The Boston Ward 4 Democratic Committee is offering $400 scholarships to eligible ninth and 10th graders living in the ward, including students attending the Melvin H. King South End Academy, Boston Latin School, and Winsor School.
To apply, students will submit short written responses to two essay questions in the language of their choice; the essays will be judged for depth and originality. All applications are requested by May 15. Students can apply online at bostonward4dems.org/scholarship-program, and any questions can be emailed to [email protected].
Meeting on new South End Branch Library set for May 19 at Library Park
The seventh community meeting on the proposed redevelopment of the South End Branch Library takes place on Tuesday, May 19, at 5:30 p.m. at South End Library Park. (In the event of rain, the meeting will be held at Union Church on the corner of Columbus Avenue and West Newton Street.) A walkthrough of Alley 510 will follow at 6:30 p.m.
Representatives from the Boston Public Library, the city’s Public Facilities Department, and the Utile architectural firm will be on hand for the meeting where two key topics will be discussed: adjacent alley access, management, and community feedback; and status of the project with timeline, respectively.
Come to listen, learn, and share your questions and opinions.
55 Bus Route Coalition to meet May 20 at 72 Burbank St.
The next meeting of the 55 Bus Route Coalition (which is coordinated by the nonprofit, Fenway Forward) will take place on Wednesday, May 20, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the community room at 72 Burbank St.
The MBTA is planning on making a few revisions to the Bus Network Redesign plan in the next couple of months, and the public will have opportunities to weigh in as part of this process, with plans for at least one open community meeting. While revisions made won’t change the timeline for implementation for the 55 line, they will affect the final plan for bus service, once the Bus Network Redesign changes take effect.
For more information, contact, Jamie Culbertson, community organizer, at [email protected] or 617-807-0724.
SoWa Artists Guild’s events in May continue
SoWa Sundays take place on May 17, 24 and 31 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
SoWa Artists Guild events, which are free and open to the public, are held at 450 Harrison Ave.
Nadav Farewell Concert set for May 28 at Boston Synagogue
A Nadav Farewell Concert is set for Thursday, May 28, at 7 p.m. at The Boston Synagogue, located at 55 Martha Road.
Nadav Brenner (born 2000) is a Boston-based guitarist, composer, and singer-songwriter. With an extensive jazz education and some Israeli chutzpah, Nadav doesn’t shy away from any music that catches his ears. He is currently engaged in indie folk, Klezmer, contemporary classical music, modern jazz, and improvised music.
Register for the event online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1987433372718?aff=oddtdtcreator
‘Read Between the Wines’ Book Club Event
The Boston Synagogue will host its monthly book club gathering, “Read Between the Wines,” on Monday, June 1, at 7 p.m. The event combines literary discussion with a social atmosphere at the synagogue’s 55 Martha Road location.
This month’s selection is “As a Jew” by Sarah Hurwitz, a New York Times bestselling author. The book offers a celebrated exploration of reclaiming Jewish tradition in the modern world. The gathering is open to the public and encourages community dialogue alongside refreshments.
• When: Monday, June 1, at 7 p.m.
• Where: The Boston Synagogue, 55 Martha Road, Boston.
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.
Forum for State Senate candidates set for June 9 at Berklee
The Boston Wards 4 and 5 Democratic Committees will sponsor a forum with the candidates running for State Senate seats for the 1st Suffolk and the Suffolk and Middlesex Districts on Tuesday, June 9 at the Berklee College of Music, which will be a double-header with candidates for the two State Senate races speaking from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. and then from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The order will be announced prior to the event.
Confirmed candidates to date include Sen. Nick Collins, Latoya Gayle, Sen. Will Brownsberger, and Daniel Lander.
Reserve your spot for the forum online at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ma-state-senate-forum-1st-suffolk-and-suffolk-middlesex-districts-tickets-1988775461943
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 stops at Christopher Columbus Park in the North End on Sunday, May 31; the Public Garden on Sunday, June 7; and 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.
Beacon Ensemble’s Beacon New Music Festival Volume II coming June 5-7
Beacon Ensemble’s Beacon New Music Festival Volume II is coming June 5 to 7.
Opening night of the festival with Mink Duo is set for Friday, June 5, at 7 p.m. at Beacon Hill Friends House, located at 6 Chestnut St. on Beacon Hill.
Night two of the festival follows with Reflections Duo on Saturday, June 6, at 7 p.m., again at Beacon Hill Friends House.
The finale performance of the festival features event host, Beacon Ensemble, on Sunday, June 7, at 7 p.m. at Church of the Covenant, located at 67 Newbury St. in the Back Bay.
Visit beaconensemble.org/beacon-new-music-2026festival for more information on the festival.
Make-A-Mark Gala Set for June 16
Courageous Sailing is looking forward to hosting their annual Make-A-Mark gala on Tuesday, June 16th, on Pier 4 in the Navy Yard. Make-A-Mark is Courageous’s signature fundraising event and will feature music from Soul of Boston, an auction and raffle, a brief spoken program, drinks, and appetizers generously donated by Capers, Gourmet, and East Meets West.
The event regularly draws hundreds of people, and helps fund Courageous’s free sailing and STEM opportunities for youth. Each year, close to 700 young people from Charlestown, Boston, and beyond participate free of charge in multi-week Courageous programs, and events like Make-A-Mark are critical to making this possible. All are invited, and sponsorship opportunities are available; purchase tickets and find more information at courageoussailing.org/makeamark.