Dear Members and Friends:
Happy Holidays! We’re looking forward to winter celebrations. To start, clear some room in your closet and donate some winter clothing at the FCC (dates below). On Wednesday morning, join the ribbon-cutting celebration for Phase 2 of the Muddy River Restoration project by the Duck House. Later that day, there’s the Fenway Cares Food Distribution. Want to give some joy to the community and meet & greet your neighbors? We need some volunteers to sign on by Nov. 30 to help us distribute some good cheer (complimentary food and beverages) at the Fenway Annual Tree Lighting on Dec 6 (see below).
If you’re out and about, check the T disruptions info first to plan your trip:
MBTA DISRUPTIONS! Click here to see Green Line Disruptions and alternatives this week. Green Line Downtown: No trains between North Station and Kenmore, November 27 – December 5. Click here to read the full notice regarding disruptions and alternative routes, including shuttles and free bus lines.
For upcoming events, please read on….
THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday, Nov 29, 11:00 a.m. Ribbon-cutting ceremony for Phase 2 of the Muddy River Restoration Project will take place at the Duck House on Agassiz Road. Learn about the project here.
The Restoration Project was done in two phases. Phase 1 involved daylighting a section of the River near the Landmark Center in Boston, where Our Muddy had been buried for decades under a large parking lot. Phase 1 work was completed in 2016 and is now the site of the Justine Mee Liff Park.
Phase 2 began in 2020, and will be completed in 2023 with the handoff of maintenance responsibilities from the US Army Corps to the non-federal sponsors. Phase 2 involved dredging and ecosystem restoration from Leverett Pond in Brookline to Charlesgate in Boston.
With safety in mind, temporary construction fencing was installed to ensure protected work sites for the contractors and their equipment. Fences will be removed and full pedestrian access will be restored in phases as the landscaping in each area is completed. Celebrate this great accomplishment at the Phase 2 Ribbon Cutting event!
WINTER CLOTHING DRIVE (ongoing through December 21st)
This year, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission and the Fenway Civic Association, the Fenway Community Center will host a Winter Clothing Drive. Please bring new or clean, gently worn clothing and shoes – new warm winter clothing is especially encouraged. New undergarments and socks will also be accepted.
Drop off at FCC, 1282 Boylston Street (enter on Jersey Street):
Monday and Tuesdays 11/27 & 11/28 through 12/19 @ 12-4pm
Thursdays from 11/30 through 12/21 @ 12-7pm
Saturdays from 12/2 through 12/16 @ 10am-12pm
Wednesday, Nov 29, 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares – Food Distribution
Upcoming Dates (3:30 p.m. start – as supplies last)
WEST FENWAY: 11/29 | 12/13 (Home deliveries*except below)
EAST FENWAY: 12/6 (*Home deliveries for Morville House and Church Park) https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/food-distributions/
To ensure that we can provide food to all who need it, choose one site only – either East Fenway or West Fenway – to pick up food and to follow the site dates indicated below. Note: pick up at either location is not available to those who sign up for delivery. We thank everyone for this cooperation!
West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street (enter at Jersey Street), every other Wednesday: November 29, Dec. 13 etc.
East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road, every other Wednesday: December 6, 20 etc.
Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! To sign up, visit our Fenway Cares Volunteer Sign up Form
To learn more, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.
Thursday, Nov 30 – Volunteer Sign Up for the Dec 6 Tree Lighting
The Fenway Civic Association isseeking volunteers to help support this popular event. Help is needed for: event set-up, serving refreshments, welcoming and engaging with neighbors, and/or wayfinding support. Volunteers will be rewarded with a gift card! There’s always incredible energy in the neighborhood on tree-lighting day, and participating is a wonderful way to spread holiday cheer alongside community members. If you are interested in participating, please respond to this form by November 30th. Bring a friend!
UPCOMING
Wednesday, December 6, the Annual Fenway Tree Lighting
Tis the season! Every December, it’s become tradition for the Fenway neighborhood to come together to kick off the holiday season at theFenway Tree Lighting. Music, lights, neighbors and brief remarks from our elected officials starts the festive eve, then stroll on over to 401 Park for a free-skate, get some hot drinks and wonderful waffles! Fun for all. (see flyer)
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season!
Monday, December 11, 6:00 PM – 7:30 p.m., The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting for the proposed 142-146 St. Mary’s Street residential building project in Fenway.
The Proposed Project will include the construction of a new approximately 91,000 gross square foot development, which will include six stories, 90 residential units, and parking. The meeting will include a presentation followed by Q&A.
How to Participate
Register in advance:
Meeting ID: 161 031 5006
Toll-Free Call-in Number: 833.568.8864
Boston Symphony Orchestra – free Community Chamber Concerts – starting in January
Check out the BSO’s community chamber concert page to see a series of free concerts at various locations including the Fenway Center, 77 St Stephen St, Boston, MA 02115. Follow this link to view the list of concerts, click on the performance you want to see, then click the Ticket button for your free tickets! There are multiple dates for daytime performances at the Fenway location through March.
ONGOING
Winter in The Fenway
The Rink 401 Park
M–F: 3–9PM SAT: 11AM–10PM SUN: 11AM–8PM
The Fenway Tree Farm
OPEN DAILY: 9 AM – 9 PM @ 1400 BOYLSTON STREET
Muddy River Restoration Project Check the website for more information: www.muddyrivermmoc.org
DEVELOPMENT LINKS for BPDA – PROJECTS
Visit BPDA’s website to see details on development projects. You can search by neighborhood, and by Project/Plan Status.
“Letters of Intent” 645 Beacon Street
“Under Review”: 409 Huntington Avenue, 2 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street, 1400 Boylston Street, and in neighboring Back Bay: Belvidere Student Housing (converting Sheraton Hotel south tower into student dormitory)
“Board Approved” are clear to proceed – currently listing TEN projects
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 