Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

Holiday Season is here…

Calling all volunteers! The Fenway Tree Lighting is just around the corner and we’re looking for folks to share the cheer! We need some volunteers to help set up, break down, and/or assist through the event on Wednesday, December 4th – the festivities begin at 6 p.m. and volunteering starts at 5pm for 1.5 hour or 3 hour shifts from 5-8 p.m. Work consists of helping set up stations, serving drinks, food, or refreshments, and helping to break down stations. We appreciate your support for this community event! Sign up here: Fenway Tree Lighting Volunteer Form

Get into the Spirit of Giving…

Now through 12/21, Winter Clothing Drive drop off at Fenway Community Center. 

On behalf of the Boston Public Health Commission, the Fenway Civic Association and the Fenway Community Center invite you to donate new or gently used clean clothing and footwear during the Winter Clothing Drive, drop off dates and times on the flyer below.

Now through 12/6, TOYS FOR TOTS DRIVE drop off at TuftSMFA- 230 The Fenway. Channel your inner Santa Claus by contributing to the Toys for Tots Drive. Tufts University’s Department of Public Safety will be collecting donations of new and unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots. Not sure what to get? View this WISH LIST of recommended toys. Drop box at Boston/SMFA Campus, main entrance lobby, 230 The Fenway.

For more events, read ahead.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, November 20, 9:00 a.m start, City of Boston Zoning Commission Hearing  Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZCNov202024

On the agenda:

2024-2034 Wentworth Institute of Technology Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)

Map Amendment Application No. 786

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)
Map Amendment Application No. 787
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)

Wednesday, November 20, Fenway Cares – see ONGOING below for full details

UPCOMING

Tuesday, November 26, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,  CITY HALL ON THE GO: FENWAY-KENMORE Stopping by the new Edgerly Plaza by Whole Foods on Westland Ave

Wednesday, December 4, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., FCA’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting  Hosted outside of the Kelleher Rose Garden, across from 77 Park Drive.  

Join us for this joyful annual event! Friends, elected officials, food, music, parade of lights….Watch for details to come!

4:30 – 5:45 p.m.: Pre-Event Festivities at Fenway Community Center

Families are invited to a festive kick off to the Tree Lighting at the FCC, where attendees can make holiday crafts, spend time with neighbors, and take photos with the Red Sox’s Wally and Tessie.

Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8, SMFA’s 46th Annual ART SALE, 230 The Fenway – with Opening Reception Friday, 6pm.

The School of Museum of Fine Art (SMFA) Sale is just a few weeks away! The SMFA Art Sale has been the leading contemporary art sale in New England since its creation in 1978. Offering a diverse collection of works across all mediums, the sale showcases nearly six decades of immensely talented students, alumni, faculty, and friends of SMFA and raises critical funds to support the financial aid needs of current SMFA students. RSVP here to attend the opening celebration on Friday, 12/6 at 6pm.

Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Fourth Annual Army-Navy Football Game, at Roberto Clemente Field, 400 The Fenway. 

ONGOING

Mondays, 9-10 a.m., Age Strong Chair Yoga (virtual zoom class) Join the City of Boston sponsored free Age Strong Chair Yoga virtual class. Repeats weekly on Mondays through June 16, 2025. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 11/20 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 20 Charlesgate West, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 1241 Boylston Street,  112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

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Dear Members and Friends:

The good news this week is we won’t receive political ads for a while! Whatever your perspective on the election, life goes on, we continue with the daily business, and continue to make a world we want to live in. Please remember to participate locally and engage civically – we all benefit from those contributions.

Nov 11 Veterans Day

November 13 Fenway News 50th Anniversary Celebration

Nov 15 Beaver Moon – Full Super Moon

Nov 23 Fenway Cares Turkey Distribution

Nov 26 City Hall on the Go, Edgerly Plaza

Nov 28 Thanksgiving

Nov 29 Buy Nothing Day v Black Friday 

December 4 Fenway Tree Lighting

Every year, November 11th serves as a reminder to honor the service, sacrifice, and contributions of those who have served in the U.S. military. This date marks the end of World War I, when the Allied nations and Germany declared an armistice on November 11th, 1918, after four years of brutal conflict. The Boston City Council adopted a resolution in honor of the many that have served our country. To learn more about the history of Veteran’s day, visit: https://department.va.gov/veterans-day/history-of-veterans-day/ 

This week, The Fenway News  celebrates five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news (see event details below). We encourage all to attend this celebratory event! 

We are pleased to continue our 5th year of partnering with Samuels & Associates and Fenway Cares to provide free holiday turkeys to Fenway families on November 23rd (details below). The form opens on November 11th – if you plan on celebrating the harvest at home with a turkey, make sure to sign up!

For those without a home, November is a lonely and dangerous time, but there is hope and help available. Looking for ways to help via volunteering or donations? Check out these links for Pine Street Inn; Winter Clothing Drive – The Emerald Necklace Conservancy (November 4- December 2) and Boston Public Library Spice Bank (November 1- April 15).

For this and more, read ahead.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, November 11th – 5th Annual Fenway Turkey Share sign up begins 

Thanks to the generosity of Samuels & Associates in partnership with Fenway Civic Association, Fenway Cares is excited to announce its 5th Annual Turkey Distribution (while quantities last) to Fenway residents this Thanksgiving.

Stop by Fenway Community Center(1282 Boylston St.) 10:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 23rd to pick up a frozen turkey. Home delivery is an option for individuals requiring physical assistance.

Visit tinyurl.com/FenwayThanksgiving2024  after November 11th to reserve your order. Responses are due by Wednesday November 20th at noon.

Please note, this offer is only valid for residents of the Fenway; orders must be placed by email only (no phone calls). Limit 1 turkey per household.

Tuesday, November 12th – East Fenway Safety Meeting  5:00 p.m. at Morville House, 100 Norway Street

Join residents for a monthly Boston Police Community Meeting with Officer Evans at 5 p.m., November 12th at Morville House, 100 Norway Street. The meeting will take place in the conference room – all are invited to learn about and discuss any safety issues in the neighborhood.

Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 – 9pm, KEEPING IT LOCAL: The Fenway News 50th Anniversary Celebration, at Kings Dining & Entertainment, 50 Dalton Street Boston, MA 

Celebrating 50 years of The Fenway News! Support your favorite source for local journalism for and by the community. This in-person event will be an evening to remember, filled with friendship, food, and fun. Connect with neighbors and the newspaper’s fans to look back on five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news—and ahead to the next 50 years! Join in as FN honors Helen Cox, neighborhood icon and unflagging champion of The Fenway News for decades. Enjoy a delicious buffet and cash bar. Dress: festive casual – Follow this link for tickets!

Thursday, November 14, 3:30 pm on, The Boston Planning & Development Agency Board welcomes the public to attend the November 14, 2024 BPDA Board Meeting in a hybrid format.

Friday, November 15, 12-1 p.m., City Hall liaison – Maccon Bonner’s Fenway/Kenmore Office Hour at Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street

UPCOMING

Wednesday, November 20, 9:00 a.m start, City of Boston Zoning Commission Hearing

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZCNov202024

On the agenda:

2024-2034 Wentworth Institute of Technology Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)

Map Amendment Application No. 786

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)
Map Amendment Application No. 787
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)

November 26, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,  CITY HALL ON THE GO: FENWAY-KENMORE Stopping by the new Edgerly Plaza by Whole Foods on Westland Ave

Wednesday, December 4, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., FCA’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting  Ceremony– join us for this joyful annual event! Friends, elected officials, food, music, parade of lights….Watch for details to come!

Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Fourth Annual Army-Navy Football Game, at Roberto Clemente Field, 400 The Fenway. 

ONGOING

Mondays, 9-10 a.m., Age Strong Chair Yoga (virtual zoom class) Join the City of Boston sponsored free Age Strong Chair Yoga virtual class. Repeats weekly on Mondays through June 16, 2025. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 11/20 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

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Dear Members and Friends:

November is a most civic and social month. Time for the nation to cast its vote, honor our veterans, and, as we set back the clock and the days get shorter and darker, we bring light through social celebrations to kick-off the holiday season. Celebrate Thanksgiving rituals, be it Friendsgiving, A Day of Service, a family gathering, homecoming, or football and turkey! 

As we finally make it to the polls, take a moment to reflect on the power of your one vote. More often than thought, a few votes have changed an election outcome. Have your say, it’s your day.

POLLS OPEN TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady

November is Native American Heritage Month | Boston.gov

Nov 3 Daylight Savings Time ends

Nov 5 Election Day

Nov 11 Veterans Day

Nov 15 Beaver Moon – Full Super Moon

Nov 28 Thanksgiving

Nov 29 Buy Nothing Day v Black Friday 

November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum. Generally, chrysanthemums represent cheerfulness. A red one conveys, “I love you.” White symbolizes truth or pure love. A yellow one indicates slighted love. 

For those without a home, November is a lonely and dangerous time, but there is hope and help available. Looking for ways to help via volunteering or donations? Check out these links for Pine Street Inn; Winter Clothing Drive – The Emerald Necklace Conservancy (November 4- December 2) and Boston Public Library Spice Bank (November 1- April 15).

This month, The Fenway News  celebrates five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news (see event details below). 

And, a very interesting piece of news from October you may have missed: The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum purchased the 62-unit apartment building adjacent to its new wing. Located at 14 Palace Road and 11 Tetlow Street in Boston’s Fenway Court, the five-floor residential building now makes the museum, constructed as a 15th-century Venetian palace, a landlord for its tenants. The museum said its acquisition of the building was a move to safeguard the area from potential development that could threaten the current state of the museum’s surrounding area and the experience of visitors.

Thanks to all who turned up last Friday, November 1st for the inaugural street party at Edgerly Plaza. A wonderful example of civic engagement! The Fenway Civic Association’s Parks and Open Space Committee championed the idea several years ago to transform a lightly used roadway into a public plaza, increasing pedestrian safety and enhancing access to the adjacent Harry Ellis Dickson Park. The celebration had people dancing in the (former) street, and could later host City Hall on the Go. A great addition to the area. 

Boston Streets Cabinet Announces Installation of New Edgerly Plaza. Fenway Civic Association came to party with lots of Fenway friends who showed their line dancing talents, played games and generally had a good time in the new plaza.  We loved seeing our peeps from the FCDC, Fenway Community Center, Fenway Alliance, and Operation PEACE, Jay Livingstone and Maccon Bonner, along with the City’s transportation team. Enjoy the Plaza!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, November 5, 7:00 a.m – 8 p.m., Election Day

Wednesday, November 6, Fenway Cares – see below for full details

Wednesday, November 6, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Free Day at Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum To celebrate all of you who demonstrated your own civic leadership by voting, and to provide a place of joy, respite, and connection during a stressful election season, the Gardner Museum is offering free general admission to the community on Wednesday, November 6, the day after Election 2024.

Saturday, November 9, 7 p.m – 8:30 p.m.., Opening Reception – 51^st Anniversary Show “A Spot of Beauty”at Kaji Aso Studio, 40 St Stephen Street. RSVP administrator@kajiasostudio.com. This event is FREE and open to the public.

(for online program click here on Sunday, November 17th at 7pm)

UPCOMING

Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 – 9pm, KEEPING IT LOCAL: The Fenway News 50th Anniversary Celebration, at Kings Dining & Entertainment, 50 Dalton Street Boston, MA 

Celebrating 50 years of The Fenway News! Support your favorite source for local journalism for and by the community. This in-person event will be an evening to remember, filled with friendship, food, and fun. Connect with neighbors and the newspaper’s fans to look back on five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news—and ahead to the next 50 years! Join in as FN honors Helen Cox, neighborhood icon and unflagging champion of The Fenway News for decades. Enjoy a delicious buffet and cash bar. Dress: festive casual – Follow this link for tickets!

Thursday, November 14, 3:30 pm on, The Boston Planning & Development Agency Board welcomes the public to attend the November 14, 2024 BPDA Board Meeting in a hybrid format.

Friday, November 15, 12-1 p.m., City Hall liaison – Maccon Bonner’s Fenway/Kenmore Office Hour at Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street

Wednesday, November 20, 9:00 a.m start, City of Boston Zoning Commission Hearing

Register for Zoom: bit.ly/BZCNov202024

On the agenda:

2024-2034 Wentworth Institute of Technology Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)

Map Amendment Application No. 786

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)
Map Amendment Application No. 787
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”)

November 26, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.,  CITY HALL ON THE GO: FENWAY-KENMORE Stopping by the new Edgerly Plaza by Whole Foods on Westland Ave

Wednesday, December 4, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., FCA’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting  Ceremony– join us for this joyful annual event! Friends, elected officials, food, music, parade of lights….Watch for details to come!

Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Fourth Annual Army-Navy Football Game, at Roberto Clemente Field, 400 The Fenway. 

ONGOING

Mondays, 9-10 a.m., Age Strong Chair Yoga (virtual zoom class) Join the City of Boston sponsored free Age Strong Chair Yoga virtual class. Repeats weekly on Mondays through June 16, 2025. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 11/6 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

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Dear Members and Friends,

We invite you to join the City’s Transportation Team in its launch of Edgerly Road Plaza, located in front of Whole Foods, 15 Westland Avenue.

Dip in for a bit of line dancing with Boston Rhythm Riders, listen to music from Sofia Sunshine, or experience some crafts and games along with light refreshments.

Everyone is welcome – come and bring a friend! For more details, see the below flyer. Thanks to partners at Berklee College of Music, Fenway Alliance, Fenway Community Center, Fenway CDC, Northeastern University, and Whole Foods Symphony for supporting this celebration!

What: New Edgerly Plaza Launch Party

When: November 1, 2024 4-6 PM

Where: Westland Avenue and Edgerly Road, Boston, MA 02115

See you there!

Fenway Civic Association

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Dear Members and Friends: Sorry this was stuck in our outbox for a day!

Participating in elections is one of the key freedoms of American life. Vote by mail, in-person early voting, and on election day at the polls, there are multiple options to cast your vote. Need more information? Follow this link for voter info.

As a civic organization, we urge citizens to be engaged and informed. A great way to stay engaged is by volunteering; whether you help out on a food-share, community clean-up, or other civic event, there are many opportunities to be part of the solution and positively impact your community. Feeling motivated to meet-up? Come on out this Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to join Fenway Young Professionals and our City Hall liaison, Maccon Bonner at an after-hours network event at Trillium Fenway. 

Being informed is easy when you’re engaged with your neighbors, involved in local events, meeting your local representatives at coffee hours, office hours, or public events, and keeping up with local news. This month, The Fenway News  celebrates five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news (see event details below). The Fenway News is published monthly by the Fenway News Association, Inc., a community-owned corporation dedicated to community journalism. If you’d like to volunteer to write, edit, photograph, distribute, or sell ads, please contact The Fenway News, PO Box 230277, Astor Station Boston, MA 02123 fenwaynews@gmail.com fenwaynews.org.

Your voice helps to shape our community; right now you can weigh in on these two surveys: the 2024 Fenway Park Concert Series Feedback for your comments on how the concerts impacted our neighborhood; and the Boston Community Health Collaborative Survey about community health priorities, access to care, availability of resources to support physical and mental health and well-being. 

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, October 28, 2:00 p.m. start, City Council Committee on Government Operations Hearing on Docket #1197 To discuss amending the City of Boston Code of Ordinances Chapter VII Section 7-4.10 “Regulating Restrictions on Park Frontages” The Members of the public are cordially invited to attend and testify in person or virtually. The public may watch this hearing via live stream at boston.gov/city-council-tv and on Xfinity 8/RCN 82/Fios 964. This hearing will also be recorded. For more information follow this link.

Tuesday, October 29, doors open at 5:30 p.m., Red Sox Neighborhood Meeting
Ford Clubhouse at Fenway Park (enter at 72 Brookline Avenue) A look back at 2024, a look ahead to 2025 and discussion on local transportation matters. Light ballpark fare/refreshments to be served.

Wednesday, October 30, 5:30-6:30 p.m., City Hall Liaison- After Hours Networking with Maccon Bonner – at Trillium Fenway

Maccon wants to meet you! Want to know what City Hall is doing for Fenway/Kenmore neighborhoods? Or have some questions or concerns for the Mayor’s office? Join this event with Fenway Young Professionals and Samuels & Associates for a casual meet and greet and networking opportunity with our neighborhood liaison to City Hall. Free snacks and cash bar at Trillium Fenway, at 401 Park Drive.

Thursday, October 31, Halloween – ghosts and goblin, ghouls and beast, have a fun and safe trick-or-treat!

UPCOMING

Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 – 9pm, KEEPING IT LOCAL: The Fenway News 50th Anniversary Celebration, at Kings Dining & Entertainment, 50 Dalton Street Boston, MA 

Celebrating 50 years of The Fenway News! Support your favorite source for local journalism for and by the community. This in-person event will be an evening to remember, filled with friendship, food, and fun. Connect with neighbors and the newspaper’s fans to look back on five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news—and ahead to the next 50 years! Join in as FN honors Helen Cox, neighborhood icon and unflagging champion of The Fenway News for decades. Enjoy a delicious buffet and cash bar. Dress: festive casual – Follow this link for tickets!

Wednesday, December 4, 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m., FCA’s Annual Holiday Tree Lighting  Ceremony– join us for this joyful annual event! Friends, elected officials, food, music, parade of lights….Watch for details to come!

Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Fourth Annual Army-Navy Football Game, at Roberto Clemente Field, 400 The Fenway. 

ONGOING

Mondays, 9-10 a.m., Age Strong Chair Yoga (virtual zoom class) Join the City of Boston sponsored free Age Strong Chair Yoga virtual class. Repeats weekly on Mondays through June 16, 2025. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 11/6 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

! VOTING INFORMATION ! Every Vote Counts – Every Voice Matters !

Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 register to vote- click here 

Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE 

Early Voting available throughout the city – details here

POLLS OPEN TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

Berklee College of Music – Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

Comment End Date October 30 2024

Linked below for your review is an electronic copy of the Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF) for the proposed Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP located in Back Bay and Fenway which was received on October 01 2024. This IMPNF contemplates a 2-year extension of the previously approved IMP with no changes.

Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

One of the scariest days of the year fast approaches, and there is also Halloween!! In the spooky spirit of fun, on Saturday, Oct. 26, Fenway Park will host a free afternoon of trick-or-treat on the field, followed by a paid movie screening on the monster screen of “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice” (watch for our free movie ticket giveaway!). And on Tuesday, November 5th, Election Day arrives! Please make sure you get to the polls. Beyond the Presidential choice, there are other important election choices and ballot questions. We sincerely encourage your participation. You still have time to register, up until October 26th!

Turning to hyper-local events, please consider taking these two surveys: the 2024 Fenway Park Concert Series Feedback for your comments on how the concerts impacted our neighborhood–; and the Boston Community Health Collaborative Survey about community health priorities, access to care, availability of resources to support physical and mental health and well-being. By taking this quick, confidential survey, you’ll help guide health initiatives in our community and contribute towards making Boston a healthier city for all. And looking ahead, join in celebration of 50 years of The Fenway News, what an amazing accomplishment!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, October 21, 9-10 a.m., Age Strong Chair Yoga (virtual zoom class) Join the City of Boston sponsored free Age Strong Chair Yoga virtual class. Repeats weekly on Mondays through June 16, 2025. 

Wednesday, October 23, 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m., City Hall on the Go: Fenway-Kenmore 

At the Target store, 1341 Boylston Street. Come and get your business done! City Hall On The Go truck has a scheduled stop near your neighborhood, bringing essential municipal services right to you. No cash payments accepted.

Wednesday, October 23, 3:30p.m. ‘til done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution

and MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m (full details below in ongoing)

Wednesday, October 23, 6:30pm – 8:00 pm, Improving Boston’s Development Review Process –Read the Action Plan + Share Feedback (virtual meeting)

The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and wants your feedback on the draft recommendations. There are two upcoming public meetings, both with identical content, where you can hear about the draft recommendations included in the Action Plan, and ask City staff any questions you may have. Register today to attend one of our upcoming virtual meetings by clicking on a meeting link below:

Wednesday, Oct 23, 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Saturday, Oct 26, 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

UPCOMING

Tuesday, October 29, doors open at 5:30 p.m., Red Sox Neighborhood Meeting
Ford Clubhouse at Fenway Park (enter at 72 Brookline Avenue) A look back at 2024, a look ahead to 2025 and discussion on local transportation matters. Light ballpark fare/refreshments to be served.

Wednesday, November 13, 6:30 – 9pm, KEEPING IT LOCAL: The Fenway News 50th Anniversary Celebration, at Kings Dining & Entertainment, 50 Dalton Street Boston, MA 

Celebrating 50 years of The Fenway News! Support your favorite source for local journalism for and by the community. This in-person event will be an evening to remember, filled with friendship, food, and fun. Connect with neighbors and the newspaper’s fans to look back on five decades of community-supported, hyperlocal news—and ahead to the next 50 years! Join in as FN honors Helen Cox, neighborhood icon and unflagging champion of The Fenway News for decades. Enjoy a delicious buffet and cash bar. Dress: festive casual – Follow this link for tickets!

Saturday, December 14, 11 a.m.-2:00 p.m., Fourth Annual Army-Navy Football Game, at Roberto Clemente Field, 400 The Fenway. 

ONGOING

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 10/23 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

! VOTING INFORMATION ! Every Vote Counts – Every Voice Matters !

Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 register to vote- click here 

Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE 

Early Voting available throughout the city – details here

POLLS OPEN NOVEMBER 5, 2024 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

Berklee College of Music – Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

Comment End Date October 30 2024

Linked below for your review is an electronic copy of the Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF) for the proposed Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP located in Back Bay and Fenway which was received on October 01 2024. This IMPNF contemplates a 2-year extension of the previously approved IMP with no changes.

Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

We hope everyone is ready for the long weekend and the upcoming Opening Our Doors celebration of the Fenway Cultural District on Monday, Oct. 14, with art exhibits, performances, nature and historical walks, art activities, open houses and more. Early voting locations have been announced by the city – get your voting plan in place! And Ryan Woods day  has been announced to celebrate Commissioner Woods’ service at Boston Parks and Recreation.

And don’t miss the announcement below calling for volunteer artists to help install the street mural at New Edgerly Plaza October 18, 20, and 21!

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, October 14th: Calendar of OOD events at: https://www.fenwayculture.org/ood-2024-schedule or printable schedule at: https://www.fenwayculture.org/_files/ugd/0e86fc_633d068c0c3c4613b04f8a3c65cedf16.pdf

Don’t miss stops at Kaji Aso Studio and Christian Science Plaza, and take advantage of free arts experiences at the Museum of Fine Arts, Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, New England Conservatory, and more!

Friday October 18th + October 21-22: Call for volunteers

Calling community artists! In collaboration with the Boston Transportation Department, Culture House will be installing an exciting new street mural as part of the New Edgerly Plaza project.

https://www.boston.gov/…/transportation/new-edgerly-plaza

Volunteers are welcome to assist in chalking out the mural, priming, and painting, with work to take place on Friday, October 18th (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.) , Monday, October 21st ( 9 a.m.-3 p.m.), and Tuesday, October 22 (9 a.m. – 3 p.m.).

We are seeking 2-3 volunteers each day – work is weather-dependent and will be rescheduled in event of rain. 

Interested in helping out? Write to Fenwaycivic@aol.com with your name, phone number, and availability, and we will make sure you receive more information.

Friday, October 18th: 12-1 p.m. Coffee Hours with Maccon Bonner, Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston Street, 02215

Wednesday, October 23rd: 10-11:30 a.m. Have important city business but can’t get to city Hall? Visit City Hall On The Go outside of Target, 1341 Boylston Street: City Hall On The Go Truck

ONGOING

SundayOctober 13th 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Last Charlesgate Farmer’s Market

Under the Bowker Overpass at Comm Ave between Charlesgate East and West. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m. until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 10/23 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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 include blood pressure monitoring, blood sugar testing, COVID-19 and flu vaccines.

October 29th, 5:30 p.m.:  Red Sox Community Meeting at Ford Clubhouse at Fenway Park on Tuesday, October 29. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m., and light ballpark fare will be served. 

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

VOTING INFORMATION

Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 register to vote- click here 

Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024 Early voting information here: https://www.boston.gov/news/city-boston-announces-early-voting-locations-0 

Nov. 5 Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION

Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady

Offices on Ballot:

• Electors of President and Vice President
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representative
• Governor’s Councillor
• State Senator
• State Representative
• Register of Deeds
• Clerk of Courts
• County Commissioner (certain counties only)
• Additional local offices (certain cities & towns)

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

Berklee College of Music – Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

Comment End Date October 30 2024

Linked below for your review is an electronic copy of the Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF) for the proposed Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP located in Back Bay and Fenway which was received on October 01 2024. This IMPNF contemplates a 2-year extension of the previously approved IMP with no changes.

Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

This Wednesday, get updates on the the Back Bay Fens Pathways Project – focusing on the Evans Way bridge area, or attend a free seminar at the BPL on Housing Initiatives in Boston. Coming soon:  the annual  Opening Our Doors celebration of the Fenway Cultural District on Monday, Oct. 14,  with art exhibits, performances, nature and historical walks, art activities, open houses and more. 

THE WEEK AHEAD

Wednesday, October 9, 3:30p.m. ‘til done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution

and MGH/MBG Community Care Health Clinic – 2-5 p.m (full details below in ongoing)

Wednesday, October 9, 6:00pm – 7:30 pm, Updates on the Back Bay Fens Pathways project from City of Boston | Parks & Recreation Department

A community zoom meeting, to share progress on the Evans Way Bridge portion of the project. Join the zoom meeting here: bit.ly/EvansWayBridge (see flyer below)

Wednesday, October 9, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay is sponsoring a free educational forum Ensuring Everyone Has a Home in MA:  Bold City and State Initiatives at the Copley Boston Public Library, 

There will be a Q&A after the presentations/discussion and the audience is welcome to take part. Register here for the event:  https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/66e47f5379c37d9f5da6e2fa

(see flyer below).

ONGOING

Sundays through October 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Charlesgate Farmer’s Market

Under the Bowker Overpass at Comm Ave between Charlesgate East and West. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 10/9 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

Muddy River: The Heart of Fenway

The Muddy River watershed reaches across Boston, Brookline, and Newton, and contributes significant amounts of pollution to the Charles River. The Charles River Watershed Associationstarted a community-led visioning process to educate, inform and formulate a plan of action to clean up and improve the Muddy. To view the last two recorded sessions, or learn more about their initiative, visit the website.

VOTING INFORMATION

Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 register to vote- click here 

Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024

Nov. 5 Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION

Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady

Offices on Ballot:

• Electors of President and Vice President
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representative
• Governor’s Councillor
• State Senator
• State Representative
• Register of Deeds
• Clerk of Courts
• County Commissioner (certain counties only)
• Additional local offices (certain cities & towns)

DEVELOPMENTS 

City of Boston – Planning Department: The Article 80 Modernization Action Plan. The Planning Department has been working over the past year to improve the development review process, and they want to hear from you! This is a generational opportunity and we encourage you to check out the Action Plan and share your feedback by November 20, 2024. These draft recommendations aim to create a more predictable, transparent, and timely development review process. Learn more and share your feedback by visiting the project page, submitting a comment letter, or filling out a survey. 

Berklee College of Music – Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

Comment End Date October 30 2024

Linked below for your review is an electronic copy of the Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF) for the proposed Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP located in Back Bay and Fenway which was received on October 01 2024. This IMPNF contemplates a 2-year extension of the previously approved IMP with no changes.

Berklee College of Music 2024-2026 IMP Institutional Master Plan Notification Form (IMPNF)

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Last Monday the FCA held a public discussion on the question: How will the City of Boston protect its parks? There was a large turnout and robust discussion, however many questions were left unanswered. Later in the week, Mayor Wu announced the appointment of Kairos Shen as the City’s new Chief of Planning. We hope Mr. Shen will respect and protect our valuable parkland assets, and work to fulfill the campaign promises made by Mayor Wu for a greener, more efficient, more equitable city for generations to come.

A positive model of environmental action: The Muddy River has gone through major renovation and enhancement work. Last year, the CRWA started a community-led visioning process to find a way to clean it up. They’ve been hard at work understanding the watershed conditions, the major sources of pollution, and how the watershed may experience climate change. This October 1st, attend the webinar Muddy River: Heart of Fenway to hear what’s been learned and what you can do to impact the future of the Muddy River watershed. 

Fall in Fenway is a thing of beauty. Trees put on a colorful performance, the weather is good for a walk in the park, a flea-market, a farmer’s market, al-fresco dining, and on Monday, October 14, enjoy the annual  Opening Our Doors celebration of the Fenway Cultural District – with art exhibits, performances, nature and historical walks, art activities, open houses and more. For ongoing cultural events, check the ArtsBoston calendar. 

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, October 1, 7pm (virtual meeting), Muddy River: The Heart of Fenway

The Muddy River watershed reaches across Boston, Brookline, and Newton, and contributes significant amounts of pollution to the Charles River. You probably don’t realize this, but much of the water making it’s way into the Muddy is coming from storm water run-off and illicit and leaky sewage pipes all throughout the watershed. We can clean it up, but we need widespread public support. That’s where you come in! Last year, the Charles River Watershed Association started a community-led visioning process with several meetings and webinars to date. The purpose of the meetings is to educate, inform and discuss what can be done, and to formulate a plan of action. All concerned members of the public are invited to help envision how to move forward.  Watch the Sept 26 webinar recording here. And/or follow this link to register for the October 1 meeting. Do you think we can ever swim in the Charles? Well, we’d need to fix the Muddy first! Let’s fully restore the Muddy. If you like this idea – help spread the word and attend the webinar. Is it too big a task? Is it too expensive to fix? “When there are enough people who care, the money materializes.” –Emily Norton CRWA

ONGOING

Sundays through October 13, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m., Charlesgate Farmer’s Market

Under the Bowker Overpass at Comm Ave between Charlesgate East and West. 

Every Other Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.until done, Fenway Cares Food Distribution 

Next date: 10/9 – at 2 locations:

West Fenway – Fenway Community Center, 1282 Boylston (enter-Jersey)

East Fenway – Symphony Community Park, 39 Edgerly Road

Food Distributions

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.

UPCOMING

A few updates on the Back Bay Fens Pathways project from 

City of Boston | Parks & Recreation Department

Geotechnical Borings – starting Sept. 30, to take approximately 1 week to complete. 

SAVE THE DATE Wednesday, October 9, 6:00pm – 7:30 pm, community zoom meeting, to share progress on the Evans Way Bridge portion of the project. 

FYI – The Emerald Necklace Conservancy will be inventorying trees in the Back Bay Fens and Charlesgate the week of Sept. 30

October 9, 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., The Neighborhood Association of the Back Bay is sponsoring a free educational forum  Ensuring Everyone Has a Home in MA:  Bold City and State Initiativesat the Copley Boston Public Library, 

There will be a Q&A after the presentations/discussion and the audience is welcome to take part. Register here for the event:  https://bpl.bibliocommons.com/events/66e47f5379c37d9f5da6e2fa

(see flyer below).

Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024 register to vote- click here 

MAKE A PLAN TO VOTE

NOVEMBER 5, 2024 ELECTION

Massachusetts Voter Guide | BallotReady

Offices on Ballot:

• Electors of President and Vice President
• U.S. Senator
• U.S. Representative
• Governor’s Councillor
• State Senator
• State Representative
• Register of Deeds
• Clerk of Courts
• County Commissioner (certain counties only)
• Additional local offices (certain cities & towns)

Voter Registration Deadline: October 26, 2024

Vote by Mail Application Deadline: October 29, 2024

Nov. 5 Polling Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

DEVELOPMENTS 

Article 80 development review process. What is it, how is it changing? Have questions? Visit the City of Boston website which presents Mayor Wu’s vision and how the Planning Department is working to modernize the development review process.

DEVELOPMENTS BY STATUS:

“Under Review”:  

409 Huntington Avenue, 262 St. Botolph St., 20 Charlesgate West, 142-146 St. Mary’s Street 

“Board Approved”:

 Kenmore Hotel, Fenway Corners (West), Fenway Corners (North), Fenway Center, Boston University – Warren Towers Renovation, 819 Beacon Street, 

601 Newbury Street, 2 Charlesgate West, 165 Park Drive, 1400 Boylston Street, 

1241 Boylston Street, 112-114 Queensberry St, 109 Brookline Avenue

See you around! 

Fenway Civic Association

Read Full Post »