Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends,

Please see the following announcements including some great opportunities to weigh in on the city budget and a new curbside textile program.

Have a wonderful week!

1. Tuesday, February 15th, 6-7 p.m. – Mayor Wu’s Budget listening tour

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Office of Budget management have announced a budget listening tour in partnership with the Boston City Council.

If you are interested in learning about the city’s budget process and offering your input on budget, priorities, you may register to join and to learn more here: 

https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-wu-announces-budget-listening-tour

Can’t attend but want to provide feedback? Take the survey at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdaPlAKb8UygwdLkEUmjTnUM6dLrhIr8dVls2AN-bEqFKCmYg/viewform

2. Wednesday, February 16th 3:30 p.m. (while supplies last) – Fenway Cares food distribution

Need food or know someone who does? Want to volunteer for a good cause?

Join us for Fenway Cares free food distribution – fresh produce, grains, and more will be distributed at both the Fenway Community Center (West Fenway) and Symphony Community Park (East Fenway) sites.

To learn more visit: 

https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenwaycaresfood/

3. Wednesday, February 16th, 6:00 p.m. – Northeastern University Dorm Upsizing Public Meeting The BPDA is hosting a Public Meeting to discuss the proposed dorm upsizing of two existing Northeastern University residence halls, East Village and International Village. This is a follow-up to a October 26, 2021 Task Force Meeting in which the proposal to increase the bed count in these two residence halls was discussed. Northeastern will be answering questions relating to the need for these additional beds and responding to the neighborhood concerns raised at the last meeting surrounding housing of these students. Please note: this meeting is not focused on the proposed 840 Columbus Avenue project.To learn more or to register, visit:

http://www.bostonplans.org/news-calendar/calendar/2022/02/16/northeastern-dorm-upsizing-public-meeting

4. Boston rolls out curbside textile recycling Building on the success of the neighborhood textile dropbox program, Mayor Michelle Wu announced today that the City of Boston will begin offering weekend curbside collection of household textiles at no cost to residents. The Boston Public Works Department has again partnered with Northeast textile recycling company, Helpsy, which will coordinate pick-ups across the city.      
Residents looking to schedule a pick-up can fill-out an online request form at boston.gov/textiles. Once a date is scheduled and confirmed, household textiles should be left on the curb by 7:00 a.m. on the scheduled pick-up day. Textiles should be clean, dry, and properly bagged to allow for a quick pick-up for Helpsy drivers. Acceptable textile items include dresses, shirts, pants, suits, coats, towels, bedding, costumes, curtains, placemats, tablecloths and throw rugs. Items that will not be accepted include breakable houseware or glass, electronics, furniture, construction material, scrap metal, appliances, mattresses, books or magazines.To learn more, visit: 

https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-wu-announces-boston-offer-residents-weekend-curbside-textile-collection

Dear Members and Friends,

We’re excited to welcome Mayor Wu to our 60th Annual meeting on Tuesday!

Along with the chance to hear from your elected representatives the evening features a talk on famed Irish American John Boyle O’Reilly.

Don’t forget to register – all are welcome to this free public meeting.

Fenway Civic Association 60th Annual Meeting, Tuesday, February 8th, 6:00 p.m.

(register at bit.ly/FCAMeeting)

With feature presentation: John Boyle O’Reilly: Life, Work, and Art – a panel discussion with Brian O’Donovan, Peter Drummey, and Patricia Gilrein

Join neighbors and Fenway representatives for this virtual annual meeting with remarks from elected officials followed by a lively discussion on the life of famed Irish American John Boyle O’Reilly. Facilitated by GBH’s Brian O’Donovan with Peter Drummey and Patricia Gilrein, this interview style presentation covers O’Reilly’s life, works, and singular place in Boston history as well as information about upcoming repairs to the O’Reilly monument in the Back Bay Fens.

2. Monday, February 7th, Meeting with Senator Will Brownsberger, 7:00 p.m.

The Special Commission on Correctional Funding has completed a major study on jail and prison spending in Massachusetts.

Join Senator Brownsberger for a discussion of those findings – meeting link is below: Topic: Correctional SpendingTime: Feb 7, 2022 07:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82476372859?pwd=SEVKLzU3MVVCMFltMVBISVRQNGR1UT09 

Meeting ID: 824 7637 2859 Passcode: 276342

3. Thursday, February 10th, MBTA Public Meeting on Proposed Fare Changes, 6:00 p.m. (2nd meeting schedule for 2/17)

Join the MBTA to hear about proposed fare changes for 2022. Public comment is also being accepted through the MBTA site.

For details, visit: https://www.mbta.com/fares/2022-proposed-fare-changes

4. Boston Public Works Department Street Cleaning input

The Boston Public Works Department is seeking street names, boundaries and times/days for areas that should be added to the city’s list for street cleaning in 2022. 

Street cleaning runs from April 1 through to Nov 30 in most areas.

Individuals with proposals to add should email Kennedy Avery from Councilor Kenzie Bok’s Office at kennedy.avery@boston.gov 

For more information about street cleaning, to download the cleaning schedule, and to sign up for street cleaning updates from the city, visit https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/street-sweeping-city

5. Tufts University Community Survey Tufts University is inviting neighbors in Boston (Chinatown, Fenway & Mission Hill), Medford, and Somerville to take a brief survey to learn more about the Tufts programs and events you most enjoy and what new programs or events you would like to see them offer in the future. At the conclusion of the survey, participants will have the option to enter their name into a raffle for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Goldilox Bagels (Medford), Taco Party (Somerville), or Irashai (Boston’s Chinatown). To take the survey, visit: https://tufts.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7VVG3oalWDRKAPI

Dear Members and Friends,
Please see these announcements and events for the week – and don’t forget to register for our Annual Meeting on February 8th.
1. Monday, January 31st, 7 p.m. – Kaji Aso Studio virtual “Mame-maki” event    Join friends at Kaji Aso Studio for this annual bean throwing event for children and adults.
    To learn more , visit: https://www.kajiasostudioevents.com/

2. Tuesday, February 1st – Emerald Necklace Conservancy Lights    Looking for a little light this winter? The Emerald Necklace Conservancy is lighting up select areas with their “Lights in the Necklace” program.
    To learn more, visit: https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/necklacelights

3. Wednesday, February 2nd , 3:30 p.m. – Fenway Cares free food distribution    Need food? Know someone who does or want to volunteer?
    Fenway Cares volunteers will be distributing fresh produce, grains at more at Fenway Community Center (1282 Boylston Street) and Symphony Park (39 Edgerly Road) from 3:30 p.m. while supplies last.
    To learn more, or to volunteer, visit https://fenwaycommunitycenter.org/fenwaycaresfood/

4. Thursday, February 3rd, 3-9 p.m. – Free First Thursdays at the Gardner Museum    Take in art, architecture and horticulture at the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum on their First Thursdays free event.
    For more information, visit: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/calendar/event/free-first-thursdays-february-2022

Dear Members and Friends,
Boston’s snow emergency and parking ban will be lifted Monday, January 31st at 6:00 a.m.Residents parking in participating discounted lots and garages must remove their cars by 8:00 a.m. to avoid being charged regular rates.

For more information, visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/mayor-wu-lift-snow-emergency-and-parking-ban-monday-january-31-6-am

We encourage residents to keep updated about Department of Conservation and Recreation managed roadways and parking restrictions by visiting: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-conservation-recreation

Dear Members and Friends,
Please be advised that Mayor Wu has declared a snow emergency starting at 9 p.m. this evening.
Parking bans for certain roads will be in effect from the start of the emergency at 9 p.m.For a list of restricted parking and available garages, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/311/snow-emergency-parkingYou may park at listed garages two hours before the emergency goes into effect.For more information, visit Boston.gov/snow

With feature presentation: John Boyle O’Reilly: Life, Work, and Art – a panel discussion with Brian O’Donovan, Peter Drummey, and Patricia Gilrein

Join neighbors and Fenway representatives for this virtual annual meeting with remarks from elected officials followed by a lively discussion on the life of famed Irish American John Boyle O’Reilly. Facilitated by GBH’s Brian O’Donovan with Peter Drummey and Patricia Gilrein, this interview style presentation covers O’Reilly’s life, works, and singular place in Boston history as well as information about upcoming repairs to the O’Reilly monument in the Back Bay Fens.

Presenters:

Brian O’Donovan Executive Producer GBH	Peter Drummey Chief Historian Massachusetts Historical Society	Patricia Gilrein Art Collections ManagerCity of Boston

John Boyle O’Reilly monument, Back Bay Fens; Daniel Chester French, artist.“John Boyle O’Reilly Memorial; Allegorical figures representing Patriotism, Erin (Ireland) and Poetry,” photograph by Baldwin Coolidge, circa 1896From Photographic Views of Boston, Mass.; Photo.12.225, Massachusetts Historical Society

This meeting is free and open to all.  To register, scan the following code with your smartphone or register at: bit.ly/FCAMeeting

Brian O’Donovan – Brian is Executive Producer at GBH where he hosts the popular weekly radio program A Celtic Sojourn on GBH Boston. As Celtic Sojourn’s host for over 30 years, Brian O’Donovan has become the authority in showcasing new, emerging artists and bands in Celtic music. As a broadcaster, writer, producer, and presenter, Brian’s work has helped audiences build appreciation and knowledge of Irish poetry, music, and history. Born and raised in Clonakilty, West Cork in a family of 9, O’Donovan received his BA from University College Cork in 1978 before heading to England. He then journeyed to Boston and grad school at Emerson College. 

Peter Drummey – Peter is Chief Historian and Stephen T. Riley at the Massachusetts Historical Society. For over 40 years Drummey has assisted more than 50,000 researchers, prepared exhibitions, transcribed historical documents, and written manuscript collection guides and subject surveys, including Collecting History, a guide to landmark documents and artifacts in the Society’s collections.  In addition, he has contributed book reviews and bibliographic essays to professional and historical journals.Drummey has served as a technical adviser for documentary films and television programs with historical themes, including the HBO miniseries, John Adams; and as a commentator for BBC, C-Span, PBS, and commercial cable television programs on Charles Dickens in America, Thomas Jefferson, historian Henry Adams, the end of slavery in Massachusetts, the Boston Irish, and, most recently, the Gettysburg Address.

Patricia Gilrein – Patricia is the Art Collections manager for the City of Boston’s Office of Arts and Culture. Her work includes managing the physical and intellectual care of the City’s existing collection, including sculptures, fountains, murals, and items associated with public buildings. Patricia also administers the Boston Art Commission. Patricia grew up in Western Massachusetts and lives in Dorchester. She has worked with collections of art and design in the US and the UK for nearly two decades. For the past 10 years, she has worked with Boston-area museums to lead several large-scale collections re-locations as well as storage design and improvement projects. Prior to moving to Boston, she assisted in establishing a physical archive and records management system for Coach in NYC. Patricia graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a degree in art history, and the University of St. Andrews with an M.A. in museum studies.

---

Fenway Civic is a board-driven, all-volunteer, member-supported organization whose goal is to promote and sustain a vital, livable neighborhood.

Web: www.fenwaycivic.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FenwayCivic/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/fenwaycivic 

Dear Members,
Please see the following meetings for this week:

1. Monday, January 24th, 6:00 p.m. Longwood Place Public meeting

A public meeting will be held to discuss a proposal for redevelopment of the residential campus located at 305 Brookline Avenue by SKANSKA.The development anticipates a change of use from residences to laboratory, office, retail, and commercial, with a modest residential component.To read the filing, register to attend, or submit your comments, visit: http://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/305-brookline-ave-mixed-use-development Or register at: http://www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6oqzMoGURPbwdQ0pFHvXK1D7_0_bw

2. Tuesday, January 25th, 6:00 p.m. Neighborhood Improvement Committee/NIC Public meeting

A public Zoom meeting of the NIC, a partnership between the community and Berklee College of Music, will be held, covering Berklee and community updates.All are welcome to attend and participate; the meeting link is below:https://berklee.zoom.us/j/93294109797?pwd=NHRvd3VsNCsyN0V2akFaN2M0ZUpyUT09 Meeting ID: 932 9410 9797Passcode: 541326*The Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) is an all volunteer group comprised of Fenway Neighborhood residents, organizations and businesses, facilitated by Berklee College of Music, with the goal of encouraging shared stewardship of the Fenway Neighborhood.

3. Wednesday, January 26th, 7 p.m. Town Hall with Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and Representative Jon Santiago Join Congresswoman Pressley and Representative Jon Santiago for this virtual town hall. Congresswoman Pressley will provide updates on her work in Congress and with COVID-19 response efforts. To register, visit: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Cy4ZcVwRRU-a6khkFHZpSA; or to submit a question, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd9Q8pp1cE_TIogW49F1wiuxNGEe_tquYW5OH1kROU1N-S_7Q/viewform

Dear Members and Friends:
Here are some updates for this week – please note a save the data for FCAs Annual meeting!

1. Wednesday, January 19th, 6:00 p.m. – IAG Meeting for 305 Longwood Place

A virtual public meeting for the Impact Advisory Group will be held to discuss the proposed plan for 305 Longwood Place.This proposed redevelopment of Simmons University’s residential campus is detailed at the BPDA project page; public comment is also open.To register for this meeting, visit:  www.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_E1zjQrXiRF6kr5YvzChlLATo learn more or to comment, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/305-brookline-ave-mixed-use-development

2. Wednesday, January 20th, 3:30 p.m. – Fenway Cares free food distribution

Need food or know someone who does? Want to volunteer for a good cause?Fenway Cares will be distributing free fresh produce, grains and more at Fenway Community Center/1282 Boylston Street and Symphony Park/39 Edgerly Road from 3:30 p.m. while supplies last.To sign up to volunteer, visit  bit.ly/FenwayCaresVolunteerTo sign up for a food delivery, visit: bit.ly/FenwayCaresFood
For next week and beyond:

3. Monday, January 24th, 6:00 p.m. – Public Meeting for 305 Longwood Place

A virtual public meeting will be held to discuss the proposed plan for 305 Longwood Place. This proposed redevelopment of Simmons University’s residential campus is detailed at the BPDA project page; public comment is also open.To register for this meeting, visit:  www.zoomgov.com/meeting/register/vJItdu6oqzMoGURPbwdQ0pFHvXK1D7_0_bwTo learn more or to comment, visit: https://www.bostonplans.org/projects/development-projects/305-brookline-ave-mixed-use-development

4. Tuesday, January 25th, 6:00 p.m. – Neighborhood Improvement Committee* / NIC Meeting

A public Zoom meeting of the NIC, a partnership between the community and Berklee College of Music, will be held, covering Berklee and community updates.All are welcome to attend and participate; the meeting link is below:https://berklee.zoom.us/j/93294109797?pwd=NHRvd3VsNCsyN0V2akFaN2M0ZUpyUT09 Meeting ID: 932 9410 9797Passcode: 541326

*The Neighborhood Improvement Committee (NIC) is an all volunteer group comprised of Fenway Neighborhood residents, organizations and businesses, facilitated by Berklee College of Music, with the goal of encouraging shared stewardship of the Fenway Neighborhood.

5. SAVE THE DATE FOR FCA’S ANNUAL MEETING – FEBRUARY 8, 6 PM

We will be holding our Annual meeting via zoom, and have an exciting program in store! Join panelists for a lively conversation about John Boyle O’Reilly and upcoming plans for the O’Reilly monument in the Back Bay Fens.Meeting registration link and details to come!

Dear Members and Friends
Happy New Year! With 2022 kicking off, just a few short announcements for the week:

1. Boston’s B-Together Policy:  Starting January 15th, individuals will be required to show proof of vaccination for COVID-19 in order to enter certain spaces in Boston.To learn more, visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/mayors-office/introducing-b-together

2. Christmas Tree recycling: The City’s Public Works Department performs curbside pick up of Christmas Trees for recycling.Leave your tree (no ornaments or lights) for curbside pick up  on recycling day by 6 a.m. between January 3rd and 14th. To learn more, visit: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/leaf-and-yard-waste-schedule

Free vaccines are offered at Fenway Community Center on Wednesday, December 22nd from 12 noon to 5 p.m.

To learn more see the below flyer.