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.
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
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.
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 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 20Boston 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
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.
Longwood Place Development News – 305 Brookline Ave – PHASE ONE IS STARTING
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.
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 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 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:
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.
There will be traffic interruptions near Lansdowne Street at Super Bowl 2026: Fenway All Access Block Party4 -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:
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.
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!
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
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, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St.and2/25 at Fenway Community Center.
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
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, 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.
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.
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!
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.
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
Massachusetts could see a record number of ballot questions in 2026. On January 5, the Elections Division of MA announced eleven ballot question petitionswill 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.
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
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, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.
on 2/11 at Morville House, 100 Norway St.and2/25 at Fenway Community Center.
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.
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.
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.
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
Boston City Budget – Participatory Voting is now open until February 15th! The City of Boston’s Participatory Budgeting initiative allowsresidents 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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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 speechhttps://vimeo.com/35177221
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.
(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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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 protestsagainst ICE violence onWednesday 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)
MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions. Orange Line servicewill be suspended between Wellington and Back Bay on January 10–11 for tunnel inspections.
Bowker Overpass project: followprogress on the project page.
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 1/14 at Morville House, 100 Norway St.and 1/28 at Fenway Community Center.
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.
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.”
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!
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.
Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston – art exhibit at BPL The exhibit opened on October 23, 2025 and runsto 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: followprogress on the project page.
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 1/14 at Morville House, 100 Norway St.and 1/28 at Fenway Community Center.
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.
Holiday Giving – looking for a good cause to support? Please consider donating to FENWAY CARES. Established in 2020 during COVID-19 to address the urgent issue of food security, which has only grown–especially with the elderly and those on fixed incomes. Funding is a constant challenge. Follow this link to the Fenway Cares page, scroll down to see the food distribution donation options. Thank you!
Winter Solstice – the longest night has passed!
The Winter Solstice for the Northern Hemisphere in 2025 occurred on Sunday, December 21, at 10:03 AM EST, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year as Earth’s North Pole tilts furthest from the Sun, beginning the astronomical winter and the slow return of daylight.
Many ancient people believed that the sun was a god and that winter came every year because the sun god had become sick and weak. They celebrated the winter solstice because it meant that, at last, the sun god would begin to get well. Evergreen boughs reminded them of all the green plants that would grow again when the sun god was strong and summer would return.
Celebrations of light and joy abound throughout the area… all culminating in the upcoming New Year’s celebration. As with most everything, Boston has a storied past celebrating the winter holidays.. Not all fun and games for the Puritans! It was really the German immigrants and Queen Victoria who ushered in the modern Christmas tree traditions. For a look back, from outlawed celebrations, to claims of paganism, rowdy carollers, to the modern light-hearted approach.. Here’s a link to New England Historical Society: We Won’t Go Until We Get Some: New England Colonial Christmas Traditions.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Thursday, December 25th is Christmas Day, a city Holiday City Hall is closed, please check with individual offices and businesses for local closures and schedules.
HOLIDAY EVENTS
Holiday Lights abound! Check out this list from the City’s Parks & Rec dept, and brighten your nights…from the Common, to the waterfront, up to Charlesgate, it’s getting festive!
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.
Fenway Community Center on 1/14, and Morville House, 100 Norway St.on 1/28
A quiet week while the winter weather catches us in the Fenway.
Enjoy these photos from the Fenway Tree lighting – with thanks to Mayor Wu and our Fenway representatives and thank you all for joining us!
We are grateful to our partners at Samuels & Associates, to Fenway Community Center, Wally, Tessie, and the Boston Red Sox, and to all sponsors, partners, and generous volunteers who helped make this event a success.
This Wednesday is the last Fenway Cares food distribution for 2025 – operations will resume January 14th. Please remember FENWAY CARES as you consider charitable causes – this all-volunteer program is entering its 7th year, providing over 10,000 boxes of fresh fruits and vegetables to neighbors and preventative clinic services through the MGB Community Care team every year. Funding is a constant challenge. Follow this link to the Fenway Cares page, scroll down to see the food distribution donation options. Thank you!
Holiday Lights abound, with cocoa and carols at New Edgerly Plaza! Check out this list from the City’s Parks & Rec dept, and brighten your nights…from the Common, to the waterfront, up to Charlesgate, it’s getting festive!
Fenway Civic Association 