Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends,

We are excited to be nearing our Annual Flower Share with Northeastern University and the return of our Birds of the Back Bay Fens Birdwalk!

Please see the following events for the week ahead.

1. Tuesday May 10th, 5:00 p.m. – Boston Civic Design Commission (BCDC) Meeting

The BCDC will be hosting a virtual meeting to discuss public realm impacts of proposed development.

Tuesday’s meeting includes discussion of the Longwood Place development at Simmons’ residential campus.

To learn more and to register to attend, visit: http://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2022/05/10/boston-civic-design-commission-meeting

2. Wednesday, May 11th, 3:30 p.m. – Fenway Cares free food distribution, West Fenway (Fenway Community Center, corner of Jersey and Boylston) and East Fenway (Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road)

Need food? Know someone who does or want to volunteer for a good cause? Fenway Cares will be distribution free product, grains, and more at both East and West Fenway locations. Volunteers are always welcome!

For more information, visit: https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenwaycaresfood/

3. Wednesday, May 11th 6:00 p.m. –  Fenway Corners Citizen Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting

A public meeting will be held with CAC members that includes discussion of the overall project proposal, its impacts, and proposed mitigation. 

Following a presentation, public comments will be accepted. To learn more and to register, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2022/05/11/fenway-corners-community-advisory-committee-meetin

4. Saturday, May 14th – Annual Flower Share with Northeastern University

We are happy to host flower shares with our partners at Northeastern University at two locations in both the East and West Fenway.

All members who ordered flowers should have received a confirmation with reminders about the date, time and location of their pick-up.

If you have not ordered flowers but would like some, or if you did not receive a reminder, please contact us at fenwaycivic@aol.com

Special thanks to Northeastern University for their support of this event!

5. Sunday, May 15th 7:30 a.m.  – Birds of the Back Bay Fens

Please join us for FCA’s annual “Birds of the Back Bay Fens” Guided Spring Bird Walk with Stephen Baird. 

Location: Back Bay Fens park in Boston’s West Fenway neighborhood. Meet at the Japanese Bell outside the Kelleher Rose Garden by the footbridge across from the Museum of Fine Arts at 7:30 a.m. Free parking on Sundays in Boston. 

Thrill to the sights and sounds of the array of birds that inhabit the Back Bay Fens each spring. We will walk along the Muddy River to the Victory Gardens. All levels welcome. Please bring binoculars, if you have them. Loaner binoculars will be available. In the event of heavy rain, the walk will be cancelled. Host: Stephen Baird, Nature’s Zeitgeist has photo-documented wildlife of the Boston area for over 30 years.  Details on the wildlife of the Emerald Necklace area and surrounding watersheds can be accessed on the Nature’s Zeitgeist FaceBook page and Friends of Jamaica Pond web site

Save the dates ahead!

• 5/18: Mayor’s Coffee Hour at Ramler Park, 9:30 a.m.
• 5/19: Bus Network  Redesign Public meeting 6 p.m.
• 5/21: Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off day 9 a.m. -2 p.m.

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Dear Members and Friends,

May is upon us! We have light news this week but some save the dates ahead…

1. Wednesday, May 4th 6:00 p.m. Filming First Ladies  at the Massachusetts Historical Society (online event)

 Register and learn more at: https://www.masshist.org/events/filming-first-ladies
Hear from creators at CSPAN and SHOWTIME® as they discuss the process of writing and producing historic documentaries and dramas. Aaron Cooley will speak about his experience creating The First Lady, how the concept for the show came to be and why SHOWTIME® focused on the first ladies who were chosen. It will also touch on how the series strove to share new information to viewers while discussing some of the most famous women in America. Mark Farkas will reflect on C-SPAN’s First Ladies: Influence and Image series, and its portrayal of first ladies Eleanor Roosevelt, Betty Ford, and Michelle Obama and their lives and evolution over their tenure at the White House. The conversation will be moderated by MHS president Catherine Allgor, a scholar of the early republic and noted expert on the life and times of Dolley Madison.

2. Thursday, May 5th, 3:00-9:00 p.m. Free First Thursdays at the Gardner

Join the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on the first Thursday of every month for a restorative evening of discovery and community. Explore art, architecture, and seasonal horticulture displays in the Palace. The Café is open late for dinner and drinks. Calderwood Hall and the Bertucci Education Studio will not be open on May 5. To register, visit: 
https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/free-first-thursdays-may-2022

3. Saturday, May 7th 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Household e-waste and paper shredding pop up

The City’s Public Works Department is hosting an electronic and paper drop off at 1205 VFW Parkway in West Roxbury this Saturday. 

Get a jump start on your spring cleaning – up to 10 copy-size boxes of documents will be accepted. To learn more about what types of electronics will be accepted, visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/recycling-household-electronics. Note- this is not a hazardous waste collection date.

Event details for the May 7th drop off at: https://www.boston.gov/calendar/electronic-waste-drop-and-paper-shredding-pop-event

Coming your way:

• May 11th – Fenway Cares 3:30 p.m.
• May 11th – Fenway Corners CAC meeting, 6:00 p.m.
• May 14th – Fenway Civic Annual Flower Share with Northeastern University 
• May 15th – Birds of the Back Bay Fens guided bird walk, 7:30 a.m.

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Dear Members and Friends,

Fenway Studios will be hosting a Grand Opening of Fenway Gallery at Fenway Studios with two days of festivities:

Saturday, April 30th: Indoor/Outdoor Open Studios, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Sunday, May 1st: Indoor/Outdoor Open Studios, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. with a 1:00 p.m. ribbon cutting and speeches by Councilor Kenzie Bok, Representative Jay Livingstone, and Senator Will Brownsberger.

Join the fun and celebration! – Ipswich Street will be closed to traffic on May 1st.

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Dear Members and Friends,
Please see the following events and announcements. We also would like to thank Tufts University and the Tufts Community Grants Program for awarding Fenway Civic with a $2,000 grant to support Fenway Cares this year!

1. Tuesday, April 26th 6:00 p.m. (virtual) Neighborhood Improvement Committee meeting: Join Berklee and the Neighborhood Improvement Committee and hear from new Berklee President Erica Muhl. President Muhl will share her leadership vision and will be available to take questions from community members.This meeting will also include discussion on city and state budgets with our elected officials along with other community updates.
Meeting link at: https://berklee.zoom.us/j/95995463982pwd=YnZMdjliYVNNL3hWeHZJTk5pK3lNZz09Meeting ID: 959 9546 3982
Passcode: 187453

2. Wednesday, April 27th 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares free food distribution: Need food? Know someone who does, or want to volunteer for a good cause?Fenway Cares will be distributing free produce, grains, and more at two locations: Fenway Community Center (corner of Jersey and Boylston Street) and Symphony Community Park (39 Edgerly Road)To learn more or to sign up, visit https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenwaycaresfood/

3. Boston Open Space Plan survey: Boston is updating its 7 year open space plan! Do you have ideas and input for what you would like to see? Take a 5 minute survey to share your input. To learn more and to take the survey, visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/updating-seven-year-open-space-plan

4. Apply for programming at 401 Park: Applications due by Sunday, May 1 Samuels & Associates are building their first cohort program, an intentional initiative designed for entrepreneurs and practitioners in arts and culture, wellness/public health, and the LGBTQ+ community. Selected cohort members will receive a $2,500 stipend, marketing support, and access to executive mentorship through a communal leadership building program. A steering committee with external partners will manage the selection process. To apply, visit: https://bit.ly/3jSkQ3G

Save the date! Mayor Wu’s Coffee Hours at Ramler Park will be held May 18th from 9:30-10:30 a.m. Come meet Mayor Wu and speak to the Mayor and staff from City departments about open space and your neighborhood. Dunkin’ will be on-site with freshly brewed coffee and assorted treats. In addition, each family in attendance will receive a free flowering plant provided by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, while supplies last. Residents at each event will be eligible to win a raffle prize from Dunkin’. Fresh fruit will be provided by Star Market. Additional support by City Express.

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Dear Members and Friends:

Please see the following announcements for the week ahead!

1. Boston Marathon Traffic advisory:
Street closures and parking restrictions related to the Boston Marathon on Monday, April 18th will be in effect in the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Brighton, Fenway-Kenmore, North End and Government Center.For information about parking restrictions, road closures, and more, visit: 

https://www.boston.gov/news/2022-boston-marathon-traffic-advisory

2. Wednesday, April 20th, 6:00 p.m. Longwood Place Public meeting (virtual)Join the BPDA and project proponent for a public meeting to discuss proposed development for the Simmons residential campus. The proposed PDAconsists of the redevelopment of the approximately 5.8 acre site located at 305 Brookline Avenue in the Longwood neighborhood of Boston with a phased mixed-use development consisting of approximately 1.75 million gross square feet of residential, office/laboratory, retail, restaurant, commercial, community space, and parking.To join, visit: 

https://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2022/04/20/longwood-place-public-meeting

Other news:

• FCA/NEU Flower Share: Deadline for registration is April 22nd– register today at: https://forms.gle/Q1h5iJTQtM5VvFAr5
• Neighborhood Improvement Committee meeting, April 26th -mark your calendars!
• Fenway Porchfest Musician Portal is OPEN – All Musicians Welcome! Register at: https://www.fenwayporchfest.org/signup/band/. Fenway Porchfest is a collaborative effort of Fenway Civic, Fenway Alliance, and the Fenway Community Development Corporation.

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Dear Members and Friends,

Please see announcements and events for the upcoming week.

1. City of Boston FY’23 budget survey

Interested in sharing your input on the city’s upcoming budget? Visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/budget or take the city survey at this link.

2. Monday, April 11th, 5:30 p.m. Free Poetry Workshop (online)

Celebrate National Poetry Month by participating in a workshop with Boston’s Poet Laureate!

This writing workshop series will explore themes associated with COVID-19, quarantine, health, and joy.

A list of workshops in this series and registration information is at: 

https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/623b1b217acb1a28004470f1

3. Wednesday, April 13th, 3:30 p.m. Fenway Cares (East and West Fenway)

Need food? Know someone who does or want to volunteer for a good cause?

Fenway Cares will be distributing free food bags at Symphony Park (East Fenway, 39 Edgerly Road) and the Fenway Community Center (West Fenway, corner of Jersey and Boylston Street) at 2 p.m.

To sign up to volunteer, request a delivery, or learn more, visit: 

https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenwaycaresfood/

4. Wednesday, April 13th 6:00 p.m. Fenway Corners Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meeting

Join CAC members, the BPDA, and the Fenway Corners project team for a virtual meeting to discuss the Fenway Corners project.

Your comments are important and due by April 15th! To register for this virtual event, visit: https://www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dWCWsx_PTrGfOFbDYMyWvQ

To learn more and comment, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/fenway-corners

Save the date:

Longwood Place public meeting, April 20th, 6:00 p.m.

And don’t forget to register for your flowers! Registration for the Annual FCA/Northeastern flower share is due April 22nd!

Sign up form at: https://forms.gle/Q1h5iJTQtM5VvFAr5

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Dear Members and Friends,

Just a couple of announcements for this week:

1. Wednesday, April 6th, 6 p.m Red Sox Community meeting (virtual or in person)

Join the Red Sox for their neighborhood meeting at the Ford Clubhouse on 72 Brookline Avenue or virtually by zoom.Zoom meeting: Enter by  clicking here (Meeting ID 959 9241 8780; passcode 579238) or listen by phone by dialing 

929-205-6099 and entering Meeting ID 959 9241 8780 and passcode 579238. 

2. FCA-Northeastern Annual Flower share May 14th

Don’t forget to register for your flowers! Responses are requested by April 22nd so that we may prepare for this event. Sign up form at: https://forms.gle/Q1h5iJTQtM5VvFAr5

Upcoming events and news:

• The Fenway Corners project deadline has moved to 4/15. To learn more or to comment, visit the project page here 
• Longwood Place public meeting 4/20

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Dear Members and Friends,

Please see this invitation from our friends at Kaji Aso Studio:Kaji Aso Studio invites you to attend an online program of Art, Music and Poetry on the theme of “Awakening” on Sunday April 3rd at 7:00pm EDT. This event is free and open to the public. The program is approximately 45 minutes long. 
To launch and attend, please click on the link below. 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87521432254?pwd=cGlVTllLaEdUeCtPU0R3dVVsampjdz09
This program is supported in part by a grant from Mission Hill Fenway Neighborhood Trust; and grants from the Boston Cultural Council / Reopen Creative Boston Fund, administered by the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.

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Dear Members,

We are thrilled to continue our longstanding tradition of partnership with Northeastern University to bring flowers to Fenway residents.
To help access for East and West Fenway residents, this event will provide pick ups at two locations.

Please sign up by April 22nd to ensure your flowers will be ready!
Sign up form at: https://forms.gle/Q1h5iJTQtM5VvFAr5

Date: May 14, 2022
Details: Map with locations and times here

East Fenway: Fenway Center (68 St. Stephen Street) parking lot, 9:30 – 11:00 a.m.

West Fenway: Exterior of Fenway Victory Gardens (1200 Boylston Street), 10:00 – 11:30 a.m.

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Dear Members and Friends,

Happy Spring! Here are a few announcements and save the dates for the week ahead.

1. Thursday, March 24th, 6:00 p.m. Longwood Place Impact Advisory Group (IMP) Meeting

The BPDA is hosting an IMP meeting for the Longwood Place (305 Brookline Avenue) proposal to discuss its filing for redevelopment. This 5.8 acre site is planned for 1.75 million gross s.f. of development including office/laboratory, commercial/retail/restaurant, residential space and parking. A presentation will be followed by Q&A with IAG members as well as the public, time allowing. To attend, register at: zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_Z31-gD9yRKmqmV6jTijgcQ

2. Tufts Community Programs

The School of the Museum of Fine Arts offers discounted courses to residents of the Fenway. To view these offerings and learn more about the community audit program, visit: https://communityrelations.tufts.edu/community-programs/community-audit-program/

Save the dates:

• Tuesday, March 29th 6 p.m. – Fenway Corners/WS-Fenway Twins Project CAC meeting
• Wednesday, March 30th 6 p.m. – Fenway Corners/WS-Fenway Twins Project Public meeting
• April 1st is the comment deadline for Fenway Corners. To read more and submit your comments, visit the project development page at: http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/fenway-corners

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