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!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
Fenway Civic Association 