October 2024 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Anyone missing a cat?
by Sara St. Antoine 30 Oct '24

30 Oct '24

Hi all, I encountered a small, young brown & gray tabby cat around 6:30 this morning on the corner of Upland and Washington. It was friendly and vocal, but too skittish to pick up. I came back with food to try to lure it in, but by then it had moved along across Washington (maybe behind #140 Upland). Please keep an eye out—this kitty did not seem big enough to be outside. Thanks, Sara

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Fwd: Volunteer Attorneys Needed for Cambridge Immigration Legal Screening Clinic
by raryals 29 Oct '24

29 Oct '24

I love Cambridge! In some places they vilify immigrants. We try to help them in every way possible. By the way. election lawyers are needed too, not in Cambridge, but for places where free and fair elections are under attack. Let me know if you can help. Ruth Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Warnick, Jeremy <jwarnick(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Tue, Oct 29, 2024 at 3:32 PM Subject: Volunteer Attorneys Needed for Cambridge Immigration Legal Screening Clinic To: [image: Cambridge City Seal] * City of Cambridge* * Contact:* Jeremy Warnick Director of Media Relations City of Cambridge PIO(a)cambridgema.gov <pio(a)cambridgema.gov> *For Immediate Release* *Volunteer Attorneys Needed for Cambridge Immigration Legal Screening Clinic* *Cambridge, MA, October 29, 2024 -- *Concerned about immigrant rights? Want to do something more to help? The Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights & Citizenship (CIRC), in collaboration with the De Novo Center for Justice and Healing, provides a free monthly virtual Immigration Legal Screening Clinic <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/clic…>. The Clinic is currently seeking volunteer immigration attorneys. The Clinic is held virtually on the third Wednesday of every month: - Callers leave a message with their information. - De Novo staff screen the messages and assign callers to volunteer attorneys based on practice area and language when possible. - Volunteer attorneys then provide brief advice, screen for immigration legal needs, and refer to additional legal resources, if appropriate. - De Novo immigration attorneys provide supervisory support. We ask that volunteer attorneys have at least two years of experience in immigration law. Interpretation is available whenever needed. The Clinic was established in December 2017 and the demand for services is extraordinary. If you would like to apply to be a volunteer attorney for the Immigration Legal Screening Clinic, please send a completed Volunteer Attorney Application <https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/clic…> to Valerie Fisk via email at vfisk(a)denovo.org or mail at De Novo, 47 Thorndike Street <https://www.google.com/maps/search/47+Thorndike+Street?entry=gmail&source=g>, Suite SB-LL-1, Cambridge, MA 02141. De Novo will determine if applicants meet the criteria for volunteering to staff the Clinic. For more information about this volunteer opportunity, please email Carolina Almonte, Executive Director of The Cambridge Commission on Immigrant Rights and Citizenship at calmonte(a)cambridgema.gov. ###

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Fwd: Community Meeting on Nov 14 for Mass Ave Planning Study
by raryals 25 Oct '24

25 Oct '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Cambridge Community Development Department <commplan(a)cambridgema.gov> Date: Fri, Oct 25, 2024 at 1:30 PM Subject: Community Meeting on Nov 14 for Mass Ave Planning Study Discuss Ideas for North Mass Ave! <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> MAPS Community Meeting! Ideas for North Mass Ave November 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. We will be hosting an open house for the Mass Ave Planning Study (MAPS) <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> - Ideas for North Mass Ave. Thursday, November 14, 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at Lesley University Hall, 1815 Mass Ave <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> This will be the second community meeting looking at North Mass Ave (Porter Square to Alewife Brook Pkwy). The Community Development Department will be sharing a draft vision and some ideas for the North Mass Ave planning area. The meeting will explore ways to: - Make Mass Ave more beautiful. - Provide more housing. - Provide more neighborhood amenities. - Support small businesses. - Improve sidewalks and mobility. Stop by anytime to provide your feedback on ideas for the future of Mass Ave! Can’t make the meeting? Visit our website for more ways to get involved! Location: Second floor atrium of the Lesley University Hall <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…>, 1815 Massachusetts Ave. Snacks and beverages will be served! What's next for the Mass Ave Planning Study? A Spotlight on Porter Square. Starting this winter, we will focus in on Porter Square to discuss how it will change in the future. We will dig into the details of zoning, urban design, open space and housing with the community. This is the commercial center of North Mass Ave and we're excited to hear what folks are thinking! After these discussions, we will begin to draft zoning recommendations for the Mass Ave corridor and present finalized recommendations this winter. Visit our website for more information and learn how to get involved: www.cambridgema.gov/massaveplan <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> Sign up for our email list <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> to stay up-to-date on project announcements and community events. For additional information please contact massaveplan(a)cambridgema.gov. Sign Up for Email Updates <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> Visit Project Website <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> [image: Facebook] <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> [image: Twitter] <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> [image: Instagram] <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> CambridgeMA.gov/CDD <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Wm1B1_fAR50aWnbuUuL2KIrpujGVC-DWC9…> Cambridge Community Development Department | 344 Broadway | Cambridge, MA 02139 US -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Be sure you (and your kids/neighbors) are registered to vote!
by raryals 25 Oct '24

25 Oct '24

The deadline is nigh, and the election is too! Check Your Registration Status Click here to check your voter registration status <https://www.cambridgema.gov/Departments/electioncommission/externallinks/vo…> https://www.cambridgema.gov/departments/electioncommission/voterregistration -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Fwd: [ACN] Tonight, 5:30pm! 10/24 & 10/29, Multifamily Info Sessions
by raryals 24 Oct '24

24 Oct '24

Try to attend! Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Lee Farris <Lee(a)leefarris.net> Date: Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 4:50 PM Subject: [ACN] Tonight, 5:30pm! 10/24 & 10/29, Multifamily Info I hope you can attend the virtual meeting* tonight at 5:3pm* on the proposed Multifamily zoning- see below. Cambridge is considering zoning to allow 6 floors of market-rate housing in all parts of the city, as well as decreasing the amount of review of new buildings; buildings with more than 10 units would have 20% Inclusionary housing. The Council has sent the proposal to the Planning Board and Council’s Ordinance Committee. Because this is a big change, many hearings are scheduled; please see list below. The Cambridge Housing Justice Coalition has raised concerns about the up-zoning causing displacement and gentrification, and has proposed changes to the zoning to reduce those harms and prioritize creating affordable housing for the people most in need, as well as a new program of city-funded housing vouchers. Below is info on *2 city events on 10/24* and 10/29 about the proposed Multifamily up-zoning; they should be a good way to learn more about it and give input. The next scheduled Council meetings on the Multifamily upzoning petition are: 10/31, Economic Development and University Relations Committee <https://www.cambridgema.gov/citycalendar/view.aspx?guid=d94afc5db4734abbbcb…> , 12 noon, to discuss the Economics of Real Estate: Housing, Zoning, and the Economic Impact of Zoning Proposals. 11/12, Planning Board <https://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/ZoningAndDevelopment/PlanningBoard/Planning…>, 11/12, 6:30pm 11/19, Ordinance Committee <https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>, 2pm 12/4, Ordinance Committee <https://pattynolan.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=d9e35bde778a9ec275ea9…>, 2:30pm These hearings will be times when you can share your opinion on the proposed Multifamily upzoning. Check the Multifamily project website (cambridgema.gov/multifamilyzoning <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hMdegz7YFDIvCo8rRJUNIv8YvnMQulW1e2…>) for details about meetings and for other information. You can also sign up for future e-mail announcements <https://x8ol6nrab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hMdegz7YFDIvCo8rRJUNIv8YvnMQulW1e2…> about this zoning proposal. Citywide Multifamily Housing Proposal Info Sessions The City Council is discussing a proposed set of changes to allow multifamily housing in all neighborhoods of the city. The proposal has these main goals: - Allow multifamily housing (such as apartments and condos) in all neighborhoods of the city. - Allow residential buildings of up to 6 stories in all neighborhoods and districts of the city. - Remove other requirements that make it more difficult to build multifamily housing, such as minimum lot sizes, limits on the number of housing units and amount of floor area. - Continue to encourage the creation of permanently affordable housing through the inclusionary housing requirements and Affordable Housing Overlay (AHO). The Community Development Department is hosting two information sessions for members of the public to learn about the proposal and provide their input. *Thursday, October 24th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm* <https://9yzgssnab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mlbpeFvwG0J6Jfj4VQAWTjIMjp4dX3MgUm…> *Information Session* *Virtual - Register Here <https://9yzgssnab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mlbpeFvwG0J6Jfj4VQAWTjIMjp4dX3MgUm…> * *Tuesday, October 29th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm* <https://9yzgssnab.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mlbpeFvwG0J6Jfj4VQAWTjIMjp4dX3MgUm…> *Open House - Come and go anytime* *Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave <https://www.google.com/maps/search/806+Massachusetts+Ave?entry=gmail&source…>* Please share this info widely. Feel free to contact me with questions or comments. Thanks, Lee (she/her) Lee(a)LeeFarris.net 617-354-6740 (landline, 9am-10pm) -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods"

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Fwd: Walden Square II Project Update: Oct. 24, 2024
by raryals 24 Oct '24

24 Oct '24

Update from Winn Development. Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Ed Cafasso <edcafasso(a)gmail.com> Date: Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 12:16 PM Subject: Walden Square II Project Update: Oct. 24, 2024 Good afternoon: I am writing to provide an update on important adjustments to the proposed Walden Square II project resulting from WinnDevelopment ‘s recent meetings with city staff, including representatives from the Housing Department, the Department of Public Works and the Parking & Transportation Department. The development team has been working hard to be responsive to community input since the Planning Board’s final July 22 meeting on our proposal to expand affordable housing at Walden Square by adding 95 new family-oriented apartments in two new, Passive House-designed buildings at the property. WinnDevelopment believes the site design changes have resulted in significant improvements, particularly to pedestrian, vehicle and bicycle circulation, as well as landscaping. Here is a summary of the revisions detailed in an Oct.16 memo to the Cambridge Housing Department: *Circulation* An extension of the new shared-use path has been designed to improve circulation and safety along the preferred routes for people walking or cycling between the Yerxa Underpass, Waden Square Road and Raymond Street. The shared-use path is now fully connected from west of the proposed new Building A to Sherman Street to provide a connection for pedestrians and cyclists that is completely off the street from the east side of the site to the west side of the site. In addition, pedestrian paths have been added south of the proposed Building A to align with current circulation paths and strengthen pedestrian safety. *Trees* The project’s tree plan has been updated based on the advice of City arborists to include additional canopy trees over paths, open spaces and play areas, adding 19 more four-inch caliper deciduous shade trees and retaining additional, existing mature shade trees near areas where new playgrounds will be located. *Facades & Playgrounds* The facade designs of both new apartment buildings proposed for the community have been adjusted to give the appearance of stepping back from the top floors, making the buildings seem less imposing from all sides. In addition, WinnDevelopment has engaged a firm that specializes in playground design to make additional improvements to the play areas we plan to build as part of the project.. Four years of extensive constructive engagement with the community and city planners and staff has enabled WinnDevelopment to continuously strengthen its proposal, and we are grateful for everyone’s involvement and input. The updated site plan and tree plans discussed above can be viewed on the project web site at: https://www.waldensquare2.com/about-3. WinnCompanies has owned and operated this vital 240-apartment affordable housing community for more than two decades and we are looking forward to completing the city's approval process, securing the funding needed to move forward, and getting to work to help the many individuals and families waiting for quality housing in Cambridge. Thank you for your attention. If you would like to express your support for the Walden Square II project, you can email the Affordable Housing Trust at ccotter(a)cambridgema.gov and the Cambridge City Council at council(a)cambridgema.gov. Best regards, Ed Cafasso On Behalf of WinnCompanies

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Fwd: Question 5
by raryals 24 Oct '24

24 Oct '24

Food for thought from Pat Jehlen, my State Senator. Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Senator Pat Jehlen <pat(a)electpatjehlen.org> Date: Wed, Oct 16, 2024 at 6:37 PM Subject: Question 5 To: <raryals(a)gmail.com> View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/electpatjehlen/other-ballot-questions-7227255?e=9a10afcb…> Dear Neighbor, Recently I've written about Question 2 <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> on everyone's ballot and the 5 local questions <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> in communities in my district. Today I'm sharing information about Questions 3 and 5, which could play help reduce inequality, gender and racial pay gaps, and poverty. (Slide from Center on Budget and Policy Priorities <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> ) Underlying almost every problem we face is the deep and growing inequality in income, wealth, and power. (slide from Gerontology Institute <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> at UMass Boston) Inequality is the source of many other problems, including poverty, the housing and homelessness crisis, elder financial insecurity <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> (Massachusetts is the most insecure state for older adults living alone), the food crisis (with 34% of Massachusetts adults <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>facing food insecurity even with subsidy programs), growing residential and school segregation and more. *QUESTION 5: MINIMUM WAGE FOR TIPPED WORKERS* *I will vote yes on Question 5, which would eliminate the sub-minimum wage *for service workers who " <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>customarily and regularly receive more than $20 a month in tips." <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> Right now, employers are required to pay tipped workers $6.75/hour, and if tips don't make up the gap to the regular minimum wage of $15/hour, they are supposed to make up the difference. Question 5 would increase the sub-minimum wage over 5 years to the regular minimum wage. Servers would then be paid $15/hour with tips on top. *One of the biggest sources of income inequality and the gender pay gap is disparity between different occupations. * Service workers are disproportionately women and people of color and are paid less than other workers. Tipped workers are 66% women. People of color make up 43% of the tipped workforce, compared with 29% of all workers. The* average tipped worker makes about 35% less,* including tips, than the state average per hour. Tipped workers are twice as likely to live in poverty and more likely to depend on public benefits. While the Grand Bargain of 2018 gradually increased both the minimum wage and the sub-minimum wage, the gap between them <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> has grown from $7.65/hour to $8.25/hour. Tipped workers are much more likely to experience *wage theft.* The restaurant and hotel industry employs about half of tipped workers, and has the highest number of complaints about wage violations, and the highest number of enforcements by the Attorney General. And tipped workers are more likely to experience *sexual harassment*. The campaign against Question 5 says that workers oppose increasing their minimum wage. That's based on what their employers tell them: that workers' income will drop due to lower tips, and that restaurants will cut jobs or close. *WOULD ONE FAIR WAGE HURT WORKERS AND RESTAURANTS?* *Seven states adopted one fair wage decades ago. They have higher restaurant job growth, higher small business job growth, higher restaurant worker earnings, and higher tipping averages. They have half the rate of sexual harassment and lost fewer restaurants during the pandemic than Massachusetts. * (source, with footnotes <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> ) *A important new, detailed UMass study <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>(which contains much of the information in this newsletter) reports that* *earnings (including tips) went up when states adopted one fair wage.* The study calculated that the *cost of eliminating the sub-minimum wage would raise restaurant costs 2% - less than inflation, less than the cost of food, rent, etc., and would be phased in. *So a $50 meal would cost $51, in five years, if there were no other cost increases. *WILL ONE FAIR WAGE REDUCE TIPS?* Besides evidence from other states, there is common sense. How many people know about the tipped sub-minimum? If they do, do they know if workers in a coffee shop with a tip jar, or those handing over a takeout order are making a full minimum wage? Often there'll be a "suggested tip" line on the bill, but it doesn't necessarily mean the server is paid $6.75. Most of us don't feel comfortable asking. And honestly, even if the coffee shop worker is making full minimum wage, it's not enough to live on. We usually base tips on a percent of the meal price. If prices do go up, we probably tip more. *CAN RESTAURANTS SURVIVE ONE FAIR WAGE?* Restaurants have low margins and face high and increasing costs. Too many already disappeared during the pandemic when sales went down. But, compared to other cost increases. this is a relatively minor, phased and predictable increase. Many have already raised wages to attract workers. There are almost 250 "high-road" restaurants in Massachusetts, which do pay full minimum wage. Among them are Juliet in Somerville and Mamaleh's and Circus Cooperative Cafe in Cambridge. *IS QUESTION 5 PERFECT?* Many people are concerned that, if the ballot question passes, the restaurant owner could, on their own, institute tip pooling with back of the house. That could reduce income for servers. The legislature could amend that. *QUESTION 3: UNIONIZATION FOR TRANSPORTATION NETWORK DRIVERS* *Unions are one of the few forces fighting back against the outrageous growth of inequality. * *I will vote yes on Question 3.* It would allow drivers for UBER, LYFT and other Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) to *form unions, while retaining their flexibility. * It's a complex proposal - nine full pages in the "red book <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>" published by the Secretary of State. It would allow sectoral bargaining: rideshare drivers could negotiate together for better pay and benefits that would apply across the industry. That kind of bargaining is already used in the Personal Care Assistant program. This question doesn't affect workers at other gig companies - like UberEats and DoorDash. But its passage or defeat could be a precedent here. Attorney General Maura Healey filed a lawsuit against UBER and LYFT in 2020, arguing that they had misclassified drivers as independent contractors instead of as employees. Misclassification means that the companies don't have to pay minimum wage or overtime; and don't contribute to workers comp, unemployment insurance, health insurance or paid family and medical leave. So the drivers receive none of the benefits of those programs. Forbes reports <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> that UBER driver pay has been cut and prices raised since 2017, while the company's "take rate" has increased to 40% of the fares. (graph from Forbes) Senator Jason Lewis writes <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>, "companies have been mistreating drivers — giving them a smaller and smaller share of the fares paid by riders; providing minimal, if any, benefits like healthcare or retirement; and deactivating drivers without any fair appeals process. The rideshare companies do not pay into the state’s unemployment insurance or workers compensation systems like other responsible employers do." In June, it appeared that the state would win the lawsuit, giving drivers all the rights and benefits of employees while preserving their flexibility. But at the same time, an UBER/LYFT ballot question was certified for the ballot, which would have overridden a positive decision by the court. The companies were expected to spend over $200 million on a campaign, as they had in California <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>. With that amount of cash, and the ability to persuade the captive audience of drivers that being employees would make them lose their flexibility, the UBER/LYFT question was heavily favored to win, affecting not only drivers but many other workers <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>, as more industries turn to hiring gig workers. As soon as the ballot question was certified, Attorney General Andrea Campbell reached a settlement <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> with the companies, to provide some benefits to drivers <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> while requiring the companies to withdraw their ballot question. Question 3 would give those workers the ability to form a union, no matter what their status. SEIU 32BJ and the Machinists have been organizing drivers to form a union and filed the ballot question. *I will vote yes,* because it will give workers a chance for a voice at work. And it could encourage the legislature to consider other measures to protect workers. As always, I'm glad to hear your thoughts, though it's taking me time to respond to all of you. [image: Twitter] <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> [image: Facebook] <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> [image: Campaign Website] <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…> *Copyright © 2017 CTE Pat Jehlen* *Our mailing address is:* 67 Dane St, Somerville MA 02143 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/67+Dane+St,+Somerville+MA+02143?entry=gm…> Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/profile?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a3d61…> or unsubscribe from this list <https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a…>

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Fwd: SWFM One Week Away! 🎉
by raryals 24 Oct '24

24 Oct '24

---------- Forwarded message --------- Fall is here and so soon this great winter market will be open. It is a Joy to visit for food and a lot more! Check it out. Ruth Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com ---------- Forwarded message --------- From: Jaden Hill <swfm_community(a)artsatthearmory.org> Date: Thu, Oct 24, 2024 at 10:04 AM Subject: SWFM One Week Away! 🎉 To: Ruth <raryals(a)gmail.com> SNAP at the market, HIP funding cut, Loyalty Card Program, and more View this email in your browser <https://mailchi.mp/artsatthearmory.org/swfm-vendor-applications-are-live-18…> <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *Somerville Winter Farmers Market* *Every Saturday, November 2-April 12* *9:30 am - 1:30 pm *• *191 Highland Ave, Somerville, MA <https://www.google.com/maps/search/191+Highland+Ave,+Somerville,+MA?entry=g…> *No market 11/30 & 12/28* Brought to you by The Center for Arts at the Armory <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> Follow us on Facebook <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> & Instagram <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *SNAP at the Market* Do you have trouble paying for food, or would receiving money for food each month ease financial stress? You may be eligible for the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provides income-eligible individuals and households money each month to buy food. In Massachusetts, SNAP is administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), and it is easy to apply with their short online application <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> (find out if you are eligible with their 10-second screener <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…>). If you are approved for benefits, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that works like a debit card. You can purchase most food items with SNAP, with a few exceptions you can see here <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> . If you receive SNAP, many of our vendors have SNAP-eligible items (see all our vendors here <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…>). Plus, the market is proud to offer a dollar-for-dollar SNAP Match up to $15 each week. Some vendors are able to directly process SNAP transactions, so feel free to ask them or market staff when you would like to make a purchase. If a vendor is not able to process SNAP, or if you would like to receive the market's SNAP Match, bring your EBT card to the Market Manager's booth (on the left when you enter the doors downstairs) to receive tokens that represent your SNAP dollars to spend at the market. *HIP at the Market* Massachusetts residents who receive SNAP can automatically participate in the Healthy Incentives Program <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> (HIP), which puts money back on your EBT card when you purchase fruits and vegetables from participating vendors <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…>, including the Somerville Winter Farmers Market! Fresh, canned, dried, or frozen fruits and vegetables without added salt, sugar, fat, or oil are HIP-eligible, as well as fresh herbs and seeds or plants that grow food. Most farms at the market can directly process HIP transactions and, if not, we are able to at the Market Manager's booth. HIP does not roll over between months, so we suggest spending HIP before your SNAP dollars, including to get the market's SNAP Match. *HIP Funding Cut & Call to Action* While the monthly cap for HIP currently ranges from $40-$80 depending on household size, DTA announced to farmers on October 17 that, due to limited HIP funding in Fiscal Year 2025, the cap will unfortunately be reduced to $20 each month, regardless of household size, beginning December 1, 2024. We know this is a significant decrease that will have very real impacts on SNAP customers and HIP vendors. If you are affected by this change, or feel called to support community members who are, please see this call to action <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> from the Massachusetts Food System Collaborative (MAFSC), which provides information on the importance of HIP and instructions to contact the Governor's office, DTA, and legislative leadership to stop the cut. MAFSC is also collecting stories to advocate for additional HIP funding. Please share how these proposed changes would affect your farm or household here <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> . Take action to stop the HIP funding cut! <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> While these changes are deeply concerning for the 285 farmers and thousands of low-income households that participate in HIP each month, they also highlight the importance of the market's SNAP Match, which can continue to increase access to local, healthy food during this period of uncertainty. The match is partially funded by grants from the City of Somerville and Somerville Health Foundation; however, we rely on donations from generous individuals like you to help us raise the remaining funds needed. Help us grow food security in the community by making a donation here <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> . Donate to our SNAP Match! <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *Loyalty Card Program* The Loyalty Card Program is a rewarding way to show your support for the market! Pick up a Loyalty Card at the Market Manager's booth downstairs and return there every week you visit to stamp your card. Once you shop at the market 6 separate Saturdays, you can enter one of our weekly raffles to win a gift from a SWFM vendor. Drawings will start December 14 and occur every week of the market. Stay tuned for the schedule of prizes to know when you want to enter. <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *Seeking Mandarin Interpreter & Volunteers* We are seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated candidate to increase accessibility efforts by acting as a Mandarin Interpreter for the 2024-25 market. The Mandarin Interpreter will improve communication between customers and vendors and the SNAP Coordinator, and help new customers navigate the market. Click below to learn more about responsibilities, desired qualifications, and time commitment. To apply, please email Juliana at swfm(a)artsatthearmory.org your resume along with 3-4 sentences explaining why you are interested in this position. More information about Mandarin Interpreter position <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> Are you interested in getting involved in Somerville's local food system this winter? We are looking for volunteers to help with a range of opportunities, including the SNAP booth, photography, greeting, and more! If you are interested, please fill out the interest form below. See more information about volunteering at the market here <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> . Express interest in volunteering! <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *Community Booth & Musician Updates* Thank you everyone who has applied to host a community booth or play music at the market! Due to sufficient interest by the priority deadline, we have closed the musician interest form. However, if you are a community organization interested in sharing about your important work with customers, we still have availability February-April to host a community booth. Express interest below and reach out to Jaden at swfm_community(a)artsatthearmory.org with questions. Apply to host a community booth! <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *Sponsor the Market* We are inviting local businesses to sponsor the 2024-25 SWFM season. This is a unique opportunity to increase the visibility of your business in the Somerville and greater Boston communities. Please click here <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> for more information and email Stephanie at director(a)artsaatthearmory.org <director(a)artsatthearmory.org> if you are interested in sponsoring the market. <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> The Somerville Winter Farmers Market <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> is hosted and managed by The Center for Arts at the Armory. <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> [image: Twitter] <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> [image: Facebook] <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> [image: Website] <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> [image: Instagram] <https://artsatthearmory.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b690012934eeed8a…> *Our mailing address is:* 191 Highland Ave. Suite 1 <https://www.google.com/maps/search/191+Highland+Ave.+Suite+1?entry=gmail&so…> -C Somerville, MA 02143 Want to change how you receive these emails? 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PSNA meeting tomorrow at 7 pm with the owner of McCarthy's Tavern!
by raryals 17 Oct '24

17 Oct '24

We have invited Tommy McCarthy (and his wife), owners of The Burren in Davis Square, who recently purchased Christopher's and Toad on Mass Ave at Porter Square. If you have walked or driven by, you will have noticed significant renovations, transforming it into McCarthy's Tavern, and music will be integral to the design! We have asked Tommy to tell us about their plans to continue good food and good music at this venerable spot in Porter Square. Bring your questions! Also, bring news you may have about any of our recent (or not so) vacancies-Rockler, the spot left empty by Porter Square Books, etc. We meet *in-person at 1815 Mass Ave, Rm 2-078* (2nd floor) and *on Zoom *(invite below). **************************************************************** Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85613080424?pwd=aGZb5WBA7QAKmya2xebNMnXBkmbnlh.1 <https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85613080424?pwd%3DaG…> Meeting ID: 856 1308 0424 Passcode: 554657 One tap mobile +16468769923,,85613080424#,,,,*554657# US -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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Come to the PSNA meeting next week and hear what is planned at McCarthy's Tavern!
by raryals 11 Oct '24

11 Oct '24

The owner of The Burren in Davis Square will join us. Tommy McCarthy, who bought Christopher's and Toad's, long-time Porter Square standards, will join us to share plans for the new McCarthy's Tavern. Ruth -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

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