PIO Update 6-13-08

29th Annual Cambridge River Festival Saturday, June 14, Noon-6 p.m. (rain or shine)
Volunteers Still needed for River Festival!

Bring your friends and family to the much-anticipated FREE one-day celebration of the arts along the banks of the Charles River—featuring jazz, folk, Latin and world music performances, dance, art demonstrations, family art-making activities and over 100 specialty food purveyors and craftspeople! Along a mile-long stretch of Memorial Drive between JFK Street & Western Avenue. Between Harvard Square & Central Square. Neatest T Station: Harvard Square. River Festival Information and a schedule of performances is available at: http://www.cambridgeartscouncil.org/community_river.html

Emergency Preparedness Workshop for People with Disabilities June 13

The Massachusetts Office on Disability (MOD), in partnership with the Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities, is hosting a meeting to bring together people with disabilities and local emergency preparedness professionals Friday, June 13, from 1:30 - 4 p.m. at the Cambridge Citywide Senior Center, 806 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge. The meeting will explore how to ensure that people with disabilities have the assistance they need in times of emergency. See more at www.cambridgema.gov.

Annual Pride Brunch & Awards Ceremony June 14

On Saturday, June 14, Cambridge City Hall will hold a brunch from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. to celebrate the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgender (GLBT) community. The brunch will be family friendly, with entertainment, a community awards presentation, and gifts for kids and teens. See more at www.cambridgema.gov.

Cambridge Health Alliance's Birth Center to Celebrate 10th Anniversary June 14

The Cambridge Birth Center will mark its 10th anniversary as well as the 20th anniversary of the Cambridge Midwives Saturday, June 14, from 1-4 p.m., Cambridge Hospital campus, 1493 Cambridge St.

Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Monitoring Saturday, June 14, 10 am to Noon
Walter J. Sullivan Water Purification Facility, 250 Fresh Pond Parkway, Cambridge

You can participate in Fresh Pond's Purple Loosestrife Biocontrol Project by helping collect plant data from the wetland where we released Galerucella beetles last year. No experience is necessary: we will explain the project and give you a training session.

Red-tailed Hawk! A Live Animal Program Sunday, June 15, 1-2 p.m.
Maynard Ecology Center, Basement of Neville Place, 650 Concord Ave., Cambridge

Have you ever wanted to see a live hawk up close? Here is your opportunity. For this Family Program, Natasha Hawke, a falconer, will bring her Red-tailed Hawk to the Ecology Center for a visit. Before we meet the bird, we will look at feathers and talk about why there are so many different types. Afterward, we will have time for questions about hawks and what it means to be a falconer. For children 6 and older. Registration is required.

The above two Friends of Fresh Pond Reservation events are FREE and open to the public. Children are welcome in the company of an adult. Please register to receive important information on parking. E-mail Elizabeth Wylde at friendsoffreshpond@yahoo.com or call 617-349-4793 and leave your name and phone number.

Charles River Swim June 15

The Charles River Swimming Club will host the Second Annual Charles River One Mile Swim off the Boston Esplanade Sunday, June 15, at 8 a.m. Joining this historic swim will be Nancy Schön, creator of the "Make Way for Ducklings" sculptures in the Boston Public Gardens. Nancy swam in the Charles as a child and after a hiatus of over 50 years, with the water now being clean enough, will be swimming once again. Other community leaders are expected to join in the swim as well. For more information, contact Ben Martens, Charles River Conservancy, 917.608.1410 or bdm@thecharles.org.

A Sweet Soul Supper June 14 Event Honors Ellen Semonoff

The Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House presents: A Sweet Soul Supper Saturday, June 14, from 7-11 p.m. , at M.I.T.'s Walker Memorial, 142 Memorial Drive, Cambridge. Enjoy dancing, live music and a delicious Caribbean feast by Taste De Tropics. The Lieutenant Kenney Spirit Award will be presented to Ellen Semonoff, the City's Assistant City Manager for Human Services. A Lifetime Achievement Award will also be presented to Stephanie Morris, a dedicated Area 4 resident. This year's event features an online auction at www.mfnhauction.cmarket.com. Proceeds will benefit over 1,600 Cambridge constituents who receive services from Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, a non-profit institution that provides a food pantry, an After School & Summer program, a free Computer Lab and a new Community Exchange Library. The 200 year old house is a National Historic Landmark facility located in Cambridge's Area 4.

Taste of Cambridge Thursday, June 19, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Technology Square, On Main St. between Portland St. & Galileo Way

The Taste of Cambridge is a celebration of the diverse restaurant scene in Cambridge. With cuisine from America to Japan to Brazil to France and everything in between, Cambridge is a melting pot- a tasty one to be sure- of culture and cuisine. This event features creative and abundant samples of food, beer and wine from the wonderful restaurants found around the city, enhanced by a beautiful outdoor setting, live music and a great crowd. See more at www.TasteofCambridge.com

Congratulations to the CRLS Class of 2008!!!

"Each year, CRLS produces hundreds of fine graduates who make us as a community of educators, families, and friends, so proud. Here is a sampling of a handful of the students who make working in the Cambridge Public Schools so special." – CRLS Principal Chris Saheed.

Visit CRLS homepage for a glimpse of this year's "Fantastic 14" at www.cpsd.us/crls.

Cambridge School Volunteers Honored

Cambridge School Volunteers (CSV) recently honored the almost 900 volunteers who served in grades K-12 of the Cambridge Public Schools (CPS) during the 2007-2008 academic year. Together, the volunteers provided more than 50,000 hours of individualized academic services to Cambridge youth

Sinatra in the Square June 19

Come to Inman Square to help celebrate the musical legacy of "Ol' Blue Eyes" with " Sinatra in the Square" Thursday, June 19, from 5-7 p.m., at Ryles Jazz Club, 212 Hampshire Street , Cambridge. There will be a special stamp unveiling, live music and more! This event is free and open to the public. It is presented by the Inman Square Business Association, Ryles Jazz Club, S&S Restaurant, and the U.S. Postal Service. Performers include Wannetta Jackson and Michael Giambrone, and the Master of Ceremonies will be Ron Della Chiesa, Radio Host of WPLM 99.1. Sinatra-themed specials available at participating businesses throughout Inman Square.

Retirement Board Extends Office Hours for the Summer

The Cambridge Retirement Board has expanded its hours to better serve our membership. The Retirement Board, located at 255 Bent Street, 3rd Floor, is now open from 8:30 am to 8:00 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays through Thursdays the office is open from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm and on Fridays from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm.

Museum Passes from Cambridge Public Library

The Cambridge Public Library has added new museum passes! The Friends of the Cambridge Public Library has purchased new subscriptions to Plimoth Plantation and to the Sports Museum (located in the TD Banknorth Garden). Reserve these or any of the library's passes, good for free or discounted admission to area museums such as the Children's Museum and the MFA, simply by calling the Library's Information Desk at 617-349-4044. Also, time is running out to see some of the Harvard Art Museums free with your Cambridge Public Library card! The Fogg Art Museum and the Busch-Reisinger Museum of Harvard University are free to CPL card holders, but they will be closing for renovations on June 30. These museums will be closed for five years so get in while you can.

Summer Reading Info

Kids! Are you ready for an adventure this summer? Sign up for a Cambridge Public Library card if you don't have one! Get a reading log to keep track of how much time you read and win prizes! This year's summer reading theme is GO WILD, READ! Meet the live animals coming to neighborhood libraries… reptiles, sled dogs, farm animals, wild cats and a wolf. Stalk the library shelves for a new favorite book! Sign up starts on June 23. Come to your neighborhood library and GO WILD! Sponsored by East Cambridge Savings Bank.

Important Information for Cambridge Park Users: Bring Water While Fountains Under Repair

Water Fountains to be Replaced
As you may be aware, the water infrastructure throughout Cambridge's park system suffered significant, widespread vandalism this past winter. As a result, 42 water fountains must be replaced. While the City has begun to make repairs to the system, many parks are currently without water fountains. With the hot summer weather here, all park users are urged to bring their own water or other beverages to parks. The City will work to make water fountains in youth centers and other public buildings accessible to park users whenever possible.

Water Play Features Locations and Options
Looking for other ways to keep cool? Water play features (sprinklers) have been constructed throughout the Cambridge park system for use during hot weather. A full list of water features is posted at http://www.cambridgema.gov/CDD/cp/parks/waterplaymap.pdf.

While water play features near schools are typically not turned on until after school gets out, the following water play are already in service for the season:

• Gold Star Mothers' Park at Gore Street; • Sennott Park • Hurley Street Playground • Dana Park • Warren Pals Park, East Cambridge on Jefferson Street • Glacken Field, Huron Avenue • Rev. William Playground on Cedar Street, North Cambridge • Hancock Street Playground. • NorthPoint Park water play

For more information, please contact the Cambridge Parks Division at 617-349-4880.

Hoops N' Health Saturday, June 21, 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. (Rain Date June 28), Hoyt Field, Cambridge

Featuring Men's & Women's Teams, Basketball & Football. Free Food & Prizes and Live Entertainment. For more information, please contact Richard Harding at 617-876-0713.

A Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Cambridge: An Open Forum Hosted by Mayor E. Denise Simmons Tuesday, June 24, 10 – 11 a.m., Cambridge City Hall, Sullivan Chamber, 795 Massachusetts Avenue.

For the first time in Cambridge, we have a current picture of the well-being of women and girls in our city, and a wealth of data to help community agencies plan for the future. Please join us! This report was produced through a partnership between the Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women, the Cambridge Public Health Department and the Institute for Community Health.

Foreclosure Prevention Resources for Homeowners
Learn more at: http://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/hsg/own/hsg_fore.pdf

Your Vote Can Earn $2,500 for the Cambridge Public Library

Rebecca Rouse, volunteer at the Cambridge Public Library Literacy Project, submitted a video about her favorite book to a contest sponsored by Gale Publishing and designated the Valente Branch as the recipient of the $2,500 prize if her entry is chosen. Her entry is about Harold and the Purple Crayon. Visitors to the Gale Web site voted on their favorites and Harold is one of five finalists. Please vote for Harold and the Purple Crayon at www.gale.cengage.com/librareoto put the Valente Branch in the winner's circle!

City and YMCA Partner on Carey Transitional Program: Next Graduation June 25

The City's transitional housing program for adult homeless men, the Carey Program, will be celebrating the accomplishments of this year's graduates at their annual graduation ceremony Wednesday, June 25, at 6 p.m. , at the Cambridge Senior Center, 806 Mass. Ave. This is a festive occasion that some past invited guests have described as simply "inspirational." This year's featured speaker is Mr. Mark Alston-Follansbee, the Executive Director of the Somerville Homeless Coalition.

Container Gardening Thursday June 26, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
O'Neill Branch Library, 70 Rindge Ave

You don't need a lot of space to have a beautiful garden. Container gardening is a great way to make the most of what you have. Please join us for a talk and demonstration with the Massachusetts Horticultural Society as they show you how you can create and maintain a container garden.

Meeting to Discuss Future Renovations to Clement G Morgan Park and Pine St. Park
Thursday, June 26, 7:30-9 p.m.
Fletcher-Maynard Academy Cafeteria, 225 Windsor St., Cambridge

For more information, call Jeff Roberts at x4639 or visit www.cambridgema.gov/clementmorganpark

City of Cambridge Dance Party June 27

The City of Cambridge is hosting its annual Dance Party during which we close off the portion of Mass Ave in front of City Hall Friday, June 27 from 7-11 p.m. Hundreds of residents and visitors of all ages join us for this free, old fashioned block party with varied music and colorful lights that illuminate our historic and beautiful City Hall building. During this event, the MBTA temporarily suspends bus service on Mass. Ave. between Central Square and Harvard Square. Commuters are encouraged to take the red line subway if needed to travel between these two locations.

DCR Closes Longfellow Bridge Sidewalk. Bridge Closed to Spectators Fourth of July

The Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has closed the sidewalk on the west side of the Longfellow Bridge until further notice, after a recent inspection discovered a support beam in need of immediate repair. Pedestrians will be detoured to the opposite sidewalk, which remains open.

The DCR inspection revealed that the upstream sidewalk (the side carrying Cambridge-to-Boston vehicular traffic) needed to be closed to all pedestrians due to serious deterioration of a steel support structure under the sidewalk. Subsequently, DCR will close the entire Longfellow Bridge to spectators on July 4 for public safety reasons. See more at www.cambridgema.gov.

Mayor's Summer Youth Program Needs Your Involvement

The Mayor's Summer Youth Employment Program is still looking for worksites to help us meet our goal of employing 800 teens this summer! Any non-profit or government agency is welcome to participate. We pay for the youths' wages in full, and provide a youth counselor to support the teen workers. For more information, contact George Hinds at 617-349-6268 or ghinds@cambridgema.gov. Applications available at: http://www.cambridgema.gov/CityOfCambridge_Content/documents/MsyepWrkstA....