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serving the Fenway, Kenmore square, upper BacK Bay, prudential, longwood area & mission hill since 1974 volume 37, numBer 10 octoBer 1-27 , 2011

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By Lori A. FrAnkiAn

The delay in reopening reflects the regulations imposed by numerous City of nticipation runs high in the West Fens, to put it mildly, as restaurant Boston departments. Gold’s and the restaurant row is showing true signs of being owners’ individual plans and actions require detailed follow-through of all requirements close to reopening! in order for an official “sign off” that allows A consistent stream of eager residents, each party to proceed to the next step of the nearby business staff, and red Sox patrons process. With so many have been walking protocols to be fulfilled, onto the new concrete there are and obviously patio and looking in have been many hold-ups. the windows of the Without full compliance, a restaurants that have business cannot continue removed their newspaper moving forward toward the shields, allowing official goal—a certificate passersby a sneak peak of occupancy. Without into the dining spots that title, the doors don’t many used to call their open. The roadblocks have “second home.” A savage been frustrating to Gold, electrical fire on January the tenants, and to the 6, 2009, leveled the strip community, all anxious to of restaurants and a dry have their neighborhood cleaning business on and lifestyle return in full Peterborough Street – a swing with new character life changer for every and exciting upgrades. Gold person affected. states, “i wish more than The enormous anyone that i were able to rebuilding process came see the restaurant owners, with endless city permit neighbors and extended approvals for property new England fans of owner Monty Gold, restaurant row enjoying returning favorites El the property the way it is Pelon, Thortons Fenway meant to be experienced. Grille, rod Dee Thai, We are not far from turning and newcomer Swish A future customer checks for signs on the lights and grills!” Shabu, a hot-pot-style Jim O’Leary, Japanese restaurant. The of progress at El Pelon, one of four restaurants racing to secure Marty Thorton’s general permitting process approvals that will allow it to contractor, was also breaks down into three hired by Monty Gold to categories—inspections, reopen in the rebuilt Restaurant Row building. upgrade the exterior of permitting and serving the storefronts to meet the food—each of which is access requirements of the Americans with lengthy, explicit and costly, leaving no room Disabilities Act by “installing the concrete for missteps or exceptions.
photo: lori frankian

meet tracey hunt, the Force Behind annual saFe ‘eat and treat’ party
By MikE MEnnonno

photo: valarie seabrook

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racey Hunt is on the go. Ever since helping to found the Fenway Family Coalition back in 1994 she has been a force in affordable, family-friendly fun in the Fenway. Whether it’s Spring into the Fenway or the Summer Social, Tracey has had a hand in planning and presenting it. A long-time resident and mother of three children she has raised in the Fenway, she understands the importance of community activities that cater to all ages. Tracey is in her third semester at Bunker Hill Community College studying human services, a field she has a lot of practical experience in. She has been planning events for the Fenway CDC since 1998, when the organization had its first Halloween Party in the basement of 70 Burbank. in the ensuing years, she says, the An uplifting moment from the Fenway Halloween Eat & Treat and Safe Trick & Family Coalition’s 2009 Halloween party. Treating in the Fenway has become her most popular event of the year, and a true community event at that. With donations from a number of local restaurants, the Halloween Eat & Treat is a gathering, now held in the Community room of the Fensgate Co-op at 73 Hemenway Street, for the Fenway trickor-treaters on their way to visiting the over 35 businesses that offer Halloween treats. “This is the time when families and friends come out with their children and the numbers of families you see on this day that come out is usually the most you will see at one time,” Tracey explains. “it is fun and safe for everyone.” Along with free pizza, drinks, cookies and face-painting, kids can pick up a free costume at the event as well, and she encourages folks to donate new or gently worn costumes and accessories like witches hats and plastic swords their own children may have outgrown, so that kids who may not have a costume can scare one up at the event. Plus, the first 25 kids get a free pumpkin to bring home, and the first 50 will get their first treat bag. And Tracey will be there, like a force of nature, making it all happen. Mike Mennonno lives in the West Fens.

patio with handicap ramps for each restaurant space,” stated o’Leary. While the process was quite an undertaking, it adds fresh appeal to the strip, and once dressed with tables, lights and greenery, the location will shine nicely, day or night. “The concrete deck and overall access process had to be designed by an architect or engineer, stamped and sent into the city to be reviewed and approved,” said o’Leary. The patience of the community will pay off in the end. i know it’s been a long process to rebuild since the fire, but I can see that in the near future, it will be thriving again and probably better than it was,” concluded o’Leary. Marty Thorton of Thortons Fenway Grille started his official process later than other owners but is trying to move swiftly. Thorton took a different approach to his deck. Stone and tile workers have been polishing the concrete, giving it a nice smooth finish that is easier to maintain and complements the granite façade of the building.” William Lee, co-owner of Swish Shabu, is trying to remain on schedule with his building process. Lee is so determined to get his restaurant open that he sold the shares from his former partnership with Shabu, in Quincy, to concentrate on his Fenway location. Lee stated that “there have been delays from many sources; permits were pulled due to miscommunication and this is holding up the movement of the interior work.” He continued, “the problem is that there isn’t a clear system in place that allows the owners to receive tailored help as they work through each step.” Jim Hoben, owner of El Pelon, would be elated to know that every few hours someone walks toward his restaurant, puts their face up against the door to see if there is movement inside, pulls on the handle, and turns away with a clear sign of disappointment. Hoben has been ready to open for weeks. His loyal staff, who have been working at his Commonwealth Avenue restaurant, have been patiently waiting to return to the neighborhood and clientele they love and appreciate so much. During red Sox pre- and post-game

photo: steve wolf

The End is Near: Restaurant Row May See Reopenings This Month

Willow Weeps No More

It took nearly four weeks, but the giant willow that fell across one of the main paths in the Victory Gardens during Hurricane Irene has finally headed to the mulch pile. A worker from Royer Tree Service in Dedham piled chunks of the trunk into a trailer for removal on September 12.

periods this year, food fans from lingered at the site, asking if their restaurant of choice would open during the Sox season. That didn’t happen, but october looks like a winner! We don’t have to be in playoffs for folks outside of Boston to return to restaurant row. Sitti krajangsart, general manager for rod Dee Thai, shares that “we are 85% ready—we are waiting for small accessories and our new sign.” krajangsart continued, “many of our staff have returned to Thailand but we do have some staff members returning.” not surprisingly, there will be an increase in prices, “by 10-25 cents,” said krajangsart. He also noted that while the menu won’t change very much there will be more “specials.” krajangsart wanted to say that, “we love the Fenway community!” He shared that, “at 3:30 a.m. the morning of the fire a neighbor approached me crying…That is why we are coming back: We want to be one with the community” Seven-year West Fens resident Erinkate o’Donnell states, “i am thrilled to know that rr is coming back! The fact that it is not becoming an over-gentrified boutique hotel with a lot of high-priced shops—we keep the flavor of the neighborhood. We keep what is important to the people.” [Gentrification has had, she continues, “an impact on the population explosion, the infrastructure, the utilities usage—it’s hard on people to function in this and to afford it. The more high-end stuff we bring in, the harder it’s going to be to keep people who make this neighborhood what it is.”] o’Donnell says she’s “glad to see that we are going to get our restaurants and local community back!” At press time Monty Gold was waiting to hear whether the “core” of restaurant row was ready for “sign-off.” Thortons, rod Dee Thai and Swish Shabu are in separate stages of building, so their inspections and approvals will be layered. While the restaurants may not open at the same time, you can count on at least one making your mouth water…and sooner than you think. Lori Frankian has kept an eye on the rebuilding of Restaurant Row for nearly three years from her West Fens home.

no rest From the wicKed in west Fens
The end of baseball season used to usher in a reliably quiet few months for West Fens residents, giving them a chance to recover from traffic jams, park-trashing fans, and the buzz of circling blimps. The new Red Sox ownership seems bent on eliminating even that short respite with its growing program of concerts, hockey games and—get this—a haunted house attraction from New Hampshire. To mark its 20th anniversary, Spooky World, star of late-night TV ads and popular with the shopping-mall set, signed a deal with the Sox to produce 14 shows in Fenway Park between October 28 and November 6. The attraction will be open from 5 to 11 p.m. each day during its run, with added four-hour children’s matinees on Saturdays and Sundays (Oct. 28-29 and Nov 5-6).

2 | FENWAY NEWS | OCTObEr 2011

district 7 voters pick Fenway’s parker and Jackson
international Bank Fraud
on Sept. 23 a young East Fens resident came to the District 4 station to report that he had deposited a check into his Bank of America account, drawn on a bank in Michigan. He had received the check after agreeing to transfer all but $1,000 of it to a bank in Dubai. At the time of the deposit he asked a BoA representative to confirm that the check was good, and he was told that it was. Soon after the transfer, the Michigan bank returned the check, and $4,000 that had previously been in the young man’s account had been withdrawn without his permission. A detective spoke with the Michigan bank, whose representative told him that the issuing account had been compromised in May and used in a Uk lottery scam.
ito Jackson, Jr., and Sheneal Parker will face off in November for the Boston City Council seat representing District 7. Jackson, the incumbent, took 76% of the vote in the September 27 preliminary election; Parker, a Fenway resident, captured 11%. Two other candidates, Althea Garrison and Roy Owen, split the rest of the vote. Jackson won a special

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election to replace Chuck Turner last year, after Turner was forced off the Council in the wake of his conviction for taking a bribe in an FBI entrapment scheme. Parker, actively involved with several neighborhood groups, is a teacher in the Boston Public Schools and the mother of a 15-year-old son. The two candidates meet again in the general election on November 8.

Makeover Leaves Fens Footbridges Smoother, More Accessible
pathways handicap-accessible and compliant ver the summer, the two with the Americans with Disabilities footbridges crossing the Muddy (ADA) act. According to Liza Meyer of river in the city’s Parks the Back & recreation Bay Fens underwent Department, the “rehabilitation” and approaches to the resurfacing. The old footbridges bridges provide a had slopes of physical link between nearly 12%. “We the East and West have reduced Fens, handy for both those grades residents and park considerably,” visitors. one bridge she wrote. “The leads from near the new footbridges Museum of Fine Arts have slopes below to Clemente Field, 8%, approach the other from the paths at or below Smooth concrete surfaces have replaced Fenway toward the 5%, and a new grates and broken tiles on two bridges over the ADA-compliant rose Garden. Work Muddy River in the Fens. began in late June, handrail.” Meyer
photo: steve Chase

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By BArBArA BrookS SiMonS

atm theft at Bank Branch

An officer responded to a radio call for a larceny report on Sept. 21 at the Bank of America at the corner of Mass. Ave. and Boylston St. The victim reported that she had made a cash deposit of $710 in one of the bank’s ATMs and then walked away, forgetting to remove her card. She returned 5 minutes later to find her card still in the machine, the account still activated, and $700 missing from her account. She said the ATM vestibule had other people in it both when she left and when she returned, and that she didn’t know any of them. The victim was advised to contact the bank.

holds the whole structure together needed to remain intact.” The overall cost of the completed footbridge project was about $175,000. John Kelly, a neighborhood resident and advocate for accessibility, checked out the finished project and found the new footbridges fully accessible. “The smooth, unscored concrete is a joy to ride over,” he wrote. kelly did make one additional point, however: “My ongoing concern is that [the] Parks [Department] follow state regulations by devising a plan for an accessible route on both sides of the bridge. if a pedestrian bridge is installed that people cannot get to safely, its value is wasted. “ Barbara Brooks Simons lives in the East Fens.

phone Fuss at woody’s grill & tap

on Sept. 13 at approximately 10:35pm, two officers responded to a radio call about a disturbance at Woody’s on Hemenway St. Upon arrival one of them spoke with the owner, who reported that she believed the suspect had taken her cell phone. The suspect was asked to step outside but refused. He became loud and volatile, saying that his basketball was behind the bar and that he wouldn’t leave until it was retrieved. The owner wanted him out because he was disturbing the other patrons. After attempts to persuade him to leave failed, the officers tried to escort him out of the premises, but he resisted After a brief struggle he was handcuffed, taken outside, arrested, and transported to District 4 for booking. While being booked he stated “i did it. i took the phone,” but would not elaborate further.

with each bridge being repaired separately while the other remained open to maintain the pedestrian link. According to the contractors, the old bridges were installed about 1978. over the more than 30 years since then, they had deteriorated. The tiles and paving of the decks became broken and uneven, making walking difficult and unsafe. Temporary gratings did not help. now, the walking surfaces on each bridge are a single smooth concrete deck. Handrails are also new. one goal of the footbridge renovation was to make the bridges and approaching

explained further, “We could not make the footbridges any flatter without rebuilding them completely —the existing arch slab that

Zoning Hearing
The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on October 19, 2011, at 9:45 AM, in Room 900, Ninth Floor, Boston City Hall, in connection with Text Amendment Application No. 421, Map Amendment Application No. 601 and a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 82, The Fenway Triangle Mixed Use Project (“PDA Plan”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority on behalf of Fenway Enterprises LLC. Text Amendment Application No. 421 would amend Article 66, Fenway Neighborhood District, with respect to the Neighborhood Shopping Subdistrict regulations and Planned Development Area regulations. Map Amendment Application No. 601 would amend Map 1Q, Fenway Neighborhood District, by 1) changing the existing zoning of several parcels of land from “Fenway Triangle NDA”, indicating a Neighborhood Development Area, to “NS-3,” indicating a Neighborhood Shopping Subdistrict; and 2) adding the designation “D”, indicating a Planned Development Area overlay district to approximately 95,085 square feet (approximately 2.2 acres) of land bounded generally Brookline Avenue, Van Ness, Kilmarnock and Boylston Streets in the Fenway section of Boston. Said PDA Plan consists of two proposed projects to be located at 132 Brookline Avenue (a 17 story, primarily residential project with 5,000 square feet of retail on the first floor) and 1325 Boylston Street (225,000 square foot mixed use development and accessory parking below grade). Copies of the petition, the PDA Plan and a map of the area involved may be obtained at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 953C, Boston City Hall, between 9 AM and 5 PM any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. For the Commission, JeFFrey m. hampton, seCretary

Zoning Hearing
The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on October 19, 2011, at 9:30 AM, in Room 900, Ninth Floor, Boston City Hall, in connection with Map Amendment Application No. 599 and a petition for approval of the Development Plan for Planned Development Area No. 83, The Winsor School Campus (“PDA Plan”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority on behalf of the Winsor School. Map Amendment Application No. 599 would add the designation “D”, indicating a Planned Development Area overlay district to approximately 322,677 square feet (approximately 7.41 acres) of land owned by the Winsor School in Boston. Said PDA Plan consists of the 1) Pilgrim Road Project, a new 110,000 square foot, five story structure on the eastern end of the Winsor campus and will replace the existing gymnasium building; 2) the Longwood Avenue Project, the construction of an up to ten story commercial building containing a maximum of 320,000 square feet and an underground garage containing approximately 225 vehicles; and 3) the Courtyard Addition Project, consisting of up to 30,000 square foot, four story addition to Winsor’s main building that will connect the existing academic buildings and enclose an existing grassy courtyard. Copies of the petition, the PDA Plan and a map of the area involved may be obtained at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 953C, Boston City Hall, between 9 AM and 5 PM any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. For the Commission, JeFFrey m. hampton, seCretary

Zoning Hearing
The Zoning Commission of the City of Boston hereby gives notice, in accordance with Chapter 665 of the Acts of 1956, as amended, that a public hearing will be held on October 19, 2011, at 9:00 AM, in Room 900, Ninth Floor, Boston City Hall, in connection with Map Amendment Application No. 600 and a petition for approval of the Boston Conservatory Institutional Master Plan (“IMP”), filed by the Boston Redevelopment Authority on behalf of the Boston Conservatory. Map Amendment Application No. 600 would amend Map 1Q, Fenway Neighborhood District, by adding the designation “IMP”, indicating an Institutional Master Plan overlay district to the properties owned by the Boston Conservatory. Said IMP would allow for the renovation and occupancy of approximately 20,000 square feet at 132 Ipswich Street. Copies of the petition, the IMP and a map of the area involved may be viewed at the office of the Zoning Commission, Room 953C, Boston City Hall, between 9 AM and 5 PM any day except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays. For the Commission, JeFFrey m. hampton, seCretary

illegal parking scam

On Sept. 14 an officer responded to a call about illegally parked cars behind 133 Park Drive. The caller, the building maintenance supervisor, had observed on the building’s security tapes the suspect flagging down vehicles on the street and directing them to park behind 133 Park Drive for a fee. The suspect was then observed carrying an orange traffic cone behind a bush at the rear of 70 Queensberry St. Near the bush officers found an SUV with an orange cone in the back seat. The officer ran a registration check and found that the owner lived nearby. The officer went to the owner’s address and knocked, but no one answered. Meanwhile two people returned to find their vehicles had been towed. The officer directed them to call Robert’s Towing and pointed out signs posted at the rear of the building warning that parking was private and that violators would be towed. The victims said they had paid $25 to park, could identify the perpetrator, and would testify if needed.

As the new academic year begins, we remind our students:


 

Smart Students Make Great Neighbors
Meet your neighbors • Keep it clean, keep it quiet • Get involved in your community!
For
 information
 or
 to
 report
 concerns,
 email
 [email protected]
 or
 call
 617-­‐373-­‐8265
 

FENWAY NEWS |OCTObEr 2011 | 3

photo: lois johnston

Boys Meet Grill at This Year’s FensFest
Matthew Manes (l) and David Rose (r), two local students, happened across the Fenway Garden Society’s annual FensFest on Sept. 10 and were so charmed by it they volunteered to help out at the grill. Although Hurricane Irene had passed through just a week earlier, toppling two of the Victory Gardens’s large willow trees, the party went on as usual. One regular (who says this every year) declared it “the best FensFest ever!”

meeting on oct. 3 opens Joint Fenway civic/ dcr eFFort to Fix what ails agassiz road
n Monday, october 3, Fenway Civic Association and the state’s Department of Conservation & recreation (DCr) will launch an effort to address the sad state into which Agassiz road has fallen over the past few decades. The two organizations will co-host a public meeting at Berklee College of Music about improvements needed along the road, used primarily by cyclists and pedestrians cutting across the Fens between Park Drive and The Fenway. Building on its Emerald Necklace Crosswalks and Treatmet Guidelines, the DCr plans to study possible transportation and other improvements, supported by the civic association and the City of Boston under DCr’s Partnership Matching Funds Program. At the October 3 meeting, DCR will present the findings of a field inventory it carried out to catalogue current conditions, and it will present conceptual design ideas for possible improvements. The meeting will take place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm on the second floor of 142 Mass. Ave., the main Berklee building, at the corner of Belvidere Street). For more information, email [email protected] or call 617-626-4974.

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AppArently, liquor iSn’t quicker
In the past several years, Hemenway Variety, at the corner of Westland Ave. and Hemenway St., has twice tried to obtain a liquor license but has been turned down because of objections by the neighborhood, the Boston Police Department, and others. Last month, the owners of the building complex at 91 Westland Ave., Satya Swami, Inc., filed a request with the Board of Appeal for a zoning variance that would allow a liquor store in the building. Again, neighborhood organizations, the police, Councilor Mike Ross, and others raised objections. —BARBARA BRookS SIMonS The appeal was withdrawn before the September 20 hearing.

Steer cleAr of St. Stephen Street While Work iS unDer WAy
As we went to press we learned that the Boston Department of Public Works will scrape and repave St. Stephen Street from Mass Ave. to opera Place (which is pretty much the entire street) beginning Sept. 29 and lasting for approximately 10 days. Special parking restrictions will be in force during that period.

Zen-like cAlm SettleS on the pruDentiAl center
Beginning november 4, the East Fens’ kaji Aso Studio will hold its annual Spot of Beauty exhibition in the Prudential Center’s Huntington Arcade Winter Garden. Supported in part by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council, the display will run through nov. 19, from 8am to 11pm daily, and will include ancillary events, including a performance of Italian art songs and arias on nov. 11 at 7:30pm, and a calligraphy demonstration on nov. 12 from 1-6pm. The opening reception will take place from 5-7pm on nov. 5. Call the studio at 617-247-1719 or visit www.kajiasostudio.com to learn more.

Service-leArning progrAm eArnS northeAStern A top rAnking
For the second year in a row, northeastern has made the short list of best colleges/ universities for service learning in the US News & World Report’s Best Colleges. The popular college rankings in the book spotlight service learning—the contemporary term for programs that give students real-world experience to complement what they learn in the classroom. The guide applauded the nU program in sections evaluating “Academic Programs to Look For” and “Programs with a Focus on Student Success.” kristen Simonelli Doggett, associate director of the Center for Community Service at northeastern, said that “although our work is predominately focused within our local community, it’s a real compliment that the quality of our work with students in the classroom and with our community partners locally and abroad is recognized by our colleagues at institutions of higher education throughout the nation.”

berklee Alumni Scoop up 13 lAtin grAmmy nominAtionS
Thirteen Berklee alumni have received nominations for Latin Grammy Awards, primarily in Music Production and Engineering (MP&E) , where the group scored 10 nods. others appear in the Best Engineered Album and Producer of the Year categories. Three of the nomineees already have multiple Latin Grammys: Benny Faccone holds seven, Gustavo Borner has six, and Gustavo Celis has won five of them. Aureo Baqueiro, with two previous awards, is up for Producer of the Year for his work on recordings by six different artists.

ho-hum, Another mAcArthur ‘geniuS’
Last month’s announcement of the MacArthur Foundation’s “genius” grants gave new England Conservatory’s Alisa Wellerstein reason to celebrate. She joins a gaggle of nECbased MarArthur laureates, including Gunther Schuller, Cecil Taylor, Regina Carter, and the late George Russell. The grant carries an award of $500,000 in no-strings-attached income over five years. A cellist, Wellerstein will next perform with the Wellerstein Trio in Jordan Hall on october 31 at 2pm. Later that evening, Ran Blake—another nEC MacArthur laureate—presents his annual Halloween film/music extravaganza, this year built around Alfred Hitchcock’s Shadow of a Doubt, released in 1942 and thought to be the director’s personal favorite among all his films.

gArDner SeekS volunteerS
As the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum readies to open its new wing, designed by Italian architect Renzo Piano, it has begun a search for more volunteers to help staff the expanded facility. Members of its Education Department staff will train volunteers to welcome visitors, answer questions about the museum and its programs, assist visitors in the galleries, and usher at concerts and lectures. If you’d like to apply for the training, start by attending a required information and interview session on Saturday, october 1, or Thursday, october 6. To find out more about volunteering or the training, contact Julia Brucker at 617-278-5147 or via email at [email protected].

Dog-pArk plAnnerS Will DetAil plAnS At oct. 26 meeting

The group attempting to organize a dog park in the Back Bay Fens will hold an informational The staff and board of the Fenway Community Development Corporation (FCDC) invite you meeting on october 26 where members will present draft plans for the park. The group to visit the group’s new offices at 70 Burbank Street during an open house on Wednesday, “invites dog owners and neighbors to learn about what’s needed to get a dedicated dog oct Residents, Boston Boston 12, from 4-7pm. FCDC develops affordable housing and tracks institutional expansion Residents, park in the Fenway.” The meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Fensgate Community Room, 73 and real estate development in the Fenway—if you’re interested in these issues, this is one Hemenway Street (use side entrance). RSVP to [email protected]. For more info, visit way to get involved. If you’re not interested in these issues, perhaps the idea of free food will fenwaydogpark.org. get you to the open house. For information visit www.fenwaycdc.org.

tAke A gAnDer At the neW fenWAy cDc officeS on oct. 12

Safely Dispose Safely Dispose Of Of Your Hazardous Waste, Your Hazardous Waste, kenmore SquAre project lAuncheS neW WebSite & Recycle Tires And Propane librAry & Recycle Tires AndfrienDS of the publicTanks hoSt A book SAle on oct. 1 Propane Tanks

Jon Rosenthal, developer of the 4.5-acre project just outside kenmore Square called Fenway Saturday, October from 9:00am to 2:00pm Library (BPL) will host a book sale on Saturday, Saturday, October The City-Wideto 2:00pm 9:00am Friends of the Boston Public Center, has opened a new website for the project. www.FenwayCenter.com includes detailed29oct. 1,29 10am-4pm in the lower level of the Mckim Building (enter on Dartmouth St.) in information, including project overviews, site plans and renderings, news updates, and much Copley Square. Most books sell for $2 or less, and sale items include VHS tapes, magazines, UMassUMass Parking Lot, Morrissesy Blvd Dorchester Parking Lot, Morrissesy Blvd Dorchester else. Rosenthal hopes to break ground for the project, in planning and permitting stages for art catalogs, albums, and other ephemera. Proceeds benefit the BPL. nearly two years, sometime in 2012. (Electoronic Waste at Bayside Expo (Electoronic Waste at Bayside Expo Lot) Lot)

BOSTON RESIDENTS
Boston Public Works will collect and compost residents’ yard waste

BOSTON RESIDENTS
Boston Public Works will collect and compost residents’ yard waste

barrels marked “yard waste.” ammable, reactive, or poisonous; such as: For free “yard waste” stickers, call 617-635-4500 ammable, reactive, corrosive,corrosive, or poisonous; such as: Seven weeks: October 17 -(up to 2 stickers available per household). paint, motor oil, pesticides, solvents, glues, bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, cleaners, December 2 oil paint, motor oil, pesticides, solvents, glues, bleach or ammonia-based oil ON YOUR RECYCLING DAY. weed killers, photo Saturday, October 29, batteries, and oil. chemicals, pool chemicals, car weed killers, photo chemicals, pool chemicals, car batteries, and used motorused motor oil. Cut branches to 3’ maximum length 9:00am to 2:00pm and 1” maximum diameter. Place leaves in large paper leaf bags or open Latex paint is not hazardous Tie barrels marked “yard waste.” branches with string. UMass ParkingLatex Morrissey Blvd. Dorchester Lot, paint is not hazardous For free “yard waste” stickers, call 617-635-4500 NO COMMERCIAL WASTE ACCEPTED NO COMMERCIAL WASTE ACCEPTED Lot) (Electronic Waste at Bayside Expo Place leaves and (up to 2 stickers available per household). yard waste at the curb by 7am The City reserves the right to reject The City reserves the right to reject materials materials ONlengthRECYCLING DAY. YOUR Saturday, November 19 Cut branches to 3’ maximum NO PLASTIC BAGS PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIRED PROOF OF RESIDENCY REQUIRED and 1” maximum diameter. waste will not be collected Yard 9:00am to 2:00pm Tie branches with string. during the two weeks before

Boston Residents, West Roxbury West Roxbury Seven weeks: October 17 Leaf & Yard Waste DAY.- December 2 ON YOUR RECYCLING of Your products labeled Waste, 7-Week Collection paper leaf bags or openSafely Dispose 50 pounds ofHazardoustoxic, toxic, ResidentsResidents may to may bring up bring up to 50 pounds of products labeled Place leaves in large And Recycle Tires and Propane Tanks.

Leaf & Yard WasteSaturday, November 19 9:00am to 2:00pm Saturday, November 19 9:00am to 2:00pm 7-Week Collection PublicPublic Works 315 Gardner St, Works Yard , Yard , 315 Gardner St,

• The City reserves the right to reject materials • Proof of residency required Boston Public Works Department Thomas M. Menino, Mayor Joanne P. Massaro, Commissioner For more information, please call 617-635-4500 or visit www.cityofboston.gov/recycling

Place leaves and yard waste yard waste your from Oct. 3 to at the curb by 7am ON YOUR RECYCLING DAY. Oct. 17, when collection begins.
Yard waste will not be collected during the two weeks before the Oct. 17 start date. Please hold onto your yard waste from Oct. 3 to Oct. 17, when collection begins.

the Oct. 17 start date. Please hold onto

Public Works Yard, 315 Gardner St, Boston Public Works Department Boston Public Works Department West Roxbury Thomas M. Thomas M. Menino, Mayor; Joanne Commissioner Menino, Mayor; Joanne P. Massaro, P. Massaro, Commissioner

NO PLASTIC BAGS

labeled toxic, flammable, reactive, corrosive, or poisonous such as: Oil paint, motor oil, pesticides, solvents, glues, bleach or ammonia-based cleaners, weed killers, photo chemicals, pool chemicals, car batteries, and used motor, oil Latex paint is not hazardous | NO COMMERCIAL WASTE ACCEPTED
Thomas M. Menino, Mayor

For more information, please call 617-635-4500 or visit For more information, please call 617-635-4500 or visit Residents may bring up www.cityofboston.gov/recycling www.cityofboston.gov/recycling to 50 pounds of products

4 | FENWAY NEWS | OCTObEr 2011

Serving the Fenway, Kenmore Square, Audubon Circle, upper Back Bay, lower Roxbury, Prudential, Mission Hill, and Longwood since 1974

A Community Center for the Fenway? Pinch Me!

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By LAUrEn DEWEy PLATT

amille Platt, my daughter, is 17 years old now, and she’s lived in the Fenway her entire life. Quite a few babies have come and gone during that time; they often leave the neighborhood before or during their toddler years. Every chance i get i ask the parents why they’re moving, and i generally get the same answer—besides limited housing for families, Fenway’s lack of an elementary school and a community center makes the neighborhood a tough place for families with children to feel connected, to know each other. Play dates work for a while, but with all the turnover momentum is lost. Some of us stay and raise our kids here, but we are the exception. So imagine my surprise upon learning that The Abbey Group’s community benefit package includes a neighborhood community center in their 1282 Boylston Street project! you read it right—not a community space but a community center with a proposed size of 2,500 square feet. The Project Notification Form states that the “proposed project will provide a dynamic and flexible neighborhood space that will be available to all individuals and groups in the neighborhood…located on the ground floor of the building…attached to a neighborhood café, restaurant or coffee shop. To make this space accessible to all, it will be unaffiliated with any one particular group and can be occupied by individuals or groups on either a reservation or firstcome first-served basis.” naturally i’m excited to hear that The Abbey Group, the developer behind the Landmark Square apartments and the renovation of Landmark Center, is planning a community center, so i’ve been talking about it with my neighbors and hearing rumors that the Boston redevelopment Authority is not supportive. realizing the importance of going directly to the source, i asked John Fitzgerald, the BRA representative for the project, and learned that, on the contrary, the BrA supports the plan but simply wants to ensure that it is properly planned in its design and appropriately managed in its execution. indeed, i haven’t spoken to anyone in the neighborhood who doesn’t share those concerns. in the September issue of The Fenway News, Joyce Foster wrote about the 1282 Boylston project and ably identified the

guest opinion

issues that were discussed at the neighborhood meetings, so i won’t reiterate those concerns here. However, i do recall a project representative stating that a portion of the revenue generated by the presence of an adjacent café (perhaps the lease revenue?) is a model that may be employed to keep the community center financially viable. Surely long-term funding will need to be addressed, but the good-faith effort of the developer in thinking ahead about a revenue stream is certainly a step in the right direction. The Fenway is home to a number of vibrant organizations that can contribute to the planning process—Fenway Civic Association, Fenway Community Development Corporation, Fenway Garden Society, Emerald necklace Conservancy, Fenway Family Coalition, Peterborough Senior Center, Solar Fenway, and several others. individuals, like Fenway artist Lisa Fay, also have ideas to contribute. At the very least, the Fenway’s major cultural institutions—the Museum of Fine Arts, isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, Boston Symphony Hall—should be tapped to contribute programs, and area colleges and universities could be asked to provide faculty expertise and student internship opportunities. Community benefits often come with tradeoffs, and it’s so far unclear to me what all of the potential tradeoffs might be. Certainly height is an issue—at 178 feet the 1282 project exceeds the zoning limit. The community needs to be vigilant, but everyone will have different ideas about what is negotiable and what is not. We ensure a better process overall when we aim for diversity—not just in age, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status but in diversity of opinion as well. indeed, encourage those with whom you disagree to participate. As an original board member of the Mission Hill / Fenway neighborhood Trust and cognizant of its protracted 10-year genesis, I urge my neighbors and residents—those who are affiliated with neighborhood organizations and those who are not—to come together in a spirit of teamwork and collaboration and work with the developer to create a place that works for current residents, welcomes new residents (especially the new tenants at 1282), and envisions an even more diverse community in the future. We won’t have ten years to make it happen. Lauren Dewey Platt lives in the West Fens.

Steve Chase • Helen Cox • Tracey Cusick • Joyce Foster, president • Steven Harnish • Barbara Brooks Simons • Steve Wolf, treasurer editOr: Stephen Brophy weB teaM: nicole Aubourg, Stephen

Fenway news assOciatiOn BOard OF directOrs

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Jon Ball, Alison Barnet, Liz Burg, Bob Case, Helen Cox, Tracey Cusick, Dharmena Downey, Lisa Fay, Lori A. Frankian, Joyce Foster, Marie Fukuda, Galen Gilbert, Elizabeth Gillis, katherine Greenough, Steven kapica, Mandy kapica, Sam Harnish, Sarah Horsley, Rosie kamal, Shirley kressel, Maura McGowan, Mike Mennonno, Letta neely, Richard Pendleton, Camille Platt, karla Rideout, Mike Ross, Barbara Brooks Simons, Matti kniva Spencer, Anne M. Tobin, Steve Tolman, Fredericka Veikley, Chris Viveiros, Margaret Witham PhOtOgraPhers: Steve Chase, Lois Johnston, Mike Mennonno, Patrick o’Connor, Valarie Seabrook, Matti kniva Spencer, Ginny Such, Steve Wolf caLendar: Penina Adelman, Helen Cox, Ruth khowais, Steve Wolf, PrOOFreader: Tracey Cusick Cathy Jacobowitz BOOKKeePer: Cathy Jacobowitz distriButiOn: Della Gelzer, Aqilla Manna, Lauren Dewey Platt, Reggie Wynn
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Waiting for the Wrecking Ball
the exercise. As ingrid, back from a bout in a nursing facility, said, “Some of us don’t have anyone.” Being on a first-name basis with each other, as amazing as that is, is only a small part of the community that has developed among us. After class on Mondays, Starbuck’s provides free coffee for us in a room downstairs. often class members bring in homemade By ALiSon BArnET cakes and cookies to go with it. And sometimes a y staff member comes to talk to us. For these many months, since plans to demolish n our exercise class one day, we noticed a construction ladder placed as though someone was about to fix a hole in the ceiling. the gym and build a northeastern dorm were announced, we’ve had many questions about the specifics, but the answers are always the We laughed: why fix a hole when the building is going to be same: “i don’t know.” “We don’t torn down? know exactly where yet.” “Well, The yMCA on Huntington Avenue is a strange it shouldn’t…” “I can’t promise.” place these days. Strange and sad. Demoralized ironically, some of the staff are brand-new hires, including an and absurd. As i write this, the word is that the gym and the pool aquatics director who may or may not have a pool to teach in. will close on october 10, but who knows? Probably they’re just not nobody knows saying. october 10 is also the date of nothin’, yet everybody the Fenway Alliance’s opening our assures us our classes Doors event, and the yMCA is one of will continue. They’ll twenty-two institutions participating. be held in a different What if visitors try to open the door room on Huntington to the gym and find it chained shut? Avenue, but “i can’t Maybe they’ll be just as confused and see where that’s going angry as we members are. to be yet.” Because i’ve been going to classes called there are so many “Seniors in Motion” and “young @ people in our classes, Heart” for a couple of years now. i’m a the room will have to newbie, since many of the twenty-five be quite large. one or so men and women who take these possibility is a room classes have been coming for fifteen with a wall-to-wall years. This substantial and loyal carpet, but a carpet following is due to instructor Pattie isn’t good for aerobics. Geier, a Fenway resident, who knows kevin what we need and never lets up— Washington, CEo “Let’s do eight more of these.” Geier, and president of the who is also a tour guide at Symphony Greater Boston y, Hall, loves music, and so we jump Pattie Geier puts her students through their paces in an class at recently wrote in The and stretch to an eclectic medley of the YMCA. The Y’s plan to sell part of its building have left Geier’s Boston Globe that Mozart, “Blue Moon,” Frank Sinatra, followers—who feel more like a community than a class—in limbo. “eventually” there and “Leroy Brown.” will be a new yMCA I first realized how special these classes are—beyond the gym on Huntington Avenue. Some of us can’t wait for “eventually.” aerobics, weights and mat work—when i noticed how often nancy, We may not be here. Also of concern, as classmate Marie recently class member and organizer, gave reports before class on how sopointed out at coffee hour, are teenagers. Where will they go in the and-so was doing, and often there was a get-well-soon card to sign. interim? After being absent a couple of times, i was surprised and moved I used to like it when Pattie put on the Village People’s to get a call from Susan checking to make sure i was all right. But “yMCA” and we all made ys in the air with our arms. Waiting for it was the day i walked in to see class members forming a circle the wrecking ball, however, it’s hard to feel good about it anymore. around nancy while she cried her heart out because her son had Alison Barnet lives in the South End. died that i recognized how much more important the class is than As reported in previous issues of The Fenway news, the YMCA hopes to sell part of its property on Huntington Avenue, including the section of the building that houses the Y’s athletic facilities, to a private developer who would tear the structure down and build a dorm for Northeastern students. —Editor

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“Comforting the afflicted and afflicting the comfortable.”
The founders of The Fenway News adopted this motto to express their mission of exposing and opposing the dangers the neighborhood faced in the early 1970s—including rampant arson, unscrupulous landlords, and a destructive urban renewal plan. If the original motto no longer fits today’s Fenway, we continue to honor its spirit of identifying problems and making our neighborhood a better and safer place to live.
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FENWAY NEWS |OCTObEr 2011 | 5

Anyone who lives near a food-related business will probably rejoice to read this press release, which we received late last month. The Boston City Council is considering a measure to restrict noisy trucks from collecting trash in the middle of the night. in response to complaints from residents, City Councilor At-Large Felix G. Arroyo and District City Councilor Michael ross introduced a home-rule petition to give the City of Boston authority to regulate commercial trash-collection timing. “Presently, trash may be collected in the middle of the night right outside the windows and doorsteps of residences without consideration to those who are living next door,” Councilor Arroyo stated at the last Boston City Council meeting. neighborhoods including the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the north End, the Leather District and Chinatown are home to many restaurants located adjacent to residential areas. Many individual residents have contacted Councilor Arroyo’s office about noisy trash pick-up taking place throughout the night. Christopher Betke, chair of the Leather District neighborhood Association, stressed, “in the Leather District, many residents are disturbed quite literally in the middle of the night by trucks emptying dumpsters at 3 or 4 in the morning. That is just not right. The City of Boston should be able to set reasonable

rules and limits on this type of activity.” Even though the City issues permits to haulers providing trash-collection services, current state law prevents the City from restricting the hours when garbage can be collected in business or commercial areas. The home-rule petition would give the City authority to regulate when trash may be collected. Councilor Michael ross, whose district includes the Back Bay, Beacon Hill, the West End, and the Fenway, explained, “i am pleased to join Councilor Arroyo to help improve the quality of life for Boston’s downtown residents with this sensible proposal. i look forward to participating in the public dialogue and bringing this new legislation to fruition.” State representative Marty Walz and fellow downtown State representative Aaron Michlewitz are working on legislation at the State House that would enable all municipalities to regulate the timing of trash pick-up in commercial and business districts. “i look forward to working with my colleagues on this issue. What we would like to ensure is that our residents and businesses are able to peacefully co-exist and thrive in our city,” stated Councilor Felix Arroyo. Editor’s note: State law restricts town and city actions in many fields where the legislature has already created law. Under a home-rule petition, a municipality may petition for the right to do something it would normally lack the authority to do, but the legislature must vote to allow it before the municipality may act.

what happens to our city, a realtor asks, if only the rich can live here?

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By MiCHAEL FoLEy

onsider yourself lucky if you’re not looking for an apartment rental in the Boston area. rental properties in the city, and most of its neighborhoods, are virtually 100% full! i have been renting properties in Boston since 1985 and i have never seen it anywhere near this tight! in the price range under $2,500 there are a few units here and there but that’s it. on the MLS rental database, the least expensive rental that is available in neighborhoods of Back Bay, Beacon Hill, South End, Fenway, Mission Hill, north End, Waterfront, Allston and Brighton is $1,500!! on MLS in those areas there are only 11 properties for rent under $2,000, and five of those are in Brighton. As you might guess, the segment of the rental market that is flush with availability is the luxury market. in the $3,000-$10,0000 price range MLS has 108 condominiums listed for rent—and that doesn’t include luxury buildings like Trilogy, 1330 Boylston, Church Park, Prudential Apartments, and The Colonnade. They, for the most part, have very low vacancy rates. The slow economy has caused a huge drop in new white-collar hiring, and many top earners are tightening their belts

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Fall fruits and vegetables are crowding out summer produce, although corn, peaches, and nectarines should remain available for a few more weeks. this is a prime time to try an apple variety you never see in the supermarket, such as mutsu, melrose, spencer, or opalescent. ask for recommendations from vendors or other customers.

Farmer’s Markets
thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. brigham CirCle thursday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. jamaiCa plain: bank of america parking lot, Centre street wednesday 12:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. saturday 12:00 p.m.–3:00 p.m. south end: 540 harrison avenue (at sowa arts market) sunday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

west fens: outside 7 haviland street (former fenway health) 10/26 (last weds. of the month) 3:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. Copley square tuesday & Friday 11:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. prudential Center: 800 boylston, across from walgreen’s

and avoiding splurging on expensive rentals. The lower end of the market is sold out for many different reasons: 1) The very high rental rates have forced the average wage earner into the low end of the scale. 2) Many of the area’s largest colleges have increased enrollment while not increasing housing, which sends students into the housing market to compete with everyone else. 3) The Boston economy is outperforming the rest of the country with less unemployment and more hiring, especially in the many medically related fields. 4) no, and i mean no, new affordable housing has been built in several decades. Virtually all of the new housing created in the city has been luxury. 5) There was not nearly as much turnover this year. As a property manager i have seen firsthand that the vast majority of my current renters elected to renew their leases for at least another year. Most of my many property-manager friends experienced the same low turnover rates. i do not want to see my city become another one of the US cities that have become unaffordable for the low and middle classes. in order to remain a vital and interesting city, Boston needs diversity—people of all colors and backgrounds, artists, musicians, the poor and the rich. We all need to start by reaching out to our city and state politicians and voicing our opinions on the subject before the situation gets even worse. Michael Foley operates Boston Choice Properties on Jersey Street in the West Fens.

street Cleaning times
the city cleans Fenway residential streets between 12 and 4 p.m. on the first and third Wednesdays of the month (odd-numbered side) and the second and fourth wednesdays (evennumbered sides). get more info at 617-635-4900 or www.cityofboston. gov/publicworks/sweeping. the state cleans streets that border the Fens on this schedule: • seCond thursday the riverway, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
•Second Friday

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the Fenway (includes inside lane), charlesgate extension, and Forsyth way, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
•Second Friday

8 to 54 the Fenway (includes inside lane), charlesgate extension, 12:00– 3:00 p.m. >park drive (includes inside lane), upper Boylston street, 8:00 a.m.– 12:00 p.m. >park drive, from holy trinity orthodox cathedral to Kilmarnock street and from the riverside line overpass to Beacon street, 12:00–3:00 p.m. www.mass.gov/dcr/sweep.htm has a complete schedule and maps.
•Third TueSday

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Let’s Stop Nighttime Garbage Removal!

symphony road community garden taKes the caKe
Santosh Sharma, a senior aide at the Peterborough Senior Center, stands just to the right of Boston Mayor Tom Menino as he honored 28 winners of the 2011 Boston’s Best Garden contest. Sharma represented the Symphony Road Community Garden, which took third place in that category.

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literary treat: noted short story writer visits peterborough senior center october 5

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By STEPHEn BroPHy

dith Pearlman burst into the consciousness of America’s reading public in January by having her latest collection, Binocular Vision, reviewed on the front cover of The New York Times Book Review—the authorial equivalent of making the cover of Rolling Stone. Even though her work consistently gets chosen for best-of-year short story anthologies, and even though I have been focused on reading short stories for nearly five years now, I was one of the multitudes who wondered why I had never come across her work before. And after I bought the book and started reading I was even more amazed that she had not become this famous years ago. Since the publication of her first collection, Vaquita, in 1996 she and her stories have been winning prizes, most recently the 2011 PEN/Malamud award. Her other collections are Love Among the Greats (2002) and How to Fall (2005). On her website, www.edithpearlman.com, she explains, “I am slow. A sentence often takes an hour to compose before I throw it out. What can you do?” Roxana Robinson, in the NYTBR essay

previously noted, writes that Pearlman’s “characters are sophisticated, highly literate, relatively affluent and often musical. They travel, they read, they go to museums and concerts: they take pleasure in what the world offers. They’re also principled, and moral responsibility plays an important part in their lives.” I have led a short-story discussion group at the Peterborough Senior Center for the past three years. When I discovered that my new favorite author lived in Brookline I took a chance and invited her to visit the group, and she graciously accepted. We will be talking about two stories from Binocular Vision: “Fidelity” and “Girl in Blue with Brown Bag.” If you can read these before Wednesday, October 5 at 11am, you are welcome to join us. The Center, located a few steps down the alley between 100 & 108 Jersey St., has been closed for the past few weeks because of repairs to the building, so call the Fenway CDC at 617-267-4637 to verify where the group will meet.

As Art World Eyes Again Turn to the MFA, We Curate the New Wing for You
offsets Red Disaster, making for a rich and Black tie, 1981, robert t. Freeman ast month the Museum of Fine Arts evocative experience amidst a collection of Freeman’s Black Tie is Boston opened its new Linde Family very different pieces, including Ellsworth complementary to Walker’s Wing for Contemporary Art. This kelly’s immense rainbow piece, Blue Green mural of silhouettes. Both confront racial marks another important stage in Yellow Orange Red. The gallery also has on stereotypes; both do so using familiar the expansion and renovation of the MFA, display a dress from the fashion and textile methods. Where Walker uses silhouettes, which opened its Foster + Partners-designed department collection, the “Souper Dress,” Freeman’s painting is reminiscent of renoir’s Art of the Americas wing less than a year with a design based on Warhol’s Campbell’s party scenes—and from a distance one ago. Extensive renovations to the i. M. Peisoup can images. might even mistake Black Tie for a renoir designed West Wing, which originally opened dialogue with myself i, 2001, contemporary. But much like Walker’s mural, in 1981, include a new staircase leading to yasumasa morimura Freeman’s painting confounds immediate the second-floor galleries, the creation of Morimura’s piece is possibly the impressions—in technique, in perspective, education and social spaces, and access to most engaging in the Jeanne and and in subject matter. Black Tie’s figures seven new galleries with nearly 12,000 square Stokley Towles Gallery, which is organized stare back at the viewer, much as they would feet of additional exhibition space. Arranged thematically to invite dialogue about “contemporary art,” there are currently 240 works on view in these galleries. in remarks to the press, Malcolm rogers noted ten things “not to be missed” about the expansion. rogers’ comments ranged from the physical transformation of the wing to the goal of creating an expansive social experience, making the Linde Family Wing a destination where patrons can interact and commune Formerly shoehorned into a hallway, Josiah’s McElheny’s “Endlessly Repeating Twentieth Century with art. This sentiment echoes throughout the renovated spaces and Modernism” has room to shine in the MFA’s newly opened Linde Family Wing. their current exhibits, which invite around the theme of extending conversations. if pausing for a photographer. The familiar an active engagement with a wide variety of Dialogue with Myself is immediately white faces of gay Parisians are replaced works. recognizable as an extension of Frida kahlo’s by somber, black faces. Freeman’s piece is in the spirit of rogers’ presentation, here paintings—and this is a good thing. kahlo’s located in the Edward H. Linde Gallery, near is our list of ten things not to be missed in the work is an acquired taste, and one not the new stairwell. new Linde Family Wing. necessarily accessible to a viewer unfamiliar sloss, Kerr, rosenberg, & moore, with the artist’s oeuvre and history; 2007, carlson/strom ellsworth Kelly Morimura’s piece, on the other hand, prompts Sandwiched between two of the wood sculpture a visceral reaction. The gender-crossing of second-floor galleries is a small Perhaps the centerpiece to the Morimura (the male artist dressed as a female collection of new media art pieces housed in new wing is the first museum Kahlo) flips perspective and layers the other a dedicated light-and-sound-blocked space. survey of wood sculptures by School of the key feature of kahlo’s most famous work: her The most engaging of the pieces is Carlson/ Museum of Fine Arts alumnus Ellsworth female unibrow, indicative of a masculinized Strom’s Sloss, Kerr, Rosenberg, & Moore, kelly. Housed in the Lois Foster Gallery, woman, becomes Morimura’s male brow which traces the day in the life of four highthe exhibit showcases 19 pieces. it’s an paraded as female. powered new york lawyers through their interesting collection—large pieces of the rich soil down there, 2002, performance of choreographed actions. carefully worked exotic woods set against Kara walker This short film loop, viewed from within its blank walls and sparsely spaced throughout Walker’s The Rich Soil Down dark booth, is affecting and asks viewers the 4,700-square-foot gallery. The smooth There is the centerpiece of the to contemplate the actions and patterns of organic waves of wood grain are highlighted John F. Cogan and Mary L. Cornille Gallery. both the law and the culture of the corporate and contrasted against stark white walls; Walker’s wall-length mural anchors the lawyer. many of the larger pieces jut from the graygallery’s theme of “Familiar-Altered.” At first explorers club and ice Floe, 2011, wendy painted floors in monolithic isolation. The the piece echoes the popular silhouettes of a Jacob overall tone of the exhibit is solemn—and by-gone century, its black-and-white figures Two works by Cambridge artist somewhat contradictory. The exhibit seems to cast against a large gray expanse of wall. The Wendy Jacob, Explorers Club and ask its viewers to question the very nature of illusion of familiarity is quickly dispelled, Ice Floe, are located at the top art—from form, to space, to art’s relationship however, when the silhouettes emerge from of the new stairwell. Both works are mustwith the natural world. The space invites the gray wall to reveal figures that confront views, though for different reasons. Explorers reflection but the painted floors are still sticky. racial and sexual stereotypes. The scale of the Club is an excellent composite of images Whether or not you appreciate kelly’s art and piece creates a viewing experience that cannot that documents Jacob’s two-year project vision, the exhibit is definitely worth walking be dismissed once engaged. of mapping urban space according to the through.

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By STEVEN AND MANDy KAPICA

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particular visual and spatial perspective of an autistic boy. The images, viewed in series and stretched across two walls, depicts a variety of locations—all connected by a continuous orange tape. Ice Floe is more conceptual— and interactive: visitors are invited to sit on a collection of white geometric shapes while sounds of the Antarctic emanate through the floor.

McElheny’s piece is not new to the MFA. This fabulous work used to occupy a space on the first floor of the Contemporary wing, a space that frankly was not suitable to the grandeur and beauty of the work. it now occupies a large plot on the second floor in the richard and nancy Lubin Gallery. in its current location, viewers can take in the entirety of the piece, its exquisite mirrored glass bottles endlessly repeating in all directions. one of the overwhelming impressions that echoes throughout the Linde Family Wing is a sense of scale. Art not only imitates life—it is larger than life. nowhere is this more noticeable than in the piece by kay rosen, commissioned for the MFA. rosen’s expansive mural— Mañana Man painted in black capital letters sandwiched together against vibrant yellow— stretches across the entire wall opposite the newly renovated bookstore and the new cafe and wine bar, Taste. Sit in one of the green chairs opposite the mural and soak in the color and scale.

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endlessly repeating twentieth century modernism, 2007, Josiah mcelheny

photo provided by the mfa

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mañana man, 2011, Kay rosen

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neon artwork: please…, 2008, Jeppe hein and all art has Been contemporary, 1999/2011, maurizio nannucci

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Several neon works have been installed throughout the wing. All of them are deserving of contemplative pause, especially Jeppe Hein’s PLEASE…, and Maurizio nannucci’s All Art Has Been Contemporary, which has been installed on the Hope and Mel Barkan Art Wall. And don’t forget to look up when you enter or exit the gift shop. We won’t tell you why, but you won’t be disappointed. Mandy and Steven Kapica live near Kenmore Square.

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Red Disaster’s two panels expertly contrast each other: The repeated electric chair in the right-hand frame, printed darkly to evoke a lingering, post-execution menace, its repeated one word “Silence” in the upper corner prompting viewers into reflective quiet, sharply contrasts with the shocking red of the left panel. The not-quiteblood-red is expected but effective. The scale of the Catherine and Paul Buttenwieser Gallery, along with the bright whiteness of its walls and clean wood floors, further

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red disaster, 1963/1985, andy warhol

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FENWAY NEWS |OCTObEr 2011 | 7

Handel & Haydn × [22 + 40] Equals Two Hours of Musical Bliss
By STEPHEn BroPHy, EDiTor

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performanCes (and CupCakes!) mark ‘opening our doors’ tenth birthday, oCt. 10
ore than 60 events—from music to dance to film to chalk art to indoor kite flying—will mark the tenth iteration of “Opening Our Doors,” the omnibus arts experience organized by 21 cultural institutions located in the Fenway. Event organizer the Fenway Alliance calls it “Boston’s single largest day of free arts, cultural and academic events,” and in tough economic times, the chance to take in some highbrow culture at no cost could prove especially popular. The event kicks off at 10:00 on the Christian Science Plaza with guest speakers, performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, and a children’s parade led by the Hot Tamale Brass Band (tamales, alas, not included). Among highlights of the day (a complete rundown appears at www.fenwaycultur.org) will be a giant birthday cupcake; glass-blowing demonstrations by Diablo Glass School; chalk art with Sidewalk Sam; the aforementioned indoor kite flying with Kite Education in the MassArt gym; and open studios at the Fenway Studios. Open studios and open houses, in fact, form a big part of the day’s program, with a chance to poke around, among others, a music-recording studio, Huntington and Wheelock theaters, the Emerald Necklace Conservatory’s new headquarters on The Fenway, Mass Historical Society, and the MFA and the Gardner, both of which are free for the day. Walking tours will crisscross the neighborhood and the Fens, and performances will range from Boston Conservatory groups to excerpts from Huntington’s Candide to chiming concerts from the Mother Church on the plaza to the popular all-women’s world-music ensemble Zili Misik In the event of rain the kick-off celebration moves to the Sunday School Building on the Christian Science Plaza next to Horticultural Hall.

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Loves Singing, Dancing, Teaching? He’s in the Perfect Neighborhood For It!

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By AnnE ToBin

YOU’RE INVITED TO OUR 30TH ANNIVERSARY OPEN HOUSE! 12PM - 3PM

Including backstage tours, technical demonstrations, discussions with artists, giveaways, and much more. Families welcome! Plus, a ONE DAY SALE — all tickets to select performances are just $30 on October 10 ONLY!

huntingtontheatre.org/openhouse

n a 2007 interview, John O’Neil was asked, “Have you always liked performing?” “I have!” he enthusiastically replied. “My first performance on stage was when I was five years old. My neighbor and babysitter, Judy Kelly, decided to mount a musical extravaganza. She set up folding chairs; cast me as Peter Pan. There was no turning back.” O’Neil has lived in the Fenway for nearly a decade, and loves it for many reasons. One of the most important is his proximity to work that he loves. He teaches theater courses at Wheelock Family Theatre and offers private voice and piano lessons as well as coaching things like how to audition. “I’ve been asked how it feels to have my dreams come true,” he told The Fenway News in a recent interview in his East Fens co-op apartment. “In fact, what I’m doing now was never part of my dreams. But as I’ve moved from performing to teaching, I feel that I’m helping other people achieve their dreams— I’m around a lot of people with dreams every day.” He particularly enjoys working with middle-aged people who come to him saying “I’ve always wanted to sing, but been told that I can’t.” He tells them “this is the place that you can.” Remembering his own upbringing—“when in high school chorus I had a phenomenal and inspiring teacher and found my home in music”—he tries now to make up for “overzealous teachers who lock people up by telling them they aren’t good enough.” He finds that in some of these cases that “teaching becomes life coaching, sometimes even mentoring. What I love most about teaching is watching someone more than 50 years old, who’s had a lot of growth in other parts of life, be able to let go of their ‘inability to sing’” When he moved to the Fenway in 2002, he remembers “at first I didn’t find that sense of neighborhood. Then I thought that having a dog I’d have to walk would help me get to know the community and meet people. My family members were great fans of the dog track. I noticed an article in The Boston Globe describing the “rescued greyhound” project. So I adopted one named McNally. He helped me learn the neighborhood. Within five months, I knew my choice was perfect.” McNally died recently after nine years of providing his own special brand of companionship. While concentrating on teaching, O’Neil has not given up performing. “The hat I’ve worn the longest is that of a cabaret singer. I started in 1990. One night the piano player at the Napoleon Club didn’t show up, and being a regular patron, I was there and went up to the manager and told him I could do the gig. Over the years, I’ve sung at dozens of piano bars. Now I sing at Encore (in the old Bradford Hotel), and at Club Café, and sing at Susan Bailis House regularly. For 22 years, I sang five nights a week. Now, I perform about 50 shows a year. Now it has to be a very tempting offer for me to be interested. “The simplicity of a singer—a mike and a song—is no longer ‘in vogue’ listening to the silence in between. It’s a different time; the audience is ‘aging out.’ Now, a lot more of my time is in entertainment with seniors. For example I perform and sing at the Susan Bailis House regularly.” If you don’t catch him in any of these other venues, make sure to attend his annual Christmas show at the Peterborough Senior Center. You will get a taste of why his students depend so much on him, and why his neighbors are so glad that he decided to live in this neighborhood.

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Anne Tobin lives in the East Fens.

photo: kyle t. hemingway, Courtesy h&h

he Handel & Haydn Society got its new season off to a rousing start on Friday, Sep 23 with a program built around two popular Mozart pieces—the Piano Concerto no. 22 in E flat and Symphony No. 40 in G minor. Artistic Director Harry Christophers pleased the audience before the music even started by announcing that his contract has been renewed through 2016, meaning that he will be around to participate in the bicentennial festivities when the Society turns 200 years old in 2015. The concert got underway with some

pieces by Franz Joseph Haydn, mostly from his suite of concertos known as The Seasons; we heard overtures to Autumn and Winter, as well as a Concertino in F for keyboard and strings. The latter piece brought out kristian Bezuidenhout, the evening’s soloist, who would soon help to bring the first part of the concert to completion with his rendition of the Mozart concerto. While not as obviously eccentric as an artist like Glenn Gould, Bezuidenhout had an interesting stage presence, often staring in the general direction of the ceiling with unseeing eyes, clearly opening himself to wherever his music comes from.

new Concertmaster Aisslinn nosky throw her whole body into the performance. A deaf After the intermission the ensemble got person would have sensed the excitement of back to work with the overture to an oratorio the music by witnessing her movement. As by one of Mozart’s and Haydn’s contempois usual for me when listening to music with raries, Carl Ditters von Dittersdorf. And then, which i am familiar, the end of the concert finally, came the culmination of the evening, came much too soon, and i was surprised that the “Great” G Minor Symphony, composed it had really lasted two full hours. in the summer of 1788. Mozart composed two H&H has many great things in store other symphofor its audiences this nies, the 39th year. on october 28 and 41st, almost and 30 it will present simultaneously, Pergolesi’s Stabat the last of his Mater at Jordan Hall, symphonic and in December it works, as he has the traditional died just three Messiah plus another years later. Christmas program The Society’s built around pieces ensemble by Bach. 2012 consisted of brings performances about 20 musiof Vivaldi’s Four cians, about Seasons, Beethoven’s half of them Eroica Symphony, strings, repliBach’s St. Matthew cating original Passion and Mozart’s performance Coronation Mass. conditions; this Harry Christophers, here rehearsing the H&H There is still time has been the to subscribe to the orchestra, pleased the crowd on Sept. 23 by group’s standard announcing his contract had been extended. entire season to be practice since at able to get concert least the directorship of Christopher Hogwood tickets at reduced prices; to do so, visit www. in the 1980s. handelandhaydn.org, which will further entice it was particularly exciting to watch you.

8 | FENWAY NEWS | OCTObEr 2011

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This symbol indicates a free event. For even more listings, visit www.fenwaynews.org

pick of the month

can Milo restore the Princesses of rhyme and reason to the Kingdom of wisdom and carry a tune at the same time? we’ll know soon enough as wheelock Family Theatre brings a musical version of norman Juster’s beloved children’s novel to its stage. Juster collaborated on the transfer of his story to the stage with sheldon harnick, whose long Broadway resume most famously includes the lyrics to Fiddler on the Roof. he performs the same job for this show, writing to tunes by arnold Black. Jane staab directs this production, with choreography by Laurel conrad. The Phantom Tollbooth runs Oct 21–nov 20 with three shows each week: Fridays at 7:30pm and saturdays/ sundays at 3pm. The theater is at 200 The riverway; for information and tickets, visit www.wheelockfamilytheatre.org.

Phantom Tollbooth Arrives at Wheelock

had for $7 at BostonTheatrescene.com or 617.933.8600. At the BU Theatre, Studio 210, 264 Huntington Ave.

commentators; programming for children, teens and families; writing workshops and competitions; outdoor booths; and spoken word and music performances. All daytime sun, oCt 9: The Boston Conservatory presents events are FrEE with no reservations ilya kaler, violin, performing sonatas by required. For more information, visit Beethoven, Prokofiev, and Franck as part of www.bostonbookfest.org. its String Masters series. 5pm in Seully Hall, wed, oCt 16: Celebrated author Ha Jin visits 8 The Fenway. Tickets $10-$15, and free for the BU Bookstore in kenmore Square for a students with valid iD. Call 617-912-9222 or reading and signing of his new novel, Nanjing visit bostonconservatory.ticketforce.com Requiem, a story of one of the darkest tue, oCt 11: Simmons College presents moments in Chinese history—the rape of Collateral Damage: Drawings and nanjing—through the eyes of an American Installation by Linda Bond. Ten years after 9/11, the American people have experienced missionary struggling to save herself, her school, and her city. 7pm. Visit www. sadness, patriotism, courage, empathy, bu.bncollege.com for details. FrEE xenophobia, war-weariness, and detachment.

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and entertainment as part of the official celebration of oktoberfest with the Goetheinstitute of Boston, the cultural institute of sat, oCt 1: The Longwood Symphony orches- the Federal republic of Germany. Doors for tra, an ensemble composed mostly of medical “oktoberfest Der Beehive” open at 5pm, professionals, presents a concert of works by and live music commences at 7pm. no Harbison, Beethoven, Verdi, and Stravinsky cover charge, cash bar; dinner reservations to benefit Boston Health Care for the Homerecommended. 541 Tremont St. Call 617-423less. In Jordan Hall on Gainsborough St. 0069 for information or to make reservations. Tickets $13–$75; for subscriptions the the for- fri, oCt 7: The annual Fringe Festival at concert LSo season, or for individual tickets, BU’s College of Fine Arts presents two visit www.longwoodsymphony.org or call operas, a play, and a program of art songs 617-667-1527. through oct 29. on tap tonight is the opening
mon, oCt 3: Chamber music fans in the

Bond documents the various ways the media have presented these conflicts to the American public. Through nov 10 in the Trustman Art Gallery, fourth floor, 300 The Fenway. A reception and gallery talk will be held Thursday, oct.13 from 5-7pm. FrEE.

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wed, oCt 12: kuwait-based Sulayman al-

Fenway eagerly await this date because it marks the return of First Monday at Jordan Hall. Tonight’s concert offers music by Dvorak and Arensky and, as a special treat, a performance of Brahms Quintet in G Major by the Borromeo String Quartet and guest violist Kim Kashkashian. Jordan Hall, in the new England Conservatory’s main building at 290 Huntington Ave. (Enter from Gainsborough St.). 8pm. FrEE,

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tue, oCt 4: Join The Beehive for an evening of rustic German food, libations,

sun, oCt 23: Girls still want to have fun, but now they’ve also taken an interest in the blues. Cyndi Lauper joins new orleans musician Dr. John on the House of Blues stage on thu, oCt 13: opening reception for Community Colors, United South End Settlements’ fourth Lansdowne Street. 6 p.m. $25-35. Visit www. livnation.com or call 800-745-3000 for info. annual showcase for local artists. Through tue, oCt 25: Funny Women…Serious Business December 9. Contact Chelsea revelle, performance of Bluebeard’s Castle, a at the annual benefit luncheon for social-serdirector of arts and culture, at 617-375-8159 psychologically probing tale by Béla Bartók vices stalwart rosie’s Place. Comedian Patty or [email protected] for information. of a young bride’s insistence on opening all ross and media luminaries Latoyia Edwards, FrEE the locked doors in her new husband’s castle. Lisa Hughes, Maria Stephanos, and Susan fri, oCt 14: The Boston Book Festival gets Performances continue through oct 9. Later Wornick discuss the funny—and sometimes underway with a special ticketed event, in the month the Festival will showcase not so funny—business of being a woman. “The Art of The Wire,” a discussion with Three Decembers, a new opera by Jake Hynes Convention Center, 900 Boylston St. cast and creators, in the Back Bay Events Heggie based on an original play by Terrence Tickets $150. To purchase tickets, visit www. Mcnally (oct 14-16); Intimate Apparel, a play Center of Hancock Hall at 189 Berkeley St. rosiesplace.org. For sponsorship informaTickets start at $20. on oct 15 from 10amby Lynn Nottage, directed by Judy Braha tion, contact katie Amoro at 617-318-0211 8pm in locations in and around Copley (oct 22-29); and Art Song Meets Theatre: or [email protected]. All proceeds Square, festival events include presentations Jake Heggie on Jake Heggie (oct 28). The benefit programs and services for women and and panels featuring the internationallylatter is FrEE, but requires reservations; children at rosie’s Place. known writers, scholars, critics and tickets for all other performances can be

Bassam Theatre visits ArtsEmerson for six performances of The Speaker’s Progress, a satirical look at decades of political inertia in the Middle East, inspired by the “Arab Spring.” Through oct 16. Tickets, $25–$79, through www.artsemerson.org, by phone at 617-824-8400, or at the Paramount Theatre, 559 Washington Street in the Theater District.

sat, oCt 22: The 34th annual John Coltrane Memorial Concert occupies northeastern’s Blackman Theatre in Ell Hall. Coltrane’s Ashé III celebrates the all-pervasive energy with which the Creator empowers humanity in yoruban culture, and features Afro-Cuban stylistic approaches to Coltrane compositions. Hosted by Eric Jackson, the program also honors José Massó, host of WBUR’s Con Salsa! $25, with discounts available to WGBH members, students, nU faculty, seniors, and other groups. Call 617-373-4700 or visit tickets.neu.edu for information.

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sun, oCt 9: Emerald necklace Conservancy fields first-ever B.A.A. half-marathon team. 8:30-11 a.m. Meet at White Stadium in Franklin Park, Jamaica Plain. For more info about joining the team, contact Ashley Helie at [email protected] or call 617522-2700. To register online or for more info, visit www.emeraldnecklacehalfmarathon. kintera.org. tue, oCt 11: Ward 4 Democratic Committee

wed, oCt 12: Fenway CDC open House. Check out the new office space at 70 mon, oCt 3, Joint meeting about Burbank Street from 4 to 7 p.m. For info or improvements on Agassiz road in the for wheelchair access arrangments, email Back Bay Fens, 6:30-8 p.m., main Berklee Margarita at [email protected] or building, 142 Mass Ave, 2nd fl. For more info, call her at 617-267-4637x10. email [email protected] or call 617sat, oCt 15: Boston Prime Timers, 626-4974. educational, cultural, and social support wed, oCt 5: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s Office network of adult gay and bisexual of neighborhood Services, William onuoha, men. Harriet Tubman House, 566 Columbus holds office hours, 3:30-5:30 p.m. yMCA, 316 Ave. at Mass Ave.; handicap-accessible. Huntington Ave. Bring concerns about city refreshments at 2:30 p.m., program at services. no appointment needed. 3:30 p.m., socializing till 5:30 p.m. $2 wed, oCt 5: Fenway CDC Civic Engagement donation. Visit www.bostonprimetimers.org; Committee mobilizes to preserve housing email [email protected]; or call affordability and to make our voices heard. 617-447-2344. 6:30 p.m. new location at 70 Burbank St., tue, oCt 18: Fenway CDC Urban Village lower level. For more info, email Sarah at Committee monitors development in the [email protected] or call 617-267Fenway and advocates for the kind of 4637x19. neighborhood you want. 6 p.m., new location:

concerns about city services. no appointment needed.
wed, oCt 19: West Fens Community/Police meeting, 5 p.m. Landmark Center, 401 Park Drive, 2nd fl, District 4 Police substation (next to security desk). wed, oCt 19: Spreading Education to End Discrimination training for Fenway tenants and residents sponsored by the Fenway CDC. Presentation covers employment, housing, and public place discrimination. 6:30-7p.m., 70 Burbank St., lower level. For more info, contact kris Anderson at 617-267-4637x29. thu, oCt 20: Congressman Michael Capuano’s

6:30-8 p.m. Location TBD. For location or to verify if meeting will be held, email Laura at [email protected] .
tue, oCt 25: Symphony neighborhood Task

Force meeting, 6 p.m. For location, email Johanna at [email protected] or call 617-635-4225. neighborhood invited.
mon.,oCt 31: Fenway Family Coalition’s

liaison holds office hours: 1-2 p.m. at Fenway Health, 1340 Boylston St. residents’ questions and concerns about national issues or legislation are welcome.
mon, oCt 24: Longwood Medical Area Forum.

Halloween Eat & Treat. Join other familes for a pizza party and trick-or-treating at local businesses. 4:30-6:30 p.m. Fensgate Community room, 73 Hemenway St., side entrance. For more info, to volunteer, to get a list of participating businesses or to donate gently used costumes, email Tracey Hunt at: [email protected] or call her at 617-267-4637x21.
For upcoming Bra meetings and hearings, check the Bra calendar at www. bostonredevelopmentauthority.org/calendar/ calendar.asp/

70 Burbank St., lower level. For info, email Lilly Jacobson at [email protected] or call 617-267-4637x16.
tue, oCt 18: East Fens Community/Police

meeting, 6 p.m. Morville House,100 norway St.
tue, oCt 18: Audubon Circle neighborhood

meeting. 6:30 p.m. South End Branch Library, 685 Tremont St. Contact Janet at [email protected]
wed, oCt 12: Hispanic Heritage Luncheon

Association board meeting, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Harvard Vanguard, 131 Brookline Ave., Annex Bldg., room 3D. For more info, call 617-262-0657.
tue, oCt 18: Ward 5 Democratic Committee

The following events take place at the Peterborough Senior Center, located two blocks from Boylston between 100 and 108 Jersey St. (walk down the alley and look left). For more information, call 617-536-7154.

Club shares tips and demonstrates special projects.
oCt 19: 11am—Family History Celebration,

Part 2

oCt 20: 1pm—Marguerita’s Spanish Class

speCial events
oCt 5: 11am-noon. Author Edith Pearlman

reCurring
mondays

meeting; 7 p.m., First Church, 66 Marlboro St., cor of Berkeley and Marlboro streets.
wed, oCt 19: last day to register to vote in city elections. For more info, call City of

sponsored by Mission Main Concerned residents Committee. 12-4 p.m., Mission Main Community room, 43 Smith St. Guest speakers, lunch, vendor/resource tables & more. FrEE and open to everyone. For more info, contact Gloria at gloriaamadin31@ hotmail.com.

visits the Short Story group to talk about her work in general and participate in the discussion of two stories.

11am: Films (call Center for titles)
tuesdays

Boston Election Dept. at 617-635-3767.
wed, oCt 19: Fenway liaison for Mayor’s

oCt 6: noon—trip to Franklin Park Zoo oCt 12: 11am—Family History Celebration,

• 11 a.m: Exercise with Mahmoud • 12 noon: Documentaries (call Center for titles)
wednesdays

Office of Neighborhood Services, William Onuoha, holds office hours, 3:30-5:30 p.m. yMCA, 316 Huntington Ave. Bring

Part 1

oCt 18: 10am—northeastern’s Crafting

• 10–noon: Blood pressure check with Joyce • 1pm: Yoga with Carmen