2014 CCJ Notes - Part II
(July to December 2014)
[items moved from main page]

Site for Cambridge Selected: December 28, 1630

ON THIS DAY...
...in 1630, the Massachusetts Bay Colony proprietors chose a site along the northern bank of the Charles River for their capital. They named it Newtowne, and laid out an orderly grid of streets fortified by a wooden palisade. It was the first planned town in English North America. Six years later, the colony's first college was established in Newtowne. In honor of the English university town, Newtowne was renamed Cambridge. Contemporary William Wood noted "this is one of the neatest . . . towns in New England, having many fair structures with many handsome . . . seats." Despite its well-ordered appearance, Cambridge did not remain the colony's capital. In 1638 the General Court settled five miles downstream, in the neighboring town of Boston.

Listen to this moment:   http://www.massmoments.org/audio/December28%2EAIF1%2Em3u

Read more about this moment:    http://www.massmoments.org/moment.cfm?mid=372

Visit Mass Moments to search past moments:    http://www.massmoments.org

Tues, Dec 16 - It was entertaining to read the conspiracy theorists this morning bemoaning the fact that Mayor David Maher received over $34,000 recently in campaign contributions (he received no other contributions all year). Suffice to say that since there's a $500 limit per calendar year and it would be foolish for a candidate to not ask for contributions before the end of the year so that he can also ask again next year. For a well-known and well-liked incumbent, sometimes all it takes is an event invitation, a solicitation letter, and a return envelope and some serious contributions will follow. The civic sleuths from the Association of Cambridge Neighborhoods (and their spokespersons) are making it out as though David Maher has been working all the back rooms making promises in exchange for cash. It doesn't really work that way, but it sure makes for entertaining reading. By the way, Nadeem Mazen has collected about $19,517 so far this year according to the bank reports with another fundraiser coming up this week, though some of his campaign account bookkeeping is muddled. Marc McGovern and Dennis Carlone also have year-end fundraisers this week to get in under the wire and I'm sure others are soliciting donations as well. - RW

Good News for Central Square: Owners of Cambridge’s Middle East Club Purchase Building

Nov 26 - Joseph and Nabil Sater, the longtime owners of the renowned Middle East club in Central Square, have purchased the building that houses the venue’s multiple stages and restaurants, a source has confirmed to Boston.com this evening. [Story on Boston.com]

Hubway to Continue Year-Round Operations in Cambridge

Cambridge-based Hubway Bike Share Stations Will Remain Available through the Winter

Cambridge, MA -- For the second year in a row, Hubway, the metro-Boston area’s public bike share system, will continue to be available to riders throughout winter at almost all Cambridge-based stations. Last year, the City of Cambridge piloted year-round Hubway service, which was very successful with over 35,000 rides from December through March, despite the exceptionally harsh winter.

“Cambridge broke new ground last year with our first-in-the-region winter operation of a bike share system,” said Cambridge City Manager Richard C. Rossi. “We are pleased to be able to build on last year’s success by continuing to offer this sustainable transportation option throughout the coming winter season.”

Almost all stations in Cambridge will remain operational throughout the winter, though stations located at Lafayette Square/Main Street and Dana Park will be removed from the street for the season to accommodate snow plowing operations. All station updates will be posted on the station map at www.thehubway.com/stations, www.hubwaytracker.com, and on the Spotcycle app for smart phones (www.spotcycle.net). Annual members may continue to use the Cambridge stations during the season at no additional cost. 24-hour, 72-hour, and monthly passes will be available for purchase as usual.

As was the case last year, snow removal will be part of the daily responsibilities of the Hubway field staff in addition to the daily rebalancing of the system in order to meet peak demand cycles.

Users should bear in mind that only Cambridge-based stations will be in operation throughout winter. Closures of other stations will begin in mid-November, with Brookline and Somerville concluding operations on Wednesday, November 26. For the first time, a reduced number of stations in Boston will remain open through December. The entire system is expected to re-open in March or early April, depending on weather conditions.

During extreme inclement weather conditions, Hubway may temporarily close the system, and public announcements will be made via social media and the Hubway’s website. Station alerts will also be emailed to annual and monthly Hubway members, and all riders can consult the Spotcycle app to learn whether or not bicycles are available. In the event of a system closing, riders will be able to return bikes to all stations securely, but will not be able to check bikes out.

Find out more about the Hubway system at www.thehubway.com.

2nd Release - New Mobile App for Café People - the iRake (original posted Nov 28, 2013)

Nov 26, 2014 - Heavy rains are falling today in Cambridge, and when you combine heavy rain with a plentiful supply of fallen oak leaves that can mean just one thing: Clogged Storm Drains. What's a café dweller to do when the drains are so clogged that the sidewalk becomes impassable even for hipsters? Since actual physical labor is unthinkable for the Macbook Air crowd, we've invented a new mobile app for all those hipsters who wouldn't dream of getting their feet wet - the iRake.

Sure, you can always use "See, Click, Fix" to send word to those working class men in the orange trucks who take their coffee from Dunkin' without the $5 cost and the pour-over. But who needs to mix with the little people, when you can simply activate the iRake with a few simple clicks between sips of free-range coffee brewed from politically correct nations of the world. You don't even have to put down your expensive pastry!

Coming this winter: The iShovel (now in Beta).

Panel Discussion on LED Street Lighting Conversion and Circadian Health (Sleep Cycles)

The Cambridge Public Health Department and Cambridge Electrical Department will host a panel discussion to review the LED street lighting conversion and to discuss the larger issues surrounding circadian health (sleep cycles) Wed, Dec 17, 7pm, Citywide Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave., Cambridge.

The conversion to LED street lighting has been very successful in large cities across the US and Europe and has been a crucial part of the effort to reduce energy use at the municipal level. The panelists will offer a brief update on the LED street lighting project and will also broaden the discussion to examine the larger context of artificial lighting from all sources and the effects of post-dusk lighting on our sleep cycles. There will be time for questions to the panel after a brief overview of these topics.

Overview of Panelists:
Steven W, Lockley, Harvard Medical School
Dr. Lockley is a Neuroscientist in the Division of Sleep and Circadian Disorders at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and an Associate Professor of Medicine in the Division of Sleep Medicine, Harvard Medical School. He is also a Professor in the School of Psychological Sciences at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He received his PhD in 1997 from the University of Surrey after studying circadian rhythms in the blind. He has 20 years of experience on sleep and circadian rhythm research, and is a specialist in the effects of light on the circadian pacemaker and other ‘non-visual’ responses to light. He advises NASA on jetlag and shiftwork, including use of lighting to help circadian adaptation, alertness and promotion of sleep. He has published more than 100 original reports, reviews, chapters and editorials on sleep and circadian rhythms and his research is funded by NIH, NASA, DOD and others. He recently co-authored 'Sleep: A Very Short Introduction' from Oxford University Press.

Glenn Heinmiller, IALD, LC, LEED AP
Mr. Heinmiller is a principal at Lam Partners in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Utilizing his expertise in producing high-quality electric and daylighting solutions with minimized energy use and negative environmental impact, he has designed daylight and electric lighting systems for a diverse range of commercial, institutional, and civic projects. As Chairman of the IALD Energy and Sustainability Committee, he manages the IALD’s participation in sustainability initiatives, and the review of and contribution to standards, regulations, and rating systems development. He is a LEED Accredited Professional and serves as a USGBC Subject Matter Expert. Heinmiller is NCQLP Lighting Certified, a professional member of the International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), and a member of the International Dark-Sky Association. He is also a guest instructor in lighting design at the Boston Architectural College, and lectures and writes on the subjects of light pollution control, lighting codes, and lighting energy efficiency.

Stephen Lenkauskas, Cambridge Electrical Department
Mr. Lenkauskas has 35 years of experience in construction, installation and trouble shooting of electrical systems. His last 28 years have been with the City of Cambridge, Electrical Department. He was appointed City Electrician in November 2013. He is also serving as the project manager for the city’s conversion to LED street lighting, including parks and pathways.

Paul Lutkevich
Mr. Lutkevich has over 32 years of experience in the design and research of exterior lighting systems. He is past chair of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America’s Roadway Lighting Committee and the IESNA Technical Review Council. He is a member of the Commission Internationale De L’Eclairage (International Commission on Illumination) for signal and transport including the technical committees for security, roadways, and obtrusive light. He is actively involved in the development of national and international standards for outdoor lighting. Recent research and publications include the FHWA Lighting Handbook, FHWA Strategic Initiative for the Evaluation of Reduced Lighting on Roadways, Transportation Association of Canada Roadway Lighting Guide. He is the recipient of many awards including the Executive Director’s Award of the International Darksky Association, a Lifetime Award for Outstanding Research and Technical Contributions from the IES Roadway Lighting Committee, and the IES President’s Award for significant contributions of technical data and application criteria to the society.

For more information, including a fact sheet on the street light conversion and Circadian Health (Sleep Cycles), visit www.cambridgema.gov/electrical.

FINDING ACTIVITIES & SERVICES IN CAMBRIDGE SURVEY

HOW CAN WE MAKE IT EASIER

We need your help!

The City of Cambridge and the Kids’ Council, with the support of Code for Boston, are developing a plan to make sure families, youth, and those who support them have the ability to easily find the activities, services and resources they are looking for in Cambridge, when they are looking for them.

We want to develop a new and improved technology to meet your needs, which is why we are asking you, your friends, colleagues and neighbors to complete this quick 5 minute survey.

Here is the link: www.cambridgema.gov/infosurvey

You can take the survey in Arabic, Afrikaans, English, French, German, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Italian, Korean, and Spanish. If you would like paper copies or have any questions, please contact Nancy Tauber, Executive Director of the Kids’ Council at ntauber@cambridgema.gov or 617-349-6239.

Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities Vacancies

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities (CCPD) Advisory Board. Made up of 11 Members who serve three-year terms in a volunteer capacity, the CCPD Board meets on the second Thursday of every month at 5:30pm, at 51 Inman St., 2nd floor conference room, Cambridge.

CCPD seeks to build a Membership that reflects the cultural and racial diversity of the city, is cross-disability in nature and representative of the different geographical areas of the community. Members must be current residents of Cambridge.

CCPD works to maximize access to all aspects of Cambridge community life for individuals with disabilities, strives to raise awareness of disability matters, to eliminate discrimination, and to promote equal opportunity for people with all types of disabilities – physical, mental and sensory. CCPD Members are expected to work with other Members and CCPD staff to fulfill the goals and objectives of the CCPD Ordinance (Cambridge Municipal Code, Chapter 2.96). CCPD Members are expected to attend monthly meetings, participate in subcommittees and work on various short and/or long-term projects, as needed.

"It is really terrific to be part of the policy planning and decision-making chain, on behalf of people and families affected by disabilities,” said Bet MacArthur MSW LICSW, Member of the CCPD Board. “The Commission's energy and attention to disability issues extends our influence far beyond our City operations --- to state, regional, and even national levels -- it's fun to work so productively with a smart, positive group like the CCPD Board."

For more information, contact Kate Thurman, Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities at 617-349-4692 or ccpd@cambridgema.gov. Interested persons should submit a letter by Friday, Dec 5, 2014 describing their relevant experience and the kinds of disability-related issues or projects that interest them (along with a resume if possible) to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Members Sought for Cambridge GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) Commission

Application Deadline Extended to Dec 8
City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking individuals to fill vacancies on the Cambridge GLBT (Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender) Commission. Prospective Commissioners must either reside or work in Cambridge.

The mission of the Commission is to advocate for a culture of respect and to monitor progress toward equality of all persons with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. The Commission also monitors policies and practices that have a positive effect on the health, welfare and safety of all persons who live, visit or work in the City of Cambridge with regard to sexual orientation and gender identity. For more information about the Commission, visit www.cambridgema.gov/glbt or on Facebook, www.facebook.com/Cambridge.GLBT.Commission.

The Commission normally meets on the 4th Thursday of each month and Commissioners are expected to volunteer some time outside of meetings for various projects.

A letter of interest and brief resumé should be sent via e-mail, mail or fax by Monday, Dec 8, 2014 to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Members Sought for Climate Protection Action Committee

The City of Cambridge is looking for new members for its Climate Protection Action Committee. Appointees will fill a limited number of vacancies on the committee. The committee, which consists of residents and representatives of the universities, the business community, and community organizations, advises the City on climate change mitigation and preparedness strategies and measures.

Cambridge has been working on climate change action since 1999. The City has an overall goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80% by 2050. A new set of climate protection goals and objectives was adopted by the City Council this year. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and preparing for climate change will require concerted action by the entire community, and the committee is an important element of the effort to develop policies and programs to help residents, businesses, institutions, and organizations incorporate energy efficiency, renewable energy, resilience, and other measures into their homes and work places. For more information about climate protection in Cambridge, see http://www.cambridgema.gov/climate.

The committee generally meets on the second Thursday of the month, from 6-8 p.m., at the Cambridge City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. Any Cambridge resident or representative of a business, institution, or organization based in Cambridge who would like to work to address climate change is welcome to apply.

To apply, send a letter by Monday, Nov 10, 2014 describing your interest and your background to jbolduc@cambridgema.gov or via mail to: John Bolduc, Community Development Department, 344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139. A resume is also helpful.

Cambridge Community Learning Center and Cambridge Health Alliance Honored for ESOL Programs

The Cambridge Community Learning Center and Cambridge Health Alliance, through a partnership with Spaulding Hospital in Cambridge, were among 20 Massachusetts businesses and labor-management partnerships honored for recognizing the importance of helping their workers learn English. Through the Cambridge Healthcare Worker Education Partnership (CHWEP), the three agencies provide two Healthcare related English classes. The project was funded by Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and managed by Commonwealth Corporation.

The awards ceremony on October 15 at Northeastern University in Boston was hosted by English for New Bostonians (ENB) and its English Works Campaign, and helps highlight the importance of immigrants to the Massachusetts economy, where one in six workers is foreign-born. It also raises awareness about the tremendous shortage of affordable, high-quality English language instruction, while demonstrating how companies are solving the shortfall problem and meeting their own business needs - workplace ESOL boosts customer service, client/patient care and productivity. Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rachel Kaprielian, joined ENB for the ceremony that included an audience of more than 200 state officials; business, labor and community leaders; and ESOL students.

As a result of the 20 partnerships, a total of 869 workers have received an average of 131 hours of ESOL instruction each, customized to their particular industries and work responsibilities.

In Cambridge, managers have reported that employees participating in the CHWEP program feel more comfortable speaking up in staff meetings. Participants have reported feeling more confident in their interaction with patients, co-workers and supervisors. Perhaps most importantly, the employees who have taken CHWEP classes have described seeing their career possibilities expand.

“We are honored to receive this recognition for the Cambridge Healthcare Worker Education Partnership, a joint program between Cambridge Health Alliance and Spaulding Hospital that has provided on-site Healthcare English and College Preparation classes for the past four years,” said Cambridge Health Alliance CEO Patrick Wardell. “With the help of the Cambridge Community Learning Center and its wonderful faculty, many of the students have now enrolled in associate’s and bachelor’s degree programs, with several receiving scholarships and awards for their academic excellence. We salute the staff for their commitment to personal and professional development while continuing to provide outstanding care to patients.”

Massachusetts Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Rachel Kaprielian and Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh present English Works
Certificate of Recognition and citation from Governor Deval Patrick to Cambridge Health Alliance Associate Chief of Human Resources
Mursal Khaliift (second from right) and Mina Reddy, Cambridge Community Learning Center (first from left).

Water not permitted at The Sinclair....

Oct 30 - I just went over to The Sinclair in Harvard Square (Church Street) because my lifelong friends, The Fleshtones, were playing there tonight. The troll guarding the door wouldn't let me enter because I had half a bottle of WATER in my hand. How do places get away with this? I just came from teaching a Harvard class - the end of a day with 4 1/2 hours of teaching. I was tired and thirsty and this douche bag wouldn't let me in because of 10 ounces of WATER. I'm done with The Sinclair. - RW

On the Nov 3, 2014 Cambridge City Council Agenda:

City Manager's Agenda #1. Transmitting communication from Richard C. Rossi, City Manager, relative to appointments of the following citizens to the Planning Board effective December 1, 2014: Mary T. Flynn, Louis J. Bacci Jr., and Thacher Tiffany (Associate Member), and I have reappointed H. Theodore Cohen, and Catherine Preston Connolly.

November 3, 2014
To the Honorable, the City Council:

I am pleased to inform you that I have appointed the following citizens to the Planning Board effective December 1, 2014: Mary T. Flynn, Louis J. Bacci Jr., and Thacher Tiffany (Associate Member), and I have reappointed H. Theodore Cohen, and Catherine Preston Connolly. They will be serving on the Board with continuing members Steven Cohen, Tom Sieniewicz, Hugh Russell, and Ahmed Nur (Associate Member).

As City Manager, one of my most important responsibilities is appointing members to the Planning Board. These choices directly impact the future of our community. In our densely populated city, residents want a smart balance between growth, development, and maintaining neighborhood vitality and overall quality of life.

The paramount goal of the City administration is for Cambridge to remain a highly desirable community to live, work, or raise a family. I want to thank you for your continuing support and guidance on maintaining this critical goal, and I want to recognize the civically engaged citizens across the City for their dedication, hard work, and contributions throughout this process.

Community input has been invaluable to City Staff and me during the selection process and has played a large part in creating a more focused, deliberate, and comprehensive procedure for soliciting and selecting highly qualified candidates. While the process took longer than some may have anticipated, I believe that the selection process has been refined in a way that will continue to benefit us in the future.

The City received 24 Planning Board applications from the public. Each applicant was interviewed, and I selected appointees that will best represent the entire community, including residents and businesses. The composition of the new board provides greater balance and representation in terms of neighborhood distribution, diversity of opinion, community perspective and professional background. Please join my staff and me in thanking the out-going members for their incredible level of dedication and service to our community. Cambridge receives great value from citizens who volunteer their time so generously for a better community. These retiring members of the Planning Board are prime examples of the most dedicated citizens who have served us well for many years and I have offered them the opportunity to consider serving on other board or commission in the future.

Since the law requires Planning Board members to be appointed for five years, staggering the appointment dates of terms is challenging. Because I am strongly committed to creating a representative board, the City will be recruiting additional Planning Board candidates over the coming months. For the duration of this time, one current full member and one associate member will continue serving on the Board in "holdover" status. While future use of "holdover" appointees should be minimized, I feel it necessary to have appointment flexibility at this time to ensure Board diversity.

Shortly after their appointment, new Planning Board members will receive orientation and training. While I believe that Board members are thoughtful in their review and consideration of special permit projects and zoning amendments, I have emphasized to them that it is important to:

1. Be equally considerate, open minded, and fair to all parties with business before them.

2. Follow all City guidelines and be keenly aware of any personal or professional conflicts, both real and potential.

3. Reflect on and consider how projects impact the quality of life in our neighborhoods. During their deliberations and decision making, strongly consider the principles of good urban planning, placemaking, traffic issues, appropriate scale, storm water relief, historical context, and housing needs.

4. Encourage applicants before the Board to proactively engage with neighborhoods and residents, early in the process.

5. Thoroughly review relevant background materials, consult regularly with staff, listen to community concerns, consult with outside consultants, as necessary, utilize site visits, and review relevant reports and studies.

The following biographical descriptions are for the three new appointees:

Mary T. Flynn is a senior manager and strategic planning leader with broad experience in operations management, community development, and planning and zoning process. She is Manager of Facilities Management at Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. Key areas of expertise include strategic planning, real estate and facilities management, community development and zoning. Early in her career, Ms. Flynn worked as Deputy Director of the Cambridge Community Development Department, and she led the creation of the 1993 growth policy document, Towards a Sustainable Future. Ms. Flynn holds a bachelor's degree in Government from Cornell University and an MBA from Boston University. She is a lifelong resident of Cambridge.

Louis J. Bacci Jr. is a lifelong resident of Cambridge. He lives in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood in eastern Cambridge and has had the opportunity to witness the changes that have taken place in the City over the past fifty years. Mr. Bacci has served as a Union Representative/Executive Board member of Laborers Local 151 for over thirty years. He has extensive experience in the construction industry and has hands-on experience of day-to-day construction activities and managing and supervising projects. As an Estimator Project Manager and as owner of a property maintenance company, he focuses on creative problem solving and has worked on projects spanning a range of scales and complexity.

Thacher Tiffany is an urban planner who holds a masters degree in City Planning with a certificate in Urban Design from MIT. Mr. Tiffany is a LEED Accredited Professional and works in the field of affordable housing. He is Director of Acquisitions for the Beacon Communities, where he manages acquisitions of affordable housing properties through public and private partnerships. Mr. Tiffany also serves on the board of Tent City, a resident controlled mixed-income apartment building in the South End. He has lived in the Boston/Cambridge area for most of his life, and for the last three years in mid-Cambridge.

As always, my staff and I look forward to supporting the Planning Board and the important work that they do on behalf of the residents of Cambridge.

Very truly yours,
Richard C. Rossi
City Manager

Today's Quiz Question: How many Cambridge voters have voted in every city-wide election since 1997 (including municipal elections, primaries, state elections, special (city-wide) elections, and federal elections)?

Answer: 158

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, November 4.    Where do I vote?

Comments? Responses? Questions?

2014 State Election Candidates (Cambridge only)

Senator in Congress

EDWARD J. MARKEY, 7 Townsend St., Malden, DEMOCRATIC
BRIAN J. HERR, 31 Elizabeth Rd., Hopkinton, REPUBLICAN

Governor/Lieutenant Governor

BAKER and POLITO, REPUBLICAN
COAKLEY and KERRIGAN, DEMOCRATIC
FALCHUK and JENNINGS, UNITED INDEPENDENT PARTY
LIVELY and SAUNDERS, INDEPENDENT
McCORMICK and POST, INDEPENDENT

Attorney General

MAURA HEALEY, 40 Winthrop St., Boston, DEMOCRATIC
JOHN B. MILLER, 40 Westland Ave., Winchester, REPUBLICAN

Secretary of State

WILLIAM FRANCIS GALVIN, 46 Lake St., Boston, DEMOCRATIC
DAVID D'ARCANGELO, 183 Bainbridge St., Malden, REPUBLICAN
DANIEL L. FACTOR, 11 Davis Rd., Acton, GREEN-RAINBOW

Treasurer

DEBORAH B. GOLDBERG, 37 Hyslop Rd., Brookline, DEMOCRATIC
MICHAEL JAMES HEFFERNAN, 244 Grove St., Wellesley, REPUBLICAN
IAN T. JACKSON, 232 Highland Ave., Arlington, GREEN-RAINBOW

Auditor

SUZANNE M. BUMP, 409 North Plain Rd., Great Barrington, DEMOCRATIC
PATRICIA S. SAINT AUBIN, 6 Shady Way, Norfolk, REPUBLICAN
MK MERELICE, 22 White Pl., Brookline, GREEN-RAINBOW

Representative in Congress

FIFTH DISTRICT
KATHERINE M. CLARK, 64 Prospect St., Melrose, DEMOCRATIC

SEVENTH DISTRICT
MICHAEL E. CAPUANO, 172 Central St., Somerville, DEMOCRATIC

Councillor

SIXTH DISTRICT
TERRENCE W. KENNEDY, 3 Stafford Rd., Lynnfield, DEMOCRATIC
VINCENT LAWRENCE DIXON, 60 Lake St., Winchester, REPUBLICAN

Senator in General Court

SECOND MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
PATRICIA D. JEHLEN, 67 Dane St., Somerville, DEMOCRATIC
ROBERT L. CAPPUCCI, JR., 71 Evans St., Medford, REPUBLICAN

MIDDLESEX & SUFFOLK DISTRICT
SAL N. DiDOMENICO, 125 Clarence St., Everett, DEMOCRATIC

FIRST SUFFOLK & MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
ANTHONY W. PETRUCCELLI, 101 Gladstone St., Boston, DEMOCRATIC

Representative in General Court

TWENTY-FOURTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
DAVID M. ROGERS, 18 Richard Ave., Cambridge, DEMOCRATIC

TWENTY-FIFTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
MARJORIE C. DECKER, 61 Walden St., Cambridge, DEMOCRATIC

TWENTY-SIXTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
TIMOTHY J. TOOMEY, JR., 88 6th St., Cambridge, DEMOCRATIC
THOMAS MICHAEL VASCONCELOS, 63 Oak St., Somerville, INDEPENDENT

TWENTY-NINTH MIDDLESEX DISTRICT
JONATHAN HECHT, 159 Russell Ave., Watertown, DEMOCRATIC

EIGHTH SUFFOLK DISTRICT
JAY D. LIVINGSTONE, 19 Revere St., Boston, DEMOCRATIC

District Attorney

NORTHERN DISTRICT
MARIAN T. RYAN, 8 Bradford Rd., Belmont, DEMOCRATIC

Register of Probate

MIDDLESEX COUNTY
TARA E. DeCRISTOFARO, 36 Terrace Rd., Medford, DEMOCRATIC
JOHN W. LAMBERT, SR., 5 Beverly Rd., Natick, REPUBLICAN

Ballot questions

Question 1: Eliminating Gas Tax Indexing

Question 2: Expanding the Beverage Container Deposit Law

Question 3: Expanding Prohibitions on Gaming

Question 4: Earned Sick Time for Employees

Question 5 (Twenty-Fourth Middlesex District Only): Shall the state representative from this district be instructed to vote in favor of legislation that would allow the state to regulate and tax marijuana in the same manner as alcohol?

Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots for the State Election, November 4, 2014

The State Election will be held on Tuesday, November 4, 2014. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, October 15, 2014 until 8:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

Absentee Ballots are now available at the Cambridge Election Commission office. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, November 3, 2014 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Friday, October 31st from 8:30am until 5:00pm and on Saturday, November 1st from 9:00am until 5:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Corinne Espinoza Appointed as Cambridge Community Center Interim Executive Director

Oct 13, 2014 - The Cambridge Community Center (CCC) has appointed Corinne Espinoza, a resident of Cambridge, Mass., as Interim Executive Director.

Espinoza is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and the CWD Harvard Leadership Development Program, and brings with her two decades of professional and volunteer experience. Her professional competencies include accounting and finance, change management, process improvement, project management, administration, hiring, staff development, and building management and procurement.

She is bilingual in English and Spanish.

Prior to assuming her new position, Corinne served as a member of the Board of Directors at the Community Center, where she was also a member of the organization's Budget and Finance Committee.

"I care deeply for the Cambridge Community Center and I am thrilled to serve as Interim Executive Director," says Espinoza. "Thanks to years of involvement with the CCC, I know the importance of the resources it provides to this community. This is an opportunity to dedicate myself to work that engages my mind, heart and spirit," she says.

"As a member of our Board of Directors, Corinne has been a dedicated and passionate voice in support of the CCC for many years. She has proven to be a strong asset and I look forward to her continued contributions in her new leadership role," said Lindsey Thorne-Bingham, President, CCC Board of Directors.

Located in the Riverside neighborhood of Cambridge, between Central Square and Memorial Drive, the Cambridge Community Center has been serving the community for more than 85 years. Today its mission is to promote community cooperation and unity, and empower youth, individuals and families by offering social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. Find out more at www.cambridgecc.org/.

Alewife development gets the OK; Developer and city still at odds over parking

Oct 7 - The Cambridge Planning Board approved unanimously a series of special permits to convert the parking lot at 88 Cambridgepark Drive in North Cambridge into a large mixed-use complex. [Cambridge Chronicle story by Sara Feijo]

Sept 30 - The Cambridge Planning Board tonight voted unanimously to grant the Special Permits for the Sullivan Courthouse redevelopment. [Cambridge Chronicle story by Sara Feijo]

Finalists Announced for Open Space Competition for Kendall Square/Eastern Cambridge

After receiving 30 submissions, the City of Cambridge is pleased to announce that four finalists will be advancing to Stage III of Connect Kendall Square Open Space Planning and Design Competition to inspire new and innovative thinking with respect to the public realm.

The finalists include: Somerville based Richard Burck Associates, Cambridge and Brooklyn based Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, Inc., Seattle based Framework, and San Francisco based SITELAB. These teams will each create a framework open space plan for Kendall Square and Eastern Cambridge over the next several months. The public is invited to meet the teams Thursday, Oct 30, at 5:30pm, at Broad Institute auditorium, 415 Main St., Cambridge, hosted by the City of Cambridge and the Eastern Cambridge and Kendall Square Open Space (ECKOS) Study Committee. Attendees will hear from city representatives and the finalists will make short presentations, followed by an informal networking reception.

The competition, sponsored by the City’s Community Development Department, is a unique opportunity to plan a vision for the entire open space network in Kendall Square and eastern Cambridge and vicinity. The city is looking for unique approaches to open space planning and design. Learn more about the competition at www.ConnectKendallSquare.com.

Over the past several decades, Kendall Square has transformed from a former industrial area into a world-renowned center of biotech, high tech research, and innovation. Over the next few years, the City will create more than 5 acres of new and redesigned public open space throughout the area. The framework derived from this competition will help determine the character and role of the new public open spaces in the area (which will be designed as part of separate, subsequent processes), and guide private entities as to potential programming and design of both existing and future open space as part of private developments.

For more information, contact Taha Jennings, Assistant to the City Manager at 617-349-4302 or tjennings@cambridgema.gov.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Committees Seeking New Members

Are you interested in transportation infrastructure, education, and safety? The City of Cambridge invites interested persons to apply to become members of the Bicycle or Pedestrian Committees.

Bicycle Committee
This committee works to improve conditions for bicyclists in the City of Cambridge and to promote bicycling as a means of transportation. Activities include organizing and participating in public events, such as biannual community bike rides; reviewing plans for road construction; commenting on proposed development projects; creating promotional materials to encourage bicycling in the city; and working with City departments on network planning. This committee generally meets on the second Wednesday of each month from 5:30pm to 7:30pm at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway.

Pedestrian Committee
This committee works to promote walking and to help create a more comfortable, safe, and pleasant environment for walking in Cambridge. It advises on the design of roadway projects and policies related to traffic calming, traffic signals, and sidewalk design. It also identifies intersections and other locations where it is difficult to walk, makes suggestions about proposed development projects as they affect people on foot, and undertakes other activities to promote walking. The committee creates and leads fun walking tours for the public. This committee generally meets on the fourth Thursday of each month from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. (November and December meetings are on the third Thursday.)

How to Apply
Applications are sought from dedicated individuals who live or work in Cambridge. Members are expected to attend monthly meetings as well as engage in projects outside of regular meetings. To apply, please prepare a cover letter indicating which committee you are interested in, a description of your interest in the topic, and any specific issues you would like to contribute time to working on. Please be sure to include your home mailing address, phone number, and email. Send your application to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
c/o Diane Bongiorno
Community Development Department
344 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02139
Email: dbongiorno@cambridgema.gov

Application Deadline - Friday, October 31, 2014
Appointments are made by the City Manager and are for two years of service. For more information, call 617/349-4600.

Affordable Rental and Homeownership Programs Information Session - Monday, October 20

The City of Cambridge will be holding a series of free, Walk-In Informational Sessions on affordable rental and homeownership programs at different locations in the coming months. The next session will be held Monday, Oct 20, from 6-8pm, at the Putnam Gardens Community Room, 64 Magee St., Cambridge. Housing personnel from the Community Development Department will be available to discuss the city’s affordable rental and homeownership programs.

For more information, please contact us at 617-349-4622.

Main Street Water Main Lining, Tues, Oct 14 through Thurs, Oct 16 - Night Work

On Tuesday, October 14, crews will begin the process of lining the water main on Main St. from Ames St. to Wadsworth St. The work is being performed at night due to the necessary water shutdowns associated with the lining operation. All impacted properties have been notified.

On Tuesday evening, crews will line the main from Ames St to the Kendall MBTA Station. Ames St. at Main St. will be closed on Tuesday starting at 8pm, and will reopen once crews clear intersection. On Wednesday evening, October 15, crews will line the main from the Kendall MBTA station to Wadsworth St. (Ames St. will be open during this phase). We expect the operation to take two nights to complete, however crews may be onsite Thursday evening if necessary. Work hours on Tuesday and Wednesday will be 6pm to 6am. We don’t anticipate the lining to be noise intensive, however there will be noise from the generators onsite and crews will need to utilize additional lighting.

Please contact us with any questions or concerns regarding this work.

Kelly Dunn
Community Relations Manager, Cambridge Department of Public Works
147 Hampshire Street, Cambridge, MA 02139
T: 617-349-4870 F: 617-349-4814
www.cambridgema.gov/theworks

Cambridge Career Expo - Wed, October 8 from 10:00am to 1:00pm

The City of Cambridge is hosting this event at the Cambridge IBM Innovation Center on Wed, October 8, 2014 from 10:00am to 1:00pm.
Register here: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/cambridge-career-expo-tickets-12955152209

Cambridge Conservation Commission Vacancy

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking a Cambridge resident to fill a vacancy on the Cambridge Conservation Commission.

The Conservation Commission is responsible for administration of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act (WPA), a state law governing activities in and immediately adjacent to local wetlands, waterways and floodplains. The Commission holds two regularly scheduled public meetings each month to review permit applications under the WPA, issue permits and conduct other business related to the management of Cambridge’s natural resource areas.

The Conservation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Manager to serve three-year terms. Cambridge residents with expertise in landscape architecture, civil/environmental engineering, hydrology, ecology or law are encouraged to apply.

Please send a letter of interest and/or resume via e-mail, mail or fax by Friday, Oct 3, 2014 to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

CCTV Announces Launch of Cambridge News Survey

How do Cambridge residents get their local news? What is the correlation between an interest in local news and civic engagement? These are some of the questions Cambridge Community Television hopes to answer as it launches the Cambridge News Survey on September 16, 2014. The survey is an important element of CCTV’s program planning as it focuses on keeping its organization among the leading community media centers in the US.

“It is our organization’s belief that access to information is crucial to empower communities,” CCTV Executive Director Susan Fleischmann said. “Studies by the Knight Foundation have found that democracy thrives when communities are informed and involved, and that accurate and thoughtful journalism engages people and strengthens democracy.”

The Cambridge News Survey is available through September 30 online at http://svy.mk/1lF9MFE; hard copies may be filled out at any branch of the Cambridge Public Library, the North Cambridge and Central Square Senior Centers, City Hall, Saint Anthony’s Church and at CCTV in Central Square. Cambridge residents are encouraged to participate, and will be entered into a raffle for a Kindle. Survey results will be published in early November.

CCTV is the community media center serving Cambridge. CCTV operates three community cable channels and robust youth media and citizen journalism programs, offers classes in media production and access to equipment and facilities, operates an art gallery, and more. For information, call 617-661-6900 or visit us at cctvcambridge.org.

Domestic Violence Vigil
Wednesday, October 1, 2014 - Starts at 6pm
Cambridge City Hall 795 Massachusetts Ave.

Join us in remembering those lost to domestic violence in 2014. If you or someone you know needs help, call SAFELINK 877-785-2020. Please view the cambridgepublichealth.org website for more Domestic Violence Awareness Month Activities in October. [Flyer (PDF)]

Cambridge Selected to Compete for $5 Million Dollar Energy Efficiency Prize

Aug 12 - The City Cambridge was one of 52 communities across the country selected to advance to the quarterfinalist round of the Georgetown University Energy Prize (GUEP), a $5 million incentive competition to reduce America’s energy consumption.

Cambridge has assembled a municipal team, outlined a plan and secured signed commitments of collaboration from NSTAR, MIT and HEET (Home Energy Efficiency Team).

“Getting to the Quarterfinals is just the beginning, now the Cambridge community needs to generate real energy savings by upping everyone’s commitment to energy efficiency and solar,” said City Manager Richard C. Rossi.

Cambridge is motivated to succeed because it currently pays some of the highest energy prices in the country, so the next challenge is to motivate renters, landlords and homeowners to tackle energy efficiency and solar installations.  Significant energy efficiency strides are necessary for the Cambridge community to achieve net-zero for all energy use in buildings.

In total, over the two years of the GUEP competition, Cambridge and other participants have the potential to save more than $1 billion in total energy costs and cut millions of tons of CO2 emissions.

“The communities GUEP selected are leaders in energy efficiency who will develop innovative approaches that will inspire and enable others to follow in their footsteps,” said Dr. Francis Slakey, Founder and Executive Director of the Georgetown University Energy Prize.

“Over the next few months, we will fine tune our energy efficiency plans and look for input and participation from the community through our school children, educational institutions, landlords, tenants and homeowners,” said Brian Murphy, Assistant City Manager for Community Development.  “We welcome hearing from individuals who want to volunteer their time and energy to making Cambridge the home of energy innovation.”

To learn more about the Georgetown University Energy Prize and to track the competition’s progress, visit www.guep.org, or follow the Prize on Twitter (@GUEnergyPrize).

About Georgetown University Energy Prize
The Georgetown University Energy Prize aims to rethink America’s energy use by harnessing the ingenuity and community spirit of towns and cities all across America. Over the course of a two-year period, the Prize will challenge small- to medium-size towns, cities and counties to rethink their energy use, and implement creative strategies to increase efficiency. To compete for the Prize, local governments, residents, utilities and others will need to work together to demonstrate success in sustainably reducing energy consumption. For more information, visit www.guep.org.

Three Secret Gardens in Cambridge, Massachusetts

Cambridge Challenges Somerville to the Ice Bucket!

L to R: Joe Amaroso, Mayor David Maher, City Manager Richard Rossi, School Superintendent Jeff Young

Not shown: School Committee members Fred Fantini, Mervan Osborne, Kathleen Kelly, and Patty Nolan;
and City Councillors Tim Toomey, Marc McGovern, Nadeem Mazen, and Dennis Carlone

Mayor Maher challenged Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone, the Somerville Board of Alderman, the Somerville School Committee and the staff of Somerville City Hall to support ALS research by duplicating the effort made by the City of Cambridge. Rich Rossi also challenged Belmont Town Administrator (and former City of Cambridge Budget Director) David Kale.

September 20 - The Day for Everything

Free Public Shredding Day – Saturday, Sept 20

The Cambridge Consumers’ Council and the Public Works Department will be joining forces with the U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Postal Inspection Service to host a Free Public Shred Event for Cambridge residents Saturday, Sept 20, from 10am–2pm, in front of Central Square Post Office, 770 Mass. Ave., Cambridge.

This event will be held rain or shine and will enable residents to safely dispose of unwanted records and documents. Documents will be destroyed on the spot in a highly advanced technical mobile shredding truck provided by Shred King Corporation.

Ten minute drop-off parking will be available on Massachusetts Avenue (between Pleasant & Sellers streets). Residents can also stop by for information on tips to avoid identity theft, fraud and scams, the City’s recycling and composting programs, and other topics.

For more information, please contact Laura M. Nichols with any questions at 617-349-6150 or consumer@cambridgema.gov.

Danehy Park Family Day – Saturday, Sept 20

The City of Cambridge will host the 19th Annual Danehy Park Family Day on Saturday, September 20, from 11am–4pm. Enjoy a fun-filled day of children's amusement rides, arts and crafts, music and roving performers, plus free hot dogs, chips, sodas and T-shirts while supplies last! Check out performances throughout the day at the children's stage. Other special giveaways include colorful kites that appeal to kids of all ages! The rain date is Sunday, Sept 21.

Danehy Park is a 55-acre facility located at 99 Sherman Street in North Cambridge (adjacent to Garden and New Streets). This free event, sponsored by the City of Cambridge, attracts over 4,000 people annually and offers something for everyone.

Shuttle buses will be running throughout Cambridge to provide transportation. Danehy Park can be reached by public transportation: #74 bus or #78 bus from Harvard Square; #83 bus from Central Square; or take a shuttle bus from the Alewife MBTA Station. Picnics and lawn chairs are encouraged.

For more information, call 617-349-4301 or visit www.cambridgema.gov.

Cambridge Discovery Day Historical Tours – Saturday, Sept 20

Enjoy a variety of free historical tours and events on Cambridge Discovery Day Saturday, Sept 20, from 9:30am–7pm. For tour descriptions, view the list below or visit http://www2.cambridgema.gov/Historic/walks.html, choose some tours and meet guides at the starting locations. All tours and events will take place rain or shine! For more information, contact Cambridge Historical Commission at 617-349-4683 (weekdays) or Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters National Historic Site at 617-876-4491 (weekends).

A Pearl of a Street (9:30-11am)
Meet at Pearl Street entrance of Central Square Branch Library, 45 Pearl St., Cambridge
Explore the neighborhood of upper Pearl Street and discover Mr. Valentine’s workers’ cottages, the rowhouses built by Mr. Squires and the site of an old soap factory. Led by Kit Rawlins, Cambridge Historical Commission.  Questions? 617-349-4683 or krawlins@cambridgema.gov

Free Tours of The Longfellow House - Washington’s Headquarters
(10am, 11am, 12pm, 1pm, 2pm, 3pm & 4pm)
Meet in the Visitor’s Center, Longfellow House, 105 Brattle St., Cambridge
In the winter of 1775-1776, this was the headquarters of General George Washington, Commander-in-Chief of the newly formed Continental Army. From here, Washington directed the Siege of Boston and began to train and discipline the militias gathered in Cambridge. He entertained notable visitors, including Benjamin Franklin and Benedict Arnold. From 1837-1882, the house was a warm and welcoming place, the home of the poet, scholar and professor Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his family. It was a favorite gathering place for philosophers and artists, including Nathaniel Hawthorne, Julia Ward Howe, James Russell Lowell and Ralph Waldo Emerson. Readings from poems, letters and diaries enliven the tours. Led by National Park Service Rangers. Questions? 617-876-4491

Stories of The Port: Between Kendall and Central (10-11:30am)
Meet at Jill Brown-Rhone Park, 900 Main St., junction of Columbia and Main streets and Mass. Ave.
Explore this neighborhood rich in ethnic and cultural diversity, public art and political history through the stories told by lifelong residents, immigrants and activists. See the mural on Portland Street celebrating Area 4; discover Clement Morgan and the park that bears his name; and delve into controversial projects, including urban renewal and the Inner Belt. The tour will end at Toscanini’s for coffee, ice cream and conversation. Led by Sarah Boyer, Oral Historian, Cambridge Historical Commission. Questions? 617-349-6171 or sboyer@cambridgema.gov

“Have You Milked The Cows Today?” (11:30am–12:30pm)
Meet on brick apron to right of the Mass. Ave. door of First Parish Unitarian Church, Zero Church St. Look for the bright red rug! For Children Ages 4-12. (Must be accompanied by a responsible adult).
Mistress Elizabeth, an 18th century living history character from Charlestown-Beyond-the-Neck, is the widow of Captain Elias de la Rue and a sometime schoolteacher and lives in the summer of 1773. Mistress Elizabeth will teach attendees how to write their name with a quill pen, card and spin wool, and read the abecedarium from a hornbook. Join us in singing songs and dancing country dances, too! Materials will be provided. Questions? 781-646-3013 or ihsdlrue@gmail.com

The Longfellow House Presents the Dead Writers Showcase (12-3pm)
Meet in the garden at Longfellow House-Washington’s HQ National Historic Site, 105 Brattle St.
Join this modern literary salon featuring living history performers portraying 19th Century American writers. Drop in at any time to chat informally with the authors, who will offer brief readings from their works throughout the afternoon. You may meet Richard Henry Dana Jr. (Daniel Berger-Jones), Margaret Fuller (Jessa Piaia), Nathaniel Hawthorn (Rob Velella), Julia Ward Howe (Libby Franck), Washington Irving (John Dennis Anderson), Harriet Beecher Stowe (Susan Lenoe) and Henry David Thoreau (Richard Smith). [Writers attending may change.] Questions? Call 617-876-4491

Streets & Squares of Cambridge: A Walk In Mount Auburn Cemetery (1-2:30pm)
Meet at front gate of Mount Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn St.
Have you ever wondered for whom the streets and squares of Cambridge are named? This tour will introduce you to the honored namesakes, including Zachariah Porter, Joseph Buckingham, Jared Sparks, Morrill Wyman, John Appleton, the Rindge family and many others. Their ideas and contributions — from the Porterhouse steak to the founding of Mount Auburn Hospital — helped create our culture and our city. Led by Carol Harper, volunteer docent. Questions? 617-607-1980 or friendsofmountauburn.org or www.mountauburn.org

Agents of Change: Polity & Politics in Cambridge Churches (1-2:30pm)
Meet at the information kiosk, Harvard Square.
Diversity of religious and political affiliations have been issues in Cambridge since Harvard’s first president became a Baptist and was asked to resign. Visit historic church sites; learn about the impact on New England of England’s Civil War of 1640 (the other civil war: Roundheads vs Royalists); and discuss how issues between Cambridge and Boston clergy foreshadowed and influenced events leading up to the Revolution. Sing a tune from the Bay Psalm Book at the site where it was published, join in a rousing political song or two at the Blue Anchor Tavern site, and listen to poetry by colonial writers. Handout included. Your guide, Mistress Elizabeth, is an 18th Century living history character from Charlestown-Beyond-the-Neck. The widow of Captain Elias de la Rue and a sometime schoolteacher, Mistress Elizabeth lives in the summer of 1773, just six months before the Boston Tea Party and a little less than two years before events at Lexington and Concord. Questions? 781-646-3013 or ihsdlrue@gmail.com

Fresh Pond Places: A History Walkabout (1-3pm)
Meet at Ranger Station (door under the clock tower facing pond), 250 Fresh Pond Parkway
A walk from the Water Treatment Plant to Black’s Nook passes through thousands of years of history, from Fresh Pond’s glacial past, through the days of private land ownership, to the booming international ice trade of the 19th century. Learn about the role of the railroad, view areas where ice houses stood, and discover the origins of place names. Program will be inside it it’s raining. Registration REQUIRED by Sept. 13. Wear comfy shoes! Led by Chief Ranger Jean Rogers Black’s Nook. Questions? jrogers@cambridgema.gov

The Old Burying Ground: Epitaphs, Elegies & Encomiums (3-4:15pm)
Meet at the Old Burying Ground gate next to Christ Church, Zero Garden St.
Examine the work of early colonial carvers; discuss the stones and the information they convey about important figures in the Cambridge community; and study how institutionalized colonial slavery affected burial sites, stones and commemorative texts in the years just prior to the American Revolution. Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. No touching or rubbing of stones is permitted in the grounds; photography and drawing are fine! Handout included. Led by Mistress Elizabeth. Questions? 781-646-3013 or ihsdlrue@gmail.com.

The Women of Tory Row (3-4:30pm)
Meet at the Tory Row marker, corner of Brattle and Mason streets
In the 1760s, the estates along the King’s Highway to Watertown formed Cambridge’s richest and most elegant neighborhood. The American Revolution turned that world upside-down. This tour explores the lives of the women who managed households along modern Brattle Street, from the tumult in 1774 that drove away the neighborhood’s leading families, through the early republic. The women to be discussed include widows both wealthy and impoverished, wives who went into exile both happily and reluctantly, a formerly enslaved housekeeper and a German noblewoman captured with her husband at Saratoga. Led by J. L. Bell, historian. Questions? www.boston1775.net

The Writers of Cambridge Cemetery (5:30-7pm)
Meet at Cambridge Cemetery, 76 Coolidge Ave., outside the cemetery office.
Not all of our famous writers are interred at Mount Auburn Cemetery. Join this twilight stroll through Cambridge Cemetery and visit the final resting places of some of the 19th Century’s most important literary figures, including William Dean Howells and Thomas Wentworth Higginson. Led by Rob Velella, literary historian. The cemetery is a short walk from the 71/73 bus stop at Mount Auburn St. and Coolidge Ave. Parking is available at the cemetery. Questions? http://americanliteraryblog.blogspot.com

Cambridge Discovery Day is sponsored by the Historic Cambridge Collaborative:
Cambridge Historical Commission – 617-349-4683 or www2.cambridgema.gov/historic
Cambridge Historical Society – 617-547-4252  or www.cambridgehistory.org
Friends of Mount Auburn Cemetery – 617-547-7105 or www.mountauburn.org
Longfellow House-Washington's Headquarters National Historic Site – 617-876-4491 or www.nps.gov/long
Cambridge Public Library/Archives & Special Collections – http://thecambridgeroom.wordpress.com

This program was funded in part by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.

Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program Chosen as
Beneficiary of Whole Foods Market’s 5% Day
Backpack Program is Featured Non-Profit to Receive 5% of all Proceeds at
Cambridge Whole Foods Locations on Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Today, Mayor David Maher announced that Whole Foods Market has selected a local non-profit, the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program, as this season’s beneficiary of 5% Day. Four times a year, Whole Foods Market of Cambridge donates 5% of the day’s net sales to a selected local charity, and on Wednesday, September 17th the Weekend Backpack Program will be the featured non-profit organization.

“An astoundingly simple idea has turned into a wonderful program that directly serves students at seven of Cambridge’s elementary schools,” said Mayor Maher. “Food insecurity is far too common of a problem, with particularly crippling effects for school age children. I encourage all residents to support the Cambridge Weekend Backpack Program on 5% Day this Wednesday and help ensure that more children in our community receive the nutrition they need, 7 days a week.”

The Cambridge Weekend Backpack program sends two lunches, two breakfasts, milk, and fresh fruit home to Cambridge public school students whose primary source of nutrition is the school cafeteria. The healthy meals are packed discreetly in the students' backpacks Friday afternoons in order to help stop food insecurity outside of school time. This program ensures that the students, who would normally be undernourished over the weekend, receive enough food to eradicate their food insecurity and help them to be better prepared to learn. The program hopes to expand their offerings to 10 Cambridge Public Elementary Schools in October.

The Weekend Backpack Program will staff an information table inside the Whole Foods Market Fresh Pond (Alewife Brook Parkway), Whole Foods Market River Street & Whole Foods Market Prospect Street stores from 9am until 8pm and will hand out literature explaining the program. The program will use all funds received from the 5% Day to help provide healthy weekend meals to children whose primary source of nutrition is the school cafeteria.

For more information about Weekend Backpack Program or the 5% Day at Whole Foods Market, call 617-501-4561, or visit http://www.cambridgeweekendbackpack.com/.

Communication Breakdown

Tues, Sept 2 - The Cambridge Public Schools returned today for the 2014-15 school year but, as is often the case, there are a few kinks yet to be ironed out. My tale this morning is about the lack of communication between City departments.

I've lived across the street from a school building now for over 35 years, so the sound of delivery trucks is nothing new. Today, however, was different. An 18-wheeler made a delivery to the old Longfellow School building and afterwards the driver decided that this was the perfect place to relax for well over a half-hour with his very LOUD refrigeration unit running at full tilt. I asked him if he could turn it off and he refused. He also refused to move. I went into the main office of the King School (now housed in the building) and was told that the principal was in a meeting and that I should wait (she never came out). I then called the School Department main number and it rang for several minutes before I finally gave up. I then telephoned the King School and they transferred me to the cafeteria person who then transferred me to someone else. I was told that this wasn't the King School's problem because the truck was delivering to a pre-school in the building that is administered through the City's Department of Human Services Programs. I called there and was transferred to someone who is in charge of pre-K programs and could only leave a message. After this endless runaround I went over to take photos of the truck and its nonresponsive driver.

Just as I was getting ready to contact the City Manager's Office I noticed that a Cambridge police officer had arrived and was now speaking with the driver who claimed that he was entitled to be there under some federal law. Fortunately, I knew the police officer and when he called over to me by name only then did the driver start showing signs of moving. He left a few minutes later.

I understand that this was Opening Day for the schools and that perhaps not everything should be expected to work seamlessly, but this really was a first class runaround. I'm especially perplexed by the fact that King School administrators claimed that they could do nothing because this involved a pre-school run by Human Services. Don't these people talk to each other? - Robert Winters

Tues, Aug 19 - Our guest on Cambridge InsideOut was Terry Smith, former Director of Government Affairs, Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. [Susana Segat was on vacation this week.]

The 21st Annual Oldtime Baseball Game last night was a great time for all who attended. Thanks again to Steve Buckley for doing all that he does to make this happen, and a special thanks to Pete Frates for all the inspiration he's provided.

[Oldtime Baseball Game website]   [21st Annual Oldtime Baseball Game Facebook Page]   [Oldtime Baseball Game Facebook Page]

Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals Vacancies

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking persons interested in serving on the Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA). Made up of five members and seven associate members, the BZA meets twice a month on Thursday evenings to review applications for variances and special permits in accordance with Cambridge Zoning Ordinance. Board members also act on appeals to zoning decisions made by the Commissioner of Inspectional Services.

For more information, contact the Inspectional Services Department at 617-349-6131. Letters of interest, including resume or applicable experience, can be sent via mail, fax or e-mail by Friday, Sept 12, 2014 to:

Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

Community Preservation Act Committee Meeting on September 9

The Community Preservation Act Committee (CPAC) will hold a committee meeting Tues, Sept 9 at 6:00pm in the Ackermann Room of Cambridge City Hall, 795 Mass. Ave. The purpose of the meeting will be for the CPAC to vote on the percentage allocation to CPA expenditure categories and on particular projects to be funded with Community Preservation Act Funds for FY15. These funds may be allocated to affordable housing, open space and historic preservation. For more information, contact Karen Preval at 617-349-4221 or kpreval@cambridgema.gov.

Voter Registration and Absentee Ballots for the State Primary, September 9th

The State Primary will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2014. For Cambridge residents not already registered, the last day to register to vote is Wednesday, August 20, 2014 until 8:00pm. The polls will be open on Election Day from 7:00am until 8:00pm.

Absentee Ballots are now available at the Cambridge Election Commission office. Any voter who is unable to go to the polls on Election Day due to physical disability, religious belief, or absence from the City may request an Absentee Ballot from the Commission. The deadline to apply for an Absentee Ballot is Monday, September 8, 2014 at Noon. Absentee Ballots may be mailed to voters, or such voters may choose to vote at the Commission office during regular city office hours: Monday, 8:30am-8:00pm; Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30am-5:00pm; Friday, 8:30am-Noon. The office will also be open for Absentee Voting on Friday, September 5th from 8:30am until 5:00pm and on Saturday, September 6th from 9:00am until 5:00pm.

For any additional information, please visit the Cambridge Election Commission office at 51 Inman Street, call (617-349-4361) or visit our website at www.cambridgema.gov/election.

Statement from Mayor David Maher regarding License & Traffic Decision on Bridj Application

Aug 22 - “It has become increasingly clear that the City of Cambridge, like many other cities, needs to develop transportation strategies that better respond to these emerging transportation services. Recently, we have seen a number of new technologies aimed at promoting alternative transportation methods for those living and working in Cambridge. We must continue to seek these alternative modes of transportation if we hope to positively impact climate change and reduce the burden on our public transit services. As Cambridge moves forward with our Master Planning process, I expect that transportation issues will continue to be a major focus.”

From the Bridj website:
Bridj is an express mass transit system - meaning users save time by going directly to their destinations. When compared to traditional public transit, Bridj saves you time by offering reliable service, no transfers and way fewer stops. Using Bridj to move around the city is incredibly affordable. For a little more than a subway ride, but less than a taxi you can get to and from your destination quickly and easily. Plus, if you commute using Bridj, the entire expense may be tax deductible. Each shuttle is top of the line. When you enter, you'll sit down in your guaranteed premium seat and enjoy a quiet ride with complimentary WiFi. The time you spend traveling is not only more comfortable, but you can also be productive. Smart Bridj makes cities move more effectively by crunching millions of data points to see where people live and work. We use this data to construe commuting patterns and instead of forcing people to conform to an existing mass transportation system we can conform to meet your needs.

Related: Transit startup Bridj facing regulation in Cambridge, to the surprise of founders and city officials (BetaBoston)

Cambridge Mayor David P. Maher and City Manager Richard C. Rossi Accept ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
City Council and School Committee Members will Participate in Group Challenge

On Wednesday, August 20, at 2:00pm, Cambridge Mayor David P. Maher, along with Vice-Mayor Dennis Benzan and other members of the Cambridge City Council, will participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. The event will occur on Cambridge City Hall lawn. “So many people in all walks of life are being faced with this terrible disease,” stated Cambridge Mayor David Maher, “just last week we lost a long time Cambridge School employee and friend, Jurina Vellucci, to ALS. Knowing how many people are suffering from ALS, we felt compelled to participate in a large scale way to help create awareness and to contribute to research for a cure.”

Ms. Vellucci was an employee at the King Open School (and the former Harrington School) who lost her four year battle with ALS last week.

Joining them will be several Cambridge School Committee members, City Manager Richard C. Rossi, several city department heads and City Hall staff.

Vice-Mayor Dennis Benzan and Councilor Marc McGovern were recently challenged by former Cambridge City Councilor and Massachusetts State Representative Marjorie Decker. The Mayor’s office seized the opportunity to make it a group challenge on the lawn at City Hall, and to help create awareness of ALS. The Cambridge contingent will be challenging another local city to do the same.

The ice and buckets will be generously donated by Acme Ice on Kirkland St. in Cambridge. Eric Law, owner of Acme Ice can be reached at 781-420-1332.

For additional information, please contact Alanna Mallon in Mayor David Maher’s Office at 617-349-4327 or email amallon@cambridgema.gov.

City of Cambridge Danehy Park Concert Series presented by Passim
Tuesdays at 6:00pm on August 19

Enjoy free live music at the City of Cambridge Danehy Park Concert Series presented by Passim on select Tuesdays in July and August. The last event in this family-friendly concert series will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesdays, August 19. This series is brought to you by Passim, City of Cambridge Department of Human Services, Cambridge Arts Council and Whole Foods Markets.

Tuesday, August 12 - The Cambridge Police Department will be conducting live, controlled gunshot training tonight (Tues, Aug 12) between 8-10pm in the Inman and Area 4 neighborhoods to test the city's new ShotSpotter gunshot detection system. This training exercise will present no danger to the public and we urge residents not to be alarmed. For more information, please visit cambridgepolice.org.

August 8 - I just returned from the wake for Walter J. Sullivan. Though the event is the death of a great man, this was a thoroughly joyful experience. So many people from all walks of life were there, including many people from political life past and present. It was like a walk down a half century and more of Cambridge history - and not the history of buildings and events. This is the history of the many long time families of Cambridge - and everybody knew Walter. - RW

Walter J. Sullivan

August 4 - I just received word that former Mayor Walter Sullivan passed away today at the age of 91. The sympathies of all Cantabrigians are with the entire Sullivan family. Walter Sullivan was first elected to the Cambridge City Council in 1959 and served from 1960 to 1993. Walter is the father of Middlesex County Clerk of Courts and former Mayor Michael Sullivan. Visiting hours in the Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Pkwy, Cambridge on Friday 3-8pm.

Sullivan, Walter J. 91, Mayor Emeritus City of Cambridge. Beloved husband and sweetheart of 68 years to Marion A. (Colarusso). Devoted father of Marion Murphy and her husband Patrick of Belmont, Mary Carven and her husband William of Hanover, Maureen Santoro and her husband Richard of Hingham, Walter Jr. and his wife Susan of Hingham, and Michael, current Clerk of Courts Middlesex and former Mayor of Cambridge, and his wife Denise of Cambridge. Grampi to William, Christopher, Patrick, Richard, Alyssa, Elizabeth, Michelle, Michael, James, Marissa, Katherine, Michael, Paul and Walter III. Great Grampi to fourteen. Devoted brother of Kate Lynch and Jean Savery and the late Mary McMorrow, Dorothy Powers, Edward, Robert, William and James Sullivan. Brother in law of Jacqueline Sullivan.

Mayor Sullivan will lie in State in the Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge on Friday, August 8th from 3pm to 8pm. Funeral Mass in St. Paul's Church, Harvard Square, Cambridge, Saturday at 10am. Relatives and friends kindly invited. Interment Cambridge Cemetery. Late State Representative, City Councillor, and Mayor of Cambridge and Assistant Clerk of Courts. Veteran Army Air Corp WWII. In lieu of flowers please send donations in Walter's memory to St. Paul's Church Renovation Fund 29 Mt. Auburn St. Cambridge, MA 02138.
[Obituary - Brown & Hickey Funeral Home]

Former State Representative Peter Vellucci, who served Cambridge and Somerville with distinction from 1982 to 1992, also passed away today. Condolences to the extended Vellucci family.

Vellucci, Peter A. Of Cambridge, August 4. Loving husband of Laura (Dupont). Devoted father of Teresa M. Vellucci, Kimberly Martin, Bridget Vellucci, Juliane Vellucci-Melo, Angela Vellucci, and Peter A. Vellucci JR. Son of the late Mayor Emeritus Alfred E. Vellucci SR. and the late Jurina (Valentino). Beloved grandfather of Kelcey, Conor, Antonia, Angel, and Lucia. Brother of Alfred Vellucci Jr., Theresa Ferranti, James Vellucci, Mary Ann Almeida, Jurina Vellucci, and the late Joanne Baldasaro and the late Pasquale Vellucci. Funeral from the Donovan-Aufiero Funeral Home, 140 Otis St. (at 6th St), EAST CAMBRIDGE, Thursday at 10:00am followed by a Rite of Christian Burial in the Sacred Heart Church, 49 Sixth St., Cambridge at 11:00am. Visiting Wednesday 4-8pm. Late Marine Veteran, MA State Representative from 1982-1992, former owner Vellucci Insurance Agency and late member of Mystic Valley Bass Anglers. Interment is private.
[Peter A. Vellucci Obituary]

A Really Bad Idea gets its first hearing

July 30 - I attended a City Council Ordinance Committee today on the topic of the Carlone Petition that would transfer much of the Special Permit granting authority from the Planning Board to the City Council for the next several years. This is perhaps the second worse zoning petition I've seen introduced over the last three decades. Though I had not intended to speak at the meeting, after hearing all the rubbish that was said during public comment, I really had to chime in with a little perspective. It's unfortunate that Councillor Toomey couldn't make the meeting (it was a very busy day at the State House) because as a city councillor since 1990 he would have been able to provide the kind of institutional memory that some of the new kids on the block simply don't possess. It is at times like this that I really miss Councillor Reeves who could usually be counted on to set the record straight.

One thing that some councillors forget, never knew, or perhaps just want to avoid is the whole idea behind devices like Special Permits, Overlay Districts, and Planned Unit Developments. There was a time when zoning was a lot more cut and dried. Districts were designated as Residential, Commercial, Industrial, and perhaps another category or two. There were also some mixed districts such as neighborhood-scale mixed retail and residential. (I live in such a district.) There were also established limits on height and density and setbacks appropriate to some districts, though there were also zones with no such limits. The zoning determined what you could build "as of right," and you did not have to go to the Planning Board or the City Council just as long as your plans did not exceed the prescribed limits. On some occasions you might have to seek a variance from the Board of Zoning Appeals if you needed a little relief. It was all pretty simple.

Over time, the allowed heights and densities have been increased when there was a desire to attract new construction or, in more recent times, to "downzone" to lower heights and densities in response to demands for "liveable neighborhoods." The last few decades also saw the introduction of Overlay Districts and Planned Unit Developments as devices that would allow the Planning Board to have a little more flexibility as a means of extracting desirable outcomes. One device that was used in conjunction with these districts and, more recently, in some other districts, was the Special Permit process.

The basic (and very good) idea of the Special Permit process is this: Cap what can be built as of right (by lowering heights and densities), but allow a property owner/developer some additional height or density in exchange for providing certain carefully specified benefits. These constitute the Special Permit Criteria. It's really a form of gentle extortion for the public good. Better building design, publicly accessible open space, additional housing are examples of Special Permit criteria, and it's the City Council who votes on what criteria are specified in the Zoning Ordinance. The Planning Board (in conjunction with City staff) is then charged with ensuring that the criteria are met, and the deal is pretty simple: Meet the criteria and you get the Special Permit.

It has to be emphasized that this is not a blank check. There are still limits on height and density for projects built under a Special Permit, and it's all laid out in the Zoning Code passed by the City Council. Fortunately, there's an expert Planning Board and City staff to sort out all the details. They don't have too much discretion to address "bigger issues" because that was never intended. The Planning Board are not the policy-makers. That task is left to the elected City Council and that's what they do when they amend the Zoning Ordinance. This includes modifying the Special Permit criteria depending on what incentives for the public good they decide might be extracted via the Special Permit process. Even in the disposition of proposed zoning amendments, whether those proposed by residents or by the Planning Board itself, the Board only makes recommendations to the City Council, and it's up to the City Council to adopt, amend, or reject the proposal.

Creating incentives for new housing via Special Permit in former industrial areas was an initiative of the City Council a little more than a decade ago. Not too much housing was produced at first, but in recent years the goal of new housing has been happening at a quicker pace. It's happening because the City Council wanted it to happen, and now newly-spawned groups such as the Cambridge Residents Alliance (CRA) and the Fresh Pond Residents Alliance (FPRA) are howling in protest. Instead of proposing modification of the Special Permit incentives, we instead get the Carlone Petition (which, by the way, was also signed by Councillor Mazen). It will be a shock if it gets more than those two votes, and it requires six votes out of nine to pass. The best course of action for the City Council would be to discuss it briefly at the next Ordinance Committee meeting and then forward it to the full City Council with a negative recommendation. Then they can process it into the dumpster in September.

The Carlone Petition survives now only as a political organizing tool for Carlone (and Mazen), Carlone's supporters, and his paid City Council aide Mike Connolly who is receiving a City paycheck for what is fundamentally outside political activity with the CRA. [This, of course, was inevitable when these Council aide positions were established. Virtually all of these aides played significant roles in the elections of the people for whom they now work, and it's hard to imagine firing any one of them without inviting retaliation from the associated councillor.] The City Council could and should be tackling more significant matters, including adjustments to the Special Permit criteria if they feel the need. There were a lot of good ideas generated during the K2C2 process that are languishing on the back burner while time and effort is wasted on Carlone's Folly. Now would be a good time for some leadership from the other seven city councillors. - Robert Winters

Tues, July 29 - Our guest tonight on Cambridge InsideOut was Brian Corr, Executive Secretary of the Cambridge Police Review & Advisory Board (PRAB) and Executive Director of the Peace Commission. The hosts are Susana Segat and Robert Winters.

Tues, July 22 - Our guest tonight on Cambridge InsideOut will by City Councillor Marc McGovern (with hosts Susana Segat and Robert Winters). Tune in to CCTV for back-to-back episodes at 5:30pm and 6:00pm. We'll do our best to review the major (and a few minor) issues that have come before the City Council during the first half-year of this City Council term. We'll also look into the crystal ball and try to see what's coming up during the second half of this year. [If you miss the broadcast, we'll post the YouTube versions afterwards.]

Mayor David Maher Announces Fire Relief Fund for Victims of Allston Street Fire

Mayor David Maher announced today that the City of Cambridge has established the Mayor’s Fire Relief Fund to assist the victims of the recent Allston Street fire. On July 27, 2014, a 9 Alarm fire displaced nine Cambridge families, including several children, from their homes and destroyed all of their personal belongings. None of the 29 people displaced from the buildings sustained injuries although they are in need of financial assistance to help recover from this tragic loss.

“We are grateful that no injuries were sustained in the fire, however, there are many Cambridge residents currently without shelter and in need of financial assistance,” said Mayor Maher. “The majority of the residents affected were renters, making it difficult to recover any losses as many likely did not have renters insurance. Cambridge has always been very generous to our neighbors in need and many of the victims need our help right now.”

The Mayor’s Office will be accepting checks made out to "The Mayor's Fire Relief Fund" via mail and alternatively, residents are welcome to stop by the Mayor’s Office at City Hall to deliver their donation in person.

Donations can also be made online at http://www.gofundme.com/MayorsFireFund

The Mayor’s Office also welcomes gift certificates in any amount to department stores and grocery stores.
Gift certificates and checks can be mailed or delivered to:
Cambridge City Hall
c/o Mayor's Office
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139

For additional information, please contact Mayor David Maher’s Office at 617-349-4321 or email us at mayor@cambridgema.gov.

Members Sought for Cambridge Planning Board

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking residents interested in serving on the Cambridge Planning Board. The Planning Board is the special permit granting authority for the city and is responsible for the review of special permit requests, the review and development of zoning proposals, and the study of land use throughout the city.

The Planning Board includes seven members and two alternates. The Board generally meets twice a month on Tuesday evenings. Persons with a general interest in effective city planning and/or specific expertise in such areas as architecture, urban design, urban planning and zoning are encouraged to apply. Planning Board members must be residents of the City of Cambridge.

Interested persons should submit a resume and a brief letter describing their interest via e-mail, mail or fax by Fri, Aug 1, 2014, to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

City of Cambridge Danehy Park Concert Series presented by Passim
Tuesdays at 6:00pm on July 8, July 22, August 5, & August 19

Enjoy free live music at the City of Cambridge Danehy Park Concert Series presented by Passim on select Tuesdays in July and August. The family friendly concert series will be held at 6:00pm on the following Tuesdays: July 8 and 22, and August 5 and 19. This series is brought to you by Passim, City of Cambridge Department of Human Services, Cambridge Arts Council and Whole Foods Markets.

Professor Seth Teller dies at age 50 (MIT News)

Expert on computer vision, robotics, and human-robot interaction had been on the faculty since 1994.

Member Sought for Police Review & Advisory Board

City Manager Richard C. Rossi is seeking Cambridge residents interested in serving on the Police Review & Advisory Board. Made up of five volunteer members who serve five-year terms, the Board generally meets on the last Wednesday of the month at 6pm, except for July and August.

The Police Review & Advisory Board was established by City Ordinance in 1984 to:

• Provide for citizen participation in reviewing Police Department policies, practices and procedures;
• Provide a prompt, impartial and fair investigation of complaints brought by individuals against members of the Cambridge Police Department; and
• Develop programs and strategies to promote positive police/community relations and to provide opportunities for expanded discussions, improved understanding and innovative ways of resolving differences.

The Board consists of five Cambridge residents who are representative of the City's racial, social and economic composition. Board Members must: possess a reputation for fairness, integrity and responsibility; have demonstrated an active interest in public affairs and service; and be a resident of the City of Cambridge. For more information about the Board, see its web page at www.cambridgema.gov/prab.

Board Members serve as volunteers without compensation and assist in education and outreach to improve community confidence in city government in general, and to strengthen community-police relations.

A letter of interest with a brief résumé should be sent via e-mail, mail or fax by Thursday, July 31, 2014 to:
Richard C. Rossi, City Manager
City of Cambridge
795 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
Ph. 617-349-4300; Fax 617-349-4307
E-mail: citymanager@cambridgema.gov

CAMBRIDGE JAZZ FESTIVAL
Sunday, July 27, 2014 - FREE!
University Park Commons, Sidney St. Noon to 6:00pm

Bringing community together for an afternoon of free music performed by brilliant local and national jazz artists -- and supporting musical opportunities for Cambridge students.

12:00-12:45pm   Fernando Brandão and the Berklee Brazilian All-Stars
Fernando Brandão, a jazz flutist, and the Berklee Brazilian All-Stars play diverse styles of Brazilian jazz from bossa nova to afoxé and choro.

1:00-1:45pm   George W. Russell, Jr. Trio
Inspirational jazz from a local great who has shared the stage with George Duke, Bob Moses, Billy Pierce, Stan Strickland, Stanley Clarke, Lenny White, Semenya McCord, and Andy McGhee.

2:00-3:00pm   Dominique Eade
Dominique Eade is a jazz vocalist and winner of several Boston Music Awards whose extraordinary voice has been compared to Sarah Vaughn’s.

3:15-4:15pm   Ron Savage Trio featuring Jetro DaSilva and Ron Mahdi
The Ron Savage Trio, featuring the percussionist Ron Savage, combines elements of BeBop, Swing, Gospel, African, R&B and Brazilian styles into a fresh new sound.

4:45-6:00pm   Terri Lyne Carrington with Valerie Simpson
Terri Lyne Carrington is a two-time Grammy winner, the first female artist to win a Grammy for Best Jazz Instrumental Album, a dazzling jazz percussionist – and a Medford native. She’ll be joined by Motown legend Valerie Simpson.

Be sure to check out the amazing food trucks and festival vendors who will be dishing up some great food and flavors to accompany these extraordinary artists.

World Cup Watch Parties Come to Cambridge’s Central Square
The public is invited to these free family friendly events.

The City of Cambridge and Forest City are hosting free outdoor watch parties at University Park Common, Sidney Street, in Central Square for the last four games of the 2014 World Cup.

These family friendly events will be held on:

• Tuesday, July 8: Semifinals — 4pm Kickoff
• Wednesday, July 9: Semifinals — 4pm Kickoff
• Saturday, July 12: Third Place Game — 4pm Kickoff
• Sunday, July 13: Final Game — 3pm Kickoff

Games will be broadcast on a 9 ft by 12 ft viewing screen. University Park Common is accessible from the Central Square Redline stop and numerous MBTA buses. No alcohol will be allowed in or served at University Park Common. For update-to-date information visit www.cambridgema.gov.

July 4th Activities for Cambridge Youth

Cambridge youth are invited and encouraged to participate in FREE Fourth of July festivities hosted by the Department of Human Services Program’s Recreation Division. Activities include annual races, doll carriage and bike parades. Participants will receive a prize, and all youth participating in the doll and bike parade will receive a Cambridge Recreation T-Shirt.

Events will be held Friday, July 4, at 9:30am, in the following locations: Donnelly Field, off Berkshire and York St. in East Cambridge; Glacken Field, 600 Huron Ave. in West Cambridge ; and Hoyt Field, Gilmore St. in Riverside Community. Don’t be late and don’t miss out!

For more information, call the Recreation Department at 617-349-6228.