Dear Members and Friends:
FCA continues to plant in the Fens…on Thursday, October 23rd, we helped plant two trees at the Victory Gardens together with the Parks Department as a final Year of the Tree activity. These American Hophornbeam trees (Ostra Virginian) are also known as “Ironwood”, an under-represented species in the Fenway. The new hophornbeams add diversity to the existing tree species in the Fens, and offer some protection from diseases that can decimate a single species monoculture. Let’s keep it growing!
November is upon us, the clocks fell back, the leaves are leaving and the weather is cooling; supermoons abound, events are moving indoors, cold and flu season is starting, and the heat is on! Election day is Tuesday, and the holidays are just around the corner. A lot going on! Nevermind we saw baseball in November and are now over 30 days into a government shutdown!
As the national government shut down continues, millions of Americans are either out of work or forced to work without pay, uncertain about their healthcare benefits, facing closures at national parks, monuments and museums, and possible suspension of important programs such as Headstart childcare and food programs. Traffic Controllers are pushed past their limits as the nation’s busiest travel day approaches.
Need help because of the Federal Govt shutdown?
Senator Elizabeth Warren: Help with a Federal Agency | Senator Warren
Senator Ed Markey: Help with Federal Agencies | Senator Markey
Rep Ayanna Pressley: Help with a Federal Agency – Ayanna Pressley
SNAP benefits are freezing on November 1 – need assistance?
City of Boston websites for information on the Snap Benefits Alert for November 1 and available resources: Boston Resources in lieu of SNAP
State of Massachusetts is working closely with community partners to support residents who are impacted by the SNAP benefits freeze. Check this state website if you need coverage for SNAP benefits or wish to donate to food assistance: https://www.mass.gov/president-trump-is-freezing-snap-benefits-on-november-1
Healthcare News:
Medicare open enrollment period is now through DEC 7. Age Strong is hosting over twenty Open Enrollment clinics across Boston to assist older adults in choosing the best healthcare and prescription drug plan to meet their needs. Trained SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) counselors will help residents find the best coverage for the least cost. Older adults are encouraged to schedule an appointment for these events or make an appointment for another time, by calling Age Strong at 617-635-4366. You can find Full info and multi-language flyers here. Fenway/Kenmore clinic on November 12th, 10:30am – 3:30pm, at the FCC.
Extended healthcare options from FENWAY CARES:
*!NEW!* Fenway Cares has a new offering: the FIT testing for colon cancer; and the clinic has flu and covid-19 vaccines. Please note: services are offered to all, not just those with insurance or identification.
The current offerings include:
-Blood pressure testing and hypertension management
-Blood glucose and A1C testing
-Diabetes management
-Flu and COVID-19 vaccines
-Colon cancer screening and navigation
-Resource referral (for social needs – food, housing, transportation, etc.)
See clinic dates and locations below in the ONGOING section.
THE WEEK AHEAD
Tuesday, November 4, City of Boston Municipal Election (7AM-8PM). We have an open seat to fill for Boston City Council District 7 (East Fens)
Please review the candidates’ websites: Miniard Culpepper, and Said Coach Ahmed to help you make an informed decision. For more details on the election, visit: Election | Boston.gov
Saturday, Nov 8, noon-3pm Boston’s Veterans Day Parade. Presented By City of Boston’s Office of Veterans Services. The Parade will begin at Boston Public Library on Boylston Street and march to the corner of Park and Tremont St and end at 1 City Hall Plaza. This is a new and exciting parade designed to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and their families, as well as a thank you to all who continue to serve.
Saturday-Sunday, Nov 8 & 9, 11 AM – 5 PM, 2025 Fenway Open Studios at 30 Ipswich Street. Visit and explore Boston’s Historic Fenway Studios, meet the artists and experience their creative processes at the annual Fall Open Studios! learn more here!
Sunday, Nov 9, *7:30-11am, BAA Half Marathon – from White Stadium to the Fenway via Riverway and back: Streets and roadways which comprise the Half course will be closed to vehicular traffic on race morning from approximately *7:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. The timing of the reopening of the roads will be decided by Boston Police and Massachusetts State Police.
UPCOMING & ONGOING
City of Boston Holidays:
Tuesday, November 11 – Veterans Day (check this site for a list of Veterans Day events, including the Boston Parade on Saturday, November 8th)
Thursday, November 27 – Thanksgiving
- City offices, Boston Public Libraries, and BCYF Community Centers are closed.
- Parking meters are free with no time limit.
- Daytime street cleaning is canceled, but overnight street cleaning is on a normal schedule.
- Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week. To check your schedule, Trash Day app.
ARTS & CULTURE
Saturday, Nov 8, 7-8:30 pm, Opening Reception for the 52nd Anniversary, “A Spot of Beauty” group exhibition. At Kaji Aso Studio This event is free and open to the public. You are encouraged to RSVP by emailing: administrator@kajiasostudio.com
Gardner Museum hosts Free First Thursdays every month: Thursdays at the Gardner Advance registration is encouraged for free timed entry tickets for Museum general admission. Registration opens two weeks before the event for the general public and four weeks in advance for members.
*NEW* Museum of Fine Arts MFA $5 entry Third Thursdays – 5pm – 10pm, next event November 20th. More info at mfa $5 entry 3rd Thursday eves
New England Conservatory of Music– Performances + Events – NECMusic
TRANSPORTATION & DEVELOPMENT
MBTA: Visit the MBTA shutdowns 2025 site for full info on service disruptions.
The Bowker Overpass project: follow progress on the project page.
DEVELOPMENT NEWS by status: “Under Review”: “Board Approved”:
Samuels & Associates Buys 2 Charlesgate property at Sept. 16 auction – Along with the property, they have the right to build a highly contested siteplan approved last year by the BRA, a 28-story tower with 400 compact apartments. The parcel, known as Two Charlesgate East, once housed the low-rise Trans National Travel building. reported in the October Fenway News.
HEALTH & SAFETY
Free Vaccine Clinics in Boston. No appointment necessary, walk-ins welcome. Staff will ask for your insurance and identification card, but insurance and identification are not required. If you have a health insurance card, please bring it with you. Check the website for dates and locations.
FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – next date: 11/5
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.
Fenway Community Center on 11/5 / Morville House, 100 Norway Street on 11/19
Boston Police D4 Community News eMail for local event details, public announcements, and safety bulletins. Add your email to the list
See you around!
Fenway Civic Association
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
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Fenway Civic Association 