Blessing of the Animals and Shelter Pet Supply Drive On Oct. 4 at St. John’s Episcopal Church
St John’s Episcopal Church, 225 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop will host a Blessing of the Animals at 5:30pm on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025. The Blessing celebrates the feast of Saint Francis of Assisi. All pets and people are welcome to attend. Animals must be leashed or in carriers. For pets unable to attend, their owners may bring a photograph for a blessing.
At the same time, the church is holding a shelter pet supply drive to benefit local animal shelters. Donations of the following items may be dropped anytime inside the front porch of the St. John’s Rectory at 231 Bowdoin Street, next to the church:
– Canned dog & cat food
– Cat litter
– Used but cleaned towels and blankets
– Dog beds
– Cat trees
– HE laundry detergent
– Paper towels
– Trash bags
– Bleach
– Pet store gift cards
Saint Michael’s Parish Mass & Picnic set for Sunday Sept. 28
Saint Michael’s 4th annual parish picnic takes place on Sunday, September 28, the day before the feast of Saint Michael the Archangel.
That day, in place of the 11:00 and 12:00 Masses, there will be a special 11:30 Mass which will be followed by festivities, including: live music by Joe Savia, face painting, crafts, games and a bouncy house. There will be a barbecue with cold drinks, fresh popcorn, cotton candy, desserts, and slush. Tickets are just $5 per person or $20 a family.
This year features a dunk tank for the first time ever. You will see some familiar faces make a splash!
The picnic will take place in the parking lot on the corner of Winthrop Street and Ocean View Steet, but will be moved inside the parish center if it rains. Donations of soda and Capri-Suns are being accepted and can be dropped off in advance.
Tickets can be purchased at the door, at the parish office during the week, or by using Venmo @StMichaelParish. All are invited to enjoy fellowship, food, and fun!
DCR Unveils 2025 Interactive Fall Foliage Map
In an effort to promote enjoyment of state parks in all seasons, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced that the Interactive Fall Foliage Map, has been updated for the 2025 fall season. The map enables residents and visitors to plan their foliage viewing by providing updates on peak foliage conditions at DCR properties across the state.
“Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year in New England and people come from all over the world to see the changing leaves at our beautiful state parks,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “This year’s interactive fall foliage map shows when peak changes will occur, so whether you’re planning a day trip or a weekend getaway to one of our parks, you can make the most of the vibrant colors of the fall season.”
The Interactive Fall Foliage Map can be used by selecting various calendar dates to see which sections of the state, including specific DCR properties, will experience peak fall colors during that time. By analyzing current conditions and data from past years, DCR forestry staff can predict approximately when the leaves in each area will change color throughout the season, including when they will reach their peak. This year, most of the state will see peak colors in mid-October, with certain areas in Western Massachusetts peaking slightly earlier. The map also displays photos taken by DCR staff, allowing visitors to get a preview of what they might see during their excursion.
The Interactive Fall Foliage Map is optimized for use on desktop and mobile devices, ensuring accessibility for all users, and can be found online at DCR’s Fall Foliage webpage. DCR’s social media channels will also regularly share foliage content throughout the season.
DCR’s Fall Foliage webpage also highlights 17 recommended foliage viewing spots in the state park system, along with hiking trails, picnic areas, and scenic overlooks at the locations.
RMV Announces Driver’s Ed to Transition Back to In-Person Format
The Massachusetts Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) is announcing that, all classroom instruction provided by professional driving schools will transition back to an in-person format. The RMV has been in communication with driving schools, customers and other stakeholders, explaining how this change will result in enhanced student engagement, stronger learning outcomes, equal opportunities for all schools, and improved road safety.
The option of remote (virtual) classes was introduced as an accommodation during the pandemic. Effective September 22, a live instructor will be required to teach all classes, including the parent class. There will be a maximum of 30 students per class – for a student/teacher ratio of 30:1. Research supports that in-person learning fosters better focus, higher engagement, and more effective preparation for safe driving.
For information, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/drivers-education-programs.