April 2012 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

FW: [PSNA] Tags Hardware - Solar Assessment Saturday!
by Ruth Ryals 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of Shaw, Meghan Sent: Tuesday, April 10, 2012 11:53 AM To: psna(a)portersquare.net Subject: [PSNA] Tags Hardware - Solar Assessment Saturday! Sorry for the duplicate post. The event will be at Tags Hardware. Is your roof ready for Solar!?! Free Solar Assessments Tags Hardware Saturday April 14, 10am-2pm Ø Solar leasing means no-money down on a solar system for your home! Ø Up to $2000 for Solar Hot Water systems for your home or business! Ø No-cost energy assessments for your home will save you money! Think your home is a good candidate? Live Better Porter Square is conducting FREE solar evaluations and signing up NO-COST Home Energy Assessments. Solar PV is now affordable. Its a great way to lower your electric bill. Solar Hot water is 50%-75% off with a state rebate and the Cambridge Energy Alliance grant. Earn discounts and gifts $10 TAGS Hardware gift card when you complete your no-cost energy assessment Enter for a chance to win a free gift from TAGS and Next Step Living! Cambridge Energy Alliance: Save money. Save the planet. www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org <http://www.cambridgeenergyalliance.org/> -- Meghan Shaw, Community Outreach Director 617-349-LEAF office NEW! 344 Broadway Cambridge MA 02139 NEW! mshaw(a)cambridgema.gov <mailto:mshaw@cambridgeenergyalliance.org>

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Fwd: Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 9 - Peabody Alert - INFO: Agassiz/Peabody Neighborhood Sergeants Meeting Tomorrow
by Ruth Ryals 10 Apr '12

10 Apr '12

Begin forwarded message: From: "CitizenObserver" <alerts(a)citizenobserver.com> Subject: Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 9 - Peabody Alert - INFO: Agassiz/Peabody Neighborhood Sergeants Meeting Tomorrow Date: April 9, 2012 5:38:14 PM EDT Reply-To: alerts(a)citizenobserver.com Cambridge PD: Neighborhood 9 - Peabody spacer <http://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/images/spacer.gif> CITIZEN ALERT INFO: Agassiz/Peabody Neighborhood Sergeants Meeting Tomorrow Tomorrow night, April 10, the Cambridge Police Department will be hosting an Agassiz/Peabody Neighborhood Sergeants Meeting at the Maud Morgan Arts Center located at 20A Sacramento Street in Cambridge. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM and residents of both neighborhoods are encouraged to attend to learn about crime, quality of life, and disorder issues in their neighborhood(s). Residents will also have the opportunity to speak to and ask questions of their Neighborhood Sergeants. Anyone with questions is asked to contact Neighborhood Coordinator Holly Bernier at <mailto:hbernier@cambridgepolice.org> hbernier(a)cambridgepolice.org or at 617-349-6009. For more information and event information, visit <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=jaysy,e0fe,1d8,f41g,19wa,b79n,ib1l> www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice or follow <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=jaysy,e0fe,1d8,44w2,8nwm,b79n,ib1l> @CambridgePolice on Twitter. <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=jaysy,e0fe,1d8,k6we,ldyn,b79n,ib1l> Submit a Tip <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=jaysy,e0fe,1d8,k4u0,d0i3,b79n,ib1l> Neighborhood Sergeants Meetings Contact Information Contact Name: Dan Riviello, Director of Communications Contact Name: Holly Bernier, Neighborhood Coordinator Contact Email: <mailto:PIO@cambridgepolice.org> PIO(a)cambridgepolice.org Contact Email: <mailto:hbernier@cambridgepolice.org> hbernier(a)cambridgepolice.org Contact Phone: 617-349-3237 Contact Phone: 617-349-6009 <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=jaysy,e0fe,1d8,58sv,eogf,b79n,ib1l> See More Details/Translate <http://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/app/ncnews_aff.jsp?sender=jlipshaw@gmai l.com&uid=7f98bd0869&p=2654&mid=653738> spacer <http://www.citizenobserver.com/cov6/images/spacer.gif> Please do not reply to this email. Direct any questions or feedback to the contact at your local law enforcement agency. <http://www.elabs5.com/c.html?rtr=on&s=jaysy,e0fe,1d8,2ubx,g8zs,b79n,ib1l> Unsubscribe from CitizenObserver Email Alerts <http://www.elabs5.com/images/mlopen_post.html?rtr=on&siteid=32424370&mid=65 3738&mlid=1772&uid=7f98bd0869>

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FW: Jane Jacobs Walk on Sat. May 5 at 10:30 a.m.
by Ruth Ryals 06 Apr '12

06 Apr '12

Margaret Levin went to one of the walks last year and I heard it was great! _____ From: Diana Martik [mailto:diana_martik@yahoo.com] Sent: Friday, April 06, 2012 1:29 PM To: Pei Ge; Margaret Levin Subject: Fw: Jane Jacobs Walk on Sat. May 5 at 10:30 a.m. This looks interesting. --- On Thu, 4/5/12, Glenna Lang <glennalang(a)earthlink.net> wrote: From: Glenna Lang <glennalang(a)earthlink.net> Subject: Jane Jacobs Walk on Sat. May 5 at 10:30 a.m. Date: Thursday, April 5, 2012, 5:45 PM Dear Jane's Walkers, This year we will explore Central Square and the historic neighborhood just to the north, once commonly called "The Port" and now part of Area 4. Come see where the first Civil War unit drilled and learn about Lafayette Square, Margaret Fuller's house, Greek revival architecture, and old and new churches. Freelance writer Michael Kenney and Cambridge Historical Commission's Charles Sullivan will offer historic back- ground. Go to the new Jane Jacobs Walk website for a map and all information about the walk: http://www.janejacobswalk.org/category/cities/cambridge2012 You can also view the attached flier. Feel free to distribute it to one and all! RSVP appreciated but not required. Hope to see you there, Glenna Lang

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Important - BZA Petition - deadline April 12th
by Ruth Ryals 06 Apr '12

06 Apr '12

Neighbors, If you agree that Dunkin Donuts should not be granted a fast food variance for 1678 Mass Ave, please reply to this email and ask that I add your name to this digital petition to be presented at the BZA hearing April 12th at 7 pm (806 Mass Ave). I still urge you to write a letter/email and to come to the hearing, but this may be the quickest way to promote awareness of this threat. Thanks you! Ruth Ruth A. Ryals 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-547-6453 617-834-4007 cell rryals(a)comcast.net "Never doubt that a small group of dedicated people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." Barry Bloom's version of a Margaret Mead quote

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FW: [PSNA] Screening - Boston Under: After Hours
by Ruth Ryals 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

-----Original Message----- From: psna-bounces(a)lists.portersquare.net [mailto:psna-bounces@lists.portersquare.net] On Behalf Of John Howard Sent: Wednesday, April 04, 2012 11:50 AM To: Porter Square Neighbors Association Subject: [PSNA] Screening - Boston Under: After Hours "Boston Under: After Hours" provides a rare look at what goes on overnight in the MBTA's tunnels when most people are asleep. Documentary filmmakers follow MBTA employees who perform critical maintenance and repair work to showcase all that is involved in keeping the T functional and making sure that people can get to their destination. The documentary is particularly timely as the issue of MBTA service cuts and fare increases pervades the news. Tickets are $3 ahead of time and $5 at the door (at the door is cash only). For reservations and information: http://mapc.org/events/2012/apr/12 _______________________________________________ PSNA mailing list PSNA(a)lists.portersquare.net http://lists.portersquare.net/listinfo.cgi/psna-portersquare.net

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FW: City of Cambridge Information Technology Survey and World Cafe May 10
by Ruth Ryals 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

FYI From: Joyce, Tracey [mailto:tjoyce@cambridgema.gov] Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 5:19 PM To: Subject: City of Cambridge Information Technology Survey and World Cafe May 10 City of Cambridge Information Technology Survey and World Café May 10 The City of Cambridge will host its first World Café focused on Information Technology Thursday, May 10, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM, at Cambridge Rindge & Latin School, Pearl K. Wise Library, 459 Broadway. The objective of the event is to engage the public in discussion about Information Technology and use the input to help shape the Citys Technology priorities and plans for the future. Please complete our Survey on the Citys website, www.cambridgema.gov, today to help us define areas of greatest interest. The survey deadline is April 20.

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Proposed Dunkin Donuts - 1678 Mass Avenue
by Ruth Ryals 04 Apr '12

04 Apr '12

I don't know how many of you know that Dunkin Donuts is about to be granted a fast food variance to put a store in at 1678 Mass Ave, roughly mid-Avenue, half-way between Harvard Square and Porter Square. My fear is that this starts us down the slippery slope which leads to fast food restaurants up and down the Avenue, as absentee landlords look to big corporations to get higher rents than they can get from local shops and restaurants. The process which the BZA followed in this case was incorrect, possibly unlawful (see attachments). ONLY IF MANY OF US SHOW UP TO PROTEST at the BZA hearing next week, April 12th at 7 pm, Senior Center, 806 mass Avenue, do we have any chance of overturning this decision. Please also write the BZA NOW! Ruth **************************************************************************** * Dear Friends, There was a meeting of the Board of Zoning Appeal on March 8th when the necessary variance was applied for on the grounds of "hardship". Vigilance on the part of members of the Agassiz Baldwin Neighborhood Council and the Mass Ave Improvement Committee brought this to our attention at the very last minute, but the process was not in accordance with the law, in so far as the notice which appeared on the door of 1678 Mass Ave, the premises in question, failed to mention that the "cafe/bakery" seeking the variance was a fast-food outlet. Neighborhood 9 and Agassiz (on the other side of Mass Ave) should have had the chance to discuss the proposed variance in advance, but did not. The Agassiz Baldwin Neighborhood Council and a bunch of us as individuals have written letters to protest this flawed process. Any of you concerned with this kind of development on Mass Ave need to write letters/emails NOW to all members of the council and to the Board of Zoning Appeal to express our views on the proposal to allow the variance. In fact we have until 5pm on Monday 9 April to write by letter or email (the BZA declared the time for verbal objections closed at the March 8 meeting), though it "may" be reopened if enough people come to the next BZA meeting. It would be best to get your letter in promptly and come, if at all possible, to the next BZA hearing scheduled for April 12. Your concern for the quality of the development on our portion of Mass Ave and your efforts to get this variance disallowed will be greatly appreciated. COME TO THE MEETING EN MASSE ON 12 APRIL. It is to be held at Senior Center, 1st floor, 806 Mass Ave at 7pm. We would like them to see the strength of feeling this proposal has aroused in our neighborhood. You will all have your own opinions and priorities but here are some points you may wish to raise in your letter: 1. There are more than enough places serving coffee and food in that stretch of Mass Ave. There are at least 14 including 2 recently opened, most of which are small local businesses, not national companies. 2. There are branches of DD on Mass Ave at Porter Sq and another at 2480 Mass Ave, also others in Harvard Sq and nearby on Somerville Ave. We don't want another one. Once one nationally-owned fast-food place moves in it becomes much easier for others to follow. We don't want that standardization to take over here. 3. Each cafe/bakery causes a certain amount of disruption to traffic and illegal parking. A fast food place will make things much worse on this very busy street. 4. Insufficient and misleading notice was given of the application for the variance for the matter to be discussed with the neighbors, as the law requires. Address your messages to: Maria Pacheco mpacheco(a)cambridgema.gov <mailto:mpacheco@cambridgema.gov> Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal Case No. 10222 831 Mass. Ave. Cambridge, MA 02138 BOARD OF ZONING APPEAL MEMBERS Ranjit Singanayagam at ranjits(a)cambridgema.gov Sean O'Grady at sogrady(a)cambridgema.gov Maria Pacheco at mpacheco(a)cambridgema.gov And copy the city council members: CITY COUNCIL Mayor: Henrietta Davis: hdavis(a)cambridgema.gov Vice Mayor: E. Denise Simmons: dsimmons(a)cambridgema.gov Leland Cheung: lcheung(a)cambridgema.gov Marjorie C. Decker: mdecker(a)cambridgema.gov Craig A. Kelley: ckelley(a)cambridgema.gov David P. Maher: dmaher(a)cambridgema.gov Kenneth E. Reeves: kreeves(a)cambridgema.gov Timothy J. Toomey, Jr.: TimToomey(a)aol.com Minka vanBeuzekom: minka(a)cambridgema.gov Susan Glazer sglazer(a)cambridgema.gov Brian Murphy bmurphy(a)cambridgema.gov Please forward this message to all you know who would join our concerted action. THANK YOU ALL. Ruth A. Ryals 115 Upland Rd. Cambridge, MA 02140 617-547-6453 617-834-4007 cell rryals(a)comcast.net

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Living Well Network Computer Lounge Drop-In Session- Wednesday 1-3PM
by Colin Barr 03 Apr '12

03 Apr '12

Living Well Network Computer Lounge Drop-In Session This Wednesday Our Computer Lounge sessions and classes are educational, informative and fun while we solve simple and complex technology problems in a low stress, supportive environment every Wednesday. Here are some questions participants have recently brought into the Lounge: What is iCloud and how does it work? Can someone show me how to use my iPad? Why can't I download my camera pictures to my computer? Bring your computer questions to our next open lounge session this Wednesday and our staff will help you find answers! Date: Wednesday, April 4th, 1-3 PM Location: North Hall, 1651 Mass Ave., Cambridge (Use side entrance on Wendell St. marked ANC community room, disability accessible) See you at the Lounge! Colin --------------------------- Colin Barr Computer Lounge Coordinator Living Well Network Agassiz Baldwin Community http://agassiz.org/ cbarr(a)agassiz.org 617-349-6287 x10 ---------------------------

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FW: Car Breakin on Lancaster Street
by Ruth Ryals 02 Apr '12

02 Apr '12

Keep a watch out! Report anything suspicious to the police, and the neighbors. Ruth From: Margot Welch Sent: Monday, April 02, 2012 12:13 PM To: Sue Reed; Jeff Meller; Mary Jane Kornacki Subject: Fwd: Car Breakin on Lancaster Street FYI. I have written to Sylvia, thanking her for sending this along and asking her not to be too freaked out - remembering that my kids' bikes were stolen decades ago and I HATED having to keep them in the house or locked somewhere hidden in bushes; bikes are always very desirable - and telling her we would all be glad for the heads up. Margot Welch tel: 617-491-8781; c: 617-359-5883 Begin forwarded message: From: "sylvia winter baggish" <sylvia(a)winterworks.org> Date: April 2, 2012 11:38:53 AM EDT To: margot.welch <mailto:margot.welch@verizon.net> Subject: Car Breakin on Lancaster Street Dear Margot, Alice Howard gave me your name and suggested I send you this notice regarding a car break in on Friday night between #17 and #18 Lancaster Street. We are residents of #17 and I saw the incident but was unable to stop it. NOTICE: Our subaru wagon was parked on the street at #18 Lancaster Street on Friday night, March 30th. At about 9:30pm a road bike was put in the back in preparation for a Saturday ride. At 10:30pm a short but very load noise was heard from the street as I was near a window on the 2nd floor street side. A suspicious man noticed he was seen from the open shutters of the 2nd floor, he was standing near the back end of our subaru then started walking slowly out of sight. At this time, he quickly manuevered to a blindspot and when he was seen again a couple seconds later he was at the back of the car again. He continued to look towards the 2nd floor where he was being watched and then shoved his hands in through the back window (the first loud noise was obviously the impact of him shattering the glass) grabbed the bike wheel, the road bike and ran down Lancaster Street towards Mass Ave. We yelled from our window but obviously he did not stop and was not seen by anyone else on the street, reportedly. He was not seen again. No one on Mass Ave saw a running person with a bike and wheel when we inquired a few minutes later. We were advised not to investigate the ally or parking lots behind the commercial buildings but it was very tempting for our safety. The incident was filed with the police. The man was a white or latino 30 or 40 year-old wearing an overcoat, something slung over his arm, and a beret or flat cap. We have small children and have always felt safe in our neighborhood but we are a bit unnerved by this incident. We do not wish to become suspicious but do hope that the neighborhood watches for strange behavior and stalkers around the streets. The fact that it was at 10:30pm seems very brazen and quite shocking to us. It is a bit creepy. Sylvia and Aaron Baggish 17 Lancaster Street

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