Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

Care for our parks! You can participate in two important discussions this week: Tuesday, Back Bay Fens Park Pathways meeting; and Wednesday morning, the BPDA votes on the Longwood development project. 

Boston has an impressive cultural legacy of landscape development, starting in 1634 with The Boston Common, through the 1800s landfill creating the Back Bay Fens, followed by the Olmsted designed Franklin Park and Emerald Necklace. The 20th century saw its share of struggles with urban renewal, protection issues, and one of the nation’s most ambitious projects, the “Big Dig” resulting in revitalization of the waterfront and seaport, and renewed focus on the importance of ‘greenways.’ With future developments looming, it is past due for legislation to protect our public parklands; to prohibit private developments from encroaching on the viability, preservation and legacy of the parks we have so painstakingly created. We call on the City of Boston to prohibit excessive shadows on public parklands.

As we near the end of Women’s History Month, we reflect on the state of women in Boston today. Women are breaking into top political offices, however, there is still a long way to go towards women’s equality in economics, health-care, and civil rights. In a letter dated March 31,1776, Abigail Adams wrote to her husband: “remember the ladies”.

And get ready for the “boys of summer”… Red Sox home opener this Thursday!

For upcoming meetings and more, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Tuesday, March 28 6-7:30 p.m.  BBF pathway meeting – #4 https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-4 Parks and Recreation presents alternative designs for the Back Bay Fens Pathway project- join an online presentation with Q&A session, follow link to register.

2. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m.  Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable. As this project moves forward, it is imperative to put in place a restriction on new shadows cast on parklands. Send your comments by email to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for the meeting on Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

3. Wednesday, March 29 – 2-5 p.m. Free vaccine and blood pressure screening clinic at Fenway Cares, Symphony Community Park

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/content/dam/mgb-global/en/patient-care/services-and-specialties/community-care-van/Community-Care-Van-Schedule.pdf  A Community Care Van will be in your community providing free blood pressure screenings and Covid-19 resources. The mobile clinic  welcomes everyone, including those who do not have insurance, and does not ask about immigration status.

4. Wednesday, March 29 – 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

5. Saturday, April 1 – 10 a.m.- noon East Fenway Tree mulching with FCA and Northeastern, Westland Avenue

Please join neighbors and Northeastern student volunteers for NU’s annual event to beautify an area designated by local community organizations. This year’s clean-up includes East Fenway Tree mulching! The Breakfast Club is lead by NU students for 12 Sundays, beautifying Mission Hill, Fenway, and Roxbury. This year over 120 students volunteered. Please join the effort and sign-up here two hours.- (Please select Westland Avenue- Fenway) We look forward to students and residents community-building during this civic project.  Questions? Reach out to Mallory Pernaa, Director of Off Campus Engagement and Support at m.pernaa@northeastern.edu.

SAVE THE DATES

1. Saturday, April 15, Day of Volunteer Service and Acts of Kindness– One Boston Day honors those forever impacted on April 15, 2013 and recognizes the greatest strength of this City—our people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

2. Saturday, April 22 Earth Day 2023 -2023 Muddy River Cleanup

10:00 am – 12:00 pm

The Muddy River Cleanup is a part of the Annual Earth Day Charles River Cleanup; this event takes place throughout the Charles River Watershed and builds on a national effort as part of American Rivers’ National River Cleanup® which, to date, has removed over 25 million pounds of trash from America’s waterways. Click here to register yourself, or a group.

3. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

Red Sox Season Opener: Thursday, March 30 2:10 pm

Click here to see the Red Sox schedule, printable calendar

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. 

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

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

Kenzie Bok 

Virtual office hours 

or call the councilor’s office at 617-635-4225 to place your request.

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, April 28^th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, April 12 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Spring in the Fenway is full of possibilities —

Want some one-on-one time with your elected representatives? See the Office Hours section below.

On Monday, walk the walk! Get an on-site perspective of what shadows could do to the Emerald Necklace if the current Longwood Place development proposal is put through without shadow restrictions.

We’re looking forward to seeing you Wednesday night at the Fenway Civic Association’s 61st Annual Meeting. We’ve got a lot to celebrate; catch up on what we’ve done, and what we can do collectively.

Women’s History Month –  honoring Fenway green space heroines:

We all know of Isabella Stewart Gardner, but did you know of these two fascinating women with Fenway ties whose social activism legacies impact us today?:

Eugenie “Genie” Beal (1921-2013) The first chair of Boston’s Conservation Commission and one of the city’s most successful advocates for preserving open spaces. “Genie Beal was the mother of green space in the City of Boston,” said Mayor Thomas M. Menino. 

Justine Mee Liff (1947-2002) Boston’s former Parks Commissioner was a dynamo whose vision, leadership, and dedication ignited restoration and enhancement of the historic Olmsted-designed Emerald Necklace parks. Party in the Park celebrates the woman and the legacy, while raising dedicated funds; so Justine to bring it all together!

For upcoming meetings and more, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Monday, March 20 4-5 p.m. Spring Equinox “Walk-shop” ENC shadows Meet at the Terrace between TimeOut Market and Trillium pavilion at 401 Park Drive (formerly the Landmark Center)  Rain date: 4pm, Tuesday, March 21. Please join us for a spring-equinox WALK-SHOP* to examine the extent of new shadow cast on the Emerald Necklace parks by the proposed Longwood Place development (305 Brookline Avenue). We’ll have local experts along to explain historic and environmental impacts of the shadow on the park and notable landmarks along the way. Our walk-shop will take less than an hour. Please call or text (617) 794-9860 for more information or with questions. Sponsored by a coalition of community and park advocates, including Fenway Civic Association and the Fenway Garden Society. (See flyer)

2. Wednesday, March 22nd 6-8 PM Fenway Civic Association Annual meeting, 1325 Boylston Street (the VanNess building), 10th Floor 
An in-person event, hosted by the FCA  and welcoming elected officials and the community. Come, celebrate our achievements and find out how we can collectively improve our future. Enter 1325 lobby to the left of Eventide restaurant. Parking available at Van Ness garage, entrance on Richard B. Ross Way. (See flyer)

3. Thursday, March 23 6-7:30 p.m. BBF Pathway meeting- Victory Gardens  https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-victory-garden-design-meeting Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for an online presentation on pathway redesign planning for the Victory Gardens with a question and answer session afterward. Follow link to register.

SAVE THE DATES

1. Tuesday, March 28 6-7:30 p.m. BBF pathway meeting – #4 https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-4 Parks and Recreation presents alternative designs for the Back Bay Fens Pathway project- join an online presentation with Q&A session, follow link to register.

2. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m. Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing Community members gathered Feb 27th to discuss our concerns, before the BZC hearing scheduled on March 1st. However, the meeting was postponed to 3/29. We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable, and ask the City take a hard look at how the City will protect our public lands. If you wish to send comments by email, send to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

3. Saturday, April 9 a.m.-2 p.m.  – Wentworth campus master plan charrette at the Tobin Community Center, 1481 Tremont Street. The purpose of this charrette is to help create the vision for Wentworth’s next 10-year Institutional Master Plan. “We have always believed that we achieve better results by including the community in the planning process.”-Wentworth. Breakfast and lunch will be served. RSVP to: Senaj@wit.edu

4. Saturday, April 15, Day of Volunteer Service and Acts of Kindness– One Boston Day honors those forever impacted on April 15, 2013 and recognizes the greatest strength of this City—our people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

5. Wednesday April 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

Saturday, Mar 25 – Free Dental services for kids!

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine’s Give Kids a Smile Day (GKAS) is back in-person and will take place on Saturday, March 25 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tufts University’s Health Sciences Campus in Chinatown. GKAS, a fun activity-filled day for kids and families, is a free community event that is open to all. flyer Translations are available here. Pre-registration for the event is required and can be found here. (See flyer)

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. 

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

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

Kenzie Bok 

In-Person Fenway office hours 

Monday, March 20 4-6 pm 

at Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop (12 Westland Ave, Boston)

Reserve a time slot at https://calendly.com/councilor-kenziebok/office-hours-bok or call the councilor’s office at 617-635-4225 to place your request. Virtual office hours will also be held the following week on Wednesday March 29 at 4:00PM.  

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, March 24^th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, March 29 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

This week, it’s about life science building designs, health, food security and transport moves.

Next week, we finally get to meet again, in-person, please note:

The FCA invites you to the Fenway Civic Association’s 61st Annual Meeting, Wednesday, March 22nd. Let’s work together to create a vibrant, equitable and resilient Fenway neighborhood for all. Join us! 

Volunteers are urgently needed for Fenway Cares food distributions; Please consider a one-time or ongoing commitment. Volunteer at: https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8 

Women’s History Month – Monumental Fenway connections:

We all know of Isabella Stewart Gardner, but did you know of these two fascinating women with Fenway ties whose social activism legacies impact us today?:

Ellen Cheney Johnson (1829-1899) funded the Westland Gate as a memorial to her husband. Her own groundbreaking work on social justice and prison reform was internationally recognized – did you know that women and children were imprisoned alongside men until Ellen Cheney Johnson pushed for reforms?

Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) is memorialized with a bronze plaque on Agassiz Road as author of “America the Beautiful”, which she wrote at the turn of the 20th century. Bates was a fierce social activist, with a rich intellectual life and was a full professor at Wellesley in 1890s!

For more current news and activity, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Tuesday, March 14 – 6-7:30 p.m.  Life Science Design Guidelines Public Meeting https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/14/life-science-design-guidelines-public-meeting . 

These design guidelines form part of a larger BPDA effort to address recent growth of the life science industry. The draft document will be posted to the Life Science Design Guidelines page after the meeting. (This meeting will present the same material as the public meeting on February 28.) Follow the top link to register.

2. Wednesday, March 15 – 2-5 p.m. Free vaccine and blood pressure screening clinic at Fenway Cares, Symphony Community Park

https://www.massgeneralbrigham.org/content/dam/mgb-global/en/patient-care/services-and-specialties/community-care-van/Community-Care-Van-Schedule.pdf  A Community Care Van will be in your community providing free blood pressure screenings and Covid-19 resources. The mobile clinic  welcomes everyone, including those who do not have insurance, and does not ask about immigration status.

3. Wednesday, March 15 -3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares Food Distribution

FCC and Symphony Park, volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8 

4. Thursday, March 16 – 6 p.m. Symphony Station Open House

Symphony Towers West, 333 Massachusetts Avenue

The Green Line Transformation team is hosting a public meeting for the Symphony Station relocation of utilities in the community room at Symphony Towers West. Join the MBTA in an interactive, open-room format to learn about the latest news and details on the relocation of utilities planned for the Symphony Station Accessibility Improvements project, anticipated to begin in 2024. Relocating utilities in this area is an integral first phase of this accessibility project. Utilities To Be Relocated Include: • Eversource Electric, Comcast CATV, Verizon Telephone, MBTA Power, National Grid Gas, Extenet Internet, Crown Castle Internet, BWSC Water and Drain and more. Meeting details will be posted at https://www.mbta.com/projects/symphony-station-accessibility-improvements

SAVE THE DATES

1. Wednesday, March 22nd 6-8 PM Fenway Civic Association Annual meeting, 1025 Boylston Street, 10th Floor Fenway Civic’s Annual Meeting will be an in-person event, hosted by the FCA welcoming elected officials and the community. Come, celebrate our achievements and find out how we can collectively improve our future. See flyer attached.

2. Wednesday, March 22 6-7:30 p.m. BBF Pathway meeting- Victory Gardens  https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-victory-garden-design-meeting Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for an online presentation on pathway redesign planning for the Victory Gardens with a question and answer session afterward. Follow link to register.

3. Tuesday, March 28 6-7:30 p.m. BBF pathway meeting – #4 https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-4 Parks and Recreation presents alternative designs for the Back Bay Fens Pathway project- join an online presentation with Q&A session, follow link to register.

4. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m. Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing Community members gathered Feb 27th to discuss our concerns, before the BZC meeting on March 1st. However, the meeting was postponed to 3/29. We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable, and ask the City take a hard look at how the City will protect our public lands. If you wish to send comments by email, send to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

5. Wednesday Apr 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

Westland Ave. Parking change notice

Three resident permit parking spaces on Westland Avenue shifted to the inbound side to create a 15-minute active pick-up/delivery zone at Whole Foods. See flyer below for details.

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

Please call (617) 635-5348 or email animalcontrol@boston.gov with any questions about the licensing process or to update your information in the database. 

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

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

Kenzie Bok 

In-Person Fenway office hours 

Monday, March 20 4-6 pm 

at Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop (12 Westland Ave, Boston)

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, March 24^th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, March 15 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Here are files from our Out of the Shadows presentation.

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

The FCA invites you to the Fenway Civic Association’s 61st Annual Meeting, Wednesday, March 22nd. Let’s work together to create a vibrant, equitable and resilient Fenway neighborhood for all. Join us! 

Zoning and development continue to dominate our attention. From 2004 through 2022 in West Fenway & Kenmore, over 2.3 million square feet of residential and 4.3 million square feet of commercial space were approved and/or completed. An additional 4.5 million square feet of mixed-use development is currently under review by the BPDA. We encourage all to participate in shaping our collective future. What is the future we wish to create? What is the legacy we will leave?

Volunteers urgently needed for Fenway Cares food distributions; Please consider a one-time or ongoing commitment. Volunteer at: https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8 

and Happy Women’s History Month! 

For this and more, see below:

The Week Ahead

1. Wednesday, March 8 – 6 p.m. Fenway Zoning meeting

Click here for detailed meeting info and to view recordings of previous meetings. Please join BPDA planning staff for a virtual public meeting focused on zoning in West Fenway: to review the established neighborhood planning context and community feedback received to date, and introduce draft recommendations for revisions to Article 66. Register in advance by clicking this link.

UPCOMING

2. Tuesday, March 14 – 6-7:30 p.m.  Life Science Design Guidelines Public Meeting https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/14/life-science-design-guidelines-public-meeting

3. Wednesday, March 15 – 2-5 p.m. Free vaccine and blood pressure screening clinic at Fenway Cares, Symphony Community Park

Click to access Community-Care-Van-Schedule.pdf

SAVE THE DATES

1. Wednesday, March 22nd 6-8 PM Fenway Civic Association Annual meeting Fenway Civic Annual Meeting. Come, celebrate our achievements and find out how we can collectively improve our future. See flyer attached.

2. Wednesday, March 29 – 9:00 a.m. Boston Zoning Commission Hearing to vote on Longwood Place proposal; and 9:15 a.m. on Map Amendment

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/03/29/zoning-commission-hearing Community members gathered Feb 27th to discuss our concerns, before the BZC meeting on March 1st. However, the meeting was postponed to 3/29. We support development that is resilient, equitable and sustainable, and ask the City take a hard look at how the City will protect our public lands. If you wish to send comments by email, send to ZoningCommission@boston.gov or by post to 1 City Hall Square, 9th Floor, Boston, MA 02201.

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZC_Mar2023_1

3. Wednesday Apr 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

The Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston.

FREE ARTS EVENTS AT KAJI ASO STUDIO

Saturday, March 4th at 7:00pm SPRING DREAMS group art painting exhibition opens with video by Takahiro Miyao and music by Mikiko Sato. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

Saturday, March 11th at 7:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Remembrance Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

Sunday, April 9th at 2:00pm CONCERT at KAJI ASO STUDIO

Spring Concert: SUMIE KANEKO, koto and shamisen. This event is free. Complete info at: www.kajiasostudio.com

RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com

KAJI ASO STUDIO announces its 2023 International Haiku Contest

Submissions and payments are due by April 15, 2023 More info: www.kajiasostudio.com  This event is supported in part by the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. 

NOTICES

DCR Traffic Advisory: Boylston Street & Park Drive Rolling Closures  Monday, March 6, 2023, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) will implement rolling, single-lane closures of Boylston Street (both directions) from the Bowker Overpass to Brookline Avenue and Park Drive from 9 AM to 4 PM for pothole repair work. Traffic patterns will be clearly marked, and a police detail will be on site.   

Westland Ave. Parking change notice

Three resident permit parking spaces on Westland Avenue shifted to the inbound side to create a 15-minute active pick-up/delivery zone at Whole Foods. See flyer below for details.

Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st

The Boston Tax Help Coalition is providing free tax preparation services to residents making $60,000 or less a year 

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

Kenzie Bok 

In-Person Fenway office hours 

Monday, March 20 4-6 pm 

at Oakleaf Cakes Bake Shop (12 Westland Ave, Boston)

Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services 

Friday, March 24^th 10-11 AM 

Coffee Hour, Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. 

Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

ONGOING

Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Wednesday, March 15 – 3:30 p.m.  Need food? Fenway Cares distributes fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/. Repeats every-other Wednesday. volunteers needed! https://forms.gle/mqo5YoxbmhcL9Ckm8

Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

Thursday April 6

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

The Week Ahead 

1. Ongoing: Zoom Mondays with senator Will Brownsberger – 4-5:30 p.m.

Do you want to raise a personal concern or advocate for an issue with your state senator? Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter. Appointments are available on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

2. Monday, February 27th 6-8 p.m. “Out of the Shadows” – Longwood Place community meeting, Fenway Community Center

An in-person community meeting to discuss the Longwood Place project, its impacts on parkland, and what is ahead. We will discuss the proposal, desired amendments, and next steps on the project. This will be the first opportunity to meet in-person on this important development. Bring your ideas and a friend!

3. Wednesday March 1 – 3:30 p.m.  Fenway Cares – Food Distribution

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

Blood pressure screening and COVID-19 resources in your community

4. Wednesday March 2 – 5:00 p.m.  Mass General Brigham – Care Van at Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Rd 

A Community Care Van will be iproviding free blood pressure screenings and Covid-19 resources, including free vaccines. Services Provided: 

✓ Covid-19 Vaccines for ages 2 and older (Pfizer)

✓ Care kits (masks and information about local resources)

✓ Health care professionals available to answer questions about Covid-19 and the vaccine

✓ Blood pressure education

We welcome everyone, including those who do not have insurance. We do not ask about immigration status. 

5. Westland Ave. Parking change notice: effective immediately

Three resident permit parking spaces on the outbound side of Westland Avenue will be shifted to the inbound side in order to create a 15 minute active pick-up/delivery zone at the edge of the Whole Foods. See flyer below for details.

SAVE THE DATES:

1. Wednesday, March 22nd 6-8 PM Fenway Civic Association Annual meeting

Stay tuned for details!

2. Friday, March 24^th Coffee Hour with Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, 10-11 AM , Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

3. Thursday April 6 – Free First Thursdays – Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum 3-9 p.m.

registration required – RESERVE your free ticket online

https://www.gardnermuseum.org/experience/thursday-nights

4. Wednesday Apr 26 – 6 – 8:30 p.m. Muddy River MMOC 2023 Public Meeting, at the Boston Museum of Fine Arts. 

The story of the Muddy River Restoration Project Maintenance and Management Oversight Committee (the MMOC) is a shining example of citizen advocacy in Brookline and Boston. As the formal oversight body for the Project, the chair of the MMOC coordinates cabinet meetings and ensures smooth communication between public agencies. The MMOC also advocates for the interests of a variety of civic groups and advocacy organizations.

See you around!

FenwayCivic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

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Dear Members and Friends:

We wish everyone a restful long weekend. No development meetings this week, but the week ahead offers local activities such as the Boston Parks’ school vacation week activities, or February Vacation Week activities at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. 

And make sure to mark your calendars for a community meeting on February 27^th to discuss Longwood Place in advance of its zoning commission hearing on March 1st.

For this and more, see below:

1. Ongoing: Zoom Mondays with Will Brownsberger:Do you want to raise a personal concern or advocate for an issue with your state senator?Schedule an individual 15-minute online Zoom appointment with Senator Brownsberger to discuss a legislative or individual state-related matter. Appointments are available on Mondays between 4:00 and 5:30 p.m. Not sure who your legislator is? Visit: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

2. Friday, February 24^th Coffee Hour with Maggie Van Scoy, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, 10-11 AM , Pavement Coffee House, 1334 Boylston Street. Stop by with a question or to share a concern. You can reach Maggie by email at: margaret.vanscoy@boston.gov

EVENTS AND SAVE THE DATES:

1. February, 19-26 – Free Admission, Museum of African American History

Celebrate Black History Month at the Museum of African American History. The Red Sox Foundation is sponsoring free admission and tours during the February public school break. 

Reservations can be made by visiting maah.org – visit this link for more information.

2. Boston Parks School Vacation Week Activities: Take advantage of free family activities throughout the parks. To learn more, visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/parks-department-hosts-february-school-vacation-week-activities

3. Monday, February 27th 6-8 p.m. “Out of the Shadows” – Longwood Place community meeting, Fenway Community Center

Mark your calendars for an in-person community meeting to discuss the Longwood Place project, its impacts on parkland, and what is ahead. Bring your ideas and a friend!

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Dear Members and Friends:

We hope you have had a chance to enjoy Valentine’s Day weekend events in the Fenway. 

A busy week ahead brings back 2 discussions on Fenway’s zoning, a meeting on park pathways, food shares and much more. 

Make sure you reserve your visit to the Museum of African American History – with free admission 2/19-26 made possible by the Red Sox Foundation. 

Read about a new landlord initiative to support housing security. And be sure to mark February 27th on your calendar for an important community discussion on Longwood Place. 

For this and more, see below:

UPCOMING MEETINGS

1. Monday, February 13th, 6-8 pm Fenway zoning meeting with Kenzie Bok – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street

Join Councilor Bok and members of the BPDA to discuss Fenway zoning. Bring your comments and concerns – Fenway zoning was last updated through a robust multi-year community process led by the community. 

This zoning update is different – understanding who is making updates and why will be key to decisions that impact our entire neighborhood. 

To learn more about this meeting, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2023/02/13/fenway-zoning-public-meeting

2. Thursday, February 16th 6-8 p.m. Back Bay Fens Pathway meeting #3

Join the Boston Parks and Recreation Department for its 3rd public meeting regarding improvements to Back Bay Fens pathways.

These are your parks, so come and learn what is in store and share your vision! https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-3 

EVENTS AND SAVE THE DATES:

1. Wednesday, February 15th, 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares (East and West Fenway)

Need food? Fenway Cares will be distributing fresh produce, grains, and more at Fenway Community Center and Symphony Community Park. For more information or to sign up to volunteer, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenway-cares/.

2. February, 21-26 – Free Admission, Museum of African American History

Celebrate Black History Month at the Museum of African American History. The Red Sox Foundation is sponsoring free admission and tours during the February public school break. Reservations can be made by visiting maah.org – visit this link for more information.

3. Monday, February 27th 6-8 p.m. “Out of the Shadows” – Longwood Place community meeting, Fenway Community Center

Mark your calendars for an in person community meeting to discuss the Longwood Place project, its impacts on parkland, and what is ahead. Bring your ideas and a friend!

LANDLORD INCENTIVE

The City of Boston is working with New Lease for Homeless Families to operate a Landlord Incentive Program for individuals experiencing homelessness. Property owners could receive retention and lease signing bonuses, reimbursements, and more. to learn about this program, see the attached flyer or contact info@newleasehousing.org, (857)323-6303.

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

FenwayCivic Association

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Dear Members and Friends,

Please see the following message regarding a free performance at The Rink at 401 Park on February 11th and other events taking place this weekend:

In celebration of Valentine’s Day weekend, The Rink at 401 Park, presented by REI Co-op, will glow pink from February 11–14! On Saturday, February 11, The Fenway is partnering with Joy Skate Productions to host a high-energy, disco skating performance hosted by our favorite drag queen figure skating sensation Milk and Olympic medalist and skating legend Nancy Kerrigan at 7PM at THE PINK RINK at 401 Park. Join us for pre-show with sounds by DJ Ryan Brown, free cotton candy and waffle pops from Puffy Clouds, and merch giveaways! More details here. 

Roses are red, violets are blue, these events are for you 

Check out this weekend’s SWEET-acular happenings in The Fenway: 

• Hilliards Chocolates Pop-Up: Hilliards Chocolates, one of New England’s most beloved artisan brands, will be having a Valentine’s Day chocolate pop-up from Friday, February 10th through Monday, February 13th. More details here. 
• The He-Art of Chocolate: Hilliards Chocolates and Pour Decisions will be hosting a night of chocolate and wine pairings on Friday, February 10th from 7-8:30PM! More details & buy tickets here.
• Spread Love Market: On Saturday, February 11th, Black Owned Bos. will be hosting the Spread Love Vendor Bazaar inside of Time Out Market. From sweet treats and cards to clothes and accessories, this market will offer something sweet & special for you and your loved ones! See vendor line-up here. 
• Sk(d)ate Night: In celebration of Boston While Black’s new Black dating club, In Love in Boston, BWB is hosting a speed dating event at The Rink on Saturday, February 11^th from 2-5PM. BWB members skate for free, courtesy of The Fenway and Samuels & Associates. More info here. 
• Trillium Trivia Date Night: Grab your valentine and join the fun at Trillium Brewing this Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, February 14. Sign-ups start in person at 6PM. Then, tease your brain and win prizes from 7-9PM!

Cupid’s Last Call  

There’s still time to get your valentine the perfect gift!

• Orly Khon’s Specialty Valentine’s Bouquet: A hand-tied romantic bouquet of seasonal greenery and specialty roses and mixed blooms. Multiple palettes available for this selection.
• Blackbird Doughnut’s Limited Edition Valentine Offerings: Mini samplers from cupcakes to “Naughty” or “Nice” doughnuts, find the perfect treat for your favorite sweet.

You’ll L-O-V-E This Super Bowl Sunday  

This Sunday night atHojoko,Destination Barbados partners withPlantation Rumfor a memorable Super Bowl pop-up experience!

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Dear Members and Friends,

A light meeting week for the Fenway, but lots of other happenings. Mark your calendars to join neighbors on February 27th at the Fenway Community Center for a discussion “Out of the Shadows; Into the Sunlight,” reviewing proposed development at Longwood Place, what it means for our parks and city, sharing resident feedback, and the road ahead. 

Take advantage of Black History Month activities hosted by the City’s Equity and Inclusion Team, get your dog’s shots updated and/or get your own free COVID shots at Symphony Park! All this and more below – and make sure to save the dates for important meetings on Fenway zoning and the Back Bay Fens Pathways project:

HAPPENING NOW!

1. Black History Month activities with the City’s Equity and Inclusion team:  There are plenty of ways to celebrate Black History Month in Boston, including a virtual panel discussion on the legacy of Black Boston, Sankofa Night at Black Market Nubian, and more. To view a list of events, visit: 

https://www.boston.gov/equity-and-inclusion/black-history-month

2. Boston’s annual deadline for licensing pets is March 31st – all dogs in Boston require a new license each year. To learn more, read about the city’s licensing and pet vaccine clinics, or to look at the Top Dog Names of 2022, visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/dog-licensing-reminder-and-bostons-most-popular-dog-names

THIS WEEK 

1. Wednesday, February 8, 2-5 p.m.  –  FREE COVID-19 vaccine/booster and blood pressure screenings at Symphony Park

In collaboration with Fenway Cares, the Mass General Brigham Mobile Van will be hosting a mobile clinic at Symphony Park, 39 Edgerly Road, 02115 from 2-5 p.m. Translation services will be available, no appointments are required. For more information, see the attached flyer.

SAVE THE DATES

1. Monday February 13, 6-8 p.m. Fenway Zoning Public Meeting, Fenway Community Center

Join Councilor Kenzie Bok and the BPDA for an in person public meeting on Fenway zoning. 

To learn more, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/fenway-kenmore-planning

2. Wednesday, February 15, 6-8 p.m. Fenway Zoning Public Meeting (virtual)

Join the BPDA for a virtual public meeting on Fenway zoning.

To learn more, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/planning/planning-initiatives/fenway-kenmore-planning

Meeting link below: 

Join the meeting

Meeting ID: 160 441 6159

Toll-Free call-in number: (833) 568 – 8864

3. Thursday, February 16, 6 p.m. Back Bay Fens Pathway Meeting #3 (virtual)

Join the third public meeting with Boston Parks and Recreation to review plans for improvements to the Back Bay Fens pathways, where conceptual designs and alternatives will be presented and discussed. To learn more and for the meeting link, visit: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/back-bay-fens-pathways-design-meeting-3

4. Monday, February 27, 6-8 p.m. “Out of the Shadows; Into the Sunlight” Community Meeting on Longwood Place, Fenway Community Center 1282 Boylston Street

Join neighbors for this in person meeting to discuss feedback on the Longwood Place project and its impacts on our parks, and the road ahead.

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