Sign Up for the New Cambridge Alert Network

Receive Emergency and Other Community Alerts via Email, Text and Phone

The City of Cambridge is excited to announce the launch of the Cambridge Alert Network, a new and improved notification system aimed at sharing information with community members in an effective and timely manner via phone, text and email.

“I strongly encourage our residents, businesses and all members of the community interested in receiving Cambridge alerts to sign up for this new notification system,” said City Manager Robert W. Healy.  “It will be extremely helpful in communicating information directly to the community during natural disasters, snow parking bans and other types of emergencies.”

The Cambridge Alert Network currently consists of three services: CodeRED, CitizenObserver and Cambridge E-Line.

CodeRED is an emergency notification system that allows the City to send emergency notifications to subscribers via email, text and phone calls.  Cambridge land lines will automatically receive emergency notifications by phone, but all are encouraged to sign up with their cell phone number and email addresses as well.  This service will be used in the event of emergencies affecting the City, such as snow emergencies, evacuations, large-scale water outages or other significant service disruptions. 

CitizenObserver is used by the Cambridge Police Department to send email and text alerts relating to crime.  All are encouraged to subscribe to receive neighborhood–specific alerts about emerging crime patterns, announcements about neighborhood meetings and crime-prevention tips.

Cambridge E-Line is a source for general information and communications from the City of Cambridge via email and text.  Anyone can sign up for street cleaning reminders, trash and recycling pickup, City news and departmental information.

Please visit www.CambridgeMA.gov/AlertNetwork and sign up today.  Questions, concerns or help with registration should be directed to 617-349-9490.

Spotlight on Sponsors: Clark, Hunt, Ahern & Embry

The Cambridge law firm of Clark, Hunt, Ahern & Embry has existed for over 25 years. Over the years, despite minor changes in the name of the firm, our commitment to providing personal service and fighting for favorable outcomes on behalf of our clients has remained constant.
As a full-service law firm, we represent clients' interests in a variety of forums, including state and federal courts, governmental and regulatory agency hearings, zoning boards of appeal, probate courts, and at mediation and arbitration. Our clients have the assurance that an experienced and attentive attorney is working on their behalf to achieve the best possible outcome.

A Reputation Built on Client Appreciation

We are large enough to provide sophisticated services while retaining the family atmosphere of a smaller firm. Many new clients come to us after hearing about our law firm from their friends, colleagues and neighbors. Our firm has been fortunate in being able to avoid advertising; referrals and recommendations from existing clients are largely responsible for our healthy and diverse client base.

Accomplished Attorneys

Our attorneys have received numerous awards and accolades, including selection for inclusion in Massachusetts Super Lawyers, the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum, the American Board of Trial Advocates and the International Society of Barristers. Several have received AV-peer ratings, the highest rating available through Martindale-Hubbell.* Others lecture, teach and publish articles on a wide range of legal topics. Each of our attorneys is active in both the profession and in the wider community as a whole.

Specialty Practice Areas

Although we provide legal services in a wide range of practice areas, from business law to residential real estate, our firm is known for its focus on several specialty practices. These include special education law and disability law. In fact, a number of our lawyers have related experience in these areas, providing our clients with a unique understanding of their issues. For example, prior to becoming an attorney, partner Janine Brown-Smith was COO of the Cotting School. Another partner of the firm, Henry Clark, served for thirteen years as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Chapter 766 Approved Private Schools ("MAAPS"). It is this industry experience that sets CHA&E apart

Spotlight on Sponsors: EF

EF stands for “Education First.” With a mission to break down barriers in language, culture and geography, EF has helped more than 15 million people of all ages and nationalities become citizens of the world. Cultural exchanges, educational travel, language training and degree programs — we put education first
EF was founded on the simple idea that to really learn, you need to experience. Immersion learning and cultural exchange are at the core of what we do. From bringing American teachers and their students to see Europe’s wonders, to bringing Chinese teens to London to learn English, to running a top-ranked MBA program in San Francisco, EF believes in the global classroom.

Go to http://www.ef.com/ for more info about EF

Spotlight on Sponsors: Forest City

In operation since 1984, Forest City Boston is committed to developing high-quality urban projects that — through careful consideration of architectural design, construction, and operating systems — provide enduring value and capital appreciation for our company and our partners. The buildings we create must enhance the urban environment, be respectful of historic context, and enliven the pedestrian experience. In addition, we strive to respect local community objectives, valuing and incorporating input from neighborhood groups and adjacent stakeholders.

Boston is home to Forest City’s University Park at MIT, an award-winning campus environment of 2.3 million square feet, just steps from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and minutes from the renowned research and academic institutions of Boston. A vibrant 27-acre development, the project successfully integrates 1.5 million square feet of scientific research facilities with more than 670 residential units, a hotel and conference center, retail amenities and more

City Hearings

We had a great suggestion by one of our members and we are going to do our best to use this blog to act on it.  Very frequently businesses in our neighborhood will have to head over to City Hall to get permission for this or that in their business. Following the Hearing Schedules is the best way to get the scoop on whats moving in ... but it can be a hassle to always be checking out.  When we come across something that we think might interest people we'll try to post it here.  IF ECBA has a stance we'll let you know.

Here are a few up coming License Hearings Sept 20

Application Pugliese Restaurant, Inc. d/b/a Pugs Bar and Grill, Robert Salines, Manager, holder of an all alcoholic beverages as a restaurant license at 635 Cambridge Street has applied for a change of manager from Robert Salines to Joshua Velazquez. Applicant is also applying for a change of d/b/a from Pugs Bar and Grill to Lizzy’s

 Pug's is in the process of being transfered to new owners

Application Kafofo Indistries, LLC d/b/a Kafofo, Rosangela Santiago, Manager, has applied for a common victualer license to be exercised at 594 Cambridge Street. Said license if granted would allow food and non-alcoholic beverages to be sold, served, and consumed on said premises with a seating capacity of 20. The hours of operation will be 7:00am to 7:00pm seven days per week.
Approval of Kafofo will being a much need coffee shop to Cambridge St in the old Nespresso space

Application Clover Fast Food, Inc., Ayr Muir, Manager, has applied for a common victualer license to be exercised at 302 Elm Street. Said license if granted would allow food and non-alcoholic beverages to be sold, served, and consumed on said premises with a seating capacity of 66. The proposed hours of operation are 6:00am to 11:00pm seven days per week.

ECBA worked with the owners to help bring Clover Food Labs to East Cambridge.  Hope to see them do well in the area.

Spotlight on Sponsors: Alexandria Real Estate Equities

The Smoke This Rib Fest would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.  These companies demonstrate a true commitment to not only the small business community, but to the East Cambridge community at large.  Spotlight on Sponsors, will introduce you to the companies that are making Rib Fest possible.

 

Landlord of Choice to the Life Science Industry®, Alexandria Real Estate Equities is the largest owner and preeminent real estate investment trust (“REIT”) focused principally on cluster development through the ownership, operation, management, selective redevelopment, development, and acquisition of properties containing life science laboratory space.  Alexandria is the leading provider of high-quality, environmentally sustainable real estate, technical infrastructure, and services to the broad and diverse life science industry. Client tenants include institutional (universities and independent not-for-profit institutions), pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, product, service, and translational entities, as well as government agencies. Alexandria’s operating platform is based on the principle of “clustering,” with assets and operations located in key life science markets

 

Alexandria Real Estate Equities has been a great partner with the ECBA, and has also shown a great commitment to the East Cambridge neighborhood.  ARE will soon start construction on new projects in the Kendall Square area, and as part of the build out East Cambridge will see a new 2.5 acre park.  ARE has also committed funds to an East Cambridge Open Space fund for future aquisition of open space opportunities within the neighborhood.  Thanks to ARE for their commitment to East Cambridge and helping ECBA fullfill our mission.

Smoke This: Jay Silva of Bambara

A new feature we are adding to Rib Fest this year is the how2heroes demonstration stage.  If you arent familiar with how2heroes its a great site that has instructional videos hosted by local chefs and food "heroes".

We will be featuring some of their best videos hosted by by our Rib Fest participants.

Hopefully this will help keep your appetite up for the big day ... Oct 9th

Spotlight on Sponsors: CPCU Credit Union

The Smoke This Rib Fest would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.  These companies demonstrate a true commitment to not only the small business community, but to the East Cambridge community at large.  Spotlight on Sponsors, will introduce you to the companies that are making Rib Fest possible.

With a motto of "Saving Together to Lend to Each Other," CPCU has had a rich history of helping its' members with financial needs and providing quick and easy access to a wide range of services.
CPCU Credit Union is an independent, cooperative financial institution owned by its members and oriented toward its members. CPCU provides a broad range of financial products and services to local communities. The membership is often made up of people who do not have access to quality financial services and products in an environment in which they are comfortable and can speak their language. The multi-lingual staff allows CPCU to provide such an environment for our members.CPCU Credit Union is committed to improving the communities they serve via strategic partnerships with local non-profits and organizations that bring value to the community. Their goal is to assist these organizations in achieving their community development objectives and therefore improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods. CPCU's efforts have been recognized for two consecutive years by the Somerville News’ Reader’s Poll as the “Best Bank.”

Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damien

This weekend is the 85th Annual Celebration of the Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damien.
The Feast is a great East Cambridge tradition that celebrates not only the Feast of the Twin Saints, but also celebrates the history and tradition of our neighbrohood.

EC was shaped by the many immigrant cultures that were welcomed  over many generations.  The Feast of Saints Cosmas and Damien is a celebration of the those who immigrated here from Gaeta and made East Cambridge their home.

This years celebration features Boby Rydell and Ayla Brown, who will perform on Cambridge St. on Saturday night.  Lots of food and fun and games for all. Be sure to come down to Warren Street and enjoy the festival this weekend.

For more information http://cosmas-and-damian.com/home.htm

Spotlight on Sponsors: East Cambridge Savings Bank

The Smoke This Rib Fest would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors.  These companies demonstrate a true commitment to not only the small business community, but to the East Cambridge community at large.  Spotlight on Sponsors, will introduce you to the companies that are making Rib Fest possible.

East Cambridge Savings Bank is committed to being the bank of choice in its market area, recognized for exceptional service to individuals and small businesses and committed to the community.

Founded in 1854 on the principles of stability, security, and peace of mind,
East Cambridge Savings Bank will continue to focus on its core strengths and values to differentiate its business practices and to better serve the communities it calls home.

ECSB's involvement in community activities has grown almost too expansive to list but covers a wide range of human services, civic, and charitable endeavors. Through the East Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation, they have provided support and encouragement to literally thousands of area residents. ECSB treasures this unique opportunity to give back to their community in such a meaningful way.

The ECSB has played a vital role with the ECBA since we offically formed.   It has been through ECSB's support that the ECBA has been able to make significant steps in establishing ourselves as Stewards of Cambridge Street.  Their early support gave us the ability to take on East Cambridge In Bloom and they provided support as we formulated the concept of the first Rib Fest.  ECSB is commited to making East Cambridge the best neigborhood in Cambridge.

The Taste Ticket

Taste Tickets are officially on sale.  Things have slightly changed this year, so we wanted to give a quick explaination on how things will work this year.

As of this posting, the event has expanded to include 19 restaurants from East Cambridge, Kendall Square and Inman Square.  Each Taste Ticket will ensure that you can try 10 samples of Ribs from the restaurant of your choice on a first come first serve basis.  So just like last year, the Taste Ticket gets you 10 samples, but this year you'll have to choose the 10 out of the 19 retaurants to try.  Each Restaurant has a limited number of samples, so if they run out, Ticket holders simply have to get a sample from a different participant.  Everyone will get their 10 samples, but come early to make sure you get to try the restaurants you have your heart set on.

Just like last year, The Taste Ticket doubles as the ballot for the People Choice Award.  try your 10 samples and let us know which restaurant you liked the best.  The People's Choice will be awarded at the end of the event along with a new Best Rib Award decided by a judged panel.