Dear Members and Friends:
This week, the nation mourns the loss of the 39th US President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2024 at the age of 100.
1924-2024
39th President of the United States
“America and the world lost an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” as well as a man of “great character and courage, hope and optimism.”
“With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us. He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe” – President Joe Biden
President Biden has declared January 9 a National Day of Mourning and called on “people of the world who share our grief to join us in this solemn observance.”
“In our democracy, the only title higher and more powerful than that of president is the title of citizen. It is every citizen’s right and duty to help shape the future legacy of our nation.”
-Jimmy Carter Op-ed, December 8, 2016
For more information on the life and legacy of Jimmy Carter, visit The Carter Center website, and view the Official Jimmy Carter Tribute Schedule.
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THE WEEK AHEAD
Wednesday, January 8, noon Boston City Council Meeting at City Hall (ways to watch or attend)– BOSTON CITY COUNCIL: On Friday, December 6, Tania Fernandes Anderson, City Councilor District 7, was arrested on federal public corruption charges. The Councilor plead not guilty, announced she has no plans to resign, and attended the last council meeting of 2024 on December 11th. Councilors Flynn, Fitzgerald and Murphy offered an order for a hearing to establish an ethics committee at the Boston City Council, the offer was tabled until the next meeting on January 8, 2025 at noon.
Thursday, January 9, 2024 – National Day of Mourning
Official state funeral to be held in Washington D.C. for James Earl Carter, Jr., 39th President of the United States.
Friday, January 10, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m., Fenway-Kenmore Liaison Office Hours at Newsfeed Cafe, 700 Boylston Street
Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Mission Hill and Fenway-Kenmore Coffee Hours are hosted by your neighborhood liaison, Maccon Bonner.
LAST CHANCE to dispose of (compost) your Christmas tree – place your tree (without lights, ornaments or tinsel) either curbside or next to your normal trash/dumpster pickup location THIS WEEK. See the city trash schedule here.
UPCOMING
BOSTON FAMILY DAYS – FREE ADMISSION TO MUSEUMS (AND MORE) STARTS JAN 5TH, 2025
Experience the power of art and realize the importance of access for everyone. REGISTER HERE.
Please take a moment to read some essential tips for experiencing Boston Family Days:
- On Boston Family Days, all Boston school-aged children and two of their guests will gain free admission to participating institutions.
- Boston Family Days take place on the first two Sundays of each month from January 2025 to December 2026.
- The first two dates are Sunday, January 5 and Sunday, January 12.
- To participate, families must sign up directly with the City of Boston. The City will then send them a Program pass the week before their selected date. Families are encouraged to pre-register and reserve tickets online.
- Boston Public Schools or Boston Pre-K students will be automatically enrolled in this program. BPS families will receive their Boston Family Days pass directly via email from BPS.
- Participating institutions include:
- Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
- Boston Children’s Museum
- Franklin Park Zoo
- Institute of Contemporary Art
- John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum
- Museum of African American History
- Museum of Fine Arts
- Museum of Science
- New England Aquarium
- REGISTER HERE. For questions, email bostonfamilydays@boston.gov
City of Boston Holiday schedule – what’s open/closed etc.
Monday, January 20 – Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
The year 2025 will mark the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution. The Mass Historical Society is kicking off the celebration with a gala in March. Making History Gala, Tuesday, March 11, 2025 | 6:00 PM. Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston. Learn more at www.masshist.org/gala.
ONGOING
Mondays, 9-10 a.m., Age Strong Chair Yoga (virtual) Join the City of Boston sponsored free virtual class. Repeats weekly through June 16, 2025.
Boston Parks and Recreation Fitness Series
Check this site for a wide variety of free offerings! Get Fit, Enjoy your parks!
Arts Offerings – we’re fortunate to live amidst world-class cultural offerings… find your bliss at any one of these events:
New England Conservatory NEC (here’s just one of many of their concerts):
Boston Conservatory: https://bostonconservatory.berklee.edu/events/music
ISGM First Thursdays: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/free-first-thursday-january-2025
Discounts at the MFA: https://www.mfa.org/visit/free-and-discounted-admission
FCC programs: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/calendar/month/2025-01/
Kaji Aso Studio: https://www.kajiasostudio.com
For a citywide listing of cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar.
FENWAY CARES
Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution
*no distribution on Jan 1st – Next date: 1/15 – at 2 locations:
West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)
East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road
Volunteers are welcome to sign up for all dates and both locations! Volunteer
MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m. on Fenway Cares dates, East Fenway, in Morville House, 100 Norway Street. Offerings may include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19, flu, and pneumonia vaccines.
We’ll be back next week with a more local focus, meanwhile, we wish you a very good New Year.
From your friends at
Fenway Civic Association 