Art Talks for Older Adults: Tulipmania and Dutch Flower Painting
Let’s take a look at the events of the 1630s when speculators drove up the prices of tulip bulbs to dizzying heights. The development of Dutch flower painting and the phenomenon known as “tulipmania” share the same root causes in 17th century Netherlands; that is, an interest in objects of great appeal and rarity, whether just for their beauty or their scientific notoriety. But what was really happening and has it been overblown in history? We will discover where the practice of flower painting began for the Dutch, in response to the value of live flowers; a practice of painting beautiful still lives that continues today.
Commonwealth Elevates Cambridge and Northeast Region To Critical Drought Status
Despite the considerable snowfall that Cambridge and the greater region has had this winter, drought conditions have been elevated due to limited groundwater recharge this winter. The Secretary of the Commonwealth’s Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) elevated the Northeast Region of Massachusetts, which includes Cambridge, from a Level 2 - Significant Drought to a Level 3 - Critical Drought earlier this week. In response to the ongoing drought, Cambridge has implemented strict water use restrictions.
Creating a Healthier and Stronger Community through the Cambridge Community Corps
In July, the City Manager’s Office in collaboration with the Cambridge Public Health Department launched the Cambridge Community Corps program, which was developed to help encourage Cambridge residents to adopt and keep practicing safe habits, such as wearing a mask and maintaining good hand hygiene, which will help slow the spread of COVID-19. The Corps Members will be giving positive reinforcement on healthy behaviors and having friendly and helpful interactions with their neighbors.
You Can Initiative: Overdose Prevention Kit Assembly and Information (Central Square)
In honor of National Public Health Week, please join us on Thursday, April 9th from 1-2:30 pm to volunteer to put together overdose prevention kits at the Cambridge Public Library, Central Square Branch.
This year’s National Public Health Week theme "Ready. Set. Action!" calls on each of us to take part in community-driven solutions and daily actions that create healthier, more equitable, and connected communities.
The You Can initiative (youcan.info) addresses overdose deaths by increasing access to lifesaving skills and resources statewide. Volunteers play a crucial role in this program by assembling the kits that are then mailed out across the state, getting lifesaving resources out to people and families who need them, free of cost. Each kit contains naloxone, fentanyl test strips, and other vital resources.
Volunteers will be able to leave with a completed kit, if desired. Representatives from the Cambridge Health Department will also be onsite to provide additional resources and support.
This program is a partnership between the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and Health Resources in Action (HRiA) and hosted by the Cambridge Health Department and Cambridge Public Library.
Digital Equity in Cambridge Study: Data and Strategic Recommendations March 2021
The City of Cambridge commissioned this study to develop data and to develop strategies. At the highest level, the goal was to develop a full and clear understanding of all problems affecting residents’ ability to obtain and effectively use broadband—and to suggest a range of solutions. This study does not presuppose what the problems are or what the solutions should be. This study is about digital inclusiveness, or what the City of Cambridge has called “digital equity.”