Plain vibrant, creative, and inspiring.

I often say, “It takes a village,” and this village of JP is truly amazing. We are incredibly grateful for the many people who continue to show up, pitch in, create, support, and make our community what it is.

We hope to see you at the JPAC Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12 at 7 PM at the Footlight Club on Eliot Street.

With gratitude,

Susan Duprey

JPAC/JPOS Executive Director and the Jamaica Plain Arts Council

P.S. Please save the date for the 34th Jamaica Plain Open Studios, September 25 & 26, 2027!

To those that make JPOS possible….

Thank you to all who offered their studios, porches, fences, sidewalks, etc.

To the First Baptist Church, First Church Unitarian Universalist, Loring Greenough House, Eliot School and Curtis Hall, Stonybrook Fine Arts, The Footlight Club, Pondside Dental and the local businesses that offer to host artists in their locations.

Thank you to the JPOS 2026 Group Site Coordinators:

To to the JPOS group site coordinators, Kasey Appleman, Deborah MacFail, Keyse Angelo, Kevin Brown, Asako Severn, Kingsley Weihe, Bob Field, Quenby Bucklaew, Liz Cinquino, Gena Mavuli, Brendan Killian and Syd Hardin for their time, energy, and dedication to the artists.

Thank you to the JPOS 2026 Volunteers:

To Glen Hawkins for the beautiful design of all of the JPOS 2026 event materials

To Anna Koon for her wonderful and insightful artist workshops

To Asako Severn and Maddie Drake for their much needed technical and website expertise

To Michelle Stolzoff for our social media presence

To Christine DeGennaro for initiating and overseeing our T-Shirt contest and fundraiser (FYI you can still purchase a JPOS 2026 t-shirt)

To Anna Koon and Marc Goldring for poster distribution

To Allida Warn and Kathleen Kirby for writing and distributing our press release

To JP Licks for offering to host our info booth each year and provide treats for volunteers

To our info booth volunteers: Thomas Durand, Bryan Tucker, Julie McKee, Rich Parritz, Tom Duprey, Graham Duprey, Lisa Bacon, Deanna Forist, Peter Curran, and Linda Burnett

JPOS 2026 Board Members:

Gail Bos (Board Member)

Constance Cervone (Board Member)

Carrie Clayton (Secretary)

Susan Duprey (Executive Director)

Cristina Hajosy (Board Member)

Glen Hawkins (Board Vice President, Art Director)

Gigi Kellet (Book Keeper)

Robin Radin (Board Member)

Allida Warn (Treasurer)

Anne Sasser (Board President)

Bill Shamlian (Board Member)

Michelle Stolzoff (Marketing Director)

JPOS 2026 Active Volunteers

Maddie Drake

Mike Kriley

Asako Severn

Kathleen Kirby

Marc Goldring

Christine DeGennaro

With the weatherman (as of this writing) forecasting a near-perfect weekend weather-wise, we urge as many of our readers as possible to partake of the simple pleasure of getting outdoors to enjoy the crisp, clean air and the autumn colors before the colder temperatures arrive.

A nice hike, whether along the shore of the Cape, or in the Berkshires or the mountains of northern New England, or even as nearby as the Blue Hills in Milton, provides an opportunity to enjoy the natural world, far away from the noise of our daily lives, that will do wonders for our emotional and physical well-being.

One of our favorite things to do with our kids when they were young was to go apple-picking, which is in prime season at many farms that are a short drive from the city.

We’ve always viewed the Columbus Day/Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend as the last chance to take a mental and physical break ahead of the freneticism of the upcoming holiday season — which will be here before we know it.

An expensive winter ahead

The war with Iran already has cost U.S. consumers more than $100 billion in direct costs for our gasoline purchases. That’s about $800 per family since the war began in February — and that figure is increasing every day that the war drags on.

However, what we are paying at the pump because of this so-called war is nothing compared to the coming shock of heating oil prices for the 20% of Mass. residents who use oil to heat their homes.

The average price for a gallon of heating oil already is a jaw-dropping $6.15 per gallon, which represents a staggering 75% increase above the average price of $3.52 per gallon at this time last year.

This means that a fill-up of 200 gallons for a family’s oil tank will cost about $1250, a figure that is completely unaffordable for many and that will strain the budgets for most.

Natural gas prices are not predicted to increase as much, but the 50% of Mass. residents who heat their homes with natural gas are expected to see an increase of up to 15% in their heating bills this winter.

Even if the war with Iran were to end tomorrow, the significant disruptions to the world’s energy supply chains that already have occurred would not bring significant relief from the current elevated prices for gasoline, diesel, and home heating oil.

In short, there is no relief in sight — and there is the likely prospect (depending on weather around the country and more supply shocks) of prices going even higher.

The only hope we have for making it through the winter heating season without emptying our wallets is to pray for a warmer-than-normal winter. Even so, we still should plan on lowering our thermostats — and wearing heavy sweaters — in our homes.

“The latest phase of work to replace our 120+-year-old signal system within the central Green Line tunnel is critical to building the modernized transit system that our riders deserve and can count on. Know that we maximized productivity by continuing to upgrade tracks, stations, and other essential components during the same track outage. It is vital that we build upon the momentum of previous phases of work, bringing us another step closer to ensuring we continue to deliver improved service today and in the future,” said Interim Secretary of Transportation and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “The new signals will provide the operational flexibility that is necessary to run a world-class system that Boston deserves, driving economic vitality and quality of life for all that we serve. This work enables us to deliver for our riders the new fleet of state-of-the-art Green Line Type 10 cars next year. Thank you to the public for their patience and allowing us to perform this vital work that has been so long-deferred. Under the Healey-Driscoll Administration and with the support of the Legislature, we are investing in the system which is an investment in the future of Massachusetts and the businesses and communities that we serve.”

Green Line Work Accomplished

This important work within the Green Line central tunnel was accomplished during nine consecutive days of 24/7 access to portions of the Green Line that ended yesterday, which allowed the MBTA to expedite the long-awaited upgrades in the most cost-efficient manner possible.

At over 100 years old, the MBTA’s Green Line legacy signal system is as old as the tunnel itself – the old signals currently in use are the same signals that were used when the first electric trolleys in North America were put into service in the late 1800s. This signal system is ready to be replaced with the upgraded, modern technology of today.

The age of the MBTA’s signals and the scale of replacing the entire system within the central tunnel makes the project significant, and previous administrations had deferred this work due to its challenging complexities. With a commitment to accomplishing long-awaited upgrades that riders deserve, the MBTA is no longer deferring these critical investments. It was determined that the best way to accomplish the Green Line’s signal modernization on an accelerated timeline is the phased approach: several diversions in service in which the MBTA could maximize each outage by performing as much other piggybacking work as possible.

During these nine days of unencumbered access to the Green Line, work crews have continued to make progress on a variety of complicated activities in the tunnel, including extensive signal cable and infrastructure installations, messenger cable work, and complex work at electrical conduit crossings. Over 20 miles of new signaling cable were routed through newly installed signal equipment during this most recent service outage, totaling 40 miles of cable installed so far – the MBTA plans to route 72 miles of new cable in total. Approximately 75% of junction boxes, signal heads, and termination cases have been installed within the Green Line track area, including signal heads that will be activated during the commissioning and verification process at the end of the project. More than 85% of the project’s 129 new signal junction boxes have been installed throughout the tunnel and near station platforms, replacing boxes dating back to the 1940s.

This construction work is part of the MBTA’s phased approach to accomplishing signal upgrades in three major areas at Copley, Park Street, and Government Center, and builds upon previous work that has taken place this year. Within the Copley area, infrastructure installation and routing of the signal cable are 100% complete, and the installation of signal equipment within the track area is 95% complete. At Park Street, infrastructure installation is 98% complete, the installation of signal equipment within the track area and routing of signal cable are each 60% complete, and a new signal communications room serving the Park Street signal system is 25% complete with wiring and equipment installation underway. At Government Center, infrastructure installation is 95% complete, and the installation of signal equipment within the track area is 70% complete.

Following this work to install all of the signaling infrastructure, the testing and commissioning phase will begin, which is the thorough and exacting process of cutting over to the new system and verifying that the new system is functioning properly.

When the testing and commissioning phase is complete and the Green Line has fully transitioned to the new signals, the new system will provide the MBTA Operations team with improved train detection, better train congestion management, and more consistent train spacing, which provide the foundation for improved service frequency. These operational upgrades also mean more reliable service for riders with fewer unplanned disruptions and emergency repairs caused by the older, aging signal system.

City Councilor Sharon Durkan filed a hearing order at last week’s Council Meeting with Councilors Ed Flynn and Henry Santana to examine the scope of package theft in Boston and bring city officials together to discuss how to address this persistent quality-of-life issue.

“All residents should be able to enjoy the convenience of at-home package delivery. Stealing someone’s property is punishable as a criminal offense, but enforcement and prosecution can be an ongoing challenge. That’s why I think it’s so important that we better understand the scope of this problem, evaluate how we can improve enforcement, and explore strategies like secure public lockers or 311 reporting to better track incidents and reduce package theft,” said Councilor Durkan.

Residents should report package theft to the Boston Police Department (BPD), but many do not due to a lack of awareness, the perceived hassle of filing a police report, or the feeling that it is not worth the department’s time. More comprehensive data could help the City better understand where and when package theft is occurring and identify areas where additional resources or interventions may be needed. The hearing will bring BPD and relevant City officials together to discuss ways to improve reporting, strengthen enforcement, and explore additional strategies to prevent package theft.

Councilor Durkan identified that package theft is a challenge across Boston but can be particularly difficult in District 8 neighborhoods like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and Fenway, where many multi-unit buildings lack designated space for package deliveries and packages are often left on the street. The hearing will also explore the potential for a public locker pilot to give residents a secure and convenient place to receive their packages.

“For our seniors and neighbors living with disabilities, a stolen package can mean missed medication, delayed equipment, or lost daily essentials. Package theft touches almost every neighborhood in our city, directly threatening the health, safety, and independence of those who rely on home deliveries. We must take proactive, practical action to protect our neighborhoods and safeguard our most vulnerable residents,” said Councilor Santana.

“Residents don’t always report to BPD because they don’t think it’s an important issue, but package theft is high priority. When packages are stolen, it impacts public safety and quality of life. Let’s come together as a Council to support our neighbors and our community,” said Councilor Flynn.

The docket has been assigned to the Committee on Public Safety and Criminal Justice.

BPHC is making it easy for residents to get vaccinated as part of their regular routines. By partnering with Boston Public Schools, Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BYCF), Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers, labor unions, Mass Port, and community organizations, BPHC will provide vaccines in the places where people live, work and play. By providing easy access to free vaccinations, BPHC is ensuring that residents who may struggle to get vaccinated can do so with fewer barriers.

“Vaccination is the safest and most effective tool we have to reduce the risk of serious illness from respiratory viral illness, like the flu,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “By hosting free vaccine clinics where residents already spend much of their time, we are making great strides towards ensuring that vaccines are accessible to all. The evidence-based science behind vaccinations have been keeping us safe for decades, and BPHC will continue to let expert advice guide our work. This commitment allows us to protect our families and keep loved ones safe, particularly during respiratory virus season.”

Flu vaccination is strongly recommended for all individuals ages 6 months and older. Young children, older adults, and individuals with underlying health conditions are particularly vulnerable to severe illness from the flu and benefit from flu vaccination. During the 2025-2026 flu season, 364 individuals in Massachusetts died from the flu, including two children in Boston. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended for children between 6 and 23 months, adults 65 and older, healthcare workers, those with medical conditions associated with higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease, and those who are immunocompromised, pregnant, or lactating. People who live in households with any of these vulnerable groups are also recommended to receive a COVID-19 vaccination. These vaccines are highly effective at preventing severe illnesses and can help prevent residents from needing to take sick days from school or work.

BPHC’s vaccine clinics begin in September, as people are adjusting to back-to-school routines and before the peak of respiratory virus season. All clinics will offer free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. No appointment is needed. Insurance and identification are not required, but those with a health insurance card should bring it with them. Residents should check boston.gov/vaccine-clinics for a list of dates and locations. The website also details which vaccines will be available and for what ages. Clinics are currently being scheduled from September through December.

The last date and locations of the first month of clinics is:

• Saturday, October 17, from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at BCYF Hyde Park

BPHC’s vaccine clinics are only one of many ways people can get vaccinated. In Massachusetts, these vaccinations are free and available to all who wish to receive them. Boston residents are also encouraged to contact their health care provider, local health center, or pharmacy to schedule appointments, receive vaccinations, or ask questions. Locate additional vaccine resources at vaccinefinder.org.

Residents who need help applying for health insurance, which is not required for these vaccinations, or finding medical care, can contact the Mayor’s Health Line at (617) 534-5050. The Mayor’s Health Line is a free, confidential, and multilingual service that can help families, regardless of immigration status, find routine care.

The public is invited to gather (free) at Boston Public Market, 100 Hanover Street, to watch the pumpkin arrive and celebrate the start of the fall harvest season.

Each fall, Red Apple Farm donates a giant pumpkin grown by Art Kazenski for the Boston Public Market’s seasonal celebration. The arrival brings a piece of Massachusetts farm country into downtown Boston and has become a festive fall tradition for Market visitors and the wider community.

Boston Public Market’s Annual Harvest Party Fundraiser takes place Thursday, October 22, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The evening will feature unlimited tastings from Boston Public Market vendors, local beer, wine and spirits, live entertainment, and a silent auction.

The Harvest Party is the cornerstone fundraiser for the Boston Public Market Association, the nonprofit that develops and operates the Market. Proceeds support its work nurturing local food entrepreneurs, offering educational programming, expanding access to healthy food, and strengthening New England’s food system.

Tickets are available at two price points: $250 and $500. Purchase tickets at bostonpublicmarket.org/harvestparty. Donations of any size would be appreciated and support can be shared here: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/donate-to-our-market-on-a-mission

The Arboretum also serves as the flagship campus for the Boston Outdoor Preschool Network (BOPN). BOPN facilitates a variety of outdoor learning programs, ranging from “Toddler Connections” playgroups starting at 15 months of age, up to half-day summer camps for children as old as 7. In these programs, children build independence and motor skills through open-ended, student-led exploration, which includes measuring tree trunks, climbing over logs, and observing the local ecology. Looking ahead to the spring season, the annual Lilac Sunday event will return in May, marking the only day of the year when picnicking is officially permitted on the grounds. Alternatively, for an evening outing, families can head to the nearby Franklin Park Zoo for the “Boston Lights: A Lantern Experience” exhibit, featuring large-scale, endangered wildlife displays illuminated by LED lights.

A short distance away on Centre Street, the JP Martial Arts Academy offers an alternative approach to physical education. Serving the community since 2013, the academy provides specialized training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Karate, Kobudo, and Kickboxing. The instructional focus at the academy extends beyond physical self-defense; instructors emphasize teaching children emotional regulation, sustained focus, and discipline. With free trial classes currently available, the academy is welcoming parents looking to introduce their children to the mental and physical routines cultivated during dojo sessions.

For older teens, HSTF runs the “Jóvenes en Acción” program, which combines arts training with college preparation, financial literacy courses, and community organizing. The program also provides post-secondary micro-grants for participating students. The broader public is invited to see HSTF’s youth ensembles perform at the organization’s annual Halloween Fiesta, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, at Mozart Park. The event will feature live performances from the youth ensembles alongside seasonal games and crafts. It offers families a chance to celebrate the holiday while supporting an organization that has operated in the neighborhood for 35 years.