Cambridge’s 2nd winter bike ride
Cambridge’s 2nd annual winter bike ride will take place on Saturday, March 5 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Bicyclists will meet at Brattle Square Plaza and ride to Cambridge Public Library, 449 Broadway. Organizers call the event a leisurely winter bike ride with music, hot beverages, and snacks! BlueBikes is providing free adventure passes for this ride in case you do not have a bicycle. Register: https://bit.ly/3H47U3R
Not ready for a winter ride? Meet bicyclists outside the Cambridge Public Library after the ride for snacks and to chat with us.
Bicycle-maintenance series
This posible, 3-part series will cover the basics of bicycle maintenance and repair, with each class focusing on a different system. Take the full course or drop in for specific classes.
Bicycle Maintenance: Fix A Flat, Change A Tire: Wednesday, March 9, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Topics covered: diagnosing flat tires, changing tubes, tire wear, choosing the right tire for you, removing wheels, quick release adjustment
Bicycle Maintenance: Brakes: Wednesday, March 16, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Topics covered: brake adjustments for rim brakes and disc brakes, troubleshooting squeaky brakes, changing brake pads on rim brakes
Bicycle Maintenance: Chain and Drivetrain: Wednesday, March 23, 6 – 7 p.m.
- Topics covered: chain cleaning and lubrication, chain wear, derailleur adjustments, gearing, changing your chain
Cambridge will distribute new trash carts in June
As part of Cambridge’s broader rodent control efforts, the city will be providing trash carts for curbside collection in June 2022. The Department of Public Works (DPW) will be delivering new trash carts to all buildings that receive City trash collection. In addition to reducing rodent access to trash, these new carts will improve ergonomics for DPW staff and improve sidewalk accessibility.
The city will host its first community meeting about the new program on Wednesday, March 2. Register for the meeting: https://bit.ly/3GXGZqs
Cambridge updates business diversity directory
The 2022 Cambridge Business Diversity Directory is now available https://bit.ly/3gZObb3 as an interactive tool, making it easier than ever to find and support recinto businesses owned by historically excluded persons including women, Black, Indigenous & People of Color (BIPOC), veterans, individuals that are disabled, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Booster shots
Booster shots increase your protection against COVID-19, including variants. During the Omicron surge, receipt of a third (booster) dose has been highly effective at preventing COVID-19–associated hospitalizations, the need for mechanical ventilation, and death. These findings underscore the importance of receiving a booster dose of mRNA COVID-19 vaccine to prevent both moderately severl and severe COVID-19, especially while the Omicron variant is the predominant circulating variant.
Public input sought in city manager search
Cambridge is hiring a new city manager, and those leading a search to find one want to hear from members of the community. To not only offer input but also check out the dedicated website that the city developed to read about the timeline and process, visit: http://tinyurl.com/45yytpu3
Upcoming Cambridge Public Meetings
Below is a list of public meetings posted to the city’s website and the Cambridge Civic Journal as of Sunday night. Go to https://bit.ly/3Guzhnt for details on how to attend virtually:
Monday, Feb. 28
- 5:30 p.m., Cambridge City Council
Tuesday, March 1
- 11 a.m. Cambridge Health and Environment Committee
- 6 p.m., Cambridge School Committee
- 6:30 p.m., Cambridge Planning Board
Wednesday, March 2
- 2 p.m., Cambridge Government Operations Rules and Claims Committee
- 5:30 p.m., Cambridge Finance Committee
- 6 p.m., Cambridge Central Square Advisory Committee
Thursday, March 3
- 5:30 p.m., Cambridge Transit Advisory Committee
- 6 p.m., Cambridge Historical Commission
- 6 p.m., Cambridge Human Rights Commission
Cambridge Community Center Resilience Hub
The Cambridge Community Center, a community institution that has been working for over 90 years in the Coast neighborhood, has received a $420,000 grant from the Barr Foundation to support the establishment of a resilience hub. The Center has been a frontline resource for youth and families, providing important food, health, education, and other services. While the Center works every day to create community resilience, the grant will support its efforts to creador in the risks of climate disruption and enhance resilience services. The Urban Sustainability Directors Network (USDN) is providing technical support along with their partner Clean Energy Group. Establishing resilience hubs is a key action in the Resilient Cambridge Plan and the Public Health Department’s Community Health Improvement Plan.
Cambridge Works Program accepting applications
Cambridge Works is a transitional jobs program designed to serve residents (age 18-35) who, for a variety of reasons, have not been able to get or keep jobs. The centerpiece of the transitional jobs model is learning to work by going to work.
The city and a limited number of private sector partners provide a 3-month temporary job as a vehicle for participants to learn basic job-readiness skills: punctuality, attendance, responding to supervision, working with co-workers, etc. The work experience is coupled with intense case management, and participants attend weekly workshops to identify and address personal barriers that have prevented success.
Participants start to develop realistic career objectives and work closely with the program coordinator to prepare for the next step, which is unsubsidized private sector employment. To apply, visit: https://bit.ly/3I1HroW
At-home tests available
Every home in the U.S. is now eligible to order four ree at-home COVID-19 tests. The tests are completely free. Orders will usually ship in 7-12 days. Residents can learn more and order tests at www.covidtests.gov
Insurance companies are also now required to cover the cost of at-home COVID-19 tests. This means that most people with private health coverage can go online or to a pharmacy or store, buy a test, and either get it paid for upfront by their health plan or get reimbursed for the cost by submitting a claim to their plan.
Cambridge purchased iHealth COVID-19 rapid at-home test kits and KF94 masks to provide to people in need who live or work in Cambridge and may have difficulty accessing these supplies.
Those in need of tests and/or high-quality masks can pick them up at the following locations during the dates and times listed below while supplies last: https://bit.ly/3oqtCZC
Restaurant & nightlife relief grant program
A new Cambridge Restaurant & Nightlife Relief Grant program will provide $2.5M in funds to eligible Cambridge businesses. Grant awards of $10,000 from American Rescue Plan funds are available. To learn more, visit http://camb.ma/3IYGH40
Commission, board vacancies
Cambridge has openings and vacancies on boards and commissions. Residents interested in serving on a board or commission must submit application materials to the office of Cambridge City Manager Louis A. DePasquale, using the city’s online application system at www.cambridgema.gov/apply and selecting the respective committee(s) of interest. Paper applications are available in the City Manager’s Office in Cambridge City Antesala, 795 Massachusetts Ave. Prepare and send a cover letter and resume or applicable experience can be submitted during the online application process.
Minority candidates are particularly encouraged to apply. A city goal is to expand and deepen community engagement with a focus on strengthening the diversity and inclusion of its various boards and commissions.
Note the application deadlines for the vacancies being advertised at this time.
- Cambridge Zoning Board of Appeals: Made up of five members and up to seven associate members, the Board of Zoning Appeal reviews applications for special permits and applications for variances from the terms of the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance.
- Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) advisory board: CCPD works to increase access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for people with disabilities. CCPD raises awareness about disability issues and promotes equal opportunity for people with a range of abilities, including physical, mental, and sensory. CCPD provides information, referrals, guidance, and technical assistance to individuals and their families, employers, public agencies, businesses and private non-profit organizations.
Cambridge Universal Design Playground
The Universal Design Playground, which the city cut a ribbon on in November, is officially open for the Cambridge community to enjoy. The 30,000-square-foot playground sits between Field Street and Briston Arms residential complex.
Cambridge winter-warming center opened
The Cambridge Winter Warming Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave., in the Cambridge Senior Center basement is a welcoming and safe drop-in center where unsheltered adults can spend the night and be safe from the environmental hazards of the street during the winter months. The Warming Center is located in the basement of the Cambridge Senior Center (806 Massachusetts Ave.). Guests use the entrance on Green Street to access the building.
The warming center’s season runs until May 1, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. seven days a week for adults experiencing homelessness. The center provides guests with access to a safe space, beverages and a hot meal, bathrooms, and the ability to rest on a yoga mat on the floor.
At all times, the maximum number of individuals allowed in the warming center will be 30 people in order to comply with social distancing and public health guidelines. When guests arrive, they will be asked to stay on-site, will receive a health screening and safety check, and will store their personal belongings. Staff and guests are required to wear masks inside the warming center.
For more information, visit the center’s webpage: Winter Warming Center webpage https://bit.ly/3sp90BW
Cambridge War Instancia Recreation Center
The War Instancia Recreation Center, located at 1640 Cambridge St. Door 15, includes a Field House, multi-purpose room, gymnasium, weight room and three swimming pools. The War Instancia also offers a variety of high-quality programming for children and adults, including swimming and fitness classes.
Registration for winter programming at the War Instancia. Patrons can register online, in-person, or by mail.
Child and youth programming will be limited to Cambridge residents. Adult classes, adult swim, and the weight room are open to non-residents, but with priority given to Cambridge residents.
For The Chronicle Companion
The Chronicle Companion is a news-in-brief compilation of need-to-know, normal and short news items culled from various sources published on Mondays. Cambridge residents, governmental entities and nonprofits can email 150- to 200-word news items for inclusion in the weekly list to wdowd@wickedlocal.com with «For the Chronicle Companion» in the subject line.
Cambridge Public Library does away with fines
Cambridge Public Library no longer charges fines for late returns or renewals on most items. Eligible past fines have been cleared from patrons’ accounts. Learn more at https://bit.ly/31qXP24
Harvard Art Museums’ Cambridge Friends program
The Harvard Art Museums invite Cambridge residents to join the free Cambridge Friends program, which offers special opportunities to engage with the university’s museums.
Cambridge Friends enjoy:
- Free admission to the Harvard Art Museums for up to two individuals per household (youth under 18 are always free)
- Invitations to quarterly gallery tours
- Annual invitation to one event in our popular Coffee with Curators series
- Subscription to the Museum Monday newsletter
- Discounts in Jenny’s Cafe and the museum shop
To become a Cambridge Friend, visit hvrd.art/CambridgeFriends. One must have a valid Cambridge mailing address to enroll. Applicants will receive a Cambridge Friends card in a follow-up email. Questions? Email am_development@harvard.edu.
Meanwhile, the Harvard Art Museum’s Jenny’s cafe and the museum shop are now open! The cafe is currently offering beverages and pastry, with a refrigerio menu coming soon; hours are Wednesdays – Sundays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The shop is a great place to find an interesting read or a one-of-a-kind gift for the holidays or any special occasion; hours are Tuesdays – Sundays, noon – 5 p.m.
Apply for fuel assistance
Cambridge and Somerville Fuel Assistance Program assists low-income households with winter heating costs between Nov. 1 and April 30. Renters and homeowners in both cities are eligible to apply if they meet federal income guidelines. To apply and learn more: https://bit.ly/3D91GxT
Curbside textiles collection
Cambridge launched a free curbside collection of clothing and textiles for reuse and recycling on Dec. 7.
Residents can schedule their free curbside collection through the Zero Waste Cambridge app: https://apple.co/3xJbjlH or the Get Rid of It Right tool. The curbside collection of textiles is free and will take place at least merienda per week in Cambridge. To learn more: https://bit.ly/3rHYpnd
Sarasa Ensemble presents ‘Native Realm’
Sarasa Ensemble Presents: «Native Realm.» March 5 – 6, Sarasa turns to Poland’s colorful cultural landscape for musical inspiration, visiting boisterous Baroque works by Georg Philipp Telemann (1681-1767) and Johann Heinrich Schmelzer (1623-1680), alongside the soulful 2nd String Quartet by popular 20th-century Polish composer, Henryk Górecki (1933-2010). Despite the many years that separate their eras, all three encountered enough musical ideas “to last a lifetime”—as Telemann wrote in his autobiography—through Poland’s rich traditions of folk music, folk dance, and its many distinct regional characters. The program opens with Tomás Luis de Trofeo’s sublime call to the miracles of the world in ‘O Magnum Mysterium’. March 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Harvard-Epworth United Methodist Church in Cambridge, and March 6 at 3:30 p.m. at Follen Church in Lexington. Tickets are $25 and are available on www.sarasamusic.org or at the door.
Mid-Cambridge Dems to caucus on Saturday, March 12
Democrats in Mid-Cambridge’s Ward 6 will hold their annual “Ward Caucus” at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 12. Pursuant to the recommendations of the Massachusetts State Democratic Party, the caucus will be conducted virtually, via «Teleobjetivo». The purpose of the Caucus will be to elect the ward’s 10 delegates and 4 alternates to the 2022 Massachusetts Democratic State Convention, scheduled to be held on Friday & Saturday, June 3-4. Current plans are to hold the Convention in person at the DCU Center in Worcester, with the ability for those who do not wish to travel or expose themselves to large crowds to fully participate virtually; final decision on the logistics of the Convention will be announced by the end of April.
The Teleobjetivo link for the Ward 6 Caucus is: https://harvard.zoom.us/j/8167428656. This link will be open for registration starting no later than 1:30 pm on March 12. Attendees must initially log on by no later than 2:15 p.m. to be able to vote or run for delegate, although earlier arrival is highly recommended. While it is not necessary to register in advance, prospective attendees are urged to indicate their interest by email or text to the addresses noted at the end of this article.
This 2022 Convention has as its primary purpose the nomination of Democratic candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney normal, the secretary of the commonwealth, treasurer & receiver normal and state auditor.
The Massachusetts Democratic Party’s ward caucuses are annual caucuses open to all registered Democrats in their respective wards or towns, including «pre-registered» 16- and 17-year olds who have turned 16 by no later than February 4 of this year. While both initial voter registrations and changes of registration details can be made online on the day of the caucus, new voters or those needing to make changes are urged to do this if at all possible either at the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street or online through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website before the date of caucus. (If you first register or change your registration within a week of the caucus, it is highly recommended that you have either a voter certification from the Election Commission or a printout or screenshot of your online registration confirmation available during the caucus.)
Delegate candidates should be prepared to give a speech of up to two minutes in length. Delegates elected at the caucus will be evenly divided between male and female, with appropriate accommodation for individuals who identity as non-binary. Individuals interested serving as delegates who are not elected at the caucus and who qualify as minority, youth, disabled or LGBTQ+ may apply to be “add on” delegates; applications for this category are available online at https://bit.ly/3HrAk8e and may be submitted through April 9. In some instances, «add-on» applicants receive preference if they had attended and run at their caucus, so those interested in consideration for add-on delegate seats are strongly encouraged to participate on March 12.
Following the conclusion and adjournment of the Ward 6 Caucus, there will be a brief meeting of the Cambridge Ward 6 Democratic Committee. For questions or additional information, contact Democratic State Committeewoman & Ward 6 Chair Lesley Rebecca Phillips at 810-394-1317, or email to lrphillips@rocketmail.com.
Esta nota fue traducida al castellano y editada para disfrute de la comunidad Hispana a partir de esta Fuente
