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
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!
Promoting a vital and sustainable neighborhood
