Archive for May, 2023
Annual Rose Garden Picnic
Posted in Uncategorized on May 31, 2023|
The week ahead – jumping into June
Posted in Uncategorized on May 31, 2023|
Dear Members and Friends,
As we head out of May, June promises a host of Fenway activities – from the Mayor’s Fenway Coffee Hours to the Rose Garden picnic, Porchfest, and more. Get a pen and mark your calendars!:
1. June 1, Free First Thursdays at the Gardner Museum
This June, Revel in Pride at the Gardner – a series of events and programs are part of First Thursday from 3-9 p.m. To reserve a spot and learn more, visit: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/june-free-first-thursday
2. June 6, Jay Livingstone Office Hours, 70 Burbank Street/Fenway CDC office 10-11 a.m.
3. June 10, Fenway Porchfest, 12 noon – 4:30 p.m.
Walk the Fenway and listen to great music across the neighborhood!
To learn more, visit www.fenwayporchfest.org
4. June 10, Kaji Aso Studio 2023 Concert Series presents The Formosa Duo, 7 p.m., 40 St. Stephen Street
Enjoy free music at the Kaji Aso Studio featuring Chen Ch Wu, pianist, and Sam Ou, cellist
To learn more, visit: https://www.kajiasostudio.com/
5. June 12, Virtual Public Meeting, Fenway Corners, 6 p.m.
Join neighbors at this public meeting to learn about supplemental filings associated with the WS Fenway Corners Project. To learn more or to submit your comments visit https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/06/12/fenway-corners-public-meeting
6. June 13, Mayor Wu’s Coffee Hour 9:30 – 10:30 a.m., Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly RoadMayor 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. Dunkin’ will be on-site to fuel the local community with freshly brewed Iced Coffee and assorted treats. In addition, each family in attendance will receive a free flowering plant provided by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, while supplies last. To learn more, visit:
https://www.boston.gov/calendar/neighborhood-coffee-hours-fenwaykenmore
The Week Ahead
Posted in Uncategorized on May 24, 2023|
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)
The week ahead
Posted in Uncategorized on May 15, 2023|
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.gov. May 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 Wednesday. Volunteers 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 Avenue, 1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market), 2 Charlesgate West
APPROVED Longwood Place 305 Brookline Avenue
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
The Week Ahead
Posted in Uncategorized on May 8, 2023|
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:
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 Wednesday. Volunteers 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 Avenue, 1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market), 2 Charlesgate West
APPROVED Longwood Place 305 Brookline Avenue
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhoodDear Members and Friends:
The Week Ahead
Posted in Uncategorized on May 2, 2023|
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:
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
REVIEW
1400 Boylston Street (Fenway Star Market)
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 Wednesday. Volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8
Next date: Wednesday, May 10 – 3:30 p.m.
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhoodDear Members and Friends:
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