August Events at the MGH Blum Center
The Blum Patient and Family Learning Center (Blum Center) at Massachusetts General Hospital is hosting in-person educational and wellness sessions in August that we think would greatly benefit your Beacon Hill community. All are welcome and free to attend. No registration is needed. Can you assist in sharing them in the Beacon Hill Times Neighborhood Roundup? Here is an updated schedule with our events.
All sessions are free and will take place at the Blum Center (MGH Main Campus, White 110):
• Sound Therapy, Reiki, and Acupressure Healing Events:
Wednesday, August 12, 11AM-1PM
Tuesday, August 18, 4PM-6PM
• Tuesday, August 11, 3PM-4PM: Menopause: Managing the Midlife Transition
• Wednesday, August 12, 4PM-5PM: Why Am I Not Hungry? Exploring Appetite Loss
• Wednesday, August 26, 4PM-5PM: Keeping Up with Your Care: Update and Vaccinate
For more information, call the Blum Center at 617-724-7352.
Overnight Closure of Sumner Tunnel
The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) is announcing that the Sumner Tunnel / Route 1A southbound will close to all traffic on Friday, July 31, at 11 p.m. and will reopen to traffic at 6 a.m. the following morning. Travel through the Ted Williams Tunnel (I-90) and Callahan Tunnel (Route 1A northbound) will remain available. A signed detour will be in place during the closure.
This closure is necessary for crews to safely conduct repairs and maintenance activities.
Appropriate signage, law enforcement details, and messaging will be in place to guide drivers through the work area.
Drivers traveling through the affected areas should expect delays, reduce speed, and use caution.
All scheduled work is weather dependent and subject to change without notice.
For more information on traffic conditions, travelers are encouraged to:
• Download the Mass511 mobile app or visit www.mass511.com to view live cameras, travel times, real-time traffic conditions, and project information before setting out on the road. Users can subscribe to receive text and email alerts for traffic conditions.
• Dial 511 and select a route to hear real-time conditions.
• Follow @MassDOT on X, (formerly known as Twitter), to receive regular updates on road and traffic conditions.
Cottage Park hosts 32nd annual Regatta to benefit Make-A-Wish
Cottage Park Yacht Club’s 32nd annual Regatta to benefit Make-A-Wish provides a chance for sailors of all ages to compete for a good cause and the whole community to contribute to a nonprofit that grants wishes for children suffering serious illnesses.
The three-day event, Friday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 2, provides funds for wishes that range from meeting a famous sports hero to a trip to Disneyland to building a backyard playscape to many others that spring from the mind of a child. What they all have in common is they shine a ray of hope at what is often a dark time in the lives of the children and their families.
The Summer Soiree starts the Make-A-Wish weekend at CPYC and is open to the community. It opens Friday evening at 6:30 p.m. and features an open bar, tastings from local restaurants and breweries, silent auctions and raffles, as well as live music from local favorites John Polino and the Second Hand Band.
CPYC has set a goal of raising $100,000 this year, adding to the $1 million it topped last year in its contributions over the years as a Make-A-Wish community partner. The nonprofit’s local chapter honored CPYC with its “Community Hero Award” last year, in recognition of the club’s efforts to help children suffering from cancer, cerebral palsy, leukemia and other serious illnesses.
Community members can help in ways big and small: donate and become an event sponsor, register your sailboat for the Saturday pursuit race at Regattaman.com, and attend the Friday night fundraising Soiree (July 31 6:30 p.m. at CPYC, open to the public). To buy Soiree tickets, donate to Make-A-Wish, or to see other details, check out CPYC’s Make-A-Wish website at makeawish.cpyc.org.
Apply today for the Boston Planning Academy
Last few days to apply for Boston’s next Planning Academy!
The Planning Academy is a free, interactive learning experience dedicated to digging through the history, context, and complexities of planning, design, and development in Boston.
Whether you’re a long-time resident, or new to your neighborhood, the Planning Academy will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to meaningfully have a voice in shaping the city’s future.
Here’s what you can expect:
• Eight weekly in-person sessions starting September 29 – November 17, 2026 at Boston City Hall from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Learn how to be an active participant in shaping your neighborhood through discussions, guest speakers, and activities
• Build relationships with City staff, community leaders, and neighbors
• Dinner, childcare, and a T pass provided for free!
Apply by August 3.