News Briefs 6-12-26

Boston Children’s School summer and school-year rolling admissions

The Boston Children’s School is currently accepting students, ages 3-8, for both this summer and the 2026-’27 academic year. The Summer Fun Program runs from July 7 through Aug. 14, with field trips, weekly themed activities, daily trips to the pool at the Clubs at Charles River Park, and much more.

Visit website www.bostonchildrensschool.org to learn more, or call 617-367-6239 or email [email protected] to discuss enrollment for the summer and/or fall.

Watercolor Painting Workshop series returns to city parks

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department has announced the return of its popular ParkARTS Summer Watercolor Painting Workshop series, including a stop the James P. Kelleher Rose Garden in the Back Bay Fens on Saturday, June 13.

​All classes are held from 10 a.m. to noon, weather permitting, for these free workshops offered as part of Boston Parks’ 2026 ParkARTS program, which brings arts and cultural programming to parks across the city.

​Open to Boston residents ages 9 and up, the Watercolor Painting Workshops welcome artists of all skill levels to create their own green space-inspired masterpieces. Materials and instruction will be provided by a local instructor. Pre-registration is required. For more information, visit boston.gov/watercolor-workshops.

Boston Synagogue’s Jewish Family Open House and BBQ set for June 14

Come meet other Jewish parents and children and explore the vibrant Jewish culture in Downtown Boston at The Boston Synagogue’s Jewish Family Open House and BBQ on Sunday, June 14, at 11 a.m. at 55 Martha Road.

Discover The Boston Synagogue’s rich community while learning about its Hebrew School, family events, holiday celebrations, Music for Tots, and student-led Family Shabbats.

Summer Party at the West End Branch Library

Attend a summer-themed celebration Thursday, June 25, from 4-6 p.m. at the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library at 151 Cambridge St.

There will be snacks, crafts, library-themed games, and fun for all ages. All are welcome to attend this event.

Regarding questions or concerns, contact Wesley Fiorentino at [email protected].

Upcoming session sponsored by MGH’s Blum Center

The Blum Patient and Family Learning Center (Blum Center) at Massachusetts General Hospital is hosting a few in-person educational and wellness sessions at the Blum Center (MGH Main Campus, White 110), including Gentle Flow Yoga on Thursday, June 25, from 3:30-4:15 p.m.; and Mindfulness Through Art, which has been rescheduled to Monday, June 29, from 5-6 p.m.

​This session is free. For more information, call the Blum Center at 617-724-7352.

Boston Synagogue welcomes Not Your Bubbe’s Book Club on June 29

The Boston Synagogue will host Not Your Bubbe’s Book Club, led by Richelle Gewertz, on Monday, June 29, at 7 p.m. at 55 Martha Road.

The book for discussion will be ‘Rules For Ghosting, by Shelly Jay Shore This isn’t just a ghost story—it’s a deeply felt exploration of queer healing and identity. The novel follows Ezra Friedman, a trans Jewish man working in his family’s funeral home, who must navigate a “gift” for seeing spirits while managing a complicated crush on a handsome local volunteer.

Register on Eventbrite at:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/not-your-bubbe-book-club-discussion-of-rules-for-ghosting-tickets-1983618915574?aff=oddtdtcreator

Nichols House Museum offering tours

The 1804 Nichols House Museum at 55 Mount Vernon St. was home to an early 20th-century family of artists and activists, along with their domestic staff. The house was preserved as a museum by Rose Standish Nichols, a pioneering woman landscape architect. It is furnished with an original collection, including works by the sculptor Augustus Saint-Gaudens, as well as furniture and textiles handcrafted by Rose and her sister Margaret. Tours are offered on Thursday through Saturday at 10 and 11 a.m., and noon; on Sundays at 11 a.m., noon, and 1 p.m.

For more information, tickets, and to register, visit: nicholshousemuseum.org

WECA to hold Recycling Drive on June 19-20

Don’t toss it, donate it!

Doing a spring clean-out? Pack up your gently used clothing, footwear and textiles in plastic bags and working household treasures in a box, not weighing more than 35 pounds, and donate to the

West End Civic Association Recycling Drive on Friday, June 19, from 4-6 p.m., and on Saturday, June 20 ,from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. The collection site is the West End Neighborhood Center, 75 Blossom Court, on Thoreau Path.

Come play Mah Jongg at the West End Community Center

Whether you are a beginner or an experienced player, you are invited to join the friendly Mah Jongg group. Instructors will be available to help new players, and everyone is welcome. Come meet new people, socialize, and play the game.

​The group meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the West End Community (within the West End Neighborhood Center), 75 Blossom Court (entrance on Thoreau Path).

​To sign up or for more information, email Audrey Tedeman([email protected]) or Sandy Connor([email protected]).