Good evening Cambridge,
I hope you and your family have been able to unwind and reconnect this summer. Over 70% of Cambridge residents have received at least one dose of the COVID vaccine, which as the delta variant begins to grow momentum, we are confident in that the majority of our residents are protected. We've seen that the vaccine does not necessarily prevent the delta variant from spreading or keep you from testing positive for COVID-19, so it's important we remain cautiously optimistic as we think ahead to the fall and winter months.
If you haven't received your COVID vaccine yet, you can find a location closest to you and sign up here.
I hope you are having a safe, fun and relaxing summer.
Mayor Siddiqui
|
|
Bollywood Night - July 20th!
Join me on Tuesday, July 20th to learn Bhangra! From 6-7:30pm, I’m partnering with Boston Bollywood Co. to host Bollywood night at Starlight Square. Come enjoy performances, learn choreography, and get free henna tattoos by local artist, Ameena Shoukat! RSVP for this free family friendly event!
|
|
|
Cambridge Receives 2021 What Works Cities Gold Certification
The City of Cambridge has been honored as 1 of 13 cities to receive this Gold Certification. This recognition is part of a national standard of excellence in data-driven city governance and was created by Bloomberg Philanthropies to help cities use data and evidence more effectively to tackle their most pressing challenges. Read more about the significance of this award here.
|
|
|
Child Tax Credit
The IRS began issuing the expanded Child Tax Credit payments to families today! In order to ensure you receive your payment, you will need to have filed a 2020 tax return or complete the non-filer form. Check to see if you are enrolled on the IRS website.
|
|
|
Screen on the Green
Through August 14th, the Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs is hosting Screen on the Green events at local parks on Wednesdays at 7:15pm. Come enjoy family friendly movies from Soul, Lion King and Madagascar 3 and free snacks! See the full schedule.
|
|
|
- As a reminder, Cambridge COVID Testing Sites have reduced their hours to Thursdays from 11am-3pm at Cambridgeside. This is a walk-in clinic that can be accessed on the 2nd floor above the food court. I have asked the City Manager to extend testing hours, and will keep you informed when additional hours become available.
- Don't forget to enter the VaxMillions Giveaway, which includes 5 weekly statewide drawings. Winners will be announced on July 29th, August 5th, August 12th, August 19th and August 26th. Only those who were vaccinated in Massachusetts are eligible to enter the drawing. Read more about this exciting campaign here.
|
|
Cambridge Public Schools Updates
- I’m so excited to announce that on Monday, July 19th, my Office is launching RECESS!: a FREE, safe, in-person summer experience for social reconnection, learning, and empowerment for rising 6th-9th graders, in partnership with CPS, the Middle School Network (Agenda for Children OST), Friday Night Hype, the CHA WorkForce Program, and DHSP. This program will be held at Hoyt Field from Monday, July 19th - Thursday, August 12th from 12-4pm on Mondays through Thursdays.
- The specific activities will vary day-to-day, but our major stations for each day include:
- Sports and sports conditioning (flag football, kickball, wiffleball, etc.).
- A parkour obstacle course (Tuesdays and Thursdays).
- A cooking workshop station (in the side yard of the Moore Youth Center) and café (food will be available to eat in addition to workshops young people can participate in).
- Water play activities (slip and slide, water balloons, etc.).
- Arts, media, and crafts (painting, drawing, jewelry-making, screen-printing, building things).
- Music station featuring a collectively built playlist, local DJs and opportunities to explore different genres.
- The first week of RECESS! will have a Field Day theme, the middle two weeks will have a Creative Explosion theme and the last week will be a Carnival theme, ending in a Carnival celebration on Thursday, August 12th.
- Young people and caregivers can sign up on Eventbrite (caregivers will be sent a permission form to fill out) for any of the days we are operating (16 days total—4 days a week for 4 weeks) to get a FREE “ticket” for each day they want to attend. Young people do not need to be there for the whole 12-4pm time period.
- Please don’t hesitate to email Kyrk Morris, RECESS! Project Director or B. Kimmerman from my Office if you have any questions.
- Dr. Victoria Greer has officially started her position of Interim Superintendent of the Cambridge Public Schools! The School Committee had a retreat with her yesterday, July 14th in order to get to know each other, discuss the roles and responsibilities of the School Committee and Superintendent, work on our communication, and review School Committee norms. Later this month, Dr. Greer will be sharing her entry plan which will lay out the ways she intends to engage with the CPS community.
|
|
City Updates
- This past Monday, City buildings fully reopened to the public during regular City business hours Monday-Friday!
- In addition to the City's recently released Housing Guide, the City will be hosting three webinars that aim educate and inform residents on housing opportunities and housing-related resources and services available throughout Cambridge:
- The 2021 Cambridge Summer Food Program is up and running until September 3rd! Cambridge youth up to 18 years old can pick up breakfast and lunch meals during weekdays at locations throughout Cambridge.
- Permits for City street performers are being issued again! Visit the Cambridge Arts office at 344 Broadway, 2nd floor, during normal business hours to complete an application.
- The City has recently released its Resilient Cambridge Plan, which addresses climate change driven risks and the 34 strategies that aim to increase physical and social resilience through four categories of actions: Closer Neighborhoods, Better Buildings, Stronger Infrastructure, and Greener City.
- Don't forget to submit your ideas on how to spend $1 million on one-time capital projects to improve Cambridge. Submit your ideas by July 31, 2021!
|
|
Rent and Mortgage Assistance
If you're in need of financial assistance to maintain stable housing, apply for short term financial assistance through Cambridge's Housing Stabilization Program.
Food Assistance
If you need help affording food for yourself or your family, find out if you are eligible for the federal nutrition program, SNAP. Our community partners at Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) can help you apply for SNAP, complete your annual recertification and help you resolve problems that could lead to a loss in benefits.
|
|
|
|
