The Honan Newsletter
Welcome to the Honan Newsletter, a roundup of the latest ongoings in the district and at the State House on my website.
Along with the roll out of the newsletter, I have updated and added new information to my website. Be sure to check out the Resources page to find services and programs provided by the City of Boston, Town of Brookline and Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
It is my honor to serve as your representative and elevate the issues that matter most to the Allston-Brighton & Brookline communities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at Kevin.Honan@mahouse.gov or contact me at (617) 722-2470 (office) or (617) 755-0409 (cell).
Sincerely,
State Representative
17th Suffolk District
Proudly serving Allston-Brighton and Brookline
Resources
For questions regarding housing, unemployment assistance, voting, COVID-19, transit or healthcare, please click here.
In the Community
Allston-Brighton
The Allston Brighton Health Collaborative (ABHC) has partnered with Farmer Dave's in Dracut to offer an affordable CSA to Allston-Brighton community members from June to October. Members can pay using either their SNAP/EBT accounts or private payment.
Check out the Brighton Farmers Market at Brighton Common every Wednesday from 2 pm to 6 pm. Members can pay using either their SNAP/EBT accounts or private payment.
Check out the Fall Book Sale sponsored by the Honan-Allston library for a mixed selection of books, CD’s and DVD’s - all .50 cents each - on Saturday, October 1 from 9:30 am to 1 pm.
Come enjoy Chandler Pond, the last survivor of nearly twenty ponds which once dotted Allston-Brighton, at the Fall Festival on Saturday, October 1 from noon to 3 pm.
Come hear over 15 Boston bands, duos and singers/songwriters and follow the music from Oak Square to Brighton Center on Saturday, October 1 from noon to 10 pm. Use the Brighton Sounds Unplugged 22 Google map to find your way and plan to grab a bite to eat, meet friends for a drink, or just chill.
The Boston Parks Fitness Series offers free fitness programming in parks around the city with certified fitness trainers leading in-person and virtual classes for individuals of all levels. See more here.
All Bright Night, Allston Brighton CDC's annual night of celebration, takes place on Thursday, October 6 from 6 to 9 PM at Garage B at The Speedway (1420 Soldiers Field Rd, Brighton). Celebrate with community leaders, elected officials, and neighbors alike.
See more here.
Have a green thumb? Come see the winners of the Allston-Brighton Renters Contest at the Charles River Speedway on Friday, October 7 at 6 pm.
Looking to buy a home? Learn more about the process in Homebuying 101, an online three-part webinar hosted by the Allston-Brighton CDC. Graduates of this course receive a certificate that grants access to down payment assistance, Mass Housing Partnership’s ONE Mortgage, MassHousing mortgages, HUD mortgages, home ownership lotteries, and lender first time homebuyer mortgages. Register here.
Songwriter Nora Meier performs live at Brighton Common on Wednesday, October 12 at 4:30 pm.
The 25th annual Taste of Allston takes place on Saturday, October 15 from 1 pm to 4 pm at the Jackson Mann Plaza.
Enjoy local food, bands, and vendors while playing lawn games - or watching a performance from Boston’s Viking Irish.
Seniors, need legal advice? Attorney Tim Loff presents legal topics from basic estate planing and more at the Veronica Smith Center at 11 am on Wednesday, October 19.
Join the Allston Board of Trade for their October meeting at Boston University, George Sherman Union (GSU) 3rd floor, room 310, 775 Commonwealth Avenue at noon on Wednesday, October 19.
Join the ACA for their October meeting discussing the community, civic engagement and advocacy. Read more here.
Interested in a new community center? Attend a community meeting on Zoom at 6 pm on Thursday, October 20 to discuss options for a new community center in Allston/Brighton. Register for the meeting here or scan the attached QR code
Harvard School of Dental Medicine is offering veterans get free dental exams, oral cancer screenings, and prosthodontists consultations at 188 Longwood Avenue on Saturday, October 22. Sign up here.
Brighton Brewfest, benefiting both Brighton Main Streets & PSF Community Center, will take place on Saturday, October 22, from 4 pm to 8 pm in the PSF Community Center parking lot.
The celebration of all things Brighton brings together Brighton’s residential, nonprofit, and business communities and features Brighton’s best brews, food, and music.
See more here.
Head to the Brighton Bazaar for art, vinyl, vintage goods and more at the Brighton Elks Lodge between 11 am to 5 pm on Sunday, October 23.
If you’re looking for some frightfully good family fun this Halloween, head to the “Pumpkin Painting” event in Hobart Park at 3 PM on Sunday, October 23. Preschoolers (from 4 years old) and older are welcome to paint and learn from award-winning painter Howie Green. See more here.
Join City Councilor Liz Breadon at the City Hall on the Go Truck on Wednesday, October 26 from 4:30 pm to 6 pm in Brighton Common. Learn more about services provided by the City of Boston and connect with neighbors from around the Allston-Brighton community.
A capella group The Heightsmen of Boston College perform live at Brighton Common on Wednesday, October 26 at 4:30 pm.
The Homework Assistance Program (HAP) is a free after-school service at the Brighton Branch Library led by Harvard University trained teen mentors that offers homework help, mentorship, and activities for students in grades K–8. Join in person from 3:30-5:30 p.m. every Wednesday and Thursday for a space to work on homework with peers and extra guidance on assignments in any subject, from sciences to humanities. Bilingual help in English and various languages is available.
The Allston-Brighton PAUSES Youth Coalition is taking expired/unused medications on Saturday, Octover 29 at the Boston Police Department. D-14 in Brighton from 9am-12pm. Meet the Youth Coalition and learn more about their community work here.
In partnership with Stop & Shop Restore, Artisan’s Asylum, and the new Allston-Brighton Tree Alliance, join Speak the Trees at 96 Holton Street on Saturday, October 29 for a tree giveaway from 11 am to 3 pm. Allston-Brighton homeowners and residents are highly encouraged to register. Available trees include: Paperbark maple, Corinthian linden, River birch, Seven Sons flowers.
Ready to show your Halloween spirit? Bring the whole family to the Passport to Halloween costume walk and party hosted by the Friends of the Faneuil Library and Friends of the Brighton Branch Library. Meet at the Oak Square Common in costume to hear a story and then join the parade on Saturday, October 29 at 11 am.
Celebrate Halloween at theCharles River Speedway with trick-or-treating, a costume contest, pumpkin painting and halloween movie screening on Sunday, October 30. RSVP here.
Join in the Halloween spirit at the annual Brighton Business District Trick or Treat, returning on October 31 from 3 pm to 5 pm. Start at the Police Station and make your way to the YMCA to visit all of Brighton’s businesses up and down Washington Street and see creative Halloween costumes.
See the opening of the new dog park at Smith Field, 235 Western Ave., at 10 am on Saturday, November 5.
Stop by a fun-filled fall festival supporting your local Allston Brighton Food Pantry on Saturday, November 5 from 10 am to 4 pm at 404 Washington Street, Brighton. The festival will have local artists selling their wares, food, music, and more.
Brighton Allston Congregational Church is hosting a Fall Festival on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 10 am - 4 pm to benefit the Allston Brighton Food Pantry.Vendors interested in having a table at the event can register here.
Check out the Brighton Bazaar at the Brighton Elks Lodge (326 Washingtin Street, Brighton) on Sunday, November 6 from 11 am- 5 pm for art, vinyls, vintage crafts and more.
The Long-Term Device Lending Program helps bridge the digital divide by providing free access to Chromebook laptops and home Internet via home Wi-Fi routers. The Boston Public Library also provides free computer and technology classes to help people use computers and the Internet. Learn more and apply here.
The City of Boston offers free COVID-19 testing at the Josephine A. Fiorentino Community Center in Brighton. PCR test results are returned within 24-48 hours. Find out more here.
Check out Kick It, a high intensity interval training class with kickboxing, boxing, rhythmic components, and a meditative cool down in Brighton Common every Sunday at 10 am. See more classes here.
Bring your children to the Honan-Allston Library for outdoor story time every Tuesday at 10:30 am or outdoor baby lap-sit every Thursday at 10:30 am hosted by librarian Miss Hope the Children’s area.
Brookline
The Brookline Farmers’ Market is held in Coolidge Corner at the Centre Street West Parking Lot every Thursday, 1:30 – 6:30 pm, until the last Thursday before Thanksgiving.
Vendors bring a diversity of products, most of which are produced here in Massachusetts or New England. Members can pay using either their SNAP/EBT accounts or private payment.
Enjoy games and activities as well as a park cleanup at the Griggs Park Eat, Rake and Play event on Saturday, October 22 from 10 am to 1 pm.
Brookline High School presents Oz as the 9th grade play, putting a twist on a classic story. See more here.
Join community members to help prepare the Sanctuary for winter at the Friends of Hall’s Pond Community Planting and Cleanup Day between 11 am to 2 pm on Sunday, October 30. Gloves and tools will be provided.
Brookline High School presents Puffs as the Fall play, with performances between November 2-5 at the Roberts/Dubbs Auditorium. See more here.
The Mass Cultural Council announced pandemic relief grant programs for both individual artists and cultural organizations. Learn more and apply here.
At the State House
September 22, 2022- Attended The Children’s Trust Gala to celebrate the accomplishments and progress made in the prevention of child abuse under the leadership of Suzin Bartley.
September 21, 2022- Welcomed Emmanuel College President Dr. Mary K. Boyd to the State House.
September 16, 2022- Toured the State House with the 2022-2023 SPARK Boston Council cohort and State Representative Rob Consalvo.
Looking forward to watching these innovative leaders make a difference in our city with creative policy solutions.
September 13, 2022- Irish Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason from the Embassy & Consulates of Ireland USA welcomed the MA American Irish State Legislators Caucus aboard the L.É. James Joyce.
September 5, 2022- Attended the Greater Boston Labor Council Annual Labor Day Breakfast in solidarity with workers in every industry.
August 11, 2022- The governor signed H.5060 (An Act driving clean energy and offshore wind) into law. This landmark climate legislation makes Massachusetts a national leader in offshore wind production and will enable the state to reach its goal of achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.
August 10, 2022- The governor signed H.5164 (An Act regulating sports wagering) into law. People 21 years or older will soon be able to bet on professional sports and most collegiate sports at the state's casinos, slots parlor, simulcast centers and through mobile platforms.
August 10, 2022- The governor signed H.5151 (An Act relative to Massachusetts’s transportation resources and climate) into law. The $11.4 billion bond bill puts $400 million toward immediate safety improvements for the MBTA and $275 million as a down payment toward a western Massachusetts passenger rail expansion.
August 1, 2022- The House passed S. 3097
(An Act addressing barriers to care for mental health) to create parity between mental health and physical health in Massachusetts. The bill mandates insurance coverage of an annual mental health wellness exam, invests in the behavioral health workforce, expands access to acute psychiatric care and the behavioral health of people under the age of 18, and empowers community-based mental health services.
July 28, 2022- Hosted the MIAA Division I Champions BC High basketball team to the State House to celebrate their athletic achievements and sportsmanship both on and off the court.
July 28, 2022- The House passed H.5104 (An Act relative to accelerating improvements to the local and regional public health system to address disparities in the delivery of public health services) designed ensure that every resident has access to foundational public health services, regardless of where they live, through the Department of Public Health’s (DPH) State Action for Public Health Excellence (SAPHE) program established by the Legislature in 2020. This bill will raise public healthcare standards in every region and locale across the Commonwealth.
July 26, 2022- Met with Mya and Deanna Cook for the CROWN Act signing that prohibits discrimination based on natural and protective hairstyles in workplaces and schools.
July 21, 2022- Responding to the national gun crisis and recent Supreme Court ruling in the Bruen decision, the House passed legislation to keep Massachusetts’ gun laws as some of the safest in the nation. Stricter licensing laws will protect our communities and ensure our law enforcement has the tools they need to prevent gun violence.
July 18, 2022- The Legislature sent a final FY23 budget to the governor’s desk, expanding on the House’s version passed in April with additional funds to improve safety on the MBTA, extend the universal school meals program and invest in mental healthcare.
July 15, 2022- United at the Greater Boston Labor Council Breakfast with labor leaders and other elected officials.
July 14, 2022- Saw new stop-arm safety technology implemented by Bus Patrol that protects children from motorists violating state laws.
My bill H.4478 (An Act concerning the safety of school children embarking and disembarking school buses) would allow violation detection systems to be installed in school buses across Massachusetts.
Read more here.
July 7, 2022- The House passed H.4978 (An Act relative to military spouse-licensure portability, education and enrollment of dependents) addressing the Commonwealth’s most immediate needs in the veteran community. The bill makes necessary updates to service member quality-of-life issues, including supporting military families who relocate to the Commonwealth with expedited licensure and school enrollment, creating education awareness programs and establishing the Massachusetts Medal of Fidelity.
June 29, 2022- In wake of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, the House passed legislation to further strengthen reproductive and gender-affirming MA laws.
June 17, 2022- The House unanimously passed H.4879 (An Act addressing barriers to care for mental health to boost mental health services) to address longstanding issues with our behavioral health care delivery system. The bill focuses on acute psychiatric care and crisis response, youth behavioral health initiatives, community-based behavioral health services, investments in the workforce, and enforcement of existing behavioral health parity laws.
June 17, 2022- The House passed H.805 (VOTES Act) which greatly expands Massachusetts voters’ access to the ballot. All voters are now eligible for no-excuse Vote by Mail for all elections and will face less hurdles for early voting and voter registration.
June 17, 2022- Honored to stand with the Massachusetts Black & Latino Legislative Caucus, Chair Chynah and my colleagues at the Juneteenth flag raising to commemorate the emancipation of Black Americans.
June 9, 2022- Raised the Pride Flag over the State House with other representatives to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month.
Honan Around the District
September 25, 2022- Thank you to all the sponsors, organizers, volunteers, and participants who attended 20th Annual Brian Honan 5K, a longstanding Allston-Brighton tradition.
September 22, 2022- Attended the groundbreaking of 60 Guest Street, a new world-class life science development in Brighton.
September 17, 2022- Celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the AB Community Celebration at the PSF Community Center.
September 17, 2022- Attended the AB PAUSES Recovery Celebration to recognize September as National Recovery Month.
September 12, 2022- That’s a wrap on another great season of the 2022 Kevin Honan Women’s Basketball League! Thank you to all who played in this year’s league. See you next season.
September 11, 2022- Congratulations to
Ed Bayone, Jeff Feuerman, Jen Gordon
and the Kadimah-Toras Moshe Congregation on the dedication of the new building.
September 10, 2022- Listened to live jazz and blues bands in Brighton Common for the Brighton Blues Fest hosted by Brighton Main Streets.
August 21, 2022- Stopped by field day at Commonwealth Housing on Jette Court hosted by the Commonwealth Tenants Association.
August 19, 2022- Attended the Eighth Annual Biggest Fun Ever in memory of Dawnn Jaffier at the West End House Boys & Girls Club.
August 19, 2022- Donated backpacks to the Back-to-School supply drive hosted by Action for Boston Community Development at the Allston-Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center.
August 11, 2022- Celebrated National Farmers Market Week with Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Commissioner John Lebeaux and other elected officials at the Brighton Farmers Market.
July 27, 2022- Toured the YMCA Camp Walsh Summer Learning Academy in Oak Square.
July 23, 2022- Attended the Veteran’s BBQ hosted by Brighton Marine.
July 19, 2022- Busy night at Smith Park in Allston! The Dope Lotus performed as part of the Neighborhood Concert Series sponsored by Mayor Wu and games took place for the Kevin Honan Women’s Basketball League- the longest running women's league in Boston.
July 14, 2022- Great to see so many friends, family members, and neighbors at the Stockyard in Brighton.
June 30, 2022- Attended the Senior Pride Celebration at the Veronica Smith Center to close out Pride Month.
June 8, 2022- Joined Allston-Brighton Neighborhood Coffee Hour with Mayor Wu & neighbors at the Honan-Allston Library.
June 2, 2022- Broke ground on the new JJ Carroll Apartments with 2Life Communities and the Boston Housing Authority to provide affordable housing for seniors in Brighton.
May 25, 2022- Honored by Allston-Brighton PAUSES along with Joe Kelleher and Granada House at the annual gala at Boston College advocating for substance use treatment and intervention.