July 2022 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Fwd: Last call for Participatory Budgeting Ideas!
by RUTH RYALS 31 Jul '22

31 Jul '22

Look for things you would like for our neighborhood. Then vote for them. Thanks, Ruth ---------- Original Message ---------- From: City of Cambridge <jprice(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: 07/30/2022 9:00 AM Subject: Last call for Participatory Budgeting Ideas! Sunday, July 31 is the deadline to submit ideas for PB9! https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00128nZaiIlUtEe3ubZdpQ3prjfBeXyVsX7Ux1RKaV6rO6… In case you missed it, the 9th cycle of Participatory Budgeting (PB) is underway, and the City of Cambridge is seeking ideas from the community on how to spend $1 million on capital projects to improve Cambridge. This Sunday, July 31, is the last day to submit ideas for the PB9 cycle. Get your ideas in before it is too late! Winning projects from past PB cycles have included youth center upgrades, home essentials for newly housed residents, laundry access in public schools, solar panels for the Main Library, bike repair stations, extending outdoor Wi-Fi, and many more! Submit your ideas by clicking the button below or by: * Visiting: pb.cambridgema.gov https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00128nZaiIlUtEe3ubZdpQ3prjfBeXyVsX7Ux1RKaV6rO6… * Emailing: pb(a)cambridgema.gov mailto:pb@cambridgema.gov * Mailing ideas to: City of Cambridge Budget Office, 795 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02139 Submit PB Ideas Here! https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00128nZaiIlUtEe3ubZdpQ3prjfBeXyVsX7Ux1RKaV6rO6… https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00128nZaiIlUtEe3ubZdpQ3prjfBeXyVsX7Ux1RKaV6rO6… What is PB? https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00128nZaiIlUtEe3ubZdpQ3prjfBeXyVsX7Ux1RKaV6rO6… Participatory Budgeting is a democratic process through which community members directly decide how to spend part of a public budget. The City hopes that PB will help directly involve residents in the budgeting and City-building process, foster civic engagement and community spirit, and help ensure that the City’s Capital Plan reflects the priorities of Cambridge residents. For more information, please visit our website https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=00128nZaiIlUtEe3ubZdpQ3prjfBeXyVsX7Ux1RKaV6rO6… or call the Cambridge Budget Office at 617-349-4270 or email at pb(a)cambridgema.gov mailto:pb@cambridgema.gov City of Cambridge | 795 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139 [Trusted Email from Constant Contact - Try it FREE today.] http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&pn=cityofcambr… Try email marketing for free today! http://www.constantcontact.com/index.jsp?cc=nge&rmc=VF21_3GE&pn=cityofcambr…

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Fwd: Lost thermos cup
by RUTH RYALS 30 Jul '22

30 Jul '22

Did anyone see this! > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Christine Tullius <c.tullius(a)comcast.net> > To: "rryals(a)comcast.net" > Date: 07/30/2022 11:05 AM > Subject: Lost thermos cup > > > Hi Ruth, could you post this message for me please. Thanks so much! > > Dear neighbors, > This morning, while at Raymond park with Sawyer, I accidentally left my thermos cup on the rocks. It looks like the one in the photo. If you happened to pick it up for me, please let me know. Thank you! Christine > > > > > > Sent from my iPhone

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Fwd:Peak alert: save energy 5-8pm
by RUTH RYALS 29 Jul '22

29 Jul '22

> > > > > ---------- Original Message ---------- > > From: "amy(a)aperlmutter.com" <amy(a)aperlmutter.com> > > Date: 07/29/2022 1:27 PM > > Subject: Peak alert: save energy 5-8pm > > > > > > Another reminder… > > > > Sent from smart phone.please excuse dumb mistakes > > > > Begin forwarded message: > > > > > > > > > From: Green Energy Consumers <hello(a)greenenergyconsumers.org> > > > Date: July 29, 2022 at 1:03:52 PM EDT > > > Subject: Peak alert: save energy 5-8pm > > > Reply-To: hello(a)greenenergyconsumers.org > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Amy, we're doing amazing! Keep shaving the peak today and each hot day over 84 degrees. > > > > > > > > > > > > Not rendering correctly? View this email as a web page here https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/e3t/Ctc/IZ+113/c1GjT04/VVHbtp8VDcxdW2… . > > > > > > [logo_40th-4] https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/e3t/Ctc/IZ+113/c1GjT04/VVHbtp8VDcxdW2… > > > > > > > > > KEEP SHAVING THE PEAK! > > > > > > > > > Hi Amy, > > > > > > Keep saving energy between 5-8pm today, and any day when the temperature reaches or exceeds 85 degrees. > > > > > > We've needed a lot more dirty and expensive fuel to keep the lights and air conditioning on over the past two weeks. As the weather gets hotter, demand is creeping up again. > > > > > > [shave the peak demand chart 7.28.22] > > > > > > As a rule of thumb, keep shaving the peak when the thermometer hits 85 degrees (especially between 6-7pm). > > > > > > * Avoid running the dishwasher, laundry, and other appliances > > > * Try to set the air conditioner a bit higher > > > * If you have an electric car, use its timer to avoid charging at peak hours. > > > > > > More energy efficiency tips https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/e3t/Ctc/IZ+113/c1GjT04/VVHbtp8VDcxdW2… > > > > > > Not only can we make a small difference, but our Shave the Peak members influence policymakers toward a cleaner, more modern electric grid. Thank you for everything you do! > > > > > > Sincerely, > > > > > > The team at Green Energy Consumers > > > > > > Share Shave the Peak with friends: > > > > > > [Share on Facebook] https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/e3t/Ctc/IZ+113/c1GjT04/VVHbtp8VDcxdW2… [Share on LinkedIn] https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/e3t/Ctc/IZ+113/c1GjT04/VVHbtp8VDcxdW2… [Share on Twitter] https://info.greenenergyconsumers.org/e3t/Ctc/IZ+113/c1GjT04/VVHbtp8VDcxdW2… [Share on Email] mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenenergyconsumers.org%2Fshavethepeak%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail%20&body=Check%20out%20http%3A%2F%2Fwww.greenenergyconsumers.org%2Fshavethepeak%3Futm_medium%3Dsocial%26utm_source%3Demail > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > _._,_._,_ > > > > _._,_._,_ > > > > >

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Fwd: City of Cambridge asks Residents for Assistance in Supporting its Urban Forest During this Summer's Heat and Drought Conditions
by RUTH RYALS 28 Jul '22

28 Jul '22

> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Lee Gianetti <lgianetti(a)cambridgema.gov> > To: info(a)portersquare.net > Date: 07/28/2022 4:58 PM > Subject: City of Cambridge asks Residents for Assistance in Supporting its Urban Forest During this Summer's Heat and Drought Conditions > > > > 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 asks Residents for Assistance in Supporting its > Urban Forest During this Summer's Heat and Drought Conditions > > Cambridge, MA., July 28, 2022 – The City of Cambridge today announced it is asking residents and local business for assistance in maintaining its healthy urban forest, which includes trees on streets, in parks, on private property, and campuses. Recent extreme heat and the current drought have significantly stressed many new and mature trees throughout the city. These trees provide essential shade, clean the air, and support a living ecosystem. > > "The most important thing people can do is help by watering trees near their home," said Public Works Superintendent of Urban Forestry Andrew Putnam. "This is the most sustainable way to water, and we're asking any residents and businesses who are able to please do their part by filling a Gator Bag on a tree or drenching the soil in a nearby tree well." > > The city's Urban Forestry Division is responsible for planting, watering, and maintaining all trees on city property, and crews have deployed proactive strategies. Currently, staff are operating three water trucks to water street trees across the city from early morning until evening. The Parks Division, along with the Cambridge Water Department, are also assisting in watering, and the City’s Water-by-Bike staff water trees 8 hours daily. The city's tree planting contractor is also running multiple trucks to water newly planted street trees that are two years and younger, six days per week. > > “Protecting our Urban Forest is a top priority of the city, and our residents and businesses can play a critical role in this effort by assisting us by watering street trees adjacent to their property,” said Owen O’Riordan, Acting City Manager. “While we are in a level-3 critical drought, the amount of water we are asking residents to provide street trees is insignificant in terms of drought impact on our water supply.” > > Given the size of the city's Urban Forest, the city alone cannot water every tree. In drought conditions like this, residents and businesses can play a critical role in protecting street trees in their neighborhoods by watering trees. Generally, street trees need approximately 20 gallons of water per week from May to October. However, in heat and drought conditions, it is recommended that trees are watered at least 2-3 times a week. > > Many young trees can be easily watered by filling the green Gator Bag attached to the tree with 20 gallons of water using a garden hose or container to fill the bag. Water can be slowly poured on the base of the tree directly if it does not have a Gator Bag or is well-established. Compacted soil reduces water's ability to infiltrate the soil and can lead to water runoff. Residents can gently loosen the soil with a trowel in such situations so water can better penetrate the ground. If a tree is small enough and doesn't have a Gator Bag, residents can go to DPW at 147 Hampshire St and get a Gator Bag from the Front Desk to attach to the tree to assist with the watering > > Residents who see a tree in distress should report it through SeeClickFix http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb… so DPW can try to assess and/or water the tree. > > Additionally, residents are encouraged to participate in the Cambridge Urban Forest Friends program. City crews cannot get to every tree enough in the warmer months to water, mulch, and weed all of the new and young trees in the city. The public's assistance in ensuring these trees get a good start is needed. Members of the public, groups, or organizations looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity can contact Cambridgetrees(a)cambridgema.gov. > > As of July 21, 2022, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Bethany Card declared that the Cambridge drought level has changed to a Level 3-Critical Drought, and the Cambridge Water Department is actively monitoring Cambridge's drought status. > > The significant drought conditions require close coordination among local, state, and federal agencies, with a substantial emphasis on water conservation and more stringent watering restrictions. Watering street trees is an acceptable use for outdoor watering as protecting the tree canopy is a critical strategy in the city's climate change mitigation efforts. > > As a reminder, the Cambridge Water Department strongly recommends practicing the following water conservation tips: > > * Stop or minimize all unnecessary outdoor watering (street tree watering is an acceptable use); > * Look and listen to see if you have any water leaking, checking toilets often; > * Never let water run while doing dishes, brushing teeth, or washing hands; > * Flush toilets only when needed. > > Learn more about water conservation at https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water/administration/droughtstatusandwaterconse… http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb… > > -###- http://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=iNz98fGjAij26T-2FVbfVb… >

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Thanks so much for those of you who took the survey!
by raryals 26 Jul '22

26 Jul '22

*Attached are the results:* Thank you Stephanie for designing and tallying the responses. A few of us have been meeting as a small "transit group" A couple of our immediate reactions on looking at the results: 1) As a group, we walk a lot! 2) We probably are not reaching a lot of the bus riders. (and I am forwarding this to Livable Streets... With more time, we would do an on the street, at the Square, intercept survey. 3) People drive to where they need to go, need to shop and carry back big loads, and there is free/low cost parking. 4) People don't understand where buses go. We think the MBTA should put up a BIG sign at the Porter Square T stop with a BIG map saying "you are here" and showing which bus can take you to other locations on the map. e.g. MARKET BASKET! This is an historic time. We have a mayor in Boston (the ultimate travel hub) who strongly supports free/affordable public transit. We will soon have a new governor, and the major candidate(s) are strong public transit supporters. THIS IS NO TIME TO CUT BACK THE T. First, ridership is down because of COVID (and now the T's many public safety issues), meaning the base data on ridership is misleading. Second, wherever the funds come from this is the time for A VISION, not retrenchment. Third, Boston (and Porter Square) need a well functioning T for a strong economy and social vitality. Fourth, The CLIMATE DEMANDS a strong, reliable public transportation system. Finally, we would like your feedback on the survey results, and your suggestions on what this means for our feedback to the MBTA Bus Redesign proposals. As many of us as possible should be writing/testifying to them directly before the July 31st deadline. Ruth -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Trees should be watered by the city!
by raryals 25 Jul '22

25 Jul '22

Why is the city not watering all of our young city trees during this drought/extended heat wave? In fact, if we really care about "reforesting" our city, we should arrange and pay for this to be reliably done year round as a city. Ruth -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Ask Cambridge Arts to arrange a "free walking tour" for the rest of us?
by raryals 24 Jul '22

24 Jul '22

For the bikers: https://www.cambridgema.gov/arts/News/detail.aspx?path=/sitecore/content/ho… But if you do not, cannot bike, ask Cambridge Arts to offer a walking tour of our publicly financied art. -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Re: [Neighbors] Electrical Outage!
by raryals 23 Jul '22

23 Jul '22

Will do! I called and the robot said 600+ households out, estimated 6 pm fix! Ruth On Fri, Jul 22, 2022 at 4:16 PM Laura Kelley <lauraekelley(a)gmail.com> wrote: > Ruth, we are out too (right behind you on 34 cambridge ter) — an > Eversource truck has pulled up near us. Keep us posted if you hear > anything! > > Laura > 617 899 9838 > > On Fri, Jul 22, 2022 at 3:53 PM raryals <raryals(a)gmail.com> wrote: > >> Who else is out? >> Has someone called Eversource? >> >> Ruth >> -- >> Ruth Ryals >> raryals(a)gmail.com >> >> _______________________________________________ >> Neighbors mailing list >> Neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org >> https://lists.buenavistasocialclub.org/listinfo/neighbors >> > -- > > *--* > > *Laura Kelley* > +1(617)899-9838 > > -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Participatory Budget submission deadline is July 31!
by raryals 22 Jul '22

22 Jul '22

https://pb.cambridgema.gov/ https://pbcambridgefy24.herokuapp.com/page/guidelines Neighbors, I have submitted several ideas, and so can you. But please visit the website and like mine! Ruth *Pilot Electric Para-Transit Vehicle and Driver for North/West Cambridge and Huron Village, Alewife *Outdoor Exercise Equipment for Adults*A public toilet in Porter Square -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Please tell the MBTA what you think about the bus network redesign
by raryals 22 Jul '22

22 Jul '22

https://www.mbta.com/projects/bus-network-redesign/update/bus-network-redes… Share Your Feedback on the Proposed Bus Network Redesign The deadline is - July 31, 2022. At the link above you can review a map of the proposed redesigned routes, check out the proposed high-frequency corridors. You can also take an online survey to share your feedback. -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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