Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Initiatives to Stop Spread of COVID-19
Governor Charlie Baker announced a new set of initiatives aimed at stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Massachusetts, especially in higher risk communities that have seen a recent uptick in cases. While Massachusetts has seen a decrease in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations since May, there has been a slight uptick in certain communities in recent days.
Aggressive City Goals
The City has set aggressive goals and implemented a series of actions in order to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to a) prevent climate change from worsening b) and address the inevitable impacts of climate change that we are already experiencing in order to improve the health and resilience of the community.
Culinary Classes for Older Adults: Cooking to Reduce Food Waste (Virtual)
Join us for a fun and educational one-hour cooking class focused on reducing food waste! Chef Kelcy will show you how to creatively use what you have on hand to reduce food waste while making flavorful dishes that highlight seasonal ingredients. Whether you're looking to minimize waste in your own kitchen or just love learning new cooking techniques, this class is sure to inspire!
Chef Kelcy is a Lowell-based chef and educator who emphasizes seasonal eating and community support. As the Farm Chef at Wright-Locke Farm in Winchester, MA, she conducts educational programs for all ages and creates delightful farm-to-table food experiences.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces Plans for Continued Reopening
The Baker-Polito Administration announced that Massachusetts will reopen some outdoor Phase 4, Step 2 industries effective May 10th and put plans in place for further reopening on May 29th and August 1st. The Administration continues to take steps to reopen the Commonwealth's economy with public health metrics continuing to trend in a positive direction. This includes drops in average daily COVID cases and hospitalizations. Massachusetts remains first in the nation for first vaccine doses and total doses administered per capita, among states with more than 5 million people. The Administration will also relax the Face Coverings Order for some outdoor settings, effective April 30th.
Members Sought to Serve on Cambridge Kiosk Advisory Committee
The Advisory Committee will provide guidance and oversight for the operations of the Cambridge 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, and is expected to open in early 2025.
City of Cambridge Announces Winning Projects for 11th Participatory Budgeting Cycle
Seven projects in total were selected after a record number of ideas were submitted and more than 10,000 Cambridge residents age 12 and older voted how to spend $1 million on capital and operating projects to improve the community. In order of ranked votes, the following seven projects won $1,060,000 in fiscal year 2026 funding:
1. Improve Parks with Shade Structures and Seating ($250,000)
2. Build a Pollinator Garden in a City Park ($75,000)
3. Funding for High School Clubs ($150,000)
4. Slower Speeds for Safer Streets ($250,000)
5. Mobile Center for Hard-to-Recycle Items ($75,000)
6. Welcome Baby Boxes for New Parents ($60,000)
7. Electric Vehicle Chargers ($200,000)
City Manager's Message
Climate change is impacting our lives and it’s a top priority for the City. As a community, we need to act with urgency and resolve to address this critical work. As a leader in this work, we have set ambitious goals and have opportunities for all in the community to play a valuable role.
Songs, Stories, and Conversation in Mandarin (Valente)
Join us for an hour of songs, stories, and social meet-up in Mandarin Chinese with JingJing and Chelsea, two local mothers and educators. This fun and interactive session brings families together in a warm, welcoming environment.
This event is for children and their caregivers. In the first half, listen to engaging stories and sing lively songs. In the second half, children will do an activity, and everyone will have an opportunity to socialize.
There will be two events in this special Valente series:
Saturday, May 28
Saturday, June 14
Registration is helpful. Register for each session separately to receive an email reminder the day before the program. Include the total number of expected attendees in your registration.
Cookbook Club (Collins)
January Selections: Love Japan : recipes from our Japanese American kitchen by Sawako Okochi & Aaron Israel with Gabriella Gershenson and The gaijin cookbook : Japanese recipes from a chef, father, eater, and lifelong outsider by Ivan Orkin and Chris Ying.
Join friends and neighbors for a potluck! Try a recipe and bring your results or thoughts to share and discuss with other cooks. All experience levels welcome. No need to bring a dish to join.
Books will be available for pick up at the Boudreau and Collins Branches during library hours.
This event will take place indoors at the Collins Branch (64 Aberdeen Ave.)
For more information contact Liz at edanner@cambridgema.gov or call the Collins Branch at 617-349-4021.