October 2020 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Fwd: "Stand Out Against Racism" at Porter Square, Sunday Nov 1, at 10 am!
by raryals 31 Oct '20

31 Oct '20

Neighbors, Please come out to Porter Square - Sunday, Nov 1, at 10 am. Yes, I know it is Halloween and it snowed, and you are dealing with tree damage, and you are all working for and worrying about the election. But for an hour or two bring your family, friends, dogs, your home-made signs, your masks and join your neighbors at Porter Square to "Stand Out Against Racism" to show we continue to be outraged at the continuing police violence and the lack of justice, in this country. It will take more than the election of a new president and a whole lot of new senators and legislators to change, although that would be a good start. Please take the time to clear your head, and join us this last time before the election! -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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City of Cambridge Announces New Daily COVID-19 Testing at Four Sites Throughout the City. Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative Formed to Coordinate Testing
by Ruth Ryals 30 Oct '20

30 Oct '20

From: <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> on behalf of Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Friday, October 30, 2020 at 7:00 PM To: <info(a)portersquare.net> Subject: City of Cambridge Announces New Daily COVID-19 Testing at Four Sites Throughout the City. Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative Formed to Coordinate Testing City of Cambridge Contact: Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications & Community Relations lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov For Immediate Release City of Cambridge Announces New Daily COVID-19 Testing at Four Sites Throughout the City Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative Formed to Coordinate Testing Cambridge, MA, October 30, 2020 -- The City of Cambridge announced today that it will begin offering COVID-19 testing for residents seven days a week at expanded locations, as part of a strategic initiative to coordinate testing and COVID-19 vaccine distribution. The initiative is led by the City's newly established Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative (CPC). The CPC’s mission is to create a public and private partnership to help ensure the health and safety of Cambridge residents during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Collaborative will create a long-term, sustainable, and scalable structure for testing and COVID-19 vaccine distribution, when the vaccine becomes available. The CPC completed its first task this week with the finalization of the expansion plan for the City's COVID-19 testing program, which began offering free testing to the community in April. Beginning Sunday, November 1, 2020, a new drive-through COVID-19 testing site will be available on Sundays and Thursdays at CambridgeSide in East Cambridge. Appointments for testing will be available from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. The CambridgeSide testing site is located in the upper parking garage on First Street. The upper parking garage will be used for COVID-19 testing only. This is a drive-thru site and there is no access to the testing site from inside CambridgeSide or from the lower parking garage. Testing will be available every Saturday (except October 31) at the Pisani Center at 131 Washington Street from 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m., 50 Church Street (former Fire and Ice) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Fridays from 12:00 – 8:00 p.m., and at St. John the Evangelist Church at 2254 Massachusetts Avenue on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Testing at 50 Church Street will begin on Monday, November 9, 2020. Appointments can be scheduled online at www.Cambridgema.gov/testing."Recent public health data tell a sobering story and remind us that the pandemic is far from over. We know that testing is one of many evidence-based tools we can deploy to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19," said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. "Through this new collaborative, we will be able to provide our residents with greater access to COVID-19 testing. We especially want to thank CambridgeSide, Trinity Property Management, the Cambridge Housing Authority, and St. John the Evangelist Church for partnering with us to provide these key testing locations." The CPC will create a testing and vaccination structure that will last through the end of the pandemic by focusing on three key elements. First, CPC will focus on providing widely accessible COVID-19 testing. Next, it will incorporate flu vaccinations into the existing testing structure. And finally, it creates a large-scale COVID-19 vaccination program that will be added to the project. "As infections continue to rise in Massachusetts, it is critical that residents have improved access to COVID-19 testing," said Claude A. Jacob, Chief Public Health Officer and director of the Cambridge Public Health Department. "Seven-day-a-week testing in multiple neighborhoods will help meet the growing demand for this important city-funded service. I applaud the city's leadership and our partners for their outstanding commitment to the health and well-being of residents." As with any large community effort, significant partnerships are required, and Cambridge is fortunate to have many community partners willing to engage in this effort. Pro EMS and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard have been key partners for COVID testing in Cambridge since day one. As part of the City’s expanded testing program, CambridgeSide is providing its First Street Upper Parking Garage, which will allow for large-scale drive-through services, Trinity Property Management is providing space at their 50 Church Street location in Harvard Square, St. John the Evangelist Church will continue to provide space in North Cambridge, and the Cambridge Housing Authority will also continue providing space at the Pisani Center in The Port. Members of the CPC include representatives of the City Manager's Office, Cambridge Public Health Department, Cambridge Fire Department, Cambridge Police Department, Pro EMS, Cambridge Housing Authority, Mount Auburn Hospital, CambridgeSide, Trinity Property Management, St. John the Evangelist Church, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce, and the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. For more information and to sign up to receive updates on COVID-19, please visit the City’s dedicated information page: https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19. -###- This email was sent to info(a)portersquare.net City of Cambridge, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States Unsubscribe

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Fwd: update on food compost curbside pickup
by Ruth Ryals 30 Oct '20

30 Oct '20

Begin forwarded message: From: Norma Wassel <normawassel(a)yahoo.com> Date: October 30, 2020 at 2:29:13 PM EDT To: Jeffrey Lipshaw <jlipshaw(a)gmail.com>, Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: update on food compost curbside pickup Hi Jeff and Ruth - Please feel free to send out the below information if you feel that it would be useful to others. I haven't shoveled any snow yet today! - Norma Hi All - Like many others, I wanted to learn more about the city suspending the regular curbside food compost pickup.I spoke with DPW Commissioner Owen O'Riordan yesterday and he gave me an update on the plans.He said that the city is committed to returning to curbside compost pickup as soon as possible, Current situation: There is now one less worker on each trash/recylcing/yard waste pickup truck due to the need to keep enough distance between workers because of Covid. In order to keep to the current neighborhood pickup schedule, more trucks are now needed to be used on a daily basis. This leaves none left for the food compost pickups. At times there are even less trucks available on any given day due to the need for repairs. Temporary plan: DPW has added/will continue to add more compost bins at the designated sites where you can drop off your food waste. These are emptied outside the regular collection hours so there is not a problem with lack of trucks. He will get back to me regarding the specific days that they are emptied so that we shouldn't have a problem with finding them full. This food compost is taken to the site in Charlestown as usual to be converted into valuable fertilizer and clean energy through anaerobic digestion. Residents are still asked to use the degradable bio-bags as these will break down in the landfill unlike regular plastic ones.He also said that this will help also people keep up the habit of putting the green bio-pages in the green food bins. DPW says that still using the green food bins helps to reduce the population. Plan; Three new trucks for food composting have been purchased but the manufacturers's delivery time is not expected until Feb. We are planning a "roll out "celebration when they arrive! Leasing has not been an option since no company will agree to a short-term lease where the trucks incur a lot of wear and tear. Learn more about food composting @ the link below. - Norma https://www.cambridgema.gov/services/curbsidecomposting

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Will there be any trick or treaters in the neighborhood?
by Ruth Ryals 28 Oct '20

28 Oct '20

Just wondering if we should put out ”safe” stuff? Ruth

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dog-walking services available
by Rebekah Schweitzer 27 Oct '20

27 Oct '20

Hello Cambridge neighbors! Are you in need of a dog walker this fall and winter even in the most inclement weather? You're in luck! I am available most mornings before noon to walk your dog(s). I am a life-long pet owner, so I have a lot of experience. I'm a very active person, so if your dog prefers a more brisk pace, I am happy to take them for jog/run as well. I have my own vehicle, so distance for pick ups and drop offs is no obstacle. I typically charge $20/hour. If you're interested, please contact me email me at rebekah.r.schweitzer(a)gmail.com <mailto:rebekah.r.schweitzer@gmail.com> and we can discuss the particulars. Best, Rebekah

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Fwd: "Stand Out Against Racism” Sunday at Porter Square at 10 AM!
by raryals 23 Oct '20

23 Oct '20

Neighbors, Please come out to Porter Square - Sunday, Oct 25, at 10 am. If you are an artist or enjoy making artistic things with messaging, please consider making and bringing/donating a sign! Bring your family, friends, dogs, your home-made signs, your masks and join your neighbors at Porter Square to "Stand Out Against Racism" to show how upset we are with institutional racism and continuing police violence against people of color, and the lack of justice for them, in this country. We welcome ALL of our neighbors and friends to join us. There is plenty of room around the Square and up/down Mass Ave to stay distanced and make an impact on passersby and drivers. Please join us!

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FW: Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for State/Presidential Election on November 3, 2020
by Ruth Ryals 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

From: <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> on behalf of Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 6:00 PM To: <info(a)portersquare.net> Subject: Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for State/Presidential Election on November 3, 2020 City of Cambridge Contact: Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications & Community Relations lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov For Immediate Release Advance Removal and Depositing of Ballots for State/Presidential Election on November 3, 2020 Cambridge, MA, October 22, 2020 -- Under the provisions of section 7(k) of chapter 115 of the Acts of 2020, early voting ballots may be processed in advance of Election Day. The City of Cambridge Election Commission will conduct advance removal of voted State/Presidential Election ballots on Monday, October 26, Tuesday, October 27, Wednesday, October 28 and Thursday, October 29 beginning at 9:30 a.m. at the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. The voted ballots will be removed from the sealed envelopes and prepared for advance processing. The advance processing of voted State/Presidential Election ballots will be conducted on Friday, October 30 at 9:30 a.m. at the Citywide Senior Center. The voted ballots will be placed in a tabulator and counted. The results from advance processing will not be determined or announced until after the polls close at 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3, 2020. The results from the advanced processing will be added to the Election Day results and posted in a public place. Both of these processes will be open for public observation. If you would like to observe the advance removal and/or processing of ballots, we ask that you arrive at the rear entrance of the center on Green Street on the scheduled days. Upon arrival, please call 617-349-6214 to gain access to the building. Observers must use face coverings and must maintain a minimum physical distancing of six (6) feet from all other observers and workers. Observers will also be asked to take other safety measures such as hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and general respect for cleanliness and sanitation. For more information, please contact Cambridge Election Commission at 617-349-4361. -###- This email was sent to info(a)portersquare.net City of Cambridge, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States Unsubscribe

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Fwd: [NorthCommons] Free composter
by raryals 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Claudette Hawk <rhawk11(a)comcast.net> Date: Thu, Oct 22, 2020 at 4:07 PM Subject: [NorthCommons] Free composter To: <NorthCommons(a)groups.io> CC: Rachel Hawk <rhawk11(a)comcast.net>, Alan <wwajo(a)comcast.net> Free composter - on the sidewalk at #8 Wright Street (between Martin and Hudson). Just come and take it home. Any questions? Text Alan at 617-817-7114 Begin forwarded message: *From: *Alan Ornstein <wwajo(a)comcast.net> *Subject: **😇* *Date: *October 19, 2020 at 6:57:48 PM EDT *To: *Rachelcell <rhawk11(a)comcast.net> _._,_._,_ ------------------------------ Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group. View/Reply Online (#895) <https://groups.io/g/NorthCommons/message/895> | Reply To Sender <rhawk11@comcast.net?subject=Private:%20Re:%20%5BNorthCommons%5D%20Free%20composter> | Reply To Group <NorthCommons@groups.io?subject=Re:%20%5BNorthCommons%5D%20Free%20composter> | Mute This Topic <https://groups.io/mt/77738548/4649746> | New Topic <https://groups.io/g/NorthCommons/post> ------------------------------ NorthCommons Neighborhood Group, Cambridge MA Reply to the group: NorthCommons(a)groups.io ------------------------------ Your Subscription <https://groups.io/g/NorthCommons/editsub/4649746> | Contact Group Owner <NorthCommons+owner(a)groups.io> | Unsubscribe <https://groups.io/g/NorthCommons/unsub> [raryals(a)gmail.com] _._,_._,_ -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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FW: Small Business grants announced today!
by Ruth Ryals 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

Subject: FW: Small Business grants announced today! FYI From: Alanna Mallon <amallon(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Thursday, October 22, 2020 at 11:15 AM To: Michael Monestime <mmonestime(a)centralsq.org>, Jason Alves <baecamb(a)gmail.com>, Denise Jillson <djillson(a)harvardsquare.com>, Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Cc: "Saffari, Pardis" <psaffari(a)cambridgema.gov> Subject: Small Business grants announced today! Dear Business Assoc. friends and advocates- Please see grant information and applications for small business relief from the State announced today. Please share as widely as possible! Alanna From: Walker, Elizabeth (HOU) <Elizabeth.Walker(a)mahouse.gov> Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2020 9:42 AM To: Mallon, Alanna <amallon(a)cambridgema.gov> Cc: Sparks , Rebecca <rsparks(a)Cambridgema.gov> Subject: Re: [External]: Arts Funding Hi Alanna, We still have no update on the economic development conference committee, which is very frustrating. The Baker administration is announcing a new grant funding initiative that could help small businesses and arts orgs in the meantime. Thanks for sharing with people in Cambridge! (Link to grant application here) State Launching $115 Mil Program to Boost Small Businesses With the pandemic taking a toll on jobs and the economy, the Baker administration plans Thursday to announce what they are describing as a comprehensive $774 million plan to help small businesses, provide housing stability, and boost downtowns and the innovation economy. The plan, which includes previously announced initiatives and pools resources from across state government, features $115 million in new funding that administration officials say will be available starting Thursday to support workforce training and help small businesses hardest hit by the impacts of COVID-19. Baker is expected to further detail the plan at a press conference scheduled for noon Thursday, when he will be joined by Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta, among others. An administration official said small businesses may apply now for $50.8 million in grants made available through the Massachusetts Capital Growth Corp. Busi nesses with 50 or fewer employees can receive up to $75,000 or up to three months of supported expenses for employee payroll and benefits costs, mortgage interest, rent, utilities and interest on other debt obligations. Businesses with five or fewer employees may access up to $25,000 to cover business costs like rent, staffing, and utilities, or to purchase personal protection equipment. Further details about money available across the "Partnerships for Recovery" plan were not available Thursday morning. The Boston Globe reported on the governor's plans Thursday morning and said the pool of funding includes a previously announced $171 million aimed at preventing widespread evictions. The plan uses funds delivered by the federal government under the CARES Act. While talks continue in Washington about another major economic stimulus bill, there's been no news from state House and Senate Democrats about economic development initiatives approved in both branches of the Legislature, but locked up since the summer in private negotiations that have so far failed to lead to any accord or relief to Massachusetts residents and businesses. - Michael P. Norton/SHNS Liz Walker, Legislative Aide Office of State Representative Jonathan Hecht 29th Middlesex District (Watertown/Cambridge) State House, Room 22 Boston, MA 02133 617-722-2140 (Press 2 after pre-recorded message)

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Get Your Flu Shot and Fight the Flu!
by Comcast 22 Oct '20

22 Oct '20

Ruth Ryals rryals(a)comcast.net ________________________________ From: 'Patten, Adam' via Porter Square Neighbors Association <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2020 10:59:15 AM To: ISNA <inman.square.neighborhood(a)gmail.com>; portersquare(a)googlegroups.com <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> Subject: [Porter square] FW: Get Your Flu Shot and Fight the Flu! In case you haven’t already gotten this. Adam Patten, Community & Strategic Partnerships Coordinator Pronouns: he, him, his Cambridge Police Department Family and Social Justice Section apatten(a)cambridgepolice.org<mailto:apatten@cambridgepolice.org> 617-349-9354 From: Cambridge Public Health Department <cphdevents(a)challiance.org> Sent: Thursday, October 22, 2020 8:20 AM To: Patten, Adam <apatten(a)cambridgepolice.org> Subject: Get Your Flu Shot and Fight the Flu! Schedule your Flu Shot Appointment [http://r20.rs6.net/on.jsp?ca=a505d689-2617-4a6d-a68a-015304b2ed03&a=1128592…] [Fight the Flu]<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> Get Your Flu Shot at our Public Flu Clinics Now more than ever, it is critically important to get a flu shot (also called seasonal flu vaccine). People who live or work in Cambridge can get a flu shot at no charge at one of the flu clinics run by the Cambridge Public Health Department. Flu shot appointments are required this year. No walk-ins will be allowed. You can schedule an appointment online<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> or by calling the City’s Flu Clinic Call Center at 617-349-9788. We encourage people to schedule online. If you are able to, please print and complete the form(s) for each member of your household and bring them with you. Completing these forms ahead of time will allow us to register you faster and will help us adhere to safe COVID-19 practices. The health department has implemented strict safety procedures to reduce the risk of getting—or transmitting—COVID-19. If you are seeking a flu shot, you will be asked to follow new guidelines and recommendations to support these safety and health measures. You can learn more about these measures on the <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> City of Cambridge's flu web page<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…>. Book Your Appointment<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> Flu Clinic Schedule King Open School Indoor / Cafeteria Thursday, October 22, 2020 4 p.m.–7 p.m. 850 Cambridge Street Starlight Square Outdoor/Walk-Thru Site Parking lot behind H Mart, corner of Norfolk St and Bishop Allen Drive Wednesday, October 28, 2020 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Central Square Starlight Square Outdoor/Walk-Thru Site Parking lot behind H Mart, corner of Norfolk St and Bishop Allen Drive Thursday, October 29, 2020 11 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Central Square The following date is not available yet for scheduling an appointment, but will be later this month. Danehy Park / Fresh Pond Plaza Outdoor/Drive-Thru Site Saturday, November 14, 2020 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. [https://files.constantcontact.com/6380655c601/019ea646-70b8-4bc7-aef3-58730…] Cambridge Public Health Department | Website<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> [Twitter]‌ <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> [Instagram] ‌ <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> [YouTube] ‌ <https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fr20.rs6.ne…> Cambridge Public Health Department | 119 Windsor St. , Cambridge , MA 02139 Unsubscribe apatten(a)cambridgepolice.org<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitor.c…> Update Profile<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fvisitor.c…> | About our service provider<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consta…> Sent by cphdevents(a)challiance.org<mailto:cphdevents@challiance.org> powered by [Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.]<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consta…> Try email marketing for free today!<https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.consta…> -- View this message at https://groups.google.com/d/msg/portersquare/topic-id/message-id -- To post to this group, send email to portersquare(a)googlegroups.com Visit this group at https://groups.google.com/d/forum/portersquare To unsubscribe from this group, send email to portersquare+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com For more options, visit https://groups.google.com/d/optout --- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Porter Square Neighbors Association" group. To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to portersquare+unsubscribe(a)googlegroups.com<mailto:portersquare+unsubscribe@googlegroups.com>. To view this discussion on the web visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/portersquare/BLAPR09MB6804B77769C8DF7E432…<https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/portersquare/BLAPR09MB6804B77769C8DF7E432…>.

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