You and Your Money – a Financial Literacy Program

Tuesdays, October 6, 13, 20 & 27, 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Margaret Fuller House, 71 Cherry St., Cambridge
http://www.cambridgema.gov/cdd/ed/smbus/ed_literacy.html)

Program is free for eligible Cambridge participants and $5 per session for others.
Eligibility: Must be a resident of the Cambridge Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy (NRS) Area. For more information and to register, please contact Rona Holmes, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , at 617/349-4637 or Pardis Saffari, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , at 617/349-4654. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.

MFNH September 2009 events…

MONDAYS
Family Play - 0-5 years with Center for Families
10 - 11:30 a.m.

TUESDAYS
Baby Time - 0-15 months with Center for Families - 12:30 - 2:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS
Food Pantry - 5 - 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAYS
Food Pantry - 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

FRIDAYS
Food Pantry - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

SATURDAYS
Food Pantry - 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.
West African Drumming - 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. w/ Sory Diabate

News from Cambridge Recycling Division at DPW

Donate Furniture, Clothing and More!!

Check out an A-Z list of materials with information on where to donate unwanted items such as electronics, furniture, building materials and more!  It's a great resource to reduce your trash and control disposal costs.  Visit: www.cambridgema.gov/theworks/departments/recycle/donaterecycle.html.

Did you know???
Making cardboard from recycled material takes 75% less energy than making it from trees? Since 1994, cardboard and paper have been banned from disposal in Massachusetts?  To recycle cardboard in Cambridge, you have 3 options:
1. Flatten, cut to 3ft x 3ft, and secure under or between bins
2. Flatten, fold, and place in a paper bag or recycling toter on wheels, OR
3. Bring cardboard boxes to the Recycling Center during open hours.

Read more...

Attention Cambridgeport Residents: Spread the word about CitySmart!

The City has received a grant to test a social marketing outreach program - called CitySmart - in the Cambridgeport neighborhood. We are delivering FREE transportation options information, including maps, schedules and helpful tools to get you started with bicycling, walking, carpooling or using transit. Information is packaged in a reusable shopping tote bag, and delivered by bicycle delivery service. If there are children aged 4-12 in your household, be sure to request a Kid's Kit as well. Kid's kits include safety information, games and a drawstring backpack with reflective striping. If you live in Cambridgeport, go to www.cambridgema.gov/CitySmart to place your order.

Danehy Park Family Day Saturday, Sept. 26: Call for Volunteers

Danehy Park Family Day, one of the City's biggest events of the year, will be held on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., and we really need your help!! If you can spare a couple of hours on that day, specifically to assist at the amusement ride area, please e-mail Maryellen Carvello at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call x4301. There will be two shifts available: 11 a.m. -1:30 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.

New Off Leash Program for Dogs Kicks Off Aug. 1

The City of Cambridge is pleased to announce a new citywide off leash program starting August 1, 2009. The program includes two approaches: dedicated off leash areas that are fenced in and intended exclusively for use by off leash dogs and their owners; and shared use off leash areas, which are locations within parks where dogs are allowed off leash, but are not fully fenced or separated from other uses and activities. For more information, see this item on the City's Website, www.cambridgema.gov and also visit: www.cambridgema.gov/offleash.

Current Affordable Housing Opportunities

CASCAP, Inc. is developing 24 affordable homeownership units at 125 Harvard Street (Printshop), near Kendall Square. These units will be available to income eligible first-time homebuyers through the City of Cambridge Homebuyer Program. Preferences for Cambridge residents and families with children apply. All units are subject to resale, limited equity, and primary residence restrictions Applications will be accepted on a first-come first-served basis.

For more information, as well as additional housing resources, please view the full website.

Affordable Housing Mailing List Form

The Housing Division of the Community Development Department maintains a database of residents who are interested in obtaining affordable housing. The Department sends out information on affordable rental and homeownership units as they become available.

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Center For Families

The goal of the Center for Families is to provide fun and educational activities and resources for parents and families with young children. The primary program components are:

* Parent and child activities such as playgroups
* Community-building activities and events to bring families together
* Parent support groups and parenting education workshops
* Information and assistance in finding resources for all family members
* Outreach to share information and resources with families in the community

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Every Dad Matters

Center for Families

Fathers Program "Every Dad Matters"

• No fee to participate
• Starts Feb 10th, 2009
• 6 to 8 pm, Tuesday evenings for 8 weeks
• Snacks will be served
• Childcare available upon request
• Convenient location in North-Cambridge
• For Cambridge residents with a least one child under 6 years old
• Find out how you can matter more in your child's life.
• Learn how to build stronger bonds with your children
• Meet other fathers who value spending time with their children and families.

Read more...