Fenway Civic Association

The Week Ahead

March 29, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

March comes in like a lion, and out like a lamb.

This year, the political storms have been raging along with the meteorological ones! One can only hope the metaphors of spring take hold of everyone and bring us profound personal growth and resilience amidst the inevitability of change; reminding us that after a period of dormancy, growth will return.

In the spirit of resilience, millions of Americans will take to the streets today for ‘No Kings’ rallies… expect disruption.

As we near the end of WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH, consider the works of Katharine Lee Bates, Massachusetts poet, of “America the Beautiful” fame. We all know the opening verse “O beautiful for spacious skies,” but today, let us consider these lines:

America! America!

God mend thine every flaw,

Confirm thy soul in self-control,

Thy liberty in law!

The Katharine Lee Bates monument is a freestanding granite tablet inset with a bronze plaque on Agassiz Road overlooking the Muddy River and Stony Brook gatehouse. The plaque gives brief information on Bates and includes the lyrics of “America the Beautiful“, which she wrote at the turn of the 20th century.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Sunday March 29th,7pm, “Existence” Group Exhibition of Art • Music • Poetry, at Kaji Aso Studio. This event is free. For the ONLINE Program:Click Here on March 29th @ 7pm for Zoom Premiere

Monday, March 30, 7:00 – 8:30 PM, Ask Me Anything Town Hall – Join Senator Will Brownsberger over Zoom for an informal Town Hall meeting. Stop in with your thoughts, questions and concerns.

Second meeting date:

Wednesday, April 1, 7:00 – 8:30 PM

Office of Will Brownsberger, State Senator

Fenway, Allston, Brighton, Watertown, Belmont, West Cambridge

617-722-1280 (office)

617-771-8274 (Will’s cell phone)

Tuesday, March 31, 6-7:30 pm, Protecting Boston Pets and Wildlife from Rodent Poison (webinar) MSPCA-Angell and Mass Audubon are co-hosting a webinar on the harms of bioaccumulating rodent poisons on pets & wildlife and how to advocate to end their use in Boston. This event is free and open to all City of Boston residents. For more info and to register, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/l1-bl4IvSiipI61w0Uq43A#/registration

Wednesday, April 1st is April Fools Day!

Don’t get caught unaware….

Wednesday, April 1st: street cleaning resumes – avoid tow or tickets! https://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/sweeping/

And who remembers this…. 25 Years Ago, April Fools’ Day Blizzard Buried Massachusetts In Historic Snowstorm – CBS Boston

And just for fun: 9 Massachusetts April Fool’s Pranks That Were Good, Bad and Ugly! – Country 102.5

April 1st – Deadline for comments on Phase I of the Longwood development

Longwood Place Development – 305 Brookline Ave

Longwood Place Phase One | Bostonplans.org

Please email comments directly to: sarah.peck@boston.gov.

View the project page for project documents and details.

To view the last two recorded public meetings:

March 18, focus on shadow studies: https://bpda.app.box.com/s/xtsad42305rqcs1udw1909wfs5qikd03

March 16, general updates:

https://bpda.app.box.com/s/9wjgbbbs9mu37xuh9ldpr3pael8asedo

Friday, April 3, 6:00 pm, The Red Sox home opener game

In other RS news: the City allowed Live Nation to increase the concert series at Fenway Park to 13 events. The baseball home opener is April 3rd. Neighborhood 9s registration is open for Fenway residents.

ONGOING

March is Women’s History Month | Boston.gov; Women’s History Month Events | 2026, Boston Women’s Heritage Trail,

March is Irish Heritage Month in Boston Boston Irish Heritage Trail John Boyle O’Reilly.

City of Boston Annual Census: Add Your Name To The Annual Census | Boston.gov

Check your voting status: My Voter Registration Status: Search

Continues ‘til winter: Peterborough Street & Jersey St. Roadwork- parking bans in effect. For details: https://www.bwsc.org/project-lookup-fenway-kenmore.

maam.massart.edu Check out the MASSART ART MUSEUM 621 Huntington Avenue – free entry, lots of cool events, artmaking and exhibits

UPCOMING

Running for FENWAY CARES. Connor Frasier is running the Boston Marathon to support Fenway Cares, a collaborative effort of six organizations addressing food insecurity in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. Since 2020, Fenway Cares has helped fund and distribute more than 46,000 bags of fresh, free produce to neighbors in need. Want to help? Support Connor’s run by following this link and donating!

April 6 deadline, Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due. Vist the website for full details on how to participate. Read last year’s winners..

April 7, 2026, 6:00 – 7:30 PM, Boston Lyric Opera at the BPL: 250 years of women’s voices in America (free, registration suggested)

Whose voices do we carry, even when history did not write down their names?

Join Boston Lyric Opera for an inspiring evening of music and conversation exploring 250 years of women’s voices in America and how they still resonate today. BLO artists will present a stirring concert reflecting the many ways women have sung their stories into being, with selections including opera, art song, African American spirituals, and Spanish-language compositions. Following the performance, BLO Artistic Director Nina Yoshida Nelsen will facilitate a conversation on identity, legacy, and representation with a panel of women arts leaders and cultural advocates. Through music and dialogue, the evening invites us to listen more closely to the voices that have shaped our past — and continue to shape our future.

FREE – Register for event reminders
Rabb Lecture Hall – Boston Public Library Central Branch
700 Boylston Street, Boston MA 02116

Friday, May 1 – May 3, Art in Bloom, 50th Anniversary, The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), celebrates the return of spring with the 50th anniversary of its beloved Art in Bloomfestival.

USA- 250TH ANNIVERSARY – July 4th, 2026

Boston events: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250

Statewide events: https://massachusetts250.org/events/

DEVELOPMENT

by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

TRANSPORTATION

MBTA: Visit Alerts | MBTA for info on service disruptions.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

March 22 – May 1st: nightwork on I-90 eastbound, Sun-Thurs, 9pm-5am

Construction look ahead March 16 – April 3: Bowker Overpass traffic and construction updates | Mass.gov

Boston Public Curb Map — Community Survey

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date April 8

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

The MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic 1-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. Rotates between the West and East Fenway locations (see above). Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, on 4/8 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 4/22 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 16, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, March 17, Evacuation Day
(City holiday, parking meters free, city offices are OPEN, trash on regular schedule)

and St. Patrick’s Day, venture to Cambridge to check out Celtic Art Across the Ages at the Harvard Art museums (free entry), now through August.

Wednesday, March 18th: 4-5 pm event (arrive at 3:30) Score Boston Skate Party (free for youth 6-12) at Warrior Arena in Brighton Landing. Please see the attached flyer and contact 617-343-4457 if you would like to sign a child up for this free opportunity. Boston Police team up with Boston Bruins to offer community service.

Wednesday, March 18th: 6-8 pm virtual meeting: Public Meeting

Longwood Place Development News – 305 Brookline Ave

Longwood Place Phase One | Bostonplans.org

This meeting will include a presentation on the shadow studies included in the Supplemental Information Document filing, followed by Q&A from the members of the public. Visit the project page to see the latest iteration posted in February. If you’ve been following this project, you know there was much public discussion surrounding the height, massing, and shadow impacts, with city-wide concerns on how shadows affect open space/parklands, and what impacts these major developments have on our transportation plans in this increasingly dense area.

How to participate:

Comment period ends April 1st.

How to Comment:

Can’t make the meeting, or would you rather comment in your own time? Email your comments directly to: sarah.peck@boston.gov

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 9, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

March is Women’s History Month, with International Women’s Day on March 8.

Women’s History Month | Boston.gov; Women’s History Month Events | 2026

Discover the extraordinary stories of Boston’s trailblazing women by exploring the Boston Women’s Heritage Trail, covering an amazing array of courage, creativity and civic action which stitch together the fabric of this great city.

What is the current status of women? Women comprise half the population, but are underrepresented in seats of power; underpaid at 84% the rate paid to men, overworked, performing the majority of unpaid home and family care, and losing legal protections in accessing healthcare. Gender equality is needed to ensure equal rights, opportunities, resources, and protections. Equality includes equal pay for equal work, shared decision-making, and freedom from violence or discrimination. Equality boosts economic growth, improves global health, and reduces conflict. Women have come a long way, but the struggle continues.

March is Irish Heritage Month in Boston

The Irish-American community played a vital role in shaping Boston. Irish immigrants arrived in large numbers during Ireland’s Great Famine of the 1840s, and faced hardship, prejudice, and poverty, yet persevered and became central to Boston’s political life, workforce, and labor movement, advocating for workers’ rights and civic engagement. Walk the Boston Irish Heritage Trail to learn more! Near the Johnson Gates, you’ll find a memorial to John Boyle O’Reilly, beloved son of Eire, who had an enormous impact on Boston’s political, spiritual and athletic communities. Irish-Americans continue to enrich Boston’s cultural life and, of course, there’s the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Sunday, March 15th!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Longwood Place Development News – 305 Brookline Ave

PHASE ONE IS STARTING NOW

Longwood Place Phase One | Bostonplans.org

Important upcoming meetings and dates:

Monday, March 9th: 6-8 pm virtual meeting: IAG Meeting (Impact Advisory Group)

Wednesday, March 11th: 6-8 pm virtual meeting: Public meeting

Monday, March 16th: 6-8 pm virtual meeting: IAG Meeting (Impact Advisory Group)

Wednesday, March 18th: 6-8 pm virtual meeting: Public Meeting

Wednesday, April 1 – comment period ends (aka April Fool’s Day)

Visit the project page to see the latest iteration – A 1,670 document posted in February details the last revisions, current plans. These plans are to be discussed over the next month by the IAG and Public at different zoom meetings. If you’ve been following this project, you will know there was much public discussion surrounding the height, massing, and shadow impacts, with city-wide concerns on how shadows affect open space/parklands, and what impacts these major developments have on our transportation plans, or lack thereof, in this increasingly dense area.

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

March 2, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

Mayor Michelle Wu Announces First-Ever Office Hours

Thursday, March 5, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

at the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building in Roxbury

Mayor Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet announced the first-ever Office Hours, a family-friendly one-stop opportunity for Boston residents from across the city to connect directly with the Mayor, City services, and department staff to have their questions or concerns answered in real time.

March is Women’s History Month, with International Women’s Day on March 8.

Women’s History Month | Boston.gov

Women’s History Month Events | 2026

Women in The Fenway According to Boston Plans data (2025); there are slightly more women (22,720) than men (19,631) of our 42,351 residents.

Daylight Saving Time (DST) begins on Sunday, March 8, 2026, at 2:00 a.m. local time, when clocks “spring forward” one hour to 3:00 a.m..

March 17 is both St. Patrick’s Day and Evacuation Day

Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is Sunday, March 15 11:30 start. Celebrated in Boston since 1737! St. Patrick of Ireland is one of the world’s most popular saints. He was believed to be born in Roman Britain in 419, and when fourteen or so, captured by Irish pirates and taken to Ireland as a slave to herd and tend sheep. At the time, Ireland was a land of Druids and pagans but Patrick turned to God and converted most of the fair isle to Christianity over the next 40 years of his life.

Evacuation Day – marks the day in 1776 when General Washington forced British troops to evacuate Boston after a 326 day siege. The National Parks is having a series of events, beginning on March 5th (the anniversary of the Boston Massacre) leading up to Evacuation Day. For more info visit:https://www.nps.gov/articles/000/evacuation-day-250.htm

Spring brings LOTS of activity: The home opener at Fenway Park on Friday, April 3 kicks off the 2026 baseball season and a growing concert season. The 130th Boston Marathon will take place on Patriots’ Day, Monday, April 20 Boston Marathon.

The Fenway Civic Association is hard at work planning this year’s series of neighborhood events to include concerts in the East and West Fens, our annual Flower Share, bird walk, and Rose Garden Picnic, street cleanups, tree care, continuing with Fenway Cares food share and much more! We’re looking forward to spring and spending more time out and about without the arctic outerwear!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, March 3, Comments Due, re: City of Boston Entertainment Application Hearing: Live Nation d/b/a Fenway Park requests 13 concert dates in 2026. A public hearing was conducted Wed., Feb 25 2pm on Zoom. Entertainment Application Hearings | Boston.gov If you wish to add your comment for consideration, you can email mocal@boston.gov or call the office at 617-635-4165 by end of day, Tuesday.

Thursday, March 5, 6-8 pm, Safety Preparedness Workshop

Health of the Community| Community Wellness Series 2026, at Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont Street, Boston

In partnership with the City of Boston’s Office of Emergency Management, this workshop will explore the importance of personal and community safety through practical tips, checklists, and resources on handling emergencies effectively.

Learn about different aspects of Emergency planning
Create a family emergency plan
Receive a starter “go” bag, with first aid kits and a battery-operated lantern.

Dinner will be offered, supplies are limited, registration is strongly suggested but not required.

UPCOMING

Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due April 6th.

Vist the website for full details on how to participate. Read last year’s winning haikus.

USA- 250TH ANNIVERSARY – July 4th, 2026

Boston events: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250

Statewide events: https://massachusetts250.org/events/

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

Boston Public Curb Map — Community Survey

MBTA: Visit Alerts | MBTA for info on service disruptions. Red and Orange line alerts.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page. A look ahead … now – March 13: Bowker Overpass traffic and construction updates | Mass.gov

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

Longwood Place Development News – 305 Brookline Ave – PHASE ONE IS STARTING

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

February 8, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

February is Black History Month

Explore events for Black History Month in Boston in and around Boston, from historic exhibits, talks and forums to skate parties, historic walks and more. Check out the organization Embrace Boston, working at the intersection of arts, culture, community and research to dismantle structural racism. Embrace Boston sees a radically inclusive and equitable Boston where everyone belongs and Black people prosper, grounded in joy, love and wellbeing.

Check out Boston’s City gov page for many event listings: Black History Month

And read bios of exceptional and inspirational Bostonians here: Black History Boston

Boston has deep roots in abolitionism and civil rights, the month honors figures like Lewis Hayden, Phillis Wheatley, and the 54th Regiment, while highlighting the Museum of African American History, Black Heritage Trail, and City Hall celebrations of local leaders.

Boston celebrates a century of organized Black history week, tracing back to Dr. Carter G. Woodson’s 1926 initiative. Woodson, known as the “father of Black history” chose February to build on the ongoing black community celebrations around the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. More importantly, Woodson believed that history was made by the people, not simply or primarily by great men, and the community focus should be on the countless Black men and women who contributed to the advance of civilization.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Official statements on ICE in Boston and Massachusetts:

Mayor Wu – Executive Order

Mayor Michelle Wu Announces Executive Order to Protect Bostonians from Unconstitutional and Violent Federal Operations | Boston.gov

Mayor Michelle Wu stood together with mayors and city managers from neighboring municipalities to give an update on how the City of Boston and neighboring municipalities are taking steps to address unconstitutional federal operations. She was joined at the event by Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez, Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Newton Mayor Marc C. Laredo, and Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson.

Governor Healey states “my job is to protect people from ICE”

Last week, Governor Maura Healey hosted a press conference to announce new actions to protect Massachusetts residents from the harmful actions by the U.S Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Watch the speech (7 minute video) here:

Governor Healey executive order: https://www.mass.gov/executive-orders/no-650-protecting-access-to-essential-services-and-keeping-massachusetts-communities-safe

Cold and Snow Emergency in Boston: Saturday through Monday

The cold continues this week, stay safe with cold weather safety tips, and these important winter phone numbers.

Be aware: parking bans may be put into effect on emergency roadways due to snow

Superbowl related Traffic disruption / parking ban – Sun 1pm – Mon 3am

Affected areas: Park Drive / Boylston / Brookline Ave (near Landsdowne St)

DCR Traffic Advisory: Park Drive and Boylston Street parking bans begin Sunday, Feb 8 at 1pm and continue through Monday Feb 9 at 3 am

PARKING BAN: The DCR will implement a parking ban along Boylston Street between the Bowker overpass and Park Drive, and on Park Drive between Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue. ROAD CLOSURES; Additionally, beginning Sunday, February 8, at 9 p.m., and continuing through Monday, February 9, at 1 a.m., DCR will close Boylston Street between the Bowker overpass and Park Drive, and close Park Drive between Boylston Street and Brookline Avenue to all vehicle traffic. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Sunday, Feb 8, 6:30 pm, Patriots at Superbowl LX

There will be traffic interruptions near Lansdowne Street at Super Bowl 2026: Fenway All Access Block Party 4 -11:30 pm. Parking bans along Park Drive and Boylston / and Brookline Ave temporarily closed.

Sunday, Feb 8, 2 pm, Puppy Bowl XXII Lesser known, but no less loved, featuring 150 rescue puppies from 72 shelters across the U.S., the event spotlights adoptable dogs.

Tues, Feb 10, 12:15-12:45 pm, 2026 Pipes on the Plaza Organ Concert Series at The Mother Church Extension at the Christian Science Plaza, 250 Massachusetts Ave – free, lunchtime series.

Experience the glorious sounds of one of the world’s largest pipe organs, featuring celebrated organists from around the world. The series kicks off with Mark Dwyer, Organist and Choirmaster performing works spanning a century of organ repertoire, from Mendelssohn’s dramatic fusion of Baroque and Romantic, through Peeters’s tender lyricism, to Sowerby’s expansive American style. For details visit: Pipes on the Plaza concert series.

Wed, Feb 11, 6 pm, Community Preservation Committee Hearing (virtual)

Members of the public may participate by using the Zoom meeting link or by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering the following details:

Meeting ID: 858 3175 8819 Passcode: 651471

The Committee will review and vote on the full slate of affordable housing, historic preservation, open space, and recreation applications submitted for the 2026 funding round. If you have any questions, please contact Thadine Brown at 617-635-0545 or via email thadine.brown@boston.gov. The public can offer testimony. Read the most recent 2025 update of the plan here: Community Preservation Action Plan 2023-2027. This Plan outlines the funding allocations throughout the city.

UPCOMING

Northeastern University presents a Wellness Series – open to the community:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/health-and-wellness-open-house-community-wellness-series-2026-tickets-1981906005213?aff=oddtdtcreator

Bringing the community together to focus on their health & wellness through three events. All events are free and open to the public.

Health and Wellness Open House – February 18th

This event will connect neighbors, organizations, and partners with valuable tools and information. Explore local programs, discover wellness and support services, and learn how we can work together to strengthen our community. Light refreshments will be provided, RSVP requested but not required.

NU is collecting resources of all types, if you would like to share something please complete this Google form.

Check this link for two more events:

Health of the Community w. Heart of a Giant Foundation – Feb 28 11:30am – 2pm

Safety Preparedness Workshop – March 5, 6-8 pm

Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due April 6th.

Please Note: This is a different deadline date from previous years. Offering cash prizes, and a complimentary Certificate of Commendation for first prize from the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. Vist the website for full details on how to participate. Click here to read some of last year’s winning haikus.

USA- 250TH ANNIVERSARY – July 4th, 2026 – Revolution never gets old!

Boston events: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250

BPL art exhibit: Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston

Statewide events: https://massachusetts250.org/events/

GOVERNMENT NEWS

The City of Boston’s Participatory Budgeting initiative is open until February 15th. Residents can vote on how to spend a portion of the City’s budget. You don’t have to be a registered voter – or even an adult – if you live in Boston and are at least 11 years old or in 6th grade, you can participate! Link to the voting page here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/participatory-budgeting/ideas-action

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

City of Boston – Curb Use Survey: the Public Curb Map project aims to learn how people use curb space, how they understand curb rules, how the City communicates curb-related information, and how residents share feedback. Please take this short survey to contribute to the study: Boston Public Curb Map — Community Survey

MBTA: Visit https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway for info on service disruptions.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Feb 11

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 2/25 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

February 1, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

The cold continues this week, stay safe with cold weather safety tips, and these important winter phone numbers. How long will the cold last? Find out on Groundhog Day, when Punxsutawney Phil pops out to predict an early or late spring.

Monday is Truck Day for the Red Sox heading south for training. And next Sunday the Patriots play in Superbow LX!

Fenway Park Announces the 2026 Concert Season. A few years ago, the City made a deal with the Sox granting the option to host up to 12 concerts per year, requesting they keep at least one weekend per month event-free for the neighborhood. Last week, the Red Sox submitted an application to host up to 13 concerts. Stay tuned!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Sunday, Feb 1, 4:00 pm, Bean Celebration Setsubun- Mamemaki at Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St Stephen Street.

A purifying ceremony for the new year, 2026 Year of the Horse, “to hurl beans and oust the bad spirits!” followed by sweet Japanese pastry and sencha green tea (see flyer). Please RSVP to administrator@kajiasostudio.com Suggested Donations: $10 per person / $8 students/seniors /Children under 12yr $4

Monday, Feb 2, 7am-noon, Spring Training Truck Day at Fenway Park. Since 2003, Truck Day signals the unofficial start of Spring Training. Loading begins at 7am. The truck departs from Gate D between 11:00 am-noon. Wally, Tessie, and Fenway Ambassadors will celebrate the send-off with fans. Van Ness St. closes at 6:00 am.

Monday, Feb 2, 7 am livestream, Groundhog Day- Punxsutawney Phil

Our favorite prognosticating whistle-pig (with his own non-profit) will predict an early spring or six more weeks of winter simply by spotting his shadow, or not!

Wednesday, Feb 4, 6-7:30 pm, Housing Justice Dinner with Delegates, The Guild House, 20 Charlesgate West. Join Fenway Forward for a panel discussion with state legislators to talk about housing policy needed for an affordable community. Dinner provided. Open to all.

Sunday, Feb 8, 6:30 pm, Patriots at Superbowl LX

Possible traffic interruptions near Lansdowne Street at Super Bowl 2026: Fenway All Access Block Party 4 -11:30 pm.

Sunday, Feb 8, 2 pm, Puppy Bowl XXII Lesser known, but no less loved, featuring 150 rescue puppies from 72 shelters across the U.S., the event spotlights adoptable dogs.

UPCOMING

Tues, Feb 10, 12:15-12:45 pm, 2026 Pipes on the Plaza Organ Concert Series at The Mother Church Extension at the Christian Science Plaza, 250 Massachusetts Ave – free, lunchtime series.

Wed, Feb 11, 6 pm, Community Preservation Committee Hearing (virtual)

Members of the public may participate by using the Zoom meeting link or by calling 1-312-626-6799 and entering the following details:

Meeting ID: 858 3175 8819 Passcode: 651471

Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due April 6th.

USA- 250TH ANNIVERSARY – July 4th, 2026 – Revolution never gets old!

Boston events: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250

BPL art exhibit: Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston

Statewide events: https://massachusetts250.org/events/

GOVERNMENT NEWS

Partial Federal Government Shutdown in effect as of midnight Friday, Jan 30

Congress failed to meet their deadline to prevent funding from running out across multiple federal departments. The Senate approved legislation to fund each of these remaining government agencies through the end of the fiscal year in September, and a two-week stopgap bill to fund the Department of Homeland Security to allow lawmakers to negotiate reforms at the agency after federal immigration officers in Minnesota killed two U.S. citizens this month.

Massachusetts could see a record number of ballot questions in 2026. On January 5, the Elections Division of MA announced eleven ballot question petitions will proceed to the next step in qualifying for the ballot. The “Initiative Petitions” include laws relative to: All-Party State Primaries, Limiting Rent Increases, Election Day Registration, Reducing State Personal Income Tax Rate from 5% to 4%, Regulating Marijuana, Improve Access to Public Records, Reform and Regulate Legislative Stipends, Labor Relations Policies for Committee for Public Counsel Services Employees, Limiting State Tax Collection Growth and Returning Surpluses to Taxpayers, Protect Water & Nature, Allow Single-Family Homes on Small Lots in Areas with Adequate Infrastructure. The MA Legislature has until May 5, 2026 to consider and act on the proposals. If the Legislature chooses not to pass a proposed law, the petitioners will be permitted to gather additional signatures to place the question on the ballot.

Council Adopts Resolution Supporting 2026 Rent Stabilization Ballot Question Jan 30, The Boston City Council voted 9–3 to adopt a resolution urging support for the proposed statewide ballot question on rent stabilization.

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

MBTA: Visit https://www.mbta.com/alerts/subway for info on service disruptions.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Feb 11

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 2/25 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

January 24, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

Big News: Cold then Snow Emergency / Patriots Game! / Time Out is baaaaaack. We haven’t seen a storm like this in quite awhile, since ‘the big one’ in 2015. Be safe and watch out for our neighbors! The storm hits on Sunday, the Patriots Game will be in Denver, but locally, we may face white out conditions – so plan accordingly! And just when it seemed like there was no time left for Time Out Boston, surprise! There is more Time to be had!

WINTER WEATHER EMERGENCY! Temperatures below freezing all week!

The City of Boston has declared a COLD and SNOW EMERGENCY through Monday. Snow is expected to begin Sunday mid-day, then intensify and continue overnight. Please prepare and stay safe, please stay off the roads during snow emergency.

National Weather Service 7-day forecast for 02215: https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=42.3459267&lon=-71.1025034

If you see someone in danger outside, please call 911

Exposure to extreme cold can cause frostbite, hypothermia or death. Take precautions, check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If you see someone endangered out in the cold, please call 911.

Emergency shelters: https://www.boston.gov/departments/housing/services-those-experiencing-homeless

Cold Weather Safety https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/cold-weather-safety-tips

Parking bans, restrictions and discounted parking lots:

Parking ban starts on Sunday at 8am https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/snow-emergency-parking#map–239736 Visit this page to see which roads have NO PARKING during snow emergency: including Avenue Louis Pasteur, Beacon Street, Brookline Avenue, Boylston Street, Evans Way, Francis Street, Hemenway Street, Huntington Avenue, Longwood Avenue, Louis Prang Street, Westland Avenue also Park Drive, The Fenway, and Mass Ave. Do not park on these emergency thoroughfares. Instead, find a discounted Parking lot on the map, and see the hours and costs.

The Mass DCR and DOT manage roads in and around the Fenway: including Park Drive, Agassiz Way, Forsyth Way, Fenway Service Road, Charlesgate areas, ramps to Bowker Overpass and Storrow… etc. DCR Winter Storm Plan and Priority Map | Mass.gov. So, it’s complicated! Best to stay off the roads and out of harm’s way.

Important winter emergency phone numbers here:

https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/important-winter-phone-numbers

Rules on clearing snow for property owners:

https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/rules-clearing-snow

Trash during snow emergency:

https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/winter-weather-trash-and-recycling-tips-help-keep-collection-running-safely

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, January 26, Expect widespread closures due to snow emergency- If you plan on going somewhere, it is best to call ahead, as widespread closures have already been announced.

GOVERNMENT NEWS

Governor Healey Delivered the 2026 State of the Commonwealth on Jan. 22nd view the full recording on YouTube: skip to minute 54 when Governor takes the podium

https://www.boston.gov/departments/participatory-budgeting/ideas-action

Boston City Budget – Participatory Voting is now open until February 15th! The City of Boston’s Participatory Budgeting initiative allows residents to decide how to spend a portion of the City’s budget. Choose which projects will have the biggest impact on your community.You don’t have to be a registered voter or even an adult – if you live in Boston and are at least 11 years old (or in 6th grade), you’re allowed to participate until February 15! Learn more and link to the voting page here: https://www.boston.gov/departments/participatory-budgeting/ideas-action

ONGOING & UPCOMING

Sunday, February 1st from 4:00 pm, Bean Celebration Setsubun- Mamemaki at Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St Stephen Street

A purifying ceremony for the new year, 2026 Year of the Horse, “to hurl beans and oust the bad spirits!” Followed by sweet Japanese pastry and sencha green tea. In-person event. (see flyer below) Please RSVP to administrator@kajiasostudio.com

Suggested Donations:$10 per person / $8 students/seniors / Children under 12 years $4

Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due April 6th.

THE NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Revolution never gets old! On July 4th, 2026, the USA will celebrate it’s 250th Anniversary.There are plenty of activities throughout Boston: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250, and throughout the state: https://massachusetts250.org/events/

Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston – art exhibit at BPL The exhibit runs to April 21, 2026. Free, open to all – check out bpl.org for visitor info.

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

Monday, January 26, 6:00 PM – 08:00 PM, Planning Department meeting on Tufts University Boston Campuses IMP – Public Meeting | Virtual

The Planning Department is hosting a virtual public meeting for the extension and renewal (with no changes) of the Institutional Master Plan (IMP) for Tufts University – Boston Campuses, located in the Chinatown, Fenway, and Mission Hill neighborhoods of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF) that was filed and its potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the public.

Tufts University’s IMP was last renewed in 2023. The University seeks to renew the existing IMP for five years with no proposal for additional development plans.

How to Participate

Meeting ID: 160 611 0835
Registration Link: bosplans.org/TuftsIMP-PublicMeet

[Learn more about this event]

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Jan 28

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

The MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic 1-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates. Rotates between the West and East Fenway locations (see above). Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 1/28 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

January 18, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

This Monday we honor the memory of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and his legacy of service to others to improve the lives of all. MLK Day was first introduced four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. It took an additional 32 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.

Martin Luther King’s speech at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington, D.C, on August 28, 1963, is recognized as one of the most important speeches of the 20th century. The quote “I have a dream…” is found is at the 12:30 minute marker on the following video of the full speech https://vimeo.com/35177221

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the midst at the March on Washington – Saint Louis Art Museum

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day- federal holiday

For local events commemorating MLK’s legacy and contributions to society:

https://www.meetboston.com/events/holidays/martin-luther-king-day/

Both the ICA and MFA will open their doors for free on MLK Day, as well as a myriad of other events. A great time to offer a day of service, or to make a longer commitment.

2026 Day of Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Announced | Boston.gov noon, at Boston University. The event will be live-streamed on Boston.gov.

(FYI, possible traffic disruption) Tuesday, January 20, 2PM local time, Boston Free America Walkout: a vigil for what we have lost. Local event planned at Ruggles.

ONGOING & UPCOMING

Kaji Aso Studio – 2026 International Haiku Contest – Submissions due April 6th.

THE NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston – art exhibit at BPL The exhibit runs to April 21, 2026. Free, open to all – check out bpl.org for visitor info.

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

Closings at 401 Park Drive: Just announced, the imminent closure of Time Out Market, and later on, REI to close (no set date).

Monday, January 26, 6:00 PM – 08:00 PM, Planning Department meeting on Tufts University Boston Campuses IMP – Public Meeting | Virtual

Tufts University’s IMP was last renewed in 2023. The University seeks to renew the existing IMP for five years with no proposal for additional development plans.

How to Participate

Meeting ID: 160 611 0835
Registration Link: bosplans.org/TuftsIMP-PublicMeet

[Learn more about this event]

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Jan 28

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 1/28 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

January 11, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

Last week was the first full work week of 2026, and a lot happened!

On Monday, January 5th, Liz Breadon became the new Boston City Council president by a 7-to-6 vote. The President leads council meetings, sets the legislative agenda, assigns members to committees, and decides which committees review specific legislation, shaping the Council’s work and its oversight of the Mayor’s administration, and becomes Acting Mayor if the Mayor’s office becomes vacant. Congratulations to Councilor Breadon.

On Wednesday, January 7th, an ICE officer shot and killed Renee Nicole Good in Minneapolis, MN. The next day, a Customs and Border Protection Agent shot and injured two people in Portland, OR. Mayor Wu and Governor Healy along with many elected officials have publicly condemned the aggressive tactics of ICE. Bostonians held peaceful protests against ICE violence on Wednesday and through the weekend. A nationwide walkout is planned for Tuesday, January 20th at 2PM local time.

Meanwhile, the Flu is spiking, and the Boston Public Health Commission encourages all residents over six months of age to get their annual flu vaccine. For nearby vaccination providers: use www.vaccinefinder.org. For help applying for health insurance, contact the Mayor’s Health Line at (617) 534-5050– a free, confidential, and multilingual service to help families, regardless of immigration status, find routine care.

New mail related (and more) services available in West Fens: Did you know you can buy USPS postal stamps at the new UPS store on Boylston Street? That, along with a whole lot of other services are now available in the new West Fenway UPS location across from Star Market. You can mail packages, both UPS and USPS, make copies, print flyers, do faxing, scanning, laminating, shredding, rent a mail box, and more. All a welcome addition of much needed services to our neighborhood! For questions, call 617-738-4461 #4 https://locations.theupsstore.com/ma/boston/1363-boylston-st/

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, Jan 13, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., City Hall On The Go: Fenway-Kenmore, scheduled stop near Whole Foods at 83 Edgerly Road. Good news, the city services truck is back, and bringing city services to our neighborhood. Check out their web page for a full list of services offered. No appointment needed, no cash accepted. Get your business done locally! Permits, applications, information and more.

Wednesday, Jan 14, Fenway Cares resumes a bi-weekly schedule for 2026, including the health clinic. Full details below in Health & Safety.

Thursday, Jan 15, 11am, Office of Outdoor Advertising Virtual Public Meeting – Re: Electronic billboard at 51 Brookline Avenue.

via Zoom. The public can offer testimony. In order to participate, you must register at the following link: Register for the meeting.

The agenda includes application by Orange Barrel Media, LLC for one permit for the construction of an electronic billboard to replace an existing static display at 51 Brookline Avenue (rooftop of structure). New Application # 2026D001 (Existing structure, permit #’s 16631, 16631a, 16631b, facing south)

ONGOING & UPCOMING

THE NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

Also, a great exhibition at the main library branch at Copley Square:

Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston – art exhibit at BPL The exhibit opened on October 23, 2025 and runs to April 21, 2026. Free, open to all – check out bpl.org for visitor info.

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions. Orange Line service will be suspended between Wellington and Back Bay on January 10–11 for tunnel inspections.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done –

Restarts on January 14th.

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

on 1/14 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 1/28 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

OPAT news! The FCA will be meeting with the new head of OPAT to connect the community and the office to continue beneficial relations with the BPD in the Fens: Police Accountability And Transparency | Boston.gov

The Office of Police Accountability and Transparency (OPAT) is a civilian body that investigates complaints of Boston Police Department misconduct. They help ensure a fair and thorough Boston Police Department Internal Affairs review process and review both existing and proposed police policies and procedures.

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Posted in Uncategorized |

The Week Ahead

January 4, 2026 by fenwaycivic

Dear Members and Friends:

Welcome to 2026! After all the holiday parties, January is a time of change, with new year’s resolutions setting goals for a better future. The new year brings a new term for the Mayor Wu and a new District 7 Councilor for the Fenway, Miniard Culpepper. You’ll also see a new increase in your real estate taxes, due February 2nd, and if you’re having “tax shock” you may want to get more information on the Mayor’s position: Mayor Wu’s 2026 Property Tax Relief Calculator | Boston.gov and the MA State Senate’s reaction as reported in The Boston Sun: Senate Tax Relief Bills Advance – The Boston Sun.

2026 elections: This year, we’ll have primary elections on September 1, followed by election day November 3 for MA Senate and US Senate offices. You’ll be seeing a lot of challenges to the incumbents both locally and nationally, as the balance of power is typically contested in the mid-term elections. Stay tuned!

2026 is the 250th Anniversary of the United States.

As we take a sober look into the future, it is well worth reflecting on our path to freedom from one of this country’s greatest civil rights leaders and an exceptional legislator:

“Freedom is not a state; it is an act. It is not some enchanted garden perched high on a distant plateau where we can finally sit down and rest. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take, and each generation must do its part to create an even more fair, more just society. The work of love, peace, and justice will always be necessary, until their realism and their imperative takes hold of our imagination, crowds out any dream of hatred or revenge, and fills up our existence with their power.”

― John Lewis, Across That Bridge: Life Lessons and a Vision for Change

As we are fortunate to live in the ‘cradle of freedom’ (and no less, the “hub of the universe”!) there is much to celebrate, and some spectacular ongoing programs to engage in this year:

Revolution! Boston celebrates the 250th anniversary of USA

Boston is leading major celebrations for America’s 250th anniversary (America250) in 2026, focusing on the Revolution’s birthplace with extensive events in 2025-2026, including historic reenactments (Paul Revere’s Ride, Battle of Bunker Hill), the Sail250 tall ship event, the Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular, and ongoing educational programs by organizations like Boston 250 and MA250 to highlight the city’s revolutionary past and future spirit. Democracy is a work in progress: it takes the people to ensure a government by and for the people!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, Jan 5, 2026, 10 am start, Inauguration of Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston City Council

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston City Council will be inaugurated on January 5, 2026, at 10 a.m. The inauguration ceremony will be livestreamed on this page.

Tuesday*, Jan 6, 2026 – Christmas Tree Pickup

Out with the old… Christmas Tree Pickup Services with city trash this week. The City of Boston collects Christmas trees from the curb on your normal trash day between December 29, 2025, and January 9, 2026. If you have two trash days in a week, your tree will be picked up on the first trash day of that week. For most in the Fenway, that will be on Tuesday, Jan 6. Enter your address to see your pickup schedule here.

Make sure to put your tree on the curb by 6 AM on your collection day.
Trees with lights, ornaments, or in plastic bags will not be picked up.

https://www.boston.gov/departments/boston-digital-service/ai-search?searchbar=Christmas+Tree+pickup%3F&source=Ai-enabled-search-banner&referrer=node%2F11666&language=en&anonymous=true

ONGOING & UPCOMING

Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston – art exhibit at BPL The exhibit opened on October 23, 2025 and runs to April 21, 2026. The Boston Public Library (BPL) is presenting its first major exhibition in nearly a decade. Revolution! 250 Years of Art and Activism in Boston features more than 100 artworks and documentary materials from the BPL’s renowned Special Collections, the exhibition explores America’s evolving struggles for freedom, civil rights, and belonging. The exhibition is part of Road to Revolution, the BPL’s three-year cycle of programs leading to the anniversary of the American Revolution in 2026. Free, open to all – check out bpl.org for visitor info.

TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT

MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions. Orange Line service will be suspended between Wellington and Back Bay on January 10–11 for tunnel inspections.

Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.

DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done –

Restarts on January 14th.

Fenway Cares Food Distribution at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations!

on 1/14 at Morville House, 100 Norway St. and 1/28 at Fenway Community Center.

Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list

See you around!