April 2020 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

City of Cambridge Appoints Small Business Advisory Committee to Plan Safe Reopening Strategy
by rryals＠comcast.net 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

From: Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> Sent: Thursday, April 30, 2020 4:54 PM Subject: City of Cambridge Appoints Small Business Advisory Committee to Plan Safe Reopening Strategy City of Cambridge Contact: Lee Gianetti, Director of Communications & Community Relations lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov For Immediate Release City of Cambridge Appoints Small Business Advisory Committee to Plan Safe Reopening Strategy Cambridge, MA April 30, 2020 -- The City of Cambridge announced today the appointment of 8 members to a new City Manager’s Small Business Advisory Committee. Representing business associations from across the City, the Advisory Committee will provide expert advice and help draft best practices that the City can incorporate into its “Small Business Back to Business” plan. This plan will also include recommendations and guidance on how to safely reopen businesses from the Cambridge Public Health Department, the City’s COVID-19 Expert Advisory Panel, and the Commonwealth’s Reopening Advisory Board. “Cambridge’s economic recovery plan for small businesses is going to require input from a diverse array of business leaders,” said Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “We have a long history of partnership with our business associations, and we are looking forward to collaborating on the creation of safe reopening plans to help the City and our small business community prepare for when and how to reopen. Through the work of the Committee, we will be able to adapt to a business environment that is constantly evolving due to COVID-19.” The Advisory Committee will also assist with disseminating information on how small businesses can access relief at the local, state and federal level as well as other information critical to the local business community. It will play an essential role in fostering an open dialogue between the business community and the policy-making departments in the City. Members of the Committee include: Jason Alves – Executive Director, East Cambridge Business Association Robyn Culbertson – Cambridge Office of Tourism Denise Jillson – Executive Director, Harvard Square Business Association David Maher – President, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Michael Monestime – Executive Director, Central Square BID Erinn Pearson – Simply Erinn’s Unisex Salon Theodora Skeadas – Executive Director, Cambridge Local First C.A. Webb – Executive Director, Kendall Square Association The Small Business Advisory Committee will be supported by staff from the City Manager’s Office and the Economic Development Division of the Communality Development Department, and will be consulting with other key departments, including the Public Health Department, License Commission, and Inspectional Services, Public Works, and Traffic, Parking & Transportation departments. The inaugural virtual meeting of the Committee will occur the week of May 4. The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. 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 -###- City of Cambridge, 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States Unsubscribe

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Join the Cambridge "Dinner and movie night" on Friday!
by Ruth Ryals 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

What a great idea! From: Cambridge Local First <theodora(a)cambridgelocalfirst.org> Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 3:02 PM Subject: Join the Cambridge "Dinner and movie night" on Friday! Dear Cambridge Local First members, Good afternoon! This Friday night, the Cambridge City Council is hosting a city-wide "Dinner and a movie night" with the Brattle Theatre. We have all been stuck in our houses and could use a little virtual community love. It will be an excellent way for residents to support our local restaurants on Friday night with some take out and delivery, and support the Brattle Theatre. How it will work: The website currently has just the attached flyer (as a .jpg and PDF). By Friday, it will include the curated movies: 1 for kids and 1 for adults, the streaming options (likely Amazon prime and canopy the free CPL streaming option) and a YouTube video from the owners, Ivy and Ned, letting residents know why they chose these options. There will be a suggested $10 donation on the page to donate to the Brattle Theatre. There will also be a link to the new Cambridge Local First locator for take out and delivery options. To get involved: For restaurants: We are tracking any specific promotions you are offering on Friday (like, every dinner comes with a bag of popcorn) here. So, share any promotions you want added to the list! Post to social media that you are open for take out and/or delivery on Friday night. And, include a promotion if possible, such as free movie snacks or naming a dish the name of the movie, that you and we can highlight. For all, re. social media amplification: Facebook: We have created a Love Letters to Cambridge Local Business Facebook group, where we are encouraging community members to post photos of them with local orders. Please join the group, and amplify its presence! Twitter: Use the #CambridgeMovieNight hashtag when you post. Thank you! Yours, Theodora Skeadas Executive Director Cambridge Local First Screen Shot 2020-04-28 at 3.32.28 PM

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Wednesday 4/29 COVID-19 Updates
by rryals＠comcast.net 30 Apr '20

30 Apr '20

From: Marjorie Decker <repdecker(a)gmail.com> Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 10:42 PM Subject: Wednesday 4/29 COVID-19 Updates Dear all, I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources. As of today, there are 738 Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19, and 45 residents have passed away. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2J2BnQj. There are 60,265 cases of COVID-19 in the state, including 13,799 in Middlesex County. 265,618 tests have been performed and 3,405 patients have passed away. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3cXa1YE. Today, I hosted a town hall on local community organizations doing work to support food access and other critical services. Thank you to Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, Sasha Purpura, Executive Director of Food for Free, Lynn Margherio CEO of Cradles to Crayons, and Natalicia Tracy, Ph.D. Executive Director, Brazilian Worker Center & Brazilian Policy Center Inc. for joining me and discussing the hard work and support that it takes to effectively serve those in need in our community. If you weren't able to tune in earlier, you can find a recording of the town hall here:https://www.cctvcambridge.org/node/709899. I also spoke at Moms Demand Action's virtual meeting tonight where I discussed the intersection between gun violence and COVID-19 and the work that I have been doing in my capacity as House Chair of the Joint Committee on Mental Health Substance Use and Recovery and as co-chair of the House's initiative to analyze state policies to assess the existing and emerging needs of domestic violence and sexual assault victims and survivors in the Commonwealth. It is our job to respond to increasing rates of gun ownership and to help those who are not safe for a variety of reasons during this time. Thank you to all of the Moms Demand Action volunteers for all that you are doing during this time to engage on these important issues. As some of you may know, yesterday Governor Baker announced the formation of an advisory board to guide the state in planning for an eventual re-opening of various sectors of our economy. His board, as is noted in this article by University of Massachusetts Boston Professor Maurice Cunningham, fails to include any representation from the workers who power our economy. I find it deeply troubling that we would plan for the economic future of Massachusetts without any voices that speak to worker safety from the perspective of those needed to re-open sectors of the economy and who continue to be most at risk during this pandemic. I am in conversation with the Administration to address this. Cambridge Updates The City of Cambridge will be providing thousands of face masks to residents in need. These masks will be distributed by the Cambridge Police Department starting tomorrow. Masks will be available at meal distribution sites and a distribution drive through and dispenser site. Police will also distribute while on patrol. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/3bRbhMG. You can now view the COVID-19 case rate in Cambridge by race and ethnicity in the COVID-19 data center. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2VGPtws. The City is offering all hospital staff a free 30-day pass for the Bluebike public bike share, which will provide unlimited 45 minute trips for 30 days. Learn more here: https://bit.ly/2KKZwf0. Today, the City released mandatory guidelines for restaurant sale of groceries during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can find these guidelines here: https://bit.ly/3aOeWK3. State Action Updates Today, Governor Baker stated that assessments that the total death toll of COVID-19 are undercounted in the state are likely correct, and that the administration is working to correct this. This is in response to CDC data that shows overall death rates have been higher in Massachusetts. Learn more here:https://bit.ly/3f2pmZV. The Governor signed a bill today that will direct the Department of Public Health to develop a set of minimum standards for foundational public health services for the state and develop a state action for public health excellence program to encourage the adoption of certain practices by local boards of public health. Starting today, the COVID-19 Command Center is making its raw data, used to create its daily COVID-19 dashboard, available. You can download this data in a zip file here: https://bit.ly/3bRcjbD. Where to donate If you are able, I ask that you donate to the local community organizations doing work to support food access and other critical services who were a part of today's Town Hall, the Brazilian Worker Center: https://bit.ly/2yd1lP1, Food for Free: https://bit.ly/3afFuEE, and Cradles to Crayons: https://bit.ly/2WHOD4V. I also encourage you to look to the following places that are working to help those most affected by COVID-19: Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund: https://bit.ly/3bgTBJU Cambridge Health Alliance: https://bit.ly/2vWegUB Cambridge Community Foundation: https://bit.ly/33ImGeE Greater Boston Food Bank: https://www.gbfb.org/ Enroot Emergency Immigrant Cash Assistance Fund: https://bit.ly/2y7bBIe As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker(a)mahouse.gov. Sincerely, Marjorie Friends of Marjorie Decker P.O.Box 390431 Cambridge, MA 02139 See what's happening on our social sites Friends of Marjorie Decker, PO Box 390431, Cambridge, MA 02139 Sent by repdecker(a)gmail.com in collaboration withTry email marketing for free today!

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COVID-19 Updates | April 29, 2020
by rryals＠comcast.net 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

From: City of Cambridge <pio(a)cambridgema.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 7:00 PM Subject: COVID-19 Updates | April 29, 2020 Updates from the City of Cambridge City of Cambridge to Provide Thousands of Masks to Residents in Need The City of Cambridge today announced a new initiative in which thousands of face masks will be distributed by members of the Cambridge Police Department to residents throughout the community beginning Thursday, April 30. Learn More Make Your Own What's New COVID-19 Case Count A total of 738 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the coronavirus outbreak began, and there have been 45 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 106 recoveries in Cambridge residents as of 6:00 p.m. on April 29. Access information on cases in Massachusetts Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund A total of $3,626,187 has been raised and $476,801 has been distributed to help 366 individuals and families in Cambridge as of 3:00 p.m. on April 28. Learn more about how you can donate or apply for funds at cambridgema.gov/mayorsfund (4/29/20) City of Cambridge to Provide Thousands of Masks to Residents in Need (4/29/20) City and Public Health Department add COVID-19 Case Rate by Race & Ethnicity to Cambridge COVID-19 Data Center (4/29/20) City of Cambridge releases Mandatory Guidelines for Restaurant Sale of Groceries During COVID-19 Pandemic (4/29/20) The City of Cambridge and its municipal partners of Boston, Brookline, Everett, and Somerville are offering all hospital staff a free 30-day pass for our public bike share, Bluebikes (4/28/20) Governor Baker Extends Stay At Home Advisory to May 18 (4/27/20) The City of Cambridge Issues an Emergency Order Requiring the Use of Face Coverings (4/27/20) City of Cambridge to allow licensed restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers (4/25/20) The Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Cambridge announced that Riverbend Park will not open on Sunday, April 26 and Sunday, May 3 and Memorial Drive will remain open for vehicular traffic View All Updates City & Public Health Department Add COVID-19 Case Rate by Race & Ethnicity to Data Center This new chart shows the rate of COVID-19 cases among Cambridge residents by race and ethnicity. A rate is a measure of the frequency with which an event occurs in a defined population over a specified period of time. Because rates put disease frequency in the perspective of the size of the population, rates are particularly useful for comparing disease frequency in different locations, at different times, or among different groups of persons with potentially different sized populations. Visit Data Center City of Cambridge Releases Mandatory Guidelines for Restaurant Sale of Groceries During COVID-19 Pandemic The City of Cambridge issued a temporary emergency order allowing restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. The order creates a new opportunity for Cambridge residents to purchase items such as meats, vegetables, dairy, canned goods and other limited grocery items through pick-up or delivery service from local restaurants throughout the city. Learn More View Guidelines COVID-19 Information Line & Resources If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, call the Massachusetts COVID-19 Information Line at 2-1-1. The call center is equipped to handle a high call volume. View Public Health Updates ‌ ‌ ‌ CambridgeMA.GOV/COVID19 City of Cambridge | 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 Sent by pio(a)cambridgema.gov

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FW: KC Spotlight: Join us on the couch for a concert at home
by Ruth Ryals 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

Yeah! From: The Kennedy Center <Info(a)Kennedy-Center.org> Date: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 at 2:46 PM Subject: KC Spotlight: Join us on the couch for a concert at home Plus EduHam at Home, Washington National Opera online, Zoom backgrounds and more! Trouble viewing this message? View email in browser. Our newest series of FREE performances brings top artists from their living rooms to yours! Catch a new LIVE performance every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 4 p.m.* *Unless otherwise noted Grab a pillow and get comfortable! We’re bringing exciting livestream performances straight to you. We’ve lined up talented artists—from our backyard in D.C. to around the country and across genres including hip hop, folk, comedy, opera, and more—to perform their work. Coming Soon to Your Couch The Time Machine Roast with Benjy Himmelfarb May 6 at 7 p.m. Nationally touring comedians get into character for the meanest, funniest, most historically accurate jokes you've ever heard—with the line-crossing energy of comedy roasts. Renée Fleming VOICES: Digital Artist Showcase May 15 World-renowned vocalists engage with young and emerging artists, in a series featuring performances, coaching, discussion, and live audience Q&A. Join Us on the Couch EduHam at Home Explore the world of Hamilton and America's founding era together with this free digital program for students and their families.Recommended for—but not limited to—students from sixth to twelfth grades and their families nationwide, EduHam at Home provides an American history curriculum introducing the people, events, and documents of the founding era. Together, students and their families follow in Lin-Manuel Miranda's footsteps, explore the world of HAMILTON, and create and perform their own narrative in the form of a song, rap, spoken word, or scene.Students are then invited to submit their creations, and select student performances will be shared on the HAMILTON app, social media, and the GIlder Lehrman Institute of American History's website. We look forward to seeing your creations and seeing you at the theater again soon. Visit EduHam at Home Brand new from Washington National Opera! “Humming Chorus” from Madame Butterfly Watch Now Principal Conductor Evan Rogister, Washington National Opera Orchestra, Chorus, and Cafritz Young Artists bring you a delightful offering to brighten up your day, all recorded from the comforts of their own homes! Put on a show with your family at home! The Kennedy Center invites you and your family to put on a show with ten new micro-commissioned short plays & musicals for young audiences from some of the field's most inspiring creators—available to download for free on our website! We've joined theaters across the country in the Play at Home project to continue to inspire joy and creativity through live theater. We hope that you and your family will pick a play to produce from your living rooms and share it with us using #playathomeplays. Play at Home with Us! Enjoy a sneak preview of The Greatest 10 Minute Musical Ever Written! More Kennedy Center @ Home Triviata Every Tuesday & Thursday Gain musical insights into Washington National Opera's upcoming season with the Cafritz Young Artists in our Triviata series, streamed live on Facebook every Tuesday and Thursday. Watch on Facebook Mason Bates: Curating the Concert Experience Part 1 Streaming Now! Join Kennedy Center composer-in-residence Mason Bates as he explores the process of curating the concert experience through programming, production, and platform. The first installment is available to stream now, with the second and third installments available May 4 and 11. Watch Online Relive your favorite Millennium Stage moments on our Digital Stage! Tank and The Bangas Ann Sofie Clemmenson: In To and Out Of | Local Dance Commissioning Project WNO Season Preview: Don Giovanni & Samson and Delilah Watch more on our Digital Stage Take a virtual meeting from the Kennedy Center Our downloadable backgrounds are perfect for changing up your video conferences. Download all four from our website today! Download for Free Join the Family and Get Subscriber Perks Subscriptions are now available for 2020-2021 A subscription guarantees you get the best seats all year round for the performances you love. Plus, the Subscriber Advantage gives you exclusive savings, unlimited no-fee ticket exchanges, more flexibility, and many other benefits. Learn more about the 2020-2021 Season Mother’s Day Gifts for Every Type of Mom Shop our online Gift Shop for something mom will love! For the mom with classic taste: Jacqueline Kennedy inspired jewelry, accessories, and home goods. For the rock star mom: Cool-to-wear clothing, jewelry, and accessories. For the artistic mom: Puzzles and drawing tools to help her creativity shine. For the patriotic mom: All things America with best-selling Hamilton & John F. Kennedy inspired gifts. For the nature-loving mom: Floral printed accessories and scented candles to transport her outdoors. Get $5 flat rate shipping on all orders $50+ through May 3!* *US domestic orders only Shop the Mother's Day Collection Help Inspire Others The Kennedy Center may be closed, but our arts and education programs are still alive! Make a special gift to help support the Center during this unprecedented time. Support the Kennedy Center See you after the intermission! During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve dimmed our lights for a temporary intermission and canceled all public performances and events through Friday, May 22, 2020, including some events beyond. We share your disappointment for performances and seasons cut short—nothing can replace the live performing arts. We’re working hard to explore options for rescheduling and can’t wait to welcome you back with extraordinary performances. For the most up-to-date information regarding our response to COVID-19, please visit the Kennedy Center website. The Kennedy Center welcomes guests with disabilities. View email in browser. | Forward this email. Contact center & FAQs.The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts 2700 F Street, NW, Washington, DC 20566 (202) 467-4600

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Fwd: City of Cambridge to Provide Thousands of Masks to Residents in Need
by rryals＠comcast.net 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

From: Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> Sent: Wednesday, April 29, 2020 6:07 PM To: info(a)portersquare.net Subject: City of Cambridge to Provide Thousands of Masks to Residents in Need CAMBRIDGE, Mass., April 29, 2020 -- The City of Cambridge today announced a new initiative in which thousands of face masks will be distributed by members of the Cambridge Police Department to residents throughout the community beginning Thursday, April 30. The new initiative is in part made possible by a large donation of masks from the MA Chinese Community and Fo Guang Buddhist Temple to the Office of Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui. The City of Cambridge originally began disseminating available masks to its most vulnerable populations, including residents living at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, homeless shelters and the Cambridge Housing Authority. This new program will allow the City to broaden its mask distribution program as a temporary emergency order requiring face coverings to be worn in all public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings in Cambridge went into effect today. The order applies to everyone over the age of five years old. A one-week grace period to provide time for residents to comply is in effect through Tuesday, May 5. The full text of this week’s emergency order can be found at https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/facecoverings. “The City’s order requiring face coverings in public settings is intended to protect our residents – not punish them. There is clear evidence that many people who are infected will never show symptoms and may unwillingly be spreading the virus if they are not taking preventative measures like covering their face,” said Mayor Siddiqui and City Manager DePasquale in a joint statement. “We have built in a one-week grace period. Following that timeframe, our Police Department will exclusively focus on education for a few weeks when encountering someone without a face covering. Their primary focus after that point will be on education. We need everyone in Cambridge to take this order seriously and do their best to comply. Face coverings are not simply about protecting the person wearing it – they are about protecting others in the community and we all must do our part.” If a member of the public sees someone without a face covering, it could be due to an underlying health issue or exempted category. Please leave monitoring, education and any necessary enforcement to public safety officials. “As a City and Police Department, our goal during the order is to make masks and prevention information available to as many residents in need as possible,” said Police Commissioner Branville Bard, Jr. “The priority for our police officers is to not issue fines, but rather to make residents aware of the importance of wearing a face mask and provide them one if needed.” Masks will be made available to residents on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last and quantities will be limited to the number of residents in a household. Masks will be made available at the following locations and through various city resources: Meal Distribution Sites Every weekday between 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Cambridge Public Schools, volunteers and members of Food for Free are packing and distributing bagged breakfasts and lunches to residents at locations throughout the city. Cambridge families who are facing food challenges have been welcomed to pick up one bag per child/youth. Residents can now also pick up masks at those locations, if they have a need. Haggerty School: Cushing Street main entrance Peabody School: Rindge Avenue main entrance King Open School: Cambridge Street main entrance Morse School: Granite Street main entrance Dr. Martin Luther King School, Jr.: Magee Street Entrance Fletcher Maynard Academy: Harvard Avenue 35 Cambridge Park Drive: Look for the yellow school bus 362-364 Rindge Avenue: Look for the yellow school bus Distribution Drive-Thrus & Dispenser Site There will be two drive-thru mask distribution sites and a dispenser site at the Cambridge Police Department. Drive-thru sites will be at the Tobin Elementary School at 197 Vassal Lane in West Cambridge and Kennedy-Longfellow Elementary School at 158 Spring Street in East Cambridge. The hours will be 3-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Masks will also be available in a dispenser outside the Cambridge Police Department, which is located at 125 6th Street. Officers at the front desk inside the Cambridge Police Department will also have a supply available. Police Officers to Distribute While on Patrol Officers in every marked Cambridge Police cruiser will have a supply of masks to distribute if they encounter residents without them during calls for service. Additionally, Homeless Outreach Officers will have an available supply and will proactively seek out and provide masks to residents who may not have access to a mask. Residents who already have masks and/or the resources at home to make cloth masks are encouraged to defer supplies to those residents and families who are most in need. As a reminder, face coverings are not a substitute for physical distancing and regular hand washing, which remain among the most effective ways to slow the spread of the coronavirus. The single most effective way to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus is to stay home. More information, videos, and frequently asked questions about face coverings can be found at https://www.cambridgema.gov/covid19/facecoverings. The City is committed to identifying new resources to help residents and businesses navigate this difficult time. 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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Updates and resources for Cambridge Local First members
by Ruth Ryals 29 Apr '20

29 Apr '20

Virtually all of these resources are available to anyone, but if you are a local small business, it is still a great idea to join CLF! From: Cambridge Local First <theodora(a)cambridgelocalfirst.org> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 9:24 PM Subject: Updates and resources for Cambridge Local First members Dear Cambridge Local First members, Good evening! There are a few updates and resources that I wanted to share with you. PPP Funding: The second round of Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) funding is now live. The Federal Reserve Bank of Boston has created a web page with resources for smaller businesses, including nonprofits, to aide you in applying to this program. A note: Small businesses that use Square Up can use that application/website to apply for PPP loans. One of our members just did it and said it was very easy — they even tell you the amount you qualify for and verify that they’ve sent the application to the SBA. All you need is your 2019 taxes (filed or not, but they need to be filled out, and some form of photo ID; they asked our member for her driver's license). Apply here. New grant: The Cambridge Redevelopment Authority has launched a Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program modeled after the City of Cambridge's Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant targeting establishments in East Cambridge and Kendall Square, outside of the City's Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) areas. The CRA Program will provide eligible retail, food, personal services, and creative for-profit businesses with a grant up to $6,000 per brick and mortar business. The CRA Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant Program provides short-term working capital assistance to enable the viability of the business and the retention of jobs during the severe interruption of business related to the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing. Grant applications are available starting today and will remain available until May 29, 2020, or until the available funding is utilized. For more information regarding the program eligibility criteria, visit the CRA website. Selling groceries: City of Cambridge will allow licensed restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers The City of Cambridge has issued a temporary emergency order allowing restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers during the ongoing COVID-19 emergency. The order creates a new opportunity for Cambridge residents to purchase items such as meats, vegetables, dairy, canned goods and other limited grocery items through pick-up or delivery service from local restaurants throughout the city. See more here. Mask requirements: City of Cambridge issues an emergency order requiring the use of face coverings The City of Cambridge today issued an emergency order requiring that face coverings be worn in all public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, and applies to everyone over the age of five years old, with exceptions in alignment with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control or Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Violations may be punishable by a $300 fine. More information is here. Since masks are now an essential accessory, Esmeralda - Jewelry, Accessories & Gifts has partnered with a small woman-owned apparel manufacturer in Los Angeles, to offer reusable masks for businesses and consumers. Their masks are great for everyday use, and are made in the US with eco-friendly materials. They follow the CDC guidelines and are designed to provide sufficient coverage of the face while maintaining a comfortable fit. They come in sizes toddlers (2+), kids and adult sizes. Go here to buy your mask! Bills owed to the City: The finance department has posted everything here. Join the Restaurant and Shelter Program: The City is contracting with local restaurants to provide bag or boxed meals for lunch and dinner. These meals will then be delivered to shelters and programs that have indicated a strong need for meals. Any restaurant in the city can participate, and email purchasing(a)cambridgema.gov to get involved. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) counseling and training: The CARES Act dedicated $10 million in funding towards the creation of Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) grants for counseling and training services that are specifically geared toward minority-owned small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The MBDA promotes the growth of minority owned businesses through the mobilization and advancement of public and private sector programs. For more information about MBDA business centers, click here. To find your local MBDA business center, click here. Small Business Counseling and Training: The CARES Act allocated $265 million in funding for SBA resource partners like Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) and Women's Business Centers (WBC) to provide free counseling and training to small businesses impacted by COVID-19. SBDCs are a national network of nearly 1,000 centers that provide counseling and training to new and existing businesses. Find out more about SBDCs by clicking here. WBCs are a national network of more than 100 centers that offer counseling, training, networking, workshops, technical assistance and mentoring to entrepreneurs on multiple business development topics. In addition to women, WBCs serve the needs of underserved entrepreneurs, including low-income entrepreneurs. To find out more about WBCs, click here. SBA Express Bridge Loans: If your small business already has a business relationship with an SBA express lender, you can apply for an SBA Express Bridge Loan to access up to $25,000 quickly. For more information from the SBA, click here. MainVest resources: MainVest lists great resources here on revenue-generating strategies. Join our upcoming events: Tomorrow (Wednesday), 6-8 PM: CLF member Rogera Toussaint has organized a discussion on the future of small businesss. Join us! Thursday, 4:30-5:30 PM: Our weekly community conversation. Dial-in information is here. May 5, 1-2 PM: Advocacy Town Hall with the Institute for Local Self-Reliance May 20, 1-1:30 PM: Raising Capital with Crowdfunding for Small Businesses and Startups Thank you! Yours, Theodora Skeadas Executive Director Cambridge Local First

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COVID-19 Updates | April 28, 2020
by Ruth Ryals 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

From: City of Cambridge <pio(a)cambridgema.gov> Reply-To: <pio(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 8:07 PM Subject: COVID-19 Updates | April 28, 2020 Updates from the City of Cambridge Governor Baker Extends Stay At Home Advisory to May 18 Today, the Baker-Polito Administration extended the essential services emergency order to May 18th and launched a Reopening Advisory Board that will produce a plan to the Governor by May 18th. The Administration also announced that the Department of Public Health’s Stay At Home Advisory remains in effect and gatherings of 10 or more people remain prohibited until May 18th. Learn More What's New COVID-19 Case Count A total of 721 Cambridge residents have tested positive for COVID-19 since the coronavirus outbreak began, and there have been 45 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 96 recoveries in Cambridge residents as of 5:00 p.m. on April 28. · Access information on cases in Massachusetts Mayor's Disaster Relief Fund A total of $3,626,187 has been raised and $476,801 has been distributed to help 366 individuals and families in Cambridge as of 3:00 p.m. on April 28. · Learn more about how you can donate or apply for funds at cambridgema.gov/mayorsfund · (4/28/20) Governor Baker Extends Stay At Home Advisory to May 18 · (4/27/20) The City of Cambridge Issues an Emergency Order Requiring the Use of Face Coverings · (4/27/20) City of Cambridge to allow licensed restaurants to sell groceries directly to consumers · (4/25/20) The Department of Conservation and Recreation and the City of Cambridge announced that Riverbend Park will not open on Sunday, April 26 and Sunday, May 3 and Memorial Drive will remain open for vehicular traffic · (4/24/20) Cambridge updates Temporary Restrictions on City Public Meetings, City Events, and City Permitted Events Due to COVID-19 through May 31, 2020 · (4/24/20) Ask the Mayor and City Manager program to premiere on Friday, April 24 at 7:00 p.m. on 22-Cityview where they answer questions submitted by residents (video available online) · (4/24/20) The start of the street cleaning season has been delayed until May 18 View All Updates The City of Cambridge Issues an Emergency Order Requiring the Use of Face Coverings The City of Cambridge issued an emergency order requiring that face coverings be worn in all public places, businesses and common areas of residential buildings. The order takes effect at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, April 29, and applies to everyone over the age of five years old, with exceptions in alignment with guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control or Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Violations may be punishable by a $300 fine. Learn More View CDC Information COVID-19 Information Line & Resources If you have questions or concerns about COVID-19, call the Massachusetts COVID-19 Information Line at 2-1-1. The call center is equipped to handle a high call volume. View Public Health Updates ‌ ‌ ‌ CambridgeMA.GOV/COVID19 City of Cambridge | 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 Sent by pio(a)cambridgema.gov

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FW: Relief and Comfort for Children and Families in Hard Times: Another BTC - Sesame Workshop Webcast May 6 3 PM ET, 12 PM PT
by Ruth Ryals 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

From: Brazelton Touchpoints Center <kim(a)touchpoints.ccsend.com> on behalf of Brazelton Touchpoints Center <kayla.savelli(a)childrens.harvard.edu> Reply-To: <kayla.savelli(a)childrens.harvard.edu> Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2020 at 2:54 PM To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> Subject: Relief and Comfort for Children and Families in Hard Times: Another BTC - Sesame Workshop Webcast May 6 3 PM ET, 12 PM PT You don't want to miss this. Caring for Each Other: How to Use Sesame Street in Communities Resources on Offering Comfort with Families Now Wednesday, May 6, 2020 @ 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET Parents who now find themselves at home all day with their children are adjusting to new challenges and new opportunities. So too are the providers who continue their work with families, reaching out to them on the phone or through the Internet. As we all take stock of the ways the pandemic and economic crisis are changing our lives, everyone in every family can find comfort in knowing that children and parents are loved and valued in everyday ways. Join the Brazelton Touchpoints Center and Sesame Workshop for our second webinar in the Caring For Each Other series to explore Resources on Offering Comfort. Together with early childhood experts from Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors and the United Way Greater Houston Bright Beginnings Program, we’ll address the importance of giving and receiving comfort and model ways to handle stress. We’ll also show you some of Sesame Workshop’s easy-to-use and accessible tools that remind children of the circle of care that surrounds them. Register Today! Traducción en español disponible en vivo Los padres que ahora se encuentran en casa todo el día con sus hijos se están adaptando a nuevos desafíos y nuevas oportunidades. Los proveedores también se adaptan continuando su trabajo con las familias, por teléfono o por Internet. Todos notamos cómo la pandemia y la crisis económica están cambiando nuestras vidas y todos en cada familia podemos encontrar consuelo al saber que los niños y los padres son amados y valorados de maneras cotidianas. En nuestro segundo webcast de la serie Cuidándonos Unos a Otros, únase a Brazelton Touchpoints Center y Sesame Street en las Comunidades para explorar los recursos con expertos en la primera infancia sobre la importancia de brindar y recibir consuelo, modelar formas de manejar el estrés y mostrarle algunas de las herramientas accesibles y simples de Sesame Workshop que nos recuerdan que todos tenemos un círculo de ayuda. Presenters: Marcela Clark Director, United Way Greater Houston Bright Beginnings Program Antonio Freitas Senior Content Manager, U.S. Social Impact, Sesame Workshop Rocio Galarza Assistant Vice President, U.S. Social Impact Team, Sesame Workshop Adrián Pedroza National Director of Strategic Partnerships, Abriendo Puertas/Opening Doors Joshua Sparrow, MD Executive Director, Brazelton Touchpoints Center Caring for Each Other: How to Use Sesame Street in Communities Resources on Offering Comfort with Families Now Wednesday, May 6 @ 12 PM PT / 3PM ET Register Additional Upcoming Webinars: Wednesday, April 29 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET Mindful Self-Compassion: Heart Skills for Our Families and Ourselves in Challenging Times Register Here! Wednesday, May 13 at 12 PM PT / 3PM ET Mindful Self-Compassion: Co-creating Heart Skills with Communities Register Here! Wednesday, June 3 at 12 PM PT / 3 PM ET Marriage Equality and Same Sex Parenting: Families on the Frontlines Register Here! Make sure you never miss a webinar by signing up for the Brazelton Touchpoints Center Newsletter or following us on Facebook! ABOUT BTC The Brazelton Touchpoints Center provides professional and leadership development, organizational learning and change, and research and evaluation for family-facing professionals in pediatrics, early childhood, infant mental health, children's libraries and museums, home visiting, and child welfare. The Brazelton Touchpoints Center is home to the Touchpoints Approach, the Brazelton Institute (the Newborn Behavioral Observation and the Neonatal Behavioral Assessment Scale), Family Connections, and the BTC Research and Evaluation team. ‌ ‌ ‌ Brazelton Touchpoints Center/Brazelton Touchpoints Foundation | c/o Boston Children's Hospital, 1295 Boylston Street - BCH3111, Suite 320, Boston, MA 02215 Unsubscribe rryals(a)comcast.net Update Profile | About Constant Contact Sent by kayla.savelli(a)childrens.harvard.edu

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[NorthCommons] Harvard University says it’s not ruling out a fall semester with no students on campus.
by Ruth Ryals 28 Apr '20

28 Apr '20

Apr 27, 2020,11:46pm EDT Harvard: We’ll Open This Fall, But It May Be Online Zack FriedmanContributor Bestselling Author, The Lemonade Life. I write and speak about leadership and greatness. Harvard University (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty[+] GETTY IMAGES Good news: Harvard University will be open this fall – but it may be online. Here’s what you need to know. Harvard Opens This Fall Harvard will reopen this fall, after pausing classes this spring as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. While Harvard Provost Alan Garber plans to bring students to campus as soon as possible, Garber recognizes that COVID-19 may bring a “scenario in which much or all learning will be conducted remotely.” “If our community has not developed sufficient levels of immunity through recovery from the disease or vaccination, and if safe and effective antiviral therapy is not available, we will likely need adequate supplies of personal protective equipment, reliable and convenient viral testing, robust contact tracing procedures, and facilities for quarantine and isolation,” Garber wrote in an open letter. “We must do our part to assure the health and safety of everyone within and beyond the Harvard community, particularly those at elevated risk.” Like many colleges and universities, Harvard has shifted to online learning for the spring semester. While some viewed the move as temporary, there may be several implications and considerations if remote learning becomes the norm for part or all of the upcoming academic semester (or beyond). Certainly, Harvard is not alone in this important decision to bring students to campus or employ remote learning. Many colleges and universities are grappling with this exact dilemma. Stanford says it will decide in May whether to open this fall, or possibly in the winter. Brown hasn’t formally decided, but prefers in-person classes. Yale says it will decide by July. Should campuses be reopened? When will classes begin? How will classes begin? As higher education leaders debate these topics, here are several questions they must answer. 1. Will tuition stay the same? If students are taking classes remotely, will students still pay the same tuition? The circumstances may warrant a remote learning environment. However, an online learning experience – even with the best professor – is not the same as being “in the room.” Students may be less willing to pay the full tuition price if they feel they aren’t receiving the full experience. 2. What about student loans? Given the exorbitant cost of higher education, how comfortable will students be assuming student loan debt to take online courses? Tuition is one consideration. Borrowing money, plus interest, is another. 3. How will colleges and universities recreate the in-person education experience? The content may be the same, but nothing quite matches an in-person educational experience. There is intimate classroom discussion, a back-and-forth engagement between professor and student, and – in special courses – an unspoken energy in the room. Can this still be captured in an online learning environment? 4. How will colleges and universities recreate the college experience outside the classroom? Much of college takes place outside the classroom. The friends you make. The activities you lead. The professors you meet. The personal and professional growth. While these experiences can happen online, the magnitude changes when the social interaction becomes remote. The colleges and universities that can develop alternative, creative ways to provide these experience will win trust from students. 5. What will happen to enrollment if coursework remains partially or entirely online? Will current students remain enrolled? Will incoming freshmen opt for a gap year? Will the entering MBA student defer until next year? If students perceive that their academic or personal experience will be anything less than the “traditional” experience, it’s possible they don’t show up this fall. This has implication for a school’s revenue, among other implications. As colleges and universities decide their next steps, they should consider not only the safety and health of their students and faculty, but also the holistic experience and value for their students. Colleges and universities didn’t create this problem. However, they can create a response that avoids another one. Disclosure: Zack Friedman is a graduate of Harvard. Get the best of Forbes to your inbox with the latest insights from experts across the globe. https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackfriedman/2020/04/27/harvard-colleges-covid… On Apr 28, 2020, at 2:49 PM, Barbara Goodchild <bjgoodchild(a)yahoo.com> wrote: Thank you for sending this, but the Journal is one of the few papers (along with the Globe) that won't let you read even one article without a subscription. I did mange to read the article on Apple News. On Tuesday, April 28, 2020, 02:44:18 PM EDT, tara greco <taragreco(a)hotmail.com> wrote: Harvard University says it’s not ruling out a fall semester with no students on campus. The Ivy League school is the first to come out and warn that due to the current pandemic, there is a possibility that students may not physically return to its grounds before the end of the year. Harvard did not say whether tuition fees would be adjusted for online learning. How will this impact the Cambridge community? Will MIT and Lesley follow suit? https://www.wsj.com/articles/harvard-to-have-a-fall-semester-but-details-un… Tara R. Greco _._,_._,_

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