December 2020 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Virtual Christmas Concert in Harvard Square
by Ruth Ryals 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

https://patch.com/massachusetts/cambridge/calendar/event/20201219/948072/st… https://youtu.be/6DSXHPWAfsw There is a “cost” for this, but the non-profits in our community so need a little help from us. https://youtu.be/6DSXHPWAfsw

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Watch "A Virtual Christmas Celtic Sojourn" tonight at Shalin Liu in Rockport!
by Ruth Ryals 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

https://tickets.rockportmusic.org/events

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Fwd: 12/18 Chelsea food collection is on!
by Comcast 18 Dec '20

18 Dec '20

Ruth Ryals rryals(a)comcast.net ________________________________ From: Polly Attwood <polly.attwood(a)gmail.com> Sent: Friday, December 18, 2020 7:05:45 AM To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: 12/18 Chelsea food collection is on! Hi Ruth... in case anyone is wondering.... Good morning Porter Square Neoghbors! Hope you all are digging out okay after the snowstorm. Cambridge CoHousing will be collecting food for Chelsea as usual today. The box will be out in its usual spot at the 175 Richdale entrance. Thank you for your contributions of food staples as listed in the weekly email (no fresh fruits or vegetables, a grocer provides those). Take good care, Polly, for the Coho collection team -- Polly F. Attwood Teacher Educator Northeastern University 175 Richdale Ave Cambridge, MA 02140

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FW: Apply Today for Affordable Rental Lottery at Frost Terrace Apts
by Ruth Ryals 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

From: Cambridge Community Development Department <housing(a)cambridgema.gov> Reply-To: <housing(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 2:05 PM To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: Apply Today for Affordable Rental Lottery at Frost Terrace Apts Applications accepted until January 15, 2021 Apply for the Frost Terrace Rental Housing Lottery Frost Terrace (1785-1791 Massachusetts Avenue), is a newly developed 40-unit apartment building located in the heart of Porter Square. The apartments will be permanently affordable to low and moderate income households. Applicants will be selected through a new application and lottery process. Applications will be accepted by Trinity Management through January 15, 2021. Lottery results will be finalized in February 2021, with move-in dates expected in Spring 2021. Frost Terrace includes a studio, one, two, and three-bedroom apartments, including three fully-accessible ADA apartments. Section 8 voucher holders are welcome to apply. Frost Terrace is developed by Capstone Communities LLC and Hope Real Estate Enterprises LLC with support from the City of Cambridge. The building's tenant selection process is overseen by Trinity Management. To request an application and learn more, visit: www.frostterapts.com ‌ ‌ ‌ CambridgeMA.gov/CDD Cambridge Community Development Department | 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139 Unsubscribe rryals(a)comcast.net Update Profile | Our Privacy Policy | About our service provider Sent by housing(a)cambridgema.gov

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Re: [Neighbors] invitation to meeting, and seeking input on time
by Ruth Ryals 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

Corrected message. From: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Date: Thursday, December 17, 2020 at 1:15 PM To: "neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org" <neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org> Subject: FW: invitation to meeting, and seeking input on time There is a long history behind this invitation, but I will try to keep it as brief as possible. I will, of course attend (whenever it is set up), but wonder if a couple of you want to join me? See some of the history below the invitation and rewritten (and far more friendly) Policy Order. Ruth RuthNorth Commons <NorthCommons(a)groups.io> ********************************************************************* Begin forwarded message: From: "Nolan, Patricia" <pnolan(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: December 16, 2020 at 11:30:11 AM EST To: chuckhinds(a)msn.com, beth100springstreet(a)gmail.com, info(a)naeastcambridge.org, WellingtonHarrington(a)gmail.com, area4neighborhoodcoalition(a)gmail.com, nancyryan4(a)comcast.net, arleenh(a)hotmail.com, jaking(a)mit.edu, cummings(a)cityresearch.com, schambers(a)margaretfullerhouse.org, cambridgeportna(a)gmail.com, fritzdonov(a)aol.com, MrLJAdkins(a)msn.com, carolyn_shipley(a)yahoo.com, psinclair(a)agassiz.org, jlipshaw(a)gmail.com, hsolorzano(a)comcast.net, rryals(a)comcast.net, irallen(a)comcast.com, douglas_p_brown(a)yahoo.com, fieldjuma(a)gmail.com, NCSC-mail-owner(a)yahoogroups.com, rclarey(a)aol.com, jatennis(a)comcast.net, Suzanne.Blier(a)harvardsquareneighborhood.org, inman.square.neighborhood(a)gmail.com, info(a)abettercambridge.org, cambridgeneighborhoods(a)gmail.com Cc: "Scarlett, Michael" <mscarlett(a)cambridgema.gov> Subject: invitation to meeting, and seeking input on time Dear Neighborhood group leader: I hope you are well and ready to weather this incoming snow! I’m writing to get your input on planning for a City Council committee meeting of the Neighborhood Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations committee. [NLTP]. I am sending this email to all leaders of neighborhood groups listed on the city’s website. If there are other groups that should be included, please let me know . You likely know that a city council order was passed about reaching out to neighborhood groups [text of the order is below] with the goals of convening groups to hear from them on how to support groups. I acknowledge that the initial order was viewed as problematic, and many people saw it as wanting to control or criticize groups. I hope that in reading the language of the order that passed you will understand that the intent is not to control or force any particular course of action – it is to support, appreciate and celebrate the positive contributions of neighborhood groups. My intent is for you all to be heard. The topic of the meeting will to listen to all of you on whether there are ways you would propose for how the City might better support neighborhood groups and strengthen community bonds. My goal for this meeting is to have all community groups represented and be part of the meeting. I plan to run the meeting as a roundtable discussion during which we can all hear the ideas that are brought forward. That means you all would not be limited to speaking during public comment – instead you would be participants (panelists in zoom lingo) during the meeting. Neighborhood groups are a vital part of Cambridge’s democracy and I hope we can come away from this hearing with tangible ways for the City to better support these groups. We still have to work out how to accommodate everyone – the thought is that each group would be asked to have from 1-3 people participating, with any additional group members invited to listen. I am hoping to hold this meeting relatively soon after the new year and before we pick a date, it would be good to know what times would work best to ensure as many people are able to join as possible. Please respond to this email with the days of the week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and time of day that would work in general for you - between 10 am and 8 pm (start at 6 pm). We will review the responses and then come back with a poll for some dates that work for city staff availability – aiming for late January or beginning of February. I look forward to hearing from you and working together. Please note that I have copied my aide Michael Scarlett on this email. Please feel free to contact him at any time with questions. Sincerely, Patty Patricia Nolan Cambridge City Council Chair, NLTP committee She/her/hers 857-270-0256 mobile Aide: Michael Scarlett He/him/his mscarlett(a)cambridgema.gov 617-349-9152 TEXT of Policy Order passed November 30: WHEREAS:The City of Cambridge has many community and neighborhood organizations formed to discuss and advocate for issues that impact their neighborhood and the city as a whole; and WHEREAS:These groups provide effective ways for residents to have a voice in the shaping of their neighborhood and the larger Cambridge community; and WHEREAS:These groups are formed and run by volunteers who donate their time to provide an opportunity for residents to connect with each other, and to have a voice in city affairs; and WHEREAS:These groups have membership and boards that are open to all, and yet may not represent the diverse demographics of their neighborhood, and WHEREAS:These groups are recognized by the City of Cambridge, with their input being sought in some arenas, such as curb cut applications and development proposals and in practice many city boards and agencies seek their input for planning purposes, since they seek to represent the neighborhood, and WHEREAS:These groups can be important and vital to organizing and advocating, and the groups and the city should do all they can to ensure groups are welcoming and all residents feel comfortable taking part in meetings or in online conversations and WHEREAS:The groups spend their own time and sometimes their own funds to do outreach, and/or provide food or child care at meetings to enable the participation of all residents, including families with young children or other home responsibilities; now therefore be it ORDERED:That the City Council go on record appreciating many neighborhood groups' efforts and the tireless work of many group volunteers, while also recognizing that there has been real pain caused by some groups and all groups have room for improvement; and further be it ORDERED:That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee of the City Council host a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen community bonds and understand whether the city could better support neighborhood organizations; and further be it ORDERED:That the meeting be scheduled with outreach to all existing neighborhood groups with the announced agenda including asking each group what they might want to learn from each other and what they might want to share as best practice so all neighborhood groups which have had success in any areas – recruitment, outreach, engagement, etc. - have an opportunity to share success as well as challenges. ************************************************************ https://www.cambridgeday.com/2020/12/01/passing-orders-resulting-from-octob… https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/cambridge-chronicle-tab/2020/11/25/op-ed-… Here is the letter itself copied from the Chronicle: OP-ED: Cambridge neighborhood groups respond to 'problematic' policy order Cambridge Chronicle Editor's note: The following is an open letter by various Cambridge neighborhood groups (listed at bottom) sent to Cambridge councilors and shared with the Chronicle. We, the governing bodies and leaders of the Cambridge Neighborhood Groups listed below, write to voice our shared concerns with Policy Order 4. This policy order sadly is taking a one-sided view of one situation in one neighborhood group and extrapolating from it. We as neighborhood groups have long underscored the importance of having inclusive, representative neighborhood associations. We believe that neighborhood associations are a vital part of city life and have a meaningful role as independent organizations that build community and advocate for the neighborhoods. We realize that our neighborhood associations themselves do not always reflect the demographics of the communities they serve, but as in the past, remain committed to demographic diversity. That said, we hope you recognize that diversity and inclusion will not appear only because of changes to rules and regulations, as suggested in this order. This is ongoing work for everyone, and we are small grassroots organizations run by volunteers. The references to any neighborhood group, including East Cambridge Planning Team, in the policy order are inappropriate; they distract from the larger issues here. ECPT is the oldest neighborhood association in the city, and in our observation, it has been fairly and thoughtfully run, including during the recent events, which are now being mischaracterized. The ECPT board member who made the offending comment has apologized and resigned, the board has apologized, and ECPT has taken further action to calm this down, including changing its listserv from a discussion group to an announcement-only platform. All references to the ECPT and/or this one specific incident should be deleted from the policy order. Most leaders of neighborhood groups have no way to provide the city with demographics. Our work is often online and we may never see some of the individuals. We don't know where they live, their ethnicities, or whether they own or rent. We do not think our members would take kindly to us asking for those details. Our meetings are open to all; in fact, we beg folks to come. We spread information far and wide, try to let folks know what is happening and allow them to comment on those happenings. Some of us don't even have a formal way to sign a letter saying our membership stands for this or that. True, we sometimes take an unscientific poll, and many speak up, but at the end of the day any authority our leaders have garnered comes from being seen as honest brokers. We do not claim to represent anyone but ourselves, although we do our best to think of the interests of all of our neighbors. All of our neighborhood groups would love to attract a wider range of membership, more non-white members, more renters, but we cannot force anyone to be interested in what we do or make the time for it. Alas, it is left to those of us who show up to do this largely thankless work to improve our neighborhoods, provide a platform for discussion, and help in larger and smaller ways to make the city more livable. We hope that you recognize the hundreds of hours of volunteer time it takes to run neighborhood associations, and that the city will recognize our intention to be positive and productive partners in the enormous project of community building. We ask that this conversation stay focused on the work of building exemplary neighborhood associations. While we may ask for the city's help on occasion, it is important that we be independent of the city, as we sometimes represent our members against them. We act in the best traditions of our First Amendment right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. It is problematic that the policy order claims the city has the right to tell us specifically how to do so. We want to come to this conversation as independent city bodies, not combatants. The governing bodies (boards and/or executive committees) of each of our neighborhood groups each have voted to support this letter. We and other neighborhood groups may also be writing to you separate letters of concern. Cordially, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods East Cambridge Planning Team Harvard Square Neighborhood Association Inman Square Neighborhood Association Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, Presiding Officer Porter Square Neighborhood Association

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FW: invitation to meeting, and seeking input on time
by Ruth Ryals 17 Dec '20

17 Dec '20

There is a long history behind this invitation, but I will try to keep it as brief as possible. I will, of course attend (whenever it is set up), but wonder if a couple of you want to join me? See some of the history below the invitation and rewritten (and far more friendly) Policy Order. RuthNorth Commons <NorthCommons(a)groups.io> ********************************************************************* Begin forwarded message: From: "Nolan, Patricia" <pnolan(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: December 16, 2020 at 11:30:11 AM EST To: chuckhinds(a)msn.com, beth100springstreet(a)gmail.com, info(a)naeastcambridge.org, WellingtonHarrington(a)gmail.com, area4neighborhoodcoalition(a)gmail.com, nancyryan4(a)comcast.net, arleenh(a)hotmail.com, jaking(a)mit.edu, cummings(a)cityresearch.com, schambers(a)margaretfullerhouse.org, cambridgeportna(a)gmail.com, fritzdonov(a)aol.com, MrLJAdkins(a)msn.com, carolyn_shipley(a)yahoo.com, psinclair(a)agassiz.org, jlipshaw(a)gmail.com, hsolorzano(a)comcast.net, rryals(a)comcast.net, irallen(a)comcast.com, douglas_p_brown(a)yahoo.com, fieldjuma(a)gmail.com, NCSC-mail-owner(a)yahoogroups.com, rclarey(a)aol.com, jatennis(a)comcast.net, Suzanne.Blier(a)harvardsquareneighborhood.org, inman.square.neighborhood(a)gmail.com, info(a)abettercambridge.org, cambridgeneighborhoods(a)gmail.com Cc: "Scarlett, Michael" <mscarlett(a)cambridgema.gov> Subject: invitation to meeting, and seeking input on time Dear Neighborhood group leader: I hope you are well and ready to weather this incoming snow! I’m writing to get your input on planning for a City Council committee meeting of the Neighborhood Long Term Planning, Public Facilities, Arts and Celebrations committee. [NLTP]. I am sending this email to all leaders of neighborhood groups listed on the city’s website. If there are other groups that should be included, please let me know . You likely know that a city council order was passed about reaching out to neighborhood groups [text of the order is below] with the goals of convening groups to hear from them on how to support groups. I acknowledge that the initial order was viewed as problematic, and many people saw it as wanting to control or criticize groups. I hope that in reading the language of the order that passed you will understand that the intent is not to control or force any particular course of action – it is to support, appreciate and celebrate the positive contributions of neighborhood groups. My intent is for you all to be heard. The topic of the meeting will to listen to all of you on whether there are ways you would propose for how the City might better support neighborhood groups and strengthen community bonds. My goal for this meeting is to have all community groups represented and be part of the meeting. I plan to run the meeting as a roundtable discussion during which we can all hear the ideas that are brought forward. That means you all would not be limited to speaking during public comment – instead you would be participants (panelists in zoom lingo) during the meeting. Neighborhood groups are a vital part of Cambridge’s democracy and I hope we can come away from this hearing with tangible ways for the City to better support these groups. We still have to work out how to accommodate everyone – the thought is that each group would be asked to have from 1-3 people participating, with any additional group members invited to listen. I am hoping to hold this meeting relatively soon after the new year and before we pick a date, it would be good to know what times would work best to ensure as many people are able to join as possible. Please respond to this email with the days of the week Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and time of day that would work in general for you - between 10 am and 8 pm (start at 6 pm). We will review the responses and then come back with a poll for some dates that work for city staff availability – aiming for late January or beginning of February. I look forward to hearing from you and working together. Please note that I have copied my aide Michael Scarlett on this email. Please feel free to contact him at any time with questions. Sincerely, Patty Patricia Nolan Cambridge City Council Chair, NLTP committee She/her/hers 857-270-0256 mobile Aide: Michael Scarlett He/him/his mscarlett(a)cambridgema.gov 617-349-9152 TEXT of Policy Order passed November 30: WHEREAS:The City of Cambridge has many community and neighborhood organizations formed to discuss and advocate for issues that impact their neighborhood and the city as a whole; and WHEREAS:These groups provide effective ways for residents to have a voice in the shaping of their neighborhood and the larger Cambridge community; and WHEREAS:These groups are formed and run by volunteers who donate their time to provide an opportunity for residents to connect with each other, and to have a voice in city affairs; and WHEREAS:These groups have membership and boards that are open to all, and yet may not represent the diverse demographics of their neighborhood, and WHEREAS:These groups are recognized by the City of Cambridge, with their input being sought in some arenas, such as curb cut applications and development proposals and in practice many city boards and agencies seek their input for planning purposes, since they seek to represent the neighborhood, and WHEREAS:These groups can be important and vital to organizing and advocating, and the groups and the city should do all they can to ensure groups are welcoming and all residents feel comfortable taking part in meetings or in online conversations and WHEREAS:The groups spend their own time and sometimes their own funds to do outreach, and/or provide food or child care at meetings to enable the participation of all residents, including families with young children or other home responsibilities; now therefore be it ORDERED:That the City Council go on record appreciating many neighborhood groups' efforts and the tireless work of many group volunteers, while also recognizing that there has been real pain caused by some groups and all groups have room for improvement; and further be it ORDERED:That the Neighborhood and Long Term Planning Committee of the City Council host a meeting to discuss ways to strengthen community bonds and understand whether the city could better support neighborhood organizations; and further be it ORDERED:That the meeting be scheduled with outreach to all existing neighborhood groups with the announced agenda including asking each group what they might want to learn from each other and what they might want to share as best practice so all neighborhood groups which have had success in any areas – recruitment, outreach, engagement, etc. - have an opportunity to share success as well as challenges. ************************************************************ https://www.cambridgeday.com/2020/12/01/passing-orders-resulting-from-octob… https://www.wickedlocal.com/story/cambridge-chronicle-tab/2020/11/25/op-ed-… Here is the letter itself copied from the Chronicle: OP-ED: Cambridge neighborhood groups respond to 'problematic' policy order Cambridge Chronicle Editor's note: The following is an open letter by various Cambridge neighborhood groups (listed at bottom) sent to Cambridge councilors and shared with the Chronicle. We, the governing bodies and leaders of the Cambridge Neighborhood Groups listed below, write to voice our shared concerns with Policy Order 4. This policy order sadly is taking a one-sided view of one situation in one neighborhood group and extrapolating from it. We as neighborhood groups have long underscored the importance of having inclusive, representative neighborhood associations. We believe that neighborhood associations are a vital part of city life and have a meaningful role as independent organizations that build community and advocate for the neighborhoods. We realize that our neighborhood associations themselves do not always reflect the demographics of the communities they serve, but as in the past, remain committed to demographic diversity. That said, we hope you recognize that diversity and inclusion will not appear only because of changes to rules and regulations, as suggested in this order. This is ongoing work for everyone, and we are small grassroots organizations run by volunteers. The references to any neighborhood group, including East Cambridge Planning Team, in the policy order are inappropriate; they distract from the larger issues here. ECPT is the oldest neighborhood association in the city, and in our observation, it has been fairly and thoughtfully run, including during the recent events, which are now being mischaracterized. The ECPT board member who made the offending comment has apologized and resigned, the board has apologized, and ECPT has taken further action to calm this down, including changing its listserv from a discussion group to an announcement-only platform. All references to the ECPT and/or this one specific incident should be deleted from the policy order. Most leaders of neighborhood groups have no way to provide the city with demographics. Our work is often online and we may never see some of the individuals. We don't know where they live, their ethnicities, or whether they own or rent. We do not think our members would take kindly to us asking for those details. Our meetings are open to all; in fact, we beg folks to come. We spread information far and wide, try to let folks know what is happening and allow them to comment on those happenings. Some of us don't even have a formal way to sign a letter saying our membership stands for this or that. True, we sometimes take an unscientific poll, and many speak up, but at the end of the day any authority our leaders have garnered comes from being seen as honest brokers. We do not claim to represent anyone but ourselves, although we do our best to think of the interests of all of our neighbors. All of our neighborhood groups would love to attract a wider range of membership, more non-white members, more renters, but we cannot force anyone to be interested in what we do or make the time for it. Alas, it is left to those of us who show up to do this largely thankless work to improve our neighborhoods, provide a platform for discussion, and help in larger and smaller ways to make the city more livable. We hope that you recognize the hundreds of hours of volunteer time it takes to run neighborhood associations, and that the city will recognize our intention to be positive and productive partners in the enormous project of community building. We ask that this conversation stay focused on the work of building exemplary neighborhood associations. While we may ask for the city's help on occasion, it is important that we be independent of the city, as we sometimes represent our members against them. We act in the best traditions of our First Amendment right to peaceably assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances. It is problematic that the policy order claims the city has the right to tell us specifically how to do so. We want to come to this conversation as independent city bodies, not combatants. The governing bodies (boards and/or executive committees) of each of our neighborhood groups each have voted to support this letter. We and other neighborhood groups may also be writing to you separate letters of concern. Cordially, Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods East Cambridge Planning Team Harvard Square Neighborhood Association Inman Square Neighborhood Association Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, Presiding Officer Porter Square Neighborhood Association

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Re: [Neighbors] City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban Effective at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16
by Comcast 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

Ruth Ryals rryals(a)comcast.net ________________________________ From: lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> on behalf of Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2020 4:34:52 PM To: info(a)portersquare.net <info(a)portersquare.net> Subject: City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban Effective at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16 [https://meltwater-apps-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/570ba439a…] City of Cambridge Contact: Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications & Community Relations lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov<mailto:lgianetti@cambridgema.gov> For Immediate Release City of Cambridge Declares Snow Emergency Parking Ban Ban goes into effect at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 Cambridge, MA—December 16, 2020 — A Snow Emergency Parking Ban will go into effect in the City of Cambridge beginning at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. Vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed until the ban is lifted. To assist residents in parking their vehicles, free parking is provided at a number of facilities beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. A listing of facilities that provide free parking during snow emergencies is available at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow Curbside trash and recycling collection is cancelled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, and will be one day behind for the remainder of this week. If a trash/recycling pick-up is missed due to the weather, residents should leave it out and it will be collected the next day. * Cambridge City in-person appointments are cancelled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, and staff will be working remotely. * Cambridge Recycling Center is closed on Thursday, December 17, 2020. * Street cleaning has been cancelled for Thursday, December 17, 2020, and Friday, December 18, 2020. * City of Cambridge COVID-19 Testing on Thursday, December 17, 2020 will be held during scheduled testing hours. * Cambridge Public Schools will continue remote learning on Thursday, December 17, 2020. * Cambridge Public Libraries contactless holds pick up and materials return will be cancelled on Thursday, December 17, 2020. * City virtual programing, classes, events and meetings for Thursday, December 17, 2020 will be conducted as scheduled. Updates will be posted to the City’s website calendar. Updated information will be available at CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow<http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=7zFBvZry39J5K5cdwsweCO…> throughout the storm. In addition, the public is encouraged to follow updates on Twitter at @CambMA<http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb…> and on Facebook at CambridgeMA.G<http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb…>OV. The City will be utilizing the hash tag #CambMASnow on Twitter to help the public follow the conversation. Below is important information from the City: * A Snow Emergency Parking Ban is effective as of 8 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 and vehicles parked on streets that are signed “No Parking during a Snow Emergency” will be ticketed and towed at that time until the ban is lifted. * To assist residents in parking their vehicles, free parking is provided at a number of facilities beginning at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 16, 2020. A listing of facilities that provide free parking during snow emergencies, is available at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow<http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=7zFBvZry39J5K5cdwsweCO…>. * Always park at least 20 feet from the street corner. Parking this far away from the corner improves visibility and safety year-round and ensures compliance with Cambridge Traffic Regulations. In the winter, it also allows plows to push snow away from crosswalks. * Ice needs to be removed from sidewalks within 6 hours from the time it forms, per City Ordinance. Snow needs to be removed within 12 hours after snow stops falling during the day and before 1 p.m. if it snowed during the night, per City Ordinance. Please report any power outages directly to Eversource at 800-592-2000. In addition to following updates on the City’s website and social networks, members of the public are encouraged to sign-up to receive notification of snow emergency parking bans at: CambridgeMA.GOV/Snow<http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=7zFBvZry39J5K5cdwsweCO…>. As always, if you need immediate assistance, please contact the Police Department’s Non-Emergency Line at 617-349-3300. -###- [https://meltwater-apps-production.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/images/570ba439a…] This email was sent to info(a)portersquare.net City of Cambridge, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States Unsubscribe<http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=7zFBvZry39J5K5cdwsweCN…>

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FW: New Cambridge Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Now Available
by Ruth Ryals 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

Tell every small business you know! From: <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> on behalf of Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 3:23 PM To: <info(a)portersquare.net> Subject: New Cambridge Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Now Available City of Cambridge Contact: Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications & Community Relations lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov For Immediate Release New Cambridge Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Now Available Cambridge, MA, December 16, 2020 -- The City of Cambridge announced the availability of a new grant program that can provide Cambridge small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with short-term working capital assistance. The new grant will be funded by $628,000 of CARES Act funding, adding to the $3.6 of small business aid previously provided through CARES Act/CDBG funding and the Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund/Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, since the beginning of the pandemic. The Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Program will help Cambridge’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)-eligible for-profit retail, food, personal services, and creative businesses with grants up to $6,000 per brick-and-mortar business. The program provides short-term working capital assistance to support businesses with inventory purchases (perishable and non-perishable), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) purchases or upgrades, and rent payments to enable businesses to stay open and ensure the retention of jobs after the severe interruption of business related to COVID-19. “Our small business community is a vital and valued part of our City and the local economy,” said Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale. “As we have done throughout the pandemic, the City will continue to look for ways to support local businesses. I hope this new $628,000 in funding will assist small business owners with their short-term working capital expenses.” “Now more than ever, our small businesses need us. We know there is an immediate and urgent need to help businesses as quickly as possible in order for them to survive the final stretch of this pandemic and this upcoming winter season,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. “I’m hopeful that this additional funding provides some relief to the small businesses we cherish in Cambridge.” Grant applications are available from December 15, 2020 until January 8, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. The City is offering phone office hours, in-person appointments, and other resources to help businesses who need assistance in applying to the grant. For more information about HUD-eligibility, grant criteria, and/or the application, please contact edd(a)cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654. Before applying for the grant, please review eligibility criteria from the program link listed below. This grant is federally funded and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has strict eligibility requirements that the City of Cambridge must follow. In-person appointments can be scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays only, from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., at the Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. To make an appointment, call at 617-349-4600 or by email CDDat344(a)cambridgema.gov. To request assistance with the application, ask questions, confirm your eligibility, or request a paper application, contact edd(a)cambridgema.gov or 617-349-4654. Translation and interpretation services are available upon request. For more information about the Small Business Winter COVID-19 Grant Program or to complete an application online, visit https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/Business -###- 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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FW: Now at Sony Hall! Christmas with the Harlem Gospel Choir
by Ruth Ryals 16 Dec '20

16 Dec '20

From: Blue Note <club(a)bluenote.net> Reply-To: <club(a)bluenote.net> Date: Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at 1:09 PM To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: Now at Sony Hall! Christmas with the Harlem Gospel Choir Christmas with the Harlem Gospel ChoirNow At Sony Hall! December 25, 20205PM EST (New York)On Demand Through Jan 1, 2021! Buy Livestream Performing contemporary gospel with a touch of jazz and blues, The World Famous Harlem Gospel Choir is synonymous with power vocals, glorious sound and infectious energy. For over two decades they have been America's premier gospel choir and have toured the globe thrilling audiences with the inspirational power of black gospel music. Get ready to tap your feet, clap your hands, and even dance on stage to their high-energy, joyous and exuberant performance! Unsubscribe This message was sent to rryals(a)comcast.net from club(a)bluenote.net Blue Note www.bluenotejazz.com 131 West 3rd Street New York, NY 10012 Box Office and Information: 212-475-8592

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FW: loss of local newspapers - this article uses HSQ -OTN -plus my plea re. Cambridge Day
by Ruth Ryals 15 Dec '20

15 Dec '20

I contribute as well. And to any of the other real sources of news I depend on. Let’s not wake up and find them gone. Ruth From: "Blier, Suzanne" <blier(a)fas.harvard.edu> Date: Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 2:25 PM To: livable Cambridge open <livablecambridge(a)googlegroups.com>, HSNA Steering Committee <HSNASteering(a)harvardsquareneighborhood.org> Subject: loss of local newspapers - this article uses HSQ -OTN -plus my plea re. Cambridge Day Hi Everyone, The New Republic just came out on the loss nationally of local newspapers. https://newrepublic.com/article/160534/desperate-last-days-local-news?fbcli… Cambridge Day and Marc Levy specifically have been a god send to the city. Marc volunteers his time. I have donated to CD I hope in your end of year giving that you will consider donating to Cambridge Day as well. Without them what broader voice do we have – on both sides of issues. Real reporting, letters, more… The Cambridge Day donate link is here https://www.cambridgeday.com/ Best, Suzanne

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