December 2021 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Happy New Year, we hope!
by raryals 31 Dec '21

31 Dec '21

*Dear Neighbors,* 2021was a trying year in so many ways. Jim and I went into the house and gave up on concerts and plays…until we could no longer resist, and when we got our vaccines and boosters and socially distancing protocols were relaxed, we masked up and ventured out. Like most of you, we observed relaxed social distancing protocols - and masked up for such special treats as visits with wonderful neighbors on the street, or on our porch, to share conversation and dishes. We have had great discussions while tending the garden as we enjoyed the space and freedom it offered us. As you know, we even snuck in a wonderful Buena Vista Social Club cookout in September. And we have eaten out, mostly outside, gone to a few shows (Ah, Hadestown!) and a couple of music venues. We consider ourselves lucky to live here in Cambridge where we can enjoy the wonderful Spring, Summer and Autumn (and, yes, even Winter) by just looking outside our sunroom windows and walking around in our yard/neighborhood. But, most importantly, we are so lucky to live in this neighborhood, with so many wonderful friends and neighbors, who bring us food when we are sick, who make us smile when they wed, whose kids make us laugh to hear them laughing..... But, now comes the Omicron variant and we are back to more intense masking, social distancing and searching for tests (for them) just in time to share a Xmas meal with my sons and grandkids. This holiday season we can at least wish love to all of our friends and neighbors and a Happy New Year! We are lucky to have some local family, with the rest in Western PA, ID, in VA and FL and some as far away as Japan (that would be the very grown-up granddaughter) -- all intensively loved and missed. And we have friends all over the world. In 2022, we hope we can look forward to more in-person hugs and definitely some travel. Early in January, I will have a complete knee replacement. Jim had one four years ago, after which he managed to climb 2900 ft. Mt. Monadnock (aka every man’s Everest), so we hope my new knee will make me into a bionic gardener. Stay tuned! All of our love, Ruth and Jim Ryals/Cornie -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: Next Planning Board Mtg includes Advisory Design Review of 52 New St.
by raryals 31 Dec '21

31 Dec '21

*Planning Board* Planning Board Meeting Tuesday, January 4, 2022 6:30 PM Remote Meeting -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: EHChocolatier is hiring!
by RUTH RYALS 29 Dec '21

29 Dec '21

FYI Begin forwarded message: From: <elaine(a)ehchocolatier.com mailto:elaine@ehchocolatier.com > Subject: [BFS] EHChocolatier is hiring! Date: December 29, 2021 at 5:08:01 PM EST To: bfs(a)elist.tufts.edu mailto:bfs@elist.tufts.edu Reply-To: <elaine(a)ehchocolatier.com mailto:elaine@ehchocolatier.com > EHChocolatier, small artisan chocolate shop in West Cambridge, is hiring for several positions including dishwasher / kitchen prep, retail / packaging, and chocolatier assistant. Please share! It's been very challenging to fill these spots and we could use any and all help with sharing these job listings. Thanks very much! Details found this page: https://www.ehchocolatier.com/pages/join-our-team BFS posting Guidelines: https://tufts.box.com/s/c4pvxgb06awcgid6ld115u88xjpp58ov To subscribe to the Boston Food System list, click on the following: https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/subscribe/bfs To be removed / unsubscribe from the Boston Food System list, click on the following: https://elist.tufts.edu/wws/signoff/bfs _._,_._,_

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Fwd: In a bid to have all of us be more civil and respectful, Heather Hoffman sent this out.
by raryals 29 Dec '21

29 Dec '21

Ruth, This is what I sent to all of the incoming City Councillors. I talked to Marc Levy about putting a story in Cambridge Day so as to increase the likelihood of a response. An identical message went to the incoming School Committee members. Heather ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Civil Cambridge <civilcambridge(a)vivaldi.net> Date: Wed, Dec 29, 2021 at 5:04 PM Subject: city leader civility pledge To: <civilcambridge(a)vivaldi.net> Cc: <heather.m.hoffman.1957(a)gmail.com> Dear Elected Official: Congratulations on being elected or re-elected to the Cambridge City Council! After what has often been a contentious election, we are looking forward to ushering in a new spirit of collaboration and civility here in Cambridge and, to this end, are inviting you to sign on to our civility pledge. We have noted the ways in which the growing level of hostility and verbal and physical violence being promoted from the highest levels of government has seeped down to our own city of Cambridge. We have witnessed name calling, yelling, distortions and personal attacks in lieu of honest and respectful debate. We are committed to ensuring the physical and psychological safety of all residents of our city. In this spirit, a number of groups are joining together to ask our elected officials to pledge to promote an atmosphere of respect for all at City Council meetings, at School Committee meetings, and in all public venues, including emails and social media posts. This certainly does not mean that we cannot have serious, even passionate political debate. It does mean that we will treat each other with civility and acknowledge the inherent dignity of every one of us, in the spirit of our common humanity. With this pledge, we call upon you, our elected officials, to model this kind of respectful behavior in all your interactions with colleagues and members of the public and to take the responsibility for ensuring that our city representatives be role models for how we treat each other. Please see the pledge below and indicate your willingness to sign on by notifying us at civilcambridge(a)vivaldi.net. Thank you! Civil Cambridge We, the undersigned, make this pledge: We commit ourselves as city leaders to maintaining a respectful attitude to all participants in our public meetings and messaging, refraining from abusive name calling, shouting and disparaging of others. We welcome civil debate and sharing of divergent views. We expect no less from those we are affiliated with in their encounters with others about matters of public concern. Endorsed by: Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods, East Cambridge Planning Team, Fresh Pond Neighborhood Alliance, Harvard Square Neighborhood Association, Porter Square Neighborhood Association -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: Testing will be more available now!
by raryals 29 Dec '21

29 Dec '21

*City of Cambridge* *Contact:* Ini Tomeu, Public Information Officer PIO(a)cambridgema.gov *For Immediate Release* *City of Cambridge Makes Free COVID-19 Testing Available 7 Days a Week through Expanded Partnership with CIC Health* *Cambridge, MA, December 29, 2021* - The City of Cambridge today announced that, beginning Monday, January 3, 2022, it will expand its free COVID-19 testing program to seven days a week during the month of January through its partnership with CIC Health. People who live or work in Cambridge can now book an appointment and be tested for free at CIC Health’s 295 Third Street location in Cambridge any day of the week. “With the surge of the Omicron variant and the increased demand for testing, we worked to quickly make more appoinments available to residents,” said Cambridge Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui and City Manager Louis A. DePasquale in a joint statement. “We want to thank CIC Health for their partnership in expanding their testing to seven days a week for those who live and work in Cambridge, and we’re extremely grateful for and proud of the efforts of the members of the Cambridge Pandemic Collaborative for their continued work at our walk-in testing sites.” Testing by appointment only will be available for free for those who live or work in Cambridge at CIC Health’s 295 Third Street location in Cambridge during the following hours: - Sundays from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. - Monday – Friday from 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.; and - Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. To schedule an appointment, please visit https://www.cic-health.com/cambridge <http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb…>. You will need to create an account and select one of the available appointment slots through CIC’s system. Walk-ins will not be accepted at this site. Residents will receive test results administered at this site through the CIC’s system. Questions related to creating an account, booking an appointment or accessing test results from the CIC testing site should be directed to CIC’s Customer Service Team at support(a)cic-health.com or 877-280-2937. In addition, walk-in testing will continue to be offered at the City’s other testing sites on Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. No appointment, identification, or Social Security number is required. All sites are wheelchair accessible. Hours and locations for the City’s walk-in COVID-19 testing sites are: - Sundays from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at 50 Church Street; - Mondays from 4:00 - 8:00 p.m. at the CambridgeSide mall; - Wednesdays from 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. at 2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church; and - Thursdays from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the CambridgeSide mall. Please note that the City of Cambridge testing program provides PCR test results only and is unable to provide individualized documentation for travel purposes (e.g., entering passport information into a patient record). For travel documentation, please seek testing through another location. The City of Cambridge continues to monitor COVID-19 data closely and will make adjustments to COVID-19 testing and mitigation strategies as needed. To find other testing options, visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing <http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb…>. This site lets you search for testing by zip code. The site also provides information about home COVID-19 tests that can be ordered online or in pharmacies and retail stores All residents 5 years of age and older are encouraged to get vaccinated and get a booster dose, when eligible. To find a vaccine location near you, visit https://vaxfinder.mass.gov. <http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb…> For more information and regular COVID-19 updates, please visit www.cambridgema.gov/covid19 <http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb…> to sign up for daily City of Cambridge email updates. *-###-* -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: Re: N95 or KN95 Masks
by RUTH RYALS 28 Dec '21

28 Dec '21

As many on other platforms have been asking about what masks to buy and where to get them, I am forwarding Kathy's excellent advice. ---------- Original Message ---------- From: "Kathy L. Dalton" <kd(a)well.com> Date: 12/28/2021 2:17 AM Subject: Re: N95 or KN95 Masks Some of you may know that I put out a weekly newsletter for the Living Well Network, for folks 55 and up in Cambridge* Last August I wrote an article on masks; the second part of the article contains some specific mask recommendations and a list of sources. Here is the link: https://agassiz.org/mask-recommendations/ Two masks are suggested for smaller faces: The Dr. Puri, which someone else has mentioned and the BOTN medium, which are adjustable. These are both KF94 masks, the filtration efficiency is close to (and sometimes exceeds) the n94 / kn95 standard. KF94 is the Korean standard similar to our KN95 however the Korean standard is a legal standard which is regulated by the Korean government, unlike the N95 / KN95, which is a standard but not regulated. The two vendors I list are both reputable and one of them, allows you to buy a sample pack of several masks to see which are a good fit for you. Kathy Manager, The Living Well Network *The Living Well Network is a program of the organization formerly known as the Agassiz Baldwin Community. To better align our name with our ongoing organizational anti-racist values and practices, the ABC Board has removing the Agassiz name from our organization. We have embarked on a community-oriented process to develop a new organization name that better reflects our mission and values.

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Re: [Neighbors] Brattle St Florist closing
by RUTH RYALS 27 Dec '21

27 Dec '21

Below are fair questions from a quiet listserv member. I do know CLF is having discussions with City Council; the problem being that the City does not seem to understand much about small business survival. Sorry to say. Ruth ****************************************************** Ruth - If he can't afford to take a day off, I'll bet the real reason he's closing is he's been working for free or maybe at a loss, which begs some questions: Why can't a well-loved and well-run flower store make a go of it? Two years ago the City took a traffic lane out of Brattle St in order to put in a two-way protected bike lane, making it a single traffic lane with awkward parking and no or fewer loading zones. Did Brattle St Florist lose their drive-to clientele, say 20% of their sales off the top line and most or all of their bottom line? Was there any new bike-to business to offset the loss? Let's say they had been doing $1M a year in sales. Now Harvard Square flower shop patrons will have to order those plants and flowers on line or get in their cars and drive somewhere else. Is this a good policy outcome for Harvard Square? Given existing vacancies in the area, is that space likely to sit vacant for 3 to 5 years? Is that a good policy outcome? Can the City intercede to broker a rent the store can handle? What if we start to lose restaurants and other retail on Upper Mass Av will PSNA just wring our hands? What can we do NOW before it is too late to attract and save valuable retail services? On Monday, December 27, 2021, 05:00:06 PM EST, Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> wrote: ---------- Original Message ---------- From: raryals <raryals(a)gmail.com> To: PSNA <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> Date: 12/27/2021 4:56 PM Subject: [Porter square] Sad news for retailers and shoppers alike! https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/27/business/after-century-brattle-squar… Very sad news, which says a lot about the health of historic retail stores right now, in Harvard Square and right here in the greater Porter Square area. Ruth Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com mailto:raryals@gmail.com

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Fwd: [Porter square] Sad news for retailers and shoppers alike!
by RUTH RYALS 27 Dec '21

27 Dec '21

---------- Original Message ---------- From: raryals <raryals(a)gmail.com> To: PSNA <portersquare(a)googlegroups.com> Date: 12/27/2021 4:56 PM Subject: [Porter square] Sad news for retailers and shoppers alike! https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/12/27/business/after-century-brattle-squar… Very sad news, which says a lot about the health of historic retail stores right now, in Harvard Square and right here in the greater Porter Square area. Ruth Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com mailto:raryals@gmail.com -- 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/CANCjpgRnBHbsusbyOSOdnLB-z%2… https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/portersquare/CANCjpgRnBHbsusbyOSOdnLB-z%2… .

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Fwd: missing package
by Comcast 26 Dec '21

26 Dec '21

It takes a village. Will someone please restore our PO ? Ruth Ryals rryals(a)comcast.net ________________________________ From: NorthCommons(a)groups.io <NorthCommons(a)groups.io> on behalf of Waters, Mary C. <mcw(a)wjh.harvard.edu> Sent: Sunday, December 26, 2021 5:53 PM To: NorthCommons(a)groups.io Subject: [NorthCommons] missing package Hi Neighbors Did anyone get a package delivered to them on Wednesday the 22nd addressed to the Waters Bayly Family? UPS says it was delivered to 36 Martin St, but we live at 31 Martin and there is no 36. If you find it please let us know 617 547-0987 Thanks very much Mary Waters 31 Martin St _._,_._,_ ________________________________ Groups.io Links: You receive all messages sent to this group. View/Reply Online (#1572)<https://groups.io/g/NorthCommons/message/1572> | Reply To Sender<mailto:mcw@wjh.harvard.edu?subject=Private:%20Re:%20%5BNorthCommons%5D%20missing%20package> | Reply To Group<mailto:NorthCommons@groups.io?subject=Re:%20%5BNorthCommons%5D%20missing%20package> | Mute This Topic<https://groups.io/mt/87969838/2425673> | 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/2425673> | Contact Group Owner<mailto:NorthCommons+owner@groups.io> | Unsubscribe<https://groups.io/g/NorthCommons/unsub> [rryals(a)comcast.net] _._,_._,_

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Fwd: Wednesday, December 22 COVID-19 & Legislative Updates
by raryals 22 Dec '21

22 Dec '21

I, for one, am getting scared. Ruth ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Marjorie Decker <repdecker(a)gmail.com> Date: Wed, Dec 22, 2021 at 5:29 PM Subject: Wednesday, December 22 COVID-19 & Legislative Updates Dear all, I write to you this evening with relevant COVID-19 updates and resources as well as recent legislative news. I hope that you saw my email yesterday about Omicron, boosters and testing <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. I also sent a letter yesterday to Governor Baker strongly urging him to reconsider and call for a statewide indoor mask mandate rather than an advisory, as well as temporary implementation of indoor gathering limits. There is a clear public health consensus on the necessity of wearing masks indoors; we need the Governor to use his authority to impact 351 cities and towns at once by mandating rather than advising. An advisory still leaves too much up to personal choice. It is also important that our statewide public health messaging engages people in where we are in the evolving pandemic. We should be asking people to take two steps back for 4-6 weeks with the goal of taking three steps forward once we can safely navigate the surge. You can read the full letter here: t.ly/FM3J <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Wishing you and your families a safe and happy winter break. Table of Contents - COVID-19 Testing Information - State Updates - National Updates - Cambridge Updates - MA Vaccination Updates - Today’s Case Count - Mental Health Services and Resources - Where to Give COVID-19 Testing Information Saturday Tests Available in Cambridge by Appointment - Visit <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> https://www.cic-health.com/cambridge <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> to make an appointment. - You will need to create a new account. You will receive test results administered at this site through the CIC’s system. - The testing site is at 295 Third Street - Appointments will be released at 12:00 p.m. each Monday for Saturday testing. - Questions should be directed to CIC’s Customer Service Team at support(a)cic-health.com or 877-280-2937. Walk-In Cambridge COVID-19 Testing Sites - Monday: 4:00 - 8:00 PM at the CambridgeSide mall - Wednesday: 2:00 - 6:00 PM at 2254 Massachusetts Ave, St. John the Evangelist Church - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM at the CambridgeSide mall - Sunday: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM at 50 Church Street As of November 1, the testing site at the CambridgeSide mall has returned to walk-in testing inside the mall. Learn more at cambridgema.gov/covid19/testing. There will be no testing on the following dates due to the holidays: - Thursday, December 23, 2021 - Saturday, December 25, 2021 - Thursday, December 30, 2021 - Saturday, January 1, 2022 State COVID-19 Testing To find a COVID-19 testing site in Massachusetts, visit mass.gov/info-details/find-a-covid-19-test. Home PCR Tests for Adults Lab-based PCR testing with home collection is available at no cost to all eligible Massachusetts adults. Kits are reserved for adults (18+) who live or work in a congregate setting, are experiencing symptoms, have recently been in contact with someone with COVID-19, or who have otherwise been recommended for testing. Please visit the Pixel by LabCorp for Massachusetts <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> webpage at t.ly/vL4j for details, and to request a test kit. State Updates <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> Statewide Mask Advisory The Department of Public Health released an updated mask advisory yesterday, recommending that all individuals, regardless of vaccination status, wear a mask or face covering in indoor, public spaces. Activation of National Guard to address Non-Clinical support needs Yesterday, Governor Baker announced that he is activating up to 500 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to address the non-clinical support needs of hospitals and transport systems. Up to 300 of these Guard members will begin training this week and will support 55 acute care hospitals, as well as 12 ambulance service providers across the Commonwealth. Learn more: bit.ly/3pffuDg <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . Elective Surgery Guidance The Department of Public Health released updated guidance to hospitals concerning nonessential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve health care personnel resources, effective 12:01am on December 27th, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential elective procedures likely to result in inpatient admission in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity. Learn more: bit.ly/3FvkCsk <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. National Updates <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> President Biden announces new steps to protect against Omicron Yesterday, President Biden announced new steps to address the risks posed by the Omicron variant of COVID-19. These measures include: - The federal government plans to buy a half-billion at-home COVID test kits and mail them to people who want them, with deliveries beginning in January. Private insurance companies will be required to reimburse individuals for the COVID-19 tests ordered from the federal government. - The federal government will announce new federal testing sites across the country, including one in New York City that will open before Christmas. - The Federal Emergency Management Agency will deploy planning officials to assess needs across the country and preposition supplies like masks, gloves and ventilators. Learn more: https://n.pr/3ebXkvJ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . Food and Drug Administration authorizes antiviral pill to treat COVID-19 The FDA has authorized the 1st antiviral pill, Paxlovid made by Pfizer, to treat COVID-19 at home. The pill is taken twice per day for five days in combination with a second medicine called ritonavir, a generic antiviral. Early results from a Paxlovid study showed a 70% reduction in hospitalization risk among several hundred people at lower risk for severe disease. Learn more here: https://n.pr/3sqbMZg <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Pause on student loan repayment extended through May 1 Today, President Joe Biden announced that he is extending the pause on student loan payments until May 1. Repayments were previously set to re-start on February 1. Learn more: https://cnn.it/30P6gEa <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Cambridge Updates <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> Cambridge Public Health Dept. Issues Advisory on Omicron The Cambridge Public Health Department (CPHD) has issued an advisory on protecting yourself from the Omicron variant. Given the very high transmissibility of Omicron, the CPHD urges residents to observe these recommendations: - Get your vaccine and booster - Wear your mask as much as possible. Higher quality “medical style” masks <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> provide the best protection. - Carefully consider holiday celebrations and social gatherings - Take precautions if traveling - Get tested - If infected with or exposed to COVID-19, follow public health guidance Learn more: t.ly/azY0. Cambridge Distributing Over 21,000 Rapid Test Kits The City of Cambridge has begun distributing over 21,000 at-home rapid COVID-19 antigen test kits to individuals and families from prioritized high risk and disproportionately impacted populations in Cambridge. The City received this allocation of iHealth Labs COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Each kit contains two tests and delivery is underway to various community partners that serve the identified populations. Learn more at camb.ma/3qgk2s3 <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . CHA Vaccinating Kids 5+ COVID-19 vaccines for children ages 5 and older are available at the Cambridge Health Alliance Vaccine Center in Somerville (next to Target). Due to high demand, vaccines are by appointment only. Visit bit.ly/3q1r4me to make an appointment. Clinic hours for the CHA Somerville Vaccine Center: - Monday & Tuesday: 11:00 a.m.–6:30 p.m. - Wednesday, Thursday & Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Where to Get a COVID-19 Booster Shot This is a list of a few places that we are familiar with that are offering COVID-19 boosters in/near Cambridge for eligible MA residents: - Cambridge Health Alliance (Appointments required) - 176 Somerville Ave, Somerville - Mon & Tues: 11:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. - Wed, Thu, & Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - To pre-register: - CHA patients: www.challiance.org/mychart <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> - Non-CHA patients: bit.ly/3A19n7N <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . - CVS (Appointments required) - 624 Mass. Ave (Central Square) - Schedule here: bit.ly/3mgBACv <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . - Star Market (Walk-ins or appointments) - 699 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge - Schedule here: bit.ly/3uujXTv <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . - Search by zip-code for other locations https://vaxfinder.mass.gov/ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> Cambridge Food Resource Guide You can find a list of food pantries, free meals, and other programs available in Cambridge for those in need of food assistance here: bit.ly/3pjJj5K <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . Senior Center Holiday Closures In observance of the upcoming holidays, the Cambridge Council on Aging/ Cambridge Senior Center will be closed on the following days: - Thursday, December 23 - Friday, December 24 - Friday, December 31 MA Vaccination Updates Vaccination Locations for Children Ages 5-11 - Pharmacies: CVS <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> and Walgreens <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> locations - Mass General Brigham (for patients): covidvaccine.massgeneralbrigham.org/MA - Boston Children's Hospital (for patients): Schedule an appointment through the hospital’s MyChildren’s Patient Portal <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> or call 617-919-7102. - Atrius Health (for patients): Parents can schedule an appointment directly through MyHealth Online or call their child’s doctor’s office. - Pediatricians’ Offices: Call your child’s doctor or nurse to determine vaccine availability. - To see all Massachusetts vaccine locations and make appointments, go to vaxfinder.mass.gov <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Mobile Vaccination Services You can find hours and dates for mobile vaccination clinics here — t.ly/qTMc. CHA Offering Walk-In Vaccinations These sites are open to all Massachusetts residents age 12 and older: - Cambridge Hospital - East Cambridge Care Center - Malden Care Center CHA is also offering "pop-up" vaccination clinics - information on hours and locations here: https://www.challiance.org/patients-visitors/covid-19-vaccine <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Cambridge Vaccination Data The City of Cambridge has added Cambridge Vaccination Data to its COVID-19 Data Center <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Data will be updated weekly on Thursdays. Information as of Thursday, December 16, 2021: Residents who have received at least 1 dose: 96,011 Fully Vaccinated Residents: 81,963 Daily COVID-19 Vaccination Report The Department of Public Health <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> publishes a Daily COVID-19 Vaccine Report <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> in addition to its Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Report <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Information as of Wednesday, December 22, 2021: Total doses administered: 12,448,593 Total cumulative doses shipped to MA: 14,594,560 Vaccination Appointment Resources Resources for Booking and Getting to Your Appointment - Online: Visit <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> vaxfinder.mass.gov/ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. You can also book directly with a pharmacy at <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> cvs.com <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> or <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> walgreens.com <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . - Phone: Call 2-1-1 between 8:30 AM-8:00 PM Monday-Thursday or 8:30 AM-5:00 PM Friday-Sunday and select the prompt for “help scheduling a vaccine appointment.” - In-Home Vaccinations: Anyone who is unable to get to a vaccine location can call the Homebound Vaccination Central Intake Line at 833-983-0485 between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM Monday-Friday. Boosters are also available. Booster Shots Available for Fully Vaccinated Adults COVID-19 boosters are available for all fully vaccinated MA residents aged 16 years and older. Learn more at mass.gov/COVID19booster. FAQs The Massachusetts Department of Public Health <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> has a Frequently Asked Questions site that is continually updated as they receive new questions. You may access the FAQs here <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. Questions can be submitted to COVID-19-Vaccine-Plan-MA(a)mass.gov. Today’s Case Count Massachusetts <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> Total Cases: 960,973 New Cases: 7,817 Total Deaths: 19,525 New PCR Tests: 106,568 Cambridge <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> Total Cases: 9,921 New Cases: 129 Total Deaths: 126 The state has created an interactive dashboard, including the percentage of COVID-19 positive cases and testing rates by city and town. The dashboard can be viewed here <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . For Harvard University COVID-19 information, click here <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…>. For MIT COVID-19 information, click here <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . Mental Health Services and Resources If you or a loved one are struggling, please know that you are not alone. There are some great resources here: decker4rep.com/2021/mental-health-services-and-resources/. Intimate Partner Abuse Prevention Helpline Now Open to all MA residents Thanks to COVID-19 relief funds from the CARES ACT, Massachusetts has a Helpline that people can call for help rather than harming their partner. Open to any resident, the helpline is the first in the nation of its kind. This initiative is designed to prevent intimate partner violence by fostering accountability and change in people who harm or may harm their intimate partner. You can find more information at 10to10helpline.org or by calling 877-898-3411. Where to Give If you are able to give to others during this time, I encourage you to look to places that are working to help those most affected by COVID-19: decker4rep.com/2021/places-that-are-working-to-help-those-most-affected-by-… <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . I also encourage you to donate to the following organizations that are engaging in racial justice work: decker4rep.com/2021/organizations-that-are-engaging-in-racial-justice-work/ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> . As always, do not hesitate to reach out to me with questions or concerns at Marjorie.Decker(a)mahouse.gov. Sincerely, Marjorie [image: Facebook] ‌ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> [image: Twitter] ‌ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> [image: LinkedIn] ‌ <https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Lt-hIL-O0H1-BZfpXW8oPz8HKAgCKdmEMkM6qAXQf16…> Friends of Marjorie Decker | PO Box 390431, Cambridge, MA 02139 -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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