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The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends,

With longer, warmer days ahead, we hope everyone is taking the time to enjoy the Fenway in spring! A light week for news and events but several items to mark your calendar for ahead:

THE WEEK AHEAD:

1. Tuesday, May 23rd 6 p.m. (virtual): Fenway Corners Community Advisory Committee Meeting The BPDA is hosting a Community Advisory Committee (“CAC”) Meeting for the proposed Fenway Corners project located in the Fenway. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Supplemental Filing and Planned Development Areas (“PDA’s”) and their potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the CAC and the public. To read more about the project and to submit your comments, visit: 

https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/fenway-corners or write to Michael Sinatra at Michael.Sinatra@boston.gov

2. Wednesday, May 24th, 3:30 p.m., Fenway Community Center and Symphony Park – Fenway Cares food distribution Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. Volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

3. Thursday, May 25th, 10:00 a.m., Free Chair Yoga at Symphony Park

Join neighbors and friends for gentle yoga at Symphony Park, park of the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series. In event of rain, class will be held indoors at 100 Norway Street.

4. Friday, May 26th, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m., Fenway/Kenmore Coffee Hours with Maggie Van Scoy, 1334 Boylston Street

Join ONS liaison Maggie Van Scoy for coffee and a chance to share your questions and comments.

5. Monday, May 29th, Museum of Fine Arts Memorial Day Open House

Register for this free Open House at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston: https://www.mfa.org/event/open-house/memorial-day-open-house?event=3182

JUNE EVENTS: MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

1. Fenway Porchfest, June 10th: https://www.fenwayporchfest.org/

2. Mayor Wu’s Coffee Hour, June 13th, 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. , Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road:https://www.boston.gov/calendar/neighborhood-coffee-hours-fenwaykenmore

3. Fenway Civic Association Rose Garden Picnic!, June 20th, 6-8 p.m. (rain date, June 21st)

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The week ahead

Dear Members and Friends,
A big thank you to Northeastern University for another successful flower share on Saturday! This 50+ year partnership that brings blooms to residents is one of our favorite spring events. Thank you also to Nature Man Mike for leading our annual bird walk on Sunday.

The news is light this week, but take the time to mark your calendars for some events to come, including our Annual Rose Garden Picnic on June 20th!


THE WEEK AHEAD

1. AAPI Heritage Month: May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Join in celebration and participate in events  including opera performances from Asian artists at the Boston Public Library and the Pao Arts Center, the Unity Dinner at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute, and the Asian Street Food and Music Festival at Harvard Square, among others. For more information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/asian-pacific-american-heritage-month

2. Jewish American Heritage Month: May is also Jewish American Heritage Month! To learn more, visit the following published by the Boston City Council: https://www.boston.gov/news/jewish-american-heritage-month 

3. Wednesday, May 17th – Community Conversations, 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Fenway Community Center: Held in partnership with Fenway CDC and Fenway Health, in collaboration with Fenway Cares, join neighbors for a community conversation focused on improving the neighborhood and identifying needed services and programs. To learn more, see the attached flyer.

4. Thursday, May 18  – Park Fitness: Chair Yoga with Michelle – 10:00AM – 11:00AM at Symphony Park, 39 Edgerly Road. Repeats weekly on Thursdays, starting May 11, 2023, until August 31, 2023. Participate in a free fitness class offered by a certified instructor. Classes are sponsored by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the Boston Public Health Commission.

SAVE THE DATES

Ongoing, Office Hours with Jay Livingstone: All district 8 constituents are welcome. For hours and details, see the attached flyer.

May 23rd, Fenway Corners Community Advisory Committee Meeting

The BPDA is hosting a Community Advisory Committee (“CAC”) Meeting for the proposed Fenway Corners project located in the Fenway neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Supplemental Filing and Planned Development Areas (“PDA’s”) and their potential impacts. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the CAC and the public. To learn more, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/05/23/fenway-corners-community-advisory-committee-meetin

May 23rd, Hotel Buckminster Landmarking Study ReportThe Boston Landmarks Commission has posted a study report on the proposed designation of the Hotel Buckminster as a Landmark under Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended. The study report can be accessed here: https://www.boston.gov/news/hotel-buckminster-study-report  and will be discussed at a public hearing on May 23. No vote will be taken at this time. Members of the public are invited to attend this hearing and provide comments. If you have questions concerning the designation process, please email Commission staff at BLC@boston.govMay 24th,  Fenway Cares food distribution.3:30 p.m, Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other WednesdayVolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

June 13, Mayor Wu’s coffee hour at Symphony Community Park

9:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. 30 Edgerly Road, Fenway/Kenmore. Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours are a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. Through these conversations, and a suggestion box at each site, Mayor Wu looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston can improve upon parks, public areas, and City services.

For details click here.

June 20th, Fenway Civic Annual Rose Garden Picnic, 6-8 p.m., outside the Kelleher Rose Garden: All are invited for an evening of food, fun, and music. Details to come!

July 12, Swingin’ in the Fens 2023, at Ramler Park 6:30 p.m. – Featuring Jelani Bauman. Sponsored by Berklee College of Music in partnership with the City of Boston. Rain date Wednesday, July 19.

ONGOING

What’s going on at Fenway Park? View the calendar here.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS – local projects in various stages:

INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLANS Wentworth Institute of Technology

DESIGN Back Bay Fens Pathways  
REVIEW Fenway Corners 165 Park Drive , 409 Huntington Avenue1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market)2 Charlesgate West

APPROVED  Longwood Place 305 Brookline Avenue 

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

With great pride, we honor the memory of Edward James Burke, who passed away on April 30, 2023. Ed was a driving force of the Fenway Civic Association, a passionate advocate who worked tirelessly to improve the safety, beauty and vibrancy of our neighborhood. Ed’s genuine love of community was evident to all who knew him; his willingness to find solutions and do the hard work of consensus building benefited us in so many ways. We are proud to celebrate his legacy and will not forget our friend, neighbor and champion for all things Fenway. Rest in Peace, dear friend. 

*** 

EDWARD JAMES BURKE, of Boston’s Fenway, formerly of Mission Hill, passed away on April 30. Raised by his mother, aunts, and uncles, in the closeness of the Irish Catholic Mission Hill neighborhood, he attended Mission Grammar, and Mission High while supporting his family with various after school jobs, opening up all the neighborhoods of Boston to him. Following three years of the Army in Germany, from age 19, he returned to Boston, helping to set up the first data processing computer system for the City. He was named Assistant Clerk of the Boston Municipal Court in 1966, later becoming a Harvard Medical School animal research technician, and a Clinical Lab Technician at the Boston V.A. Medical Center. Living in the Fenway neighborhood in 1985, Ed resurrected the Fenway Civic Association to help fix the safety and beauty of the Fenway’s neighborhood, and especially its surrounding Back Bay Fens park that had become sorely neglected. Ed’s effectiveness and passion as a civic activist became realized when he assumed Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) leadership under newly elected Mayor Raymond Flynn, who trusted him for his love for the City, and understanding of residents’ concerns. While advancing the Mayor’s progress in a growing Boston, Ed worked under BRA director, Stephen Coyle. Ed was highly respected at City Hall, and in the neighborhoods under his oversight. He loved his job, walking each morning to City Hall, working all day, and going to meetings at night with his beeper and constantly on call. “I worked really hard, but didn’t mind doing it because you knew you were making a difference.” He would say. He was bolstered by the entrance of Fredericka Veikley, his new love, and later wife, into his life in 1986. They easily became dedicated lifelong partners.

In 1995, newly elected Mayor Menino revamped the ONS and purged the liaisons who had gained expertise and connections that complicated the new Mayor’s idea of how to run the City. Back to the “other side,” Ed resumed his neighborhood advocacy, keeping many of his City Hall connections, and training new activists in the Fenway Civic Association. He was proud of them and their commitment of personal time, energy, and lost sleep for the betterment of the Fenway and the City. To those who said, ”you can’t fight City Hall,” Ed would say, ”Yes you can, the City would fall apart without all the activists.”

Ed brought new life to the City’s Back Bay Fens parks, and sought for decades the restoration of its Muddy River, now coming to fruition. Together, he and Freddie galvanized forces to create Ramler Park in 2004, an amazing feat uniting the Ramler family donors with the City of Boston to create a perpetually protected gem in the heart of the Fenway. Ed strongly believed that parks support people, and people must support parks. If you wish to make a gift in Ed’s honor, please consider helping sustain the park that sustains you, by contributing to friendsoframlerpark.org.

***

Spring unfolds in the Fenway – things are looking good thanks to recent neighborhood clean ups and the generosity of volunteers. All around us, classes are winding down, graduation season is here, as well as the ‘boys of summer’ and more summer concerts at Fenway Park. Developments abound, get up to speed through links below. Outdoor events are being announced for these warmer months; so much more to come. 

For this and more, read on: 

THE WEEK AHEAD

1. Sunday, May 7 – 2023 Cultural afternoon: Haiku Winners Announcement and Japanese Calligraphy Demonstration – 3:00- 5:00 p.m. at Kaji Aso Studio 40 St Stephen St, Boston, MA 02115, or join the livestream on facebook click here. Free and open to the public. See flyer below.

2. Tuesday, May 9 – Wentworth Institute of Technology 2023-2033 Institutional Master Plan Public Meeting, 6-8 p.m. virtual  The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting meeting for the proposed 2023-2033 Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)  for Wentworth Institute of Technology, located in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the IMP and discuss the potential impacts and mitigation for the IMP. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Public. To Participate, please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/3UhuaQ2

3. Wednesday, May 10  – Fenway Cares food distribution. 3:30 p.m, Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other WednesdayVolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

4. Wednesday, May 10  – ACNA Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Ruggles Baptist Church, 874 Beacon Street. You are cordially invited to the annual meeting of the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association (ACNA), which will be a live ‘in person’ event. Please visit www.auduboncircle.org for further details.  Or send queries to: contact@auduboncircle.org. (flyer attached)

5. Thursday, May 11  – Park Fitness: Chair Yoga with Michelle –  10:00AM – 11:00AM at Symphony Park, 39 Edgerly Road. Repeats weekly on Thursdays, starting May 11, 2023, until August 31, 2023. Participate in a free fitness class offered by a certified instructor. Classes are sponsored by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and the Boston Public Health Commission.

6. Saturday, May 13 – Annual Flower Share with FCA Members

We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Northeastern University. Current FCA members can sign up by April 24th: https://forms.gle/xrNZ6pYQkJ99RKoC9 

Flower Share Map with locations and times here

East Fenway: Fenway Center (68 St. Stephen Street) parking lot, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

West Fenway: Exterior of Fenway Victory Gardens (1200 Boylston Street), 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

7. Sunday, May 14 – Annual Fenway Guided Bird Walk – with Nature Man Mike  -7:30 am. Meet at Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts) Spend a few hours delighting in the array of spring birds gracing the Fenway. For all levels! Bring binocs for best view. Led by: Michael Bryant, aka Nature Man Mike, a professional photographer, instructor, nature lover, and host of bird walks, international bird photography tours and workshops. Through the world of birding, he’s worked with Franklin Park Coalition, Brookline Bird Club, Urban Nature Walk, Mass Audubon and more. www.NatureManMike.com www.instagram.com/naturemanmike 

www.facebook.com/naturemanmike (postcard below)

NOTICES

SUMMER IN BOSTON – online guide from the City of Boston 

(click here to visit the website)  Whether you’re looking to find a place to cool down — or a cool spot to visit — this guide has it covered. 

SAVE THE DATES

May 23rd, Hotel Buckminster Landmarking Study Report

The Boston Landmarks Commission has posted a study report on the proposed designation of the Hotel Buckminster as a Landmark under Chapter 772 of the Acts of 1975, as amended. The study report can be accessed here: https://www.boston.gov/news/hotel-buckminster-study-report  The study report will be discussed at a public hearing on May 23. No vote will be taken at this time. Members of the public are invited to attend this hearing and provide comments. If you have questions concerning the designation process, please email Commission staff at BLC@boston.gov

June 13, Mayor Wu’s coffee hour at Symphony Community Park

9:30 a.m – 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. 30 Edgerly Road, Fenway/Kenmore. Mayor Wu’s Neighborhood Coffee Hours are a unique opportunity to speak directly with the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and their neighborhoods. Through these conversations, and a suggestion box at each site, Mayor Wu looks forward to hearing how the City of Boston can improve upon parks, public areas, and City services.

For details click here.

July 12, Swingin’ in the Fens 2023, at Ramler Park 6:30 p.m. – Featuring Jelani Bauman. Sponsored by Berklee College of Music in partnership with the City of Boston. Rain date Wednesday, July 19.

ONGOING

What’s going on at Fenway Park? View the calendar here.

DEVELOPMENT LINKS – local projects in various stages:

INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLANS Wentworth Institute of Technology

DESIGN Back Bay Fens Pathways  

REVIEW Fenway Corners 165 Park Drive , 409 Huntington Avenue1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market)2 Charlesgate West

APPROVED  Longwood Place 305 Brookline Avenue 

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhoodDear Members and Friends:

The Week Ahead 

Dear Members and Friends:

This week, a little quieter, after all the action of last week! 

Congratulations to Kenzie Bok, City Councilor District 8, who will be the next administrator of the Boston Housing Authority, the largest public housing agency in New England. We are grateful for all the work Kenzie has done in the Fenway and Mission Hill, and give a heartfelt thank-you; we look forward to working with Kenzie on housing issues.

If you’ve missed any of the recent meetings, see below for links on ongoing projects as well as upcoming meetings. 

For this and more, read on: 

THE WEEK AHEAD

1. Tuesday, May 2 – Wentworth 500 Huntington Ave Meeting – The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the 500 Huntington Avenue project located in Mission Hill. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Project Notification Form and Planned Development Area Amendment. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public.

The Proposed Project involves (a) demolishing an existing parking lot, three small buildings, and an artificial turf athletic field and (b) constructing two new mixed-use buildings comprising approximately 640,000 square feet of life science, office, cultural, and retail/commercial uses along with below grade parking. How to Participate Regsiter in advance: bit.ly/3YSLNWX 

SAVE THE DATES

1. Tuesday, May 9 – Wentworth Institute of Technology 2023-2033 Institutional Master Plan Public Meeting, 6-8 p.m. virtual  The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting meeting for the proposed 2023-2033 Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)  for Wentworth Institute of Technology, located in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the IMP and discuss the potential impacts and mitigation for the IMP. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Public. To Participate, please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/3UhuaQ2

2. Wednesday, May 10  – ACNA Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Ruggles Baptist Church, 874 Beacon Street. You are cordially invited to the annual meeting of the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association (ACNA), which will be a live ‘in person’ event. Please visit www.auduboncircle.org for further details.  Or send queries to: contact@auduboncircle.org. (flyer attached)

3. Saturday, May 13 – Annual Flower Share with FCA Members

We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Northeastern University. Current FCA members can sign up by April 24th: https://forms.gle/xrNZ6pYQkJ99RKoC9 

Flower Share Map with locations and times here

East Fenway: Fenway Center (68 St. Stephen Street) parking lot, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

West Fenway: Exterior of Fenway Victory Gardens (1200 Boylston Street), 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

4. Sunday, May 14 – Annual Fenway Guided Bird Walk – with Nature Man Mike  -7:30 am. Meet at Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts) Spend a few hours delighting in the array of spring birds gracing the Fenway. For all levels! Bring binocs for best view. Led by: Michael Bryant, aka Nature Man Mike, a professional photographer, instructor, nature lover, and host of bird walks, international bird photography tours and workshops. Through the world of birding, he’s worked with Franklin Park Coalition, Brookline Bird Club, Urban Nature Walk, Mass Audubon and more. www.NatureManMike.com www.instagram.com/naturemanmike 

www.facebook.com/naturemanmike (postcard below)

DEVELOPMENT LINKS – local projects in various stages:

INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLANS

Wentworth Institute of Technology

DESIGN

Back Bay Fens Pathways  

REVIEW

Fenway Corners 

165 Park Drive 

409 Huntington Avenue

1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market) 

2 Charlesgate West

APPROVED

Longwood Place 305 Brookline Avenue 

NOTICES

Red Sox… need to know when they’re in town? printable calendar

ELECTED OFFICIALS – OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday May 4

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Fenway Cares food distribution. Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other WednesdayVolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Next date: Wednesday, May 10 – 3:30 p.m. 

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhoodDear Members and Friends:

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

Members make great friends and friends are great members. Come on! Let’s get this party started. (Membership form attached.)

The flower share is coming… please register by today’s deadlineWe’re excited. 

This is the week to meet and greet; it seems everyone is having a meeting – so choose your pleasure and bring a friend, or make a new one. Great options to catch up on current and future projects. Or just get out and socialize. Red Sox, Wentworth, Muddy River Restoration, Emerald Necklace Conservancy, Fenway Community Development Corp., yes, we have a lot going on!!!

Now that you’re feeling neighborly, want to stretch a bit? Save the date to attend the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association [ACNA] Annual Meeting on May 10th,; see what they’re up to, and how we intersect. For early birds… we’re switching it up a bit with a new Bird Walk leader, Nature Man Mike, save the date – Sunday May 14th.

For this and more, read on: 

THE WEEK AHEAD

1. Monday, April 24 Flower Share Sign-up Deadline, for Members. Need to renew your FCA membership? Info attached. below. Today’s the day for reserving your fabulous flower tray. Flower Share pickup date is May 13. Current and prospective FCA members can sign up by April 24thhttps://forms.gle/xrNZ6pYQkJ99RKoC9 

2. Tuesday, April 25 -6 p.m. Red Sox Neighborhood Meeting at 125 Overlook Street. First time in this location – please enter at 14 Lansdowne Street. Doors open at 6 p.m., program begins at 6:15 p.m. Agenda includes: the season ahead, the recent agreement made between the Boston Red Sox and the City of Boston regarding Fenway Park concerts, and more. Who made the agreement? How many concerts? What else is happening… here’s the forum to ask and get answers. As always, light snacks and refreshments will be served.

3. Tuesday, April 25 – 6 – 8 p.m, Wentworth IAG meeting

The BPDA is hosting an Impact Advisory Group (IAG) Meeting for the 500 Huntington Avenue project located in Mission Hill. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Project Notification Form and Planned Development Area Amendment. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public. To register, visit: 

bit.ly/3ToN1YR

4. Wednesday, April 26 3:30 p.m. / Care Van at Symphony Park 2- 5 pm

& Fenway Cares food distribution. 3:30 pm. 2 locations: Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other WednesdayVolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

5. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. (in-person) The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston. Find out about the project status and learn about the Muddy! You are invited to register to attend the in-person meeting here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-muddy-river-restoration-project-2023-annual-meeting-tickets-527343778437

6. Thursday, April 27 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm  Demystifying the Muddy: 2023 Annual Meeting of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy (virtual)

On Thursday, April 27, join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for our 2023 Annual Meeting, all about the Muddy River—the central waterway of the Emerald Necklace linear park system—and the year of achievements that your support made possible! https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/events/annualmeeting/

7. Thursday, April 27 FCDC Annual meeting, 5:45-8:00 p.m., St Cecilia’s Church, 30 St. Cecilia Street

Celebrate Fenway CDC’s 50th Anniversary with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, FCDC members, elected officials, and community partners. Register at Fenway CDC 50th Annual Meeting Tickets, Thu, Apr 27, 2023 at 5:45 PM | Eventbrite

SAVE THE DATES

1. Wednesday, May 1  – ACNA Annual Meeting, 7 p.m. at Ruggles Baptist Church, 874 Beacon Street. You are cordially invited to the annual meeting of the Audubon Circle Neighborhood Association (ACNA), which will be a live ‘in person’ event. Please visit www.auduboncircle.org for further details.  Or send queries to: contact@auduboncircle.org. (flyer attached)

2. Tuesday, May 2 – Wentworth 500 Huntington Ave Meeting – The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the 500 Huntington Avenue project located in Mission Hill. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Project Notification Form and Planned Development Area Amendment. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public.

The Proposed Project involves (a) demolishing an existing parking lot, three small buildings, and an artificial turf athletic field and (b) constructing two new mixed-use buildings comprising approximately 640,000 square feet of life science, office, cultural, and retail/commercial uses along with below grade parking. How to Participate Regsiter in advance: bit.ly/3YSLNWX 

3. Tuesday, May 9 – Wentworth Institute of Technology 2023-2033 Institutional Master Plan Public Meeting, 6-8 p.m. virtual  The BPDA is hosting a virtual Public Meeting meeting for the proposed 2023-2033 Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)  for Wentworth Institute of Technology, located in the Mission Hill neighborhood of Boston. The purpose of the meeting is to provide an overview of the IMP and discuss the potential impacts and mitigation for the IMP. The meeting will include a presentation followed by questions and comments from the Public. To Participate, please register for the meeting using the following Zoom link:

bit.ly/3UhuaQ2

4. Saturday, May 13 – Annual Flower Share with FCA Members

We are thrilled to continue our longstanding partnership with Northeastern University. Current FCA members can sign up by April 24th: https://forms.gle/xrNZ6pYQkJ99RKoC9 

Flower Share Map with locations and times here

East Fenway: Fenway Center (68 St. Stephen Street) parking lot, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

West Fenway: Exterior of Fenway Victory Gardens (1200 Boylston Street), 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

5. Sunday, May 14 – Annual Fenway Guided Bird Walk – with Nature Man Mike  -7:30 am. Meet at Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden (by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts) Spend a few hours delighting in the array of spring birds gracing the Fenway. For all levels! Bring binocs for best view. Led by: Michael Bryant, aka Nature Man Mike, a professional photographer, instructor, nature lover, and host of bird walks, international bird photography tours and workshops. Through the world of birding, he’s worked with Franklin Park Coalition, Brookline Bird Club, Urban Nature Walk, Mass Audubon and more. www.NatureManMike.com www.instagram.com/naturemanmike 

www.facebook.com/naturemanmike (postcard below)

DEVELOPMENT LINKS – local projects in various stages:

INSTITUTIONAL MASTER PLANS

Wentworth Institute of Technology

DESIGN

Back Bay Fens Pathways  

REVIEW

Fenway Corners 

165 Park Drive 

409 Huntington Avenue

1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market) 

2 Charlesgate West

APPROVED

Longwood Place 305 Brookline Avenue 

NOTICES

Red Sox… need to know when they’re in town? printable calendar

ELECTED OFFICIALS – OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kenzie Bok 

Call the councilor’s office at 617-635-4225 Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm or online: https://www.boston.gov/departments/city-council/kenzie-bok

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, April 28th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday May 4

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Fenway Cares food distribution. Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other WednesdayVolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Next date: Wednesday, May 10 – 3:30 p.m. 

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhoodDear Members and Friends:

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

Spring brings flowers to members. Have you renewed your 2023 membership? (Membership form below.) Members are invited to sign up for the Annual Flower Share by April 24th. We are thankful to our partner, Northeastern University for their long-standing engagement and their generosity. See details below.

And speaking of growth and change, on April 5th, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu announced that City Councilor Kenzie Bok will head Boston Housing Authority starting in May. Read about it here.

Join fellow Bostonians for Acts of Kindness, on a Day of Service on April 15th, and/or one of the local clean-ups! Everyone is welcome, the more the merrier.

The month ends with three Annual Meetings in-a-row to keep-you-in-the-know: MMOC, ENC, and FCDC, details below. 

For this and more, read on: 

THE WEEK AHEAD

1, Wednesday, April 12 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares food distribution. Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. Thanks to the generosity of the Massachusetts General Brigham Community Care Van, free blood pressure screenings and COVID-19 boosters and vaccines are offered at Symphony Park in April and May from 2-5 pm on Fenway Cares dates. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other WednesdayVolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

2. Thursday, April 13th (to be confirmed) Back Bay Fens Pathways Design meeting #5: to focus on areas of Evans Way bridge, War Memorial, and the John Boyle O’Reilly monument plaza (zoom link pending). Agenda, date and time to be confirmed. Visit the project page to review the recorded meetings and see the improvements being considered. We’ll let you know when the next meeting is! https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/improvements-back-bay-fens-pathways

3. Saturday, April 15, Day of Volunteer Service and Acts of Kindness– One Boston Day honors those forever impacted on April 15, 2013 and recognizes the greatest strength of this City—our people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. 4.15 day web link

ARTS EVENTS

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

SAVE THE DATES

1. Tuesday, April 18 Wentworth Task Force Meeting – 6-8 p.m.  (virtual)

The BPDA is hosting a virtual Task Force Meeting for the Proposed Institutional Master Plan filing for Wentworth Institute of Technology – this meeting will provide an overview of the IMP and discuss potential impacts and mitigation. This is a Task Force Meeting, but is a public meeting. To register, visit: bit.ly/40rRyMT

2. Saturday, April 22 Earth Day 2023 -2023 Muddy River Cleanup

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup; this event takes place throughout the Charles River Watershed and builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup® which, to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. Click here to register yourself, or a group.

3. Saturday, April 22, Love your block! To sign up for Love Your Block, the Office of Civic Organizing’s (OCO) neighborhood cleanup day, you can fill out this form and OCO will follow up with you directly. Fenway-Kenmore spring community cleanup is on Saturday, April 22. For tips about hosting a Love Your Block site, take a look at this guide.

4. Monday, April 24 Flower Share Sign-up Deadline, for current Members. Need to renew? Please do so this week, thank you! See membership info attached.

5. Tuesday, April 25 -6 p.m. Red Sox Neighborhood Meeting enter at 125 Overlook Street. More details to come.

6. Tuesday, April 25 – 6 – 8 p.m, Wentworth IAG meeting

The BPDA is hosting an Impact Advisory Group (IAG) Meeting for the 500 Huntington Avenue project located in Mission Hill. The purpose of the meeting is to discuss the Project Notification Form and Planned Development Area Amendment. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A and comments from the general public. To register, visit: 

bit.ly/3ToN1YR

7. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. (in-person)

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston. You are invited to register to attend the in-person meeting here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-muddy-river-restoration-project-2023-annual-meeting-tickets-527343778437

8. Thursday, April 27 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm  Demystifying the Muddy: 2023 Annual Meeting of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy (virtual)

On Thursday, April 27, join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for our 2023 Annual Meeting, all about the Muddy River—the central waterway of the Emerald Necklace linear park system—and the year of achievements that your support made possible! https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/events/annualmeeting/

9. Thursday, April 27 FCDC Annual meeting, 5:45-8:00 p.m., St Cecilia’s Church, 30 St. Cecilia Street

Celebrate Fenway CDC’s 50th Anniversary with Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, our members, elected officials, and community partners. Register at Fenway CDC 50th Annual Meeting Tickets, Thu, Apr 27, 2023 at 5:45 PM | Eventbrite

10. Saturday, May 13 – Annual Flower Share with FCA Members
We are thrilled to continue our longstanding tradition of partnership with Northeastern University to bring flowers to the Fenway. We will be in both the East and West Fens to better accommodate everyone. Please sign up by April 24th to ensure your flowers will be ready!

Sign up form at: https://forms.gle/xrNZ6pYQkJ99RKoC9 

Date: May 13, 2023

Details: Map with locations and times here

East Fenway: Fenway Center (68 St. Stephen Street) parking lot, 9:00 – 10:30 a.m.

West Fenway: Exterior of Fenway Victory Gardens (1200 Boylston Street), 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

NOTICES

Monday, April 17th -The 127th Boston Marathon
Featuring nearly 30,000 athletes from more than 100 countries.

For route and other details, click here. Be aware, there will be street closures on Monday, as well as events before and after and many traffic disruptions. And don’t be surprised if you see people wrapped in foil, they’ve just run the course!

Red Sox season is on… need to know when they’re in town?

Click here for a Red Sox printable calendar

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year. Taxes due April 18th.

OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kenzie Bok 

Call the councilor’s office at 617-635-4225 Mon-Fri, 9am – 5pm or online: https://www.boston.gov/departments/city-council/kenzie-bok

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, April 28th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, April 26 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other Wednesdayvolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

April showers bring May flowers…enjoy the beauty of spring in the Fenway.

Last Tuesday, the Boston Zoning Commission voted to pass the Longwood Place proposal and Map Amendment, with the objection of Mike Nichols. This vote runs contrary to the objections raised by thousands of residents objecting to the lack of protection from shadows on neighboring parklands. There will be much work ahead to protect the fragile Emerald Necklace parklands as this project unfolds over the years ahead.

Just one meeting on the books this TuesdayBoston Civic Design Commission discusses public realm impacts of major projects including a few in the Fenway. Some fascinating local arts events this week, and a nice time to visit the parks.

At the FCA, we’ve been reviewing licensing requests for a crop of new restaurants, arranging funding for this year’s concerts and activities, coordinating with our civic partners on events, and keeping an eye on the many developments in the BPDAs purview.

For upcoming meetings and more, see below:

1. Tuesday, April 4  5 – 7 p.m. Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) Monthly Meeting, including Life Sciences building guidelines, and the developments: 409 Huntington Avenue, and Fenway Corners

The BCDC meeting is to discuss the public realm impacts of major projects currently being reviewed by the BPDA. Commission meetings are open to the public. To view the agenda, get log-in link, and view approximate times per topic visit:  http://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/04/04/boston-civic-design-commission-meeting 

FREE ARTS EVENTS

Thursday, April 6  3-9 p.m. Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum  Registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Saturday, April 8th  10 a.m – 2 p.m. Fenway Augmented Workshop Northeastern Crossing, 1175 Tremont Street, Boston. Calling all Fenway Residents! [ bitsandflow ] is hosting a creative space to talk about Fenway places, and how augmented reality technology can enhance or reimagine our public spaces. It’s their first in-person gathering since the pandemic. Starts at 10 am, bring in lunch at noon – then play around with the AR app on available mini-iPads. For info email: bitsandflow@gmail.com (see attached flyer)

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

SAVE THE DATES

1. Thursday, April 13th (to be confirmed) Back Bay Fens Pathways Design meeting #5: to focus on areas of Evans Way bridge and the John Boyle O’Reilly monument. Agenda, date and time to be confirmed. Visit the project page to review the recorded meetings and see the improvements being considered. We’ll let you know when the next meeting is! https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/improvements-back-bay-fens-pathways

2. Saturday, April 15, Day of Volunteer Service and Acts of Kindness– One Boston Day honors those forever impacted on April 15, 2013 and recognizes the greatest strength of this City—our people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

3. Saturday, April 22 Earth Day 2023 -2023 Muddy River Cleanup

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup; this event takes place throughout the Charles River Watershed and builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup® which, to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. Click here to register yourself, or a group.

4. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-muddy-river-restoration-project-2023-annual-meeting-tickets-527343778437

5. Thursday, April 27 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm  Demystifying the Muddy: 2023 Annual Meeting of the Emerald Necklace Conservancy

On Thursday, April 27, join the Emerald Necklace Conservancy for our 2023 Annual Meeting, all about the Muddy River—the central waterway of the Emerald Necklace linear park system—and the year of achievements that your support made possible! https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/events/annualmeeting/

NOTICES

Red Sox season has begun!

Click here to see the Red Sox schedule, printable calendar

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kenzie Bok 

Virtual office hours 

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, April 28th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, April 12 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other Wednesdayvolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

Care for our parks! You can participate in two important discussions this week: Tuesday, Back Bay Fens Park Pathways meeting; and Wednesday morning, the BPDA votes on the Longwood development project

Boston has an impressive cultural legacy of landscape development, starting in 1634 with The Boston Common, through the 1800s landfill creating the Back Bay Fens, followed by the Olmsted designed Franklin Park and Emerald Necklace. The 20th century saw its share of struggles with urban renewal, protection issues, and one of the nation’s most ambitious projects, the “Big Dig” resulting in revitalization of the waterfront and seaport, and renewed focus on the importance of ‘greenways.’ With future developments looming, it is past due for legislation to protect our public parklands; to prohibit private developments from encroaching on the viability, preservation and legacy of the parks we have so painstakingly created. We call on the City of Boston to prohibit excessive shadows on public parklands.

As we near the end of Women’s History Month, we reflect on the state of women in Boston today. Women are breaking into top political offices, however, there is still a long way to go towards women’s equality in economics, health-care, and civil rights. In a letter dated March 31,1776, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband: “remember the ladies”.

And get ready for the “boys of summer”… Red Sox home opener this Thursday!

For upcoming meetings and more, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Tuesday, March 28 6-7:30 p.m.  BBF pathway meeting – #4 https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-4 Parks and Recreation presents alternative designs for the Back Bay Fens Pathway project- join an online presentation with Q&A session, follow link to register.

2. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m.  Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable. As this project moves forward, it is imperative to put in place a restriction on new shadows cast on parklands. Send your comments by email to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for the meeting on Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

3. Wednesday, March 29 – 2-5 p.m. Free vaccine and blood pressure screening clinic at Fenway Cares, Symphony Community Park

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/content/dam/mgb-global/en/patient-care/services-and-specialties/community-care-van/Community-Care-Van-Schedule.pdf  A Community Care Van will be in your community providing free blood pressure screenings and Covid-19 resources. The mobile clinic  welcomes everyone, including those who do not have insurance, and does not ask about immigration status.

4. Wednesday, March 29 – 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

5. Saturday, April 1 – 10 a.m.- noon East Fenway Tree mulching with FCA and Northeastern, Westland Avenue

Please join neighbors and Northeastern student volunteers for NU’s annual event to beautify an area designated by local community organizations. This year’s clean-up includes East Fenway Tree mulching! The Breakfast Club is lead by NU students for 12 Sundays, beautifying Mission Hill, Fenway, and Roxbury. This year over 120 students volunteered. Please join the effort and sign-up here two hours.- (Please select Westland Avenue- Fenway) We look forward to students and residents community-building during this civic project.  Questions? Reach out to Mallory Pernaa, Director of Off Campus Engagement and Support at m.pernaa@northeastern.edu.

SAVE THE DATES

1. Saturday, April 15, Day of Volunteer Service and Acts of Kindness– One Boston Day honors those forever impacted on April 15, 2013 and recognizes the greatest strength of this City—our people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

2. Saturday, April 22 Earth Day 2023 -2023 Muddy River Cleanup

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup; this event takes place throughout the Charles River Watershed and builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup® which, to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. Click here to register yourself, or a group.

3. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

Red Sox Season Opener: Thursday, March 30 2:10 pm

Click here to see the Red Sox schedule, printable calendar

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. 

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kenzie Bok 

Virtual office hours 

or call the councilor’s office at 617-635-4225 to place your request.

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, April 28th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, April 12 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other Wednesdayvolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

Spring in the Fenway is full of possibilities —

Want some one-on-one time with your elected representatives? See the Office Hours section below.

On Monday, walk the walk! Get an on-site perspective of what shadows could do to the Emerald Necklace if the current Longwood Place development proposal is put through without shadow restrictions.

We’re looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night at the Fenway Civic Association’s 61st Annual Meeting. We’ve got a lot to celebrate; catch up on what we’ve done, and what we can do collectively.

Women’s History Month –  honoring Fenway green space heroines:

We all know of Isabella Stewart Gardner, but did you know of these two fascinating women with Fenway ties whose social activism legacies impact us today?:

Eugenie “Genie” Beal (1921-2013) The first chair of Boston’s Conservation Commission and one of the city’s most successful advocates for preserving open spaces. “Genie Beal was the mother of green space in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. 

Justine Mee Liff (1947-2002) Boston’s former Parks Commissioner was a dynamo whose vision, leadership, and dedication ignited restoration and enhancement of the historic Olmsted-designed Emerald Necklace parks. Party in the Park celebrates the woman and the legacy, while raising dedicated funds; so Justine to bring it all together!

For upcoming meetings and more, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Monday, March 20 4-5 p.m. Spring Equinox “Walk-shop” ENC shadows Meet at the Terrace between TimeOut Market and Trillium pavilion at 401 Park Drive (formerly the Landmark Center)  Rain date: 4pm, Tuesday, March 21. Please join us for a spring-equinox WALK-SHOP* to examine the extent of new shadow cast on the Emerald Necklace parks by the proposed Longwood Place development (305 Brookline Avenue). We’ll have local experts along to explain historic and environmental impacts of the shadow on the park and notable landmarks along the way. Our walk-shop will take less than an hour. Please call or text (617) 794-9860 for more information or with questions. Sponsored by a coalition of community and park advocates, including Fenway Civic Association and the Fenway Garden Society. (See flyer)

2. Wednesday, March 22nd 6-8 PM Fenway Civic Association Annual meeting, 1325 Boylston Street (the VanNess building), 10th Floor 
An in-person event, hosted by the FCA  and welcoming elected officials and the community. Come, celebrate our achievements and find out how we can collectively improve our future. Enter 1325 lobby to the left of Eventide restaurant. Parking available at Van Ness garage, entrance on Richard B. Ross Way. (See flyer)

3. Thursday, March 23 6-7:30 p.m. BBF Pathway meeting- Victory Gardens  https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-victory-garden-design-meeting Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for an online presentation on pathway redesign planning for the Victory Gardens with a question and answer session afterward. Follow link to register.

SAVE THE DATES

1. Tuesday, March 28 6-7:30 p.m. BBF pathway meeting – #4 https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-4 Parks and Recreation presents alternative designs for the Back Bay Fens Pathway project- join an online presentation with Q&A session, follow link to register.

2. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m. Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing Community members gathered Feb 27th to discuss our concerns, before the BZC hearing scheduled on March 1st. However, the meeting was postponed to 3/29. We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable, and ask the City take a hard look at how the City will protect our public lands. If you wish to send comments by email, send to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

3. Saturday, April 9 a.m.-2 p.m.  – Wentworth campus master plan charrette at the Tobin Community Center, 1481 Tremont Street. The purpose of this charrette is to help create the vision for Wentworth’s next 10-year Institutional Master Plan. “We have always believed that we achieve better results by including the community in the planning process.”-Wentworth. Breakfast and lunch will be served. RSVP to: Senaj@wit.edu

4. Saturday, April 15, Day of Volunteer Service and Acts of Kindness– One Boston Day honors those forever impacted on April 15, 2013 and recognizes the greatest strength of this City—our people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

5. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

Saturday, Mar 25 – Free Dental services for kids!

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s Give Kids a Smile Day (GKAS) is back in-person and will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tufts University’s Health Sciences Campus in Chinatown. GKAS, a fun activity-filled day for kids and families, is a free community event that is open to allflyer Translations are available here. Pre-registration for the event is required and can be found here. (See flyer)

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. 

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kenzie Bok 

In-Person Fenway office hours 

Monday, March 20 4-6 pm 

at Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop (12 Westland Ave, Boston)

Reserve a time slot at https://calendly.com/councilor-kenziebok/office-hours-bok or call the councilor’s office at 617-635-4225 to place your request. Virtual office hours will also be held the following week on Wednesday March 29 at 4:00PM.  

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, March 24th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, March 29 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other Wednesdayvolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

The Week Ahead

Dear Members and Friends:

This week, it’s about life science building designs, health, food security and transport moves.

Next week, we finally get to meet again, in-person, please note:

The FCA invites you to the Fenway Civic Association’s 61st Annual Meeting, Wednesday, March 22nd. Let’s work together to create a vibrant, equitable and resilient Fenway neighborhood for all. Join us! 

Volunteers are urgently needed for Fenway Cares food distributions; Please consider a one-time or ongoing commitment. Volunteer at: https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8 

Women’s History Month – Monumental Fenway connections:

We all know of Isabella Stewart Gardner, but did you know of these two fascinating women with Fenway ties whose social activism legacies impact us today?:

Ellen Cheney Johnson (1829-1899) funded the Westland Gate as a memorial to her husband. Her own groundbreaking work on social justice and prison reform was internationally recognized – did you know that women and children were imprisoned alongside men until Ellen Cheney Johnson pushed for reforms?

Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) is memorialized with a bronze plaque on Agassiz Road as author of “America the Beautiful”, which she wrote at the turn of the 20th century. Bates was a fierce social activist, with a rich intellectual life and was a full professor at Wellesley in 1890s!

For more current news and activity, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Tuesday, March 14 – 6-7:30 p.m.  Life Science Design Guidelines Public Meeting https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/14/life-science-design-guidelines-public-meeting . 

These design guidelines form part of a larger BPDA effort to address recent growth of the life science industry. The draft document will be posted to the Life Science Design Guidelines page after the meeting. (This meeting will present the same material as the public meeting on February 28.) Follow the top link to register.

2. Wednesday, March 15 – 2-5 p.m. Free vaccine and blood pressure screening clinic at Fenway Cares, Symphony Community Park

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/content/dam/mgb-global/en/patient-care/services-and-specialties/community-care-van/Community-Care-Van-Schedule.pdf  A Community Care Van will be in your community providing free blood pressure screenings and Covid-19 resources. The mobile clinic  welcomes everyone, including those who do not have insurance, and does not ask about immigration status.

3. Wednesday, March 15 -3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares Food Distribution

FCC and Symphony Park, volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8 

4. Thursday, March 16 – 6 p.m. Symphony Station Open House

Symphony Towers West, 333 Massachusetts Avenue

The Green Line Transformation team is hosting a public meeting for the Symphony Station relocation of utilities in the community room at Symphony Towers West. Join the MBTA in an interactive, open-room format to learn about the latest news and details on the relocation of utilities planned for the Symphony Station Accessibility Improvements project, anticipated to begin in 2024. Relocating utilities in this area is an integral first phase of this accessibility project. Utilities To Be Relocated Include: • Eversource Electric, Comcast CATV, Verizon Telephone, MBTA Power, National Grid Gas, Extenet Internet, Crown Castle Internet, BWSC Water and Drain and more. Meeting details will be posted at https://www.mbta.com/projects/symphony-station-accessibility-improvements

SAVE THE DATES

1. Wednesday, March 22nd 6-8 PM Fenway Civic Association Annual meeting, 1025 Boylston Street, 10th Floor Fenway Civic’s Annual Meeting will be an in-person event, hosted by the FCA welcoming elected officials and the community. Come, celebrate our achievements and find out how we can collectively improve our future. See flyer attached.

2. Wednesday, March 22 6-7:30 p.m. BBF Pathway meeting- Victory Gardens  https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-victory-garden-design-meeting Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for an online presentation on pathway redesign planning for the Victory Gardens with a question and answer session afterward. Follow link to register.

3. Tuesday, March 28 6-7:30 p.m. BBF pathway meeting – #4 https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-4 Parks and Recreation presents alternative designs for the Back Bay Fens Pathway project- join an online presentation with Q&A session, follow link to register.

4. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m. Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing Community members gathered Feb 27th to discuss our concerns, before the BZC meeting on March 1st. However, the meeting was postponed to 3/29. We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable, and ask the City take a hard look at how the City will protect our public lands. If you wish to send comments by email, send to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

5. Wednesday Apr 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

Westland Ave. Parking change notice

Three resident permit parking spaces on Westland Avenue shifted to the inbound side to create a 15-minute active pick-up/delivery zone at Whole Foods. See flyer below for details.

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. 

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

OFFICE HOURS

Senator Will Brownsberger

Zoom Mondays – 4-5:30 p.m.

Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

Kenzie Bok 

In-Person Fenway office hours 

Monday, March 20 4-6 pm 

at Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop (12 Westland Ave, Boston)

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, March 24th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, March 15 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/Repeats every-other Wednesdayvolunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood