A longtime Boston resident, Knight has spent her career at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic development. Most recently, she has served as President and CEO of The Engine, where she shaped the organization’s strategic direction and built partnerships with industry leaders, educational institutions, and public sector partners to help tech companies grow and bring breakthrough technologies to market.

Under Emily’s leadership, The Engine strengthened its position as a hub for ‘Tough Tech’—science and engineering focused on solving the world’s most difficult and urgent challenges. The organization now supports more than 150 companies and was recently recognized by TIME as one of the country’s top incubators and accelerators.

“We are deeply grateful to Interim Chief Donald Wright for guiding this team and delivering such impact through the opportunities of last summer and beyond, while laying the groundwork for even more ahead,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Emily Knight has spent her career bringing people and institutions together to turn ambitious ideas into companies, jobs, and lasting economic growth. Emily understands what entrepreneurs and businesses need to succeed—and how to ensure that success reaches every neighborhood in our City. I’m thrilled to welcome her to our team and look forward to her leadership to grow our economy, strengthen our communities, and make Boston the best place to build a life and build a business.”

Knight’s appointment underscores the Wu administration’s focus on strengthening Boston’s economic competitiveness while expanding access to the jobs, investment, and opportunities created by Boston’s thriving innovation economy.

“Boston has extraordinary talent, institutions, and ideas, and this role is an incredible opportunity to connect those strengths into economic growth that lasts,” said Emily Knight, Incoming Economic Development Chief for the City of Boston. “I want to help companies start here and grow here, while making sure the jobs and industries they create are felt in every neighborhood across the City. I’m incredibly proud of what we built at The Engine, and I’m ready to bring those nine years of learning to the City I love and call home.”

Knight joined The Engine in 2017 and served in several leadership roles before becoming President and CEO. Prior to that, she managed general operations, strategy, and product development at Workbar coworking spaces. Knight holds a Bachelor of Science from Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, and is a resident of Roslindale.

On opening day Boston Police District provided a free ice cream truck.

The funding is available through the FFY26 Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Grant Program, administered through the Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR). The competitive grant process is held once every four years, and organizations selected through this round may be eligible to receive funding for up to four years, through the next competitive process in 2030.

“Massachusetts stands with victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are committed to making sure victims and survivors across Massachusetts can get the support they need when they need it. These grants will strengthen the organizations doing this critical work every day and help keep people and communities safe.”

“Victims and survivors deserve access to strong, trusted support in their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding will help organizations across Massachusetts strengthen services, support survivors and improve how we prevent and respond to domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking.”

“This funding strengthens the partnerships that are essential to supporting victims and preventing violence,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “By investing in law enforcement, prosecutors, victim service providers and community organizations, these grants help ensure that every part of the system has the resources to work together, respond effectively and better support survivors.”

“This grant program allows police, prosecutors, service providers and other critical partners the opportunity to secure sustained resources needed to build their capacity to address domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking and to better serve victims of these crimes,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “We’re committed to ensuring these organizations have access to funding and grant support over the full lifetime of their grant.”

The Healey-Driscoll Administration has continued to strengthen support for victims and survivors across the public safety system, with a focus on improving access to services, coordination and trauma-informed responses. Recent efforts include investments in services for victims and survivors of human trafficking, expanded victim-centered training for law enforcement, and resources that help victims stay informed and supported as they navigate the criminal justice system.

The last competitive application process for VAWA funding was held in 2022. That process resulted in 42 organizations receiving a combined total of nearly $12.8 million in VAWA grant funding between 2022 and 2025.

Interested agencies can learn more and apply on the VAWA program page of OGR’s website. Applications are due no later than 4 p.m. on October 23.

Following its 2025 debut in Miami, Elevate Cities will work alongside Boston residents, local organizations and civic partners to build on what is already strong in the city, creating new opportunities to gather, discover the people and stories that make Boston extraordinary, and contribute to the life of their communities.

Elevate Cities’ Boston launch begins this fall with a commitment of $25,000 to support 50 resident-led block parties and community gatherings. Additional programs and community partnerships will be announced in the coming months.

“Belonging is built through simple, everyday acts, whether it is sharing a meal, pulling up a chair or meeting the person down the block,” said Kim Coupounas, CEO of Elevate Cities. “Boston already has extraordinary neighborhood energy. We want to support that energy and help more people find their way into it.”

The expansion also brings Elevate Cities founder and Boston native Joseph Deitch’s work back to his hometown. Deitch grew up in Dorchester and Mattapan and graduated from Boston Latin School. He later founded Commonwealth Financial Network in Massachusetts and established the Deitch Leadership Institute at Boston Latin School.

“Boston shaped who I am and how I think about community,” said Deitch. “Bringing Elevate Cities to my hometown is deeply personal. I hope this work creates more opportunities for Bostonians to know their neighbors and experience everything that makes this city special.”

In its first nine months in Miami, Elevate Cities partnered with more than 40 local organizations and engaged tens of thousands of people through programs centered on food, music, poetry, storytelling, recognition and community connection. In addition, the non-profit contributed over $150,000 to area nonprofits through unrestricted grants, fellowships, and sponsorships.

“Miami showed us that people are hungry for joyful ways to connect with their cities and one another,” said Coupounas. “We are not coming to Boston to replicate Miami’s programs. We are here to learn from Boston, support what is already working and help more people participate in what makes the city extraordinary.”

For more information about Elevate Cities and its Boston programs, visit elevatecities.org.

Elevate Cities is a nonprofit organization that inspires joy, belonging and civic pride by creating unique ways for people to connect with one another and participate in their communities. Working alongside local governments, nonprofits, cultural organizations, businesses, schools and neighborhood groups, Elevate Cities develops shared experiences that celebrate local people, places and stories. Founded by philanthropist Joseph Deitch, Elevate Cities launched in Miami in 2025 and is expanding to Boston as its second city, with plans to bring its approach to additional cities across North America. Learn more at elevatecities.org.

Families enjoyed Giant Jenga, Kidfit Elliptical, Badminton and mazers. Fun Day was made possible by sponsors and FOCCP members.

The event was a perfect way to get into fall.

Most of the 11 human cases of WNV this year were exposed in areas of Middlesex and Suffolk counties at high risk for WNV. Risk levels for WNV are currently high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop. Most of the rest of the state is at moderate risk.

DPH announced the state’s first WNV-positive mosquitoes this year on June 16. Since then, a total of 338 mosquito samples has tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. No animal cases of WNV have been reported this year.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 26 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

Surveillance information, including case updates, is updated daily and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update web page. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay informed on risk levels in their community and around the state.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, is available on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

Friends of Christopher Columbus Park (FOCCP) will hold a Fall Festival on Saturday, October 17 from 12noon to 3:30pm.

The event will begin with a parade through the park. Children and adults, if they choose, are invited to wear Halloween costumes.

FOCCP has planned a fun filled event all afternoon. The event is free and open to all.

NEWNC supports Richmond Street Restaurant

There was no opposition by the North End/Waterfront Neighborhood Council (NEWNC) to an application by North End Realty Group, LLC seeking zone rule requirements to convert existing commercial space at 81 Prince Street and to transfer a beer and wine license for a restaurant Kestra that will be located at the site.

“We welcome a new restaurant in that space which has been empty for some time,” NEWNC President Kevin Fleming said,

Jessica Dello Russo, historian and researcher informed the community group of a grant given to the Old North Illuminated to document when the North End was a Jewish community for the City of Boston’s Historic Markers Program.

Harbor Towers completes Climate Control Project

Harbor Towers, 85 India Row, which hosts 1,200 residents, has completed a seven-year major $20 million climate resilience project.

Apparently, the 2018 flooding area was a wake-up call, that doing nothing about the situation was not an option. The owners of Harbor Towers, without government assistance took it upon themselves to take the necessary action to protect their homes from rising sea levels and coastal flooding.

The action taken is expected to expand the life of Harbor Towers for another 50 years.

Sleepy Hollow at Old North

Ichabod Crane and the Headless Horseman will be at the Old North Church on Friday, October 9 for a musical reading of Washinton Irvine’s tireless classic, The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

There will be two performances 6:30pm and 8pm. Advance ticket sale www.oldnorth.com/event/sleepyhollow.

AI at Library

Artificial Intelligence: A Friendly Guide foe lifelong learners took place at the North End Library. Jennie Xie spoke on how AI can help support healthy aging.

Free Flu/ COVID 19 shots

Boston Health Commission is making flu and COVID 19 shots free at clinics throughout Boston. For a listing of dates, times and locations visit www.boston.gov/vaccine.

FONEL starts meetings

After taking the summer off, the Friends of the North End Library (FONEL) have started their Board meetings at the library.

At the September 9 meeting, Roy Harrington, chair of the library’s renovation committee advised that at the next meeting an official from the main library will present an update on FONEL’s request for funding to make needed improvements to the building.

FONEL Treasurer Gail Kudak announced she will not seek reelection.

Current Liberian Liz Blake will return to her own branch at Fields Corner once construction has been completed and the doors will be open to the public.

FONEL supports the library by helping supplement financial budget needs through volunteer efforts, ongoing book sale and The Wishing Tree.

They also sponsor many events, activities and programs for the community to enjoy.

The adaptation features an original musical score by composer Josiah Reibstein and script read by actor Johnny Kinsman and is heavily shaped by the historic and literary traditions that Beacon Hill has championed for centuries. By blending early American history with atmospheric storytelling, the performance mirrors the very ethos of Beacon Hill’s own historical preservation efforts and its deep-rooted love for 19th century American literature.

This production serves as a unique cultural bridge between Boston’s historic neighborhoods. Just as Beacon Hill residents take pride in preserving the federal-style architecture and stories of Charles Street and Mt. Vernon Street, Old North Church uses this performance to keep early American folklore alive in a vibrant, acoustic setting. It offers Beacon Hill history buffs, families, and literary enthusiasts a perfect autumn evening out, celebrating the shared revolutionary and literary tapestry of Boston. The musical reading promises an intimate, candlelit ambiance that matches the cobblestone charm of Beacon Hill, making it a must-see regional event this Halloween season.

Tickets are available on Eventbrite and at: https://oldnorth.com/event/sleepy-hollow/.

NFPA does not yet track data on the number of U.S. home fires involving lithium-ion batteries, but an increasing number of lithium-ion battery fires and explosions reported by fire departments, news outlets, and other sources underscores the potential hazards they present. This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign works to better educate the public about how to safely charge lithium-ion powered devices, helping minimize associated risks at home and other locations.

“Because lithium-ion batteries are a newer technology, not everyone is aware of the potential dangers they present, particularly when it comes to charging them safely,” said Lorraine Carli, vice president of Outreach and Advocacy at NFPA. “Our goal for this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is to help people make informed choices and practice simple habits that can help greatly reduce these risks.”

The following key messages support this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme:

• Use the cord and charger that came with your device or ones approved by the manufacturer. Using the wrong charger can damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.

• Charge devices on a table, desk, or other hard, flat surface. Do not charge them on beds, couches, or under pillows. Devices and chargers produce heat during normal charging. Soft surfaces can trap heat and block airflow, which can cause the battery to overheat.

• Stop using your device if it feels very hot, starts to swell, is smoking, or has a strange smell. These are warning signs that the battery may be damaged or failing.

• Unplug your device when it is fully charged. Do not leave it plugged in longer than needed. Leaving a device plugged in too long can increase heat and stress on the battery.

• Charge larger items like e-bikes, scooters, and power tools outside and away from exits. These batteries are larger and store more energy. If they fail, fires can grow quickly and spread.

• When on a plane, keep your device where you can see it while charging. Do not charge devices in overhead compartments. Do not charge e-cigarettes or vapes on a plane. If a battery overheats or fails, it is important for the flight crew to respond quickly.

Fire Prevention Week is celebrated throughout North America every October and is the oldest U.S. public health observance on record. For more than 100 years, Fire Prevention Week has worked to educate people about the risk of home fires and ways to minimize them. Local fire departments, schools, and community organizations play a key role in bringing Fire Prevention Week to life in their communities each year, spreading basic but critical fire safety messages.

To learn more about Fire Prevention Week and this year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” visit fpw.org. Additional Fire Prevention Week resources for children, caregivers, and educators can be found at sparky.org and sparkyschoolhouse.org.

For this release and other announcements about NFPA initiatives, research, and resources, please visit the NFPA press room.

About the National Fire Protection Association® (NFPA®)

Founded in 1896, NFPA® is a global self-funded nonprofit organization devoted to eliminating death, injury, property, and economic loss due to fire, electrical, and related hazards. The association delivers information and knowledge through more than 300?consensus codes and standards, research, training, education, outreach, and advocacy; and by partnering with others who share an interest in furthering the NFPA mission. For more information, visit?nfpa.org. All NFPA codes and standards can be viewed online for free at?nfpa.org/freeaccess. 

The event also featured guest speakers, signature dish tasting, stories, music, tea and sweets, dancing, folktales and much more.