Fenway Civic Association

Dear Members and Friends:

As a Nor’easter hit New England this weekend, Boston and the State responded with safety measures. Expect postponements and cancellations. Best to check before you go anywhere this weekend to see if the event date has changed.  Note, the Zero Waste Day originally planned for 9/26 has been rescheduled for 11/21, more info below. 

Staying home? Good time to read the ‘Red Book’ The ballot will include nine binding statewide ballot questions, detailed in the MA State official  2026 Information for Voters booklet(available online or in print).

Mid-term election day is Tuesday, November 3rd

Upcoming Election Dates & Info

Where do I Vote in MA

League of Women Voters 411 site.

The importance of your vote. Last week we listed 5 milestones from 1776 to 1965;  this week we pick up the story from 1971 to 2000.

1971: 26th Amendment – Young people age 18+, win the vote

1975: Voting Rights Act expanded to include minority groups and address language barriers with mandated bilingual ballots where discrimination is evident.

1982: Congress requires new voting protections for people with disabilities Extends the Voting Rights Act for 25 years and requires states to make voting more accessible for the elderly and people with disabilities.

1993: “Motor Voter”, aka, the National Voter Registration Act, states to allow citizens to register to vote when applying for their driver’s licenses; to offer mail-in registration; and allow registering to vote at public assistance offices.

2000: Election problems spotlight need for reform The close Bush-Gore presidential race led to a recount in the state of Florida that highlighted many of the problems affecting U.S. elections, from faulty equipment and confusing ballot design to inconsistent rules and procedures across local jurisdictions and states. The U.S. Supreme Court ultimately intervened to stop the Florida recount, awarding the state’s electoral votes to George W. Bush by a margin of just 537 votes, winning him the presidency.

Voting in America continues to be a contentious issue. Exercise your right to vote. Know your options, make a plan.Vist: Elections Division of Massachusetts for more info.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, September 29, 6-7pm, virtual zoom meeting City of Boston Licensing Dept. Fenway: 100 Peterborough St Abutters Meeting (Fenway Grill)

Seeking common victualler wine and malt beverage license, closing time 12AM.

The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident’s positions on this proposal. Join via Zoom. Meeting ID: 165 558 1213

Saturday, October 3, 11 am – 6 PM, Spicetober Fest Boston City Hall Plaza. Free Spicetoberfest is Boston’s fall spicy harvest festival dedicated to bold flavors, spicy food, and cultural celebration! Launched in 2025, with support from the City of Boston, Spicetoberfest will again celebrate the city’s diverse culinary and cultural fabric by providing a platform for spicy food vendors, urban farmers, chefs, local hot sauce makers, artisan and craft beverage producers, and live music & entertainers to showcase their talents. New this year, craft cocktails (paid entry for 21+)

NEW DATE Sunday, October 4, 4pm, Jazz at Ramler Park with Annie and the Fur Trappers, 130 Peterborough Street. Free and fun for all, come and join us for a light hearted afternoon of old time jazz and blues in Ramler Park on a Sunday afternoon with a lively group of musicians and friends! (flyer below)

UPCOMING

Monday, October 12, day-long, Opening Our Doors – throughout the Fenway Cultural District, www. fenwayculture.org/ood-2026-schedule A yearly event showcasing Fenway’s cultural institutions with special events and performances throughout the day. Find what calls out to you.

NEW DATE Zero Waste Day Drop-Off (Rescheduled) | Boston.gov

Saturday, November 21, 8:30am–12pm, ZERO WASTE DAY. 400 Frontage Road, Drop off your hazardous household waste for proper disposal by the city. Learn more at boston.gov/calendar/ zero-waste-day-drop-2. For a list of accepted items: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/zero-waste-day#accepted-materials FREE

MBTA & TRANSPORTATION

Alerts | MBTA Orange Line disruptions – check the site for details.

Symphony Station is closed until summer 2029. 

Commuter Rail Summer Promotions | Fares Overview | MBTA (new fare options!)

Bowker Overpass – lane closure in effect. 

Roadwork at Mass Ave near Symphony Station through November

Peterborough Street Street Excavation for sewer, water main and utility line replacement causes daytime road closures.

HEALTH & SAFETY

EVENTS — Charles River Watershed Association Check this site for ongoing events including a wide array of activity including: arts, exercise, advocacy, education, land many great things going on in the Charles River watershed. Lend your voice to the current advocacy event by Oct 30 to ‘cut the crap!’ getting into our watershed!!

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Oct 7.

Upcoming Food Distribution Dates (3:30 pm, while supplies last)

WEST FENWAY* Fenway Community Center: & EAST FENWAY Symphony Park

* Presence of Mass General Brigham Community Care Van 1-5pm 

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

UPDATE on the 9/11 Senate Recount Results: Sen. William Brownsberger wins by 35 votes, and moves forward as the Democratic nominee for state Senator of the Suffolk and Middlesex District. (Belmont Voice article here.)

Upcoming Election Dates & Info

Voter Registration Deadline for November 3rd Elections is October 24

Tuesday, November 3rd Polling Hours: 7am – 8 pm

Visit this site to find your polling place, and see your ballot before you vote: wheredoivotema.com

Want more info? Check out the League of Women Voters 411 site.

2026 State Election Ballot Questions The ballot will include nine binding statewide ballot questions. Detailed information can be found in the MA State official  2026 Information for Voters booklet (online), or look for your booklet in the mail!

The importance of your vote.

For 250 years of American history, voting rights have expanded and contracted through a long struggle with barriers and breakthroughs.

Five Significant years in US voting history

1776 – Voting Rights: A Short History

Initially, only a small subset of white, male landowners could vote. 

1870 – 15th Amendment: black men gain the right to vote, with conditions

After the Civil War, Reconstruction Amendments prohibited denying the right to vote based on “race, color, or previous condition of servitude.” However, poll taxes levied against blacks prevented many from voting.

1920 – 19th Amendment: women gain the right to vote

From the demands of the First Women’s Rights Convention in 1848, through generations of activism and civil disobedience, and 50 years after the 15th Amendment, women gained the right to vote.

1964 – 24th Amendment – abolishes the poll tax in federal elections

Prohibits federal and state governments from requiring any poll tax or other tax to vote in federal elections. (State elections kept poll taxes until 1966.)

1965 – Voting Rights Act of 1965  – banning racial discriminatory practices in voting, including literacy tests.

“It is wrong, deadly wrong, to deny any of your fellow Americans the right to vote in this country. There is no issue of states rights or national rights, there is only the struggle for human rights.”

– President Lyndon B. Johnson (1965)

Voting in America continues to be a contentious issue. Exercise your right to vote. Know your options, make a plan.Vist: Elections Division of Massachusetts for more info.

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, September 21, 6-7pm, virtual zoom meeting City of Boston Licensing Dept. Fenway: 1114 Boylston St Abutters Meeting

“Achilitos” seeking common victualler license, closing time 3AM. The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident’s positions on this proposal. Details and registration here.

Thursday, September 24, 3:30 – 6 pm, Fall Festival at New Edgerly Plaza (15 Westland Ave.) Join us at Fenway Forward’s Fall Festival to welcome the new season! We’ll celebrate by creating nature stamp designs with Ginjer, playing yard games, eating some autumn-themed treats, and enjoying live music by the Homefried Valentines and Simon Davis! This event was made possible by the City of Boston’s Fenway/Kenmore Impact Grant. Free and open to all. (flyer below)

Saturday, September 26, 8:30am–12pm, ZERO WASTE DAY. 400 Frontage Road, Drop off your hazardous household waste for proper disposal by the city. Learn more at boston.gov/calendar/ zero-waste-day-drop-2. For a list of accepted items: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/zero-waste-day#accepted-materials FREE

Saturday, September 26, from 7pm, Reception and Gallery Talk: “The Box” works by Kaji Aso from the private collection of Bernard Biales. At Kaji Aso Studio 40 St. Stephen Street. Register by RSVP: administrator@kajiasostudio.com Events are Free and Open to the Public

UPCOMING

NEW DATE Sunday, October 4, 4pm, Jazz at Ramler Park with Annie and the Fur Trappers, 130 Peterborough Street. Free and fun for all, come and join us for a light hearted afternoon of old time jazz and blues in Ramler Park on a Sunday afternoon with a lively group of musicians and friends! (flyer below)

Monday, October 12, day-long, Opening Our Doors – throughout the Fenway Cultural District, www. fenwayculture.org/ood-2026-schedule A yearly event showcasing Fenway’s cultural institutions with special events and performances throughout the day. Find what calls out to you.

MBTA & TRANSPORTATION

Alerts | MBTA Orange Line disruptions – check the site for details.

Symphony Station is closed until summer 2029. 

Commuter Rail Summer Promotions | Fares Overview | MBTA (new fare options!)

Bowker Overpass – lane closure in effect. 

Roadwork at Mass Ave near Symphony Station through November

Peterborough Street Street Excavation for sewer, water main and utility line replacement causes daytime road closures.

HEALTH & SAFETY

EVENTS — Charles River Watershed Association Check this site for ongoing events including a wide array of activity including: arts, exercise, advocacy, education, land many great things going on in the Charles River watershed. Lend your voice to the current advocacy event by Oct 30 to ‘cut the crap!’ getting into our watershed!!

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Sep 23

Upcoming Food Distribution Dates (3:30 pm, while supplies last)

WEST FENWAY* Fenway Community Center: & EAST FENWAY Symphony Park

* Presence of Mass General Brigham Community Care Van 1-5pm 

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

NOTICE: Sunday looks like rain! 

SEPT 13TH RAMLER PARK CONCERT POSTPONED UNTIL OCT 4.  “Annie and the Fur Trappers” Jazz at Ramler Park is now scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4th, 4PM.

Last Thursday’s Fenway Block Party at Symphony Park. had wonderful weather, a great turnout, and lots of fun. Picnic fare, popcorn, watermelon, ice cream truck, facepainting, balloon twisting, bubbles, and dancing! We also distributed compost kits and Fenway Civic bags. Thanks to all our volunteers and supporters and our great neighbors for making the block rock!  See more photos here!! 

THE WEEK AHEAD

Tuesday, Sept 15, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Home Ownership Drop in Sessions – Homeownership Drop-in Sessions | Boston.gov (repeats monthly on 3rd Tuesdays). 26 Court Street, MOH Constituent Center (First Floor) Boston, MA 02108. Join experts from the Boston Home Center for free, drop-in information and support about how to make your homeownership dreams come true with help from the City of Boston. Feeling priced out? You may have overlooked some options!

Wednesday, September 16th, 5pm – 7pm, Fenway Forward is hosting a fundraiser “The Taste of the Fenway” on Van Ness Street! Enjoy all-you-can-eat food and drinks from renowned Fenway restaurants, to showcase the Fenway community! To purchase tickets click here.“

Thursday, September 17th, 7-8pm, virtual zoom meeting City of Boston Licensing Dept. Fenway: 126 Brookline Ave. Abutters Meeting Seeking to transfer all alcohol license from Pressed Cafe Prudential Center location to new Pressed Cafe location. The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident’s positions on this proposal.  details and registration info here 

UPCOMING

Monday, September 21, 6-7pm, virtual zoom meeting City of Boston Licensing Dept. Fenway: 1114 Boylston St Abutters Meeting

“Achilitos” seeking common victualler license, closing time 3AM. The purpose of this meeting is to get community input and listen to the resident’s positions on this proposal. Details and registration here.

Saturday, September 26, 8:30am–12pm, ZERO WASTE DAY. 400 Frontage Road, Drop off your hazardous household waste for proper disposal by the city. Learn more at boston.gov/calendar/ zero-waste-day-drop-2. For a list of accepted items: https://www.boston.gov/departments/public-works/zero-waste-day#accepted-materials FREE

NEW DATE Sunday, October 4, 4pm, Jazz at Ramler Park with Annie and the Fur Trappers, 130 Peterborough Street. Free and fun for all, come and join us for a light hearted afternoon of old time jazz and blues in Ramler Park on a Sunday afternoon with a lively group of musicians and friends! (flyer below)

Monday, October 12, day-long, Opening Our Doors – throughout the Fenway Cultural District, www. fenwayculture.org/ood-2026-schedule A yearly event showcasing Fenway’s cultural institutions with special events and performances throughout the day. Find what calls out to you.

MBTA & TRANSPORTATION

Alerts | MBTA Orange Line disruptions – check the site for details.

Symphony Station is closed until summer 2029. 

Commuter Rail Summer Promotions | Fares Overview | MBTA (new fare options!)

Bowker Overpass – lane closure in effect. 

Roadwork at Mass Ave near Symphony Station through November

Peterborough Street Street Excavation for sewer, water main and utility line replacement causes daytime road closures.

HEALTH & SAFETY

EVENTS — Charles River Watershed Association Check this site for ongoing events including a wide array of activity including: arts, exercise, advocacy, education, land many great things going on in the Charles River watershed. Lend your voice to the current advocacy event by Oct 30 to ‘cut the crap!’ getting into our watershed!!

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Sep 23

Upcoming Food Distribution Dates (3:30 pm, while supplies last)

WEST FENWAY* Fenway Community Center: & EAST FENWAY Symphony Park

* Presence of Mass General Brigham Community Care Van 1-5pm 

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »

Dear Members and Friends:

Primary Election Results – as we wait for the official results, it’s clear that US Senator Ed Markey will remain in office; but the MA state senate race requires a recount to determine the outcome of the Suffolk and Middlesex District, Senate President Pro Tempore William Brownsberger vs. Democratic challenger Daniel Lander, at one point, Lander only 4 votes ahead! The Harvard Crimson breaks it down in detail: Lander, Brownsberger Seek Districtwide Recount in Four-Vote State Senate Race | The Harvard Crimson The recount needs to be completed and certified before 5 p.m. on Sept. 11, requiring each municipality to conduct its recount by that deadline. We’ll update you next week!

The Sept. 1st primary could be the state’s last primary contest that uses the current system of voting by party affiliation. Voters in November will have the chance to vote on a ballot measure (Question 3) that would create a single primary system in which all candidates are listed on one ballot, and voters would be able to choose any candidate regardless of their party affiliation. The two candidates with the most votes would move on to the general election. Given the fact that such a small percentage of voters show up for the primaries, as well as the fact that some races are determined by single-digit vote differences, this ballot measure can have a major impact on future elections. Yes, your one vote can sway an election, your voice matters.

Labor Day is the unofficial start of Fall (officially, fall equinox is Sept. 22nd), and brings to mind the wonderful foliage colors, pumpkin spice, apple picking, new schedules, shorter days and longer, colder nights. A bittersweet time to enjoy the fleeting, carefree days of summer. This Thursday, enjoy time outdoors at the Fenway Block Party, and later, on Sunday, drop by Ramler Park for an afternoon concert!

Are the Sox heading into playoffs? Looks promising…

THE WEEK AHEAD

Monday, September 7, 2026 – Labor Day (federal holiday)

History of Labor Day Labor Day is an annual celebration of the social and economic achievements of American workers. CITY SERVICES AFFECTED City offices, Boston Public Libraries, and BCYF Community Centers are closed. Parking meters are free with no time limit. Daytime street cleaning is canceled, but overnight street cleaning is on a normal schedule. Trash and recycling pickups are delayed in some neighborhoods during the holiday week: check your schedule on the Trash Day app.

Thursday, September 10, 4:30-7:30 pm, Fenway Block Party at Symphony Park. (Rain Date: 9/11) Mark your calendars, check the website for more info! We’ve got more fun in the sun. This summer’s been great for getting out and meeting neighbors. We’re excited to host a late summer block party. (flyer below)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED  for Fenway Block Party to hand out refreshments, help with the compost kit giveaways, and set-up and take-down of the event. Please email us at fenwaycivic@aol.com if you can volunteer, and supply your name, contact info and we’ll contact you. Thanks! We appreciate the help!

Sunday, September 13, 4pm – 6pm, Jazz at Ramler Park with Annie and the Fur Trappers, 130 Peterborough Street. Free and fun for all, come and join us for a light hearted afternoon of old time jazz and blues in Ramler Park on a Sunday afternoon with a lively group of musicians and friends! Presented by The Friends of Ramler Park with thanks to the Robert and Naomi Waldman Foundation. (flyer below)

UPCOMING

Tuesday, Sept 15, 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm, Home Ownership Drop in Sessions – Homeownership Drop-in Sessions | Boston.gov (repeats monthly on 3rd Tuesdays). 26 Court Street, MOH Constituent Center (First Floor) Boston, MA 02108. Join experts from the Boston Home Center for free, drop-in information and support about how to make your homeownership dreams come true with help from the City of Boston. Did you know there are many opportunities to buy for many income levels – are you working full time and feel priced out? You might have overlooked some options to buy in. Check it out, and maybe start your home ownership journey this year!

Saturday, September 26*, 8:30am–12pm, ZERO WASTE DAY. 400 Frontage Road, Drop off your hazardous household waste for proper disposal by the city. Learn more at boston.gov/calendar/ zero-waste-day-drop-2. And Zero Waste Days | accepted materials FREE *Thanks to David P. for pointing out the correct date!!*

Monday, October 12, day-long, Opening Our Doors – throughout the Fenway Cultural District, www. fenwayculture.org/ood-2026-schedule A free yearly event showcasing Fenway’s cultural institutions with special events and performances throughout the day. Find what calls out to you.

MBTA & TRANSPORTATION

Alerts | MBTA Orange Line disruptions 9/10-9/14- check the site for details.

Symphony Station is closed until summer 2029. 

Commuter Rail Summer Promotions | Fares Overview | MBTA Two promotions—50% Off Monthly Passes and $1 Companion Weekends—have been extended through the fall and will end on November 30, 2026.

Bowker Overpass – lane closure in effect. 

Roadwork at Mass Ave near Symphony Station through November

Peterborough Street Street Excavation for sewer, water main and utility line replacement causes daytime road closures.

HEALTH & SAFETY

FENWAY CARES Every other Wednesday, 3:30 pm ‘til done – Next date Sep 9

Upcoming Food Distribution Dates (3:30 pm, while supplies last)

WEST FENWAY* Fenway Community Center: & EAST FENWAY Symphony Park

* Presence of Mass General Brigham Community Care Van 1-5pm 

See you around!

Fenway Civic Association

Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood

Read Full Post »