All: Recently, it seems the news is full of sadness and backsliding on so many issues about which I care, which is why I was thrilled to be able to be uplifted by attending Harvard Commencement last week. The speech by New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Adhern was stellar, and being able to say hello […]

At the start of Women on Wheels’ Boston evening ride All: It has been a busy week! Since I sent out a Council update last Monday, I am sending one this Monday. As those of you who follow council news know by now, I am excited that the finalists for the City Manager position have

All: It’s May – it’s a full month and it’s spring — almost summer, given this weekend’s weather. The news alternates between hopeful (unemployment is down, people are able to gather outside) and devastating (murders fueled by hate in Buffalo, wild fires fueled by climate crisis). Always breathe and don’t despair, or the bad side

All: It has been a busy two weeks since my last update. This month there were many events related to Earth Month and the continued and ongoing need for climate action. I went to a panel at MIT which unveiled some stellar projects that are part of their global climate initiative. Special Climate Envoy and

All: It’s Patriot’s Day weekend! Easter weekend and Passover is tonight at sundown, and the city hosted an Iftar – breaking the fast from Ramadan. A week of three major religions celebrating together. The themes of all are the same – and there is always hope in noting that, even as war rages halfway across

All: Happy April! Already? Yes! This past week we had several meetings that are moving our agenda forward – from climate accounting to urban planning, the City Council is on the move. We also got word yesterday that the city will be buying a property from Lesley University to add to the affordable housing in

All: Great news! Starting today, most of Harvard Square is pedestrian only! And the Dance Party will happen every month, in a different place! And the rat problem has been solved by baiting traps with birth control for rodents! And Angela Merkel is coming out of retirement to be our next City Manager!   Alas, those are

All: Spring will spring this weekend, and with two full years of Covid behind us, the hope is that we can continue to open up and have in person gatherings – while being aware and taking appropriate safety measures. The state and city Covid response has led to a lifting of mask mandates and continued

All: I cannot start this newsletter without a somber note of acknowledgement of the war in Ukraine putting millions of innocent people at risk by an autocratic evil President. We should also acknowledge there is another major war of similar evil waged by Ethiopia against Tigray which is not in the news, but just as

All: This week has been full – some summaries below of two recent important meetings. The city is also in the midst of gathering public input into the City Manager search process. Vice Mayor Mallon, as Chair of the Government Operations Committee, is leading the effort and has been working nonstop getting the word out.