We Could Use A Good Rain Dance Around Now

Here’s what the Cambridge Reservoir (Hobbs Brook Basin, Winter Street) looked like in July 2021:

Here’s what it looks like now (Nov 12, 2024):

Members Sought for Cambridge Public Art Commission

Nov 6, 2024 – The Cambridge Public Art Commission (PAC) helps guide the implementation of the Public Art Ordinance and the Art Gifts and Donation Policy, and advises on the overall direction of the City of Cambridge’s Public Art Program.

The Commission brings its collective expertise to bear on discussions regarding the various program areas of the public art program, such as acquisition and deaccession, project planning, maintenance, conservation, educational programming, and the exhibitions in Gallery 344. The Commission reviews every percent-for-art project from artists’ proposals to final design. PAC approval is required before a project can go into fabrication.

The PAC’s responsibilities include:

• Advising on the artist selection process and community engagement process for major projects;
• Recommending qualified jurors to select artists (the Commission does not select artists);
• Reviewing public art proposals;
• Recommending potential sources for additional funding;
• Advising on outreach and education;
• Providing connection to the wider community and recommendations on community interests, resources, contacts, and neighborhood or city-wide issues;
• Contributing a broad perspective and interest in the city’s goals and values;
• Attending monthly meetings.

Public Art Commission members are volunteers appointed by the City Manager to work with Cambridge Arts Council staff in accomplishing the goals of the Cambridge Public Art Program. The Public Art Commission is composed of nine members who each serve a three-year term, renewable once. The PAC meets on the second Tuesday of the month from 6-8pm, at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway, 2nd Floor, in the Cambridge Arts Council Conference Room, or when permitted, virtually on Zoom.

Members are encouraged to participate in Public Art activities and Gallery 344 events, such as public art openings, artist talks, community presentations, gallery receptions, public art tours, and other related happenings. Additionally, members have the opportunity to learn about the day-to-day work of the staff, Arts Council partners, and other departments, and to offer advice and viewpoints that reflect the Commission’s purpose and role of arts advocacy within city government.

The PAC seeks to represent the socioeconomic, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the city, as well as various art and design experience (such as artists, architects, landscape architects, art educators, urban planners, art historians, conservators, curators, and art administrators).

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Commission members must have the ability to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Applications to serve on the Commission can be submitted using the City of Cambridge’s online application system at cambridgema.gov/apply. A cover letter and resume or applicable experience may be submitted during the online application process. The application deadline is Monday, December 9, 2024. For more information about Public Art in Cambridge, visit Cambridgema.gov/publicart.

Restored Inscription - Front of Cambridge City Hall - Nov 2, 2024

Members Sought to Serve on Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee

Oct 30, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Harvard Square Kiosk Advisory Committee, which will provide guidance and oversight for the operations of the Cambridge Kiosk in Harvard Square.

Embarking on a journey to reimagine the heart of Harvard Square, the City of Cambridge is partnering with CultureHouse and the Cambridge Office for Tourism to activate the historic Kiosk in Harvard Square. Through this collaboration, the recently restored landmark is set to become a vibrant cultural incubator, community gathering space, and visitor information center called the Cambridge Kiosk. The Kiosk is expected to open in early 2025.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the cultural and civic life of Cambridge and ensure the Kiosk’s operations align with the community’s vision. The application deadline is Monday, December 9, 2024.

Committee Charge
The Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee is tasked with advising on the operations and programming of the Cambridge Kiosk. The Committee’s recommendations will help ensure the Kiosk remains a vibrant cultural and community space, in line with the goals outlined in the Harvard Square Kiosk and Plaza Working Group Final Report.

Committee Responsibilities

• Review Operations and Programming. Review the Kiosk’s programming and operations to assess how well it reflects project goals outlined in the aforementioned report. Review community feedback on programs and operations.
• Make Recommendations to the City Manager. Based on the Committee’s findings, provide suggestions to improve the Kiosk’s operations and programming.

Committee Composition
The Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee will be composed of members appointed by the City Manager. The Committee will represent a diversity of expertise and backgrounds, including residents, representatives from local businesses, cultural institutions, nonprofits, and community organizations.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. Committee members should also have some experience in engaging their community and working effectively on a team with diverse perspectives and interacting effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Committee members are typically appointed for terms of 3 years each, subject to renewal at the discretion of the City Manager, although some appointments may be 1 year or 2 years to facilitate a staggered appointment schedule. The Advisory Committee is expected to meet approximately 3 to 4 times per year, or more if needed. Meeting dates are yet to be determined.

How to Apply
To apply, submit a digital application form through the City of Cambridge’s online application system at Cambridgema.gov/apply. Please include your name, address, contact information, occupation, and relevant work and education experience. Additionally, provide a letter of interest outlining your qualifications and why you would like to serve on the Committee.

The deadline for applications is Monday, December 9, 2024.

To learn more about the Cambridge Kiosk, click here or contact Daniel Wolf at dwolf@cambridgema.gov.

Monthly Updates from City of Cambridge DPW Recycling Division - November 2024

Compost Program Surpasses 10,000 Tons Collected!

In 2014, the City started a 600 household pilot to collect food waste curbside. It’s hard to imagine that 10 years later, the program would be expanded citywide, offered in buildings as large as 500 units, and serve more than 70 foodservice businesses.

Thank you to everyone who has helped participate, promote, and encourage the compost program past the 10,000 ton mark! We would not be here today without your support and participation.

What are the benefits of the Compost program?
The financial benefits of composting have increased since 2014 when the cost to compost was 5% less expensive than trash. In 2024, it costs the City 42% less to compost than to trash our food scraps. The rodent management benefits of composting are significant too. The locking mechanism on compost carts deter rodents much more than trash carts.

One of the most important reasons to separate your food scraps from the trash are the environmental benefits. Last month, the Boston Globe covered a story on methane emissions. “Methane is a far more potent warmer of the planet than carbon dioxide...and is rising faster in relative terms than any other major greenhouse gas.... There’s no one source for the increased emissions. Rather, it is a combination of factors including more fossil fuel use, more beef consumption, and more waste (leading to methane releases from landfills)....”

Food waste is the primary contributor to methane emissions from landfills, so when we reduce it or separate it from the trash, we are taking a substantial step forward. The act of composting or anaerobic digestion yields a secondary climate benefit. In Cambridge, we contract with a processing facility for our food waste that uses anaerobic digestion. In this process, food waste is broken down to create clean energy. To read more about the process and the environmental lifecycle analysis, see here.

If you or a friend wants to get supplies to start composting, see here.

Pumpkins & Free Yard Waste Bags

We could use your help collecting the leaves from curbs and sidewalks while we are in peak yard waste season. If the leaves are swept by street sweepers, they must be sent to trash. However, if you collect leaves, you can help generate healthy soils. Sign up to receive the Cambridge Urban Forest Friends newsletter and you will be gifted free yard waste bags. Two bags per sign up, while supplies last. Sign up then email requesting yard waste bags!

Pumpkins: During Halloween, nearly 1.3 billion pounds of pumpkins end up in landfills each year. Methane from pumpkins in the landfill is spooky and contributes to climate change! We could use your help diverting them.

Pumpkins should go in compost or in yard waste collection (cut down pumpkins if they don’t fit in cart). Please no candles or paint.
    • If putting in compost carts, no bag is necessary. Find a compost drop off location near you.
    • If putting in yard waste: put pumpkin in yard waste bin or lawn bag.

Zero Waste Master Plan--Seeking Feedback Through 11/30/24

On October 22, we presented to City Council our draft strategies for achieving the City’s Zero Waste goals. The draft strategies are:

• Require property managers to submit annual solid waste plans;
• Mandate food waste diversion for all residential and commercial buildings;
• Pilot methods to reduce move-out trash;
• Reduce single-use serviceware from food establishments;
• Improve location and accessibility of the Recycle Center;
• Enforce mandatory food waste diversion;
• Research and analyze whether City should implement Hybrid Pay-As-You-Throw;
• Provide technical assistance to commercial sector to facilitate reduce/reuse and improved recycling/composting;
• Work with CHA and other property managers to increase diversion and sanitation.

Throughout the month of November, we are seeking your feedback on these draft strategies. Review the news story, which includes a link to the City Council presentation, here.

Fill out this feedback form by November 30.

Reduce & Reuse Tips

Tip #1: Social Media zero waste tips.
Social Media has creative ways to reduce and upcycle waste. This month’s example: Making cinnamon rolls with old bananas! It’s not news to people that brown bananas can be used to make banana bread or other baked goods. But, this video shows a second environmental benefit of those leftover bananas. Click here to take your zero waste journey to the next level with a new use for banana peels.

Tip #2: Holiday leftover ideas.
There are so many opportunities to reduce waste during the holidays!

• First, make a game plan for what to do with leftovers. Are you sending them home with relatives or keeping them? Would you make soup or casserole from the leftover food? What about freezing some leftovers? If you’re unsure what to make from the leftovers, here are 61 ideas.
• Second, take the step to minimize the waste. Invite guests to bring to-go containers, have your containers ready, add ingredients for leftovers recipes to your Thanksgiving grocery list.
• Third, before you’re too tired, carve out time after dinner to execute on your plan to reduce waste.
• Fourth, put food you can’t eat into the compost. Use of one our 6 drop-off compost sites to drop-off food waste if you don’t have the curbside program at your building.

Upcoming Dates

• Thurs. 11/14: Junk, MIT Museum, 6pm-9pm
• Sat. 11/30: Deadline to submit feedback on draft Zero Waste Master Plan strategies
• Tues. 12/31: Final Yard Waste Collection day until 4/1/25

MassDEP’s annual Reduce, Reuse, Recycle-Palooza Webinars
• Tues. 11/19: Food Rescue in MA, 12 pm
• Wed. 11/20: Batteries are Everywhere! Handle With Care, 12pm
• Thurs 11/21: Ask MassDEP Anything about Recycling in MA, 12pm

Email us to share other waste-related events!

Join Our Mailing List!

What Are We Reading?

Mass. is a national leader in keeping food waste out of landfills, study finds (WBUR)

“Recirclable” program allows MA restaurant customers to borrow takeout containers (CBSNews)

Upcycled Certified Products Projected to Prevent 703 Million Pounds of Food Waste Per Year (Waste360)

Connections: Plants Speak The Truth (Biocycle)

DPW on Facebook     DPW on Twitter

Cambridge Post-Election Audit for the State/Presidential Election

Nov 7, 2024 – Please be advised that in accordance with the provisions of Section 109A of Chapter 54 of the General Laws, the City of Cambridge was chosen for a post-election audit during a random, publicly verifiable, non-computerized drawing which was held by the Office of the Secretary of the Commonwealth on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The City of Cambridge Election Commission will audit the office of President and Vice-President, Senator in Congress, and Ballot Question #2 on the ballots for Ward 6 Precinct 1 and Ward 2 Precinct 2. The Cambridge Board of Election Commissioners will begin the post-election audit on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 9:00am and it will be conducted at Citywide Senior Center, Windsor Room, 806 Massachusetts Avenue, Entrance on Green Street, Cambridge, MA.

If you would like to observe the post-election audit, we ask that you arrive at the rear entrance of the center on Green Street on the scheduled day.

Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang Seeks Members for Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA)

Nov 5, 2024 – The Cambridge Board of Zoning Appeal (BZA), a quasi-judicial body that conducts public hearings on applications and appeals and issues decisions that shape the use and appearance of buildings, is seeking new members.

The BZA has five regular members and up to seven associate members. Members are appointed by the City Manager then approved by the City Council. Regular members serve a 5-year term. Associate members serve a 2-year term.

Under the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance, certain uses and types of development may require a variance, special permit, or comprehensive permit from the BZA.

Who can join the BZA?
All BZA members must be Cambridge residents. To serve effectively, members must:

• Collaborate well with others;
• Be able to consider diverse ideas and perspectives;
• Apply the Cambridge Zoning Ordinance and the state’s Zoning Act to the facts presented in applications and petitions;
• Demonstrate strong attentiveness and listening skills to detailed presentations and discussions.

A technical background is not required. An interest in and understanding of development, architecture, urban design, and zoning law is desirable.

The City of Cambridge is committed to advancing a culture of antiracism, diversity, equity, and inclusion. All board members must be able to work and interact effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

How much of a time commitment is BZA?
The BZA meets twice each month on Thursday evenings for approximately 3-4 hours. Regular members are expected to attend all meetings. Associate members attend on an as needed basis. Meetings are currently hybrid, via Zoom and in person.

Members must review application and petition materials prior to each meeting they attend, which may include development plans and specifications, narrative descriptions, zoning analyses, petitions, appeals, information from City departments, written comments from the public, and other documents.

Do BZA members get compensated for their time?
BZA members receive an annual stipend of $3,500. BZA Associate Members receive an annual stipend of $2,000.

How can I apply?
Apply online at cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Monday, December 2, 2024.

The best way to learn what BZA is all about is to watch an actual meeting. Anyone interested in joining the BZA is encouraged to visit the City of Cambridge Open Meeting Portal to watch or attend an upcoming meeting or to view archived video and supporting materials prior to submitting an application.

ANN CURBY

CURBY, Ann Ward Age 97, passed away in her sleep, at her home, October 27, 2024. Born in Newton, MA, Ann lived in Newton, until moving to East Cambridge in 1984. Ann is survived by her children, Catherine (Birch Pavelsky), Judith (Gayle Smalley) and Mark; and grandchild, Shai Pavelsky. Her husband Thomas J. Fitzgerald, Jr. died in 2011. Her marriage to William A. Curby ended in divorce in 1983.

Ann grew up in a family with a tradition of service. Her parents, Mark Hopkins Ward and Anna Rathbun Ward, served as medical missionaries to Armenian children in Harpoot during the Massacre; and many of her aunts and uncles were teachers and doctors in China, Lebanon and India. A graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Ann worked as a computer systems analyst. Her first position was with Project Whirlwind at MIT in the early 1950’s, which involved identifying incoming air traffic for the Air Force. In the late 1950’s, as the mother of small children, Ann joined Computations, Inc. (“CompInc.”), a group of women who worked from home, and jokingly called themselves the “Pregnant Programmers.” Once her children were in school, Ann worked at Honeywell for decades, writing and maintaining the operating system for Honeywell’s mainframe computers; and even returned post-retirement in the late 1990’s to carry out “Y2K” programming. Ann spent summers at a beloved family cottage in Provincetown, MA throughout her life. She continued programming work there, often shooing her children out of the cottage during the day, so she could troubleshoot computer codes written in binary on reams of green bar pages spread across the dining room table.

An accomplished lifelong sailor, her father taught her to sail; and in turn she taught sailing to her children and their friends. But Ann’s true passion was working to make the world a better place. In Newton, she was active in the League of Women Voters, and a strong supporter of efforts to build affordable housing. For reasons never clear to her children, she had an old-style (“Ditto”) printer in the basement, used for producing newsletters for various causes. In Cambridge, Ann attended First Church, and became active in the Cambridge Cluster of the Refugee Immigration Ministry (RIM). For 30 years, until age 90, she spent Thursday evenings serving meals and sharing friendship with guests off the street at the Harvard Square Churches Meals Program. After retirement, she participated in marches and rallies to bring awareness to the threat of global warming. She often reminded her family that “when you have white hair, you can speak your mind and people will listen!”

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd, at 11:00am, in the Chapel at the Newton Cemetery, 791 Walnut Street. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ann’s memory would be gratefully received by the Harvard Square Churches Meals Program, c/o Christ Church, Zero Garden Street, Cambridge, MA 02138.

Note: Ann Curby and her husband Tom Fitzgerald were among our most dependable volunteers when we first started Cambridge’s monthly Recycling Drop-Off that operated from 1989 through 1991 prior to the start of curbside recycling. I have very fond memories of both Ann and Tom. - RW

Boomer Kennedy (Dec 1, 1956 - June 10, 2024)

Born on December 1, 1956 in Westport, Connecticut, Boomer Kennedy passed away on June 10, 2024. She mastered everything from car mechanics to fancy pastries. For 20 years she ran her own auto repair shop, Chicago Auto, in Cambridge, MA where she was a pathbreaking and celebrated woman entrepreneur. In the 2000s she exchanged her wrenches for a chef’s toque, attending the Culinary Institute of America and working as a pastry chef at the world-renowned French Laundry. She later moved to Albuquerque and then Santa Fe, New Mexico where she ran a frame store with her beloved partner, Martha. Most recently, Boomer had been living in Baltimore, serving as unofficial mayor of the Patterson Park Community Garden, treating all passing dogs and people to cookies and good conversation.

In honor of Boomer’s incredible life, friends and family are invited to a celebration at the Patterson Park Community Garden on Friday, June 14 at 4pm in the Bull Ring near the community garden. Donations in Boomer’s honor may be made to Friends of Patterson Park, 27 S Patterson Park Ave, Baltimore, MD 21231. [obituary]

Robert James LaTrémouille, Esq. (Nov 16, 1942 - June 18, 2024, age 81)

Longtime Cambridge activist Bob LaTrémouille has died. [obituary]

Middleborough - Robert James LaTrémouille, Esq., 81, passed away at home on June 18, 2024. He was born in Cambridge, MA the son of the late Robert A. and Phyllis R. (Ladner) LaTrémouille.

Robert studied Government/Poly Sci BA at University of Massachusetts Amherst and graduated from the School of Law at Boston University. He was self-employed in Cambridge, MA for many years and in retirement he worked at SAG-AFTRA (the world’s largest labor union representing performers, broadcasters and recording artists). He was also a leader and protector of animal rights.

He is survived by his sister: Jeanne M. Damon and his brothers Gerard A. LaTrémouille and George W. LaTrémouille. He is also survived by many loving relatives and friends.

His committal service with military honors at the Massachusetts National Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers please make memorial gifts to the MSPCA 350 Huntington Ave., Boston MA 02130. www.mspca.org/donate-now/

To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit www.warehamvillagefuneralhome.com.

Joan Pickett, beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend to many, was a long-time resident of Cambridge, MA, and a Cambridge City Councillor. She passed away, surrounded by her loving and adoring family, on August 31, 2024, after an unexpected and brief illness. She was 69.

Originally from Dover, NH, Joan attended Dover High School and spent her childhood summers with her family at their cottage in Alton Bay, NH. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology from Boston College.

Joan’s love of learning prompted her to move to New York City to further her education. She pursued an MPH (Master of Public Health) and an MBA (Master of Business Administration) at Columbia University, graduating with distinction.

Joan’s Upper West Side home was a joyous, welcoming place, always filled with family, friends, and her precious dogs. Several of her nieces and nephews lived with Joan and Adane while pursuing their education and spending fun-filled summers on the East Coast. Their home was a cornerstone of the family, where doors were always open to visitors and served as a gathering place, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas, when they often hosted extended family.

During her time in New York City, she was a Managing Director at Citigroup before transitioning to various roles at Standard & Poor’s. Her career focused on areas such as commercial lending and municipal bond finance, and she served as the head of the healthcare and higher education unit at Standard & Poor’s bond rating agency. Looking to serve the community on a different level, Joan returned to the Boston area and spent 25 years working closely with both academic and community physicians and staff. She used her years of experience and wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and business development at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston.

A resident of Mid-Cambridge for almost 27 years, Joan was a committed community leader. She was an active member and past president of the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association and served as chairman of Cambridge Streets for All. She volunteered for the Charles River Conservancy as board chair and finance committee chair. In her retirement, Joan was elected as a Cambridge City Councillor and began her service in that role in January 2024.

Passionate about dog training and rescue, Joan was a founding board member of Caring Canines Pet Therapy, which provided comfort and happiness to children fighting cancer. She adopted and fostered multiple rescue dogs, providing a loving and safe home for neglected and abused animals. She was an avid gardener and created a peaceful oasis that was her favorite place to catch up with family and friends. She loved art and antiques—a passion she inherited from her mother—and spent many happy hours hunting for treasures to sell in her booth at the Cambridge Antiques Market.

Joan is preceded in death by her parents, James F. and Addie Pickett, and her sister and best friend, Sally (Pickett) Cadman of Hollis, NH. She is survived by her loving husband, Adane Dessie; Christopher Cadman; her brothers and sisters-in-law; her beloved nieces and nephews; and countless close friends.

A ceremony will be held at Grondin Funeral Home, with burial at Pine Hill, on Saturday, September 28, at 10:30am, followed immediately by a memorial service at Cambridge City Hall from 3:00pm to 6:00pm. In lieu of flowers donations can be made on behalf of Joan Pickett to Caring Canines at caringcanines.org.

To all who voted and supported Joan we share your grief and cherish your support. You can e-mail erika1923@yahoo.com with comments or questions.

2024 Senior Citizens Town Hall Meeting - Wed, Sept 25, noon

This Senior Citizens Town Hall is part of the ongoing commitment of the Mayor, the City Manager, and the Council on Aging to address the needs and concerns of Cambridge’s senior residents. Brief remarks will be provided by city leaders on key topics such as affordable housing, public safety, public works, and aging in place. However, this is truly *your* opportunity to share your thoughts, questions, and concerns directly with City leadership! Seniors are encouraged to engage in meaningful dialogue, ask questions, and share their insights, as this meeting is designed to empower the senior community and ensure their voices are heard in shaping the policies and services that affect their lives. Light refreshments shall be served.

All members of the public are welcome to attend – Wed, Sept 25 at 12:00pm
Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave.
For more information, contact Mayor E. Denise Simmons: 617-349-4205, dsimmons@cambridgema.gov.

Preview of the Vacancy Recount (Cathie Zusy was elected Sept 19 and sworn in Sept 23.)
Actual Vacancy Recount (Sept 19)

Alternate Method for Filling Vacancy - Re-run election using original ballot data with candidate(s) excluded
Note: This is NOT how we do it!

Official Count - November 2023 (PDF)

History of City Council and School Committee Vacancies under Plan E Charter (posted Sept 3, 2024)

1941 Council
Ed Crane entered armed forces and was succeeded by Francis Scully as “acting member” under Special Act.

1941 School Committee
William Brooks entered armed forces and was succeeded by Frank Duddy as “acting member” under Special Act.
Ralph Robart entered armed forces and was succeeded by Margaret Kelliher as “acting member” under Special Act.

1947 Council
Michael A. Sullivan died in January 1949 and was succeeded by Thomas McNamara.

1947 School Committee
Robert Reardon died in July 1949 and was succeeded by Francis “Cheese” McGreahan.

1951 Council
Francis Sennott died in October 1952 and was succeeded by Thomas McNamara.

1961 Council
Guy D. Belin resigned to work in the Kennedy Administration and was succeeded by Cornelia “Connie” Wheeler.

1965 School Committee
Ed McMahon resigned to join the priesthood and was replaced by John A.P. Good. [monotonicity violation]

1983 Council
Leonard “Lenny” Russell died on June 16, 1985 and was replaced by Alfred LaRosa

1985, 1987 School Committee
Joseph Maynard died Nov 26, 1985 after being reelected. The vacancy was not filled for the remaining month of the term, and Maynard was replaced by Tim Toomey for the 1988-89 term.

1993 Council
William Walsh was sentenced to prison on Nov 15, 1994 which vacated his seat. He was replaced by Anthony Galluccio. [monotonicity violation, vacancy recount unsuccessfully challenged to Supreme Judicial Court by Jim McSweeney]

2005 Council
Michael Sullivan resigned and was replaced by David Maher on Sept 5, 2007.

2007 Council
Brian Murphy resigned to accept job with the Commonwealth and was replaced by Larry Ward on Feb 24, 2009.

2019 School Committee
Emily Dexter was elected but resigned under duress prior to Inauguration. She was replaced by David Weinstein on Jan 16, 2020.

2021 School Committee
Akriti Bhambi resigned to accept a job in New York City. She was replaced by Caroline Hunter on Dec 1, 2022.

2023 Council
Joan Pickett died on Aug 30, 2024. She will be replaced by Cathie Zusy soon when a vacancy recount is scheduled (Sept 19). Zusy will be sworn at the start of the next regular City Council meeting after the vacancy recount (Sept 23).

Cathie Zusy elected to Cambridge City Council in Vacancy Recount

Sept 19 – The Vacancy recount to choose the successor to City Councillor Joan Pickett was conducted this evening and Cathie Zusy was elected as expected. [Preview of the Vacancy Recount - there were no changes.] Cathie will be sworn in at the start of the City Council meeting this coming Monday, September 23.

Members Sought for Cambridge’s Transit Advisory Committee

Sept 17, 2024 – Cambridge City Manager Yi-An Huang is seeking volunteers to serve on the Transit Advisory Committee, which provides advice to staff on projects related to transit and also gives advice and input on how to improve and promote public transportation. Additionally, the committee meets to discuss transit service scheduling, infrastructure modernization, expansion and long-term sustainable transit funding. Committee members also advocate for a robust public transit system in Cambridge. This includes the transit services of the MBTA, EZRide, and other shuttles in the City of Cambridge.

The recent work of the advisory committee includes:

• Writing letters of support for public transit expansion projects;
• Brainstorming ideas to change or add new bus routes;
• Reviewing street designs for city and state projects;
• Providing feedback on service reliability and improvements;
• Identifying new funding opportunities.

The Transit Advisory Committee is made up of residents and representatives of institutions and organizations with a home in Cambridge. Residents include commuters, people with disabilities, parents, seniors, youth, students, and low-income neighborhood residents. Committee members serve for a term of two years.

Committee members should have an interest in how buses, trains, and subways operate in the city, street design, and infrastructure; professional knowledge is not necessary. Committee members should also have some experience in engaging their community and working effectively on a team with diverse perspectives and interacting effectively with individuals and groups with a variety of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and ideologies. Women, minorities, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The Transit Advisory Committee generally meets for 1.5 to 2 hours on the first Thursday of every month. Most meetings are hybrid and can be joined remotely or in-person at the City Hall Annex, 344 Broadway. Some meetings include walking tours of transit facilities in the city or site visits to areas with future or active projects. The Transit Advisory Committee has optional subcommittees that meet occasionally to discuss specific state or city projects.

Committee leadership requires some additional time each month for developing the agenda and inviting guest speakers. This may require an additional 30 to 60 minutes a month.

Interested individuals may apply for this Committee through the City of Cambridge’s online portal at Cambridgema.gov/apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, October 15, 2024. A cover letter and resume may be submitted during the online application process. Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation email. If you have questions or require more information, please contact Andrew Reker at 617-349-6959 or areker@cambridgema.gov. For more information, visit: Cambridgema.gov/transitadvisorycommittee.

Cambridge Open Archives in 2024: Archives Roadtrip! – Saturday, September 14

Date: September 14, 2024
Time: 1:00pm-3:00pm
Location: Joan Lorentz Park, 449 Broadway

Buckle up for a fun-filled afternoon as we hit the road for the Open Archives 2024: Archives Roadtrip! This free annual event, hosted by the Cambridge Historical Commission, invites you to explore the rich history of our city with the help of archivists from multiple repositories across the city.

More information here

Landslide Marj

Sept 12 - The Recount is now complete and Marjorie Decker’s margin of victory remains 41 votes.
Marjorie Decker 3,471 - 50.3%
Evan MacKay 3,430 - 49.7%
Write-In 3
Blank 130
Total Votes Cast 7034

Sept 4, 2024 - In a dramatic turn of events, the additional ballots that were counted today reversed the results in the 25th Middlesex Democratic Primary with Marjorie Decker going from being down by 40 votes to now apparently being reelected by 41 votes over challenger Evan MacKay.

2024 Mass. 25th Middlesex Dem primary - Unofficial Results (updated Sep 4, 2024, 5:00pm)
Marjorie Decker 3,472 - 50.3%
Evan MacKay 3,431 - 49.7%
Write-In 3
Blank 131
Total Votes Cast 7037

Sept 6, 2024 - Evan MacKay files for recount in close Mass. House race against Marjorie Decker (Boston Globe)
“If MacKay’s campaign filed enough signatures from registered voters, the City would then have to complete a recount by Sept 14.”

Thurs, Sept 12

9:00am   The Cambridge Election Commission will conduct a Recount for the office of Representative in General Court, 25th Middlesex District, in the Democratic Primary held on September 3, 2024, for the following precincts: Ward 3, Precinct 3A; Ward 4, Precincts 2, 2A, 3; Ward 6, Precincts 2 & 3; Ward 7; Ward 8; Ward 10, Precincts 1A & 2  (Russell Youth Center, 680 Huron Avenue, 2nd Floor)

Preliminary Votes from Tues, Sept 3
2024 Mass. 25th Middlesex Dem primary (AP estimates) - 99% of votes counted (updated Sep 4, 2024, 1:17am)
Evan MacKay 3,354 - 50.3%
Marjorie Decker 3,314 - 49.7%

More results here (Boston Globe)    Cambridge Election Commission Unofficial Results

If the shoe fits....

Sept 10 – I just read a statement in The Free Press by Matti Friedman describing a major problem in journalism today, and it struck me that the same statement largely applies to the nature of activism in Cambridge today, especially in the areas of housing policy and road reconfiguration:

“The world has always been rife with fantasy and conspiracy, but the mainstream press was meant to be where you went to become oriented – to get what journalists called ‘the first rough draft of history,’ that is, an account of what happened as best understood at the time of telling. The activists who now hold sway have mostly abandoned that role but still want to claim the mantle, appending the attribution ‘experts say’ to their own ideology, and dismissing dissent as disinformation.”

Joan Pickett (1955-2024)

Aug 31, 2024 – City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away last night. I will post information from her family as it becomes available. Joan was a good friend and neighbor and I will miss her greatly. - RW

Mayor Simmons’ Statement on Passing of Councillor Joan Pickett

Aug 31, 2024
Dear Friends,
It is with a heavy heart that I share the news that City Councillor Joan Pickett passed away late last night following a brief illness. The family appreciates everyone’s thoughts and well-wishes at this difficult time, and news of a memorial service shall be made available to the public in the days to come.

I have alerted our City Manager, our Deputy City Manager, and the Chair of the Election Commission about Councillor Pickett’s passing. When there is news as to the mechanics of determining who shall fill this vacancy on the Council, and as to a timeline of that process, we shall work to get this information to the public as quickly and as thoughtfully as possible. We thank you for your patience and your grace as we process the loss of our friend and colleague, and as we work to continue onward with the business of governing.

Mayor E. Denise Simmons

R-6     Sept 9, 2024
MAYOR SIMMONS
VICE MAYOR MCGOVERN
COUNCILLOR TONER
COUNCILLOR SIDDIQUI

WHEREAS: It is with profound sorrow that the City Council learned of the passing of our esteemed colleague and friend, City Councillor Joan Pickett, on August 31, 2024 at the age of 69; and

WHEREAS: City Councillor Joan Pickett was a dedicated public servant and a resident of Mid-Cambridge for the past 26 years, bringing a strong background in planning, municipal finance, and community leadership to the City Council during her tenure; and

WHEREAS: Prior to joining the City Council, Joan Pickett’s distinguished career included significant contributions in commercial lending, municipal bond finance, and strategic planning at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, where she worked closely with both academic and community physicians and staff; and

WHEREAS: Joan Pickett’s commitment to community service was demonstrated through her leadership roles in organizations such as the Mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Association, Cambridge Streets for All, the Charles River Conservancy, and Caring Canines Pet Therapy, where she worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Cambridge residents and beyond; and

WHEREAS: Joan Pickett’s dedication to ensuring that the City’s policies reflect the broad sentiment of the community, her desire to ensure that all community voices were given ample consideration in creating City policies, and her focus on maintaining the City’s strong financial position were hallmarks of her service on the City Council; and

WHEREAS: Joan Pickett earned the respect, admiration, and affection of her colleagues and people throughout the Cambridge community for her warmth, her thoughtfulness, her desire to serve, and her willingness to engage with every person she came across with a sense of true decency; and

WHEREAS: The Cambridge community will greatly miss Joan Pickett’s thoughtful approach to governance, her commitment to transparency and accountability, and her unwavering dedication to making Cambridge a safe, vibrant, and inclusive city for all, and her Council colleagues shall surely miss her warmth, knowledge, and amiability; now therefore be it

RESOLVED: That the City Council go on record expressing its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and community of City Councillor Joan Pickett for their tremendous loss; and be it further

RESOLVED: That the City Clerk be and hereby is requested to forward a suitably engrossed copy of this resolution to Adane Dessie, husband of City Councillor Joan Pickett, on behalf of the entire City Council.

Note: The Vacancy Recount is now scheduled for Thursday, September 19 at 5:00pm. Though the result is known – Cathie Zusy will be elected to replace Joan) – but the law requires that all eligible candidates must be notified prior to the Vacancy Recount.
[Preview of the Vacancy Recount]
Cathie Zusy will be sworn in at the start of the next regular meeting of the Cambridge City Council (Sept 23).

City of Cambridge Free Document Shredding Event September 21

Aug 27, 2024 – The Cambridge Consumers’ Council will be helping residents safely dispose of unwanted records at a free document shredding event on Saturday, September 21, from 9:30am-1:00pm, in front of the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Avenue. This event, for Cambridge residents only, will be held rain or shine.

Reserved parking is available on Bigelow Street adjacent to City Hall. Any meter that has a Reserved parking sign can be used temporarily for this event and includes the following meters: BIG-0001, BIG-0002, BIG-0003, BIG-0004, BIG-0005, BIG0006, BIG-0007, BIG-0008, BIG-0010, BIG-0012, BIG-0014, BIG-0016.

Documents will be destroyed on the spot in a highly advanced technical mobile shredding truck and sent for recycling. Please note that this is a free event based on first come, first served, or until the truck is full to capacity. Limit 5 paper size boxes per household or equivalent. The Cambridge Consumers’ Council works in cooperation with the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office. Information on consumer rights and safety will also be available at this event.

For more information, or to request a reasonable accommodation, please call the Consumers’ Council at 617-349-6150 or e-mail consumer@cambridgema.gov.