Dear Members and Friends:
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 speech https://vimeo.com/35177221
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the midst at the March on Washington – Saint Louis Art Museum
THE WEEK AHEAD
Monday, January 19, Martin Luther King Jr. Day- federal holiday
For local events commemorating MLK’s legacy and contributions to society:
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.
2026 Day of Celebration in Honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Announced | Boston.gov noon, at Boston University. The event will be live-streamed on Boston.gov.
(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.
THE NATION’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY
Revolution never gets old! On July 4th, 2026, the USA will celebrate it’s 250th Anniversary.There are plenty of activities throughout Boston: https://www.boston.gov/boston-250, and throughout the state: https://massachusetts250.org/events/
Revolution! 250 Years of Art & Activism in Boston – art exhibit at BPL The exhibit runs to April 21, 2026. Free, open to all – check out bpl.org for visitor info.
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
MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions.
Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:
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.
How to Participate
Meeting ID: 160 611 0835
Registration Link: bosplans.org/TuftsIMP-PublicMeet
HEALTH & SAFETY
FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Jan 28
Fenway Cares Food Distribution 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!
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.
Boston Police D4 Community News eMail Add your email to the list
See you around!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 